Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/491356
28 STiR tea & coffee industry international C onsumers accept that climate change is real and poses a threat to business in numerous ways. Politicians and lawmakers too have taken note and continue passing new laws dictating reduction of the emission of greenhouse gases. Meanwhile energy prices continue to rise. These are among many reasons why more roasters are taking a closer look at the technologies available for controlling pollution and using less energy. Fortunately, a new generation of roasting equipment addresses the need for energy efficiency. Conserving energy is nothing new. A number of industrial-scale suppliers have marketed a variety of solutions to address concerns about energy consumption for decades. Companies like Probat-Burns, Brambati SPA, Diedrich Manufacturing and Scolari Engineering sell roasters, green bean pre-heating systems, thermal and catalytic oxidizers, and other components capable of cleaning and recirculating the hot air left over from the roast process. Three relative newcomers — Loring Smart Roast, Roastaire, and 428 Roasters — also share a passion for a clean cup and clean air. Phil Beattie, director of coffee for Dillano's Coffee Roasters, said, "Recirculating roasters have come a long way. I'm pretty confident that when we go about the process of buying new roasters there'll be some form of recirculation, which is where a portion of the exhaust is recycled through the burner." Buyers will find that the prices for next-generation roasting equipment are higher than comparably sized drum roasters. However, as many sales engineers are quick to point out, a fairer analysis would show the costs and project the return-on-investment of all pieces needed to meet energy consumption and emissions reductions objectives. These include add-ons like afterburners and the sensors and electronics used to moni- tor and control temperature and air flow. Loyalty to the Drum Talk to enough roasters about their preferred roast profiles and it becomes easy to understand why industrial equipment makers end up producing multiple lines. STiR explores the latest developments from industrial suppliers, and recaps why there is renewed interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Roasting Efficiencies Enthusiasm for regeneration and recirculation Loring Smart Roast S70 Peregrine 70kg/cycle roaster By Jenny Neill