What Are The Typical Load And Pressure Values For Pelletizing Milk Powder? Optimize Your Food Research Compaction

For pelletizing milk powder, typical processing parameters involve applying a load of 4.0 tonnes within a 32 mm diameter die, resulting in a pressure of approximately 31 MPa.

This relatively low pressure is distinct from general industrial pelletizing, which often requires significantly higher forces to achieve cohesion.

Core Takeaway Milk powder requires a "gentle" compaction approach compared to other materials. While standard industrial pellets often demand pressures exceeding 700 MPa, milk powder is successfully pelletized at roughly 31 MPa, placing it closer to the category of powder densification rather than high-impact compaction.

Specific Parameters for Milk Powder

The Standard Load and Pressure

When working with a 32 mm diameter die, the established benchmark for milk powder is a load of 4.0 tonnes.

This load configuration generates a resulting internal pressure of 31 MPa. This value is the critical target for achieving a stable pellet without compromising the integrity of the milk solids.

Comparison to General Densification

The pressure required for milk powder (31 MPa) aligns closely with general powder densification processes.

For context, the densification of generic powders and pastes in a 13 mm die typically utilizes a load of 0.5 tonnes, yielding a pressure of 37 MPa. This similarity suggests that milk powder pelletizing is fundamentally a densification process rather than a high-pressure forging process.

Contextualizing High-Pressure Applications

Standard vs. Mini Pellets

It is vital to distinguish milk powder requirements from those of hard, standard-sized pellets.

Creating standard pellets in a 13 mm die can require loads as high as 10 tonnes, resulting in massive pressures of 739 MPa. Similarly, mini pellets (7 mm die) may utilize 2.0 tonnes of load to achieve 500 MPa.

The Magnitude of Difference

The disparity is stark: standard pelletizing pressures (500–739 MPa) are roughly 15 to 20 times higher than those used for milk powder.

Applying these high industrial pressures to milk powder would likely be excessive and detrimental to the product's quality.

Understanding the Trade-offs

The Risk of Over-Compaction

Applying excessive pressure (e.g., approaching the 500+ MPa range) to organic food products like milk powder often leads to negative outcomes.

High pressure can cause plastic deformation that makes the pellet too hard to dissolve or disperse effectively in water.

Equipment Capabilities vs. Product Needs

While pelletizing machinery is capable of delivering high tonnage (up to 10 tonnes in small dies), utilizing the machine's full capacity is rarely the right choice for milk powder.

Operators must resist the urge to increase load simply to "improve" pellet durability, as the target pressure of 31 MPa is sufficient for the material's specific characteristics.

Making the Right Choice for Your Goal

When configuring your pelletizing press, consider the end-use of the material to determine the correct pressure range.

If your primary focus is milk powder integrity: Aim for a target pressure near 31 MPa (approx. 4.0 tonnes in a 32 mm die) to ensure the pellet remains soluble and chemically stable.
If your primary focus is general powder densification: Target a similar low-pressure range of 37 MPa (approx. 0.5 tonnes in a 13 mm die) to reduce volume without creating a rock-hard solid.
If your primary focus is creating durable, hard industrial pellets: You will need significantly higher forces, aiming for 500–739 MPa, but this is generally unsuitable for food powders intended for rehydration.

Correctly calibrating your load to the material properties is the difference between a usable product and a solid, insoluble waste block.

Summary Table:

Material/Application	Die Diameter (mm)	Applied Load (Tonnes)	Pressure (MPa)	Purpose
Milk Powder	32 mm	4.0	31	Soluble Pelletizing
General Densification	13 mm	0.5	37	Volume Reduction
Mini Pellets	7 mm	2.0	500	Industrial Hardness
Standard Hard Pellets	13 mm	10.0	739	Maximum Durability

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