MXPA06003413A - Rotary cooker and cooler with improved product transfer mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A food processing apparatus includes a tank having an inlet end and a discharge end and at least one baffle divides the tank into a first compartment and a seco nd compartment, wherein a temperature of the first compartment is greater than a temperature of the second compartment. A first drum is rotatably mounted within the first compartment of the tank such that a heat transfer medium contained in the first compartment of the tank will enter the first drum and a second drum is rotatably mounted within the second compartment of the tank such that a cool transfer medium contained in the secondcompartment of the tank will enter the second drum. A food product transfer device transfers food product from the first drum to the second drum. The food product transfer device defines a passageway having a first portion at least partially disposed in the first drum and a second portion a t least partially disposed in the second drum, wherein the second portion is positioned to prevent the heat transfer medium from flowing from the first drum to the second drum through the food product transfer device.

Description

ROTATING COOLING STOVE AND COOLER WITH IMPROVED PRODUCT TRANSFER MECHANISM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a stove and cooler combination, and in particular to a product transfer mechanism for transferring food products from the stove to the chiller and to minimize heat loss from the stove to the chiller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the mass processing of food products, the food product is often heated by cooking or blanching the food product in a scalding food processing apparatus having a tank containing a heat transfer medium in which the product is immersed. food After the cooking or scaling of the food product occurs, the food product is cooled or cooled by immersing the food product in a cooling transfer medium so that the food product can be packaged, stored and / or transported. In a known system, a rotating drum scaler is first used to cook or blanch the food product. The food product is discharged on a band or other type of conveyor and is advanced to a rotating drum cooler to reduce the temperature of the food product to an acceptable temperature. In another known system, a single compact apparatus is used to heat and cool the food product in a continuous flow, which is a rotary stove-cooler combination. A rotary stove-cooler combination generally includes a water tank divided into a hot compartment and a cold compartment. Each compartment includes a drum rotatably mounted in the compartment. The food product is advanced through each drum by a helical auger and transferred between the two drums. A stove-cooler combination reduces the overall footprint of the product processing apparatus, however, such an apparatus generally results in a loss of heat to the cooling portion when transferring food product from the cooking portion to the cooling portion . The conventional stove-cooler combination uses hot water, or a combination of hot water injected with steam, as the heat transfer medium. Previously, it was impractical to cook or scald using only steam because the steam leak would be substantial, and therefore the process too expensive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, the invention provides a food processing apparatus that includes a tank having an inlet end and a discharge end, at least one separator that divides the tank into a first compartment and a second compartment, a first collector disposed within the first compartment for supplying a non-liquid heat transfer medium to the first compartment, and a second manifold disposed within the second compartment for supplying a cooling transfer means to the second compartment. A first drum is rotatably mounted within the first tank compartment, and has a helical auger therein for advancing the food product from the inlet end of the tank to the separator through the non-liquid heat transfer medium. A second drum is rotatably mounted within the second tank compartment, and has a helical auger therein for advancing the food product inside the tank to the outlet of the tank through the cooling transfer means. The food processing apparatus also includes a product transfer mechanism for transferring food product from the first drum to the second drum. In another embodiment, the invention provides a food processing apparatus that includes a tank having an inlet end and a discharge end and at least one separator that divides the tank in a first compartment and a second compartment, where the temperature of the first compartment is greater than the temperature of the second compartment. A first drum is mounted rotatably within the first tank compartment such that a heat transfer medium contained in the first tank compartment will enter the first drum. The first drum includes an inlet opening proximate the inlet end of the tank for