extrusieve

Extrusieve is a term used in materials processing to describe systems that combine extrusion with inline sieving to control particle size during production. The concept merges extrusion, where material is pushed through a die to achieve a target shape and flow, with screening, where fines or oversized fragments are removed by a mesh or screen at or immediately after the exit.

Typical configurations place the sieve immediately downstream of the extrusion die, or integrate it into a screen pack around the die zone. A drive system provides shear and temperature control to keep the material in a processable state. Mesh or screen sizes are selected to target the desired particle distribution, and can be adjusted for different runs.

Common applications include plastics pellet production with controlled fines, snack-food extrusion where grain size is important, and some pharmaceutical or nutraceutical processes that require a defined particle size after formation. Extrusieve approaches are valued for continuous operation and reduced post-processing, provided the material properties permit flow and do not cause excessive wear.

Limitations include wear of screens, risk of fouling or clogging, and sensitivity to material viscosity and temperature. Maintenance and precise calibration are important to maintain consistent screening performance. The technique often complements separate extrusion and sieving stages rather than replacing them in all cases.

Related concepts include inline extrusion with post-screening, screen-extrusion hybrids, and continuous granulation processes. The term is used chiefly in industry and in academic discussions of process optimization.