Death to the coating and flavouring drum

A new dual-chamber electrostatic coating system for food production lines has been launched, which is claimed to signal a further nail in the coffin for the traditional rotating drums used by some manufacturers to add flavourings and coatings.

Called Death of the Drum Mk III, the equipment, designed by Spice Application Systems (SAS), promises increased energy efficiency, less powder wastage and improved product quality. It has been developed in response to customer feedback.

Md Peter King said: "We're continually looking for ways to innovate and improve our electrostatic equipment. The success of the flip-over system, which enabled us to ensure all sides of the product are equally coated with the correct amount of powder, was the first step and we have enhanced it still further."

The dual-chamber approach means foods are coated inside one chamber and then flipped over as they then travel along the vibratory tray, before going into a second chamber for the second coating. "This provides even better coverage," claimed King, who also said the electrostatic process gives products a far more even coating and reduces breakage.

A new automated electrostatic control panel allows operators to change products and flavourings easily by keying in product codes.