DAY ONE Single- or twin-screw extruders for aqua feed?
CONFERENCE Organised by
by Dr Mian Riaz, Texas A&M University Following opening comments by International Aquafeed Publisher Roger Gilbert and VNU’s Business Development Manager Roel Schoenmaker, Dr Mian Riaz gave an extremely useful and thorough introduction to the different benefits of both single-screw and twin-screw extrusion. Whilst single-screw extrusion has typically been the most widely used method of extrusion for the past 30 years, twin-screw extrusion is rapidly gaining popularity within the feed industry. Twin-screw extruders allow for greater flexibility when handling both unique products and parameters, but also carry a weightier price tag. Dr Riaz went on to discuss why users might opt for either single-screw or twin-screw extruders, providing attendees with plenty of information to make the best decision for their own businesses.
Foundations of processing centre design
by Rebecca Sherratt, Features Editor, International Aquafeed On July 8-9th, 2020 the fourth edition of the Aqua Feed Extrusion Conference took to the stage, teaching attendees how to optimise their feed processing systems. The conference was organised through collaboration with International Aquafeed magazine, Dr Mian Riaz of Texas A&M University and VNU Exhibitions. For the very first time, the Aqua Feed Extrusion Conference was hosted online, in response to COVID-19. Despite the change in format, our ten expert speakers gave informative and innovative presentations to 70+ attendees on both days of the event and the conference proved to be a great success for all involved.
by Mr Jonathan Iman, Corporate Project Services Mr Iman returned to the Aqua Feed Extrusion Conference once again to provide more insight into optimising your extrusion project/facility. Proper investments into project planning are vital to a successful extrusion project, he emphasises, but managing a new project on a large scale can prove to be a daunting task, which is where Corporate Project Services (CPS) can help. CPS offer professional services for those looking to establish a plant, providing customers with detailed facility layout drawings, flow diagrams, plant ROI, plant P&ID, Food Safety Programme assistance and a variety of other project management services. Feasibility studies, equipment layout, facility audits and contractor plans are only some of the many features that companies must take into account when establishing new facilities, and CPS can offer comprehensive support throughout every stage of plant production.
Fine grinding for aquatic feed
by Mr Phil Erickson, Reynolds Engineering and Equipment Inc Choosing the optimal grinding equipment for your aqua feed can prove to be a very complicated matter and companies must take careful consideration when selecting the optimal grinding solutions for their feed. Mr Erickson explores how one would measure the volume of their powders, as well as surface area and specific surface, as well as what these terms mean in relation to particle size. Particle size is crucial as particles can clog die orifices and affect abrasion on processing equipment. The radius of a particle also plays a big part in thermo-processes, such as expanding proteins to enhance digestibility. Fine grinding aqua feed results in superior pellet appearance and uniformity, as well as a reduction in pond roughage and improved digestibility. As a result of this, fine grinding has come to gain significant popularity, especially for shrimp, tilapia and larval feed.
Speciality extruded aqua feed bulk density adaptation and control
by Dr Michaël Cheng, Bühler Dr Cheng of Bühler gave an excellent presentation on adaptation of bulk densities in feed to cater feed for specific 58 | August 2020 - International Aquafeed