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Optimization of tea production using a rotary drum mixer
A rotary drum mixer for tea blending
Can you tell us about the project ?
Loic Plavinet, Mixer Project Manager at SOFRADEN
Our client is a major player in the tea and herbal infusion industry.
They already operated several rotary drum mixers, but none of the SOFRAGIR type.
The company wanted to acquire a new mixer in order to increase its production capacity and to efficiently blend complex products with varying particle sizes and densities.
What were the client's expectations ?
Our client’s expectations were to improve mixing performance without damaging the product. They also wanted to simplify the filling and emptying operations of the mixer drum.
Our rotary drum mixer fully meets these requirements. In addition, it provides greater flexibility, as it is capable of blending the client’s entire range of recipes, including products with different characteristics. This was not possible with the other mixers they had been using until now.
Why did you choose the SOFRAGIR mixer ?
During the pre-sales phase, we conducted trials using several different mixing technologies. Initially, we tested rotor-based mixers, including one paddle ribbon mixer and one ribbon blender. The results were not satisfactory, as the high rotational speeds quickly damaged the product.
This led us to focus on rotary drum mixing solutions.
The SOFRAGIR rotary drum mixer is particularly well suited to fragile products. It operates at a low rotational speed and features internal mixing flights that create a gentle gravitational and cross-flow mixing action. This process ensures excellent blend homogeneity while preserving the integrity and quality of the material being mixed.
How did the project progress ?
At the end of the project, we carried out the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at our facilities together with the client. During a dedicated testing day, we blended two different recipes, which allowed us to validate the machine’s performance before shipment.
Afterward, I visited the client’s site to support the commissioning phase and train the operators on the proper use of the SOFRAGIR mixer.
During those few days, we also took the opportunity to test and validate a wide range of recipes, including blends based on white tea, black tea, rooibos, liquid flavorings, and even recipes containing visible inclusions.
Any final thoughts ?
I would like to thank our client for their trust. They have already approached us again regarding the acquisition of another SOFRAGIR-type mixer by 2025, and we will do everything possible to support them in successfully bringing this new project to completion.