CA2050659A1 - Feed conditioner apparatus - Google Patents
Feed conditioner apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2050659A1 CA2050659A1 CA002050659A CA2050659A CA2050659A1 CA 2050659 A1 CA2050659 A1 CA 2050659A1 CA 002050659 A CA002050659 A CA 002050659A CA 2050659 A CA2050659 A CA 2050659A CA 2050659 A1 CA2050659 A1 CA 2050659A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- feed
- conditioner according
- steam
- chamber
- shaft
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23N—MACHINES OR APPARATUS FOR TREATING HARVESTED FRUIT, VEGETABLES OR FLOWER BULBS IN BULK, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PEELING VEGETABLES OR FRUIT IN BULK; APPARATUS FOR PREPARING ANIMAL FEEDING- STUFFS
- A23N17/00—Apparatus specially adapted for preparing animal feeding-stuffs
- A23N17/004—Apparatus specially adapted for preparing animal feeding-stuffs for treating by application of heat, e.g. by means of potato cookers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23K—FODDER
- A23K40/00—Shaping or working-up of animal feeding-stuffs
- A23K40/10—Shaping or working-up of animal feeding-stuffs by agglomeration; by granulation, e.g. making powders
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Apparatuses For Bulk Treatment Of Fruits And Vegetables And Apparatuses For Preparing Feeds (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure The conditioner of the present invention treats feed with steam and includes a plurality of steam lines that can inject steam into a chamber having inlet and outlet openings.
Located within the chamber is a rotatable shaft supporting a helical stainless steel ribbon arranged coaxially with the shaft and extending for approximately three quarters of the length thereof. When the shaft is rotated, the ribbon acts as a conveyor and moves the feed in a first direction. The shaft also supports a plurality of paddles which create a counterflow of feed in a direction opposite to said first direction to cause the feed to mix with the steam. Also mounted on the shaft are a plurality of beaters which agitate the feed steam mixture to create an even and continuous discharge of feed. A weir is mounted upstream of the discharge opening to prevent escape of the steam by ensuring that the upstream portion of the chamber is filled with feed. The weir also provides an even flow of feed to the outlet opening. The weir and the agitation of the feed caused by the beaters retards the escape of the hot steam from the chamber such that the temperature level in the chamber can be maintained. By adjusting the speed of rotation of the shaft, the position of the paddles, the amount of steam injected and the size of the weir, the performance characteristics the conditioner can be varied.
Located within the chamber is a rotatable shaft supporting a helical stainless steel ribbon arranged coaxially with the shaft and extending for approximately three quarters of the length thereof. When the shaft is rotated, the ribbon acts as a conveyor and moves the feed in a first direction. The shaft also supports a plurality of paddles which create a counterflow of feed in a direction opposite to said first direction to cause the feed to mix with the steam. Also mounted on the shaft are a plurality of beaters which agitate the feed steam mixture to create an even and continuous discharge of feed. A weir is mounted upstream of the discharge opening to prevent escape of the steam by ensuring that the upstream portion of the chamber is filled with feed. The weir also provides an even flow of feed to the outlet opening. The weir and the agitation of the feed caused by the beaters retards the escape of the hot steam from the chamber such that the temperature level in the chamber can be maintained. By adjusting the speed of rotation of the shaft, the position of the paddles, the amount of steam injected and the size of the weir, the performance characteristics the conditioner can be varied.
Description
2 ~ 9 ~F~ED CO~ITIO~ER APPAR~US~
~AC~GROUND OF T~E INVENTION
This invention relates~ g nerally, to the treatment of anLmal feed and, more particulasly, to an apparatus for ~conditioning feed u~ing team heat.
To prepare animal feed a variety of raw feed materials are granulated and delivered to a mixer where the granulated raw materials are mixed together to create a desired ~eed mix. One prior art device for mi~ing the granulated ma~erial consists of a chamber, having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A
rotatable shaft is mounted in the chamber and support a helical rib~on which mo~e~ the granular feed generalLy from the inlet opening toward the outlet opening. The shaft also supports a~
plurality of fixed paddles which retard the flow of granular ~mat-rial caused~by the ribbon to thereby mix the yarious~raw =a~terials. While this devioe can mix~granulated materLal,;it cannot be used to conditio~ feed~
The~=ixed feed~s; then~delivered~by conveyor~to a condLtioner~apparatus where~the feod mix is~ treated with steam heat. The~feed is hea~ed to soften it so~it ean be;more éfficiently compre~sed lnto salable pellets~by a~pelletizer, to klll salmonella orgsnLsma that~=ay be;present in the feed and to :: :
2 ~
increase the feed efficiency in animals.
