Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method for recovering products from a fermentation broth. The disclosure relates to the use of extractive distillation and/or dehydration to recover products which have close boiling points, such as ethanol and isopropanol, from a fermentation broth. In an embodiment, the recovery of product is completed in a manner that minimizes stress on the microbial biomass, such that it remains viable, at least in part, and may be recycled and reused in the fermentation process, which may result in increased efficiency in the fermentation process. The extractive distillation vessel and/or dehydration reactor may be used downstream of a distillation vessel. To minimize stress on the microbial biomass the distillation vessel may be under vacuum. The extractive distillation vessel may be used alongside a separation vessel such that the separation vessel is capable of recycling extractive distillation agent.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to devices and methods for treating a mixture of expansion gas and filling product foam in a beverage filling plant, comprising the steps of introducing the mixture of expansion gas and filling product foam into a closed separation container and extracting the expansion gas out of the closed separation container via suction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dry hopping a beverage contained in a fermentation tank can include providing a hops vessel defining an interior space. The method can include adding hops to the interior space of the hops vessel, sealing the interior space of the hops vessel from ambient atmosphere, and propelling at least a portion of the hops from the interior space of the hops vessel into a supply hose, closing an exit port valve, and opening a bypass valve which is in fluid communication with a top portion of the hops vessel and the supply hose thereby propelling hops remaining in the supply hose into the fermentation tank.

Abstract: The defatting method pertains to a simple and practical removal of fat, oil or grease from a broth surface during cooking or right before eating, in order to consume broth without the floating oil, fat or grease for a better health. The embodiment of my method is to adopt a blower (28) generating air stream (22) and aiming at a specific area on the surface of broth (24) in a container (20), blowing out a certain area free or minimal of floating fat, oil or grease (26) on the broth surface. Then scoop out from this defatted area to extract broth (32) free or minimal of fat, oil or grease (26). Another embodiment of the defatting method is to tilt container (20) and level the liquid surface to the tip of the laid down side of container (20), divert forward air stream direction from the rear of container (20), continuously divert forward air stream direction to drive fat, oil or grease (26) until they completely overflow out of container (20), thereby leaving behind the fat free broth (24).

Abstract: This invention relates to a high efficiency apparatus for manufacturing an aqueous wood smoke solution in the form of a liquid smoke desired concentration by burning wood, wooden chips or sawdust in a limited amount of air. Wood consumption per unit of liquid smoke is significantly smaller comparing to conventional methods, while the air pollution is reduced to a negligible level.

Abstract: A method for processing non-pasteurized grape juices to prepare soft wines, characterized in that said method comprises a step of processing said grape juices by high frequency radio waves to microbically deactivate said grape juices in absence of any thermal effects.

Abstract: A method of preparing a single serving of a nutritional composition comprising introducing water into a disposable capsule (30) containing a unit dose of the composition in concentrated form so as to reconstitute the concentrated composition and operate opening means contained within the capsule to permit draining of the resulting liquid directly from the capsule (30) into a receiving vessel. The method allows individual servings of nutritional compositions such as infant formulas to be prepared with substantially reduced or even eliminated risk of cross contamination from previously prepared servings.

Abstract: A stripping method and a device for removing undesired flavoring substances from wort, including introducing the wort into a stripping container and producing a film that flows downward, blowing stripping gas into the stripping container in such a way that a stripping gas flow is produced, and discharging the wort.

Abstract: A facility for introducing hop into a tank has a hop receiving tank that can be hermetically sealed and has an outflow and an inert gas supply at its bottom. The facility furthermore has a mixing apparatus that has two inlet pipes on its inflow side and an outlet pipe on the outflow side. This facility is adapted to a method for introducing hop into a tank, in which hop is put into a hop receiving container, air is expelled from the hop receiving container by means of inert gas and the hop with beer or “young beer” is supplied to the mixing apparatus.

