Roasting modules and processing lines for natural products and their uses

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a roasting module 10 for roasting natural products, such as beans, grains, seeds or nuts, the roasting module 10 comprising a tray 11 for containing the product to be roasted, in particular a cubic tray, the tray having a bottom in the form of an inverted truncated cone 15, and a grid covering the larger base 15a of the inverted cone, the mesh of the grid being small enough to hold the product to be roasted when it is placed on the grid. and a tray, the tray further comprising an opening 12 arranged on the opposite side of the inverted pyramid 15, the opening 12 being configured to introduce the product to be roasted into the tray, the tray further comprising an air inlet 16 on the smaller base 15b of the inverted pyramid, the roasting module 10 comprising first means for supplying hot air through the air inlet 16 into the tray, the air inlet 16 and the first means for supplying hot air being spaced apart from each other per metre of height of the product to be roasted and per metre of surface of the larger base 15a of the inverted pyramid. 2 At least 4'000m per 3 / hour, and the first means for supplying hot air is adapted to supply air at a temperature in the range of 105° C. to 250° C., preferably in a temperature range between 115° C. and 200° C., advantageously between 125° C. and 170° C., in particular between 135° C. and 150° C. The present invention further relates to a processing line 100 for natural products comprising a roasting module 10 according to the present invention, and further to the use of such a roasting module 10 or of such a processing line 100, in particular for roasting natural products, such as beans, grains, seeds or nuts.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to the field of roasting modules for roasting natural products such as beans, grains, seeds and nuts, more preferably beans, seeds and nuts. The present invention further relates to a processing line for processing, and in particular for roasting, natural products such as beans, grains, seeds and nuts, comprising a roasting module according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of such a roasting module or such a processing line for roasting natural products, and in particular beans, grains, seeds and nuts. [Background technology]

[0002] Roasting of natural products is a complex process that must result in uniform roasting of all products of a particular batch. To achieve uniform roasting, roasting processes and devices known from the prior art require displacing the product in an air stream or across a hot surface or exposing the product to radiant heat, with the aim of uniformly heating all particles and the entire surface of the product. Displacing the product requires mechanical devices that tumble, vibrate, rock, rotate or stir the load, with the aim of keeping the product in motion.

[0003] Most known industrial roasters operate continuously, in which the product particles are moved through the various steps of the roasting process on a belt, on a vibrating support or by an air current. Roasting is achieved by exposing the product particles to a stream of hot air of settable temperature, thereby making it possible to achieve various degrees of roasting, from light to dark roasting.

[0004] Some roasters, mainly for smaller hourly throughput, are designed as batch systems. These roasters have in common that the product must be moved during the process to achieve a uniform roasting effect. This movement can be achieved by rolling the product around in a drum or by moving arms or paddles that stir the product during the process.

[0005] Displacing the product itself during the roasting process results in damage to the product, such as breakage, or abrasion, generating dust, waste, and broken particles. Product displacement devices generate dust and broken particles through abrasion that require cleaning, resulting in significant downtime. Additionally, mechanical means for displacing the product involve wear and tear on moving parts, resulting in significant maintenance and downtime.

[0006] Finally, during the roasting process it is necessary to control the amount of product exposed to heat to avoid over- or under-roasting. In continuous roasters, i.e. roasters that displace the product itself, the start-up and stop-down phases of the roasting line can be difficult because during those times the product layers build up and down.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to propose a new roasting module and a new processing line that makes it possible to roast a product without the need for mechanical means to move the product itself through the roasting process. The object of the present invention is therefore also to reduce damage and waste of the product, as well as to shorten the cleaning times for dust and broken pieces. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel roasting module and a novel processing line, by means of which the above-mentioned disadvantages of known systems can be completely overcome or at least significantly reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the invention, these objects are achieved in particular through the elements of the two independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments emerge further from the dependent claims and the description.

