Armfield is a world leader in the design and manufacture of miniature scale equipment for research and development in the food processing, pharmaceutical, fragrances, edible oils, dairy, liquid foods and beverages industries.

Armfield equipment can be run in the laboratory with as little as one or two litres of product per hour, allowing many more runs than with large scale plant. Results are recorded in real time and can often be replicated in full scale processes.

Equipment is available for a wide range of applications and processes. The most popular units are described below. Please contact Pretech for a complete list of products.

HTST/UHT Mini Pilot System - FT94X

The Armfield FT94X HTST/UHT Mini Pilot system offers continuous operation from 30-100 L/h. The unit combines both plate and tubular heat exchanger options with the comprehensive instrumentation demanded of research and development equipment.

The FT94 is designed for operation as a stand-alone unit or for seamless integration into a complete processing system with the capability of aseptic packaging of processed product.

Continuous Ice Cream Freezer - FT25BA

A self-contained unit designed for producing and experimenting with ice-cream mixes and frozen desserts, it is a replica of the industrial process in miniature.

Product temperatures down to -6°C, and overrun in excess of 200% is possible with a nominal throughput of 10 litres/hour.

Comprehensive instrumentation and variable process conditions make this unit ideal for training, project work or research.

Continuous Margarine Crystallizer - FT25BBP

The FT25BBP continuous margarine crystallizer incorporates one or two heat exchanger barrels and a pinworker to vary the crystal structure of the chilled product.

Mutator speeds can be controlled up to 1,000rpm and the built-in refrigeration system operates down to -25°C. Results can be recorded to a PC and replicated on industrial scale plant.

The FT25 can also be configured with a single heat exchanger barrel and a pinworker (FT25BP).

UHT System for Aseptic Products - FT25BBB

Thermal processing of viscous food products, simulating the industrial process can be demonstrated on this versatile unit. The steam heated barrel and water cooled barrel both have variable speed scraper shafts.

Process conditions can be simulated by varying the pressure, holding time and flow rate.

Batch Solvent Extraction and Desolventising Unit - FT29

A floor standing, self contained unit for a variety of solid/liquid extractions. It is particularly suitable for 'leaching' edible oil from oil bearing seeds, and desolventising both the extracted solids and the miscella.

All vessels, pipes, valves and fittings in contact with process materials are constructed in stainless steel with the exception of the borosilicate glass solvent condenser. The support framework is also stainless steel.

High Performance HTST/UHT Units - FT74X

Both plate and tubular heat exchangers are interchangeable on a common, self-contained, mobile service unit.

All combinations of temperature and time in the UHT region of sterilisation can be attained. The unit is ideal for both teaching and research.

Real time evaluation and data logging speeds process comparisons.

Direct Steam Injection UHT System - FT74DI

Direct steam injection enables higher temperatures to be reached faster and dropped faster, keeping product out of the flavour and colour danger zone.

The FT74DI reaches up to 150°C at pressures up to 9 bar. Product can be held from two seconds upwards. Throughput is up to 20 litres per hour.

Ideal for sauces, soups, condiments, confectionery, dairy products, gelatine, ice cream and pharmaceuticals.

Tall Form Spray Dryer FT80 Spray Chiller FT81

A laboratory scale drier that can handle very small amounts of product (2-7 litres an hour). The functional properties of the powders produced are comparable to those produced by large scale equipment.

Control and instrumentation make the FT80 extremely flexible, with operator control over pressures, temperature and relative humidity. A fluid bed cooler for second stage cooling is available.

A conversion kit can turn the FT80 into the FT81 Tall Form Spray Chiller capable of handling high fat products such as bakery shortenings. The change can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Carbo-Fill Series - FT100

The Carbo-Fill is a unique product series which allows small quantities of product to be carbonated to an exact specification and then bottled or canned. Formulators of drinks can experiment with recipes and production parameters before scale up to larger plants. Three models are available:

FT101 for batches of post-mix water carbonation

FT102 batch Carbo-Fill can handle all drinks including frothing products such as beer and cappuccino.

FT103 can handle all drinks including frothing products on a continuous basis

An Armfield FT74 system connected to a Carbo-Fill simulates a complete drinks line in the laboratory - heat treat product, carbonate and then bottle or can.