RU2731721C1 - System and method for mixing polyunsaturated fatty acids and liquid food product - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: food industry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the food industry. System for production of a liquid food product with polyunsaturated fatty acids, including an apparatus comprising: pressurized vessel comprising a channel at the bottom for liquid and a side inlet capable of operating to produce gas or liquid, and a funnel comprising an upper opening, a leg and one or more gas outlets. Funnel passes through the upper hole in the pressurized container, and the funnel leg passes at least in half into the inner part of the pressurized container. System further comprises a transfer line and a metering tank, wherein the fluid passage at the bottom is hydraulically connected to the transport line, the transfer line is in fluid communication with the dosing container, and the dosing container functions to maintain a certain volume of the liquid food product, and also contains an oil distributing device connected to the pressure supply container between the channel at the liquid bottom and the transport line, wherein said oil distributor functions to distribute oil from pressure vessel in flow of liquid food product from dosing tank. System further comprises a built-in shear force mixer configured to receive a stream of distributed oil from the transfer line; mixing the liquid food product and oil, creating a mixture of oil in the liquid food product; unloading the oil mixture in the liquid food product into a dosing container. Dispensing container comprises mixers functioning to mix a certain volume of liquid food product with mixture of oil in liquid food product, and additionally comprises one or more valves between the pressurized container and the inert gas container, functioning to control a certain volume of inert gas in the pressurized container; wherein the channel at the pressure vessel bottom for the pressurized feed vessel operates to transport the inert gas from the container with the inert gas into the pressure feed container; wherein side inlet of pressurized container operates to transport inert gas from container with inert gas into pressure feed container. Method for production of a liquid food product with polyunsaturated fatty acids, including application of system 1, wherein: oil is in the container for supply under pressure, and the liquid food product is in the dosing container. Method comprises: placing the funnel into the upper opening of the pressurized container so that the funnel leg is placed at least halfway into the inner part of the pressurized container; blowing container for supply under pressure of inert gas through channel at bottom for liquid supply container under pressure before concentration of oxygen in pressurized container is not 2 % or less; transportation of oil into pressure feed vessel through funnel; maintaining inert gas flow in pressure vessel through side inlet of pressurized container so that oxygen concentration remains equal to 2 % or less; and distribution of oil from container for supply under pressure in flow of liquid food product. Oil is supplied from pressure vessel into liquid product flow at preset ratio of oil to liquid food product is 1 pound of oil per 100 gallons of liquid food product.

EFFECT: disclosed are a system and a method of mixing polyunsaturated fatty acids and a liquid food product.

19 cl, 6 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for producing a liquid food product, and more particularly to the production of a liquid food product with polyunsaturated fatty acids.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

Milk is consumed by many Americans from an early age. Consuming milk can be a convenient way for people, in particular children, to get nutritional supplements or vitamins. Certain ingredients, nutritional supplements or vitamins can be added to milk to produce dairy products with improved nutritional value. Certain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexanoic acid (“DHA”), may provide health benefits when added as a dietary supplement. The addition of polyunsaturated fatty acids to milk can improve the nutritional value of milk. Likewise, adding polyunsaturated fatty acids to other types of liquid foods can improve the nutritional value of these liquid foods.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Specific embodiments described in the present invention include an apparatus for dispensing oil in a liquid food product. In some embodiments, an apparatus for dispensing oil (such as one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids) in a liquid food product includes a dispensing vessel, a transfer line, a pressurized supply vessel, a funnel, an oil dispenser, an inline shear mixer, and a conduit. The dosing container contains some volume of liquid food. The transport line is in fluid communication with the dosing container. The pressure supply container contains some oil and includes a side inlet and a bottom fluid passage. A channel at the bottom for the liquid is connected to the transport line. The funnel passes through the top opening in the pressurized supply container and distributes the oil to the pressurized supply container. The funnel leg is placed at least halfway into the interior of the pressure delivery container. The funnel contains at least one gas outlet opening for venting gas from the pressurized supply container. The oil dispensing device is connected to a pressure supply container between the liquid channel at the bottom and the transport line. An oil dispensing device distributes oil from a pressurized container into a liquid food stream from a dosing container. The inline shear mixer includes an inlet valve connected to the transport line downstream of the oil dispenser. An inline shear mixer mixes liquid food and oil. The tubing is connected to the outlet valve of the inline shear mixer and moves the liquid food and oil mixture into the dispensing container.

Specific embodiments described in the present invention include a method for distributing an oil (such as one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids) in a liquid food product. In some embodiments, a method of making a mixture of oil and liquid food includes: placing a funnel in the top opening of a pressurized supply container, purging the pressurized supply container with an inert gas such as nitrogen, transporting the oil to the pressurized supply container through the funnel, maintaining flow of an inert gas such as nitrogen to a pressurized supply vessel, distributing the flow of liquid food from the dosing vessel to the transfer line, distributing oil from the pressurized vessel to the transfer line, transporting the distributed oil and liquid food flow to an inline mixer shear, distributing the distributed oil in the liquid food stream in an inline shear mixer, transporting the liquid food stream containing micronized oil droplets in the liquid food to the dispensing container, and distributing the liquid stream and a food containing micronized oil droplets in a liquid food product in some volume of liquid food in a dosage container. The funnel leg is placed at least halfway into the interior of the pressure delivery container. An inert gas such as nitrogen flows through the channel at the bottom of the liquid until the oxygen concentration in the pressure supply container is 2% or less, blowing the supply container under pressure. The flow of an inert gas such as nitrogen is maintained through the side inlet of the pressurized supply vessel so that the oxygen concentration remains 2% or less. The oil is added to the liquid food stream at a predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food. The in-line mixer creates many micronized oil droplets in the liquid food in the liquid food stream.

Certain embodiments of the present invention can provide one or more technical advantages. By way of example, a pressurized supply container prevents any added polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidizing by providing an inert atmosphere using a pressurized inert gas such as nitrogen gas. The insertion of the funnel so that the leg fits at least halfway into the interior of the pressurized supply container ensures that oil is transported to the oxygen-depleted portion of the pressure supply container.

In addition, the built-in distribution of oil (eg through a transport line) in the liquid food flow prevents oils from being exposed to air when added to the liquid food. The built-in oil distribution prevents oxidation, compared to conventional methods in which oil is fed into a liquid food container through an opening in the container.

As another example, using an in-line shear mixer to mix oil and liquid food creates micronized oil droplets in the liquid food. The creation of small droplets of oil improves its suspension in the liquid food product. When the oil is suspended, as opposed to floating on the surface, the droplets remain separated from each other and away from the oxygen-rich environment. In addition, the micronized droplets can be more easily dispensed throughout the liquid food.