receiving food product, a discharge opening proximate said at least one spacer, and a helical auger therein for advancing the food product from the opening of the tank. entrance to the discharge opening. A second drum is mounted rotatably within the second tank compartment such that a cooling transfer medium contained in the second tank compartment will enter the second drum. The second drum includes an inlet opening proximate said at least one spacer, a discharge opening near the discharge end of the tank wherein the food product that has moved through said first and second drums is discharged, and a helical auger therein for advancing the food product from the entrance opening of the second drum to the discharge opening of the second drum. The food processing apparatus also includes a food product transfer device for transferring food product from the first drum to the second drum. The dispositivote transfer of food product defines a conduit that has a first portion by at least partially disposed in the first drum and a second portion at least partially disposed in the second drum, wherein the second portion is positioned to prevent the heat transfer medium from flowing from the first drum to the second drum through the drum. food product transfer device. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a product transfer device for a food processing apparatus. The food processing apparatus includes a tank having an inlet end and a discharge end, at least one separator that divides the tank into a first compartment and a second compartment, a first drum mounted rotatably within the first compartment of the tank and having means for advancing the food product from the inlet end of the tank to the separator, and a second drum rotatably mounted within the second tank compartment and having means for advancing the food product towards the outlet of the tank. The product transfer device includes a fixed body relative to the tank and defines a conduit for transferring food product from the first drum to the second drum, a first end further defines the conduit and is at least partially disposed in the first drum for receiving product food from the first drum, the first end defines a channel, and a second end further defines the conduit and is at least partially disposed in the second drum for depositing food product within the second drum, the second end extends substantially down the body and is below the first end. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded view of the stove and food processing cooler combination including a product transfer device embodying the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the stove and cooler with a tank cover removed. Figure 3 is a side view of the stove and cooler illustrating pipe for the apparatus. Figure 4 is a sectional view of the stove and cooler taken along line 4-4 in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a sectional view of the stove and cooler taken along line 5- 5 in Figure 4. Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is able to cover other modalities and to be practiced or carried out in several ways. In addition, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for description purposes and should not be considered as limiting. The use of "include", "understand", or "have" and variations thereof in the present means encompass the items listed hereinafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional articles. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "assembled", "connected", "supported", and "coupled" and variations thereof are used in general terms and encompass both assemblies, connections, supports, and direct couplings, such as indirect ones. Additionally, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1-3 show a stove-cooler combination 10 for use in a food processing system. The stove-cooler 10 includes a tank 14 which is divided into a first hot compartment 18 for blanching or cooking a food product and a second cold compartment 22 for cooling the food product. A product transfer device 26 transfers food product from the first compartment 18 to the second compartment 22 and prevents loss of energy from the stove-cooler 10, and in particular a loss of heat from the first hot compartment 18 (ie, the stove) to the second cold compartment 22 (i.e., the chiller). A first separator 30 and a second separator 34 divide the tank 14 into the first compartment 18, an intermediate compartment 38, and the second compartment 22. The first compartment 18 is positioned between an inlet end 42 of the tank 14 and the first separator 30. , and the second compartment 22 is positioned between a discharge end 46 of the tank and the second separator 34. The intermediate compartment 38 is defined between the first separator 30 and the second separator 34 and houses a portion of the product transfer device 26. Additionally, the second separator 34 and the intermediate compartment 38 provide a seal between the first and second compartments 18, 22. To assist in