1.5-2.5T/H Shrimp Feed Pellets Making Machine in Indonesia

The feed mill manager explained the situation: "Export customers are demanding. They test every batch. Our old machine couldn't consistently achieve 2.5-hour water stability. We needed a pellets making machine with triple conditioning – the only technology that can deliver that level of water stability."

The feed mill had a 5,000m² facility with 3-phase power. They decided to replace their old pellet mill with a new, high-capacity machine.

From the pellet mill table, the SZLH420 (110kW) shrimp feed pellets making machine was selected. Why this model?

• Capacity: 1.5-2.5 tons/hour – matches their 30,000-ton annual requirement (two shifts)
• Power: 110kW main motor – efficient for high-volume shrimp feed production
• Ring die size: 420mm diameter – 1.5mm, 2.0mm, and 2.5mm dies for different shrimp stages
• Triple conditioner: 7.5kW + 7.5kW + 7.5kW (three layers) – advanced cooking for export-grade water stability
• High output: Can produce 2.0 tons/hour of 1.5mm pellets

The feed mill manager chose the SZLH420 with the triple-conditioning system – the most advanced configuration for export-grade shrimp feed.

What He's Processing – Export-Grade Whiteleg Shrimp Feed

Indonesia is the world's largest shrimp producer. The feed mill uses high-quality ingredients:

• Fish meal (imported from Peru): 30-35% – primary protein
• Soybean meal (imported): 15-20% – protein
• Shrimp head meal (local – from Indonesian processing plants): 10-15% – protein and attractant
• Squid meal (imported): 5-10% – natural attractant
• Wheat flour (local): 10-15% – binder
• Tapioca starch (local – Indonesia is a major cassava producer): 5-10% – binder
• Fish oil (imported): 5-8% – energy source
• Vitamins and minerals: 2-3%

Pellet sizes for different shrimp stages:

• Post-larvae (PL10-PL20): 1.5mm diameter
• Juvenile (PL20-PL40): 2.0mm diameter
• Sub-adult (PL40+): 2.5mm diameter

Target water stability: 2.5+ hours (export requirement)

Target protein: 38-40%

Target fat: 6-8%

Target moisture after pelleting: 10-11%

Installation – Export-Grade Pellet Line

The SZLH420 arrived at the Port of Surabaya (Tanjung Perak) – East Java's main port.

Shipping time from Qingdao to Surabaya is about 10-12 days. The machine was packed in a 40-foot container with:

• SZLH420 pellet mill main unit (110kW motor)
• Triple conditioner (7.5kW + 7.5kW + 7.5kW) – three layers
• Feeder (1.5kW)
• Three ring dies (1.5mm, 2.0mm, and 2.5mm)
• Spare roller shells (two sets)
• Installation manual and electrical diagram in Indonesian

Customs clearance in Surabaya took about 5 days. Total landed cost was about 20% higher than the FOB price.

Installation took four weeks. The old pellet mill was moved to a backup location. The new SZLH420 was positioned on a reinforced concrete foundation (300mm thick). The electrical hookup required 380V, 50Hz three-phase (Indonesian standard). The 110kW motor required a 250-amp breaker.

The first test run was with juvenile shrimp formula (2.0mm die). The triple conditioner added steam in three stages:

• Stage 1 (first layer): 60°C, 15% moisture
• Stage 2 (second layer): 75°C, 17% moisture
• Stage 3 (third layer): 85°C, 18% moisture

The pellet mill ran smoothly at 2.2 tons/hour. Water stability test: 3.0 hours. Pellet durability (PDI) was 96% – exceeding export requirements.

Performance – Export Quality Achieved

After six months of operation, the feed mill manager documented the following results:

Before (old pellet mill – no triple conditioning):

• Capacity: 1.2 tons/hour
• Water stability: 1-2 hours (variable)
• Pellet durability: 88-90% PDI
• Batch rejection rate: 15-20% (failed water stability test)
• Customer complaints: 3-4 per month

After (SZLH420 with triple conditioning):

• Capacity: 2.2 tons/hour (83% increase)
• Water stability: 2.5-3.0 hours (consistent)
• Pellet durability: 95-96% PDI
• Batch rejection rate: <2% (export quality achieved)
• Customer complaints: Zero in six months

Production output:

• Capacity: 2.2 tons/hour
• Daily output (16 hours): 35.2 tons
• Monthly output (25 days): 880 tons
• Annual output (two lines): 21,000 tons

Quality metrics:

• Water stability: 2.5-3.0 hours (exceeds export requirement of 2.5 hours)
• Pellet uniformity: ±0.05mm
• Protein retention: 98% (no degradation)
• Customer acceptance: 100% (no rejections)

The machine cost delivered approximately $180,000 USD (about €165,000). Payback period was about 6-8 months based on increased capacity and reduced batch rejection.

Customer Feedback – The Feed Mill Manager's Experience

Here's what the feed mill manager said after six months (paraphrased from a conversation, translated from Indonesian):

"Export customers demand 2.5-hour water stability. Our old machine couldn't deliver consistently. The SZLH420 with triple conditioning changed that.

The triple conditioner – three stages of steam at 60°C, 75°C, and 85°C – fully gelatinizes the starch. Our pellets now last 3 hours in water. The Vietnamese customers are very satisfied.

Our capacity increased from 1.2 to 2.2 tons per hour. Batch rejections dropped from 20% to under 2%. That's 1,500 fewer tons of rejected feed per year.

Would I recommend this machine? Yes. For any export-oriented shrimp feed mill, triple conditioning is not optional – it's essential."

