Pelleting as we know is one of the most important steps in feed manufacturing. Very intricate functions, relationships and corelations between operating parameters determine successes in deriving good quality pellets. Therefore, the pellet mill is a machinery part in the feed mill that deserves adequate attention and study. This lecture describes the parts of a pellet press mill commonly used in the feed industry and provides details on some its features and discusses the physical, nutrition and cost benefits. The roller die and roller shells are also important parts of the pellet mill - its assembly and functions are described in detail. Various aspects under fundamentals of pellet production - like die hole dimensions, retention time, performance ratio are explained. Another important step at the pellet mill is conditioning of the feed mash before it enters the pellet mill. Conditioning is achieved through introduction of steam into the feed mash and by providing mixing time. Three aspects discussed in this regard are the amount of heat, amount of moisture and retention time. The relationship between temperature and moisture are also compared. Conditioners manufactured by different brands are discussed. The conditioner too has parts that need to be studied and therefore you will see some discussions held on that front. We hope all of you take advantage of this important lecture and use knowledge derived from it – to improve productivity in your feed mill.

Instructor Bio

Kim B. Koch, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist & Technologist
Northern Crops Institute
Fargo, ND USA

Education:
Doctor of Philosophy, Kansas State University 1990, Grain Science and Industry
Master of Science, Kansas State University 1983, Grain Science and Industry
Bachelor of Science, Kansas State University 1973

Current Responsibilities:
Teaching and Outreach Activities
Leadership for extrusion processing and feed milling technology
Food Safety Lead Instructor for Preventive Controls courses for Human & Animal Foods
Consulting: 1990 – 2022 +250 activities/programs in 45 countries
U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)
World Initiative Soy in Human Health (WISHH)
US Grains Council (USGC)
Land O’ Lakes International Development
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
North Dakota Department of Agriculture
North Dakota State University
Northern Crops Institute
Northern Pulse Growers Association
U.S. Commerce Department
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agency for International Development
ACDI/VOCA
US Dry Pea and Lentil Council