| 摘要 |
<p>The invention relates to a method comprising the steps of size-grading G potato tubers (55) and then bringing substantially soil-free size-graded tubers (55) to a thermal treatment zone T in which they are immersed in a fluid (10) at a temperature of from 45 to 85 DEG C, for a period of time sufficient to kill at least some microorganisms without significantly damaging the tubers. According to the invention the tubers (55) are then passed substantially directly, through a drying zone D, in which they are surrounded by a hot air flow (68) having a temperature of from 40 to 75 degrees C, to dry their outer surfaces following which they are brought to a cooling zone P. The invention also relates to an apparatus comprising a vessel (2) with an endless conveyor (4) for conveying tubers along a conveying path through hot fluid (10) held in vessel (2) at a temperature of from 45 to 85 DEG C. According to this invention a second conveyor (57) is provided for conveying the tubers (55) through a drying zone (D) provided with an air flow induction device (67) and a heater (H) formed and arranged for inducing a hot air flow (68) having a temperature of from 40 to 65 DEG C around tubers (55) passing through the drying zone (D).</p> |
