What are the key considerations for running the fish feed extruder machine in cold weather？

 

 

When using extruders in winter, many manufacturers have discovered problems with feed pellets, such as low expansion rate, rough surface, and easy breakage. For example, the expansion rate of floating aquatic feed, which originally reached 90%, can drop below 70% in winter, or even sinking pellets, leading to complaints from aquaculture customers. This isn't a problem with the extruder's parameter settings; rather, it's the fluctuating moisture content and low temperature of the raw materials in winter that impact the extrusion process, necessitating comprehensive control from raw material pretreatment to parameter adjustment.

 

 

1. Pre-drying and heat preservation of raw materials: Avoid excessive moisture and low temperatures.

 Reason: Winter air humidity is high (relative humidity in southern China can exceed 85% in winter). Raw materials (such as soybean meal and bran) easily absorb moisture from the air, potentially increasing their moisture content from the standard 12%-14% to 16%-18%. High-moisture raw materials tend to clump at low temperatures, making them difficult to extrude evenly upon entering the extruder, resulting in uneven expansion. Furthermore, low raw material temperatures (for example, corn can be only 5°C when removed from the warehouse) lower the overall temperature within the extruder barrel, affecting starch gelatinization and expansion.

 

 Note: Before storage, dry raw materials in a dryer (drying temperature 65-75°C) to control moisture to 12%-13% (test on-site with a rapid moisture meter). During storage, install heating devices (such as hot air heating pipes set at 15-20°C) in the raw material silo to prevent moisture absorption and excessively low temperatures. Before conveying raw materials, wrap the hopper with insulation to prevent further temperature drops during transportation.

 

 

2. Adjusting the extruder temperature and speed: Compensating for heat loss caused by low temperatures

 Reason: Due to the low ambient temperature in winter, the extruder barrel dissipates heat over 30% faster than in summer. If production continues according to summer parameters (e.g., barrel temperature of 120°C, screw speed of 300 rpm), the actual barrel temperature may drop to 100-105°C. This results in insufficient residence time of the raw material in the barrel, inadequate starch gelatinization, and a reduced expansion ratio. Furthermore, low temperatures result in poor raw material fluidity, and excessively fast screw speeds can easily cause the raw material to "slip" in the barrel, preventing sufficient pressure from being generated.

 

 Note: Increase the extrusion section temperature by 10-15°C compared to summer temperatures (e.g., from 120°C to 130-135°C). Maintain this temperature by increasing the electric heating power or reducing heat dissipation (e.g., wrapping with insulation). Appropriately reduce the screw speed (e.g., from 300 rpm to 260-280 rpm) and extend the residence time of the raw material in the barrel (from 20 seconds to 25-30 seconds) to ensure sufficient starch gelatinization. If producing floating aquatic feed, increase the extruder die temperature (from 110°C to 120°C) to enhance pellet buoyancy.

 

 

 

3.Controlling the cooling rate: Avoiding pellet cracking due to large temperature differences.

 Reason: In winter, the cold air drawn into the cooler is cold (possibly as low as -5°C). If cooled at the same summer airflow rate (e.g., 4000 m³/h), the hot pellets (90-100°C) after expansion (likely 90-100°C) will quickly cool to 15-20°C. This large temperature difference causes uneven stress within the pellets, leading to cracking (the cracking rate increases from 5% in summer to over 18% in winter). Furthermore, the low humidity in the cold air causes excessive moisture loss from the pellets (from 12% to below 9%), affecting their palatability.

 

 Note: Reduce the cooling fan air volume (by 25%-30% compared to summer, e.g., to 3000 m³/h) and extend the cooling time (from 12 minutes in summer to 18 minutes in winter) to allow the pellets to slowly cool to room temperature (with a temperature difference of ≤3°C). Install a preheating device (e.g., an electric heater to heat the cold air to 12-15°C) at the cooler air inlet to slow the pellet cooling rate. Test the pellets for moisture after cooling. If the moisture content is below 10%, add a small amount of oil (1%-2%) via a sprayer to replenish moisture and nutrients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 floating fish feed machine?

The price ranges from approximately $5,000-$18,000

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

 

 

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