ANSI/ASAE S303.
4 SEP2007
Test Procedure for Solids-Mixing Equipment for Animal
Feeds
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ANSI/ASAE S303.4 SEP2007
Approved September 2007 as an American National Standard
Test Procedure for Solids-Mixing Equipment for Animal
Feeds
Proposed by the American Feed Association; approved by the ASAE 4 Standard test conditions
Grain and Feed Processing and Storage Committee; approved by the
Electric Power and Processing Division Technical Committee and the 4.1 Standard feed product formulas
Power and Machinery Division Technical Committee; adopted by ASAE 4.1.1 Batch mixers. The standard formula for testing the performance of
as a Tentative Standard December 1966; revised by the Animal Feed a batch mixer shall consist of a mixture of 98% ground shelled corn, U.S.
Processing Implements Subcommittee of the Power and Machinery Grade No. 2 of less than 14% moisture, (wet basis) and 2% sodium
Division December 1969; approved by the Electric Power and Processing chloride salt (see paragraph 13.1.1). The corn shall be ground to a
Division as a full Standard December 1969; reconfirmed December 1973, fineness defined by geometric mean diameter of 0.85 0.15 mm and a
December 1978, December 1983; revised December 1984; reconfirmed geometric standard deviation of 2.0 0.50 (see ASAE Standard
by the Food and Processing Institute Standards Committee December S319.1, Method of Determining and Expressing Fineness of Feed
1989; revised March 1991; reaffirmed December 1995, January 2001, Materials by Sieving). The salt shall have a geometric mean diameter of
December 2001, February 2003. Revised editorially March 2003; revised 0.45 0.10 mm and a standard deviation of 1.5 0.25. Formulations
September 2007; approved as an American National Standard in addition to the standard formula may be tested. The particle size
September 2007. distribution and density of all ingredients comprising more than one
percent of the formula, excluding any tracers, such as salt, shall be
Keywords: Feeds, Mixing, Solids-mixing, Test, Tracer
reported. The particle size distribution and density of each tracer material
shall be reported.
Alternately, colored iron particles or colored iron powder may be used as
tracer compounds instead of salt. In this case, the standard formula will
1 Purpose consist of ground shelled corn as in the paragraph above or a corn/
soybean base mash formula feed with the colored iron particles or the
1.1 This Standard is intended to: colored iron powder formulated as an ingredient to yield 50 grams per
1.1.1 Promote uniformity and consistency in the terms used to describe 2,000-lbs of feed.
and evaluate animal feed mixers.
4.1.2 Continuous mixers. Continuous mixers shall be tested using the
1.1.2 Provide a procedure for testing mixers which ultimately improves standard formula listed under paragraph 4.1.1. In addition, mixers
the quality of animal feed mixtures. designed for the application of molasses shall be tested using a mixture
of 80% wheat bran and 20% molasses mixture. The molasses mixture
shall consist of 95% cane blackstrap molasses having a Brix of 78 and
viscosity of 300 to 1000 mPas (300 to 1000 centipoises) at 43 C
(110 F) (method of measurement to be specified), 2.5% potassium
2 Scope chloride and 2.5% ammonium chloride. Mixers designed for mixing
2.1 This Standard is applicable to equipment used to prepare animal heated molasses shall be tested with the molasses heated to 43 C
feed mixtures and includes both batch type and continuous type. It (110 F) while those mixers designed for mixing unheated molasses shall
covers mixers intended for the addition of liquid ingredients as well as dry be tested with molasses at 20 5 C (70 10 F). The dry feed
ingredients. ingredients shall enter the mixer at 20 5 C (70 10 F). Other
2.2 Within the scope of this Standard, a mixer may include required formulations may be tested and the test report shall describe the
auxiliary equipment which would normally be required to operate the materials used, particle size and density of dry ingredients, and the
mixer. Auxiliary equipment for dry and liquid ingredients may include density and viscosity of the liquid at the temperature of addition.
feeders, surge bins, integral discharge augers, etc., but would not include 4.2 Mixer characteristics. A description of the equipment used should
normal conveying equipment used to convey material beyond the surge include the make, model, and serial numbers. The following
bins under quick discharge mixers. specifications shall be measured and reported:
4.2.1 Major vessel dimensions and total calculated volume. The
maximum and minimum working volume of the mixer, as stated by the
manufacturer, shall be reported.
