Process to reduce germ-count in bulk grain and powdered foods comprises food grains or powder being rapidly heated in inert gas at atmospheric pressure with extremely low oxygen partial pressure

摘要

Process to reduce the germ-count in bulk grain and powdered food solids comprises the food being heated rapidly in the presence of a reducing inert gas at an atmospheric pressure with extremely low oxygen partial pressure. The food is heated for a pre-determined time followed by rapid cooling. An independent claim is also included for a continually-operated assembly in which the food is conveyed through a reaction chamber with a number of different temperature zones and with a contra-flow of inert gas. The reaction chamber has a conveyer assembly which moves the food through the reducing inert gas atmosphere at low oxygen partial pressure. Heated and cooled inert gas is introduced at different points creating the temperature zones. The gas inlet points and gas flow speeds ensure rapid heating and cooling as required.