Apparatus for mixing and refining a chocolate mass

An apparatus for processing a chocolate mass, comprising:

• first wall means forming a conching vessel along a longitudinal axis, said vessel having a top portion, and said first wall means being cylindrical at least in part;
• at least one coaxial part extending within said vessel and having an outer surface;
• first shearing tool means operatively connected to said coaxial part, said first shearing tool means having a shearing edge shaped with respect to said first wall means;
• second tool means for preventing chocolate mass from adhering on said outer surface, said second tool means being supported by said first wall means;
• and
• drive means for imparting a relative motion between said vessel and said coaxial part so that said first wall means are swept by said first shearing tool means.