3 Standard performance criteria 4.2.2 Any special modifications to mixer made for testing.
3.1 The following criteria are used to judge the performance of mixing
equipment: 4.3 Mass of each ingredient added shall be reported.
3.1.1 Uniformity of dispersion of the ingredients throughout the entire 4.4 Mixing conditions. The following information shall be reported:
batch or run. 4.4.1 Method, sequence, place and rate of adding each ingredient.
3.1.2 Time required for batch mixing. Note at what point during the charging cycle the mixer is started. For
3.1.3 Throughput (feed rate or discharge rate) of continuous mixers and continuous mixing, check feed rates prior to and following the test. Note
residence time in mixer. conveyors between feeders and mixer which may contribute to mixing.
3.1.4 Operating power or torque requirements for electric motors are 4.4.2 Mixing time in batch mixers or throughput and residence time of
applicable. continuous mixers.
ASABE STANDARDS 2007 ANSIASAE S303.4 SEP2007 1
5 Standard procedures 5.2.4.2 Internal probe sampling of batch mixers can be used to obtain
data to plot a curve for mixing time or to locate points of nonuniformity.
5.1 Mixer operations
Sampling should disturb the mixture as little as possible.
5.1.1 Batch mixing. The mixer shall be started and then filled with all
5.2.4.3 A sampling thief, of 25 mm (1 in.) or larger diameter adapted to
ingredients, other than the tracer material. The tracer is the last
withdraw about the sample size desired, should be inserted into the
ingredient added to the mixer. In horizontal mixers, the tracer shall be
batch with a minimum of disturbance, with the sample holes covered.
added to one end. In vertical mixers it shall be placed on the top of the
The holes should be covered after the sample is taken and before the
charge or at the point of normal charging. For a mixer that utilizes a
probe is withdrawn. Sample thieves may cause segregation and are not
charging screw or chute for filling, the mixer shall be filled with 95% of
well adapted to the sampling of mixtures containing large particles or
the ground shelled corn, the tracer shall be added, and then the
large amounts of liquids, such as molasses.
remainder of the corn shall be added. Mixing time shall start once the
tracer has been added, and end when discharge begins. Final results
shall be reported on the basis of at least 10 samples drawn at
approximately uniform time intervals during the mixer discharge.
Samples shall be drawn from the discharge stream, or the discharge
from surge bins if such equipment is included as a part of the mixer. 6 Methods of measurement
These samples shall be taken at the end of an uninterrupted mixing 6.1 Analysis of samples
cycle. At least three trials should be made and results reported
6.1.1 The samples shall be analyzed for level of salt, using a chemical
separately.
procedure. The value of the analytical error of the assay should be
5.1.2 Continuous mixing. A minimum of 10 samples shall be taken determined and included in the test report. Other tracers may be used,
from the discharge of the mixer during each of three test periods. A but the chemical component of the tracer material should not be found in
minimum test period should be at least three times and preferably more large amounts in other ingredients. An assay value showing the
than 10 times the average residence time of solids in the mixing background level of the active component of the tracer in the other
equipment. Continuous mixers are highly dependent upon the accuracy ingredient should be included for comparison. The mixing quality of a
of associated feeders. If such feeders are an integral part of the mixing molasses feed shall be assayed by assaying for chloride ion
device and if the mixer is intended for continuous, automatic operation concentration.
without the presence of an operator, it should be equipped with devices If colored iron particles are used as the tracer for the test, they will be
to stop the equipment when material flow from supply bins is interrupted determined by magnetically retrieving the particles from feed samples,
or reduced. The operation of such systems devices should be checked sprinkling them onto a filter paper wetted with the appropriate solvent
separately over an extended period of time, and the sensitivity in terms (50% ethanol when working with water soluable colors) and drying the
of ability to respond to a reduced feed rate should be reported. paper to fix the colored spots once they stain the test paper.
