What makes good coffee? In addition to fresh ingredients and experienced specialists, the secret lies in the roasting of the coffee beans.
Precise control of the gases used to heat the beans by means of a flow regulator is a key factor in the quality and flavour of the beans.
The art of coffee roasting requires precision and control to bring out the best flavours from the coffee beans. A critical aspect of this process is the precise control of the gas supply used to heat the beans. This is where mass flow controllers play a vital role in the coffee roasting process.
Roasting involves a series of chemical reactions that are temperature-dependent and influence the development of flavour notes such as sweet, nutty, chocolatey, or fruity aromas.
The correct temperature is essential for developing the complex flavours within the coffee beans. If the temperature is too low, it results in a flat, underdeveloped taste, while a temperature that is too high can burn the beans, leading to bitter, undesirable flavours.
The roasting curve—the rate at which temperature rises and is maintained—affects how flavours are extracted. A steady temperature increase allows for even roasting, whereas sudden temperature changes can lead to uneven flavour development.
Mass flow controllers from Vögtlin Instruments regulate the amount of gas fed into the roasting process. These devices can detect even the slightest fluctuations in gas flow, providing precise control over heat input. The red-y smart series operate with an accuracy of up to ±0.5% of the measured value and ±0.3% of the full scale, with a very high dynamic range. This precision is crucial, as different roasting profiles require varying temperatures and times to achieve the desired flavours.
Vögtlin mass flow controllers compensate for changes in ambient or gas temperature through automatic temperature compensation, significantly improving repeatability. The MEMS technology ensures long-term stability without deviations, provided the gas supply is clean and dry. This is particularly important, as the characteristics of the beans change during roasting, requiring adjustments to the heat input.
With modern, high-precision mass flow controllers, master roasters can ensure that the roasting process is even and consistent, leading to higher quality and reproducibility of the final product. By using these technologies, roasteries can also optimize energy consumption and increase the efficiency of their operations. For example, the use of precise mass flow controllers can reduce gas consumption by up to 10%, which is not only economically beneficial but also contributes to sustainability.
Overall, mass flow controllers are indispensable tools in modern coffee roasting. They enable precise control of roasting parameters, leading to higher coffee quality while simultaneously enhancing process efficiency.
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gas flow technology
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4132 Muttenz, Switzerland
Vögtlin Instruments GmbH
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