3-4 T/h Floating fish feed machine
Engineered for large-scale aquatic feed manufacturing with a capacity of 3,000–4,000 kg/h. Utilizing twin screw extrusion, it runs 24/7 and integrates seamlessly into automated feed production lines with crushing, drying, spraying, and cooling systems. It is the ideal solution for major feed plants.
Based on an 8-hour shift, this is the right choice for customers needing 24,000 kg (24 tons) or more of feed per day.
Overview of the 3-4 T/H Fish Feed Making Machine
3-4 T/H( 3,000–4,000 kg/h) — This means the daytime output can meet the feeding demand of hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of fish. This is not equipment for trial production lines or small-scale farming; it is the main model designed for aquatic feed processing plants with a daily processing capacity of over 20 tons.
The equipment is compatible with the production of both floating and sinking fish feed. The pellet diameter covers the range of 0.6 mm to 8 mm, corresponding to the particle size requirements for starter feed, grower feed, and adult fish feed at all stages.
This fish feed mill machine flexibly handles a wide range of common aquatic feed ingredients, including protein sources (fish meal, soybean meal, rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, peanut meal) and energy sources (corn flour, wheat flour, middlings, rice bran).
It is also compatible with non-conventional raw materials, offering a broad formula window to meet the specific nutritional needs of different species and growth stages.
fish meal
soybean meal
rapeseed meal
peanut
soybean
wheat
corn
rice bran
3-4 T/H Floating Fish Feed Machine Specifications
The floating fish feed machine with an hourly output of 3,000–4,000 kg is a twin screw extruder equipment. The overall structure of the machine is optimized for high-tonnage continuous operation.
The engineering positioning of this equipment is not to meet the basic requirement of “being able to discharge material”, but to achieve consistency in pellet quality, stability in operation, and controllability in unit energy consumption within the 3,000–4,000 kg/h capacity range.
Equipment Parameters
- Machine Type: Twin Screw Extruder
- Model: SPHS 120×2
- Brand: RICHI Machinery
- Series: SPHS
- Capacity: 3000-4000 kg/h
- Screw Diameter: 120 mm (φ120)
- Screw Quantity: 2
- Main Motor Power: 110 kW
- Feeder Power: 1.5 kW
- Conditioner Power: 11 kW
Application Scope
- Floating Fish Feed: For upper and middle-water fish (e.g., Sea Bass, Trout, Large Yellow Croaker, Grouper).
- Sinking Fish Feed: For bottom-dwelling and omnivorous species (e.g., Shrimp, Crab, Grass Carp, Carp, Tilapia).
- Special Aquatic Feed: For turtles, soft-shelled turtles, frogs, etc.
- Pet Feed: Dog food and cat food.
Pellet Size Range:
- Pellet Diameter: 0.6 mm – 8.0 mm
- Covers all stages: starter feed for fry, grower feed, adult feed, and broodstock feed.
Application Scenarios:
- Large and medium-sized aquatic feed processing plants
- Supporting facilities for large-scale aquaculture
- Toll processing for special aquatic feed
- Development and production of functional feed
Performance Features of Floating Fish Feed Extruder
During operation, the fish feed extruder delivers stable output and precise process control. It ensures thorough cooking and uniform expansion of materials, guaranteeing consistent pellet quality.
The equipment boasts strong raw material adaptability, handles diverse formulas, and supports long-term continuous operation. With overall stable performance and high product uniformity, it meets aquatic feed production needs of various scales.
1. High-Capacity Continuous Operation
- Rated capacity: 3,000–4,000 kg/h, meeting the needs of production lines with a daily output of over 100 tons.
- The structural design supports 24-hour continuous operation, ideal for industrial mass production.
2. Dual-Purpose for Floating & Sinking Feed
- The same machine can switch between floating and sinking feed production.
- By adjusting screw configuration, die structure, and process parameters, it precisely controls the expansion ratio and density.
3. Consistent Pellet Quality
- The pressure field in the die area is optimized, ensuring consistent flow across all die holes even under high-volume output.
- Pellets feature uniform length and neat cuts, with minimal diameter deviation within each batch.
4. High Cooking Level & Excellent Water Resistance
- Starch gelatinization is over 90%, promoting easy digestion and absorption by fish.
- Floating feed stays stable in water for ≥120 minutes, and sinking feed for ≥60 minutes, minimizing debris during transport and feeding.
5. Strong Formula Adaptability
- The screw combination is optimized for complex formulas with high fat, protein, and fiber content.
- It adapts to fluctuations in fish meal content and the addition of unconventional raw materials without compromising operational stability.
6. Modular Design & Easy Maintenance
- The quick-change die design reduces downtime during formula switches.
