Continuous fryer apparatus having a heat exchanger for heating oil with the steam generated during cooking

摘要

A fryer 2 having inlet 4 and outlet 8 ends, an oil recirculating system coupled to the fryer, a heat exchanger 10 for heating the oil in the oil recirculating system, a hood 24 above the fryer for collecting steam generated during the frying process, a conduit 32 for conveying steam from the hood, and a compressor 44 for compressing the steam, the compressor having an input connected to the conduit and an output for compressed steam connected to the heat exchanger. The fryer may comprise a conveyor which removes fried foodstuffs at the outlet end of the fryer, wherein the steam is provided over at least part of the conveyor, the steam having a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and a temperature of at least 100°C. A second heat exchanger 14 may be used for heating the oil in the oil recirculating system. The apparatus may include a tank which collects condensed steam from the first heat exchanger.