How can we ensure that buoyant fish feed pellets achieve the desired results?

 

 

Many feed mills frequently encounter problems when processing floating and sinking feeds-some floating feeds sink to the bottom, while others sink after floating for a short time; some sinking feeds float on the surface, while others are partially submerged, leading to returns from farmers. These problems are actually due to inadequate quality control, such as improper control of raw material moisture content, incorrect temperature settings, or the selection of the wrong mold. These issues can be avoided by focusing on a few key aspects of the processing.

 

 

Raw material moisture content: Must be 12%-14%, too high or too low is not acceptable.

Too high moisture content (above 15%): Raw materials tend to stick to the screw in the extruder, resulting in low gas production and material settling to the bottom. Solution: Use a dryer to reduce the raw material moisture content to below 14%, and measure the raw material moisture content once a day before starting the machine.

 

Too low moisture content (below 12%): Raw materials are too dry, starch gelatinization is insufficient, air bubbles easily burst, and the material sinks after floating for a short time. Solution: Add 1%-2% water to the mixer to bring the raw material moisture content to the required level.

 

 

 Extrusion Temperature: The mid-section temperature must be 120-140℃; if insufficient, increase the temperature.

Gas production from floating material mainly depends on the mid-section temperature (starch gelatinization). If the mid-section temperature is below 120℃, the starch gelatinization rate will be below 80%, gas production will decrease by 50%, and the material will sink to the bottom.

 

Solution: Install a temperature sensor in the mid-section of the extruder for real-time monitoring. If the temperature is low, increase the heating element power or slow down the feeding speed (allowing the raw material to stay in the barrel longer for sufficient heating).

 

 

Finished Product Inspection: Floatability must be ≥95%, and water resistance ≥2 hours.

Every hour of production, take 100 finished products and observe them in water: Floatability: ≥95 particles floating after 30 minutes is considered qualified. If the floatability is low, increase the pressure in the rear section of the extruder (from 4MPa to 5MPa) to increase gas production.

 

Water resistance: The granules do not disperse after 2 hours and cannot be crushed by hand; if the water resistance is poor, add 2% wheat flour to the formula (to increase viscosity), or increase the puffing temperature by 5-10℃ (to allow the starch to gelatinize more fully and the granules to be more compact).

 

 

 

Raw Material Combination: Starch ≤ 15% to avoid gas generation.

Too much starch in the sediment (over 15%) will cause slight gas generation, even at low temperatures, leading to the material floating. Solution: Control the corn flour ratio in the formula to 10%-15%, and replace it with high-protein raw materials such as soybean meal or fishmeal to increase pellet density.

 

 

Pelletizing Pressure: Must be 8-12 MPa; adjust if insufficient.

If the pressure is too low (below 8 MPa), the raw material will not be compacted, resulting in air trapped in the pellets, which will float. Solution: Adjust the gap between the pellet mill rollers (smaller gap, higher pressure), or replace with a thicker die (allowing the raw material to be pressed in the die for a longer time).

 

 

MIKIM boasts extensive experience in poultry feed pellet production lines, significantly reducing the incidence of poultry diseases. Its equipment is not only widely used across various industries domestically but also exported to Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America, earning a high reputation internationally. This global presence not only demonstrates the adaptability and competitiveness of its products, but also demonstrates the company's experience in adapting to diverse market standards and logistics conditions, enabling it to provide a stable supply chain for its overseas customers. Whether serving large domestic farms or cross-border feed companies, MIKIM can leverage its global service network to ensure a consistent, high-quality experience.

 

For more information on process flow design, equipment layout, factory construction plans, individual equipment pricing, or turnkey project proposals, please feel free to contact us!!!

 

 

 

1. What is the price of the fish feed pellet production line?

The price ranges from approximately $10,000-$36,000

2. Do you provide maintenance services for your customers?
Yes, we offer comprehensive after-sales maintenance services to our customers.

 

 

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