Find the relevant route before comparing machine lists
Fresh-tomato paste, bulk-paste ketchup and a puree-preparation section solve different production tasks. Their equipment can share some functions, but their starting points and endpoints should remain clear.
Use the equipment and engineering pages for the next level of detail
Machine pages describe the actual working structure, interfaces and selection conditions. The technical pages connect those details to the whole process, including the solids balance, packaging route and cleaning boundaries.
Further detail
Questions about this equipment and process
What is the difference between a paste line and a ketchup line?
A fresh-tomato paste line prepares fruit and concentrates a screened stream. A purchased-paste ketchup line unloads a concentrated ingredient, combines it with the recipe and processes it for retail packaging. Fresh-fruit equipment is not automatically needed for the latter.
Can I buy a crusher, pulper or thermal unit without a whole line?
Yes. Individual equipment can be selected for the actual feed and receiving process. Product condition, flow range, transfer height or pipe connection, controls and cleaning interfaces determine how it will fit.
Does hot break mean the product has received its final preservation treatment?
No. Break treatment is a front-end process affecting tomato structure and texture. Final thermal treatment is established for the finished product and its packaging process.
Are a pulper and a finisher always two separate machines?
No. Coarse pulping and finer finishing can be combined in one two-stage assembly. A single-stage machine can also be appropriate when it produces the required separation and texture.
How much paste will a tonne of tomatoes produce?
The answer depends on accepted fruit solids, rejected material, pulp recovery, target concentration and other losses. The capacity page provides an ideal no-loss comparison; actual plant planning uses measured material streams.
Can an evaporator be selected from the required paste tonnes per hour alone?
No. It also needs the inlet flow and concentration, required outlet condition, product viscosity, thermal sensitivity, utilities and operating pattern. Water-removal duty is distinct from finished-product flow.
Does every ketchup need homogenization?
No. The recipe and required texture decide whether extra dispersion or particle treatment is useful. A sauce intended to retain pieces may need a different process from smooth ketchup.
Is a high-pressure homogenizer the same as a colloid mill?
No. They use different working arrangements. Select the actual machine for the feed, desired texture and operating conditions rather than treating the names as interchangeable.
Can a bulk bag filler make the same packs as a retail sachet machine?
Aseptic bag-spout filling and retail sachet forming, filling and sealing are different packaging operations. Bag construction, closure method, fill quantity and the product process determine the equipment.
Can one line process tomatoes and other produce?
A shared preparation section can be considered for specified materials. Each feed still needs appropriate preparation, screen selection, operating settings and cleaning. The Moldova example covers a defined multi-material puree front end rather than every possible product.
What determines utility consumption?
The feed and product conditions, evaporation duty, heating and cooling loads, operating hours and cleaning sequence. Equipment and plant calculations should use a defined operating case rather than a fixed consumption per tonne applied to all recipes.
Can all equipment use the same CIP cycle?
No. Closed product circuits, open conveyors and removable screens have different cleaning requirements. Recipe residues, heated deposits, circuit geometry and equipment instructions determine the appropriate procedures and verification.
What information is enough for a first enquiry?
A short description of the material, intended product and the line or machine you need is enough to begin. Approximate rate, packaging preference and existing equipment are useful optional details; a complete engineering specification is not required for first contact.
What should be included when comparing project prices?
Compare the same equipment configuration and operating duty, including materials, controls, transfer equipment, utilities, installation scope, testing, documentation and packaging interfaces. Differences in those items can explain a price difference without representing the same line.