System and method for UV treatment of viscous fluids

Abstract

Some embodiments relate to systems and methods for treating viscous fluids. The viscous liquid may be a liquid sugar. The viscous fluid may have a viscosity of at least 50 cP. The system may include one or more mixers configured to receive the viscous fluid and generate a turbulent flow of the viscous fluid; and one or more UV chambers configured to receive the viscous fluid from the mixer and to expose the viscous fluid to a dose of UV light, the dose being at least 250 mJ / cm < 2 >. The system may deliver a total dose of UV light of about 500 mJ / cm2 such that bacteria and other contaminants are reduced or eliminated.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for treating viscous fluids and / or fluids having low ultraviolet transmittance (UVT) using ultraviolet (UV) light. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for reducing contaminants in viscous fluids using UV light. Summary of the invention

[0002] Some embodiments relate to a system for treating a viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the system includes a mixer configured to receive the viscous fluid and generate a turbulent flow of the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the system includes a UV chamber configured to receive the viscous fluid from the mixer and expose the viscous fluid to a dose of UV light. In some embodiments, the dose is about 250 mJ / cm 2 .

[0003] In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has a viscosity of at least 50 cP. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has a viscosity of 50 cP to 250 cP.

[0004] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a second mixer configured to receive the viscous fluid from the UV chamber and to generate a turbulent flow of the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a second UV chamber configured to receive the viscous fluid from the second mixer and to expose the viscous fluid to a second dose of UV light to produce a treated viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the second dose is at least 250 mJ / cm 2 .

[0005] In some embodiments, the UV chamber is configured to expose the viscous fluid to UV light for about 1 second to about 5 seconds, and the second UV chamber is configured to expose the viscous fluid to UV light for about 1 second to about 5 seconds.

[0006] In some embodiments, the mixer and the second mixer are each static mixers.

[0007] In some embodiments, the system is configured to treat a viscous fluid to form a treated fluid having an acrylamide content of less than 2 μg / kg, a total furan content of less than μg / kg, a hydroxymethyl furan content of less than 5 ppm, and a 4-methylimidazole content of less than 0.0100 mg / kg and a furfuryl alcohol content of less than 0.5 mg / kg.

[0008] In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is liquid sugar, and the system further comprises a melt tank. In some embodiments, the melt tank can form liquid sugar from water and sugar.

[0009] In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is liquid sugar having a sugar content of 60 Brix to 70 Brix. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is liquid sugar having a sugar content of 67 Brix to 68 Brix. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has a UV transmittance of about 25% to about 50%.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system maintains the viscous fluid at a Reynolds number of at least 2200 via the UV chamber.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system also includes a melting tank configured to form a viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is a liquid sugar formed by water and sugar, and the liquid sugar has a sugar content of 60 to 70 Brix. In some embodiments, the system is configured to process the viscous fluid to form a treated fluid with an acrylamide content of less than 2 μg / kg, a total furan content of less than μg / kg, a hydroxymethyl furan content of less than 5 ppm, a 4-methylimidazole content of less than 0.0100 mg / kg, and a furfuryl alcohol content of less than 0.5 mg / kg.

[0012] Some embodiments relate to a method of treating a viscous fluid, the method comprising flowing the viscous fluid through a mixer such that the viscous fluid flows at a Reynolds number of at least 2200. In some embodiments, the method comprises exposing the viscous fluid to UV light such that the viscous fluid receives at least 500 mJ / cm 2 In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has a viscosity of 50 cP to 250 cP.

[0013] In some embodiments, exposing the viscous fluid to UV light includes flowing the viscous fluid through a first UV chamber to expose the viscous fluid to at least 250 mJ / cm 2 The first dose of UV light.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method includes flowing the viscous fluid through the second mixer such that the viscous fluid flows at a Reynolds number of at least 2,200.

[0015] In some embodiments, the viscous fluid flows from the mixer to the first UV chamber, and the viscous fluid flows from the first UV chamber to the second mixer.

[0016] In some embodiments, exposing the viscous fluid to UV light includes flowing the viscous fluid through a second UV chamber to expose the viscous fluid to at least 250 mJ / cm 2 In some embodiments, the total dose includes the first dose and the second dose.