- Screws and barrels are made of wear-resistant materials, with a service life measured in tens of thousands of tons of output.
- Key components are easy to disassemble and install, facilitating daily cleaning and maintenance.
7. Automated Control
- Temperature, pressure, feed speed, and screw speed are monitored and adjusted in real time.
- Optional PLC control system and HMI interface are available to reduce manual intervention.
The Structure of the Floating Fish Feed Extruder Machine
Essentially, the structure of the fish feed extruder is designed around the continuous process of “conveying → compression → cooking → forming → expansion.” The entire machine features multiple functional modules that work in synergy, ensuring that raw materials are transformed from powder into expanded pellets in a short time.
It is not a single piece of equipment, but a system that highly integrates mechanical energy, thermal energy, and process control. Every structural module directly impacts the final feed quality and production efficiency.
1. Feeding System
Responsible for stably and continuously feeding the uniformly mixed raw materials into the barrel.
It typically uses variable frequency speed control, allowing the feed rate to be adjusted according to production capacity requirements to prevent material blockage or interruption.
2. Conditioning System (Exclusive to Wet Extruders)
Primarily used in wet extruders. By adding steam and moisture to the raw materials, it performs pre-cooking.
This significantly improves the degree of starch gelatinization and protein denaturation, making it a critical stage that determines feed quality.
3. Extrusion System (The Core Component)
Consists of the screw and the barrel. The screw is responsible for propelling, compressing, and shearing the material. The barrel provides a high-temperature, high-pressure environment.
During this process, mechanical energy is converted into thermal energy, achieving cooking and plasticization.
4. Heating System (Available for both Dry and Wet Models)
Used to assist in regulating the barrel temperature.
Dry Type: Primarily relies on mechanical friction for heating, supplemented by electric heating.
Wet Type: Primarily relies on steam heating, offering more precise temperature control.
5. Die System
Determines the final shape and size of the pellets. By changing dies with different apertures (e.g., 0.6–8 mm), various specifications of fish feed can be produced.
The cutter is responsible for cutting the continuously extruded material column into uniform pellets.
6. Cutting System
Installed at the die outlet. It controls the pellet length by adjusting the rotation speed, directly influencing the appearance and uniformity of the final product.
7. Drive System
Includes the motor, reducer, coupling, etc. It provides stable power output to the screw and is key to ensuring the long-term stable operation of the equipment.
8. Control System
Used for centralized control of equipment operating parameters, such as feeding speed, main unit speed, and temperature. High-end models can achieve automated control, improving production stability and consistency.
Fish Feed & Pet Food Extruded by Floating Fish Feed Machine
Backed by mature and stable extrusion technology and flexible formula adaptability, our fish feed extruder is capable of producing a wide range of aquatic feed and pet food.
From floating and sinking fish feed in various specifications, to pet food with uniform pellets and excellent palatability, we ensure stable forming and mass production.
Through precise control over expansion, pellet density, and appearance, the final products deliver optimal performance in water stability, palatability, and nutrient utilization.
Choosing Fish Feed Machines of Varying Output
Different capacities of fish feed machines suit different production scales. The selection depends mainly on your daily feed output, future expansion plans, and production model.
Small capacity is ideal for trial runs and basic farming; medium capacity suits feed mills with stable supply needs; large capacity is designed for large-scale, continuous industrial production. Choosing the right model effectively boosts production efficiency and reduces overall operating costs.
0.3-0.4 T/H Fish Feed Machine
- 8-hour output: 2,400–3,200 kg/day (2.4–3.2 tons/day)
- Ideal for: Small feed processing plants / Initial trial production / Basic formula production
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0.5-0.6 T/H Fish Feed Making Machine
- 8-hour output: 4,000–4,800 kg/day (4–4.8 tons/day)
- Ideal for: Small to medium-sized feed processing / Stable supply stage
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0.8-1.0 T/H Floating Fish Feed Extruder Machine
- 8-hour output: 6,400–8,000 kg/day (6.4–8 tons/day)
- Ideal for: Medium-sized feed mills / Commercial stable production
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1.5-2.0 T/H Fish Feed Extruder Machine
- 8-hour output: 12,000–16,000 kg/day (12–16 tons/day)
- Ideal for: Medium to large factories / Continuous production lines
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3-4 T/H Floating Fish Feed Machine
- 8-hour output: 24,000–32,000 kg/day (24–32 tons/day)
- Ideal for: Industrial large-scale feed mills / High-capacity projects
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5-6 T/H Aquatic Feed Machine
- 8-hour output: 40,000–48,000 kg/day (40–48 tons/day)
- Ideal for: Industrial large-scale feed mills / High-capacity projects
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The Complete Extrusion Process for Fish Feed
The extrusion process for fish feed is far more than simple shaping. It is a systematic engineering process comprising multiple stages: conveying, mixing, conditioning, extrusion, expansion, cutting, drying, and coating.
