RF Inline Heating

Abstract

A radiofrequency treatment system includes a first RF heating channel part upstream of a first cooling channel part, that is upstream of a second RF heating channel part. The radiofrequency treatment system provides radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product in the RF heating channel parts and cools the flowable food product in the cooling channel part, according to a temperature distribution. A temperature of the flowable food product in a cooling channel part downstream of a RF heating channel part is lower than the temperature of the flowable food product in the RF heating channel part upstream of that cooling channel part. Also, a temperature of the flowable food product in a RF heating channel part downstream of a set of a RF heating channel part and a cooling channel part is higher than of the flowable food product in the RF heating channel part of that set.

Claims

1. An apparatus for heat treating a flowable food product, wherein the apparatus comprises a channel system, a radiofrequency treatment system, and a temperature holding system, wherein: the channel system comprises a system channel; wherein the system channel comprises RF heating channel parts, one or more cooling channel parts, and a temperature holding channel part; the radiofrequency treatment system comprises an arrangement wherein at least a first RF heating channel part is configured upstream of a first cooling channel part, and wherein the first cooling channel part is configured upstream of a second RF heating channel part; wherein the radiofrequency treatment system is configured to (a) provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product in the RF heating channel parts and (b) cool the flowable food product in the one or more cooling channel parts, according to a temperature distribution wherein a temperature of the flowable food product in a cooling channel part downstream of a RF heating channel part is lower than the temperature of the flowable food product in the RF heating channel part configured upstream of that cooling channel part, and wherein a temperature of the flowable food product in a RF heating channel part configured downstream of a set of a RF heating channel part and a cooling channel part is higher than that of the flowable food product in the RF heating channel part of that set; the temperature holding system is configured downstream of the radiofrequency treatment system and is configured to maintain the flowable food product in the temperature holding channel part at a holding temperature T.sub.h6.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pump system, wherein the pump system is configured to flow the flowable food product with an average flow velocity of at least 0.25 m/s through the system channel, wherein the holding temperature T.sub.h6 is selected from the range of 90-150 C., and wherein the apparatus is configured to maintain the flowable food product in the temperature holding channel part at the holding temperature T.sub.h6 during a heating time period selected from the range of 0.5-10 minutes.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radiofrequency treatment system is configured to heat the flowable food product to a final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf*, wherein the final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf* is selected from the range of 90-150 C., wherein T.sub.h6T.sub.rf*10 C..

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the RF heating channel parts comprises the first RF heating channel part, the second RF heating channel part, and a third RF heating channel part; the one or more cooling channel parts comprises the first cooling channel part, and a second cooling channel part, wherein the first cooling channel part is configured downstream of the first RF heating channel part and upstream of the second RF heating channel part, and wherein the second cooling channel part is configured downstream of the second RF heating channel part and upstream of the third RF heating channel part; the radiofrequency treatment system comprises (i) a first radiofrequency treatment device configured to provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product in the first RF heating channel part; (ii) a second radiofrequency treatment device configured to provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product in the second RF heating channel part; (iii) a third radiofrequency treatment device configured to provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product in the third RF heating channel part, wherein the first radiofrequency treatment device is configured to heat the flowable food product in the first RF heating channel part to a first radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf1; wherein the second radiofrequency treatment device is configured to heat the flowable food product in the second RF heating channel part to a second radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf2; and wherein the third radiofrequency treatment device is configured to heat the flowable food product in the third RF heating channel part to a third radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf3; wherein T.sub.rf3=T.sub.rf2+T.sub.h, and T.sub.rf2=T.sub.rf1+T.sub.h, wherein the values for T.sub.h are individually selected from the range of 5-20 C.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of the radiofrequency treatment devices is configured to generate RF-waves between a first electrode and a second electrode of the at least two electrodes at a frequency selected from the range of 10-50 MHz, and wherein each of the radiofrequency treatment devices is configured to generate over the first electrode and the second electrode an oscillating voltage in the range of 100-50,000 V.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the radiofrequency treatment system comprises a first cooling device and a second cooling device; wherein the flowable food product has a temperature T.sub.rfW1 at a wall of first RF heating channel part, wherein the flowable food product has a temperature T.sub.rfW2 at a wall of second RF heating channel part, wherein (i) the first cooling device is configured to cool the flowable food product in the first cooling channel part to a temperature T.sub.cW1 at a wall of the first cooling channel part, and wherein (ii) the second cooling device is configured to cool the flowable food product in the second cooling channel part to a temperature T.sub.cW2 at a wall of the second cooling channel part, wherein T.sub.cW2=T.sub.rf2+T.sub.c and T.sub.c1=T.sub.rf1+T.sub.c, wherein the values for T.sub.c are individually selected from the range of 0-20 C.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising n sets of each an RF heating channel part and a cooling channel part configured downstream of the RF heating channel parts comprised by the set, wherein n is selected from the range of 4-10.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling system, configured downstream of the temperature holding system, wherein the system channel comprises a cooling system channel part, wherein the cooling system is configured to cool the flowable food product in the cooling system channel part to a cooling temperature T.sub.c7, wherein the cooling temperature T.sub.c7 is selected from the range 1-45 C., and wherein the cooling system comprises one or more aseptic scraped surface heat exchangers.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a cooking system, wherein the cooking system is configured to generate a flowable food product having a viscosity selected from the range of 2-10000 mPa.Math.s at ambient conditions.