Abstract: A method for preparing a beverage suitable for human consumption and having a fine-bubble form a layer including delivering the beverage under pressure with at least one nozzle which is in fluid communication with the beverage unit for supplying the beverage to the nozzle such that the nozzle can generate a jet of beverage. The method further using a receiving unit into which the jet is directed for obtaining the beverage with the fine-bubble foam layer, said receiving unit being provided with a chamber with at least one drain opening for delivering the beverage with the fine-bubble foam layer and a jet impact member accommodated in said chamber and having a top that lies free from an inner wall of said chamber. The nozzle and the jet impact member are mutually oriented such that the jet hits against a portion of the top of the jet impact member, so that the jet after hitting against the jet impact member forms a mist of the beverage.

Abstract: A continuous oil fryer used to fry food slices, such as potato chips, having an internal oil stripping capability. The fryer accumulates the steam produced by the frying process in a hood and utilizes such steam, after superheating the steam by passing it through a heat exchanger, to strip oil from product immediately upon removal from the hot oil bath by passing the superheated steam through a product bed while on an output conveyor. The superheated steam removes oil from the product on the output conveyor without increasing the moisture level of the product. The fryer therefore accomplishes the same function as a low-oil stripper without increasing the footprint of the frying unit and with less energy.

Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water.

Abstract: A method and device for manipulating alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to obtain desirable changes in the beverages, comprising subjecting said beverages to a flow-through hydrodynamic cavitation process and continuing the application of such process for a period of time sufficient to produce a consumable product. In the case of wine, the method includes altering the composition and accelerating the conversion of ingredients to obtain wine with a superior homogeny, an extended shelf life and a mouth feel, flavor, bouquet, color and body resembling those of wine that was subjected to a traditional oak barrel maturation. The system provided implements the described method.

Abstract: Acid-neutralizing agent contains substantial amount of calcium of an acid-neutralizing ability against various acid chemicals substance for humans, animals, agricultural produces, meat and poultry. And the method of producing the same are provided. An environmental friendly high speed and high press scraping treatment is applied to a calcium-containing substance represented by calcium carbonate-containing substances originating from shellfishes, to eliminate heavy metals and other contamination accumulated on the surface. A heating and baking treatment is applied separately to the different said shellfishes and calcium carbonate-containing minerals and charcoal of bamboo to the temperature and maintaining the temperature not less then the decompose point of each calcium component-containing substance, a sufficient time of heating and baking treatment from 3 hours up to 18 hours depend on materials treated.

Abstract: An method for processing a fluid, having a vacuum chamber having an associated heater, to heat a condensable gas therewithin, a spray nozzle to atomize a cool fluid, having a non-condensible gas dissolved therewithin, a vacuum line to maintain reduced pressure in the vacuum chamber and remove non-condensing gas, and a control, for maintaining steady state conditions in the vacuum chamber by controlling pressure and temperature conditions. Gases condenses on the atomized droplets to release a latent heat of vaporization.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a coffee beverage is provided that is capable of efficiently removing precipitating components and turbid components from a highly concentrated coffee extract 1, and that is also capable of addressing increases in the production volume of the coffee beverage without particularly large changes being made to the scale of the equipment. The coffee extract 1 obtained from an extraction process performed on ground roasted coffee beans is diluted in the method for manufacturing a coffee beverage, and the coffee extract 1 is filtered using a cross-flow filtering apparatus before dilution.

Abstract: Processes for producing dairy products having lower levels of neutral lipids, and/or higher levels of polar lipids, by extraction using near critical carbon dioxide or dimethyl ether. These products may be used as ingredients in infant formulas. Infant formulas containing beta-serum are also claimed. “Beta-serum” means an aqueous dairy ingredient separated from dairy streams containing greater than 60% fat which have been through phase inversion from an oil-in- water to a water-in-oil emulsion, such as the serum produced during the production of butter oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the transfer of organic compounds from a first liquid phase to a gaseous phase and from said gaseous phase to a second liquid phase, comprising a packed stripping column (2), a housing (5), a shell (1), a means for introducing the gaseous phase at the bottom end of said packed stripping column (2), a distributor (4) for distributing said first liquid phase onto said packed stripping column (2), causing said first liquid phase to trickle down said packed stripping column (2) counter-currently to the flow of the gas phase and causing the gas stream leaving said packed stripping column (2) at its top end to have a higher content of organic compounds than the gaseous phase introduced at the bottom end of said packed stripping column (2), one or more ducts (9/26) allowing the gaseous phase leaving said packed stripping column (2) to flow downwards to the bottom end of a packed scrubber (3) enclosed in a housing (25), a distributor (12) on top of said packed scrubber (3) ca

