Seeking groundbreaking Powder Application Technologies - Novel technologies for seasoning application on fabricated potato chips

  • Sameer from PepsiCo
  • From United States
  • Responsive
  • Project Size Range : 50,000 - 250,000 €
  • Deadline completed
    The submission process for new proposals is closed. Proposals submitted before the deadline will follow the standard evaluation process.

Desired outcome

During the production of fabricated potato chips, the application of seasoning is an important but inefficient process. For a demonstration of how such chips are made, please view this video.




The typical method for the application of seasoning is for the chips to pass through a curtain of falling powder. This system has the undesirable side effect of a portion of the seasoning falling between chips. To counter this inefficiency, this seasoning can be recycled for use during later production runs. Unfortunately, the flow characteristics of the powdered seasoning can be negatively impacted by exposure to air or airborne oil particles, limiting reuse potential.

Additionally, the need for even coverage across individual chip surfaces and consistency between production lanes can be challenging as well.

To improve production efficiency and ensure product quality, we seek the next generation in powder application technologies.

PepsiCo

Details of the Innovation Need

Must-Haves:

  • “Paradigm shift” from a typical loose powder-based system
  • Must significantly reduce the seasoning loss associated with current method – zero loss goal
  • Have no impact on the quality (e.g. increased sodium levels)
  • Chips must be dry “instantly” after seasoning is applied – they need to stack effectively without chip to chip adhesion

Nice-to-Haves:

  • Two-sided application
  • Be applicable to other products
  • No major modifications needed on the line – compatible with existing lines

Possible solution areas

  • We are open (with the exceptions noted below) to all approaches capable of achieving the desire performance

Discarted solutions

  • Unless significant advancement has been achieved, we are already familiar with the following technologies: Scarf plate, Screw feed and Belts

Related Keywords

  • Electronics, IT and Telecomms
  • Automation, Robotics Control Systems
  • Industrial manufacturing, Material and Transport Technologies
  • Materials Technology
  • Materials Handling Technology (solids, fluids, gases)
  • Hybrid materials
  • Industrial Technologies
  • Process Plant Engineering
  • Apparatus Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering and Technology / Electrical Equipment
  • Sound Engineering/Technology
  • Vibration and Acoustic engineering
  • Biological Sciences
  • Medical Technology / Biomedical Engineering
  • Agriculture and Marine Resources
  • Agrofood Industry
  • Technologies for the food industry
  • Food Packaging / Handling
  • Food Processing
  • Food Microbiology / Toxicology / Quality Control
  • mechanical design

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $70 billion in net revenue in 2020, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker, Tropicana and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 23 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Sameer Talsania

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