BR112014000722B1 - method and apparatus for sterilizing palm fruit clusters - Google Patents

Abstract

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENERGICALLY EFFICIENT OPERATION IN THE STERILIZATION OF PALM FRUITS. The device operates with steam above atmospheric pressure. It includes a pressure vessel (40) with an interior (8), at least one movable container (4) containing palm fruits with the open top exposed to the interior (8). A steam supply line supplying steam from an external steam source is connected to the interior (8); the container (4) has a solid floor (11) with at least one open opening (51) in fluid communication with the interior of the container (4). A channel (15) in fluid communication with the interior of the container (4) is still in fluid communication with another channel (16) which is in fluid communication with the outside of the pressure vessel (40). A method of introducing pressurized steam into the pressure vessel (40) and dissipating the trapped air inside the piles of palm fruit clusters (10) and condensate from the container (4) is disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for the energy efficient treatment of a porous load of materials, particularly plant products, palm and similar fruit clusters, more particularly to a sterilization process that uses steam as a means treatment of palm fruit clusters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Effective heat treatment is generally a critical aspect of many industrial processes as it can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of subsequent processes. It can have a direct impact on product quality and safety. In this example, a sterilization process that uses hot steam, such as steam, as a means for heat treatment of matter in a closed container is considered. Adequate sterilization requires a minimum duration of exposure to an effective sterilization temperature, depending on the particular material to be sterilized, to achieve a certain level of treatment. It is known that the air trapped inside a vessel prevents sterilization and several techniques are used to expel the air before proceeding to the effective sterilization phase. The withdrawal of air by downward displacement by gravity, repeated depressurization-pressurization - the means of sterilization and aspiration are some of the most common methods used to evacuate air from the vessel. Sterilization of porous materials that contain air in the interstices of the material represents a problem due to the difficulty in removing air from inside the material. This is even more pronounced in cases where the porous materials are placed in a container inside the sterilization vessel.

[003] The sterilization of clusters of fresh fruits (FFB) of palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.), In the process of extracting palm oil, is an example at the point where clusters of fresh fruits stacked in open containers commonly known as cages they are loaded into a pressure vessel for sterilization using steam as a sterilizing agent.

[004] Conventionally, in a palm oil mill the sterilization process is carried out in a pressure vessel, such as a cylindrical vessel, being in a horizontal or vertical position, and filled with steam under certain physical parameters as a batch process. .

[005] In the case of horizontal sterilizers, steel cages with perforated walls and open roof stacked with bunches of palm fruits are pushed on rails inside the pressure vessel for sterilization. Several cages would be needed for easy handling to achieve the required batch sterilization capacity. After sterilization, the cages with the treated bunch are taken out of the sterilizer for further processing of the fruit clusters.

[006] When arranged in a horizontal position, the cylindrical vessel sterilizer has a good disposition because bunches of palm fruit stacked in the cages are more evenly spread in that position along the length of the elongated vase, as opposed to a vertical sterilizer. Thus, when the pressurized steam is injected into the horizontally positioned cylindrical vessel, the steam can reach different directions and corners of the contents inside the vessel, thus helping the treatment of the fruit clusters. However, the conventional design of the horizontal sterilizer has an inherent defect, that is, an ineffective air removal. The air trapped in the space pockets inside the bunches of fruit stacked in the cages makes it difficult to remove trapped air during the initial ventilation phase of the sterilization process.

[007] As a preconditioning of the pressure vessel for effective sterilization, air is commonly evacuated by downward gravity displacement in which the introduction of steam through the upper part of the vessel, the denser air stratifies to a lower layer and, subsequently, it is discharged from the pressure vessel through perforated air dispersion tubes positioned in the bottom region of the vessel towards the outside of the vessel. To improve the efficiency of air removal, double or triple peak sterilization is practiced where the vessel containing the bunches of fruit piled in the cages is subjected to repeated pressure releases after partial pressurization with steam to displace and evacuate residual air before starting the actual sterilization process. Although improvement in sterilization is achieved by multiple peak sterilization, the disadvantages include a significant amount of steam being wasted by the pressurization and depressurization steps in repeated steam ventilation and heating of the relatively large mass of metal in the vessel and cage carts. fruit. A longer discontinuous sterilization time is also required because of the multiple peak steps, thus reducing the sterilizer's processing capacity. Most importantly, the pulsating pressure to remove the air is particularly disturbing to a previous process in a steady state from which the supply steam comes, such as the generation of energy by a backpressure steam engine. In conventional sterilizers, the initial de-aeration step expels air from the internal spaces of the vessel by downward gravity displacement through suitable lower air-dispersion perforated tubes, which normally takes about 5 minutes of the total cycle time. Two subsequent peak de-aeration steps partially expel pockets of air trapped within the interior space of the bunches of fruit piled in the cages and these take about 25 minutes of the total cycle time.

[008] The evacuation of air from a pressure vessel by aspiration prior to the sterilization cycle as practiced in smaller sterilizers used in the healthcare industry is not practical and economical for large sterilizers used in the oil extraction process. palm in which the volume of the pressure vessel can be up to about 180 cubic meters.

[009] In the state of the art, GB2161055 refers to a device for the thermal steam treatment to sterilize palm fruits, prior to threshing and oil extraction. The document reveals that when the sterilization container is loaded with fruit, the container is sealed and steam is introduced, usually at a pressure of 3 atmospheres. About 230-260 kg of steam per ton of fruit is required for sterilization, and the steam is condensed in the process. The sterilizer may contain a deaerator and / or a short-wait control system, in which the steam is discharged and the sterilizer is refilled. The sealed cylindrical container has a steam inlet and a conveyor that transports palm fruits to be sterilized. A dam makes it difficult for condensate to escape from the bottom of the container. The pipes carry steam to condense at the bottom of the container. The conveyor has a false bottom with openings and a tray to hold condensate, debris and oil. Thus, the carrier retains the oil that normally drips from the fruit at this stage for further processing, and the condensate that remains on the vessel is spared from pollution. The tray is provided with a refuse and an overflow device.

[010] BRPI0601091 deals with a method to extract palm oil, specifically in the stage of sterilization of the fruit with a mechanical discharge device, which works in the absence of air by means of displacement of water or liquid, and of an apparatus for sterilization. In the proposed horizontal sterilization process of multiple cages, bunches of fresh fruit are loaded into cages, which are then introduced into horizontal sterilization containers. The bunches of fresh fruit are then subjected to pressurized steam to inhibit the production of free fatty acids and loosen the fruit from the bunches. The sterilization process is based on a cycle of multiple peaks and repeated purging to remove air trapped inside the sterilizer.

[011] To compensate for inefficient air removal, a longer treatment period under steam conditions or higher vapor pressure, or a combination of both is employed. The damaging effects of trapped air requiring a longer sterilization period and / or a higher vapor pressure to satisfy process requirements require higher thermal energy as a result. Current practice uses an external source of saturated steam at about 4 bar (400 kPa) and around 144 ° C as a heating medium in triple peak sterilization and it usually takes more than 90 minutes to complete a full cycle for results satisfactory. Therefore, the quick and effective removal of air is the key to increasing the efficiency of using thermal energy.

[012] From the above, it is still necessary to improve energy efficiency and the operating time of the sterilization stage. Thus, it is emphasized that the problem to be solved is the inefficient removal of air from the interstices of the porous material when using steam as a means of sterilization, quickly and efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[013] The invention describes a method and apparatus for heat treating a charge of porous material, wherein the charge of porous material includes plant products, more particularly, bunches of fresh palm fruits. The invention is applicable to any vegetable product that requires steam heat treatment, such as in the processing of almonds, cashews and peanuts. The method for heat treating a charge of porous material in a pressure vessel includes the steps of transporting at least one open top container containing the porous charge within the pressure vessel. The container is mounted on a rail car inside the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is then sealed followed by the admission of steam into the pressure vessel, while air is released from the pressure vessel. As steam is admitted into the pressure vessel, the temperature of the porous charge is increased until it reaches a temperature sufficient for heat treatment and is maintained at a level long enough to complete the process of heat treatment of the porous charge. Raising the temperature of the porous charge includes the step of inducing a flow of steam through the porous charge through the container between the inside and the outside, by developing a pressure differential across the container. Said pressure differential is between a first pressure (P1) that prevails inside and a second pressure (P2) that prevails in the first passage of drilling fluid on the surface of the container where the second pressure (P2) varied by inducing a flow of fluid between the first fluid passage and the outside of the pressure vessel, thus substantially dissipating residual air from within the porous material charge. The flow of steam through the porous material charge is substantially turbulent and the pressure differential between P1 and P2 is between 100 Pa and 2,000 Pa. When the porous material charge is a bunch of palm fruit, the saturation temperature of the vapor that corresponds to the pressure inside it is less than 10 ° C above the pre-determined sterilization temperature of the clusters of palm fruit.