The process parameters of each stage—including temperature, pressure, moisture, and time—directly impact the final feed quality.
The following section provides a complete breakdown of this process chain, helping you understand how high-quality extruded feed is produced.
1
Raw Material Receiving & Cleaning
Receive various powdered raw materials (fish meal, soybean meal, corn flour, wheat flour, etc.). Use vibrating screens and magnetic separators to remove large impurities and metal foreign objects, protecting the safe operation of downstream equipment.
2
Grinding
Grind raw materials to over 80 mesh (fineness approx. 0.18mm). This ensures complete starch gelatinization and uniform protein denaturation during subsequent conditioning and extrusion. Grinding fineness directly affects the expansion ratio and water stability of the feed pellets.
3
Batching & Mixing
Weigh raw materials according to the formula ratio and feed them into the mixer. This ensures uniform distribution of all components, guaranteeing consistent nutrition in every pellet.
4
Extrusion & Expansion (The Core Process)
Feed the mixed material into the extruder. Under high temperature, high pressure, and high shear, the starch gelatinizes, proteins denature, and the material melts before being extruded from the die.
As the external pressure drops suddenly, moisture instantly vaporizes and expands, forming a porous, fluffy structure. This process simultaneously completes cooking, shaping, and sterilization, making it the critical step that determines the product’s palatability, shape, and quality.
5
Drying
The freshly extruded expanded pellets have high moisture content. They must be passed through a dryer to reduce the moisture to below 10%, making them suitable for storage and transportation.
6
Spraying
Dried pellets enter the coating machine, where heat-sensitive ingredients like oils, vitamins, and probiotics are added. Since these ingredients cannot withstand high temperatures, they must be added after extrusion and drying.
7
Cooling
The coated pellets are still hot and must be cooled to 3-5°C above room temperature using a counter-flow cooler. This also further removes surface moisture. The cooled pellets become crisp and hard, making them less prone to breakage and easier to package and store.
8
Screening & Packaging
Finished products pass through a vibrating screen to remove fine powder and irregular pellets, ensuring uniform particle size.
They are then weighed and sealed by an automatic quantitative packaging scale, ready for warehousing or shipment. The collected fine powder can be recycled back into the production line.
Standard Configuration List for the 800-1000 kg/h Fish Feed Production Line
The following is the typical equipment configuration list for this capacity range, helping you quickly understand the composition and functional layout of the entire line.
Cylindrical primary cleaning screen
Production: 1-25 tons/hour
Power: 30-160 kW
Removes large impurities like stones, ropes, and debris.
Hammer mill
Grinding fineness：0.5-20mm
Rotational speed ：2980 rpm
Uses high-speed rotating hammers to crush raw materials into the desired particle size.
Paddle mixer
Effective volume ：0.5-4 m3
Mixing amount per batch ：250-2000 kg/P
Thoroughly mixes multiple raw materials and additives according to the formula.
Belt dryer
Pellet Size ：6-8mm
Mesh belt width ：0.8-1.6 m
Uses continuous conveying to evenly dry formed materials, reducing moisture content.
Vacuum spraying machine
Matching production capacity:1- 15 t/h
Batch working time: 6 min
Uniformly sprays oil or functional liquids onto pellet surfaces under vacuum conditions.
Cooler
Drying area：13-58m2
Mesh belt width ：0.8-1.6 m
Uses counter-flow cold air to cool hot pellets.
Screener
Output: 2-50 tons/hour
Screen angle ：19°
Separates qualified pellets from powder, oversized, or undersized particles.
Packaging machine
Package range ：10-50kg/bag ( adjustable )
Packaging speed ：2-8 packs/minute
Automatically weighs, fills, and seals finished feed products.
RICHI’s Completed Aquatic Feed Plant Projects
With years of deep expertise in the R&D and manufacturing of fish feed equipment, RICHI has successfully completed numerous delivery projects worldwide.
From single-machine solutions for small-scale production to large-scale automated factories, we consistently build highly stable and cost-effective production systems for our clients, adhering to the standards of a professional fish feed machinery manufacturer.
Below are some of our project cases that have been commissioned and are operating stably long-term, helping you to more intuitively understand our capabilities and delivery capacity.
DRC Fish Feed Plant
Capacity: 1 t/h
Region: DRC, Africa
Application: Feed production for Tilapia and Catfish.
Pellet Size: 1.5-6 mm fish feed pellets.