[0017] In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is liquid sugar having a sugar content of 12 to 70 Brix. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is liquid sugar having a sugar content of 60 to 70 Brix. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is liquid sugar having a sugar content of 67 to 68 Brix.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method is a continuous process configured to treat at least 1000 gallons of viscous fluid per hour.

[0019] Some embodiments relate to a fluid processing device, the fluid processing device comprising a first mixer, the first mixer being configured to generate turbulence in a viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the device comprises a first UV chamber, the first UV chamber being configured to deliver a first dose of UV light to the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the device comprises a second mixer, the second mixer being configured to generate turbulence in the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the device comprises a second UV chamber, the second UV chamber being configured to deliver a second dose of UV light to the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the first dose of UV light and the second dose of UV light together deliver at least 500 mJ / cm 2 of UV light.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first dose of UV light delivers at least 250 mJ / cm 2 , and the second dose of UV light delivers at least 250 mJ / cm 2 .

[0021] In some embodiments, the first mixer and the second mixer are each static mixers.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first UV chamber and the second UV chamber each include a UV lamp.

[0023] In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has a viscosity of at least 50 cP.

[0024] In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has a viscosity of at least 200 cP. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure and enable those skilled in the relevant art to make and use the present invention.

[0026] Figure 1 A process flow diagram of a system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 A process flow diagram of a system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 A flow chart of a method according to some embodiments is shown.

[0029] Figure 4 A flow chart of a method according to some embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Food and beverage products are often produced using a variety of ingredients, including, for example, viscous fluids (e.g., fluids having a viscosity of at least 150 cP). For example, many food and beverage products are produced using liquid sugar. In order to ensure the safety of food and beverages, these viscous fluids must be treated to reduce or eliminate contaminants before being used in production. Existing methods require heating the viscous fluid to a high temperature and maintaining that high temperature for an extended period of time. For example, thermal pasteurization requires heating the viscous fluid to over 230°F and maintaining that temperature for at least 30 seconds. This is not only energy intensive, but also requires significant capital and operating costs. In addition, after heating, the viscous fluid may need to be cooled before being used as an ingredient in a food or beverage. This may require extended operating time to allow for natural cooling, or further equipment and energy costs to accelerate cooling (e.g., using refrigeration).

[0031] Although UV light can be used, for example, to treat low solids content and low viscosity fluids (e.g., fluids having a viscosity of less than about 50 cP) (such as cider or apple juice), the methods intended for treating such low viscosity fluids cannot adequately treat fluids having higher solids content and higher viscosity. Due to the flow dynamics of fluids having higher viscosity and higher solids content, methods used for UV treatment of low viscosity fluids cannot effectively treat high viscosity fluids.

[0032] The embodiments described herein overcome these and other challenges by providing systems and methods for non-thermal treatment of viscous fluids (e.g., liquid sugar) to remove contaminants, among other benefits. In addition, the embodiments described herein allow for non-thermal treatment of viscous fluids that does not adversely affect the quality attributes (e.g., taste, acidity, turbidity, color, etc.) of the viscous fluid or the resulting food or beverage.

[0033] As shown throughout the accompanying drawings, some embodiments relate to systems and methods for non-thermal treatment of viscous fluids. As used herein, the term "viscous fluid" refers to a fluid with a viscosity of at least 150 cP. For example, a system for treating a viscous fluid may include a mixer and a UV chamber. Before the viscous fluid passes through the UV chamber, the mixer may produce vertical mixing with linear flow or turbulence in the viscous fluid. This turbulence can ensure that the viscous fluid is effectively exposed to UV light to treat the viscous fluid.

