Trade press release

New MULTIDRIVE technology from Pavan: rapid and frequent changes of thermo-hygrometric conditions are the key to success

29 May 2018

Pavan presents his new MULTIDRIVE technology at this year’s Ipack-Ima. The new technology allows manufacturers to make long cut pasta of unrivalled quality at the same time delivering energy savings and a reduced overall footprint.

MULTIDRIVE technology from Pavan which introduces vacuum into the entire process of dough formation, from ingredient dosing to extrusion. (Photo Pavan/GEA)

These results have been achieved through a number of innovative features which deliver improved accuracy on working parameters across the line, leading to top performance in dough formation, pre-drying and the drying process.

The Pavan brand – founded 1946 – is the origin of the Pavan Group which was acquired in its entirety by world-leading technology group GEA in November 2017. Today the Pavan brand is a synonym for state of the art machines and manufacturing lines for the production of dry pasta. Its product department designs and builds complete turnkey automated manufacturing lines, Thermo Active System (TAS) dryers and provides auxiliary plant engineering and production line supervisor services, as well as remote customer services.

The evolution of Pavan’s Thermo Active System

MULTIDRIVE technology applies an evolved version of the Thermo Active System, an approach to dehumidification specifically engineered by Pavan. TAS technology includes drying and stabilization stages. It maintains the product in a plastic and porous state throughout the process and deters the Maillard reaction. The rapid reduction in the water content of the pasta and the progressive temperature increase block the expansion of the starches and activate protein coagulation, thus improving color and cooking performance. MULTIDRIVE technology is based on the continuous control of thermo-hygrometric conditions, via the application of very high gradients of temperature increase and decrease rates; optimized exhaust air extraction and a multiple pulse ventilation system. These features represent an evolution of the well-known Pavan Thermo Active System technology.

Thanks to the evolution of the Thermo Active System, MULTIDRIVE lines have a more compact drying area which is a footprint reduction of 25%. This means lower investment costs for manufacturers given that less space is required for its installation.

Energy savings of 30%

Normally, the drying phase requires more energy on a pasta line than any other phase; however, the pre-dryer and dryer in the MULTIDRIVE line have been designed so that each flow of air extracted and injected into the dryer is optimized in terms of both quantity and path in order to minimize thermal dispersion and to reduce the energy required to bring the air to the correct thermo-hygrometric condition. As a result, the MULTIDRIVE technology guarantees a global energy savings of 30% compared to a traditional pasta line with the same capacity.

Vacuum conveys excellent features in terms of stability, structural strength and cooking quality

The MULTIDRIVE technology utilizes a milestone-technology introduced by Pavan: the extensive application of vacuum which it uses throughout the entire process of dough formation, from ingredient dosing to extrusion. The vacuum process minimizes the development of reducing sugars. This means less starch is released during cooking and less stickiness. With total vacuum the hydration of the semolina is more homogeneous, thereby reducing defects and white specs. The vacuum also allows for the addition of a greater quantity of water during the mixing stage which improves the formation of gluten. The evaporation effect caused by the vacuum lowers the temperature of the semolina during the mixing and extrusion stages; this prevents thermal stress and results in a pasta which has better cooking performance.

Brighter colored pasta

The gentle shaping stage also results in pasta with brighter colors. The complete vacuum blocks the enzyme polyphenol oxidase which is responsible for the oxidization of the semolina pigments, thus preserving the amber yellow colors imparted by the carotenoids and flavonoids. The vacuum also deactivates the enzyme lipoxygenase, which otherwise will renders colors grey and promotes the development of unpleasant odors due to the oxidation of the lipids. The partial deactivation of alpha and beta amylase leads to a reduced occurrence of what’s known as the Maillard reaction where the pasta turns brown during drying.

Media Relations

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft

Peter-Müller-Str. 12


40468

Düsseldorf


Germany

+49 211 9136-0

About GEA

GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services.

With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated revenues of about EUR 5.4 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2023 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customer’s production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world“. GEA is listed on the German MDAX the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is among the companies comprising the DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability as well as Dow Jones Sustainability World and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Indices.
 
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