| abstract |
A trough construction including a trough along which water is propelled to convey bagged product therealong. A plurality of nozzles jet-spray cooling or heating water onto the product as it is conveyed along the trough. The nozzles are oriented in opposing first and second series so as to impart a rotation on the bagged product generally about a longitudinal axis of the trough. According to one embodiment, a first suction tube having openings through the trough wall is opposite to the first series of nozzles and with a first pump forms a first fluid circuit. Similarly, a second suction tube with suction openings, together with a second pump and the second series form a second fluid circuit. The two fluid circuits keep the bags centered in the trough, surrounded by cooling or heating water. According to a second embodiment, the trough is positioned in a sump and has trough openings so that the water in the trough communicates with that in the sump, and the suction tubes are not used. |