Abstract: A process for preparing a beanless flavor soymilk or okara or a combination thereof, which compares the stages of containing soybeans with deaerated water under an atmosphere of carbon dioxide for a time and a temperature effective to allow said soybeans to soak and swell; washing said soaked and swollen soybeans with water to remove oligosaccharides and ripening enzymes; grinding said washed soybeans under an at atmosphere of carbon dioxide by bubbling in carbon dioxide in a sublimated state to form a slurry; and filtering the slurry to produce raw okara and soymilk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously deaerating a liquid. The method comprises the step that the liquid is led into a closed container (1) so that a liquid surface (7) is formed within the container (1). The space above the liquid surface (7) is under vacuum. The method further includes the step that a gas is led into the liquid at a level below the liquid surface (7). The invention also relates to an apparatus which comprises a closed container (1). The container (1) has an inlet (5) for the liquid which is to be deaerated, as well as an outlet (6) for the liquid which has been deaerated, both placed in the lower region of the container (1). The container (1) further has a connection (13) to a vacuum pump (14) placed in the upper region of the container (1), as well as an inlet (15) for a gas placed in the lower region of the container (1).

Abstract: Liquid such as water is deaerated by dissolving stripping gas such as carbon dioxide into the water while maintaining pressure, reducing the pressure, and then feeding the liquid into a vessel wherein a gas space is maintained over said water, wherein the pressure of said gas space is less than the pressure upstream, and separately withdrawing degassed liquid and evolved gas from said vessel at rates which maintain the pressure of said gas space below the pressure upstream of said means.

Abstract: An enclosed tank with a water inlet, a water outlet, an air inlet, and an air outlet. A flavor additive cartridge is attached in-line with the air inlet. It evaporates flavoring or other additives into the air inlet. Water is forced to flow turbulently through the tank. Simultaneously air is pumped through the tank via the additive cartridge. Turbulence induced in the water encourages pollutant gases dissolved in the water to transfer to the pumped air and then to exit the air outlet. It also encourages flavoring and/or homeopathic medicine in the additive cartridge to dissolve from the pumped air into the water. Water pressure is provided externally to the invention, such as by a water utility or house water pump. The water level in the tank is stabilized by controlling the air pressure in the tank, via various alternative means.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 generates oxygenated water having a significantly reduced oxidation reduction potential (ORP). A carbon filter 100 removes particulate impurities from the water as it comes into the apparatus. A water softener 150 removes minerals from the water. A reverse osmosis unit 200 further cleans and purifies the water, removing any additional solids, and almost all the minerals and chlorides. A blender 250 adds a precisely measured amount of sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate to the water, thereby making it somewhat electrically conductive. The purified water having a measured quantity of sodium bicarbonate is stored in a tank 300 which also includes a recirculating pump 350 which keeps the water moving. By keeping the water moving, the minimum level of sodium bicarbonate required for electrical conductivity may be used. A pump 400 moves the water into an electrolysis cell 450, where current passing through the water separates a small amount of water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: In the manufacture of hard cheese, cheese milk is treated with high pressure CO2 to accelerate the precipitation of casein and thereby promote the rapid formation of curd. Curd can be produced by this process in a period of a few minutes without adverse affects on the rennet or starter culture. The high pressure CO2 treatment of cheese milk can substantially increase the daily curd yields and plant throughput, thereby significantly reducing processing costs.

