The Presidential Initiative for Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) has purchased the ZSK 54 MEGAvolume PLUS twin screw extruder from Coperion for the production of readymade pregelatinised matooke flour taken from green bananas. Matooke is a traditional and staple Ugandan meal.
The ZGF 70 centric pelletizer
This purchase is part of the project which focuses on increasing sustainable local production in Uganda and providing nutrition to the local population. The machine is equipped with 54 mm diameter screws and a process section of seven barrels. It also has a solids and metering system through which the plaintain flour is fed into the extruder. The second barrel provides water through a fine jet. The extrusion process begins soon after the flour is fed in this manner and cooking is done at a temperature of 140-150°C. The cooking process turns the plain flour into pre-gelatinised flour.
The extruder also comes with a downstream process section, which contains the Coperion ZGF 70 centric pelletize that can be displaced at its axis. Due to this, the knife rotor, which is attached to the die plat can be removed when the extruder is under operation. The machine can achieve precision cutting due to its vernier adjustment. The pelletizing system provides the flour in such a manner than it can be milled again into soluble matooke flour after it is dried. All the parts of the extruder are compliant with FDA rules with regards to contact with food. The extruder will be displayed by the company in the upcoming Anuga Food Tec. PIBID focuses on enhancing local income by organising and decentralising the local supply chain so that it is beneficial for the country of Uganda.