Apparatus and method for sterilizing fine powders.

摘要

Apparatus for sterilizing a fine powder comprises a tubular sterilizing duct 13 and a heating jacket for heating the duct 13 to a sterilizing temperature. A feed hopper 11 and feed screw 12 are provided for introducing fine powder at one end of the duct 13 and an insulated hopper 16 is provided for collecting fine powder from the other end of the duct 13. Air introduction means is provided at one end of the duct 13 for fluidising powder in the duct 13. In the method, the duct 13 is heated to a temperature of approximately 500 DEG C and fine powder is introduced at one end of the duct 13 and removed from the other end of the duct 13 with a duct residence time sufficient to heat the powder to above 120 DEG C. Air is introduced into the duct 13 at a rate of 30-60 litres per minute.