THERMAL PROCESSOR

摘要

Thermal processing apparatus (10) and a method for the defrosting of meat are disclosed. A vessel (12) includes an opening (16). and a rotation assembly (14) is adapted to rotate the vessel (12) such that the opening (16) is disposed on the axis of rotation. The vessel (12) preferably comprises electrically conductive walls An RF source (18) is adapted to direct electromagnetic energy into the vessel (12) through the opening. Preferably, the electromagnetic energy is in the microwave spectrum. The apparatus (10) includes a waveguide (20) which couples electromagnetic energy from the RF source (18) to the opening In the vessel (12). A rotary coupling (34) is used to couple electromagnetic energy from the RF source to the opening in the vessel (12). The process includes tumbling and radiating the product, with microwave energy to bring the product from below the latent heat stage to fully defrosted.