Method and apparatus for drying a material

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of drying a material, that includes the steps of: providing a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam in a housing, transporting a material into the housing, and drying the material in the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, transporting the dried material out of the housing and extracting from the gaseous atmosphere volatile substances which escape from the material into the gaseous atmosphere, especially flavors. The invention is also direct to an apparatus for drying the extruded material.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A method, comprising:
 extruding a food product;   transporting the food product into a housing having a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam;   filling a packaging container with the food product; and   sealing the packaging container having the food product.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein, after the transporting step, the food product includes a water content of less than 50% by weight. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the gaseous atmosphere is at a temperature of more than 100° C. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the gaseous atmosphere is at a pressure greater than ambient pressure. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the gaseous atmosphere has an oxygen content of less than 5% by volume. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the packaging container is a tin. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , the packaging container is sealed with a can lid. 
     
     
         38 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a housing for holding a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam and receiving a food product;   a conveyor for transporting the food product into the housing;   a filling station configured to fill a packaging container with the food product;   a sealing station configured to seal the packaging container filled with the food product.   
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the conveyor includes a perforated conveyor belt. 
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the conveyor extends as far as the packing station. 
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein a cyclone separator is disposed in the housing.