Mathematical modeling and optimization of the granulation process of biomass-based products with potential applications in the feed and food industries

This study aimed to develop and validate a mathematical model for optimizing the granulation process of compound feed for cattle, with a focus on minimizing pellet crumbliness and specific energy consumption. A two-factor central composite design was used to evaluate the effects of feed mixture moisture, granulation temperature, steam pressure, and energy input. The crumbliness index was selected as the primary quality indicator. Experimental data were processed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and Statistica 10, and model adequacy was assessed using Fisher’s criterion. The resulting second-degree polynomial models enabled the prediction of optimal granulation parameters: a moisture content of 18.9%, a steam pressure of 0.31 MPa, and an energy consumption of 8.3 kWh/t, corresponding to a pellet crumbliness of 22%. The application of mathematical modeling proved effective in enhancing product quality by enabling real-time control of key technological factors. These findings support the use of optimized granulation parameters in industrial feed production to improve efficiency and reduce material losses.