[0034] For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Systems (e.g., system 100 and system 300) according to some embodiments are shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in, the system according to some embodiments can be configured to make viscous fluid flow through the system and can include a mixer (e.g., mixer 125, mixer 135, mixer 325 or mixer 335), which increases the Reynolds number of the fluid flowing through the system to produce turbulence. The system may include a UV chamber (e.g., UV chamber 130, UV chamber 140, UV chamber 330 or UV chamber 340), which exposes the viscous fluid flowing through the system to UV light to reduce the pollutants in the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, before the viscous fluid enters the UV chamber, the mixer fully mixes the viscous fluid to achieve turbulence. In some embodiments, the mixer fully mixes the viscous fluid to increase the Reynolds number of the viscous fluid to at least 2200 or improves the vertical mixing relative to the flow direction. In some embodiments, system 100 or system 300 can be used to process viscous fluid using a UV chamber to remove pollutants and inactivate bacteria without any heat treatment. For example, in some embodiments, system 100 or system 300 can be used to remove at least 95% (e.g., at least 99%) of contaminants and inactivate at least 95% (e.g., at least 99%) of bacteria. In some embodiments, system 100 or system 300 is used to remove 95% to 100% (e.g., 99% to 100%) of contaminants. In some embodiments, system 100 or system 300 is used to inactivate 95% to 100% (e.g., 99% to 100%) of bacteria. In some embodiments, the reduced and / or inactivated microorganisms include one or more of: bacteria of the genus Escherichia (e.g., Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (ATCC 43894)); bacteria of the genus Bacillus (e.g., Bacillus atrophaeus (ATCC 9372) or Bacillus pumilus (ATCC 27142)); bacteria of the genus Alicyclobacillus (e.g., Alicyclobacillus spp. (ACB)); fungi of the genus Rhinocladia (e.g., Rhinocladia similis); yeast; mold; heat-resistant mold; and spoilage bacteria. As used herein, an ATCC number refers to a number assigned to a particular strain of an organism by the American Type Culture Collection ("ATCC") organization. Reducing and / or inactivating these microorganisms can reduce the chance of spoilage of the final product. For example, according to embodiments disclosed herein, some of these microorganisms can survive a heat pasteurization process but not a UV treatment.Additionally, in some embodiments, no contaminant byproducts are generated in the viscous liquid during UV treatment according to the methods disclosed herein.

[0035] Figure 1 A system 100 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes an untreated fluid tank 105, a pump 110, a filter 115, a flow meter 120, a mixer 125, a UV chamber 130, a mixer 135, a UV chamber 140, and a treated fluid tank 145 and a temperature indicator 150. The system 100 may include various inlets, pipes, and outlets. For example, in some embodiments, the system 100 includes pipes 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, and 250. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes an outlet 245. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a recirculation pipe 255. In some embodiments, the system recirculates the fluid until the UV chamber (e.g., UV chamber 130 or UV chamber 140) is ready to receive the fluid (e.g., one or more lamps in each UV chamber are heated to deliver the desired UV intensity).

[0036] Figure 2 A system 300 is shown according to some embodiments, which can be an implementation of system 100. In some embodiments, system 300 includes static mixer 325, UV chamber 330, static mixer 335, and UV chamber 340. System 300 can include various inlets, pipes, and outlets. For example, in some embodiments, system 300 includes pipe 420, pipe 425, pipe 430, pipe 435, and pipe 440.

[0037] In some embodiments, untreated fluid tank 105 is used to store untreated viscous fluid. In some embodiments, viscous fluid has a viscosity of at least 50cP (e.g., at least 100cP, at least 150cP, at least 200cP or at least 250cP). In some embodiments, viscous fluid has a viscosity of about 50cP to about 300cP (e.g., about 150cP to about 300cP, about 200cP to about 250cP or about 230cP to about 250cP). In some embodiments, viscous fluid has an ultraviolet transmittance ("UVT") of about 25% to about 50% (e.g., about 25% to about 35%). In some embodiments, viscous fluid has a UVT of about 30%. In some embodiments, viscous liquid has a viscosity of about 150cP to about 250cP and a UVT greater than 25%.

[0038] In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is a liquid sugar formed by water and sugar. In some embodiments, the liquid sugar has a sugar content of about 12 brix to about 70 brix (e.g., about 30 brix to about 70 brix, about 60 brix to about 70 brix, about 65 brix to about 68 brix or about 67 brix to about 68 brix). In some embodiments, the liquid sugar has a sugar content of about 67.5 brix. In some embodiments, the liquid sugar is suitable for beverages, including carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages.

