Poultry claw sterilizer

Abstract

The sterilizer comprises a slender semi-cylindrical tank body, and heated process water and a tightly matched screw rod are arranged in the tank body so as to convey food from the inlet end of the tank body to the outlet end of the tank body. Heated process water at a temperature sufficient to sterilize the food product is introduced into the tank at the outlet end of the tank and flows through the tank against the flow direction of the food product. And particulate matters in the process water are filtered out by the circulating filtering system. The cover assembly is positioned above the tank body to contain moisture in the air generated in the disinfection process and discharge steam in the tank body. The control system controls the operation of the sterilizer, and the operation of the sterilizer comprises the rotating speed of the screw rod, the amount of process water in the tank body and the temperature of the process water in the tank body.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 472,940, filed September 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Poultry feet (including chicken feet) are harvested during poultry processing. In many Asian countries (including China, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam), poultry feet are a popular food. Therefore, harvested poultry feet are exported from poultry-producing countries to Asian nations.

[0003] However, a current problem is that avian influenza virus may be present on the feet of harvested poultry. If the avian influenza virus is present on the feet, the poultry cannot be transported to Asian countries. The system and method disclosed in this invention aim to eradicate avian influenza virus from harvested poultry feet. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is intended to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further elaborated in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify the key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a spiral food sterilizer is provided. The spiral food device includes: a semi-circular elongated canister having an open top, a closed inlet end, and a closed outlet end; a spiral rod mounted to rotate within the canister, the spiral rod including spiral blades defining at least one spiral coil, the spiral coil and the canister forming a spiral path from the inlet end to the outlet end of the canister to convey food along the spiral path from the inlet end to the outlet end of the canister; a metered amount of process water within the canister, the process water being introduced from the outlet end of the canister and flowing towards the inlet end of the canister; a filter assembly receiving the process water from the canister to remove particulate matter from the process water; a heating system heating the filtered process water to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit to reintroduce it to the outlet end of the canister; and a cover located above the open top of the canister to close the open top of the canister, the cover defining at least one outlet for discharging steam from the canister.

[0006] In any of the embodiments described herein, the filter assembly receives process water from the inlet end of the tank.

[0007] In any of the embodiments described herein, the filter assembly includes: a housing located outside the tank and in flow communication with the process water of the tank; a porous baffle located between the tank and the housing, through which process water flows into the housing and which prevents food from entering the housing; a filter spaced apart from the baffle, through which process water flows; and an overflow outlet in communication with the housing for receiving process water from the housing and diverting the process water away from the tank.

[0008] In any of the embodiments described herein, process water received by the overflow outlet bypasses the filter but not the baffle.

[0009] In any of the embodiments described herein, the filter is located inside the housing.

[0010] In any of the embodiments described herein, the filter is located outside the housing.

[0011] In any of the embodiments described herein, the process water is heated to a temperature selected from the range of 170 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit; and 175 degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0012] In any of the embodiments described herein, the cover includes a plurality of doors that can be opened to allow access to the tank.

[0013] In any of the embodiments described herein, the heating system is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a heat exchanger through which process water circulates, the heat exchanger receiving steam from a steam source for injecting into the process water in the heat exchanger to heat the process water; (ii) a heat exchanger through which process water circulates, the heat exchanger including a heating tube through which heated fluid flows, the process water being heated by contact with the heating tube; and (iii) a remote tank and a heater, the remote tank receiving filtered process water and mixing it with process water in the remote tank, the heater heating the process water in the remote tank.

[0014] In any of the embodiments described herein, a control system is also included for controlling the operation of the sterilizer, including the operation of the screw, the flow rate of process water into the tank, and the operation of the heating system.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a spiral food sterilizer is provided. The spiral food sterilizer includes: a semi-circular elongated heating tank having an open top, a closed inlet end, and a closed outlet end, the tank containing a certain amount of process water for sterilizing food; a spiral rod mounted to rotate within the tank, the spiral rod including spiral blades defining at least one spiral coil, the spiral coil and the tank forming a spiral path to convey food from the inlet end to the outlet end of the tank; a filter assembly receiving process water from the tank to remove particulate matter from the process water; a heat exchanger receiving process water from the filter assembly and heating the water to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit for reintroduction into the tank; a delivery line for conveying process water from the heat exchanger into the tank; and a cover located above the open top of the tank to cover the open top of the tank, the cover defining at least one outlet for discharging steam from the tank.

