Online Bulk Density System
For pet foods sold by weight but dispensed by volume, or retailed with a nutritional assurance, inconsistencies cut into profit. Manufacturer need to achieve strict control of bulk density and moisture, and require information to make corrections before problems get out of control.
Bulk density is the measurement of weight by volume.
The Bulk Density System (BDS) provides accurate weighing repeatability for actual bulk weight, and is also capable of controlling essential extruder parameters, moisture sampling, drying retention time as well as bag size volume control.
The bulk density is also an indicator for starch cook (palatability). If the bulk density is higher than specified, proper starch cook has typically not been generated. The density measurement is therefore beneficial in terms of starch cook and overall palatability control in pet food or fish feed.
The bulk density of a dry pet food product has other important commercial implications. A dry product having a relatively high bulk density can be stored in a smaller bag or other container than can its low bulk density counterpart, even though the total weight of food product stored is the same. High bulk density reduces packaging costs to the manufacturer. Further, the high bulk density product requires less warehouse space for storage and often takes less shelf space at the retail level. Thus, there is a need for relatively high-density pet food products that are well tolerated by animals.
Consistent measurement of bulk density is therefore very important . The BDS provides an identical sampling frequency therefore the filling of the cup is always the same. Using a specially designed and patented sampling cup, the system provides very accurate weighing results unlike any previous attempts to develop such systems.
The system is supplied with a control system, which provides a wide spread of information such as alarms for bulk weights not complying with specifications, and trend curves. Optional features include moisture control and photographs of samples.
The above curves if produced by testing before processing or storage of powder B would tell the production team that powder B would be have a higher friction coefficient against the material used in the silo wall or the chute and would be likely to flow less effectively against that material. This reduction in flow would potentially cause loss in productivity and also lower the final product quality.
