NL2007199C2

NL2007199C2 - Treatment apparatus and process for heating or cooling a product.

Info

Publication number: NL2007199C2
Application number: NL2007199A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Aart-Jan Voort; Teunis Bunt; Jan Gerhard Diekema
Original assignee: Top B V
Priority date: 2011-07-29
Filing date: 2011-07-29
Publication date: 2013-01-30

Description

Treatment apparatus and process for heating or cooling a product Field of the invention 5 The invention relates to a treatment apparatus for heating or cooling a product, and to a process for heating or cooling a product, such as a food product, with for instance such treatment apparatus.

Background of the invention 10 Heating apparatus for drying small pieces or parts, such as pieces of food products are known in the art.

W09817956 for instance describes that a layer of a product in small pieces is brought between a first contact element and a second contact element which are both in contact with the layer, whereby at least one of the contact elements is heated and 15 whereby at least one of the contact elements is gas-permeable. The device applied therefore comprises a first contact element and, opposed thereto, a second contact element, between which a layer of the product in small pieces can be brought into contact with these contact elements, and comprises a heat source forming part of means for heating these contact elements directly or indirectly. The small pieces may be 20 pieces of root or bulbous vegetables. The device may comprise means for bringing the products in a single layer onto one of the contact elements.

Further, W02009035406 describes an apparatus for making food chips, which comprises a source of heat, and a conveyer belt arranged such that, when in use, food chips are held between the belt and the heat source at least a part of the path of the belt, 25 and wherein the belt is steam permeable. Especially, this document describes such apparatus further comprising a second belt arranged in such a way that, when in use, food chips are held between the two belts, the second belt being arranged between the first belt and the heat source, wherein at least a part of the path of the two belts are arranged adjacent said heat source and wherein the belts are arranged for synchronous 30 movement at said part of the path for heating the food chips. W02009035406 describes also a method for making food chips comprising feeding sliced mono layered food between a steam permeable conveyer belt and a heat source and guiding steam from the food through the steam permeable belt.

2

Summary of the invention A disadvantage of prior art systems, such as for instance described above, may be that when drying for example food, the quality of the product may deteriorate undesirably. For instance, taste, colour, texture, shape, and/or nutritional value may 5 decrease or deteriorate too much. Further, rehydration properties, if desired, may be not sufficient. Another disadvantage of prior art systems, such as for instance described above, may their inefficient operation, bulky dimensions, load/duty on the (food) product during processing, inflexibility with respect to temperature settings, and/or energy loss. Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative apparatus 10 and/or an alternative process for drying heating or cooling material or products, such as food products, which preferably further at least partly obviate one or more of above-described drawbacks.

It has surprisingly be found that with a specific contact heating technology, thin material or products, such as food products, can be heated (including drying) and/or 15 cooled efficiently and/or with beneficial effects. Food products dried with this technology appear to have superior colour, taste and flavour, relative to other methods, such as with air-drying. Further, the apparatus allows flexibility over prior art apparatus and/or may reduce loss of energy to the surroundings.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a treatment apparatus (also indicated 20 herein as “apparatus”) for heating or cooling a product, wherein the apparatus comprises (a) an endless transport conveyor belt (herein also indicated as “transport conveyor belt” or “first conveyor belt”), having a transport length; (b) a second endless conveyor belt (herein also indicated as “second conveyor belt”) configured opposite of the endless transport conveyor belt over at least part of the transport length; and (c) a 25 processing section, wherein the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt are over at least part of the transport length arranged parallel at a distance of equal to or less than 100 mm, such as equal to or less than 50 mm, like especially equal to or less than 20 mm from each other, wherein the processing section further comprises a curved element configured to bend the endless transport conveyor belt and 30 the second endless conveyor belt over at least part of the transport length within the processing section, wherein the curved element is a (preferably stationary) element having a radius of at least 1 m, such as at least 2.5 m, like at least 5 m, or even at least 7.5 m, like at least 10 m, and a temperature control element, configured to control, 3 especially via thermal contact, the temperature of one or more selected from the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a process for heating or cooling a product, the process comprising (a) transporting the product between conveyor belts 5 (with an endless transport conveyor belt and a second endless conveyor belt configured opposite of the endless transport conveyor belt over at least part of a transport length of the endless transport conveyor belt), which are in a processing section over at least part of a (the) transport length arranged parallel at a distance of equal to or less than 10 cm, such as equal to or less than 50 mm, like especially equal to or less than 20 mm from 10 each other, and which are bent within the processing section with a (preferably stationary) curved element having a radius of at least 1 m, such as at least 2.5 m, like at least 5 m, or even at least 7.5 m, like at least 10 m over at least part of the transport length; and (b) heating or cooling within the processing section with a temperature control element, especially via physical contact, one or more selected from (the group 15 consisting of) the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt.