[0016] In any of the embodiments described herein, the filter assembly receives process water from the inlet end of the tank.

[0017] In any of the embodiments described herein, the filter assembly includes: a housing located outside the tank and in flow communication with the process water of the tank; a baffle located between the tank and the housing, the baffle having an opening sized to allow process water to flow into the housing but preventing food from flowing into the housing; a filter spaced apart from the baffle, through which process water flows; and an overflow outlet in communication with the housing for receiving process water from the housing and diverting the process water away from the tank.

[0018] In any of the embodiments described herein, process water received by the overflow outlet bypasses the filter but not the baffle.

[0019] In any of the embodiments described herein, the location of the filter is selected from both inside and outside the housing.

[0020] In any of the embodiments described herein, the process water is heated to the following temperature ranges: 170°F to 185°F; and 175°F to 180°F.

[0021] In any of the embodiments described herein, the cover includes a plurality of doors that can be opened to allow access to the tank.

[0022] In any of the embodiments described herein, the heat exchanger receives steam from a steam source to heat process water.

[0023] In any of the embodiments described herein, an ejector is also included for injecting steam directly into the process water in the heat exchanger.

[0024] In any of the embodiments described herein, a controller is also included for controlling the operation of the food sterilizer, including the operation of the screw and the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The foregoing aspects and numerous advantages of the invention will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the disinfection system disclosed herein; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The disinfection system shown is taken from Figure 1 Isometric views of opposite sides; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An isometric view of the disinfection system on the same side, with the cover in the open position and some parts removed; Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line 4-4 in the diagram; Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line 5-5 in the diagram; Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line 6-6 in the diagram; Figure 7 This is an isometric view of the disinfection system cover assembly; Figure 8 This is a magnified isometric view of a portion of the disinfection system's recirculation tank; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a system for process water used in a heating and sterilization system; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another system for process water used in heating and sterilization systems. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (where like numbers refer to like elements), is intended to describe various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent all embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is merely an example or illustration and should not be construed as superior to or having an advantage over other embodiments. The examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments, nor are they intended to limit this disclosure to the specific forms disclosed. Similarly, any step described herein may be interchanged with other steps or combinations thereof to achieve the same or substantially similar results.

[0027] The following description sets forth numerous specific details to provide a full understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented without some or all of the specific details. In some cases, well-known process steps have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

[0028] This application may include references to "direction," such as "forward," "backward," "front," "rear," "forward," "rear," "upward," "downward," "above," "below," "top," "bottom," "right hand," "left hand," "inward," "outward," "extend," "advance," "retract," "proximal," and "distal." These directions and other similar directions mentioned in this application are used only to aid in the description and understanding of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the invention to these directions.

[0029] This application may include modifiers such as “usually,” “generally,” “about,” or “substantially.” These words are intended to be modifiers to indicate the “size,” “shape,” “temperature,” “time,” or other physical parameters under discussion without being precise, as long as the desired function is achieved. For example, in the statement “the shape is generally circular,” the shape does not need to be perfectly circular, as long as the desired structure functions.

[0030] The following description will illustrate various embodiments of this disclosure. In the following description and drawings, corresponding system components, devices, and units may be identified using the same part number, but with an added letter suffix. To avoid redundancy in this application, descriptions of parts / components of the same or similar system components, devices, and units will not be repeated.

[0031] In this application and claims, the term "food" is intended to include a variety of foods, including but not limited to the claws or feet of poultry, and including but not limited to chicken feet and turkey feet.

[0032] The illustration shows a spiral sterilizer 100 of this disclosure. The sterilizer 100 includes: an elongated semi-cylindrical tank 102 containing heated process water; and a tightly fitted multi-bladed spiral rod 104 mounted within the tank and rotating about a longitudinal axis 106 corresponding to the center of the tank's diameter. The spiral rod 104 can be driven to rotate in a manner known in the art, thereby moving food from an inlet end 108 of the tank 102 to an outlet end 110. Heated process water, at a temperature sufficient to sterilize the food, is introduced from the outlet end 110 of the tank 102, flowing through the tank against the direction of food flow. The process water is heated in a heating system 112 located outside the tank 102. A recirculation and filtration system 114 first filters particulate matter from the process water at the inlet end 108 of the tank 102, and then delivers the filtered water to the heating system 112. The cover assembly 116 is positioned above the tank 102 to contain moisture (including steam) in the air generated during the sterilization process and to deflect the steam away from the tank and its surrounding area. The control system 118 controls the operation of the sterilizer 100 (including, for example, the rotational speed of the screw 104, the amount of process water in the tank 102, and the temperature of the process water in the tank 102). It should be understood that the sterilizer 100 does not necessarily need to be constructed with or equipped with all of the above components, and one or more of these components may be omitted or configured as optional.

