MULTIPLE-STAGE ENERGY-EFFICIENT PRODUCE PROCESSING SYSTEM

摘要

Mobile systems for cleaning and drying produce in order to extend shelf life, are described. Produce cleaning systems (20) are provided that employ plural forms of energy in an ionic liquid-based washing system (22, 24, 26) containing solvents and solutes which promote the conduction of eletrical energy. The electrical energy can be applied to the produce in the wash bath (24) in various waveforms, such as a modulating wave superimposed on a carrier wave. Additionally, ultrasonic energy is employed to provide high-frequency mechanical pressure waves against the produce. The electrical energy and the mechanical energy combine to produce energy in the applicable resonant frequency range that acts to destroy or transform pathogens, dirt and synthetic molecules that may exist on the item of produce (190). Systems for drying the item of produce (190), after it has been immersed in a natural solute-laden slurry maintained at a temperature below the freezing point of water, are also provided. The drying process is rapidly and effectively accelerated in order to fully crystallize a layer of solute-laden slurry that has been applied on the external surface of an item of produce (190).