Method and apparatus for manufacture of process cheese

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A continuous, in-line, method and apparatus for cooking process cheese products. Raw material comprising, a uniform blend of cheese with appropriate additives for, introducing into a pressurized cooking zone. Steam is injected directly into the raw material in a confined region to heat and melt the raw material into a molten mass. The molten cheese mass is delivered from the cooking zone to a mixing zone where the steam is mixed with the cheese and the temperature of the molten cheese mass is equilibrated. The molten cheese is delivered from the mixing zone to a cooling zone where dearation and cooling of the molten mass is effected.