Process of compaction and resulting dimensionally stable coffee tablets

Abstract

The present invention discloses an industrial process for compacting coffee tablets (1), in particular roast and ground coffee tablets, suitable for preparing coffee-based beverages, including espresso-type beverages, by extraction with pressurized flow at flow pressures greater than 5 bar, and which exhibit advantageous characteristics in terms of extraction efficiency and shape retention of the compacted coffee tablets, as well as manufacturing efficiency and capacity. The present invention further discloses compacted coffee tablets (1) suitable for preparing coffee-based beverages, and which exhibit advantageous characteristics in terms of dimensional stability after compaction and coffee extraction efficiency with pressurized extraction flow.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention refers to an industrial process for the manufacture of compacted tablets for preparing beverages, in particular tablets of roast and ground coffee beans adapted to prepare beverages by extraction by pressurized flow, and to compacted tablets for preparing beverages with the characteristics resulting from said process. [Background technology]

[0002] Background of the Invention The prior art contains several documents relating to processes for the production of compacted coffee single portions, generally designated by compacted coffee tablets for use in the preparation of coffee-based beverages, which mention several challenges associated with this type of process for compacting coffee, in particular due to the physicochemical characteristics of coffee and the relative size of the coffee particles to be compacted.

[0003] Compaction of a particular amount of roast and ground coffee beans presents several challenges that are primarily related to the physicochemical characteristics of the pre-roasted and ground coffee beans, including the release of volatile gases, oils and also the size of the ground coffee beans.

[0004] In this context, the reader should also be familiar with the fact that there are different types of coffee, including soluble coffee, which is mainly used to prepare coffee by percolation, and roast and ground coffee, which is mainly used to prepare espresso-type coffee. These two types of coffee present different physicochemical properties related to the compaction process, and some of the prior art addresses the problem of compacting tablets of soluble coffee, or extraction by percolation, i.e., by flow at or above ambient pressure and below 5 bar.

[0005] For example, document EP 2 154 987 B1 discloses a method for producing compacted coffee tablets suitable for use in filter coffee machines, i.e., with ambient pressure flow. In this case, the compaction pressure must be comprised between 70 and 130 bar. Before compaction, the roasted and ground coffee beans may have a relative moisture content of 2 to 8%. The resulting coffee tablets may have a hardness ranging from 30 to 55 N and a weight of 2 to 15 g, the hardness of the coffee tablet being designed for its disintegration at a defined time and in a given manner.

[0006] The present invention addresses the problem of compacted coffee tablets for preparing beverages by extraction with pressurized flow at flow pressures above 5 bar and optionally at flow pressures comprised between 5 and 20 bar, preferably between 10 and 15 bar.

[0007] The compaction of single portions of roast and ground coffee constitutes a different and unique type of problem, as it can be determined by the different specific characteristics of the roast and ground coffee beans, including the residual moisture and dependence on the particle size and relative distribution of particle sizes after the coffee beans are pulled, and these characteristics have a relatively significant effect on the compaction process.

[0008] In this case, there are several physical parameters that can play an important role during the beverage preparation itself, such as maintaining the shape of the compacted tablet, promoting or limiting its physical degradation, and improving a given type of interaction between the respective coffee quantity and the fluid.

[0009] Some of these aspects have particular relevance in the case of coffee, such as espresso type, where the compacted tablets must be subjected to a pressurized flow with a flow pressure of more than 5 bar, preferably more than 10 bar.

[0010] In this regard, particle size, moisture content as well as the degree of roasting of the ground coffee beans are parameters that can influence the compaction result.

[0011] The prior art contains references to the deaeration problem, as for example mentioned in document Canadian Patent No. 808588A, which discloses the possibility of making compacted tablets of roast and ground coffee beans.

[0012] Document EP 0 229 920 B1 discloses a process for making coffee tablets by compacting a mass of ground and roasted coffee bean particles with a moisture content of at least 3% by mass, in particular 3% to 6%, with 4% being preferred, and an average particle size of 0.4 mm to 2.0 mm, in particular 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm. Compaction of the coffee mass is carried out by applying a pressure comprised between 20.7 and 48.3 MPa, with a value of 39.5 MPa being preferred. The process further comprises coating the outside of the compacted tablet with an edible material dispersible in water, said coating comprising wetting with an aqueous liquid and applying a dry solid.

[0013] Document WO 2004 / 034797 A1 discloses a process for the production of compacted coffee tablets, which includes a step of cooling before compression in a rotary press.

[0014] Document EP 2129232 B1 discloses a process for the compaction of powdered vegetables, which comprises only one step of compaction, including a pressing period, and the powder used for compaction is roast and ground coffee, exhibiting a moisture content of 3 to 10% by weight and an average size of 0.2 to 3 mm, preferably 0.4 to 2 mm.

