Byproduct recovery

In pet food production processes, both dry and wet byproducts are commonly generated, each with different physicochemical characteristics.

Most fines come from screens, dryers, coolers, cyclones, and conveyors; they have low moisture content and variable temperatures. Another dry byproduct, considered waste, is the final product that is rejected or defective and does not meet the quality standards required for delivery to the end customer.

On the other hand, wet byproducts are generated during extruder startups and shutdowns. Due to their high moisture content, these byproducts are often very difficult to handle as they decompose quickly and typically appear as sticky clumps.

The Byproduct Recovery System (SRS) collects solids generated at any point in the process, maximizing product and production time usage. Byproducts are recovered quickly, preventing decomposition—especially important for wet byproducts from extruder startups and shutdowns.

Main advantages:

• Recovers 99.9% of byproducts.
• Reduces reprocessing costs and time.
• Optimizes the manufacturing process.
• Improves traceability.
• Produces a highly homogeneous slurry.
• Easy to clean.
• Can be installed horizontally or vertically.

Slurry addition partially replaces the water added in the preconditioner, so this process must be controlled using electronic signals. The amount of water entering the preconditioner/extruder directly, and the amount entering through the SRS, must be constantly monitored. This control system makes the process fully automated, with minimal human intervention.