5. Pelleting increases bulk density, particularly
on alfalfa, beet pulp, gluten feeds and other such
fi brous products. On alfalfa pelleting, for instance,
one can increase the bulk density by a ratio of
approximately 2 to 1. Densifi cation is, of course,dependent upon the characteristics of the product
being pelleted. In bagasse, a by-product of the
sugar extraction process, we see densifi cation
from 8 pounds per cubic foot to 32 pounds per
cubic foot. The advantages in storage and shipping
are self-evident: higher pay loads and reduced
bin requirements.
6. Round, densifi ed pellets have much better
handling characteristics, which simplify bulk
handling. Often it would be impractical to handle
ingredients in bins if they were not pelleted.
There are also instances where extremely free
fl owing ingredients will fl ood out of bins. Pelleting
these produces a form which can be easily controlled.