Importance

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Abstract

A method for plasticing nuts, such as almonds and the like, includes the steps of heating a mass or bulk of nuts in a dry atmosphere to a uniform temperature as they are being conveyed, and moisturing the nuts to a preselected moisture content as they are being conveyed. The method further includes at least partially or semi-fluidizing the mass of nuts as they are being heated and moisturized. The method also includes heating the moisturized nuts to dry the skins of the nuts. An apparatus for plasticizing nuts, such as almonds and the like, includes a vibrating housing along which the nuts are conveyed in mass from one end to the other end thereof. The housing includes a perforated deck plate over which the mass of nuts move and defining an air chamber below the deck plate. The air chamber is divided into three plenums along the length of the housing. The first and third plenums located at the opposite ends of the housing are each supplied with heated air which passes through the perforated deck to heat the mass of nuts. The second or middle one of the plenums is supplied with steam to moisturize the nuts.

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First Claim