In this way, an alternative treatment apparatus and an alternative process are provided, with which the above indicated advantages may be obtained.

The treatment apparatus may be configured to treat an item, a material or a product. For instance a food product (such as a fruit, or a piece of fruit, a vegetable, or 20 a piece of vegetable, meat, a piece of meat, a processed meat product, or a piece of processed meat product, a herb, etc.) a feed product, algae, other agricultural (waste) material, sludge, etc., may be treated, but also other items, materials or products maybe treated. Here below, for the sake of clarity, further the term “product” is used.

For good results, the chosen product is preferably thin. The height of the 25 (untreated) product is preferably equal to or less than 100 mm, such as equal to or less than 50 mm, like especially equal to or less than 20 mm in height. Preferably, the height is 10 mm or less, such as 5 mm or less. The thickness of the product(s) is preferably at least 0.1 mm, such as at least 0.2 mm, like 0.5 mm or larger, such as at least 1mm. Hence, for instance a product may be applied with a thickness in the range 30 of 0.1-50 mm. With such relative thin products, best results may be obtained, because contact drying may then be optimal.

By heating, the product may be dried. Hence, in an embodiment, the treatment apparatus may be configured to dry, and may thus be considered to be a drying 4 apparatus. In another embodiment, the treatment apparatus may be configured to cool, and may thus be considered a cooling apparatus. As within one apparatus (especially within the treatment section), heating and cooling may be applied (at different parts of the treatment section), the apparatus is indicated with its general description of 5 treatment apparatus for heating or cooling a product, or shortly “treatment apparatus”. Likewise, the process may herein be indicated as “treatment process”).

Note that the term “treatment apparatus for heating or cooling a product” may in an embodiment thus also relate to a treatment apparatus that may be configured to heat and to cool. In an embodiment this may imply that the same apparatus is configured to 10 be able to heat or to cool (consecutively), but in another embodiment, which may be combined with the former, it may also imply that the apparatus is configured to be able to heat and to cool at the same time (but at different parts of the treatment section; see also above).

The distance between the conveyor belts may especially be equal to or less than 15 100 mm, such as equal to or less than 50 mm, like especially equal to or less than 20 mm, but especially even smaller, such as equal to or less than 10 mm, like equal to or less than 5 mm, even more especially the (belts of the) conveyor belts are in physical contact with each other. Especially, the distance is (thus) zero, i.e. the conveyor belts are over at least part of the transport length (within the process section) arranged 20 adjacent. In such way, over part of the transport length the belts are in physical contact with each other. Of course, at the location of a product and near the location of the product, the distance may be non-zero due to the product (being sandwiched between the belts of the transport conveyor belt and second conveyor belt). Especially, the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt are over at least 25 part of the transport length arranged in contact with each other. In the absence of a product, the belts may be in contact, whereas in the presence of a product, the second belt may be pushed way. In this way, the product is kept between the two opposite of each other configured conveyor belts.

When the distance is substantially zero, the second conveyor belt may adapt over 30 at least part of the transport length substantially the curvature of the first conveyor belt (which is curved due to the presence of the curved element, see below).

Conveyor belts are known in the art. A conveyor belt (or belt conveyor) in general consists of two or more pulleys, with a continuous loop of material (the “belt”) 5 that rotates about them. The term “endless” is used in order to indicate that the belt is in a continuous loop or rotation (around two or more pulleys).

Especially one conveyor belt (“first conveyor belt”) is used for transport. In general this will be a conveyor belt that is in a horizontal arrangement the lowest 5 conveyor belt. This conveyor belt is herein also indicated as (endless) transport conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt may especially be configured to press a product, which during operation of the apparatus may be in between the belts, against the transport conveyor belt. In this way, contact drying may be improved. This second conveyor belt is in general not used for transport and is therefore simply indicated as 10 “second conveyor belt”.

