GB1420635A - Sterilizing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1420635 Sterilizing milk DASI INDUSTRIES INC 7 Nov 1973 51578/73 Heading A2D A sterilizing apparatus for milk comprises a pressure vessel, a milk inlet pipe communicating with the upper portion of the vessel, at least one horizontally disposed milk discharge pipe disposed interiorly of the vessel above the bottom thereof and in communication with the inlet pipe, the discharge pipe including a longitudinally extending slot in the -bottom portion thereof for discharging milk in the form of a film, a steam inlet communicating with the interior of the vessel for discharging steam into the interior thereof at a predetermined pressure and temperature for heat exchange with the film of milk to sterilize the milk without substantial agitation thereof, and a discharge conduit for discharging the mixture of milk and condensed steam to a vacuum chamber for instantaneous cooling of the mixture and separation of the condensed steam from the milk. A suitable apparatus is shown in Fig. 3 and comprises milk inlet pipe 20 in the form of a manifold having several extending pipes 24 communicating therewith. The lower end of each pipe 24 communicates with a transversely extending discharge pipe 42, the lower periphery of which is provided with a long narrow slot 48 to facilitate the formation of a thin vertical film of milk. To further facilitate this formation, a screen panel 52 is supported from pipe 44 (Fig. 6, not shown). Pipes 42 and 44 are suitably insulated. The apparatus is further provided with a manfiold 72 and apertures 76 for the supply of steam. The lower conical section of the apparatus may be provided with jacket 88 through which coolant can be flowed. In operation, milk passes from a suitable supply means to a preheater, and thence to the sterilizing apparatus. After sterilization, effluent is discharged through a temperature and pressure regulating valve 116 (Fig. 1, not shown) to a vacuum chamber 84 where the temperature and pressure are lowered and water separates from the milk.