K-Tron Feeder Group

The K-Tron Feeder Group has developed a recipe optimization tool processors can use to minimize total ingredient cost. The Microsoft Excel-based FeedSmart Recipe Optimizer tool exploits permitted variations in a recipe’s ingredient proportions to engineer maximum savings on material costs. Users simply enter current recipe proportions for each ingredient being fed, along with cost per ingredient, ingredient feeder setpoint tolerance range — based on product quality requirements, expected feeding accuracy for each feeder/ingredient and production data such as hours of production per year. Working within each ingredient’s permitted range of proportions, the FeedSmart utility strategically replaces expensive components with lower-cost ingredients, minimizing total ingredient cost. Optimized recipe proportions are automatically computed along with projected savings.Savings associated with improved feeder performance may also be calculated, enabling comparative return on investment analyses connected to feeder purchase. Designed for any multi-ingredient continuous process application, the utility works in all currencies and weight units for recipes of up to six ingredients. Results can be exported for use in other spreadsheet or database programs. FeedSmart is available for download free of charge at www.ktron.com/cutcosts.