Other technical advantages of the present invention will be better understood by a person skilled in the art from the following figures, description and claims. Moreover, while the specific advantages are listed above, various embodiments may include all, some, or not the listed advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an exemplary system for mixing oil with a liquid food product, in accordance with some embodiments;

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary funnel placed in the top opening of an exemplary pressure supply container, in accordance with some embodiments; and

Figure 3 shows an exemplary mixer capable of dispersing oil in a liquid food stream, in accordance with some embodiments;

Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a first exemplary method of mixing oil with a liquid food product;

Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a second exemplary method of mixing oil with a liquid food product;

Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a third exemplary method of mixing oil with a liquid food product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments are presented in the list of embodiments below. Further information on these embodiments is also provided in the following paragraphs.

Embodiment 1 A system comprising an apparatus comprising:

- a pressurized supply container containing a liquid channel at the bottom and a side inlet capable of functioning to receive a gas or liquid, and

- a funnel containing an upper hole, a leg; and one or more gas outlet openings,

where the funnel passes through an upper opening in the pressure supply container, and the leg of the funnel is placed at least halfway into the interior of the pressure supply container.

Embodiment 2. The system of Embodiment 1, further comprising a transport line and a dispensing container, where the channel at the bottom for the liquid is hydraulically connected to the transport line, the transport line is in fluid communication with the dispensing tank, where the dispensing tank functions to maintain a certain volume of liquid food product.

Embodiment 3: The system of Embodiment 2, further comprising an oil dispenser coupled to a pressurized supply vessel between a liquid channel at the bottom and a transport line, the oil dispensing device operating to distribute oil from the pressurized supply vessel in the liquid product stream food from the dosage container.

Embodiment 4 A system as in any one of Embodiments 2-3 further comprising an inline shear mixer providing:

- obtaining a flow of distributed oil from the transport line;

- mixing a liquid food product and oil, obtaining a mixture of oil in a liquid food product;

- unloading a mixture of oil in a liquid food product into a dosage container.

Embodiment 5. A system as in any one of Embodiments 2-4, wherein the dispensing container comprises agitators operating to shake a volume of liquid food with a mixture of oil in liquid food.

Embodiment 6. The system of any one of Embodiments 1-5, further comprising one or more valves between the pressurized supply container and the inert gas such as nitrogen, operating to control the volume of inert gas in the pressurized supply container;

where the channel at the bottom for the liquid of the pressure supply container functions to supply inert gas from the inert gas container into the pressure supply container; and

where the side inlet of the pressurized supply container operates to supply inert gas from the inert gas container to the pressurized supply container.

Embodiment 7 The system of Embodiment 6, wherein one or more valves are additionally operated in a purge mode and a hold mode, where:

- a purge mode to distribute the inert gas in the pressurized supply vessel through a channel at the bottom of the liquid and optionally through the side inlet of the pressurized supply vessel; and

- the support mode, which ensures the distribution of inert gas in the pressurized supply container through the side inlet without supplying inert gas through the channel at the bottom for the liquid.

Embodiment 8 A system as in any one of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the side inlet comprises a sprayball, the sprayball being operated:

- distributing an inert gas such as nitrogen in the pressurized supply vessel; and

- by distributing the liquid food product into the pressurized supply container.

Embodiment 9 A system as in any one of Embodiments 4-8, further comprising a conduit coupled to an inline shear mixer outlet valve, operable to transport the liquid food and oil mixture into the dispensing container.

Embodiment 10: The system of Embodiment 9, wherein the oil dispenser includes a mass flow meter operating to dispense oil at a predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food, wherein the predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food is approximately 1 lb of oil per 100 gallons of liquid nutrition.

Embodiment 11. A system as in any one of Embodiments 1-10, wherein the funnel further comprises a lid disposed on an upper opening of the funnel, the lid comprising a gas outlet.

Embodiment 12. The system of any one of Embodiments 1-11, wherein the pressurized supply container has an oxygen concentration of 2% or less when oil is present in the pressurized supply container.

Embodiment 13 A method of mixing an oil and a liquid food product comprising using a system according to any one of Embodiments 2-12, wherein:

- the oil is in the pressure container, and

- the liquid food product is in the dosage container.

Embodiment 14 A method according to Embodiment 13, comprising:

placing the funnel in the upper opening of the pressure supply container so that the leg of the funnel fits at least halfway into the interior of the pressure supply container;

- purging the pressurized supply container with an inert gas such as nitrogen through the liquid passage of the pressurized supply container before the oxygen concentration in the pressurized supply container is 2% or less;

- transportation of oil to a container for supply under pressure through a funnel;

maintaining a flow of inert gas into the pressurized supply container through the side inlet of the pressurized supply container so that the oxygen concentration remains 2% or less; and

- the distribution of oil from the container for supply under pressure in the flow of liquid food.

Embodiment 15 A method according to any one of Embodiments 13-14 wherein oil is fed from a pressurized container to a liquid food stream at a predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food, wherein the predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food is about 1 pound of oil per 100 gallons of liquid food.

Embodiment 16. A method as in any one of Embodiments 14-15, wherein purging the pressurized supply vessel comprises supplying inert gas to the pressurized supply vessel at a rate of 200 cubic feet / hour or 400 cubic feet / hour.

Embodiment 17 A method as in any one of Embodiments 14-16, wherein maintaining the inert gas flow comprises feeding inert gas through a side inlet at a rate of 20 cubic feet / hour.

Embodiment 18 A method according to any one of Embodiments 13-17, further comprising:

rinsing the pressurized supply container comprising supplying a liquid food product through a side inlet of the pressurized supply container; and

- distribution of the rinsing liquid food product from the pressure supply container into the flow of the liquid food product.

Embodiment 19. A method according to any one of Embodiments 13-18, comprising:

- distribution of the flow of liquid food product from the dosing tank to the transport line;

- distributing the oil from the pressurized supply container to the transport line so that the oil is supplied to the liquid food stream at a predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food;

- feeding the distributed oil and liquid food product flow into the built-in shear mixer;

dispersing the distributed oil in the liquid food stream in an inline shear mixer, creating a plurality of micronized oil droplets in the liquid food in the liquid food stream;

- supply of a stream of liquid food product containing micronized oil droplets in a liquid food product into a dosage container;

- distribution of the flow of a liquid food product containing micronized oil droplets in a liquid food product in the volume of a liquid food product in a dosage container.

Embodiment 20. The method of Embodiment 19, wherein distributing oil from a pressurized supply container comprises providing a pressurized supply container with an oxygen concentration of 2% or less.

Embodiment 21 A method as in any one of Embodiments 19-20, wherein the predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food is about 1 pound of oil per 100 gallons of liquid food.

Embodiment 22. A method according to any one of Embodiments 19-21, further comprising:

- flushing the container for supplying a liquid food product under pressure;

- distribution of the flushing liquid food product in the flow of liquid food product from the dosing tank.