[0015] Documents EP 3081092 B1 and EP 2416665 B1 disclose roast and ground coffee tablets that are also suitable for extracting coffee by dripping, i.e., by flow at atmospheric pressure. In this case, the tablets are obtained by a process comprising two compression stages, in particular a first so-called pre-compression stage at a pressure between 36.1 MPa and 84.8 MPa, followed by a subsequent compression stage, the value of the pressure applied in the pre-compression stage being between 20% and 100% of the compression pressure. The compacted coffee tablets must exhibit a hardness greater than 30 N and a friability less than 10%.

[0016] Document WO 2008 / 123775 A1 discloses a method for making coffee tablets and coffee tablets obtained by said method, which may have a generally irregular shape.

[0017] Regarding the critical steps of the process, documents US 9,474,290 B2 and US 9,756,869 B2 disclose a process for the manufacture of compacted tablets of roast and ground coffee adapted for extraction in a drip coffee machine, albeit in two stages: the coffee tablets are compacted so that they easily disintegrate when subjected to hot water at ambient pressure during extraction.

[0018] In particular, the process involves the steps of pre-compression at a pressure of 10.6 MPa to 63.6 MPa and compression at a pressure of 63 to 169.7 MPa, both steps being carried out in the same compaction die to produce tablets with a hardness of at least 30 N. Greater tablet hardness must in fact be associated with greater structural vulnerability to bursting.

[0019] Furthermore, the literature discloses that a delay period of 80 to 900 milliseconds is considered between pre-compression and main compression, with the total period from pre-compression to main compression being approximately 0.1 to 1 second. The delay period and timing established must also be related to minimizing dimensional variations in the compacted tablets, such as as a result of expansion of the compaction volume.

[0020] Document WO 2010 / 137965 A1 refers to capsules containing 5 to 6.5 grams of roasted and ground coffee beans, this amount being compacted with a compaction force comprised between 50 and 800 N, preferably between 400 and 600 N.

[0021] Document WO 2020 / 089403 A1 discloses a coffee container containing a cake of roast and ground coffee that can be consolidated by applying a compression force comprised between 0.5 kN and 15 kN, preferably between 1 kN and 10 kN.

[0022] Documents WO 2021 / 118376 A1 and WO 2021 / 118377 A1 have been filed by the applicant of the present invention and are directed to compacted coffee tablets. Among other aspects, said documents refer to the application of a compaction force comprised between 4 and 6 kN, preferably between 4.5 and 5.5 kN, so as to obtain compacted tablets with a hardness comprised between 10 and 20 N, preferably between 13 and 17 N.

[0023] It should be noted that tests carried out have shown that applying too high a compaction force can lead to crushing of the roast and ground coffee bean particles and a relatively hard compacted tablet, and that this can restrict the flow of pressure through the compacted tablet, thus reducing the effectiveness of the extraction. Furthermore, there are several aspects that can affect the productivity of the manufacturing process on an industrial scale, including in terms of production capacity and waste rates as a result of defects and losses. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0024] Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a process for the manufacture of compacted coffee tablets for preparing coffee-based beverages, which comprises a step of compacting roast and ground coffee tablets, the compacted tablets being adapted to exhibit better structural and operational characteristics in terms of preparing coffee-based beverages, including espresso-type coffee, by pressurized flow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0025] The best structural features include resistance to bursting and disintegration, which can be detrimental to handling of the tablets, and minimization of dimensional variations after application of compaction forces, which can be detrimental to subsequent individual packaging of the coffee tablets.

[0026] The best operational characteristics include providing sufficient porosity to allow pressurized flow along the dominant direction without substantial obstruction, as well as greater productivity of the process with greater production capacity and less waste.

[0027] This object is solved according to the invention by the process according to claim 1.

[0028] The process according to the invention comprises successive compaction cycles in a compaction machine with no interruption intervals between cycles, each compaction cycle comprising the steps set out in claim 1.

[0029] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide coffee tablets with better dimensional stability, e.g. with a smaller increase in volume after compaction, the value and distribution of the compaction force as well as other parameters regarding the handling and extraction effectiveness of coffee tablets compacted by pressurized flow at flow pressures greater than 5 bar determining to a large extent this behavior.

[0030] In fact, the application of compaction forces is particularly relevant in the case of compaction of roast and ground coffee bean masses, not only with regard to the hardness and pressed density characteristics but also with regard to the dimensional stability of the coffee tablet after compaction.

[0031] According to the invention, the process may comprise successive compaction of individual quantities of roast and ground coffee beans by applying a normal reciprocal force with a compaction force value comprised between 5 kN and 50 kN.

