Abstract:
A continuously operating conching machine (1) according to the invention is divided into a plurality of compartments (10-12) divided by at least one partition wall (8), transfer of the material from one compartment (10-12) to the next being effected via at least one opening (e.g. 16) in the particular partition wall. However, with a conching machine continuously processing the chocolate paste, it is possible expediently to carry out a method according to the invention, in which additives are added only batchwise to the essentially continuously processed chocolate paste, in order to permit more accurate metering.
Abstract:
An apparatus for processing (for example, mixing or refining) a chocolate mass, having partially cylindrical walls which form a conching vessel. At least one coaxial part extends within the vessel. The walls and the coaxial part perform a relative rotational motion due to a drive that drives either one or both. In this way, the walls are swept by shearing tools. For an increased heat dissipation, and to enable a higher input of energy, at least two tempering arrangements can be provided. Furthermore, a channel exposed to air can communicate with the vessel, and comprises a cleaning tool. Mixing tools and shearing tools can be located in close vicinity so that chocolate mass is fed from one tool to the other.
Abstract:
Machine for treating chocolate masses in which solid matter can be fed in and comminuted if so desired. The arrangement is designed such that in addition to a mixing and kneading device, at least one feeding screw is employed, with which a cutting procedure is carried out, preferably in simultaneous operation. The feeding screw can be made up of different individual screw elements, which are convenient for the material to be treated. This treatment is particularly suited for producing crumb.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to making the mixing and refining of chocolate masses more cost effective by increasing the flow of energy through the material to be treated.
Abstract:
A conching device comprising at least one rotor shaft (4) having conching tools (5) is subdivided by partition walls (10, 11, 12) into compartments (13-16), so that in these compartments (13-16) different formulations can be conched simultaneously. The through holes for the rotor shaft (17) across the partition walls (10, 11, 12) between the compartments (13-16) are sealed by means of Belleville spring washers (18) such that no transport of chocolate paste can take place from one compartment (13-16) to another. Since the conching device comprises only one driving mechanism 8 and only two bearing units (6, 7) for each rotor shaft (4), there results a cost- and space-saving device, which can be employed in a manifold way. Thus, different formulations can be conched in the different compartments, which formulations can be processed parallely or at different times, by way of example.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for operating a conching device with a trough (1) in which at least one rotor, driven by at least one electric motor (9), is arranged. This rotor is fitted with refining tools spaced apart in axial distances to one another around its periphery. The driving motor is controlled by means of a motor control unit in dependency upon a difference signal of a performance-regulating circuit (22), gained by comparison (6) between a desired nominal value (7) and an actual value (5) of at least one motor performance parameter (22).To perform the conching process in the minimum possible time, it is provided that the difference signal of the performance-regulating circuit (5-8) remains ignored during at least a time interval. Thus, the driving motor (9) can take a maximum motor current, and it runs up to the speed required within a very short time.
Abstract:
An apparatus for processing (for example, mixing or refining) a chocolate mass, having partially cylindrical walls which form a conching vessel. At least one coaxial part extends within the vessel. The walls and the coaxial part perform a relative rotational motion due to a drive that drives either one or both. In this way, the walls are swept by shearing tools. For an increased heat dissipation, and to enable a higher input of energy, at least two tempering arrangements can be provided. Furthermore, a channel exposed to air can communicate with the vessel, and comprises a cleaning tool. Mixing tools and shearing tools can be located in close vicinity so that chocolate mass is fed from one tool to the other.