[0039] In some embodiments, the untreated fluid tank 105 is a melting tank for preparing a viscous fluid. For example, in the embodiment where the viscous fluid is liquid sugar, the untreated fluid tank 105 can be used to mix water and sugar to form liquid sugar. In some embodiments, the untreated viscous fluid can be transferred to a mixer 125 from the untreated fluid tank 105. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a pump 110, a filter 115 and a flow meter 120 between the untreated fluid tank 105 and the mixer 125. In some embodiments, the pump 110 pumps the untreated viscous fluid from the untreated fluid tank 105. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a filter 115 for removing particulate matter. In some embodiments, the filter 115 is configured to remove 5 microns and larger particles. The system 100 can include a flow meter 120, which is configured to control the flow rate of the viscous fluid flowing through the system. In some embodiments, the system as described herein operates in a continuous manner. In some embodiments, the flow meter 120 controls the flow rate of the viscous fluid so that the viscous fluid flows continuously. In some embodiments, the methods and systems described herein process from about 500 gallons to about 2500 gallons (eg, from about 1000 gallons to about 2000 gallons) of viscous fluid per hour.

[0040] System 100 may include at least one mixer (e.g., mixer 125 or mixer 135) that can increase the Reynolds number of the viscous fluid flowing through the system. For example, in some embodiments, the viscous fluid flowing into the mixer (e.g., mixer 125 or mixer 135) can flow in laminar flow. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid flowing into the mixer (e.g., mixer 125 or mixer 135) from a pipeline (e.g., pipeline 220 or pipeline 230) can be mainly laminar flow. In some embodiments, the mixer (e.g., mixer 125 or mixer 135) can increase the Reynolds number of the viscous fluid so that the viscous fluid flowing out of the mixer can be mainly turbulent. In some embodiments, when the Reynolds number is at least 2200, the viscous fluid is mainly turbulent. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid flowing out of the mixer has a Reynolds number of at least 2100 (e.g., at least 2200, at least 2500, at least 3000 or at least 4000). In some embodiments, the viscous fluid exiting the mixer has a Reynolds number of at least 2200.

[0041] In some embodiments, the system includes two mixers. Figure 1 As shown, system 100 includes mixer 125 and mixer 135. In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, system 300 includes mixer 325 and mixer 335. Each mixer (e.g., mixer 125, mixer 135, mixer 325, or mixer 335) can be any type of mixer suitable for generating turbulence in a viscous fluid. Figure 2 As shown, system 300 includes two static mixers (static mixer 325 and static mixer 335). In some embodiments, mixer 125 and mixer 140 may also be static mixers. In some embodiments, static mixers allow for a reduction in the required UV dose compared to other types of mixers.

[0042] In some embodiments, the system includes two UV chambers for treating a viscous fluid flowing through the UV chambers. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid flowing through each UV chamber is characterized by at least partial turbulence (e.g., a Reynolds number greater than or equal to 2200). In some embodiments, the viscous fluid flowing through each UV chamber is predominantly turbulent. In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, system 100 includes UV chamber 130 and UV chamber 140. In some embodiments, as Figure 2As shown, system 300 includes UV chamber 330 and UV chamber 340. In some embodiments, the UV chambers are connected in series with each other to provide multiple smaller doses of UV light, which can help prevent quality degradation that may occur with higher single doses. In some embodiments, each UV chamber includes at least one UV lamp (e.g., at least two UV lamps or at least three UV lamps). UV chamber 330 and UV chamber 340 can each be a cylindrical chamber with at least one UV lamp positioned in the center. In some embodiments, each lamp is a medium pressure UV lamp. In some embodiments, one or more lamps operate at polychromatic wavelengths.

[0043] The dose delivered to the viscous fluid can be adjusted according to the specific conditions of the viscous fluid (e.g., turbidity or absorbance). Each UV chamber can deliver a dose of UV light to the viscous fluid flowing through the UV chamber. As used herein, the dose of UV light (mJ / cm 2 ) is equal to the intensity of UV light (W / cm 2 ) multiplied by the exposure time (seconds). In some embodiments, each dose of UV light delivers at least about 150 mJ / cm 2 UV light (e.g., at least about 200 mJ / cm 2 , at least about 250 mJ / cm 2 , at least about 300 mJ / cm 2 , or at least about 400 mJ / cm 2 , or at least about 500 mJ / cm 2 In some embodiments, each dose of UV light delivers about 75 mJ / cm 2 About 500mJ / cm 2 (e.g., about 175 mJ / cm 2 About 350mJ / cm 2 , or about 200mJ / cm 2 About 300mJ / cm 2 In some embodiments, each dose of UV light delivers about 250 mJ / cm 2 In some embodiments, the system delivers about 150 mJ / cm 2 About 1000mJ / cm 2 UV light (e.g., about 350 mJ / cm 2 About 700mJ / cm 2 or about 400mJ / cm 2 or about 600mJ / cm 2 ) of total dose of UV light. In some embodiments, the system delivers about 500 mJ / cm 2 The total dose of UV light.

