by Darren Parris, Group President, Milling and Grain, UK
It’s often the case, that over the last 100 years or so, flour millers and engineers have been heard saying that the principles of a roller mill are quite simple and because of this you rarely see any ground-breaking innovation. However, over the last decade, there has been a plethora of new innovative designs with improvements in drive mechanisms, improved energy consumption, improved and automated alignment of rolls, speedy roll replacement, and new arrays of sensors to name but a few.
Many roller mill manufacturers are now pushing the boundaries of innovation and it is part of our job at Milling and Grain magazine to highlight, authenticate and bring this technology directly to our readers.
Last December 2023, I was fortunate to visit the headquarters of Swisca in Switzerland and I was taken on a tour through their R&D departments to see first-hand their upcoming innovation. It was a privileged position to be in, to witness behind the scenes, the newest innovation being put through its paces. Seeing the ROMIL in advance of its debut at IAOM 2023 was a thrill. Even more exciting are the other products yet to be unveiled, such as the Swisca plansifter, that is all I am authorised to tease you with, but it will blow your mind, it is another kind of engineering, which is what Swisca is all about.
As the IAOM 2024 in Salt Lake City fast approached, anticipation for the launch of the ROMIL was gaining momentum with attention and interest peeking as zero hour arrived. This culminated in the official product presentation which was attended by over 185 Millers that I personally counted on a very busy and crowded booth.
Some would say that it has taken some time for Swisca to launch its roller mill, however, it is a common saying that “If you are in a Hurry, go slowly”. This is the wisdom of their Swiss ancestors. They have a strong heritage to live up to and want to continue the Swiss tradition of living in an environment with the highest rate of invention patents per capita, where limits are used to trigger new ideas.
So, what is all the hype about?
The hype varies by miller, rather like the needs of a professional formula 1 driver, where it is clear to all that a top of the range BMW, Mercedes, Maclaren, Aston Martin, Audi or other brand are all good quality cars, but they will not perform well against the cutting-edge innovation that is put into a Formula 1 car.
At Swisca they put their feet in the shoes of actual professional millers as well as their heart and soul. I am not so qualified to say that it is up there with a few Roller Mill manufacturers who collectively are the Formula 1 of milling machine manufacturing. They have built a roller mill that seamlessly blends time-tested features with cutting-edge innovation. And for those that understand the intricacies of managing the specific required alignments to best optimize the performance of a flour mill the Romil caters to these milling professionals’ diverse needs, ensuring consistent and food safe processing of various grains.
Its compact design makes it the ideal roller mill for both existing and new installations. The robust construction and use of stainless materials ensure durability and compliance with the highest hygiene standards.
A deep dive into the innovation and Key benefits of ROMIL:
- Consistent feeding: Integration of radar technology and distribution screws for a uniform feed distribution process
- Precision grinding: Robust roll assembly combined with servo-driven gap control for precise results
- Food safety: Sleek design with minimal interfaces and use of stainless materials
- Ease of use: Integrating an electronic handwheel with an intuitive touch-based Human-Machine-Interface (HMI)
Milling efficiency redefined
Romil is engineered with grinding precision and efficiency in mind. Utilising Swisca’s proprietary radar probe, fill levels are measured without physical contact, ensuring robust and continuous operation – irrespective of product or dust. Distribution screws and a feed roll ensure uniform and evenly distributed product feed. Stability in the grinding process is maintained by a servo-controlled grinding gap and a robust roll assembly. These elements serve as the cornerstone for the complete automation of the grinding process through recipe programming. Additionally, the absence of compressed air not only streamlines installation but also results in energy efficiency gains.
Sustainable and food-safe
Romil’s robust design and the use of stainless materials assure durability and compliance with prevailing hygiene standards. The streamlined design minimises interfaces, reducing the likelihood of product deposits. Critical zones are readily reachable – for instance, the inlet and feed unit become fully accessible by simply removing the large sight glass. Additionally, features such as bristleless scraping instruments further mitigate the risk of foreign product contamination.
A fresh touch to the operation
To improve user interaction, Romil incorporates an intuitive interface with a built-in touch panel, that has an electronic handwheel. The latter enables adjustments on each side independently as well as simultaneously on both sides. The haptic feedback adds a natural touch to the operation, ensuring a seamless transition from traditional systems. Integration into the plant control system allows for swift remote connection to the designated roller mill through a few simple clicks using a web browser.
Elevating safety with precision monitoring
Consistent monitoring of grinding gap, bearing- and roll temperature is indispensable for upholding product quality and ensuring operational safety. Romil’s roll temperature monitoring synergizes a constant power supply with close-proximity measurements for accurate readings.
Always on
Romil showcases efficiency through extended production uptime. The roll lifting device facilitates a straightforward and secure exchange of the roll assembly, even in confined spaces and on uneven ground. With the automatic grinding gap calibration, restarting the mill passage becomes quick and effortless. Optionally separated sides enable maintenance to be carried out on one passage while the other remains engaged in the grinding process. An automatic belt tensioning aid maintains optimal power transmission over time, while external bearing lubrication further reduces service disruptions.
Customized configuration
Romil is available as a four- and eight-roller mill in lengths of 800mm, 1000mm, 1250mm, and 1500mm, with a roller diameter of 250mm. Configuration options for feeding and rolls allow for an ideal adaptation to the desired passage. Various variants and options equip ROMIL for a safe and efficient mill operation.
As with almost everything Swiss, be it the humble pocketknife, the elegant watch, or the tasty chocolates, at the essence of everything Swiss lies a commitment to quality, sustainability, and Swiss craftsmanship. In the case of this elegant roller mill, this dedication is mirrored in the refined design and durable construction of ROMIL – crafted for both the present and the next generation.
Swisca AG was founded in 2018 as a start-up company in Appenzell. Precision, sustainability, innovation, efficiency, reliability, and safety – the company is committed to these values. Talking to Heinz Brand, he said “We are driving forward socially relevant topics such as the energy-efficient processing of grain grown with low pesticide use,”. And Romil is not the end of this endeavour and the next innovations are already in the pipeline to continue to be “ahead of the game”.
Much of this hard work culminated in the prestigious Best of Show Award at the world’s most important milling trade fair in Salt Lake City. Swisca impressed the experts with the Romil roller mill. It is the second product from the tech company to win the coveted prize in four years.
Appenzell / Salt Lake City – SWISCA AG has proven for the second time since 2021 that innovation and high quality in milling technology are still at home in Switzerland. Millers and industry experts were particularly impressed by its innovative features in the areas of feeding, gap adjustment and usability. The International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) is one of the most prominent and influential associations in the milling industry, functioning as a pivotal hub for professionals and businesses engaged in milling operations. A highlight of its activities is the North American Trade Fair, a premier event that spotlights emerging technologies and innovations shaping the industry. This makes the award even more significant. “This award confirms our commitment to development and quality,” says Heinz Brand, founder and CEO of Swisca, which has made it its mission to bring next-generation milling technology to the market. The second award underlines that this is more than just a vision. The company’s strong roots in Switzerland are one of the pillars of its success. “Highly qualified engineers and cooperation with state institutions create an environment for excellent research,” emphasizes Brand.
“The heart of the mill” If you think of a mill as an organism, the roller mill is the heart of the operation. This is where the grain is broken up and ground. Romil is setting new standards in this key area.