Iranian Fish & Shrimp Extruded Feed Production Line
Capacity: 2 t/h
Region: Iran, Asia
Application: Feed production for fish and shrimp.
Pellet Size: 1-8 mm feed pellets. Learn More
Indonesian Shrimp Feed Pellet Production Line
Capacity: 2 t/h
Region: Indonesia, Asia
Application: Feed production for shrimp
Pellet Size: 0.6-8 mm
Malaysia Animal Feed Processing Plant
Capacity: 1-3 t/h
Region: Malaysia, Asia
Application: Feed production for Tilapia, Catfish, Grouper, Shrimp, as well as Chicken and Duck.
Pellet Size: 1-8 mm for fish/shrimp; 2-5 mm for chicken/duck.
Vietnam Aquatic Feed Processing Plant
Capacity: 4 t/h
Region: Vietnam, Asia
Application: Feed production for Tilapia, Catfish, and White Shrimp.
Pellet Size: 0.8-5 mm for fish; 0.8-2 mm for shrimp.
Turkish pet food and floating fish feed production line
Capacity: 1 t/h
Region: Turkey, Asia
Application: Feed production for trout, bass, and snapper; pet food pellets
Pellet Size: 5-8 mm fish feed; 2-6 mm cat, dog food pellets.
FAQ About Fish Feed Machine
If you have any questions about extruders or feed production, you can first take a look at these answers.
1. Can this machine produce both floating and sinking feed? Do we need to change any parts?
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Yes, absolutely. By adjusting process parameters such as the formula, conditioning temperature, and screw speed, the same machine can switch between floating and sinking pellets. Floating feed requires a higher expansion rate, which is achieved by adjusting the steam input and screw configuration—no major parts need to be replaced. However, for frequent switching, we recommend having different dies (ring molds) to ensure the best forming quality.
2. What is the pellet size range achievable by changing the die?
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By changing the die with different hole diameters, our fish feed machine can produce pellets ranging from 0.8mm to 14mm.
The 0.8mm to 1.5mm size is suitable for fry and shrimp starter feed; the 1.5mm to 4.0mm size applies to Tilapia and Shrimp; the 4.0mm to 8.0mm size is ideal for adult fish and frogs; and the 8.0mm to 14.0mm size is suitable for cat and dog pet food. One single fish feed machine covers a wide range of applications, from small-scale aquaculture to pet food production.
3. Can this fish feed pellet machine be used alone, or does it require other equipment?
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The machine can operate independently. You can feed the pre-mixed powder directly into the extruder to produce expanded pellets.
However, if you want to produce shelf-stable finished feed, you need to add drying and cooling equipment. If you are processing from raw ingredients, you will also need a grinder and mixer. We offer complete turnkey solutions, providing all equipment—grinding, mixing, extruding, drying, cooling, and packaging—to help you build a full production line from raw material to finished product.
4. Is professional training required to operate this machine?
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No. The machine features a variable frequency feeding system and an intuitive control panel. Key parameters (temperature, speed, cutter position) are clearly marked. An ordinary worker can master daily operations like starting, production, and stopping after just 1-2 days of video training. We provide detailed English manuals and operation videos. We also offer online support for overseas customers.
Explore Complete Aquatic Feed Pellet Machine
Begin production at 0.3T/H, starting from just $7,500. Versatile in handling multiple formulations and ingredients, it delivers uninterrupted
manufacturing of aquatic feed, pet food, and animal feed pellets – all with reliable, consistent buoyancy control.
Company Profile
Founded in 1995, RICHI Machinery Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of feed machinery processing equipment and complete plant engineering, primarily focused on the feed machinery industry. We specialize in animal feed pellet mills, aquatic feed pellet mills, wood chip pellet mills, grain storage systems, and steel structure buildings. The research and development and production of aquatic feed pellet mills are a crucial component of our business.
In the aquaculture field, we offer complete production lines including fish/shrimp/crab feed pellet machines, feed extruders, crushers, mixers, dryers, coating systems, coolers, sieving equipment, and fully automatic packaging systems. We can customize efficient and energy-saving feed production solutions for customers according to the needs of various aquatic animals and pets.
300+
We have helped build hundreds of shrimp/fish feed production lines from scratch.
140+
Our feed pelletizing equipment has been sold to 140+ of the 200+ countries and regions in the world.
1000+
We now offer our related services to so many feed producers worldwide.
International Certification
All our equipment has passed ISO9001:2008, CE, CU-TR and other certifications.
We are a top maker and supplier of machines for shrimp/crab/fish feed and pet food.
For many yearsour shrimp/fish feed equipment have reached the USA, Canada, Russia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, lran, Indonesia, Romania, Angola, Pakistan, Ethiopia, the UK, etc.