[014] The invention also discloses a sterilizer operable with pressurized steam for the heat treatment of a load of porous material. The sterilizer comprises a cylindrical pressure vessel horizontally positioned at least one steam inlet port and at least one open top container mounted on a transportable carriage along a pair of rails mounted inside the pressure vessel. The sterilizer further includes a first fluid passage mounted on the carriage and extending from the perforation of the container surface to at least a first opening to be fluidly connected with a second fluid passage. The second passage is fixed to the pressure vessel which extends from at least a second opening to a first discharge port to be fluidly connected to the outside of the pressure vessel. The fluid connection between the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage is made through a plug-in connection formed by means of a resilient gasket between the peripheral edges around the first and second openings, when the carriage is registered in the predetermined position on the tracks. Alternatively, the fluid connection between the first fluid passage of a car and the second fluid passage that is attached to the pressure vessel is made through an axially pluggable connection between the ends of the ducts that form the first and second openings, and in which the fluid connection between adjacent cars in a row is made through an axially pluggable connection between the conduit ends forming the first openings and the conduit ends forming a third opening of the adjacent carriage, when the cars are registered in predetermined positions on the tracks . The respective passages are telephonically fit.

[015] Also included is a steam inlet system located outside the pressure vessel, the steam inlet system configured to deliver steam to the pressure vessel at a vapor flow rate that is sufficient for the porous material charge reach sufficient temperature within 15 minutes, while the steam intake system receives an external supply of steam preferably at a predetermined pressure comprised between 120 kPa and 300 kPa. The steam inlet system includes ducts connecting the external steam source and the pressure vessel in a manner generally known in the art with at least one main steam inlet valve, the main steam inlet valve to control the flow of steam through a steam inlet port inside the sterilizer vessel.

[016] The invention is particularly directed, but not exclusively, to achieve greater energy efficiency by operating a palm fruit sterilizer using lower temperature and vapor pressure, and shorter sterilization time for a satisfactory sterilization treatment of fruit clusters palm. The invention can be practiced with conventional pressure vessels of any configuration and size by treating porous loads placed in containers. The method and arrangement of the invention can also be implemented by reconfiguring existing sterilizers.

[017] The present invention provides a method and arrangement for the quick and effective removal of residual air from the bags formed by the bunches of fruit stacked in the interior space of the fruit cage by inducing a flow of steam through the interior space of the cage of fruit piled with bunches of fruit that sweeps out residual air. For the effective removal of residual air from the pockets, the flow of the vapor and air mixture induced through the interior space of the fruit cage must reach a turbulent fluid flow regime, which is effected by the development of an adequate pressure differential through of the interior space of the fruit cage. This sweeping action that facilitates the removal of residual air from within the interior space of the fruit cage is induced when the pressure in the pressure vessel rises after the admission of steam into the pressure vessel.

[018] Most of the indoor air between the outer walls of the sterilizing pressure vessel and the cages is advantageously dispersed by gravity displacement through the bottom primary air discharge ports when steam is first admitted into the pressure vessel and before the pressure rises appreciably. As the pressure in the sterilization pressure vessel begins to rise above atmospheric pressure, the flow of steam through the interior space of the stacked fruit cage with fruit clusters begins to sweep residual air out of the pockets. Rapid removal of residual air begins when the flow of the vapor and air mixture reaches turbulence. The surface temperature of the fruit clusters inside the fruit clusters stacked in the cage increases rapidly following closely the temperature of the steam inside the pot indicating an efficient dispersion of residual air from inside the fruit clusters stacked in the cage. This air dispersion process continues until almost all of the air is removed.

[019] Steam sweeping through the fruit cage is induced when the pressure differential is developed through the interior space of the fruit cage through a fluid connection with a first channel discharging a restricted flow of the sterilization fluid through a first discharge port to the outside. In practical application, the restricted flow of the sterilization fluid to the outside is controlled by external means to maintain the pressure differential at a design value of between about 100 Pa and 2000 Pa, which is suitable for inducing sweep mixing. Steam and turbulent air required through the bunch of fruit piled through the fruit cage. A sweep of steam and turbulent air mixing through the fruit cage lasting about three to five minutes will disperse the residual air to a desired level within the load of fruit clusters stacked in the fruit cages and, subsequently, the load of fruit clusters reaching a faster and more uniform distribution of the surface temperature in a range of 2 ° C below the saturation temperature of the steam corresponding to the prevailing pressure inside the pressure vessel. The rapid removal of residual air induces a saving in steam and thermal energy compared to the conventional practice of pulsating pressure from the pressure vessel to reach it.

[020] Furthermore, when advantageous the invention can be practiced with an inversion of the steam flow where steam is admitted into the first channel from the outside to induce the flow of steam through the interior space of the fruit cage from the first channel dispersing into the pressure vessel before the pressure inside begins to rise during the process of removing residual air.

[021] Preferably, the condensate collection in the first channel is removed separately so that it does not interfere with the removal of air and other non-condensable gases through the first discharge port. A large amount of condensate and, most notably oil and contaminated dust condensate from the fruit mass washes into the first channel especially during the initial heating phase when the process of removing residual air begins. The contaminated condensate is drained into the sterilization pressure vessel by means of condensate sealing tubes positioned between the first or a second channel and the interior of the pressure vessel. The condensate drained from the first or second channel through the condensate sealing tubes is discharged out of the pressure vessel through the condensate discharge ports of the sterilizer.

[022] Condensate sealing tubes advantageously provide support protection to limit the pressure differential in the event of uncontrolled rise. Limiting the pressure differential allows a simpler and more economical sealing arrangement and the creation of first and second channels and prevents undue turbulence in the fruit clusters.

[023] When advantageous, the condensate that falls from the fruit cages and the collection in the first channel is segregated from the condensate precipitation from the heating of the metal mass of the outer wall of the outer pressure vessel and fruit cage carriage inside. Segregation can facilitate the reuse of clean condensate separation and oil separation from contaminated condensate.

[024] An object of the present invention is to operate the sterilizer at reduced steam temperature and pressure close to the effective sterilization temperature of the porous load under treatment in which the lowest steam consumption and the highest energy efficiency is achieved.

[025] An object of the present invention is to configure and operate the sterilizer using reduced external supply vapor temperature and pressure compatible with the effective sterilization temperature for the porous load under treatment, thus improving the efficiency of mechanical energy generation in a backpressure steam engine supplying steam to the sterilizer, the engine operating with an operating pressure point design for its pressure output from the lower steam pressure feeder.

[026] Preferably, the sterilizer for treating palm fruit clusters is designed and configured to operate with an operating point designed for the supply vapor pressure between 1.2 bar (120 kPa) and less than 3.0 bar (300 kPa) and more preferable where the sterilizer is designed and configured to operate with an operating point designed for the supply vapor pressure between 1.5 bar (150 kPa) and less than 2.5 bar (250 kPa).

[027] The present invention is configured to operate the sterilizer at a reduced vapor pressure using external supply steam at a lower pressure to prevent sound flows during inlets and steam releases to avoid excessive turbulence and noise levels. The discharge of dry steam to atmospheric pressure at an upstream pressure of less than about 1.8 bar (180 kPa) prevents critical flow conditions in the operation of the sterilizer.

[028] The present invention is also configured to operate the sterilizer in single peak sterilization which prevents the use of pulsating pressure from the sterilizer to remove residual air, which is otherwise disturbing for an upstream steady state process where steam power comes from, like the generation of energy by a backpressure steam engine.

[029] In another aspect, the present invention is to operate the sterilizer in single peak sterilization with a cycle time shorter than the state of the art and thus achieve an increase in transfer capacity.

[030] In yet another aspect, the present invention is to operate the sterilizer at a lower and more uniform temperature distribution throughout the mass of the porous filler under treatment which reduces the risk of thermal denaturation of the treated porous filler and thus , improve product quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[031] The aforementioned properties and other characteristics and advantages of the present invention and how to achieve them will be more evident and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of configurations of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings , on what:

[032] Figure 1 shows an internal arrangement in the state of the art of a horizontal palm fruit sterilizer loaded with bunches of fruits stacked in cages and rolled into position on a pair of rails inside the sterilizer. The diagram highlights the difficulty in removing air.

[033] Figure 2 shows in more detail the distal cross-sectional view of an arrangement in the state of the art of a rail car that carries a fruit cage inside a sterilizing pressure vessel that illustrates the structure of and the wheels of the car on a pair of rails.

[034] Figure 3 shows details of an internal arrangement of a horizontal palm fruit sterilizer with an inventive facility to expel residual air from the inner pockets to the bunches of fruit stacked in cages by inducing a flow of steam through the bunches of stacked fruits (10) through the fruit cages (4). A slip-fit fluid connection (19) is used to effect a fluid passage between an interior (8) and the exterior of the pressure vessel (40).

[035] Figure 4 shows a preferred arrangement in which the condensate sealing tubes (18) are positioned between a second channel (16) and the interior (8) of the pressure vessel (40) to allow condensate from the second channel (16) drain into the pressure vessel (8c) (40), and facilitate the discharge of only the gaseous and vaporous content through the first discharge port (17) to the outside of the pressure vessel (40).

[036] Figure 5 shows the reverse fluid flow situation in which steam is being admitted to the first channel (15) from the outside through the first discharge port (17), so the removal of air is stimulated by means of inducing a flow of steam through the pile of fruit clusters (10) through the cages (4) into the interior (8) of the sterilizer during the process of removing residual air.

[037] Figure 6 shows in more detail the distal cross-sectional view of an arrangement of a fruit cage (4) in a car on a pair of rails inside a sterilization pressure vessel (40), with a unit for dissipate residual air from internal pockets to the pile of fruit clusters (10) in cages (4) by inducing a flow of steam through the interior of the cages (4). The arrangement of the carriage wheels, the first channel (15) and the second channel (16), slip-fit fluid connection (19) and the first discharge port (17) are illustrated in greater detail.

