Method for processing biomaterials
Systems and methods for thermal preservation (sterilization) of heterogeneous and multiphase foods and biomaterials in order to achieve their shelf stability at ambient level temperatures. Flowing heterogeneous, multiphase foods and biomaterials are exposed to single or multiple stages of electromagnetic energy under continuous flow conditions within conduits passing through the electromagnetic energy exposure chambers.
1. A method comprising:
providing an electromagnetic system comprising:
a first applicator comprising an end portion, a waveguide, a material entry port, and a material exit port; and
a second applicator comprising a beginning portion, a waveguide, a material entry port, and a material exit port, wherein the beginning portion of the second applicator is attached to the end portion of the first applicator so that electromagnetic energy exiting the first applicator end portion is received by the beginning portion of the second applicator; and
an electromagnetic generator that is configured to provide electromagnetic energy to both the first and second applicators;
pumping heterogeneous materials comprising liquid and solid materials through the first and second applicators so that the heterogeneous materials are exposed to the electromagnetic energy; and
delivering the electromagnetic energy from the electromagnetic generator to the first and second applicators while the heterogeneous materials are being pumped.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pumping heterogeneous materials comprises pumping the heterogeneous materials in a conduit which enters the first applicator at the first applicator material entry port and exits the first applicator at the first applicator material exit port.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the pumping heterogeneous materials further comprises pumping the heterogeneous materials so that the heterogeneous materials that exits the first applicator at the first applicator material exit port enter the second applicator at the second applicator material entry port and exits the second applicator at the first applicator material exit port.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pumping heterogeneous materials comprises pumping the heterogeneous materials in a conduit along a plane that is substantially parallel to the ground.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the pumping heterogeneous materials comprises pumping the heterogeneous materials at an incline so that the heterogeneous materials are pumped against the force of gravity.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the delivering the electromagnetic energy comprises delivering the electromagnetic energy from the electromagnetic generator to the first applicator while the heterogeneous materials are being pumped into the first applicator.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the heterogeneous materials are pumped into the first applicator and exit the first applicator at the first applicator material exit port.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the width, height and depth of particles of the solid materials of the heterogeneous materials is at least one millimeter.