The next phase was the study and engineering of the system suitable to dissolve stabilizers and powder components added to the beverage to ensure homogeneous distribution of the fruit pieces within the liquid phase, i.e. juice.
At the first stage all the industrial components required for the system design and execution were defined.
Thereafter the CAD drawings of the main dissolving system for two size ranges covering the flowrates varying within 6.000 and 13.000 l/h were executed, taking into account subsequent dilution of the product in the finished drink.
It was conceivable a variable reduction of the thickener content in the finished drink by a factor of 5 to 10 compared to the provision made for the tank. Thus the major powder quantities were decided to be used for the major flow rates while the powder quantity for the minor flow rate was intended to be limited.
The following results were obtained from the conducted activities:
Specification of all components required for the design and execution of a dissolving system suitable for industrial-scale applications.
[dticon ico=”icon-miu-right150″][/dticon] Evaluation of the system reliability and of the prospects for further development of the alternative solutions.
[dticon ico=”icon-miu-right150″][/dticon] Lodging of the Italian patent and European design application.
[dticon ico=”icon-miu-right150″][/dticon] Further activities were focused on the research of the adequate filling technology for the products (chunks up to 10 mm and fibres with length max 15 mm) meant for the Step2 whose principle objective was to examine and identify the most appropriate filling technology for a wide range of the beverages containing pieces and fibres.The relevant activities were conducted by a partner company.
The project completion phase Step4 covered study, engineering and development of the laboratory pilot plant and its testing, and consisted in application of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired throughout the previous Steps in order to design a pilot plant able to prepare, treat and fill into the selected container different types of beverages with pieces, fibres and pulps.
Whereupon the pilot plant was subject to trials and final testing.
Moreover, to support a correct implementation of the pilot plant design and engineering, in the recent period a series of research investigations on specific aspects peculiar to the natural beverages were carried out, such as:
[dticon ico=”icon-miu-right150″][/dticon] Feasibility study and analysis of the system aimed at downsizing the citrus juice frozen blocks used as ingredients for juice preparation.
[dticon ico=”icon-miu-right150″][/dticon] Study on the mixing process involving two fluids in motion inside a pipeline.
[dticon ico=”icon-miu-right150″][/dticon] Study on the homogenizing process involving the syrups used for the beverage preparation.
[dticon ico=”icon-miu-right150″][/dticon] Study on the foaming phenomena in relation to the industrial filling process.
[dticon ico=”icon-miu-right150″][/dticon] Measuring of the mechanical damages degree of the pieces transiting through the plant by means of “Image Processing”.
This application claims special attention.