facilitating the flow of food product through the stove-cooler 10, each separator 30, 34 has a opening in generally arched form and is of a sufficient height and constructed to avoid the mixing of fluid or liquid between the compartments of the tank. ue during the operation. Tank 14 has an open top and is supported by a frame 50 including legs 54, which rest on a support surface and are spaced from the tank above the support surface. A first drum 58, or cylinder, is rotatably mounted in the first compartment 18 and is supported by at least one stump 62 at the inlet end 42 of the tank 14. The first drum 58 includes an inlet end plate 66 next to the entrance end 42 of tank 14 and a discharge end plate 70 proximate the first separator 30 with a perforated and generally cylindrical side wall 74 extending substantially between the end plates 66, 70. Each end plate 66, 70 includes a food product opening 78, for receiving or unloading food product, generally defined by an axially extending flange 82. The outwardly extending flanges 82 generally define bearings to support the drum 58 on journals. A coil bit 86 is positioned within the first drum 58 and rotates with the drum 58 to advance the food product from the inlet end 42 of the tank 14 to the first separator 30. To further support the bit 86, the first separator 30, the first compartment 18 or the intermediate compartment 38 can also carry a stump (not shown). A second drum 90, or cylinder, is rotatably mounted in the second compartment 22 of the tank 14 and is supported by at least one trunnion (not shown) at the discharge end 46 of the tank 14. The second drum 90 includes an inlet end plate 94 next to the second separator 34 and a discharge end plate 98 proximate the discharge end 46 of the tank 14 with a perforated and generally cylindrical side wall 102 extending substantially between the end plates 94, 98. Each end plate 94 , 98 includes a food product opening 106, for receiving or discharging food product, generally defined by a flange extending outwardly axial 110. The outwardly extending flanges 110 generally define bearings to support the drum 90 on journals. A spiral auger 114 is positioned within the second drum 90 and rotates with the drum 90 to advance the food product from the inlet end 94 of the second drum 90 to the discharge end 46 of the tank 14. To further support the auger 114, the second separator 34, the second compartment 22 or the intermediate compartment 38 can also carry a stump (not shown). With reference to Figure 4, in one embodiment, a third separator 118 is placed in the second compartment 22 adjacent the second separator 34. The second and third spacers 34, 118 define a box that in one embodiment carries a stump for supporting the second drum 90 and the auger 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second drums 58, 90 are driven independently of each other. The perforations in the side walls 74, 102 of the drums 58, 90 consist of a plurality of small diameter holes that extend completely through the side wall to allow a heat transfer medium or a cooling transfer medium pass from the tank compartment, through the side wall and into the drum. An elongate vault cover 122 engages with the tank 14 and covers the tank 14 to substantially enclose the drums 90 and other components within the tank 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 122 includes a pair of side walls 126, each with a opening (no shown) complementary with the drum bearing to help facilitate rotation. In one embodiment, the cover 122 is connected. with hinge to the tank 14 so that the cover 122 can be swung away from the drums to allow access to the drums and to the interior of the tank. A heat transfer medium is supplied to the first compartment 18 of the tank 14 from a supply source (not shown) by one or more manifolds 130 (only one shown for the purposes of illustration) disposed in the first compartment 18. The first Drum 58 is constructed and arranged to receive the heat transfer medium in such a way that the heat transfer medium can surround and contact the food product inside the drum 58. In the first drum 58, the heat transfer medium scald or cook the food product as the food product is advanced through the drum 58 by the auger 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer medium comprises a vaporous heat transfer medium, such as steam, a heated gas or other heated vapor. Each manifold 130 is a cylindrical tube having one or more rows of separate discharge ports or perforations disposed along its length through which a vaporous or gaseous heat transfer medium is introduced into the cooker portion. of the stove-cooler, that is, the first compartment. In another embodiment, a mixture of compressed air and vaporous heat transfer medium is discharged from the collector 130 to the best effect heat transfer. Other examples of the means of Heat transfer include a combination of liquid and a gaseous or vaporous heat transfer medium, such as water and steam or water and steam, or a liquid heat transfer