Processing Systems for Animal Proteins
Produce high-value protein powders from animal-based sources—safely and efficiently. Hosokawa Micron’s advanced powder processing systems offer precise drying, milling and particle size control in a single compact unit. Designed for challenging materials such as insect pulp, fish side-streams or defatted collagen, our solutions help reduce oxidation, preserve digestibility and maximise product yield.
Optimise drying performance with full control over temperature, shear and residence time. Our DMR flash mill dryer enables rapid, hygienic processing with minimal thermal load—ensuring consistent quality while lowering your energy consumption and carbon footprint. Whether you’re producing feed-grade or food-grade protein meal, we help you achieve the best possible result, batch after batch.
Drying, Milling and Classifying in One Machine
The DMR flash mill dryer integrates three key functions—drying, deagglomeration and classification—in a single step. Adjustable parameters like disc speed, classifier RPM, airflow and feed rate allow precise control over product temperature and dwell time. This ensures optimal drying conditions for temperature-sensitive proteins.
To fine-tune particle size and shear level, the system offers various mill discs and liners. Our process engineers help you identify the ideal configuration through application-specific testing. This all-in-one setup not only preserves protein integrity but also boosts ROI, production efficiency and sustainability.
Typical Applications for Animal-Based Proteins
Hosokawa’s DMR system is already used in various applications across the animal-protein sector:
Larvae
Larvae from insects such as black soldier flies and mealworms are an efficient and sustainable protein source. Decanted insect pulp, mixed with 'stick water', is dried, milled and classified in the DMR system. The result is a stable, high-protein powder for use in food and feed applications.
Fish/seafood side streams
By-products such as heads, bones, skins and viscera from fish and seafood processing can be turned into a valuable ingredient. Using a DMR flash dryer, these side streams are converted into fine, high-protein powders—ideal for flavour enhancers, fish burgers or croquettes.
Split hides collagen
Collagen extracted from split hides of pigs or cattle is first defatted and then processed in the DMR flash dryer. The result is a fine, digestible protein meal that adds texture and binding properties in processed meat products such as sausages, burgers and nuggets.
Common Industry Challenges – Solved
Processing animal-based proteins comes with unique challenges—and Hosokawa Micron is here to help you solve them. Our experts are ready to discuss your specific goals and guide you toward the most efficient solution. We can help you address questions such as:
- How to improve powder quality for better absorption and digestion
- How to reduce oxidation (PV/AV values) during drying
- How to compare the DMR flash dryer to conventional systems
- How to design, test and scale a full protein powder processing line
Sustainable Processing, Built for the Future
At Hosokawa Micron, we engineer sustainable powder processing systems without compromising performance. As an ISO 14001 certified company with an EcoVadis Silver Medal, we are committed to greener, more energy-efficient solutions for the future of solids processing.
Our DMR drying technology is designed to minimise energy use and maximise throughput, while reducing cleaning time, downtime and footprint. By improving digestibility and product consistency, we help manufacturers meet growing demand for high-quality animal proteins—more efficiently and responsibly.
Test Before You Invest
Run trials with your own materials on production-scale equipment at our 2,000 m² Test & Process Development Centre in the Netherlands. Our experienced process specialists work with you to determine the optimal process, equipment or plant setup. We offer lab and production-scale trials, each supported by a detailed technical report covering setup, process parameters and performance insights—helping you choose the best solution with confidence.
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Talk to our experts
Let our team help you craft the ideal solution for animal-based protein drying and powder processing. From insect protein and fish residuals to collagen-rich hides—we support your transition to efficient, hygienic and sustainable production.
