Abstract: A substance, particularly a cleaning substance, is to be introduced into a conching machine. This is done either by spraying the substance into the conching trough and/or by circulating a cleaning substance into and out of the conching trough so that a substantially homogenous distribution of the substance is achieved and/or a minimum amount of the cleaning substance is necessary.

Abstract: Machine for treating chocolate masses in which solid matter can be fed in and comminuted if so desired. The arrangement is designed such that in addition to a mixing and kneading device, at least one feeding screw is employed, with which a cutting procedure is carried out, preferably in simultaneous operation. The feeding screw can be made up of different individual screw elements, which are convenient for the material to be treated. This treatment is particularly suited for producing crumb.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a conching device with a trough (1) in which at least one rotor, driven by at least one electric motor (9), is arranged. This rotor is fitted with refining tools spaced apart in axial distances to one another around its periphery. The driving motor is controlled by means of a motor control unit in dependency upon a difference signal of a performance-regulating circuit (22), gained by comparison (6) between a desired nominal value (7) and an actual value (5) of at least one motor performance parameter (22).To perform the conching process in the minimum possible time, it is provided that the difference signal of the performance-regulating circuit (5-8) remains ignored during at least a time interval. Thus, the driving motor (9) can take a maximum motor current, and it runs up to the speed required within a very short time.