The tomato processing line is capable of transforming fresh tomatoes into various final products. One of the most popular processes is the Tomato Sauce Production Line, which converts fresh tomatoes into tomato paste packaged in aseptic bags within drums. This comprehensive process involves several key stages: receiving fresh tomatoes, washing them, sorting, extracting the pulp, concentrating the mixture, sterilizing, and finally filling the product into aseptic bags within drums. The output is high-quality tomato paste ready for distribution.
Moreover, the tomato paste in aseptic bags within drums can undergo further processing to create a range of products such as tomato ketchup, sauces, juice, which can be conveniently packaged in sachets, stand-up pouches, metal cans, PP containers, bottles, gable top cartons, and other packaging formats.
Raw materials | fresh tomato |
Final products | Ketchup, tomato sauce |
Processing capacity | 60 tons/day to 4000 tons/day |
Packaging materials | Customer selection |
Volume | Customer selection |
Final packaging | Plastic buckets, glass bottles, American plastic bags, tins |
Production | Customized according to customer needs |
Advantages
The Tomato Sauce Production Line from Shanghai Gofun machinery company is running with high effective, water saving, high extracting rate, safety quality control for final product, safety control for operators, etc.
Flowchart
FRESH TOMATO ⇒ CONVEYOR ⇒ WASHING ⇒ SORTING ⇒ CRUSHING ⇒ PREHEATING ⇒ PULPER & REFINER ⇒ EVAPORATING ⇒ STERILIZING ⇒ ASEPTIC FILLING ⇒ STORAGE OR BLENDING
The Tomato Sauce Production Line has been enhanced with a focus on optimizing the labor-intensive task of unloading fresh tomatoes from trucks upon delivery. An innovative discharge platform has been specially designed for this purpose. This platform, equipped with water guns, efficiently unloads tomatoes from trucks, transports them to the processing line, and performs pre-washing of the fresh tomatoes, streamlining the initial stages of production.
Key Components of the Tomato Sauce Production Line:
Discharge Platform with Water Guns:
The discharge platform, featuring water guns, effectively unloads and conveys fresh tomatoes from trucks to the processing line while facilitating pre-washing.
Elevator/Conveyor System:
This system is pivotal in transferring fresh tomatoes from external delivery points into the processing facility.
Washing:
Comprehensive washing of fresh tomatoes pre-crushing is vital. Bubble washing and spray washing machines are employed for this purpose. Additional washing phases can be integrated for stringent cleanliness standards, utilizing techniques like ultrasonic and ozone cleaning for enhanced effectiveness.
Sorting:
After washing, manual visual inspection is conducted to remove any substandard tomatoes.
Crushing:
The crusher operates at 1470 r/min to ensure thorough crushing of fresh tomatoes.
Preheating:
The pre-heater elevates the product's temperature post-crushing, typically adjustable between 45°C to 85°C. This step enhances juice extraction rates and preserves the color and flavor of the final tomato paste.
Pulper and Refiner:
These machines operate at 1470 r/min, utilizing centrifugal force and screens for refining. A dual-stage configuration with varying screen sizes is commonly utilized.
Evaporation:
A Forced Circulation Vacuum Evaporator concentrates the tomato paste under vacuum and low temperatures, retaining taste and nutrients and achieving paste with brix levels of 28-30 and 36-38.
Sterilization:
Tube-in-tube type sterilizers are employed for paste sterilization. The temperature and holding time are adjustable, typically heating the paste to around 115°C for 30 seconds before rapid cooling to preserve taste and nutrients.
Aseptic Filling:
An aseptic filling machine functions within a closed cycle system with the sterilizer, ensuring an aseptic environment through steam for cavity sterilization.
Storage or Blending:
The processed tomato paste can either be stored for later use or directed to blending processes as needed.