[0044] In some embodiments, each UV chamber delivers an equal dose of UV light. In some embodiments, each UV chamber delivers about 250 mJ / cm 2 For example, in some embodiments, UV chamber 130 and UV chamber 140 in system 100 (or UV chamber 330 and UV chamber 340 in system 300) each deliver about 250 mJ / cm 2 The system 100 delivers about 500 mJ / cm 2 total dose.

[0045] In some embodiments, each UV chamber delivers an unequal dose of UV light. In some embodiments, the total dose delivered by the system is about 500 mJ / cm 2 For example, in some embodiments, UV chamber 130 and UV chamber 140 in system 100 (or UV chamber 330 and UV chamber 340 in system 300) each deliver different doses of UV light, but system 100 delivers approximately 500 mJ / cm 2 total dose.

[0046] Each UV chamber can expose the viscous fluid to UV light for a predetermined time. In some embodiments, each UV chamber exposes the viscous fluid to UV light for at least 1 second. For example, in some embodiments, UV chamber 130 and UV chamber 140 in system 100 (or UV chamber 330 and UV chamber 340 in system 300) each expose the viscous fluid to UV light for at least 1 second (e.g., at least 2 seconds or at least 3 seconds). In some embodiments, UV chamber 130 and UV chamber 140 in system 100 (or UV chamber 330 and UV chamber 340 in system 300) each expose the viscous fluid to UV light for about 0.5 seconds to about 5 seconds (e.g., about 1 second to about 3 seconds, about 1 second to about 2 seconds, or about 1 second to about 1.5 seconds). In some embodiments, UV chamber 130 and UV chamber 140 in system 100 (or UV chamber 330 and UV chamber 340 in system 300) each expose the viscous fluid to UV light for approximately 1.15 seconds.

[0047] In some embodiments, system 100 may include a recirculation line (e.g., recirculation line 255). In some embodiments, recirculation line 255 is used to recirculate viscous fluid exiting a UV chamber (e.g., UV chamber 140 or UV chamber 440) back to untreated fluid tank 105 for further processing, such as Figure 1 In some embodiments, the recirculation line 225 is reconnected between the untreated fluid tank 105 and the pump 110.

[0048] Figure 3500 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, process 500 may be performed in a process such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, at step 510, the viscous fluid is flowed through at least one mixer (e.g., mixer 125, mixer 135, static mixer 325, or static mixer 335). In some embodiments, at step 520, at least one mixer is used to generate turbulence in the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, at step 530, after generating turbulence in the viscous fluid, the viscous fluid is exposed to at least one dose of UV light. At least one dose of UV light is described in detail above.

[0049] Figure 4 600 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, process 600 may be performed in a process such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is subjected to a first mixing device (e.g., mixer 125 or static mixer 325) and a second mixing device (e.g., mixer 135 or static mixer 335) is used to mix the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is subjected to a first mixing device (e.g., mixer 125 or static mixer 325) and a second mixing device (e.g., mixer 135 or static mixer 335) is used to mix the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is subjected to a first mixing device (e.g., mixer 135 or static mixer 335) and a second mixing device (e.g., mixer 135 or static mixer 335) is used to mix the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is subjected to a second ...

[0050] As shown in the following examples, the methods and systems described herein can be used to treat viscous fluids so as to reduce pollutants. For example, as described above, the methods and systems described herein can be used to remove at least 95% (e.g., at least 99%) of pollutants and inactivate at least 95% (e.g., at least 99%) of bacteria. For example, the methods and systems described herein can be used to form a treated fluid having an acrylamide content less than 2 μg / kg, a total furan content less than μg / kg, a hydroxymethyl furan content less than 5ppm, a 4-methylimidazole content less than 0.0100mg / kg, and a furfuryl alcohol content less than 0.5mg / kg.

[0051] Example

[0052] Example 1

[0053] Various samples were tested for analytical and quality attributes. For example, various liquid sugar samples having a sugar content of about 67.6 Brix to about 68 Brix were tested for pH, color, turbidity, and ash percentage. Table 1 summarizes the samples used for testing throughout the Examples.

