Baking&Snack International - January 2012 - 10

Tech showcase: Horizontal mixers
By Shane Whitaker Horizontal mixer manufacturers include variable-frequency drives (VFDs) as standard on most horizontal mixers nowadays. While one mixer manufacturer stated that only about 20% of the horizontal mixers it sold five years ago came with a VFD, this past year, 100% of its new mixers featured this technology as opposed to the dual-speed motors that were standard. VFDs give bakers greater flexibility with agitator speeds, enabling mixers to produce a wide variety of doughs. They also are important for the longterm maintenance of the machines because VFDs allow mixers to ramp up and down on speeds to avoid shocking the belts and chains. Drive components experience less wear and tear, and operators gain more flexibility with jog/ discharge speeds. In addition, horizontal mixer manufacturers offer improved control systems that provide bakers with more data to better manage every batch and alert operators if a batch is out of spec. These systems measure and record major data points from each mix, including water and flour temperatures as they enter the bowl as well as dough temperature and energy use. Although today’s mixers are more complex in many ways, they also are simpler for the operator to use. Here is a sampling of products now available on the market.

Offset tilt bowl mixer
The Offset Tilt Bowl horizontal mixer from AMF Bakery Systems is designed for mixing breads, rolls, buns, flour tortillas, croissants, bagels, pizza, specialty and English muffin doughs. It features a robust frame and new bowl design that ensures maximum glycol cooling efficiency and optimal dough temperature control, according to the company. The offset frame is designed for an automated dough discharge sequence and lateral trough, chunker or pump movement. Easy access and 6-in. floor clearance facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Other features include a heavy-duty stainless steel triple-roller agitator and shafts, single-end belt drive system and long-lasting sanitary-style shaft seals designed for easy removal. This mixer is available in capacities from 800 to 3,200 lb. (+1) 804 355 7961 www.amfbakery.com

Triple-roller-bar mixers
CMC America received a patent that covers several improved designs with its mixers for faster dough development at lower operating costs. US Patent No. 8,021,036, which was awarded to the company in January 2011, also focuses on features for improved dough temperature control. In addition, CMC has continued to update sanitary designs of its triple-roller-bar horizontal mixers. Benefits from new mixer designs are offered for yeast-raised and chemically leavened products from breads to cookies. (+1) 815 726 4337 www.doughmixer.com

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January 2012

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Baking & Snack International Global Intelligence Report

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Baking&Snack International - January 2012

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