As will be clear to a person skilled in the art, the apparatus may especially be configured to move the transport conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, at least in the processing section (see below) at substantially the same velocity. Hence, the transport conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt may be configured for 15 synchronous movement at least in the processing section.

The transport conveyor belt has a certain transport length, i.e. the length over which this belt may transport a product (from one end of the transport conveyor belt to another end of the transport conveyor belt). Over at least part of the transport length, and at least in part of the processing section (see below), the two conveyor belts are 20 arranged opposite of each other, in order to create the above indicated distance (including in an embodiment a distance zero) between the two conveyor belts. In a horizontal arrangement of the conveyor belts, as will usually be the case, the term “opposite” may imply “over” or “above”. In this way, the apparatus is configured to sandwich the product between the conveyor belts.

25 Hence, in an embodiment the second endless conveyor belt is configured to press with its belt surface the product against the belt surface of the transport conveyor belt. Optionally, the pressure applied may be adjustable. For instance, by adjusting the position of one or more pulleys, the pressure applied by the second conveyor belt to the transport conveyor belt may be controlled (see also below).

30 Therefore, over at least part of the transport length, the transport conveyor belt may be configured convex (convex along the transport direction and in a direction of the second conveyor belt, whereas the second conveyor belts has over at least part of the transport length (and at least in part of the processing section) a mirror like shape, 6 and is thus concave. As indicated above, when the distance is substantially zero, the second conveyor belt may adapt over at least part of the transport length substantially the curvature of the first conveyor belt (which is curved due to the presence of the curved element, see below).

5 In a specific embodiment, the belt of the transport conveyor belt has a good thermal conductivity. In an embodiment, a (thin) Teflon-based belt may be applied. Optionally, a steel belt may be applied, or a polymer based belt may be applied comprising steel, or other thermally well conductive, elements.

The conveyor belts are at least partly configured in a processing section. Hence, 10 the conveyor belts may entirely be configured within the processing section, or the processing section only includes part of the conveyor belt. A product, when being transported with the transport conveyer belt will - during at least part of its transport time - be processed in the processing section. During at least part of this time, it will be sandwiched between the two conveyor belts (and follow a curved transport route).

15 The term “processing section” is applied, as in this section the product may in an embodiment be heated or may in an embodiment be cooled or may in an embodiment at one location be heated and at another location be cooled. The processing section may also include other types of treatments, like washing, enzymatic treatment, coating, etc. This is however not further discussed herein.

20 For instance, the processing section may be a furnace, configured around at least part of the adjacent conveyor belts.

The processing section further comprises a curved element. The curved element may in an embodiment extend beyond the processing section. This curved element may be arranged in such a way, that it bends the transport conveyor belt (and the second 25 conveyor belt). Hence, the part of the processing section wherein during operation of the apparatus and/or the process the product may be sandwiched between the belts of the conveyor belts at least comprises a curved part. Due to the nature of conveyor belts, this may add to the sandwiching of the product, and thus to the contact heating and/or contact cooling of the product. Especially in this way, one or more of the above 30 described advantages may be obtained.

In an embodiment, the curvature may especially be such that the curvature is in the direction of the transport direction (in the transport section). For instance, a curved metal element may be chosen, like stainless steel. Hence, in an embodiment the 7 transport conveyor belt is configured to run at least part of its transport length (within the processing) over the curved element and follow its curvature. In this way, the curved element may be configured to bend the endless transport conveyor belt (and optionally the second conveyor belt), especially in the transport direction. The 5 conveyor belts may thus be configured to run over an elevation (during transport). Optionally however, the curvature may especially be such that the curvature is perpendicular to the transport direction (in the transport section). The conveyor belts may thus be configured to run over a ridge type element with an elongated top (during transport). In yet a further embodiment the curvature is in both dimensions. However, 10 preferably, the curvature is in the transport direction, with substantially no curvature over the width of the conveyor belt(s).

Thus, the curved element may press in the conveyor belt (at the other side of the belt than the product side). In a specific embodiment, the curved element is adjustable in position. In this way the sandwich behaviour may be influenced. Thus, also in this 15 way the pressure may be adjustable.

