Method for processing products in an extruder

A method for processing natural rubber and/or non-thermoplastic elastomers which require mastication before they can be blended with other components of a mixture, comprising:

• providing an extrusion unit that is composed of two planetary roller extruder modules having a longitudinal axis,
• wherein a common central spindle extends through both of the planetary roller extruder modules, the common central spindle having an external toothing,
• wherein each of the two planetary roller extruder modules comprises
• planetary spindles with external toothing that rotate about the common central spindle, and
• a surrounding housing having an internal toothing,
• wherein the planetary spindles mesh with both the common central spindle toothing and with the internal toothing of the housing,
• wherein the toothings are helical toothings, such that individual teeth, in accordance with a pitch of the teeth to the longitudinal axis of the extruder, run like screw threads on toothed surfaces, and
• wherein a dispersion ring is arranged between the surrounding housings of the two planetary roller extruder modules, and
• wherein the dispersion ring engages a groove of the common central spindle and leaves an open passage in the groove;
• kneading a feedstock of natural rubber and/or non-thermoplastic elastomers between the teeth of the planetary roller extruder module and
• subjecting the feedstock to deformation in the dispersion ring so as to masticate the feedstock until it exhibits a Mooney viscosity of less than 80 in order to allow other components of the mixture to be compounded in;
• and
• cooling the feedstock during mastication.