초록 ▼

A greatly improved aseptic processing apparatus and method for pumpable foods is provided which gives accurate, uniform aseptic cooking conditions (e.g, time, temperature and pressure) while at the same time preserving the integrity of particulates in the food product. In preferred forms, the appara

A greatly improved aseptic processing apparatus and method for pumpable foods is provided which gives accurate, uniform aseptic cooking conditions (e.g, time, temperature and pressure) while at the same time preserving the integrity of particulates in the food product. In preferred forms, the apparatus includes a reciprocating piston food pump which generates a continuous product stream at a substantially constant nominal pressure. This stream is fed to a heat exchanger in order to elevate the temperature of the product, whereupon the stream passes through a holding tube to complete the aseptic cooking process. A metering device such as a rotary pump is located downstream of the holding tube for creating a substantially constant flow rate of product from the apparatus. Use of a downstream metering device in conjunction with an upstream constant pressure pump permits attainment of even, relatively high system pressures which in turn facilitates accurate temperature control and eliminates localized internal steam flashing which can deleteriously affect product quality. By virtue of the present apparatus and method, aseptic processing of low acid heterogeneous food products such as stews and chilies can be safely accomplished on a commercial scale.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of continuously and aseptically processing and cooking a pumpable food product, comprising the steps of: passing said product through constant pressure pump means for generating a substantially constant pressure stream of said product notwithstanding variations in processing conditions down

A method of continuously and aseptically processing and cooking a pumpable food product, comprising the steps of: passing said product through constant pressure pump means for generating a substantially constant pressure stream of said product notwithstanding variations in processing conditions downstream of said pump means which would induce pressure variations in said stream; heating said continuous, pressurized stream of product to a desired processing temperature; holding said heated and pressurized stream in a holding zone for a period of time to assure aseptic cooking thereof; and passing said cooked stream through metering means to meter the flow of said stream and create a substantially constant flow rate of the aseptically cooked product downstream of the holding zone.