Processing Results Convinced that the technology would meet all targets, Sanimax purchased and installed the Whirlwind Classifier. Champoux noted that although the machine is one of the more minimal capital expenditures amongst the entire plant upgrade, it is certainly the key component in processing the new higher-quality pet food-grade product. “Our upgrades also included redoing electrical systems, establishing the controls, and adding transfer conveyors and storage silos,” he stated. Once the classifier was in full production, Sanimax found that they could reduce ash content to as low as six to eight percent, which is suitable for an ultra-premium pet food-grade market. “Our customers want product no higher than 12 percent ash content,” Champoux explained. “So in our market, our goal is to come in a little lower, at 10.5 to 11 percent ash content.” Material feed to the classifier is an average of 4.5 metric tons per hour. Since air classification technology can produce differing grades of premium products, the yield of premium products can range anywhere from 10 to 50 percent. For Sanimax, the market demands result in an approximate 25 percent yield of pet food-grade product. The overall market average in pet food production is 25 percent of the feed rate. As for maintenance, the classifier is engineered with easy access for cleaning and adjustments. “Each week we check the classifier for any clogging,” Champoux reported. “Any buildup is always very minimal even if we have a little more fat in the product. We do a simple cleaning each week as we don’t want even a slight buildup to affect product quality.” Cleaning involves opening the top access door and using a long brush to brush material from the inner side of the air vanes. After a few minutes of cleaning, operation of the classifier can continue until a more thorough maintenance for all processing circuits is scheduled. Major Returns “With the plant upgrades and the investment in air classification technology, we’ve been able to diversify and expand our customer base once again,” Champoux declared. “When there might be slow times in the poultry meal market, having diversified product streams and customer bases help maintain higher value from the pet food-grade market. Our strategy is to eliminate potential downturns by pursuing new markets, new customers, and new profit centers.” How Does Air Classification Work? Sturtevant engineers describe the Whirlwind Classifier as a mechanical, centrifugal air classifier that uses a single motor to drive three rotating components: a distributor plate, selector blades, and fan blades. Airflow through the classifier is self-contained and recycled by return air vanes. Unlike other classifiers, the Whirlwind Classifier requires no cyclones, dedicated baghouses, airlocks, external fans, or ductwork. Production models are compact and simple to install. End users realize a lower capital investment plus ongoing operating expense savings due to minimized energy consumption and maintenance needs. The classifier features an internal fan that lifts fines out of the feed. Selector blades within the machine control the amount of fines to be removed. Fewer selector blades allow a greater quantity of fines removal. Once the optimum number of selector blades is established for a given application, the air classifier produces a consistent gradation every day and rarely needs to be adjusted. A variable frequency drive is utilized for fine-tuning in cases where there are minor variations in the feed. Air classification technology is not limited to poultry meal. Ash reduction has also been achieved with bovine, porcine, and lamb meat and bone meals and fish meal. R is on T ENDER Thhee Thhee I nNteartnioantiaoln NNaattiioonnaall MMaaggaazziinnee Mal aMgaagzainzien eo ooff of fR RReennddeerriinngg Reennddeerriinngg RT Please join us for additional news, like: “French biodiesel plant using animal fats” “How pig parts make the world turn” Material Handling Problems? THE ANSWER: V-RAM ~ Reduces Tramp Material Problems ~Reduce Cross Contamination ~ Pump Large or Small Volumes ~ Pump Long or Short Distances TRUSTED! PROUDLY RELIABLE! MADE IN DURABLE! THE USA! V ISIT OUR BOOTH# 7258 at the 2014 IPPExpo Edible and Inedible Styles Available! WWW.VRAM.COM 888-373-3996 www.rendermagazine.com Render December 2013 31
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