Cocoa beans winnowing

The shells of cocoa beans must be removed before further processing. This takes place in two process steps. First, the cocoa beans are crushed into cocoa nibs. Then the cocoa particles, also known as nibs, are separated from the loosened shell parts.

The winnowing process of the cocoa beans is of crucial importance with regard to the achievable yield of cocoa nibs. With an optimal pretreatment of the cocoa beans, the crushing process can break them into the largest possible nibs and thus achieves optimal shell-nib separation.

The cocoa beans are crushed using a 2-stage crushing process in order to keep the proportion of fines as low as possible. For this process step centrifugal crushers are used as their crushing intensity can be adjusted by their running speed.

The separation of cocoa nibs and cocoa shells takes place via a combination of a sieving machine with an air sifting system. The nibs and shell parts are separated into different fractions via a multi-stage sieve. Each fraction is then air-sifted to separate the nibs and shells.

The particle size of the nibs and shells plays an important role in air sifting. The larger the nibs and shell parts are, the more optimal the separation process is due to the different density of nibs and shells.

OVERVIEW

Winnowing system CBDS

The winnowing system CBDS works continuously. The cocoa beans are fed to the sieving machine and the aspiration unit via a 2-stage crushing system. For maintenance and cleaning of the system, the aspiration unit can be moved away from the screening machine using a rail system.

OVERVIEW

Winnowing system CBDS

The winnowing system CBDS is shown in production position. The aspiration unit is located above the sieving unit. The cocoa shells are aspirated above each sieve. The shells are fed by a fan to a filter or cyclone unit.

OVERVIEW

Winnowing system CBDS

The winnowing system CBDS is shown in the maintenance position. The aspiration unit is completely moved away from the sieving machine. This gives free access to the screens, either for changing screens or for cleaning. The opening process takes less than a minute.

HIGHLIGHTS

Winnowing system CBDS

Here are the highlights of the winnowing system CBDS:

Optimum separation of nibs and shells
Optimum yield of cocoa nibs
Adjustable crushing intensity of the centrifugal crushers
Negative pressure control in the aspiration channels
Optimum maintenance options thanks to the movable aspiration unit

CAPACITIES

Winnowing system CBDS

The winnowing system CBDS is available with the following capacities:

CBDS 10: 1000 kg/h Cocoa beans
CBDS 20: 2000 kg/h Cocoa beans
CBDS 40: 4000 kg/h Cocoa beans
CBDS 60: 6000 kg/h Cocoa beans
CBDS 80: 8000 kg/h Cocoa beans
CBDS 100: 10000 kg/h Cocoa beans