A device and a system for food disinfection

Abstract

The present invention provides a machine based on sequential thermal and non-thermal processes to conduct food disinfection and processing at industry-relevant scales in a rotary drum. Food or any edible item that needs to be disinfected is freely-flowing inside the rotary drum, while it is subjected to IR and UV treatment. The invention is based on hurdle technology, a concept in food processing that relies on utilizing a combination of decontamination techniques to provide synergistic enhancement to the germicidal effects of individual processes.

Description

Agent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25A DEVICE AND A SYSTEM FOR FOOD DISINFECTION FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is generally related to systems and methods of disinfecting edible items. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device and a system for sequentially treating food items for disinfection using thermal and non-thermal treatments.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Ensuring food safety while preserving nutritional and taste attributes from farm to fork and from producer to consumer is paramount for improving public health. Food processing industries rely on several technologies for microbial decontamination depending on food and microbe properties, each with its own merits and demerits. InfraRed (IR)-based treatments have recently emerged as an efficient thermal processing method for food decontamination, food roasting, and drying.

[0003] Many Ultraviolet (UV)-based sterilization activities are also coming out to be an efficient treatment method. For example, patent W02014036080A9 discloses a system in which an ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. A storage area is scanned and monitored for the presence of biological activity within designated zones. Once biological activity is identified, ultraviolet radiation is directed to sterilize and disinfect designated zones within the storage area. Infrared sensors are additionally used in the system for additional illumination by non-ultraviolet sources.

[0004] Another exemplary patent EP3405080A2 discloses a food processing hub comprising an attachment connector for connecting to a food processing attachment; wherein the hub is adapted to supply a fluid to the attachment via the attachment connector. The hub or its attachment may include a UV sterilisation unit built on to it which is activated periodically by the hub control circuit or attachment control circuit to maintain a sterile environment.

[0005] Another patent document WO / 2025 / 005850 discloses a modular UV disinfection device configured to match a shape of a connection segment. Wherein the UV light source is arranged to emit UV light from the bottom side of the housing which is thereby arranged to match a shape of connection segment that is provided separately. In the present disclosure, once the UV disinfection device is correctly positioned at the connection segment, the UV light will also be ensured to pass through the connection segment such that any objects present in conjunction with the connection segment will be receiving the emitted UV light.Agent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25

[0006] Patent document WO2017196209A1 relates to devices for decontaminating loose materials using ultraviolet radiation. It includes a modular installation for processing bulk grain products with ultraviolet radiation, consisting of sequentially arranged modules.

[0007] An invention related to patent US10959448B2 provides a method and device for disinfecting any products, materials or environment as any complex of physical, chemical, and biotic factors that can include gases, liquids and solids like soil or artificial plant growing media or animals and plants comprising the step of treating them with one or more infrared lights of LED emitters.

[0008] However, there still is a need for a much efficient system and device that outperforms standalone methods (only IR-based, or UV-based) when it comes to reducing the microorganism population.OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is aimed to design and develop a device with enhanced and longterm food sterilization by subjecting food-borne pathogens to both InfraRed (IR) and Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and creating stronger hurdles to microbial multiplication.

[0010] It is an objective to design and develop a single machine that decontaminates food alongside food drying and roasting.

[0011] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a higher reduction in germ load.

[0012] It is another objective of the present invention to pretreat food with infrared for increasing the microbial inactivation efficiency of UV

[0013] Another obj ective is to treat an item for disinfection with synergistically bactericidal action of UV and IR treatment.

[0014] It is an objective of the present invention to provide synergistic enhancement to the germicidal effects of individual processes.

[0015] It is also an objective of the present invention to ensure homogeneous processing and minimal formation of food pockets.

[0016] It is further an objective of the present invention to efficiently heat the food from the inside as opposed to surface heating, thus eliminating surface damage.

[0017] It is also an objective of the present invention to preserve organoleptic attributes and the flavor / sensory profile of food.

[0018] It is further an objective of the present invention to implement non-invasive and physical treatment methods that do not leave residue toxic or otherwise on food.Agent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25

[0019] It is also an object of the present invention to conveniently configure treatment duration and temperature based on food properties.

[0020] It is an additional object of the present invention to be environment-friendly by avoiding use of any additives or release of toxic residue and / or by-products.

