Is the moisture content or ratio of the raw materials not properly adjusted when the feed extruder is spraying material?

 

 

When using a fish feed making machine to make floating aquatic feed or treats, you often encounter "feed spraying"-the raw material spills out of the feed inlet, like "spitting out powder." This not only wastes the raw material but also makes the area around the machine dusty. In many cases, it's not that the machine is broken, but rather that the moisture content of the raw material is not properly controlled, or the feed ratio is incorrect. Slightly adjusting the raw material can alleviate the feeding spraying problem.

 

 

1. Too high moisture content (over 18%): If the raw material is too wet, it will stick to the extruder screw, like "mud stuck to a spoon," making it unable to turn or move forward. As more raw material is added, the sticky wet material will be pushed out of the feed inlet, resulting in spraying.

Solution: Dry the raw material in a dryer to control the moisture content to 14%-16% (a handful of raw material squeezed tightly should naturally crumble when released). If a dryer is unavailable, you can add some dry raw materials (such as dried corn flour) to reduce the overall humidity.

 

 2. Moisture content too low (below 12%): The raw material is too dry and loose, like "sand" that cannot grip the screw threads. When the screw rotates, it cannot push the raw material forward, but instead "throws" the raw material back to the feed inlet, making it look like it's being sprayed. Solution: Spray a small amount of water into the raw material (1-2 kg of water per 100 kg of raw material), stirring constantly while adding water; or, during the conditioning process, increase the steam flow (but not too much to avoid excessive moisture) to make the raw material slightly sticky.

 

 

1. Starch content too low (e.g., below 30%): Starch acts as a "binder," binding raw materials together for extrusion and puffing. If the content is too low, the raw materials become fragmented and unable to form stable "clumps," easily being flung back into the feed by the screw. Solution: Add appropriate amounts of corn flour and wheat flour (high in starch) to the raw materials, increasing the starch ratio to over 35%. For example, when making aquatic feed, increase the corn flour ratio from 20% to 30%.

 

2. Fiber content too high (e.g., above 20%): Coarse fibers are too hard and loose (e.g., large amounts of bran and grass meal), and the screw cannot compact them. The raw materials "slip" in the barrel, piling up below the feed inlet and being ejected. Solution: Reduce the proportion of coarse fiber raw materials (e.g., from 25% to 15%), or grind the coarse fibers finer (using a sieve of 100 mesh or finer) to make them easier to mix and compact with other raw materials.

 

 

Each time you change the batch of raw materials, test the moisture content first and adjust the proportions accordingly. Don't add it directly into the machine; this will reduce a lot of spraying problems.

 

 

 

 

 

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!!!

 

 

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