To decontamina~e the feed the temperature of the feed is raised by mixing it with steam in a conditioner apparatus to a level that will kill ~he salmonella organism. In order to be effectivra i~ controlling salmonella in fe d, the feed must be maintained at approximately 190 degrees F for 1 1/2 minutes at approxLmately 15~ moisture or at 193 degrees F for lJ2 minute at approxLmately 15% moisture. Using steam to transfer the heat results in condensation of the steam and a corresponding increase in the moistura content of the treated feed. In known devices~
in order to obtain the high temperature level necessary to consistently kill the ~almonella organi~m, ~he moisture content of the ma~h must be increasad beyond the clog point of the pellet mill and is therefore unacceptable.
Noreover, the ~tarch in the feed will begin to gel4tlnize at approxim4tely 180 degree F. Galatinization of the starch makes it more easy to digest and increases~feed efficiency. Therefore, in addition to decontaminating the fred, ::
steam treatment, if performed at a high enough temperature, also enhances the efficiency of the feed in anLmals.
inally, exposing ths feed to a~te~m heat prior to delivering it to the pelle~izer, softens the fibars in the feed.
The ~ofter feed requir-s l-ss uechanical pr-suure to bF formed 2~0~5~
into pellets than untreated feed. Thus, proper steam treatment of the fe~d also increases the efficiency of the pelletizer.
In the known prLor art conditioner, the desired temperature level can not be main~ained at a level sufficient to provide the potantial benefits associated with the ~teæm treatment of feed. This is due to the fact tha~ the known conditioner apparatus is an open system which allowY a teady and constant ingre~s and egre~s of feed. While the steady flow of ~eed provided:by this open system is necessary to maintain the proper supply to the pelletizer, it also allows the steam to escape with the exiting feed stocX such that the feed is not haated uniformly and for a sufficient time period. As a re~ult, not all of the ~eed is raised to a t~mperature level high enough and for a long enough period o time to kill the salmonella organism, gelatinize the starch and soften the fibsrs.
An improved feed conditioner that can control the time, temperature and moisturo level during the steaming process is therefore dexired. : ~
: o~JECT~_QF THE INVENTION
It is a general object;of the invention to provide an Lmproved~feed conditioner that can reliably and e~ficiently:
condition feed using:steam heat.
2 ~ 9 It is another ~bjec~ of the in~ention to provide a feed conditioner that can raise the temperature of the feed to a level high enough to kill salmonella organisms.
.
It i~ a further objec~ of the i~vention to pro~ide an Lmproved feed conditioner that can retard the escape of steam therefrom.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a ieed conditioner which càn control the moisture level of the fead during the steam heating process and the length of time that the fae~ i~ exposed to the ~team. Increasing the retention time in the conditioner to approximately 1 minute.
It is another ob~ect o the invention to increase the retention time of the feed in the feed conditioner.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a feed conditioner that can provide a steady and continuous flow of :
feed.
It is a further:object of the invention to pro~ide a feed conditioner that gelatinize the starch in the ~eed stock to increase its digestibility and softens the feed to increase mill production.
-2 ~
It is a still further object of the in~ention to provide a feed conditioner that increase~ the mixing of the feed and steam such that the ~emperature of all the feed i3 uniformly raised to a desirod level.
Other object~ of th~ invention, in addition to thos~
se~ forth abo~e, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the fallowing description of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The feed conditioner of the present inv~ntion o~ercomes the above noted shortcoming~ o~ the prior art. It includes a horizontally disposed cham~er having an inlet opening at one end and a outlet opening at the oppo~ite end thereof. A plurality of steam line3 are pro~ided proximate to the inlet opening such that a variable amount of steam can be injected into the cham~er. A
rotatable shaft is located within the chamber and extends from ad~acent the inlet opening to a position ad~acent the outlet opening. The shaft is suppor~ed in bearings and is rotated by a variable speed drive motor. ~The ~haft supports a helical stainless steel ribbon arranged coaxLally with the shaft and e~tending for approximately three quarteFs o~ the length thereof.
