Abstract A continuous dry blanching process as a preliminary to freezing operation with vegetables such as spinach, green peas, carrots, green beans, etc., is provided. The process employs a recirculating substantially oxygen-free gaseous heating medium which is heated to a temperature above 212* F. and which is formed from the products of combustion and includes steam as a moisture medium. In the treating zone the medium provides a fluidized bed of the vegetable being blanched. The process and apparatus provides for a substantial saving in time in the blanching operation, it saves more of the product and its content as far as minerals, vitamins and nutrient constituents are concerned, and it produces no residue or substantially no residue which has to be passed into a stream or into the sewer system.
In an apparatus for the dry blanching of vegetables, a combustion chamber, means forming a continuous substantially closed path including said combustion chamber for recirculation of A gaseous treating medium, a burner at said combustion chamber, conduit means for introducing air and fuel into the burner, means for introducing moisture into said path to mix into said medium, a plenum chamber formed at a lower part of said closed path, and a treating zone in said closed path immediately above said plenum chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
In an apparatus for the dry blanching of vegetables, a combustion chamber, means forming a continuous substantially closed path including said combustion chamber for recirculation of A gaseous treating medium, a burner at said combustion chamber, conduit means for introducing air and fuel into the burner, means for introducing moisture into said path to mix into said medium, a plenum chamber formed at a lower part of said closed path, and a treating zone in said closed path immediately above said plenum chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for introducing moisture comprises a steam injection pipe communicating with said path.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, wherein said treating zone comprises a pair of spaced apart apertured conveyors extending across said closed path for movement therethrough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, further including an apertured valve plate at the top of said plenum chamber.