Our Roaster & why we chose a fluid bed roaster

When Mile 22 started to expand, We decided to purchase a Coffee Crafters fluid bed roaster.  This fluid bed roaster uses convection heat rather than conduction or induction. What is the main difference between a fluid bed roaster & a drum roaster? 

A drum roaster heats the steel drum, then heat is transferred to the beans.  In a fluid bed roaster, the air is heated first, Then blown up through the roaster bed.  

This process lifts the beans into the air causing them to float.  During the roasting period, coffee beans are resting on a bed of hot fresh air to produce a much brighter, cleaner tasting & more aromatic coffee flavor.

Coffee Crafter fluid bed roaster.