Food Processing Machinery

Food Processing Machinery Part 1

Although there are many types of food processing equipment, Extruder and Pellet Mills will be discussed in this technical bulletin.

*Extruders:

Starches, sugars, proteins, dyes, minerals, and other materials are blended in powder form and then mixed with water and steam to a desired texture and temperature. This mixture is pushed through a die or extruded, and cut to length to make breakfast cereal, ready to eat snacks, and other edible items. The same process is used to make pet food and farm animal foods.

These machines come in many shapes and sizes; however, the concept and lubrication needs are the same. Most will have electric motors for the drive and bearings for the mixing, cooking, and pressure areas. As this is a food processing operation, NSF H-1 registered lubricant will be required. SWEPCO 116 Ultra EP Food Machinery Grease will handle the electric motor bearings as well as the heat and pressure from the mixing, cooking, and pressure areas. SWEPCO 757 Premium Food Grade Gear and Bearing Oil would be the recommendation for any gear boxes and oil lubricated bearings.

*Pellet Mills:

Similar in operation to the extruders in that dry powders, flakes and chips are mixed with water and steam then pushed through a die and cut to desired length. This is a popular means to manufacture animal and pet foods. This same procedure can be run without steam and with materials other than food such as sawdust to make wood pellets for fireplaces. For food operations use the SWEPCO 116 and 757, for non-food operations use SWEPCO 165 and 201.

Note initial feed and mixing on the top flowing down to the cooking and pressure area.

The pellets are formed in the white area and dropped out of the bottom for cooling and packaging.