Conditioning of press flour

Pellet mill
Of the total compound feed production, about 70% is delivered in pressed form (pellets). Pressing is a combination of two basic processes:

• adding heat and moisture (steam), this causes a binding effect

• adding mechanical energy for forming and compaction

For binding, the most preferred method is to add as much steam as possible. After all, electricity consumption for driving the press rolls and molds is lower. Adding steam is also preferred from a hygienic point of view. The hardness and wear resistance of the pellets are determining factors in this process.

Before pressing, the raw material mixture is "conditioned" as press flour. This involves adding the desired amounts of steam, molasses and fats. Time, temperatures and humidity are the important variables.
Long conditioning takes place in a conditioning or ripening boiler (in which mechanical processing may or may not take place). Short conditioning takes place in a continuous mixer.

There are various techniques to press the above more or less difficult compositions.

The Vortex flowmeter OPTISWIRL 4200 is the measurement solution for conditioning press flour.

The OPTISWIRL 4200 with integrated temperature sensor is suitable for flow measurement of liquids, dry or humid gases and saturated or superheated steam in feed processes.

The instrument is also the optimal solution for advanced energy management systems (according to ISO 50001), as it can be supplied with integrated gross and net heat measurement for steam and condensate.

For gas and steam measurements with varying process conditions, the Vortex meter can also be equipped with an optional integrated pressure sensor.

For measurement, for conditioning the press flour, companies in the compound feed industry are using more and more the Vortex meter with internal pressure and temperature measurement.

Due to the presence of a temperature and a pressure sensor, the actual value of the kg of steam is immediately known and during steam dosing there is no product loss and no risk of smearing of the press. Steam dosing was previously based on a temperature sensor. Because of the slow response of this Pt 100 and the change of the amount of degrees via automation, problems occurred with the correct conditioning of the press flour and a high risk of smearing of the press.

The producer of press flour is saving on fuel and raw material costs as well as on maintenance costs of the press. A substantial reduction of CO2 emissions, also good for the environment.

OPTISWIRL 4200 Vortex flowmeter

• For liquids, (wet) gases, saturated and superheated steam (+240°C)

• Integrated P+T measurement: direct output of mass, nominal flow, energy, gross/net heat

• Flange: DN15...300; wafer version: max. DN100

• 2-wire, 4...20 mA, HART®, FF, Profibus-PA