Studies on Pulsed Electric Field applications for food sterilization

The present investigation studies the effects of application of repetitive micro-second duration high-voltage double-exponential shaped pulses on water samples containing E. Coli. A high-voltage repetitive pulse generator has been developed to apply these pulses. The design of chamber, operational parameters, and their optimization for the process, the wave-shaping circuitry and the switching circuitry is given utmost importance. It is suggested that repetitive pulse application of the order of about 25-kV/cm electric field intensity be employed for the purpose. Pulsed electric field processing is nonthermal energy efficient alternative to thermal pasteurization techniques. It is applicable in many liquid food processing industries like drinking water segment, beer & beverages, fruit juices and milk.