A beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system

Abstract

The application discloses a beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system, and relates to the technical field of product sterilization. The beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system comprises a liquid beverage conveying line and a bottled beverage conveying line, the liquid beverage conveying line and the bottled beverage conveying line are connected through a liquid bottling assembly, a pre-warming heat exchanger and a high-temperature heat exchanger are sequentially arranged on the liquid beverage conveying line along a liquid flow direction, a plurality of cooling assemblies are arranged on the bottled beverage conveying line, the plurality of cooling assemblies are connected with the pre-warming heat exchanger through circulating pipes, and the pre-warming heat exchanger, the high-temperature heat exchanger and the plurality of cooling assemblies are all signal-connected with a controller. The beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system solves the technical problem that the existing beverage sterilization has high energy consumption and cannot be effectively utilized, and achieves the technical effect of reducing production cost and energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of product sterilization technology, and in particular to a high-temperature sterilization and cooling system for beverages. Background Technology

[0002] Maintaining a long shelf life is crucial for ensuring product quality and consumer safety during the bottling and production of beverages such as fruit juice. To achieve this goal, ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilization (UHT) is widely used. This process involves preheating, raising the temperature, holding the temperature, and then cooling the beverage to 100°C or higher for a short period, followed by rapid cooling to kill microorganisms and preserve the beverage's nutrients and flavor.

[0003] However, the ultra-high temperature sterilization process requires a large amount of heat energy to rapidly raise the beverage to the sterilization temperature. This heat energy is usually provided by steam, resulting in huge steam consumption in beverage production. Simultaneously, in the bottle cooling stage after bottling, a significant amount of electricity is consumed for cooling towers to rapidly cool the hot beverage to room temperature. These two stages create a clear contradiction between heat energy supply and demand in the beverage production line, increasing not only production costs but also carbon emissions.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system that can recover and reuse the heat energy generated in the bottle cooling process in the preheating stage of ultra-high temperature instant sterilization, thereby reducing carbon emissions, is a technical problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-temperature sterilization and cooling system for beverages, which solves the technical problems of high energy consumption and ineffective utilization in existing beverage sterilization methods.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a high-temperature sterilization and cooling system for beverages, comprising a liquid beverage conveying line and a bottled beverage conveying line, wherein the liquid beverage conveying line and the bottled beverage conveying line are connected by a liquid bottling assembly. The liquid beverage conveying line is characterized by having a preheating heat exchanger and a high-temperature heat exchanger sequentially arranged along the liquid flow direction, and the bottled beverage conveying line having multiple cooling sections. These multiple cooling sections are connected to the preheating heat exchanger via a circulation pipe. The preheating heat exchanger, the high-temperature heat exchanger, and the multiple cooling sections are all connected to a controller via signal connections.

[0007] Preferably, the multi-stage cooling assembly includes a first cooling stage, a second cooling stage, and a third cooling stage arranged sequentially along the liquid bottle flow direction. The input end of the third cooling stage is connected to the outlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger, and the output end of the third cooling stage is connected to the input end of the second cooling stage to transfer the medium after cooling the third cooling stage to the second cooling stage. The output end of the second cooling stage is connected to the input end of the first cooling stage to transfer the medium after cooling the second cooling stage to the first cooling stage. The output end of the first cooling stage is connected to the inlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger to transfer the medium after cooling the first cooling stage to the preheating heat exchanger, thereby preheating the beverage before it enters the high-temperature heat exchanger.

[0008] Preferably, the multi-stage cooling assembly further includes a fourth cooling stage, a fifth cooling stage, and a heat pump arranged sequentially along the liquid bottle flow direction. The heat pump includes an energy exchange channel one and a channel two. The inlet of channel one is connected to the output end of the first cooling stage, and the outlet of channel one is connected to the inlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger. The inlet of channel two is connected to the output end of the fifth cooling stage, and the outlet of channel two is connected to the input end of the fifth cooling stage. The input end of the fourth cooling stage is connected to the cooling tower.