[0033] To describe the construction and operation of the sterilizer 100 in more detail, the tank 102 includes a screw or loading section 102A and an unloading section 102B. The screw or heating section 102A constitutes most of the length of the tank, while the unloading section 102B occupies a relatively short portion at the outlet end 110 of the tank.

[0034] Tank 102 includes a semi-circular shell 120, with its axis 106 corresponding to the center of the shell's diameter. The shell 120 extends circumferentially much above the horizontal plane of axis 106, thereby increasing the working volume of tank 102, which is superior to many existing spiral tank designs where the water level is confined to the axis of rotation of the spiral rod. As a non-limiting example, the shell 120 may extend from approximately 236 degrees to approximately 270 degrees of a full circumference.

[0035] The inlet end wall 124 seals the inlet end of the tank 102, and the outlet end wall 126 seals the outlet end of the tank 102. A reinforcing ring 130 may extend semi-circularly around the outside of the shell at its center along the length of the tank. Support feet (not visible in the figure) may be provided at the bottom of the end walls 124 and 126 and near the reinforcing ring 130 to support the sterilizer on the ground or a similar surface. A longitudinal rod 132 extends along the upper edge of the tank shell to define the top opening 134 of the tank 102.

[0036] The auger 104 consists of multiple blades 140, which are fixed to and evenly distributed along a power-driven auger shaft 142. The shaft 142 extends along the longitudinal centerline 106 of the tank body 102. The auger shaft 142 is supported at both ends of the tank body, at the inlet end 108 and the outlet end 110, by bearing assemblies 144, and a bearing hanger structure 146 is provided at the intersection of the tank heating section 102A and the unloading section 102B to support the shaft. The outer edges of the blades are in close contact with the inner surface of the tank shell 120. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the top of the blade 140 extends above the top opening 134 of the tank body 102.

[0037] Food enters the tank 102 and inlet end 108 through an inlet trough 148 extending longitudinally from the inlet wall 124. The inlet trough receives food from a conveying source (not shown). The conveying source can be a conveying pipe, conveyor, or other type of conveying structure or system.

[0038] As described above, the tank 102 includes an unloading section 102B. The purpose of the unloading section is to remove sterilized food for further processing. For this purpose, a series of unloading paddles 150 are mounted at the end of an arm 152 extending radially along a central hub 154, which rotates about an axis 106 via a helical shaft 142.

[0039] The shape of the paddle 150 is designed to scoop up food that has reached the unloading section 102B as it sweeps across the inner surface of the unloading section housing 120 and the end wall 126 adjacent to the end of the enclosed tank 102. The paddle 150 lifts the food to the top of the unloading section, during which time the food is held in place by the paddle and the end wall 126. Once it reaches the top of the unloading section 102B, the food falls by gravity from the opening 156 at the top of the end wall 126 and slides along the chute 158 into a container or conveyor (not shown) for further processing.

[0040] As described above, the cover assembly 116 is positioned above the tank 102 to contain the steam generated during the sterilization process and to divert the steam away from the tank and its surrounding area. For this purpose, the cover assembly covers the top opening 134 of the tank while also allowing access to the tank opening.

[0041] refer to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7 The cover assembly includes a triangular or pointed end wall 170 and a ridge structure 172 spanning the length of the cover assembly. The bottom edge of the end wall 170 rests on the upper edge of the end of the tank body 102. The end of the ridge is attached to the upper vertex of the end wall 170.

[0042] A series of intermediate support members 174 extend laterally across the tank body 102 to support the spine structure 172. The ends of the support members 174 rest on longitudinal rods 132 extending along the upper edge of the tank opening 134.

