Meat processing unit and method for the production of an extruded meat product

A meat processing unit for the production of an extruded meat product lacking a wrapping film and a gelled coating, the meat processing unit comprising:

• an extruder apparatus for a minced meat product including a distribution chamber comprising an inlet opening, connected to an impeller pump for the minced meat product,
• the extruder apparatus further comprising a plurality of outlet openings, each one comprising an identical section and disposed in communication with a corresponding extruder head of an assembly of extruder heads, through a corresponding one of a plurality of distribution ducts for an extrusion of the minced meat product in the shape of elongated strings of the extruded meat product;
• a conveyor surface facing the extruder heads and configured to receive the extruded meat product;
• each one of the plurality of outlet openings disposed equidistant to the inlet opening and in a radial symmetry around a geometric axis defined by the geometric centre of the inlet opening, in an annular arrangement;
• the distribution chamber further comprising at least a first bottom wall oppositely disposed to the inlet opening and centred relative to the geometric axis;
• the distribution chamber further comprising a first perimeter wall surrounding the inlet opening and the at least first bottom wall;
• the perimeter wall comprising a radial symmetry around the geometric axis that corresponds to the radial symmetry of the outlet openings;
• each one of the plurality of outlet openings being disposed equidistant to the first perimeter wall;
• each one of the plurality of distribution ducts comprising the same length between a corresponding one of the plurality of outlet openings and a corresponding extruder head;
• each extruder head comprising a cutting device;
• the conveyor surface being structured to move through an air treatment unit configured to apply an air current comprising a controlled temperature, humidity and speed, against the extruded meat product in a raw stage, thereby producing a hardened and dehydrated outer crust that provides cohesion and allows for a handling of the extruded meat product;
• each extruder head consisting of a duct with a plunger opening disposed on one end thereof and an extruding opening on an opposite end thereof;
• the extruding opening facing the conveyor surface for an ejection of the extruded meat product;
• each extruder head further comprising a side opening connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of distribution ducts, the side opening disposed between the plunger opening and the extruding opening;
• and
• the cutting device comprising a plunger inserted in the duct through the plunger opening and movable within the duct from an extruding position, in which the plunger does not interfere with the side opening, to a cutting position, in which the plunger completely blocks the side opening and in which the plunger reaches or goes beyond the extruding opening of the duct to eject all of the extruded meat product from the interior of the duct.