Microwave disinfection of cocoa liquor using a rotating disc reactor

Overview

This innovative solution involves a rotating disc reactor designed to improve the disinfection process of cocoa liquor through microwave assistance. The reactor's unique design enables the formation of a thin film of liquor on the discs, enhancing microwave penetration and ensuring uniform heating. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional bulk microwave heating, which often suffers from poor penetration and is unsuitable for continuous flow processes. The technology is particularly relevant for industrial applications, aiming to enhance food safety by efficiently reducing microbial loads in cocoa liquor.

Technical specifications

• Rotating disc reactor: Specially designed discs that lift liquor to headspace for microwave exposure.
• Microwave-assisted heating: Ensures uniform and efficient heating by creating a thin film reactor on the discs.
• Continuous flow capability: Suitable for industrial-scale processes, allowing for consistent treatment.
• Process optimization: Parameters such as microwave power, disc spacing, and rotation speed are adjustable to achieve optimal disinfection.
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling: Used to simulate mixing and heating processes, aiding in design and optimization.

Technology readiness level

Currently, the technology is at TRL 3, with efforts underway to validate the process at laboratory scale. The focus is on optimizing process parameters and assessing the system's performance in microbial reduction. Future stages involve scaling up to pilot and industrial levels, addressing factors such as mass and heat transfer, and conducting energy and cost efficiency analysis.