Embodiment 23. A method according to any one of Embodiments 19-22, further comprising:

placing the funnel in the upper opening of the pressure supply container so that the leg of the funnel fits at least halfway into the interior of the pressure supply container;

- purging the pressurized supply container with an inert gas such as nitrogen through the liquid passage of the pressurized supply container until the oxygen concentration in the pressurized supply container is 2% or less;

- transportation of oil to a container for supply under pressure through a funnel;

- maintaining the flow of inert gas into the pressurized supply container through the side inlet of the pressurized supply container so that the oxygen concentration remains 2% or less; and

- the distribution of oil from the container for supply under pressure in the flow of liquid food.

Embodiment 24 A method according to any one of Embodiments 19-23, wherein the plurality of micronized oil droplets in the liquid food product have an average droplet size in the 3-5 micron range.

Embodiment 25. The method of any one of Embodiments 13-24, wherein the liquid food is milk and the oil comprises docosahexanoic acid (DHA).

Embodiment 26. The method of any one of Embodiments 13-25, further comprising pasteurizing a volume of liquid food containing micronized oil droplets in the liquid food.

The consumption of certain liquid foods can be a convenient way for people, children in particular, to obtain dietary supplements or vitamins. Certain ingredients, nutritional supplements, or vitamins can be added to a liquid food to produce a liquid food with improved nutritional value. Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexanoic acid (“DHA”) can be added to liquid foods for added nutritional value. Polyunsaturated fatty acids can be suspended in transportation oils and mixed with other substances. For example, DHA can be transported in sunflower oil, which can be mixed with milk.

In the present invention, "oil" refers to any compound or composition of substances that is a viscous liquid at room temperature and which is immiscible with water at 25 ° C in a concentration range of at least 0.01% to 10.0%, preferably at least 0.05% to 5.0%. The viscosity is usually 5 mPa.s to 200 mPa.s, e.g. 10 mPa.s to 100 mPa.s, e.g. 20 mPa.s to 60 mPa.s at 25 ° C, e.g. 64 s shear ^-1 .

The oil can be a nutrient or functional mixture, or it can contain a nutrient or functional mixture dissolved, dispersed, or emulsified in the oil.

Examples of the oil include vegetable oils or animal oils such as fish oil. Examples of vegetable oils include: coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, canola oil including canola oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut oil, almond oil, beech oil, brazil nut oil, cashew oil, macadamia oil, mongongo nut oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, walnut oil, pumpkin seed oil, grapefruit seed oil, lemon oil, orange oil and a mixture or their associates ...

Examples of nutrients or functional compounds include vitamins, mineral nutritional supplements, enzymes, liquid collagen, fibers, probiotics, liquid antifoam agents, liquid emulsifiers.

In a specific embodiment, the oil is or contains polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexanoic acid (“DHA”).

In a specific embodiment, the oil and liquid food product is substantially free of additional emulsifier. The method provides for the processing of oil and liquid into medium sized oil droplets and good stability without the need for emulsifiers. However, it is mentioned that some emulsifier may be present, or it may be used in liquid and or oil, or added in steps after the process.

Several problems arise when trying to add oils containing polyunsaturated fatty acids to liquid foods. First, polyunsaturated fatty acids undergo oxidation, which can provide unproductive taste and odor. DHA, in particular, is readily oxidized and, despite careful handling, can be difficult to mix with liquid food. Most children will not want to drink a liquid food like milk that tastes like fish, regardless of its nutritional value.

Second, oils can often be difficult to distribute evenly across the target volume of liquid food. Oils mixed in a liquid food may drain and float on the surface of a liquid food. Oils can also adhere to the wall of any container or vessel containing a liquid food, preventing efficient mixing of the oils in the liquid food. Thus, the system and methods for introducing polyunsaturated fatty acids into a liquid food product discussed in the present invention take steps to both prevent oxidation and improve the distribution of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liquid food.

Typical approaches to adding ingredients to liquid foods include simply adding accessory ingredients to a volume of liquid food in the vessel and mixing the ingredients in the vessel to ensure even distribution. The standard approach used to add polyunsaturated fatty acids results in the problems discussed above. Systems and methods are needed for mixing polyunsaturated fatty acids with a liquid food that prevent oxidation and ensure an even distribution of acids in the liquid food.

Certain embodiments relate to a liquid food product containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. For purposes of example and explanation, certain embodiments herein refer to DHA, DHA oil, or oil. DHA is only one example of a polyunsaturated fatty acid to which the present invention relates. An oil containing any polyunsaturated fatty acid can be used in each of the various embodiments of the systems and methods described herein. In general, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) belong to a family of fatty acids found in certain fish, leafy vegetables, and vegetable oils. Polyunsaturated fatty acids can contain a carbon chain containing eight or more carbon atoms and two or more double bonds. Examples of polyunsaturated fatty acids include omega fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. docosahexanoic acid (DHA), docosapentaenoic acid (n-3) (DPAn-3), stearidonic acid (SDA), linolenic acid (LNA), and alpha linoleic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) and omega-6 fatty acids (e.g. arachidonic acid (ARA), docosapentaenoic acid (n-6) (DPAn-6), linoleic acid (LA), gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and dihomo gamma linolenic acid (n-6)).

For purposes of example and explanation, certain embodiments herein describe the addition of an oil, such as oil containing DHA and / or other PUFAs, to milk. Milk is only one example of a liquid food product to which the present invention relates. In each of the various embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, any liquid food product that can be pumped or poured through the system using piping or other fluid flow equipment can be used in addition to or as an alternative to milk. For example, a liquid food product can refer to beverages (e.g., milk, juices, teas, coffee, water, combinations thereof, etc.), creams, sauces, toppings, food ingredient mixtures, etc. After being pumped through a system that adds oil to a liquid food, the liquid food can either remain in liquid form or it can be further processed to a final food product having a non-liquid form. In addition, the reference to “milk” is not intended to be limiting to any particular type of milk. For example, 'milk' can refer to a beverage that has a source other than animal, such as soy milk or almond milk. "Milk" can refer to milk, including non-fat, 2% or skim milk. The term “milk” must be given a meaning to encompass any type of liquid food that is considered milk or is derived from milk. Likewise, teas, juices, coffees, and creams include any type of liquid food that can be considered a type known to a person skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, the amount of oil incorporated into the liquid food product is 0.01% -10.0% by weight, eg 0.05% -5.0%, eg 0.05% -0.5%.

In one embodiment, the amount of oil added to the liquid food product is 0.001 pounds per gallon to 10.0 pounds per gallon, for example 0.005-5.0, for example 0.05-0.5.

In one embodiment, the amount of functional mixture nutrient incorporated into the liquid food product is 0.01% -10.0% by weight, for example 0.05% -5.0%, for example 0.05% -0, five%.

