Abstract: The outer periphery of a pelletizer barrel is devoid of obstructions allowing the number, location and size of vents to be maximized, thereby improving the flow rate of gas being vented from the interior chamber, allowing increased efficiency in and of production of pellets. Screens on the vents are disposed adjacent the inner surface of the barrel sidewall, reducing the volume within which snow can accumulate, thereby avoiding reduction in the venting of gas from the interior chamber resulting from snow accumulation in the vent passageways.