AQUAFEED PELLET MAKING MACHINE
The RICHI aquafeed pellet making machine is a carefully designed system specifically engineered to produce durable, water-stable floating, slow-sinking, and sinking pellets for fish, shrimp, and crabs. It effectively prevents raw material waste and ensures that aquaculture water quality remains uncontaminated. This equipment is ideal for large-scale aquaculture farms as well as enterprises specializing in aquatic feed production. We offer customized production line solutions and supply all necessary machinery, providing a one-stop solution for aquafeed manufacturing.
FEED PELLETIZER DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR AQUACULTURE
The market offers a wide variety of feed pelletizing equipment, such as poultry feed pellet mills and pet food pellet mills. However, the production of aquatic feed differs fundamentally from that of poultry feed and similar products.
Aquatic feed possesses unique characteristics; different species of aquatic animals require feed with specific behaviors upon entering the water—such as floating feed or sinking feed—yet all varieties must exhibit exceptional water stability. They must be robust and compact, resisting fragmentation. Unfortunately, most aquatic feeds currently available on the market lack sufficient structural integrity; upon entering the water, they disintegrate rapidly, dissolving before the fish, shrimp, or crabs have had the opportunity to fully consume them.
Under these circumstances, two major problems arise: on one hand, feed wastage directly results in the loss of raw materials; on the other, the long-term dissolution and settling of feed particles contaminate the water quality. Over time, this leads not only to increased feed costs but also to a drastic decline in survival rates among the aquatic stock—whether due to insufficient nutrient intake or the adverse effects of water pollution.
We conducted in-depth research on the actual operations of numerous aquaculture farmers and feed producers. After thoroughly understanding their specific challenges in feed production, we designed two specialized aquafeed pellet making machines. These machines are manufactured strictly according to the unique requirements of aquaculture feed and serve as core components of a complete aquafeed production line, featuring high production efficiency, low energy consumption, long service life, and low maintenance costs.
RICHI: THE SMARTER CHOICE FOR EFFICIENT GRANULATION
Leveraging over 30 years of profound experience in the aquatic feed equipment industry—backed by production lines established across more than 140 countries and regions worldwide—RICHI has conducted in-depth research into the specific pain points faced by aquaculture farmers and aquatic feed manufacturers. Based on these insights, we have developed two specialized pellet mills designed exclusively for aquatic feed production.
Whether you operate a feed processing plant or an aquaculture farm, we can provide tailored production line solutions to meet your diverse manufacturing requirements. Our aquatic feed pellet mills are specifically engineered for the production of fish, shrimp, and crab feed; they produce pellets of uniform size and dense structure that resist disintegration when submerged in water. This not only eliminates raw material waste but also maximizes the retention of nutritional content within the feed.
If you operate an aquatic feed factory or are involved in the aquaculture industry, and are currently seeking pelletizing equipment that offers stable operation, broad raw material compatibility, immunity to humidity fluctuations, and export-readiness, then the RICHI aquatic feed pellet mill is your intelligent choice. This industrial-grade pelletizing equipment is purpose-built for producing aquatic feeds with exceptional water stability; it can be flexibly integrated into your existing production line, enabling you to commence production rapidly following your purchase.
INTRODUCTION TO AQUAFEED PELLET MAKING MACHINE
Our aquafeed pellet making machines are suitable for a wide range of applications, including specialized aquafeed manufacturing enterprises, large- and medium-scale aquaculture bases, export-oriented feed processing plants, and comprehensive feed production facilities. This equipment can be extensively utilized to produce various types and forms of aquatic pellet feeds—such as floating fish feed, sinking fish feed, and slow-sinking feed—as well as specialized feeds for shrimp, crabs, and other aquatic species, thereby meeting virtually every requirement for aquatic pellet feed production.
Aquafeed Pellet Making Machine
The aquatic feed pelletizer is primarily used for the production of sinking aquatic pellet feeds. Suitable for the cultivation needs of fish, shrimp, crabs, and similar species, it is characterized by stable output, uniform pellet size, and low operating costs.
Output: 0.2-8 tons/hour
Power:22-315 kw
Aquatic Feed Extruder
The aquatic feed extruder is capable of producing floating, slow-sinking, and sinking aquatic feeds. By utilizing high-temperature and high-pressure extrusion molding, it enhances the degree of feed cooking and digestibility, making it ideally suited for high-end aquaculture applications.
