The Classic

A drum roaster which rotates on a horizontal axis is the most conventional method of roasting coffee as well as the traditional form of slow roasting coffee. The PROBAT drum roaster system NEPTUNE is the culmination of the development of traditional slow-roasted coffee. Exquisite slow-roasts can be guaranteed with capacities of 1,500 and 3,000 kilogram/hour (kg/h). The NEPTUNE roaster’s different designs and extensive variety of configurations allow it to meet the most diverse range of customer requirements.

Where coffee is roasted anywhere between 8 and 20 minutes, the thermal energy generated in the NEPTUNE roasters is transferred to the coffee beans over a longer period of time, resulting in the coffee beans developing highly intense flavor. The different methods available to influence the roasting profile make these roasters ideal for espresso beans and special coffees with particularly intense flavor.

The NEPTUNE not only stands out thanks to its impressive quality, but also thanks to its remarkable functionality: The variable emptying speed reduces cycle times, whereas the special shovel mechanism provides optimal blending while handling the product with care. Effective cooling guarantees constant product quality. The burner temperature is infinitely variable; the optimum utilization of thermal energy reduces energy consumption.

THE DRUM ROASTING PROCESS

The heart of PROBAT’s NEPTUNE drum roasters is a horizontally lying roasting drum which is  equipped with a rotary drive. Shovel blades circulate the coffee beans during the roasting process. The flame of a burner generates the energy for the roasting air which is guided both through as well as around the roasting drum by means of flaps. As such, heat is applied through conduction via the bean’s contact with the roasting drum as well as through convection via the hot incoming air. The addition of water systematically ends the roasting process while simultaneously precooling the roasted coffee.

 

NEPTUNE ROASTER WITH RECIRCULATION AND OPTIONAL EXHAUST AIR TREATMENT

Benefits for your coffee

The roasting times of the NEPTUNE drum roasters lie between 8 and 20 minutes. As heat is applied to the coffee beans over a longer period, a particularly high level of flavor is developed. NEPTUNE drum roasters offer this and many other benefits:

  • Uniform bean appearance and homogeneous roast through the combined application of heat via convection and conduction
  • High roasting air intake temperature at a low flow rate
  • Minimal amount of oil escapes to the surface of the bean
  • Rapid, uniform cooling
  • Reliable production from light to extremely dark roast colors
  • Long roasting times with high production outputs
  • Minimal product loss, minimal weight loss
  • Specific design of the roasting drum allows for a gentle mixing of the beans

Versions

Roasting timeRoasting timeRoasting time[min]
Roasting capacityRoasting capacityRoasting capacity[kg/h]
Batch sizeBatch sizeBatch size[kg]
HeatingHeatingHeating
NEPTUNE 1500
Roasting timeRoasting timeRoasting time[min]
8–20
Roasting capacityRoasting capacityRoasting capacity[kg/h]
1.500
Batch sizeBatch sizeBatch size[kg]
240–320
HeatingHeatingHeating
natural gas, propane, hydrogen
NEPTUNE 3000
Roasting timeRoasting timeRoasting time[min]
8-20
Roasting capacityRoasting capacityRoasting capacity[kg/h]
3.000
Batch sizeBatch sizeBatch size[kg]
480–640
HeatingHeatingHeating
natural gas, propane, hydrogen

 

 

» FAQ: Alternative Heating Solutions

 

Best Life-cycle Costs and Performance

CONTROL

All NEPTUNE drum roasters are equipped with the PILOT Roaster Excellence control system. In this context, high-quality hardware and software guarantee maximum production reliability. Customers can choose between various PLC-solutions and visualization concepts according to their individual demands.

  • Fully automated PC-based control system
  • Clear visualization and simple operation
  • Recipe management with up to 999 user-definable recipes. Settings that have been saved are reproduced safely and automatically.
  • Reflex Automatic function (optional): reproducibility of roasting profiles by eliminating external influences such as varying batch sizes, green-coffee moisture or ambient  temperature
  • Overview of all key roasting parameters and temperature curves
  • All data relevant to production is saved, allowing it to be accessed and analyzed at any time
  • Transparent presentation of the system’s operating status in real time
  • Can be operated directly at the roaster or centrally from a control room
ENVIRONMENT AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS

Different PROBAT systems make it possible to clean and reuse the thermal energy released during the roasting process. They are specifically tailored to the respective roasting process.

  • Energy savings through recirculation of roasting exhaust air
  • Energy savings and increased production through green-coffee preheating
  • Reduction of product-specific odors and visible roasting exhaust
  • Reduction of emissions and adherence to local thresholds through modular exhaust air treatment systems
  • Maximum cleaning efficiency thanks to the Proforte exhaust air treatment system (flameless, renewable, thermal oxidation).
  • Energy monitoring for cost transparency
  • Heat recovery through the use of heat exchangers
  • Minimal heat loss due to particularly well-insulated roasting system
  • Thermal cleaning cuts human resource costs and saves time
Safety

PROBAT safety technology goes far beyond standardized requirements. We offer safety components that guarantee maximum process security.

  • Ensuring the functional safety of your processing systems
  • Flexibility thanks to a multistep safety system and the use of safety PLCs
  • Maintenance-friendly safety components
  • Thermal cleaning minimizes deposits
  • Online CO monitoring guarantees maximum safety within the roasting system
  • Monitoring of cooling exhaust air temperature via thermocouple
  • Safe operation with extremely dark roasts and low-quality green coffee
  • Battery and water buffer increase operation safety

 

 

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