A system includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum source, and a mixture flow path adapted to be connected to receive the output of a direct steam injector. The vacuum source is operatively connected to a vacuum port of the vacuum chamber, while a product outlet port from the vacuum chamber is adapted to be connected to an arrangement for removing treated product from the vacuum chamber. The mixture flow path includes a flow path segment outside of the vacuum chamber volume and a flow path segment within the vacuum chamber volume. At least some of a surface defining the flow path segment within the vacuum chamber is in substantial thermal communication with one or more cooling structures.

A system includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum source, and a mixture flow path adapted to be connected to receive the output of a direct steam injector. The vacuum source is operatively connected to a vacuum port of the vacuum chamber, while a product outlet port from the vacuum chamber is adapted to be connected to an arrangement for removing treated product from the vacuum chamber. The mixture flow path includes a flow path segment outside of the vacuum chamber volume and a flow path segment within the vacuum chamber volume. At least some of a surface defining the flow path segment within the vacuum chamber is in substantial thermal communication with one or more cooling structures.

A plant for heat treating heat-sensitive fluid foodstuffs an infusion chamber in which the fluid foodstuff is subjected to a heat treatment by a feeding of steam, and a fluid foodstuff inlet connected to a plurality of openings at the top of the infusion chamber for creating a plurality of essentially downwardly directed separate fluid foodstuff jets. The infusion chamber has a bottom section configured to collect the fluid foodstuff from the jets. The bottom section has an outlet opening at the bottom of the infusion chamber for allowing the collected fluid foodstuff to exit the infusion chamber. The outlet opening is seamlessly connected to the inlet of a pump. A cooling jacket surrounds the bottom section for cooling the bottom section. The cooling jacket extends all the way down to the pump.

In a method for producing milk foam, in particular for the preparation of drinks that contain milk foam in a coffee machine, a gaseous medium, in particular air, is delivered to milk conveyed, and the milk/air mixture that is formed is conveyed to an outlet for milk foam or drinks containing milk foam. The consistency of the milk foam that is produced is determined here and is monitored by a regulating process and/or is changed by a setting. Even with variable conditions of use and operation, perfect quality of the milk foam that is produced is guaranteed, in which, moreover, its consistency can be changed.

A method and apparatus for aerating wine or spirits to reduce the astringency, or bitterness of wine or spirits. Astringency is often a result of tannins in wine or spirits, particularly noticeable in full bodied red wines. Aeration causes oxygen to dissolve in wine or spirits where it will oxidize tannin compounds, thereby reducing the astringent flavor. The method employs an apparatus wherein a hand held unit having a battery, switch or button, electrical wiring and electric motor cause rotation of a drive-shaft and aeration head. The aeration head is immersed in wine or spirits, the switch activated causing rotation of the aeration head creating a plurality of fine air bubbles resulting in large wine or spirit to air surface area simultaneous with stirring to ensure uniform oxygenation and aeration of wine or spirits throughout the container. The process may be extended until the desired reduction in astringency is achieved.

A system includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum source, and a mixture flow path adapted to be connected to receive the output of a direct steam injector. The vacuum source is operatively connected to a vacuum port of the vacuum chamber, while a product outlet port from the vacuum chamber is adapted to be connected to an arrangement for removing treated product from the vacuum chamber. The mixture flow path includes a flow path segment outside of the vacuum chamber volume and a flow path segment within the vacuum chamber volume. At least some of a surface defining the flow path segment within the vacuum chamber is in substantial thermal communication with one or more cooling structures.

A steaming pitcher comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle provides enhanced control of fluid flow inside the steaming pitcher to enhance mixing and heating of the fluid by the incoming steam. The steaming pitcher may also comprise flow directing and launching surfaces to assist in control of fluid flow patterns. A flow control kit with a flow receiving surface may be installed in an existing flat-bottom steaming pitcher to provide aspects of fluid flow control. The flow receiving, flow directing and launching surfaces of the steaming pitcher may be substantially smooth, faceted, or a combination thereof.