Protein texturization by centrifugal spinning
AssigneeCampbell Soup Company
InventorWilliam M. Hildebolt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A bland texturized monofilament protein product having a texture and mouth feel simulating animal meat is prepared by forming an aqueous slurry of a protein material, injecting high pressure steam into the slurry to propel it through a confined treatment zone, centrifugally spinning the protein material into monofilaments, and recovering the textured monofilaments in a collection zone. Apparatus for performing this process comprises means for injecting steam into a protein slurry, means defining a confined treatment zone wherein the injected steam and protein are contacted, and means for centrifugally spinning the steam-treated protein material into monofilaments.
Claims7
Apparatus for producing texturized monofilaments of protein material comprising:
- (a) means for treating a protein slurry with injected gas at an elevated temperature and pressure;
- (b) means for centrifugally spinning said protein material into monofilaments;
- and
- (c) means for recovering texturized protein monofilaments in a collection zone.
Apparatus for producing texturization monofilaments of protein material comprising:
- (a) means for mixing a source of protein and water to form a slurry;
- (b) means for advancing said slurry to an injection zone;
- (c) means for injecting a gas flow into said slurry in said injection zone;
- (d) means defining a confined treating zone communicating with said injection zone, whereby said gas flow propels said slurry into and through said confined treating zone;
- (e) means for centrifugally spinning said protein material into monofilaments;
- and
- (f) means for recovering texturized protein monofilaments in a collection zone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.