Steam peeling processing system

A pressure vessel according to any preceding claim, wherein the aspect ratio between a maximum diameter of the pressure vessel and a dimension of the pressure vessel between the opposed flattened side surfaces is greater than about 1.2:1.

A pressure vessel according to any preceding claim, wherein the pressure vessel is substantially symmetrical at least about an axis extending between the opposed flattened side surfaces of the pressure vessel.

A pressure vessel for steam treatment of product to be peeled in a steam peeling system, the pressure vessel being rotatable and having at least one internal lifting feature for entraining and raising product relative to the axis of rotation of the pressure vessel during rotation of the pressure vessel.

A pressure vessel for steam treatment of product to be peeled in a steam peeling system, the pressure vessel having at least one internal region which is closed-off against ingress of steam during product treatment, said region defining a steam saver.

A rotary product batching unit comprising a plurality of compartments arranged for advancing movement within an enclosing housing, for selective successive alignment of each compartment with a product loading location and subsequent alignment of the compartment with a product discharge location.

A steam peeling system comprising a rotary batching unit for cooperation with a pressure vessel for steam treatment of product to be peeled, the rotary batching unit having a plurality of compartments arranged for advancing movement within an enclosing housing, for selective successive alignment of each compartment with a product loading location and subsequent alignment of the compartment with a location for discharge of product to the pressure vessel.

A steam peeling system comprising a pressure vessel for steam treatment of product to be peeled and an expansion chamber for receiving pressurised steam discharged from the pressure vessel at the end of a steam treatment phase of a steam peeling operation, means being provided for enabling release of pressurised steam from the pressure vessel into the expansion chamber, said means being located substantially at the point of entry of steam into the expansion vessel.

A steam peeling system comprising a pressure vessel for steam treatment of product to be peeled, wherein pressurised steam is discharged from the pressure vessel through a port of the vessel at the end of a steam treatment phase of a steam peeling operation and the ratio between pressure vessel volume in litres and the area of said port in square inches is less than about 20:1.

A steam peeling system comprising a pressure vessel for steam treatment of product to be peeled and an expansion chamber for receiving pressurised steam discharged from the pressure vessel at the end of a steam treatment phase of a steam peeling operation, means being provided for release of steam and/or vapour from the expansion chamber to atmosphere, said means comprising an arrangement for substantially minimising release of entrained solid matter and/or odours in steam and/or vapour leaving the expansion chamber.

A steam peeling system comprising a control system for regulating movements of a pressure vessel for steam treatment of product to be peeled between loading and discharge dispositions of the pressure vessel through a succession of treatment stages, unproductive displacement of the pressure vessel being substantially minimised during said movements.