Abstract: A pressure vessel (1) for steam treatment of product to be peeled in a steam peeling system has substantially the shape of a sphere with opposed flattened side surfaces. The pressure vessel (1) is rotatable and has at least one internal lifting feature (51a, 51b, 51c) for entraining and raising product relative to the axis of rotation of the pressure vessel (1) during rotation of the pressure vessel (1). The pressure vessel (1) also at least one internal region (53) which is closed-off against ingress of steam during product treatment, said region (53) defining a steam saver. The pressure vessel (1) may be incorporated in a product treatment system also including a batcher for delivery of product to be peeled. The system may provide for accelerated pressure drop on completion of a peeling operation, as well as including arrangements to minimise release of entrained solid matter and/or odours in exhaust steam. A control system enables unproductive displacement of the pressure vessel to be minimised.

Abstract: A product-carrying unit side portions extending along two opposite regions for engagement with respective support features of a product treatment chamber. A floor region of the unit extends between the side portions and consists of an array of floor region portions with together define a discontinuous upper product-carrying surface of the unit. The surfaces are suitably defined by the upper surfaces of the ribs of the unit. The spaces between the top surfaces of the ribs provide access to the underside of product supported on the discontinuous product supporting surface of the unit and enable heat exchange contact between the heat exchange medium and the underside of the product. The floor region of the unit is shaped to define ducts through which flow of heat exchange medium is directed for contact with the underside of the product supported on the unit.

Abstract: A closure for a large sized opening in a pressure vessel has a lid longitudinally movable between an open covering position in which it is aligned with the opening but spaced apart from it, and perpendicularly displaceable between the covering position and sealing position in which it engages the sealing edge of the opening. The lid is moved by a hydraulic or pneumatic ram between the open and covering positions and is carried by rollers mounted on shafts affixed to the lid which run on longitudinal support surfaces. The shafts are rotatably mounted in bearings fixed to the lid and are coupled together for simultaneous rotation, while the rollers are eccentric relative to the bearings. The ram applies torque to the shafts in one sense during closing movement of the lid and in the opposite sense during opening movement of the lid.