[038] Figure 7 shows in more detail the distal cross-sectional view with the preferred condensate sealing tubes (18) positioned between the second channel (16) and the interior (8) which provides drainage means for the condensate and limits the pressure differential along the inside of the cage (4) between the first channel (15) and the inside (8).

[039] Figure 8 shows in greater detail the distal cross-sectional view with greater detail of the first channel (15), second channel (16), slip-fit fluid connection (19) and the first discharge port (17) with the preferred condensate sealing tubes (18) positioned between the second channel (16) and the interior (8c). The tubes of projected static height, (h1) which affects the condensate drainage and (h2) which affects the maximum operating pressure differential are indicated.

[040] Figure 9 shows in more detail the lateral view in cross section of the lateral positions of the first discharge port (17) and condensate discharge port (7).

[041] Figure 10 shows in more detail the lateral cross-sectional view of an arrangement for removing the contaminated condensate collector in the second channel (16) out of the pressure vessel (40) through a second discharge port ( 17a).

[042] Figure 11 shows a side elevation view of the first channel (15), the second channel (16), the first discharge port (17), the carriage structure (13) and the slip-fit fluid connection ( 19) with the preferred condensate sealing tubes (18) positioned between the second channel (16) and the interior (8c).

[043] Figure 12 shows a plan view of the opening (161) of the first channel (15) of the fruit cage transport cart vertically aligned with the opening (162) on the second channel (16) forming a fluid connection that can be plugged by sliding (19).

[044] Figure 13 shows a plan view of an alternative arrangement of a single single fruit cage car (13) with the first segmented channel (15) with two openings (161) that abut with the respective openings (162) of the second channel (16) forming two slidable fluid connections (19) by fruit cage (4).

[045] Figure 14 shows a plan view of the sealing shoe plate (21) under the first channel (15) connected to the carriage frame (13) which engages with the resilient gasket (20) in the second channel (16 ) to form the slip-fit fluid connection (19).

[046] Figure 15 shows a plan view of the insertion of the resilient gasket (20) in the second channel (16) that engages with the sealing shoe plate (21) with the first channel (15) connected to the carriage frame (13) to form the slip-fit fluid connection (19).

[047] Figure 16 shows 3D geometric views of an arrangement of the first opening (161) connected to the carriage in the top view and the insertion of the resilient gasket (20) in the second channel in the bottom view that together form the connection slip-on fluid (19) when aligned in position.

[048] Figure 17 shows the arrangement of piping and valves to operate the sterilizer.

[049] Figure 18 illustrates the different phases of the sterilization process, showing the vapor pressure in the pressure vessel over time as the sterilizer is put into operation.

[050] Figure 19 shows a configuration of the invention a telescopic axial sliding fluid connection is used to effect a fluid passage between an interior (8) and the exterior of the pressure vessel (40). A discharge duct (36) passes through the first channel (15) which is attached to the moving car.

[051] Figure 20 shows a side elevation view of the arrangement in which the discharge tube (36) passes through the first channel (15) that is connected to the moving car (13).

[052] Figure 21 shows the details of fluid connections plugged in by detachment between the respective discharge ducts (36) of a plurality of car in a row and with the first discharge port (17) that forms the discharge outlet terminal for expelling residual air from the discharge duct (36) to the outside. Detachable fluid connections by detachment (22) by means of a flexible hose joint (33, 34) and an alternative means of telescopic slide connector with sealing ring to provide a path between the respective discharge ducts (36) and between the discharge duct (36) and the outside through the first discharge port (17) are shown.

[053] Figure 22 shows a configuration of the invention in a preferred arrangement, in which a pair of condensate sealing tubes (18) is located in the first channel (15) attached to the structure of the mobile cart (13) to allow drainage of condensed from the first channel (15) to the inside (8c) of the pressure vessel (40). A side sliding insertable fluid connection (19) is used to pass the fluid between an interior (8) and the outside of the pressure vessel (40).

[054] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is intended, however, that unless particularly specified, dimensions, materials, relative positions and so forth of the constituent parts of the configurations are to be interpreted as merely illustrative and not as limiting the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[055] The invention is directed to a method and an apparatus to improve energy and time efficiency in the operation of a steam sterilizer used to treat porous loads placed in open containers and loaded in pressure vessels.

[056] In this description, the term "effective sterilization temperature" refers to a minimum temperature and time ratio temperature that must be maintained throughout all portions of a mass load to achieve effective sterilization. As the sterilization temperature decreases, the time can be increased to obtain effective temperature sterilization with a minimum limiting value. For example, for the sterilization of clusters of palm fruits, the effective sterilization temperature is 110 ° C for an exposure time of about 65 minutes at temperature. For an effective sterilization temperature at 100 ° C, a longer exposure time of about 90 minutes is required. The temperature of 100 ° C is considered the lowest temperature for effective sterilization regardless of any longer exposure. For the sterilization of palm fruit clusters, the ratio of temperature and effective sterilization time is determined by the desired percentage of threshed clusters after sterilization.

[057] In this description, the term "heat treatment" also means sterilization if the load of porous material is a load of clusters of palm fruits.

[058] In this description, the term "condensate seal tube" refers to a liquid seal tube to allow the liquid drained from the container to drain into the pressure vessel without allowing the gaseous and vaporous contents go through it.

[059] In this description, the term "steam engine" refers to a machine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid through the action of heat. It includes steam turbines, steam piston engines and engines steam rotary.

[060] In this description, the term "pressurized steam" refers to steam at a higher pressure than an atmospheric pressure.

[061] The pressure values described in the present specification refer to an absolute pressure, where the atmospheric pressure is about ∞ of a bar (100 kPa).

[062] The elements that are not necessary to understand the present invention, such as, for example, the sterilizer doors, the safety door mechanism, thermal insulation, the detailed structural design of the cage and the car, the structural design of the first channel and detailed design of the seals are not shown in the drawings.

[063] A sterilizer operates using a sterilizing agent such as steam under pressure. The sterilizing effect comes from the elevation of the temperature of the load loaded in the sterilizer where the heat to raise the temperature of the material under sterilization comes from the enthalpy of steam vaporization. Saturated steam is able to penetrate materials with lower temperatures, because once the steam comes in contact with a cooler surface, it immediately condenses into water transmitting the vaporization enthalpy, producing a great concomitant decrease in the volume of steam, for example, a decrease of 1,100 times in volume in the condensation of 1.5 bar (150 kPa) of pressure. This creates a negative pressure at the dew point and draws more steam into the area. Condensation continues as long as the temperature of the condensing surface is lower than that of steam. These properties ensure a rapid heating of surfaces and a good penetration of heat in dense materials to treat the material under sterilization. Potential problems are air pockets that form thermal insulation between the vapor and the material surface, especially prevalent in porous charges. Condensed water moistening the surface can also prevent steam from transmitting its evaporation enthalpy efficiently. Any remaining air diffused in the porous load transmits a partial pressure and the lower partial pressure resulting from the vapor of the mixture of air and steam will process at a temperature lower than that corresponding to the pressure of the sterilization inside (8). These problems are particularly prominent in porous charges placed in containers for sterilization and are addressed by the present invention.

[064] The superior energy and time efficiency of the sterilizer operation to treat porous loads as described in these specifications are achieved by pre-conditioning the porous loads in the container with a flow of steam dispersing the air pockets trapped in the porous load, such a method is efficient, reliable and economical to remove trapped air that currently inhibits the penetration of steam into the porous charge. By substantially dispersing air and other non-condensable gases from the porous material charge, the saturated vapor is able to reach the interior of the entire porous charge and condense on the surfaces of the porous charge allowing the porous charges to reach a more even temperature distribution. uniform and rapid temperature rise throughout its mass that closely follows the vapor saturation temperature in the open interior space of the pressure vessel. On the other hand, the effective dispersion of air and other non-condensable gases allows steam to be used in the open interior space of the pressure vessel at a temperature and pressure corresponding to close to the effective sterilization temperature for the porous load. When the steam output from a power generation backpressure steam engine is used as an external steam source for sterilization, there is a particular advantage in upstream energy generation efficiency by preventing the use of any temperature and pressure of higher vapor pressure other than that corresponding to the effective sterilization temperature for the treatment of porous cargo, the function of the higher vapor conditions being merely to compensate for inefficient air removal. The more uniform temperature distribution and the rapid increase in temperature of the porous load allow for a shorter short period of time for effective sterilization, thus further reducing the thermal energy required per production volume.

[065] The configurations described here are particularly oriented to achieve greater energy and time efficiency when operating a palm fruit sterilizer, where a plurality of row cars loaded with bunches of palm fruits in open top cages are rotated for a horizontally positioned cylindrical steam sterilization vessel for treatment. The greatest efficiencies are achieved through the use of a lower pressure steam and shorter sterilization time to achieve a satisfactory sterilization treatment. However, the invention can be practiced with conventional pressure vessels of any configuration and size for treating porous charges placed in open containers that inherently make dispersion of air pockets difficult.

[066] A sterilizer commonly used to treat bunches of palm fruit and similar fruits with steam under controlled conditions includes a horizontally positioned pressure vessel (40) having an inlet and outlet for loading open top cages loaded with fruit clusters fresh and to unload the cages with clusters of treated fruits. Such a sterilization operation is illustrated, by way of example, to describe the invention.

