NZ314254A - Dehydrating biological product with heated gas - Google Patents

Description

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NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No: Date: \ Divided out of New Z,e filed 1 December 1993 Zealand Patent Application No. 258246 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION I, WLODZIM3ERZ L GROCHOLSKI, a Polish citizen, 6783 SW 104 Street, Miami, FL 33156, USA do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: (followedbypage la) la 31 4 2 5 4 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR DEHYDRATING BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS AND DEHYDRATED BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS This is a divisional application of New Zealand Specification No. 258246.

Held of the Invention The present invention relates to dehydration via a closed system.

Background of the Invention The present Invention relates particularly to - an apparatus (or dehydrating biological products including, but not limited too: fruits, vegetables, fish and meat products, by employing a dosed system. More particularly, the present invention relates to > an apparatus for dehydrating such biological products, via a closed system in a manner such that substantially all of the natural moisture of the product is removed while the product retains substantially all of its natural fiavore and fragrances. Moreover, the present invention relates to an apparatus for dehydrating such that the natural flavour of the biological products is retained upon rehydration of the dehydrated biological product.

The invention of NZ 258246 relates to a method for dehydrating biological products by employing a closed system.

Description of the Prior Art Many methods of, and apparatus for preserving biological products, in particular food products^ are presently utilized and have been known for some time. Each of the prior an methods of preserving food products has serious and significant shortcomings, which it is the object of the invention of NZ 258246 to overcome.

Freezing is a commonly utilized method for preserving foods, and various freezing techniques are known in the prior art In particular, a freezing technique including lyophilization is known in the prior art, particular from U.S. Patent No. 5,059,518. Such freezing procedures have several undesirable aspects. These include destructing or destruction of the integrity of the frozen products or materials as well as the need for constant energy expenditure for cooling of the frozen products during storage. Additionally, transportation of the frozen products is more complicated, and the presence of water within the frozen products results in an increase in the total costs for the process.

One of the oldest processes for preserving biological products, and particularly food products. Is that of drying or dehydration. From ancient times, it has been known to dry 31 4 2 5 4 2 grapes to produce raisins. Such drying processes are, of course, still quite widely practiced today. However, these dehydration or drying processes have serious and significant shortcomings. In particular, since drying processes as utilized today, employ an 'open system', the fragrance, flavor and aroma of the product is often significantly changed, s during the drying process, from that of the product in the natural state.

The term 'open system*, designates a drying process or apparatus that operates by utilizing a heated air flow across the surface of the product to be dehydrated and wherein the air flow is not isolated from the ambient atmosphere, but air exchange between the io dryer and ambient air permitted. While in many of these prior art 'open system', some air might be recycled for energy efficiency purposes, the prior art dehydration systems do not utilize a closed system, wherein the entire volume of air utilized for drying of the product is dosed-off, isolated, or sealed from the ambient atmosphere and recycled, without exchange of air with the ambient atmosphere during a drying cycle. is Thus, in the prior art drying processes, as the evaporation of moisture from the product proceeds, flavor, fragrance and aroma are also evaporated from the product and are thus not retained in the dehydrated product Accordingly, the taste, texture, flavor and aroma of a product dehydrated by conventional dehydration process becomes substantially 20 changed as a result of the drying process. Accordingly, dehydrated products produced via the prior art dehydration process cannot be reconstituted and used as a acceptable substitute for the natural product Using the graperaisin example, since the flavor and fragrance of a grape differs significantly from that of a raisin, a raisin is not acceptable substitute for a grape in processed food products such as, for example ice cream and 25 yogurt.

Other methods of preserving foods by drying indude the addition of chemical compounds, such as, for example, trehalose or sulfite.

Additionally, preservation of foods by the addition of sugar during the drying process, while quite old, is still practiced in the an. However, because of the. general trend, particularly for health reasons, to avoid the addition of chemicals or extra sugar to food products, these processes have recently become somewhat less desirable than in the past.

Summary of the Invention The present specification describes •closed system' which is free of the above noted disadvantages. an apparatus which utilises a 31 4 2 5 4 3 The present invention relates to a dehydration apparatus for a biological product, wherein the apparatus Includes a mechanism for supporting a biological product to be dehydrated, a device for enclosing the support mechanism to form a closed system, and a device for heating a gaseous fluid within the closed system.

