How do dry and wet fish feed extruders operate differently?
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Choosing an extruder involves more than just looking at the equipment itself; it also requires considering the supporting production processes. Some factories buy dry extruders only to find they need to build an additional drying workshop; others buy wet extruders only to find they need to install steam boilers, which adds unnecessary trouble. In fact, the complexity of dry and wet extrusion processes differs greatly. From raw material preparation to finished product cooling, the requirements for each step are different, so it's essential to calculate in advance "which equipment is needed."
Raw material pretreatment: Dry extruders require drying, while wet extruders can be used directly.
Dry extruders: Raw materials must be dried and require a dryer. Dry extruders require raw material moisture content ≤14%. If the purchased corn or soybean meal has high moisture content (e.g., freshly harvested corn with over 20% moisture), it must first be dried using a dryer (e.g., using a hot air dryer to reduce the moisture content to 12%-14%). A screening machine is also needed to break up any clumps of raw material. Without drying and screening steps, the raw material will clog the screw, making production impossible. Therefore, dry extrusion production lines must be equipped with dryers, increasing equipment costs and floor space. Wet extruder: Raw materials do not need to be dried and can be directly mixed.
Wet extruders allow raw material moisture content of 15%-18%. Freshly acquired raw materials do not need to be dried; they can be directly ground into powder using a "grinder" and then put into a "mixer" along with fishmeal and additives. Water can be added directly to the mixer during mixing (eliminating the need for adding water in the subsequent extruder) – no additional dryer is required, only conventional grinding and mixing equipment is needed, making the process simpler and requiring less space.
Extrusion Molding: Dry extruders rely on screw speed for temperature control, while wet extruders rely on steam adjustment.
Dry Extruders: Operation relies on experience, temperature control is difficult. Dry extruders lack steam heating and rely entirely on screw speed to control temperature (higher speed, greater friction, higher temperature; slower speed, lower temperature). Adjusting the temperature requires repeated speed testing; for example, increasing the speed when the temperature is insufficient can lead to excessive friction on the raw material, causing the particles to darken. Furthermore, adjusting the speed also affects the output (higher speed, higher output; slower speed, lower output), making it difficult to simultaneously control both temperature and output.
Wet Extruders: Operation relies on buttons, precise temperature control.
Wet extruders control temperature by adjusting steam pressure (e.g., to reach 120℃, adjust the steam pressure to 0.3MPa). A temperature gauge on the barrel provides real-time temperature monitoring, eliminating the need for experience-based testing. Moreover, screw speed primarily controls output; temperature and output are independent. For example, to increase output, increasing the screw speed while slightly increasing the steam flow will maintain a stable temperature, making operation simpler.
Why Choose Us
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!!!
FAQ
1. What is the price of the fish food pellet extruder?
The price ranges from approximately $7,000-$25,000
2. Do you provide maintenance services for your customers?
Yes, we offer comprehensive after-sales maintenance services to our customers.
