Vacuum-drying method and apparatus

US4347671A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Kernforschungsanlage Lulich Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung · DE

Inventors

• Francisco J. Dias · Jülich, DE
• Willi Hannen
• Hartmut Luhleich · Düren, DE
• Peter Pflaum · Jülich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 3, 1980
• Grant date: Sep 7, 1982
• Expiry date: Apr 3, 2000

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A23B2/90
• WIPO field: Food chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method of and an apparatus for the drying of articles, especially foodsfs, biological materials and other substances susceptible to cell damage with overheating, wherein the material is spread in a high-vacuum vessel directly adjacent a cooled condenser and is subjected to a vacuum by a pump capable of developing pressures as low as about 0.1 mbar. The chamber is evacuated until there is a noticeable formation of the condenser whereupon the connection between the pump and the chamber is closed and the product is heated to evaporate liquids but below a predetermined temperature (say a maximum of 50.degree. C.) while the condensate resulting from the evaporation is collected directly below the product and is discharged.