Abstract: An olive oil flavor is imparted to a bland triglyceride oil by conducting an inert gas through olive oil, the flavor donating oil, and subsequently through a preferably cooler receptor triglyceride oil in which the olive oil flavor substance is absorbed. In order to prevent off-flavor formation the temperature of the donor oil is restricted to 0.degree.-65.degree. C.

Abstract: A process to extract natural aromas from natural substances containing fat and oil with compressed gases, wherein the natural substances are extracted in two steps in which in the first step liquid propane and/or butane at a temperature of .ltoreq.70.degree. C. and at a pressure of <500 bar and in the subsequent second step compressed carbon dioxide at a temperature of .ltoreq.50.degree. C. and at pressures between 70 and 500 bar are used as extraction agents.

Abstract: In order to fractionate or/and refine natural lipid materials by extraction with compressed gases, the natural materials are used in a liquid form and they are extracted with a liquid mixture of 50 to 90% by weight propane and 10 to 50% by weight carbon dioxide which is in a subcritical state.

Abstract: A method for extraction of cholesterol from untreated yolk with supercritical carbon dioxide. The supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of cholesterol from the liquid egg yolk is performed in the presence or absence of cosolvents or other agents enhancing the cholesterol extraction. All agents are non-toxic and safe for human consumption.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of fats and oils from natural substances using liquid propane as the solvent is described in which the extraction is carried out at a pressure of 10 to 30 bar and a temperature of 10.degree. to 55.degree. C. and the separation of the extracted fats and oils from the solvent is carried out by means of pressure reduction or/and temperature increase to .ltoreq.80.degree. C. High quality products are isolated in this way in a good yield and under mild conditions.

Abstract: A low pH egg wash substitute is prepared by blending maltodextrin having a DE of from 1 to 20% with a plasticizer, a secondary film former, 70 to 90% water and preferably a sufficient amount of a microbial inhibitor to effectively retard microbe growth. The composition is rendered essentially chloride ion free by circulating the concentrate through an anionic or mixed ion exchange resin bed. The substantially chloride ion free concentrate is then heat pasteurized and preferably purged with an inert gas. The concentrate is then added to a typical metal aerosol container (e.g., tin coated steel or aluminum) which is then charged with an appropriate propellant. The resulting aerosol packaged glaze forming composition has a low pH which retards microbial growth while at the same time is only mildy corrosive to its container.

Abstract: A method of sparging off-notes from mint flavors using nitrogen is provided. The method comprises passing nitrogen through a mint flavor for a sufficient time at sufficient pressure until off-notes are eliminated. A method of preparing oral compositions, including chewing gum, comprising nitrogen sparged mint flavor is also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid egg having a reduced cholesterol content having flavor and taste comparable to conventional liquid egg having a normal cholesterol content is disclosed. The liquid egg having a reduced cholesterol content is produced by contacting liquid egg with a supercritical fluid to extract cholesterol from the liquid egg. Food whose raw material is the liquid egg having a reduced cholesterol content produced by the above process is also disclosed, as well as a new use for a wetted wall column system for producing the liquid egg noted above.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the removal of ethanol from drinks produced by fermentation by direct extraction of the ethanol in countercurrent with compressed carbon dioxide as extraction agent and separation of the extracted water-ethanol mixture from the extraction agent by lowering the density of the compressed gas, wherein, after the lowering of the density, the carbon dioxide is regenerated by a treatment with water and then returned to the extraction step.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent is contacted with and atomized by an aromatics-laden gas resulting in transfer of the aromatics from the gas to the absorbent. The gas and aromatics-laden absorbent are then separated, and the aromatics-laden absorbent is collected. The aromatics may be obtained from an aromatics-bearing material, including vegatable materials such as roast and ground coffee, for example, by contacting the aromatics-bearing material with a gas.

