Importance

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Abstract

An improved method and apparatus for pressure processing a pumpable substance are shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, a valve is coupled to a source of a pumpable food substance and a pressure vessel, the valve being movable to a first, second and third position. When the valve is in a first position, an inlet port in the valve is aligned with a passageway that is open to the pressure vessel. When the valve is in the second position, the valve body seals the passageway, and when the valve is in the third position, an outlet port provided in the valve is aligned with the passageway. The valve is therefore moved to a first position to allow a volume of pumpable substance to be forced into the pressure vessel, the valve is moved to a second position to seal the passageway while the pumpable substance is pressurized to a selected pressure for a selected period of time to achieve a desired result, and the valve is then moved to a third position to allow the treated, pumpable substance to be discharged from the pressure vessel. The inlet port and the outlet port are provided with low-pressure seals, and high-pressure seals are provided in the valve such that when the valve is in the second position, the passageway is sealed by the high-pressure seals. By separating the low-pressure and high-pressure regions and functions of the valve, high-pressure containment is simplified, and it is possible to use relatively large passageways, thereby increasing the flow rate and variety of substances that may be processed.

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First Claim