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WO1998010659A1 - Appareil et procede pour la pasteurisation en petit volume - Google Patents

Appareil et procede pour la pasteurisation en petit volume Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998010659A1
WO1998010659A1 PCT/US1997/016457 US9716457W WO9810659A1 WO 1998010659 A1 WO1998010659 A1 WO 1998010659A1 US 9716457 W US9716457 W US 9716457W WO 9810659 A1 WO9810659 A1 WO 9810659A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
enclosure
meat
steam
unit
movable support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/016457
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO1998010659B1 (fr
Inventor
Kenneth John Wiljanen
Jon Almon Hocker
Original Assignee
Frigoscandia Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Frigoscandia Inc. filed Critical Frigoscandia Inc.
Priority to AU44202/97A priority Critical patent/AU4420297A/en
Priority to EP97942520A priority patent/EP0861034A2/fr
Publication of WO1998010659A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998010659A1/fr
Publication of WO1998010659B1 publication Critical patent/WO1998010659B1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
    • A23B4/00—Preservation of meat, sausages, fish or fish products
    • A23B4/005—Preserving by heating
    • A23B4/0053—Preserving by heating with gas or liquids, with or without shaping, e.g. in form of powder, granules or flakes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
    • A23B4/00—Preservation of meat, sausages, fish or fish products
    • A23B4/005—Preserving by heating
    • A23B4/0053—Preserving by heating with gas or liquids, with or without shaping, e.g. in form of powder, granules or flakes
    • A23B4/0056—Preserving by heating with gas or liquids, with or without shaping, e.g. in form of powder, granules or flakes with packages, or with shaping in the form of blocks or portions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for treating raw meat units, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus utilizing steam to destroy meat surface pathogens.
  • E-coli related illnesses and deaths E-coli, other coliform bacteria, and many other pathogens reside on the surface of meat beginning with the meat carcass processing step.
  • the pathogens originate from fecal matter and other contaminants on the surface of the meat. Without adequately destroying these pathogens, the meat is processed, packed, and shipped to the distributor, retailer, or consumer. It is then left to the consumer or preparer of the meat ' to address a problem that by then can be even worse.
  • the bacteria may have further grown or may reside throughout the meat. This is the case, for example, with ground meat, since during meat processing, the surface pathogens are distributed throughout the meat.
  • U.S. federal regulations have been imposed on food preparers and recommendations have been made to increase the likelihood that pathogens are killed. For example, restaurants must cook hamburger at 160°F throughout for at least five seconds.
  • private meat processors have created new and improved methods and devices for processing meats in order to reduce pathogens such as E-coli.
  • One such method is described in U.S. Application Serial No. 08/335,437 which includes the steps of removing surface water from the meat, passing the meat through a steam heating chamber having a positive pressure relative to the outside of the steam chamber to quickly heat the exterior of the meat, then rapidly chilling the surface of the meat.
  • a meat conveyor is provided that extends through a dewatering chamber, a steam chamber, and a chilled water chamber. The meat conveyor supports the meat and transfers it from chamber to chamber.
  • the process and apparatus of the present invention were developed to effectively and efficiently kill surface pathogens on meat and poultry products of varying sizes, where the products are processed by low volume processing operators, i.e., those having a smaller overall through-put or a smaller building space.
  • the term "low volume” as used herein may also refer to smaller units of meat as well. Therefore, the present invention helps to reduce the risk of contaminated meat reaching the end user, regardless of the space and processing limitations of smaller operations or the size of the meat unit.
  • the apparatus includes a generally upright enclosure having a lower end opening leading into the enclosure and a translation arrangement for raising and lowering the meat unit into the enclosure through the lower end opening.
  • the apparatus further includes a steam supply located at the enclosure for releasing steam or a steam-air mixture into the enclosure; a gas supply located in front of the enclosure near the lower end opening, the gas supply for directing gas at the meat unit in order to remove excess surface water from the meat unit as the meat unit is moved into place on the translation arrangement; and a cooling system attached to the enclosure near the lower end opening for cooling the meat unit as the meat unit descends from the enclosure via operation of the vertical translation arrangement.