[0043] Multiple access doors 176 form the sloping top structure of the cover assembly 116. These doors either extend from the end wall 170 to the nearest support member 174 or extend between adjacent support members. Although not strictly necessary, the end wall 170 and the support members may be used to support the side edges of the doors and / or help seal the side edges of the doors.

[0044] The upper edge of the door is hinged to the spine structure 172. The lower edge of the door rests on the side edge of the tank opening 134 and extends beyond the edge of the opening to allow for manual gripping, thereby lifting the door to the open position. It is understood that the structure of the cover assembly 116 prevents steam or other moisture from escaping from the tank 102, while facilitating access to the tank interior for inspection, maintenance, repair, and cleaning.

[0045] An opening 178 is provided on the end wall 170 of the cover for connecting an exhaust pipe or conduit (not shown) to extract steam and moisture from the tank 102 and deliver the steam / moisture to the atmosphere or other locations.

[0046] Next reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 8 The recirculation and filtration system includes a generally linear recirculation tank or housing 200, which is mounted to the side of tank 102 adjacent to the tank inlet end. The recirculation housing 200 includes planar side plates 202 spaced apart from the sidewalls of housing 102 to define an internal space. Housing 200 also includes a planar bottom plate 204 and planar end plates 206, which together constitute housing 200. Of course, plates 202, 204, and 206 need not be planar; they can also be curved or other shapes.

[0047] The portion of tank 102 located within shell 200 communicates with tank 102 to allow heated water to flow from tank 102 into shell 200. A porous baffle 210 separates shell 200 from tank 102. Baffle 210 allows heated process water to flow into shell 200 but prevents food from flowing in.

[0048] In one exemplary form, the baffle 210 may consist of a series of vertically spaced horizontal bars 212 extending along openings formed in the wall of the tank 102. In a more specific but exemplary example, the cross-section of the bars 212 may be circular to reduce the resistance exerted by the flowing water on the baffle, relative to the resistance generated when the baffle is made of bars of other shapes or of other materials, such as perforated metal grids or expanded metal grids.

[0049] refer to Figure 8The recirculation housing 200 is divided into two chambers by a laterally extending wall 234: a larger filtration chamber 230 and a smaller drainage chamber 232. Process water flowing through the partition flows into chambers 230 and 232.

[0050] Process water flowing into chamber 230 passes through filter 240 to capture particulate matter in the food. If the food consists of poultry feet, the particulate matter consists of the skin or keratin of the poultry feet.

[0051] Filter 240 can take different forms. For example, the filter can be in the form of a flat screen, consisting of a wire mesh or perforated plate mounted on a peripheral frame to provide structural integrity and rigidity. Furthermore, the perforations can be holes, slots, or combinations of holes and slots of various shapes. The specifications of the wire mesh and the size of the perforations can be selected to allow process water to pass through, but not to allow particulate matter that needs to be removed from the process water to pass through.

[0052] The process water flowing through filter 240 is sent to heating system 112 to be heated to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit, and then reintroduced into tank 102 from the tank outlet. The process water flows through tank 102 in the opposite direction to the food flow through the tank.

[0053] Riser 250 is positioned vertically, or at least in an upright orientation, within chamber 232. The lower end of the riser connects to a drain pipe, which discharges used process water entering from the top of the riser into the facility's water treatment system. This system typically includes a treatment stage that separates solids from the wastewater, and then filters the remaining liquid for reuse or disposal.

[0054] It should be understood that the process water level in tank 102 is controlled by the height of the upper end of riser 250. Therefore, raising or lowering the height of the upper end of riser will correspondingly raise or lower the process water level in tank 102. The applicant also found that a significant portion of particulate matter in tank 102 flows along with the process water entering the upper end of riser 250, thereby reducing the load on filter 240. Therefore, compared to the case where all process water flowing into tank 200 flows through filter 240, the filter does not require cleaning as frequently.

[0055] Figure 9 A non-limiting example of the heating system 112 is schematically shown. Figure 9 As shown, the heating system 112 includes a heat exchanger 260 that receives filtered process water from the recirculation / filtration system 114 via a line 262. The process water heated by the heat exchanger is returned to the tank outlet 110 via a line 264.

[0056] For example, water in heat exchanger 260 is heated by steam directly injected from steam source 266. The steam flows through check valve 268 and then through flow control valve 270, which controls the amount of steam entering heat exchanger 260 via inline line 272. Steam is directly introduced into heat exchanger 260 to heat the process water flowing through it.

