What is the role of flow meters in candy manufacturing?

What role does Bronkhorst play in candy manufacturing? Well… there is a huge variation in candy available on the market, each brand with its own taste, texture and appearance. These features are often part of the branding of the major confectionery manufacturers. And therefore, it is important that all candy has the right taste, but also the right colouring and texture. This is the part where flow meters come in the picture…

These confectionery manufacturers buy their machines at machine builders (OEMs). One of these machine builders who is specialised in equipment for the food industry, especially in aerating, depositing, forming and mixing of fat creams, chocolate and other masses, is Haas-Mondomix B.V. (part of the Bühler group). I had the opportunity to work with them on a solution, containing ultrasonic volume flow meters, for adding additives (such as flavourings and colourings) into the main stream of the production process of candy.

What is important when dosing additives?

The equipment Haas-Mondomix B.V. designs for the confectionery industry has to meet strict requirements. Important topics here are:

• High-quality confectionery products; As confectionery products, such as candy, represent a specific brand it is important that the colour, texture and taste are always the same. So reproducibility in this process is essential. Good reproducibility will result in high-quality confectionery products. 
• Efficient use of raw materials (colourings, acid and flavourings); Coulouring and flavourings are very costly agents, especially the natural variant. Therefore, a controlled and efficient use of these substances is very much desired. You will save on raw materials and it will also add to a better quality as well.
• Sanitary design, suitable for food applications; for devices in food applications it is important that they have hygienic design meaning a surface roughness ≤ 0.8 µm and no dead volume.