In one embodiment, the amount of functional blend nutrient added to the liquid food product is 0.001 pounds per gallon to 10.0 pounds per gallon, eg 0.005-5.0, eg 0.05-0.5.

In certain embodiments, the oxidation problem is addressed by providing an oxygen-depleted environment for DHA in the mixing process. The operator can obtain unoxidized DHA in a closed metal container. The operator pours the DHA from a sealed container into a pressurized supply container having an oxygen-depleted environment. The pressurized container uses a dispersant to distribute the DHA oil in the liquid food stream, which is then fed to the mixer. The mixer uses a shear force that creates small droplets of DHA oil that can easily be suspended in a liquid food product. Because they are suspended in a liquid food, they are less likely to float on the surface of a volume of liquid food, where they can be exposed to oxygen.

In certain embodiments, the problem of uneven distribution can be solved by suspending the DHA oil droplets in a liquid food product and mixing this mixture with a large volume of the liquid food product. The mixer creates small droplets of DHA oil that are suspended in the liquid food stream. This stream containing droplets can flow back into a large vessel containing a target volume of liquid food. Since only a portion of the large volume of liquid food will flow into the mixer, a vessel containing a large volume of liquid food can be configured to mix the incoming stream with the volume of liquid food in the vessel. Because the oil droplets are suspended in the incoming stream of the liquid food, the oil is prevented from merging and floating on the surface of the bulk of the liquid food. Thus, the oil can be prevented from sticking to the walls of the vessel and the suspended droplets can be evenly distributed.

Methods and systems for solving these problems will be described in more detail using Figures 1-6. Figure 1 shows an exemplary system for mixing oil with a liquid food product. Figure 2 shows an exemplary funnel placed in an exemplary pressure delivery container. Figure 3 shows an example mixer capable of dispersing oil in a liquid food stream. Figures 4-6 illustrate various examples of methods for mixing oil with a liquid food product. Embodiments of the present invention and its advantages will be best understood with reference to Figures 1-6 of the drawings, with like numbers being used for like and corresponding portions of different drawings.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary system for mixing oil with a liquid food product, in accordance with some embodiments. System 100 includes a dosing vessel 101, a pressure supply vessel 102, an oil dispenser 103, a mixer 104, a transport line 105, and a conduit 106. Milk, used as an example of a liquid food product in the present invention, can flow from a dosing vessel 101 into a mixer 104. in the transport line 105. Oil can flow from the pressure supply container 102 to the oil dispenser 103. The oil dispenser 103 can distribute the oil in the transport line 105 in the milk flow. The butter and milk flow into the mixer 104. After mixing, the butter and milk enter the line 106 and flow into the dosing tank 101.

Dispensing container 101 can be any suitable container capable of holding a certain volume of milk. For example, dosage container 101 may be a 20,000 gallon stainless steel vat. The dosing container 101 may include a plurality of inlets and outlets for receiving or discharging milk flow. The dosing container 101 may be in fluid communication with the transport line 105. For example, the dosing container 101 may include an outlet valve connected directly to the transport line 105. Alternatively, the dosing container 101 and the transport line 105 are connected indirectly, for example through a narrow and wide pipeline.

A portion of the milk volume in the dosing tank 101 can be discharged as a milk stream into the transport line 105. During the process of adding butter to milk, not all of the milk volume in the dosing tank 101 needs to be discharged. In some cases, only a small part of the milk volume is discharged. For example, in the case of a 20,000 gallon batch tank 101, discharging only 5000 gallons of milk from a batch tank 101 can provide suitable mixing with butter. In this example, oil is fed and blended with a given 5000 gallons as it circulates in system 100. The butter is then produced and blended with a volume of milk in dosing tank 101 (eg, the remaining 15000 gallons), where the 5000 gallons remain. The flow of milk to and from the dosing container 101 can be a continuous process or can be carried out in stages.

In some embodiments, dosing container 101 includes a device for distributing oil from the oil and milk flow from conduit 106 in some milk volume in dosing container 101. This is only necessary if a portion of the milk volume in dosing container 101 is discharged and mixed with oil in mixer 104. Any suitable device for mixing liquids or distributing an emulsion of a substance in a stream can be used, including agitators placed within the dosage container 101. Mixing using agitators can be fine-tuned by varying the number of blades, blade design, blade placement, and rotation speed. For example, the rotation speed is selected to ensure uniform distribution of the oil in the milk, but is also adjusted to prevent the formation of funnels that can entrain air, to prevent droplets from coalescing, and to keep the oil droplets in suspension.

The pressure supply container 102 may function to hold some volume of oil before it is mixed with some volume of milk in the dosing container 101. A portion of the pressure supply container 102 may be connected to the transport line 105. Intermediate components or zones may be present, through which the oil passes before flowing into the transport line 105. For example, oil may flow from the pressurized container 102 to the oil dispenser 103 before entering the transport line 105 into the milk stream. Further information regarding the pressure supply container 102 can be found below with reference to FIG. 2.

An oil dispensing device 103 may be connected to a pressure supply container 102. An oil distributor device 103 controls the flow of oil supplied from a pressure supply container 102 to a transport line 105. An oil distributor device 103 can dispense oil continuously in the milk flow in a transport line 105. B In some embodiments, oil is fed from a pressure supply vessel 102 through a distributor 103 into an oil stream at a predetermined oil to milk ratio. For example, the predetermined ratio of butter to milk can be the ratio of the weight (eg, pounds) of butter to the volume (eg, gallons) of milk.

In specific embodiments, the oil dispenser 103 comprises a mass flow meter operable to control the flow of oil from the pressurized supply vessel 102 to the transport line 105. The mass flow meter may control a metering valve that moves oil out of the pressurized supply vessel 102 at a particular ratio mass to volume. In some embodiments, a mass flow meter monitors oil flow by delivering one pound of oil per hundred gallons of milk. The weight-to-volume ratio can be adjusted to maintain optimum butter-milk mixing. For example, different ratios of mass to volume can affect the size of the oil droplets after mixing in the mixer 104. In addition, different ratios can alter the amount of time that system 100 must operate by adding the volume of butter to milk.

After feeding the oil into the milk stream, transfer line 105 can direct butter and milk to mixer 104. Mixer 104 can mix butter with milk and transport the oil-in-milk mixture to dosing container 101 via line 106. Additional information regarding mixer 104 can be found below with reference to figure 3.

Modifications, additions, or deletions can be made to the system 100 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The components of system 100 can be combined or separated. Moreover, the operations of the system 100 may be performed with more, fewer, or other components.

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary funnel placed in an exemplary pressure delivery container, in accordance with some embodiments. The pressure supply container 102 includes a side inlet 201 and a bottom fluid channel 202. A bottom fluid channel 202 is connected to a transport line 105.

