Effect of speed and die holes diameter in the machine on feed pellets quality

Abstract

The study aimed to effect of speed and die holes diameter in the machine on feed pellets quality. In this study was measured pellet direct measurement (%), pellet lengths (%), pellet durability (%) and pellet water absorption (%). Three die speeds 280, 300, and 320 rpm, three diameters of die holes in the machine 3, 4, and 5 mm, have been used. The results showed that increasing the pellet die speeds from 280 to 300 then to 320 rpm led to a significant decrease in direct measurement, pellet durability, and pellet water absorption was increased, whereas it did not significantly affect the pellet lengths. Increasing the die holes diameter from 3 to 4 then to 5 mm led to a significant decrease in the pellet direct measurement, pellet lengths, pellet durability, and increased pellet water absorption. Pellet die speeds of 280 rpm and the die holes diameter of 3 mm recorded the highest direct measurement 95.61%, pellet lengths 86.30%, pellet durability 93.45%, and less pellet water absorption 15.74%. The minimum die speed and die holes diameter gave the highest pellet direct measurement, pellet lengths, pellet durability and lowest pellet water absorption with all the considered indicators.