Multi-module thermal food processing system and related methods

A multi-module food processing system for thermally treating produce, the system comprising:

• a plurality of thermal processing modules including:
• a first microwave oven module;
• a first steam-convection oven module disposed downstream of the first microwave oven module;
• a second microwave oven module disposed downstream of the first steam-convection oven module;
• a second steam-convection oven module disposed downstream of the second microwave oven module;
• and
• an infrared oven module disposed downstream of the second steam-convection oven module;
• a conveyor system configured to transport produce through the plurality of thermal processing modules in sequence;
• and
• a control module configured to monitor and regulate operation of the plurality of thermal processing modules;
• wherein the first and second microwave oven modules are configured to raise an internal temperature of the produce prior to surface-directed heating by the infrared oven module, and
• wherein the second steam-convection oven module is configured to reduce a depth of a product layer prior to infrared heating to increase surface exposure.

A thermal processing system for treating produce, comprising:

• a plurality of thermal processing modules including at least one microwave heating module, at least one steam-convection heating module, and at least one infrared heating module arranged to process produce;
• a conveyor system configured to transport the produce through the plurality of thermal processing modules;
• and
• a control module configured to:
• monitor one or more parameters of the produce or a processing environment, including at least one of temperature, moisture, or dielectric properties;
• and
• dynamically adjust one or more of microwave energy input, convective heating conditions, infrared energy input, or conveyor speed to achieve a target thermal profile,
• wherein the control module is configured such that internal temperature elevation of the produce is performed prior to surface-directed heating to thereby decouple internal temperature elevation from surface temperature elevation.