  • the apparatus may optionally include an air injection fan attached to the enclosure for releasing air into the enclosure during steam pasteurization.
  • the steam supply includes a steam conduit, or steam pipe, having a steam outlet located within the enclosure, the steam pipe releasing steam at about or above atmospheric pressure.
  • the gas supply includes a plurality of air jets pneumatically interconnected via a manifold. Gas is released at a velocity in the range of about 5,000 to 10,000 feet per minute.
  • the cooling system includes a plurality of cold water spray nozzles attached to a water conduit, or water pipe, that is connected to the support frame.
  • the support frame preferably includes sidewalls to inhibit particles from projecting from the enclosure and support frame areas.
  • the translation arrangement includes a movable support from which the meat unit is hung, a power source for providing powered movement of the movable support, one or more guides (e.g., sheaves) attached to the enclosure, and a tension member connected at one end to the movable support member and connected at the other end to the power source, the tension member being guided and supported by the guides.
  • Additional linear upright rail guides may be attached to opposed inside surfaces of the enclosure to vertically guide the movable support.
  • the enclosure is located above a conveyor system along which the meat unit travels on rolling hooks.
  • the enclosure is located directly above a main rail of the conveyor system.
  • the enclosure is located away from the main rail and is linked to the main rail via a spur rail stemming from the main rail.
  • a method of pasteurizing the meat units includes directing high velocity gas at the meat unit to remove surface water from the meat unit while moving the meat units onto the movable support; lifting the meat unit into the enclosure; rapidly heating the meat surface in the enclosure by exposing the meat to a steam or steam-air mixture in the enclosure; and lowering the meat unit from the enclosure while simultaneously applying a cooling medium (e.g., water) to the meat unit as it exits the enclosure opening.
  • a cooling medium e.g., water
  • FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a steam pasteurization apparatus formed in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2A is a front view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 2B is a perspective detail view looking upward at a portion of the apparatus of FIGURE 1 ;
  • FIGURE 3 is a side view of a portion of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 4 is a top down cut-away view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of an alternative conveying system formed in accordance with the present invention; and
  • FIGURE 6 is a flow chart detailing a preferred pasteurization method in accordance with the present invention.
  • the term "meat unit” is to be understood to be a piece of meat or poultry of a size that is generally smaller than a whole beef carcass, e.g., a half or quarter carcass, a limb or rib section, a whole fowl, etc.
  • the present invention is envisioned for meat units sized smaller than about 10'/_ feet long by 2 l ⁇ feet wide. Larger pieces may be used, if the entire apparatus is enlarged appropriately.
  • multiple meat pieces may be combined to form a single meat unit so long as the pasteurization method is capable of effectively pasteurizing the surfaces of each piece. The preferred method of pasteurization is believed to be most effective when only a single meat piece is pasteurized at any one time.
  • FIGURE 1 a perspective view of a steam pasteurization apparatus 14 formed in accordance with the present invention is shown.
  • an upright enclosure 16 having a lower end 18 is positioned above a conveying system 20.
  • Meat units 22 traveling on a conveyor main rail 24 are raised into the enclosure 16 where pasteurization components sterilize the surface of the meat unit 22.
  • the meat unit is then lowered from the enclosure and passed to the next phase of processing, such as cutting, packaging, freezing, etc.
  • the enclosure 16 is a vertically elongated rectangular structure formed of a temperature, moisture, and corrosion resistant material.
  • Example materials include stainless steel and aluminum.
  • the enclosure 16 includes a number of substantially upright sidewalls 26 located between the lower open end 18 and an upper closed end 28.
  • the lower end 18 includes an opening 30 to allow passage of the meat unit 22 up into and down out of the enclosure 16.