Further, the present invention includes an apparatus for causing the heated gaseous fluid of the closed system to flow past the support mechanism and the hasting device is operative to heal the gaseous fluids of the dosed system to a temperature of below about 80 degrees Centigrade. The flow causing apparatus includes at least one blower, while ttie heating device includes a heat exchanger.

Further, according to a feature of the present invention, the heating device and the causing apparatus are operative to achieve a temperature differentia] and forced fluid flow within the dosed system. The present system further indudes a device for removing gaseous fluid from the dosed system, and for inserting and removing biological products from the closed system without substantially impairing the integrity of the closed system. In particular, a double-door air-lock can be used to insert and remove biological products.

The present invention indudes a mechanism for injecting a predetermined material into the closed system, and the predetermined material can be a bacteriostatic agent In addition, devices for monitoring a process parameter within the closed system and for insulating the dosed system are provided.

In addition the present invention relates to a dehydration apparatus for biological products, including a mechanism for creating and maintaining temperature and humidity gradients within the closed system.

Brief Description of the Drawing The present invention is further explained in the detailed description which follows, with reference to the drawings, by way of non-limiting examples of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, "m which like reference numerals represents similar pans in the following Figures, an wherein: Fig. 1 ts a schematic view of the dehydration apparatus of the present invention; 4 1 4 2 5 4 Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a support structure for certain biological products according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 3 tea schematic view of a cross-sectional shape of a product chamber for certain other biological products according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferre Embodiment Dehydration is in essence the process of water release from a biological material through higher temperature evaporation caused by a forced air flow about the biological 10 material, often in the presence of a pressure differential (positive or negative).

In the present application, the term biological products is used to refer to biological, chemical and pharmaceutical materials. Within the category of biological materials, food products such as various plant (fruit or vegetable) foods or diary products, seafoods and is meats are included. In addition, herbs, spices, tobacco, fodder (alfalfa) and wood are also included within the general expression biological products. Yet further, within the term biological products, as utilized in the present specification, blood, vaccines, sperm, and bacteria are included.

Within the term chemical material, various chemicals, chemical compounds, and mixtures are included. Similarly, within the term pharmaceutical products, various pharmaceutical substances, preparations, compounds, mixtures and materials are included.

With detailed reference to the drawings, and in particular with reference to Fig. 1, 25 there is illustrated, in norv-fimiting schematic form, a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, a tunnel or product chamber 10 is shown, within which the biological product to be dehydrated can be supported on trays, racks, shelves or the like. As will be set forth in more detail, different types of products to be dehydrated require different types of support mechanisms.

The product chamber 10 is connected, by conduits or ducting -12. to a heat exchanger 14. Within the ducting 12, a plurality of blowers 16 are provided to provide a high-speed airflow within the chamber and throughout the system. Although in the illustrated schematic drawing of Fig. 1, three such blowers are provided, it is of course 35 understood that more than three or less than three such blowers can be provided for moving the air from the product chamber 10 towards and to the heat exchanger 14 and back again to the product chamber after having been heated by the heat exchanger. The 31 4 2 5 4 blowers can be located in any appropriate portion of the conduit, as appropriate to provide a higb-speed air flow In the product chamber 10.

The heat exchanger 14 is provided to heat the air moved by the blowers prior to 5 returning the air to the product chamber 10. The heat exchanger is provided with a heating element, or any conventional type of heat source, such as a diesel gas healer, electrical heater, direct or indirect solar heaters, including electrophotovoltaic and condenser rinyfces.

The heater element is shown in Fig. 1 in the form of the heat generator 18. The io heated fluid or exhaust gases from the heat generator 18 are shown as being emitted to the atmosphere from an exhaust port 20 through an appropriate (non-illustrated) emission control mechanism, although such exhaust port is only necessary for a heat generator or heating element using a consumable fuel Of course, for a solar heater, an exhaust of this sort would not be necessary. Retther, the exhaust shown in Fig. 1 would be connected back is to the heat generator 18 in closed-loop fashion.

After being heated by the fluid within the heat exchanger 14, the air within the system is returned at high speed to the product chamber .10. As noted above, the biological products to be dehydrated are supported within the product chamber 10. Each time the 20 heated air flows over and about the biological product within the chamber, moisture from the product evaporates, is carried away by the air as water vapor, and the biological product within the chamber is progressively dehydrated.

