| The Ammonia Fiber Explosion (AFEX) process, previously run only in a batch reactor, has been adapted to run in a twin screw extruder. The extruder has been modified to accommodate the process. A port has been machined for the injection of ammonia, the mixing zone of the extruder has been adjusted to help trap the ammonia inside the extruder barrel, the discharge screws of the extruder have been altered to promote biomass transport, and the extruder outlet has been constructed to promote the AFEX process. The extrusion laboratory has also been adapted to work safely with ammonia.;An effective treatment has been indicated by physical evidence, an increase in sugar concentration after enzymatic hydrolysis, and an increase in ruminant digestibility. The sugar yield of extrusion ammonia treated corn fodder has increased up to 250% over completely untreated material. The ruminant digestibility has increased up to 32% over completely untreated material. |
