A cocoa bean belt dryer is industrial continuous drying equipment that removes moisture from fermented cocoa beans before roasting and chocolate production. The machine featured on this page is Shuliy’s mesh belt dryer, a multi-layer conveyor system that moves cocoa beans through heated air zones on a stainless steel belt. Standard models process 60 to 600 kg/h, with custom configurations reaching 14,000 kg/h for large cocoa processing plants.
After fermentation, cocoa beans contain roughly 55–60% moisture. If they are not dried quickly to 6–8% moisture, mold grows, flavor quality drops, and entire batches can be lost. Sun drying takes 5–14 days and depends on weather. A cocoa bean dryer completes the process in 2–4 hours under fully controlled conditions, protecting the flavor compounds that determine the final chocolate quality.
Shuliy has manufactured drying equipment for over 20 years and exports to 30+ countries. Every cocoa bean drying line is backed by layout design, installation support, and a one-year warranty with lifetime technical service.
Technical Parameters of the Cocoa Bean Belt Dryer
| 모델 | Belt Width | Drying Length | 층 | Capacity (kg/h) | 총 전력 (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL-1.2-8 | 1.2 m | 8 m | 4 | 60–160 | 11.4 |
| SL-1.6-10 | 1.6 m | 10 m | 5 | 95–250 | 13.6 |
| SL-2-10 | 2 m | 10 m | 5 | 120–300 | 15.8 |
| SL-2-20 | 2 m | 20 m | 10 | 240–600 | 36.8 |
Standard machines are 6–12 m long with 4–6 layers. Custom lengths up to 19 m and multi-unit lines are available for higher capacity.
Optional Configurations
| 항목 | Options |
|---|---|
| Heat source | Heat pump / Natural gas / Diesel / Coal / Biomass / Steam / Electric |
| Belt material | 304 stainless steel mesh |
| Control system | PLC touchscreen with temperature, humidity, belt speed control |
| Feeding | Manual hopper or automatic elevator |
| 전압 | 220V / 380V / 415V / Custom |
Why Cocoa Processors Need a Belt Dryer?
Fermented cocoa beans are one of the most moisture-sensitive agricultural products. Within 24–48 hours after fermentation, the beans must start drying. Delays cause:
- Mold growth and off-flavors
- Bean discoloration and quality downgrades
- Rejection by cocoa buyers and chocolate makers
- Price penalties of 20–40% for poor-quality lots
Sun drying on bamboo mats is the traditional method, but it has serious problems:
- Weather dependence: Rain interrupts drying and causes mold.
- Contamination: Dust, insects, and animals contact the beans.
- Uneven drying: Some beans over-dry while others stay wet.
- Labor cost: Beans must be turned by hand several times per day.
A cocoa bean belt dryer solves all of these problems with enclosed, continuous, automatic drying.
How to Dry Cocoa Beans with a Mesh Belt Dryer?
1. Raw Material Preparation
After fermentation, cocoa beans need to be screened and cleaned to remove moldy beans, husks, and other impurities. Then spread the beans evenly on the stainless steel mesh belt. A layer thickness of 2–6 cm is recommended to ensure hot air can fully penetrate the bean layer.
2. Preheating Stage (50–70 °C)
Slowly heat the beans at a low temperature to gradually evaporate surface moisture. This prevents the surface from drying too quickly and forming a hard shell, which can affect further dehydration.
3. Main Drying Stage (80–100 °C)
Hot air passes through the mesh belt from top to bottom or in a circulating manner, accelerating moisture diffusion and evaporation inside the beans. This stage is key to rapidly reducing the beans’ moisture content.
4. Equalizing Drying Stage (60–70 °C)
Lower the temperature to allow internal and external moisture to balance, ensuring even drying and consistent color.
5. Cooling and Discharge
After drying, beans enter the cooling section or cool naturally. Once the temperature drops below 40 °C, the beans are discharged. Cooled beans can go directly to packaging or storage.
6. Testing and Storage
Check moisture content with a moisture meter, keeping it below 7%. After cooling to room temperature, store the dried cocoa beans in sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption or rewetting.
Recommended Cocoa Bean Drying Temperature
| 단계 | 온도 | 기간 | 목표 수분 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-drying | 50–60°C | 40–60 min | 55% → 35% |
| Main drying | 60–65°C | 60–90 min | 35% → 15% |
| Final drying | 65–70°C | 30–60 min | 15% → 6–8% |
| Total cycle | — | 2–4시간 | — |
Temperatures above 75°C should be avoided for extended periods, as excessive heat damages cocoa flavor precursors and can cause case hardening, a hard surface that traps moisture inside.