[067] It is known that the effective sterilization temperature for bunches of fresh palm fruits is around 110 ° C with an exposure time under this temperature of about 65 minutes, in which time it is to allow heat penetrate to the core of the fruit cluster. Saturated steam of about 110 ° C temperature and 1.5 bar pressure (150 kPa) as the sterilizing agent is capable of producing a satisfactory treatment in a duration of 65 minutes, if it comes in contact with the surface of the whole pile of fruit clusters inside the cages and loaded into the sterilizer. However, the residual air present in the bags formed in the fruit clusters stacked in the cages after conventional air removal methods prevent the vapor from coming into intimate contact with the surfaces of the fruit clusters along the porous charge.

[068] The configuration illustrated in Figure 3 provides a passage of fluid to the steam between an inside (8) and an outside (yy) of the pressure vessel (40) through the load of the fruit clusters (10) through the cage of fruits (4) made through the inclusion of a lateral lockable fluid connection between the mobile and fixed components of the sterilizer.

[069] A first channel (15) is provided with the mobile cart (13) to be in fluid communication with the interior of the fruit cage (4) through an opening in a wall of the first channel (15) and at least one opening (51) through the surface of the container (4) through which the fluid can flow between the first channel (15) and the interior of the fruit cage (4). Conveniently fluid communication is provided across the bottom floor surface (11) of the container (4) to facilitate the discharge of condensate by gravity through the opening (51).

[070] The first channel (15) fits in fluid communication with a second channel (16) that is installed inside the pressure vessel (40) when a first opening (161) is provided in a wall of the first channel (15 ) leans against a second opening (162) provided on the wall of the second channel (16), forming a set of interlocking fluids through which the fluid can flow between the first channel (15) and the second channel (16) while the cars they are rotated to their positions inside the pressure vessel (40). The second channel (16) is fluidly connected through at least one first discharge port (17) to the outside of the pressure vessel (40). The arrangement provides a first fluid passage (151) that extends from the opening (51) through the surface of the container (4) to the interface of a fluid joint hinged on the movable carriage (13) and a second fluid path (152) extending from the interface on the plug-in fluid joint to a first discharge port (17) to establish a fluid passage between the opening (51) through the surface of the container (4) and an exterior (yy) pressure vessel (40).

[071] A pressure differential is established between the inside (8) and the opening (51) through the surface of the container (4) through the pile of fruit clusters (10) in the container (4), when the first channel ( 15) is subjected to a pressure (P2) lower than the pressure (P1) that prevails inside (8) through the first channel (15) connecting to an external pressure. The pressure differential induces a flow of steam through the charge of the fruit clusters (10) through the interior of the cages (4), thus removing the residual air from the pockets inside the pile of fruit clusters (10) in the cages (4 ). When an inverse flow method is adopted, the pressure (P2) in the first channel (15) is greater than the internal pressure (P1) in the manner described below. The first and second fluid passages (151, 152) will have an effective flow area for generating sufficient fluid flow through the passages (151, 152) to establish the necessary pressure differential especially when the pressure (P1) is a slightly higher than atmospheric pressure.

[072] At least one perforation (5) can be provided in the side walls of the cages (4) so that a more uniform distribution of the steam flow is produced by loading fruit clusters (10) through the cage of fruits (4), depending on the shape and size of the fruit cages (4), the nature of the stacking of the fruit clusters (10) in the cage and the size distribution of the fruit clusters.

[073] External steam is admitted into the pressure vessel (40) through one or more steam inlet ports (1) above the inlet steam deflector (2). When steam is initially admitted into the pressure vessel (40) which is sealed after being loaded with bunches of fruit (10) stacked in cages (4), most of the air present inside (8) is optionally exhaled by downward gravity displacement through lower primary air discharge tubes (6). The primary air discharge tubes (6) are side tubes with perforations along the length of the tubes for air ventilation on both sides of the cages and with at least one discharge outlet to the outside of the pressure vessel (40). The condensate is discharged through the condensate discharge port (7). Steam is admitted at low speed during the initial phase of removing air to limit any turbulence and to allow buoyancy to lift up the lighter vapor that pushes air down into the vessel (40). The difference in density between the steam and the air develops the buoyancy of steam to displace a stratified lower layer of air that is pushed out through the lower primary air discharge tubes (6). As the air inside (8) is expelled out of the pressure vessel, the vapor comes into contact and heats the metal mass of the outside wall of the pressure vessel (3) and the fruit cage carriage. When the temperatures of the outer wall (3) and the fruit cage carriage approach the temperature of the steam inside (8), the pressure inside (8) starts to rise.

[074] As the pressure inside (8) rises, a pressure differential develops through the interior of the fruit cages (4) between the inside (8) and the channel (15) that is opened to the outside a a lower pressure through the first discharge port (17) through which a restricted flow of fluid is passed out. The higher the restricted flow rate passing out through the first discharge port (17), the greater the pressure differential that develops. The pressure differential induces a sweep of steam through the pile of fruit clusters (10) through the interior space of the fruit cage (4) from the inside (8) to the first channel (15). For the effective removal of residual air from the pockets, the mixture of steam and induced air flowing through the interior space of the fruit cage (4) must achieve a turbulent fluid flow regime, which is effected by the development of suitable pressure differential through the interior space of the fruit cage (4). In practical application, a pressure differential of about 100 Pa to 1000 Pa is adequate to induce the swirling of the mixture of steam and turbulent air through the fruit cage (4). Preferably, a pressure differential between 400 Pa to 1000 Pa is used for the sterilization of clusters of palm fruits. The residual air is swept out of the pockets by the flow of steam that continues while the first discharge port (17) is properly discharging to the outside. The flow of steam through the stacked fruit clusters (10) through the fruit cages (4) is maintained for a period of about three to five minutes after a sweep of steam and turbulent air is induced or until substantial air is displaced from the stacked fruit clusters (10) in the interior space of the fruit cage (4). During this period, most of the fruit clusters stacked (10) in the fruit cages (4) would achieve a rapid rise in temperature and a more uniform surface temperature distribution within a range of 2 ° C below the saturation temperature of the vapor corresponding to the prevailing pressure inside (8). The exudation fluid from the container consists of air, other non-condensable gases, steam and condensate drawn from inside the pile of fruit clusters (10) is discharged through at least one first discharge port (17) to the outside.

[075] For closer packed porous loads, deeper containers or for faster air dispersion, a higher pressure differential of between about 1000 Pa and 2000 Pa is used to advantage.

[076] The described process of air dispersion in stagnation with the interior space of the fruit cage (4) is proficient, consistent and economical. As the air is removed from the air pockets, the surface temperature of the bunches of fruit stacked in the cage increases rapidly and more evenly distributed across the stack, closely following the increase in the saturation temperature of the steam that prevails inside (8 ), indicating the efficient air dispersion inside the bunches of fruit stacked in the cage (4).

[077] The efficient removal of air allows the use of lower vapor pressure which in turn allows the efficient use of steam to generate energy and heat combined by an upstream backpressure steam engine. An increase in the processing capacity of a sterilizer is also achieved due to the shorter duration of sterilization. The configurations contemplated and disclosed herein restrict the range of temperature distribution in the porous load to be heat treated in a single peak sterilization, to allow the use of a lower vapor saturation temperature that prevails inside (8) in comparison with the state of the art. The lowest indoor vapor saturation temperature (8) used in the state of the art method for satisfactory heat treatment of palm fruits is 134 ° C at a pressure of 3 bar, which is 24 ° C above the temperature effective sterilization temperature of 110 ° C. The present invention uses a vapor saturation temperature inside (8) below 10 ° C above the predetermined effective sterilization temperature of the palm fruit clusters (10) is used for heat treatment . Preferably, a vapor saturation temperature inside (8) below 4 ° C above the predetermined effective sterilization temperature of the palm fruit bunches (10) is used for heat treatment. More preferably, a vapor saturation temperature inside (8) of less than 2 ° C above the predetermined effective sterilization temperature of the palm fruit bunches (10) is used.

[078] Preferably, the condensate exuding from the interior of the container (4) is removed separately so as not to interfere with the flow of fluid in the first passage (151) and the second passage (152) and prevent the removal of air and other gases non-condensable. A large amount of condensate, and more especially oil and contaminated dust condensate from the fruit mass washes into the first channel (15), especially during the initial heating phase when a flow of water vapor is established through the cage of fruits (4).

[079] In another embodiment of the invention, the air initially present in the interior (8) is ventilated through the bunches of fruits (10) in the cages through the first discharge port (17) to the outside of the pressure vessel (40), preventing the evacuation of air through the bottom primary air discharge tubes (6) and without the use of perforation (5) on the side wall of the fruit cage (4) so that the air is deliberately kept inside (8b) , between the outer wall (3) and the fruit cage wall. The use of a slightly elevated grid (12, Figure 6), particularly in this configuration, can promote a more uniform distribution of the steam flow through the load of fruit clusters (10). The air trapped inside (8b) provides thermal insulation between the outer wall (3) and the cage wall thereby reducing heat loss through heating the outer wall (3) and the fruit cage cart (13). An inlet steam deflector (2) configured to deflect inlet steam away from the outer wall (3) of the pressure vessel further helps in reducing heat loss. The condensate from the interior (8) is released through the condensate discharge port (7) and as a trapping means to retain the gaseous content. This arrangement requires the removal of condensate from the second channel (16) through a second discharge port (17a, Figure 10) out of the sterilizing vessel (40).

