Patent ID: 6706302
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: A23C,A23L,B01F

Abstract:
A method for subjecting a fluent food product to heat treatment using a pressure vessel of a type having inlet means adjacent one end of the vessel for a heating medium and a partition wall having an interior defining a treatment zone having a fluent food product distribution device attached to an inlet for the food product adjacent the one end of the vessel, the treatment zone having an open end located in spaced relation to the inlet means and a space provided between the interior wall of the vessel and the exterior wall of the partition wall, comprising the steps of: a) introducing the heating medium into the vessel at a point outside the partition wall, b) venting at least a portion of the heating medium from one end of the vessel through the treatment zone so as to establish a flow direction for the heating medium in the treatment zone from the open end toward the one end of the vessel, c) introducing the fluent food product from the distribution device in the form of a plurality of substantially discrete flat sprays directed at the interior of the partition wall with a pressure sufficient to cause the sprays to impact against the interior of the partition wall while still turbulent.