Systems and methods for extracting volatile components from produce
AssigneeBrown International Corporation
InventorsVictor Francisco Onchi Navarro, Carlos Valentin Gallo, Roger Waters, Clarissa Albarran, Tony Tedesco
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Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for a system for extracting volatile components from produce. In an embodiment, a conveying mechanism is configured to transit produce from a first point to a second point, where a peel of the produce is penetrated during said transit such that a portion of volatile components in the produce peel are released from the peel as a vapor. A hood is positioned over the conveying mechanism for capturing the vapor, where the system is configured to extract at least a portion of the volatile components of the vapor captured via the hood.
Claims17
A system for extracting volatile components from produce, comprising:
- a conveying mechanism configured to transit produce from a first point to a second point;
- a mechanism for physically crushing or penetrating a peel of the produce during said transit such that a portion of volatile components in the produce peel are released from the peel as a vapor;
- a hood positioned over the conveying mechanism for capturing the vapor and directing the captured vapor to an exhaust path, wherein the system is configured to condensate at least a portion of the volatile components of the vapor captured via the hood;
- and
- an exhaust path with coalescing material positioned within the exhaust path wherein the coalescing material is configured to accelerate condensation of the captured vapor such that condensate falls from the exhaust path for capture.
A system for extracting volatile components from produce, comprising:
- a conveying mechanism configured to transit produce from a first point to a second point;
- a mechanism for physically crushing or penetrating a peel of the produce during said transit such that a portion of volatile components in the produce peel are released from the peel as a vapor;
- a hood positioned over the conveying mechanism for capturing the vapor, wherein the system is configured to condensate at least a portion of the volatile components of the vapor captured via the hood;
- an exhaust path, wherein the hood is configured to direct the captured vapor to the exhaust path;
- a coalescing material positioned within the exhaust path;
- and
- an exhaust path spray nozzle configured to spray a liquid into the exhaust path after the coalescing material.
A system for extracting volatile components from produce, comprising:
- a conveying mechanism configured to transit produce from a first point to a second point;
- a mechanism for physically crushing or penetrating a peel of the produce during said transit such that a portion of volatile components in the produce peel are released from the peel as a vapor;
- a hood positioned over the conveying mechanism for capturing the vapor, wherein the system is configured to condensate at least a portion of the volatile components of the vapor captured via the hood;
- and
- a dehumidifier system associated with the hood comprising:
- a steam jet;
- a water-cooled condenser;
- a secondary mist system;
- a secondary packing material;
- an accumulator for condensed vapors;
- a pump;
- and
- an automated valve for returning vapors either back to the hood or a receptacle for collection of volatile components.
A system for extracting volatile components from produce, comprising:
- a conveying mechanism configured to transit produce from a first point to a second point;
- a mechanism for physically crushing or penetrating a peel of the produce during said transit such that a portion of volatile components in the produce peel are released from the peel as a vapor;
- a hood positioned over the conveying mechanism for capturing the vapor, wherein the system is configured to condensate at least a portion of the volatile components of the vapor captured via the hood;
- and
- rotary wash nozzles configured to spray water or another cleaning liquid onto inside surfaces of the hood.
A method for extracting volatile components from produce, comprising:
- transiting produce from a first point to a second point using a conveying mechanism;
- physically crushing or penetrating a peel of the produce during said transit such that a portion of volatile components in the produce peel are released from the peel as a vapor;
- capturing the vapor using a hood positioned over the conveying mechanism that directs the captured vapor to an exhaust path, wherein at least a portion of the volatile components of the vapor are captured via the hood;
- and
- using an exhaust path with coalescing material positioned within the exhaust path to accelerate condensation of the captured vapor such that condensate falls from the exhaust path for capture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.