Method and apparatus for producing masa corn

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The large stainless steel tank of this invention is constructed with a conical bottom having integrally constructed and encircling steam rings connected by a manifold to an external source of steam.
A conical screen is positioned closely adjacent the conical bottom to facilitate steam injection and water recirculation and selective air injection for stirring.
A multiplicity of small orifices are drilled in the conical bottom projecting into the steam rings evenly admitting steam into the interior of the tank.
A multiplicity of air injection rings are spaced between the steam rings with each ring having a multiplicity of air inlet risers projecting through the conical bottom terminating adjacent the screen.
The equipment and process provides for cooking large quantities of corn in a cooking liquid, steeping and gradually cooling the corn and liquid over a period of time removing the husks.
In the steeping and cooling process, selective air injection is utilized normally in a cycle from the center outward rolling or tumbling the mass of corn and liquid to rotate the hot center section to the outer edge of the container for even cooling.
The external source of compressed air is filtered dehydrated and produces potable air meeting the highest of health standards.
The conical bottom of a tank has attached three air rings.
The inner ring has two air inlet pipes or discharges adjacent the apex of the inverted conical screen.
The intermediate air ring has four discharge orifices at the end of the air inlet risers adjacent the inner surface of the conical screen.
The third air ring adjacent the wall of the tank has eight evenly spaced discharge orifices adjacent the point of contact of the conical screen by the air inlet risers.
Corresponding to each ring is a first, second and third air control valve.
Injection of air in sequence at the bottom of first air ring followed by injection at the second air ring and later followed by injection at the third outer air ring tumbles or rolls the center of the tank moving the hot center up over and down adjacent the side of the large tank