Why Triple Conditioning for Export-Grade Shrimp Feed

Export markets demand exceptional water stability (2.5+ hours). The triple-conditioning system provides:

Stage 1 (60°C, 15% moisture): Initial hydration – softens particles

Stage 2 (75°C, 17% moisture): Starch gelatinization begins – binding action

Stage 3 (85°C, 18% moisture): Complete gelatinization – maximum binding

Total residence time: 150-200 seconds (vs 30-40 seconds for single-pass).

Small Diameter Dies – 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm

The feed mill uses three die sizes for different shrimp stages:

Compression ratio: 1:10 for all.

Export Markets – Meeting Customer Requirements

The feed mill exports to:

• Vietnam: Requires 2.5+ hour water stability
• Thailand: Requires 2.5+ hour water stability
• China: Requires 2.5+ hour water stability

The SZLH420 consistently achieves 2.5-3.0 hours.

Water Stability Testing – Every Batch

The feed mill tests every batch for water stability:

1. Take 100 pellets from the discharge
2. Place in a beaker of seawater (28-30°C, 30ppt salinity)
3. Gently stir every 30 minutes
4. Check disintegration after 2.5 hours
5. Target: >90% intact after 2.5 hours

The SZLH420 consistently achieves 95%+ intact after 3.0 hours.

Batch Rejection Reduction – The Economic Driver

Before the upgrade, 15-20% of batches were rejected (failed water stability test):

• Annual production: 21,000 tons
• Rejection rate (old): 15% = 3,150 tons rejected
• Rejection rate (new): 2% = 420 tons rejected
• Reduction: 2,730 tons saved
• Value at $1,200/ton: $3.3 million (€3.0 million) per year

The triple-conditioning machine paid for itself in months.

Energy Efficiency – Lower Cost per Ton

The SZLH420's 110kW motor produces 2.2 tons/hour = 50 kWh/ton. The old machine (1.2 t/h at 55kW) produced 46 kWh/ton – similar. But the new machine's higher capacity means fewer operating hours:

• Old machine: 21,000 tons/year ÷ 1.2 t/h = 17,500 hours/year
• New machine: 21,000 tons/year ÷ 2.2 t/h = 9,500 hours/year
• Labor saving: 8,000 fewer operating hours per year

Shipping – Qingdao to Surabaya

The SZLH420 feed pellet machine shipped from Qingdao to Port of Surabaya (Tanjung Perak), Indonesia.

Shipping time from Qingdao to Surabaya is about 10-12 days. The route goes through the South China Sea and the Java Sea.

The machine was packed in a 40-foot container. Customs clearance in Surabaya took about 5 days. Total landed cost was about 20% higher than the FOB price.

The truck transport from Surabaya to Sidoarjo was about 30km – roughly 1 hour.

What the Feed Mill Manager Learned – Lessons for Other Export-Oriented Mills

After six months of running the SZLH420 shrimp feed pellets making machine in Indonesia, the feed mill manager shared several observations:

Lesson 1: Triple conditioning is essential for export-grade shrimp feed. Export customers demand 2.5+ hour water stability.

Lesson 2: Use 1.5mm, 2.0mm, and 2.5mm dies for different shrimp stages. Don't use one die for all sizes.

Lesson 3: Test water stability every batch. Export customers require certificates of analysis.

Lesson 4: Higher capacity reduces operating hours. The SZLH420's 2.2 t/h vs 1.2 t/h saves 8,000 hours/year.

Lesson 5: Batch rejection is expensive. 15-20% rejection before vs <2% after – $3.3 million saved.

What RICHI Provided Beyond the Machine

RICHI provided several services that helped the feed mill manager get the SZLH420 shrimp feed pellet mill operational:

• Indonesian documentation: The manual and electrical diagram were provided in Indonesian.
• Triple conditioning training: A RICHI technician spent 3 days on-site training the team.
• Export quality guidance: RICHI provided water stability targets for different export markets.
• Die selection guidance: RICHI recommended 1.5mm, 2.0mm, and 2.5mm dies for different shrimp stages.
• Spare parts kit: RICHI recommended a spare parts kit – roller shells, dies, bearings.
• Remote support: When the feed mill manager had questions about triple conditioner settings, a RICHI technician walked him through it via video call.

Is a Shrimp Feed Pellets Making Machine Right for Your Operation?

For an export-oriented shrimp feed mill, a pellets making machine with triple conditioning is essential.

Consider the SZLH420 shrimp feed pellet machine if:

• Your capacity requirement is 1.5-2.5 tons/hour
• You export to markets requiring 2.5+ hour water stability
• You produce feed for whiteleg or black tiger shrimp
• Small pellet sizes (1.5-2.5mm) are required

Consider a larger model (SZLH508) if:

• Your capacity requirement is 2.0-3.5 tons/hour

For the Indonesian export feed mill, the SZLH420 was the right investment. It achieved 2.5-3.0 hour water stability, reduced batch rejection from 20% to under 2%, and paid for itself in 8 months.

Final Thoughts

If you're an export-oriented shrimp feed mill, don't settle for single-stage conditioning. Export customers demand 2.5+ hour water stability. The triple-conditioning system is the only technology that can consistently deliver that.

The SZLH420 shrimp feed pellets making machine with triple conditioning produces water-stable pellets that last 2.5-3.0 hours. The three stages of steam (60°C → 75°C → 85°C) fully gelatinize the starch. The small diameter dies (1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm) produce the perfect size for each shrimp stage. The result is export-grade feed that satisfies the most demanding customers.

For export-oriented shrimp feed mills, the math is simple: triple conditioning = water stability = export acceptance = higher revenue.

RICHI offers documentation in Indonesian, triple conditioning training, export quality guidance, and remote support. Contact RICHI Machinery through the website with your target export markets, production volume, and water stability requirements for a recommendation. Tell them about your export operation – they can help you select the right shrimp feed pellets making machine with triple conditioning for export-grade quality.