How Long Does Liquid Extraction Equipment Last?

Green extracted juiceCompanies that create fruit or vegetable juices need liquid extraction equipment. Liquid extraction equipment recovers valuable soluble compounds from raw materials and makes it possible for these components to be separated and recovered from the liquid. This critical equipment is popular in many applications outside the juice sector, including the following:  For companies that purchase this liquid extraction equipment, there are many significant considerations to take into mind. One of the largest is how long these machines will last, and what a company will need to do to maintain the equipment in the long-term.  Here’s what you need to know about the lifespan of liquid extraction equipment and what can extend or limit it. 

How Long Liquid Extraction Grinders Last

As is true for all types of extraction equipment, the application has a significant impact on lifespan, maintenance, and potential repairs. No matter what, though, grinders are meant to last for quite some time. Some Corenco grinders throughout the country are at least 35-40 years old, for example.  With proper maintenance, a company should get well over twenty years of use from their machinery. While maintenance is minimal, longevity depends on the regular replacement of wear parts, like rotors and screens. 

3 Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Extraction Equipment

Cars last longer with proper maintenance. Liquid extraction equipment is no different. Especially under heavy use, this machinery will last much longer with the appropriate care and attention. Here are a few things that can extend the lifespan of liquid extraction equipment:

1. Close Attention to Yield

Extraction equipment is durable and designed to work hard. Because of this, it doesn’t require a considerable amount of routine maintenance. It does, however, need to operate within the scope it was built for.  The most significant prediction factor for how long size reduction equipment will last is its application. If it’s working to process the materials it was made to process, and the yields fall within range, it will last far longer than it otherwise would. When a company starts pushing size reduction equipment to boost yield or to process materials that it is not designed for, that will reduce the lifespan of the equipment.

2. Proper Maintenance

Again, the maintenance associated with grinders is minimal. Screens, for example, last around 400 working hours and rotors last upwards of 2,000 working hours. If you’re processing soft fruits and vegetables, the above numbers are very accurate lifespan estimations.  If you’re processing hard materials like obsidian, however, the lifespan of these pieces will decrease. If you want to extend the life of your grinder, one of the best things you can do is to replace wear parts regularly. For best results, consult with the manufacturer of your equipment. They’ll be able to provide a recommendation tailored to your use and applications. 

3. Proper Application

Size, capacity, screen size, and application are all critical considerations for the lifespan of liquid extraction equipment and grinders. Many times, people will try to size their equipment and select their screens, assuming they need the finest grind possible.  This does two negative things, though. First, it makes grinding difficult and inefficient and requires more time. Second, it puts undue stress on the machine and its components, potentially decreasing its lifespan in the long run.  If you grind material twice, you can support your machine by using two different screens.No matter what you’re grinding, keeping your machine operating within its application field is a great way to extend its lifespan. 

Finding the Right Liquid Extraction Equipment for You

When you invest in liquid extraction equipment, you want to ensure you’re choosing the machine that’s right for you.  While understanding your application and yield goals will serve you well, it’s also critical to speak with a skilled representative who will help you find the right fit for your company. Corenco is here to walk you through the selection process and ensure you’re getting the product that’s correct for you. Contact us today to learn more.

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In the food processing industry you’ll often hear the term size reduction. But how does one exactly define that? This article seeks to introduce you to a term called comminution; an excellent term that’s highly under-utilized in the industry. Comminution is the process/action of reducing solid materials from their standard particle size to smaller average particle size.      Here’s what you need to know:

The Methods of Comminution

When it comes to comminution, there are many means to an end. Some of the most common processes are cutting, grinding, crushing, pureeing, delumping, pulverizing, emulsifying,  and disintegration. Different products and machinery are used to achieve different results, from a ten dollar food processor to a multi million dollar flour mill.

Size Reduction Equipment to Support Comminution

Now that we’ve answered “what is comminution?”, let’s talk about how it happens. To ensure proper comminution, manufacturers must have the right equipment for the job. Here are a few common types of machinery that food processors use:

Gravity-Fed Mills

Gravity-fed mills, also known as angle disintegrators, are ideal for processing high bulk density products (ex. ginger, apples, potatoes, tomatoes, and horseradishes.) They feature a large inlet and a large production capacity. Each model is ideal for a wide variety of products and can facilitate many different downstream processes.

