Burns Curve Tracking technology was designed to help our customers ensure consistent roast quality, regardless of operator experience. This capability allows our customers to develop roast profiles and then utilize those profiles to recreate the same roast again and again without requiring the operator to make adjustments during the roast.
At first glance it may appear the roaster is just “replaying” a batch, setting the various points at certain times to create a similar profile. However, there is a more complex calculation taking place, ensuring the roast profile follows the same curve while adjusting for minor differences in ambient temperature, moisture, etc.
Lets break down how Curve Tracking works in practice.
First it’s important to know that every batch is logged into a “Historical” batch regardless of how you are using the roaster (Manual, Auto, Profile Roasting, or Curve Tracking.) This log is not just the burner settings and fan speeds for each “stage” but a continuous log of all parameters for that entire roast.
The image below shows a list of historical batches. They are identified by Batch number, Recipe Used, and Date and Time. You can filter this list by clicking on the Historical or Master Batches buttons, setting a date range, or also have the option to view every roast in one long list.
Selecting a batch and clicking OK will bring up the curve profile along with other data on that batch.
Historical batches can be selected and marked as a “Master” batch, either from the Historical list or from the batch display. Master batches are then available for selection while Curve Tracking.
When ready to run Curve Tracking, the operator simply selects the Master batch he wants to use and click Load to Line. This can be done either from the curve display or from the list of master batches.
Once Selected and Loaded, the operator begins the batch as normal. The system will bring the roaster to charge temperature, then charge the roaster. The operator can close the Curve Tracking window or leave it opened. The roaster will continue to use the selected profile until the operator either selects a new one or turns off Curve Tracking.
During Curve Tracking, the recipe page is ignored as the roaster is utilizing the Curve Tracking Algorithm to make any necessary adjustments. During the current roast and/or any consecutive roasts, the curve profile can be monitored within the Curve Tracking Page. On the page you will see the curve profile of the master batch, shown as a blue line. The real time bean temperature will begin to appear in red, showing the temperature of the batch in the roaster.
While running Curve Tracking, you may notice slight deviations from the master curve. There are many reasons this could happen; however, you will also see the roaster making minor adjustments to get the profile back on track, in most cases, it will only deviate a few degrees before tracking again
BURNS Curve Tracking does not just set the same burner percentages and fans speeds at certain times of the roast. It constantly monitors the real time bean temperature comparing it to the master batch. It will adjust settings to bring the current batch back onto the correct curve when necessary.
While this system is designed to track the curve of the master as close as possible, there are some important things to remember when using it.
- Always start with a well preheated roaster
- Store the incoming beans at consistent temperatures. Wildly differing temperatures of the incoming beans will affect the turn around time of the beans, while the roaster can adjust for differences, large differences are difficult. This should only be an issue if you store your beans in an area that sees a wide variation in temperatures.
- Use the same type of beans as the master roast. Different bean types from the one used in the master batch will affect the Curve Tracking just as it does with a recipe roast.
- Batch sizes also affect the precision of the roast. We recommend different master batches for different size batches.
- Curve Tracking utilizes the information from a previous roast. It cannot develop curve profiles or adjust for any mistakes made during the master profile roast.
Whether you’re roasting on a B270R, 23R, or B540R, Burns Curve Tracking will help you maintain more consistent quality, reduce rework, and help your roastery run more efficient. Leave us a message below to speak with a sales representative.
