
Why Ductile Iron Pipe Standards Matter for Safe Installations
April 4, 2025Engineering Case Study: KDLFEED Company Factory Construction with Galvanized and Welded Steel Pipes
Introduction
Introduction to KDLFEED Company
The KDLFEED Company is a well-established leader in the poultry processing industry, specializing in the production of high-quality chicken by-products and chicken meal powder. Headquartered in the Midwest of the United States, KDLFEED has built a strong reputation over its 30-year history for transforming poultry processing residuals into valuable, nutrient-rich products that serve a diverse range of markets, including animal feed, pet food, and agricultural fertilizers. With a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality, KDLFEED has become a trusted name among industry partners seeking reliable and eco-friendly solutions.
KDLFEED operates a network of advanced processing facilities strategically located near major poultry farming regions, enabling efficient sourcing of raw materials and minimizing transportation costs. The company’s flagship products—chicken by-products and chicken meal powder—are derived from the careful rendering of poultry carcasses, including heads, feet, viscera, and other non-edible parts, excluding feathers except in trace amounts unavoidable in good manufacturing practices. These by-products are processed using state-of-the-art rendering technology to separate fat, remove water, and create concentrated protein meals that are both highly digestible and rich in essential nutrients like proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
The production of chicken meal powder is a cornerstone of Kdlfeed’s operations. This finely ground, dry-rendered product is designed to meet the nutritional demands of the animal feed and pet food industries, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources. Kdlfeed’s rigorous quality control measures ensure that every batch meets or exceeds industry standards, such as those set by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The company also employs natural and synthetic antioxidants to preserve product freshness, ensuring a long shelf life and consistent performance in end-use applications.
Kdlfeed’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its product line. The company has invested heavily in energy-efficient processing equipment and waste management systems to minimize its environmental footprint. By repurposing poultry by-products that would otherwise be discarded, KDLFEED contributes to a circular economy, reducing waste and providing valuable resources to its customers. This ethos has earned KDLFEED recognition as an environmentally responsible leader in the poultry processing sector.
In response to growing market demand, KDLFEED recently embarked on an ambitious expansion project, partnering with [Abtersteel] to construct a new factory and manufacturing workshop. This facility, set to be completed by February 2026, will increase Kdlfeed’s production capacity by 50%, allowing the company to meet rising global demand for chicken by-products and chicken meal powder. With an annual revenue exceeding $200 million and a workforce of over 500 employees, KDLFEED continues to innovate and expand its reach, solidifying its position as a key player in the poultry by-product industry.
In the rapidly evolving world of industrial manufacturing, the demand for high-quality, durable materials and efficient construction solutions has never been higher. This case study explores a successful partnership between [Abtersteel], a leading manufacturer of galvanized steel pipes and welded pipes, and the KDLFEED Company, an established producer of chicken by-products and chicken meal powder. The collaboration centered on the construction of a state-of-the-art factory and manufacturing workshop, designed to meet Kdlfeed’s growing production needs while adhering to stringent quality and safety standards.
Located in the Midwest of the United States, KDLFEED Company sought to expand its operations to accommodate an anticipated 50% increase in production capacity by 2026. After evaluating various suppliers, KDLFEED selected [Abtersteel] for its reputation in delivering reliable, corrosion-resistant galvanized steel pipes and precision-engineered welded pipes. This case study details the project’s scope, technical specifications, collaboration agreements, construction process, and progress timeline, showcasing how our steel products played a pivotal role in bringing Kdlfeed’s vision to life.
Project Overview
The KDLFEED Company’s new facility was envisioned as a modern industrial complex comprising a factory for processing chicken by-products and a specialized workshop for producing chicken meal powder. The project required a robust structural framework capable of withstanding environmental stresses, including humidity and potential chemical exposure from poultry processing. Galvanized steel pipes were chosen for their corrosion resistance, while welded pipes provided the strength and versatility needed for the facility’s intricate piping systems and structural supports.
The project was divided into three main phases: planning and design, material procurement and fabrication, and construction and installation. Each phase demanded close collaboration between [Abtersteel] and Kdlfeed’s engineering team to ensure that all technical parameters, dimensions, and quantities aligned with the project’s goals.
Technical Parameters and Specifications
Galvanized Steel Pipes
The galvanized steel pipes supplied by [Abtersteel] were selected for their zinc coating, which provides exceptional protection against rust and corrosion—critical in a facility handling organic materials like chicken by-products. These pipes were used primarily for structural framing, water supply lines, and ventilation systems.
Parameter | Specification |
---|---|
Outer Diameter (OD) | 50 mm – 200 mm |
Wall Thickness | 3 mm – 6 mm |
Length | 6 m (customizable up to 12 m) |
Zinc Coating Thickness | 60-80 μm |
Material Grade | ASTM A53 Grade B |
Yield Strength | ≥ 240 MPa |
Welded Steel Pipes
Welded steel pipes, manufactured using advanced Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) techniques, were employed for high-pressure applications, including steam lines and structural supports. Their seamless weld quality ensured durability and leak-proof performance under demanding conditions.
Parameter | Specification |
---|---|
Outer Diameter (OD) | 60 mm – 300 mm |
Wall Thickness | 4 mm – 8 mm |
Length | 6 m – 18 m |
Welding Method | ERW |
Material Grade | API 5L Grade B |
Tensile Strength | ≥ 415 MPa |
Dimensions and Quantities
The KDLFEED facility spanned a total area of 15,000 square meters, with the factory occupying 10,000 square meters and the workshop covering 5,000 square meters. The design incorporated a combination of galvanized and welded steel pipes to meet both structural and operational requirements.
