Method and apparatus for high pressure sterilization of products

摘要

Process for semi-continuous high pressure sterilisation of a solid or liquid product comprises passing the material for treatment from one end to the other of a tubular chamber (2). Batches of material are separated from each other by circular spacers (3) which also pass through the chamber. At start up a spacer is first inserted into the chamber, and material pushed in behind. A second spacer is then inserted and the material compressed to the required pressure. The chamber outlet (2b) is then opened and the fist spacer removed. Material is then pushed out by a second batch of material being forced in behind the first. The spacer is cleaned and returned (91) to the chamber inlet.