Process / Product quality benefits
- Complete pectin dissolution without agglomerates
- Uniform gel structure and texture consistency
- Reliable high-shear homogenization in continuous recirculation
- Capability for higher-concentration fruit preparations
Previously unsuccessful methods
A conventional in-tank mixer involved adding bagged pectin powder into a large tank and mixing until dissolution was assumed. However this had many disadvantages including:
- Agglomerates accumulated on tank walls or fixtures
- Deposits detached during draining and contaminated the finished batch
- Mixing time remained lengthy
- Complete dissolution could not be guaranteed
These limitations reduced process efficiency, yield and product consistency.
Fristam’s solution
A Fristam Powder Mixer system combining:
- A self-priming FZ liquid-ring pump to generate strong suction & draw liquid into the mixing system
- An FS Shear Blender acting as a rotary homogenizer
- A powder induction funnel positioned at a vacuum point for direct powder entrainment
- A tabletop to allow for easy unloading of powders at waist height
- Electrical control panel
Trial set-up
1. Base liquid (e.g., water) was held in a feed tank and connected to Fristam FZ Self Priming Liquid Ring Pump and recirculated through the unit.
2. Powdered pectin was introduced through the induction funnel, and fell directly into the liquid flow below.
3. Powders were instantly wetted in the closed mixing system and a premix of powder and liquid was created.
4. The mixture then entered the FS high-shear blender, where remaining agglomerates were fully homogenized.
5. The homogenized solution returned to the feed tank for recirculation or sampling, confirming complete dissolution.
A successful outcome with the Fristam Powder Mixer
The inline powder-mixing and shear-homogenization approach delivered:
- Agglomerate-free pectin dissolution
- Dramatic batch-time reduction
- Up to 10 % increase in pectin yield
- Ability to produce higher-concentration solutions (up to ~20 %)
The Fristam system therefore provided a rapid, efficient and cost-effective solution for jam and marmalade manufacturing.
Sustainability benefits
- Reduced energy consumption due to shorter batch times
- Lower raw-material waste from incomplete dissolution
- Improved process efficiency and resource utilization
Financial benefits
- Significantly reduced mixing time
- Up to 10 % raw-material yield improvement
- Reduced storage and transport costs via higher concentration
- Lower investment cost than other mixing technologies
Other benefits
- Easy connection to existing tanks via flexible hose
- Availability of pilot trials with on-site Fristam support
- Capability for fully integrated engineered processing systems
- Simple design enabling straightforward maintenance and servicing