Expanders for animal feed
The expander sits between the conditioner and the press and does what the press cannot, because it treats the mash hygienically under high pressure and temperature and prepares it for pelleting.
A hydraulically adjustable cone at the outlet, together with the discharge ring, forms the patented annular gap. Moving the cone during operation controls pressure, kneading intensity, product heating and energy consumption, continuously and without delay.
At the outlet the pressure drops abruptly, the product expands and part of the added water evaporates instantly, so subsequent drying is usually not required.
The thermal treatment eliminates salmonella, moulds and other pathogenic germs, which secures the mash hygienically before pressing.
Expansion increases the throughput of the pellet mill, reduces the share of fines and extends die life, while mashes containing molasses, vinasse and fish solubles pass through without difficulty.
It is installed in animal feed lines and in pet food and fish feed production.
The crown version OEK leaves coarse particles coarse, contrary to traditional pelleting, with very high starch modification and high throughput, and an existing standard expander is easily upgraded to the crown design.