Although in the previous discussion, air has been referred to, it is to be understood 25 that it is also within the scope of the present invention to use other gaseous fluids rather than ordinary atmospheric air. in particular, as will be explained below in more detail, it is specifically within the contemplation of the present invention to either remove various gaseous components of the air (e.g.. oxygen) or to inject various other gases Into the product chamber of the present invention. The term gaseous fluids, as used in the 30 appended claims is intended to encompass air as well as other gaseous fluids.

The product chamber 10, the ducting 12 and the heat exchanger 14 are surrounded by appropriate insulation 22 to thus form a physically and thermally closed system By a thermally and physically closed system, a system is defined whereby during a dehydration 35 process utilizing the above described apparatus, the gaseous fluids within the system are continually heated, recycled, reheated and again recycled. Substantially no outside air is 31 4 2 54 6 introduced into the dosed system and none of the air or gaseous fluids within the system are exhausted into the outside atmosphere.

The closed system according to the present invention can be constructed such that s the ducting or other parts of the system extend outside of the building containing the product chamber itself. Further, during the dehydration process, as a result of the changes resulting from the process, hydrogen atoms are liberated, and are present In the air of the product chamber and ducting. When such a system is located in an environment where severe thunderstorms are frequent, lighting can strikn the exposed metal of the ducting or 10 other parts of the system. To avoid the possibility of such an occurrence, which might be quite destructive in the presence of hydrogen, a conventional lighting arresting system is schematically illustrated in Figure 1. Thus, a lighting rod 64 and a grounding connection 66 are schematically illustrated in figure 1. Further, separate lightning arresting systems can be provided both for the heat exchanger subsystem as well as for the closed system of the is dehydrator of the present invention.

Every time a product-inserting access opening or door of the product chamber U) is opened, there will obviously be an exchange of air between the chamber and the outside environment Thus, in order to ensure the operation of the apparatus of the present 20 invention at a high level of efficiency over an extended period of time and to avoid, as much as possible, introdudng outside air into and disturbing the closed system, appropriate measures are taken in accordance with the teachings of the present invention to minimize such exchange of air. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment to the present invention, a double-door airiock system is provided. 23 The double-door airiock 34, as shown in Fig. 1, is provided with a first door 36 to enable communication between the airiock and the outside environment, while a second door 38 is provided to enable communication between the product chamber 10 and the airlock 34. Additionally, the double-door airlock is provided with an exhaust opening 40 30 through which, ambient air from the airlock can be exhausted, as by a non-Illustrated suction pump.

In operation, the outer door 36 is opened, the biological materials to be dehydrated are positioned within the airlock, and the outer door 36 is closed. After the exhaust 40 has 35 been operated to remove a portion of the air from the airiock 34, the inner door 38 is opened and the biological materials are moved into the product chamber. Thus, 31 4 2 5 4 7 interchange of the air between the product chamber and the ambient environment is minimized.

It is of course understood that each of the doors 36, and 38 are provided with 5 appropriate sealing mechanisms so as to further minimize'the amount of air loss from the dosed system.

In addition to the doors 36, and 38, an additional product sampling access opening or door 42 is provided in the product chamber 10. This door allows samples of the product 10 undergoing dehydration to be withdrawn from the product chamber for analysis, to enable a determination to be made of the progress of the dehydration process. Because of the small size of the sampling door 42 and the relative infrequency with which it is opened, air loss therethrough is minimized. Of course, the door 42 is also provided with sealing means to further minimize air losses. Further, although the sampling door 42 is illustrated to be in a is wall portion of the product chamber 10, other than where the airiock is provided, it is of course possible and perhaps even preferable to provide the sampling door to be part of the airlock structure.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the biological product to be 20 dehydrated is carried in trays which are supported on racks or carts which are connectable to and disconnectable from an endless loop-type conveyor. Thus, when the biological products are within the product chamber, they are connected to the endless loop chain conveyor, and, as the dehydration of the product supported on a particular rack is completed, it can be moved outside of the product chamber, disconnected from the 25 conveyor, and a new rack, already loaded and waiting within the double door airiock can be connected to the conveyor an moved into the product chamber, of course, the endless conveyor is driven by an appropriate drive mechanism which is not illustrated as it does not form a pan of the present invention. The product chamber would, of course, be of a size to accommodate an appropriate number of racks or carts, such as 20-25 racks.