medium, such as water. A cooling transfer medium is supplied to the second compartment 22 of the tank 14 from a supply source (not shown) by one or more manifolds 134 (only one shown for the purposes of illustration) disposed in the second compartment 22. The second Drum 90 is constructed and arranged to receive the cooling transfer medium such that the cooling transfer medium can surround and contact the food product inside the drum 90. In the second drum 90, the cooling transfer means cool the food product as the food product is advanced through the drum 90 by the auger 114. In the embodiment illustrated, the cooling transfer means comprises a liquid cooling transfer medium, such as water. Each manifold 134 is a cylindrical tube having one or more rows of separate discharge ports or perforations disposed along its length through which a liquid cooling transfer medium is introduced into the cooling portion 22 of the stove-cooler, that is, the second compartment. In another embodiment, a mixture of compressed air and liquid cooling transfer medium is discharged from the manifold 134 to the best effect cooling. Other examples of the cooling transfer medium include a combination of liquid and a medium gaseous cooling transfer, such as water and air, or a gaseous cooling transfer medium, such as air. Each auger 86, 114, includes sections 138 in such a way that the auger rotates, the sections 138 move the food product that will be treated from an entrance opening to the discharge opening of the respective drum. In the illustrated embodiment, the bits 86, 114 are of non-tubular construction. Each drum 58, 90 includes posts 142 that extend from the inlet end plate 66, 94 to the discharge end plate 70, 98 of the drum to help strengthen and stiffen the respective drum and auger. Each post 142 preferably has a generally C-shaped cross section. The portions of the outer radial peripheral edge of at least part of the bit portions 138 are coupled to the support posts 142 of the respective drum, which provides support to the auger 86, 114 by the support posts 12 and the corresponding drum, as well as the drum plates. During the operation, each drum and the respective auger are rotated to advance the food product through the drum while causing the food product to turn inside the drum. In the first drum 58, turning the food product increases the transfer of heat from the heat transfer medium to the food product. Additionally, in the second drum 90, turning the food product increases the cooling of the food product by the cooling transfer means. In another modality, the drill bits 86, 114 and drums 58, 90 are constructed in such a manner that the auger rotates relative to or independently of the respective drum for transporting food product. When the food product reaches the discharge end plate 78 of the first drum 58 (ie, the stove), the food product is lifted and transferred to the product transfer device 26. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial lifting legs 146 are used to transfer food product from the first drum 58 to the product transfer device 28. The lifting legs 146 extend radially inward from the part adjacent the side wall of the first drum 74 to the product transfer device 26 and to a central portion 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the lift legs 146 include a plate 154 coupled to the side wall 74 of the drum 58 and the lift legs 146 rotate with the drum 58, for example in a direction shown by arrow 158 in Figure 5. As the lifting section 146 rotates toward a lower part 162 of the tank 14, the lifting segment 146 engages a discrete amount of food product in a lower part of the drum 58 (e.g., in position A in Figure 5) and lifts the food product as the lifting section 146 continues to rotate (for example, in position B in Figure 5). As the lifting section 146 rotates towards an upper part 170 of the tank, the food product is deposited in the transfer device of product 26 (for example, in position C in Figure 5). In further embodiments, a single lifting section is used to transfer the food product to the product transfer device 26, the lifting section (s) rotate with the auger 86 relative to or independently of the drum 58, or the plate 154 of the lifting section is perforated. When the food product reaches the discharge end plate 98 of the second drum 58 (ie, the cooler), the food product is lifted and transferred to the discharge end 46 of the tank 14 through which the food product is deposited on a transporter, in a container, or similar. As shown in Figure 2, a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial lift sections 174 are used to transfer food product from the second drum 90 to the discharge end 46 which operate in a manner similar to the lift sections 146 discussed above with with respect to the first drum 58. In additional embodiments, a single radial lifting section is used to transfer food product to the discharge end 46 of the bar 14 or other suitable arrangements are used to transfer food product from the