The curved element has a curvature. As indicated above, especially this curvature is substantially 1-dimensionally and thus in another dimension the curved element may be flat (although 2D may also be possible, see above). For instance, to obtain the curved element a flat elongated plate or bar may be curved in one direction (in its 20 elongation direction). However, the curved element may in an embodiment also consist of a plurality of (optionally curved) (preferably stationary) elements, which together may form the curved element (see also below). The radius of the curved element may be relatively large. For instance, the radius may be at least 1 m, such as at least 2.5 m, like at least 5 m, or even at least 7.5 m, like at least 10 m. Especially, the radius is at 25 least 5 m. in this way, a rather flat, but nevertheless curved part may be created in the treatment apparatus, over which the conveyor belt(s) run. Especially, the curved element is stationary, as for instance the above indicated plate or bar. An advantage of a curved stationary element is that less moving parts may be present in the apparatus. Further, temperature may be better controlled, and even local differences in 30 temperature (like heating and cooling), may relatively easily be achieved.

Hence, in a specific embodiment, the (stationary) curved element has a radius of at least 10 m, the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt are over at least part of the transport length arranged parallel at a distance equal to or 8 less than 5 mm from each other, such as in physical contact with each other. Especially with such embodiment, good results may be obtained.

Hence, with the curved element, it is possible to transport the product between conveyor belts, which are in a processing section over at least part of a transport length 5 arranged parallel at a distance (of for instance equal to or less than 20 mm from each other; thus including a distance of zero), and which are bent within the processing section with this stationary curved element (for instance having a radius of at least 5 m over at least part of the transport length).

Optionally, the curved element comprises a gutter or recess (along the transport 10 direction) through which (the belt of) the transport conveyor belt is configured to run. Such construction may for instance be chosen when a non-zero distance from the transport conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt is desired. Optionally, one or more of the belts may locally comprise elevations, in order to obtain a (non-zero) distance to the other conveyor belt. The product(s) may be arranged between the elevations, but 15 nevertheless be pressed between the belts. With the elevations, thicker products may for instance be processed.

Hence, when the apparatus is in use and/or when the process is applied, a product may be held between the two (conveyor) belts, with the belt of the transport conveyor belt being arranged between the second belt and the curved element (which may in fact 20 be a heat source).

Hence, in a specific embodiment the curved element is configured to bend the endless transport conveyor belt (and the second endless conveyor belt) over at least part of the transport length within the processing section (over at least part wherein the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt are over arranged 25 parallel at a distance of equal to or less than 20 mm from each other).

The curved element may especially comprise a material that has a high thermal conductivity. Especially, the thermal conductivity may be at least 2 W/(m K), such as especially at least 5 W/(m K), like even more especially at least 10 W/(m K). Especially metal compounds may be of interest, such as stainless steel.

30 To influence the temperature of the food product, a temperature control element is present. This temperature control element is especially configured to control, especially via thermal contact, the temperature of one or more selected from the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt. The temperature control 9 element thus heats the transport conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt or both. In a specific embodiment, temperature control element is configured to control via physical contact (such as by means of the curved element) the temperature of the endless transport conveyor belt, and optionally the second conveyor belt. By controlling the 5 temperature of one or more selected from (the group consisting of) the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt, the temperature of the product (within the processing section) may be controlled.

Hence, especially the product may be heated (and/)or cooled via physical contact (directly or indirectly) with (the belt of) the transport conveyor belt within the 10 processing section. On its turn, (the belt of) the transport conveyor belt may be heated (and/)or cooled via physical contact with the heating element within the processing section. Alternatively or additionally, the product may be heated (and/)or cooled via physical contact with (the belt of) the second conveyor belt within the processing section. On its turn, (the belt of) the second conveyor belt may be heated (and/)or 15 cooled via physical contact with a (second) heating element (see also below) within the processing section. Preferably however, the product is heated (and/)or cooled via physical contact with (the belt of) the transport conveyor belt within the processing section.

Heating or cooling may be performed with a heating or cooling liquid (such as 20 water, (thermic) oil, etc.) or with a heating or cooling gas (such as steam). Such liquid or gas may for instance circulate through the heating element. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature control element comprises an IR source, configured to send IR radiation for heating. The temperature control element may also be indicated as heat source. Actual control of the temperature of the temperature control element may 25 be controlled external from the process section, or even external from the apparatus, for instance with a (remote) control unit. Hence, the temperature control element can be any element that can be used to heat or to cool, and which thereby controls the temperature as herein indicated, but which may on its turn be controlled by a control unit.

