Pet Food Processing - May 2023 - 60

EQUIPMENT
Efficient extrusion
equipment can
help pet food and
treat processors
produce a wide
range of product
styles on the same
machine.
Clextral
of ingredients and can produce various shapes and sizes
of kibbles, making them a valuable choice for many pet
food processors.
" If we have learned one thing it is that the singlescrew
extruder has been drastically under-valued in
terms of flexibility, " Henry said. " The range of products
that are within the single-screw capability has exceeded
the expectations of even the most staunch proponent. "
Efficient changeover and sanitation are also essential
considerations when selecting the right extrusion equipment.
By choosing extruders and preconditioners designed
for quick cleanout, processors can save valuable
time and resources.
" Clextral extruders offer hydraulic barrel opening that
Clextral's
EVOLUM+ extruders
deliver up to
40% higher production
volume than its
standard models.
Clextral
allows immediate screw and barrel access for cleaning
and screw profile reconfiguration, " Brunel said. " Our
preconditioners are designed for quick cleanout; in discharge
mode, the reversible AFC device allows the entire
line to be emptied in under two minutes. "
Finally, it's important to select an extrusion equipment
manufacturer that offers comprehensive process
Extrusion technology
offers the most flexible
cooking system for inclusions
of almost any ingredients
that can be dreamed up. "
Keith Erdley, Wenger
support. This includes assistance with product development
and testing, troubleshooting process issues, and
providing technical advice.
" Extrusion equipment selection should focus on an
OEM that provides the widest range of process flexibility
from a single architecture to facilitate the aggressive and
diverse formula challenges, " Henry said. " Service is paramount,
both in terms of equipment support and product
development. Our clients continually broadcast their accolades
toward our industry-leading service technicians
and their attention to detail and specific client needs. "
Overcoming challenges
Pet food processors are constantly striving to innovate
and improve their product offerings, but this pursuit of
excellence is not without its challenges. As processors
work to develop new recipes and formulations, they
must contend with various obstacles related to ingredients,
commodity market fluctuations and the extrusion
process itself.
" Extrusion technology offers the most flexible
cooking system for inclusions of almost
any ingredients that can be dreamed up. But
new ingredients in recipe formulations
can sometimes bring challenges, " Erdley
said. " In most cases, the issue is due to a
misunderstanding of the extrusion
characteristics of ingredients. The solution
is understanding the formula ratios
necessary to have a complete nutritious diet
and keep the desired key ingredients at or near the top
of the ingredient list on the package. "
60 PET FOOD PROCESSING | May 2023 | www.petfoodprocessing.net
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Pet Food Processing - May 2023

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