When the shaft LS rotated, the ribbon moves the feed from the 20~0~9 inlet opening towards the outlet opening. The shaft also iupports a plurality o paddles which retard the flow of feed and enhance the mixing of the feed and steam. The paddles are adjustably mounted on the shaft so as to create a counterflow action tending to mo~e tha feed in ~he opposite direction to enhance mixing. Also mounted on the shaf~ at a po~ition ad~acent to the outlet opening, are a plurality of beaters which agitate the eed/steam mixture to creat~ an even and continuous discharge of feed. A weir i~ mounted upstream of the discharge opening to ensure that the upstream portion of the chamber is filled with feed to thereby retard the escape of the steam from the chamber via the discharge opening such that the temperature le~el in the chamber can be maintained. The weir also provides an even flow of material to the discharge opening. By ad~usting the speed of rotation of the shaft, the position of the paddle~, the SiZQ of the weir and the amount of steam in~acted, the performance characteristic-~ the conditioner can be varied to achieve substantially uniform steam treatment of feed to kill saLmonella, gelatinize starch and soften the feed fiber.
~ . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF l~E DRAWINGS
Figure 1 show a perspective view of the feed conditioner o~ the invention in association with a feed con~eyor.
Figure 2 shows a partial cut-away side view of the feed ; - - 6 2 ~
container of the invention exposing the internal struc~ure of the device.
Figure 3 shows a ~ection view taken along line 3-3 of .
Figure 2.
DETAILED DE~_ IPTION OF T~IE INVENq~ION
~ eferring more particularly to the drawings, Figure 1 shows the conditioner of the invention 1 consisting of a cylindrical chamber 3 having an inlet opening 5 and an outlet opening 7. Loca~ed above chamber 3 is a conveyor 9 which delivers feed to the inlet opening 5. Both chambar 3 and conveyor 9 can be pro~ided with steam ~acket~ i~ necessary. As will be understood, a steam ~acket consists o~ a compar~ment surrounding the outerwalls of the chamber 3 and/or conveyor 9 into which steam can be fed to prehaat the:chambers w~en used in cold envixonment~. The outlet opening 1 is located above the intake of a:pellet mill where the feed pellots are formed fr~
: the conditioned feed.
A plurality:of steam pipes lO are:provided to deliver steam to:the interior of chamber 3~and are~loc:ated adjacent to the inlet opening 5. Pipes~ lO are providéd with valves 12 such that the amount and rate of steam deli~ered tG ~h~ interior of chamber 3 can be contro}led.
: 7~
:: ~ ::
: : : ~
.
' : ` ' 2~0~9 A~ best shown in Figure 2, the conditioner 1 include~ a shaft 13 e~tending between the end ~alls 15 and 17 of chamber 3 and rotatably supported in bearings 19 and 21. A suitable variable speed motor 23 is operatively connected to shaft 13 to rotate sha~t 13 in the direction of arrow A.
.
Mounted coaxially on ~haft 13 is a stainless steel ribbon 25 having a helical shape. The ribbon 25 is connected to shaft 13 by rods 29 dimensioned such that ribbon 25 is dispo~ed closely ad~acent to the interior surface 4 of the wall of chamber 3. As is e~ident from Figure 2, ribbon 25 e~tends from the end wall lS ad~acen~ to the inlet opening 5 a distance less than the longth of shaft 13. Ribbon 25 is arranged such that when shaft 13 i9 rotated Ln the direction of arrow A it acts as a conveyor to mo~e the ~eed fxom the inlet opening to the outlet opening ~rightwardly as ~iewed in Figure 2).
Mounted on each of rodY 29 are paddle assemblies 31.
Each paddle assembly 31 includes a paddle 32 having a collar 33 fixed to each side thereof. The collars 33 and paddles 32 have a bore located therein such that the paddle as8emblies 31 can be ~rotated and reciprocated along rods 29. The collars 33 include bolts 35 which engage the rods 29 to lock the pa~dle assemblies in the desired position. As is e~iden~:from Figure ~, paddles 32 are positioned such that when ~ shaft 13 is rotated in the 2 0 ~ 9 direction of arrow A the paddles 32 will tend to move the feed in the direc~ion from the outlet opening 7 toward the inlet opening S ~leftwardly as viewed in Figur~ 2).
Thus, the combined ef~ect of rib~on 25 and paddle a~semblies 31 is to agitate and stir the s~eam and feed mixture to insure that th~ feed is evenly heated. While the paddles 32 create a counterflow of the feed opposed to the movement of the feed causzd by ribbon 25, the net effect of the operation of ribbon 25 and paddles 32 will be to continuously move feed from the inlet opening 5 toward the outlet opening 7.
