Small Scale Shortening Production Line

Small Scale Shortening Production Line

Equipment Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-eQlbwOyjQ

A small scale shortening production line or skid-mounted shortening production line is a compact, modular, and pre-assembled system designed for the industrial production of shortening (a semi-solid fat used in baking, frying, and food processing). These skid-mounted systems are ideal for space efficiency, quick installation, and mobility, making them suitable for medium to large-scale food processing plants.

Key Components of a Skid-Mounted Shortening Production Line

1. Ingredient Handling & Preparation

²  Oil/Fat Storage Tanks (for liquid oils like palm, soybean, or hydrogenated fats)

²  Metering & Blending System – Precisely mixes oils with additives (emulsifiers, antioxidants, or flavorings).

²  Heating/Melting Tanks – Ensures oils are at optimal temperature for processing.

2. Hydrogenation (Optional, for Hydrogenated Shortening)

²  Hydrogenation Reactor – Converts liquid oils into semi-solid fats using hydrogen gas and a nickel catalyst.

²  Gas Handling System – Controls hydrogen flow and pressure.

²  Post-Hydrogenation Filtration – Removes catalyst residues.

3. Emulsification & Mixing

²  High-Shear Mixer/Emulsifier – Ensures uniform texture and consistency.

²  Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger (SSHE) – Cools and crystallizes the shortening for plasticity.

4. Crystallization & Tempering

²  Crystallization Unit – Controls fat crystal formation for desired texture (β or β’ crystals).

²  Tempering Tanks – Stabilizes the shortening before packaging.

5. Deodorization (For Neutral Flavor)

²  Deodorizer (Steam Stripping) – Removes off-flavors and odors under vacuum.

6. Packaging & Storage

²  Pumping & Filling System – For bulk (drums, totes) or retail packaging (tubs, cartons).

²  Cooling Tunnel – Solidifies packaged shortening before storage.

Advantages of Small Scale Shortening Line /Skid-Mounted Shortening Lines

²  Modular & Compact – Pre-assembled for easy installation and relocation.

²  Faster Deployment – Reduced setup time compared to traditional fixed lines.

²  Customizable – Adjustable for different types of shortening (all-purpose, bakery, frying).

²  Hygienic Design – Made of food-grade stainless steel (SS304/SS316).
²  Energy Efficient – Optimized heating/cooling systems reduce power consumption.

Types of Shortening Produced

²  All-Purpose Shortening (for baking, frying)

²  Bakery Shortening (for cakes, pastries, biscuits)

²  Non-Hydrogenated Shortening (trans-fat-free alternatives)

²  Specialty Shortenings (high-stability, emulsified, or flavored variants)

Production Capacity Options

Considerations When Choosing a Skid-Mounted Line

²  Raw Material Type (palm oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated fats)

²  End-Product Requirements (texture, melting point, trans-fat content)

²  Automation Level (manual, semi-auto, or fully automated PLC control)

²  Regulatory Compliance (FDA, EU, Halal, Kosher certifications)

²  After-Sales Support (maintenance, spare parts availability)

Conclusion

A skid-mounted shortening production line offers a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solution for producing high-quality shortening. It is ideal for food manufacturers looking for a scalable, plug-and-play system with minimal installation downtime.