Patent ID: 8137504

Claim:
A flavor processing and absorption system for treating a process stream comprising: at least one process oil kettle that operates to heat the process stream; at least one evaporator that is in communication with the at least one process oil kettle such that the heated process stream is introduced into the at least one evaporator and the at least one evaporator operates to: (i) develop at least one flavor vapor from the heated process stream; and (ii) permit pressurized air to flow therein in a direction counter to the flow of the process stream through the at least one evaporator; and at least one flavor vapor absorption vessel: (i) having an absorption liquid therein; (ii) that is in communication with the at least one evaporator such that the at least one flavor vapor exits from the at least one evaporator and enters the at least one flavor vapor absorption vessel; (iii) operates to introduce the at least one flavor vapor into the absorption liquid, thereby recovering the at least one flavor vapor in the flavored absorption liquid for use as at least one food flavorant; and (iv) comprising a gas diffusion device positioned therein, the gas diffusion device comprising: a perforated ball positioned at a terminal end of an inlet line feeding the at least one flavor vapor absorption vessel, wherein the perforated ball operates to create turbulence in the absorption liquid of the at least one flavor vapor absorption vessel; and at least one perforated disc oriented horizontally in the at least one flavor vapor absorption vessel, wherein the at least one perforated disc operates to diffuse and break the turbulence, thereby allowing the flavor vapor to be absorbed by the absorption liquid to create the flavored absorption liquid.