코코아 빈에 대한 권장 건조 매개변수
| 항목 | 매개변수 범위 | 설명 |
|---|---|---|
| 건조 온도 | 50–120 °C | 저온이 보호합니다. 코코아 향 |
| 건조 시간 | 4–8 시간 | 초기 수분에 따라 조정됨 |
| 열원 | 전기, 열풍, 바이오매스 | 사용자 정의 가능 |
| 최종 수분 | ≤7% | 수출 기준을 충족합니다. |
| 벨트 재료 | 304 스테인리스 스틸 | 식품 등급, 부식 및 내열성 |
| 메쉬 크기 | 3 mm | 빈이 떨어지지 않도록 방지합니다. 환기를 보장합니다. |
| 층 | 2–5층 선택 가능 | 다양한 생산 용량을 충족할 수 있습니다. |
솔루션의 장점
Continuous Automatic Drying
24시간 nonstop으로 작동할 수 있어 인건비를 절감합니다.
Uniform Drying and Consistent Color
다층 열풍 침투로 빈 내부와 외부의 균일한 탈수 보장.
에너지 효율적
열풍 순환 설계로 전통적인 드라이어에 비해 에너지 소비를 30% 이상 줄입니다.
Hygienic and Safe
모든 스테인리스 스틸 접촉 표면은 식품 등급 기준을 충족합니다.
Intelligent Control System
자동 온도 및 습도 제어로 각 배치의 일관된 건조를 보장합니다.
Customizable Production Line
공장 크기, 생산량 및 에너지 요구 사항에 따라 유연하게 설계할 수 있습니다.
코코아 빈 건조 생산 라인 구성 목록
| 장비 이름 | 기능 |
|---|---|
| 발효 탱크 / 발효 상자 | 코코아 빈을 발효시켜 원하는 맛을 개발합니다. |
| 진동 체 / 선별기 | 부서진 빈과 불순물을 제거합니다. |
| 공기 분리기 / 먼지 제거기 | 가벼운 불순물과 먼지를 제거합니다. |
| 급이 컨베이어 | 건조 벨트에 고르게 펼쳐진 코코아 빈 |
| 다층 연속 벨트 드라이어 | 단계별 온도 제어 및 열풍 순환이 있는 핵심 건조 장비 |
| 열풍로 / 열원 시스템 | 건조를 위한 열풍 제공 |
| 배기 팬 시스템 | 건조 중 생성된 수분 제거 |
| 냉각 섹션 / 냉각 컨베이어 | 건조된 코코아 빈을 식힙니다. |
| 배출 컨베이어 | 건조된 코코아 빈을 수집 또는 포장으로 전송 |
| 수분 측정기 | 코코아 빈의 수분 함량을 측정합니다. |
| 포장 인터페이스 / 수집 시스템 | 포장 또는 저장 시스템에 연결 |
| 전기 제어 시스템 | 온도, 벨트 속도, 공기 흐름 및 건조 시간을 위한 PLC 중앙 집중식 제어 |
Notes: The above standard list is for reference only. The specific configuration should be adjusted according to the customer’s production plan. If you have any requirements, please contact our staff via the pop-up window or WhatsApp.
Why Choose Shuliy? (Shuliy를 선택하는 이유)
- 20+ years of drying equipment manufacturing experience
- Exported to 30+ countries, including major cocoa regions
- Capacities from 60 kg/h to 14,000 kg/h
- Multiple heat sources: heat pump, gas, diesel, coal, biomass, steam
- Food-grade 304 stainless steel construction
- PLC automatic control with remote monitoring option
- 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support
- Free layout drawing and drying test service
Shuliy와 파트너십
Shuliy’s cocoa bean belt drying machine, with its energy-saving, efficient, automated, and food-grade hygienic design, has become the ideal choice for many cocoa processing companies.
건조 품질을 개선하고 에너지 소비를 줄이며 표준화된 생산을 달성하고 싶다면, 맞춤형 솔루션을 위해 저희에게 연락하십시오.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the dryer handle wet fermented beans directly?
Yes. The belt and chamber are designed for high initial moisture. We recommend a vibrating feeder to spread sticky beans evenly.
What heat source is cheapest for cocoa regions?
Biomass (cocoa pod husks, firewood) and natural gas are usually cheapest in West Africa and Southeast Asia. We can calculate running costs for your local fuel prices.
Does machine drying affect cocoa flavor compared with sun drying?
No. Controlled low-temperature drying preserves flavor precursors better than sun drying, which exposes beans to uncontrolled heat and contamination.
What is the delivery time?
Standard models ship in 15–25 days. Custom lines take 30–45 days.
Can one machine dry cocoa and coffee?
Yes. The same belt dryer handles both by adjusting the temperature curve and belt speed.
How do I verify final moisture?
We recommend an inline moisture meter or handheld meter at discharge. The PLC can also stop the cycle at a set time-based target.
What spare parts should I stock?
Mesh belt sections, drive bearings, heating elements or burner nozzles, and temperature sensors.
Get a Quote for Your Cocoa Bean Drying Machine
Whether you process 100 kg/h on a single farm or 10 tons/h in a commercial plant, Shuliy can configure the right cocoa bean drying machine for your capacity, fuel source, and quality target.
Contact us today for a free layout design, drying test report, and equipment quotation.