[0010] In particular, the object of the invention is achieved by a roasting module for roasting natural products, in particular beans, seeds or nuts, the roasting module comprising a tray for accommodating the product to be roasted, and in particular a cubic tray, the tray comprising a bottom in the form of an inverted truncated cone, and a grid covering the larger base of the inverted cone, the mesh of the grid being small enough to hold the natural product when the product to be roasted is placed on the grid, the tray further comprising an opening arranged on the opposite side of the inverted cone, the opening being configured to introduce the product to be roasted into the tray, the tray further comprising an air inlet above the smaller base of the inverted cone, the roasting module comprising first means for supplying hot air through the inlet into the tray, in which the inlet and the first means for supplying hot air are arranged at a distance of 1 m per m of the height of the product to be roasted and per m of the surface of the larger base of the inverted cone. 2 At least 4'000m per 3 / hour, and the first means for supplying hot air is adapted to supply air at a temperature in the range of 105°C to 250°C, preferably in a temperature range between 115°C and 200°C, advantageously in a temperature range between 125°C and 170°C, in particular in a temperature range between 135°C and 150°C.

[0011] The inventors have demonstrated that the temperature ranges mentioned above and the thickness of the product in the tray and the surface area of ​​the larger base of the inverted cone are approximately 1 m per m of product height in the tray. 2 At least 4'000m per 3 It has been found that to achieve uniform roasting of the product in the tray, it is necessary to supply hot air at a flow rate of 1000 / hr. Such a roasting module allows large quantities of natural products to be roasted uniformly without the need to move the product itself through a flow of hot air or through another heat source. This is advantageous since it avoids damaging the product and generating dust and broken pieces. Furthermore, traceability of the product is improved because the roasting process is performed "batchwise" (a batch is the amount of product in a tray). It is important to note that the tray is part of the roasting module, but is configured in such a way that it can be separated from the roasting module to transfer the product to another module, such as a cooling module.

[0012] Suitable natural products to be roasted are nuts, ground nuts, grains, and edible seeds, as well as beans.

[0013] "Tree nuts" includes any type of tree nuts, such as, for example, almonds, hazelnuts, horse chestnuts, walnuts, pecans, cashews, macadamia nuts, pistachios, pine nuts, and Brazil nuts. Preferred tree nuts are almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, macadamia nuts, and pistachios.

[0014] "Ground nuts" includes any type of ground nut, for example peanuts and tiger nuts. The preferred ground nut is peanut.

[0015] "Grains and edible seeds" includes any type of grain and edible seed, such as, for example, quinoa, amaranth, maize, rice, wheat, buckwheat, oats, malt, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and sunflower seeds. Suitable grains and edible seeds include sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, oats, malt, and pumpkin seeds.

[0016] "Beans" includes any type of bean, such as, for example, soybeans, kidney beans, chickpeas, peas, fava beans, lima beans, lupin beans, mung beans, pigeon beans, and green beans.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the roasting module is a roasting module for roasting cocoa beans. When the cocoa beans are roasted, a roasting temperature is preferably applied in the range of 105°C to 135°C, more preferably in the range of 112°C to 130°C.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the roasting module is a roasting module for roasting coffee beans. When coffee beans are roasted, a higher roasting temperature is advantageously applied, i.e. a temperature in the range of 200°C to 250°C.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, the inlet and the first means for supplying hot air are arranged to be arranged at a rate of 1000 mm per meter of the height of the product to be roasted and per meter of the surface of the larger base of the inverted pyramid, depending on the physical characteristics of the natural product to be roasted, such as for example its bulk density and geometric shape. 2 At least 4'000m per 3 / hour to 9'000m 3 The hot air passage is adapted to provide a flow of hot air at a rate in the range of 1 / hour.

[0020] In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the roasting module comprises a cover for covering the opening, where the cover comprises an outlet for directing hot air to the outside of the tray. This is advantageous because the cover allows to reduce heat loss and thus shorten the roasting time. Furthermore, the cover allows to improve the reproducibility of the roasting process by isolating the contents of the tray from the environment.

