Shell egg pasteurization method

摘要

A batch processing control system for a shell egg pasteurizer controls the time and temperature in which batches of shell eggs are held in a pasteurization bath in accordance with a predetermined pasteurization protocol for designated egg size and start temperature. The predetermined pasteurization protocol is preferably statistically verified to optimize batches of eggs having the designated size and start temperature. The system also includes reporting software that generates daily reports to track each respective batch and verify that the batch has been pasteurized according to the statistically verified protocol.

主权项

1. A shell egg pasteurization system comprising:
a pasteurization bath containing liquid water and having a series of at least two continuous zones; at least one temperature sensor in each zone of the bath for measuring the water temperature in the zone of the bath; a heating system that operates to increase the temperature of the water in each zone of the bath to a temperature set point value, said heating system including at least one independently controlled heating element in each zone of the bath; a batch carrier arrangement that holds batches of shell eggs in the bath and includes an advance motor that moves the batch carrier arrangement and thereby the respective batches of shell eggs through and between zones; and a cooling system that operates to selectively lower the temperature of the water in the pasteurization bath when the temperature in one or more zones approaches an upper temperature limit that is set higher than the temperature set point value.