Routing Equipment in Feed Mills | Atlas Yem

Routing Equipment in Feed Mills: The Silent Manager of the Production Line

Routing equipment in feed mills are critical components that ensure the product flows to the right line, at the right time, and in the right quantity — from raw material intake all the way to final packaging. Since 2002, Atlas Yem has been integrating these components into complete feed production lines under ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing standards.

What Is Routing Equipment in a Feed Mill?

Routing equipment in feed mills consists of components such as gates, valves, diverters, rotary valves, and connectors. These devices direct, distribute, or shut off product flow from one point to another within the feed line.

Across a production line spanning crushing systems, pelletizing units, screening systems, and storage silos, a single routing failure can bring the entire line to a halt. This is why correctly selected and quality-manufactured routing equipment is one of the cornerstones of feed mill efficiency.

Which Routing Equipment Is Used in a Feed Mill?

In Atlas Yem's feed technology portfolio, routing equipment is designed to work in integrated synchronization with transport systems. The key equipment types are as follows:

At Which Points in the Production Line Is Routing Equipment Used?

In Atlas Yem's integrated feed mill approach, routing equipment directly interfaces with four of the 11 main sub-system categories:

Integration with Transport Systems

Elevators, chain conveyors, and pneumatic transport lines move the product from one point to another. Routing equipment creates junction points on these lines, determining which silo or process unit the product will go to.

• Crushing system outlet → Routing to mixing unit
• Pre-pelletizing dosing → Transferring raw material mix to the process line
• Pellet press outlet → Transition to screening and cooling system
• Pre-packaging → Product transfer to dosing unit

Integration with Storage Systems

Controlled product draw from silos and hoppers is one of the most critical functions of routing equipment. Hopper outlet valves and rotary valves transfer product to the process line at a defined flow rate and sequence. Without this control, ration preparation accuracy — and therefore pellet quality — cannot be maintained.

Integration with Screening and Ventilation Systems

A portion of the product exiting the screening systems is routed to the recycling line, while the rest goes to the packaging unit. Atlas Yem's recycling technologies — the Shedder, Trommel Sieve, Recycling Crusher, and Package Opening Machine — cover the points where this flow is managed.

Integration with Flake Technologies

Correctly routing grain before it enters the Steam Chest unit and at the Flaking Mill outlet directly impacts flake quality. Atlas Yem's PLC and SCADA-integrated control infrastructure supervises these routing points with digital precision.

What Should You Consider When Selecting Routing Equipment?

Incorrectly specified routing equipment leads to costly problems such as clogging, product contamination, and unplanned downtime. Atlas Yem engineers evaluate the following criteria for every project:

• Product type: Different valve and gate geometries are required for pellets, granules, powders, or liquid additives.
• Line pressure and flow rate: Pressure-rated rotary valves are essential in pneumatic transport lines.
• Hygiene requirements: Stainless steel interior surfaces are mandatory for products such as meat-bone meal or milk powder.
• Automation integration: PLC-controlled actuators allow real-time intervention on the production line, unlike manual valves.
• Ease of maintenance: Quick-release gates and flanged connections minimize maintenance downtime.

Why Is Atlas Yem Routing Equipment Different from Other Manufacturers?

Atlas Yem does not simply manufacture routing equipment — it integrates these components to operate in full synchronization with the entire feed line. This holistic engineering approach makes it possible to keep the return on investment below the industry average.

• ISO 9001:2015 certified production: Every component passes documented quality control.
• 20+ years of field experience: Data from over 1,000 feed mill projects feeds back into equipment design.
• Energy optimization: Correctly sized routing equipment eliminates unnecessary pressure drops, reducing line energy consumption by up to 20%.
• PLC/SCADA-compatible smart automation: All routing points can be monitored and managed from a central control room.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

1. Can a feed mill operate without routing equipment?

Technically possible in small, single-line systems to a limited extent; however, as capacity grows and product variety increases, routing equipment becomes indispensable. In multi-line and multi-product feed mills, ration accuracy and production continuity cannot be maintained without routing equipment.

2. What is the difference between a rotary valve and a discharge gate?

A rotary valve controls product flow at an airtight transition point and is used primarily at the start and end of pneumatic transport systems. A discharge gate routes product from one line to another via gravitational flow and is preferred in non-pressurized systems.

3. Does Atlas Yem integrate routing equipment into turnkey feed mill projects?

Yes. In Atlas Yem's turnkey feed mill projects, routing equipment is designed and commissioned together with transport systems, storage units, and process lines. All components are integrated into the PLC/SCADA infrastructure to enable centralized management.

4. How often should routing equipment be maintained?

While it varies depending on usage intensity and product type, the general guideline is to inspect rotary valves and gates every 3 months and replace sealing elements (seals, gaskets) annually. Atlas Yem provides customers with a maintenance schedule and protocol documentation after commissioning.

5. Does routing equipment affect pellet quality?

Yes, indirectly but critically. A valve that incorrectly routes raw material before dosing will distort the ration composition and reduce pellet homogeneity. Atlas Yem's precision routing solutions guarantee the flow control needed to maintain Pellet Durability Index (PDI) values.

People Also Ask - PAA

What does routing equipment do in a feed mill?

Routing equipment — gates, valves, and diverters — directs material flow to the correct line and in the correct quantity at every stage of production, from raw material to finished product. It directly affects production continuity and ration accuracy.

What equipment is essential for feed mill setup?

Crushing systems, mixing units, pelletizing systems, screening systems, transport and routing equipment, and storage units are the fundamental building blocks of a feed mill. Atlas Yem engineers all 11 sub-systems on a turnkey basis.

Which routing equipment is used in a pneumatic transport line?

Rotary valves and airlock valves are the most common routing components in pneumatic transport lines. In these pressure-driven systems, airtight integrity is of critical importance.

What feed mill equipment does Atlas Yem manufacture?

Atlas Yem produces pelletizing systems, crushing systems, mixing systems, screening systems, dosing units, packaging units, ventilation systems, transport systems, routing equipment, storage systems, liquid additive equipment, flake technologies, and recycling technologies.

How is energy efficiency achieved in a feed mill?

Correctly sized routing equipment prevents unnecessary pressure drops across the line. Atlas Yem's new-generation motor drives and optimized mechanical designs reduce overall line energy consumption by up to 20%.

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