Abstract: A process for recovering volatile aroma components from aroma-bearing vegetable materials such as roast and ground coffee. A carrier gas is passed through the vegetable material to strip aromas therefrom, and the resulting aroma-laden gas is contacted with a cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen to condense the aromas from the gas. The carrier gas has a boiling point equal to or lower than that of the cryogenic liquid. Because the efficacy of the condensation step is substantially independent of the gas flow rate, the optimum gas flow rate for effective stripping may be used without loss of aromas at the condensation step.

Abstract: A composite cheese product having a first colored outer form and an inner plug having a desired decorative shape of a second, variegated color extending continuously through the outer form. The composite cheese product is manufactured by cutting first and second cheese products of variegated colors to a desired thickness so as to create preforms having the exterior contour of the outer form. A plug cutter having the shape of the inner plug is inserted into the preforms and plugs are withdrawn from the preforms with the plug cutter. The plugs are then removed from the plug cutter, interchanged and reinserted into the preforms of variegated color.

Abstract: Low-ethanol wines, beer, distilled spirits, and other alcoholic beverages are produced by treating ordinary alcoholic beverages with novel membrane extraction methods. Semipermeable membranes and gas-phase extraction fluids are employed to selectively extract ethanol into the gas-phase, while leaving substantially intact the complement of other organic constituents that contribute to the color, aroma, and taste of the beverage. Methods are provided for balancing the water activity of the gas-phase extraction fluid about equal to that in the beverage, so as to inhibit water transport across the membrane independent of the ethanol/water selectivity of the membrane.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method for the production of low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer. In said method, a gas is lead through alcoholic beer in order to desorb the alcohol, the involved loss of taste in the beer being compensated for by substances which improve the taste thereof. The taste-improving substances are either already contained in the beer as fermentable substances or are specifically added thereto. The method of the invention can also be carried out using yeast-containing beer, the yeast then utilizing a portion of the fermentable substances present, producing aroma substances typical of beer and, if necessary, degrading a further portion of the present ethanol at the same time.

Abstract: A process for deoxygenating or carbonating a food or biological liquid product having an initial dissolved oxygen concentration between 9 mg/l and 12 mg/l, comprising injecting at least one gas selected from the group consisting of nitrogen and carbon dioxide into a current of the food or biological liquid product thereby to form a gas/liquid emulsion. The emulsion is introduced into a storage vessel. The gas is at a pressure of about 3 bars. The gas and liquid are injected into a confined mixing chamber at a volume rate of gas to liquid between 3 and 5, and expelled the chamber at a velocity of 15 to 30 meters per second into the vessel above the bottom of the vessel a distance which is a minor proportion of the height of the vessel, until the residual dissolved oxygen content is less than 0.25 mg/l.

Abstract: A process for the condensation of a volatile-rich vapor stream produced by a stripping operation from a vegetable or fruit product or the extract thereof, which comprises the steps of:(i) condensing a major proportion of the water present in the vapor stream using a surface condenser with water as a coolant;(ii) subjecting the condensate of step (i) to further cooling in a heat-exchanger using water at a lower temperature than that of step (i) as the coolant; and(iii) contacting the cooled condensate from step (ii) with the vapor stream issuing from the condenser of step (i) in a countercurrent absorption column.The process is particularly applicable to the condensation of a volatile-rich water vapor stream containing coffee volatiles.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the production of citrus flavor and aroma compositions comprising the steps of: (a) contacting organic citrus flavor and aroma compounds with a solvent gas having a temperature between its critical temperature and about 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.), and having a reduced pressure between about 0.56 and about 1.31, to extract flavor and aroma compounds the majority of which have a molecular weight less than or equal to that of limonene; (b) separating the solvent gas and dissolved compounds from the remaining undissolved compounds; and (c) separarting the dissolved compounds from the solvent gas. This process produces an extract which is enriched in the desirable lower molecular weight flavor and aroma compounds and decreased in concentration in the undersirable higher molecular weight flavor and aroma compounds which could impart off-flavors.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for improving the solubility of gelling agents hardly soluble in water such as agar-agar, gelatin and carrageenan. Said method includes the step of contacting said gelling agent with a non-equilibrium plasma formed by applying a high frequency wave to a low pressure gaseous atmosphere, such as air, oxygen, carbon dioxide or nitrogen, and thereby obtaining a gelling agent readily soluble in water.