30 In a specific embodiment, the temperature control element is configured to heat the curved element (via contact heating). In yet another specific embodiment, the temperature control element is configured to cool the curved element (via contact heating). In a specific embodiment, the curved element comprises the temperature 10 control element. In another embodiment, the temperature control element comprises the curved element, or in a more specific embodiment is the curved element. Especially in such embodiments, heating may be very efficient and contact heating with one of the conveyor belts, especially (the belt of) the transport conveyor belt may be applied.

5 Hence, temperature control element (such as heating) may especially be applied at the back side of the transport conveyor belt. However, optionally the temperature control (such as heating) may be applied at the back side of the second conveyor belt. In a specific embodiment, heating may be applied from both sides.

For better temperature control, the temperature control element may comprise a 10 plurality of elements. Especially, two or more of those elements may individually be addressable. In this way, it may also be able to heat in one part of the processing section and to cool in another part of the processing section. Hence, this may especially enable more refined temperature schemes. Therefore, in specific embodiment, one or more elements are configured to heat and one or more elements are configured to cool. 15 Hence, in an embodiment, the processing section may comprise a plurality of temperature zones.

In a further specific embodiment, one of the conveyor belts is permeable. Preferably, the conveyor belt that is primarily used for heating or cooling is not permeable. As in general the transport conveyor belt may be applied as belt that is used 20 to heat or cool, in an embodiment the second endless conveyor belt is permeable. Hence, in a preferred embodiment, the temperature control element comprises a heating element and the second endless conveyor belt is permeable. In this way for instance, the product may be heated and (water) vapour may relatively easily escape (through channels in the permeable conveyor belt). For instance, the permeable conveyor belt 25 may comprise perforations.

Herein, the phrase “the conveyor belt is permeable” and similar phrase especially indicate that the belt of the conveyor belt is permeable.

As indicated above, the invention provides in a specific embodiment a process for heating or cooling a product, the process comprising: 30 a. transporting the product between an endless transport conveyor belt and a second endless conveyor belt, which are in a processing section over at least part of a transport length arranged parallel at a distance of equal to or less than 20 mm from each 11 other, and which are bent within the processing section with a stationary curved element having a radius of at least 5 m over at least part of the transport length; b. heating or cooling within the processing section with a temperature control element one or more selected from (the group consisting of) the endless transport 5 conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt.

To perform the process, the above described treatment apparatus may be applied. As indicated above, especially the process may include heating or cooling within the processing section with the temperature control element via physical contact with one or more selected from the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless 10 conveyor belt. Further as indicated above, the product may for instance comprise a product selected from the group consisting of a food product, a feed product, algae, sludge, etc.

As indicated above, the apparatus may be used for heating (including drying) or cooling . In a specific embodiment, the process includes (at least) heating one or more 15 selected from the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt at a temperature in the range of 40-250 °C, especially 60-200 °C, like for instance 60-160 °C. For drying a food product, the temperature may be below 110 °C, such as equal to or below 100 °C, especially equal to or below 90 °C. The process time within the processing section may depend upon the desired application. For instance, assuming 20 drying, the processing time may be in the range of 2 minutes to 2 hours, like 5-60 minutes.

A specific advantage of the process (and the apparatus) of the invention may be the option to vary temperatures within the processing section, for instance with a plurality of elements. Hence, in a specific embodiment, the invention also provides a 25 process wherein within the processing section one or more heating zones and one or more cooling zones are present.

In an embodiment, during processing, a gas flow may be provided in the processing section over (the belt of) one of the conveyor belts, especially over the second conveyor belt. Especially when the (second) conveyor belt is permeable, this 30 gas flow may assist in removing off-gas from the product (that is being processed). For instance when heating (including drying), water vapour may better be removed when such gas flow is provided.

12

Hence, the invention provides the use of the treatment apparatus as described above and/or the process as described above for for instance drying a food product, a feed product, algae, sludge, etc. The process, especially when applied at a temperature above 100 °C, may also be applied to reduce or eliminate the activity of pathogens, 5 such as a virus, bacteria, prions, or fungus. This may also be called thermal inactivation of micro-organisms.

The term “substantially” herein, such in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the 10 adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term “comprise” includes also embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of’.

15 Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than 20 described or illustrated herein.

The apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than 25 limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or 30 "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device or apparatus claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be 13 embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The invention further applies to an apparatus comprising one or more selected 5 from the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide 10 additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, 15 with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically depicts (in cross-sectional view) an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention;

Figs 2a-2c schematically depict some aspects of the apparatus of the invention. 20 Figs 2a-2b are in cross-sectional view; fig. 2c is a 3D view; and

Figs. 3a-3e schematically depict (in cross-sectional views) some further embodiments of the apparatus of the invention.

The drawings are not necessarily on scale.

25 Description of preferred embodiments

Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the apparatus (treatment apparatus), indicated with reference 100, of the invention. The schematic drawing treatment apparatus 100, which may in an embodiment be used for heating and in an embodiment be used for cooling a product and in an embodiment for both, comprises 30 an endless transport conveyor belt 10, having a transport length L, for instance 10-30 m, a second endless conveyor belt 20 configured opposite of the endless transport conveyor belt 10 over at least part of the transport length L.

14

The apparatus 100 further comprises a processing section 30, wherein the endless transport conveyor belt 10 and the second endless conveyor belt 20 are over at least part of the transport length L arranged parallel at a distance (see for more detail figure 2a of equal to or less than 20 mm from each other (in this schematic drawing, the 5 distance over at least part of the transport length L is zero). The part the two belts 11,21 are parallel is indicated with length L2. In the accompanying schematic drawings, L2 is smaller than the processing section 30. However, this may also be the other way around.

The processing section 30 further comprises a curved element 40 configured to 10 bend the endless transport conveyor belt 10 and the second endless conveyor belt 20 over at least part of the transport length L within the processing section 30. The curved element 40 is here a stationary element having a radius r of for instance at least 5 m. For instance, the curved element 40 may be a steel body, optionally hollow for a heating or cooling liquid or heating or cooling gas. In an embodiment, the contact 15 surface of the curved element 40 (i.e. the surface, indicated with reference 41) of the curved element 40 in contact with the transport conveyor belt 10, may be stainless steel. In yet another embodiment, substantially the entire curved element 40 is from stainless steel. In a specific embodiment, the curved element 40, or at least its surface 41, comprises bright annealed (BA) stainless steel or non-post treated stainless steel. It 20 surprisingly appears that the thermal efficiency when using steel with a reflective metallic surface (without white or black coating, or other dye coating) is relative high. The higher the reflectivity (with respect to visible light), the better the thermal behaviour may be.

The apparatus further comprises a temperature control element 50, configured to 25 control via thermal contact the temperature of one or more selected from the endless transport conveyor belt 10 and the second endless conveyor belt 20. In this schematic drawing, the temperature control element, such as an electric heating element (heat source) or cooling element (like a Peltier element), or a flow element for flowing a liquid for heating or cooling, is in physical contact with the curved element 40, which 30 on its turn guides the transport conveyor belt, or more precisely its belt, which is indicated with reference 11 (and is thus in physical contact therewith). Hence, in this schematic embodiment, the temperature control element 50 controls the temperature of (the belt of) the conveyor belt 10 indirectly, via the curved element 40.

15

The first conveyor belt comprises belt 11 (first belt 11), which can be used for transporting products like food products. The second conveyor belt 20 comprises a second belt 21. Note that in this drawing, over at least part of the transport length L, the conveyor belts 10,20, or more precisely their belts 11,21, may sandwich a product that 5 is transported (here in this drawing from right to left).

From figure 1 it can also be derived that in this embodiment, the radius of the curved element 40 may be perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotators (pulleys) of the conveyor belts.

Fig. 2a schematically depicts in more detail part of the apparatus 100. For the 10 sake of understanding, the transport conveyor belt 10 and the second conveyor belt 20, are depicted to be arranged over a distance d over at least part of the transport length L. The part the two belts 11,21 are parallel is indicated with length L2.

In general the distance d will be zero, although the belt 11 of the transport conveyor belt 10 may also be arranged in a gutter or recess (not depicted) of the curved 15 element 40, which would allow a non-zero distance, if desired. This may for instance be of interest when relatively thick products have to be treated with the treatment apparatus 100.

The length L2 over which the conveyor belts 10,20 run parallel and are substantially in contact (or at a non-zero distance d) with each other is in this schematic 20 drawing entirely in the processing section 30.

