Effect of Holes Diameter and Speed of Die on the Performance of Machine and Feed Pellet Quality

Abstract

The aim of this study to evaluate the effects of die holes diameter and speed of die on the performance of machine and feed pellet quality. Machine productivity (Kg.h-1), consumed power (kW), pellet durability (%) and pellet bulk density (g.cm-3) was studied. The study factors consisted of three diameter of die holes (3, 4, and 5 mm), and three speeds die (280, 300, and 320 rpm). Results showed with increasing of die holes diameter from 3 to 4 and to 5 mm give a significant increase in machine productivity, while consumed power, pellet durability and pellet bulk density a significant decreased. By increasing the die speed, from 280 to 300 then to 320 rpm, the machine productivity increased significantly, while consumed power, pellet durability, and pellet bulk density decreased significantly. The highest machine productivity 86.90 Kg.h-1, less consumed power 2.34 Kw recorded with die holes diameter of 5 mm and speeds of 320 rpm, while die holes diameter 3 mm and speed of die 280 rpm recorded the highest pellet durability 91.96% and pellet bulk density 0.6383 g.cm-3. It was concluded that the die holes diameter and die speed have a significant effect in the performance of machine and the pellet produced.

Keywords

• machine productivity
• consumed power
• pellet durability
• pellet bulk density