ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2025 61 quality. When formulations use fewer traditional ingredients, especially newer ones, it is important that the pelleting process is flexible enough to adapt to variable characteristics. When considering investments in machinery and process configurations, producers should carefully consider potential problems these ingredients can create. The pellet mill size that is currently sufficient to meet required capacities simply won’t be able to do the job in the future. Feed millers should consider larger machines now, and especially those that help optimize the conditioning process. And, when selecting pre-compacting machines, it is essential to carefully consider which solution is most suited for your specific situation. A sub-optimal choice may result in purchasing costly machines which have a negative impact on the production process. FLEXIBILITY The key is incorporating flexibility into the pelleting process. That starts with using reliable and energy-efficient machines equipped with useful pelleting tools like remote roll adjustment and roll speed measurement. Mechanical energy is added in the pellet mill die. However, the optimal amount of mechanical energy varies depending on the processed formulation. It is therefore necessary to be able to adjust the amount of mechanical energy. This can be done with remote roll gap adjustment. By increasing the distance between the die and rolls, more electrical energy is consumed by the pellet mill what increases pellet quality. If pellet quality allows, the roll gap can be decreased, which saves energy. The remote control of the roll gap provides an increased safety level and reduces downtime. It’s important to recognize that during pellet mill start-up, mill roll distance must be limited to prevent roll slippage. However, once it's up and running, the gap can be increased. This reduces steel to steel contact between die and roll and extends die life. The longer the die stays in shape, the greater the energy savings and capacity gains. To find the find the maximum allowable roll gap is always a challenge. The roll slip will increase with the roll distance till a pellet mill choke occurs. CPM has introduced a roll slip measurement system that makes the pellet mill operate exactly at its optimal working point. What’s more, the system prevents pellet mill chokes, reducing downtime and increasing effective production capacity. The roll slip measurement system can determine the exact “zero” position of the rollers and, with that, prevent steel to steel contact with the die. This results in reduced wear costs, ensuring optimal productivity under changing circumstances. To remain profitable in volatile market conditions, our industry must keep searching for alternative protein sources. We simply cannot keep doing what has “worked before”. We must find new ways to adapt our technologies and production processes to accommodate changes. Longer term visions that invest in and implement innovative technologies will help take us there. About Arthur vom Hofe Arthur vom Hofe is CPM Europe’s Segment Manager for Feed & Oilseeds. Since the early nineties, he has been at the front line representing the company’s pelleting and particle size-reduction equipment. Throughout this time, he has gained valuable experience with feed production processes across the world.
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