Screw-Fed Mills

Screw-fed mills move sticky, moist, or difficult-to-feed materials through a screw conveyor directly into the grinding chamber. These mills offer a metered feed system, which makes processing more efficient by reducing overload potential. The screw-fed disintegrator is popular in the processing of everything from whole pumpkins to leafy greens. 

Crushers

Crushers are used to bring large agglomerates down to a size that can be processed further. These types of equipment are often the first stage in a comminution process. An example would be reducing a 55 gallon frozen drum of fruit juice puree into softball-sized chunks which can be further processed into a final product. 

Pump-Fed Mills

Pump-fed mills are heavily used in the liquid processing industry. Designed to reduce agglomerates and large material in pumpable liquids, pump-fed mills help facilitate comminution in things like soup and soy bases and hummus production. These units are also CIP-able.

Comminution: A Summary

Comminution is a scientific word for size reduction and is an important term to know. When you have the right equipment for your applications you can ensure top-quality comminution. Ready to add advanced size reduction equipment to your lineup? Contact Corenco today. Our skilled staff will walk you through our selection and help you find or engineer the solutions that are right for you. 

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In recent years, the global juice market has blown up to claim a significant share of the beverage industry. In 2019, revenues in the juices segment are projected to reach upwards of $3 billion.  

There are currently about 6,000 companies producing high-quality juice in the U.S., and the annual market growth between 2014 and 2019 is 1.8%. As consumers continue to shift toward wholesome, more nutritious eating habits, they’re increasingly interested in fresh, healthy, minimally-processed juices they can grab on-the-go. 

The question, then, is how juice processors can create those as efficiently as possible. High quality juice is challenging to make seeing as it contains so many different ingredients that must be processed in ways that do not compromise the nutritional quality of the finished product. 

The amount of information out there can be overwhelming but this article can serve as on overview of the basic types of equipment involved in juice manufacturing. Here is what companies breaking into the juice industry need to get started.

 

The 6 Critical Pieces of Juice Processing Equipment

Regardless of the type of juice a company wants to produce, most commercial facilities will need the following types of juice processing equipment:

1. The Wash Line

The wash line is the first point of contact for the raw, bulk, ingredients that eventually become juice. They enter a factory and go through a wash line, which cleans them, removes traces of dirt and pesticides, and prepares them for processing. Wash lines have a wide range of what they filter out of the passing product that is determined by the downstream requirement.

Once the ingredients leave the wash line, they are moved by a conveyor belt system into a grinder.

2. The Right Size Reduction Equipment 

The grinder is the key piece of machinery that facilitates this process. Grinders can prepare fruit, veggies, and other ingredients for extraction. Grinders come in many sizes and capacities. The grinder a company chooses will depend on their desired rate of processing, the size of the incoming product, and the desired particle size of the ground product. In the juice industry, screw-fed disintegrators are a very popular type of grinder since they integrate controlled feeding with grinding. This direct feeding has eliminated many issues with difficult to feed products such as leafy greens, melons, and root vegetables; as well as reducing the labor required by manual feeding.

Once the material moves through the grinder, a pump transfers it to the extraction equipment. 

3. Pumps

Pumps come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. Finding the right type for your process is critical in keeping your line operational. The most common types of pumps in juice processing are progressive cavity pumps and lobe pumps. Progressive cavity pumps have a slightly better capability of dealing with products with large particles or high viscosity. Lobe pumps are better suited for products with high acidity and low abrasiveness. Keep in mind that the pump should only be transferring the ground product to the next stage, not performing any size reduction.

4. Extractors

Juice extractors come in many different styles depending on what fruit or vegetables you’re processing and what your end product objectives are. belt presses, screw presses, rack and cloth presses, and centrifuges. In some cases, a production facility may use several types of equipment to process their product fully. Extraction equipment requires correct size reduction to work optimally. While some extraction companies do offer size reduction equipment accessories, the lack of versatility compromises yield. Failure to bring product to the correct size before the extraction stage is literally throwing money away.

5. Mixing Tanks

Mixing tanks are critical to the juice production process when multiple ingredients are involved. These tanks make it possible to mix concentrate, fruit pulp, preservatives, water, flavor, color, and more. They come in a large selection of sizes, materials, and price ranges. 

