Coffee Freeze Concentration System

Brief Overview

This coffee freeze concentration system 60 was built in 1985 by Grenco (GEA) of Holland, mothballed 1996. It consists of 3 stage process, one or two sections can be used for applications that require smaller evaporation rates. Previously used to remove water from coffee extract. Can also be used for products such as juices, extracts, wine, and vinegar. Concentrates the extract from 15% up to 40% concentration. Major components are 316SS.

Capacity:

60 ton/day

Technology:

Grenco (GEA) of Holland
 

Built:

1985

Shut Down:

Mothballed in 1996
 

Products Produced:

Previously used to remove water from coffee extract. The system can also be used for products such as juices, extracts, wine, and vinegar

Documentation:

Full prints and full documentation available

Major Equipment:

Major components are 316SS.

(6) Scrape wall heat exchanger systems
- 30 sq. ft. surface area, vertical, 2 stage, 7500 kg weight/stage
- 1'10"" die x 9', bottom driven

(3) Crystallizers with agitators
- 9000 liter, 5250 kg weight, EA

(2) Continuous wash systems

(3) Piston wash columns systems
- 3850 kg weight, EA

(2) R22 compressors
- 4500 kg weight, EA
- (3) Ice compressor
- 6250 kg weight, EA

Process Description

The Grenco Freeze Concentration process basically consists of 3 important units viz.:

- Crystallization unit
- Recrystallization unit
- Separation unit.

In the Grenco Freeze Concentration process water is transformed into ice after which a complete separation of concentrate and ice is provided. In the following chapters the components of the Grenco Freeze Concentration process are described.

CRYSTALLIZATION UNIT
The crystallization unit consists of one or more scraped surface heat exchangers (further referred to as SSHE). These SSHE's are part of the refrigeration system, which will be described under chapter "refrigeration unit". A SSHE consists of an inner tube with a rotating mutator shaft, through which the product flows. Around this inner tube another tube is provided. Refrigerant circulation can take place between these two tubes. The rotating mutator shaft is provided with several scraper blades, which scrape the inner cylinder wall, this ensures, that the inner wall is kept free of any ice during operation.

RECRYSTALLIZATION UNIT
This unit (further referred to as recrystallizer) is a mixing tank which is provided with one or more filters. The purpose of the filters, is to prevent that the ice crystals are recirculated over SSHE's. The necessity of this will be explained later.

SEPARATION SECTION
The Grenco separation section consists of one or more washcolumns which are described in a separate chapter. The function of a washcolumn is to separate ice crystals from the product with the highest possible efficiency.