[0021] In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover of the tray is provided with a seal, preferably an inflatable seal, to allow a tight connection between the cover and the tray in order to force an air flow through the product. "Tight" in this context means an air loss of less than 5 Vol.%, preferably less than 2 Vol.%, preferably less than 1 Vol.%. By using such a tight connection between the cover and the tray, it is also possible to change the direction of the air flow from top to bottom or vice versa at least once during the roasting process. This is advantageous for a uniform roasting at a complete load of the tray, thereby further improving the uniformity of the product.

[0022] The roasting module therefore advantageously comprises means for reversing the flow direction of the hot air.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the roasting module comprises means for adjusting the temperature of the hot air that is to be fed into the trays, which makes it possible to carry out different roasting recipes, for example depending on the type and / or amount of product in the trays.

[0024] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the roasting module comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the tray, which makes it possible to control the temperature of the roasting process.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the roasting module comprises a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity level inside the tray, which makes it possible to control the humidity during the roasting process.

[0026] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means for adjusting the temperature of the hot air is configured to receive data from the temperature sensor and / or the humidity sensor and to adjust the temperature of the hot air to be supplied into the tray depending on the received data.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first means for supplying hot air into the tray comprises a delivery fan having a variable speed for adjusting the air flow according to the density of the product in the tray.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the roasting module is equipped with a fan having a variable speed for adjusting the airflow out of the trays through the outlet.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the inlet is connected to an air filter, in particular a HEPA filter.

[0030] Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a seal, preferably an inflatable seal, to allow a tight connection of the inlet and the tray in order to force the air flow through the product. "Tight" in this context means less than 5 Vol.%, preferably less than 2 Vol.%, preferably less than 1 Vol.% air loss. This tight connection between the inlet and the tray allows the air flow to change direction from top to bottom or vice versa at least once during the roasting process. This is advantageous for uniform roasting at full tray loading, thereby further improving the uniformity of the product.

[0031] In an alternative preferred embodiment, especially for larger processing lines with two or more roasting modules, the ducts of each roasting module are provided with a seal, preferably a seal that can be inflated after the tray is placed on it, to make the connection between each duct and one or more trays airtight. "Airtight" in this context means an air loss of less than 5 Vol.%, preferably less than 2 Vol.%, preferably less than 1 Vol.%. This also allows the direction of the air flow to be changed at least once during the roasting process from top to bottom or vice versa. After the air flow passes through the trays from the air inlet at the bottom of the trays, the air is exhausted through the outlet in the cover of the trays. Alternatively, the air can be forced into the trays through the outlet in the cover of the trays and exhausted through the inlet at the bottom of the trays.

[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, both the inlet of the roasting module as well as the duct are equipped with a seal, preferably an inflatable seal.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, both the inlets as well as the ducts of each roasting module of the processing line are provided with a seal, preferably an inflatable seal. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the covers of the trays of each roasting module of the processing line are also provided with a seal.

[0034] In a second aspect, the object of the present invention is achieved by a processing line for natural products, in particular seeds, grains, beans and nuts, more preferably seeds, beans and nuts, comprising a pre-heating module for heating the natural products to a temperature of 40°C to 120°C, advantageously 60°C to 90°C, in particular 70°C to 80°C, a cooling module for cooling the product to ambient temperature and a roasting module according to the invention between the pre-heating module and the cooling module, wherein the processing line comprises means for displacing trays for receiving the product from the pre-heating module to the roasting module and from the roasting module to the cooling module. Such means can be, for example, an electric chain conveyor with a frequency inverter.

[0035] The pre-heating and / or cooling modules may further be equipped with seals and means for reversing the hot air flow direction, and the hot air flow direction may also be reversed within these modules.

[0036] In an embodiment of the process line of the present invention, the flow in the preheat module and the chill module, respectively, is from bottom to top.

[0037] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the air in the preheat module is sucked out at the top instead of being forced through from the bottom to the top.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of these modules in such a process line is made from stainless steel, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, all of the modules in such a process line are made from stainless steel.

[0039] The processing line according to the invention makes it possible to completely process natural products, including the pre-heating, roasting and cooling steps, without the need to transport the product itself that is to be processed, which makes it possible to avoid damaging the product and generating dust and debris.

