Aroma, Quality and Reduction of Energy Consumption with the Cryogenic Grinding of Spices

For the production of spices STM applies cryogrinding as the pulverization processes normally performed at room temperature can be carried out at cryogenic temperatures with better quality of the grInded product as well as reduction in energy consumption.

STM has developed two product lines for the cryogrinding of spices: the MP and MR series mills.

With the MP series pin mill, grinding takes place by impact, without selecting the material, and the final product is characterized by homogeneous grains which have maintained a uniform crystal lattice and contains high quantities of oil. The fineness of grinding can be adjusted from extra fine d.90 <40µm to a material with low amounts of dust.

The MR series sieve mill treats more friable products, containing fewer oils, with a sieve-through diameter that allows to obtain a finished product, without further steps and with an integrated selection.

The mills of the MP and MR series have the possibility of mounting interchangeable working tools with ease, allowing a modularity of the system able to meet the specific needs of the customer.

With cryogrinding, the finished product retains its organoleptic, physical and chemical properties. The liquid nitrogen used for cooling, in fact, allows to limit the natural temperature increase by crystallizing the microelements contained in the spices, thus safeguarding aroma and quality.

Thanks to cryogrinding it is possible to make fragile those products that are not fragile in nature and, since the cooling of the material to the embrittlement temperature occurs before it enters the grinding mill, packing phenomena that would lead to plant shutdowns are avoided.

Finally, the design of STM solutions complies with current ATEX regulations since the application of liquid nitrogen produces an inert, extremely dry and non-toxic atmosphere in the grinding plant.

STM has a Pilot Plant where to simulate and verify the performance of the technologies, varying the input material and the operating and process parameters, adapting the solutions to every need.