Importance

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Abstract

A tomato peeling machine is disclosed which includes an inclined, cylindrical steam chamber having star valves at its input and output ends. A feed screw is concentrically mounted therewithin and drives tomatoes through a biphasic environment comprised of an aqueous condensate solution of naphthalene sulfonate and steam vapor. A fluid delivery conduit in fluid communication with the steam chamber is connected to a water source as well as to a chemical reservoir containing concentrated solution of naphthalene sulfonate. The fluid delivery conduit includes flow-regulating apparatus and the steam chamber includes condensate level-controlling apparatus. A vacuum chamber is provided downstream of the steam chamber, and a vacuum pump draws vapors out of the vacuum chamber into a condensing chamber. A method of peeling tomatoes with the disclosed machine includes passing tomatoes through the steam chamber and maintaining a steam-controlled temperature of approximately 220.degree.-290.degree. F. and a pressure of 12-30 psi. The level of condensate is controlled for dragout by adding water and the concentration of naphthalene sulfonate is monitored and maintained at approximately 1000-2000 ppm. Residence time in the steam chamber is 8-35 seconds, while residence time in the vacuum chamber is 5-10 seconds while maintaining a vacuum of approximately 16-26 in. Hg at approximately 75.degree.-90.degree. F.

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First Claim