[0009] Preferably, the first cooling section includes a first heat exchanger, a first spray mechanism, and a first recovery mechanism; the second cooling section includes a second heat exchanger, a second spray mechanism, and a second recovery mechanism; and the third cooling section includes a third heat exchanger, a third spray mechanism, and a third recovery mechanism. The first heat exchanger includes energy exchange channels three and four; the second heat exchanger includes energy exchange channels five and six; and the third heat exchanger includes energy exchange channels seven and eight. The inlet of channel seven is connected to the outlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger, and the outlet of channel seven is connected to the third spray mechanism. The inlet of channel eight is connected to the output end of the third recovery mechanism, and the outlet of channel eight is connected to the inlet of channel five. The outlet of channel five is connected to the second spray mechanism, the inlet of channel six is ​​connected to the output end of the second recovery mechanism, the outlet of channel six is ​​connected to the inlet of channel three, and the outlet of channel three is connected to the first spray mechanism. The inlet of channel four is connected to the output end of the first recovery mechanism, and the outlet of channel four is connected to the inlet of channel one.

[0010] Preferably, the fourth cooling section includes a fourth heat exchanger, a fourth spray mechanism, and a fourth recovery mechanism. The fourth heat exchanger includes an energy exchange channel nine and a channel ten. The inlet of channel nine is connected to the output end of the cooling tower, the outlet of channel nine is connected to the fourth spray mechanism, the inlet of channel ten is connected to the output end of the fourth recovery mechanism, and the outlet of channel ten is connected to a collection device.

[0011] Preferably, the fifth cooling section includes a fifth heat exchanger, a fifth spray mechanism, and a fifth recovery mechanism. The fifth heat exchanger includes an energy exchange channel eleven and a channel twelve. The inlet of channel eleven is connected to the outlet of channel two, the outlet of channel eleven is connected to the fifth spray mechanism, the inlet of channel twelve is connected to the output end of the fifth recovery mechanism, and the outlet of channel twelve is connected to the inlet of channel two.

[0012] Preferably, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth cooling sections are all equipped with thermometers. The first, second, third, and fifth spray mechanisms are correspondingly connected to the first, second, third, and fourth external pipes, respectively. The input ends of the first, second, third, and fourth external pipes are all connected to the cooling tower. The first, second, third, and fourth external pipes are all equipped with solenoid valves. The thermometers and the solenoid valves are all connected to the controller via signal connections.

[0013] Preferably, the number of nozzles in the first spray mechanism, the second spray mechanism, the third spray mechanism, the fourth spray mechanism, and the fifth spray mechanism is not less than one.

[0014] Preferably, the first recycling mechanism, the second recycling mechanism, the third recycling mechanism, the fourth recycling mechanism, and the fifth recycling mechanism all include a water pump and a control valve.

[0015] Preferably, the controller is a programmable logic controller.

[0016] Compared to the aforementioned background technology, the preheating heat exchanger and high-temperature heat exchanger provided by this invention preheat the temperature of the liquid beverage to a suitable level, preparing it for the subsequent high-temperature sterilization process, improving the sterilization effect and reducing nutrient loss. Next, the preheated beverage enters the high-temperature heat exchanger, which can heat the beverage to a high temperature sufficient to kill most microorganisms in a short time, effectively preventing the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, ensuring the hygiene and safety of the beverage. After high-temperature sterilization, the beverage is filled into bottles through a liquid bottling assembly and then enters a bottled beverage conveyor line. The bottled beverage conveyor line is equipped with multiple cooling components, employing a gradual cooling strategy to gently and efficiently cool the filled, high-temperature beverage to a suitable storage or distribution temperature. The multiple cooling components are connected to the preheating heat exchanger through a circulation pipeline, forming a closed thermal energy circulation system. Through a circulating pipeline, the waste heat generated by the multi-stage cooling components is recovered and fed back to the preheating heat exchanger, realizing the recycling of thermal energy resources and significantly reducing steam consumption and overall energy costs. In summary, this invention achieves safe and efficient processing of beverages from liquid to bottling. This system not only improves the quality and safety of beverages but also reduces production costs and energy consumption, providing strong support for the development of the beverage industry. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a high-temperature sterilization and cooling system for beverages provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] in:

[0020] 1-Liquid beverage conveying line, 2-Liquid bottling assembly, 3-Preheating heat exchanger, 4-High temperature heat exchanger, 5-First cooling section, 6-Second cooling section, 7-Third cooling section, 8-Fourth cooling section, 9-Fifth cooling section, 10-Heat pump, 11-Bottled beverage conveying line, 12-Thermometer, 13-Solenoid valve, 14-Water pump, 15-Control valve, 51-First heat exchanger, 52-First spray mechanism, 61-Second heat exchanger, 62-Second spray mechanism, 71-Third heat exchanger, 72-Third spray mechanism, 81-Fourth heat exchanger, 82-Fourth spray mechanism, 91-Fifth heat exchanger, 92-Fifth spray mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] See Figure 1 This application provides a high-temperature sterilization and cooling system for beverages, including a liquid beverage conveying line 1 and a bottled beverage conveying line 11. The liquid beverage conveying line 1 and the bottled beverage conveying line 11 are connected by a liquid bottling assembly 2. A preheating heat exchanger 3 and a high-temperature heat exchanger 4 are sequentially arranged along the liquid flow direction on the liquid beverage conveying line 1. A multi-stage cooling assembly is arranged on the bottled beverage conveying line 11. The multi-stage cooling assembly is connected to the preheating heat exchanger 3 through a circulation pipe. The preheating heat exchanger 3, the high-temperature heat exchanger 4, and the multi-stage cooling assembly are all connected to a controller via signal connections.

[0024] In other words, the system mainly consists of a liquid beverage conveying line 1 and a bottled beverage conveying line 11, and the two are seamlessly connected by a liquid bottling assembly 2. The liquid beverage conveying line 1 is the main conveying line responsible for conveying unprocessed liquid beverages, while the bottled beverage conveying line 11 is a conveying line designed for bottled beverages.

[0025] On the liquid beverage conveying line 1, a preheating heat exchanger 3 and a high-temperature heat exchanger 4 are sequentially installed along the liquid flow direction. The preheating heat exchanger 3 preheats the liquid beverage to a suitable level, preparing it for the subsequent high-temperature sterilization process, improving sterilization efficiency and reducing nutrient loss. Next, the preheated beverage enters the high-temperature heat exchanger 4, which heats the beverage to a temperature sufficient to kill most microorganisms in a short time, effectively preventing the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, ensuring the hygiene and safety of the beverage.

[0026] After high-temperature sterilization, the beverage is filled into bottles via the liquid bottling assembly 2 and then enters the bottled beverage conveyor line 11. The bottled beverage conveyor line 11 is equipped with multi-stage cooling components, employing a gradual cooling strategy to gently and efficiently cool the filled, high-temperature beverage to a suitable storage or distribution temperature. The multi-stage cooling components are connected to the preheating heat exchanger 3 via a circulation pipeline, forming a closed-loop thermal energy circulation system. Through the circulation pipeline, the waste heat generated by the multi-stage cooling components is recovered and fed back to the preheating heat exchanger 3, achieving the recycling of thermal energy resources and significantly reducing steam consumption and overall energy costs.

[0027] The preheating heat exchanger 3, the high-temperature heat exchanger 4, and the multi-stage cooling components are all connected to the controller in real time. The controller can automatically adjust the operating parameters of each working unit according to the real-time monitoring data to ensure precise control and efficient operation of the entire sterilization and cooling process, while optimizing energy efficiency.

[0028] In summary, this invention achieves safe and efficient processing of beverages from liquid to bottling. This system not only improves the quality and safety of beverages but also reduces production costs and energy consumption, providing strong support for the development of the beverage industry.

[0029] Specifically, the multi-stage cooling assembly includes a first cooling section 5, a second cooling section 6, and a third cooling section 7 arranged sequentially along the liquid bottle flow direction. The input end of the third cooling section 7 is connected to the outlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger 3, and the output end of the third cooling section 7 is connected to the input end of the second cooling section 6 so that the medium after cooling the third cooling section 7 is transferred to the second cooling section 6. The output end of the second cooling section 6 is connected to the input end of the first cooling section 5 so that the medium after cooling the second cooling section 6 is transferred to the first cooling section 5. The output end of the first cooling section 5 is connected to the inlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger 3 so that the medium after cooling the first cooling section 5 is transferred to the preheating heat exchanger 3, thereby preheating the beverage before it enters the high-temperature heat exchanger 4.