[0054] sample Processing Type <![CDATA[Total UV dose (mJ / cm 2 )]]> Brix A Unprocessed 0 67.6 B hot 0 67.61 C UV 173 67.93 D UV 346 67.67 E UV 500 67.7 F UV 692 67.67

[0055] Table 1

[0056] As shown in Table 1, sample A is raw and untreated liquid sugar; sample B is liquid sugar treated using a thermal process without UV treatment; and samples C to F are liquid sugar treated using UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein. Samples C to F were treated using various total doses of UV light.

[0057] As shown in Table 2 below, analytical attributes and quality attributes, including pH, color, turbidity and ash percentage, were tested. Color was measured using the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis ("ICUMSA") scale. The ICUMSA scale defines pure refined white sugar as an ICUMSA value of 45. Lower ICUMSA values ​​correspond to less light absorption. The brightness value (L*) of each sample was measured. The brightness scale defines black as 0 and white as 100. Turbidity was measured according to the International Society of Beverage ("ISBT") association. Ash is a measure of sugar quality, and the ash content includes organic and inorganic compounds.

[0058] sample pH Color ICUMSA Brightness (L*) Turbidity (ISBT) Ash % A 6.23 25 95.88 3 0.013 B 6.19 27 96.31 4 0.012 C 6.52 27 96.33 1 0.012 D 6.22 27 95.56 1 0.012 E 6.27 29 96.47 <1 0.013 F 6.12 28 96.33 <1 0.012

[0059] Table 2

[0060] As shown in Table 2, samples processed according to embodiments disclosed herein (i.e., samples C through F) showed similar analytical and quality attributes as the heat-treated sample B. For example, samples C through F showed similar color, brightness, and ash values ​​compared to samples A and B. And samples C through F showed reduced turbidity, which corresponds to reduced impurities.

[0061] As shown in Example 1, UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein can be used without negatively affecting the analytical and quality attributes of viscous fluids, thereby effectively treating viscous fluids without the higher cost, time, and energy consumption associated with thermal treatments.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a microbial inoculation test was performed on samples C to F before and after UV treatment. Before treatment, samples C to F each included 4.6 log of Bacillus pumilus (ATCC 27142). Samples C to F were treated with the UV doses shown in Table 1 above. Table 3 shows the initial log counts and final log counts of Bacillus pumilus (ATCC 27142) in the samples.

[0064] sample Initial log count Final log count C 4.6 0 D 4.6 0 E 4.6 0 F 4.6 0

[0065] Table 3

[0066] Some bacteria, such as Bacillus pumilus, show high resistance to UV light exposure. However, as shown in Table 3 above, at all UV doses tested, Bacillus pumilus was completely inactivated (ie, a 4.6 log reduction was achieved).

[0067] As shown in Example 2, UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein can be used to inactivate bacteria such as Bacillus pumilus.

[0068] Example 3

[0069] Contaminant testing was performed on liquid sugar samples (Samples G to J) having a sugar content of about 67.5 degrees Brix. As shown in Table 4, Sample G was treated using a conventional thermal process without UV treatment, and Samples H to J were treated using UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein.

[0070] sample Processing Type <![CDATA[UV dose (mJ / cm 2 )]]> G hot 0 H UV 346 I UV 692 J UV 1000

[0071] Table 4

[0072] As shown in Table 5 below, the samples were tested for various furanic compounds, as well as for total furan concentration.

[0073] As shown in Table 6 below, various other contaminants were tested.

[0074] Pollutants Sample G Sample H Sample I Sample J Furan <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg 2-Methylfuran <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg 3-Methylfuran <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg 2-Ethylfuran <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg 2-Pentylfuran <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg 2,5-Dimethylfuran <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg <5μg / kg Total Furans <30μg / kg <30μg / kg <30μg / kg <30μg / kg

[0075] Table 5

[0076] As shown in Table 5, all furanic compounds tested were below the detection limit of the equipment used for testing. In addition, the total furan concentration was below the detection limit of the equipment used for testing.

