Sterilising fluids esp. edible liq. such as fruit juice, milk etc. - by passage between electrodes connected to low voltage pulsed supply

摘要

After the prod. has been prepd. in its normal way for its intended use, but before it is packaged or stored, it is sterilised by electric current. An electric field is established between two closely-spaced electrodes. The prod. is then made to flow smoothly and continuously between the electrodes, transversely of the electric field. The electric current producing the field is of low voltage, e.g. about 4 to 50 volts, and is delivered in pulses of short duration sepd. by intervals between successive pulses. The prod. pref. flows at low pressure in a thin film between electrodes spaced by between 1 and 5mm, more partic. between 2 and 4mm. The electric supply is pref. between 6 and 24 volts at a frequency between 0,1 qnd 10.0 hertz esp. about 1.0 hertz. The duration of each electric pulse is pref. between 0.01 and 1.00 second while the interval duration is pref. between 0.1 and 1.0 second. Process is partic. applicable to edible liqs. such as fruit or vegetable juice, milk, beer, wine and mineral water. It can also be used to ensure sterility of water in closed circuit circulation of a swimming pool. The process costs less and is less harmful to the prod. than sterilisation by heat or chemical additives.