The complete process of feed pellet mill production can be divided into three stages: pre-pelleting preparation, pelleting, and post-processing. The complete steps are as follows:
Raw material pretreatment: Based on the feed formulation needs of the livestock, first grind raw materials such as corn, straw, and soybean meal, controlling the fineness of the grind: generally, the grinding length should be less than 10mm and the fineness less than 2mm. Simultaneously, the moisture content of the raw materials should be controlled within 12%-20%, as excessively high or low moisture content will affect the forming effect.
Mixing and mixing: Mix the ground raw materials with additives and premixes evenly. Trace amounts of raw materials less than 1% require stepwise dilution and premixing to ensure uniform mixing and avoid uneven nutrient distribution. After mixing, maintain the moisture content of the material within acceptable limits, generally not exceeding 12%.
Feeding and Extrusion: Pre-treated raw materials are fed into the pellet mill's hopper and then into the extrusion zone of the pressure rollers and die (flat die)/die cavity (ring die) via a feeding device. The pressure rollers rotate under power, continuously extruding the raw materials into the corresponding die holes, compacting the loose powder into elongated strips.
Cutting and Shaping: The extruded strips are cut by a rotating cutter into the required lengths (generally 2-5 times the pellet diameter), completing the initial pelleting process. The friction during extrusion generates high temperatures, causing the starch in the raw materials to mature and the protein to coagulate, thus improving the nutritional value of the feed.
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