  • the upper end 28 is closed by an upper end wall 32. It is important for the enclosure 16 not to contain too many holes or other passages out of the enclosure 16 (other than the lower end opening 30), as any such holes will interfere with the capture and retention of steam during the pasteurization process.
  • the overall size of the enclosure 16 will depend on the size of the meat units 22 to be pasteurized. It is preferable that the inner surfaces 34 of the sidewalls 26 be as near to the meat unit 22 as possible without actually touching the meat unit 22 or interfering with the meat unit's vertical translation.
  • the placement of the enclosure 16 relative to the conveying system 20 will depend upon the attributes of a particular conveying system.
  • the main rail 24 is provided for translating meat units 22 hung from meat hooks 34. It is typical for the main rail 24 to extend the length of the process plant, so that the meat units 22 may be mechanically transferred between processing stations.
  • the meat hook 34 is held to the main rail 24 using any one of a number of trolley-type arrangements.
  • the meat unit is then manually rolled or translated between processing stations. In more sophisticated systems, the meat unit is transferred by an automated system.
  • the pasteurization apparatus 14 is located so that the enclosure opening 30 is directly above the main rail 24 of the conveyor system. As the hook trolley travels along the main rail 24, it passes through the pasteurization apparatus 14 where translation components are therein provided for raising and lowering the meat unit. This aspect is discussed in detail below.
  • the pasteurization apparatus 14 may be located to one side of the main rail 24, with a spur rail 36 providing a path between the main rail 24 and the enclosure 16. Multiple spur rails and pasteurization apparatus may be extended from a single main rail.
  • a meat hook 34 having a meat unit 22 is translated from the main rail 24 onto the spur rail 36 and lead to the enclosure 16. This configuration may be particularly useful for some processors who have widely varying processing needs. For example, meat units 22 not requiring surface pasteurization may be moved along the main rail 24 without having to wait for other meat units to be pasteurized.
  • the enclosure 16 is mounted on a support frame 38.
  • the frame 38 preferably includes sidewalls 40 about those sides of the support frame 38 that are generally parallel to the main rail 24.
  • the sidewalls may be rigid structures permanently secured to the support frame 38 or flexible flaps detachably hung from the support frame 38.
  • the sidewalls 40 help to contain any fluids or particles flung from the pasteurization apparatus 14 or the meat unit 22 during use.
  • the present invention pasteurization apparatus 14 further includes a translation arrangement 42 for raising and lowering meat units into the enclosure 16 through the lower end opening 30.
  • the preferred translation arrangement 42 includes a movable support 44 having a short elevator rail section 45 that replaces a portion of the main rail, the short elevator rail section 45 being separable from the main rail.
  • the short elevator rail section 45 is positioned within the envelope of the enclosure 16 and is aligned with the main rail.
  • the hook trolley is directly transferred from the main rail onto the short elevator rail section 45.
  • the main rail may be the spur rail 36 discussed above, where the short elevator rail section 45 replaces a portion of the spur rail.
  • the movable support 44 preferably includes a structural stiffener 43 extending lengthwise of the rail section 45 to provide added rigidity to the rail section 45.
  • the stiffener 43 may be formed of any one of a number of known materials, e.g., metal, and is attached to the rail section 45 using conventional methods, e.g., welding.
  • the movable support 44 further includes a formed cover 47 extending lengthwise of the rail section 45 on the opposite side thereof to the stiffener 43.
  • the cover 47 prevents condensation from dripping down onto the trolley and onto the short elevator rail section 45.
  • the cover 47 shown in FIGURE 2A and 2B extends substantially between opposed enclosure sidewalls and has a generally L-shaped cross-section with a lower serif 41 that is positionable adjacent the rail section 45.
  • the upper edge 53 of the cover 47 is positioned parallel to the short elevator rail section 45 and is rotatable about an axis extending between a pair of guide blocks 49, 51 mounted oh the ends of the movable support 44.