[0021] Another objective of the present invention is to have low maintenance cost.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0022] An aspect of the present invention provides a food disinfection system, comprising: at least one rotary drum (102) with at least one helical fin (104) disposed inside the periphery of the rotary drum (102), for allowing free flow and convey of an edible material from one end to another end of the rotary drum (102); and one or more thermal treatment devices (106A, 108A) and one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) for thermal treatment and nonthermal treatment of the edible material, respectively, for decontamination and processing of the edible material, wherein the one or more thermal treatment devices (106A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) are employed in the system being in connection with the rotary drum (102) such that the edible material is treated for decontamination and processing either before and / or after its entry into and exit from the rotary drum (102).

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention provides that the at least one helical fin (104) performs one or more food processes including one or more of food mixing, food breaking, food churning, among others, in addition to the conveying of the edible material from one end to another end of the rotary drum (102); and the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) perform one or more food treatment processes including one or more of drying, roasting, decontamination, sterilization, disinfection and preservation, among others.

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention provides that the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) are employed outside of the rotary drum 102 for decontamination and processing the edible material after it is conveyed out from the rotary drum 102.

[0025] Another embodiment of the present invention provides that the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) are employed inside of the rotary drum 102 for decontamination and processing the edible material inside the rotary drum 102, while the edible material freely flows into it.Agent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25

[0026] Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides that the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non -thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) are employed outside of the rotary drum 102 and inside of the rotary drum 102, as well for decontamination and processing the edible material both before and after its entry into and exit from the rotary drum (102).

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention provides that the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) employ the thermal decontamination technologies including one or more of superheated steam, infrared, microwave, and radio-frequency heating as well as extrusion cooking.

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention provides that the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) employ the non-thermal decontamination technologies including one or more of ultraviolet (UV), cold plasma, ultrasound, pulsed light, irradiation, among others.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention provides a food disinfection system, comprising: at least one rotary drum (102) with at least one helical fin (104) disposed inside the periphery of the rotary drum (102), for allowing free flow and convey of an edible material from one end to another end of the rotary drum (102); and one or more thermal treatment devices (106A) and one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B) employed inside of the rotary drum 102 for thermal treatment and non-thermal treatment of the edible material, respectively, for decontamination and processing the edible material inside the rotary drum 102, while the edible material freely flows into it; one or more thermal treatment devices (108 A) and one or more non-thermal treatment devices (108B) employed outside of the rotary drum 102 for thermal treatment and non-thermal treatment of the edible material, respectively, for decontamination and processing of the edible material, wherein the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) are employed in the system being in connection with the rotary drum (102) such that the edible material is treated for decontamination and processing both before and after its entry into and exit from the rotary drum (102).

[0030] Another aspect of the present invention provides a food disinfection system, comprising: a first rotary drum (102) with at least one helical fin (104) disposed inside the periphery of the rotary drum (102), for allowing free flow and convey of an edible material from one end to another end of the first rotary drum (102); one or more thermal treatment devices (106) employed inside of the first rotary drum (102) 102 for thermal treatment of the edible material for decontamination and processing the edible material inside the rotary drumAgent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25102, while the edible material freely flows into it, the one or more thermal treatment devices (106) include at least one infrared treatment device (106); a second rotary drum (102) with at least one helical fin (104) disposed inside the periphery of the rotary drum (102), for allowing free flow and convey of an edible material from one end to another end of the second rotary drum (102); and one or more non-thermal treatment devices (108) employed inside of the second rotary drum 102 for non-thermal treatment of the edible material for decontamination and processing of the edible material, while the edible material freely flows into it, the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (108) include at least one ultraviolet (UV) treatment device, wherein the first rotary drum (102) is employed before the second rotary drum 102 for allowing pretreatment of the edible material with infrared first and synergistically, then the UV treatment for increasing the microbial inactivation efficiency of UV.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] For a better understanding of the embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, references will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements / components throughout and wherein:

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation a device for food disinfection and processing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of an inside environment of a rotary drum included in the device for food disinfection and processing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIGs. 3-6 illustrate exemplary representations of different views of the device for food disinfection and processing, e.g., FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the device for food disinfection and processing, FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the device for food disinfection and processing, FIG. 5 shows a front view of the device for food disinfection and processing while FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the device for food disinfection and processing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation of a system for food disinfection and processing showing flow of food within the device while being disinfected, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTIONAgent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25

[0036] This patent describes the subject matter for patenting with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The principles described herein may be embodied in many different forms.

