Challenges in Conveying Chocolate
Chocolate is a delicate and often expensive product and must be conveyed gently to preserve the integrity of the product especially if the conveyor is to be used at the end of the process before packaging. Degradation can also occur at the beginning of the process as the cocoa beans are friable and this can cause the end flavour result to vary. Furthermore, the bulk material conveyor must be quickly and easily cleaned so that no cross-contamination occurs when the batches are being changed.
Which bulk material handling conveyor is best for conveying chocolate?
The right conveyor depends on the product and what you are trying to achieve. Whether you need a hygienic conveyor or an energy efficient conveyor we have something to suit every chocolate application:
Flexible Screw Conveyors
The flexible screw has only one moving part, the spiral and as it constantly remixes as it conveys so it is ideal for conveying cocoa powders especially flavoured cocoa powder blends. This conveyor can come with a reverse bung, drop out tray and quick release flanges which makes it an extremely hygienic conveyor and will help avoid cross-contamination when you switch batches. Watch our video about the hygienic FSC and how it could help you with your process.
Read our case study on how we installed a sack tip hopper and an FSC to convey cocoa powder: Case Study 1009
Cable Drag Conveyors
The cable drag conveyor operates as it sounds, the discs and cable are dragged along inside the tube and gently drags the product along. It is a very gentle conveyor as it is not running at high speeds so it is ideal for friable products such as cocoa beans.
Learn more about how a cable drag conveyor conveys coffee beans in our case study 1023.
Let us help
We have over 45 years experience in the solids and bulk handling industry and we have the widest range of mechanical conveyors in our industry. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help with your chocolate application.