  • the stiffener 43 is preferably attached to the guide blocks 49, 51 for providing added strength to the movable support 44.
  • the movable support 44 is sized to extend between a pair of upright guide rails 46.
  • the guide rails 46 are fixedly attached in a generally vertical orientation to opposed inner sidewall surfaces of the enclosure 16.
  • the guide rails 46 are located to position the hanging meat unit 22 centrally relative to the enclosure walls.
  • the guide rails 46 extend substantially the entire vertical length of the enclosure.
  • the guide blocks 49, 51 slidably engage with the guide rails 46.
  • guide blocks are preferably formed of a low-friction material, such as slidable plastic. Other arrangements may be used, e.g., rotatable bearings, a wheel arrangement, etc.
  • the guide blocks 49, 51 are formed to be structurally capable of withstanding the intended meat unit load and of being reliable for use over an extended number of cycles.
  • the cover 47 is rotatable between an open (to receive and remove the hook trolley) from rail section 45) position and a closed (during the pasteurization) position about axis 63.
  • the cover is preferably automatically and mechanically opened and closed.
  • Small wheels 65 are attached to the ends of the cover near the lower section of the cover. The wheels are oriented with their axis generally parallel to the rail section and are configured to engage horizontal guide members 67 extending approximately inward from the inside surfaces of the enclosure near the lower end, a distance approximately equal to approximately one-half the thickness of the small wheels 65.
  • the short guide members 67 are continuously attached to the enclosure inside surfaces in horizontal orientation.
  • the small wheels 65 When the movable support is located at its lowermost position as shown in FIGURE 2B, the small wheels 65 are engaged with the guide members 67 causing the cover to be rotated about axis 63 to its open position. As the movable support 44 moves upward, gravity causes the small wheels 65 to continue communication with the guide members 67, also causing the cover 47 to rotate about axis 63 to its closed position. Eventually the small wheels 65 lift upwardly off the guide members 67. When the movable support 44 is being lowered, the wheels 65 encounter and engage the guide members 67 as the movable support continues to its lowermost position, the small wheels 65 rolling outward along the guide members 67 to cause the cover 47 to rotate about axis 63 to its open position.
  • the guide members 67 also serves as gutters to collect condensate.
  • the hook trolley By opening the cover 47, the hook trolley may be rolled onto the short elevator rail.
  • a notch 55 (see FIGURES 2B and 3) is preferably provided at an upper central location in the rail 45 so as to encourage the trolley to stay in one place during translation as well as provide an audible check for the worker indicating that the trolley is in place.
  • the cover 47 rotates to a closed position.
  • a small cutout 57 (see FIGURE 4) formed in the lower section of the cover allows the hook to extend from its trolley without interfering with the cover. The small cutout 57 also captures the hook and trolley to prevent them from traveling laterally on the short elevator rail during vertical translations, thus helping to maintain the meat unit at the approximate center of the enclosure.
  • Other methods or mechanisms may be used to stabilize 'he meat relative to the movable support 44. When the movable support is near th « end of its descent, the cover automatically rotates open, and the trolley is then available to exit the enclosure and continue along the conveying system.
  • tension members 48 such as chains or wire ropes, are interconnected between the movable support 44 and a power source 50.
  • Supporting the tension members 48 are multiple guides 52, such as sprockets, wheels, rollers, sheaves, etc.
  • the guides 52 are preferably attached to the inner surface of the enclosure 16 with at least one guide for each tension member being located at the upper end wall 32 directly above the connection of the tension member to the movable support. This location causes . the forces on the tension member 48 to be most efficiently transmitted to the movable support 44.
  • Shown in FIGURE 1 are two tension members 48a and 48b, one end of each being attached to an end of the movable support.
  • the other ends of tension members 48a and 48b are connected to each other and to tension member 48c, such that motion of 48c will cause identical motion in 48a and 48b.
