Evaluation of CTC Machines (II)

摘要

To understand the controls on CTC performance, let us look at the process objectives to be achieved by using the CTC machine. These are Maceration, Sizing and Shaping. All these objectives are actually achieved by progressively passing the withered leaf through several machines in consecutive stages, which may number in (minimum) four or more depending on the stuctures and properties of the withered leaf. The first machine normally used in this process for maceration, shaping and sizing is the Rotorvane or at times the Rolling Table, followed by several consecutive stages of the CTC units as per requirement. The Process objectives of Maceration, Sizing or Particlisation and Shaping, can possibly be stated as the following: a) To macerate with controlled impact the withered leaf, fed at a uniform rate, so as to ensure at the end of the process, breakage of all the leaf cells, thereby releasing all the enzymes, which are to take critical part in the process of fermentation/oxidation downstream and also wring out the trapped mixture of the tea juice & water inside which again must be made to get wrapped up with the macerated particles completely or almost.