second barrel 90 to the discharge end 46 The product transfer device 26 is fixed relative to the tank and transfers food product from the first drum 58 to the second drum 90. Referring to Figure 4, the product transfer device 26 includes a body 180 which defines a conduit 184 for transferring food product, a first end 188 further defining the duct 184 and being partially arranged in the first drum 58, and a second end 192 further defining the duct 184 and being partially arranged in the second drum 90. The device product transfer 26 extends through the first and second separators 30, 34 between the first and second drums 58, 90. The first end 188 has an open top and defines a channel 196 for receiving food product from the lengths of radially positioned 146 positioned at the discharge end 70 of the first drum 58. The cooling transfer medium or water facilitates the transfer of food product through the product transfer device from the first end 188 to the second end 192, and in particular when the heat transfer medium is not liquid. Referring to Figure 3, a pipe system 200 transfers a portion of the cooling transfer medium from the second drum 90 to the first end 188 of the product transfer device 26. A pump 204 pumps a portion of the transfer medium from cooling from the second drum 90 to a first conduit 208 and a second conduit 212. The first conduit 208 receives the cooling transfer medium from the second drum 90 and the second conduit 212 supplies the cooling transfer medium to the transfer device from the second drum 90. product. The product transfer device 26 includes a main conduit 216 positioned adjacent the first end 188 for receiving the medium of cooling product from the pipe system 200 and a plurality of secondary conduits 220 (shown in Figures 2 and 3) to supply the cooling transfer medium from the main conduit 216 to the first conduit 188 of the product transfer device 26 The pipe system 200 includes additional conduit and pump for supplying the cooling transfer medium to other parts of the stove-cooler 10, such as the inlet end 42 of the tank. In the illustrated embodiment, the product transfer device 26 is generally aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis 224 of the tank 14. In a further embodiment, the product transfer device 26 has an inclination from the first end 188 to the second end 192 to facilitate the transfer of food product through the product transfer device 26, and whereby less cooling transfer medium is required to transfer food product between the two drums 58, 90. The food product is deposited within the second drum 90 through an opening 228 in the second end 192 of the product transfer device 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 192 includes a case 232 coupled to the body 180 of the product transfer device 26 which extends substantially downstream of conduit 184 and is generally aligned perpendicularly to l longitudinal axis 224 of tank 14. In a further embodiment, second end 192 includes an L-shaped conduit with an aligned portion generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 224 of the tank 14. The cooling transfer medium, or water, covers the opening 228 at the second end 192 to formalize a water seal and prevent the heat transfer medium from flowing to the second. drum 90. That is, the food product is deposited under a water line 234 defined by the cooling transfer medium. Preventing the heat transfer medium from flowing from the first drum 58 to the second drum 90 minimizes heat loss in the stove-cooler combination 10. In an additional embodiment, the cooling transfer medium is air or another gas. However, the amount of water is deposited in the second compartment 22 to form a seal with the opening 228 in the second end 192 of the product transfer device 26 to prevent the heat transfer medium from flowing to the second drum 90. Additionally, the water in the second compartment 92 is used to facilitate the transfer of food product in the product transfer device 26. In the illustrated embodiment, a partition plate 236 separates the product transfer device 26 between a first portion 240. adjacent the first end 188 and a second portion 244 adjacent the second end 192. The conduit 184 extends through the partition plate 236. As shown in Figure 1, the first portion 240 of the product transfer device 26 includes an open top, which allows the food product to be deposited in the device product transfer 26, and the second portion 244 includes a closed top portion, which prevents the cooling transfer medium from entering the product transfer device 26. The partition plate 236 includes a seal seal 248 to provide a seal between the open upper portion, first portion 240 and the closed upper portion, second portion 244. In another embodiment, the first portion 240 and the second portion 244 of the product transfer device 26 are formed of separate pieces. In yet another embodiment, the first end 188 is disposed substantially in the first drum 58 and / or the second end 192 is disposed substantially