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Swiss technology group Bühler has unveiled the next generation of its core chocolate mass processing equipment, introducing the Edition 26 upgrades for its five-roll refiner and single-shaft conche.

The new systems, comprising the Finer S Edition 26 and the ELK S Edition 26, are engineered to deliver greater process transparency, improved hygiene, and enhanced energy efficiency for chocolate manufacturers globally.

The rollout updates the mechanical and digital infrastructure of Bühler’s established dosing, mixing, refining, and conching process. Amid volatile global cocoa prices and raw material supply constraints, these technical upgrades are targeted at reducing ingredient waste and lowering operating costs during key production phases.

Advanced Sensor Control in Refining

The Finer S Edition 26 five-roll refiner builds on Bühler's existing mechanical foundation, which is capable of refining particles down to 12 micrometres to achieve the target smoothness and mouthfeel required for high-quality chocolate.

To address operational consistency, the refiner incorporates advanced digital sensor technology. This system automatically monitors the refining process and adjusts roll speed, pressure, and temperature in real time.

By removing manual adjustments from the process, the automated control system ensures a consistent fineness regardless of operator skill level. Maintaining a stable, uniform particle size distribution prevents fat overdosing in the subsequent conching stage, protecting raw material yields.

Additionally, the Finer S refiner features updated IE5 motors that reduce energy consumption by up to 3%. The physical machine frame has also been modified to improve hygiene standards, offering easier access for cleaning to minimise production downtime.

Energy Efficiency and Yield Optimisation in Conching

For the flavour development and texture control stage, the ELK S Edition 26 single-shaft conche introduces improvements to overall machine design, accessibility, and automation.

While the core mechanical conching tools remain unchanged to ensure intense shearing and high fat release, multiple structural components have been redesigned:

• Drive Systems: Integration of new IE5 drives to increase operational efficiency.

• Hygiene Compliance: Use of updated food-grade materials and a redesigned machine frame to support safer food production.

• Maintenance Access: Improved structural layout to simplify routine maintenance and cleaning schedules.

In operation, the conching control system and specialised tools can reduce process energy consumption by up to 30% while increasing throughput. Furthermore, the enhanced shearing action improves fat release during the conching cycle, allowing manufacturers to achieve fat savings of up to 2% without compromising the quality or texture of the final chocolate mass.

Unified Digital Control and Automation

Both the Finer S and the ELK S Edition 26 systems have been built around Bühler’s Playone automation system, which now comes integrated as a standard component.

This web-based digital platform provides remote monitoring and control capabilities. Operators can access machine diagnostics, real-time performance tracking, and control settings from any authorised factory device, including tablets, smartphones, and desktop computers.

This transition to a unified, web-based control interface is designed to simplify plant operations, accelerate new operator training, and provide manufacturing teams with greater overall process transparency.