[0057] A probe or other type of sensor 274 measures the temperature of the water leaving the heat exchanger 260 and sends a corresponding electronic signal to the control unit 276. The control unit controls the valve 270 to allow more or less steam to enter the heat exchanger 260 as needed.

[0058] Makeup water from water source 280 is fed into pipeline 262 to replenish the process water lost during the operation of disinfection system 100. Process water loss can occur for various reasons, including evaporation from tank 102 and adhering to the surface of food removed from the unloading section of tank 102B.

[0059] The process water flowing through heat exchanger 260 can be heated by means other than direct injection. For example, the heat exchanger can be a shell-and-tube type, in which extremely hot water or steam is forced through tubes located inside the heat exchanger shell. The process water to be heated circulates around the heating tubes. Such shell-and-tube heat exchangers are commercially available.

[0060] Process water can be heated in a separate tank 284 without a heat exchanger, such as... Figure 10 As shown. Filtered process water from the recirculation / filtration system 114 is fed into tank 284 via pipe 286. Process water heated in tank 284 is returned to the outlet end 110 of spiral tank 102 via pipe 288.

[0061] The process water in tank 284 can be heated in various ways. For example, steam from steam supply source 290 can be supplied to ejector 292 located inside tank 284. Alternatively, a steam boiler or hot water boiler can be used to heat the process water in tank 284. Such boilers are commercially available products.

[0062] Water can be added to the tank 284 via the inlet pipe 294 connected to the water source 296.

[0063] To prevent personnel from directly contacting tank 102 due to excessively high process water temperature (as mentioned above, its temperature can reach at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit), a protective grille or shield is installed around tank 102. For example... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an arc-shaped grille 300 covers the side of tank 102 opposite to the recirculation tank 200. Another arc-shaped grille 302 covers the side of tank 102 of the recirculation tank 200. In addition, a flat, straight grille 304 covers the outer side plate 202 of the recirculation tank 200.

[0064] Each of the grilles 300, 302, and 304 can be manufactured in various ways. However, grilles typically have openings to allow airflow. If needed, grilles can be designed for easy removal for cleaning, maintenance, etc.

[0065] The control system 118 includes a processor or computer 310 and an interface 312 thereon for receiving signals and information from the heating system 112, as well as other available data sources from the system 100. A memory unit is configured to store digital information about the control system 118. In addition to local storage, the control system's memory can also be stored remotely, for example, as part of a local area network or wide area network 316, or stored in the cloud. Data transfer between the memory and the control system 118 can be performed via wired or wireless connections.

[0066] An input / output device in the form of an HMI 318 is provided, enabling the operator to communicate with the control system 118. The HMI 318 may include a touchscreen mounted on the front panel of the control unit 272 for information communication with the processing system, including operating parameters of the processing unit 100 and the operating status of the unit (including the heating system 112). The control system 118 includes circuitry for controlling the operation of the unit 100, including, for example, the rotational speed of the screw 104, the operating status of the heating system 112, and the level of process water in the tank. The control system 118 can be connected to a network 316. Alternatively, in addition to using an onboard control system 118, this can also be achieved using a local or remote network computing system.

[0067] During operation, food enters the tank 102 via the inlet slot 148. The food moves along the tank 102 under the action of the rotating screw 104 and is heated. As described above, the control system 118 controls the rotational speed of the screw, thereby controlling the dwell time of the food in the tank 102.

[0068] The residence time is chosen to heat the food to the temperature required relative to the temperature of the process water in the tank. For example, if the food ingredient is poultry feet, the temperature of the process water in the tank may be between 170 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and the required residence time in tank 102 may be approximately 6 to 6.5 minutes. This would heat the poultry feet to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature sufficient to instantly kill the desired logarithmic levels of avian influenza virus, as well as other viruses and bacteria.

[0069] Alternatively, the temperature of the process water in tank 102 can be high enough to kill avian influenza virus and other viruses and bacteria for a period of time. For example, the process water can be heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and maintained for a sufficient period of time to achieve a log4 or log5 kill level against avian influenza virus and other viruses and bacteria.

[0070] The control system 118 also controls the temperature of the process water heated in the heating system 112.

