Dry flour per batch
The HELPER ZKHM catalogue expresses series batch capacity as dry-flour input. This is the cleanest starting point for the published model comparison.
Do not label it “dough kg” or “finished kg.”Capacity planning · accepted product per hour
Size a vacuum dough mixer from the complete batch cycle
Chamber litres and published mixing minutes do not equal line capacity. Use flour per accepted batch, total cycle time, utilization, changeovers and downstream consumption to size the mixer.
Separate four capacity numbers
Most sizing mistakes begin by mixing dry flour, total dough, nominal batch volume and finished-product output into one number.
Total dough per batch
Total dough includes water and other ingredients. Calculate it from the validated formula and include additions on a consistent flour basis.
Example method: flour + water + dissolved/added ingredients, not a generic multiplier.Accepted batches per hour
Use good batches that meet temperature and quality limits after the full cycle—not a theoretical 60 divided only by mixing minutes.
Include load, liquid addition, pump-down, mix, vent, discharge and unavoidable checks.Accepted finished output
Downstream trim, cooking/drying change, breakage and rejects separate mixer input from sellable product output.
Use a measured mass balance for the complete route.Build the cycle-time worksheet
Time every step during a representative run. Parallel actions may overlap only when controls, labor and equipment actually allow them to overlap safely.
| Cycle element | What to record | Common hidden constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Load flour and ingredients | Manual/bulk feed time, weighing confirmation, dust-control sequence | Operator or upstream feeding system cannot repeat the catalogue pace. |
| Add water / solution | Dose accuracy, temperature and addition duration | Slow tank refill or poor spray distribution extends the cycle. |
| Pull vacuum | Time to reach the validated pressure window and stable hold | Seal wear, warm pump, altitude or leakage changes pump-down time. |
| Mix under the recipe | All phases, speed changes, pauses and final temperature | Published 6–8 minutes may describe mixing, not the complete cycle. |
| Vent and discharge | Safe vent time, door/lid sequence, residual dough and transfer | Downstream hopper is full or the dough does not discharge cleanly. |
| Inspect / clean / change over | Routine between-batch checks plus recipe/allergen cleaning | Changeover creates the real shift bottleneck. |
Translate demand into a model requirement
Use the formulas as planning logic, then confirm them in a factory-acceptance run with representative material.
Find required flour input
Convert sellable-product demand back through measured yield and the formula to obtain accepted flour kilograms required per hour.
Calculate good batches
Required flour kg/h ÷ accepted flour kg/batch = good batches/h. Round up only after evaluating buffer and overproduction consequences.
Calculate available cycles
Available production minutes per hour ÷ demonstrated full-cycle minutes = theoretical cycles/h. Apply a documented utilization allowance.
Check the bottleneck
Compare mixer discharge rate with resting, sheeting or forming consumption. Define minimum/maximum buffer residence and line-stop behavior.
Test peak and changeover cases
Evaluate normal mix, highest-demand SKU, smallest practical batch, recipe change, sanitation and recovery after interruption.
Illustrative logic only: if a process needs 400 kg accepted flour per hour and a validated batch accepts 100 kg flour, it needs four good batches per hour. A 10-minute demonstrated full cycle gives six theoretical cycles per hour, but the decision still needs utilization, downstream buffer and product-quality evidence.
Published ZKHM series numbers—and their boundary
These January 2026 catalogue values help shortlist a trial. They do not replace a signed specification or establish accepted hourly production.
| Model | Chamber | Published dry flour / batch | Published mixing time | Published vacuum capability | Selection caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZKHM-40 | 40 L | 7.5–10 kg | 6 min | −0.08 MPa | Confirm small-batch loading accuracy and labor takt. |
| ZKHM-150 | 150 L | 50 kg | 6 min | −0.08 MPa | Confirm actual full cycle and downstream buffer. |
| ZKHM-300 | 300 L | 100 kg | 6 min | −0.08 MPa | Confirm discharge, floor loading and batch transfer. |
| ZKHM-600 | 600 L | 200 kg | 8 min | −0.08 MPa | Confirm large-batch temperature, feeding and line balance. |
Pressure note: −0.08 MPa is listed here as machine capability, not the recommended setpoint for every recipe. Build the product-specific process window first.
Information needed for a defensible quotation
A model can be recommended only when product, capacity, utilities and line interfaces use the same units and acceptance basis.
| Input | Minimum detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Product and formula | Flour specification, hydration/additions, normal range, sample and finished standard | Determines load behavior and the trial matrix. |
| Demand | Accepted product kg/h, hours/shift, SKUs, peak case and planned growth | Separates normal requirement from sales aspiration. |
| Cycle evidence | Load, vacuum, mix, vent, discharge, checks, cleaning and changeovers | Converts batch size into sustainable capacity. |
| Downstream interface | Resting method, hopper/buffer, sheeter/former demand and stop logic | Prevents starving or flooding the next machine. |
| Factory | Voltage/frequency, air/cooling if required, floor/load, access, drainage and sanitation plan | Defines configuration, layout and installation boundary. |
| Acceptance | Run duration, product tests, output tolerance, changeover and documentation | Makes “capacity” and “quality” contractually testable. |
Complete the decision path
First decide whether vacuum adds measurable value; then define parameters, select a batch size and connect the mixer to the real production route.
Trial and selection worksheetTurn the sizing logic into a customer-ready engineering brief →Benefits, limits and applicationsDecide whether vacuum is needed →Parameter trial guideDefine the reproducible process window →Compare ZKHM modelsReview the verified series page →Mixer–sheeter–former integrationPlan buffers, timing and handoff control →