10. A method for heat treating a flowable food product using an apparatus described in claim 1, the method comprising: providing radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product in the RF heating channel parts; cooling the flowable food product in the one or more cooling channel parts, according to a temperature distribution wherein a temperature of the flowable food product in a cooling channel part downstream of a RF heating channel part is lower than the temperature of the flowable food product in the RF heating channel part configured upstream of that cooling channel part, and wherein a temperature of the flowable food product in a RF heating channel part configured downstream of a set of a RF heating channel part and a cooling channel part is higher than that of the flowable food product in the RF heating channel part of that set; and maintaining the flowable food product in the temperature holding channel part at a holding temperature T.sub.h6.

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising one or more of flowing the flowable food product with an average flow velocity of at least 0.25 m/s through the system channel; selecting the holding temperature T.sub.h6 from the range of 90-150 C.; maintaining the flowable food product in the temperature holding channel part at the holding temperature T.sub.h6 during a heating time period selected from the range of 0.5-10 minutes; heating the flowable food product to a final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf*, wherein the final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf* is selected from the range of 90-150 C., wherein T.sub.h6T.sub.rf*10 C..

12. The method according to claim 10, comprising providing radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product: in the first RF heating channel part, in the second RF heating channel part, and in the third RF heating channel part, wherein the method comprises generating RF-waves between a first electrode and a second electrode of the at least two electrodes at a frequency selected from the range of 10-50 MHz; and generating over the first electrode and the second electrode an oscillating voltage in the range of 100-50,000 V.

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising heating the flowable food product in the first RF heating channel part to a first radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf1; heating the flowable food product in the second RF heating channel part to a second radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf2; and heating the flowable food product in the third RF heating channel part to a third radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf3; wherein T.sub.rf3=T.sub.rf2+T.sub.h, and T.sub.rf2=T.sub.rf1+T.sub.h, wherein the values for T.sub.h are individually selected from the range of 5-20 C.

14. The method according to claim 12, comprising: cooling the flowable food product in the first cooling channel part to a temperature T.sub.cW1 at a wall of the first cooling channel part, and cooling the flowable food product in the second cooling channel part to a temperature T.sub.cW2 at a wall of the second cooling channel part, wherein T.sub.cW2=T.sub.rf2+T.sub.c and T.sub.c1=T.sub.rf1+T.sub.c, wherein the values for T.sub.c are individually selected from the range of 0-20 C.; and cooling the flowable food product in the cooling system channel part to a cooling temperature T.sub.c7, wherein the cooling temperature T.sub.c7 is selected from the range 1-45 C.

15. The method according to claim 10, comprising generating a flowable food product having a viscosity selected from the range of 2-10000 mPa.Math.s at ambient conditions; and wherein (i) the flowable food product comprises food particles having one or more dimensions selected from the range of 0.1*d20.5*d2; wherein the system channel has a diameter (d2) selected from the range 25-80 mm and/or (ii) the flowable food product comprises a soup or a sauce or baby food, wherein the flowable food product comprises solid food particles.

16. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the radiofrequency treatment system is configured to heat the flowable food product to a final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf*, wherein the final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf* is selected from the range of 90-150 C., wherein T.sub.h6T.sub.rf*10 C..

17. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: the RF heating channel parts comprises the first RF heating channel part, the second RF heating channel part, and a third RF heating channel part; the one or more cooling channel parts comprises the first cooling channel part, and a second cooling channel part, wherein the first cooling channel part is configured downstream of the first RF heating channel part and upstream of the second RF heating channel part, and wherein the second cooling channel part is configured downstream of the second RF heating channel part and upstream of the third RF heating channel part; the radiofrequency treatment system comprises (i) a first radiofrequency treatment device configured to provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product in the first RF heating channel part; (ii) a second radiofrequency treatment device configured to provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product in the second RF heating channel part; (iii) a third radiofrequency treatment device configured to provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product in the third RF heating channel part, wherein the first radiofrequency treatment device is configured to heat the flowable food product in the first RF heating channel part to a first radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf1; wherein the second radiofrequency treatment device is configured to heat the flowable food product in the second RF heating channel part to a second radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf2; and wherein the third radiofrequency treatment device is configured to heat the flowable food product in the third RF heating channel part to a third radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf3; wherein T.sub.rf3=T.sub.rf2+T.sub.h, and T.sub.rf2=T.sub.rf1+T.sub.h, wherein the values for T.sub.h are individually selected from the range of 5-20 C.

18. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the radiofrequency treatment system comprises a first cooling device and a second cooling device; wherein the flowable food product has a temperature T.sub.rfW1 at a wall of first RF heating channel part, wherein the flowable food product has a temperature T.sub.rfW2 at a wall of second RF heating channel part, wherein (i) the first cooling device is configured to cool the flowable food product in the first cooling channel part to a temperature T.sub.cW1 at a wall of the first cooling channel part, and wherein (ii) the second cooling device is configured to cool the flowable food product in the second cooling channel part to a temperature T.sub.cW2 at a wall of the second cooling channel part, wherein T.sub.cW2=T.sub.rf2+T.sub.c and T.sub.c1=T.sub.rf1+T.sub.c, wherein the values for T.sub.c are individually selected from the range of 0-20 C.

19. The apparatus according to claim 2, comprising n sets of each an RF heating channel part and a cooling channel part configured downstream of the RF heating channel parts comprised by the set, wherein n is selected from the range of 4-10.

20. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a cooling system, configured downstream of the temperature holding system, wherein the system channel comprises a cooling system channel part, wherein the cooling system is configured to cool the flowable food product in the cooling system channel part to a cooling temperature T.sub.c7, wherein the cooling temperature T.sub.c7 is selected from the range 1-45 C., and wherein the cooling system comprises one or more aseptic scraped surface heat exchangers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0115] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: FIG. 1A schematically depicts an embodiment of an apparatus 1000 for heat treating a flowable food product 1; FIG. 1B schematically depicts an embodiment of an apparatus 1000 comprising 3 RF heating channel parts 530 and 3 cooling channel parts 540; FIG. 2A schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the RF heating channel part 530; FIG. 2B schematically depicts an isometric view of the RF heating channel part 530; and FIG. 3A depicts the temperature variation with time of the flowable food product 1 as it is flowed through the system channel 210. FIG. 3B depicts the temperature profile in a cross-section of the system channel. The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0116] FIG. 1A schematically depicts an embodiment of an apparatus 1000 for heat treating a flowable food product 1, wherein the apparatus 1000 may comprise a channel system 200, a radiofrequency treatment system 500, and a temperature holding system 600. The channel system 200 may comprise a system channel 210; wherein the system channel 210 may comprise RF heating channel parts 530, one or more cooling channel parts 540, and a temperature holding channel part 630. The radiofrequency treatment system 500 may comprise an arrangement wherein at least a first RF heating channel part 531 may be configured upstream of a first cooling channel part 541, and wherein the first cooling channel part 541 may be configured upstream of the second RF heating channel part 532. The radiofrequency treatment system 500 may be configured to (a) provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product 1 in the RF heating channel parts 530 and (b) cool the flowable food product 1 in the one or more cooling channel parts 540, according to a temperature distribution wherein a temperature of the flowable food product 1 in a cooling channel part 540 downstream of a RF heating channel part 530 is lower than the temperature of the flowable food product 1 in the RF heating channel part 530 configured upstream of that cooling channel part 540. Further, the temperature of the flowable food product 1 in a RF heating channel part 530 may be configured downstream of a set of a RF heating channel part 530 and a cooling channel part 540 may be higher than that of the flowable food product 1 in the RF heating channel part 530 of that set. The temperature holding system 600 may be configured downstream of the radiofrequency treatment system 500 and may be configured to maintain the flowable food product 1 in the temperature holding channel part 630 at a holding temperature T.sub.h6.

