Patent ID: 7631595

Claim:
A pasteurization unit for pasteurizing milk product, the pasteurization unit comprising: a) a force convection chamber having a central chamber region with a lower separator plate, the force convection chamber further comprising a first region having an injection nozzle that is adapted to be positioned near the lower separator plate, b) a direct heating system comprising a combustion chamber positioned below the lower separator plate of the force convection chamber, the direct heating system comprising a combustion nozzle adapted to disburse and propagate a flame throughout the combustion chamber, an exhaust outlet in communication with the combustion chamber adapted to eject combustion gas therefrom, c) a fluid convection system comprising a fluid pump in communication with the ejection nozzle and adapted to transmit milk product through the nozzle, d) a recirculation conduit in communication with the central chamber region to allow milk product to circulate therethrough, e) whereas milk product returning from the recirculation conduit is adapted to recirculate to the fluid pump and the ejection nozzle is positioned in a manner within the central chamber region to transmit milk product therethrough and create a flow of milk product across the lower separator plate to prevent overheating of the milk product and to allow pasteurization of the milk product.