Multi-band UV thin-film reactor for cocoa liquor processing
Revolutionary UV thin-film reactor designed for cocoa liquor, utilizing patent-pending RASCL technology for precise UV dose delivery. Features scalable, hygienic design ensuring microbial reduction without additives or labeling impact, supporting EU food safety compliance.
Overview
The multi-band UV thin-film reactor presents a groundbreaking approach to microbial reduction in cocoa liquor processing. Utilizing the innovative RASCL technology, it ensures precise UV dose delivery through an annular micro-gap, enhancing uniform exposure even in dense, viscous liquids like cocoa liquor. This reactor employs multi-band LEDs (UVC/UVB/UVA) with real-time control of flow, temperature, and UV output, guaranteeing a minimum delivered dose at rates of ≥3 MT/h, scalable to 5 MT/h via parallel modules. Its hygienic design is fully CIP-able with EU MOCA-compliant materials, ensuring no additives or labeling changes.
Technical specifications
- RASCL technology: Controlled UV dose delivery for liquids, optimizing microbial reduction
- Multi-band LEDs: Independently controlled UVC/UVB/UVA for robust germicidal action
- Annular micro-gap design: Minimizes optical path length, ensuring uniform exposure
- Scalable throughput: Operates at ≥3 MT/h, scalable to 5 MT/h
- Hygienic and compliant: Fully CIP-able, EU MOCA-compliant wetted materials
- Real-time monitoring: Flow, temperature, and UV output monitored and adjusted
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, the technology has been validated in laboratory conditions. The project aims to achieve TRL 6 through pilot and real-environment demonstrations, with plans to conduct challenge testing to ensure ≥2-log TVC reduction at target throughput. The reactor is set to meet HACCP and validation standards for EU food safety compliance.
About STE - Sanitizing Technologies and Equipments
STE – Sanitizing Technologies and Equipments is an innovative startup and spin-off of the University of Urbino, Italy, specializing in the research, design, production, and marketing of air and surface sanitization systems for indoor, automotive, rail, naval, and aerospace environments. The company provides certification and testing services for existing and new sanitization systems, and utilizes its own patented Continous Sanitization Air (CSA) system. This device integrates UV-C LED, filtration, and ionization technologies to continuously purify air, reportedly eliminating over 99% of pathogenic microorganisms while monitoring air quality through AI-driven sensor platforms.
The company serves diverse sectors by focusing on eco-friendly solutions that improve indoor air quality and occupant safety. By collaborating with academic researchers and highly specialized personnel, STE customizes its services to meet specific client needs and evolving scientific standards. Beyond product supply, they assist clients with the industrial protection of commissioned innovations and offer performance monitoring under real-world usage conditions to ensure operational effectiveness.
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