Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture

Advanced Pet Food Kibble Coating Equipment Operation Control Training

SAQA US 116049 | NQF 4 | Credits 8 | Duration 5 Days
From $1,242 per delegate

Description

This advanced course equips learners with specialised skills to operate, control, and optimise pet food kibble coating equipment in a manufacturing environment. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of coating processes, quality assurance, and equipment maintenance to ensure consistent product quality and operational efficiency.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply advanced operational procedures to set up, start up, and shut down kibble coating equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Analyse coating parameters (e.g., temperature, spray rate, drum speed) to optimise coating uniformity and product quality.
  • Evaluate coating equipment performance and troubleshoot common operational issues using systematic diagnostic techniques.
  • Implement preventive maintenance schedules and cleaning protocols to extend equipment lifespan and minimise downtime.
  • Demonstrate compliance with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP) and environmental regulations during coating operations.
  • Design process adjustments based on real-time quality feedback to achieve target coating specifications.

Target Audience

This course is designed for production supervisors, machine operators, and quality control personnel working in pet food manufacturing facilities who are responsible for kibble coating operations.

Prerequisites

Learners must have completed basic pet food manufacturing training or possess equivalent operational experience in a food processing environment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of Kibble Coating Equipment

Objectives:
• Understand the principles of kibble coating and its role in pet food production.
• Identify key components of coating equipment and their functions.
• Learn safety protocols and standard operating procedures for coating machinery.
• Recognize common coating types and their applications.
• Perform basic pre-start checks and equipment inspection.

Topics:
• Introduction to kibble coating processes (batch vs. continuous).
• Overview of coating equipment types (drum, spray, vacuum).
• Major components: spray nozzles, drums, conveyors, control panels.
• Safety procedures: lockout/tagout, PPE, emergency stops.
• Basic coating materials: fats, flavors, preservatives.
• Pre-operational checks: cleanliness, mechanical integrity.
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for startup.
• Documentation: log sheets, batch records.

Day 2: Control Systems and Parameter Setup

Objectives:
• Navigate and interpret control panel interfaces (HMI/PLC).
• Set and adjust key parameters: temperature, spray rate, drum speed.
• Understand the relationship between parameters and coating quality.
• Calibrate sensors for accurate monitoring.
• Troubleshoot common control system alarms.

Topics:
• Introduction to HMI/PLC basics for coating equipment.
• Parameter configuration: temperature setpoints, spray flow rates.
• Drum speed and tilt angle adjustments.
• Sensor calibration: thermocouples, flow meters, pressure transducers.
• Alarm types and responses: low temperature, clogged nozzle.
• Data logging and recipe management.
• Manual vs. automatic mode operation.
• Hands-on practice: setting up a coating run.

Day 3: Operational Techniques and Quality Control

Objectives:
• Execute coating runs with precision, maintaining consistent quality.
• Monitor and adjust parameters in real-time to meet specifications.
• Perform in-process quality checks: coating weight, coverage, uniformity.
• Identify and correct common defects: clumping, uneven coating.
• Implement cleaning procedures between product changes.

Topics:
• Step-by-step operation of a coating run.
• Real-time parameter adjustment techniques.
• Quality control tests: sieve analysis, visual inspection, fat content.
• Troubleshooting defects: nozzle blockage, drum buildup.
• Changeover procedures: cleaning and sanitization.
• Sampling protocols and record keeping.
• Impact of coating on kibble shelf life and palatability.
• Hands-on: running a batch with quality checks.

Day 4: Advanced Process Optimization and Troubleshooting

Objectives:
• Optimize coating efficiency to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Diagnose and resolve complex equipment malfunctions.
• Apply preventive maintenance schedules and techniques.
• Analyze process data to identify trends and improvement areas.
• Understand advanced coating technologies (e.g., vacuum infusion).

Topics:
• Efficiency optimization: minimizing over-spray and downtime.
• Advanced troubleshooting: electrical, mechanical, pneumatic issues.
• Preventive maintenance: bearing lubrication, belt tensioning.
• Data analysis: using trend charts to predict failures.
• Introduction to vacuum coating and multi-layer coating.
• Cost management: coating material usage tracking.
• Root cause analysis for recurring defects.
• Hands-on: optimizing a coating process for yield.

Day 5: Integration, Compliance, and Practical Assessment

Objectives:
• Integrate all skills in a full production scenario from startup to shutdown.
• Apply regulatory compliance (SAQA, food safety, environmental).
• Complete documentation and handover procedures.
• Demonstrate competence in a practical assessment.
• Develop a continuous improvement plan for coating operations.

Topics:
• Full production simulation: setup, run, quality checks, shutdown.
• Regulatory compliance: SANS, FSSC 22000, OHSA.
• Environmental considerations: waste disposal, emissions.
• Documentation: batch reports, maintenance logs, incident reports.
• Handover procedures for shift changes.
• Practical assessment: individual operation and troubleshooting.
• Continuous improvement: identifying opportunities for Kaizen.
• Course wrap-up, Q&A, and certification.

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 07 Sep 2026 Fri 11 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 28 Sep 2026 Fri 02 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 19 Oct 2026 Fri 23 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 07 Dec 2026 Fri 11 Dec 2026 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 11 Jan 2027 Fri 15 Jan 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 15 Feb 2027 Fri 19 Feb 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 01 Mar 2027 Fri 05 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 08 Mar 2027 Fri 12 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 15 Mar 2027 Fri 19 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 07 Jun 2027 Fri 11 Jun 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 28 Jun 2027 Fri 02 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 19 Jul 2027 Fri 23 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 06 Sep 2027 Fri 10 Sep 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 27 Sep 2027 Fri 01 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 18 Oct 2027 Fri 22 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 06 Dec 2027 Fri 10 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 27 Dec 2027 Fri 31 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 17 Jan 2028 Fri 21 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
On-Campus training — face-to-face sessions at our training venues across Africa and beyond.
Showing all 492 sessions across 26 venues
Start End Venue Season Price Action
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Durban, South Africa Winter 2026 $2,916 Register
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Abu Dhabi, UAE Winter 2026 $5,238 Register
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Pretoria, South Africa Winter 2026 $1,863 Register
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Dubai, UAE Winter 2026 $5,238 Register
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Cape Town, South Africa Winter 2026 $3,078 Register
In-House training — we bring the trainer to your organisation, tailored to your team.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 14 Sep 2026 Fri 18 Sep 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 05 Oct 2026 Fri 09 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 26 Oct 2026 Fri 30 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Dec 2026 Fri 18 Dec 2026 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 18 Jan 2027 Fri 22 Jan 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 22 Feb 2027 Fri 26 Feb 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 08 Mar 2027 Fri 12 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 15 Mar 2027 Fri 19 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 22 Mar 2027 Fri 26 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Jun 2027 Fri 18 Jun 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 05 Jul 2027 Fri 09 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 26 Jul 2027 Fri 30 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 13 Sep 2027 Fri 17 Sep 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 04 Oct 2027 Fri 08 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 25 Oct 2027 Fri 29 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 13 Dec 2027 Fri 17 Dec 2027 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 03 Jan 2028 Fri 07 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 24 Jan 2028 Fri 28 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

View Sessions & Register Get A Quote Download Course Brochure
Have an account?

Sign in to track your applications and manage your cart.

Related Courses

Other Agriculture and Nature Conservation courses at NQF level 4 learners on this page also viewed.

Browse the full Agriculture and Nature Conservation category for agriculture and nature conservation training programmes.
GET A QUOTE / APPLY COURSE CATALOGUE