DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF MODEL FEED PELLETIZER

Abstract

This research is on the design, fabrication and testing of motorized mechanical feed pelletizer to meet the basic needs of researchers and commercial animal farmers at affordable cost. This research is aimed at providing local technology and skills, making available the machine in the local markets and consequently reducing or eliminating the prohibitive cost of importation. Feed manufacture involves grinding, mixing, extruding ingredients into homogeneous pellets that are water stable, and consequently drying the feed to the required moisture level. The fabrication finds its application in the mixing and pelletizing of domestic animals feeds and aquatic (fish) dietary that require the above processes. In the design and fabrication of this device, focus was directed to obtain a prototype (model) that would function at relatively low energy expenditure. The fabrication involved machining and welding among other processes. Almost all the materials used were sourced locally. The machine was tested and its efficiency increased with increase in die size. The throughput efficiency and feed rate for 7mm diameter die were found to be 97.8% and 0.0407 respectively, whereas 95% and 0.0267 were found to be for the 5mm diameter die.