An exemplary tunnel or product chamber 10 can be constructed to hold 23 racks (i.e., carts), with each rack holding 21 trays, and each tray having a size of 44 inches by 44 inches.

Further, although the shape of the product chamber 10 as illustrated in Fig. 1. is illustrated to be of a square cross-section, it has been found that such a shape or a simitar shape is particularly appropriate for products supported on trays and racks, as described 31 4 2 5 4 8 above. Racks and trays are, however inappropriate for certain types of biological products to be dehydrated. In particular, when dealing with lightweight leafy-type products such as tea leaves, parsley, or rose petals, because of the velocity of the air flow within the product chamber, such biological materials would be blown off the support trays. Accordingly, a different mechanism for supporting these materials has been developed.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, a support mechanism for supporting lightweight, leafy-type biological materials for dehydration is provided. The support mechanism is generally in the form of an apertured diverging conical member or support screen 44. The conical member can be formed of a stainless steel screen or mesh, or a plastic screen or mesh of a grade acceptable for use in handling food. The conical support screen 44 is supported for rotation about a horizontal axis as generally shown at 46. Appropriate drive means 48, is provided for rotating the conical support screen. Although the drive is shown to be connected to the input end 50 of the support screen, it is of course understood that the support screen can be driven from either end or in any other conventional fashion, such as by a central shaft connected to each end of the support screen.

In utilizing the cylindrical support screen 44 for drying of leafy, lightweight biological materials, the screen is arranged so that the air flow from the heat exchanger impinges on the screen along the length thereof, as shown by the arrows A in Fig. 2. Materials to be dehydrated are inserted via the small input opening 50. As the screen 44 rotates while the air flow acts on the biological material through the apertures or interstices of the screen, the material gradually progresses down the slope of the conical support screen until it emerges from the large output end 52.

The support screen 44 should be oriented within the product chamber in such a fashion that the input and output ends are appropriately located relative to the double-door airlock to enable products to be dehydrated to be loaded, and dehydrated products to be unloaded therefrom. Of course, when using a conical support screen, it might be quite desirable to configure the product chamber to generally conform to the shape of the support screen so as to avoid impairing the air flow through the product chamber. Additionally, instead of the single airlock 34 as show in Fig. 1, it might be desirable to utilize two separate airlocks; one provided adjacent each of the input and output ends of the cylindrical support screen 44.

It has further been found that for certain materials, such as wood, a triangularly-shaped product chamber achieves excellent results. When dehydrating wood in 9 31 4 2 5 4 a triangularly-shaped product chamber, according to the teachings of the present invention, the wood becomes completely dried in a relatively short period to time, yet does not exhibit cracking curling or 'cupping* as is often the case with other expedited wood drying processes. A triangularly-shaped product chamber 60 is illustrated in Fig. 3 together with the insulation 22 thereabout An appropriately shaped support structure would be utilized for a triangularly-shaped product chamber, to support the biological product such as wood, during the drying thereof.

In treating wood within the triangularly shaped product chamber, as shown in Figure 3, the air flow into the chamber would advantageously be from the upper portion 68 or the chamber and the exhaust (suction) would be from the lower portion 70 of the chamber. In those situation where the air inlet is at the left top side of the chamber the exhaust should be at the left lower side of the chamber, and vice versa This arrangement of inlet and exhaust opening is believed to yield a particularly advantageous air flow within the chamber and results in quick drying of the wood without cracking of the wood during the drying process. It is believed that the arrangement of the inlet and exhaust openings as set forth above, together with the shape of the product chamber results in beneficial interaction of the air flow within the chamber with the waits disposed opposite to the inlet, and results in highly agitated air flow within the chamber without causing airflow dead spots within the chamber.

The transfer of heat to the gaseous fluids within the closed system of the present invention is performed through an interface with the heat exchanger .14, such as by utilizing fins, coils or other conventional heat exchanger technology. Insulation 22, encompassing the entire closed system comprising the product chamber 10, the conduits 12, and the heat exchanger 14 is provided to assure the thermal efficiency of the system and to provide a thermally dosed system.

Various sensors 32, appropriately positioned, are provided for measuring system parameters, such as temperature, forced air flow rate, absolute and relative humidity, as well as air pressure within the dosed system. These sensors are used to monitor the system parameters under the general direction of a general purpose control computer g§ utilizing, e.g., micro processor technology, to control the heat generator and the blowers, as well as to monitor the progress of the dehydration process with respect to the particular biological product being dehydrated within the product chamber 10. While several sensors are illustrated in Fig. 1, the illustrated number and placement of such sensors is not limiting. 31 4 2 5 4 On the contrary, the sensors can be positioned where desired, in accordance with conventional control system design technology.