  • the power source 50 supplies power to translate the tension members, thereby causing the movable support 44 with the meat unit 22 to move vertically into and out of the enclosure 16. Any one of a number of available conventional power sources may be used. Shown in FIGURES 2-4, a preferred power source is a standard hydraulic power unit 56 and cylinder 66.
  • a sheave or sprocket arrangement 58 may be employed.
  • One such example sheave arrangement is shown in FIGURE 2A.
  • Other efficiency mechanisms may be employed.
  • the tension member 48c is wound about a first lower sheave 62a, then about an upper sheave 60, and back down around a second lower sheave 62b.
  • the tension member 48c is then routed upward and mounted to the support frame 38 as described above.
  • the lower sheaves 62a, 62b are attached to a translating rod 64 of the hydraulic cylinder 66 that is supplied hydraulic power from the power unit 56.
  • Contraction of the cylinder 66 pulls the lower sheaves 62a, 62b downward to increase the relative distance between the upper and lower sheaves 60, 62a, 62b.
  • This causes tension member 48c to feed into the sheave arrangement 58 at a ratio of 4: 1 to the increase in the relative distance between the upper sheave 60 and the lower sheaves 62a and 62b, thereby causing the movable support 44 to move upward at four times the rate that the cylinder is contracting.
  • This ratio is preferred, although other ratios may be more desirable for a particular application.
  • Extension of the cylinder 66 decreases the distance between the upper and lower sheaves 60, 62a, 62b, whereby the weight of the movable support 44 and meat unit 22 maintains tension in the tension members 48 and results in the lowering of the meat unit.
  • the preferred pasteurization method includes the steps of first removing surface water from the meat unit, then passing the meat unit through a steam heating chamber to quickly heat the exterior of the meat unit, and then rapidly chilling the surface of the meat unit to ensure that the meat unit is not cooked in any way.
  • the present invention pasteurization apparatus 14 further includes a steam supply 70, a gas supply 72, and a cooling system 74.
  • the steam supply 70 maintains a body of steam 76 in the enclosure 16 at all times.
  • a steam generator 78 located outside of the enclosure 16, provides a supply of steam 76 through a portion of a steam conduit or pipe 80 positioned within the enclosure ⁇ 6.
  • the steam pipe 80 preferably extends the entire vertical distance of the enclosure 16 and includes an opening 82 near its uppermost end.
  • the steam pipe 80 is shown in FIGURE 4 to be located in a corner formed by adjacent sidewalls 26.
  • the steam 76 is preferably released at about atmospheric pressure at about 212°F, from the opening 82 in the steam pipe 80.
  • the present invention pasteurization apparatus 14 encompasses the use of other steam supply 70 arrangements.
  • a manifold may be located within the enclosure 16 to direct steam to a plurality of steam outlets.
  • the steam supply 70 may include an exterior manifold connected to a series of outlets that extend directly into the enclosure 16 through individual passages in the sidewalls 26.
  • various steam supply 70 sources may be used, e.g., a boiler, in conjunction with an appropriate control system. It has been found useful in some pasteurization instances to mix a quantity of air with the steam during pasteurization. For such circumstances, an air injection fan 84 that is attached to the outside of the enclosure 16 feeds air to an air injection conduit or pipe 86 extending substantially the entire inner vertical length of the enclosure 16.
  • a perforated end cap 103 is mounted on top of the pipe 86 to efficiently distribute the air with the steam in the enclosure.
  • the end cap has a perforated tubular section 103a and a perforated end plate 103b. These perforations help distribute the air discharged from pipe 86.
  • the air injection pipe 86 is preferably located generally opposite the steam pipe 80. Ambient air is an acceptable medium. The mixture of air with steam slows down the heat transfer from the steam to the meat unit, so as not to cause cooking of the interior of the meat unit. Rather, only the exterior surface of the meat unit is heated, which is sufficient to kill the bacteria thereon.
  • the gas supply 72 is located near the front side of the enclosure lower end opening 30.
