Cost of a wrong decision

Why nominal TPH and real TPH are not the same

Short answer

Nominal tonnes per hour is a machine rating measured against a reference recipe, pellet diameter, moisture and conditioning condition chosen by the supplier. Real throughput in your plant depends on your formulation — fibre, fat, starch and mineral content — your smallest pellet diameter, available steam and conditioning retention time, raw-material variability and how often you change recipe. The difference between nominal and real output on the same machine is routinely material, which is why every guarantee and every comparison must name the recipe basis. Compare CAPEX per expected tonne per hour, not per nominal tonne per hour.

Two proposals quoting 10 t/h can deliver visibly different annual tonnage. Nothing dishonest has happened — they measured different things.

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What moves real throughput

Formulation: fibre, fat and starch levels change die throughput and conditioning behaviour
Pellet diameter: smaller diameters reduce output substantially
Conditioning: retention time and steam quality determine how the mash behaves in the die
Raw-material variability: moisture and bulk density shift grinding and mixing time
Recipe changeovers, flushing and cleaning between medicated and standard lines
Upstream and downstream limits: grinding capacity, cooler duty, bagging speed

How to fix it in the RFQ

Attach your design recipe, or the most demanding one, to the RFQ
State the smallest pellet diameter that must be produced at rated capacity
Require the guarantee to name recipe, diameter and moisture
Ask for the expected annual tonnage at your shift pattern, not just t/h
Define the performance test on the same recipe, with witnessing arrangements

Questions buyers ask

Should the guarantee be on nominal or real throughput?

On real throughput for a named recipe and pellet diameter, tested under agreed conditions. A guarantee on an unnamed reference recipe cannot be enforced meaningfully.

How do I estimate expected throughput before quotations arrive?

Use your product mix, smallest pellet diameter and shift pattern to set an operating model, and treat capacity planning tools as indicative planning inputs. Suppliers then confirm or challenge that basis in their proposals.

Continue the decision

How to compare feed mill quotations Before you request quotes for a feed mill Feed mill RFQ template Lifecycle cost calculator How to size feed mill capacity before quoting Aqua feed extrusion planning guides

Compare feed mill quotations on one scope

Write the requirement once and send the same document to every supplier you are considering, including one you already prefer. FeedMatch sells nothing and takes no part in the contract.

Compare feed mill quotations on one scope

Scope and neutrality

FeedMatch Group is an independent, supplier-neutral procurement platform. It does not manufacture, install or commission feed-processing equipment and is not an EPC contractor.
FeedMatch does not sell feed, ingredients, premixes or additives and does not act as a trader.
FeedMatch is not a bank, lender, credit provider or financial adviser. Financing, where relevant, is arranged by independent third parties.
Calculator outputs and planning ranges on this site are indicative inputs for your own evaluation, not quotations, nutritional advice or performance guarantees.