The control computer 26 is optionally provided with a graphic display 28 for 5 recording the various parameters and other data of the dosed system. Further, the computer 26 can be designed and programmed in a conventional fashion to utilize the system parameters measured and monitored by the various sensors 32 to optimize the combination of such parameters for a given material undergoing the process of dehydration, in other words, the temperature and the air flow rate of the dosed system can ta be controlled in accordance with the particular characteristics of the materials to be treated, under the control of computer 26.

The present invention utilizes two control loops. The first control loop is embodied in the various sensors 32 and the computer control 26. The array of sensors provide constant is monitoring of the temperature, absolute and relative humidity in different areas of the chamber as well as around the heater and around the product being dehydrated. Constant monitoring is also provided of the speed of the air flow within the closed system, around the dehydrated product, and about the heat exchanger and the blowers.

A further control loop involves the intermittent sampling of the quality of material at predetermined stages of the dehydration process. The sampling door 42 is provided to enable samples to be removed from the dosed system at pr determined intervals during the progress of the dehydration process. These samples are analyzed with respect to the degree of dehydration, sterility and other matters relating to the quality control of the 23 product. The results of the analysis can be used to more accurately control the system parameters via the computer control 26.

The heat exchanger 14, is of course, part of a separate system that is merely in thermal interfadng contact with the air of the dosed system of the present dehydration 30 apparatus. The. heat exchanger system fndudes the heat generator 18 and, if necessary, an emission control unit and a control system 72 for the heat generator. The control system will of course include an appropriate power source or supply, such as for example, 220 volts AC.

According to a significant feature of the present ————■ apparatus, since dehydration takes place in a closed system, one or more injectors 30 can be provided for delivery Into the product chamber 1C), of bacteriostatic agents or supplementary flavoring 11 31 4 2 5 4 agents. The injectors 30, can of course be operated under the control of the control computer 26.

In utilizing the above-described apparatus of the present invention utilizing the closed system, humidity and temperature differentials are established before the product to be dehydrated is introduced into the dosed system, and the differentia] is maintained while the product is being dehydrated. In particular, the heat exchanger serves as a humidity sink and as a heat source. Thus, the heat exchanger is actuated to raise the temperature of the io product chamber before the product to be dehydrated is introduced into the system.

Because of the imbalance in humidity resulting from the humidity sink as well as the temperature imbalance due to the heat exchanger, the closed system is not in a state of equilibrium Accordingly, the principle of Le Chetalier applies to the closed system of the is present invention. Le Chetalier's principle states that when a disturbance is imposed on a system in equilibrium, the equilibrium shifts in such a way as to undo, in part, the effect of the disturbance. The evaporation of moisture occurs in accord with this principle? and is driven by the temperature and humidity differentials. so The humidity and temperature differentials introduced by the heat exchanger and maintained between the heat exchanger and the product to be dehydrated in the product chamber 10, together with the rapid air flow over the product, results in the dehydration of the product without significant chemical changes which would result in the deterioration and impairment of the flavor and fragrance of the product being dehydrated. In other words, to 25 a significant degree, the evaporation of the volatile chemical flavor and fragrance agents, •A which usually occur together with the evaporation of moisture from the product, is prevented.

In addition to the use of the injectors 30 to deliver bacteriostatic agents into the 30 forced air flow passing over the biological product supported within the product chamber 10, the injectors can be used to introduce predetermined gases into the chamber to assist in ripening and to facilitate the drying of the product as well as to impart particular flavors to the product Moreover, evacuation of oxygen f.om the closed system is possible, in conjunction with the injection of a gas, such as nitrogen or helium, therein, to enable the 35 dehydration process to take place in an oxygen-less environment Thus, oxidation of the material being dehydrated in the product chamber 10 can be prevented or minimized. 314 2 5 12 Although in the present disclosure, the term 'biological product* is used, it is of course within the contemplation of the present invention that diverse biological products be dehydrated at the same time in the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus, for example, different fruits can be dehydrated together, such co-dehydration will result in a blending of s the respective volatile chemical compounds and of the respective flavors and fragrances of the diverse products being dehydrated therein. The choice of products to be co-dehydrated is of course virtually limitless and is bound only by the users imagination. Obviously, more than two products can also be dehydrated at the same time with corresponding co-mingfing flavors and fragrances.

