Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology (2+1)

Unit 10 - Methods of feed formulation and manufacturing

10.5.5.Cooling and Drying

The temperature imparted to pellets in the process of their manufacture assists the removal of moisture by the air-drying process. Generally, within ten minutes after extrusion, hard pellets are cooled to ambient temperature and brought to a moisture content slightly above that of the entering soft feed. This may be done by spreading pellets in a thin layer on the floor and blowing air over them. Commercially, it is done by passing the hot pellets through a vertical or a horizontal chamber designed to bring air at ambient temperature into intimate contact with the outer surface of the pellets.