Infrared pre-treatment system for cocoa beans
Unlock maximum yield and preserve flavor in cocoa processing with this innovative infrared pre-treatment that ensures optimal moisture control and shell separation without the risk of heat damage.
Optimizes Moisture and Separates Cocoa Shells
The IR Infrared Pre-treatment System from Bühler Group offers cocoa processors an innovative solution for pre-treating cocoa beans. Utilizing infrared radiation, this system rapidly heats cocoa beans, causing flash evaporation that effectively separates shells from nibs. This process ensures maximum yield and consistent moisture control, enhancing the quality of cocoa products such as cocoa nibs, chocolate liquor, and chocolate bars. With a continuous and high-speed operation, this system integrates seamlessly into existing cocoa processing lines. The integrated water spraying system precisely adjusts moisture, accommodating even high shell content beans. Designed for efficiency, the closed construction protects cocoa liquor from contamination, while allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. Optionally available with remote monitoring capabilities, it supports plant-wide automation strategies. Ideal for food, confectionery, and dairy industries, the IR Infrared Pre-treatment System is built to enhance both productivity and product quality.
Benefits
- Maximizes cocoa yield by efficiently separating shells without altering nib moisture content.
- Preserves flavor integrity by avoiding high-temperature roasting effects during pre-treatment.
- Enhances downstream processing efficiency with precisely controlled moisture levels.
- Minimizes contamination risk through a completely closed, hygienic system design.
- Reduces processing cost with integrated water spraying for challenging cocoa varieties.
- Applications
- Chocolate,Cocoa
- End products
- Cocoa powder,Milk chocolate,Chocolate liquor,Cocoa nibs,Chocolate bars,Dark chocolate,Chocolate chips
- Steps before
- Cleaning,Grading,Sorting
- Steps after
- Winnowing,Refining
- Input ingredients
- cocoa beans,beans with high shell content
- Output ingredients
- raw cocoa nibs,shells separated from nibs
- Market info
- Buhler is renowned for manufacturing advanced process solutions for food, feed, and advanced materials. They are highly regarded for their innovation in milling technology and equipment quality.
- Automation
- Controlled infrared process
- Heating type
- Infrared heating
- Cooling option
- Infrared technology prevents excessive heat
- Yield optimization
- Maximum yield of cocoa nibs
- Moisture control
- Integrated water spraying system
- Heating speed
- Fast and controlled
- Temperature control
- Prevents roasting temperatures
- Operating environment
- Closed construction for hygienic operation
- Working mechanism
- Infrared radiation
- Integrated steps
- Water spraying system for moisture control
- Batch vs. inline flow
- Inline continuous
- Automation level
- PLC-controlled
- Energy efficiency
- Optimized for pre-treatment
- Flash evaporation
- Used for shell separation
- Hygienic operation
- Closed construction
- Prevent roasting effects
- Controlled temperature
- Biological compatibility
- Food-grade
- Cleanability
- Easy to clean
- Corrosive resistance (e.g. acids)
- Stainless steel construction
- Density/particle size
- Adaptable for various densities
- Shell content
- High shell content cocoa beans
- Control panel type
- HMI
- Integration with existing systems
- Yes
- Adjustable moisture control
- Integrated water spraying system
- Infrared intensity control
- Yes