[0071] The control system 118 further controls the amount of process water introduced into the tank for heating, so that the process water level in the tank 102 is maintained at the required level.

[0072] While exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. A spiral food sterilizer, comprising: A semi-circular, elongated tank having an open top, a closed inlet end, and a closed outlet end; A screw rod, the screw rod being mounted to rotate within the can body, the screw rod including helical blades defining at least one spiral coil, the spiral coil and the can body forming a spiral path from the inlet end of the can body to the outlet end of the can body, to convey food along the spiral path from the inlet end to the outlet end; A certain amount of process water is contained in the tank, and the process water is introduced to the outlet end of the tank so as to flow to the inlet end of the tank; A filter assembly that receives process water from the tank to remove particulate matter from the process water, the filter assembly comprising: A shell, located outside the tank body and in communication with the process water flow of the tank body; A porous baffle is located between the tank body and the shell, through which the process water flows into the shell, and the baffle prevents the food from entering the shell; A filter, spaced apart from the partition, through which the process water flows; and An overflow outlet, which is connected to the shell, is provided to receive the process water from the shell and to lead the process water away from the tank. A heating system that heats the filtered process water to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit for reintroduction into the outlet end of the tank; and A cover, located above the open top of the tank body to close the open top of the tank body, the cover defining at least one outlet for discharging steam from the tank body. 2. The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the filter assembly receives the process water from the inlet end of the tank. 3. The sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the process water received by the overflow outlet bypasses the filter but not the partition. 4. The sterilizer according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter is located inside the housing. 5. The sterilizer according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the filter is located outside the housing. 6. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the process water is heated to a temperature selected from the range of 170 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit; and 175 degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. 7. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover includes a plurality of doors that can be opened to allow access to the tank. 8. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heating system is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a heat exchanger through which the process water is circulated, the heat exchanger receiving steam from a steam source for injecting into the process water in the heat exchanger to heat the process water; (ii) a heat exchanger through which the process water is circulated, the heat exchanger including a heating tube through which heated fluid flows, the process water being heated by contact with the heating tube; and (iii) a remote tank and a heater, the remote tank receiving filtered process water for mixing with the process water in the remote tank, the heater heating the process water in the remote tank. 9. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 8 further includes a control system for controlling the operation of the sterilizer, the operation of the sterilizer including the operation of the screw, the flow rate of the process water into the tank, and the operation of the heating system. 10. A spiral food sterilizer, comprising: A semi-circular, slender heating tank having an open top, a closed inlet end, and a closed outlet end, the tank containing a certain amount of process water for food sterilization. A auger rod, the auger rod being mounted to rotate within the can body, the auger rod including auger blades defining at least one spiral coil, the spiral coil and the can body forming a spiral path to convey the food from the inlet end of the can body to the outlet end; A filter assembly that receives process water from the tank to remove particulate matter from the process water, the filter assembly comprising: A shell, located outside the tank body and in communication with the process water flow of the tank body; A porous baffle is located between the tank body and the shell, through which the process water flows into the shell, and the baffle prevents the food from entering the shell; A filter, spaced apart from the partition, through which the process water flows; and An overflow outlet, which is connected to the shell, is provided to receive the process water from the shell and to lead the process water away from the tank. A heat exchanger that receives the process water from the filter assembly and heats the water to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit for reintroduction into the tank. A delivery pipeline for conveying the process water from the heat exchanger to the tank; and A cover, located above the open top of the tank to cover the open top of the tank, the cover defining at least one outlet for discharging steam from the tank. 11. The sterilizer of claim 10, wherein the filter assembly receives the process water from the inlet end of the tank. 12. The sterilizer according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the process water received by the overflow outlet bypasses the filter but not the partition. 13. The sterilizer according to claims 10 to 12, wherein the filter is located in a position selected from: inside the housing and outside the housing. 14. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the process water is heated to a temperature range of 170°F to 185°F; and 175°F to 180°F. 15. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the cover includes a plurality of doors that can be opened to allow access to the tank. 16. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the heat exchanger receives steam from a steam source to heat the process water. 17. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 10 to 16, further comprising an injector for directly injecting the steam into the process water in the heat exchanger. 18. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 10 to 17, further comprising a controller for controlling the operation of the food sterilizer, the operation of the food sterilizer including the operation of the screw and the heat exchanger.