[0032] The process may involve applying a compaction force of less than 50k, including a first step of pre-compaction at a first compaction force.

[0033] The process can include a first step of pre-compaction at a first compaction force followed by a second step of compaction at a second compaction force, the first compaction force being greater than the second compaction force.

[0034] The process may involve the sequential application of two compaction forces, both of which are less than 40 kN and preferably greater than 5 kN.

[0035] In particular, the process may include a first compaction force of less than 20 kN to reduce any increase in volume of the compacted coffee tablet that may occur after compaction.

[0036] The process may include applying a first compaction force that may be at least two times greater than the second compaction force.

[0037] A second object of the present invention is to disclose a compaction process that provides coffee tablets with better properties in view of extraction by pressurized flow at flow pressures greater than 5 bar.

[0038] A related aspect of the present invention is the feeding of the edible substance, i.e., roast and ground coffee beans, for compaction at a Hausner index of less than 1.30 in order to provide good flowability of the edible substance and minimize its tendency to gather in larger sized portions, for example as a result of the adhesive action of coffee oils released during the compaction operation. This parameter range of the Hausner index offers the possibility to feed individual amounts of edible substance of 5 to 7 g by mass to each individual collection opening of the compaction machine in a more reliable manner and at a relatively fast delivery rate.

[0039] The second set of relevant characteristics are those of the main characteristics of the coffee tablet obtained with a view to its use in the process of extraction of espresso type coffee or the like.

[0040] In this sense, the coffee tablet exhibits a hardness after compaction that corresponds to less grinding of the particles of the roast and ground coffee beans originally fed into the compaction device so as to substantially unrestrict the flow paths through the compacted tablet.

[0041] According to tests carried out by the applicant, the compacted coffee tablets should exhibit a hardness comprised between 4N and 30N, preferably between 5N and 20N, particularly preferably between 6N and 18N.

[0042] In the case of the first embodiment, it is preferred if the coffee tablet exhibits a hardness comprised between 4 and 10N, preferably between 5 and 8N, particularly preferably between 5 and 7N.

[0043] In the case of the second embodiment, it is preferred if the coffee tablet exhibits a hardness comprised between 10 and 20N, preferably between 12 and 18N, particularly preferably between 14 and 18N.

[0044] In the context of the present invention, the compacted coffee tablets should furthermore exhibit a compressed density comprised between 0.15 g / ml and 1.0 g / ml, preferably between 0.30 g / ml and 0.75 g / ml, this range corresponding to the most advantageous values ​​with regard to the possibility of having a pressurized flow through the compacted tablet without the risk of blockage.

[0045] The combination of these two parameters is particularly advantageous in the context of the present invention.

[0046] Furthermore, it is advantageous when said amount of ground coffee corresponds to coffee granules exhibiting a particle size distribution in which at least 90% of the particles have a size comprised between 100 μm and 3000 μm, preferably in which at least 85% of the particles have an average size comprised between 250 μm and 2000 μm.

[0047] It is particularly advantageous when said amount of roast and ground coffee is comprised between 4 and 8 grams, preferably between 5 and 7 grams, particularly preferably between 5.3 and 6.7 grams.

[0048] The compacted tablets may exhibit a moisture content comprised between 1 and 5% by weight, preferably between 2 and 4% by weight.

[0049] It is a further related object of the present invention to provide a compacted coffee tablet that exhibits a desired amount of roast and ground coffee that exhibits better dimensional and physical characteristics in consideration of the extraction effectiveness and physical stability of the compacted tablet.

[0050] This object is solved according to the invention by a compacted coffee tablet as claimed in claim 14.

[0051] The compacted coffee tablets are preferably obtained by a process according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

[0052] Text description of the illustration image022.gif. The invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, which are shown in simplified schematic diagram form. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are top and side views of a prior art compacted tablet. [Figure 2] 1 is a flow diagram of a compaction process for a prior art compacted tablet. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a compaction machine (1) in a process according to the invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows a side view and a top view of a compaction machine (1) in a process according to the invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram of a first point in the process of compaction of a compacted tablet (1) according to the invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram of a second point in the process of compaction of a compacted tablet (1) according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention The process according to the invention refers to the production of a compacted coffee tablet (1) adapted for use in the brewing device of a beverage preparation machine for preparing coffee-based beverages, in particular espresso-type coffee.

[0055] The compaction process involves pre-ground and roasted coffee beans being compacted into an initial quantity of edible material (Q i The present invention relates to the manufacture of a compacted coffee tablet (1) of granules of an edible substance generally comprising pre-ground and roasted coffee beans so as to represent at least a majority of the weight of the granules.