Nitrogen and / or any other inert gas or gases may flow into the pressurized supply vessel 102 through the side inlet 201 and / or the bottom fluid conduit 202. The inert gas displaces oxygen in the space, thereby inhibiting the oxidation of any oil placed therein. space. For example, an inert gas can flow into the supply container at 102 to provide an oxygen concentration in the supply container at 102 of 2% or less. By lowering the oxygen concentration to this level, the oil dispensed in the supply vessel 102 may not oxidize.

In certain embodiments, the system 100 further comprises a pressurized nitrogen tank in fluid communication with a pressure vessel 102 through a bottom fluid conduit 202 and a side inlet 201. The pressurized nitrogen tank may be any suitable vessel pressure containing some volume of nitrogen, which can flow into the supply container under pressure 102, providing an inert atmosphere. One or more valves between the pressurized nitrogen tank and the pressure vessel 102 may control the volume of nitrogen in the pressurized supply vessel 102. For example, a flow meter may be placed between the pressurized nitrogen tank and the pressurized supply vessel 102, with the flow meter controlling the rate nitrogen flow into a pressure vessel 102 from a pressurized nitrogen tank.

The flow of nitrogen into the pressure vessel 102 can be modulated depending on the stage of the process. In addition, the nitrogen stream may have different paths into the pressure supply vessel 102, depending on the stage of the process. For example, one or more valves can operate in a purge mode and a hold mode. The purge mode distributes nitrogen through the bottom liquid conduit 202 and optionally through the side inlet 201 of the pressure supply container 102. Before entering the purge mode, the pressure supply container 102 may be substantially empty except for outside air containing oxygen. ... The purge mode may allow nitrogen to flow into the pressurized supply vessel 102 through the liquid conduit 202 at a high speed in order to rapidly reduce the oxygen concentration in the pressurized supply vessel 102.

The hold-up mode allows nitrogen to be dispensed through the side inlet 201 without supplying nitrogen through the bottom fluid conduit 202. After the required volume of oil has been dispensed into the pressurized supply vessel 102, the system 100 can enter the support mode. In this mode, the nitrogen flow rate can be reduced, but still maintained at a rate sufficient to maintain a low oxygen concentration, preferably below 2%. Nitrogen may not flow through the liquid channel 202 in this mode, as this can interfere with the distribution of oil in the milk flow. Oil will leave the pressurized supply container 102 through the same conduit at the bottom of the liquid 202. If gas flows into the pressurized supply container through the same orifice at the same time, it can disrupt oil flow and potentially cause unwanted bubbling or oxidation.

Before any oil is supplied to the pressure supply container 102, oxygen is blown out of the pressure supply container 102 by distributing nitrogen into the pressure supply container 102, replacing the oxygen. Nitrogen gas can be dispensed at a high cubic feet per hour ("cubic feet / hr") rate while blowing out oxygen in order to rapidly reduce the oxygen concentration in the supply vessel 102. For example, nitrogen may flow into the supply vessel at 102 at a rate 200 cubic feet / hour-400 cubic feet / hour. After purging the pressure supply container 102 with nitrogen, the oxygen concentration in the pressure supply container 102 is 2% or less. In other words, the pressure supply container 102 has an oxygen concentration of 2% or less when oil is present in the pressure supply container 102.

Funnel 203 can be placed through the top opening of the pressurized supply container 102. At the beginning of the butter-milk mixing process, the operator may dispense some of the oil into the pressurized supply container 102 through the funnel 203. The funnel 203 may include a stem 204 and a vent 206. With this arrangement, the leg 204 of the funnel 203 is placed at least halfway into the interior 205 of the pressure supply container 102. The funnel 203 delivers the pouring oil to the bottom of the interior of the pressure supply container 102. This lower portion may be oxygen-depleted preventing oxidation of the oil after it is poured into the container. For example, the pressurized supply container 102 may be purged with nitrogen gas such that a layer of nitrogen fills the bottom of the pressure supply container 102. The leg 204 of funnel 203 is placed in this layer and delivers oil to this nitrogen layer.

On the other hand, the foot 204 of funnel 203 may not reach the very bottom of the pressure supply container 102. Spattering is prevented by maintaining some space between the bottom of the pressure supply container 102 and the end of the funnel 203. Spattering can prevent oil from being supplied to the pressure supply container 102 For example, spraying can mix oxygen into the pressure supply container 102, causing the oil in the pressure supply container 102 to oxidize.

One or more vent holes 206 of funnel 203 can assist in delivering oil to the pressure supply container 102. As discussed above, distributing the oil flow in the pressure supply container 102 can mix oxygen in the pressure supply container 102, which is detrimental to the oil ... A vent 206 allows the gas to leave the pressure supply container 102 as oil displaces it when dispensed into the pressure supply container 102. The venting prevents pressure build-up and other disturbing forces in the pressure supply container 102. which can interfere with the oil flow and mix outside air into the pressure supply container 102.

In certain embodiments, funnel 203 further comprises a cover positioned over the top opening of funnel 203. The cover includes a vent hole. After the required volume of oil has been supplied to the pressurized supply container 102, the operator places the cap on the top of the funnel 203, preventing oxygen from entering the pressurized supply container 102. Thus, when the funnel 203 is not currently in use, supplying oil, the cover is placed on the top opening of the funnel 203, preventing the ingress of outside air containing oxygen. The lid includes a gas outlet to prevent the build-up of gas pressure in the pressure supply vessel 102. For example, as the nitrogen flow is maintained in the supply vessel 102, excess gas can be vented through at least one gas outlet including the gas outlet on the cover on the funnel 203.

After the oil has been supplied to the supply container 102, nitrogen can currently flow through the side inlet 201 in order to keep the oxygen concentration low. Since the pressure supply container 102 is already purged, the nitrogen flow through the side inlet 201 can flow at a low speed. For example, nitrogen can flow through side inlet 201 at a rate of 20 cubic feet / hour.

In certain embodiments, the side inlet 201 of the pressure supply container 102 comprises a sprayball. The sprayball is placed in the pressure supply container 102 so that any gas or liquid flowing through the side inlet 201 into the pressure supply container 102 flows through the sprayball before entering the pressure supply container 102. The sprayball can improve gas or liquid distribution in the pressurized supply container 102. For example, a sprayball can direct the nitrogen flow to all areas within the pressurized supply container 102, preventing uneven distribution. In addition, the sprayball can improve flushing of the pressure supply container 102 after oil has been supplied. For example, after a certain volume of oil has been dispensed from the pressure supply container 102, the remainder of the oil may remain on the walls and bottom of the interior of the pressure supply container 102. The residual oil can be mixed with the milk by rinsing the pressure supply container 102 with milk through the side inlet 102. The sprayball assists in the rinsing process by spraying milk onto all interior surfaces of the pressure supply container 102. Milk and rinsed butter can flow through the bottom opening 202 and can be distributed at the same rate as butter in the milk stream.

