PLANT FOR MANUFACTURING A PRODUCT, IN PARTICULAR COMPOSED OF A SURFACTANT PRODUCT, PREFERABLY OF THE ANIONIC TYPE.

Application field of the present finding The present finding relates to a plant for manufacturing a product, in particular consisting of a surfactant product, preferably of the anionic type, preferably obtained in a dry form, and especially consisting of sodium salt of sulfated fatty alcohol.

State of the art Plants for manufacturing sodium salt of sulfated fatty alcohol are known.

Conventionally, these already known plants produce a product in the form of a powder, which however poses several problems of dispersion into the environment in which it is used, and potential risks to the health of personnel, as well as explosiveness. Therefore, in order to minimize the risks of environmental dispersion and to facilitate the storage, transport, and reuse of the powdered product, it has been preferred to prepare said product in the form of small needles or granules, which are implemented through the use of extrusion technologies and possibly also other types of technologies. In particular, plants have been provided for the manufacturing of said product which comprise an extruder, which operates on a cooled product, which, after being obtained from respective raw materials, was conveniently dried and then cooled in a corresponding device, referred to as a flaker. However, in these already known plants the extruder operates on a rather hard dried product and is excessively stressed and, on the whole, has a relatively low production yield.

Furthermore, in these already known systems, it is not possible to obtain a corresponding product, in the form of noodles, having a desired diameter, in particular a diameter of particularly small dimensions.

In addition, by the use of these already known systems, there is a risk of re aggregation of the processed product.

In addition, by the use of these already known systems, there is a risk that the extrusion process is not very efficient.

Summary of the finding

With the present finding, it is desired to propose a new and alternative solution to the solutions known so far, and in particular it is aimed to overcome one or more of the drawbacks or problems referred to above and/or to satisfy one or more needs referred to above, and/or in any case felt in the art, and in particular which can be inferred from the above.

Therefore, it is provided a plant for manufacturing a product, in particular consisting of a surfactant product, preferably of the anionic type, preferably obtained in a dry form, and especially consisting of sodium salt of sulfated fatty alcohol; said product being preferably usable to manufacture tooth pastes, creams, detergents, shampoos, paint additives or other products; the plant comprising extruding means, or extruder, and being characterized in that said extruding means, or extruder, are adapted to extrude a product having a temperature ranging between 40° C and 110° C, and preferably ranging between 60° C and 90° C. In this manner, it is possible to extrude a rather hot product, and therefore to stress less the extrusion means and/or to obtain a higher production yield, as well as, in particular, to obtain a corresponding product in the form of noodles having a desired diameter, in particular a rather small diameter, for example, up to 0.5 mm or less. Furthermore, in this manner the so-called flaker equipments adapted to obtain a cooling of the product exiting from said drying means are eliminated, thus achieving a considerable simplification of the plants.

Brief description of the drawings

This and other innovative aspects are, however, set out in the attached claims, the technical characteristics of which can be found, together with corresponding advantages achieved, in the following detailed description, illustrating a merely exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the finding, and which is made with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a scheme of a preferred implementation of a plant according to the present finding;

Fig. 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a preferred implementation of an extruder used in the plant according to the present invention;

Fig. 2B illustrates a schematic perspective view of an enlarged detail of Fig. 2A of the preferred implementation of an extruder according to the present finding;

Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a preferred implementation of an extrusion die used in the extruder according to the present finding;

Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic perspective view, taken from the side opposite to that of Fig. 4A, of the preferred implementation of the extrusion die used in the extruder according to the present finding; Fig. 3C illustrates a schematic front elevational view of the preferred implementation of the extrusion die used in the extruder according to the present finding;

Fig. 3D illustrates a schematic rear elevational view of the preferred implementation of the extrusion die used in the extruder according to the present finding;

Fig. 3E illustrates a schematic side elevational view of the preferred implementation of the extrusion die used in the extruder according to the present finding; - Fig. 3F illustrates a schematic vertical sectional view of the preferred implementation of the extrusion die used in the extruder according to the present finding;

Fig. 4A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the front part of the preferred implementation of an extruder in accordance with the present finding; - Fig. 4B illustrates a sectional perspective view of the front part of the preferred implementation of an extruder according to the present finding;

Fig. 4C illustrates a sectional view of the front part of the preferred implementation of an extruder according to the present finding;

Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic front view of the front zone in an open condition of the preferred implementation of an extruder according to the present finding, with particular illustration of the cleaning means or small blades in accordance with a first preferred implementation;

Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the front zone in an open condition of the preferred implementation of an extruder according to the present finding, with particular illustration of the cleaning means or small blades according to the first preferred implementation;

Fig. 7A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a first preferred implementation of the cleaning means or small blades according to the present finding;

Fig. 7B illustrates a schematic perspective view, taken from the side opposite to that of Fig. 7A, of the first preferred implementation of the cleaning means or small blades according to the present finding;

Fig. 7C illustrates a schematic front view of the first preferred implementation of the cleaning means or small blades according to the present finding;

Fig. 7D illustrates a schematic side view of the first preferred implementation of the cleaning means or small blades according to the present finding; - Fig. 7E illustrates a schematic side elevational view of the first preferred implementation of the cleaning means or small blades according to the present finding;

Fig. 8A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a second preferred implementation of the cleaning means or small blades according to the present finding;

Fig. 8B illustrates a schematic perspective view, taken from the side opposite to that of Fig. 8A, of the second preferred implementation of the cleaning means or small blades according to the present finding; Fig. 8C illustrates a schematic front view of the second preferred implementation of the cleaning means or small blades according to the present finding;

Fig. 8D illustrates a schematic side view of the second preferred implementation of the cleaning means or small blades according to the present finding;

Fig. 8E illustrates a schematic view of the profile of a small blade of the second preferred implementation of the cleaning means or small blades according to the present finding. Detailed description of preferred implementations of the finding

In the attached figures, and in particular in Fig. 1 , a preferred implementation 10 is illustrated of a plant for manufacturing a product, in particular consisting of a surfactant product, preferably of the anionic type, preferably obtained in a dry form, and especially consisting of sodium salt of sulfated fatty alcohol.

Said product is preferably intended to be used to manufacture tooth pastes, creams, detergents, shampoos, paint additives or other products.

In particular, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , the plant 10 comprises drying means, or dryer, 12 of said product, having at least a respective inlet 121 for said product having a respective moisture, preferably of about 25-30%, and a respective exit 122 for the same product, preferably having a respective moisture of about 1-4%.

Said drying means 12 receive the product from a corresponding part of the plant upstream, which makes said product starting from respective raw materials, and which is in any case of a type that is entirely known to the person skilled in the art and, therefore, which does not need to be particularly described. Therefore, as can be seen from Fig. 1, the plant 10 comprises extruding means, or extruder, 14 of said product.

Advantageously, it is provided for that said extruding means, or extruder, 14 are adapted to extrude a product having a temperature ranging between 40° C and 110° C, and preferably ranging between 60° C and 90° C.

In this manner, it is possible to extrude a rather hot product, and therefore to stress less the extrusion means and/or to obtain a higher production yield, as well as, in particular, to obtain a corresponding product in the form of noodles having a desired diameter, in particular a rather small diameter, for example, up to 0.5 mm or less. Furthermore, in this manner the so-called flaker equipments adapted to obtain a cooling of the product exiting from said drying means are eliminated, thus achieving a considerable simplification of the plants.

Advantageously, said extruding means, or extruder, 14 are adapted to eject a product in the form of noodles or small needles, referred to as needles. In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said extruding means, or extruder, 14 preferably receive the product directly exiting from said drying means, or dryer, 12.

In this manner, this is a product that is directly in the conditions in which it exits said drying means, avoiding that the same undergoes unwanted alterations, and furthermore an advantageous reduction of the conduits for feeding the same extruding means, or extruder, is achieved.

With advantage, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said extruding means, or extruder, are located immediately downstream of said exit 122 of said drying means, or dryer, 14. With particular advantage, as can be seen in particular from the following

Figg. 2 to 6, said extruding means, or extruder, 14 comprise product inlet means, in particular consisting of respective hopper means 141 , and corresponding exit means 142 of the product in the form of noodles or small needles.

Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figg. 2 to 6, said extruding means, or extruder, 14 comprise means 140 for the forwarding and compression of the product, consisting of corresponding screw means, and in particular consisting of a respective first and second screws 140, 140’ housed in corresponding housing chambers 143, 143'.

