Background:
A very simple machine (Hand operated) for making UMMBs has been conceptualized and developed by ICAR-IVRI. The principle of class II lever has been used for multiplying human efforts. This machine is about 6 times more efficient than the crude manual method in vogue (i.e. using the wooden mould and pressing directly by labour’s own weight), for making UMMB. The machine has a robust frame with four legs and the main body made of rectangular Hallow MS pipes. The Die is made of heavy-duty 3mm MS Flat, where approximately 250x140x80mm size finished UMMBs are made having a compaction ratio of 3:1. A safety device in the form of helical spring has also been provided to control the degree of compactness, and also to safeguard Die plates from distortion due to possible extra force applied inadvertently beyond the due requirement. In order to mitigate the deficiency of nutrients in ruminant diets to greater extent for bringing improvements in the production and reproduction performance of ruminants, a complex of urea, cane molasses, minerals and vitamins in shape of blocks (Urea Molasses Mineral Blocks; UMMB) have been developed through the application of a novel cold process compacting technology. These UMMBs are prepared efficiently by Feed Block Making Machine. Technology Details:
For preparing UMMB a compression force is required, which was produced by a simple class II lever arrangements, suitably used in this machine. The Die consists of two parts namely female Die i.e. Box and Male Die (Load Plate). The female box Die measuring 250x150x150mm is opened at the top side for material loading and has arrangements for opening/closing at the bottom side for compaction of the raw materials and discharge of finished UMMBs. The lever arm (1350mm long) is hinged at one end and effort is applied at the other extreme end. The load point has been kept 240mm away from the hinge end. The force is applied through male Die fitted (hinged) with lever arm at a distance of 240mm from the hinged end. The safety spring is located on the mainframe between the load point and effort point at a distance of 665mm from the hinged end. The position of the spring can be adjusted and thereby the degree of compactness of the finished product is regulated. The spring acts as an indicator for the application of optimum human efforts and also as a shock absorber. The raw material (2.5kg) is filled in the female Die box from the top open-end side while the bottom end is made closed with the help of heavy-duty replaceable bottom plate of the female Die. Now, this mixture is compressed with the help of male Die hinged in the lever arm by applying human efforts at the far end of the lever arm until it touches the safety spring. At this point the mixture is said to be compressed up to the desired degree and block is formed. Now the female Die is opened from the bottom by removing bottom plate, the lever arm is further pushed downward such that safety spring is also compressed slightly and prepared UMMB has pushed further downwards such that it comes out of the female Die Chamber and placed above the retainer plate kept further below. The prepared UMMB is removed from the machine for drying/conditioning, packing, labeling and marketing and the next cycle of operation commences again.