Design And Fabrication Of Fish Feed Pelleting Machine

ABSTRACT

 Pelleting of fish feed has been revealed by recent studies as the answer to control of feed wastage. On the other hand, fish feed contributes to greater percentage of the cost incurred in the production of fish. To reduce this cost and maximize profit, farmers are expected to produce these feeds themselves. To achieve this, the design and fabrication of fish feed pelleting machine was carried out. This machine has three units: the milling unit, the mixing unit and pelleting unit. Other parts include arger or screw conveyor and barrel. It was designed to be driven by 2.5hp and 1 3hp three phrase electric motor. The design was carried under engineering consideration cotting across cost, service ability, durability and performance. The operations are milling, mixing and pelleting, the hopper, the arger and the barrel were made from stainless steel to eradicate contamination due to rust. The materials were locally sourced and the machine has a pelleting efficiency of 92.44%. The cylindrical feed pellets produced are in the range 3-6mm in length and equivalent to the cross ectional area of the die plate.