Patent ID: 6168141
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: A23C,A23L,B01F

Abstract:
An apparatus for treating a fluent material with a heated fluid comprising a pressure vessel, dispensing means mounted within said vessel for distributing the fluent material in a selected pattern including a plurality of spaced apart sprays, fluid outlet means coupled to said vessel for withdrawing treated fluent material therefrom, said vessel having a longitudinal axis extending substantially vertically, an upper portion having an inlet for the fluent material to be treated, said inlet being connected to said means mounted within said vessel for distributing the fluent material, said vessel having an inlet for said heated fluid, baffle means within said vessel for regulating the distribution of the heated fluid in said vessel and an outlet for any non-condensable gases generated during the treatment at the upper portion of said vessel; wherein said dispensing means comprises a hollow housing connected to said inlet, said pressure vessel having an interior surface surrounding said housing with said housing having dimensions said such that a selected distance is present between the surface of said housing and said interior surface of said pressure vessel; wherein said housing has a peripheral surface and a longitudinal axis, said peripheral surface having a plurality of circumferential rows of apertures formed therein with the apertures of one row being offset vertically relative to the apertures of an adjacent row; wherein each of said apertures is provided with a fluid distribution nozzle; wherein each of said nozzles is provided with a distribution opening having an angular width for projecting the fluid material passing there through in a flat spray pattern having substantially the same angular width as each other nozzle.