Claims

1. A spiral food sterilizer, comprising: A semi-circular, elongated tank having an open top, a closed inlet end, and a closed outlet end; A screw rod, the screw rod being mounted to rotate within the can body, the screw rod including helical blades defining at least one spiral coil, the spiral coil and the can body forming a spiral path from the inlet end of the can body to the outlet end of the can body, to convey food along the spiral path from the inlet end to the outlet end; A certain amount of process water is contained in the tank, and the process water is introduced to the outlet end of the tank so as to flow to the inlet end of the tank; A filter assembly that receives the process water from the tank to remove particulate matter from the process water; A heating system that heats the filtered process water to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit for reintroduction into the outlet end of the tank; as well as A cover, located above the open top of the tank body to close the open top of the tank body, the cover defining at least one outlet for discharging steam from the tank body.

2. The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein, The filter assembly receives the process water from the inlet end of the tank.

3. The sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The filter assembly includes: A shell, located outside the tank body and in communication with the process water flow of the tank body; A porous baffle is located between the tank body and the shell, through which the process water flows into the shell, and the baffle prevents the food from entering the shell; A filter, spaced apart from the partition, through which the process water flows; and An overflow outlet, which is connected to the housing, is provided to receive the process water from the housing and to lead the process water away from the tank.

4. The sterilizer according to claim 3, wherein, The process water received by the overflow outlet bypasses the filter but not the baffle.

5. The sterilizer according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The filter is located inside the housing.

6. The sterilizer according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The filter is located outside the housing.

7. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The process water is heated to a temperature selected from the range of 170 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit; and 175 degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The cover includes multiple doors that can be opened to allow access to the tank.

9. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The heating system is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a heat exchanger through which the process water circulates, the heat exchanger receiving steam from a steam source for injecting into the process water in the heat exchanger to heat the process water; and (ii) a heat exchanger through which the process water circulates, the heat exchanger including heating tubes through which heated fluid flows, and the process water being heated by contact with the heating tubes. (iii) a remote tank and a heater, the remote tank receiving the filtered process water for mixing with the process water in the remote tank, and the heater heating the process water in the remote tank.

10. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a control system for controlling the operation of the sterilizer, the operation of the sterilizer including the operation of the screw, the flow rate of the process water into the tank, and the operation of the heating system.

11. A spiral food sterilizer, comprising: A semi-circular, slender heating tank having an open top, a closed inlet end, and a closed outlet end, the tank containing a certain amount of process water for food sterilization. A auger rod, the auger rod being mounted to rotate within the can body, the auger rod including auger blades defining at least one spiral coil, the spiral coil and the can body forming a spiral path to convey the food from the inlet end of the can body to the outlet end; A filter assembly that receives the process water from the tank to remove particulate matter from the process water; A heat exchanger that receives the process water from the filter assembly and heats the water to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit for reintroduction into the tank. A delivery pipeline for conveying the process water from the heat exchanger to the tank; as well as A cover, located above the open top of the tank to cover the open top of the tank, the cover defining at least one outlet for discharging steam from the tank.

12. The sterilizer according to claim 11, wherein, The filter assembly receives the process water from the inlet end of the tank.

13. The sterilizer according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The filter assembly includes: A shell, located outside the tank body and in communication with the process water flow of the tank body; A partition is located between the tank body and the shell, the partition having an opening sized to allow process water to flow into the shell but preventing food from entering the shell; A filter, spaced apart from the partition, through which the process water flows; and An overflow outlet, which is connected to the housing, is provided to receive the process water from the housing and to lead the process water away from the tank.

14. The sterilizer according to claim 13, wherein, The process water received by the overflow outlet bypasses the filter but not the baffle.

15. The sterilizer according to claims 11 to 14, wherein, The filter is located in a position selected from: inside the housing and outside the housing.

16. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, The process water is heated to the following temperature ranges: 170°F to 185°F; and 175°F to 180°F.

17. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The cover includes multiple doors that can be opened to allow access to the tank.

18. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, The heat exchanger receives steam from a steam source to heat the process water.

19. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 11 to 18, further comprising an injector for directly injecting the steam into the process water in the heat exchanger.

20. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 11 to 19, further comprising a controller for controlling the operation of the food sterilizer, the operation of the food sterilizer including the operation of the screw and the heat exchanger.

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