5.2 Sampling If colored iron particles are used, the variability inherent to Poisson
particle statistics must be accepted with an additional variability due to
5.2.1 Sampling batch mixers. If possible, samples should be taken analytical error added. A minimum of 100 tracer particles should be
from the discharge of the mixer by cutting through the discharge stream counted per sample analysis to yield a Poisson standard deviation of 10
of the mixer. If this is not possible, as in a drop bottom mixer, then and an inherent statistical coefficient of variation of 10%.
samples should be taken when discharged at the end of the If colored iron powder is used as the tracer for the test, it will be
recommended operating time of the mixer. If internal sampling is to be determined by magnetically retrieving the iron powder from the feed
done, samples should be taken which will represent a wide cross section samples, dissolving the dye from the powder and reading the color of the
of the mixer (e.g., three samples from various depths in each quarter of resulting solution on a spectrophotometer.
the length of a horizontal mixer).
6.2 Power measurements
5.2.2 Sampling continuous mixers. Samples should be taken at equal
time intervals during the mixer discharge. No samples should be taken 6.2.1 Input power (watts) to the motor should be obtained with a
until the mixer has been running for a period of at least twice the wattmeter or power meters having an accuracy of at least 5%. The
residence time plus time required to fill the mixer or has stabilized meters should have a response time of 1.5 s or less. Input power can
operating conditions. also be obtained by measuring energy for a 10 to 15 min time period and
then dividing the energy measurement by the time period. Output power
5.2.3 Sample size. At least 10 samples of about 0.5 kg (1 lb) should be
can be calculated by multiplying the input power by the motor efficiency
taken and assayed separately. In general, the size of samples should be
as taken from the motor manufacturers efficiency curve. The nominal
large enough to contain a minimum of 1000 tracer particles (the active
efficiency designation of the motor (National Electrical Manufacturers
ingredient which will be assayed). If this size of sample must be reduced
Association Standard), average running power requirements, and
for assay purposes, it should be ground before dividing to a fineness
method of measuring power should be reported.
which gives at least 1000 tracer particles in the assay sample.
6.2.2 Suitable torque meters may be used to measure the torque input
5.2.4 Sampling methods to the mixer when starting and under normal load. Torque and speed
5.2.4.1 Samples from the flowing discharge should remove a cross data may be reported in lieu of electrical power measurements after
section of the entire stream. Sampling the discharge will aid in locating converting to power requirements. The accuracy of the torque and speed
segregation effects caused by emptying. measurements should be reported.
2 ANSIASAE S303.4 SEP2007 ASABE STANDARDS 2007
7 Test report for feed mixer using standard formula 8 Augmented performance criteria
8.1 In many cases, when a mixer or mixing system is to be used to mix
materials whose physical characteristics are not similar enough to the
standard product formula, more extensive testing may be required.
Additional criteria which should be considered in evaluating the total
performance of a mixer or system include:
8.1.1 Particle size reduction of friable ingredients during mixing.
8.1.2 Time required for filling and emptying the mixer.
8.1.3 Possibility of contamination of the product by lubricants, metals, or
other materials.
8.1.4 Other equipment required such as ventilation.
8.1.5 Time required for cleanout.
8.1.6 Product loss during operation.
8.1.7 Effect of partial filling and overfilling on mixer performance.
8.1.8 Weight of residue left in the mixer after discharging.
9 Augmented test conditions
9.1 Feed characteristics. In addition to recording a complete
identification of each feed component, such as source, grade,
composition, and previous processing history, the following physical
properties shall be reported:
9.1.1 Particle size distribution.
9.1.2 Bulk density and specific density.
9.1.3 Moisture content and temperature of solid materials.
9.1.4 Density, viscosity, p H, and temperature of any liquids added.
9.1.5 Observations of any unusual particle shape, surface
characteristics, or electrostatic properties.
