Effect of steam conditioning on physical properties of pellets and energy consumption in pelleting process

Abstract

In this paper, effect of moisture addition during steam conditioning of feed on pellet quality and electrical energy consumption in pelleting process was investigated. Complete mixture for pigs II (from 15 to 25 kg) was conditioned up to moisture content of 15.97 %, 19.40 %, and 21.88 %. Physical properties examined in purpose of pellet quality determination were hardness and durabillity of pellets. Pellets, produced from conditioned material with higher content of moisture, were more stabile and less hard. Higher moisture content of conditioned material resulted in decreasing of energy consumption during pelleting process. Electrical energy consumption in pelleting process, along with achieving targeted pellet quality, could be significantly lower by choosing proper conditioning process parameters.

Keywords

• pelleting process
• steam conditioning
• moisture content
• energy consumption
• pellet quality