Research
AiF research projects
We are particularly proud of the numerous research projects that we have been carrying out for years with the support of the German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL) in Quakenbrück on behalf of the Federal Government.
We have been working on another project together with the Fraunhofer Institute (IPK) in Berlin since summer 2017.
In the following, we would like to briefly present our projects and results:
Research project:
Development, design and production of a combined mixing/filling appa-
rature for meat-alternative cold cut products
Duration: 01.09.2018 to 31.08.2020
Content: An apparatus for the production of meat-alternative cold cuts is to be designed, constructed and manufactured. Using this equipment, the production and filling of the sausage meat matrix into plastic casings is to be realised by the same equipment.
The mixing tools are to be specially designed to take into account the particular mixing task (emulsification of an oil matrix in a water-based continuous phase whose flow behaviour changes from Newtonian-low viscosity to non-Newtonian-high viscosity during the process).
Research project:
Development of a high-precision rotation unit to increase the efficiency in the process-safe production of particles with a size of less than one micrometre.
Duration: 01.07.2017 to 31.10. 2019
Content: The aim of the project is to develop a continuously operating homogeniser that functions according to the rotor-stator principle and can produce much smaller particles at low cost than is possible with the equipment available to date. Applications include the production of paints, homogenised foodstuffs or bio-based pigments, omega-3 fatty acids and lipids.
The project is being worked on together with the Fraunhofer Institute (IPK)in Berlin.
Research project:
Novel malting process
Duration 01.01.2017 to 31.12.2018
Content: A novel malting process is to be developed based on the principle of a tiltable and rotatable horizontal mixer.
The aim is to develop a new malting process based on the principle of a tiltable and rotatable horizontal mixer. The aim of the project is to develop a new multifunctional apparatus for the effective and resource-saving production of brewing malt for beer production.
The process is characterised by a novel “all-in-one” procedure in a single vessel. For the prototype to be developed, in particular the possibility of carrying out four different malt processing steps (cleaning, steeping, germinating and kilning) in one apparatus is a significant distinguishing feature compared to conventional malting plants. The new process has numerous advantages for the production of brewing malt. For example, it is not necessary to transport the product between the individual sub-steps (cleaning, steeping, germinating and kilning), which makes the workflow much simpler.
Within the scope of the project, it is intended to be able to vary the individual control and regulation of the heat supply in the germination and kilning process in such a way that very different malt qualities can be produced.
Research project:
Development of a novel combi-dryer for the effective, gentle drying of domestic vegetable products.
Duration: 01.09.2014 to 31.08. 2016
Content: Drying is a proven process for the preservation of perishable foods, which significantly improves the shelf life of fruit and vegetables in particular. The aim of the project is to develop a new type of mixed dehydrator that enables gentle drying of vegetables.
Research project:
Development of a combined stirring/heating apparatus based on ohmic heating technology.
Duration: 01.02.2014 to 31.01.2016
Content: The heating of products during the mixing process is often an essential part of the process. The heating almost always takes place via the container wall using different heat transfer media. The aim of the project is to develop a new type of mixer that works in batches and uses ohmic heating.
Research project:
Development of a modular prototype for the gentle drying of domestic pome and stone fruit.
Duration: 01.09.2011 to 31.08.2013
Content: Conventional drying processes involve relatively rapid drying at high temperatures. In contrast, the newly developed dryer works gently on the product at low temperatures, so that the ingredients of the fruit are largely preserved.
Research project:
Development of a high-speed mixing and cooking apparatus based on high-frequency technology
Duration: 01.10.2010- 30.09.2012
Content: Development of a planetary stirrer in which the stirring tool is designed as a high-frequency unit. This means that the product is heated directly in the product, which is particularly advantageous for medium- and high-viscosity products. Double-walled containers are therefore not necessary or it is possible to cool via a double jacket. Since the heating system is completely integrated in the mixer, it is possible to work with several inexpensive single-walled containers.
Research project:
Multifunctional horizontal mixer for continuous and discontinuous mixing tasks
mixing tasks
Duration: 01.01.2008- 31.12.2009
Content: In contrast to conventional horizontal mixers, this new type of mixer can be operated both in batch mode and continuously. It has two rotating mixing shafts that work according to the planetary principle and achieve a particularly good mixing effect. In addition, shear forces can be deliberately transferred to the mixed product if the mixing tools are appropriately designed.
Research project:
High viscosity mixer based on planetary technology
Duration: 01.12.2004- 30.11.2006
Content: The main focus was the development of an encapsulated double planetary mixer in coaxial design. By means of two independent drives, it also enables gentle mixing of highly viscous shear-sensitive products, if required. In addition, a special wall scraper heats the product on demand.
Research project:
Development of a new mixing and dispersing unit with product-speci
product-specific controlled energy and shear input.
Duration: 01.11.2001 until 31.10.2003
Content: Development of an inline homogeniser with adjustable dispersing system. The control technology enables the rotor-stator system to be adapted to the changing flow behaviour of the product during the process. Furthermore, the gap width of the stator and the speed of the rotor can be changed.