Al~o mounted on ~haft 13 in the area between the end of ribbon 29 and the end wall 17 are plurality of beaters 35. Tho beaters 35 include rods ~crewthreadably engaged with shaft 13 and having blade portions 37. Blade portions 37 are angled with respect to ~haft 13 such that the rotation of shaft 13 cause~
blade portions 37 to move the feed in the direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and are adjustably mounted so that the rate of flow of the feed can be adjusted. In a preferred form of the invention the blade portions 37 of the upstream beaters are made wider than those of the downstream beaters to facilitate the con~eying of the feed. The beaters 35 insure that an even and continuous flow of feed is deli~ered from the outlet opening to the pelletizer.
2~3~9 As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, a weir 38 is fixed to the interior surface 4 of the wall of chamber 3 between the first and second set of beaters 35. Th~ weir can be welded to surface 4 or be removably secured thereto by screws 42. Screws 42 extend through holes formed in flanges 44 which extend from ~urface 4 and engage holes 43 formed in the wei~ 38. A plurality of hole~
43 ar~ pro~ided such that weir 38 can be adjustably po~itioned in chamber 3O Weir 38 consis~s of a steel plate ha~ing a first, centrally located CUt-QUt 40 for receiving shaft 13. Weir 38 is configured to block approximateLy~60,7~ of the chamber to thereby retard the flow o feed bètween the inlet opening 5 and outlet op.aning 7. The effect of weir 38 is to ensure that the area of the chamber 3 upstream of weir 38 is filled with feed.
A8 a re~ult, the steam will be trapped upstream o~ weir 38 to enhance and prolong its mixing with the feed. ~he weir 38 also ensu.res that a steady and continuous supply o~ feed is delivered to outlet opening 7 such that surges in the feed supplied to the downstream pelletizer are a~oided.
The combined effect of the ribbon 25, paddles 32, beater3 35 and weir 38 is to ensure that the~feed filla the upstream portion of chamber 3, that the~steam~is mixed evenly with the feed for a~prolonged period of ;~im2 and that a stea~y ~low of feed is provided;to the feed mill. By varying the rotational speed Oe ~he ~haft 13, the angle and sizes of the paddles 32, the amount of steam delLvered:~o the chamber and the .
2 ~ 9 size of the opening in weir 38 the temperature le~el of the feed, its mei~ture content, and the time of hea~ing can be varied. As a result, ~he de~ice of the present invention can achie~e and maintain ~he necessary condition~ for decontlminating, gelatinizing starch and ~oftening the feed. I~ has be~n found that a rotational speed of ~he shaft of be~ween 10 and 70 rpm combined with a rate of deliv~ry of steam of 25-lOOHP depending on the mill pror!uc~ion, and paddle~ angled backward~ at approximately 25-45 degrees allows the feed condi~ioner of the in~ention to heat the feed prod~ct to over 200 degrees for 3/4 to 1 lt2 minutes while maintaining less than a 17~ moisture change and providing a continuous and steady ~upply of feed to the pellet mill.
While the preFerred embodiment of thi3 in~ention has been shown and descri~ed in some detail, it will be understood by one o ordinary skill in the art that this description and the accompanying drawings are offered merely by way of example, and that the invention is to be lLmited in scope only by the appended claims.
~AC~GROUND OF T~E INVENTION
This invention relates~ g nerally, to the treatment of anLmal feed and, more particulasly, to an apparatus for ~conditioning feed u~ing team heat.
To prepare animal feed a variety of raw feed materials are granulated and delivered to a mixer where the granulated raw materials are mixed together to create a desired ~eed mix. One prior art device for mi~ing the granulated ma~erial consists of a chamber, having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A
rotatable shaft is mounted in the chamber and support a helical rib~on which mo~e~ the granular feed generalLy from the inlet opening toward the outlet opening. The shaft also supports a~
plurality of fixed paddles which retard the flow of granular ~mat-rial caused~by the ribbon to thereby mix the yarious~raw =a~terials. While this devioe can mix~granulated materLal,;it cannot be used to conditio~ feed~
The~=ixed feed~s; then~delivered~by conveyor~to a condLtioner~apparatus where~the feod mix is~ treated with steam heat. The~feed is hea~ed to soften it so~it ean be;more éfficiently compre~sed lnto salable pellets~by a~pelletizer, to klll salmonella orgsnLsma that~=ay be;present in the feed and to :: :
2 ~
increase the feed efficiency in animals.
