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Precise pellet density control –

with lower energy and maintenance cost

 

The ANDRITZ Expansion Control System (ECS) V2.0 enables aquafeed producers to achieve stable, repeatable pellet density while significantly reducing compressed‑air use, energy demand, and long‑term operating costs.

The Challenge: Controlling sinking feed quality is one of extrusion’s biggest challenges

Producing high‑quality sinking fish feed requires precise density control. It is one of the most demanding tasks in aquafeed extrusion.

Without a dedicated expansion‑control system, producers often face:

  • Inconsistent pellet density

  • Frequent manual process adjustments

  • Reduced output when changing recipes

  • High energy use from compressed air

  • Increasing maintenance and spare‑part costs

In many operations, pellet density is controlled by adjusting water, oil, screw speed, or die configuration. These parameters are difficult to stabilize and often lead to higher operating costs over time.

The ANDRITZ Solution: Expansion control engineered to work with your extrusion process

Body text: ANDRITZ introduced expansion control to the aqua‑feed industry decades ago. ECS V2.0 builds on this expertise with a redesigned core concept and patented technology* developed for long‑term reliability.

(*Patent pending)

Early customer installations demonstrate:

  • Significant reduction in compressed‑air consumption

  • Lower maintenance effort

  • Stable, repeatable pellet quality

How it works (simplified, no over‑engineering)

Installed directly after the extruder die, ECS V2.0 creates a controlled pressure zone that limits pellet expansion as steam flashes off. The result is consistent sinking‑feed density — without constant manual tuning.

At the heart of the system is a newly designed airlock (patent pending), engineered to seal more effectively than conventional designs and drastically reduce air leakage.

Why ECS V2.0 makes a long-term difference

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Lower operating cost
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  • Significantly reduced compressed‑air consumption

  • Lower electricity demand from compressors

  • Reduced exposure to rising energy prices

Less maintenance, less downtime
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  • Fewer wear‑sensitive components

  • Lower spare‑parts consumption

  • Reduced maintenance intervention
Maximum flexibility
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  • Easy switching between sinking and floating feed via integrated bypass
  • Suitable for new installations or retrofit to existing extrusion lines
Consistent product quality
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  • Stable sinking‑feed density

  • Reliable performance across raw‑material variations

  • Same or better pellet quality than previous ECS solutions

ECS V2.0 is a robust investment designed to deliver value throughout the full lifecycle of your extrusion line.

Key benefits at a glance

  • Precise and repeatable sinking‑feed density

  • Lower energy consumption

  • Reduced maintenance and spare‑part needs

  • Easy switching between sinking and floating feeds

  • Strong lifecycle value

Sustainability built into daily operation

Lower compressed‑air consumption delivers more than cost savings.

By reducing energy demand from compressed‑air systems, ECS V2.0 helps aquafeed producers:

  • Lower your CO₂ footprint

  • Improve overall energy efficiency

  • Support long‑term sustainability targets

This makes ECS V2.0 a practical step toward more sustainable aquafeed production; without compromising performance or product quality.

Light bulb with energy curve going down

Light bulb with energy curve going down

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