Diverse thermal, pressure and vacuum treatment for e.g. moist foods, cosmetics, chemical and pharmaceutical products

摘要

After heating, the products are cooled by release to vacuum An Independent claim is included for the equipment to carry out the process, applications (please see uses section) and diverse products made. Preferred features: Heating takes place at 0.8 bar or more, using wet or superheated steam. Before heating, chamber pressure is lowered below 0.2 bar. Cooling is achieved by lowering pressure to 0.5 bar or less. Rate of pressure reduction causes expansion of less than 1.5 times. Initially, all operational parameters, including heating temperature and duration, rate of depression, steam temperature and pressure, are set to eliminate microorganisms and assure keeping qualities. Depression rate control, avoids altering product texture. Treatment affects surfaces of product portions, optionally reducing free surface water. The product is subsequently treated under vacuum or gas, to promote keeping, the duration depending on product nature, treatment, packing and storage. After treatment the product is cooled by airflow.