[080] Figure 4 shows a preferred configuration in which the condensate exuding from the interior of the container (4) is allowed to flow from the second channel (16) into the interior (8c) by means of condensate sealing tubes (18) positioned between the second channel (16) and the interior (8c) of the pressure vessel (40). The gaseous and vaporous content is discharged to the outside through the discharge duct (37) in fluid connection with the first discharge port (17). Condensate flowing from the second channel (16) inwards (8c) through the condensate sealing tubes (18) is discharged out of the pressure vessel (40) through the condensate discharge port (7).

[081] Where advantageous, in a configuration as shown in Figure 5, the flow of the fluid is reversed, in which the vapor from an external source is admitted into the first channel (15) through the first discharge port (17) and a differential of pressure is developed between the first channel (15) and the interior (8) to induce a flow of steam through the bunches of fruit stacked (10) in the cages (4) discharging inside (8) to effect the removal of residual air. Steam from an external source is admitted during the process of removing air through the first exhaust port (17) before or at the same time that steam is admitted to the interior (8) through the steam inlet port (1 ) and the resulting induced steam flows through the stacked fruit clusters (10) in the cages (4) continues until the pressure inside (8) starts to rise. Residual air dispersed from the inside (8) is released to the outside via the primary lower air discharge tubes (6).

[082] Figures 6 and 7 show in greater detail the cross-sectional end views of an arrangement of a fruit cage (4) on a cart with wheels on a pair of rails (14) inside a pressure vessel of sterilization (40) of the described configuration.

[083] Figure 6 shows an arrangement of a fruit cage (4) on a carriage (13) inside the pressure vessel (40), providing a slip-fit fluid connection (19) to effect the passage of fluid between the inside (8) and the outside (yy) of the pressure vessel (40). The flat, solid floor (11) of the fruit cage (4) is provided with an opening or perforations (51) through which fluid can flow between the interior of the fruit cage (4) and the first channel (15) to establish a fluid connection. The opening or perforations (51) through the floor of the cage (11) and the first channel (15) are thus arranged so as to achieve a more uniform fluid distribution of vapor through the pile of fruit clusters (10) through the inside the fruit cage (4). Advantageously, the solid floor base plate (11) is provided with perforations (51) substantially at or adjacent to the longitudinal centerline of the solid floor (11) to facilitate the distribution of more uniform fluid flow through the interior of the cage (4) through the first channel (15). The opening (51) can take the form of elongated holes or grooves with an area adapted to flow through them with fluid including condensate so that the pressure difference through the opening (51) during the process of removing residual air is preferably less than 200 Pa and more preferably less than 100 Pa. The pressure differential between the interior (8) and the opening or perforations (51) necessary to achieve a turbulent fluid flow regime through the interior space of the fruit cage (4) is influenced by the effectiveness of removing condensate from inside the container (4), where a lower pressure differential is advantageous, and the design and dimensioning of the opening or perforations (51) has an effect on the results. Conveniently the fluid communication provided through the bottom floor of the cage (4) facilitates the discharge of condensate by gravity through the perforations (51). The perforations (51) are thus dimensioned to not allow fruits or clusters of fruits (10) to pass through them, but to allow an abundant flow of fluid including condensate. Conveniently, a slightly raised grid (12) above the flat, solid floor (11) of the fruit cage (4) can provide an empty space for the passage of fluid in order to increase a more uniform distribution of steam flow through the load of fruit clusters (10). The fruit cage (4) is either attached to the carriage support structure (13) or an integral or removable part. In the first case, the first channel (15) is preferably connected to the fruit cage (4). When the fruit cage (4) is removable from the carriage frame (13), the first channel (15) is preferably connected to that of the carriage (13) and a resilient gasket insert (31) will provide fluid sealing between the inside the fruit cage (4) and the first channel (15) when the fruit cage (4) is placed on the carriage frame (13). The resilient gasket insert (31) is compressed to deform and make a sealing contact between the two coupling surfaces providing a fluid connection to allow the sterilization fluid to enter and exit between the interior of the fruit cage (4 ) and the first channel (15).

[084] A first opening (161) provided in a wall of the first channel (15) abuts a second opening (162) provided in a wall of the second channel (6), forming a set of fluid that can be inserted by sliding (19) ∞ m an intermediate resilient gasket insert (20) through which fluid can flow between the first channel (15) and the second channel (16), when the carriages are rotated to their predetermined positions on the tracks (14 ). The second channel (16) is fluidly connected through at least one first discharge port (17) to the outside (yy) of the pressure vessel (40).

[085] The fluid flowing from the interior of the fruit cage (4) to the first channel (15) consisting of air, other non-condensable gases, steam and condensate is discharged through the second channel (16) through the first discharge (17) to the outside. Condensate from the inside (8) is discharged out of the pressure vessel (40) through the condensate discharge port (7).

[086] The described configuration of the invention shows an arrangement in which a plurality of cars in a row carrying fruit cages (4) loaded with the porous load (10) are rotated into the sterilization pressure vessel (40) on a pair of rails (14). The trolleys are laterally aligned by the rails and positioned inside the pressure vessel before the sterilizer doors close. In such an arrangement of the palm fruit sterilizer, the seal seal design is suitable for leading cars that pass through several seal openings before reaching their final positions. To facilitate this requirement, the design of a slip-fit assembly (19) that provides fluid connection between the interior of the movable cage (4) and the second stationary channel (16) is provided. The design of the plug-in set (19) will have simpler options when a single loaded car for treatment is turned to the sterilizer. For example, the rails inside the sterilizer provided with sections inclined to a lower level to allow the carriage structure (13) to lower in contact with the opening (162) in the top wall of the second channel (16) forming the set of plug-in fluid (19) with an intermediate resilient seal (20) when the cage (4) is rotated into position inside the sterilizer.

[087] Figure 7 shows an arrangement of the second channel (16) with preferred condensate seal tubes (18). The condensate sealing tubes (18) facilitate the removal of condensate from the second channel (16) through the condensate sealing tubes (18) into the interior (8c) of the pressure vessel (40). A discharge duct (37) located above the liquid level in the second channel (16) facilitates the discharge of only the gaseous and vaporous content to the outside of the pressure vessel (40) through the first discharge port (17). The discharge duct (37) is an elongated duct with an opening to allow the flow of gaseous and vaporous contents into the duct. See Figure 9 for details. The condensate that drains from the second channel (16) through condensate sealing tubes (18) is discharged out of the sterilization vessel (40) through the condensate discharge port (7). The arrangement with the condensate sealing tubes (18) provides an efficient removal of gases and vapors by preventing the condensate from interfering with the air removal ducts and valves. Any dust sediment that accumulates in the second channel (16) is removed during regular maintenance. Advantageously, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the pressure differential that develops between the first channel (15) and the interior (8) is limited by the condensate sealing tubes (18). The condensate collection in the first channel (15) provides the liquid seal for the condensate sealing tubes (18) to maintain the pressure differential. At the beginning of the sterilization operation cycle, condensate sealing tubes (18) are filled with condensate from the previous operation.

[088] Figure 8 shows more details of a fluid connection that can be inserted by lateral sliding (19). The slip-fit fluid connection (19) formed between a sealing shoe plate (21) forming a peripheral surface of a first open opening (161) provided in a wall of the first channel (15) and a resilient gasket insert (20) forming a peripheral surface of a second open opening (162) provided on the wall of the second channel (16). Conveniently, the sealing shoe plate (21) can be provided on the wall of the second channel (16) and the insertion of a resilient seal (20) provided on the wall of the first channel (15) with the position being inverted. When the first opening (161) aligns with the second opening (162), the resilient gasket insert (20) is pressed against the sealing shoe plate (21) to deform and make a sealing contact between the two coupling surfaces providing a tight slip-fit fluid connection fluid (19) to allow the sterilization fluid to enter and exit between the first channel (15) and the second channel (16).

[089] The resilient gasket inserts (20, 31) are of any suitable material that has good compression regulation values and can withstand the maximum exposure temperature and is resistant to the sterilizing agent fluid and other contaminants, such as , steam, water and vegetable oil in the case of sterilization of palm fruits. Among the materials suitable for the resilient seal joint inserts (20, 31) are soft elastomeric materials ∞mo Nitrile Rubber (NBR), VMQ Silicone Rubbers (VMQ) and CR Polychloroprene Rubbers (CR). An elastomer with a good adjusted compression value will attempt to return to its relaxed position for many operating cycles. The profile of the gasket insert (20) and the corresponding profile of a groove that holds the seal insert in place can be of different shapes or sizes suitable to provide an efficient gasket forming the slip-fit fluid connection (19 ). The inserted Figure 8a shows an alternative profile. A sealing joint design that provides about 25% compression for the joint is considered necessary to provide acceptable sealing force and a joint deformation between 15 and 30 34147 mm to accept the dimensional tolerance of the carriage height. rails. Lateral movements are allowed by the inherent characteristic of the seal design. The gasket insert will be either closed cell foam or solid or hollow or a combination of sections of suitable material. The gasket insert can be extruded or spliced. The corners of the joint will be cut and vulcanized or seamed to provide an effective tight fluid seal. The sliding surface of the sealing shoe plate (21), preferably of stainless steel, will be polished to a highly smooth surface to reduce abrasion with the joint. The sliding surface of the sealing shoe plate (21) is preferably provided with shallow lubricating wrinkles. A medium can be provided for brushing clean dust and applying appropriate lubricant to the surface of the sealing shoe plate (21) by means of an automatic applicator filled with suitable lubricant located inside or outside the pressure vessel (40). A plurality of slip-fit fluid connections (19) can be provided for each fruit cage (4) as shown in Figure 13, such number of slip-fit fluid connections (19) depends, for example, on the availability of insert sizes gasket, ease of installation or maintenance, and cost considerations.