Output: 0.5-12 tons/hour
Power:55-355 kw
RELATED SPECIFICATIONS AND PARAMETERS
Regarding aquafeed pellet making machines, we have designed eight different models with varying production capacities, ranging from 0.2 to 8 tons per hour. The specific models and parameters are listed below.
| Model | SZLH250 | SZLH320 | SZLH350 | SZLH420 | SZLH508 | SZLH558 | SZLH678 | SZLH768 |
| Main Motor Power(kw) | 22 | 37 | 55 | 110 | 160 | 185 | 250 | 315 |
| Feeder Power(kw) | 1.1 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 2.2 |
| Conditioner Power(kw) | 1.5 | 4 | 4 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Ring Die Inner Diameter(mm) | 250 | 320 | 350 | 420 | 508 | 558 | 673 | 762 |
| Finished Pellet Diameter(mm) | 2-12 | 2-12 | 2-12 | 2-12 | 2-12 | 2-12 | 2-12 | 2-12 |
| Capacity(T/H) | 0.2-0.4 | 0.6-0.8 | 1-1.4 | 1.5-2.5 | 2-3.5 | 3-5 | 4-6 | 5-8 |
For aquatic feed extruders, we have designed five models with varying capacities, ranging from 0.5 to 12 tons per hour. The specific models and parameters are listed below.
| Model | SPHS75*2 | SPHS120*2 | SPHS120*2 | SPHS150*2 | SPHS185*2 |
| Main Motor Power(kw) | 55 | 90 | 110 | 200 | 355 |
| Screw Diameter(mm) | 75 | 120 | 120 | 150 | 185 |
| Feeder Power(kw) | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 2.2 |
| Conditioner Power(kw) | 7.5 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Conditioner Specifications | DC400-244 | DC500-244 | DC500-244 | DC600-300 | DC600-300 |
| Differential Modulator Power(kw) | 11 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 15 |
| Differential Modulator Specifications | DC400*300-244 | DC500*400-300 | DC500*400-300 | DC600*500-300 | DC600*500-300 |
| Capacity(T/H) | 0.5-1.0 | 1.5-2.0 | 3.0-4.0 | 5.0-6.0 | 10-12 |
EQUIPMENT COMPONENT STRUCTURE
High-efficiency and stable aquaculture feed equipment relies fundamentally on a scientific and rational structural design. From raw material conveyance and conditioning to pelletizing or extrusion molding, the synergistic interplay among the various components directly impacts the quality of the feed pellets, production efficiency, and the operational stability of the equipment. An optimized equipment structure not only boosts production capacity and reduces energy consumption but also facilitates easier maintenance, thereby better meeting the diverse production requirements for various types of aquaculture feeds.
Feeding and Conditioning System
The feeding system utilizes a variable-frequency feeder capable of automatically adjusting the feed rate based on the moisture content of the raw materials. This effectively prevents blockages and ensures uniform feeding, thereby guaranteeing a smooth and uninterrupted pelletizing process. Furthermore, the equipment is outfitted with a dedicated conditioner and multiple auxiliary steam nozzles, which facilitate the thorough mixing and heating of the raw materials using steam until they are fully cooked. This process not only streamlines the pelletizing operation and improves pellet formation, but also enhances the digestibility and absorption of the feed by fish, shrimp, and crabs; moreover, the resulting pellets resist disintegration when submerged in water, thereby effectively minimizing feed wastage.
Core Components Of The Pelletizing Chamber
Taking the pellet mill as an example, the pelletizing chamber serves as the very heart of the entire machine, primarily responsible for the compression and shaping of feed pellets. Internally, it houses two critical components: the ring die and the press rollers. We utilize highly wear-resistant specialty materials to manufacture these components, enabling them to withstand the severe abrasion caused by high-protein raw materials such as fish meal. This not only helps you save on spare parts procurement costs but also prevents production delays that would otherwise result from component replacements. Furthermore, when switching between the production of different feed types—such as sinking feed versus floating feed—one simply needs to replace the ring die; the operation is remarkably convenient.
Power System
The power system serves as the “heart” of the machine. We utilize imported Siemens motors as our power source, capable of sustained, high-intensity operation over extended periods while delivering stable and reliable power output. Throughout the machine, we employ a multi-motor configuration to ensure that every operational stage receives reliable and stable power support. Furthermore, we have installed independent cooling fans to guarantee effective heat dissipation—even in high-temperature environments such as tropical regions—thereby preventing shutdowns caused by overheating and ensuring uninterrupted production continuity.
