The Problem
A chocolate manufacturer wanted to install two new chocolate conches in their factory. They have two operational conches using Viking gear pumps for chocolate recirculation. They needed a similar setup but required the new systems to be cost-effective while maintaining quality.
The Solution
All-Pumps supplied two Roper 3600 Series chocolate gear pumps for the client's new conching equipment. These pumps have a heating jacket to maintain the chocolate's warmth and fluidity during pumping. They also have a lantern ring in the gland packing to prevent air from entering the process and keep the chocolate fluid for longer. Lastly, Roper gear pumps use iron bearings with large square grooves, ensuring better circulation of the chocolate and preventing build-up.
Project Highlights
Chocolate is one of the most demanding fluids to transfer in the food industry. We found Roper Pumps’ 3600 chocolate gear pumps the ideal solution for the client’s conching equipment due to their unique design elements like:
- Iron bearings with large square grooves allow for better circulation of the process fluid to prevent build-up.
- A lantern ring in the packing prevents air from entering the process stream. This modification prevents the process fluid from hardening within the pump.
- Option for heating jacket system for temperature-sensitive processes and keeping chocolate fluid.
- Undersized gears are used to accommodate extra clearance.
These features and gear pumps’ low pulse action ensure fluidity, consistency, and quality of the client’s chocolate products. Furthermore, Roper gear pumps are made of rugged cast iron, instilling confidence in our clients that their new pumps will provide them with long-lasting performance and lower maintenance requirements.