[0037] Illustrative embodiments of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0038] The present invention provides a device for food disinfection and processing which includes both thermal and non-thermal processes. In an embodiment, the device is based on sequential thermal and non-thermal processes to conduct food disinfection and processing at industry-relevant scales and includes a hollow rotary drum into which the food is passed through. The food is disinfected while moving inside this long hollow rotating drum. Food or any edible item that needs to be disinfected is freely-flowing inside the rotary drum, while it is subjected to IR and UV treatment. In an embodiment, the food disinfecting device is based on hurdle technology, a concept in food processing that relies on utilizing a combination of decontamination techniques to provide synergistic enhancement to the germicidal effects of individual processes.

[0039] Referring to FIGs. 1-7, the device 100 for food disinfection and processing uses a combination of at least one thermal (e.g., IR) and at least one non-thermal process (e.g., UV) for microbial decontamination of food matrices. It provides an improvement over conventional food disinfection / processing technologies in terms of process efficiency, time / energy consumption, germ load reduction, retention of favorable food properties, and increase in shelf life.

[0040] The food disinfection device 100 implements the applications of hurdle technologies comprising IR and UV treatment in food decontamination, processing, and roasting. The food disinfection device 100 implements a combination of thermal and non-thermal technologies which outperforms standalone methods when it comes to reducing the microorganism population. Specifically, synergistic bactericidal action of UV and IR treatment provides a higher reduction in germ load. Pretreating food with infrared aids in increasing the microbial inactivation efficiency of UV.

[0041] The food disinfection device 100 includes a hollow rotary drum 102 through which food for disinfection is passed. The hollow rotary drum 102 is also an innovative product fromAgent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25the Applicant of this patent application, and has already patented it in the Indian patent number 297057. Detailed description for the design and functions of the rotary drum 102 may be referred from the Indian patent number 297057. As mentioned in this Indian patent number 297057, the hollow rotary drum 102 is a modular drum for mixing, drying and conveying of a material, which includes a plurality of drum units joined together. An elongated and flattened metallic sheet is turned in a fashion to join its two transverse ends into a circular unit to form one drum unit, such that the length of one drum unit is less than the length of the modular drum. An inner circular cavity of the circular unit of the one drum unit is configured with helical fins for material conveying and additionally, may also include strategically placed ploughs for efficient mixing and tumbling. Thereby, the modular drum (the rotary drum 102), which is made up of the plurality of drum units, has a composite and continuous helical fin, which is made of the plurality of helical fins of each drum unit. The helical fin is configured to transport the material from one end of the modular drum (the rotary drum 102) to the other end.

[0042] Any food or edible item can enter into the rotary drum 102 of the food disinfection device 100, inside which the food freely flows while being disinfected. As explained above, the inside cavity of the rotary drum 102 is disposed with a helical fin 104 that conveys the material, e.g., the food in the present application, from one end (e.g., a food inlet) to the other end (e.g., a food outlet). In an embodiment, in addition of conveying the material from one end to the other, the helical fin 104 may also help in other food processes, which may include and are not limited to mixing, breaking, churning, etc., of the food.

[0043] Furthermore, in an embodiment, one or more devices 106 for thermal and non-thermal treatment of the food may be equipped inside the rotary drum 102 for food decontamination and food processing. These thermal treatment devices (106A) and non-thermal treatment devices 106B may help in other food processes, for example including and not limited to drying, roasting, etc., of food, , while it flows freely inside the rotary drum 102.

[0044] The food disinfection device 100, as shown in figures 1-6, and the food disinfection system 200, as shown in figure 7, is built upon the principles of hurdle technologies comprising at least one thermal (e.g., IR, 108 A) and at least one non-thermal process (e.g., UV, 108B) to conduct food disinfection and processing at industry-relevant scales, while the food freely flows inside the rotary drum 102. The food is uniformly exposed to both thermal and non-thermal radiation as it flows through the rotary drum 102. In an embodiment, one or more IR treatment device 108 A and one or more UV treatment device 108B may be employed outside of the rotary drum 102 for disinfecting the food after it is conveyed out from the rotary drum 102. In an embodiment, the one or more IR treatment device 108 A and one or more UVAgent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25treatment device 108B may treat the food before and after it enters into and exits from, respectively, the rotary drum 102.

