PPM Technologies, a Duravant company specializing in food processing equipment, has introduced the BatchWright™ frying system — a new industrial batch fryer designed to meet growing demand for premium kettle-style potato chips and root vegetable snacks. With production rates of up to 650 pounds (295 kilograms) per hour, BatchWright positions itself as the highest-capacity batch fryer on the market, combining compact design with energy efficiency and precise temperature control.

“Kettle chip processors need perfect control over their frying temperature curve to achieve the distinctive crunch consumers expect,” said Daniel Luna, Director of Processing at PPM Technologies. “Our new BatchWright fryer allows customers to manage exact oil temperatures throughout the cooking cycle, including a sharp initial drop when product enters the oil, followed by a stable plateau and then a gradual rise. This level of control helps processors achieve the ideal product texture, color and quality across every batch.”

Available in two sizes, BatchWright is designed for chips made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots and other root vegetables. At the core of its functionality is an immersion tube heating system featuring a fully modulating burner, which allows processors to replicate exact frying curves while achieving fuel efficiency of up to 85 percent. An integrated Stir Assist system gently agitates the product to prevent clumping and ensure uniform cooking, with non-stick stir arms mounted on a derailment-resistant overhead trolley.

One of the system’s standout features is its ability to operate in a hood-down position. This design minimizes oil splashing, enhances operator safety, and reduces the need for ventilation replacement air. It also facilitates the use of a smaller fire suppression unit and improves overall exhaust efficiency — key considerations for processors with spatial or retrofit limitations.

Oil quality is preserved through a patent-pending lifting drum filter and optional secondary filtration units such as centrifugal or pressure filters. BatchWright’s continuous sediment removal system supports extended operation, enabling production runs of up to ten consecutive days without cleaning interruptions. Additional sanitary features include built-in CIP spray systems, stainless-steel piping, and quick-release components for rapid disassembly and maintenance.

For operational ease, BatchWright is equipped with a user-friendly touchscreen HMI interface that allows processors to create, store and access recipes. The system tracks key performance metrics — including batch weights, inlet and outlet oil temperatures, and frying times — and can be integrated into broader plant-wide monitoring networks. UL-listed controls and compatibility with both natural gas and propane ensure installation flexibility.

Processors looking for a complete frying line can opt for an integrated upstream slicer with a dual auger feed conveyor. This optional configuration ensures consistent first-in, first-out product flow and uniform slicing — enhancing both yield and final product quality.

The introduction of BatchWright underscores PPM Technologies’ commitment to precision frying technology and operational efficiency for snack food producers worldwide.