9.2 Mixer characteristics. A description of the equipment used should
include the make, model, and serial numbers. The following
specifications shall be measured and reported:
9.2.1 Major vessel dimensions and total calculated volume. The
maximum and minimum working volume of the mixer, as stated by the
manufacturer, shall be reported.
9.2.2 Dimensions, number and type of agitator and/or baffle
components, including end and side clearances between agitator, or
other moving parts, and body of mixer. Adjustments available.
9.2.3 Size, location and type of access and discharge openings.
9.2.4 Motor power and type of drive.
9.2.5 Vessel or agitator speeds in revolutions per minute and range of
speeds, if any. Direction of rotation of moving elements.
9.2.6 Means provided for assuring completeness of discharge.
9.2.7 Type, location and number of ingredient feeders (including liquids).
This does not include feeders to scale bins of batch mixers.
9.2.8 Details of equipment supports and vibration damping devices.
9.2.9 Specifications of any timing or other safety devices provided to
insure the uniformity of the finished product.
9.2.10 Schematic diagram of mixer.
9.2.11 Any special modifications made to mixer for testing.
9.2.12 Grounding devices supplied to discharge static electricity.
9.3 Charge mass and ingredient proportions
9.3.1 Mass and calculated bulk volume of each ingredient added.
9.4 Mixing conditions
9.4.1 Method, sequence, place and rate of adding each ingredient.
Note at what point during the charging cycle the mixer is started. For
continuous mixing, check feed rates prior to and following the test. Note
conveyors between feeders and mixer which may contribute to mixing.
9.4.2 Measured operating speed, r/min or m/s (ft/s).
ASABE STANDARDS 2007 ANSIASAE S303.4 SEP2007 3
9.4.3 Mixing time in batch mixers of throughput and residence time of
continuous mixers.
9.4.4 Visually note, if possible, any apparent changes in volume, points
of accumulation or uneven motion of the mass.
9.4.5 Average operating power required or if torque measurements are
made, the average operating torque may be reported.
9.4.6 Record ambient air temperature and relative humidity.
9.4.7 Mixing time before addition of liquids.
10 Augmented procedures
10.1 In addition to the procedures described in paragraphs 5.1.1 and
5.1.2, the following tests may be made and reported:
10.1.1 Trials should be repeated with the batch (including drum-type)
mixer loaded to 25, 75, and 110% of rated volumetric capacity and each
loading condition repeated during three trials. Note, in certain types of
mixers, it may not be possible to fill beyond 100% rated volumetric
capacity. In this case, mixers should be tested at maximum volumetric
capacity and this should be stated in the report. For part-load trials, only
assay results need be reported. A batch mixer may be sampled internally
by stopping it at intervals and removing probe samples. A plotted curve
of the results obtained may be used to select the optimum, or an
adequate mixing time. If such results are to be reported, three trials of at
least 10 samples per trial should be made.
11 Augmented residue data
11.1 After a test is complete, the equipment should be inspected and
thoroughly cleaned. The weight of material removed by brushing and the
amount of material removed by scraping should be recorded separately.
The location and weight of all major accumulations should be recorded
and appropriate tests made to identify the composition of the residue.
Consistent patterns of residual accumulation of one or more ingredients
should be reported.
If colored iron particles or colored iron powder has been used as the
tracer for the test, these can be magnetically retrieved from samples of
the following batch of feed. In this case, the sample weight taken and
analyzed should be increased by a factor of 10. For the colored iron
particles, instead of counting 100 particles per sample analysis, one
would then expect 1,000 particles if the sample was taken from the initial
batch. If 1% cross-contamination has occured, one would then expect to
find 10 tracer particles from the feed sample analyzed.
12 Augmented test report form for feed mixer using
standard feed product formula
4 ANSIASAE S303.4 SEP2007 ASABE STANDARDS 2007
B tolerance
The areas under the distribution curve, F ( Z ) for the indicated limits can
be taken from any standard table, and this area represents the probability
that any given sample will fall within the given tolerance.
13.4 F test for variances. It is frequently desirable to determine if there
is a statistically significant difference between the results obtained under
different operating conditions, e.g., mixing times. If the means of the two
sets of data are the same, then the F test may be applied to the
variances to determine if the degree of mixing is the same in both cases.
