Industrial solutions

Mussel processing line for canneries

The TACORE mussel processing line is designed for high-volume production of canned mussels and other bivalves. It integrates product reception and grading, steam cooking in custom-built shellfish cookers, a dynamic shell separator, meat inspection, automatic packing and retort sterilization. The cookers are built in AISI 316 stainless steel and can be supplied in different batch capacities, such as 2,000 or 3,000 kg. Each line is adapted to production volume, container format and the floor space available in the plant, and can be combined with the rest of our cannery equipment.

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How the line works

1

Reception and grading

Mussels are received in a storage hopper that ensures continuous flow into the process. They are washed and graded to remove impurities and separate product by size before cooking.
2

Steam cooking

Mussels are steam-cooked in a custom-built shellfish cooker with a stainless steel internal conveyor and pneumatically operated loading and unloading gates that automate the process.
3

Shell separation

After cooking, a dynamic separator detaches the meat from the shells and removes them continuously, so only mussel meat moves on to the inspection area.
4

Inspection and packing

Meat is inspected to remove shell fragments or defective pieces and packed in cans or jars, with covering liquid such as marinade, oil or sauce dosed before seaming.
5

Retort sterilization

Sealed containers are sterilized in steam or overpressure water spray retorts, with customizable recipes for each format and recording of the thermal parameters of every batch.
6

Crate and rack washing

Crates, racks and trays used in the process are washed, degreased and rinsed in a continuous tunnel with high-pressure air blowing, returning clean to the line.

Line advantages

Custom shellfish cookers in AISI 316 stainless steel, with capacities such as 2,000 or 3,000 kg per batch.
Dynamic shell separation that reduces manual handling of the meat.
Automated gates and conveying for a continuous product flow.
Retort sterilization with customizable recipes for each container format.
Communication with the control PC to supervise the process and support remote maintenance.

Species and formats

Suitable for mussels, cockles and other bivalves and molluscs canned in marinade, brine, oil or sauce. The line handles oval and rectangular club cans in tinplate or aluminium, as well as glass jars. The shellfish cooker can also process crustaceans and other seafood depending on the plant configuration.

TACORE machines in this line

THERMAL PROCESSES & RETORTS

Custom Shellfish & Seafood Batch Cooker

High-capacity industrial stainless steel AISI 316 static cookers for bivalves, crustaceans, and shellfish.

Technical Data Sheet AISI 304L / 316L

THERMAL PROCESSES & RETORTS

Industrial Sterilization Retort & Autoclave

Continuous and batch industrial retorts with steam and overpressure water cascade/spray for can and jar sterilization.

Technical Data Sheet AISI 304L / 316L

CAN & CONTAINER PROCESSING

Crate and Rack Washer with Air Compressor

Continuous tunnel for washing, degreasing, and rinsing crates, racks, and cooking trays with high-pressure air blowing.

Technical Data Sheet AISI 304L / 316L

Frequently asked questions

What capacity do TACORE shellfish cookers have?

Shellfish cookers are custom-built and offered in different batch capacities, such as 2,000 or 3,000 kg. TACORE sizes the cooker according to the volume of mussels the plant needs to process and the rest of the equipment on the line.

Can the line process other bivalves besides mussels?

Yes. The shellfish cooker is designed for mussels, cockles and other molluscs, and can also be adapted to crustaceans. Conveyors and the shell separator are configured according to species and product size.

Which container formats does the mussel line handle?

The line works with oval and rectangular club cans in tinplate or aluminium, and with glass jars. The sterilization retorts accept metal containers, glass and retort pouches, with specific recipes for each format.