THERMAL DECONTAMINATION DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: THERMAL DECONTAMINATION DEVICE AND METHOD A device (100) for the thermal decontamination of contents (105) in a container (110), the container having a cap (115), comprising: a support (120) for the container to be decontaminated, a microwave emitting waveguide (125) oriented to transmit microwaves to the container, and a means for applying pressure (135) to the container cap configured to compensate for a pressure increase in the container generated by the action of the microwaves during decontamination. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Description Title of the invention: DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DECONTA- THERMAL MINING Technical field of the invention

[0001] — The present invention relates to a thermal decontamination device. It applies, in particular, to the agri-food sector. State of the art

[0002] = For the thermal decontamination of contents in a container, for example ali- In the past, solutions from the prior art involved using an autoclave device. In such solutions, the container is placed in the autoclave device. containing water. During thermal decontamination, the water is heated and vaporized at high temperature, contributing to the decontamination of the contents.

[0003] However, the implementation of such a device on an industrial scale requires a considerable energy consumption as well as the use of a very large quantity of water-bearing capacity. Furthermore, during decontamination, the thermal conduction time inside the pot, necessary for total decontamination of the product, is high. The thermal decontamination time applied to the container is therefore important. A significant amount of thermal decontamination time has the effect, for example, of de- to thermally combine certain vitamins and molecules of nutritional interest. By Furthermore, the implementation of such a system implies a temperature heterogeneity and decontamination time between the product located at the periphery of the container and the product located in the middle of the container. Description of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0005] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention aims at a de- thermal treatment of contents within a container, the container comprising a cork, which includes: - a container support to be decontaminated, - a microwave emitting waveguide oriented to transmit microwaves towards the container and - a means of applying pressure to the cap of the container configured for compensate for an increase in pressure in the container generated by the action of microwaves during decontamination.

