Temperature sensing method and system for pasteurization

A system for pasteurization of a fluid product, comprising;

• a heat exchanger for heating the fluid product;
• a passageway fluidly coupled to the heat exchanger so that the heated fluid product flows from the heat exchanger and through the passageway;
• a primary flow path;
• a diverting flow path;
• a valve fluidly coupled to the passageway, the primary flow path, and the diverting flow path, the valve selectively placing the passageway in flow communication with either the diverting flow path or the primary flow path;
• a first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heated fluid product in the passageway, the first temperature sensor being spaced from the valve so that the first temperature sensor senses a change in temperature of a portion of the heated fluid product before that portion of the heated fluid product flows to the valve;
• and
• a controller for controlling the valve to direct flow of the heated fluid product selectively to the primary flow path or to the diverting flow path, the controller controlling the valve so that the valve directs flow of the heated fluid product from the passageway to the diverting flow path when the sensed temperature is below a predetermined temperature for pasteurization of the fluid product, and continues to direct the flow to the diverting flow path at least until the sensed temperature is at or above the predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time.