Factory Dimensions
- Length: 100 m
- Width: 100 m
- Height: 12 m
Workshop Dimensions
- Length: 70 m
- Width: 70 m
- Height: 10 m
Material Quantities
Product | Quantity | Application |
---|---|---|
Galvanized Steel Pipes (OD 50-100 mm) | 2,500 lengths (15,000 m) | Structural framing, water supply |
Galvanized Steel Pipes (OD 150-200 mm) | 1,000 lengths (6,000 m) | Ventilation ducts |
Welded Steel Pipes (OD 60-150 mm) | 1,800 lengths (10,800 m) | Steam lines, supports |
Welded Steel Pipes (OD 200-300 mm) | 500 lengths (3,000 m) | Main structural columns |
These quantities were calculated based on detailed engineering drawings provided by Kdlfeed’s design team, with a 10% contingency buffer to account for on-site adjustments and potential wastage.
Collaboration Agreement
The partnership between [Abtersteel] and KDLFEED Company was formalized through a comprehensive collaboration agreement signed on January 15, 2025. The agreement outlined the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties, ensuring a smooth execution of the project.
Key Terms of the Agreement
- Supply Commitment: [Abtersteel] agreed to supply 5,800 lengths of galvanized and welded steel pipes, totaling 34,800 meters, within a 60-day delivery window.
- Quality Assurance: All pipes were to meet ASTM and API standards, with third-party inspections conducted at our manufacturing facility prior to shipment.
- Pricing: A fixed price of $1.5 million was established, inclusive of transportation and taxes, with payment terms of 30% upfront, 50% upon delivery, and 20% upon project completion.
- Technical Support: [Abtersteel] provided on-site engineers to assist with installation and address any technical queries during construction.
- Timeline: The project was slated for completion within 12 months, from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
This agreement fostered a spirit of mutual trust and accountability, laying the foundation for a successful partnership.
Construction Process
The construction of the KDLFEED facility was a meticulously planned process, leveraging the strengths of [Abtersteel]’s steel pipes to create a durable and efficient industrial complex. The process unfolded in several stages, each critical to the project’s success.
Stage 1: Site Preparation (March 1 – March 31, 2025)
The construction began with site clearing and foundation laying. The 15,000-square-meter plot was leveled, and concrete footings were poured to support the steel framework. Galvanized steel pipes (OD 50-100 mm) were embedded vertically into the foundation to serve as anchor points for the structural columns.
Stage 2: Structural Framework (April 1 – June 30, 2025)
The structural framework was erected using a combination of galvanized and welded steel pipes. Welded pipes (OD 200-300 mm) formed the primary columns, spaced 10 meters apart, while galvanized pipes (OD 150-200 mm) were used for cross-bracing and roof supports. The ERW welding ensured that joints were strong and capable of withstanding dynamic loads.
Stage 3: Piping Systems Installation (July 1 – September 30, 2025)
With the framework in place, the focus shifted to installing the facility’s piping systems. Galvanized pipes (OD 50-100 mm) were laid for water supply and drainage, while welded pipes (OD 60-150 mm) were used for steam lines to power the chicken meal powder processing equipment. All connections were pressure-tested to ensure leak-proof performance.
Stage 4: Roofing and Enclosure (October 1 – December 31, 2025)
The factory and workshop were enclosed with insulated metal panels, supported by galvanized steel purlins. Ventilation ducts, made from galvanized pipes (OD 150-200 mm), were installed to maintain air quality within the facility, a critical requirement for poultry processing.
Stage 5: Finishing and Commissioning (January 1 – February 28, 2026)
The final stage involved interior finishing, equipment installation, and system commissioning. [Abtersteel]’s technical team conducted a final inspection of all steel pipe installations, ensuring compliance with design specifications and operational requirements.
Construction Progress Timeline
Phase | Start Date | End Date | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Site Preparation | March 1, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | Completed |
Structural Framework | April 1, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | Completed |
Piping Systems Installation | July 1, 2025 | September 30, 2025 | In Progress |
Roofing and Enclosure | October 1, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | Planned |
Finishing and Commissioning | January 1, 2026 | February 28, 2026 | Planned |
As of April 8, 2025, the project is on schedule, with the structural framework completed and piping systems installation underway. Regular progress reports are shared between [Abtersteel] and KDLFEED to ensure transparency and address any emerging challenges promptly.
Challenges and Solutions
No large-scale construction project is without its challenges, and the KDLFEED facility was no exception. Below are some key hurdles encountered and the solutions implemented:
- Challenge: Delays in material delivery due to supply chain disruptions.
Solution: [Abtersteel] expedited production by reallocating resources and utilizing multiple manufacturing lines, ensuring timely delivery within the 60-day window. - Challenge: Harsh weather conditions during the structural framework phase.
Solution: Temporary shelters were erected to protect workers and materials, and the galvanized pipes’ corrosion resistance minimized weather-related damage. - Challenge: Precision alignment of welded pipe joints.Solution: Our on-site engineers provided real-time guidance, using laser alignment tools to ensure accurate welds and structural integrity.
The collaboration between [Abtersteel] and KDLFEED Company exemplifies how high-quality steel products and strategic partnerships can drive industrial innovation. By supplying galvanized and welded steel pipes tailored to Kdlfeed’s specifications, we have contributed to the creation of a cutting-edge facility poised to meet the growing demand for chicken by-products and chicken meal powder. As the project progresses toward its February 2026 completion, both companies remain committed to excellence, sustainability, and operational success.
This case study serves as a testament to [Abtersteel]’s expertise in steel pipe manufacturing and our ability to support complex engineering projects worldwide. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders like Kdlfeed, delivering solutions that stand the test of time.