Abstract: A pelleting die assembly includes a tubular die that is rotated by a quill flange. During rotation, particulate material inside the tubular die is extruded through extrusion holes by rollers inside the tubular die. The die is coupled to the quill flange by a flat, annular disc having one side attached to the die by bolts and an opposite side attached to the quill flange by other bolts. The bolts extend axially through the annular disc and face in opposite directions. The annular disc may include grooves to allow cyclic deflection of the die in a radially outward direction while reducing cyclic loading and strain on the quill flange.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for conditioning mash product in a conditioning vessel by mixing steam and water together using an injector housing located above the conditioning vessel. The steam-water mixture is added to a mash product within the conditioning vessel so that the mash product is brought to an optimal temperature and moisture content for making pellets from the mash. Steam is supplied to the injector housing and water is mixed with the steam by a spray nozzle located inside the injector housing. The water can be preheated by the steam outside the injector housing prior to mixing with the steam. The amount of steam supplied and the amount of water preheating can be regulated as a function of weather conditions and the starting temperature and moisture content of the mash.