System for processing foodstuff
A system for processing foodstuff includes a drum and a conveyor for conveying foodstuff to the drum; the drum having a peripheral wall and at least one opening into which, in use, foodstuff enters the drum; the drum having a proximal extremity and a distal extremity; the drum being rotatable about at least one axis of rotation; whereby foodstuff may be tumbled for flavouring and/or seasoning the foodstuff; and the drum being removable; wherein the peripheral wall includes titanium or a titanium alloy.
1. A system for processing foodstuff comprising a drum and a conveyor for conveying foodstuff to said drum; the drum having a peripheral wall and at least one opening into which, in use, foodstuff enters said drum; said drum having a proximal extremity and a distal extremity; said drum being rotatable about at least one axis of rotation; whereby foodstuff may be tumbled against the peripheral wall for flavouring and/or seasoning said foodstuff; said peripheral wall comprising longitudinally disposed fold lines forming longitudinally extending facets; and said drum being removable; wherein said peripheral wall comprises titanium or a titanium alloy.
2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said peripheral wall forms part triangular repeating patterns when the peripheral wall is viewed in cross-section.
3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said drum is mounted at its proximal extremity on a mount which substantially surrounds the perimeter of the drum; said mount having a fastener which is releasable to allow the removal of said drum.
4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said mount houses a belt arranged to drive the rotation of said drum about a longitudinal central axis of said drum.
5. The system according to claim 4 , wherein said drum incorporates a ring disposed at its proximal extremity and said belt releasably engages said proximal ring to convey rotation.
6. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said drum is mounted to allow it to pivot; whereby its distal extremity is displaceable in one or a combination of the X and Y directions.
7. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said distal extremity of said drum comprises a ring.
8. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said peripheral wall has a thickness of less than 1.75 mm.
9. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said peripheral wall has a thickness of 1.25 to 1.75 mm.
10. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said peripheral wall has a thickness of about 1.5 mm.
11. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said peripheral wall has a surface finish of 0.5 to 1 micron.
12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein said peripheral wall has a surface finish of 0.8 micron.
13. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a mixing stage incorporating at least one nozzle for introducing liquid into said drum; whereby liquid is applied to foodstuff.
14. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a mixing stage incorporating a feeder for introducing further foodstuff.
15. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said system further comprises an electrostatic charger for polarising foodstuff.
16. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said peripheral wall forms part trapezoidal repeating patterns when the peripheral wall is viewed in cross-section.
17. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the drum is substantially entirely of titanium or a titanium alloy.
18. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a conductive wheel positioned against said drum, said conductive wheel conducting away charge from said drum during operation.
19. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a conductor movable between a first position wherein said conductor is in engagement against said drum and a second position wherein said conductor is spaced apart from said drum, said conductor conducing away charge from said drum when in said first position.