[0006] — Thanks to these provisions, the device makes it possible to maintain continuous pressure on the cap when the container is exposed to microwaves. The separation of the cap and container following significant pressure inside the container during Thermal decontamination is therefore avoided. The device thus maintains the container's airtight seal during decontamination. Furthermore, the use of microwaves during decontamination increases the rate at which the contents reach a predetermined decontamination temperature. This allows the contents to reach a predetermined decontamination temperature more quickly. Microwaves also ensure homogeneous decontamination of the contents, from the periphery to the center of the container, thereby increasing the quality and effectiveness of the decontamination process. In addition, the device reduces decontamination time. This enables rapid decontamination, such as pasteurization or sterilization of contents, for example, food.Reducing decontamination time is of paramount industrial importance, as it shortens the production time for decontaminated contents, thereby increasing production efficiency. Reducing the exposure time of the contents to high temperatures also limits or even prevents the degradation of, for example, vitamins and other valuable compounds. Thus, the device enables decontamination while preserving the chemical and organoleptic properties of the contents, properties that are altered by the application of high temperatures for extended periods. In some embodiments, the container support is a first mobile support surface, called "lower", the means of exerting pressure being a second mobile surface, called "upper", complementary to the lower surface, the second surface being configured to come into contact with the cap of the container. Thanks to these features, the device allows for optimal upper and lower support of the container during decontamination. This limits the risk of the container losing its seal. In some embodiments, the container support is a transport mat. Thanks to these provisions, the system allows for automated and continuous circulation of several containers to be decontaminated. In some embodiments, the container support is a carousel. Thanks to these features, the device allows for the automated circulation of several containers to be decontaminated along a circular trajectory. This results in repeated and cyclical exposure of the containers to microwaves. In some embodiments, the lower and upper surfaces have a substantially equal speed of movement. Thanks to these features, the device allows for synchronized movement of the upper and lower surfaces, and of the container, during decontamination. This optimizes the container's spatial stability and airtightness. In some embodiments, the device also includes a third surface, called a "protective" surface, disposed between the container and the emitting waveguide, the third surface being made of a material at least partially transparent to microwaves. Thanks to these features, the device prevents contents from splashing onto the microwave waveguide during decontamination, should a container leak or explosion occur. This protects certain components of the device. Furthermore, when the third surface is moving and circulating, the internal parts of the device are continuously cleaned. This minimizes the risk of container fouling due to leaks or explosions. In some embodiments, the device further includes a means for adjusting the position of the means for applying pressure. Thanks to these features, the device allows for the decontamination of containers of various sizes while maintaining optimal sealing. Therefore, the device is adaptable to industrial constraints related to container dimensions. In some embodiments, the device also includes a means for adjusting the orientation of the microwave-emitting waveguide. Thanks to these features, the device allows for optimal orientation of the microwave waveguide according to the container's dimensions. This minimizes energy loss due to improper microwave orientation. In other words, the majority of microwaves are directed and transmitted towards the container, thus optimizing the device's performance. In some embodiments, the device also includes a temperature sensor configured to capture the temperature of the container to be decontaminated. Thanks to these features, the device allows continuous monitoring of the actual temperature applied to the container during decontamination. Furthermore, the difference between the set temperature and the actual applied temperature is calculated. This allows malfunctions in the microwave-emitting waveguide to be detected. In some embodiments, the device also includes a means of regulating the power of the microwave emitting waveguide as a function of the temperature captured. Thanks to these provisions, the device makes it possible to adapt the power of the microwaves applied to the container according to the predetermined temperature required to carry out the decontamination. According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a decontamination process thermal conductivity of contents within a container; the container includes a cap, which includes: - a step involving the support of the container to be decontaminated, - a microwave emission step to transmit microwaves to the container and - a step of applying pressure to the cap of the container to compensate for an increase in pressure in the container generated by the action of microwaves during decontamination. The advantages, purposes and particular characteristics of this process being similar to those of the device which is the subject of the invention, they are not recalled here. Brief description of the figures Other advantages, purposes and particular features of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device and method of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Fig.1] schematically represents, in front view, a first particular embodiment of the system that is the subject of the present invention, [Fig.2] schematically represents, in side view and in section, a particular embodiment of the system which is the subject of the present invention represented in [Fig.1], [Fig.3] schematically represents, in top view and in cross-section, a particular embodiment of the system which is the subject of the present invention represented in [Fig.1], [Fig. 4] schematically represents, in front view, a second particular embodiment of the system that is the subject of the present invention and [Fig.5] represents, in the form of a flowchart, the steps for implementing a particular embodiment of the process that is the subject of the invention. Description of the implementation methods The present description is given by way of non-limiting attribution, each feature of an embodiment being able to be advantageously combined with any other feature