Continuous gelatinization process

Claim 1

A continuous process for gelatinization of a starch-containing material by the use of steam, comprising the steps of: (a) continuously directly feeding a particulate starch-containing material in a substantially free-flowing state into a mixing chamber, (b) continuously and separately directly feeding wet steam into said mixing chamber, said wet steam providing water to said mixing chamber in an amount sufficient to permit gelatinization of said starch-containing material but insufficient to cause the formation of a slurry of said starch-containing material in said process; (c) mixing said starch-containing material with the wet steam employing a venturi effect to cause turbulence and uniform mixing to raise said starch-containing material temperature to a level sufficient for gelatinization; and (d) withdrawing a substantially dry gelatinized particulate starch-containing material from said mixing chamber.