Abstract: Method for obtaining aromatics and/or dyestuffs from bell peppers wherein red pepper is extracted with a solvent which is in a supercritical state and is gaseous under normal conditions. The extraction takes place at a pressure of >P.sub.k to 350 bar and a temperature of >T.sub.k to 70.degree. C. The extracted aromatics and/or dyestuffs are separated from the separated supercritical gas phase by lowering the density of the gas phase.

Abstract: A device for treating a mixture for the manufacture of chocolate, said device comprising a cyclic course of a milling vessel and a mixing vessel each having a driving motor for driving the milling members and the mixing members respectively and means connected with the cycle for supplying the mixture to be treated and means for the delivery of the ready product provided with means for adding to the cycle a viscosity-reducing agent.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously completely deoxygenating and partially carbonating a supply of water is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving and metering a flow of water, injecting at a positive pressure a first flow of carbon dioxide gas into the metered, flowing water, introducing the flow of metered, carbonated water into a vessel, maintaining the pressure within the vessel at less than one atmosphere, and drawing off the deoxygenated, carbonated flow of water. Equipment for performing this process is also disclosed. The equipment includes a metering device, deoxygenating column vessels, and devices for injecting the carbon dioxide gas into the water as the water flows from the metering device to the deoxygenating vessels.

Abstract: A process for the direct decaffeination of aqueous coffee extract solutions by contacting the surface of a thin film of an aqueous coffee extract solution with carbon dioxide under supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure to thereby remove the caffeine into the CO.sub.2 and directly recover the aqueous coffee extract solution substantially free from caffeine. The contacting of the aqueous coffee extract solution and the CO.sub.2 is preferably effected by passing the aqueous coffee extract solution downwardly through a packed column, while passing the CO.sub.2 upwardly in countercurrent contact therewith.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating gum base to improve its resistance to oxidation without the need for antioxidants wherein air or oxygen is swept from the gum base by means of an inert gas, and the oxygen-free gum base, in particulate form, is coated with a highly oxygenated substance, such as molten sugar, sorbitol solution or hydrogenated starch hydrolysate which acts as a barrier against oxygen.The gum base produced by the above method and chewing gum containing such gum base are also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved dearator system for purging air from water. The disclosed system includes a container for containing the water, cooling means within the container for cooling the water to force air therefrom, and means for introducing carbon dioxide gas into the container to establish a positive pressure therein. The system also includes a positive pressure indicator means for indicating when the positive pressure within the container is reached. The indicator includes a housing having a bore in fluid communication with the container, a seat within the bore, and a ball within the bore. The ball is viewable through the housing and is arranged to disengage from the seat in response to positive pressure within the container to provide a readily discernible indication of positive pressure therein.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing citrus fruits into a drink, which is the juice of the fruits containing separate juice vesicles, or sacs, of the pulp, by cutting the fruits into pieces and directing jets of a fluid against the cut surfaces, thereby separating and forcing the pulp in the form of separate sacs away from the peel and segmental membrane of the fruit pieces.

Abstract: A system for significantly reducing the dissolved oxygen content of a liquid. Liquid is pumped from a supply source to a deoxygenation chamber through a line containing a sparger for injecting a gas, such as nitrogen, as bubbles having an average size of not greater than about 5 mm. The sparger is spaced a predetermined distance upstream of the chamber to achieve contact at the bubble interface for a desired length of time. The pressure of the liquid is lowered when it reaches the chamber, releasing the nitrogen bubbles which are vented to the atmosphere along with the oxygen stripped from the liquid. The dissolved oxygen content of said liquid can be monitored at a location upstream of the sparger, and adjustments made to the amount of nitrogen being injected based upon the D. O. level monitored.