Method and apparatus for the irradiative treatment of beverages

Abstract

Method and apparatus for the irradiative treatment of beverages such as milk, beer, wine and fruit juice, to sterilize or pasteurize them, in which the beverage is pumped through the system out of contact with the air. The entering beverage is heat exchanged against the exiting beverage, and is then subjected to ultra-violet irradiation, and further heat exchange against the exiting beverage. In the case of milk, homogenization can then take place, followed by further heat exchange against returning beverage, and then heating of the beverage by infra-red irradiation to elevated temperature. After infra-red heating, the beverage can be held at elevated temperature in an insulated conduit, after which it returns in heat exchange with entering beverage. The irradiation of the beverage is performed by passing the beverage through transparent conduits, e.g. of fused quartz. Improved taste, shortened cycle time, lower treatment temperatures and prolonged shelf life for the beverages are obtained.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.