As illustrated, for each housing chamber and relative screw, a respective loading hopper 141 , 141’, and a respective exit 142, 142’ are provided for. Advantageously, it is provided for that said extruding means, or extruder,

14 comprise matrix means 144, which are adapted to shape the product consisting of corresponding noodles or small needles.

In particular, said matrix means 144 comprise a small drawing metal sheet 144c, preferably having a thickness ranging between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, and preferably having a thickness of 0.5 mm, which small drawing metal sheet 144c has corresponding product drawing holes in the form of noodles.

Furthermore, said matrix means 144 comprise a corresponding perforated plate 144’, which perforated plate preferably has, at the extrusion zone, a thickness ranging between 2 mm and 20 mm, and which is preferably of about 10 mm, and in particular onto which said small drawing metal sheet is rested.

In this manner, the risk of a mutual reaggregation of the hot noodles or small needles after being suitably extruded.

In particular, the holes 144f in said perforated support plate 144’ have a diameter ranging between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably of about 16 mm and, preferably, they are obtained at a recessed area, or an area having a reduced thickness, 144a of said plate. With particular advantage, as can be seen in particular from Figs. 3A to 4C, said matrix means 144 comprise a plate-shaped support body 144b in particular for securing to the end of the body 140’ defining the chamber for housing the screw 140 and to which said small perforated metal sheet 144c is secured, which can be secured thereto in a removable manner, by means of corresponding screws.

In particular, as can be seen from the figures, said support body 144b is centrally perforated, in particular according to a circular profile, and it has, on its internal side, in use, an inner recessed portion 144a, in particular according to a generally quadrangular profile, and adapted to define said perforated plate 144', onto the inner face of which of the recessed portion 144a said small perforated metal sheet 144c rests and is secured.

Advantageously, as can be seen in particular from Figs. 3A to 4C, stiffening means are provided for, in particular consisting of corresponding radial ribs, in particular consisting of three anglularly equally spaced ribs, 144n, extending from the peripheral edge 144o defining said central hole of the plate-shaped support body 144b, and extending up to a common central block 144g, in particular having an equal thickness.

As illustrated, said perforated sheet metal 144c rests on the internal side of said stiffening means 144n, 144g.

Furthermore, as illustrated, the holes 144f are provided for inside the angular zones defined by said stiffening ribs 144n.

In this manner, the mutual reaggregation of the noodles or small needles is prevented within the same plate, while ensuring the mechanical seal of said small perforated metal sheet. With advantage, as can be seen from Figs. 2 to 8E, said extruding means, or extruder, 14 comprise means 146 for cleaning the matrix means 144, in particular the respective small metal sheet 144c, which are adapted to shape the product in the form of corresponding noodles or small needles, and/or for blending the same product, which means 146 for cleaning and/or blending the product are provided upstream of the same matrix means 144 according to the forwarding direction of the same product exiting said extrusion means.

In this manner, it is possible to prevent the formation of masses which create unwanted occlusions of the extrusion holes of the small metal sheet 144c. Advantageously, as can be seen from Figs. 2 to 8E, said product cleaning and/or blending means 146 are provided for upstream of the corresponding matrix means 144.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Figs. 5 to 8E, said product cleaning and/or blending means 146 consist of movable means. Advantageously, as can be seen from Figs. 5 to 8E, said product cleaning and/or blending means 146 comprise one or more movable blades, or small blades 146’.

With advantage, as can be seen from Figs. 5 to 8E, said one or more movable cleaning and/or blending blades, or small blades, consist of radial and rotatable blades, or small blades, 146’, and preferably comprise four equidistant blades 146’, 146’, 146’, 146’, diametrically opposite in pairs, in accordance with a second preferred implementation illustrated in Figs. 8A to 8E, i.e. , a first and a second diametrically opposite blades, or small blades, 146’, 146’, in accordance with a first preferred implementation illustrated in Figs. 7A to 7E. Advantageously, as can be seen from the figures, said product cleaning and/or blending means 146 are rotatably integral to the corresponding screw means 140, i.e., said one or more movable cleaning and/or blending blades, or small blades, are carried by a corresponding support hub 146m, which is integral, especially secured to the free end 140’s of the shaft 140s of the respective screw 140 for the forwarding and compression of the product, as can be best seen in said Figs. 4A to 4C.