Additionally, according to another feature of the present invention, the pressure of the air or gaseous fluids within the closed system of the present invention can either be increased or decreased in accordance with the dehydration of a particular product. is In particular, in certain applications, a higher than atmospheric pressure should be maintained in the closed system of the present invention. This has been found to be panicularty advantageous with respect to the drying of wood. In such applications,^ the air pressure within the closed system is raised to about two atmospheres of pressure. Further, in the drying of wood, it has also been found advantageous to lower the air pressure, from za two atmospheres, to somewhat less than atmospheric pressure just prior to the end of the drying process. This procedure was found particularly effective, and has produced luity dried 4x4's in about 24 hours. Appropriate suction pumps and or blower controls, or other conventional apparatus can be included in the closed system illustrated in Fig. 1, to enable such pressures to be achieved and maintained.

A significant feature of the present invention is the air flow rate that is maintained within the closed system by the blowers. Generally, the blowers are utilized to provide a high speed air flow within the system and about the product to be dehydrated. In most applications, the particular speed of the air flow is not critical to dehydration process. In 30 ' those cases where the air flow high speed is important, it Is merely necessary to ensure that the air flow speed within the closed system is not so great as to result in disturbance of the material being dehydrated. In other words, the air speed should not cause the material to be blown about the product chamber 10.

As noted above, the heat exchanger 14 serves to raise the temperature of the air being circulated by the blowers 16 through the closed system of the present invention. The temperature differential provided by the heat exchanger is of. course essential to the efficient 31 4 2 5 13 operation of the present invention. Nevertheless, a large temperature differential is not necessary. In particular. In many situations, a rather small temperature differential Is utilized. Specifically, temperatures in the range of about 60 to 75 degree Centrigrade are used and achieve acceptable dehydrated products. For many food and vegetable products, a s temperature of about 65 degrees Centigrade (145 degrees Fahrenheit) yields acceptable results.

Moreover, in some instances, temperatures above 80 degrees Centrigrade rasu'-t in discoloration of the biological product thus rendering the dehydrated product less io acceptable than a product processed at lower temperatures. Additionally, when dealing with dehydration of a living biological product such as sperm or bacteria, an elevated temperature can result in the killing of product. Thus, the temperature of dehydration must be maintained below such killing* temperature. Similarly, for blood, temperatures below 80 degrees Centigrade must be utilized.

It is of course understood that when dehydrating products such as blcod, bacteria or sperm, appropriate measures must be taken to avoid contamination of the dehydrated product Conventional sterilization methods and apparatus can be used for this purpose and are expressly within the contemplation of the present invention.

By virtue of the computer 26, the control system associated with the present invention, as well as the samples removed via the door 42. the degree of dehydration of the product can be monitored or controlled. In accordance with the degree of dehydration obtained, the final characteristics of the product can be controlled. Thus, if a particular 25 product is allowed to remain within the dehydration apparatus of the present invention until '* about only one or two percent of the moisture of the product remains, the product will be crisp. On the other hand, if the dehydration process is stopped (i.e., the product is removed from the system) when eight to nine percent of the moisture of the produtt remains, the product will be softer. This will, of course, Influence the texture and feel of the dehydrated 30 product It is of course understood that the time necessary to dehydrate a given product to a desired degree of dehydration Is of course dependent, among other things, upon the physical structure of the product and the manner in which it has been prepared (le., sliced, cubed, etc).

The method of moving the racks and trays carrying the product to be dehydrated into and out of the product chamber via the double-door airlock 34 can be in accordance with conventional materials handling techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, it is 14 31 4 2 5 contemplated that the racks would be linked in train fashion and/or would be attached to an endless conveyor to move them into the chamber, progressing intermittently along the length of the chamber, and finally out of the chamber after the dehydration process is completed. Thus, removal of a cart or rack at one end of the tunnel would provide room for the insertion of the new cart or rack at the other end of the tunnel, via the airlock. Of course, different methods of inserting and removing the biological product into the product chamber are clearly within the contemplation of the present invention.