  • the gas supply 72 is provided to direct gas 88 at the meat unit 22 in order to quickly remove excess surface water from the meat unit 22.
  • the gas supply 72 includes an array of water-removal air nozzles 90 attached along a pair of upright air passage structures, or manifolds 92, 94.
  • the structures 92, 94 are secured to the exterior of the support frame 38 along opposed frame supporting legs 99.
  • Each structure extends a vertical distance below the enclosure corresponding in the height to the length of the intended meat unit.
  • Each structure may include a fan or blower 102 for creating pressurized gas or may simply act as a distributor of gas that is pressurized at a distant location.
  • water removal fans 102 provide a constant supply of pressurized air.
  • the nozzles 90 are located at roughly equal distances along the heights structures 92, 94 and are positioned to direct gas toward the opposite structure.
  • the gas 88 should be released at a velocity in the range of about 5,000 to 10,000 feet per minute.
  • FIGURE 2 A there are twelve water-removal air nozzles 90 illustrated: six attached to structure 92 and six attached to structure 94. The exact number and orientation of the nozzles will vary according to a particular application, but in general, they should be sufficient in capacity and location to quickly remove excess surface water from all sides of the meat unit 22.
  • the nozzles 90 expelling gas at a velocity of 5,000 to 10,000 feet per minute takes roughly 1 to 10 seconds to remove most surface moisture from a typically-sized side of beef
  • the nozzles preferably are pointed slightly downward and forward, i.e., toward the meat unit 22 approaching the enclosure 16. In this orientation, the nozzles blow the moisture from the meat unit 22 away from the housing 16, thereby reducing the likelihood that the moisture removed from the meat unit will have a detrimental effect on the rapid and efficient heating of the meat unit outer surface.
  • the preferred gas is air, although other gases may be used that are suitable for a given application.
  • the cooling system 74 is located near the enclosure opening 30 and is provided for projecting a cooling medium 96 onto the meat unit surface.
  • the preferred medium is water.
  • four water pipes 98 are provided. Shown in FIGURES 1-3, each water pipe 98 extends a vertical distance below the enclosure corresponding to the height of the intended meat unit 22.
  • the water pipes are preferably secured to the interior of the support frame 38 along the frame's supporting legs 99.
  • Each water pipe has a plurality of cold water spray nozzles 100 attached along its length at roughly equal distances.
  • a cold water tank (not shown) supplies cold water to a water pump (not shown) which feeds the chilled pressurized water to the water pipes 98.
  • the release pressure is preferably in the range of about 40 to 50 psig.
  • the cooling medium 96 should be at a temperature in the range of about 35 to 40 °F (1 to 5 °C). The cooling medium 96 is necessary to stop any potential cooking of the meat unit 22. After washing down the sides of the meat unit 22, the cooling medium 96 drains away and should not used again without being thoroughly sterilized.
  • the preferred method of pasteurizing meat units to reduce the population of surface pathogens on the meat in the present invention low volume apparatus includes moving the meat units 22 from a conveying rail 24 through the water-removal nozzles 90.
  • the gas supply fans 102 are activated initially and kept running. This is more efficient than starting and stopping the fans for each passing meat unit, although that may be done instead.
  • the nozzles 90 thus direct water-removing gas at the surface of the meat unit 22 as it passes by the structures 92, 94. Since the structures 92, 94 are preferably positioned on opposite sides of the meat unit 22, the nozzles 90 can remove substantially all excess surface water from the meat unit 22.
  • the now water-removed meat unit passes beyond the air nozzles 90 and onto the movable support 44. At this point, the meat unit 22 is surrounded by the support frame 38 and its attached cooling system 74.
  • the cooling system 74 is not activated. Therefore, no cooling medium 96 is being directed at the meat unit 22 initially.
  • the translation arrangement 42 is activated to cause the movable support 44 to translate upward along the upright rail guides 46. This causes corresponding vertical movement of the meat unit 22 into the enclosure 16, as shown in FIGURE 2A.
