Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

[ccc2]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

Some roasters employ a deflection plate above the burner and directly under the drum - being a different concept to the "hot-box". This is designed to minimize the direct flame on drum contact that can sometimes lead to tipping/scorching.
As per Denniss comments, the design of the drum, the size, shape and positioning of the paddles/vanes, rotation speed, airflow through the drum, thermal energy output from the burners and about a dozen other factors affect the operation. All these need to be calculated according to some deep secret formulas that roaster manufacturers are very sensitive about and you can almost bet there are dependencies and relationships between certain variables.
Here are some pics from a 10kg roaster where the drum was removed and I "enhanced" the paddles/vanes.

[WSullivan]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

Thank you all so much, im pretty excited about this project, it will be a while off as i said, and im sure there will be tonnes of tweaking, and re-doing but thats what its all about as far as im concerned, if, at the end of the day i can produce a roaster that is reliable, controlable, and solid ill be one very happy camper!

Awesome info so far, thanks again to all those who have chucked in their 2 cents worth, and i appreciate the fact that no one has really said.....you cant do that, why would you bother etc.......its clear to me that you all understand how crazy we all are ;D ;D

KK posted a link to a probat site, it is pretty amazing, prolly the best ive seen, its in my other thread so ill crosspost it here


Here it is http://www.whydontwehavethisguy.com/portfolio/Showcase/PBAT101.swf

[WSullivan]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

Dennis has a picture of a Diedrich drum which hes posted before I believe? It shows the axial vanes nicely.

Do you still have this pic Den?

[Dennis]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

Do you still have this pic Den?

http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1195714810/0

[WSullivan]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

Ive been researching roasters for quite some time and finally settled on a roaster that should satisfy the upgraditis bug

thanks mate, thought your opening line is quite funny.....in hindsight ;D

[Dennis]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

Ive been researching roasters for quite some time and finally settled on a roaster that should satisfy the upgraditis bug

thanks mate, thought your opening line is quite funny.....in hindsight ;D

Yeah, I had intended it as a home roaster before a bout of mania set in! ;D

[oldgrumpus]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

It looks like this topic has been dormant for a while so my apologies for resurrecting it...

Warren, I have been asking all the same questions in my process of doing research for the very same reasons.  I too am a tinkerer.  I also have access to an incredible machine shop.  My goal is a 1-1/2 kg roaster that resembles a professionally made one. 

All my questions have been answered in this thread except, "when filled to capacity, how high does the load of beans come?"  (or stated differently...) "What is the ratio of the load volume to the drum volume?"

Can anyone help me out?

Thanks,  Ralph

[TC]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

Hi Ralph- as a very rough guesstimate, Id say no more than about 20-25% :-/

Keep in mind that gas roasters are classified as type B appliances and must by law comply with the specific regulations applicable in your state. Make sure you check them and if need be, speak with an appropriately qualified person.

Good luck.

Chris

[saoye]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

Keep in mind that gas roasters are classified as type B appliances and must by law comply with the specific regulations applicable in your state. Make sure you check them and if need be, speak with an appropriately qualified person.

The regulations are there for obvious safety reasons. Electrical appliances also have its own regulations and certifications that are applicable. AGA for gas and TUV for electrical. Having said that however, the certifications are only required if for commercial use and sale. It is still in your best interest to understand these regulations and safety standards to avoid burning down your house and or having your prototype blow up in your face. I am sure you have an understanding of electricals since you are endeavouring on this project. Best of luck.

[Dennis]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

Having said that however, the certifications are only required if for commercial use and sale.

WHOA!!!

In NSW, "The Gas Supply (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2004 prohibits the sale of uncertified gas appliances. It also prohibits the connection of an uncertified gas appliance." Dept. of Fair Trading.

I suspect that the regulations dont differ too much in other States.

[at535]

Re: Questions for Commercial Roasters in the know

"when filled to capacity, how high does the load of beans come?"  (or stated differently...) "What is the ratio of the load volume to the drum volume?"

as a very rough guesstimate, Id say no more than about 20-25% 

Really, that low. I would have thought more like 40-50%

[sergvoloshyn]

What materila used for drum?