[090] The design of the second channel (16) can be adopted with different configurations. When the plurality of cars in a row carrying fruit cages (4) are rotated for the sterilizer, second individual channels (16) serving each fruit cage (4) with its first separate discharge port (17) for the pressure vessel (40) can be provided to isolate leaks in the slip-fit fluid connection (19) from any fruit cage (4). Alternatively, one or more second continuous channels (16) with their respective separate first discharge ports (17) can be provided to serve a plurality of cars in a row with rotated cages for the sterilizer, in whose arrangement a complete set of cages must be positioned in the sterilizer to develop the pressure differential. However, in such an arrangement, leaks in one or more slip-fit fluid connections (19) would cause the pressure differential to deteriorate throughout the system.

[091] Figure 8 further illustrates the design of static height tubes (h1) and (h2) of condensate sealing tubes (18). These static heights are the height differences between the respective surfaces of the liquid in the condensate sealing tubes (18) as indicated. An operating pressure differential between the second channel (16) and the interior (8) increasing close to (h1) will prevent the flow of condensate through the condensate sealing tubes (18) and cause condensate from the second channel (16) goes up, and the increase in operating pressure differential above (h1) will cause the condensate to overflow into the discharge duct (37). An operating pressure differential between the second channel (16) and the interior (8), increasing to (h2) is the limit value, above which the pressure differential of the condensate sealing tubes (8) will not maintain the effect seal and the steam from the inside (8) will pass through the condensate seal tubes (18) to the second channel (16). Advantageously, limiting the operating pressure differential to (h2) allows for a simpler economic design for the first and second channels (15,16) together with the sealing devices (19, 31) and prevents potential damage for the slip-on fluid connection (19) due to the excess pressure that causes the extrusion of the resilient gasket insert (20). In addition, undue turbulence in the fruit clusters (10) is avoided by maintaining the small operating pressure differential. In practical application, the condensate sealing tubes (18) are designed to operate the sterilizer at a pressure differential of between about 100 Pa and 1000 Pa (between 10 mm and 100 mm column of water) which is sufficient to induce a sweep a mixture of steam and turbulent air across the fruit cage. The operating pressure differential will be less than (h1) and is controlled by the restricted fluid flow rate through the first discharge port (17). The design value of the pressure differential tube (h2) is to provide an operating margin greater than (h1), before the condensate seal tubes (18) break. The condensate sealing tubes (18) provide protection to limit the pressure differential, in case the fluid flow rate through the first discharge port (17) is inadvertently left uncontrolled.

[092] Figure 9 shows in more detail the lateral view in cross section of the lateral positions of the discharge duct (37), the first discharge port (17) and the condensate discharge port (7).

[093] Figure 10 shows in more detail the lateral cross-sectional view of an arrangement for removing the condensate collector in the second channel (16) out of the sterilization vessel (40) through a second discharge port (17a ). In cases where it is advantageous, the condensate that falls from the fruit cages (4) and the collection in the second channel (16) will be segregated from the precipitate condensate by heating the metal mass of the pressure vessel (40) on the outer wall ( 3) and the fruit cage cart (13) for collecting inside (8c). A second discharge port (17a) is provided to discharge the contaminated condensate collection in the second channel (16) out of the pressure vessel (40) while maintaining the first discharge port (17) for the discharge of the gaseous content. In such an arrangement, the condensate sealing tubes (18) can be retained to limit the pressure difference. The condensate discharge port (7) discharges the clean condensate collected inside (8c). Segregation can facilitate the reuse of clean separation of condensate and clean oil from contaminated condensate.

[094] Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are shown to illustrate the described configuration of the invention.

[095] Figure 17 shows the arrangement of piping and valves to operate the sterilizer. A main steam inlet valve (23) and an auxiliary steam inlet valve (24) controls the flow of external steam supply through the steam inlet ports (1) into the pressure vessel (40) above the inlet steam deflector (2). The auxiliary steam valve, which has a smaller diameter, serves to admit steam at a low flow rate during the initial phase of heating and de-aeration, when the steam consumption is the highest to limit the speed and moderate turbulence and thus allow the buoyancy vapor push the air in the vessel (40) downwards. The inlet steam deflector (2) distributes the inlet steam more evenly over the length of the sterilizer. The steam intake system, including the steam inlet ports (1), inlet steam deflector (2), main inlet steam valve (23) and auxiliary inlet steam valve (24) are configured and dimensioned for the higher specific volume of steam inherent in reducing the steam pressure from sterilization operation and the reduced pressure of an external steam source to limit pressure drops and flow speeds. The steam intake system will allow the steam flow rate required for the sterilizer to achieve the desired pressure-time profile of operation, as shown in Figure 18, with an external steam supply pressure to the intake system of steam maintained preferably at a predetermined design value between 120 kPa and less than 300 kPa, such that the duration between the intake of steam at point (a) and the operating pressure range at point (d) in Figure 18 will be less than 15 minutes. More preferably, the external steam supply pressure to the steam intake system is maintained at a predetermined design value between 150 kPa and less than 250 kPa. The ducts for conveying the necessary amount of steam from the external supply at vapor pressures of predetermined design to the pressure vessel (40) are preferably dimensioned so that the flow velocity does not exceed 40 m / s to avoid excessive erosion and noise levels. An increase in the number of steam inlet ports (1), main steam inlet valve (23) and auxiliary steam inlet valve (24) can be used to achieve an economical configuration. The inlet steam deflector (2) is configured for steam admitted at low speed during the initial air removal phase to limit any turbulence and facilitate the gravity of the initial downward displacement of the air in the vessel (40). An exhaust steam valve (25) releases steam from the pressure vessel (40) to the outside at the end of the sterilization cycle. A primary air discharge valve (28) releases air and other non-condensable gases through the primary air discharge ports (6) from the inside (8) of the pressure vessel (40) to the outside. The condensate discharge valve (29) releases the large amount of precipitate condensate during the initial heating and collects inside (8) through the condensate discharge ports (7) quickly to prevent flooding of the pressure vessel (40). A bypass condensate discharge valve (26) is a continuous bleed valve that is substantially opened throughout the sterilization cycle, where an orifice can be adjusted as an alternative to valve (26) to provide a continuous condensate drain. The bypass condensate discharge valve (26) is designed to purge condensate from the pressure vessel (40) at the sterilizing operating pressure.

[096] A first air discharge valve (30) capable of selectively providing fluid communication between the first discharge port (17) and an external one connected to the valve (30) is provided as an external means of throttling and opening the fluid flow. The first air discharge valve (30) releases air and other non-condensable gases from the second channel (16) through the first discharge ports (17) to an outside during the bleeding step when pressure in the pressure vessel (40) is low. The first air discharge valve (30) and associated discharge pipe of the first discharge port (17) are designed for the discharge of fluid consisting of air, other non-condensable gases and steam at a rate sufficient to develop a pressure differential operating range between about 100 Pa and 1,000 Pa through the first channel (15, Figure 3) and the interior (8, Fig. 3) when the sterilization pressure reaches a small pressure increase, at about 1.2 bar (120 kPa) inside (8) during operation. The development of the required differential pressure differential is advantageously delayed until a small pressure increase is achieved to provide economical sizing of fluid passages (151, 152) and external means of flow control. The operating pressure differential between the first channel (15, Figure 3) and the interior (8, Figure 3) during the steam pressure sterilization operation is checked by means of a differential pressure meter measuring the pressure differential between the first discharge port (17) to the pressure tap outside the sterilization pressure vessel (40) and a tap for the pressure inside (8). Bypassing the sterilization pressure vessel (40) for the measurement of the pressure differential, the number of openings for the pressure vessel (40) is reduced. A first bypass air discharge valve (27) is a continuous bleed valve that is opened substantially throughout the sterilization cycle where an orifice can be adjusted as an alternative to valve (27) to provide continuous air bleed and other non-condensable gases, steam and condensate entrained from the second channel (16). The first bypass air discharge valve (27) is dimensioned to prevent the accumulation of condensate in the discharge pipe that connects the first discharge port (17) when the first air discharge valve (30) is closed during operation sterilization.

