Fish Feed Dryer in Bangladesh

Customer Profile and Purchase Motivation

The client operates a medium-sized aquafeed mill, producing approximately 8–12 tons of fish feed daily for tilapia and pangasius farms in the southern regions. Their previous dryer had inconsistent heat distribution, leading to uneven moisture content and frequent breakage of feed pellets.

The decision to purchase a standalone mesh-belt fish feed dryer from RICHI Machinery was motivated by:

• Improving product quality: Achieving uniform moisture content and reducing pellet breakage
• Increasing operational efficiency: Handling daily production volume without bottlenecks
• Integrating with existing equipment: Working in conjunction with an existing fish feed extruder and pelletizer
• Reliability and service: Trusting RICHI Machinery’s reputation for durable equipment and comprehensive support

This single-machine acquisition allowed the client to upgrade the drying process without the complexity and cost of replacing the entire production line.

Raw Materials and Drying Requirements

In Bangladesh, typical fish feed formulations include locally available ingredients. The dryer was primarily used for extruded fish feed pellets containing:

• Rice bran and corn flour as carbohydrate sources
• Fish meal for protein
• Soy protein concentrate
• Vitamin and mineral premixes
• Optional inclusion of shrimp or krill meal for flavoring

The feed pellets entering the fish feed dryer in Bangladesh had a moisture content of approximately 18–20%, which needed to be reduced to 8–10% to ensure stability and long shelf life. The mesh-belt dryer ensures gentle and uniform drying, preserving pellet integrity while minimizing nutrient loss.

Equipment Selection: Model and Parameters

Considering Bangladesh’s medium-scale aquafeed production, the client selected the QHG-500 steam-heated fish feed dryer. Steam heating was preferred because it offers higher energy efficiency and stable temperature control compared to electric heating, particularly suitable for humid environments in Bangladesh.

This fish feed dryer in Bangladesh provided an ideal balance of drying surface, capacity, and operational cost for the client’s daily production. A smaller DHG-400 would have been insufficient, while larger models like DHG-1000 or DHG-2000 would have been oversized and inefficient for this medium-scale facility.

Shipping and Logistics

The QHG-500 dryer was shipped via sea freight to Chittagong Port, Bangladesh’s major industrial port and the gateway for heavy machinery imports. RICHI Machinery ensured all documentation and customs clearance were handled professionally, guaranteeing a smooth delivery.

Installation and Commissioning

RICHI’s team provided full support during installation:

• Foundation preparation: Leveling and securing the base to minimize vibration
• Steam connection: Proper integration with local boiler systems for stable heating
• Belt alignment and tensioning: Ensuring smooth operation across five layers
• Operator training: Covering temperature control, operational safety, and routine maintenance

The dryer was quickly commissioned, allowing immediate production of high-quality, evenly dried fish feed pellets.

Operational Impact

The QHG-500 fish feed dryer in Bangladesh delivered multiple benefits:

• Uniform drying: Moisture content consistently maintained at 8–10%
• Reduced pellet breakage: Maintained structural integrity for better feed handling
• Improved shelf life: Minimized microbial growth and spoilage risk
• Energy efficiency: Steam heating provided consistent performance at lower operational cost

The dryer also allows the client to experiment with different feed formulations, including higher-protein pellets for tilapia or specialized pangasius feed, without affecting drying efficiency.

Customer Feedback

The client provided positive feedback on the project:

"The QHG-500 has significantly improved our drying process. Pellets are evenly dried, firm, and ready for packaging. The RICHI team’s support during installation and training was excellent, and we feel confident in the reliability of this equipment for years to come."

They also appreciated the flexibility of purchasing a standalone machine, which allowed gradual capacity expansion while maintaining consistent product quality.

Future Plans

The feed mill plans to enhance its post-drying workflow:

• Adding cooling conveyors to quickly reduce pellet temperature after drying
• Upgrading packaging systems for consumer-ready feed
• Considering additional steam-heated dryers if production volume increases

Starting with a single QHG-500 dryer provides a scalable solution for the mill while ensuring high-quality fish feed output.

Conclusion

The installation of a RICHI QHG-500 fish feed dryer in Bangladesh demonstrates how medium-scale aquafeed producers can achieve:

• Consistent drying and uniform moisture control
• Enhanced feed quality and reduced breakage
• Energy-efficient and reliable operation
• Seamless integration with existing production lines

By choosing RICHI Machinery, the client secured a professional, durable, and efficient drying solution, contributing to the growth and sustainability of Bangladesh’s aquaculture industry.