[0040] In a first preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the processing line comprises a pasteurization module between the pre-heating module and the roasting module for pasteurizing the product, the pasteurization module enabling the product to be roasted after it has been pasteurized.

[0041] In a second preferred embodiment of the processing line, the pasteurization module and the roasting module or modules are located in the clean room area.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the pre-heating module comprises second means for supplying hot air into the tray, wherein the second means is configured to supply air through an inlet to the tray at a temperature of between 40° C. and 120° C., advantageously between 60° C. and 90° C., in particular between 70° C. and 80° C. This allows for uniform pre-heating of the product.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the cooling module comprises means for supplying cold air into the tray, wherein the means for supplying cold air is configured to supply air through an inlet of the tray at a temperature between 15° C. and 35° C. This allows for uniform cooling of the product.

[0044] In yet another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the processing line comprises a control device for regulating the temperature of the air supplied into the trays by the pre-heating module, the roasting module and the cooling module, allowing full control of the temperature conditions in the various modules.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the controller is arranged to control the means for displacing the trays between the modules, which allows for controlling the residence time of product in each module.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the pre-heating module, the cooling module and the roasting module each comprise a separate cover for covering the openings of the trays, where the covers present an outlet for directing air to the outside of the trays, which allows to minimize the processing time in each module.

[0047] Currently, such processing lines are capable of roasting up to 6 tons of natural product per hour, where the initial moisture content of the natural product is approximately within the range of 4% to 10% by weight of its total weight.

[0048] The processing line of the present invention (length 9.8 m, width 4.8 m) with pre-heating, pasteurization, roasting and cooling modules has a maximum footprint of 47 m2 at a throughput of 1 ton per hour. 2 Therefore, it is also sustainable.

[0049] To further improve the durability of the roasting module and also of the processing line, the air used is at least partially recirculated. In one embodiment of the invention, the air is advantageously dried after leaving the roasting module and at least partially before entering the preheating module.

[0050] The present invention is directed to the use of a roasting module having the advantages disclosed above, and also to the use of a processing line having the advantages given above, for roasting natural products, in particular for roasting beans, grains, seeds or nuts, and more preferably for roasting beans, seeds, nuts or ground nuts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a tray of a roasting module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] A cross-sectional view showing a tray of a roasting module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a roasting module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of a processing line according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a tray 11 of a roasting module 10 (see FIG. 4) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the tray 11 is advantageously substantially cubic and has an opening 12 through which the product to be roasted, such as beans, seeds or nuts, can be inserted into the tray 11. The opening 12 can be covered by a cover 13, as shown in FIG. 3. The cover 13 advantageously comprises an air outlet 14 for directing hot air and for roasting by-products outside the tray 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the roasting module 10 (as well as the pre-heating module 20 and the cooling module 40) comprises means (not shown here) for lowering and raising the cover 13 in order to close and open the opening 12.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 2, the tray 11 comprises a bottom in the form of an inverted truncated cone 15. The larger base 15a of the cone is covered by a grid with a mesh that is small enough to hold the product to be roasted. The smaller base 15b is connected to an air inlet 16 (see Fig. 3) for feeding air into the tray 11. The inlet 16 is connected to a duct 17 of a means for feeding hot air into the tray 11, in particular the air in the roasting module 10 has a temperature between 115°C and 200°C, advantageously between 125°C and 170°C, in particular between 135°C and 150°C. The inventors have found that the temperature is within the above mentioned temperature ranges and within the range of 1 m of height H of the product in the tray 11 (see Fig. 2, where L defines the height of the product in the tray 11) and 1 m of the surface of the larger base 15a of the inverted cone. 2 At least 4'000m per 3 It has been found that to achieve uniform roasting of the product in the tray 11 it is necessary to supply hot air at a flow rate of 1000 g / hr. The inlet 16 of the roasting module 10 and the means for supplying hot air are therefore configured to supply hot air at such a temperature and with such a flow rate. By using such a roasting module 10 it is therefore possible to roast large quantities of natural products such as beans, seeds or nuts without having to transport the product itself and thus avoiding damaging the product and generating dust.

