Device for producing processed cheese portions

A modular spray-proof enclosure defining an encapsulated production space for the production of processed cheese portions comprising

• (a) a plurality of frames,
• (b) a plurality of panel-shaped sheet metal elements,
• (c) a plurality of sealing elements, and
• (d) an air treatment system,
• wherein
• each frame comprises a base, a pair of spaced apart vertical support beams mounted on the base, and a planar opening between the pair of spaced apart vertical support beams having a width,
• each panel-shaped sheet metal element is positioned within the planar opening, has a width which is coextensive with the width of the planar opening, and is detachably connected to the each frame via at least one releasable lock mounted on one of the plurality of panel-shaped sheet metal elements for engagement with the each frame in which the one of the plurality of panel-shaped metal element is mounted or via pins, wherein each pin is engaged with the one of the plurality of panel-shaped sheet metal element and the frame in which the one of the plurality of panel-shaped sheet metal element is mounted,
• at least two panel-shaped sheet metal elements are detachably mounted in the planar openings in a vertically adjacent relationship to each other such that
• (1) the one of the plurality of panel-shaped sheet metal elements is above the other panel-shaped sheet metal element and
• (2) the one of the plurality of panel-shaped sheet metal elements of (1) have a horizontal region of overlap between these the at least two panel-shaped sheet metal elements;
• each sealing element is disposed between, and in sealingly engaging contact with, the at least two panel-shaped sheet metal elements and the frame to which the panel-shaped sheet metal element is detachably connected to form a spray-proof seal between the panel-shaped sheet metal element and the frame to which the panel-shaped structure is connected;
• and
• the air treatment system comprises an air intake connected to the production space of the processed cheese portions for conducting air to the production space,
• wherein the plurality of frames, the plurality of panel-shaped sheet metal elements, the plurality of sealing elements and the air treatment system are arranged to enclose and encapsulate the production space of the processed cheese portions to prevent contamination of the production space while permitting access to the production space by personnel via detachment of one or more of the panel-shaped sheet metal elements.