| abstract |
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for forming confectionery products into desired shapes. In an embodiment; the ingredients of a confectionery product, such as a bubble gum, are blended together. The ingredients are mixed, cooled and then formed into traditional center pieces. Next, the center pieces are fed into an underwater pelletizer (16). The underwater pelletizer cuts the extruded confectionery pieces into miniature products. A recirculating supply of water immediately sweeps away the miniature products from the pelletizer, cools the products and transport the products to a centrifugal dryer (36). The centrifugal dryer separates the miniature products from the circulating water. The separated miniature products are immediately dusted with an anti-agglomerating compound. Finally, the product is coated or otherwise packaged for consumption. |