A tomato processing plant is made of many industrial machinery. Each component of the plant plays a crucial role in transforming fresh tomatoes into various consumer products like ketchup, paste, and canned tomatoes. Here, we have presented a comprehensive breakdown of the different tomato processing plant equipment. Let’s take a closer look at some of these most important components.
The Essential Components of a Tomato Processing Plant
Let’s delve into the most important equipment found in a tomato processing plant:
- Tomato washer
The first step in the process is ensuring clean tomatoes. The tomato washer utilises high-pressure sprays to remove dirt, debris, and any unwanted elements clinging to the tomatoes. Throughput can vary depending on the size and design of the washer, but typically ranges from 10-20 tons of tomatoes per hour.
- Sorting Conveyor
After the washing stage, a sorting conveyor equipped with human inspectors ensures only the best quality tomatoes proceed further. Inspectors remove any blemishes or unripe tomatoes. This can help maintain the overall quality of the tomatoes.
- Tomato Crusher
The crusher is where the tomatoes are broken down into a coarse pulp. There are two main types of crushers, distinguished by their operating temperature: hot break and cold break. Hot break crushers utilise heat to achieve a richer colour and higher lycopene content, while cold break crushers prioritise fresh flavour by processing at room temperature.
- Tomato Pulper
Once crushed, the tomatoes enter the pulper, which separates the juice from the skin, seeds, and coarse fibres. The tomato juice, containing the essence of the fruit, is what forms the base for most tomato products. Pulpers typically have a throughput of 3-8 tons per hour.
- Evaporator
The evaporator plays a crucial role in concentrating the tomato essence. This machine uses heat and vacuum technology to remove excess water from the tomato juice, resulting in a thicker and more concentrated product. Evaporators have a throughput of 1-3 tons per hour and are typically the most expensive component in a processing plant.
- Filling and Packaging Line
The final stage involves filling and packaging the finished product into cans, bottles, or pouches. This is where the magic of automation comes into play. Filling and packaging lines can be highly customised based on the desired output speed and level of automation. Throughput is dependent on the line speed, which can range from 2,000 to 5,000 units per hour.
These essential components work together seamlessly to transform a truckload of fresh tomatoes into shelf-stable tomato products. From the initial washing to the final packaging, each piece of tomato processing plant equipment plays a vital role in the efficient and hygienic production of tomato-based goods. If you are looking for quality tomato processing plant equipment, get in touch with GEM Foodtech. We can provide you with all the essential components and machinery of a tomato processing plant.