A heat-treatment device for heat treating packaged products that are available in bulk, and to a method of using the device. The device includes: a chamber; a tank for containing a fluid of a density such that the packaged products float when they are poured in bulk into the fluid, the tank presenting an evacuation compartment for evacuating floating products, the evacuation compartment including a hatch that is suitable for being submerged and then opened so as to evacuate a portion of the fluid including the floating products; fluid supply means for filling the tank and for regulating the level of fluid in the tank; submersion means; recovery means; and reception means.
B65B 55/14 - Sterilising contents prior to, or during, packaging by heat
A23L 3/10 - Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating materials in packages which are not progressively transported through the apparatus
A61L 2/00 - Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lensesAccessories therefor
The invention relates to a device for heat-treating packaged products (P) available in loose form and to a method using said device. According to the invention, the device includes a chamber, a tank (2) for containing a fluid having a density such that the packaged products (P) float when poured therein in loose form, said tank (2) having a compartment (21) for discharging the floating products (P), said discharge compartment (21) including a hatch (22) capable of being immersed and then opened so as to enable a portion of the fluid comprising the floating products (P) to be discharged, a fluid supply means (6) for filling the tank (2) and adjusting the fluid level (N1, N2) in the tank (2), immersion means (3) operating at the top surface of the fluid in the tank (2) in order to immerse the loose products in the fluid, a means (4) for recovering the products (P) within the fluid discharged from the tank (2) when the discharge compartment (21) is opened, and a means (5) for receiving the poured fluid when the discharge compartment (21) is opened.
A23L 3/10 - Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating materials in packages which are not progressively transported through the apparatus
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Sterilising apparatus and hardware; apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes; autoclaves (electric). Autoclaves (non-electric); household or kitchen utensils and containers (not of precious metal or coated therewith); combs and sponges; brushes (except paint brushes); brush-making materials; articles for cleaning purposes; steelwool; unworked or semi-worked glass (except glass used in building); glassware, porcelain and earthenware not included in other classes. Treatment of materials; food and drink preservation; processing of agri-foodstuffs, processing of textile goods; pasteurisation; sterilising; information on the treatment of materials; decontamination of materials; recycling of materials. Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software; legal services.
