Abstract: A system for treating food, the system including: a direct barrier discharge system including a pair of electrodes separated by a gap of at least 0.5 cm, wherein the direct barrier discharge system is configured to provide a feed gas between the electrodes, wherein the feed gas includes nitrogen and water, wherein a content of nitrogen in the feed gas is at least 75 vol % based on a total volume of the feed gas, and a relative humidity of the feed gas is at least 50% RH, wherein a content of oxygen in the feed gas is less than 1.5 vol % based on a total volume of the feed gas, and wherein the direct barrier discharge system is configured to provide an electric potential between the electrodes to generate a working gas having an ozone content of less than 20 ppm, based on a total volume of the working gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide an improved high voltage plasma-based product treatment by integrating the plasma reactor into the processing container. This unique device can deliver a high throughput rate of raw food, without adverse effects on quality. The system is operationally efficient, and is capable of being scaled up or down to provide lower or higher throughput rates, depending on the product manufacturer or processor's needs. In particular, the system obviates the need for further containerization or packaging of product during pasteurization processing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing an atmospheric non-equilibrium plasma (ANEP) in a sealed container having a selected working gas and an object to be treated is described. A variety of working gas mixtures including air, O2, N2, CO2, He and Ar, in combination with a range of ionization gradients, voltages and ANEP column lengths was investigated so as to establish effective ranges of the variables using the sterilization of a sample as a measure of effectiveness. Certain combinations of working gas, voltage gradient, voltage and ANEP column length were found to have greater effectiveness. The approach may be used for food products, medical equipment, or other objects where treatment with reactive gas atmospheres is effective.

Abstract: A continuous oven for heating a food product having an outer surface and an interior includes an enclosure with a first heating zone and a second heating zone. A conveyor is configured to convey the product from the first heating zone to the second heating zone. At least one surface-browning infrared emitter is adjacent the first heating zone of the conveyor and is configured to provide a first electromagnetic radiation profile to the product in the first heating zone that is adapted to evaporate surface moisture to produce a crust matrix on the outer surface of the product. At least one interior-heating infrared emitter is adjacent the second heating zone of the conveyor and is configured to provide a second electromagnetic radiation profile to the product in the second heating zone that is different from the first electromagnetic radiation profile. The second electromagnetic radiation profile is adapted to heat the interior of the product.

Abstract: A continuous oven for heating a food product having an outer surface and an interior includes an enclosure with a first heating zone and a second heating zone. A conveyor is configured to convey the product from the first heating zone to the second heating zone. At least one surface-browning infrared emitter is adjacent the first heating zone of the conveyor and is configured to provide a first electromagnetic radiation profile to the product in the first heating zone that is adapted to evaporate surface moisture to produce a crust matrix on the outer surface of the product. At least one interior-heating infrared emitter is adjacent the second heating zone of the conveyor and is configured to provide a second electromagnetic radiation profile to the product in the second heating zone that is different from the first electromagnetic radiation profile. The second electromagnetic radiation profile is adapted to heat the interior of the product.