[0045] It may be understood to the person of ordinary skill in the art that the system 200 for food disinfection may be a combination of different embodiments explained above. For example, the system 200 may only include the plurality of thermal and non-thermal treatment devices 108 such as a plurality of IR (108A) and UV (108B) treatment devices, employed outside of the rotary drum 102. In another embodiment, the system 200 may only include the plurality of thermal and non-thermal treatment devices 106 employed inside of the rotary drum 102.

[0046] In yet another embodiment, the system 200 may have the plurality of IR (108A) and UV (108B) treatment devices employed outside of the rotary drum 102 and the plurality of thermal and non-thermal treatment devices 106 employed inside of the rotary drum 102, as well.

[0047] Thus, the system 200 for food disinfection may not only have the thermal and non-thermal treatment devices 106 inside the rotary drum 102, but may also be equipped with such thermal and non-thermal treatment devices 108 outside the rotary drum 102 for further treating the food after it is conveyed out from the rotary drum 102. This way food disinfection is ensured with maximum efficiency.

[0048] In an embodiment, the thermal decontamination technologies may include and is not limited to superheated steam, infrared, microwave, and radio-frequency heating as well as extrusion cooking.

[0049] In an embodiment, the non-thermal decontamination technologies may include and is not limited to UV, cold plasma, ultrasound, pulsed light, irradiation, UVC, UV LED, UVC LED, Pulsed Ultraviolet Light PUVC, among others.

[0050] The current invention features a rotary drum with helical fins for material conveying and strategically placed ploughs for efficient mixing and tumbling. As food particles move from the inlet to the outlet, they remain in continuous motion, ensuring thorough mixing. This dynamic movement guarantees uniform exposure of every food surface to both thermal and non-thermal radiation, resulting in a homogeneously treated end product. The design eliminates blind spots, ensuring consistent treatment and thorough decontamination. Furthermore, the continuous and uniform exposure enabled by this invention reduces processing time and space requirements while preserving the food’s natural properties.

[0051] In contrast, conventional systems such as flatbed conveyors fail to provide uniform radiation exposure. Typically, only the food surfaces directly facing the radiation source receiveAgent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25adequate treatment, while others experience reduced radiation flux. Although additional components like agitators may improve surface exposure, they do not achieve the same level of uniformity. As a result, such conventional systems require longer processing times, potentially compromising food quality.

[0052] Following are the applications of the food disinfection device 100, but these should not be considered as limitations of the food disinfection device 100, and should only be considered as exemplary applications:

[0053] Disinfection / decontamination / Sterilization of free-flowing food matrices such as pulses, legumes, grains, spices, seeds, herbs, and dried fruits and vegetables.

[0054] Drying of free-flowing food products.

[0055] Roasting of free-flowing food products.

[0056] Increase the shelf-life of free-flowing food products.

[0057] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplary only. Though the present disclosure includes examples of disinfecting food items, however, the device disclosed herein may be employed at various other devices, locations and environment as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

[0058] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods, devices, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods, devices, and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

