Why did my pellet feed machine suddenly stop turning?

 

 

After the pellet mill is turned on, the motor and transmission system are normal, but the screw cannot turn. This may be due to a malfunction in the feeding system, which causes excessive accumulation of raw materials and jams the screw. For example, the feeder may be feeding continuously out of control, or the raw materials may be clumping and blocking the feed inlet of the barrel, causing the screw to be "locked up" by the raw materials and unable to rotate.

 

 

1.Feeder Malfunction, Excessive Raw Material Accumulation

 Causes: A faulty feeder inverter (e.g., erratic parameters) causes the feeder speed to become uncontrolled (far exceeding the set value, e.g., increasing from 30 r/min to 60 r/min). Raw material rapidly floods into the barrel, exceeding the screw's extrusion capacity, and accumulates, jamming the screw. Alternatively, the feeder and pellet mill's linkage control may fail (e.g., the feeder does not delay starting after the pellet mill starts), causing the barrel to fill instantly upon startup, resulting in screw jamming.

 

 Solutions: Turn off the feeder power, disassemble the feeder hopper, and clean out any residual raw material. Inspect the feeder inverter, restore factory settings, and reset the speed parameters (e.g., set to 30-35 r/min based on the pellet mill's capacity). Perform a no-load test to ensure stable speed. Check the linkage control circuit between the feeder and pellet mill, reconnect any loose signal wires, and set a delay program to "feeder restarts 30 seconds after pellet mill startup" to prevent instantaneous raw material accumulation.

 

 

2.Raw material clumping, clogging the feed inlet and barrel.

 Causes: High moisture content in the raw material (over 18%) or moisture absorption during storage (e.g., during the rainy season in southern regions) causes clumping (clump diameter exceeding 10mm). These lumps get stuck in the feed inlet, preventing smooth entry into the barrel, or they clog the screw threads, leading to a significant increase in screw rotation resistance and eventual shutdown. Large impurities (such as uncrushed corn cobs or plastic bags) can also clog the feed inlet, hindering material transport.

 

 Solutions: Remove the feed inlet baffle and break up the clumped material with a hammer (or soak it in warm water to soften it before cleaning). Check the feed inlet for impurities and thoroughly clean it. Install a 5mm mesh screen to prevent large impurities from entering. Test the raw material moisture content; if it exceeds 16%, dry it to 14-16% using a dryer (60-70℃). Install a stirring device (such as a spiral agitator) in the raw material hopper to prevent clumping during storage and ensure the raw material enters the feeder loosely.

 

 

3.Blockage at the connection between the feed inlet and the barrel
 Causes: The angle of the connecting pipe between the feed inlet and the barrel is too large (e.g., >60°), hindering the flow of raw materials and causing them to accumulate at the corner; or the inner wall of the connecting pipe is rough (e.g., an unpolished weld joint), causing raw materials to adhere to the inner wall and accumulate over time, blocking the channel and preventing the raw materials from entering the barrel, or causing uneven distribution after entering, resulting in localized screw jamming.

 

 Solutions: Adjust the angle of the feed inlet connecting pipe to 30-45° to ensure smooth flow of raw materials under gravity; sand the inner wall of the pipe (especially the weld joint) to remove burrs and protrusions and reduce material adhesion; install a vibratory motor (50-100W) on the outside of the connecting pipe and turn it on when starting the machine to prevent raw materials from accumulating in the pipe; regularly (once a week) disassemble the pipe and clean any residual raw materials from the inner wall to ensure unobstructed flow.

 

 

 

 

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 meal pellet machine?

The price ranges from approximately $3,000-$75,000

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

 

 

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