What are the operating tips for using a feed making machine during winter？

 

 

In winter, feed mills in northern China often encounter the problem of "equipment icing"-ice-covered drain pipes in pellet mill coolers can become blocked, causing cooling water to overflow and soak the equipment; ice can form on the inner walls of raw material conveying pipes, interrupting material transport; and even condensate can freeze in motor junction boxes, causing short circuits and tripping. These icing problems not only affect production but can also lead to safety accidents such as equipment leakage and personnel slipping and falling, requiring preventative measures.

 

 

1. Anti-icing the cooling system: Avoid pipe blockage and equipment soaking.

 Reason: If the cooler uses tap water for cooling in winter, the remaining water in the pipes after shutdown can freeze and expand (increase volume by approximately 9%), potentially causing pipe ruptures. If the cooler is continuously running, the cooling water temperature is too low (possibly below 0°C), causing ice to form on the cooler fins, impacting cooling efficiency (extending pellet cooling time by 50%). Furthermore, overflowing cooling water can freeze on the floor, potentially causing people to slip.

 

 Note: Replace the cooling water with antifreeze (such as ethylene glycol antifreeze, with the concentration adjusted according to the minimum temperature, ≥40% in areas below -15°C), or add antifreeze (such as calcium chloride, at a dosage of 5%-8%) to the cooling water. After shutting down the machine, completely drain the cooling system (open the cooler drain valve and pipe drain valves) and flush the pipes with compressed air to ensure there is no residual moisture. Install a heater (such as an electric fan, set to 5-10°C) around the cooler to prevent ice from forming on the heat sink surface. Regularly check the floor for accumulated water. If any water is found, clean it immediately and lay a non-slip mat.

 

 

2. Anti-icing of raw material pipelines: Ensure smooth raw material transportation and prevent pipeline ruptures.

 Reason: In winter, raw materials (such as corn) may contain moisture (if not thoroughly dried). In cold pipelines (especially outdoor pipelines, where temperatures can drop below -10°C), this moisture can freeze on the inner walls of the pipes, forming an ice layer (up to 5-10mm thick). This not only reduces the pipe's internal diameter (reducing raw material throughput by over 30%) but can also cause blockage due to the shedding of the ice. If raw materials accumulate in the pipeline, the volume expands after freezing, potentially causing the pipe to rupture.

 

 Note: Insulate outdoor raw material delivery pipes (such as elevators and augers) with insulation (e.g., rock wool insulation pipes, 8-10cm thick) and install heating cables inside the insulation (set the temperature to 5-10°C to prevent raw material deterioration caused by excessive temperatures). Before starting the machine, check the pipes for ice (this can be determined by looking through the observation window or tapping the pipes; ice will make a crisp sound). If ice is present, heat the heating cables for 30 minutes and wait for the ice to melt before transporting the raw materials. During transportation, check the pipes for vibration every hour (ice can cause abnormal pipe vibration). If any abnormality is found, immediately stop the machine and clean it.

 

 

 

3.Preventing icing on electrical components: Avoiding short circuits, tripping, and equipment leakage.

 Cause: In winter, the temperature difference between inside and outside the workshop is large (e.g., 20°C inside, -10°C outside). This easily causes condensation to form inside electrical components (such as motor junction boxes, control cabinets, and sensors). Condensed water freezes at low temperatures, causing poor electrical contact (e.g., frozen relays in control cabinets, causing frequent tripping) and even short circuits. If ice damages the insulation layer, it can also cause equipment leakage, endangering personnel safety.

 

 Precautions: Place desiccant (such as calcium chloride desiccant, 200g per cubic meter) in the motor junction box and control cabinet to absorb moisture from the air and reduce condensation. Install a small heater (set to 15-20°C) in the control cabinet to maintain a stable temperature and prevent condensation from freezing. Before starting the machine, use a multimeter to check the insulation resistance of electrical components (for example, the insulation resistance of the motor winding to ground must be ≥0.5MΩ). If the insulation resistance is too low, it may indicate ice or moisture, and drying is necessary before restarting the machine. Regularly check electrical connectors for ice. If ice is found, immediately turn off the power and dry them with a hot air blower (≤60°C to avoid burns).

 

 

 

 

 

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 feed pellet maker?

The price ranges from approximately $3,000-$5,000

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

 

 

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