Aarkay's 'OXYTEA' CFM


‘OXYTEA’ CONTINUOUS FERMENTING MACHINES THE IDEAL FERMENTING SOLUTION
FERMENTATION - THE BASICS
Fermentation is the process during which the polyphenols in the tea leaf are oxidized in presence of enzymes and subsequently condensed to form colored compounds contributing to the quality attributes of tea. Fermentation starts immediately after cell rupture during rolling and is continued in the next stage. Optimum temperature for fermentation is 24 to 29 degrees Centigrade and optimum hygrometric difference is 1 to 1.5 . During fermentation, the leaf changes colour into a dark copper tone. Here, typical aroma develops. When fermentation is judged to be sufficient, the leaves must be dried immediately to stop further fermentation. Traditionally, optimum fermentation is reached after forty five minutes to three hours.
'OXYTEA' - THE RANGE
The 'OXYTEA' Range of Continuous Fermenting Machines epitomizes Aarkay's maiden effort to offer the ideal fermenting solution to the Tea Industry at an affordable price. The 'OXYTEA' has a simple modular architecture designed to provide the hygienic, hassle - free, labour - saving answer to the Tea Industry's need for a modern, effective and space - saving Fermenting solution. The 'OXYTEA' is available in two basic models - the 'OXYTEA' - SST and the 'OXYTEA' - PVB. As indicated by the nomenclature, the SST model utilizes Stainless Steel Trays for making up the moving bed on which the leaf is fermented. The PVB model, on the other hand, uses imported PES - grade nylon woven fabric belt with 45% open area. Although the standard 'OXYTEA' design is a 6 ft. wide, single deck, modular structure, to suit the individual needs of the discerning customer, the 'OXYTEA' may be offered in an 8 ft. wide structure or a two or three tier architecture which reduces the machine length considerably. OXYTEA - SIDE SECTIONAL VIEW
'OXYTEA' - SST
The OXYTEA-SST uses sturdy, six feet long perforated stainless steel trays which allow the humidified air to penetrate through the leaf for even and optimum fermentation. Individual trays can be replaced as/when necessary with minimum downtime unlike belt type fermenting machines, which require expensive maintenance and much longer replacement/down time. It may also be noted that Stainless steel has a high thermal conductivity, which is a vital and necessary characteristic of the ideal fermenting surface.
'OXYTEA' - PVB
The OXYTEA-PVB uses imported PES – grade nylon woven fabric belt with 45% open area. The PES – grade Nylon mesh guarantees better and consistence performance as the material (PES or Polyether Sulfone) is an amorphous engineering thermoplastic plastic with good high temperature resistance. It has excellent resistance to hydrolysis and repeated sterilization. Its outstanding rigidity and mechanical properties are little affected even at a continuous use temperature of about 185 C. Basic PES characteristics include Very high rigidity, good dielectric properties, high mechanical strength, good dimensional stability, good resistance to hydrolysis and sterilization, good oxidative stability, and inherent flame retardance. The greater open area (almost three-quarters more open area than SS tray/belt CFMs) ensures even fermentation across the tea bed and improves the overall process quality.
'OXYTEA' FEATURES
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION A robust and sturdy construction with every emphasis on quality in both machine design as well as the material of construction ensures a trouble - free operating environment and a longer life cycle with minimum downtime and practically zero maintenance costs. The low height construction allows easier daily supervision, cleanliness and maintenance.
HIGH OUTPUT & MODULAR CONSTRUCTION The 'OXYTEA' is a modular machine with flexibility in design and construction, thereby enabling the end user to choose a customized machine as per the capacity requirements. Individual machine outputs range from 1000 to 2000 kgs. of withered leaf per hour.
CENTRALIZED CONTROL PANEL A composite centralized console is provided for easier and smoother control and single-point machine operation.
DRIVE SYSTEM A mechanical variable speed drive facilitates wide variation in fermenting time from 30 mins to 150 mins.
HUMIDIFICATION & DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM An indigenously designed Humidification Chamber ensures continuous supply of fresh humid air at high RH to the tea bed without allowing water droplets to enter the machine. A dynamically balanced centrifugal blower supplies the humidified air from the Humidification chamber to the air duct through an overhead or ground ducting system. An aerodynamically designed Stainless Steel plenum chamber with air duct facilities even distribution of air throughout the effective area of the machine for even and perfect fermentation.
SPREADER SYSTEM A highly effective spreader system comprising of a dynamic main spreader and a static auxiliary spreader ensures even fermentation throughout the cross-section of the tea bed.
CLEANING BRUSH A self-cleaning and easily removable high speed brush cleans the belt in motion after the tea is discharged.
FEED CONVEYOR A full-width feed conveyor with synchronized speed arrangement ensures uniform feed across the entire width of the machine.
A VERSATILE MACHINE The 'OXYTEA' is equally suitable for both CTC as well as Orthodox Teas.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS & DATA
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
'OXYTEA' MODEL	M6.7	M6.8	M8.7
Length	16 mtrs.	18 mtrs.	20 mtrs.
Width (incl. Drive Unit)	2.770 mtrs.	2.770 mtrs.	3.270 mtrs.
Width (excl. Drive Unit)	2.125 mtrs.	2.125 mtrs.	2.625 mtrs.
Height	1.315 mtrs.	1.315 mtrs.	1.315 mtrs.

HORSE POWER (INSTALLED)
'OXYTEA' MODEL	M6.7	M6.8	M8.7
Main Drive	3 HP	3 HP	5 HP
Feeder/Up-turner	2 HP	2 HP	2 HP
Cleaning Brush	1 HP	1 HP	1 HP
Fan	5 HP	5 HP	7.5 HP
Humidifier / Pump	2 HP	2 HP	2 HP
TOTAL*	13 HP (9.7 KW)	13 HP (9.7 KW)	17.5 HP (13.0 KW)

CAPACITY
'OXYTEA' MODEL	M6.7	M6.8	M8.7
Capacity in Withered leaf per hour at 3" to 3.5" thick spread and 55 - 60 mins. residence time.	850 - 950	1000 - 1100	1200 - 1400
* Please note that a 2HP pump has been provided for long-term durability and better humidification. Furthermore, 1 HP extra will be required in case of Motorised Plough.