High-intensity low-fat production
control pump on its low-fat snack production and packing line.
UK-based firm Berkshire Foods has installed a Watson-Marlow Bredel 313S/D manual control pump on its low-fat snack production and packing line. The line, which was built in a new 15,000 sq/ft unit, produces a range of low-fat snack products that are supplied to major UK multiples.
In order for the product to be classed as 'low-fat', the combined fat content of both the initial ingredients and flavourings must be less than 3 per cent. The Watson-Marlow 313S/D manual control pump is fitted to an airline and sprayhead which sprays the oil, at a rate of just 16g/minute, into the flavour drum. The oil evenly coats the surface of the snack food as the drum rotates allowing the seasoning to stick to it.
"The Watson-Marlow pump has been a key factor in the development of our low-fat business," said technical manager Rebecca Burton. "The accuracy of the pump means we can be confident that we meet our customer's requirements for the manufacture of truly low-fat products."
Semi-processed pellets enter the production line and are transported at a controlled rate via a conveyor into a hot air processor that expands the pellets into cooked snack food. The snack food is then fed into the rotating flavour drum where it is sprayed with the fine layer of oil by the Watson-Marlow pump and seasoning is added.
As the product leaves the drum, it is transported to a packing machine and the resulting packets are fed to a multi-pack machine ready for distribution to multiple retailers. "We're very pleased with the pump supplied by Watson-Marlow and with the level of service we've received.," said Burton. "The quality and performance of the pump coupled with Watson-Marlow's experience in the industry has made it the perfect choice for our application."
Established in 1987, Berkshire Foods manufactures a range of fried and low-fat snack products and vegetable crisps from its recently expanded 30,000 square foot premises. Following continued growth, the company is hoping to install a second low-fat production line.