[0117] In embodiments, the holding temperature T.sub.h6 may be selected from the range of 90-150 C. In further embodiments, the holding temperature T.sub.h6 may be selected from the range of 115-135 C. In embodiments, the apparatus 1000 may be configured to maintain the flowable food product 1 in the temperature holding channel part 630 at the holding temperature T.sub.h6during a heating time selected from the range of 0.5-10 minutes. In embodiments, the radiofrequency treatment system 500 may be configured to heat the flowable food product 1 in a most downstream configured RF heating channel parts 530 to a final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf*. In further embodiments, the final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf* may be selected from the range of 90-150 C. In embodiments, the final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf* may be selected from the range of 115-140 C. In embodiments, T.sub.rf* may be larger than or equal to T.sub.h6 by at least 10 C.

[0118] In embodiments, the RF heating channel parts 530 may comprise the first RF heating channel part 531, and the second RF heating channel part 532. In further embodiments, the one or more cooling channel parts 540 may comprise the first cooling channel part 541, and a second cooling channel part 542. In embodiments, the first cooling channel part 541 may be configured downstream of the first RF heating channel part 531 and upstream of the second RF heating channel part 532. In further embodiments, the second cooling channel part 542 may be configured downstream of the second RF heating channel part 532. In embodiments, the radiofrequency treatment system 500 may comprise a first radiofrequency treatment device 501 configured to provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product 1 in the first RF heating channel part 531. In embodiments, the first radiofrequency treatment device 501 may be configured to heat the flowable food product 1 in the first RF heating channel part 531 to a first radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf1. In embodiments, each of the radiofrequency treatment devices 501 may comprise a set of at least two electrodes 560 functionally coupled to the respective RF heating channel part 530. In embodiments, an electrode distance (L.sub.e1) between the mutually most remote electrodes 560 of the at least two electrodes 560 within a set may be selected from the range of 20-200 cm, such as about 60-100 cm. Especially, the electrode cooling system 570 may be configured to cool one or more of the electrodes. In yet further embodiments, the flowable food product 1 in a respective RF heating channel part 530 to which the one or more electrodes are functionally coupled 560 may be used to heat the flowable food product 1 in the RF heating channel part 530 to a radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf, wherein T.sub.e=T.sub.rfT.sub.c, wherein the values for T.sub.c may be individually selected from the range of 0-20 C. In embodiments, each of the radiofrequency treatment devices 501 may be configured to generate RF-waves between a first electrode and a second electrode of the at least two electrodes 560 at a frequency selected from the range of 10-50 MHz, and wherein the radiofrequency treatment devices 501 may be configured to generate over the first electrode and the second electrode an oscillating voltage in the range of 100-50,000 V. In embodiments, the radiofrequency treatment system 500 may comprise (i) a first cooling device 511 configured to cool the flowable food product 1 in the first cooling channel part 541 to a first cooling temperature T.sub.c1, and (ii) a second cooling device 512 configured to cool the flowable food product 1 in the second cooling channel part 542 to a second cooling temperature T.sub.c2, wherein T.sub.c2=T.sub.rf2T.sub.c and T.sub.c1=T.sub.rf1T.sub.c, wherein the values for T.sub.c are individually selected from the range of 5-20 C.

[0119] In embodiments, the RF inline heating apparatus 1000 may further comprise a pump system 50, wherein the pump system 50 may be configured to flow the flowable food product 1 with an average flow velocity of at least 0.25 m/s through the system channel 210. In embodiments, the RF inline heating apparatus 1000 may be configured to flow the flowable food product 1 with a laminar flow through the RF heating channel parts 530 and the one or more cooling channel parts 540. In embodiments, the method may comprise selecting a length (L.sub.c1) of the cooling channel defined parallel to the part of the system channel enclosed by the cooling channel from the range of 20-200 cm.