in the second drum 90. In general, the drums within a stove-cooler are approximately 9 inches apart . The product transfer device 26 comprising the invention allows the first drum 58 and the second drum 90 to be spaced a distance greater than 9 inches and still prevents heat loss from the first compartment 18 to the second compartment 22. In one embodiment, the first drum 58 and the second drum 90 are approximately 18 inches apart. However, given the space limitations within many food processing means, a greater distance between the first drum 58 and the second drum 90 would typically not be used. In use, the stove-cooler combination 10 is used to process fruits, vegetables and other food products. The food product can be processed in small bags or directly in the stove-cooler 10. The processing of the food product using the stove-cooler 10 described above includes first heating the food product and then cooling the food product after heating the food product. In operation, the food product is introduced into the stove-cooler combination 10 through the opening 78 in the inlet end plate 66 of the first drum 58. In the first drum 58, the food product is received by a means heat transfer, which is preferably vapor, within the first compartment 18 and the first drum 58. The rotating auger 86 in the first drum 58 advances the food product through the first drum 58 towards the second drum 90. The length of the drum 58, diameter of drum 58, size of first compartment 18, volume of heat transfer medium in first compartment 18, depth of food product in drum 58 and rotational speed of bit 86 all are selected to impart the appropriate time for the food product within the first drum 58 for properly blanching or cooking the food product before it is transferred to the second drum 90. When the food product reaches the opening 78 in the discharge end plate 70 of the first drum 58, the radial lifting portions 146 rotate with the first drum 58 and engage a portion of the food product in the lower part 166 of the first drum 58. Lifting sections 146 lift the food product from the bottom 166 of the first drum 58 and the food product descends inside the product transfer device 26, which transfers food product to the second drum 90. The product transfer device 26 deposits food product below the water line 234 in the second drum 90 to prevent steam in the first drum 58 from flowing to the second drum 90. The product transfer device 26 introduces food product into the second drum 90 through the opening 106 in the inlet end plate 94. In the second drum 90, the food product is received by the cooling transfer means, which is preferably water, into the second compartment 22 and the second drum 90. A rotating auger 114 in the second drum 90 advances the food product through the second drum 90 towards the discharge end 46 of the tank 14. The length of the drum 90, diameter of the drum 90, size of the second compartment 22, volume of the cooling transfer medium in the second compartment 22, depth of the food product in the drum 90 and rotational speed of the auger 114 are all selected to impart the appropriate time for the food product within the second drum 90 to properly cool the food product before it is discharged from the second drum 90. When the food product reaches the opening 106 in the discharge end plate 98 of the second drum 90, the radial lifting portions 174 rotate with the second drum 90 and couple one portion of the food product in the lower part of the second drum 90. The lifting portions 174 lift the food product from the bottom of the second drum 90 and deposit the food product at the discharge end 46 of the tank 14 and on a conveyor or the like (not shown). In a further embodiment, the food processing apparatus includes a blancher with multiple heating compartments or a blancher with a heating compartment and multiple cooling compartments. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (25)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A food processing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a tank having an inlet end and a discharge end; at least one separator divides the tank into a first compartment and a second compartment; a first manifold disposed within the first compartment for supplying a non-liquid heat transfer medium to the first compartment; a second manifold disposed within the second compartment for supplying a cooling transfer means to the second compartment; a first drum rotatably mounted within the first compartment of the tank, and having a helical auger therein, wherein the auger advances the food product from the entrance end of the tank to the separator via the transfer means of the tank. heat not liquid; a second drum rotatably mounted within the second compartment of the tank, and having a helical auger therein, wherein the auger advances the food product into the tank to the outlet of the tank through the cooling transfer means; and a product transfer mechanism for transferring food product from the first drum to the second drum.