[097] Figure 18 illustrates the different phases of the sterilization process with the method and apparatus revealed here, showing the vapor pressure inside (8) with time while the sterilizer is put into operation. It is a single peak sterilization process to reach a sterilization temperature of 110 ° C. Referring to Figure 17, the required number of cars in a row that carries the fruit cages (4) stacked with clusters of palm fruit ( 10) are rotated on the pair of rails (14) for the open sterilizer and positioned for the correct alignment of the first opening (161) with the second opening (162) to form the slip-fit fluid connection (19) as previously described. The sterilization door is then closed followed by the closing of the steam relief valve (25). The primary air discharge valve (28), condensate discharge valve (29) and first air discharge valve (30) are opened to the outside. The bypass condensate discharge valve (26) and the first bypass air discharge valve (27) remain open. The auxiliary steam inlet valve (24) is then opened to allow the external supply of steam to the pressure vessel (40) to initiate the sterilization operation. Air, other non-condensable gases and condensate begin to discharge from the pressure vessel (40) starting at point (a).

[098] The pressure inside (8) begins to rise at point (b), indicating that the temperature of the metal mass of the outer wall (3) of the pressure vessel (40) and the fruit cage carriage ( 13) came close to the steam saturation temperature inside (8). Most of the indoor air (8) is dispersed by downward gravity displacement through the bottom primary air discharge ports (6) at point (b). As the pressure in the interior (8) rises beyond point (b), a pressure differential develops through the fruit cages (4) between the interior (8) and the first channel (15) that is opened for an exterior through the first discharge port (17) and the first air discharge valve (30) which passes the fluid to the outside. The pressure differential between the first channel (15) and the interior (8), varying as the pressure inside (8) rises, is adjusted by throttling and the opening of the fluid flow between the first channel (15) and the outside by means of the first air discharge valve (30), however, in practice, the first air discharge valve (30) can be kept completely open when the pressure is rising in the sterilization process. The pressure differential causes a flow of steam through the pile of fruit clusters (10) through the interior space of the fruit cage (4) from the inside (8) to the first channel (15) by sweeping air pockets. Point (c) indicates that sufficient pressure differential is developed between the interior (8) and the first channel (16) to induce a sweep of steam and turbulent air through the interior space of the fruit cage (4).

[099] Point (c) can be checked using the differential pressure measurement described above. However, in practice point (c) is established by the small pressure increase in the vessel (40), about 1.2 bar (120 kPa), at the point where the primary air discharge valve (28) and the valve condensate drain (29) are closed. Alternatively, point (c) is established by the condensate temperature at the condensate discharge port (7) or second discharge port (17a), say about 103 ° C. The fluid flow through the first discharge valve of air (30) is subsequently continued for a duration of about three to five minutes until point (g) substantially disperses residual air out of the fruit cages (4). The first air discharge valve (30) is then closed and the main steam inlet valve (23) is gradually opened to admit steam into the pressure vessel (40). Most of the residual air from the interior space of the fruit cage (4) with a pile of fruit clusters (10) will be dispersed at point (g). Alternatively, air detection means for discharging fluid from the first air discharge port (17) can be used to check point (g). The efficient air dispersion is objectively verified by the desired percentage of threshed fruit clusters after sterilization. In addition to point (g), a more uniform surface temperature distribution is achieved within the load of fruit clusters (10), closely following the vapor saturation temperature that corresponds to the prevailing pressure inside (8).

[100] The bypass condensate discharge valve (26) remains open substantially throughout the sterilization cycle providing a continuous drain of the condensate. Likewise, the first bypass air discharge valve (27) remains preferably open substantially throughout the sterilization cycle, providing a continuous purge of any residual air and other non-condensable gases, steam and condensate drawn through the first channel (15). The purpose of providing a continuous purge is to avoid the accumulation of condensate in the discharge pipe when the first air discharge valve (30) is closed during the sterilization operation. The first bypass air discharge valve (27) when properly sized can be used to subject the bunches of fruit (10) in the cages to a flow of steam that passes between the interior (8) and the first channel (15) by sweeping any residual air pockets when the sterilizer is operating at high pressure beyond point (g) if necessary.

[101] The pressure inside (8) is increased until it reaches a vapor pressure that corresponds to a vapor saturation temperature that maintains a minimum temperature within the temperature distribution range in a porous charge that conforms to the sterilization temperature effective pre-determined at point (d), when the auxiliary steam inlet valve (24) is closed and the opening of the main steam inlet valve (23) can be regulated to maintain the pressure inside (8).

[102] At point (e), the main steam inlet valve (23) is closed followed by the opening of the condensate discharge valve (29) and the exhaust steam valve (25) to depressurize the pressure vessel ( 40).

[103] At point (f) when the pressure in the vessel (40) is confirmed to be atmospheric, the vessel door (40) is opened to remove the cages with clusters of treated fruit. The interval between points (d) and (e) is considered the exposure time for the effective sterilization temperature.

[104] Figures 19, 20 and 21 show a configuration of the invention where the axial fluid connection (22) is used to effect a fluid passage between an inside (8) and the outside of the pressure vessel (40). A perforated axial discharge duct (36) through the first channel (15) provides the passage of fluid to the outside.

[105] Figure 19 shows the cross-sectional end views of an arrangement showing a first channel (15) and a discharge duct (36) connected to the moving carriage structure (13). A resilient gasket insert (31) establishes a fluid connection between the inside of the cages (4) through an opening or perforations in the solid flat floor (11) of the fruit cage (4) and an opening in the wall of the first channel (15), when the fruit cage (4) is placed on the carriage frame (13). The discharge duct (36) open at its ends is provided by projecting through the first channel (15) in the end wall of the first channel (15) with a fluid-tight joint to allow fluid to pass out of the vessel. pressure (40). The arrangement provides a first fluid passage (151) that extends from the opening (51) through the surface of the container (4), through the orifice (32), discharge duct (36) to a first opening (161, figure 20) to an axial fluid connection (22) (figure 21) on the mobile carriage (13), and a second fluid passage (152) extending from a second opening (162, figure 21) in the fluid connection axial (22) for a first discharge port (17) to establish a fluid passage between the opening (51) through the surface of the container (4) and an exterior (yy) of the pressure vessel (40). The passage of fluid between the first channel (15) and the discharge duct (36) is through the orifice (32) provided for in the discharge duct (36) within and along the length of the first channel (15).

[106] Figure 19 also shows an arrangement of the first channel (15) with the preferred condensate sealing tubes (18) where the condensate from the first channel (15) is drained into the interior (8c) of the sterilization vessel (40) ). The orifice (32) in the discharge duct (36) is located above the liquid level in the first channel (15) to allow free flow of gaseous and vaporous content through the fluid path.

[107] The design of the discharge duct (36) and the orifice (32) will provide sufficient pressure differential between the first channel (15) and the interior (8) of the sterilization pressure vessel (40). The cross-sectional area of the discharge duct (36) is influenced by the number of cages (4) in a row. The pressure drop along the length of the discharge duct (36) will be kept low to provide sufficient pressure differential in all fruit cages (4). It is contemplated that the discharge duct (36) will have an area of the internal cross section of about 0.04 square meters.

[108] Figure 20 shows a side elevation view of the arrangement with the first channel (15) and a discharge duct (36) connected to the moving car (13). The discharge duct (36) extends through the end walls of the first channel (15) which protrudes through the end walls with fluid joints tightened at the interfaces to serve a plurality of cars in a row. The discharge duct (36) ends at the first opening (161) at the proximal end and a third opening (163) at the distal end to provide fluid passage between a car trailer (13) and the outside of the pressure vessel (40 ) by means of a leader (13) through the discharge duct of the leader (36). The extension of the orifice (32) provided in the discharge duct (36) inside and along the length of the first channel (15) to provide the passage of fluid between the inside (8) of the pressure vessel (40) to the outside through of the discharge duct (36) is shown.

[109] Figure 21 illustrates an arrangement of a plurality of cars in a row carrying the porous load (10) rotated to the sterilizer on a pair of rails. In such an arrangement of the palm fruit sterilizer, the cages are connected together is a complete set arrangement for filling the sterilizer. This practice allows a convenient flexible hose connection means (33) to provide an axial detachable fluid connection (22) between the carriages (13) as shown.

[110] Figure 21 illustrates two means of supplying the plug-in fluid connection by axial detachment (22), one by means of a flexible hose and the clamp (33, 34) and the other by a telescopic connector with ring joint seal (35). The telescopic plug connector compensates for elevation and displacement of the cars in a row and makes it a fluid connection that can be plugged in by preferential detachment (22). The movement is achieved through the frictional movement of the inner and outer drum of the telescopic connector ∞m the resilient sealing ring. The design of the telescopic connector will provide the absorption of lateral misalignment due to the dimensional tolerance between the car and the rail in addition to the dimensional tolerance of the height of the rail car. The detachable teles∞pi∞ connector will be more preferred for the connection of the discharge terminal at the proximal end of the first discharge port (17) that crosses the outer wall (3) of the pressure vessel (40) to make a fluid connection between the first discharge duct (36) and the outside of the pressure vessel (40). The third opening (163) at the distal end of a tailpipe discharge duct (36) connects to the first opening (161) at the proximal end of a tow car discharge duct (36) by means of a telescopic connector providing the passage of fluid between adjacent cars in a row. The fluid connection between the discharge duct (36) and the first discharge port (17) to the outside of the pressure vessel (40) is shown indicating the locations of the first and second openings (161,162).

[111] When advantageous, comparable to that shown in Figure 5, the flow is reversed, in which steam from an external source is admitted to the first channel (15) through the first discharge port (17) through the duct discharge valve (36) and a pressure differential is developed between the first channel (15) and the interior (8) of the sterilization vessel (40) to induce a flow of steam through the pile of fruit clusters (10) through the inside the cages (4) to the inside (8) of the sterilizer to remove residual air.