[0120] In another aspect, the invention may be a method for heat treating a flowable food product 1 using an apparatus 1000. In embodiments, the method may comprise providing radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product 1 in the RF heating channel parts 530. In further embodiments, the method may comprise cooling the flowable food product 1 in the one or more cooling channel parts 540, according to a temperature distribution wherein a temperature of the flowable food product 1 in a cooling channel part 540 downstream of a RF heating channel part 530 is lower than the temperature of the flowable food product 1 in the RF heating channel part 530 configured upstream of that cooling channel part 540, and wherein a temperature of the flowable food product 1 in a RF heating channel part 530 configured downstream of a set of a RF heating channel part 530 and a cooling channel part 540 is higher than of the flowable food product 1 in the RF heating channel part 530 of that set. In further embodiments, the method may comprise maintaining the flowable food product 1 in the temperature holding channel part 630 at a holding temperature T.sub.h6.

[0121] In embodiments, the method may comprise flowing the flowable food product 1 with a flow velocity of at least 0.25 m/s through the system channel 210. In embodiments, the method may comprise heating the flowable food product 1 to a holding temperature T.sub.h6 selected from the range of 90-150 C. In further embodiments, the method may comprise heat treating the flowable food product 1 to a holding temperature T.sub.h6 selected from the range of 115-135 C. In embodiments, the method may comprise maintaining the flowable food product 1 in the temperature holding channel part 630 at the holding temperature T.sub.h6 over a heating time period selected from the range of 0.5-10 minutes.

[0122] In embodiments, the method may comprise heating the flowable food product 1 using the radiofrequency treatment system 500 in a most downstream configured RF heating channel parts 530 to a final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf*. In further embodiments the final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf* may be selected from the range of 90-150 C. In embodiments, the method may comprise selecting the final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf* from the range of 115-140 C. In embodiments, the method may comprise providing radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product 1 in the first RF heating channel part 531. In embodiments, the method may comprise heating the flowable food product 1 in the first RF heating channel part 531 to a first radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf1. In embodiments, the method may comprise functionally coupling the radiofrequency treatment devices 501 which further comprise a set of at least two electrodes 560 to the respective RF heating channel part 530. In embodiments, the method may comprise selecting an electrode distance (L.sub.e1) between the mutually most remote electrodes 560 of the at least two electrodes 560 within a set from the range of 20-200 cm, such as 60-100 cm. In embodiments, the method may comprise generating RF-waves between a first electrode and a second electrode of the at least two electrodes 560 at a frequency selected from the range of 10-50 MHz, and generating over the first electrode and the second electrode an oscillating voltage selected from the range of 100-50,000 V.

[0123] In embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a control system 300. Especially, the control system 300 may be configured to control one or more of the flow rate, temperature of the RF heating channel part(s), the cooling channel part(s), the holding temperature, and the preheating temperature.

[0124] Further, in embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a cooling system 700, configured downstream of the temperature holding system 600, wherein the system channel 210 comprises a cooling system channel part 740, wherein the cooling system 700 is configured to cool the flowable food product 1 in the cooling system channel part 740 to a cooling temperature T.sub.c7, wherein the cooling temperature T.sub.c7 is selected from the range 1-45 C.

[0125] In embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a buffer tank 800, especially an (aseptic) buffer tank 800. Further, in embodiments, the (aseptic) buffer tank 800 may be configured downstream of the temperature holding system 600 and downstream of the (optional) cooling system 700. Especially, the (aseptic) buffer tank 800 may be configured to buffer the flowable food product 1. In embodiments, the apparatus 1000 may further comprise an (aseptic) filling system 900. In embodiments, the (aseptic) filling system 900 may be configured downstream of the temperature holding system 600 and downstream of the (optional) cooling system 700. Especially, the (aseptic) filling system 900 may be configured to package flowable food product in packages 1.

[0126] In embodiments, the apparatus 1000 may further comprise a cooking system 100 configured to produce the flowable food product 1.

