Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Machines           

Category: Food Processing Machinery                                                                           

Summary: Preserve food using electric pulses.                                              

    Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) machines in food processing machinery use short bursts of electricity to treat food products. This non-thermal processing technique offers several advantages in food preservation and processing.

Function: PEF primarily works by:

Cell membrane permeabilization: The electric pulses disrupt the cell membranes of microorganisms in the food, leading to their inactivation and extending shelf life.

Tissue softening: In some applications, PEF can be used to soften plant tissues, making them easier to cut or extract components from.

Mechanism: PEF systems deliver controlled, high-voltage pulses of electricity to the food placed between electrodes. The treatment time is very short, typically measured in microseconds to milliseconds.

Applications: PEF is used for:

    1. Pasteurization of juices and other beverages

    2. Preservation of liquid foods

    3. Improving the extraction of juice from fruits and vegetables

    4. Softening potatoes for processing

Advantages: PEF can:

    1. Minimize heat damage to nutrients and flavors compared to traditional heat treatments.

    2. Reduce processing time and energy consumption.