Steam Chamber

Commonly used in feed mills for corn, barley, and sorghum, the tower raises moisture to 18–20% and temperature to ~100°C in 45–60 minutes

Steam Chamber for Steam-Flaked Corn | Vertical Conditioning Tower

Steam Chamber is a six-level steam distribution system and counter-current flow ensure uniform heat and moisture penetration for every kernel.

Specifications
Photos
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Overview

Who uses it, what it does, and why it pays.

Summary

  • Uniform, first-pass conditioning for stable flake quality and lower cost per ton.
  • The Steam Conditioning Tower prepares grain for flaking by combining controlled retention time with balanced, counter-current steam addition. Six internal steam-balancing tiers distribute low-velocity steam evenly through the moving bed so kernels heat and hydrate uniformly from bottom to top. After ~1 hour, moisture rises from 16–18% at inlet to 18–20% at discharge and temperature reaches ~100°C—ideal for precise roll-gap flaking and predictable starch gelatinization (65–78% adjustable).

Applications & Materials

  • Applications: Ruminant feed production (dairy & beef), integrated feed mills, ranch feedlots, grain preparation lines ahead of roller flakers.
  • Materials: Corn/maize, barley, sorghum; also suitable for other steam-flaked cereals with similar moisture and temperature targets.

Model

Tailor the height and diameter to fit your plant’s footprint and headroom. We offer capacity options from 1–12 TPH (t/h).

In typical operation, conditioning time is set by your target starch gelatinization:

  • Corn: 55–65 minutes
  • Barley: 25–35 minutes


Key Features

  • Six-level steam balancing for uniform heat and moisture penetration.
  • Counter-current steam/commodity contact for consistent conditioning from bottom to top.
  • 45–60 min controllable retention; target gelatinization 65–78%.
  • Hygienic construction with stainless contact surfaces and quick access doors.
  • Sensor-ready: high-temperature level probe and temperature monitoring at critical points.

Advantages

Predictable flake quality

  • Predictable flake quality: even conditioning cuts variability, reduces fines, and stabilizes roll load.
  • Faster start-ups & changeovers: repeatable setpoints help operators hit moisture/temperature targets quickly.
  • Lower operating risk: balanced steam and counter-current path reduce hotspots, wet cores, and rework.
  • Hygiene & durability: stainless contact parts and fully enclosed body improve sanitation and equipment life.

Features

What’s included and what you can add.

Standard Features

  • Six-level internal steam balancing system (uniform distribution).
  • Counter-current conditioning path.
  • Enclosed body with access/clean-out doors and tempered sight windows.
  • High-temperature level sensor; temperature sensor at discharge.
  • Stainless-steel contact surfaces; 4 mm shell thickness.
  • DC24V control interface.

Optional Features

Equipped with an optional 304 stainless steel airlock.

Please note, we phased out the use of intermediate buffer bins more than ten years ago.

Models

Choose the capacity that fits today and scales tomorrow.

5-10TPH

  • Volume: 40 m³ (SC-40) For 10TPH
  • Typical Retention Time: 45–60 min
  • Target Gelatinization: 65–78% (adjustable by time/steam rate)
  • Discharge Moisture/Temp: 18–20% / ~100 °C
  • Main Material: 304 stainless steel (contact), shell thickness 4 mm
  • Control Voltage: DC24V
  • Included Sensors: High-temp level sensor, temperature sensor

FAQ

Clear answers to common buying questions.

What retention time do you recommend for steam-flaked corn?

Most feed mills run 45–60 minutes, aligning with a 65–78% gelatinization target for stable flaking and digestibility.

How uniform is the conditioning across the bed?

A six-tier steam balancing system distributes low-velocity steam evenly, helping each kernel reach the same moisture/temperature window before flaking.

What discharge targets should I expect?

For corn, 18–20% moisture and ~100 °C discharge temperature are typical setpoints before roll-gap flaking.

What construction materials are used?

Contact surfaces are 304 stainless steel with a 4 mm shell; sensor ports, clean-outs, and sight windows support sanitation and inspection.

WAREHOUSE

Feed & Food—Flaking | Grinding | Rolling | Feed Mills Modern workshops, clean assembly halls, and a welcoming office building—built to deliver reliable equipment and on-time projects.

CONTACT US

Connect with BellaEx for flaking and steam-flaking solutions across feed and food industries. Get quotes, technical support, and project consultation from our global team.

ray@bellaex.com
+86-13810151555