  • the steam pipe 80 and (optionally) the air injection fan 84 are activated and preferably kept activated to create a continuous steam or steam-air mixture at a desirable temperature and pressure within the enclosure 16 at all times.
  • the steam-air mixture is preferably composed of about 50-90% steam, with a preferred steam-air mixture being 70 % steam and 30 % air.
  • the pasteurization temperature is between roughly 180-210 °F, a preferred temperature being 200 °F. For these values, the meat unit 22 is maintained within the enclosure for a period of 1 to 10 seconds.
  • the translation arrangement 42 causes the movable support 44 to move downward along the upright rail guides 46. This causes corresponding downward vertical movement of the meat unit 22 out of the enclosure opening, as shown in FIGURE 3.
  • the cooling system 74 is activated to direct the cooling medium 96 onto the outer surface of the meat unit 22 as it is being lowered.
  • the support frame sidewalls 40 form a loose enclosure 16 that prevents the cooling medium 96 from spraying outward onto people or other conveyor line products.
  • the steam supply 70 is constantly activated so that the enclosure 16 continuously encloses a proper amount and temperature of steam 76.
  • a ventilation system such as a vent fan 104 as shown in FIGURES 1-3, may be selectively activated to draw the excess from the enclosure. It is preferred to incorporate a ventilation system regardless, since it may be used to dispose of used steam.
  • the gas supply 72 is activated initially and kept running throughout the process.
  • the cooling system 74 is operated only when the translating arrangement 42 is activated to lower a meat unit 22 from the enclosure.
  • control components e.g., a pressure sensor, a temperature gauge, a timing device, etc.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Meat, Egg Or Seafood Products (AREA)
  • Processing Of Meat And Fish (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil et un procédé permettant de pasteuriser des unités de viande (22), ledit appareil comprenant une enceinte (16) sensiblement verticale soutenue par un châssis (38) et présentant une ouverture (30) située à son extrémité inférieure ainsi qu'un dispositif de translation (42) servant à élever et abaisser ladite unité de viande pour, respectivement, la faire entrer dans l'enceinte ou l'en sortir. Le dispositif de translation (42) comprend un support mobile (44), une source de courant (50), des guides (52), un élément de tension (48) et des rails de guidage (46). Un dispositif d'alimentation en vapeur (70) libère de la vapeur (76) dans l'enceinte pour chauffer rapidement la surface de la viande. Un dispositif d'alimentation en gaz (72) présentant un ensemble de buses à air de déshydratation (90) est placé à proximité de la partie extérieure avant de l'enceinte (16), près de l'ouverture (30) de l'extrémité inférieure. Le dispositif d'alimentation en gaz sert à envoyer du gaz (88) sur l'unité de viande pour enlever l'eau en excès se trouvant à la surface de la viande lorsque l'unité de viande entre dans l'enceinte et passe au dispositif de translation (42). Un système de refroidissement (74), servant à refroidir l'unité de viande lorsqu'elle descend en sortant de l'enceinte comprend une pluralité de buses de pulvérisation d'eau froide (100) fixées à une conduite d'eau (98). L'enceinte est située au-dessus d'un rail principal (24) ou d'un rail secondaire (36) d'un système de transport (20) le long duquel les unités de viande se déplacent sur des crochets roulants (34). L'invention concerne également un procédé permettant de pasteuriser les unités de viande, consistant à: remplir ladite enceinte avec de la vapeur ou avec un mélange vapeur-air; envoyer un gaz à haute vitesse sur l'unité de viande pour enlever l'eau de la surface tandis que la viande passe au système de translation; lever l'unité de viande pour la faire entrer dans l'enceinte; chauffer rapidement la surface de la viande dans l'enceinte au moyen de la vapeur ou du mélange vapeur-air; et abaisser l'unité de viande sortant de l'enceinte tout en appliquant un fluide de refroidissement à la surface de cette unité de viande.
