The discrete element analysis software EDEM was used to numerically simulate the working process. The change regulation of feeding mass and the instability and uneven “pulse” phenomenon of materials caused by the end section of helical blade were quantitatively studied. The spindle diameter X 1 , pitch of screw X 2 , and feeding rate X 3 were selected as the influencing factors, and the feeding mass flow rate Y 1 , stability Y 2 , drop speed of the materials Y 3 were selected as evaluating indicators, and experiments were conducted by the simulation model under quadratic orthogonal rotation design. Based on the software regression analysis of Design-Expert 8.0.6 and response surface analysis method, the relationships between the three influencing factors and feeding evaluating indicators were established. The reliability of the simulation model was verified by comparing the performance of virtual scraper with the feeder for small-scale pellet mill. The results showed that X 1 , X 2 and X 3 were significantly correlated with Y 1 and Y 2 ( P <0.01 and P <0.05, respectively), but no correlation was found with Y 3 . By using response surface method, the optimal aggregative index could be obtained under the condition that the spindle diameter X 1 was 35 mm, the pitch of screw X 2 was 57 mm and the rotation rate X 3 was 139(°)/s. Under this condition, the volatility of feeding mass was reduced and the stability was improved. The virtual test designed by the optimized parameters showed that the feeding mass flow rate was 13.89 g/s, and the stability of mass flow rate was 8.46 g/s. The verifying test of the physical prototype indicated that the mass flow rate was increased by 4.28% and the coefficient of variation was reduced by 16.11%.