Apple cleaning system using high pressure washing
US5775348A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B3/022
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A cleaning system for use in an apple pre-sizing or packing line including a plurality of high pressure spray nozzles located a short distance above the apples on the line. The spray is maintained at a pressure in the range of 70-300 psi and is directed so as to substantially contact all of the surfaces of the tumbling apples as they move along the packing line. The spray fluid is collected beneath the packing line, and recirculated back to the spray nozzles by a pump, at a volume rate of 50-600 gpm. In modifications of the apparatus, the spray fluid may be heated to a temperature between ambient and just below that which is known to damage apples. In addition, chemicals may be added to the fluid, and/or the fluid may be heated and the fluid sent through a length of contact piping prior to being recirculated to the nozzles, with the piping being of sufficient size and length such that mold spores are killed by the chemicals/heat of the fluid during residence in the contact piping.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.