[0056] The edible material initially provided for compaction is: - roast and ground coffee beans, including those exhibiting a light roast, or a dark roast, or a medium roast, or a mixture of at least one of light, medium, and dark roast; - A mixture of roasted and ground coffee beans with another granular edible substance Contains one of the following:

[0057] In particular, the process includes providing an edible substance that may comprise at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, by mass fraction of roast and ground coffee beans.

[0058] FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of a coffee tablet (1) and a compaction process of this type previously disclosed by the author and therefore part of the prior art.

[0059] The compacted coffee tablet (1) has a total width (D T ) and a cross section with a generally symmetrical shape relative to the central longitudinal axis (XX).

[0060] The compacted coffee tablet (1) may present an upstream-oriented portion and a downstream-oriented portion relative to the predominant flow direction, and may further present an intermediate portion between said upstream- and downstream-oriented portions extending along said entire width for at least most of its extension along the predominant flow direction.

[0061] The compacted coffee tablet (1) may comprise a downstream cavity (B) which is centrally arranged and which, along part of the transverse dimension of said downstream portion, presents a downstream cavity (B) which, when viewed in cross section, extends in a curved plane, such that the outer peripheral region of said downstream cavity (B) presents a portion which extends along a plane which is at least approximately transverse to the outer peripheral region of said downstream portion.

[0062] As depicted in FIG. 2, the prior art process involves placing an initial amount of edible material (Q i ) and adding the initial quantity (Q i) and ejecting it from the compaction receptacle.

[0063] According to the prior art, the compacted coffee tablets (1) obtained from the compaction prior art process can exhibit a hardness comprised between 4 and 30 N.

[0064] However, through further tests, the Applicant has proven that it is advantageous to obtain coffee tablets (1) with a hardness preferably comprised in at least one of the intervals 4-10 N, 10-16 N and 16-22 N, as will be explained in more detail further below.

[0065] The process includes providing a compaction machine (2) adapted for compacting a tablet particulate food material, such as a tablet form.

[0066] The compaction machine (2) presents a plurality of individual collection openings (21) operable in interaction with compaction dies (22, 23).

[0067] The compaction machine (2) advantageously comprises at least 10, preferably at least 20, particularly preferably at least 30 individual collection openings (21) and respective compaction dies (22, 23), and is adapted to collect individual quantities (Q) at least in part, preferably in part, of said individual collection openings (21). i ) at least substantially simultaneous compaction.

[0068] The compaction machine (2) may be a rotary tablet compaction machine as shown diagrammatically in FIG.

[0069] The compaction machine (2) in this case presents a compaction set including a plurality of individual collection openings (21) which can be operatively associated with pairs of compaction dies (22, 23) arranged along a circular alignment, and a rotor operable in rotation about a vertical axis and presenting movement guides for the top and bottom dies of the mold die (20) arranged between the top and bottom die guides, here designated by the individual collection openings (21), which move in concert with each other in opposing vertical directions together with the molds. The mold die (20) can be a single piece or can include individual segments or molds.

[0070] The compaction dies (22, 23) can be arranged in pairs in the vertical direction and configured to be operable in a reciprocating motion downward and upward along the vertical direction so as to apply a given compaction force to the granular contents previously collected inside each collection opening (21).

[0071] The process may include the compaction step of a plurality of compacted coffee tablets (2), and the relative positions of the compaction dies (22, 23) and the time of application of the compaction force (F) may vary between successive individual collection openings (21).

[0072] The reader is aware of other details of this type of compaction machine in the prior art, so a more detailed description thereof will not be given.

[0073] Furthermore, the process involves the addition of individual quantities (Q) of edible substances exhibiting a bulk density comprised between 0.250 and 0.500 g / ml, preferably between 0.300 and 0.400 g / ml. i ) is included in the supply of individual quantities (Q) of roast and ground coffee beans between 5g and 7g for the particle size distribution values ​​considered. i It has been experimentally determined that the compacted set including individual collection openings (21) is advantageous in terms of reliability and flowability of the regulation of the supply of the sieve.

[0074] Furthermore, the compaction cycle is adjusted so that said supply of compacted coffee tablets (1) by the compaction machines (2) represents a debit of at least 10,000 units per hour for each compaction set, preferably at least 25,000 units per hour for each compaction set, i.e. for each compaction machine (2).

[0075] The process according to the invention involves the determination of individual quantities (Q i ), operating compaction forces (F1, F2), and discharging a plurality of compacted coffee tablets (1) simultaneously but associated with different individual collection openings (21) of the compaction machine (2).

