How to Address High Powdering Rate in Pellet Feed

Understanding the Powdering Rate of Pellet Feed

The powdering rate of pellet feed refers to the percentage of the feed that turns into fine powder during handling and transportation. Ideally, this rate should be below 4%.

Reasons of High Powdering Rate in Pellet Feed:

1. Surface Quality of Pellets:

– Rough, loose, or unevenly cut pellets are prone to powdering during transportation.

2. Conditioning Quality:

– Inadequate conditioning, such as improper moisture or temperature levels, can result in loose pellets with higher powdering rates.

3. Screening Efficiency:

– Blocked screening outlets or poor screening capability can lead to higher powder content in the feed.

4. Excessive Fat Content:

– High levels of added fat can prevent proper pellet formation.

5. Silo Height:

– High silos can cause pellets to collapse under their own weight, leading to higher powder content.

6. Die Thickness and Pressure:

– Thin dies and low pressure result in loose pellets prone to powdering.

Solutions to Reduce Powdering Rate in Pellet Feed:

a. Formulation Adjustments:

– Decrease fat and fiber content while increasing starch to reduce powdering.

b. Improve Conditioning:

– Enhance conditioning by extending time, and optimizing moisture and temperature to increase pellet hardness.

c. Increase Fineness of Raw Material:

– Finer grinding of raw materials can improve pellet hardness.

d. Use Appropriate Die:

– Select dies with higher compression ratios and fewer holes for denser, harder pellets. For feeds with high protein and fat, use thicker dies.

e. Adjust Roller and Die Clearance:

– Increase the gap between the die and rollers to improve pellet hardness.

f. Feed Rate Control:

– Lower the feeder rate to enhance material conditioning.

g. Reduce Fat Content in Formulation:

– Lowering fat content can increase pellet hardness.

h. Cutting Blade Adjustment:

– Use thin cutting blades to ensure clean, smooth pellet cuts, reducing powdering from friction.

I. Minimize Handling:

– Reduce handling and ensure storage in dry conditions to prevent moisture absorption and reduce powdering. By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the powdering rate of pellet feed, ensuring higher quality and efficiency in feed utilization.