With particular advantage, as can be seen from Figs. 5 to 8E, the respective product cleaning and/or blending blade, or small blade, has a respective cutting lateral, or longitudinal, edge, 146a, i.e., it is defined by corresponding faces 146b, 146c of the same blade, or small blade, for cleaning and/or blending which define a corresponding acute angle to one another.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Figs. 5 to 8E, the respective product cleaning and/or blending blade, or small blade, 146’ has a transversal profile, which is inclined by an angle A with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal forwarding direction of the product, i.e., with respect to the longitudinal axis of the screw means 140, said angle being preferably of about 5°.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Figs. 5 to 8E, the respective product cleaning and/or blending blade has the respective product engaging edge, or face, 146a which is in the proximity of the corresponding face, or surface, 144”, in particular upstream according to the product forwarding direction, of said matrix means 144, which face or surface defines; in particular the respective product cleaning and/or blending blade, or small blade, 146’ having the respective engaging edge, or face, 146a which is at a distance from the corresponding face, or surface, 144” of said matrix means 144, which ranges between 0.2 mm, or less, and 1 mm, as best seen in Fig. 4C. Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , product stabilization means 16 are provided for, in particular arranged downstream of said extruding means, or extruder, 14. In this manner, it is avoided that the product, once it is extruded, may agglomerate again.

Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said means 16 for stabilizing the product are adapted to induce a crystallization, which is also referred to as ageing, of said product.

With particular advantage, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said product stabilization means 16 consist of means carrying a fluid, in particular consisting of air, in contact with said product.

With advantage, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said fluid, in particular consisting of air, stabilizing said product, consists of a hot fluid, said hot fluid preferably having a temperature ranging between 50° C and 120° C.

Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , product cooling means 16 are provided for, in particular arranged downstream of said extruding means, or extruder, 14. Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said product cooling means 16 consist of means carrying a fluid, in particular consisting of air, in contact with said product.

Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said fluid, in particular consisting of air, for cooling said product consists of a cold fluid, said cold fluid preferably having a temperature ranging between 5° C and 30° C.

Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , means 16 for dewatering the product are provided for, in particular arranged downstream of said extruding means, or extruder, 14, or said stabilization means. With advantage, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said means 16 for dewatering the product consist of means carrying a fluid, in particular consisting of air, in contact with said product.

With particular advantage, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said fluid, in particular consisting of air, for dewatering said product consists of a hot fluid, said hot fluid preferably having a temperature ranging between 80° C and 120° C.

Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , means 16 for reducing the product length, i.e. , of said product noodles or small needles are provided for, in particular arranged downstream of said extruding means, or extruder, 14. With advantage, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said means 16 for reducing the product length, i.e., of said product noodles or small needles, consist of means that impart a mechanical stress, in particular a forwarding thrust, to said product.

Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1, fluidized bed means 16 are provided for the treatment of the product, in particular said fluidized bed means

16 defining said stabilization means and/or said dewatering means and/or said cooling means and/or said means for the reduction of the length of the product noodles or small needles.

Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said fluidized bed means 16 comprise a zone for a hot fluid 161’ and/or a zone for a cold fluid 162', in particular said zone for the cold fluid being downstream of the zone for the hot fluid according to the product forwarding direction.

With particular advantage, said zone 161’ for a hot fluid is at a temperature ranging between 50° C and 120° C. Advantageously, said zone 162’ for a cold fluid is at a temperature ranging between 5° C and 30° C. With advantage, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said fluidized bed means 16 comprise a product resting surface 160, which resting surface 160 is suitably perforated to allow the passage of said fluid, or air, in particular with a movement of the same fluid, or air, from bottom to top. Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , said fluidized bed means

16 comprise, in particular below said resting surface 160, an inlet for the hot fluid, or air 161 of said fluidized bed 16 and, preferably, as can be seen in particular from said Fig. 1 , downstream thereof, an inlet for the cold fluid, or air 162, especially between said inlet for the hot fluid, or air 161 and said inlet of the cold fluid, or air 162, a corresponding division septum 163, in particular dividing said hot air zone from said cold air zone, below said resting surface 160 is provided for.

Advantageously, said fluidized bed means 16 comprise product forwarding propulsion means, in particular consisting of means which are adapted to generate a horizontal mechanical action on said perforated surface 160 for resting the product of said fluidized bed.

Advantageously, in the plant, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , means 18 for recovering the product are provided for, in particular for recovering said product in the form of a powder.