GLOBAL AQUAFEED PRODUCTION LINE CASES
RICHI operates globally and has successfully delivered numerous feed production projects across more than 140 countries and regions worldwide, covering a wide range of products including floating fish feed, sinking fish feed, shrimp feed, crab feed, and more.
Whether you aim to produce floating, sinking, or slow-sinking feed pellets—regardless of the raw materials you utilize or the location of your facility—we leverage our extensive practical experience to provide you with customized feed pellet production solutions. If you are interested in enhancing your production efficiency or resolving current operational challenges through the use of our production lines, please do not hesitate to contact us.
0.5–1 T/H Small-Scale Aquatic Feed Mill Project in Nigeria
The client primarily serves small-scale local aquaculture farmers; consequently, they prioritize equipment stability and the quality of the feed pellets above all else. Following the installation of the aquatic feed extruder, the pellet formation rate reached an impressive 99%, and the pellets demonstrated excellent water stability—resisting disintegration when submerged—thereby fully meeting the specific requirements of local farmers. Furthermore, the equipment is user-friendly; local workers were able to master its operation within just a few days, resulting in a significant boost in production efficiency. Currently, the client maintains a long-standing cooperative relationship with our company, regularly purchasing spare parts to ensure continued smooth operations.
- Configuration: 0.5–1 T/H aquatic feed extruder, ultrafine pulverizer, mixer, high-efficiency square sieve, belt dryer, coating machine, packaging scale, etc.
- Feed Type: Floating fish feed, sold to small-scale local aquaculture farmers.
- Main Raw Materials: Corn, soybean meal, fish meal, soybeans, peanut meal, etc.
1.5–2 T/H Aquatic Feed Mill Project in Côte d’Ivoire
The client primarily produces floating tilapia feed. Their previous equipment, suffering from severe aging, led to unstable output, substandard feed quality, raw material wastage, and frequent maintenance requirements. These issues escalated into several major operational crises, severely impacting production capacity and costs, and resulting in the gradual loss of a backlog of long-standing orders. After conducting extensive comparisons, the client opted to replace their machinery with RICHI equipment; consequently, all the aforementioned problems were effectively resolved. With the subsequent improvement in product quality, the client’s reputation has flourished; local aquaculturists have flocked to place orders, and the volume of incoming orders continues to grow steadily.
- Configuration: 1.5–2 T/H aquatic feed extruder, ultrafine pulverizer, mixer, belt dryer, coating machine, and packaging scale.
- Feed Types: Floating tilapia feed and sinking aquatic feed, distributed to markets in the surrounding regions.biomassgranulators, coolers, packaging scales, screening machines, transformers, etc.
- Main Raw Materials: Corn, soybean meal, cassava, palm kernel meal, rice bran, wheat bran, etc.
0.5–1 T/H Aquaculture Farm Project in Botswana
The client operates an aquaculture farm in Botswana, specializing primarily in tilapia farming. As the local aquaculture industry continues to expand, the client sought to establish an in-house aquatic feed production line to reduce farming costs and enhance the stability of their feed supply. In response to the growing local market demand for floating fish feed, the client ultimately decided to construct a 0.5–1 T/H aquatic feed production line capable of producing both floating tilapia feed and a certain quantity of sinking aquatic feed. The project design also took full account of local raw material availability—such as corn and soybean meal—to ensure that daily farming requirements are met and overall farming efficiency is enhanced.
- Configuration: 0.5–1 T/H aquatic feed extruder, batching equipment, ultrafine pulverizer, mixer, grading screen, etc.
- Feed Type: Floating fish feed; primarily for use at the client’s own aquaculture farm, with a small portion sold externally.
2–3.5 T/H Shrimp and Crab Feed Mill Project in Vietnam
The client for this project is located in a coastal aquaculture region of Vietnam and has long been engaged in the farming of shrimp and crabs. With the rapid development of high-density aquaculture models in the local area, the client’s demand for high-quality aquatic feed has steadily increased; consequently, they invested in the construction of a shrimp and crab feed production line with a capacity of 2–3.5 tons per hour. This production line is primarily dedicated to manufacturing high-protein shrimp and crab feeds, utilizing abundant local resources—such as fish meal, rice bran, and aquatic by-products—to ensure stable and efficient feed production.
- Configuration: Aquafeed pellet making machine with an output of 2–3.5 tons per hour, along with a complete aquatic feed production line.
- Feed Type: Sinking shrimp and crab feed.