[0076] Before the aforementioned step, and into the individual collection openings (21) the individual quantities (Q i ), the process - a step of qualitative or quantitative characterization of at least one parameter related to the degree of roasting after roasting and a parameter related to the size of the coffee granules after grinding, - quantitative characterization of the relative moisture content of the roast and ground coffee beans to be compacted; It may include at least one of:

[0077] In particular, the process may include characterizing the degree of roast, the roast color of the roasted coffee beans, and may include identifying the type of grinder and grind size used, or measuring the particle size distribution.

[0078] Further considering the operating speed of the compaction, the step of ejecting the compacted coffee tablets (1) from the compaction machine (2) should be considered important along with other efficiency aspects, particularly to mitigate the risk of the coffee tablets (1) tearing.

[0079] Figure 4 shows diagrammatically the discharge arrangement downstream of the outlet of the compacted coffee tablets (1) from the compaction machine (2).

[0080] After application of the compaction force, the process according to the invention comprises a step of ejection by an ejection arrangement (4) configured to induce a reduction in the ejection speed of the tablet (1) by at least 70% along a 50 cm extension, preferably by at least 90% along a 50 cm extension, without collision with other previously ejected coffee tablets (1).

[0081] The discharge arrangement (4) may comprise a sliding support presenting an extension of at least 0.5 m, preferably at least 1 m and at most 2 m, in order to reduce the speed and preferably also bring the compacted tablets (1) to rest. It is preferred if the sliding support presents a surface with a material and / or surface finish adapted to facilitate said reduction in speed and resting.

[0082] The discharge arrangement (4) may present a horizontal sliding support, not shown in the figures, or a first extension adjacent to and inclined upwardly relative to the outlet of the compaction machine (2).

[0083] The discharge arrangement (4) may be operatively associated with a rear collection and / or transport station for the coffee tablets (1), which is also not shown in the figures.

[0084] 5 and 6 represent a preferred embodiment of the process according to the present invention.

[0085] The edible material to be compacted is divided into individual quantities (Q i ) is supplied to the individual supports (21) in each compaction cycle by a filling arrangement (30) adapted to supply the plurality of individual collection openings (21).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the individual quantities (Q i ) into a plurality of at least 15, preferably at least 20 individual collection openings (21) in each compaction cycle, and into the plurality of individual supports (21) individual quantities (Q i The continuous supply of is preferably carried out in a period of less than 1 second, particularly preferably less than 0.5 seconds.

[0087] Individual quantities (Q i ) may comprise at least generally simultaneous provision of a portion of a plurality of individual supports (21), preferably at least two, more preferably at least four individual collection openings (21).

[0088] The loading arrangement (30) is provided in operative connection with a first supply arrangement (31) configured to collect an upstream quantity of edible substance.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first supply arrangement (31) has a length of 1 m 3 Less than 0.5m, preferably 3 The volume of the first feed arrangement (31) preferably further presents an aspect ratio between height and width of less than 8:1, preferably less than 5:1.

[0090] In this connection, it is advantageous to provide at least one second supply arrangement (32) upstream of the first supply arrangement (31) and to configure the control means of the process so that the rate of supply of the first arrangement (31) by the second supply arrangement (32) is at least approximately equal to the rate of discharge of the edible substance from the first supply arrangement (31) into the filling arrangement (30), so that a reference amount of edible substance can be maintained in the first supply arrangement (31).

[0091] Considering that roast and ground coffee beans exhibit oil and some moisture, these properties may lead to adhesion and / or partial compaction of the portions in the downstream part of the first feeding arrangement (31) as a result of the weight accumulated on top of said portions, and thereby to the individual quantities (Q i ) contributes to mitigating the potential for greater difficulties in supplying

[0092] Individual quantities for compaction (Q i ) is provided by providing a plurality of individual quantities (Q ) of edible substance in a total mass of 4.5 to 12.5 g, preferably 5.0 to 12.0 g. i ) can be adjusted to provide

[0093] Individual quantities for compaction (Q i ) is supplied at the following intervals: - the mass contained in 4.8 to 7.2 g of the first type of coffee tablet (1), - The mass of the second type of coffee tablet (1) contained in 8.0 to 12.0 g can be adjusted to one of

[0094] Individual quantities for compaction (Q i ) is preferably provided along a direction perpendicular to each of the plurality of individual collection openings (21). i It is further preferred when the feeding of the sieve 21 is carried out in the top region at a feeding distance of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, above the feeding openings of the individual collection openings (21).

[0095] The individual quantities of edible substances (Q i ) to less than 5%, preferably less than 3% in each compaction cycle, i It is particularly advantageous when the supply of the powder (22) is provided from a supply chamber that is directly connected to at least one of the plurality of individual collection openings (21) of the compaction die (20), preferably to the plurality of individual collection openings (21).