In the processing section 30, the product, such as a food product, or algae, or sludge, etc. may be thermally treated by subjecting it, with the aid of the temperature control element 50, to an elevated temperature or a reduced temperature or (at different positions) subsequently with different temperatures.

25 However, in principle the process may also be applied batch wise, for instance by introducing the product in the processing zone, termination the movement of the transport conveyor belt 10 and the second conveyor belt 20, processing the product (for instance subjecting it to a predetermined temperature scheme) and after processing, restarting movement of the conveyor belts 10,20 and providing to product to a 30 subsequent place.

Fig. 2b schematically shows transport of a product 60 through the processing section 30. After processing, processed product 61 is obtained. This fig. 2b also schematically shows how the transport conveyor belt 10 and the second conveyor belt 16 20 may enclose the product 60. This is due to the specific configuration of the apparatus 100 of the invention, and may especially lead to the specific advantages of the invention.

Fig. 2c schematically depicts a 3D drawing of an embodiment of the apparatus 5 100 of the invention. Here the product is transported from left to right. At the entrance, indicated with reference 110, of the apparatus 100, a leveller or height reducing element 120 may be arranged. This may be used to arrange the product on the transport conveyor belt 10 in such a way, that the height/thickness is lowest.

Fig. 3a schematically depicts an embodiment with two curved elements. The first 10 one, indicated with reference 40 is the curved element that bends the transport conveyor belt 10. The second curved element, indicated with reference 140 may be used as further element to press the belts 11,21 together and/or to heat and/or cool (also) the second conveyor belt 20 (or more precisely its belt 21). To the latter end, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a second temperature control element, indicated 15 with reference 150. It may even be possible to use only second temperature control element 150, although in general it may be preferred to use at least the (first) temperature control element 50. Reference rl indicates the radius of the second curved element 140.

Fig. 3b schematically depicts the same embodiment as schematically depicted in 20 fig. 2b. Here however, the second conveyor belt 20 is permeable. For instance, the second conveyor belt 20, or more precisely its belt 21, may comprise perforation 22. This may be used for escape of air, gasses or damp from the product 60 during processing.

Figs. 2b, 3a and 3c especially depict embodiments wherein the endless transport 25 conveyor belt 10 and the second endless conveyor belt 20 are over at least part of the transport length L arranged parallel and are in physical contact with each other.

Fig. 3c schematically depicts an embodiment of (part of) the apparatus 100, wherein the temperature control element 50 comprises a plurality of (individual) elements or temperature control elements. These elements are indicated with reference 30 51.

Note that in this schematic embodiment, the curved element 40 in fact substantially consists of the plurality of elements 51 forming the temperature control element 50. This may assist in good transfer of heat or coldness. Hence, in this 17 embodiment (but also on variations thereon), the heating element 50 may directly heat the transport conveyor belt 10 (and/or in variations (not depicted) the second conveyer belt 20). Therefore, the temperature control element may be configured to control via indirect or direct physical contact the temperature of the endless transport conveyor 5 belt. The transport conveyor belt 10 is not depicted in this schematical drawing, but the belt 11 may run over the contact surface 41 of the curved element 40.

By way of example, the individual elements are in this embodiment hollow. Hence, a heating or cooling liquid may be used to control the temperature of the temperature control element 50. Since the elements 51 may be individually addressable, 10 this configuration may be used to create different temperature zones in the processing section 30. Those temperature zones are indicated with reference 31. Hence, the temperature control element 50 may comprises a plurality of elements 51, wherein one or more elements 51 may be configured to heat and one or more elements 51 may be configured to cool.

15 Optionally (see also above), a gas flow may introduced in the processing section.

For instance, when heating a product, the flow may assist in removing off-gas of the product, such as water vapour.

Fig. 3d schematically depicts a cross-section of the two belts 11,21 arranged on top of each other (which will be the case in embodiments over length L2, see above).

20 Hence, in this embodiment d is zero. In an alternative embodiment, the distance d is non-zero. In an embodiment, which is schematically depicted in fig. 3e, this may be achieved by equipping at least one of the belts with extensions, indicated with reference 32, like dots or ridges, etc. In this way, channels or cavities 33 may be created. These extensions 32 create in an embodiment a non-zero distance d between the first belt 11 25 and the second belt 21. In this way, thicker products 60 can be processed. For instance, extension 32 may be rubber extensions, galvanised to a rubber belt. In this embodiment, the extensions are part of the belt 11 of the transport conveyor belt, but the extensions 32 may alternatively or additionally also be part of the belt 21 of the second belt 20.

