Tuber treatment
US4808427A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1987 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23N12/023
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to the treatment of potato tubers so as to reduce bacterial and other diseases therein and improve the keeping properties thereof. The invention relates to a method comprising the steps of size-grading G potato tubers (55) and then bringing substantially soil-free size-graded tubers (55) to a thermal treatment zone T in which they are immersed in a fluid (10) at a temperature of from 45.degree. to 85.degree. C., for a period of time sufficient to kill at least some microorganisms without significantly damaging the tubers. According to the invention the tubers (55) are then passed substantially directly, through a drying zone D, in which they are surrounded by a hot air flow (68) having a temperature of from 40 to 75 degrees C., to dry their outer surfaces following which they are brought to a cooling zone P. The invention also relates to an apparatus comprising a vessel (2) with an endless conveyor (4) for conveying tubers along a conveying path through hot fluid (10) held in vessel (2) at a temperature of from 45.degree. to 85.degree. C. According to this invention a second conveyor (57) is provided for conveying the tubers (55) through a drying zone …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.