With advantage, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said product recovering means 18 are adapted to recover the product removed by said treatment fluid, or air, operating in said fluidized bed means 16, i.e., in said stabilization means and/or in said dewatering means and/or in said cooling means and/or in said means for the reduction of the length of the product noodles or small needles.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said product recovering means 18 comprise corresponding filtering means 180 and a conduit 181 connecting the outlet of the fluid, or air, from said fluidized bed means 16 and the inlet into the same filtering means 180. With particular advantage, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said product recovering means 18, in particular for recovering the powdered product removed by said treatment fluid, or air, operating in said fluidized bed means 16 are adapted to recirculate the product in said extruding means, or extruder, 14, or are adapted to dispose the same recovered product, in particular, a conduit 182 for connecting the exit of said filtering means 180 to the inlet into said extruding means, or extruder, 14, and a possible conduit 183 for the connection towards a discharge of said product are provided for.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , means 20 for a chemical stabilization of the product, in particular of said recovered product, especially for the chemical stabilization of a product in the form of a powder are provided for.

In this manner, the hot product is prevented from degrading, or acidifying; in fact, the present product could otherwise partially degrade into sulfuric acid, with subsequent negative consequences, in particular corrosions, of corresponding parts of the plant.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said means 20 for stabilizing the recovered product operate on the flow of fluid, or air, exiting from said fluidized bed means 16, i.e., on the product passing into the conduit 181 for connecting the exit of the fluid, or air, from said fluidized bed means 16 and the inlet into said filtering means 180.

With advantage, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said means 20 for the chemical stabilization of the recovered product are adapted to introduce at least one stabilizing agent into said fluid, or air, i.e., into the flow of said fluid, or air, containing said product to be stabilized. Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said stabilizing agent, which is introduced into said fluid, or air, consists of a basic, preferably gaseous agent, in particular consisting of gaseous ammonia. In this manner, the acidity that may result from the above-mentioned degradation is neutralized.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , means 22 for selecting the product, in particular of the product in the form of noodles or needles are provided for, especially adapted to select said product on the basis of at least one corresponding dimension thereof.

With particular advantage, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said means 22 for selecting the product, in particular of the product in the form of noodles or needles, consist of sieve means. With advantage, said sieve means, or sieve, 22 for selecting the product are adapted to select, or sieve, a product having smaller dimensions, in particular in the form of a powder, and/or a product having intermediate dimensions, i.e. , a product having dimensions that are in compliance with the requirements, or optimal, in particular having intermediate dimensions, and/or a product having larger dimensions, in particular having excessive dimensions.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , means 23 for filling the product having dimensions in compliance with the requirements, or optimal, are provided for, in particular for filling the product having intermediate dimensions, into corresponding holding members, especially in corresponding bags. Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said means 23 for filling the product are connected, through a corresponding connecting conduit 221 , to said means, or sieve, 22 for selecting the product, in particular at the exit 22a thereof for the product having dimensions in compliance with the requirements, or optimal, in particular of the product having intermediate dimensions. Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , means 24 for treating the product that is not in compliance with the requirements, or not optimal, are provided for, in particular consisting of a product having smaller dimensions, or in powder form, and/or a product having larger dimensions, in particular having excessive dimensions.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said means 24 for treating the product that is not in compliance with the requirements, or not optimal, comprise means 18’ for recirculating the product, in particular consisting of means operating on the product in powder form.

With advantage, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said means 18’ for recirculating the product that is not in compliance comprise respective filtering means 185 connected through a respective conduit 186 to said means, or sieve, 22 for selecting the product, in particular at the exit of corresponding manifold means, or manifold, 245.

With particular advantage, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said corresponding manifold means, or manifold, 245 are connected to said means, or sieve, 22 for selecting the product, in particular at the exit 22b of the product having smaller dimensions, in particular in powder form, through a corresponding conduit 222, and/or at the exit 22c of the product having larger dimensions, in particular having excessive dimensions, through a corresponding conduit 223, in particular connected at the inlet of corresponding milling means 25 for powdering said product having excessive dimensions, which sends the treated product, in powder form, to the inlet of said manifold means, or manifold, 245.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said means 18’ for recirculating the product that is not in compliance, in particular the respective filtering means 185, are connected through a respective conduit 187 at the inlet of said extruding means, or extruder, 14 and/or through a respective conduit 188, to said product recovering means 18, in particular for recovering said product in the form of a powder, i.e. , to the conduit 181 connecting said fluidized bed means 16 to the corresponding filtering means, or filter, 180 of the same recovering means 18.

Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , means 120 for diverting the product exiting said drying means, or dryer, 12 are provided for; in particular, said diverting means have a first 120a and a second 120b exits, respectively to send the material towards said extruding means, or extruder, 14, i.e. , towards means 123 for collecting a product that is not suitable to be used, in particular for collecting the imperfect product that is produced during the plant starting step.

With advantage, as can be seen from Fig. 1 , said extruding means, or extruder, 14 receive the product directly exiting from said diverting means 120, i.e., from a respective exit 120a of said diverting means 120, in particular the respective inlet 141 of said extruding means, or extruder, 14 being located at said exit 120 of the same diverting means 120.

Advantageously, as can be seen from said Fig. 1 , means 28 for a further reduction of the dimension of the needle-shaped product are provided for.

Advantageously, said means 28 for a further reduction of the product dimension are provided downstream of said fluidized bed means 16 and/or upstream of said selection means 22.

Therefore, the present plant implements an advantageous process for manufacturing a product, in particular consisting of a surfactant product, preferably of the anionic type, preferably obtained in a dry form, and especially consisting of sodium salt of sulfated fatty alcohol, wherein said product is preferably usable to manufacture tooth pastes, creams, detergents, shampoos, paint additives or other products. Advantageously, the process provides for extruding a product having a temperature ranging between 40° C and 110° C, and preferably ranging between 60° C and 90° C.

Advantageously, according to the process, it is provided to stabilize said product, in particular after the extrusion of the same product.

Advantageously, according to the process, it is provided to dewater said product, in particular after the extrusion of the same product.

With advantage, according to the process, it is provided to cool said product, in particular after the extrusion of the same product. Advantageously, according to the process, it is provided to reduce the length of said product, i.e. , of said product in the form of noodles or small needles, in particular after the extrusion of the same product.

With particular advantage, according to the process, it is provided to recover said product, in particular when it is in the form of a powder. With advantage, according to the process, it is provided to stabilize said product, in particular it is provided to stabilize said recovered product, in particular by stabilizing a product in the form of a powder.

Advantageously, according to the process, it is provided to select said product, in particular consisting of a product in the form of noodles or needle- shaped, especially it is provided to select said product based on at least one corresponding dimension thereof.

Advantageously, according to the process, it is provided to treat, i.e., to recirculate within the corresponding treatment plant, a product that is not in compliance with the requirements or that is not optimal, in particular it is provided to treat, or recirculate, a product having smaller dimensions, or in powder form, and/or a product having larger dimensions, in particular having excessive dimensions.

In practice, as it is clear, the technical characteristics illustrated aboce allow, singularly or in a respective combination, to achieve one or more of the following advantageous results:

- it is possible to extrude a rather hot product, thus to stress less the extruding and/or to obtain a higher production yield, as well as, in particular, to obtain a corresponding product in the form of noodles having a desired diameter, in particular a rather small diameter, for example, up to 0.5 mm or less; - it is possible to eliminate the so-called flaker equipments adapted to obtain a cooling of the product exiting from said drying means, thus achieving a considerable implementation simplification;

- the product is treated directly in the conditions in which it exits said drying means, avoiding that the same undergoes undesired alterations, and furthermore an advantageous reduction of the conduits for feeding the same extruding means, or extruder, is achieved;

- hot noodles or small needles are prevented from re-aggregate with each other after being suitably extruded;

- the formation of product masses within the same chamber that could hinder or make the extrusion process inefficient is avoided;

- it is possible to avoid the formation of masses that create unwanted occlusions of the extrusion holes of the product;

- a re-agglomeration of the product, once this has been extruded, is prevented;

- a degradation, or acidification, of the hot product is avoided; - obtaining a product with an unwanted morphology is avoided.

The present finding is susceptible of evident industrial application. The person skilled in the art can also recognize a number of modifications and/or variations to be made to the same finding, while still remaining within the scope of the inventive concept, as widely explained. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will be able to recognize further preferred implementations of the finding, which comprise one or more of the characteristics illustrated herein above of the preferred implementation. Furthermore, it must also be understood that all the details of the finding can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.