| 摘要 |
A method for sterilizing a food product contained in loosely sealed receptacles comprising placing the receptacles in an autoclave, drawing a vacuum, introducing steam to effect sterilization, reducing the pressure by drawing off or condensing the steam so as to evaporate some of the water contained in the receptacles and to thereby cause cooling of the receptacles and the food product, introducing a sterile inert gas to balance atmospheric pressure and sealing the receptacles before bringing them into contact with outside air. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes two concentric cylindrical shells defining between them an annular space. A spiral rail is secured to the inner surface of the outer cylinder and guides are secured to the outer surface of the inner cylinder so that rotation of the latter about its axis causes the receptacles to move along the rail. Appropriate valved inlets and outlets are associated with the annular space.
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