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Abstract

A process and apparatus for continuous mechanical/thermal treatment including sterilization of fluids and pastry masses such as cocoa masses. In accordance with the invention, a fluid or cocoa mass is subjected to a thin layer continuous treatment of deacidification, dehumidification and degasification in a thin layer device prior to delivery to a stow or sterilization reactor. Following sterilization and cooling, the treated cocoa mass is conveyed to a second thin layer device for residual deacidification, dehumidification and degasification, while in the stow or sterilization reactor, the cocoa mass is heated by internal friction, generating a temperature in the range of 100.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. (preferably 135.degree. C.) which is necessary for degermination. The degermination temperature is held at its average value by an external heat exchanger. The apparatus includes the stow or sterilization reactor placed between the two thin layer devices and connected to each one of them by conveyor lines. The heat exchanger is coupled to the reactor for adjusting any fluctuations in the degermination temperature so that it can be held at its average value. A cooling device is connected to the reactor at the outlet side thereof for cooling the treated cocoa mass to below 100.degree. C. before being conveyed to the second thin layer device for further treatment.

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First Claim