13.5 Sample calculations
13.5.1 Sample A
Number of Tracer Particles
13 Statistical concepts and tests
13.1 When dealing with a procedure where count is used for measuring Sample no. Value of sample X Value of ( X m ) 2
uniformity, the Poisson distribution is applicable. In procedures where 1 1.985 0.0204
chemical analysis are used, then a normal distribution is applicable. With 2 1.625 0.0471
a Poisson distribution, the standard deviation due to a small number of 3 1.715 0.0161
tracer particles in a sample is given by: 4 1.625 0.0471
S N
5 1.950 0.0012
6 1.800 0.0018
where 7 2.025 0.0337
8 1.950 0.0012
S standard deviation 9 1.800 0.0018
N number of tracer particles in sample 10 1.800 0.0018
11 2.025 0.0337
Variation due to this distribution is minimized by using samples 12 1.625 0.0471
containing more tracer particles. 13 1.915 0.0053
13.1.1 For design and development testing, it may be desirable to use 23.840 X 0.2583( X m ) 2
lower levels of salt which will meet the normal animal feed requirements.
The decreased levels of salt particles may be compensated for by using
a larger assay sample which will supply the same number of tracer
n number of samples taken in one test
particles.
13.2 Additive property of variances. Variances are additive and X measured value of each sample
include mixing, sampling and assay variations. If the variance of each of m mean value of all the samples taken
a number of variables is known, then S standard deviation of the samples, based on the normal
curve. 68% of all samples should fall within this range.
S 2 total S 21 S 22 ... S n2
CVcoefficient of variation
13.3 Coefficient of variation. The coefficient of variation given by: N number of tracer particles in one sample
X 23.840
S m 1.842
CV 100 n 13
m
X m 2 0.2583
where S2 0.0214
n 1 12
S 0.1464
CVcoefficient of variation
m mean value of all samples CV based on one standard deviation due to test sample measurement:
S standard deviation
S 0.1464
The coefficient of variation can be used to calculate the probability of a CV 100 1007.95%
m 1.8420
given percentage of samples falling within specified tolerance limits, if it
is assumed that the distribution of assay values is normally distributed. 13.5.2 Sample B
Assume that the distribution of assay values is given by f ( y ) with given CV based on one standard deviation due to the number of tracer
particles in test sample:
m and S . It is desired to ascertain the probability that a given sample will
fall within the range of (1 B ) m to (1 B ) m . A transformation can
be made to the standard normal distribution by: N 1350
ym B B 1 1
Z with corresponding tolerance limits Z CV 100 100
S CV CV N 1350
Bm Bm
or Z
S S 1
1002.72
where 36.74
ASABE STANDARDS 2007 ANSIASAE S303.4 SEP2007 5
13.6 Target coefficient of variation of the ASAE 11:771775.
The target coefficient of variation of the finished mixed product should be 3. Solids mixing equipment. Standard Testing Procedure. American Institute of
less than 1.5 times the coefficient of variation of the assay or analytical Chemical Engineers, New York, NY.
procedures used. 4. Herdan, G. 1960. Small particle statistics. Butterworths, London.
5. Freund, J. 1962. Mathematical statistics. Prentice Hall.
6. Pfost, H. B., et al. 1967. Factors affecting performance of feed mixers.
TRANSACTIONS of the ASAE 10:526-533.
7. Pfost, H. B. 1966. Statistical concepts for evaluating feed mixers. TRANS-
References ACTIONS of the ASAE 9:335337.
Cited Standard
1. Luhman, C. A. A. Aug. 15, 1955. Rapid potentiometric method for the deter-
mination of soluble chlorine in feeds. Association of Agricultural Chemists ASAE S319, Method of Determining and Expressing Fineness of Feed
Journal 38:76. Materials by Sieving
2. Lindstrom, H. R., et al. 1968. Farm feed mixer evaluation. TRANSACTIONS
6 ANSIASAE S303.4 SEP2007 ASABE STANDARDS 2007
