Improving Plant Efficiencies

Galen J. Rokey, Manager, Process Technology, Wenger Mfg., Inc., Kansas, USA

In today’s economic climate, the aquaculture industry is affected by many trends that are affecting plant efficiencies. Industry surveys indicate that energy usage and product safety are the major challenges facing the industry. Sustainability and environmental issues also are impacting aquaculture.

Several specific areas will be reviewed that favorably affect plant efficiency and can easily be implemented.

Trends in aquaculture that impact plant efficiency
A. Raw material costs
B. Market conditions
C. Energy and water conservation
D. Supply chain costs reduction
E. Automation
F. Labor costs
G. Food safety
H. Flexibility
I. Emissions control
J. Lean manufacturing

Specific areas to improve plant efficiency
A. Adjust process to use least cost energy source
B. Tighten product moisture variation off dryer
C. Recycle under-processed material
D. Extended service programs and line audits
E. On-line monitoring and control