What precautions should be taken when using the feed pellet maker in winter?

 

 

Feed mills often encounter low pellet formation rates during winter. A pellet formation rate that used to reach 95% can drop below 80% in winter, resulting in a significant amount of broken and soft pellets. This not only wastes raw materials (over 50kg per hour) but also impacts the shelf life of the feed (soft pellets are prone to mold due to high moisture content). This is primarily due to the fluctuating moisture content of raw materials in winter and the impact of low temperatures on conditioning. This requires comprehensive control of parameters from raw material processing to conditioning.

 

 

1. Pre-drying raw materials: Avoid clumping caused by low temperatures and high humidity.

 Reason: High humidity in winter (for example, relative humidity in southern China can exceed 80%) easily absorbs moisture from the air. Raw materials (especially corn and bran) can easily absorb moisture from the air, potentially increasing their moisture content from the standard 12%-14% to 15%-17%. High-moisture raw materials tend to clump at low temperatures, making it difficult for the pelletizer to evenly compress the pellets, resulting in loose, easily broken pellets.

 

 Note: Before storage, dry raw materials in a dryer (drying temperature 60-70°C) to control the moisture content to 12%-13% (test on-site with a moisture meter). During storage, place a desiccant (such as silica gel desiccant, 50 kg per 100 m2 of raw material storage) in the raw material silo to prevent moisture absorption. Use a vibrating screen to screen out any agglomerates before feeding (agglomerates exceeding 5 mm in diameter should be crushed before use).

 

 

2. Adjusting Conditioning Steam Parameters: Ensures starch gelatinization and improves pellet hardness.

 Reason: Low ambient temperatures in winter increase heat loss during steam transportation (for example, 100°C steam may drop to 85-90°C when transported from the boiler to the pellet machine). This results in insufficient raw material temperature after conditioning (only reaching 60-65°C, compared to 70-75°C in summer). This reduces starch gelatinization, resulting in insufficient pellet cohesion and reduced pellet hardness (from 4-6 kg/cm² in summer to 2-3 kg/cm² in winter).

 

 Note: Increase the steam boiler output pressure (from 0.4-0.5 MPa in summer to 0.5-0.6 MPa in winter) and ensure that the steam temperature at the conditioner inlet is no less than 95°C. Extend the residence time of the raw material in the conditioner (for example, reduce the conditioner speed from 30 rpm to 25 rpm) to allow the raw material to fully absorb heat and moisture. If the raw material temperature is still insufficient, wrap the conditioner with insulation (5-8 cm thick) to reduce heat loss.

 

 

 

3.Controlling cooling air volume: Prevent pellets from cracking due to excessive cooling and ensure stable moisture content.

 Reason: In winter, the cold air drawn into the cooler is cold (possibly below 0°C). If the same summer air volume (e.g., 3000 m³/h) is used for cooling, the pellet temperature will drop rapidly from 80-90°C immediately after pelleting to below 20°C. This significant temperature difference causes internal stress in the pellets, leading to cracking (the cracking rate increases from 5% in summer to over 15% in winter). Furthermore, the low humidity of the cold air can cause excessive moisture loss in the pellets (from 12% to below 10%), affecting their palatability.

 

 Note: Reduce the cooling fan air volume (by 20%-30% compared to summer, e.g., to 2400 m³/h) and extend the cooling time (from 10 minutes in summer to 15 minutes in winter) to allow the pellets to slowly cool to room temperature (≤5°C). Install a heating device (e.g., an electric heater to heat the cold air to 10-15°C) at the cooler air inlet to prevent direct contact between the cold air and the hot pellets. After cooling, test the pellets for moisture using a moisture meter. If the moisture content is below 11%, increase the conditioning steam dosage to replenish moisture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 animal feed pellet machine?

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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