To decontamina~e the feed the temperature of the feed is raised by mixing it with steam in a conditioner apparatus to a level that will kill ~he salmonella organism. In order to be effectivra i~ controlling salmonella in fe d, the feed must be maintained at approximately 190 degrees F for 1 1/2 minutes at approxLmately 15~ moisture or at 193 degrees F for lJ2 minute at approxLmately 15% moisture. Using steam to transfer the heat results in condensation of the steam and a corresponding increase in the moistura content of the treated feed. In known devices~
in order to obtain the high temperature level necessary to consistently kill the ~almonella organi~m, ~he moisture content of the ma~h must be increasad beyond the clog point of the pellet mill and is therefore unacceptable.
Noreover, the ~tarch in the feed will begin to gel4tlnize at approxim4tely 180 degree F. Galatinization of the starch makes it more easy to digest and increases~feed efficiency. Therefore, in addition to decontaminating the fred, ::
steam treatment, if performed at a high enough temperature, also enhances the efficiency of the feed in anLmals.
inally, exposing ths feed to a~te~m heat prior to delivering it to the pelle~izer, softens the fibars in the feed.
The ~ofter feed requir-s l-ss uechanical pr-suure to bF formed 2~0~5~
into pellets than untreated feed. Thus, proper steam treatment of the fe~d also increases the efficiency of the pelletizer.
In the known prLor art conditioner, the desired temperature level can not be main~ained at a level sufficient to provide the potantial benefits associated with the ~teæm treatment of feed. This is due to the fact tha~ the known conditioner apparatus is an open system which allowY a teady and constant ingre~s and egre~s of feed. While the steady flow of ~eed provided:by this open system is necessary to maintain the proper supply to the pelletizer, it also allows the steam to escape with the exiting feed stocX such that the feed is not haated uniformly and for a sufficient time period. As a re~ult, not all of the ~eed is raised to a t~mperature level high enough and for a long enough period o time to kill the salmonella organism, gelatinize the starch and soften the fibsrs.
An improved feed conditioner that can control the time, temperature and moisturo level during the steaming process is therefore dexired. : ~
: o~JECT~_QF THE INVENTION
It is a general object;of the invention to provide an Lmproved~feed conditioner that can reliably and e~ficiently:
condition feed using:steam heat.
2 ~ 9 It is another ~bjec~ of the in~ention to provide a feed conditioner that can raise the temperature of the feed to a level high enough to kill salmonella organisms.
.
It i~ a further objec~ of the i~vention to pro~ide an Lmproved feed conditioner that can retard the escape of steam therefrom.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a ieed conditioner which càn control the moisture level of the fead during the steam heating process and the length of time that the fae~ i~ exposed to the ~team. Increasing the retention time in the conditioner to approximately 1 minute.
It is another ob~ect o the invention to increase the retention time of the feed in the feed conditioner.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a feed conditioner that can provide a steady and continuous flow of :
feed.
It is a further:object of the invention to pro~ide a feed conditioner that gelatinize the starch in the ~eed stock to increase its digestibility and softens the feed to increase mill production.
-2 ~
It is a still further object of the in~ention to provide a feed conditioner that increase~ the mixing of the feed and steam such that the ~emperature of all the feed i3 uniformly raised to a desirod level.
Other object~ of th~ invention, in addition to thos~
se~ forth abo~e, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the fallowing description of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The feed conditioner of the present inv~ntion o~ercomes the above noted shortcoming~ o~ the prior art. It includes a horizontally disposed cham~er having an inlet opening at one end and a outlet opening at the oppo~ite end thereof. A plurality of steam line3 are pro~ided proximate to the inlet opening such that a variable amount of steam can be injected into the cham~er. A
rotatable shaft is located within the chamber and extends from ad~acent the inlet opening to a position ad~acent the outlet opening. The shaft is suppor~ed in bearings and is rotated by a variable speed drive motor. ~The ~haft supports a helical stainless steel ribbon arranged coaxLally with the shaft and e~tending for approximately three quarteFs o~ the length thereof.
