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Production of compound feed: the molasses

Molasses is a by-product of beetroot or sugar cane processing. In the feed sector, we also use the so-called CPB.
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Molasses is a by-product of beetroot or sugar cane processing. In the feed sector, we also use the so-called CPB which is a molasses added with water (therefore more fluid).
The molasses presents considerable problems in the handling because, due to its adhesiveness, in the presence of powders it creates deposits and encrustations. The molasses can be added in the mixer (batch mixer) or in the conditioner of the pellet mill.

 

Melasso - iniezione nel Miscelatore

 

The main problems we detect in the mixer (the molasses tend to settle on the drive shaft and in particular on the wrap-reel or the blades) and in transport (elevators, screw conveyors, etc.). The encrustation of the mixer compromises its efficiency and also causes cross contamination, ie cross-contamination between different flour mixtures. For this reason, the mixer must be cleaned with a certain frequency (this operation is particularly dangerous and operators must perform it in conditions of maximum safety, that is by cutting off the electric power supply of the motors before carrying out the intervention).

Note: the position of the sprayers and the spraying times are very important in the mixer: in particular, spraying starts when the mixture of flour is already present in the mixer, covering, even if partially, the mixer shaft. In this way, it is avoided that the liquid goes to directly wet the drive tree, but instead, is incorporated directly into the raw material.

To improve the addition, the liquid must be nebulized: nebulization can be done mechanically by means of a pump which increases its pressure and a nozzle which atomizes, or with compressed air. In this case, however, over-pressures are created in the mixer that requires vents.

Another point where there are incrustations are the transports and in particular, the elevators as the augers and chain conveyors clean themselves with the passage of the material.

In the conditioner of the pellet mill, the molasses is added with the help of the steam: in this way the molasses, thanks to the heating, is much more fluid and finely nebulized favoring its mixing.