What to do about uneven particle size in aquatic feed pellet production?

 

 

The problem of uneven particle size in fish feed pellet making production lines recurs, sometimes not due to technical issues, but rather the lack of a targeted quality monitoring system. This is because there are no clear standards for aquatic feed particle size testing, no monitoring points for key processes, and no problem traceability mechanism. Consequently, when problems occur, the cause cannot be quickly identified, leading to blind adjustments and low efficiency.

 

 

Lack of Clear Standards and Methods for Aquatic Feed Particle Size Testing

 Reasons: Most manufacturers use poultry and livestock feed particle size standards (e.g., particle pass rate ≥85%), failing to develop detailed standards based on aquatic animal specifications (e.g., ≥95% pass rate for fry feed, ≥90% for adult fish feed); testing methods are not standardized (e.g., random sampling of 50g instead of the standard 1000g), resulting in large errors in test results (deviation exceeding 5%), failing to accurately reflect particle uniformity, leading to the problem being overlooked.

 

 Solution: Establish detailed particle size standards for aquatic feed – Fry feed (diameter 1-2mm): Qualification rate ≥95%, breakage rate ≤3%; Adult fish feed (diameter 3-5mm): Qualification rate ≥90%, breakage rate ≤5%; Employ a stratified sampling method for testing: Sample 300-400g of each batch of feed from the top, middle, and bottom layers, mixing them to create a representative test sample. Simultaneously, use a standard sieve (pore size corresponding to the feed particle size) for sieving, controlling the sieving time to 5-8 minutes. Accurately weigh and calculate the proportion of different particle size ranges to provide accurate data for production adjustments.

 

 

Failure to Establish Monitoring Points for Key Processes

Reason: The feed production process is long, involving multiple stages such as grinding, mixing, pelleting, and cooling. Without monitoring points at key points, it's difficult to capture instantaneous changes that cause uneven particle size. For example, undetected wear on the grinder screen can lead to fluctuations in raw material particle size; a mismatch between the pellet mill's ring die compression ratio and the material characteristics can result in inconsistent discharge speeds, causing variations in particle size.

 

Solution: Establish key monitoring points throughout the entire process. In the crushing stage, regularly check the wear of the screen mesh (it is recommended to check once every 20-30 tons of material produced), and install an online particle size analyzer to monitor the crushed particle size in real time. In the mixing stage, strictly control the mixing time (3-5 minutes for horizontal mixers, 8-10 minutes for vertical mixers), and conduct sampling checks on the mixing uniformity after each batch (coefficient of variation CV ≤ 5%). In the pelleting stage, adjust the ring die compression ratio according to the material formula (generally, the compression ratio for fish feed is 1:10-1:12), and monitor the pellet mill feeding speed, steam pressure (maintained at 0.2-0.4 MPa), and cutter speed in real time (the ratio of cutter speed to pellet mill spindle speed should be controlled at 1:3-1:5). In the cooling stage, monitor the material temperature after cooling (not exceeding the ambient temperature by 3-5℃) and moisture content (controlled at 12%-13%) to avoid pellet deformation or breakage due to residual 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 fish meal processing line?

The price ranges from approximately $7,000-$25,000

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

 

 

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