30 In fig. 3d, the conveyor belts 10,20, more precisely the belts 11,21 are in physical contact which each other; in fig. 3e the belts 11,21 are at a non-zero distance d of each other (although the extension on one belt may be in physical contact with the (extensions of the) opposite belt.

18

The apparatus may further include a control unit, configured to control one or more of the temperature of the temperature control element, the velocity of the endless transport conveyor belt, the second endless conveyor belt. The control unit may further be configured to control gas flow, such as airflow, within the processing section, etc.

5

Examples

The apparatus of the invention was built with a transport length of 12 m and a radius for the transport conveyor of 30 m. Pieces of food with a thickness to about 0.2-4 mm, dependent upon the product, where arranged on the transport conveyor belt 10 and moved through the processing zone during a time of 12-60 min, dependent upon the product. The transport conveyor belt was contact heated with a temperature control element at a temperature of about 60-150 °C, dependent upon the type of product. The results was compared with a prior art drying apparatus using air drying. After processing, the food products were compared on colour, taste and smell (flavour). In all 15 aspects all tested food products performed better with the process and apparatus of the invention:

Vegetables Quality improvement over air drying

Leek colour, taste, smell

Bell pepper colour, taste, smell

Kale colour, taste, smell

Carrot colour, taste, smell

White cabbage colour, taste, smell

Mushrooms colour, taste, smell

Herbs

Parsley colour, taste, smell

Coriander leaves colour, taste, smell

Basil colour, taste, smell

Oregano colour, taste, smell

Celery leaves colour, taste, smell

Mint colour, taste, smell

Dill colour, taste, smell

Claims

A treatment apparatus for heating or cooling a product, the apparatus comprising the following: a. An endless conveyor belt with a conveyor length; b. a second endless conveyor belt that is arranged opposite at least one portion of the conveyor length opposite the endless conveyor conveyor belt; c. a process section in which the endless transport conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt are arranged parallel to each other over at least a part of the transport length with a maximum distance of 20 mm from each other, the process section further comprising a curved element, which is arranged is to bend the endless conveyor belt and the endless conveyor belt over at least a portion of the conveyor length in the process section, the curved element being a stationary element with a radius of at least 5 m, and an element for heating or cooling, which is arranged to control, via thermal contact, the temperature of one or more selected from the endless conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt.

The treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating or cooling element is arranged to control the temperature of the endless conveyor belt through physical contact.

3. The treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heating or cooling element comprises a heating element and wherein the second endless conveyor belt is permeable.

The treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating or cooling element comprises a plurality of elements, and wherein one or more element is arranged for heating and one or more element is arranged for cooling.

The treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the curved element comprises the element for heating or cooling.

The treatment apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the curved element has a radius of at least 10 m, and wherein the endless conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt are arranged in parallel over at least a part of the conveyor length and in be in physical contact with each other.

7. A process for heating or cooling a product, comprising: a. Transporting the product between endless conveyor belts, which in a process section are arranged in parallel over at least a part of a transport length at a distance of at most 20 mm from each other, and which in the process section are bent over at least a part of the transport length by means of a stationary bent element with a radius of at least 5 m. b. heating or cooling within the process section with an element for heating or cooling one or more of the endless conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt.

8. The process according to claim 7, comprising heating or cooling within the process section with the heating or cooling element via physical contact with one or more of the endless conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt.

The process according to any of claims 7-8, wherein the product comprises a food product.

The process according to any of claims 7-8, wherein the product comprises a feed product.

The process according to any of claims 7-8, wherein the product comprises algae.

The process according to any of claims 7-8, wherein the product comprises sludge.

13. The process according to any of claims 7-12, comprising heating one or more of the endless conveyor belt and the second endless conveyor belt to a temperature in the range of 60-200 ° C.

The process according to any of claims 7-13, wherein the treatment device according to any of claims 1-6 is used.

The process of any one of claims 7-14, wherein within the process section 30 one or more heating zones and one or more cooling zones are present.

Use of the treatment device according to any of claims 1-6 or the process according to any of claims 7-15 for drying a product.