ADVANTAGES OF RICHI MANUFACTURE
When selecting equipment, key criteria for consideration include production efficiency and capacity stability, feed pellet quality, energy consumption and operating costs, as well as equipment reliability and after-sales service. Consequently, we prioritize these very aspects during the design and manufacturing of our production lines, striving to provide clients with aquatic feed processing solutions that are highly efficient, stable, and precisely tailored to their actual production requirements.
High-Efficiency and Stable Production Capacity
Our equipment is powered by imported Siemens motors, ensuring a stable power supply that enables continuous, high-intensity operation over extended periods. The feeding system utilizes variable-frequency feeders to ensure uniform material input; this facilitates smooth and fluid equipment operation, effectively preventing blockages or interruptions in the feed flow, thereby ensuring overall production efficiency and stability.
Superior Feed Pellet Quality
Our feed molding rate reaches upwards of 98%. Furthermore, the feed has been specially optimized to suit the specific characteristics of aquatic diets; upon entering the water, it remains intact for 6 to 7 hours without disintegrating. This prevents contamination of the aquaculture water, minimizes feed wastage, and—most importantly—ensures that fish, shrimp, and crabs are able to consume it fully.
Low Energy Consumption and Operating Costs
Our aquatic feed pelletizers feature an optimized transmission structure and pelletizing system. While maintaining consistent pellet quality and production capacity, this design effectively minimizes the equipment’s operational energy consumption. Additionally, the machinery boasts a high raw material utilization rate and stable pelletizing efficiency, which reduces material wastage and daily maintenance expenses, thereby helping clients lower their overall production costs.
Reliable Quality, Comprehensive Service
We operate a manufacturing facility spanning over 60,000 square meters, staffed by dedicated technical and manufacturing teams who rigorously oversee equipment quality control. We also maintain professional pre-sales and after-sales service teams to provide comprehensive support—covering everything from initial consultation and design to factory construction, shipping, customs clearance, installation, and commissioning—offering you a complete, one-stop service solution.
AQUATIC FEED RAW MATERIALS
The production of feed for aquatic animals—such as fish, shrimp, and crabs—typically requires five major categories of raw materials: protein sources, energy sources, lipid sources, vitamin and mineral supplements, and functional additives.
Protein sources constitute the core ingredients of aquatic feed; common examples include fish meal, soybean meal, rapeseed meal, and peanut meal. Energy sources primarily provide carbohydrates and energy while enhancing feed palatability and pelleting performance; common examples include corn, wheat, rice bran, and wheat bran. Lipid sources are utilized to supply fats and energy, thereby accelerating the growth rate of aquatic animals; common examples include fish oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and phospholipid oil. Vitamin and mineral supplements serve to boost immunity, promote growth, and improve nutritional balance; common examples include vitamin premixes, dicalcium phosphate, limestone powder, and trace element additives. Functional additives are employed to improve digestion and absorption, enhance disease resistance, and maintain water quality stability; common examples include enzyme preparations, probiotics, feed attractants, antioxidants, and mold inhibitors.
Fish Meal
Wheat
rapeseed oil
Corn
Soybean Meal
limestone powder
More Raw Materials
Suitable For Various Types Of Aquatic Animals
AQUATIC FEED PELLETIZING PROCESS
Producing aquatic feed pellets requires not only a specialized aquafeed pellet machine but also a series of other essential steps. A complete aquatic feed pellet production line typically involves the following nine major stages, covering the entire process from raw material processing to finished product packaging. We offer customized design services to create highly tailored aquatic feed production lines that perfectly suit our clients’ specific operational requirements.
The process flow of a standard aquatic feed production line:
01
Clean Up Raw Materials
Raw materials undergo pretreatment to remove various impurities—such as stones, hemp ropes, and metal scraps—thereby preventing damage to processing equipment and ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the finished feed product.
02
Raw Material Crushing
All raw materials must undergo fine crushing to ensure that the resulting aquafeed pellets are compact and possess excellent water resistance; furthermore, finely processed materials are easier for aquatic to digest and absorb.
03
Batching and Mixing
An automated system is utilized to precisely weigh and proportion the various raw materials, followed by thorough and uniform mixing. This ensures consistent and stable nutritional content in every batch of feed, thereby eliminating the risk of nutritional imbalances caused by uneven mixing.
04
Steam Conditioning
High-temperature steam is applied to the mixed raw materials to facilitate their thorough cooking and gelatinization. This step is critical, as it directly determines the water stability of the feed pellets, as well as the digestibility and absorption rate of the feed by fish, shrimp, and crabs.
05
Extrusion and Pelletizing
The conditioned raw materials are compressed into feed pellets using a ring die and pressure rollers. The resulting pellets feature a compact, uniform texture and exhibit excellent water resistance.
06
Cooling
Freshly formed pellets emerge at a high temperature of approximately 80°C; they require subsequent cooling and setting to enhance their hardness and abrasion resistance.
07
Screening
While our pellet formation rate exceeds 98%, screening is performed to recover loose fines and broken pellets. This step ensures the quality of the finished product while simultaneously minimizing waste and reducing production costs.
08
Coating
Nutritional fortifiers—such as oils and vitamins—are uniformly sprayed onto the surface of the feed pellets. This process enhances the nutritional value and palatability of the feed, thereby stimulating the crabs’ appetite and encouraging consumption.
09
Finished Product Packaging
An automated packaging scale is used to pack the finished feed pellets according to specific weight and size specifications, facilitating efficient warehouse management and export logistics.
Auxiliary Equipment for AQUATIC feed production
Leveraging 30 years of experience, RICHI Manufacture provides expert technical support at every stage of production to optimize costs. We also offer customized production lines and standalone equipment tailored to specific client requirements, helping you maintain a leading position in the field of aquatic feed production.
Crusher
Pulverizes various raw materials to the appropriate particle size for pelletizing, ensuring high-quality pellet formation.
Mixer
Blends all raw materials uniformly, guaranteeing that every feed pellet is nutritionally balanced.
Cooler
Reduces the temperature of finished pellets, thereby enhancing their hardness and abrasion resistance.
Screening System
Separates formed pellets from unformed feed particles and recovers fines, ensuring the overall quality of the feed pellets.
Coating System
Uniformly applies various oils, palatability enhancers, functional additives, and other coatings.
Finished Product Packaging Scale
Automatically packages finished pellets according to specific specifications, facilitating convenient storage and transportation.
related aquatic feed production projects
The above provides a brief introduction to our aquatic feed pelletizing equipment and associated production lines. RICHI Manufacture offers customized design services for feed production lines. If you are interested in utilizing our equipment and production lines to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve higher returns, please feel free to contact us at any time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, you can first take a look at these answers.
Can this aquatic feed pelletizer produce both sinking and floating feeds?
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Yes, this equipment can produce both sinking feeds and—depending on specific processing requirements—partially floating or slow-sinking aquatic feeds. Typically, by switching to ring dies with different compression ratios and making corresponding adjustments to the feed formulation and processing parameters, various pellet characteristics can be achieved. Many of our overseas clients utilize this approach to effectively minimize equipment investment costs while simultaneously meeting a diverse range of production needs.
How long do the produced feed pellets remain stable in water? Can they meet export inspection standards?
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Given a sound feed formulation and proper processing conditions, the feed pellets produced by this machine exhibit excellent water stability, fully satisfying the normal feeding requirements of fish and shrimp. Currently, our equipment is widely utilized in numerous countries—including Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uzbekistan—where our clients’ products successfully meet the regulatory standards of both local markets and export destinations.
Is this machine difficult to operate? Can our local workforce, who may lack prior experience, learn to use it?
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This equipment features a user-friendly design with a straightforward operational workflow; operators can achieve proficiency after undergoing basic training. Our technical engineers provide on-site installation and operational training, enabling workers to operate the machine independently within just a few days. Even personnel with no prior experience in aquatic feed production can quickly master its operation.
How often do the machine’s wear parts need to be replaced? Are they expensive?
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Under normal production conditions, the ring die and press rollers typically last for several hundred to over a thousand operating hours; their specific lifespan depends on factors such as raw material hardness, feed formulation, and routine maintenance practices. We maintain a long-term supply of genuine OEM wear parts at reasonable prices, offering international express shipping services to ensure our clients’ production remains continuous and stable.
Can you assist us in formulating our aquatic feed recipes?
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Yes, we can provide you with preliminary formulation suggestions and processing guidelines tailored to your specific needs—based on the raw materials available in your local region and the target aquatic species you intend to cultivate—to help you expedite the launch of your production operations.
We are located overseas. If the machine malfunctions, can you provide timely support to resolve the issue?
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We offer comprehensive remote technical support services. For common issues, our engineers can typically assist clients in resolving problems quickly via video calls, photographs, or online guidance. In the event of more complex malfunctions, we will assess the situation and, if necessary, dispatch technical personnel to provide on-site service, thereby minimizing any potential downtime.
