Patent ID: 8715461

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 at least one perforated component oriented horizontally in the at least one flavor vapor absorption vessel.