6. Pasteurizers

Pasteurizers kill potentially harmful microorganisms in the fruit juice before it goes out for human consumption. These pieces of equipment are critical, as unwanted organisms make the juice taste bad and can make people sick. A pasteurizer kills dangerous bacteria and promotes healthy, great-tasting juice. 

Additional, Optional Equipment

Finding the Right Juice Processing Equipment for You

As you can see, there are many types of juice processing equipment available. Choosing the right machines for your company means taking a close look at the kind of juice processing you want to do, the ingredients you use, and your optimal yield. 

At Corenco we have a wide selection of high-quality, USA made, size reduction (grinding) equipment designed to be durable, efficient, and easy to maintain. For over forty years Corenco has engineered solutions to optimize industry processes. Contact us today for help finding the ideal piece of equipment for your application. 

Angle DisintegratorIf you run a business that requires you to chop, grind, pulverize, or puree food to make products, you’re probably familiar with industrial food grinders and other size reduction equipment. Designed to facilitate heavy vegetable prep (while also making chopping and pureeing easy to scale), industrial food processors serve many purposes. When it’s time to invest in your first machine or purchase a replacement machine, here’s what you need to know.

Who Uses Industrial Food Processors?

Industrial food shredders are versatile. People who own juice bars, for example, use these machines to grind produce and prepare it for extraction. Industrial food grinders can also shred frozen materials, create slurries, and process hard items, like wheels of dense cheese. Grinders can either generate a finished product or play an integral role in the reduction process. These machines can be custom-engineered to support your applications and processes. This versatility is ideal if you process various products daily.

5 Primary Types of Industrial Food Shredders

What to Look for in Industrial Food Equipment

Insist on these traits as you start your search for an industrial food shredder:

Is it User-Friendly?

If you’ve never used an industrial food shredder before, it’s natural to have some reservations about the process. After all, these machines seem large and intimidating. Set yourself up for success by seeking a model that’s simple and user-friendly. The fewer moving parts, the better. Not only does this streamline operations and help you avoid injuries, but it makes the machine easy to clean, reduces maintenance requirements, and keeps the grinder running for years.

Are the Screens Easy to Change?

Industrial shredders are a “buy one, get everything” solution. If you need to grind or chop things to different sizes, you can do it all on one machine – you just have to swap screens out before you change applications. If the screen exchange process is not easy, you might consider shopping for a different machine. Ideally, you should be able to change screens easily and quickly, without tools. Machines that offer this keep your workflow running and reduce delays in production. Regular screen changes can also increase your yield, which translates right into a bigger bottom line.

Is it Well-Built?

Your operations rely on your food shredder, so you need something high-quality and reliable. Before you purchase a grinder, consider its construction. Is it made from durable materials? Do the machines have a reputation for longevity? What’s the average lifespan of the model you’re considering? How much maintenance will you have to do throughout that lifespan? When you invest in a high-quality model at the outset, it will save you time and money down the road.

Is it Powerful Enough?

The difference between ground and unground (or whole) products can be huge. In some cases, you can save as much as a few dollars a pound by investing in whole ingredients and grinding it on your own. Before you can do this, though, you need to ensure the model you want is powerful enough to handle your raw materials. While gravity-fed disintegrators are made to process lighter materials, like leafy greens and fruits, other models are powerful enough to process large volumes of frozen material. Make sure the grinder you select offers the power you need.

Is it Affordable?

A good commercial grinder is an investment, but it shouldn’t break the bank. Look for grinders that are within your budget and have a reputation for quality. Take some time to consider additional factors, like maintenance and accessory expenses, as well.

Bonus: How’s the Customer Service?

Your business is your pride and joy, and you deserve a buying experience that reflects that. As you search for your ideal industrial grinder, look for a brand that offers outstanding customer service. The sales team should work closely with you to help you find the solutions you need, and make sure you’re getting the most from their piece of equipment.

Additional Purchasing Considerations

Here are some other factors to keep in mind as you shop for grinders:

Finding the Right Commercial Food Shredder for Your Purposes

Commercial food grinders play a critical role in processing raw materials and helping your business create quality products. It’s easily one of the most essential pieces of equipment you own, and you deserve quality, longevity, and reliability. Corenco specializes in high-quality, durable grinders that will increase your output and help your business grow. If you’re in the market for a new Corenco disintegrator, our reps will work with you to help you find the perfect solution. We’ve been in business for 42 years, and we’re here to manufacture solutions that work for you. Contact us today to learn more.