In certain embodiments, the side inlet 201 of the pressurized supply container 102 may be an entry point for cleaning solutions that can be used to clean the interior of the pressurized supply container 102. For example, the side inlet 201 may provide a stream of cleaning solutions containing hot alkali. and acid solutions into the pressure supply container 102. The cleaning solutions can clean the interior of the pressure supply container 102, making the system hygienic and food grade. In certain embodiments, a central wash-in-place ("CIP") system is connected to one or more components of the system 100, including a dispensing container 101, a pressure supply container 102, a distributor 103, a mixer 104, a transport line 105, and / or conduit 106. B In some embodiments, the pressure supply container 102 is connected to the central CIP system through a side inlet 201 such that the cleaning solution can flow from the central CIP into the pressure supply container 102 at least through the side inlet 201.

Figure 3 shows an exemplary mixer capable of dispersing oil in a liquid food stream, in accordance with some embodiments. Mixer 104 receives milk flow 302 with dispensed oil 301. Mixer 104 then mixes milk flow 302 and dispensed oil 301 to create micronized oil droplets in milk 303. Then, micronized oil droplets in milk 303 flow from mixer 104 into dosing container 101 through conduit 106.

In specific embodiments, mixer 104 is an inline shear mixer. The built-in placement of mixer 104 allows mixing without introducing external air. Built-in mixing prevents aeration and oil oxidation in the milk flow. In addition, inline mixing makes mixing a continuous process mixing a continuous flow of butter and milk.

Usually butter and milk don't mix. As discussed above, one problem with mixing butter and milk is that the butter tends to coagulate and float on top of the milk. Shear mixing solves this problem by creating an oil-in-milk emulsion. For example, a motor can rotate a blade or a high speed rotor that provides shear to the butter in the milk stream in the mixer 104. The shear creates small droplets of oil. Small droplets of butter are more easily suspended in milk and distributed throughout the milk volume.

In certain embodiments, mixer 104 can create a micronized butter-in-milk mixture having an average droplet size in the range of between 3 and 5 microns. At a given size, the droplets are less likely to coagulate and more likely to remain suspended in milk. Thus, even after flowing through conduit 106 and mixing with some of the milk in the dosing container 101, the droplets can remain separated. As a result, the butter can be distributed substantially evenly throughout the milk volume in the dosing vessel 101, successfully mixing the butter with the target milk volume.

As shown above, certain embodiments of system 100 prevent oxidation of the oil and create an even distribution of the oil in the milk. Oxidation is prevented by maintaining the oil in an oxygen-depleted environment from the time it is in the pressurized supply container 102 to the mixer 104 and dosage container 101. The uniform distribution is improved by the use of a mixer 104 which creates micronized oil droplets in the milk. The drops can be easily dispensed into milk without coagulation and adhesion to the walls of the dosing container 101.

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a first example of a method for mixing oil with a liquid food product. While specific embodiments will be described where the components of the system 100 perform certain steps of the method 400, any suitable component or combination of the components of the system 100 may perform one or more of the steps of the method.

In step 402, the operator places a funnel 203 in the upper opening of the pressure container 102. The funnel 203 is positioned so that the leg 204 of the funnel 203 fits at least halfway into the interior of the pressure container 102. As previously discussed, the leg 204, placed downwardly in the pressure supply container 102, distributes the oil distributed in the pressure supply container 102 to the oxygen-depleted portion of the pressure supply container 102.

Once funnel 203 has been positioned, the operator can provide an oxygen-depleted environment within the pressurized supply container 102. At step 404, the pressurized supply container 102 is purged with nitrogen through the fluid channel 202 at the bottom. As nitrogen flows into the supply container at pressure 102, air is displaced through the vent and removed from the pressure supply container 102. The purging of the supply container 102 is continued until the oxygen concentration in the supply container 102 reaches 2% or less. In certain embodiments, purging the supply container 102 includes feeding nitrogen into the supply container 102 at a rate of 200 cubic feet / hour or 400 cubic feet / hour.

After providing a suitable environment, the oil can flow into the pressure supply container 102. In step 406, the operator can pour oil into the pressure supply container 102 through the funnel 203. The oil is supplied at the bottom of the pressure supply container 102, where it ends the leg 204 of the funnel 203. Since the supply container 102 is purged with nitrogen, the oil can be distributed in the nitrogen bed, a space having a low oxygen concentration.

An oxygen-depleted environment is maintained even after oil has been supplied to the pressure supply vessel 102. In step 408, nitrogen flow is maintained in the pressure supply vessel 102 through the side inlet 201. This maintenance flow ensures that the oxygen concentration in the vessel for pressure feed 102 remains at 2% or less. During the mixing of butter and milk, nitrogen can flow out of the supply container 102 and be replaced by outside air. To prevent mixing of oxygen and oil, nitrogen can be continuously supplied to the pressure vessel 102 through the side inlet 201. In particular embodiments, the maintenance flow includes feeding nitrogen through the side inlet 201 at a rate of 20 cubic feet per hour.

By supplying nitrogen through the side inlet 201 of the pressurized supply container 102, disruption of oil distribution through the bottom fluid passage 202 is minimized. In certain embodiments, the side inlet 201 includes a sprayball that increases the flow of nitrogen into the pressurized supply container 102. The sprayball more evenly distributes the gas or liquid flowing through the side inlet 201 into the pressure supply container 102.

In step 410, oil is fed from a supply vessel 102 into the milk stream. In certain embodiments, oil is fed from a pressurized container to a milk stream at a predetermined oil to milk ratio, where the predetermined oil to milk ratio is approximately one pound of butter per hundred gallons of milk. Each stage helps to ensure that the butter distributed in the milk stream is not oxidized. Thus, when added to the milk stream, the butter can be effectively mixed with the milk.

In certain embodiments, method 400 may further include the steps of rinsing the pressurized milk container and distributing the rinsing milk from the pressurized container 102 into the milk stream. After oil has been supplied from the pressure supply container 102, a portion of the oil may remain in the pressure supply container 102 adhered to the inside thereof. In order to remove the residual oil, milk can flow through the side inlet 201 in order to rinse the supply container 102. Then, the milk and the washed residual oil can be dispensed. The rinsing milk can be dispensed from the pressure tank 102 in the same manner as the oil is dispensed. In particular, the rinsing milk can flow through the liquid channel 202 into the distributor 103. The distributor 103 can distribute the rinsing milk at the same weight-to-volume ratio as oil.

Modifications, additions, or deletions can be made to the method 400 shown in Figure 4. Method 400 can include more, less, or different steps. For example, the steps can be carried out in parallel or in any suitable order. When discussed as the various components of the system 100 performing these steps, any suitable component or combination of components of the system 100 may perform one or more of the process steps.

Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a second exemplary method of mixing oil with a liquid food product. While specific embodiments will be described where the components of the system 100 perform the steps of the method 500, any suitable component or combination of the components of the system 100 may perform one or more of the steps of the method.

The butter is mixed with the target milk volume in method 500. In step 502, the operator distributes milk flow from the dosing vessel 101 to the transfer line 105. The dosing vessel 101 holds the target milk volume with which the butter is mixed. However, only a portion of the volume is fed into the transfer line 105. Thus, some oil can be mixed with some of the milk without having to pass the entire volume of milk through the various components of the system.

In step 504, oil is fed from a pressure supply container 102 to a transfer line 105. The oil is added to the milk stream at a predetermined oil to milk ratio. For example, a pressurized supply container 102 may be connected to a transport line 105 such that a line from the distributor 103 and a line from the dosing container 101 form a T-joint in which both the oil and milk stream flow and mix together. In certain embodiments, the butter to milk ratio is approximately one pound of butter per hundred gallons of milk. In certain embodiments, the pressure supply container 102 provides an oxygen concentration of 2% or less in the presence of oil. Thus, the butter dispersed in the milk stream does not oxidize.

After oil is supplied in step 506, milk flow and dispensed oil flow to mixer 104. For example, milk flow and dispensed oil may flow into the inlet valve of an inline shear mixer. While in mixer 104 at step 508, the oil can be dispersed in the milk stream. Mixer 104 creates a plurality of micronized oil droplets in milk. For example, an in-line shear mixer can create oil droplets in milk having an average, eg, weight or quantity, droplet size in the 3-5 micron range. The emulsion formed helps to keep the droplets suspended in the milk and to distribute them in the large volume of milk in the dosing container 101.

In step 510, a milk stream containing micronized oil droplets in the milk flows into dosing vessel 101. The stream may enter an inlet valve of dosing vessel 101. After flowing back to dosing vessel 101, the oil in the stream may be dispensed into a target volume of milk. In step 512, a milk stream containing micronized oil droplets in milk is dispensed into a volume of milk in a dosing container 101. The distribution of oil droplets in milk can be accomplished by any suitable means, including, for example, paddles in a dosing container 101, mixing the volume of milk. Since the droplets are suspended in the milk flow, they can be easily dispensed in some milk volume in the dosing tank 101. As a result, even if only a portion of the target milk volume flows out of the dosing tank 101, the butter can be distributed throughout the milk volume in the dosing tank 101.

Modifications, additions, or deletions can be made to the method 500 shown in FIG. 5. Method 500 can include more, less, or different steps. For example, the steps can be carried out in parallel or in any suitable order. While discussed as the various components of the system 100 performing these steps, any suitable component or combination of components of the system 100 may perform one or more process steps.

Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a third exemplary method of mixing oil with a liquid food product. While specific embodiments will be described where the components of the system 100 conduct the steps of the method 600, any suitable component or combination of the components of the system 100 may perform one or more of the steps of the method. Method 600 may include one or more of each step of method 400 and method 500.

In step 602, a funnel 203 is placed in the top opening of the pressure supply container 102 so that the leg 204 of the funnel 203 fits at least halfway into the interior of the pressure supply container 102. As described above, this step helps prevent oxidation and aids in the delivery of oil to the pressurized supply container.

In step 604, the pressure supply container 102 is purged with nitrogen through the liquid conduit 202 of the pressure supply container 102. The purge is continued until the oxygen concentration in the pressure supply container 102 reaches 2% or less.

In step 606, oil flows into the pressurized supply vessel 102 through funnel 203.

In step 608, the nitrogen flow is maintained in the pressurized supply vessel 102 through the side inlet 201 of the pressurized supply vessel 102. This ensures that the oxygen concentration remains 2% or less.

In step 610, a milk stream is fed from a dosing vessel 101 to a transfer line 105. In step 612, oil flows from a pressurized supply vessel 102 to a transfer line 105 such that butter is added to the milk stream at a predetermined butter to milk ratio. For example, butter can be dispensed at a weight-to-volume ratio of one pound of butter for every hundred gallons of milk.

After oil is fed into the milk stream in transfer line 105 at 614, the dispensed butter and milk stream flow to mixer 104. Mixer 104 may include an in-line shear mixer that applies shear to distribute the oil in the milk.

At 616, the dispensed butter is distributed in the milk stream in an inline shear mixer, creating a plurality of micronized oil droplets in the milk in the milk stream. For example, micronized oil droplets in milk can be small enough to remain in suspension in the mixing process.

Then, the drops must be dispensed into the target milk volume. In step 618, the milk stream containing the micronized oil droplets in the milk is fed back to the dosing vessel 101. After entering the dosing vessel 101, in step 620, the milk stream containing the micronized oil droplets in the milk is dispensed in a volume of milk in the dosing vessel 101. For example, , the dosing container 101 may contain agitators, such as a plurality of paddles, which mix and distribute the stream containing the droplets in a volume of milk. Since the droplets are small, they remain suspended and can be evenly distributed in the target milk volume.

In certain embodiments, method 600 further includes the steps of rinsing the pressure delivery container 102 with milk and distributing the wash milk in the milk stream from the dosing container 101. For example, after dispensing oil from the pressure delivery container 102, residual oil may remain inside the container for pressure supply 102. Milk can flow from dosing container 101 or any other source into pressure supply container 102 through side inlet 201. After being used to rinse pressure container 102, milk can be dispensed in transfer line 105 and directed back to dosage container 101.

In certain embodiments, method 600 further includes the step of pasteurizing a volume of milk containing micronized oil droplets in the milk. After mixing the butter with the target milk volume, the resulting improved milk may still require additional processing to produce a beverage that is safe to consume. Carrying out pasteurization on a certain volume of milk destroys harmful microbes, thereby creating a consumer product.

Modifications, additions, or deletions can be made to the method 400 shown in FIG. 6. Method 600 can include more, less, or different steps. For example, the steps can be carried out in parallel or in any suitable order. While discussed as the various components of the system 100 performing these steps, any suitable component or combination of components of the system 100 may perform one or more process steps.

The systems and methods described in the present invention may include one or more technical advantages. For example, the use of a pressurized supply vessel 102 prevents the oxidation of the introduced polyunsaturated fatty acids by providing an inert atmosphere using injected nitrogen gas. By first purging the vessel containing the oil during the process and maintaining the nitrogen flow, the oxygen concentration is kept low, limiting oxidation. The introduction of the funnel so that the stem fits at least halfway into the interior of the pressurized supply container ensures that the oil is transported to the oxygen-depleted portion of the pressurized supply container, for example a nitrogen bed.

