In-package non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation sterilization

摘要

A method for reducing microorganisms (sterilization) in a free-flowing product in a container. The product in the container is radiated with non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation at an energy density sufficient to achieve commercially sterile temperature and is manipulated in a manner to distribute heat and ensure that the product and the container reach a temperature sufficient to commercially sterilize the product and the interior surfaces of the container.

主权项

1. A method for sterilization comprising:
providing a closed container, the closed container comprising a free-flowing product disposed within the closed container; conveying the closed container through a non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation apparatus during a conveying time period, transmitting non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation from the apparatus to the free-flowing product to achieve a sterilization temperature during a transmitting time period, at least a portion of the transmitting time period overlapping with at least a portion of the conveying time period, and manipulating the closed container during a manipulating time period to achieve sterilization of the entirety of the product within the closed container and the entirety of interior surfaces of the closed container, at least a portion of the manipulating time period overlapping with at least a portion of the transmitting time period, the manipulating comprising subjecting the closed container to an inversion sequence, the inversion sequence comprising a first inversion of the closed container until a base of the closed container is located at an angle of up to 180 degrees relative to vertical, and a second inversion of the closed container, in the opposite direction, back to an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to vertical.