At VICTAM International 2022, held in Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, The Netherlands (from May 31 to June 2), ANDRITZ introduced a groundbreaking innovation. It experts were present to demonstrate the Microfeed System- a solution that is set to revolutionize aqua microfeed production, delivering capacity increases of up to an incredible 40%.
“Historically, capacity for small microfeed pellets smaller than 2mm was limited by the die due to the
larger pressures placed upon it as a result of smaller holes,†comments Michel Pereira , Global Application Manager for Feed and Biofuels at Andritz. “For larger pellets the bottleneck is the extruder, therefore for microfeed pellets the extruder is typically used at 25-40% of full capacity so as not to break the die. Demand for small pellets has grown, and the challenge repeatedly emerged, how can we produce microfeed with the extruder at full capacity?â€
Andritz set to work to solve this challenge in 2020, and has now launched the solution at Victam International. The Microfeed System incorporates an optimised die that can withstand the higher pressure caused by the smaller holes due to a stronger construction, larger diameter and bigger open surface, and a smart die base to create an equal distribution of the feed towards the larger die. This combination enables customers to produce microfeed at a higher capacity than with the dies used for microfeed up till today, at a higher quality for sinking feed less than 2mm in size and at higher uptime levels when combined with the Expansion Control System (ECS) as it significantly reduces clogging.
“The Microfeed System will change the face of microfeed production,†says Gunnar Hallmann, Industry
Director for Aqua & Pet at Andritz. “We are constantly evolving our plant solutions portfolio to better support our customers in this industry and are delighted to have introduced this exceptional innovation at Victam International. With capacity increases of up to 40% the value we are able to add to producers of microfeeds is more than significant. We have already sold 12 systems ahead of the official launch, and we are looking forward to welcoming customers both new and existing to our stand to view this development and to demonstrate the impact it has made already across our test base.â€
Orsolya Sørensen, Product Manager, added: “According to statistics published by FAO, total fish production could expand to as much as 204 million tonnes by 2030, from 179 million tonnes in 2018, while aquaculture production is projected to rise by 32% in that same time period to 109 million tonnes. To meet this demand, Andritz understands the need to advance technologies, such as the Microfeed System, to ensure aqua feed manufacturers can remain competitive. Increased capacity, reduced waste and higher yields are critical, as is maintaining the highest levels of quality.â€