In addition, the built-in distribution of the oil (e.g. through a transport line) in the liquid food flow prevents the oil from being exposed to air when added to the liquid food. Built-in oil distribution prevents oxidation compared to conventional methods that add oil to a liquid food container through an opening in the container.

As another example, using an in-line shear mixer to mix oil and liquid food creates micronized oil droplets in the liquid food. The use of a built-in mixer prevents the introduction of external air into the mixing process. Applying shear to create small droplets of oil improves its suspension in the liquid food. When the oil is suspended, as opposed to floating on the surface, the droplets remain separated from each other and away from the oxygen-rich environment. In addition, micronized droplets can be more easily dispensed into a volume of liquid food.

Although the present invention has been described with several embodiments, numerous changes, variations, fixes, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to a person skilled in the art, and the present invention is intended to include such changes, variations, fixes, transformations, and modifications as falling within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims (60)

1. A system for obtaining a liquid food product with polyunsaturated fatty acids, including an apparatus containing: - a pressurized supply container containing a liquid channel at the bottom and a side inlet capable of functioning to receive a gas or liquid, and - a funnel containing an upper opening, a stem and one or more gas outlet openings, wherein the funnel extends through an upper opening in the pressurized supply container and the leg of the funnel extends at least halfway into the interior of the pressurized supply container; moreover, the specified system further comprises a transport line and a dosing container, and the channel at the bottom for the liquid is hydraulically connected to the transport line, the transport line is in fluid communication with the dosing container, and the dosing container functions to maintain a certain volume of liquid food product; wherein said system further comprises an oil dispensing device connected to a pressurized supply container between a channel at the bottom for a liquid and a transport line, the oil dispensing device functioning to distribute oil from a pressurized supply container in a stream of liquid food from the dosing container; wherein the system further comprises an inline shear mixer configured to: - receive a flow of distributed oil from the transport line; - mix liquid food and oil, creating a mixture of oil in liquid food; - unload a mixture of oil in a liquid food product into a dosage container; moreover, the dosing container contains agitators, functioning for mixing a certain volume of liquid food with a mixture of oil in the liquid food; moreover, the specified system further comprises one or more valves between the pressure supply container and the inert gas container, functioning to control a certain volume of inert gas in the pressure supply container; moreover, a channel at the bottom for a liquid of the pressurized supply container operates to transport inert gas from the inert gas container to the pressurized supply container; wherein the side inlet of the pressure supply container functions to transport the inert gas from the inert gas container to the pressure supply container. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen, and one or more valves are additionally operated in a purge and hold-up mode, wherein: the purge mode distributes nitrogen to the pressurized supply vessel through a channel at the bottom of the liquid and optionally through the side inlet of the pressurized supply vessel; and - the support mode ensures distribution of nitrogen in the pressurized supply container through the side inlet without supplying nitrogen through the channel at the bottom of the liquid. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the side inlet comprises a sprayball, wherein the sprayball functions to: - to distribute the inert gas in the pressure supply containers; and - to distribute the liquid food product in the pressure supply container. 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a conduit coupled to an inline shear mixer outlet valve operable to transport the liquid food and oil mixture into the dosing vessel. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the oil dispenser comprises a mass flow meter operable to dispense oil at a predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food, the predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food being approximately 1 lb of oil per 100 gallons of liquid food. ... 6. The system of claim. 1, wherein the funnel further comprises a lid located on the upper opening of the funnel, the lid comprising a gas outlet. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressurized supply container has an oxygen concentration of 2% or less when oil is present in the pressurized supply container. 8. A method of obtaining a liquid food product with polyunsaturated fatty acids, including the use of the system according to claim 1, wherein: - the oil is in the pressure container, and - the liquid food product is in the dosage container; wherein said method comprises: placing the funnel in the upper opening of the pressure supply container so that the leg of the funnel fits at least halfway into the interior of the pressure supply container; - purging the pressurized supply container with an inert gas through the liquid channel of the pressurized supply container before the oxygen concentration in the pressurized supply container is 2% or less; - transportation of oil to a container for supply under pressure through a funnel; - maintaining the flow of inert gas into the pressurized supply container through the side inlet of the pressurized supply container so that the oxygen concentration remains 2% or less; and - distribution of oil from the container for supply under pressure in the flow of liquid food; and oil is fed from a pressurized container into a liquid food stream at a predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food, the predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food being approximately 1 pound of oil per 100 gallons of liquid food. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen and purging the pressurized supply vessel comprises supplying nitrogen to the pressurized supply vessel at a rate of 200 cubic feet / hour or 400 cubic feet / hour. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the inert gas is nitrogen, and maintaining the nitrogen flow comprises feeding nitrogen through a side inlet at a rate of 20 cubic feet / hour. 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: rinsing the pressurized supply container comprising supplying a liquid food product through a side inlet of the pressurized supply container; and - distribution of the flushing liquid food product from the pressurized container into the flow of the liquid food product. 12. The method according to claim 8, including: - distribution of the flow of liquid food product from the dosing tank to the transport line; distributing oil from the pressurized supply container to the transport line so as to add oil to the liquid food stream at a predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food; - feeding the distributed oil and liquid food product flow into the built-in shear mixer; dispersing the distributed oil in the liquid food stream in an inline shear mixer, creating a plurality of micronized oil droplets in the liquid food in the liquid food stream; - supply of a stream of liquid food product containing micronized oil droplets in a liquid food product into a dosage container; - distribution of the flow of a liquid food product containing micronized oil droplets in a liquid food product in a certain volume of a liquid food product in a dosage container. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein dispensing oil from the pressurized supply container comprises providing the pressurized supply container with an oxygen concentration of 2% or less. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the predetermined ratio of oil to liquid food is about 1 pound of oil per 100 gallons of liquid food. 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: - flushing the container for supplying a liquid food product under pressure; - distribution of the flushing liquid food product in the flow of liquid food product from the dosing tank. 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: placing the funnel in the upper opening of the pressure supply container so that the leg of the funnel fits at least halfway into the interior of the pressure supply container; - purging the pressurized supply container with nitrogen through the liquid passage at the bottom of the pressurized supply container before the oxygen concentration in the pressurized supply container is 2% or less; - transportation of oil to a container for supply under pressure through a funnel; - maintaining the nitrogen flow into the pressurized supply container through the side inlet of the pressurized supply container so that the oxygen concentration remains at 2% or less; and - the distribution of oil from the container for supply under pressure in the flow of liquid food. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of micronized oil droplets in the liquid food product have an average droplet size in the range of 3-5 microns. 18. The method of claim 8, wherein the liquid food product is milk and the oil contains docosahexanoic acid (DHA). 19. The method of claim 8, further comprising pasteurizing a volume of liquid food containing micronized oil droplets in the liquid food.

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