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‘OXYTEA’ CONTINUOUS
FERMENTING MACHINES
THE
IDEAL
FERMENTING SOLUTION

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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.
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'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
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'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.
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'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.
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'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.
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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.
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CENTRALIZED CONTROL PANEL
A
composite centralized console is provided for easier and
smoother control and single-point machine operation.
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DRIVE SYSTEM
A
mechanical variable speed drive facilitates wide variation in
fermenting time from 30 mins to 150 mins.
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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.
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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.
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CLEANING BRUSH
A self-cleaning and easily removable high speed
brush cleans the belt in motion after the tea is discharged.
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FEED CONVEYOR
A full-width feed conveyor with synchronized speed
arrangement ensures uniform feed across the entire width of
the machine.
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A VERSATILE MACHINE
The
'OXYTEA' is equally suitable for both CTC as well as
Orthodox Teas.
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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. |
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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) |
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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 |
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* 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. |