Multi-channel gravimetric dosing: highly innovative technology

The dosing of ingredients for ready meals can be a complex operation. The MCPI design office demonstrates its ingenuity in adapting multi-channel gravimetric dosing equipment to overcome all the constraints involved.

Gravimetric doser used for potatoes in omelets

Omelet recipes are not always as simple as they look. To add potatoes to the seasoned egg mixture, MCPI equipment must be accurate and rapid, while ensuring the very low temperature of all the ingredients.

Our multi-channel gravimetric dosing technology had to be adapted for the mass production of omelets. The doses of potatoes, frozen before the dish is cooked, have to be not only regular and precise in terms of weight, but they must also ensure regular filling of the molds traveling on the 14 tracks (an unusually large number). They are calibrated upstream and must be correctly positioned to ensure even cooking, so as to avoid otherwise high waste rates.

Refrigeration systems

As well as performing the precise weighing operation, the gravimetric doser is designed to keep the potatoes at low temperature. The storage hopper has a cooling system. The double-walled stainless steel enclosure includes an insulation layer. Another adaptation is the set of liquid nitrogen spraying ramps to cool the storage hopper. These precautions are all the more important because the potato slices, due to their high starch content, tend to stick together or to the active surfaces. To further reduce this risk, a slow stirrer is also included in the hopper to move the potatoes around.

Multi-channel dosing: faster weighing

MCPI came up with even more innovations for this major installation: buckets are used instead of the rotating spoons generally used for gravimetric dosing. Supported by the scales, the buckets open up to cover the omelet with potatoes. This process saves time thanks to faster stabilization of the scales before weighing the next dose (the spoon has to be turned back into its initial position).

Servicing, cleaning, sealing, etc.

This choice also makes it easier to ensure a self-cleaning solution that is simple to maintain: the surface geometry of the buckets is ideal. The equipment, which ensures easy, tool-free maintenance (the dosers or distribution funnels can be removed single-handedly), is made entirely from stainless steel. The generators are totally hygienic and the moving parts inside are completely protected by sealed lids.