[0054] Preferably, the inlet 16 and / or the duct 17 have a seal, preferably an inflatable seal, meaning that either the inlet 16 or the duct 17 have a seal or each of them have a seal.

[0055] The trays 11 are advantageously provided with fork openings 18 for the insertion of the forks of a forklift. This allows the trays 11 to be easily transported, for example from a warehouse onto the belt 50, which allows the belt 50 to move the trays 11 from one module to another of the processing line 100 (see FIG. 4).

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the roasting module 10, and also the pasteurization module 30 and the pre-heating module 20, are advantageously equipped with a sensor 19. The sensor 19 can be foreseen to measure the temperature and / or humidity inside the tray 11.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a side view of a processing line 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The processing line 100 comprises a pre-heating module 20, a roasting module 10, a pasteurization module 30 and a cooling module 40. Each of the pre-heating module, roasting module and cooling module has their own cover 13, 23, 43 for covering the tray 11 when it is placed inside the corresponding module. The pre-heating module 20 comprises means 27 for inserting hot air into the tray 11 by the inlet 16 at a temperature between 40°C and 120°C, advantageously between 60°C and 90°C, in particular between 70°C and 80°C. In a similar manner, the cooling module 40 comprises means 47 for inserting air into the tray 11 by the inlet 16 at a temperature between 15°C and 35°C. The pasteurization module 30 comprises a chamber 31 configured to create a sub-atmospheric pressure around the tray 11, where in the chamber 31 means are provided for inserting dry steam on the product inside the tray 11. Furthermore, the pasteurization module 30 comprises means 37 for inserting air. Each module 10, 20, 30 and 40 comprises a belt 50 (see FIG. 3) having a motor 51, which makes it possible to move the trays 11 from one module to another.

[0058] The processing line 100 makes it possible to completely process natural products such as beans, seeds or nuts by preheating, roasting, pasteurizing and cooling to ambient temperature, since all these steps are carried out while keeping the natural product inside the trays 11, it is possible to avoid damaging the product during its transport, as in the processing lines of the prior art.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above outlines one related non-limiting embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications to the disclosed non-limiting embodiment can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the described non-limiting embodiment should be considered as merely illustrating some of the salient features and applications. Other beneficial results can be realized by applying the non-limiting embodiment in a different manner or by modifying the embodiment in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0060] Furthermore, each provided advantage may be combined with any other single or multiple advantages, and such combinations may also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In particular, in a roasting module (10) for roasting natural products such as beans, grains, seeds or nuts, the roasting module (10) comprises a tray (11) for containing the product to be roasted, and in particular a cubic tray, the tray (11) having a bottom in the form of an inverted truncated cone (15), and a grid covering the larger base (15a) of the inverted cone, the mesh of the grid being small enough to hold the product to be roasted when it is placed on the grid. a grid for introducing the product to be roasted into the tray (11), the tray (11) further comprising an opening (12) arranged opposite the inverted cone (15), the opening (12) being configured to introduce the product to be roasted into the tray (11), the tray (11) further comprising an air inlet (16) on the smaller base (15b) of the inverted cone, the roasting module (10) comprising first means for supplying hot air into the tray (11) through the air inlet (16), The air inlet (16) and the first means for supplying hot air are arranged at a distance of 1 m from the surface of the larger base (15a) of the inverted cone for every 1 m of height of the product to be roasted. ２ At least 4,000m in length ３ / hour, and wherein the first means for supplying hot air is adapted to supply air at a temperature in the range of 105°C to 250°C.

2. 2. Roasting module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first means for supplying hot air is preferably adapted to supply air in a temperature range between 115°C and 200°C, advantageously between 125°C and 170°C, in particular between 135°C and 150°C, for roasting beans, seeds or nuts.

3. 3. The roasting module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the roasting module (10) comprises a cover (13) for covering the opening (12), and the cover (13) comprises an outlet (14) for directing hot air to the outside of the tray (11).

4. 3. Roasting module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the roasting module (10) comprises means for adjusting the temperature of the hot air to be fed into the trays (11).

5. 3. The roasting module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the roasting module (10) comprises a temperature sensor (19) for measuring the temperature inside the tray (11).