of any other embodiment. Throughout this description, "upper" or "top" refers to everything at the top in Figures 1, 2, and 4, which corresponds to the normal operating configuration of the system. "Lower" or "bottom" refers to everything at the bottom in these figures. "Back" refers to everything behind the plane of the figures, and "front" refers to everything in front of the plane of the figures. The terms "vertical" and "height" are derived from these definitions. The device illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3 generally exhibits a plane of symmetry. The vertical plane of symmetry is vertical and parallel to the plane of [Fig. 1], vertical and perpendicular to the plane of [Fig. 2], and is labeled plane B in that figure. and horizontal and perpendicular to the plane of [Fig.3]. The intersection of this plane with the plant support, which will be described later, defines an axis denoted axis A, represented in figures 1, 2 and 3. The device illustrated in [Fig.4] has an axis of rotation denoted axis C. The following definitions are recalled here: The term "decontamination" refers to an operation that consists, for example, of destroying or limiting the quantity of one or more microorganisms in a product. For example, microorganisms include aerobic microorganisms such as pathogenic biological agents. Decontamination refers, for example, to a pasteurization or sterilization process. Pasteurization, for example, is carried out by heating the product to a temperature between 50°C and below 100°C, preferably between 65°C and 80°C. Sterilization, for example, is carried out by heating the product to a temperature between 90°C and 125°C. Decontamination aims, in particular, to produce a product with a quantity of microorganisms below a predetermined value. For example, the predetermined value is set by current food industry standards. The term "contents" refers to, for example, a liquid, solid, or mixed product contained within a container. For instance, the product is food, such as fruit or vegetable juice, jam, or purée. A food product has nutritional properties related to the presence of, for example, vitamins. The term "container" refers to, for example, a glass jar. The glass jar is, for example, food-grade. In other words, the jar is made of a material that meets the standards in force in the food industry. The terms "arranged below" or "arranged above" refer to the arrangement of one element in relation to another element, under normal operating conditions of the decontamination device. It should be noted from the outset that the figures are not to scale. Figure 1, which is not to scale, shows a schematic view of one embodiment of the device 100 which is the subject of the present invention. We observe in [Fig.1] that the device 100 for the thermal decontamination of a content 105 in a container 110, the container 110 having a cap 115, comprises: - a 120 container support for a 110 container to be decontaminated, - a microwave emitting waveguide 125 130 oriented to transmit microwaves 130 towards the container 110 and - a means of exerting pressure 135 on the stopper 115 of the container 110. In embodiments such as that shown in [Fig. 1], the support 120 containing 110 is a conveyor belt 120. Preferably, the support 120 is formed from a material resistant under conditions of exposure to microwaves 130. In variants, such as the one shown in [Fig. 4], the support 220 for container 110 of the device 200 is a carousel. The carousel 220 is configured to rotate around the axis of rotation C and thus move the container 110 along a circular trajectory. For example, the carousel support 220 includes a support shelf 221 that holds a container 110 to be decontaminated. As shown in [Fig. 1], the conveyor belt 120 is driven in rotation by two drive means 114. For example, the two drive means 114 are two drive rollers supported by a frame and configured to rotate. The conveyor belt 120 moves one or more containers 110 along axis A in a horizontal left-to-right motion, as represented in [Fig. 1] by an arrow. In embodiments such as that shown in [Fig. 1], the microwave transmitting waveguide 125 130 is known to those skilled in the art and adapted to the use case. It should be noted that a waveguide generally refers to a waveguide alone, a waveguide and microwave transmitting antenna assembly, or a microwave transmitting antenna alone. Preferably, the microwave transmitting waveguide 125 130 is coupled to a microwave generator 121, as shown in [Fig. 3], 130. It should be noted that the waveguide 125 is specifically configured to guide the microwaves 130 towards the container 110 to be decontaminated. In embodiments such as that shown in [Fig. 2], two microwave emitting waveguides 125 irradiate the container 110 during decontamination. It should be noted that the use of two emitting waveguides 125 allows the container 110 to be exposed to the microwaves 130 on two different, for example opposite, faces, thus increasing the effectiveness of the decontamination. It should be noted that the microwave power 130 applied to the container 110, as well as the decontamination time, depends, in particular, on the nature and quantity of the contents 105 to be decontaminated. For example, the microwave 130 emitting waveguide 125 is configured to generate microwaves 130 with a power of 500 watts (W). For example, using two emitting waveguides 125 allows a container 110 to be exposed to microwaves 130 with a power of 1 kilowatt (kW). In embodiments such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device includes a means for adjusting the orientation 109 of the microwave emitting waveguide 125 130. Note that, for example, the means for adjusting the orientation 109 of the waveguide 125 is a rotatably movable mounting. The orientation adjustment means 109 allows, in particular, the waveguide 125 to be adjusted to a predetermined height. The predetermined value of the height is chosen, for example, according to the height of the container 110 to be exposed to microwaves 125. In some embodiments, the orientation adjustment means 109 for the waveguide 125 is manually adjustable. For example, adjusting the height of the waveguide 125, which allows changing the orientation of the transmitting waveguide 125, is achieved by a system comprising a sliding joint, the movement of which is performed manually. In other variations, the orientation adjustment means 109 for the transmitting waveguide 125 is automatic. For example, the orientation adjustment means 109 comprises two U-shaped elements, the respective free sides of the two U-shaped elements being opposite each other, and the waveguide 125 is positioned on one long side of one of the two elements closest to the container 110. The two U-shaped elements are configured to slide into each other automatically. In other words, the two U-shaped elements form a sliding joint.For example, an