Resumen
Device for the dehydration of solid products containing moisture, particularly food products, the device comprising means (11-12-13-14) intended to create a hot gas stream along the products to be dehydrated and means (16) intended to direct ultrasound waves to said products, the device being characterized in that it comprises a closed housing (2), at least one transporter means (3) mounted in said housing (2) for transporting the products to be dehydrated, the means (16) for directing the ultrasound waves to said products comprising a plurality of ultrasound diffusers configured like plates (5) connected to sound wave generators (17) and in direct contact with the products.
Reivindicaciones
1. Method of dehydrating solid products containing moisture, particularly food products, according to which a hot gas stream is guided over the products while they are subjected to ultrasonic waves, characterized in that the ultrasonic waves are diffused in the product by means of vibrating plates (5) which are brought into direct contact with the products. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a static pressure is exerted onto the products by means of these plates (5). 3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature of the hot gas is lower than 60°C. 4. Device for dehydrating solid products containing moisture, particularly food products, comprising means (11-12-13-14) to create a hot gas stream over the products to be dehydrated, and means (16) to direct ultrasonic waves over these products, characterized in that it comprises a closed housing (2), at least one conveyor (3) mounted in this housing (2) for transporting the products to be dehydrated, means (16) to direct ultrasonic waves over these products, comprising several ultrasonic diffusers in the shape of plates (5) connected to sound wave generators (17) and being in direct contact with the products. 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the diffusing plates (5) are mounted in such a way as to exert a pressure onto the products. 6. Device according to any of the claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the diffusing plates (5) are stationary in the direction of transport by the conveyor (3), whereby the distance between the conveyor and the plates then is adjustable. 7. Device according to any of the claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the diffusing plates (5) are mobile in the direction of transport, whereby means are provided for moving the plates above the conveyor at the same speed as the products. 8. Device according to any of the claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the conveyor (3) comprises a perforated endless belt (6) and means (8) for driving it. 9. Device according to any of the claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the plates (5) form part of ultrasonic wave emitting systems (16) comprising, apart from this plate (5), an ultrasonic wave generator (17) formed by a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive element and a mechanic amplifier (18) between this generator (17) and the plate (5). 10. Device according to any of the claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the plates (5) have a discontinuous profile with a relief on at least one surface. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the surface of the plates (5), being in contact with the pieces (1), is smooth, whereas the opposite surface is provided with a relief obtained by removing material at internodal zones.