When the shaft LS rotated, the ribbon moves the feed from the 20~0~9 inlet opening towards the outlet opening. The shaft also iupports a plurality o paddles which retard the flow of feed and enhance the mixing of the feed and steam. The paddles are adjustably mounted on the shaft so as to create a counterflow action tending to mo~e tha feed in ~he opposite direction to enhance mixing. Also mounted on the shaf~ at a po~ition ad~acent to the outlet opening, are a plurality of beaters which agitate the eed/steam mixture to creat~ an even and continuous discharge of feed. A weir i~ mounted upstream of the discharge opening to ensure that the upstream portion of the chamber is filled with feed to thereby retard the escape of the steam from the chamber via the discharge opening such that the temperature le~el in the chamber can be maintained. The weir also provides an even flow of material to the discharge opening. By ad~usting the speed of rotation of the shaft, the position of the paddle~, the SiZQ of the weir and the amount of steam in~acted, the performance characteristic-~ the conditioner can be varied to achieve substantially uniform steam treatment of feed to kill saLmonella, gelatinize starch and soften the feed fiber.
~ . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF l~E DRAWINGS
Figure 1 show a perspective view of the feed conditioner o~ the invention in association with a feed con~eyor.
Figure 2 shows a partial cut-away side view of the feed ; - - 6 2 ~
container of the invention exposing the internal struc~ure of the device.
Figure 3 shows a ~ection view taken along line 3-3 of .
Figure 2.
DETAILED DE~_ IPTION OF T~IE INVENq~ION
~ eferring more particularly to the drawings, Figure 1 shows the conditioner of the invention 1 consisting of a cylindrical chamber 3 having an inlet opening 5 and an outlet opening 7. Loca~ed above chamber 3 is a conveyor 9 which delivers feed to the inlet opening 5. Both chambar 3 and conveyor 9 can be pro~ided with steam ~acket~ i~ necessary. As will be understood, a steam ~acket consists o~ a compar~ment surrounding the outerwalls of the chamber 3 and/or conveyor 9 into which steam can be fed to prehaat the:chambers w~en used in cold envixonment~. The outlet opening 1 is located above the intake of a:pellet mill where the feed pellots are formed fr~
: the conditioned feed.
A plurality:of steam pipes lO are:provided to deliver steam to:the interior of chamber 3~and are~loc:ated adjacent to the inlet opening 5. Pipes~ lO are providéd with valves 12 such that the amount and rate of steam deli~ered tG ~h~ interior of chamber 3 can be contro}led.
: 7~
:: ~ ::
: : : ~
.
' : ` ' 2~0~9 A~ best shown in Figure 2, the conditioner 1 include~ a shaft 13 e~tending between the end ~alls 15 and 17 of chamber 3 and rotatably supported in bearings 19 and 21. A suitable variable speed motor 23 is operatively connected to shaft 13 to rotate sha~t 13 in the direction of arrow A.
.
Mounted coaxially on ~haft 13 is a stainless steel ribbon 25 having a helical shape. The ribbon 25 is connected to shaft 13 by rods 29 dimensioned such that ribbon 25 is dispo~ed closely ad~acent to the interior surface 4 of the wall of chamber 3. As is e~ident from Figure 2, ribbon 25 e~tends from the end wall lS ad~acen~ to the inlet opening 5 a distance less than the longth of shaft 13. Ribbon 25 is arranged such that when shaft 13 i9 rotated Ln the direction of arrow A it acts as a conveyor to mo~e the ~eed fxom the inlet opening to the outlet opening ~rightwardly as ~iewed in Figure 2).
Mounted on each of rodY 29 are paddle assemblies 31.
Each paddle assembly 31 includes a paddle 32 having a collar 33 fixed to each side thereof. The collars 33 and paddles 32 have a bore located therein such that the paddle as8emblies 31 can be ~rotated and reciprocated along rods 29. The collars 33 include bolts 35 which engage the rods 29 to lock the pa~dle assemblies in the desired position. As is e~iden~:from Figure ~, paddles 32 are positioned such that when ~ shaft 13 is rotated in the 2 0 ~ 9 direction of arrow A the paddles 32 will tend to move the feed in the direc~ion from the outlet opening 7 toward the inlet opening S ~leftwardly as viewed in Figur~ 2).
Thus, the combined ef~ect of rib~on 25 and paddle a~semblies 31 is to agitate and stir the s~eam and feed mixture to insure that th~ feed is evenly heated. While the paddles 32 create a counterflow of the feed opposed to the movement of the feed causzd by ribbon 25, the net effect of the operation of ribbon 25 and paddles 32 will be to continuously move feed from the inlet opening 5 toward the outlet opening 7.