electric actuator is included in the orientation adjustment means 109 configured to move a U-shaped element in an upward or downward vertical motion. The actuator's height adjustment is controlled automatically, for example, by a sensor-adjuster type control means. In other words, the sensor-adjuster detects a height of container 110 and then adjusts the waveguide 125 according to the detected height. In embodiments such as that shown in figures | and 2, the device 100 includes a means for exerting pressure 135 on the stopper 115 of the container 110. It is noted that the means for exerting pressure 135 is configured to compensate for an increase in pressure in the container 110 generated by the action of the microwaves 130 during decontamination. In embodiments such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support 120 of the container 110 is a first movable support surface, referred to as the "lower" surface, and the pressure-exerting means 135 is a second movable surface, referred to as the "upper" surface, complementary to the lower surface 120. Figures 1 and 2 show that the second upper surface 135 is configured to contact the cap 115 of the container 110. Two surfaces are defined as complementary when the two planes defined by these two surfaces have two parallel normals to each other. For example, in [Fig. 2], the support 120 of the container 110 and the pressure-exerting means 135 are complementary. In embodiments such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, the means for applying pressure 135 is a pressure mat. Preferably, the pressure mat 135 is formed at least partially of a silicone material. In alternative versions, the pressure mat is formed at least partially of an absorbent material. The microwaves are configured to heat up upon exposure to microwaves. Thus, the pressure belt also heats up under the action of microwaves and, through direct contact with the cap 115 of the container 110, increases the temperature of the cap 115 during decontamination. As shown in [Fig. 1], the pressure belt 135 is driven in rotation by two drive means 116. For example, the two drive means 116 are two drive rollers supported by a frame and configured to rotate. It is noted that the pressure belt 135 is moved in a direction similar to that of the conveyor belt 120 for transporting the containers 110. In embodiments such as that shown in [Fig. 2], the device also includes a conveyor belt guide 103. This conveyor belt guide has two parts, 104 and 105, an upper part 104 and a lower part 106. The upper part 104 of the conveyor belt guide 103 is configured to guide the movement of the pressure belt 135 during decontamination. The lower part 106 of the conveyor belt guide 103 is configured to guide the movement of the conveyor belt 120 during decontamination. It should be noted that, in some variations, the upper part 104 and the lower part 106 are decoupled from each other. In embodiments such as that shown in [Fig. 2], the conveyor belt guide 103 is made of a microwave-compatible material 130 and at least partially microwave-transparent 130. For example, the conveyor belt guide 103 is made of silicone, a PEEK polymer (acronym for "PolyEtherEtherKetone"), or a glass fabric coated with a polymer, for example, Teflon (registered trademark). Note that Teflon refers to polytetrafluoroethylene (acronym "PTFE"). As observed in [Fig. 1], the assembly comprising the conveyor belt 120, the pressure belt 135, the belt guide 103, and the microwave emitting waveguides 125 130 form a decontamination tunnel 122 for containers 110. It is also noted in [Fig. 1] that the decontamination tunnel includes a "cooling" zone 123 located between the last emitting waveguide 125 and the tunnel exit 122. The container 110, downstream of the microwave exposure, travels through the cooling zone, which is free of emitting waveguides 125. During its travel through the cooling zone, the temperature of the container 110 decreases. The temperature of container 110 is therefore reduced upstream of the exit of tunnel 122. Thus, the risks associated with a container 110, exiting the decontamination tunnel and presenting a high temperature, are limited. In variants, such as that shown in [Fig. 4], the means for applying pressure is a stop contained within a carousel 235. For example, the stop is a compression plate 236 contained within a carousel 235. Preferably, the The tablet is made of silicone. Note that, for example, the compression tablet 236 of the carousel 235 is complementary to the support tablet 221 of a container 110. In some embodiments, the lower surface 120 and the upper surface 135 have substantially equal movement speeds. The movement speed of the lower surface 120 and the movement speed of the lower surface 135 are considered substantially equal when the ratio of the two speeds is close to 1. In some embodiments, the conveyor belt 120 supporting the container 110 and the pressure belt 135 have a substantially equal travel speed. It should be noted that the two drive means 114 of the conveyor belt 120 and the two drive means 116 of the pressure belt 135 therefore have a substantially equal rotational speed. In variants, such as that shown in [Fig.4], the compression tablet 236 is moved at a rotational speed substantially equal to that of the support tablet 221 containing 110. In some embodiments (not shown), the device 100 further includes a means for adjusting the position of the pressure belt 135. This position adjustment means is configured to adjust the height of the pressure belt 135 according to constraints related, for example, to the height of the container 110 to be decontaminated. Two examples of containers 110 are shown in [Fig. 2], a "small" container and a "large" container, the height of the small container being less than the height of the large container. In some embodiments, the position adjustment means 108 is adjustable automatically or manually. Preferably, the means of position adjustment is any sliding connection between the pressure belt 135 and the frame along the vertical axis. For example, the sliding connection can be achieved by means of two helical connections with parallel vertical axes. The helical connections can be made using screw and nut assemblies with the same pitch. Preferably, the two screw-nut assemblies are connected by a belt. It should be noted that when a screw in one of the screw-nut assemblies is rotated, the screw in the other screw-nut assembly is also driven by the transmission of motion via the belt. Thus, the two movements of each screw are perfectly identical. The rotation of a screw or the toothed belt is carried out manually or automatically, for example, by means of a motor. An automation of the toothed belt's rotation, corresponding to an automation of the pressure applied to the cap, is therefore achieved. In embodiments such as that shown in [Fig. 1] and 2, the device It also includes