Thus, it is certainty possible, and within the scope of the teachings of the present invention, to utilize the present dehydration apparatus in a batch fashion. In other words, one batch of product can be dehydrated, the system opened, the product removed and the system dosed, heated, and a new product introduced therein. This is somewhat less efficient than the above-mentioned method utilizing racks which are sequentially inserted in a substantially continuous, albeit intermittent fashion.

A number of biological products have been dehydrated in a closed system in accord with the teachings of the present invention. All of the following products were dehydrated at a drying temperature of about 65 degrees Centrigrade, for about 3-4 hours, unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term dehydration ratio, refers to a weight reduction ratio. In "ther words, 20 lbs. of biological product reduced to 1 lb. of dehydrated material is designated as a dehydration ratio of 20:1. 1. Pineapple rings (3/8 inch) were dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 16:1. 2. Pineapple tidbits were dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 20:1. 3. Banana chips were dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 10:1. 4. Banana figs were dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 5:1.

. Watermelon tidbits were dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 30:1. 6. Shrimp heads (meal) were dehydrated for 3 hours to a dehydration ratio of 8:1. 7. Carrots were dehydrated for 2-3 hours to a dehydration ratio of 15:1. 8. Tomatoes were dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 19:1. 9. Cabbage was dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 22:1.

. Celery was dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 31:1. 11. Green peppers were dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 20:1. 12. Spinach (leaves) were dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 21:1. 13. Green beans were dehydrated to a dehydration ratio of 13:1.

Dehydration by the means of the dosed system of the present Invention results in the retention of substantially all of the volatile components which 31 4 2 5 4 comprise the flavor and aroma of the natural (La, undehydrated) biological product. The partial pressure of theses volatile chemical substances from the material or product being dehydrated, reach a level of complete saturation in the early stages of the dehydration process. Achievement of complete saturation of the volatile chemical flavor and fragrance compounds prevents further substantial chemical changes from occurring within the dehydrated material Thus, the dehydrated materiel retains substantially all of the essential fragrances and flavoring oils therein. This is a significant and substantial feature and a major advantage of the present invention over the prior arc open system type dehydration apparatus.

Once the partial pressure of the volatile chemical substances from the dehydrating material reach a level of complete saturation, further evaporation of such substances and further substantial chemical changes within the materials to be dehydrated are prevented. Accordingly, dehydrated materials produced in accordance with the present invention retail substantially ail of their fragrance and flavorings.

As a result of the use of the apparatus of the present invention, because most of the volatile chemicals substances making up the flavor and fragrance of the biological product being dehydrated are retained within the product during the dehydration process, the flavor and aroma of the resultant dehydrated product is highly concentrated and very intense. Upon rehydration, the flavor and fragrance of the product are restored essentially to their original levels. Thus, the dehydrated products produced in the apparatus of the present invention are particularly well suited for use as flavoring in yogurt and ice creams as well in many other food processing technology applications.

The apparatus of the present invention can be applied to a virtually limitless variety of fruits and vegetables, to mention only one small category of the biological products noted above. With respect to each of these diverse fruits and vegetables, different drying times will ordinarily be applicable, depending on the structure and the prepared size of the product. The appropriate drying time, in view of the above variables as well as in view of the desired final product characteristics, can be readily determined. Such determinations per se are not an essential aspect the present invention.

As noted above many products can be suitably dehydrated for about four hours. Obviously, other products require different periods of time. For example, grapes require about 12 hours because of the relative impermeability of the grape skin. On the other hand, materials such as coconut need only be dehydrated for about 2 hours. Obviously, the 16 31 4 2 5 4 optimum dehydration time for various materials can readily be determined by one utilizing the present invention. Similarly, the efficiency of the system will also have a significant effect upon the drying time. Good results are obtained in a system where the chamber is preheated prior to the introduction of the biological material as by use of the air lock disclosed in Figure 1. On the other hand, it is possible, as noted above, to operate the present invention in a batch fashion where biological product is introduced into the chamber and the heat exchanger is thert turned on to produce the temperature and humidity gradients.

