Food and Wastewater Processing

Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) processing uses a high-energy pulsed electric field to break open vegetative cell walls in a process called 'electroporation'. PEF processing can destroy pathogens in liquid food and wastewater; increase yields in starch and sugar extraction from plants such as sugar beets; and aid the dewatering digestion of biomass, enabling its conversion to alternative fuels.

In PEF processing, liquids pass through processing chambers and are "pulsed" rapidly with very high voltage electric pulses generated by DTI's PowerMod™ electronics. The voltage, duration, and frequency of the pulses can be varied independently, so that optimum PEF parameters are applied for each application.

PEF processing is a "non-thermal" technology, meaning the substance being treated is not significantly heated. When used for food sterilization, PEF processing maintains the taste, color, anti-oxidant content, and consistency of fresh food, and eliminates the need for chemical or radiation treatment.