an inspection flap 107. Note that the inspection flap 107 is configured to close the top of the decontamination tunnel 122 when the pressure belt 135 comes into contact with the cap 115 of the container 110. For example, the flap 107 has a hinged upper cover. The hinges allow, in particular, the opening and closing of the upper cover of the flap 107. In embodiments such as those shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the device, 100 or 200, further comprises a third surface, 102 or 202, referred to as a "protective" surface, disposed between the container 110 and the emitting waveguide 125, the third surface being made of a material at least partially transparent to microwaves. Preferably, the material is silicone. In embodiments such as that shown in Figures 2 and 3, the third surface 102 is a so-called "cleaning" conveyor. The cleaning conveyor 102 travels along the inner surface of the tunnel 122. As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the cleaning conveyor 102 is driven in rotation by drive means 117 or 118. For example, drive means 117 and 118 are drive rollers configured to rotate. Drive means 117 and 118 constitute two variants. When the cleaning conveyor 102 is in circulation, the drive means 117 corresponds to an "external" return of the cleaning conveyor 102. The return is called "external" because the cleaning conveyor 102, upon exiting the tunnel 122, then maintains its movement on a portion external to the tunnel 122 and is finally reintroduced into the tunnel 122.In the other variant, when the cleaning conveyor 102 is in circulation, the drive means 118 corresponds to an "internal" return of the cleaning conveyor 102. The return is said to be "internal" since the cleaning conveyor 102, at the exit of the tunnel 122, then maintains its movement along a longitudinal portion internal to the tunnel 122. It is noted, in [Fig.2], that a scraper 119 allows the cleaning conveyor 102 to be cleaned at the exit of the tunnel 122. It is noted that the cleaning conveyor 102, shown in Figures 2 and 3, is configured to continuously clean the interior of the decontamination tunnel 122. Preferably, the travel speed of the cleaning conveyor 102 is approximately equal to the travel speeds of the conveyor belt 120 and the pressure belt 135. Figure 2 shows that the cleaning conveyor is in direct contact with the surface of the container 110. In other versions, the cleaning conveyor is positioned further away from the surface of the container 110. In embodiments such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device 100 further includes a temperature sensor 111 configured to capture a temperature of the container 110 to be decontaminated. In embodiments such as that shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the conveyor belt has an opening 113 configured for the insertion of the temperature sensor. 111. In particular, we observe, on [Fig.3], that the movement conveyor 120 comprises two parallel conveyors separated by a gap 113. In embodiments such as the one shown in [Fig. 1], the temperature sensor is mobile. For example, the temperature sensor 111 is initially in a starting position before the decontamination of a container 110 begins. When the conveyor belt 120 moves the microwave-exposed container 110, the temperature sensor 111 follows the movement of the container 110 along a predetermined path. In other words, the temperature sensor 111 detects the temperature of the container 110 during its exposure to microwaves 130 emitted by a waveguide 125. The temperature sensor 111 moves from its initial position to an intermediate temperature measurement position. For example, the temperature sensor 111 follows the movement of several containers 110 as they pass in front of the waveguides 125.Thus, automatic monitoring of the evolution of the decontamination temperatures of containers 110 exposed to microwaves 130 emitted by a waveguide 125 is performed. For example, the temperature of container 110 is measured by the temperature sensor 111 before and after exposure to microwaves 130. It should be noted that the sensor then returns to its initial position at the end of the temperature monitoring of container 110. The sensor is then reconfigured to monitor the next container 110 and is moved by the conveyor belt 120. In other words, a temperature sensor performs "back-and-forth" movements during decontamination. The movement of the temperature sensor 111 can be carried out, for example, by an assembly comprising a screw connected to a motor and a linear guide. In variants, the mat guide 103 and the cleaning mat 102 have an opening configured for the lateral insertion of a temperature sensor at a predetermined height of the container 110. In some embodiments, the device 100 further includes a means 112 for regulating the power of the microwave waveguide 125 130 as a function of the detected temperature. For example, the regulation means is a microcontroller. The temperature adjustment is carried out, for example, according to the following steps: - a step of measuring the initial temperature of the container 110 carried out by a temperature sensor 111, - a step comparing the initial temperature to a predetermined temperature, the predetermined temperature corresponding to the decontamination temperature and - a step of controlling the power of the microwaves 130 emitted by the waveguide 125 and applied to the container 110. In some embodiments, the device, 100, further includes a means of detection of the presence of a container 110 and a means of activating and / or deactivating 112 the microwave emitting waveguide 125 130 as a function of the presence of a container 110 detected. In some embodiments, the detection means is a presence sensor. Preferably, the presence sensor and the temperature sensor form a single element 111. In some embodiments, a decontamination cycle is performed by the device 100, for example, according to the following steps: the conveyor belt 120 moves and introduces the container 110 into the decontamination tunnel 122. The container 110 is then successively aligned, by the movement of the conveyor belt 120, with several microwave emitting waveguides 125 arranged along the tunnel 122. Thus, successive exposure of the container 110 to microwaves 130 is achieved. Preferably, a temperature and presence sensor 111 monitors the temperature of the container 110 during exposure to microwaves 130 emitted by a waveguide 125. The presence sensor 111 is also configured to activate the emission of microwaves 130 when the presence of the container 110 is detected.It should be noted that the decontamination time, i.e. the residence time of the container 110 in the decontamination tunnel 122, is conditioned in particular by the speed of the conveyor belt 120. The decontamination time and temperature are predetermined according to the nature of the product present in the container 110 to be decontaminated. It is noted that the characteristics of the elements described previously for device 100 are adaptable to device 200. Figure 5 shows the steps of a particular embodiment of process 300, which is the subject of the present invention. Process 300 for the thermal decontamination of contents in a container, the container having a cap, comprises: - a support step 301 for the container to be decontaminated, - a microwave emission stage 302 to transmit microwaves to the container and - a step of applying pressure 303 on the cap of the container to compensate for an increase in pressure in the container generated by the action of microwaves during decontamination. During the container support step 301, the container is moved and aligned with the microwave emitting waveguide. During microwave emission step 302, the contents of the container are exposed to microwaves, causing a rise in temperature and pressure within the container. It should be noted that the microwave power applied during emission step 302 allows a predetermined decontamination temperature to be reached. For example, when a microwave power of 1 kW is applied, notably by two microwave guides each generating a microwave power of 500 W, it is possible to decontaminate 20 kg of product in 60 minutes. Note that the decontamination temperature in the container is reached, for example, in 10 seconds. During the pressure exercise step 303, a compensating pressure is performed in order to maintain the sealing of the container. Preferably, the means of devices, 100 or 200, are configured to implement the steps of process 300 and their embodiments as set out above and process 300 as well as its various embodiments can be implemented by the means of devices, 100 or 200. The results presented in Tables 1, 2, and 3 below show chemical and / or microbiological analyses of decontaminated products. The "treated" samples correspond to products decontaminated by an embodiment of the device 100 that is the subject of the invention. The "control" samples correspond to products decontaminated by a prior art decontamination device. For example, the "treated" samples, meaning those decontaminated by device 100, are subjected to a pasteurization temperature between 65°C and 80°C, preferably 72°C. The residence time, and therefore the decontamination time, of a container holding 100 g to 350 g of product is approximately one minute. For example, the container is treated in the decontamination tunnel successively by three pairs of waveguides, each pair emitting microwaves at a power of 1 kW for 1 minute. It should be noted that the atmospheric pressure surrounding the container remains constant during decontamination; in other words, there is no increase in atmospheric pressure between the container and the tunnel walls. The control samples are decontaminated using a state-of-the-art decontamination device such as an autoclave. During decontamination, the water in the autoclave is heated and vaporized. The pasteurization temperature is between 70°C and 80°C. Under these conditions, the pressure inside the autoclave is between 1 and 2 bar. The decontamination time is between 45 and 60 minutes. Table 1 shows chemical analyses of fig jam decontaminated by the use of device 100, the subject of the present invention. [Table 1] Compounds analyzed Quantities Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) 6.0mg in 100g of decontaminated product Tocopherol (vitamin E) 2.7mg in 1kg of decontaminated product Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) 0.11mg in 100g of decontaminated product Proteins (total N x 6.25) 1.5g in 100g of decontaminated product Potassium 370mg in 100g of decontaminated product Calcium 61.4mg in 100g of decontaminated product Magnesium 34.9mg in 100g of decontaminated product It is noted that the device, in the example of decontamination of fig jam, makes it possible to obtain a decontaminated product while retaining significant quantities of vitamins and minerals of interest, particularly nutritional ones. Table 2 shows chemical and microbiological analyses of green apple juice. A "control" apple juice is defined as decontaminated using a previously defined prior art device, and a "treated" apple juice is defined as using a device 100, the subject of the present invention. [Tables 2] Control apple juice Treated apple juice Ascorbic acid | 12.9 | 15.3 (vitamin C) (mg in 100 g of decontaminated product) Microorganisms Less than 10 Less than 10 aerobes at 30°C (in 1 g of decontaminated product) It is noted that the device 100, the subject of the present invention, in the example of apple juice decontamination, makes it possible to obtain a "treated" apple juice decontaminated of aerobic microorganisms similarly to the "control" apple juice decontaminated using a prior art device. However, the quantity of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is higher in the "treated" apple juice compared to the "control" apple juice. Thus, the use of the device 100, the subject of the present invention, in the example of apple juice decontamination, makes it possible to limit the degradation of vitamin C in green apple juice during decontamination. by microwave. Table 3 shows chemical and microbiological analyses of orange juice. A "control" orange juice is defined as decontaminated using a previously defined prior art device, and a "treated" orange juice is defined as using a device 100, the subject of the present invention. [Tables 3] Control orange juice Treated orange juice Ascorbic acid | 56.6 60.8 (vitamin C) (mg in 100 g of decontaminated product) Microorganisms 10 [Less than 10 aerobes at 30°C (in 1 g of decontaminated product) It is noted that the device 100 of the present invention, in the example of apple juice decontamination, makes it possible to obtain a "treated" orange juice with a lower level of aerobic microorganisms than the "control" orange juice decontaminated using a prior art device. Furthermore, the amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is higher in the "treated" orange juice compared to the "control" apple juice. Thus, the use of the device 100 of the present invention, in the example of orange juice decontamination, makes it possible to limit the degradation of vitamin C in orange juice during microwave decontamination.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (100, 200) for the thermal decontamination of contents (105) in a container (110), the container having a cap (115), ca- characterized by what it comprises: - a support (120, 220) for a container to be decontaminated, - a microwave emitting waveguide (125) (130) oriented for transmit the microwaves to the container and - a means of applying pressure (135, 235) on the stopper of the container configured to compensate for an increase in pressure in the container generated by the action of microwaves during decontamination mination.

