Patent Application
20130196047
The present invention relates to a process for the production of natural stimulants based on fat-containing masses.
Patent application WO 2005/077197 A1 discloses a process for manufacturing chocolate in which all raw materials such as e.g. cocoa nibs and crystal sugar undergo a pre-grinding process. Subsequently the ground raw materials are put into a U-shaped conche for further processing. Finally, the chocolate mass produced is pulverized by means of an agitator bead mill.
Conventional processes for the production of natural stimulants based on fat-containing masses, particularly processes for the production of chocolate, use a lot of energy and require a lot of space for the installation of the machines. Especially the processing of raw materials that are fed into the processing machines is very expensive and energy hungry in conventional processes.
Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a process for an efficient, energy- and resource-saving production of natural stimulants based on fat-containing masses.
The object according to the present invention is achieved by a process comprising the features of claims 1 and 2. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the features of the subclaims.
Another object of the present invention relates to a fat-containing mass produced according to the above-mentioned process.
This object is achieved by a fat-containing mass comprising the features of claim 18. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the features of the subclaims.
A process for the production of natural stimulants based on fat-containing masses is described. The first step in the production of the fat-containing mass is to feed the raw materials into an apparatus. Said raw materials are, among others, cocoa nibs, cocoa liquor, cocoa blocks or cocoa drops and crystal sugar. These raw materials are mixed directly in said apparatus without being pre-ground and the required processing temperature and consistency are set. The next step is to liquefy the mixed raw materials in said apparatus by adding at least one fat and/or at least one oil. As a final step, the fat-containing mass produced is pulverized through circulation between said apparatus and a grinding mill. In a preferred embodiment, said grinding mill comprises two grinding zones. In the first grinding zone, the coarse components are pre-ground, in the subsequent main grinding zone, the pre-ground components are pulverized.
More particularly, a second process refers to the production of chocolate, which is also a natural stimulant based on fat-containing masses. The first step in the production of chocolate is to feed the raw materials into an apparatus. These raw materials are mixed in said apparatus and the required processing temperature and consistency are set. As an intermediate step, the raw materials undergo a dry conching treatment in said apparatus. As a result of this intermediate step, which may take several hours, undesirable components such as e.g. undesirable flavors are removed from the fat-containing raw mass. This is generally referred to as neutralization of the fat-containing raw mass. The process of conching is sufficiently known in chocolate manufacturing and is therefore not described in detail herein. However, the use of this intermediate step in said apparatus prior to liquefaction is new and considerably improves the energy efficiency of said apparatus and the efficiency of said process. Subsequently, the mixed raw materials are liquefied in said apparatus by adding at least one fat and/or at least one oil. Finally, the fat-containing mass produced is pulverized through circulation between said apparatus and a grinding mill.
After the liquefaction of the mixed raw materials, one or several additives are added to the fat-containing mass. These additives can be, for example, nuts, broken cookies and the like. These additives determine the specific flavor or the specific consistency. The process according to the present invention allows to add these additives prior to, during or after the pulverization.
The fat-containing mass is ground in said grinding mill in two steps. First, the fat-containing mass flows through a pre-grinding zone of said grinding mill and subsequently, it is finely ground in the main grinding zone of said grinding mill. A separate machine can be used each for pre-grinding and for fine-grinding, with both machines being arranged after said apparatus. It is, however, also possible to carry out both grinding procedures in one machine, as described above for the preferred embodiment.
The air required in the process according to the present invention for removing undesirable flavors and for tempering the fat-containing mass is introduced into the fat-containing mass through a mixing shaft. In addition to the removal of undesirable flavors, a neutralization of the fat-containing mass takes place. Tempering of the fat-containing mass, especially of cocoa mass, is performed according to a specified temperature curve. As a result of this specific temperature sequence, beta V crystals are formed in the fat-containing mass, more particularly in the cocoa butter. These beta V crystals represent a dense cocoa butter crystal structure and prevent the migration of foreign fats. The discharge of exhaust air from the apparatus is accelerated by suction.
The fat-containing mass is circulated between said apparatus and said grinding mill by means of a pump. This circulation process is continued until the fat-containing mass or, more specifically, the chocolate has reached the desired fineness. Moreover, it is possible to temper the fat-containing mass during pumping. This tempering can be either heating or cooling. Heating serves to keep the fat-containing mass or the chocolate fluid. Cooling, however, shall prevent the fat-containing mass or the chocolate from scorching or from changing its flavor.
In said grinding mill, grinding agents made of steel and/or ceramic are used. After said grinding mill, a component is arranged by means of which any broken and/or rubbed off parts from said grinding agents made of steel and/or ceramic are removed from the production cycle. In a preferred embodiment, an agitator bead mill is used as a grinding mill. Furthermore, a conche is used as an apparatus. Said apparatus and said grinding mill are lined with steel or with a ceramic material. A positive displacement pump, preferably a progressing cavity pump, is used as a pump. This pump can be tempered, as already mentioned above.
Furthermore, a fat-containing mass is disclosed which is produced according to the process of the present invention. Said fat-containing mass is a compound, a filling, a coating or chocolate. Said fat-containing mass may contain additives such as nuts or broken cookies. These additives are contained in the finished fat-containing mass in whole form, as broken pieces or in finely ground form.
Hereinafter, the invention and its advantages are described in more detail by means of the embodiments shown in the figures annexed hereto. The proportions of the individual elements in the corresponding figures in relation to each other do not always correspond to the real proportions as some forms are simplified and other forms are enlarged in relation to other shown elements for better illustration.
The invention was described with reference to a preferred embodiment.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2012 001 417.1 | Jan 2012 | DE | national |