PCT/US1997/016457 1996-09-16 1997-09-16 Appareil et procede pour la pasteurisation en petit volume WO1998010659A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU44202/97A AU4420297A (en) 1996-09-16 1997-09-16 Low volume steam pasteurization apparatus and method
EP97942520A EP0861034A2 (fr) 1996-09-16 1997-09-16 Appareil et procede pour la pasteurisation en petit volume

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US71034896A 1996-09-16 1996-09-16
US08/710,348 1996-09-16

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998010659A1 true WO1998010659A1 (fr) 1998-03-19
WO1998010659B1 WO1998010659B1 (fr) 1998-05-28

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PCT/US1997/016457 WO1998010659A1 (fr) 1996-09-16 1997-09-16 Appareil et procede pour la pasteurisation en petit volume

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EP (1) EP0861034A2 (fr)
AR (1) AR008836A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU4420297A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998010659A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000025594A1 (fr) * 1998-10-30 2000-05-11 Excel Corporation Procede et dispositif destines a l'uperisation de la viande
WO2001043572A1 (fr) * 1999-12-15 2001-06-21 Tottenham Dennis E Procede et dispositif de pasteurisation de surface de produits alimentaires
NL1014390C2 (nl) * 1999-02-26 2002-04-10 Frigoscandia Inc Inrichting voor het middels stoom pasteuriseren van voedsel.
US7247330B2 (en) * 2002-07-23 2007-07-24 Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. Method for controlling microbial contamination of a vacuum-sealed food product
WO2008093367A1 (fr) * 2007-01-30 2008-08-07 Verinox S.P.A. Système de pasteurisation de produits alimentaires
US7629012B2 (en) * 2002-09-13 2009-12-08 Alkar-Rapidpak, Inc. Surface pasteurization method
ITVI20110210A1 (it) * 2011-07-29 2013-01-30 Cartigliano Off Spa Apparato e metodo per il trattamento biologico di carni stagionate e prodotti alimentari similari
WO2013018010A3 (fr) * 2011-07-29 2013-04-25 Officine Di Cartigliano S.P.A. Équipement de décontamination de produits de salaison

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000025594A1 (fr) * 1998-10-30 2000-05-11 Excel Corporation Procede et dispositif destines a l'uperisation de la viande
US6291003B1 (en) 1998-10-30 2001-09-18 Excel Corporation Method and apparatus for steam pasteurization of meat
AU767277B2 (en) * 1998-10-30 2003-11-06 Excel Corporation Method and apparatus for steam pasteurization of meat
NL1014390C2 (nl) * 1999-02-26 2002-04-10 Frigoscandia Inc Inrichting voor het middels stoom pasteuriseren van voedsel.
BE1013773A3 (fr) * 1999-02-26 2002-08-06 Frigoscandia Inc Appareil pour la pasteurisation d'aliments a la vapeur.
WO2001043572A1 (fr) * 1999-12-15 2001-06-21 Tottenham Dennis E Procede et dispositif de pasteurisation de surface de produits alimentaires
US7247330B2 (en) * 2002-07-23 2007-07-24 Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. Method for controlling microbial contamination of a vacuum-sealed food product
US7629012B2 (en) * 2002-09-13 2009-12-08 Alkar-Rapidpak, Inc. Surface pasteurization method
WO2008093367A1 (fr) * 2007-01-30 2008-08-07 Verinox S.P.A. Système de pasteurisation de produits alimentaires
ITVI20110210A1 (it) * 2011-07-29 2013-01-30 Cartigliano Off Spa Apparato e metodo per il trattamento biologico di carni stagionate e prodotti alimentari similari
WO2013018010A3 (fr) * 2011-07-29 2013-04-25 Officine Di Cartigliano S.P.A. Équipement de décontamination de produits de salaison

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EP0861034A2 (fr) 1998-09-02
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