Ventilex continuous steam sterilising system for decontaminating spices, herbs and seeds

The Ventilex continuous steam sterilising system is designed for the high-temperature/short-time (HTST) decontamination of spices, herbs and seeds. The system can treat a range of products from powders to whole spices.

Product is fed through a high-pressure rotary valve that isolates an autoclave from the ambient room. Inside the autoclave, a shaking table transports the product being processed in a chamber that is pressurised with steam that kills pathogens and bacteria.

The product is discharged through a second rotary valve and into a fluid bed dryer where the condensed moisture is driven off. The product is then returned to the original moisture level or dried to the desired moisture level.

The steriliser is available in three standard throughput sizes: 0.5, 2 and 4 m³ of product per hour. Multiple continuous autoclaves can be arranged to feed one dryer system. Components are controlled by an accurate and repeatable PLC and all parameters are logged in a data logger, ensuring valid data of treatment can be recalled when required.

The system has a sanitary, clean-in-place design.