What is the maximum viscosity of chocolate that we can pump?
Chocolate in its fluid form can vary drastically from one viscosity to the other, chocolate at room temperature can get up to as high as 50,000 centipoise. Most factories around the world will pump chocolate at above 50 degrees which lowers the viscosity to around 25,000. The simple answer is we can spec a chocolate pump to move chocolate up to 50,000 centipoise but we would recommend pumping hot chocolate when possible.
What pump type is best used for pumping chocolate?
Tapflo has a full range of hygienic process pumps that are capable of pumping chocolate, the most common pump used globally is a Lobe Pump which offers smooth pulse-free flow and great CIP capabilities. More recently factories are switching over to Twin Screw Pumps which offer a 2 in 1 pump solution as you can use the same pump for the process and the CIP. Twin screws also have good priming capabilities.
Can I pump chocolate with suspended solids in and if so what’s the best pump the job?
The two options are again either a Lobe Pump or a Twin Screw Pump, both pumps can pump fluids with suspended solids without damaging the product. Depending on the size of the solids these will need to be matched to the correct sized pumping technology focusing on solid pass-through capabilities.
How can I keep my chocolate hot after it leaves the tank and enters the pump?
Tapflo will always offer a heating jacket to either the Lobe or Twin-screw pump being supplied. The heating jacket fitted with a circulating pump will enable you to pump hot water around the casing of the pump head to ensure the fluid temperature is maintained when passing through the pump.
Chocolate Pump Case Study
Tapflo were recently approached by a large chocolate manufacturer in the UK and asked to put forward a solution to pump hot chocolate from a holding tank to a filling machine. A fairly simple requirement for a pumping system and something the Tapflo Team jumped on. See details below.
Application Details
Fluid: Chocolate
Viscosity: 20,000 CPS approx
Flow Rate: 8 m3/hr
Temperature: 52 degrees C
Solids: No
Pipe Work: 2 inch
Length of discharge: 28.5 Metres
Suction Condition: Flooded
Pump solution offered
Pump Type: Sanitary Lobe Pump
Materials: 316L Stainless 0.5RA Polish
Lobes: 316L Stainless 0.5 RA Polish
Connection Size: 2 inch Tri-Clamp
Heating Jacket: No (due to length of discharge)
The pump was delivered within three weeks of receiving the quotation and was commissioned and installed by the sites engineering team. The Lobe Pump was also hooked up to a CIP flushing system so the operator can clean the pump out after use, Tapflo is hoping this is the first of many Lobe Pumps to be installed on this site.
If you require a similar pump or any assistance on fluid handling within your factory then please get in touch with the team at Tapflo UK.