Moisture Measurement in Animal Feed Manufacture

Moisture measurement in the production of animal feed is desirable at several stages during the manufacturing process. With the ever varying moisture content in raw materials, on-line measurement has become a key tool in ensuring optimum efficiency and quality control. The ability to measure moisture and make any adjustments during the feed manufacture process becomes critical at several stages during the production cycle.

Benefits

• Reduction in amount of wasted materials
• Reduction in energy costs as the correct of energy required for drying can be accurately calculated
• Consistent, repeatable quality of end product

Monitoring the moisture in the raw materials, controlling the water addition during the mixing/blending process and finally checking the moisture of the feed in pellet form, not only ensures an end product with consistent quality, but will enable substantial savings to be achieved in the production process. The producer will know the levels of moisture in the raw material and will be able to accurately calculate the amount of moisture that needs to be added to the mix to achieve the correct consistency of the end product. Knowing the moisture level of the material will also enable the producer to accurately calculate the drying time needed and therefore potentially reduce energy costs.

Hydronix digital microwave moisture sensors offer an accurate and practical solution to this problem. The sensors are positioned in the flow of materials in silos, mixers, pelletisers or upon belts and are simply integrated into any third party control system. The Hydro-Probe XT would typically be used in silos and conveyors and the Hydro-Mix XT, which is a flush mounted sensor would be installed into mixers.

Customer feedback indicates a payback period in terms of a few weeks in many applications. The sensors are extremely rugged and robust, constructed from stainless steel with extremely high wearing ceramic face plates and should last up to 10 years in the type of environment associated with animal feed mills.