Abstract: In order to solve the existing problems caused by loose combination of black tea fermentation equipment and fermentation process, including instable fermentation temperature and humidity, difficult mixing, oxygen deficit and non-uniform quality, a congou black tea visual aerobic fermentation machine was designed. Our study described the overall design scheme of the machine and its key parts such as the fermentation tube, mixing and heat tunnel device, and then determines the key parameters. By conducting a fermentation performance test, it was found that the fermentation processing achieved the optimal effect with more than 90% of humidity at 30℃ fermentation temperature for 3.5βh. Compared with traditional fermentation, the aroma, taste and more have been significantly improved and sensory quality score was 2.1 points higher. The machine is simple in structure and convenient to operate. It can well meet the fermentation requirements of high-quality black tea and possessed a good application prospects.

Key words: congou black tea, fermentation machine, design, experiment