[0096] The object of the present invention is to provide a compacted coffee tablet (1) that exhibits enhanced mechanical resistance and at the same time flow permeability, making it suitable for the preparation of coffee-based beverages, including espresso-type coffee, by acting on the coffee tablet (1) with a pressurized fluid flow without the coffee tablet (1) breaking or releasing any part of it.

[0097] As represented in the diagram of FIG. 5, the process according to the present invention involves the production of predetermined individual quantities (Q i ) into a compaction receptacle (22) and applying a compaction force (F) comprised between 5 kN and 50 kN.

[0098] In this regard, it should be noted that the compaction force (F), together with other parameters such as the average particle size, the relative moisture content, etc., determines to a large extent the hardness and porosity, and therefore the permeability, of the compacted coffee tablet (1).

[0099] In general, in order to obtain good coffee extraction without rupture or decomposition of the compacted coffee tablet (1), it is advantageous when the latter, on the one hand, exhibits as reduced a hardness as possible and at the same time a porosity, quantified by the compaction density, which allows a pressurized flow, and, on the other hand, a hardness within an interval of values ​​sufficient to ensure that it maintains its shape without breaking when the pressurized flow acts on it at the time of extraction of the espresso coffee beverage.

[0100] In this context, and according to tests carried out using the intervals of the particle size distribution of coffee beans mentioned in the description of the invention, it is advantageous when the coffee tablet (1) exhibits a hardness comprised between 4 and 30 N.

[0101] In the case of the first preferred embodiment, it has been determined experimentally that the hardness preferably presents values ​​comprised between 13N and 25N, particularly preferably between 16 and 22N, in order to obtain the best extraction results.

[0102] According to the second embodiment, it has been experimentally determined that the hardness preferably exhibits values ​​comprised between 4N and 20N, particularly preferably between 5 and 8N.

[0103] It is preferred if different coffee tablet hardnesses are adapted to different values ​​of flow pressure of the extraction flow, for example 5 bar to 10 bar, 10 to 15 bar and 15 bar to 20 bar.

[0104] In this sense, according to the tests carried out, and in place of the aforementioned embodiments, it is advantageous when the compacted coffee tablet (1) exhibits a hardness comprised between 4N and 10N, between 10N and 16N or between 16N and 22N, respectively, for each of the aforementioned intervals of flow pressure.

[0105] According to the tests carried out, the aforementioned hardness intervals can provide coffee tablets (1) adapted to provide a good relationship between resistance to bursting and flow cross section in the case of extraction flows with higher values ​​of flow pressure, respectively.

[0106] These intervals of hardness correspond to those most advantageous for ensuring the resistance of the coffee tablet to external impacts without it breaking or releasing any part of it.

[0107] Furthermore, as mentioned above, one parameter relating to the brewing effectiveness of the coffee tablet (1) is the compaction density.

[0108] In this connection, it has been experimentally determined that it is particularly advantageous for extraction effectiveness when the compacted coffee tablets (1) exhibit a pressed density comprised between 0.15 g / ml and 1.0 g / ml, preferably between 0.300 and 0.750 g / ml, and particularly preferably between 0.400 and 0.600 g / ml. With a view to obtaining better extraction results, it has been decided that the pressed density should preferably be comprised between 0.400 and 0.600 g / ml, and particularly preferably between 0.350 and 0.550 g / ml.

[0109] The weight of the compacted coffee tablets (1) is calculated based on the individual quantity (Q i ) corresponds to at least 98%, preferably at least 99% of the total.

[0110] In addition to hardness and compressed density, the dimensional format of the coffee tablet (1) is also considered a relevant aspect for obtaining good extraction efficiency of espresso type coffee.

[0111] The process is as follows: after 12 hours of compaction, the coffee tablet (1) - 2~6mm 3 , preferably 2.5 to 4 mm 3 The external volume contained in a height comprised between 7 and 13 mm, preferably between 8 and 12 mm, particularly preferably between 9 and 11 mm, and - diameter between 25 and 45 mm, preferably between 30 and 40 mm The present invention includes a supply of coffee tablets (1) exhibiting at least one, preferably at least two of the following:

[0112] The process may include a step of packaging the compacted coffee tablets (1) after the compaction step, said step of packaging being preferably carried out within 2 hours, preferably within 1 hour, of the compaction step in the compaction machine (2).

[0113] The step of compaction preferably involves compacting the individual quantities (Q i ), the individual support compactions (21) are not packaging elements for the compacted coffee tablets (1) and do not collect said packaging elements.