[0077] Pollutants Sample G Sample H Sample I Sample J Acrylamide <2μg / kg <2μg / kg <2μg / kg <2μg / kg Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) <5ppm <5ppm <5ppm <5ppm 4-Methylimidazole <0.0100mg / kg <0.0100mg / kg <0.0100mg / kg <0.0100mg / kg Furfuryl alcohol <0.5mg / kg <0.5mg / kg <0.5mg / kg <0.5mg / kg

[0078] Table 6

[0079] As shown in Table 6, all other tested compounds were below the detection limit of the equipment used for testing.

[0080] As shown in Example 3, UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein can be used to significantly reduce contaminants, such as those described above.

[0081] Example 4

[0082] Four beverages (Beverage 1, Beverage 1', Beverage 2, and Beverage 2') were produced using liquid sugar. Beverage 1 and Beverage 1' were prepared using the same method and ingredients, except that Beverage 1 used heat-treated liquid sugar and Beverage 1' used UV-treated liquid sugar. Beverage 2 and Beverage 2' were prepared using the same method and ingredients, except that Beverage 2 used heat-treated liquid sugar and Beverage 2' used UV-treated liquid sugar. Beverage 1' and Beverage 2' were each treated with 500 mJ / cm 2 The beverages were treated with a total dose of UV light. Various sensory attributes of each beverage were tested (e.g., appearance preference, overall flavor preference, sweetness preference, and mouthfeel preference). The beverages were tested by consumers, and the consumers rated the beverages based on various sensory attributes. Ratings were performed based on a Hedonic rating scale from 1 to 9, where 1 means that the consumer extremely dislikes and 9 means that the consumer extremely likes.

[0083] drinks method Appearance preferences Overall flavor preference Sweet taste Taste preference 1 hot 8 7.5 7.3 7.6 1' UV 7.9 7.5 7.2 7.5 2 hot 8.2 7.8 7.5 7.5 2' UV 8.2 7.7 7.5 7.9

[0084] Table 7

[0085] As shown in Table 7, the ratings of beverages with UV treated liquid sugar (1', 2') were very similar to beverages with heat treated liquid sugar (1, 2). Therefore, liquid sugar treated according to the embodiments disclosed herein can be used in products without affecting the consumption experience of the product.

[0086] As shown in Example 4, UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein can be used without affecting sensory attributes (eg, appearance liking, overall flavor liking, sweetness liking, and mouthfeel liking).

[0087] As used herein, the term "laminar flow" refers to a fluid flow in which the fluid travels smoothly or in a regular path. Laminar flow can be defined based on the Reynolds number. In some embodiments, when the Reynolds number of the fluid flowing through the pipe is less than 2100, the fluid flow described herein can be considered to have laminar flow.

[0088] As used herein, the term "turbulent flow" refers to a fluid flow in which the fluid travels in an unstable path. Turbulence can be defined according to the Reynolds number. In some embodiments, when turbulence begins to develop, the fluid flow described herein can be considered to be a flow with turbulence. In some embodiments, when the Reynolds number of the fluid flowing through the pipeline is greater than 2100, the fluid flow described herein can be considered to be a flow with turbulence.

[0089] As used herein, when the term "about" is used to describe a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. As used herein, the term "about" may include ± 10%.

[0090] It should be understood that it is the detailed description section, rather than any other section, that is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The other sections may present one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure contemplated by the inventors, and are therefore not intended to limit the present disclosure and the appended claims in any way.

[0091] The present disclosure has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks that illustrate the implementation of specific functions and their relationships. For the convenience of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein. As long as the specific functions and their relationships can be properly performed, alternative boundaries can also be defined.

[0092] The above description of the specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the present disclosure, so that others can easily modify and / or adjust these specific embodiments for various applications without departing from the overall concept of the present disclosure by applying the knowledge of the technical field without excessive experimentation. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance given herein, such adjustments and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalent forms of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for descriptive purposes rather than for limiting purposes, so that the terms or wording of this specification should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in accordance with the teachings and guidance.

[0093] The above examples are intended to illustrate rather than limit the present disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the various conditions and parameters normally encountered in the art and which will be apparent to those skilled in the art fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0094] References to "some embodiments" in the specification indicate that the embodiments described may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the certain features, structures, or characteristics. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a certain feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, it is considered that a person skilled in the art can implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0095] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for processing a viscous fluid, the system comprising: a mixer configured to receive the viscous fluid and generate a turbulent flow of the viscous fluid; a UV chamber configured to receive the viscous fluid from the mixer and expose the viscous fluid to a dose of UV light, the dose being at least 250 mJ / cm 2 , Wherein the viscous fluid has a viscosity of at least 50 cP. 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the viscous fluid has a viscosity of 50 cP to 250 cP.