2. - The food processing apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the non-liquid heat transfer medium comprises steam.

3. The food processing apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the product transfer mechanism includes a first end at least partially arranged in the first drum to receive food product, a second end at least partially arranged in the second drum for depositing food product in the second drum, and a conduit defined therebetween.

4. The food processing apparatus according to claim 3, further characterized in that the cooling transfer means is a volume of water that fills a portion of the second drum, wherein the second end of the product transfer mechanism deposits food product under a water line defined by water.

5. The food processing apparatus according to claim 4, further characterized in that the water covers the second end of the product transfer mechanism to prevent the non-liquid heat transfer medium from flowing to the second compartment.

6. The food processing apparatus according to claim 4, further characterized in that a portion of the water is transported from the second drum to the first end of the feed mechanism. product transfer to facilitate the transfer of food product from the first drum to the second drum.

7. The food processing apparatus according to claim 3, further characterized in that the second end of the product transfer mechanism is aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tank.

8. The food processing apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the product transfer mechanism is fixed relative to the tank.

9. The food processing apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that said at least one separator comprises a separate first separator and a second separator, the product transfer mechanism extending through both separators.

10. A food processing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a tank having an inlet end and a discharge end; at least one separator divides the tank into a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the temperature of the first compartment is greater than the temperature of the second compartment; a first drum rotatably mounted within the first tank compartment such that a heat transfer medium contained in the first tank compartment will enter the first drum, the first drum includes an inlet opening proximate the inlet end of the tank for receiving food product, a discharge opening close to said at least one spacer, and a helical auger therein for advancing the food product from the inlet opening to the discharge opening; a second drum rotatably mounted within the second tank compartment such that a cooling transfer medium contained in the second tank compartment will enter the second drum, the second drum includes an entry opening close to said at least one a separator, a discharge opening close to the discharge end of the tank wherein the food product that has moved through said first and second drums is discharged, and a helical auger therein for advancing the food product from the opening of entry of the second drum into the discharge opening of the second drum; and a food product transfer device for transferring food product from the first drum to the second drum, the food product transfer device defines a duct having a first portion at least partially disposed in the first drum and a second portion at least partially arranged in the second drum, wherein the second portion is positioned to prevent the heat transfer medium from flowing from the first drum to the second drum through the food product transfer device.

11. - The food processing apparatus according to claim 10, further characterized in that the first portion defines a channel for receiving food product.

12. The food processing apparatus according to claim 10, further characterized in that it further comprises a dividing plate between the first portion and the second portion of the food product transfer device, wherein the conduit extends through the the dividing plate, the dividing plate having a seal placed between the first portion and the second portion of the food product transfer device.

13. The food processing apparatus according to claim 10, further characterized in that the second portion includes a free end for depositing food product in the second drum, the free end being aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tank. .

14. The food processing apparatus according to claim 10, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a box attached to the second portion of the food product transfer device, the box additionally defines the conduit and extends substantially downward from the second portion for depositing the food product inside the second drum.

15. The food processing apparatus according to claim 10, further characterized in that the means of Cooling transfer is a volume of water that fills a portion of the second drum, wherein the second portion of the food product transfer device deposits food product under a line of water defined by water.

16. The food processing apparatus according to claim 15, further characterized in that the water covers the second portion of the food product transfer device to prevent the heat transfer medium from flowing to the second drum.

17. The food processing apparatus according to claim 15, further characterized in that it further comprises a conduit for transporting a portion of the water in the second compartment to the first portion of the food product transfer device to facilitate the transfer of product. food through the canal.

18. The food processing apparatus according to claim 10, further characterized in that said at least one separator comprises a separate first separator and a second separator, the food product transfer device extending through both separators.

19. A product transfer device for a food processing apparatus, the food processing apparatus includes a tank having an inlet end and a discharge end, at least one separator that divides the tank into a first compartment and a second compartment, a first drum rotatably mounted within the first compartment of the tank and having means for advancing the food product from the entry end towards the separator, and a second drum rotatably mounted within the second compartment of the container. tank and having means to advance the food product towards the outlet of the tank, the product transfer device being characterized in that it comprises: a fixed body relative to the tank and defining a conduit for transferring food product from the first drum to the second drum; a first end further defining the conduit and at least partially disposed in the first drum for receiving food product from the first drum, the first end defining a channel; and a second end further defining the conduit and at least partially disposed in the second drum for receiving food product from the second drum, the second end extending substantially downwardly from the body and being below the first end.

20. The product transfer device according to claim 19, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a dividing plate for separating the body in a first portion adjacent to the first end and a second portion adjacent to the second end, the conduit extending to through the division plate and the division plate including a seal between the first portion and the second portion portion, wherein the first portion includes an open upper portion and the second portion includes a closed upper portion.

21. The product transfer device according to claim 19, further characterized in that the second end is aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tank.

22. The product transfer device according to claim 19, further characterized in that the second end comprises a box coupled to the body, the box extending substantially downward from the body to deposit food product inside the second drum.

23. The product transfer device according to claim 19, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a volume of water that fills a portion of the second drum, wherein the second end of the food product transfer device deposits food product underneath. a water line defined by water.

24. The product transfer device according to claim 23, further characterized in that the water covers the second end to prevent the heat transfer medium from flowing from the first drum to the second drum.

25. The product transfer device according to claim 23, further characterized in that it comprises additionally a conduit interconnecting the second compartment and the first end for transporting a portion of the water to the first end, the water facilitates the transfer of food product through the conduit.