What is the difference between pelleted and extruded feed?
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The core difference between pellet feed and extruded feed begins with the processing technology. The former relies on the basic logic of "extrusion molding", while the latter relies on the special process of "high temperature and high pressure extrusion". The different process paths directly determine the production methods and core equipment of the two.
The difference between pellet feed and extruded feed
Pelleted feed production relies on a pellet mill, a low-temperature, low-pressure device. The process starts with mixing raw materials (already crushed and adjusted for moisture) and feeding them into the mill's conditioning chamber, where low-temperature steam (60–80°C) is added to soften the material. Next, a rotating roller presses the softened mixture through a die with small holes; the friction between the roller and die shapes the material into pellets, which are then cut to length. No high pressure or intense shear force is involved, so the material undergoes minimal chemical changes.
Extruded feed, by contrast, uses an extruder-a high-temperature, high-pressure system. After raw material preparation, the mixture is fed into the extruder's barrel, where rotating screws generate strong shear force. Combined with heating from the barrel jacket (electric or steam), the material is heated to 80–130°C and subjected to 2–10 MPa pressure. Under these conditions, starch gelatinizes and proteins denature. The material is then forced through a die; the sudden pressure release causes slight expansion, and a cutter trims it into pellets. This process integrates mixing, cooking, shaping, and sterilization in one step, driving significant physical and chemical transformations in the feed.
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FAQ
1. What is the price of the pellet machine and extruder?
The price ranges from approximately $3,000-$11,000
2. Do you provide maintenance services for your customers?
Yes, we offer comprehensive after-sales maintenance services to our customers.
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!!!