[112] Figure 22 shows a configuration of the invention in a preferred arrangement in which a pair of condensate sealing tubes (18) is located in the first channel (15) disposed in the moving carriage (13) to allow condensate drainage from the first channel (15) into the interior (8c) of the pressure vessel (40). The gaseous and vaporous content flows between the first channel (15) and an opening (161) through the discharge duct (36). A slip-fit fluid connection (19) is used to effect the passage of fluids between the first channel (15) and the second channel (16). This arrangement prevents the removal of condensate from the first channel (15) through a second discharge port (17, Figure 10) out of the sterilization vessel (40).

[113] The invention as described herein provides cost savings with the use of related plant equipment configured for a lower design pressure.

[114] Although the present invention has been described as having a preferred design, it can still be modified within the scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. In addition, this application is intended to cover such deviations from the present disclosure as coming from a known practice or customer in the technique to which this invention belongs.

[115] While the preferred configurations of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such configurations are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. Method for the thermal treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40) comprising the steps of: a. transporting at least one open container (4) that holds the load of porous material (10) inside the pressure vessel (40), the container (4) mounted on a rail car inside the pressure vessel (40); B. seal the pressure vessel (40); ç. admit steam into an interior (8) of the pressure vessel (40) while releasing air from the pressure vessel (40); d. increasing a temperature of the load of porous material (10) until it reaches a sufficient temperature; and is. maintaining the temperature of the porous material charge (10) for a sufficient time so that the porous material charge (10) is substantially heat treated; characterized by step “d” further include: inducing a flow of fluid through the load of porous material (10) through an interior of the container (4) between the interior (8) and an exterior of the pressure vessel (40) through the development of a pressure differential through the interior of the container (4), in which the pressure differential is between a first pressure (P1) that prevails inside (8) the pressure vessel (40) and a second pressure (P2) which prevails in a first fluid passage (151) in an opening (51) through a surface of the container (4); induce a fluid flow between the first fluid passage (151) and the outside of the pressure vessel (40) in order to vary the second pressure (P2) and thus substantially dissipate residual air from within the porous material charge (10 ) by means of a first air discharge valve (30), and then close the first discharge valve (30); wherein the pressure inside (8) of the pressure vessel (40) is maintained at a level corresponding to a vapor saturation temperature below 10 ° C above the predetermined sterilization temperature of the porous material charge (10) . 2. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40) according to claim 1, characterized by a first channel (15), supplied with the container or car and in fluid communication with the interior of the container (4) through an opening in a wall of the first channel (15) and the opening (51) through the surface of the container (4), forming the first fluid path (151) which extends from the opening (51) to at least one first opening (161), and the second pressure (P2) refers to the pressure that prevails in the first channel (15). 3. Method for the thermal treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40), according to either of Claims 1 or 2, characterized by the flow of fluid through the load of porous material (10) is substantially turbulent and the pressure differential is between 100 Pa and 2000 Pa. 4. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40), according to claim 3, characterized by the pressure differential being between 400 Pa and 1,000 Pa. 5. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the induced flow of fluid through the load of porous material (10) be kept turbulent for a period of time between 3 and 5 minutes. 6. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in the pressure differential, the first pressure (P1) be higher than the second pressure (P2), so that the fluid flows from the interior (8) to the first passage (151). 7. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in the pressure differential, the first pressure (P1) be lower than the second pressure (P2), so that the fluid flows from the first passage (151) into the interior (8) of the pressure vessel (40). 8. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fluid flow between the first fluid passage (151 ) and an exterior being induced by strangulation and ventilation of the fluid flow. 9. Method for the thermal treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by also including the condensate drainage steps discharging from the interior from the container (4) to the inside (8c) of the pressure vessel (40) through at least one condensate sealing tube (18) in fluid connection between the condensate flow discharging from the inside of the container (4) and the inside (8c) of the pressure vessel (40). 10. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40) according to claim 9, characterized by at least one condensate sealing tube (18) limiting the pressure differential between the first pressure (P1) that prevails inside (8) and a second pressure (P2) that prevails in the first fluid passage (151). 11. Method for the thermal treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also includes the step of discharging the condensate from inside the container (4), by means of at least a second discharge port (17a), to the outside of the pressure vessel (40) and discharge the condensate separately from the inside (8c) of the pressure vessel (40), through at least at least one condensate discharge port (7), to the outside of the pressure vessel (40). 12. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the porous material is a vegetable product. 13. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40), according to claim 12, characterized in that the vegetable product is clusters of palm fruits. 14. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40), according to claim 13, characterized by the pressure inside (8) of the pressure vessel (40) be maintained at a level corresponding to a vapor saturation temperature not exceeding 2 ° C above the predetermined sterilization temperature of the porous material charge (10). 15. Method for heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, using pressurized steam in a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by a plurality of cars in a row ∞m each one of them mounted with a container (4) that holds the load of porous material (10) for heat treatment to be transported into the pressure vessel (40). 16. Operable sterilizer with pressurized steam for the thermal treatment of palm fruit clusters that includes a horizontally positioned cylindrical pressure vessel (40) with at least one steam inlet port (1) and at least one open container (4 ), which has an interior to hold the porous load (10) mounted on a carriage (13) transportable along a pair of rails (14) mounted inside the pressure vessel (40), where the interior of the container ( 4) is in fluid communication with an interior (8) of the pressure vessel (40), characterized by the fact that the sterilizer also includes a first fluid passage (151) mounted on the carriage (13) and which extends from the interior of the container (4) through an opening (51) in a surface of the container (4) to at least a first opening (161), and a second fluid passage (152) attached to the pressure vessel (40) and extending from at least one second opening (162) to at least one first per discharge port (17) of the pressure vessel (40), such that the at least one second opening (162) is in fluid connection ∞m the outside (yy) of the pressure vessel (40); a plug-in connection between the first opening (161) and the second opening (162), in which when the carriage (13) is registered in a predetermined position on the tracks, a fluid connection is formed between the first fluid passage ( 151) and the second fluid passage (152) through the plug connection between the first opening (161) and the second opening (162), providing a fluid path between the inside of the container and the outside of the pressure vessel (40) which is otherwise fluidly restricted from the inside (8) of the pressure vessel (40); and a first discharge valve (30) that selectively restricts flow through the first discharge port (17) and / or a primary air discharge valve (28) that releases air and other non-condensable gases through a discharge port primary air (6) from the inside (8) of the pressure vessel (40) to the outside and which can be closed. 17. Operable sterilizer with pressurized steam for the heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, according to claim 16, characterized in that the first fluid passage (151) includes at least one first channel (15) in fluid connection with the interior of the container (4) through an opening in a wall of the first channel (15) and the opening (51) through the surface of the container (4) that forms a fluid passage between the interior of the container (4) and at least a first opening (161). 18. Pressurized steam-operated sterilizer for the heat treatment of palm fruit clusters according to any of claims 16 or 17, characterized by the fluid connection between the first fluid passage (151) and the second fluid passage (152 ) be made through a laterally pluggable connection (19) formed by means of a resilient seal (20) between the peripheral edges around the first and second openings (161, 162). 19. Pressurized steam operable sterilizer for the heat treatment of palm fruit clusters according to either of Claims 16 and 17, characterized by the fluid connection between the first fluid passage (151) and the second fluid passage (152 ) be effected through an axially pluggable fluid connection (22) that occurs between a conduit end forming the first opening (161) and a conduit end forming the second opening (162). 20. Operable sterilizer with pressurized steam for the heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, according to claim 20, characterized in that the axially pluggable fluid connection (22) between the adjacent passages is by means of a telescopic connector. 21. Pressurized steam operable sterilizer for the heat treatment of palm fruit clusters according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized by the surface of the container (4) through which the opening (51) is formed to be a solid floor base (11), and the opening (51) includes perforations (51) formed on or adjacent to the longitudinal centerline of the solid floor base plate (11) to facilitate a more even distribution of the fluid flow through the inside the cage (4) through the first channel. 22. Pressurized steam-operated sterilizer for the heat treatment of palm fruit clusters according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that it also includes at least one condensed sealing tube (18) in fluid communication between the first pass (151) or the second passage (152) and the inside (8c) of the pressure vessel (40), wherein the at least one condensate seal tube (18) provides drainage for the condensate discharge from the container (4 ) to drain into the pressure vessel (8c) (40). 23. Pressurized steam-operated sterilizer for the heat treatment of palm fruit clusters according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that it also includes at least a second discharge port (17a) that forms a fluid passage between a second channel (16) and the outside of the pressure vessel (40), for the discharge of any condensate from the second channel (16) to the outside of the pressure vessel (40). 24. Pressurized steam operable sterilizer for the heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, according to any one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that a plurality of cars are in line with each one mounted with a container (4) that it contains the load of porous material (10) for the heat treatment to be transportable to the pressure vessel (40). 25. Operable sterilizer with pressurized steam for the heat treatment of palm fruit clusters, according to claim 24, characterized in that the fluid connection between adjacent cars in a row is made through an axially plug-in connection (22) that occurs between a conduit end forming the first opening (161) of a leading carriage (13) and a conduit end forming a third opening (163) of a rail car (13).

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