Patent ID: 6071474
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: A23L,B01F

Abstract:
A method for the sterilization and/or heat treatment of product, said product being introduced in batches into a pressure vessel which lies substantially horizontal comprising:a) providing a pressure vessel having a jacket and a helical vane arrangement along inner surface of the pressure vessel;b) placing a batch of the product in the pressure vessel;c) closing the pressure vessel and evacuating air therefrom, heating and pressurizing the vessel by supplying steam to the jacket of the pressure vessel to sterilize the product, the heating and pressure treatment occurring for a given period of time as a function of the product being treated therein;d) rotating the pressure vessel which causes a mixing and movement of the product to form particles of the product by contacting the product with the helical vane arrangement to produce movement of the product in opposite directions from one end of the pressure vessel to the other end in response to rotation of the pressure vessel in a single direction;e) relieving pressure from the pressure vessel; andf) emptying heat treated particulate product from the pressure vessel.