After a shutdown, it's common to face material hardening and blockage in the wet Type floating fish feed making machine barrel and screw. This leads to production delays, equipment wear, and increased maintenance costs. Understanding the causes and solutions will help you minimize downtime and optimize equipment longevity.

I. Typical symptoms of hardening and clogging of materials in wet-type fish food making machines

Identifying blockage symptoms quickly allows for faster handling and reduced damage.

1. Main Blockage Symptoms After Shutdown

• Spindle resistance: After cooling, the spindle can't be rotated manually due to hardened material.
• Motor overload: Forced restarts cause a surge in motor current, tripping overload protection.
• Material clumping: Material inside the barrel and screw hardens and tightly adheres to metal surfaces.
• Difficult disassembly: Disassembly of the die head and screw becomes extremely hard, sometimes requiring destructive methods.

2. Accompanying Fault Symptoms

• Carbonized material: Residues on the barrel and screw surface cause scratches during cleaning.
• Material discharge issues: The machine cannot discharge material on the next startup.
• Equipment deformation: Components, such as the spindle or flanges, may deform under stress.
• Prolonged cleaning time: Cleaning time exceeds 4 hours, significantly raising maintenance costs.

📊 Summary Table: Symptoms of Blockage After Shutdown

 II. Core Reasons for Material Hardening and Jamming in Wet-Type Fish Feed Production Equipment

Understanding the root causes allows for more targeted solutions.

1. Serious Improper Shutdown Operations (Primary Cause)

• Failure to follow shutdown procedure: Power is cut off abruptly; material isn't discharged while running idle.
• Feeding not stopped: Leaving material in the barrel before shutdown results in hardened material.
• No cleaning while hot: Without rinsing with cleaning material (e.g., soybeans), the material hardens.
• Residual high-starch/oil material: High-starch/oil materials harden quickly when not properly cleaned.

2. Incomplete Cleaning and Storage Issues

• Superficial cleaning: Only surface cleaning done, leaving residue in the barrel and screw gaps.
• Long-term material accumulation: The die head and screw are not disassembled for deep cleaning, allowing material to accumulate.
• Humid storage conditions: Humidity encourages material hardening and mold growth.
• No regular rotation: Materials compact over time when the machine is stored for long periods.

3. Material & Process Factors

• High starch and oil content: Strong viscosity at high temperatures leads to solidification after cooling.
• Improper moisture control: Low moisture (<10%) makes materials more prone to clumping.
• Excessive pre-shutdown temperatures: Overheating before shutdown causes excessive material plasticization.
• Poor venting: Residual pressure in the barrel leads to compaction.

4. Lack of Maintenance and Management

• Absence of shutdown procedure: No consistent shutdown and cleaning practices, leading to material buildup.
• Neglected equipment inspection: Lack of regular checks for material accumulation.
• No anti-corrosion treatments: Failure to apply protective coatings for long-term shutdowns.

📊 Summary Table: Causes of Material Hardening and Blockage

III. Targeted Solutions for Unblocking and Preventing Material Hardening

Immediate Solutions for Jammed Material:

• Disconnect power immediately: Never force a restart; it can worsen the damage.
• Heat barrel to 80–100°C: This will soften the hardened material, making cleaning easier.
• Manual rotation: Use a scraper and soft brush to clean the material off the screw and barrel.
• Dismantling (if necessary): Soak barrel and screw in food-grade cleaning agents if manual cleaning is not possible.
• Inspect for scratches: After cleaning, check the barrel and screw for scratches or wear, and repair them.

Standardized Shutdown and Cleaning Procedures (Prevention Focus):

• Stop feeding 10–15 minutes before shutdown: Allow the wet Type fish feed pellet extruder machine to idle and drain all material.
• Rinse with cleaning material: Use soybeans or similar materials for 5–10 minutes while the machine is still hot.
• Thorough disassembly: Disassemble the die head and screw for deep cleaning.
• Compressed air: Blow out residual material from gaps and corners.

Storage and Long-Term Maintenance:

• Apply rust-preventive oil: Use food-grade rust inhibitors on the barrel and screw after cleaning.
• Seal barrel ends: Prevent dust and moisture from entering.
• Regular rotation: Rotate the wet Type fish feed pellet maker machine 1-2 times per month for machines stored over a month.
• Optimal storage conditions: Store in a dry, well-ventilated space with humidity ≤70% and temperature 5–35°C.

Long-Term Management System:

• Develop a shutdown checklist: Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for shutdown and cleaning.
• Train operators: Ensure proper operator training on shutdown procedures and cleaning protocols.
• Inspection logs: Maintain detailed records of each shutdown and cleaning.
• Preventive maintenance: Regularly inspect the condition of the barrel and screw and repair as needed.

📊 Summary Table: Solutions for Hardening & Blockage Prevention

Conclusion 

Material hardening and blockage in wet Type fish feed making machine barrels and screws occur due to improper shutdown procedures, incomplete cleaning, material characteristics, and storage conditions.

Effective solutions include:

• Standardizing shutdown procedures and cleaning practices
• Proper material handling (moisture control, pre-cleaning)
• Regular maintenance (inspect, rotate, and lubricate)

By following these steps, you can prevent material blockages, reduce maintenance costs, and improve operational efficiency.

FAQ

Q1: Why does material harden and block the wet Type fish feed pellet machine barrel after shutdown?

Material hardens because of improper shutdown practices, such as leaving materials in the barrel or failing to clean while the machine is hot.

Q2: What are the key causes of material hardening in wet Type fish feed pellet mills?

High starch/oil content, insufficient cleaning, and improper shutdown procedures are the main causes.

Q3: How can I prevent material blockages in the wet Type fish feed extruder machine?

Stop feeding before shutdown, clean thoroughly, and store in optimal conditions (dry and ventilated).

Q4: What's the best way to clean a jammed Type floating fish feed pellet extruder screw and barrel?

Heat the barrel, manually scrape and clean, and if needed, soak in food-grade cleaning agents.

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