Premix

Premix

A premix system (also called mixer) performs deaeration, blending, and carbonation of beverages in continuous production. These machines mix multiple ingredients — from a minimum of two components (water and syrup) to a maximum of eight ingredients including flavor dosages — depending on make and model.

Premix systems are essential for soft drink production, delivering high dosing accuracy and optimal CO2 dissolution through high-pressure carbonation.

Premix System Capacities

Premix machinery is available in multiple sizes to match production requirements:

Operating Principles

Premix systems use a register regulation system for precise dosing of liquid and gaseous ingredients. High-pressure carbonation ensures optimal CO2 solution in the finished product.

Key process features:

• Intensive homogenization via two axial dynamic mixing segments
• Recipe memory for perfect product quality reproducibility
• Double deaeration with vacuum and stripping gas
• Pressure-intensifying pump with pressure regulation

Premix System Advantages

• High dosing accuracy — continuous production saves media and product
• No additional CO2 consumption during continuous production (33-100% efficiency range)
• Quick product changeover — water rinse in less than 10 minutes (depending on syrup room layout and filler connection)
• Wide output range — suitable for diverse soft drink production requirements
• Consistent quality — recipe memory ensures batch-to-batch reproducibility

Measurement and Control Systems

Premix systems incorporate advanced measurement and control for precise beverage formulation:

• CO2 measurement (e.g., Maselli instruments)
• Brix value measurement for sugar content control
• Product output monitoring
• Data collection software for process documentation
• Automatic CIP valve control via bus system
• Sampling valves for quality verification

Construction and Materials

Premix systems feature corrosion-resistant construction throughout:

• Vacuum pump — stainless steel / chrome-nickel steel (similar to AISI 304)
• Plate heat exchanger — stainless steel construction
• High-efficiency valves (e.g., Krones Evoguard series)
• Access platforms for electrical components installed above 2.2 meters height

Process Connections and Monitoring

Standard premix configurations include:

• Water supply with pressure monitoring at inlet
• Refrigerant supply with monitoring system
• Heat exchanger for cooling water (upstream of syrup dosing)
• Signal exchange for water and refrigerant supply coordination
• Gas pressurizing system with capability to change pressurizing gas after production start

Special Product Handling

Advanced premix systems accommodate products with pulp and fiber content:

• No limitations on pulp and fiber size
• Dedicated heat exchanger for cooling water positioned upstream of syrup dosing for fiber-containing products
• Aroma dosage systems with regulated delivery

Cleaning System

Integrated CIP (Clean-In-Place) capability features:

• Automatic valve control via bus system
• Water rinse product changeover
• Rapid changeover time under 10 minutes