[0114] As depicted in the diagrams of Figures 6 and 7 and 8, the process according to the present invention applies a first compaction force (F1), and a second compaction force (F2) after the first (F1), to an initial quantity (Q i ) is included.

[0115] The tests carried out have demonstrated that it is advantageous to apply two successive compaction forces, in particular the first compaction force (F1) being greater than the second compaction force (F2).

[0116] The compaction step consists of individual quantities (Q i ), wherein the first compaction force (F1) is greater than the second compaction force (F2).

[0117] Furthermore, complementarily or alternatively, the compaction step may comprise applying two compaction forces (F1, F2) successively such that the ratio between the first and second compaction forces (F1, F2) is greater than 1.50:1, preferably greater than 2:1, and less than 4:1, preferably less than 3:1.

[0118] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous when the compaction step comprises applying a first compaction force (F1) of less than 50 kN, preferably equal to or less than 45 kN, and further comprises, after applying the first compaction force (F1), applying a second compaction force (F2) of less than 20 kN, preferably less than 17 kN.

[0119] The tests carried out further show that very high values ​​of the second compaction force (F2) can cause "capping" problems, meaning that parts of the coffee tablets (1) can remain retained in the individual collection openings (21) and pose an operational risk to the compaction machine (2).

[0120] Applying a second compaction force (F2) of less than 20 kN, preferably less than 17 kN, solves this problem.

[0121] It is preferred when the consolidation step comprises applying a first consolidation force (F1) comprised between 35 and 45 kN, preferably between 37 and 43 kN, particularly preferably between 38 and 42 kN, and subsequently applying a second consolidation force (F2) of a value less than the first consolidation force (F1).

[0122] It is preferred when the step of compaction comprises applying a second compaction force (F2) comprised between 5 and 20 kN, preferably between 7 and 18 kN, particularly preferably between 8 and 16 kN, which is preceded by applying a first compaction force (F1) of a value greater than the second compaction force (F2).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the compaction step comprises applying a second compaction force (F2) with a delay of less than 0.5 seconds, preferably less than 0.3 seconds, relative to the application of the first compaction force (F1), so that each compaction cycle has a duration of less than 1 second, preferably less than 0.7 seconds.

[0124] The compaction process may involve only two compaction forces (F1, F2).

[0125] The process may include three stages of applying compaction force, preferably when at least two stages exhibit different values ​​of compaction force.

[0126] The process may involve applying a compaction force along the direction of the central axis of symmetry of the compacted coffee tablet, as well as the predominant direction of pressure flow.

[0127] The process may involve only applying a compaction force so that the efficiency of the process may be improved.

[0128] The process does not include a step of deaeration of the roast and ground coffee beans prior to the step of compaction.

[0129] The process does not include a step of moistening the roast and ground coffee beans prior to the step of compaction.

[0130] The process may involve, for example, the individual quantities (Q) placed in the base element of the container type of the base folio, which are part of each single package. i ) does not involve the application of a consolidation force.

Claims

1. A method for making a compacted coffee tablet (1), comprising: The method comprises: - Individual quantities of roast and ground coffee beans for compaction (Q ｉ ) and - the individual quantities (Q ｉ ) to the first compaction force (F １ ) and the second compaction force (F ２ ), wherein the first compaction force (F １ ) is the second compaction force (F ２ ) with larger steps A method comprising:

2. The step of compacting comprises the first and second compaction forces (F １ , F ２ The two compaction forces (F) are adjusted so that the ratio between the two compaction forces (F) is greater than 1.50:1, preferably greater than 2:1, and less than 4:1, preferably less than 3:

1. １ , F ２ 2. The method of claim 1, comprising sequentially applying

3. said step of compacting comprises applying said first compaction force (F1) of less than 50 kN, preferably less than or equal to 45 kN; and / or The compaction step is performed with the second compaction force (F) of less than 20 kN, preferably less than 17 kN. ２ ) 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

4. The first compaction force (F) of the compaction step is comprised between 35 and 45 kN, preferably between 37 and 43 kN, particularly preferably between 38 and 42 kN. １ ), and subsequently applying the first compaction force (F １ ) smaller than the second compaction force (F ２ ) The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. The compacting step is performed by applying the second compaction force (F ２ ) greater than the first compaction force (F １ ), which is preceded by the application of a second compaction force (F ) comprised between 5 and 20 kN, preferably between 7 and 18 kN, particularly preferably between 8 and 16 kN. ２ 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The second compaction force (F ２ ) for less than 0.5 seconds, preferably less than 0.3 seconds, so that the compaction cycle has a duration of less than 1 second, preferably less than 0.6 seconds. １ 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method exhibits a delay with respect to applying the

7. 7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the compaction cycle is adjusted so that the supply of compacted coffee tablets (1) by the compaction machine (2) represents a production rate of at least 10,000 units per hour for each compaction set, preferably at least 25,000 units per hour for each compaction set.

