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Optimizing Tomato Cube Transfer in Continuous Processing

In the tomato processing industry, production lines operate continuously throughout the harvest season. In this environment, manufacturers must simultaneously ensure equipment reliability, process continuity, and final product quality.

The transfer of sensitive products such as tomato cubes represents a specific challenge: the product must be conveyed under high pressure without being damaged or crushed.

An Italian tomato processor optimized its production process using a properly sized PCM Moineau™ progressing cavity pump.

Applications_Fruits and Veggie

Challenge

The mixture of tomato cubes and juice had to be transferred under a pressure of 10 to 14 bar before pasteurization.

Existing solutions showed several limitations:

  • Piston pumps could withstand the pressure but crushed the tomato pieces
  • Eccentric rotor pumps preserved the product better but had to operate at very high speed to compensate for internal slip losses

The customer was looking for a solution capable of preserving the tomato cubes while ensuring reliable continuous operation.

Solution PCM

PCM recommended a properly sized Moineau™ progressing cavity pump: a stainless steel PCM 50I15 (current equivalent PCM 60C18S):

  • A displacement capacity 2.5 times larger to facilitate the passage of tomato pieces
  • A reduced operating speed of 125 rpm for gentler transfer
  • Pressure capability up to 18 bar, limiting internal recirculation losses

Results achieved:

  • Optimal preservation of tomato cubes
  • Stable continuous flow 24/7
  • Reduced maintenance with rotor/stator replacement every 2 years instead of every year

PCM Solution - PCM EcoMoineau™ C

Moineau™ technology guarantees transfer without volume variation thanks to its sealed and non-deformable cavities.

The PCM progressing cavity pump was the ideal solution for this application thanks to:

  • Low shear operation
  • High-pressure capability
  • Constant non-pulsating flow
  • Ability to preserve fragile products

This project demonstrates the importance of proper pump sizing to simultaneously improve product quality and industrial performance.

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