Miller Magazine Issue: 119 November 2019

47 COVER STORY MILLER / NOVEMBER 2019 The cost of energy consumption is one of the most important subjects causing headache for the flour factories that already operate with a low-profit margin. At this point, keeping the energy costs at the minimum level and rational use of resources in the factory without making any sacrifice on the quality of the final product play a critical role in company’s profitability. It is necessary to prevent the use of the equipment under the capacity. With- in this scope, proper maintenance of the equip- ment and adjustment is essential. It is essential that new technologies, which will increase productivity and efficiency, help to reduce costs. The efficient use of resources is critical for every sector. This rule is also vital for the milling industry, where fierce competition is experienced and profit margins are low. Therefore millers do their best to obtain high effi- ciency. Raw material, equipment and production flow are the key factors affecting the flour yield. Grain characteristics such as moisture content, environmental characteristics such as temperature and humidity in the mill and the level of experience of the miller are other factors affecting the yield. Besides that; proper handling, cleaning and preparation for milling are significant to prevent unnecessary losses of wheat. Efficient utilization of resources is a critical aspect of the process for any industry. In the case of wheat flour milling it is of great importance as wheat costs make up over 80% of the cost of flour. Any additional gain in flour yields translates to added revenue. In a competitive environment any such gain is of importance especially considering the fact that in most markets the price differential between flour and millfeed is anywhere from 3 to 5 times or more. At the same time high level of efficiency must be maintained in ensuring that finished products are being delivered at the FACTORS AFFECTING EFFICIENCY IN GRINDING AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT IN THE MILLS