The food processing industry can benefit greatly from infrared technology. Infrared systems have found use in a number of areas. Here are just a few.
Browning of Meat Products
Roasting is an essential component in enhancing the flavor of many meats. Browning also enhances the look for the meats. Infrared heat finds particular application in modern meat preparation. Medium wave carbon infrared lamps heat meat surfaces in a targeted fashion. Sandwich meat, hamburgers and hams are made to look even more appetizing without additional fat.
Desserts
Infrared heat ensures that almonds are warmed before being flaked, that the sugar on crème brûlée is browned and that cheesecake has an attractive color. Modern infrared heaters from Heraeus provide very efficient heat input without the need for pre-heating. Heat is applied precisely -- and only -- where it is required.
Chocolates and Confections
Processing of filled chocolates requires large amounts of heat. Chocolate halves are heated once before they are filled, and then again to seal them. The edges of two chocolate half shells are slightly melted so that they can be firmly joined together. What's more, the plastic moulds can be preheated prior to filling or warmed; this allows cleaning before the chocolate-making process begins again. Each of these heating stages must be carried out at a precise temperature for a precise time. Infrared heaters from Heraeus have very fast response times and can be very closely controlled. Infrared is ideal for assuring the quality of fine chocolates.
Breads and Baked Goods
Yeast allows dough to rise and become aerated -- if the baker has done everything right. However, if yeast grows well, conditions are also ideal for something else to thrive: mildew. Consequently, during the baking of bread, rolls and other baked products, the dough must be able to ferment without the propagation of unwanted mildew or other microbes.
Baking trays -- as well as all other baking equipment -- must remain hygienic. Disinfection and the elimination of fungal growth on surfaces and equipment is a priority. Disinfection via infrared can allow freshly baked bread to enjoy a longer shelf life without the addition of preservatives.
Infrared radiation transfers large amounts of energy in a short time. Disinfection with infrared is a thermal disinfection, using controlled heat. Carbon infrared kills spores reliably and efficiently.
Prepared Foods
Infrared heat makes prepared foods more attractive. Carbon infrared heaters brown the toppings or other garnishing of ready meals, without causing any further unwanted cooking of the meal itself. Compared with conventional heating sources, carbon lamps are more efficient, saving energy and minimizing maintenance costs. Heraeus infrared systems are so compact that the complete manufacturing plant design can be improved and valuable production space reclaimed.
Clean and Reliable Technology
For food industries, infrared modules are manufactured in stainless steel and fitted with a wire mesh to afford mechanical protection. An additional foil frame can, if requested, protect the food from any falling particles. Infrared heaters from Heraeus are very responsive and can be switched on and off inside 1-2 seconds. All infrared systems can be controlled so that any unexpected or unwanted conveyor belt stoppage will have minimal effect on the equipment or product. Heater failure detection is also incorporated within the control system. The parameters required for any system can be established in one of our test centers or by using test modules on site. The field tests are carried out by experienced engineers and technicians, who can assist in the selection of the right heaters and systems to suit your particular product and process.
Infrared heat provides a particularly efficient and reliable solution for many heating processes in the food industry. Apart from the applications described here, there are many more:
- Baking of bread and cakes
- Roasting without fat
- Cooking sausages
- Heating wafers prior to embossing
- Setting coatings on chicken strips
- Browning waffles
- "Relaxing" shellfish
- Melba toast
- Blackening vegetables
- Browning of hams
- Popping corn for cereals
- Branding of meat and cheese
These examples are by no means a complete list. Infrared heat is an effective and efficient means of applying process heat in many other plastics applications.
Explore this site for application solutions employing infrared technology. Heraeus offers complete systems using infrared technology; we can design a system to meet your specific, unique and demanding needs.
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