Inline mixing system for chocolate with inclusions and additives

The Betec SMF 2000 was developed for the controlled inline mixing of chocolate with dry inclusions and liquid additives within continuous chocolate production lines.

The machine ensures an accurate and reproducible mixing ratio between chocolate and additions such as:

• hazelnuts
• granulates
• crunchy inclusions
• cacao nibs
• liquid flavourings
• flavours
• other dry or liquid additives

Thanks to the integrated flow measurement and automatic feed control, a homogeneous chocolate product mass with a constant product composition is created, ready for further processing in for example:

• depositing machines
• moulding lines
• bar lines
• production lines for chocolate with inclusions

The SMF 2000 can process production capacities up to 2000 kg of chocolate per hour.

Applications of the SMF 2000 inline mixing and feeding unit

The SMF 2000 is mainly used for producing chocolate products in which inclusions must be distributed homogeneously, such as:

• chocolate bars with nuts
• chocolate with crunchy inclusions
• deposited chocolate products
• moulded chocolate products
• chocolate products with flavour additives
• chocolate products with granulates
• premium chocolate products with inclusions

The machine is particularly suitable for production environments where:

• constant product quality is important
• accurate mixing ratios are required
• continuous production is desired
• manual mixing processes need to be minimised

Main advantages of the Betec SMF 2000

• Controlled inline mixing of chocolate and inclusions
• Accurate mixing ratios via flow measurement
• Continuous and reproducible product feeding
• Homogeneous distribution of inclusions in chocolate
• Suitable for dry and liquid additives
• Automatic feeding of granulates
• Easy adjustment via control panel
• Ergonomic hopper filling possible
• Integration with depositing and production lines
• Product capacities up to 2000 kg/h

Inline mixing of chocolate with nuts, granulates and inclusions

The SMF 2000 mixes chocolate and inclusions directly during the production process, creating a continuous and controlled product flow.

The chocolate is supplied from an external tempering machine or chocolate supply system towards the mixing unit. At the inlet of the mixing tube, an integrated flowmeter continuously measures the chocolate volume flowing through the system.

Based on the programmed recipe parameters, the correct quantity of inclusions is automatically added to the chocolate.

This results in a controlled and reproducible production process with:

• constant mixing ratios
• stable product quality
• homogeneous product composition
• reduced dependency on manual operations

Accurate mixing ratios via integrated flow measurement

The integrated flowmeter is one of the most important components of the SMF 2000.

Because the system continuously measures the chocolate volume, the machine can calculate very accurately how many inclusions or additives need to be added.

Via the control panel, the operator can easily:

• configure recipes
• adjust mixing ratios
• monitor product parameters
• fine-tune feeding quantities

This ensures that the programmed ratios remain stable, even with variations in production speed or chocolate flow.

Homogeneous chocolate products with constant product composition

After passing through the mixing tube, a homogeneous chocolate product mass is created in which the inclusions are evenly distributed.

A homogeneous distribution of inclusions is essential for products such as:

• chocolate bars with nuts
• products with crunchy inclusions
• premium chocolate products
• moulded chocolate products

A controlled and even distribution ensures:

• consistent product composition
• stable product weight
• reproducible quality
• controlled dosing towards downstream machines

Mixing dry inclusions and liquid additives

The SMF 2000 can process both dry inclusions and liquid additives.

Mixing dry inclusions and granulates

Dry inclusions such as:

• hazelnuts
• granulates
• cacao nibs
• crunchy toppings
• other inclusions

are fed in a controlled manner from the hopper towards the mixing tube.

The feed quantity is automatically regulated based on:

• the programmed recipe
• the chocolate volume
• the desired mixing ratio

Dosing liquid additives

For liquid additions such as:

• flavourings
• aromas
• liquid additives

the machine can be equipped with an integrated dosing pump.

The additive is drawn from an external packaging or container via a feed hose and added in a controlled way to the inlet of the mixing tube.

Here as well, the desired ratios can easily be configured and adjusted via the control panel.

Ergonomic feeding of inclusions into the hopper

To reduce operator workload, the SMF 2000 can optionally be equipped with an elevating conveyor for granulates and inclusions.

This allows inclusions to be fed ergonomically without manual lifting at height or filling the hopper via ladders.

This offers important advantages in terms of:

• ergonomics
• operator safety
• ease of use
• continuous production

Once the machine has been configured correctly, the mixing process runs largely automatically and the operator mainly needs to monitor the inclusion supply.

Integration within automated chocolate production lines

The SMF 2000 was developed for integration within continuous chocolate production lines.

The machine can be connected to:

• depositing machines
• moulding lines
• bar lines
• tempering machines
• downstream production systems

This creates an automated product flow in which chocolate with inclusions is supplied in a controlled and homogeneous manner towards the next process step.

Continuous chocolate production up to 2000 kg/h

The Betec SMF 2000 is designed for industrial chocolate production with high production capacities.

Depending on:

• product type
• inclusion size
• recipe
• chocolate viscosity

the machine can process product capacities up to 2000 kg of chocolate per hour.

This makes the SMF 2000 suitable for:

• medium-sized production environments
• automated production lines
• industrial chocolate production

Want to know more about the Betec SMF 2000?

Would you like to know how the SMF 2000 can be integrated into your chocolate production line or which configuration best matches your products and recipes?

Contact us via info@betecnv.be for technical advice, additional information or a personalised quotation.

Betec is happy to help you develop an efficient and reproducible inline mixing solution for chocolate with inclusions and additives.