[0127] FIG. 1B schematically depicts an embodiment of an apparatus 1000 for heat treating a flowable food product 1, wherein the apparatus 1000 comprises a channel system 200, a radiofrequency treatment system 500, and a temperature holding system 600. The channel system 200 may comprise a system channel 210. The temperature holding system 600 is configured downstream of the radiofrequency treatment system 500 and is especially configured to maintain the flowable food product 1 in the temperature holding channel part 630 at a holding temperature. The RF heating channel parts 530 of the embodiment comprise the first RF heating channel part 531, the second RF heating channel part 532, and a third RF heating channel part 533. Further, the one or more cooling channel parts 540 comprise the first cooling channel part 541, and a second cooling channel part 542, wherein the first cooling channel part 541 is configured downstream of the first RF heating channel part 531 and upstream of the second RF heating channel part 532, and the second cooling channel part 542 is configured downstream of the second RF heating channel part 532 and upstream of the third RF heating channel part 533. Further, the radiofrequency treatment system 500 may comprise (i) a first radiofrequency treatment device 501 configured to provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product 1 in the first RF heating channel part 531, (ii) a second radiofrequency treatment device 502 configured to provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product 1 in the second RF heating channel part 532; (iii) a third radiofrequency treatment device 503 configured to provide radiofrequency waves to the flowable food product 1 in the third RF heating channel part 533. Especially, the first radiofrequency treatment device 501 may be configured to heat the flowable food product 1 in the first RF heating channel part 531 to a first radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf1, the second radiofrequency treatment device 502 may be configured to heat the flowable food product in the second RF heating channel part 532 to a second radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf2, and wherein the third radiofrequency treatment device 503 may be configured to heat the flowable food product 1 in the third RF heating channel part 533 to a third radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf3. Further, these temperatures may be determined such that T.sub.rf3=T.sub.rf2+T.sub.h, and T.sub.rf2=T.sub.rf1+T.sub.h, wherein the values for T.sub.h are individually selected from the range of 5-20 C. In embodiments, the apparatus 1000 may comprise a third cooling device 513 to cool the flowable food product 1 in a third cooling channel part 543 configured downstream of the third heating channel part 533.

[0128] In embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a preheating system 400 configured upstream of the radiofrequency treatment system 500, wherein the channel system 210 may comprise a preheating channel part 430, wherein the preheating system 400 may be configured to heat the flowable food product 1 in the preheating channel part 430 to a preheating temperature T.sub.ph. Especially, the preheating temperature T.sub.ph may be selected from the range of 50-90. In embodiments, the preheating system 400 may comprise one or more (aseptic) scraped surface heat exchangers 410.

[0129] FIG. 2A schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the RF heating channel part 530. In embodiments, the flowable food product 1 may be flown through the system channel 210 comprised by the apparatus 1000. In embodiments, the radiofrequency treatment devices 501 may comprise a set of at least two electrodes 560 functionally coupled to the respective RF heating channel part 530. Especially, the radiofrequency treatment devices 501 may be configured to generate RF-waves between a first electrode and a second electrode of the at least two electrodes 560 at a frequency selected from the range of 10-50 MHz, and wherein the radiofrequency treatment device 501 may be configured to generate over the first electrode and the second electrode an oscillating voltage in the range of 100-50,000 V.

[0130] FIG. 2B schematically depicts an isometric view of the RF heating channel part 530. In embodiments, the radiofrequency treatment devices 501 may comprise a set of at least two electrodes 560 functionally coupled to the respective RF heating channel part 530. Especially, the electrode distance (L.sub.e1) between the mutually most remote electrodes 560 of the at least two electrodes 560 within a set may be selected from the range of 20-200 cm, such as 60-100 cm. Especially, the system channel 210 may comprise tubes 212 having cross-sectional dimensions (d2) selected from the range of 20-100 mm, especially 30-80 mm.

[0131] FIG. 3A schematically depicts the temperature of the flowable food product 1 as it is flown through the system channel 210. In embodiments, the apparatus 1000 may comprise a first RF heating channel part 531, a first cooling channel part 541, a second RF heating channel part 532 and a second cooling channel part 542. The flowable food product may be heated in the RF heating channel parts 530 and cooled in the cooling channel parts 540. In embodiments, the RF heating channel part 530 and the cooling channel part 540 may form a set. In further embodiments, the apparatus may comprise one or more sets. In embodiments, the flowable food product may be heated by means of a radiofrequency device via a RF heating channel part 530. In further embodiments, the flowable food product may be cooled by means of the radiofrequency device via the cooling channel part 540. In embodiments, the flowable food product 1 may be heated in the RF heating channel parts 530 to a temperature T.sub.rf*. In embodiments, the flowable food product may be cooled to a cooling temperature T.sub.c* in the cooling channel parts. In further embodiments, the final radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf* is selected from the range of 90-150, such as especially 115-135 C.

