Drum food coating machine

for the food industryfor fish

Overview
Increase energy content and improve incorporation of liquids into porous feed products such as shrimp and fish feed, pellets, extrudates, poultry feed and pet food. The KAHL vacuum coater applies approximately 4–40% oil to extruded fish feed and is used in production of dog and cat food and in compound feed applications. The process enables defined addition of liquids and protection of heat-sensitive additives.

Working principle and applications
After production of extrudates, pellets or other porous products, the KAHL vacuum coater applies one or more liquids under vacuum. The product is sprayed while under vacuum; upon controlled vacuum release the liquid is drawn into internal pores, filling nearly all voids. Sequential application of multiple liquids allows an inner liquid to be encapsulated by a second, facilitating additive protection or taste masking. The process is performed post-production, enabling precise dosing of heat-sensitive ingredients.

Process sequence

• The drum is charged with the product to be processed.
• Weighing and proportioning are performed by high-precision load cells integrated into the coater.
• The drum swings into working position and a vacuum is applied.
• One or more liquids are sprayed onto the product while under vacuum.
• The vacuum is released in a controlled manner so liquids are forced into the product pores.
• The drum pivots downward to ensure complete emptying.
• For cleaning and inspection the drum can be fully pivoted to the rear for best access.

Design / Integration
The vacuum coater features a compact design for straightforward integration into existing production lines and allows easy access for maintenance and cleaning.

Applications & benefits

• Fish feed: targeted application of 4–40% oil to extrudates.
• Pet food (dog & cat): improved incorporation of liquids for product quality.
• Compound feed (e.g. poultry): increase energy content and reduce use of high-fat raw materials.
• Sequential liquid application for protection of sensitive additives or taste masking.
• Suitable for extrudates with larger pore volume and porous pellets.

Characteristics / technical specifications

• Process type: Vacuum coating of liquids onto porous feed products.
• Liquid application: one or more liquids can be sprayed sequentially.
• Typical oil addition (example for fish feed): approx. 4% to 40% depending on feed type.
• Weighing & proportioning: integrated high-precision load cells.
• Drum motion: drum swings into working position for vacuum and pivots downward for complete emptying.
• Cleaning/inspection: drum can be fully pivoted to rear for best access.
• Compact machine design for easy integration into existing lines.
• Suitable product types: shrimp and fish feed, pellets, extrudates, poultry feed, pet food.
• Capability to protect heat-sensitive additives by post-production application.