Al~o mounted on ~haft 13 in the area between the end of ribbon 29 and the end wall 17 are plurality of beaters 35. Tho beaters 35 include rods ~crewthreadably engaged with shaft 13 and having blade portions 37. Blade portions 37 are angled with respect to ~haft 13 such that the rotation of shaft 13 cause~
blade portions 37 to move the feed in the direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and are adjustably mounted so that the rate of flow of the feed can be adjusted. In a preferred form of the invention the blade portions 37 of the upstream beaters are made wider than those of the downstream beaters to facilitate the con~eying of the feed. The beaters 35 insure that an even and continuous flow of feed is deli~ered from the outlet opening to the pelletizer.
2~3~9 As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, a weir 38 is fixed to the interior surface 4 of the wall of chamber 3 between the first and second set of beaters 35. Th~ weir can be welded to surface 4 or be removably secured thereto by screws 42. Screws 42 extend through holes formed in flanges 44 which extend from ~urface 4 and engage holes 43 formed in the wei~ 38. A plurality of hole~
43 ar~ pro~ided such that weir 38 can be adjustably po~itioned in chamber 3O Weir 38 consis~s of a steel plate ha~ing a first, centrally located CUt-QUt 40 for receiving shaft 13. Weir 38 is configured to block approximateLy~60,7~ of the chamber to thereby retard the flow o feed bètween the inlet opening 5 and outlet op.aning 7. The effect of weir 38 is to ensure that the area of the chamber 3 upstream of weir 38 is filled with feed.
A8 a re~ult, the steam will be trapped upstream o~ weir 38 to enhance and prolong its mixing with the feed. ~he weir 38 also ensu.res that a steady and continuous supply o~ feed is delivered to outlet opening 7 such that surges in the feed supplied to the downstream pelletizer are a~oided.
The combined effect of the ribbon 25, paddles 32, beater3 35 and weir 38 is to ensure that the~feed filla the upstream portion of chamber 3, that the~steam~is mixed evenly with the feed for a~prolonged period of ;~im2 and that a stea~y ~low of feed is provided;to the feed mill. By varying the rotational speed Oe ~he ~haft 13, the angle and sizes of the paddles 32, the amount of steam delLvered:~o the chamber and the .
2 ~ 9 size of the opening in weir 38 the temperature le~el of the feed, its mei~ture content, and the time of hea~ing can be varied. As a result, ~he de~ice of the present invention can achie~e and maintain ~he necessary condition~ for decontlminating, gelatinizing starch and ~oftening the feed. I~ has be~n found that a rotational speed of ~he shaft of be~ween 10 and 70 rpm combined with a rate of deliv~ry of steam of 25-lOOHP depending on the mill pror!uc~ion, and paddle~ angled backward~ at approximately 25-45 degrees allows the feed condi~ioner of the in~ention to heat the feed prod~ct to over 200 degrees for 3/4 to 1 lt2 minutes while maintaining less than a 17~ moisture change and providing a continuous and steady ~upply of feed to the pellet mill.
While the preFerred embodiment of thi3 in~ention has been shown and descri~ed in some detail, it will be understood by one o ordinary skill in the art that this description and the accompanying drawings are offered merely by way of example, and that the invention is to be lLmited in scope only by the appended claims.
Claims (26)
1. An apparatus for conditioning feed by steam treatment, comprising:
a) a chamber having an inlet and an outlet;
b) means for introducing steam into said chamber;
c) first means supported in the chamber for moving the feed in a first direction, second means supported in said chamber for moving the feed in a second direction opposite to said first direction whereby the net effect of the first and second means is to mix the steam and the feed and move the feed in a downstream direction from aid inlet toward said outlet; and d) third mean supported in said chamber adjacent to said outlet for a blocking the escape of steam and flow of feed to the outlet.
a) a chamber having an inlet and an outlet;
b) means for introducing steam into said chamber;
c) first means supported in the chamber for moving the feed in a first direction, second means supported in said chamber for moving the feed in a second direction opposite to said first direction whereby the net effect of the first and second means is to mix the steam and the feed and move the feed in a downstream direction from aid inlet toward said outlet; and d) third mean supported in said chamber adjacent to said outlet for a blocking the escape of steam and flow of feed to the outlet.
2. The conditioner according to claim 1, further including a rotatable shaft supporting said first means and said second means.
3. The conditioner according to claim 2, wherein said the first means includes a conveyor.
4. The conditioner according to claim 3, wherein said conveyor consists of a helical ribbon spaced from said rotatable shaft and disposed adjacent to the interior wall of said chamber.
5. The conditioner according to claim 2, wherein said second means includes a plurality of paddles.
6. The conditioner according to claim 5, wherein said paddles are adjustable mounted such that their angle relative to the second direction can be varied.
