3.1.8 Pellet cooling operation
Due to mixing of steam the pellets are hot, thus these must be cooled to avoid formation of lumps and deterioration of quality of the feed. Cooling of the pellets is done in the pellet cooler by induced cool air draft. While cooling the pellets, some of the powder and crumbled pellets are carried along with the exhaust hot air. These are separated by cyclone (Fig. 3.13) & air lock assembly and this material is again fed to the pellet mill for re-pelletizing. Cooled pellets are carried to the pellet sieve by an elevator. In the pellet sieve, crumbled pellets and powder are separated from the good pellets and sent to the pellet mill for re-pelletizing while good pellets are stored into the bagging bin. Quality control officer has to ascertain that the pellets coming out of the pellet cooler are properly cooled and do not contain excess moisture. Improperly cooled pellets will result in lump formation in the storage bags and bins.
Fig. 3.13 Cyclone
