Steam has long been a vital component in the production of animal feed, playing an important role in a process known as conditioning. As part of the production process, steam is injected into the grain mixture in order to add both heat and moisture to the mixture, which provides several benefits.
The first is precision moisture and temperature control, which results in an ideal product consistency. Two little moisture results in a dry, flaking product, one that can crumble away. Conversely, too much moisture can result in a product that breaks down and clogs production lines, as well as quickly becoming susceptible to mold and rot.
Another benefit is that the steam acts as a form of contamination control, preventing the growth of any bacteria, fungus, or pathogens that may otherwise have a chance to develop, ensuring the health of the animals it will be feeding. This process also results in another procedure known as gelatinizing. Gelatinized feed, the result of ideal moisture levels, results in a product that is ideal for animal consumption, ensuring that the nutrients are more easily absorbed by the animal. This both stimulates growth and weight gain, as well as ensuring that as little nutrients pass through the animal in the form of waste as possible.
Clayton Steam Generators have been working in conjunction with the industry for well over 50 years. While a traditional firetube boiler may carry over slugs of water in its feed supply, Claytons precise temperature control and high steam quality ensure ideal conditioning and prevents equipment shutdown on the production line, regardless of firing rates or changing load conditions. Additionally, Clayton’s high efficiency design lowers fuel costs keeps facilities running at peak optimization.