7. The conditioner according to claim 2, wherein said third means includes a weir located downstream of said inlet.
8. The conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the weir comprises a plate fixed in said chamber for restricting the flow of feed between the inlet and outlet.
9. The conditioner according to claim 1, further including a fourth means for agitating the feed.
10. The conditioner according to claim 9, wherein said fourth means includes a plurality of beaters.
11. The conditioner according to claim 10, wherein said beaters include blade portions for moving the feed in said first direction.
12. The conditioner according to claim 1, wherein said the first means includes a conveyor.
13. The conditioner according to claim 12, wherein said conveyor consists of a helical ribbon disposed adjacent to the interior wall of said chamber.
14. The conditioner according to claim 1, wherein said second means includes a plurality of paddles.
15. The conditioner according to claim 14, wherein said paddles are adjustably mounted such that their angle relative to the second direction can be varied.
16. The conditioner according to claim 1, wherein said third means includes a weir located downstream of said inlet.
17. The conditioner according to claim 2, further including means for rotating said shaft.
18. The conditioner according to claim 17, wherein said means for rotating includes a variable speed motor.
19. The conditioner according to claim 1, wherein said means for introducing steam includes a means for varying the amount of steam delivered to the chamber.
20. The conditioner according to claim 2, wherein said shaft extends between said inlet and said outlet.
21. A conditioner apparatus for steam treating feed, comprising:
a) a chamber having an inlet and an outlet;
b) means for introducing steam into said chamber;
c) a rotatable shaft disposed in said chamber;
and d) first means for moving the feed in a first downstream direction, second means for moving the feed in a second direction opposite to said first direction, third means located adjacent said outlet to create a blockinq action which substantially retards the escape of steam through the outlet, said first and second means being mounted on said rotatable shaft whereby rotation of said shaft mixes the steam and feed to condition the feed.
a) a chamber having an inlet and an outlet;
b) means for introducing steam into said chamber;
c) a rotatable shaft disposed in said chamber;
and d) first means for moving the feed in a first downstream direction, second means for moving the feed in a second direction opposite to said first direction, third means located adjacent said outlet to create a blockinq action which substantially retards the escape of steam through the outlet, said first and second means being mounted on said rotatable shaft whereby rotation of said shaft mixes the steam and feed to condition the feed.
22. The conditioner according to claim 21, further including means for rotating said shaft.
23. The conditioner according to claim 21, wherein said first means includes a helical ribbon.
24. The conditioner according to claim 21, wherein the second means includes at least one paddle.
25. The conditioner according to claim 21, wherein the third means includes a weir located downstream from said inlet.
26. The conditioner according to claim 21, further including a fourth means including at least one beater having a blade portion for moving the feed in the first direction.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US61004190A | 1990-11-07 | 1990-11-07 | |
| US610,041 | 1990-11-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2050659A1 true CA2050659A1 (en) | 1992-05-08 |
Family
ID=24443386
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002050659A Abandoned CA2050659A1 (en) | 1990-11-07 | 1991-09-04 | Feed conditioner apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2050659A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2249706A (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2125133B1 (en) * | 1995-03-27 | 1999-10-16 | Mabrik S A | THERMAL CONDITIONER FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF COMPOUND FEED. |
| EP2028958B1 (en) * | 2006-06-08 | 2014-08-13 | CPM Acquisition Corp. | Mash conditioning apparatus and method |
| NL1037298C2 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-21 | Aarsen Machf B V Van | SYSTEM FOR PREPARING AN FINISHED PRODUCT AND BARREL FOR CONDITIONING A PRODUCT. |
| CN103585648B (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2016-04-20 | 英孚伦斯亚洲有限公司 | Automatic rotation autoclave and there is the processing method in continued operation stage |
| CN109805435B (en) * | 2019-03-19 | 2020-09-11 | 福建九为生物技术有限公司 | Feed mixing system |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1106445A (en) * | 1966-11-22 | 1968-03-20 | Ralston Purina Co | Preparation of food |
| GB1548703A (en) * | 1975-09-10 | 1979-07-18 | Central Soya Co | Animal food pellets |
| NL7705234A (en) * | 1977-05-11 | 1978-11-14 | Heesen Nv Simon | CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FEDDING. |
-
1991
- 1991-09-04 CA CA002050659A patent/CA2050659A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-09-09 GB GB9119236A patent/GB2249706A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9119236D0 (en) | 1991-10-23 |
| GB2249706A (en) | 1992-05-20 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |