SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UV TREATMENT OF VISCOUS FLUID - Patent application

Abstract

Some embodiments are directed to a system and method for processing a viscous fluid. 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 mixers and expose the viscous fluid to a dose of UV light, the dose being at least 250 mJ / cm. 2 The system is designed to deliver approximately 500 mJ / cm so that bacteria and other contaminants are reduced or eliminated. 2 A total dose of UV light can be delivered.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Some embodiments are directed to a system for processing 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 It is.

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

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

[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 a static mixer.

[0007] In some embodiments, the system is configured to process 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 hydroxymethylfuran 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 melting tank, hi some embodiments, the melting tank is capable of forming liquid sugar from water and sugar.

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

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

[0011] In some embodiments, the system further includes a melting tank configured to form a viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is a liquid sugar formed from water and sugar, the liquid sugar having a sugar content of 60 Brix to 70 Brix. In some embodiments, the system is configured to process 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 hydroxymethylfuran 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.

[0012] Some embodiments are directed to a method of processing a viscous fluid, comprising flowing the viscous fluid through a mixer such that the viscous fluid flows with a Reynolds number of at least 2200. In some embodiments, the method comprises flowing the viscous fluid through a mixer such that the viscous fluid flows with a Reynolds number of at least 500 mJ / cm. 2 The method includes exposing the viscous fluid to UV light such that the viscous fluid receives a total dose of UV light of about 1000 nm to about 200 nm. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has a viscosity of between 50 cP and 250 cP.

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

[0014] In some embodiments, the method includes flowing the viscous fluid through a second mixer such that the viscous fluid flows at a Reynolds number of at least 2200.

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

[0016] In some embodiments, exposing the viscous fluid to UV light comprises 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 comprises the first dose and the second dose.

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

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

[0019] Some embodiments are directed to a fluid treatment device including a first mixer configured to generate turbulence in a viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the device includes a first UV chamber configured to deliver a first dose of UV light to the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the device includes a second mixer configured to generate turbulence in the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the device includes a second UV chamber 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 have an intensity of at least 500 mJ / cm. 2 of UV light.

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

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

[0022] In some embodiments, the first UV chamber and the second UV chamber each comprise 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 in and form a part of this specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a process flow diagram of a system according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a process flow diagram of a system according to some embodiments. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] 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 sugars. To ensure food and beverage safety, these viscous fluids must be treated prior to use in production to reduce or eliminate contaminants. Existing processes require heating the viscous fluid to high temperatures and maintaining the high temperatures for extended periods of time. For example, thermal pasteurization requires heating the viscous fluid to above 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 being heated, the viscous fluid may need to be cooled before being used as a food or beverage ingredient. This can require either long operating times to allow natural cooling or additional equipment and energy costs to accelerate the cooling (e.g., using refrigeration).

[0027] For example, UV light can be used to treat low solids content and low viscosity fluids (e.g., fluids having a viscosity less than about 50 cP), such as apple cider or apple juice, but methods intended to treat such low viscosity fluids cannot adequately treat fluids having higher solids content and higher viscosity. Due to the flow dynamics of fluids with higher viscosity and higher solids content, methods for UV treatment of low viscosity fluids are not effective for treating high viscosity fluids.

[0028] The embodiments described herein overcome these and other challenges by providing systems and methods for the non-thermal treatment of viscous fluids (e.g., liquid sugars) to remove contaminants, among other benefits. Additionally, the embodiments described herein enable non-thermal treatment of viscous fluids that do not adversely affect the quality attributes (e.g., taste, acidity, turbidity, color, etc.) of the viscous fluid or the resulting food or beverage.

[0029] As shown throughout the figures, some embodiments are directed to systems and processes for non-thermal treatment of viscous fluids. As used herein, the term "viscous fluid" means a fluid having a viscosity of at least 150 cP. For example, a system for treating a viscous fluid can include a mixer and a UV chamber. The mixer can generate mixing or turbulence perpendicular to the linear flow within the viscous fluid before it passes through the UV chamber. Such turbulence can ensure that the viscous fluid is efficiently exposed to UV light for treating the viscous fluid.

[0030] For example, Figures 1 and 2 show systems (e.g., system 100 and system 300) according to some embodiments. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, systems according to some embodiments may be configured to flow a viscous fluid through the system and may include a mixer (e.g., mixer 125, 135, 325, or 335) that increases the Reynolds number of the fluid flowing through the system to generate turbulence. The system may include a UV chamber (e.g., UV chamber 130, 140, 330, or 340) that exposes the viscous fluid flowing through the system to UV light to reduce contaminants in the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the mixer mixes the viscous fluid sufficiently to achieve turbulence before the viscous fluid enters the UV chamber. In some embodiments, the mixer mixes the viscous fluid sufficiently to increase the Reynolds number of the viscous fluid to at least 2200 or to promote mixing perpendicular to the direction of flow. In some embodiments, the system 100 or 300 may be used to treat viscous fluids using a UV chamber to remove contaminants and inactivate bacteria without the need for any heat treatment. For example, in some embodiments, the system 100 or 300 may be used to remove at least 95% (e.g., at least 99%) of the contaminants and inactivate at least 95% (e.g., at least 99%) of the bacteria. In some embodiments, the system 100 or 300 is used to remove 95%-100% (e.g., 99%-100%) of the contaminants. In some embodiments, the system 100 or 300 is used to inactivate 95%-100% (e.g., 99%-100%) of the bacteria.In some embodiments, the microorganisms that are reduced and / or inactivated include one or more of bacteria of the genus Escherichia (e.g., Escherichia coli O157: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; filamentous fungi; thermotolerant filamentous fungi; and spoilage fungi. As used herein, ATCC number refers to the number assigned to a particular organism strain by the American Type Culture Collection ("ATCC"). Reducing and / or inactivating these microorganisms can reduce the potential for spoilage of the final product. For example, some of these microorganisms may survive a thermal pasteurization process, but may not survive UV treatment according to embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, in some embodiments, no contaminating by-products were produced in the viscous liquid during UV treatment according to the methods disclosed herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 according to some embodiments. 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, as well as a temperature indicator 150. The system 100 can 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 examples, 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., the UV chamber 130 or the UV chamber 140) is ready to receive the fluid (e.g., one or more lamps in each UV chamber are warmed up to deliver the desired UV intensity).

[0032] 2 shows system 300 according to some embodiments, which may 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 may include various inlets, pipes, and outlets. For example, in some embodiments, system 300 includes pipes 420, 425, 430, 435, and 440.

[0033] In some embodiments, the unprocessed fluid tank 105 is used to store the unprocessed viscous fluid. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has a viscosity of at least 50 cP (e.g., at least 100 cP, at least 150 cP, at least 200 cP, or at least 250 cP). In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has a viscosity of about 50 cP to about 300 cP (e.g., about 150 cP to about 300 cP, about 200 cP to about 250 cP, or about 230 cP to about 250 cP). In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has an ultraviolet transmittance ("UVT") of about 25% to about 50% (e.g., about 25% to about 35%). In some embodiments, the viscous fluid has a UVT of about 30%. In some embodiments, the viscous liquid has a viscosity of about 150 cP to about 250 cP and a UVT of greater than 25%.

[0034] In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is a liquid sugar formed from 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 use in beverages, including carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.

[0035] In some embodiments, the raw fluid tank 105 is a melting tank used to prepare the viscous fluid. For example, in embodiments where the viscous fluid is liquid sugar, the raw fluid tank 105 can be used to mix water and sugar to form liquid sugar. In some embodiments, the raw viscous fluid may be transferred from the raw fluid tank 105 to a mixer 125. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a pump 110, a filter 115, and a flow meter 120 between the raw fluid tank 105 and the mixer 125. In some embodiments, the pump 110 pumps the raw viscous fluid from the raw 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 particles of 5 microns or larger. The system 100 can include a flow meter 120 configured to control the flow rate of the viscous fluid flowing through the system. In some embodiments, the systems described herein were operated in a continuous mode. In some embodiments, the flow meter 120 controls the flow rate of the viscous fluid such that the viscous fluid flows continuously. In some embodiments, the methods and systems described herein process between about 500 gallons and about 2500 gallons (e.g., between about 1000 gallons and about 2000 gallons) of viscous fluid per hour.

[0036] The system 100 can include at least one mixer (e.g., mixer 125 or mixer 135) that can increase the Reynolds number of a 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 a laminar flow. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid flowing into the mixer (e.g., mixer 125 or mixer 135) from a pipe (e.g., pipe 220 or pipe 230) can be dominated by laminar flow. In some embodiments, the mixer (e.g., mixer 125 or mixer 135) can increase the Reynolds number of the viscous fluid such that the viscous fluid flowing out of the mixer can be dominated by turbulent flow. In some embodiments, the viscous fluid is dominated by turbulent flow when the Reynolds number is at least 2200. 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.

[0037] In some embodiments, the system includes two mixers. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, system 100 includes mixer 125 and mixer 135. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, system 300 includes mixer 325 and mixer 335. Each mixer (e.g., mixer 125, 135, 325, or 335) may be any type of mixer suitable for generating turbulence in a viscous fluid. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, system 300 includes two static mixers (static mixer 325 and static mixer 335). Mixers 125 and 140 may also be static mixers in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the static mixers allow for a reduction in the UV dose required compared to other types of mixers.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system includes two UV chambers for processing the 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., Reynolds number of 2200 or greater). In some embodiments, the viscous fluid flowing through each UV chamber is dominated by turbulence. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, system 100 includes UV chamber 130 and UV chamber 140. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, system 300 includes UV chamber 330 and UV chamber 340. In some embodiments, the UV chambers are in series with each other to provide multiple smaller doses of UV light, which may help prevent quality degradation that may occur with a higher single dose. 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 may each be a barrel chamber with at least one UV lamp centrally located. In some embodiments, each lamp is a medium pressure UV lamp. In some embodiments, one or more of the lamps operate at multiple color wavelengths.

[0039] The dose delivered to the viscous fluid may be adjusted to account for the particular conditions (e.g., turbidity or absorbance) of the viscous fluid. 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 the intensity of UV light (W / cm2) multiplied by the exposure time (seconds) 2 In some embodiments, each dose of UV light is at least about 150 mJ / cm 2 of 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 2In some embodiments, each dose of UV light is about 75 mJ / cm 2 ~about 500mJ / cm 2 (For example, about 175 mJ / cm 2 ~Approx. 350mJ / cm 2 , or about 200 mJ / cm 2 ~About 300mJ / cm 2 In some embodiments, each dose of UV light is about 250 mJ / cm 2 In some embodiments, the system delivers about 150 mJ / cm 2 ~Approx. 1000mJ / cm 2 of UV light (e.g., about 350 mJ / cm 2 ~about 700mJ / cm 2 or about 400 mJ / cm 2 or about 600 mJ / cm 2 In some embodiments, the system delivers about 500 mJ / cm 2 Deliver a total dose of UV light of 1000 nm.

[0040] 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 chambers 130 and 140 in system 100 (or UV chambers 330 and 340 in system 300) each deliver a dose of about 250 mJ / cm. 2 , resulting in system 100 delivering a dose of approximately 500 mJ / cm 2 to deliver a total dose of

[0041] In some embodiments, each UV chamber delivers a non-uniform 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 chambers 130 and 140 in system 100 (or UV chambers 330 and 340 in system 300) each deliver a different dose of UV light, but system 100 delivers about 500 mJ / cm 2 to deliver a total dose of

[0042] Each UV chamber can expose the viscous fluid to UV light for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, each UV chamber exposes the viscous fluid to UV light for at least 1 second. For example, in some embodiments, the UV chambers 130 and 140 in the system 100 (or the UV chambers 330 and 340 in the 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, the UV chambers 130 and 140 in the system 100 (or the UV chambers 330 and 340 in the 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, the UV chambers 130 and 140 in the system 100 (or the UV chambers 330 and 340 in the system 300) each expose the viscous fluid to UV light for about 1.15 seconds.

[0043] In some embodiments, the system 100 can include a recirculation line (e.g., a recirculation pipe 255). In some embodiments, the recirculation pipe 255 is used to recirculate the viscous fluid exiting a UV chamber (e.g., UV chamber 140 or UV chamber 440) back to the raw fluid tank 105 for further processing, as illustrated in Figure 1. In some embodiments, the recirculation pipe 225 reconnects between the raw fluid tank 105 and the pump 110.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a process 500 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the process 500 may be performed on a system such as that shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In some embodiments, in 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, in step 520, the at least one mixer is used to create turbulence in the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, in step 530, after creating turbulence in the viscous fluid, the viscous fluid is exposed to at least one dose of UV light. The at least one dose of UV light is described in detail above.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a process 600 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the process 600 may be performed on a system such as that shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In some embodiments, in step 610, the viscous fluid is flowed through a first mixer (e.g., mixer 125 or static mixer 325). In some embodiments, in step 620, the first mixer creates turbulence in the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, in step 630, the viscous fluid is exposed to a first dose of UV light. In some embodiments, in step 640, the viscous fluid is flowed through a second mixer (e.g., mixer 135 or static mixer 335). In some embodiments, in step 650, the second mixer creates turbulence in the viscous fluid. In some embodiments, in step 660, the viscous fluid is exposed to a second dose of UV light.

[0046] As shown in the following examples, the methods and systems described herein can be used to treat viscous fluids such that contaminants are reduced. 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 contaminants 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 treated fluids having an acrylamide content of less than 2 μg / kg, a total furan content of less than μg / kg, a hydroxymethylfuran 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. EXAMPLES

[0047] Example 1 Various samples were tested for analytical and quality attributes, such as pH, color, turbidity, and percent ash for various liquid sugar samples having sugar contents ranging from about 67.6 Brix to about 68 Brix. Table 1 summarizes the samples used for testing throughout the examples.

[0048] Table 1 [Table 1]

[0049] As shown in Table 1, Sample A was raw and untreated liquid sugar, Sample B was liquid sugar that was treated using a thermal process without UV treatment, and Samples C-F were liquid sugars that were treated using UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein. Samples C-F were treated using various total doses of UV light.

[0050] Analytical and quality attributes were tested including pH, color, turbidity, and percent ash, as shown in Table 2 below. Color was measured using the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis ("ICUMSA") scale. The ICUMSA scale defines pure white sugar as an ICUMSA value of 45. Lower ICUMSA values ​​correspond to less light absorption. Lightness values ​​(L) were measured for each sample. * ) was measured. The lightness scale defines black as 0 and white as 100. Turbidity was measured according to the International Society of Beverage Technologists ("ISBT"). Ash is a measure of sugar quality and ash content includes organic and inorganic compounds.

[0051] Table 2 [Table 2]

[0052] As shown in Table 2, samples processed according to embodiments disclosed herein (i.e., Samples C-F) exhibited similar analytical and quality characteristics as heat-treated Sample B. For example, Samples C-F exhibited similar color, brightness, and ash values ​​compared to Samples A and B. Additionally, Samples C-F exhibited reduced turbidity, which corresponds to reduced impurities.

[0053] As shown in Example 1, UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein can be used without adversely affecting the analytical and quality properties of the viscous fluid, thereby effectively treating the viscous fluid without the higher cost, time, and energy consumption associated with thermal treatment.

[0054] Example 2 Microbial inoculation tests were performed on samples C through F before and after UV treatment according to some embodiments disclosed herein. Before treatment, samples C through F each contained 4.6 logs of B. pumilus (ATCC 27142). Samples C through F were treated using the UV doses shown in Table 1 above. Table 3 shows the initial and final log counts of B. pumilus (ATCC 27142) in the samples.

[0055] Table 3 [Table 3]

[0056] Some bacteria, such as B. pumilus, are highly resistant to UV light exposure. However, as shown in Table 3 above, there was complete inactivation of B. pumilus at all tested UV doses (i.e., a 4.6 log reduction was achieved).

[0057] As shown in Example 2, UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein can be used to inactivate bacteria such as B. pumilus.

[0058] Example 3 Contaminant testing was performed on liquid sugar samples (Samples G-J) having a sugar content of about 67.5 Brix. As shown in Table 4, Sample G was processed using a conventional thermal process without UV treatment, and Samples H-J were processed using UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein.

[0059] Table 4 [Table 4]

[0060] The samples were tested for various furan compounds and for total furan concentration, as shown below in Table 5. Various other contaminants were tested, as shown below in Table 6.

[0061] Table 5 [Table 5]

[0062] As shown in Table 5, all tested furan compounds were below the detection limit of the instrument used in the testing. In addition, the total furan concentration was below the detection limit of the instrument used in the testing.

[0063] Table 6 [Table 6]

[0064] As shown in Table 6, all other tested compounds were below the detection limit of the instrument used for testing.

[0065] As shown in Example 3, UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein can be used to significantly reduce contaminants such as those mentioned above.

[0066] Example 4 Liquid sugar was used to produce four beverages (Beverages 1, 1', 2, and 2'). Beverages 1 and 1' were made using the same process and ingredients, except that beverage 1 used heat-treated liquid sugar and beverage 1' used UV-treated liquid sugar. Beverages 2 and 2' were made using the same process and ingredients, except that beverage 2 used heat-treated liquid sugar and beverage 2' used UV-treated liquid sugar. Beverages 1' and 2' were each made using 500 mJ / cm 2 Each beverage was treated with a total dose of UV light of 1000 nm. Each beverage was tested for various sensory attributes (e.g., appearance preference, overall flavor preference, sweetness preference, and mouthfeel preference). The beverages were tested by consumers, who rated the beverages based on the various sensory attributes. Scoring was based on a hedonic rating scale of 1 to 9, with 1 meaning that the consumer disliked the beverage very much and 9 meaning that the consumer liked it very much.

[0067] Table 7 [Table 7]

[0068] As shown in Table 7, beverages containing UV-treated liquid sugar (1', 2') scored very similarly to beverages containing heat-treated liquid sugar (1, 2). Thus, liquid sugars processed according to the embodiments disclosed herein can be used in products without affecting the consumer experience of the product.

[0069] As shown in Example 4, UV treatment according to some embodiments described herein can be used without affecting sensory properties (e.g., appearance preference, overall flavor preference, sweetness preference, and mouthfeel preference).

[0070] As used herein, the term "laminar flow" refers to a flow of a fluid in which the fluid moves in a smooth or regular path. Laminar flow may be defined in terms of the Reynolds number. In some embodiments, the fluid flows described herein may be considered to flow with laminar flow when the Reynolds number of the fluid flowing through a pipe is less than 2100.

[0071] As used herein, the term "turbulent flow" refers to a fluid flow in which the fluid moves along an unsteady path. Turbulent flow may be defined in terms of the Reynolds number. In some embodiments, the fluid flows described herein may be considered to flow with turbulence when turbulence begins to occur. In some embodiments, the fluid flows described herein may be considered to flow with turbulence when the Reynolds number of the fluid flowing through the pipe is greater than 2100.

[0072] As used herein, when the term "about" is used in describing 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" can include ±10%.

[0073] It should be understood that the Detailed Description section, and not any other section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The other sections may set forth one or more, but not all, example embodiments of the disclosure as contemplated by the inventor, but are in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims.

[0074] The present disclosure has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of certain functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternative boundaries may be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[0075] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will enable others to easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various applications by applying knowledge by those skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, and without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure, making the general nature of the present disclosure fully apparent. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the language or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description, not limitation, and thus the language or terminology used herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in the light of the teaching and guidance.

[0076] The above examples are illustrative of the present disclosure, but are not intended to be limiting. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the art, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] References in the specification to "some embodiments" indicate that the described embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, the effect of such feature, structure, or characteristic in relation to other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, is believed to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0078] 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. 1. A system for processing a viscous fluid, comprising: a mixer configured to receive the viscous fluid and generate turbulent flow in 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 and A system for processing a viscous fluid, 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 between 50 cP and 250 cP.

3. a second mixer configured to receive the viscous fluid from the UV chamber and generate a turbulent flow of the viscous fluid; 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 The system of claim 1 .

4. 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 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 a static mixer.

6. 10. 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 hydroxymethylfuran 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.

7. The viscous fluid is liquid sugar, 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a melting tank, the melting tank configured to form the liquid sugar from water and sugar.

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

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the viscous fluid has an ultraviolet light transmittance of about 25% to about 50%.

10. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the viscous fluid is a liquid sugar having a sugar content of 67 Brix to 68 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 method further comprises: a melting tank configured to form the viscous fluid, the viscous fluid being a liquid sugar formed from water and sugar, the liquid sugar having a sugar content of 60 Brix to 70 Brix; 10. 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 hydroxymethylfuran 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.

13. 1. A method for treating a viscous fluid, 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 has a viscosity of at least 500 mJ / cm ２ exposing the viscous fluid to UV light such that the viscous fluid receives a total dose of UV light of The method, wherein the viscous fluid has a viscosity of from 50 cP to 250 cP.

14. said exposing said viscous fluid to UV light comprises: flowing the viscous fluid 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 The method of claim 13, wherein

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

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein 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.

17. said exposing said viscous fluid to UV light comprises: flowing the viscous fluid 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 and The method of claim 14 , wherein the total dose comprises the first dose and the second dose.

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

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

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

21. 1. A fluid treatment 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; The first dose of UV light and the second dose of UV light together are at least 500 mJ / cm ２ of UV light.

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

23. 22. The fluid treatment device of claim 21, wherein the first mixer and the second mixer are each a static mixer.

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

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

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