3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a second mixer configured to receive the viscous fluid from the UV chamber and generate a turbulent flow of the viscous fluid; and a second UV chamber configured to receive the viscous fluid from the second mixer and expose the viscous fluid to a second dose of UV light to produce a treated viscous fluid, the second dose being at least 250 mJ / cm 2 .

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the UV chamber is configured to expose the viscous fluid to UV light for about 1 second to about 5 seconds, and wherein the second UV chamber is configured to expose the viscous fluid to UV light for about 1 second to about 5 seconds.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the mixer and the second mixer are each static mixers.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to treat the viscous fluid to form a treated fluid having an acrylamide content of less than 2 μg / kg, a total furan content of less than μg / kg, a hydroxymethyl furan content of less than 5 ppm, a 4-methylimidazole content of less than 0.0100 mg / kg, and a furfuryl alcohol content of less than 0.5 mg / kg.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the viscous fluid is liquid sugar, and The system further comprises a melting tank configured to form the liquid sugar from water and sugar.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the viscous fluid is liquid sugar having a sugar content of 60 to 70 degrees Brix.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the viscous fluid has a UV transmittance of about 25% to about 50%.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the viscous fluid is liquid sugar having a sugar content of 67 to 68 degrees Brix.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to maintain the viscous fluid at a Reynolds number of at least 2200 through the UV chamber.

12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a melting tank configured to form the viscous fluid, wherein the viscous fluid is liquid sugar formed of water and sugar, and wherein the liquid sugar has a sugar content of 60 to 70 degrees Brix, The system is configured to treat the viscous fluid to form a treated fluid having an acrylamide content of less than 2 μg / kg, a total furan content of less than μg / kg, a hydroxymethyl furan content of less than 5 ppm, a 4-methylimidazole content of less than 0.0100 mg / kg, and a furfuryl alcohol content of less than 0.5 mg / kg.

13. A method for treating a viscous fluid, the method comprising: flowing the viscous fluid through a mixer such that the viscous fluid flows at a Reynolds number of at least 2200; The viscous fluid is exposed to UV light such that the viscous fluid receives at least 500 mJ / cm 2 The total dose of UV light, The viscous fluid has a viscosity of 50 cP to 250 cP.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein exposing the viscous fluid to UV light comprises: The viscous fluid is passed through a first UV chamber to expose the viscous fluid to a first dose of UV light, the first dose being at least 250 mJ / cm 2 .

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The viscous fluid is passed through the second mixer such that the viscous fluid flows at a Reynolds number of at least 2200.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the viscous fluid flows from the mixer to the first UV chamber, and wherein the viscous fluid flows from the first UV chamber to the second mixer.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein exposing the viscous fluid to UV light comprises: The viscous fluid is passed through a second UV chamber to expose the viscous fluid to a second dose of UV light, the second dose being at least 250 mJ / cm 2 , wherein the total dose includes the first dose and the second dose.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the viscous fluid is liquid sugar having a sugar content of 60 to 70 degrees Brix.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the viscous fluid is liquid sugar having a sugar content of 67 to 68 degrees Brix.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the method is a continuous process configured to treat at least 1000 gallons of viscous fluid per hour.

21. A fluid processing device, comprising: a first mixer configured to generate turbulence in the viscous fluid; a first UV chamber configured to deliver a first dose of UV light to the viscous fluid; a second mixer configured to generate turbulence in the viscous fluid; a second UV chamber configured to deliver a second dose of UV light to the viscous fluid, wherein the first dose of UV light and the second dose of UV light together deliver at least 500 mJ / cm 2 of UV light.

22. The fluid treatment device of claim 21, wherein the first dose of UV light delivers at least 250 mJ / cm 2 , and wherein the second dose of UV light delivers at least 250 mJ / cm 2 .

23. The fluid handling device of claim 21, wherein the first mixer and the second mixer are each static mixers.

24. The fluid treatment device of claim 23, wherein the first UV chamber and the second UV chamber each comprise a UV lamp.

25. The fluid handling device of claim 21, wherein the viscous fluid has a viscosity of at least 50 cP.

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