초록 ▼

This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of an aroma flavor concentrate from aroma- and flavor-bearing substrates, especially roasted and ground coffee. More particularly, the invention is concerned with a process for continuously de-aromatizing and desorbing aroma and fl

This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of an aroma flavor concentrate from aroma- and flavor-bearing substrates, especially roasted and ground coffee. More particularly, the invention is concerned with a process for continuously de-aromatizing and desorbing aroma and flavor constituents from said substrates by passing wet steam counter-currently through a continuous columnar bed of said substrate, said bed flowing upwardly through a substantially upright vacuum-tight desorption column. Wet steam is applied in an amount and manner to form and maintain a substantially stationary desorption zone in said flowing columnar bed at a finite distance above a bottom inlet of said upright desorption column. The stationary desorption zone is formed by the condensation of the wet steam as it passes into a progressively cooler temperature gradient in said flowing columnar bed. The temperature gradient is created by the continuous introduction of chilled fresh substrate through the bottom inlet. A vaporous aroma flavor fraction and a desorbed soluble solids fraction are collected in separate cold traps in communication with said column at about said stationary desorption zone.

대표청구항 ▼

In a desorption apparatus for separating flavor and aroma products from an aroma- and flavor-bearing substrate, wherein the improvement comprises: (a) an upright desorption column having a bottom inlet port for continuously receiving chilled fresh substrate and a top outlet port for discharging deso

In a desorption apparatus for separating flavor and aroma products from an aroma- and flavor-bearing substrate, wherein the improvement comprises: (a) an upright desorption column having a bottom inlet port for continuously receiving chilled fresh substrate and a top outlet port for discharging desorbed substrate; (b) a feeding means connected to said bottom inlet port for force-feeding said fresh substrate at a predetermined rate upwardly through said upright desorption column via said ports and thereby forming a continuously flowing columnar bed of said substrate, and a means for discharging said desorbed substrate at a predetermined rate through said top outlet port; (c) wet steam means for applying a predetermined quanitity of wet steam, from the top of said column, downwardly and counter-currently to and through said flowing bed, making contact with said substrate and thereby de-aromatizing and desorbing flavors from said substrate; (d) a vacuum means for holding said desorption column under vacuum, said vacuum means being in communication with said column above said bottom inlet port, said vacuum means creating a traverse force in said upwardly flowing columnar bed an thereby drawing down the wet steam and further vaporizing said wet steam in said column, wherein a substantially stationary desorption zone is formed in said flowing columnar bed above said bottom inlet port by: (1) precipitation of the wet steam as it passes into a cooling temperature gradient created and maintained by said fresh chilled substrate; and (2) compaction of the substrate bed by said traverse force and said feeding means; (e) cold trap means, in communication with said desorption zone and said vacuum means for separating and collecting: (1) a vaporous aroma flavor bearing fraction, and (2) a liquid soluble-solids fraction.