2. Device (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the support (120, 220) of container (110) is a first moving surface of support, called "lower", the means of exerting pressure (135, 235) being a second moving surface, called "upper", complement- commenting on the lower surface, the second surface being configured to come into contact with the cap (115) of the container.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support (120) of container (110) is a conveyor belt.

4. Device (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support (220) of container (110) is a carousel.

5. Device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the lower (120, 220) and upper (135, 235) surfaces exhibit a speed of movement approximately equal.

6. Device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises, In addition, a third surface (102, 202), called the "protective" surface, positioned between the container and the emitting waveguide, the third surface being formed of a material at least partially transparent in microwaves (130).

7. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises, plus, a means for adjusting the position (108) of the exercise means of a pressure (135).

8. Device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which comprises, Furthermore, a means for adjusting the orientation (109) of the waveguide microwave emitter (125) (130).

9. Device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which comprises, In addition, a temperature sensor (111) configured to detect a temperature temperature of the container (110) to be decontaminated.

10. Device (100, 200) according to claim 9, further comprising a means for regulating (112) the power of the emitting waveguide (125) microwave (130) depending on the temperature captured.

11. Method (300) of thermal decontamination of a content (105) in a container (110), the container having a cap (115), ca- characterized by what it comprises: - a support step (301) for the container to be decontaminated, - a microwave emission stage (302) (130) to transmit the microwave towards the container and - a step of applying pressure (303) to the cap of the container to compensate for an increase in pressure within the container generated by the action of microwaves during decontamination.

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