Analysis of cocoa processing systems and classifications of cocoa dryers

Analysis of cocoa processing systems and classifications of cocoa dryers

Chokhonelidze Alexander, Forgor Lempogo, William Brown-Acquaye, George Essah Yaw Okai

The processing of cocoa involves a couple of technological processes such as roasting and drying which consume lots of energy. The ever increasing cost of energy has created the need for continuous optimization of the technological processes to minimize their operational cost. The selection of the appropriate equipment for each process is the first step to optimize the entire process. In recent times, drying technologies have evolved and have become more diverse and complex. Also, there is the need to meet stricter quality specifications, higher production rates, higher energy costs and stringent environmental regulations. As a result, selecting the right dryer for the right product has become an increasingly difficult task. In this paper, we attempted to describe the technological stages of cocoa processing and classified the various types of dryers available for the various stages of cocoa processing. This is important because the engineers responsible for the selection of a drying system need to be informed on the available equipment on the market, what the key criteria are in the selection process and thus arrive at alternative possibilities before a choice is made.

Limited Liability Company 'Publishing Center' Naukovedenie

2014

http://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=BDvl0VYAAAAJ&cstart=20&pagesize=80&citation_for_view=BDvl0VYAAAAJ:IjCSPb-OGe4C

English