US 5,928,072 A · Water based crab meat extraction process with water recirculation

Abstract

An apparatus and a process for extracting crustacean meat from shells is provided. The extracting method is based on mechanical separation utilizing heated water spray within a rotating drum assembly for removal and separation of meat from shells. The water is collected, pumped to a holding tank, and is flavored with natural crab extract for recycle within the process. The apparatus includes a hammer mill for fracturing shells, a heated water bath for separating fractured shells from meat, an inclined rotating drum assembly having perforated walls and an internally located nozzle dispensing a water spray for separating meat from fractured shells, a tank having at least one water jet for separating meat from shell fragments, a vibrating dewatering apparatus for separating meat from the water, and a recirculation system for collecting, reheating, and reusing the solution of water and crab extract. The apparatus and process provides bone free crustacean meat that retains the natural crab flavor and has a low bacteria count.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An apparatus for extracting meat from crustacean shells comprising:

a hammer mill for fracturing said shells having meat therein;
a solution bath for receiving said fractured shells from said hammer mill;
an auger for removing said fractured shells from said solution bath;
a drum assembly for receiving said fractured shells from said auger, comprising:
a rotating drum having a plurality of perforations therein to allow said meat and said solution to pass therethrough while retaining said fractured shells;
and
a nozzle for dispensing solution into the drum to separate said meat from said fractured shells;
a separation assembly operatively connected to said drum assembly for receiving said meat and said solution, said separation assembly segregating said meat from said solution;
a solution holding tank fluidically connected to said separation assembly for receiving said solution from said separation assembly and from said drum assembly, and for supplying said solution to said drum assembly;
and
at least one pump for transporting said solution from said separation assembly to said holding tank, and from said holding tank to said drum assembly.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Water based crab meat extraction process with water recirculation

Life of this patent

Water based crab meat extraction process with water recirculation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19