Wet grinding for even better coffee flavor

GEA MicroWet grinding system

GEA has developed a wet grinding technique for adding Roast and Ground (R&G) coffee to coffee extract. The process preserves the coffee flavor and aromas much more effectively than dry grinding and increases your drying capacity. It’s called MicroWet.

The principle is simple: by adding roasted coffee to instant coffee, you can lock in that freshly-ground roasted coffee flavor with 100% yield from the coffee beans. The process also produces an improved mouthfeel. MicroWet from GEA advances this process by using low-temperature, wet grinding that retains aroma and taste more effectively and really sets your products apart from the competition.

The MicroWet grinding process

Micro-ground coffee is added to the feed stream immediately before spray or freeze drying. First the beans are pre-ground then mixed with a portion of the coffee extract stream. This mixture is cooled and double-ground using corundum stone mills to create fine particles (around 20 μm) before it re-joins the main dryer feed. 

This wet grinding technique operates at a low temperature so that it captures and preserves both the flavor and aroma of the coffee bean producing an even better tasting product and a unique drinking experience. What’s more, this system increases the overall yield of the coffee beans and increases the capacity of the dryer. 

GEA MicroWet grinding system can be integrated within an existing coffee line or work as a standalone system. 

Freeze dried coffee

Key benefits:

  • Wet grinding for an even better tasting product with enhanced mouthfeel
  • Increased drying capacity
  • 100% yield from the coffee beans added
  • Suitable for spray or freeze-dried coffee
Data for standard execution
Extract inlet feed capacityUp to receipt of 3,000 kg/h extract
Roast coffee dosingUp to 100 kg/h roast coffee (adjustable)
Particle sizeD(v, 50) ≈ 20 μm, D(v, 90) ≈ 60 μm
Extract with R&G, outlet temperature≈ 30°C, max. 40°C

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