Patent ID: 6164930
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: A23L,A23V,B30B,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for pressure-processing a pumpable food substance, comprising:a pressure vessel having an internal surface, a plurality of ports through the internal surface including a pumpable substance inlet port coupleable to a source of pumpable food substance, a pumpable substance outlet port, a fluid inlet port coupleable to a source of ultrahigh-pressure fluid, and a fluid outlet port;at least one valve body disposed in one of the ports and movable relative to the port between an open position and a closed position, the valve body having a first seal that sealably engages the internal surface of the pressure vessel adjacent the port when the valve body is in the closed position and a second seal that sealably engages an inner surface of the port when the valve body is in the closed position, the first seal being disengaged from the internal surface of the pressure vessel when the valve body is in the open position, the second seal being disengaged from the inner surface of the port when the valve body is in the open position; andpressurizing means positioned within the pressure vessel between the pumpable substance inlet port and the fluid inlet port to separate the pumpable substance from the ultrahigh-pressure fluid and pressurize the pumpable substance when the ultrahigh-pressure fluid is introduced through the fluid inlet port.