Agent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25CLAIMS1- A food disinfection system, comprising:at least one rotary drum (102) with at least one helical fin (104) disposed inside the periphery of the rotary drum (102), for allowing free flow and convey of an edible material from one end to another end of the rotary drum (102); andone or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and one or more nonthermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) for thermal treatment and non-thermal treatment of the edible material, respectively, for decontamination and processing of the edible material, wherein the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) are employed in the system being in connection with the rotary drum (102) such that the edible material is treated for decontamination and processing either before and / or after its entry into and exit from the rotary drum (102).2- The food disinfection system of claim 1, wherein, the at least one helical fin (104) performs one or more food processes including one or more of food mixing, food breaking, food churning, among others, in addition to the conveying of the edible material from one end to another end of the rotary drum (102); and wherein the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) perform one or more food treatment processes including one or more of drying, roasting, decontamination, sterilization, disinfection and preservation, among others.3- The food disinfection system of claim 1, wherein, the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) are employed outside of the rotary drum 102 for decontamination and processing the edible material after it is conveyed out from the rotary drum 102.4- The food disinfection system of claim 1, wherein, the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) are employed inside of the rotary drum 102 for decontamination and processing the edible material inside the rotary drum 102, while the edible material freely flows into it.5- The food disinfection system of claim 1, wherein, the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) are employed outside of the rotary drum 102 and inside of the rotary drum 102, as wellAgent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25for decontamination and processing the edible material both before and after its entry into and exit from the rotary drum (102).6- The food disinfection system of claim 1, wherein the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) employ the thermal decontamination technologies including one or more of superheated steam, infrared, microwave, and radio-frequency heating as well as extrusion cooking.7- The food disinfection system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) employ the non-thermal decontamination technologies including one or more of ultraviolet (UV), cold plasma, ultrasound, pulsed light, irradiation, among others.8- A food disinfection system, comprising:at least one rotary drum (102) with at least one helical fin (104) disposed inside the periphery of the rotary drum (102), for allowing free flow and convey of an edible material from one end to another end of the rotary drum (102);one or more thermal treatment devices (106A) and one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B) employed inside of the rotary drum 102 for thermal treatment and non-thermal treatment of the edible material, respectively, for decontamination and processing the edible material inside the rotary drum 102, while the edible material freely flows into it; andone or more thermal treatment devices (108 A) and one or more non-thermal treatment devices (108B) employed outside of the rotary drum 102 for thermal treatment and non-thermal treatment of the edible material, respectively, for decontamination and processing of the edible material, andwherein the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) are employed in the system being in connection with the rotary drum (102) such that the edible material is treated for decontamination and processing both before and after its entry into and exit from the rotary drum (102).9- The food disinfection system of claim 8, wherein, the at least one helical fin (104) performs one or more food processes including one or more of food mixing, food breaking, food churning, among others, in addition to the conveying of the edible material from one end to another end of the rotary drum (102); and wherein the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) perform one or more food treatment processesAgent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25including one or more of drying, roasting, decontamination, sterilization, disinfection and preservation, among others.10- The food disinfection system of claim 8, wherein the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) employ the thermal decontamination technologies including one or more of superheated steam, infrared, microwave, and radio-frequency heating as well as extrusion cooking, and wherein the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) employ the non-thermal decontamination technologies including one or more of ultraviolet (UV), cold plasma, ultrasound, pulsed light, irradiation, among others.11- A food disinfection system, comprising:a first rotary drum (102) with at least one helical fin (104) disposed inside the periphery of the rotary drum (102), for allowing free flow and convey of an edible material from one end to another end of the first rotary drum (102);one or more thermal treatment devices (106) employed inside of the first rotary drum (102) 102 for thermal treatment of the edible material for decontamination and processing the edible material inside the rotary drum 102, while the edible material freely flows into it, the one or more thermal treatment devices (106) include at least one infrared treatment device (106);a second rotary drum (102) with at least one helical fin (104) disposed inside the periphery of the rotary drum (102), for allowing free flow and convey of an edible material from one end to another end of the second rotary drum (102); andone or more non-thermal treatment devices (108) employed inside of the second rotary drum 102 for non-thermal treatment of the edible material for decontamination and processing of the edible material, while the edible material freely flows into it, the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (108) include at least one ultraviolet (UV) treatment device,wherein the first rotary drum (102) is employed before the second rotary drum 102 for allowing pretreatment of the edible material with infrared first and synergistically, then the UV treatment for increasing the microbial inactivation efficiency of UV.12- The food disinfection system of claim 11, wherein, the at least one helical fin (104) performs one or more food processes including one or more of food mixing, food breaking, food churning, among others, in addition to the conveying of the edible material from one end to another end of the rotary drum (102); and wherein the one orAgent’s File Reference No. CIP-003191-25more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) and the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) perform one or more food treatment processes including one or more of drying, roasting, decontamination, sterilization, disinfection and preservation, among others.13- The food disinfection system of claim 11, wherein the one or more thermal treatment devices (106 A, 108 A) employ the thermal decontamination technologies including one or more of superheated steam, infrared, microwave, and radio-frequency heating as well as extrusion cooking, and wherein the one or more non-thermal treatment devices (106B, 108B) employ the non-thermal decontamination technologies including one or more of ultraviolet (UV), cold plasma, ultrasound, pulsed light, irradiation, among others.

Images