10T/D Fish Feed Dryer Machine in Chile

Customer Profile and Purchase Motivation

The client is a medium-scale aquafeed manufacturer, producing approximately 10 tons of salmon feed per day. They serve several local salmon farms, delivering feed for fish weighing between 150–450 grams.

The purchase decision for a single fish feed dryer machine was driven by several factors:

• Improving product quality: Previous dryers produced unevenly dried pellets, affecting pellet hardness and shelf life
• Minimizing feed losses: Broken pellets during transportation and storage reduced efficiency and increased costs
• Integrating with existing equipment: The dryer needed to work seamlessly with existing extrusion and pelletizing systems
• Investment efficiency: The client preferred to invest in a single, high-quality machine rather than replace the entire line

This standalone fish feed dryer machine in Chile approach allowed the client to gradually upgrade production capabilities while maintaining operational flexibility.

Raw Materials and Drying Requirements

Salmon feed in Chile is typically formulated with ingredients that optimize protein, fat, and vitamin content. The RICHI feed dryer machine handles:

• Fish meal and squid meal as primary protein sources
• Corn and wheat flour for carbohydrates
• Fish oil and soybean oil for essential fatty acids
• Vitamin and mineral premixes for balanced nutrition
• Optional additives such as krill meal for flavor and pigmentation

The feed pellets entered the dryer at 18–20% moisture content and required drying to a stable 8–10% to ensure quality and long shelf life. The mesh-belt drying method preserves the integrity of fragile extruded pellets while achieving uniform moisture distribution.

Equipment Selection: Model and Parameters

Considering the production scale and moisture control requirements, the client selected the DHG-500 electric-heated fish feed dryer machine. Electric heating was preferred due to its stable temperature control and compatibility with the client’s available power infrastructure in the Los Lagos region.

This model offered sufficient drying capacity to meet daily production needs without overloading the system, ensuring consistent pellet quality and energy efficiency. Smaller models like DHG-400 would not meet the production demand, while larger models like DHG-1000 would be oversized and less cost-effective.

Shipping and Logistics

The DHG-500 dryer machine was shipped via sea freight to Valparaíso Port, Chile, the primary industrial port serving central and southern Chile. RICHI Machinery coordinated shipping, customs documentation, and insurance to guarantee timely and safe delivery of the equipment.

Installation and Commissioning

RICHI Machinery provided full support during installation and commissioning:

• Foundation preparation: Ensuring the dryer was securely mounted to reduce vibration
• Electrical connections: Properly integrating the electric heater with local power supply
• Mesh-belt alignment: Guaranteeing smooth operation across five layers for uniform drying
• Operator training: Covering operational procedures, safety protocols, and routine maintenance

The installation was completed efficiently, allowing the facility to resume full production immediately.

Operational Impact

The DHG-500 fish feed dryer machine brought significant operational improvements:

• Uniform drying: Moisture content consistently reduced to 8–10%, preventing mold growth
• Improved pellet integrity: Reduced breakage and dust generation during handling and transportation
• Energy-efficient operation: Electric heating ensured consistent temperature control with minimal energy wastage
• Enhanced product quality: Feed pellets maintained nutritional value, texture, and stability

This improvement allowed the mill to produce high-quality salmon feed capable of supporting faster growth rates and improved feed conversion ratios.

Customer Feedback

The client expressed satisfaction with the performance:

"The DHG-500 has been a game-changer for our drying process. Our salmon feed pellets are now uniformly dried and much more durable during handling. The RICHI team provided excellent installation support and training. We are confident this machine will serve us reliably for years."

The client also appreciated the flexibility of purchasing a single dryer, which allowed them to gradually upgrade their production capabilities without the need for a full-scale line replacement.

Future Plans

Following the success of this single-machine installation, the client is considering:

• Expanding production with an additional mesh-belt dryer for higher-capacity batches
• Integrating cooling conveyors to maintain pellet quality after drying
• Exploring RICHI’s advanced extrusion and pelletizing equipment for complete feed production lines

The successful operation of this fish feed dryer machine in Chile provides a scalable solution, ensuring the mill can meet growing demand while maintaining premium feed quality.

Conclusion

The installation of the RICHI DHG-500 fish feed dryer machine in Chile demonstrates:

• How medium-scale aquafeed producers can achieve consistent, energy-efficient drying
• Enhanced pellet quality and reduced breakage for salmon feed production
• Seamless integration with existing extrusion and pelletizing equipment
• Long-term reliability and support from RICHI Machinery

This project highlights RICHI’s expertise in delivering high-quality, standalone equipment that improves operational efficiency and product quality in aquaculture feed production.