Identical mixing lines provide flexibility and efficiency

Flavors are a crucial element to fully flavor food products. Buteressence from the Dutch town of Zaandam has been specializing in flavors for 150 years, but continues to constantly innovate and optimize. Recently, two blending lines were added in production. These should answer the growing diversity. System integrator AZO built in the necessary flexibility with its amixon cone mixers.

High mix, low volume, this production trend does not escape the food industry either. For Buteressence, flexibility was therefore a crucial element in the choice of two identical new mixing lines. The intention was to be able to mix batches of 20 to 720 kg efficiently on the lines. These will be there to meet the rising demand for powdered flavors from Buteressence that find their application in both sweet and savory products. The company from Zaandam counted on system integrator AZO for the implementation, which, thanks to its wide range, always has an answer in house to come up with a flexible solution tailored to the customer.

Two amixon cone mixers

Buteressence opted for two amixon cone mixers. Two completely identical installations, the difference is only in the volume of the mixer and thus the mixing quantities they can handle. The AM 1500 can handle volumes from 120 to 720 kg. Little brother AM 400 keeps it to batches of 20 to 160 kg. The supply of raw materials to the mixers is done, on the one hand, via forklift trucks. On the other hand, the basic raw material is supplied separately by means of a Big Bag unloading station and pneumatic vacuum flow-through transport. The plant was also equipped with liquid injection below product level. The specially designed mixing tool extends over the entire diameter of the plant. This keeps the product constantly moving for good liquid uptake. Finally, the AZO self-dosing eddy current screen ensures that the mixture is perfectly sieved at filling.

Flexibility and efficiency

The choice of two identically configured mixing lines means that the recipes are completely interchangeable on the lines, so there is no difference in composition and quality. This gives Buteressence the gains in flexibility and efficiency it envisioned at the start of the project. Very close attention was also paid to hygiene. Hygiene was paramount in every aspect of the design. For example, the openings in the extra-large access door were given an omega seal for a perfectly hermetic and hygienic seal. In addition, the compact eddy current screen is easy to open without tools for cleaning and inspection.

Accessibility and ergonomics for eyes

For the actual implementation, AZO used 3D technology. After all, the available space, especially in height, was limited. By making the entire design virtual first, tinkering could be done to achieve optimal accessibility and ergonomics for the operators. To this end, the construction includes, for example, platforms in stainless steel at different heights. Thanks to the virtual preparation work, the installation went smoothly.