Industry Events
The Aqua Feed Extrusion Conference @ VIV Asia The one-day Aqua Feed Extrusion Conference was organised by the International Aquafeed magazine, VIV and Dr Mian N. Riaz, world leader in extrusion technology and head of the extrusion technology program at Texas A&M University. The conference was held during the VIV Asia exhibition in the BITEC conference centre and, I can happily say, proved to be an astounding success. This conference was attended by more than 50 participants from several different countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and several other countries. Participants were enthusiastic and eager to learn about all the varieties of extrusion technology and feed processing technologies. Participants appreciated learning about the latest knowledge and information about aqua feed extrusion technologies. All the participants received a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Talk two- Project planning and design considerations for aquatic feed facilities
by Jonathan Iman, Corporate Project Services Jonathan Iman provided an intriguing talk on the wider aspects of the utilisation of machinery such as extruders- the necessity of proper project planning when building a new factory or expanding your operation. Mr Iman stated that there are five areas to consider when planning a project: feasibility, inputs, design, food safety/sanitation and equipment. A project should be feasible with a good return on investments, as well as a manageable total cost of ownership. Location, permits, air quality and water quality are also important considerations. Design is a complex feature to consider, as this depends on the building layout and easy integration of machinery that all flows smoothly from process to process, whilst ensuring everything remains hygienic. Ingredients must also remain sanitary by remaining separated and proper analyses must be carried out to ensure food is all kept hygienic.
Talk one- Introduction and principles of extrusion technology by Mian Riaz, Texas A&M University
Once Mr Roger Gilbert of International Aquafeed completed introductions, Dr Riaz kicked off the conference with the first talk, which gave a very comprehensive and thorough overview of the intricacies of extrusion and how such technology works to process your raw materials. Extrusion technology, he stated, first began being used in 1948, but since that time it has evolved drastically to become a somewhat more common and refined process. He stated the many benefits to extrusion, such as the low-cost of the process as well as its remarkable energy efficiency and high product quality. The difference between single-screw and twin-screw extruders was also discussed (twin-screw extrusion, although more expensive, provides a higher-quality level of quality control and flexibility).
Talk three- Complete plant solutions for production of extruded aquatic feeds by Olaf Näehrig, Amandus Kahl
Mr Näehrig’s discussion went into some detail regarding the impressive history of the Amandus Kahl company and their various turnkey solutions, as well as the latest innovations in their new extruder line: The Extruder 0EE 25 NG (Next Generation). This new product has a capacity of up to 10 tonnes-per-hour and features state-of-the-art processing tools, to ensure superior performance for sinking and floating aquatic feeds. Amandus Kahl’s latest extruder also works extremely well with their other machinery, and Mr Näehrig described the other great products the company offers, such as their vacuum coaters and belt driers which seamlessly integrate with Amandus Kahl extruders.
56 | April 2019 - International Aquafeed