Packaging forage for storage in plastic bags - by compression of chopped hay etc. into firm moist cake ready for consumption (BR 14.10.80)

摘要

A process and a machine for compressing vegetable matter, e.g. pre-chopped hay etc., into a moist cake which is filled into a package for storing as forage ready for direct consumption. The compression substantially reduces the air included in the vegetable matter and extracted some of its liq. producing a firm, pressed cake. The cake is filled into and sealed inside a moisture-proof container, partic. a plastic bag. The prod. ferments inside the container in conditions of controlled temp. and atmos. The machine pref. comprises a horizontal, cylindrical compression chamber with power-operated piston. The chamber is loaded with raw material via a vertical feed tube. After the compression, cake is discharged, either by gravity or by a vertical cam, into thermoplastic bags which are then heat-seamed. Used in prodn. of packaging forage for storage. Obviates the need for drying or ensilage. The cake is stored in moist condition, ready for immediate consumption when unpacked. The packages are easy to handle and to stack in store.