[0132] In further embodiments, the cooling temperature may be selected such that T.sub.c*=T.sub.rf*T.sub.c wherein the values for T.sub.c are individually selected from the range of 0-20. In embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a temperature holding system 600 configured to maintain the flowable food product 1 in the temperature holding channel part 630 at a holding temperature T.sub.h6. In embodiments, the holding temperature T.sub.h6 is selected from the range of 90-150 C., such as 115-135 C. In yet further embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to maintain the flowable food product in the temperature holding channel part at the holding temperature T.sub.h6 during a heating time period selected from the range of 0.5-10 minutes, such as 3-8 minutes. In embodiments, the holding temperature is selected such that T.sub.h6T.sub.rf*10 C. The figure depicts an embodiment of the apparatus comprising of a set of two sets and a temperature holding system 600. The temperature of the flowable food product is shown on the y-axis and time is shown on the x-axis of the graph. Especially, the preheating system 400 may heat the flowable food product to a temperature T.sub.ph. In embodiments, the flowable food product is heated to a temperature T.sub.rf1 in the first RF heating channel part 531, it is cooled to a temperature T.sub.c1 in the first cooling channel part 541, it is heated to a temperature T.sub.rf2 in the second RF heating channel part 532, and it is cooled to a temperature T.sub.c2 in the second cooling channel part 542. Finally, in this embodiment, the flowable food product 1 is heated to a holding temperature T.sub.h6 in the temperature holding system 600. In embodiments, the cooling system 700 may be configured to cool the flowable food product 1 in the cooling system channel part 740 to a cooling temperature T.sub.c7, wherein the cooling temperature T.sub.c7 may be selected from the range 1-45 C.

[0133] FIG. 3B depicts the temperature profile in a cross-section of the system channel. That is, the figure shows the temperature distribution of the flowable food product in a cross-section as it is flowed along the radiofrequency treatment system 500. In the graph, the x-axis shows temperature (T) and the y-axis shows the distance from the bottom of the system channel (D). In embodiments, the flowable food product 1 may have a temperature T.sub.rfW1 at a wall of first RF heating channel part 531, and a temperature T.sub.rfW2 at a wall of second RF heating channel part 532. Especially, the first cooling device 511 may be configured to cool the flowable food product 1 in the first cooling channel part 541 to a temperature T.sub.cW1 at a wall of the first cooling channel part 541. Further, in embodiments, the second cooling device 512 may be configured to cool the flowable food product 1 in the second cooling channel part 542 to a temperature T.sub.cW2 at a wall of the second cooling channel part 542. Especially, T.sub.cW2=T.sub.rf2+T.sub.c and T.sub.c1=T.sub.rf1+T.sub.c, wherein the values for T.sub.c may be individually selected from the range of 0-20 C., such as 5-15 C. Especially, the first radiofrequency treatment device 501 may be configured to heat the flowable food product 1 to a first radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf1 and the second radiofrequency treatment device 502 may be configured to heat the flowable food product 1 to a second radiofrequency treatment temperature T.sub.rf2. Especially, T.sub.rf2=T.sub.rf1+T.sub.h, wherein the values for T.sub.h are individually selected from the range of 5-20 C.

[0134] The term plurality refers to two or more. Furthermore, the terms a plurality of and a number of may be used interchangeably. The terms substantially and essentially herein, such as in substantially consists, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms substantially and essentially may also include embodiments with entirely, completely, all, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjectives substantially and essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the terms substantially and essentially may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term comprise includes also embodiments wherein the term comprises means consists of. The term and/or especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after and/or. For instance, a phrase item 1 and/or item 2 and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term comprising may in an embodiment refer to consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species.

[0135] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. The devices, apparatus, or systems herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation. The terms upstream and downstream relate to an arrangement of items or features relative to the propagation of the product in the duct or channel (during operation), wherein relative to a first position within the duct or channel, a second position in the duct or channel closer to an inlet for the product is upstream, and a third position within the duct or channel further away from the inlet of the product (but closer to an outlet for the heat-treated product) is downstream. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0136] Use of the verb to comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0137] The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings (when present). The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings (if present). Moreover, if a method or an embodiment of the method is described being executed in a device, apparatus, or system, it will be understood that the device, apparatus, or system is suitable for or configured for (executing) the method or the embodiment of the method respectively. The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.