For certain materials that are particularly susceptible to discoloration due to oxidation, such as potatoes and bananas, it is further advantageous to perform the pre-dehydration processing of the materials in a relatively oxygen-free environment In particular, it has been found beneficial in the processing of potatoes, to perform the pre-hydration processing (i.e., the peeling, cutting, or cubing) of the potatoes in an environment from which approximately 1/3 of the oxygen has been removed, such as by an appropriate suction pump. The removal of approximately 1/3 of the oxygen from the ambient air results in significant decrease in discoloration and oxidation of the cut surfaces of the potato and accordingly results in an extremely white dehydrated potato flake. Thus, according to a further feature of the present invention, the processing of the potatoes (i.e. peeling, cutting, etc.) can take place in an area similar to the air lock previously disclosed. As set forth above, the air lock of the present invention is designed to have a significant portion of the air (and thus oxygen) removed. In a particularly advantageous embodiment approximately 1/3 of the air from the air lock is removed, prior to opening of the inner door and insertion of the biological materials into the product chamber 10. Thus, a similar area that is oxygerv-deprived is particularly well suited for processing such materials.

While the apparatus of the present invention has above been described as applicable to various specific food type products, it is understood that its 'ipp : ability is nol limited to such food products. The apparatus of the present invention is particularly applicable to citrus products such as oranges and limes, as well as mushrooms, algae, seaweed, apple, pineapple, watermelon, grapes, carrots, broccoli. Various meats can be dehydrated using apparatus of the present invention, such as beef, pork and poultry. Similarly, seafoods and seaweeds can be dehydrated. Shrimp and shrimp heads, when dehydrated, have been found to be a useful ingredient In fish sauces and other food preparations.

Dairy products such as milk and eggs can also be dehydrated by the apparatus of the present invention. In addition, herbs, spices, seeds, tea coffee and coco can also be dehydrated by 17 31 4 2 5 4 the present invention, as can tobacco, fodder and wood. Fish eqgs and frog eggs can also be dehydrated by the present invention. As noted above, the above listing of products is not exclusive in any manner, form or shape, but is merely intended to be exemplary of the diverse nature of products to which the present invention is applicable.

Finally, while the prebient invention tas been described with particular application to dehydration, it is to be noted that the apparatus described as forming an integral part of the present invention is also particularly well suited for application to a smoking operation utilizing a smokehouse. Such smoking operations are commonly utilized io to preserve and flavor fish and meats.

In prior art smokehouses, a wood fuel such as hickory or mesquite wood is burned and the smoke of the combustion of the wood is permitted to permeate the product to be smoked. After permeating the product, the smoke is vented to the atmosphere. is According to the present invention, the use of a closed system is directly applicable to a smokehouse and can readily embody the teachings of the present invention by merely deleting the heat exchanger and providing means for the combustion smoke into the closed system so that the air carrying the combustion smoke will be circulated about and around so the product to be smoked, so that the product becomes permeated thereby.

While the present invention has been described in its preferred embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims 25 without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects. Although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is further understood that the invention is not to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein, and that the invention extends to ail equivalents within the scope of the appended claims. 18 314 2 5 4

Claims (15)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A dehydration apparatus for a biological product, said apparatus comprising: means for supporting a biological product to be dehydrated; means for enclosing said support means to form a closed system; and means for heating a gaseous fluid within said closed system.

2. The dehydration apparatus of claim 1, further including: means for causing the heated gaseous fluid of the closed system to flow past said support means.

3. The dehydration apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for heating is operative to heat the gaseous fluids of said closed system to a temperature of below about 80 degrees Centigrade.

4. The dehydration apparatus of claim 2, said causing means comprising at least one blower.

5. The dehydration apparatus of claim 1, said heating means comprising a heat exchanger.

6. The dehydration apparatus of claim 2, said heating means and said forcing means comprising means for achieving a temperature differential and forced fluids flow within said closed system.

7. The dehydration apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for removing gaseous fluid from said closed system.

8. The dehydration apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for inserting and removing a biological product from said closed system without substantially impairing the integrity of said closed system.

9. The dehydration apparatus of claim 8, said inserting and removing means comprising a double-door air-lock.

10. The dehydration apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for injecting a predetermined material into said closed system.

11. The dehydration apparatus of claim 10, said predetermined material comprising a bacteriostatic agent. /, ; Sj f lu.

12. The dehydration apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for monitoring a procoss / parameter within said closed system.

13. The dehydration apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for insulating said closed sys:

14. The dehydration apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for creating and maintaining temperature and humidity gradients within said closcd system.

15. A dehydration apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. McrtiioQiQ'.'e. L Gt(QCtoJski.„ end of claims -y the authorised agents agents A J PARK & SON