Bühler Lucent cocoa roaster

Swiss technology group Bühler has developed Lucent, an industrial cocoa nib roaster that is designed to use at least 20% less energy per tonne of cocoa than its predecessor, the Tornado, and deliver up to 20% higher throughput in the same footprint. The machine combines heat recovery, predictive roasting controls and a fully sealed product chamber.

Its heat exchange system uses return air, reducing the load on the gas burner. It also features a redesigned drum geometry and optimised fill levels to reduce gas consumption. A hybrid roasting option, combining convective and conductive heat transfer, is also available.

Featuring a fully enclosed roasting chamber, the machine has a new sealing system that physically separates the product from combustion air throughout the entire roasting cycle.

Constructed in stainless steel with an easy-clean finish, the machine includes service openings that provide direct access to key components, reducing maintenance time and facilitating inspection.

A self-learning control system is used to continuously monitor key roasting parameters and automatically adjust gas burner temperature, airflow and process speed. An operator sets a roasting profile; the algorithm manages execution. Depending on the raw material, roasting cycles run between 40 and 60 min. The system adapts to variation in incoming cocoa to maintain consistent results from batch to batch.

Manufactured in Switzerland, the roaster is available to industrial cocoa manufacturers worldwide.