8. The compaction step is performed by adding the individual quantities (Q ｉ ) of edible substance, not including the period of maintenance of the reduced volume of said individual quantities (Q ｉ ) to the compaction force d(F;F １ , F ２ 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the duration of action of said first and second electrodes is less than 0.5 seconds, preferably less than 0.2 seconds.

9. the method comprises providing coffee tablets (1) which, after 12 hours of compaction, exhibit a variation in each dimension parallel to the compaction direction, such as height, of less than 10%, preferably less than 7%; and / or The individual quantities (Q ｉ ) has a moisture content of less than 3% by weight, preferably 1.5% to 3% by weight, particularly preferably 2.0% to 2.8% by weight. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that

10. the method being such that the coffee tablet (1) is provided with a circulation of a pressurized flow of extract at a pressure comprised between 5 bar and 20 bar along a predominant flow direction perpendicular to the characteristic dimension (D) of the coffee tablet (1) without its decomposition or dissolution when subjected to the action of the pressurized flow of extract, - providing a compaction machine (2) presenting a plurality of individual compaction openings (21) operable with compaction punches (22, 23); - an individual quantity of at least one edible substance exhibiting a Hausner index of less than 1.30 (Q ｉ ) onto each individual support (21) of the compaction; - Applying a normal mutual force of a value comprised between 5 kN and 50 kN to the individual quantities (Q ｉ activating said compaction of - ejecting from said compaction machine (2) coffee tablets (1) presenting a hardness comprised between 4N and 30N and a compaction density comprised between 0.15 g / ml and 1.0 g / ml; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises:

11. The individual quantities (Q ｉ ) includes a continuous vertical supply to a plurality of, at least 10, preferably at least 20, individual collection openings (21) arranged along a common alignment, and each individual amount (Q ｉ 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the continuous supply of the molten metal is carried out in a period of preferably less than 1 second, particularly preferably less than 0.5 seconds.

12. Individual quantities (Q ｉ 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the supply of the powder to a group of individual collection openings (21) at least approximately simultaneously, the group corresponding to a portion of a plurality of individual collection openings (21) of the compaction machine (2), the group comprising at least two, preferably at least four individual collection openings (21).

13. Individual quantities for compaction (Q ｉ ) wherein said providing a Hausner index comprised between 1.1 and 1.35, preferably between 1.15 and 1.30, particularly preferably between 1.20 and 1.25, a compressibility index comprised between 10% and 30%, preferably between 15% and 25%; 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises providing a particulate food material exhibiting at least one of the following:

14. Individual quantities for compaction (Q ｉ ) wherein said providing - an average size of the majority of the particles comprised between 0.3 and 1.0 mm, preferably between 0.3 and 0.8 mm; - D less than 100 micrometers ｖ１０ and D comprised between 700 micrometers and 1 mm, preferably between 750 and 950 micrometers ｖ９０ The average particle size of 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises providing a particulate food material exhibiting at least one particle size distribution of:

15. A compacted coffee tablet (1) for preparing an espresso-type coffee beverage, characterized in that the coffee tablet (1) exhibits a moisture content comprised between 0.3% and 3% by weight, a compressed density comprised between 0.15 g / ml and 1.00 g / ml, and a hardness comprised between 4 N and 30 N, such that the coffee tablet (1) is suitable for being traversed by a pressurized extraction flow having a flow pressure comprised between 5 and 20 bar.

16. The compacted coffee tablet (1) - a water content of between 0.5% and 2.7% by weight, preferably between 0.7% and 2.6% by weight; a hardness comprised between 4N and 22N, preferably comprised in at least one of the intervals between 4N and 10N, between 10N and 16N and between 16N and 22N; a friability of less than 10%, preferably less than 8%, a compressed density comprised between 0.300 and 0.750 g / ml, preferably between 0.400 and 0.600 g / ml; - 250mm ３ ~450mm ３ , preferably 300 mm ３ ~400mm ３ The volume contained in - total height (H) comprised in the following dimensions: 5 mm to 12 mm, preferably 7 mm to 10 mm Ｔ ) and exhibits at least one, preferably both, characteristic dimensions (D) comprised between 30 mm and 44 mm, preferably between 32 mm and 40 mm; an aspect ratio between width and height comprised between 1:1 and 5:1, preferably between 2:1 and 3.5:1, preferred when said coffee tablet (1) does not present a peripheral area with right-angled edges; 15. A compacted coffee tablet according to claim 14, characterized in that it exhibits at least one of the following:

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