Dry Pasta Production

According to the data by AIDEPI and IPO from 1997 to 2016, pasta production worldwide has almost doubled, from 9.1 to 14.3 million tonnes. Italy maintains the leadership for production and consumption, with 3.2 million tons and 23.5 kg per capita in 2016

Dry pasta is produced in big lines (from 1500kg/h to 6000 kg/h output) where the dough is prepared, extruded into required shapes (long/short cuts), dried, cooled and stacked. 

Vacuum is applied during mixing/extrusion at the beginning of the process with following advantages:

• Reduction of time in the mixing machine
• Homogenous mix
• Uniform distribution of water (moist)
• Better pigments and color of final product
• Better drying at ambient temperature
• Extended shelf life of the product (up to three times longer)

Each production line operates  at a vacuum level around 120 mbar and can require a vacuum pump with a pumping speed up to 600 m³/h. Multiple lines are often connected to a central vacuum system capable of handling a variable load at the required P set point.

Thanks to the variable speed drive and set point control, it is possible to potentially save 50%* or more in energy costs thanks to optimization of energy efficiency and reduced maintenance. GHS VSD⁺ is available from 350 up to 5.000 m³/h.

*In most applications compared to traditional fixed speed vacuum technologies based on measurement with our Vbox energy audit tool.

A growing segment in this market is gluten-free pasta. The technological approach used for production of gluten-free pasta is focused on the use of heat-treated flours, where starch is gelatinized. The heat-treated flour is transformed into pasta through the continuous extrusion press, this implies significant changes in the steps where vacuum is applied. The injection of steam necessary to have heat and the vacuum level at 500 mbar are a challenging duty for a vacuum pump exposed to a contaminated, wet and hot environment at a vacuum level where few technologies can operate.

Atlas Copco DZS VSD⁺ dry claw technology is the right answer for this application. Thanks to it’s Stainless Steel Claws and coated body it can operate in aggressive environments with no fear. DZS has been designed with harsh applications in mind, that is why pumping mechanism can be easily accessed for rapid cleaning restoring full functionality of the production line.