6. 3. Roasting module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said roasting module (10) comprises a humidity sensor (19) for measuring the humidity level inside said tray (11).

7. 6. Roasting module (10) according to claim 5, wherein the means for adjusting the temperature of the hot air are configured to receive data from the temperature sensor and / or the humidity sensor (19) and to adjust the temperature of the hot air to be supplied into the trays (11) depending on the received data.

8. 3. Roasting module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air inlet (16) is connected to an air filter, in particular to a HEPA filter.

9. 3. Roasting module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said air inlet (16) is connected to a duct (17) of a means for supplying hot air into said trays (11).

10. 3. Roasting module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet (16) and / or the duct (17) are provided with a seal, preferably an inflatable seal.

11. 3. Roasting module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first means for supplying hot air into the tray (11) comprises a delivery fan having a variable speed for adjusting the air flow depending on the density of the product in the tray (11).

12. 3. Roasting module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising means for reversing the flow direction of the hot air.

13. 1. A processing line (100) for natural products, in particular beans and nuts, comprising a preheating module (20) for heating the natural product with hot air at a temperature of 40°C to 120°C, preferably 60°C to 90°C, in particular 70°C to 80°C, a cooling module (40) for cooling the product to ambient temperature, and a roasting module (10) according to claim 1 located between the preheating module (20) and the cooling module (40), wherein the processing line (100) comprises means for displacing the trays (11) for receiving the product from the preheating module (20) to the roasting module (10) and from the roasting module (10) to the cooling module (40).

14. 14. The processing line (100) of claim 13, wherein the processing line (100) comprises a pasteurization module (30) between the preheating module (20) and the roasting module (10) for pasteurizing the product.

15. 14. A process line (100) according to claim 13, wherein the preheating module (20) comprises second means (27) for supplying hot air into the trays (11), the second means (27) being configured to supply air at a temperature of between 40°C and 120°C, advantageously between 60°C and 90°C, in particular between 70°C and 80°C, through the inlets (16) of the trays (11).

16. 14. The process line (100) of claim 13, wherein the cooling module (40) comprises means for supplying cold air into the trays (11), the means for supplying cold air being configured to supply air at a temperature between 15°C and 35°C through the inlets (16) of the trays (11).

17. 14. The processing line (100) according to claim 13, wherein the processing line (100) comprises a control device for adjusting the temperature of the air supplied into the trays (11) by the preheating module (20), the roasting module (10), and the cooling module (40).

18. 18. The processing line (100) of claim 17, wherein the control device is configured to control the means for displacing the trays (11) between the modules.

19. 14. The processing line (100) according to claim 13, wherein each of the preheating module (20), the cooling module (40), and the roasting module (10) comprises a separate cover (13, 23, 43) for covering an opening of the tray (11), the cover (13, 23, 43) presenting an outlet for directing air to the outside of the tray (11).

20. 14. A processing line (100) according to claim 13, wherein said tray (11) advantageously comprises fork openings (18) for inserting the forks of a forklift.

21. 14. The processing line (100) according to claim 13, comprising at least two roasting modules (10).

22. 14. The processing line (100) according to claim 13, wherein the inlets (16) and / or ducts (17) of each roasting module (10) are provided with seals that can be inflated, preferably after the trays (11) are placed on them, to make the connection between the inlets (16) and / or ducts of one or more of the trays (11) airtight.

23. Use of a roasting module according to claim 1 or 2 or a processing line according to claim 13 for roasting natural products, in particular for roasting beans, grains, seeds or nuts, and more preferably for roasting beans, seeds, nuts or ground nuts.

24. 24. Use according to claim 23, wherein the beans are preferably soybeans, kidney beans, chickpeas, peas, broad beans, lima beans, lupin beans, mung beans, pigeon beans and green beans.

25. 24. The use according to claim 23, wherein the grains and seeds are preferably sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, oats, malt, and pumpkin seeds.

26. 24. The use according to claim 23, wherein the tree nuts are preferably almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, macadamia and pistachios, and / or the ground nuts are preferably peanuts.

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