[0030] In other words, the multi-stage cooling system consists of a first cooling stage 5, a second cooling stage 6, and a third cooling stage 7. Bottled beverages first enter the first cooling stage 5 for initial cooling. Then, after passing through the first cooling stage 5, the beverages enter the second cooling stage 6 for further cooling. Subsequently, the beverages enter the third cooling stage 7. The input of the third cooling stage 7 is connected to the outlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger 3. Since the medium temperature at the outlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger 3 is approximately 30°C, it can be used as the cooling medium for the cooling system. The cooling medium used in the third cooling stage 7 absorbs heat from the beverage, causing its temperature to rise, but it still retains some cooling capacity. Therefore, it is transferred to the input of the second cooling stage 6 to continue cooling the bottled beverages entering the second cooling stage 6. This allows the cooling medium to circulate between different cooling stages, improving the system's energy efficiency. Similarly, when the cooling medium absorbs heat again in the second cooling stage 6, its temperature rises further, but it can still be used for cooling. Therefore, the medium is transported to the input of the first cooling section 5 to cool the bottled beverage entering it. Finally, the cooling medium after cooling in the first cooling section 5 has a relatively high temperature but still retains some thermal energy value; its temperature rises from the initial 30°C to 52°C. Therefore, this thermally valuable medium is transported back to the inlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger 3, transferring heat to the beverage that is about to enter the high-temperature heat exchanger 4, thus preheating the beverage. This process not only improves the system's energy efficiency but also helps to enhance the high-temperature sterilization effect. In summary, the multi-stage cooling assembly achieves efficient cooling and heat recovery of bottled beverages.

[0031] More specifically, the multi-stage cooling assembly also includes a fourth cooling section 8, a fifth cooling section 9, and a heat pump 10 arranged sequentially along the liquid bottle flow direction. The heat pump 10 includes an energy exchange channel one and a channel two. The inlet of channel one is connected to the output end of the first cooling section 5, and the outlet of channel one is connected to the inlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger 3. The inlet of channel two is connected to the output end of the fifth cooling section 9, and the outlet of channel two is connected to the input end of the fifth cooling section 9. The input end of the fourth cooling section 8 is connected to the cooling tower.

[0032] In other words, the input end of the fourth cooling section 8 is connected to the cooling tower, which provides a low-temperature cooling medium to ensure that the beverage can be further cooled. The bottled beverage finally enters the fifth cooling section 9 to reach the final required cooling temperature.

[0033] The heat pump 10 includes two energy exchange channels: channel one and channel two. The inlet of channel one is connected to the output of the first cooling section 5. This can be understood as the cooling medium in the first cooling section 5 absorbing heat and its temperature rising. This medium flows into the heat pump 10 through channel one, undergoes heat exchange, and its temperature rises before being transferred to the inlet of the medium channel in the preheating heat exchanger 3 to preheat the beverage that is about to enter the high-temperature heat exchanger 4. The inlet of channel two is connected to the output of the fifth cooling section 9. The cooling medium in the fifth cooling section 9 absorbing heat and its temperature rising, flows back to the heat pump 10 through channel two, undergoes heat exchange, and its temperature decreases before being transferred again to the input of the fifth cooling section 9 to continue participating in the cooling process.

[0034] Specifically, through the use of heat pump 10, the inlet medium temperature of channel one is 52°C, the outlet medium temperature of channel one is 72°C, the inlet medium temperature of channel two is 20°C, and the outlet medium temperature of channel two is 15°C.

[0035] Specifically, depending on seasonal factors, cooling tower water or ice water can be used to cool beverage bottles, or the fourth cooling stage can be shut off. This can significantly reduce steam energy waste and decrease the amount of cooling tower water or ice water required in the bottle cooling system. Specifically, in summer or hot seasons, cooling tower water or ice water can be used as the cooling medium to deeply cool the beverage bottles through the fourth cooling stage 8, ensuring the beverage reaches the ideal low temperature. In colder seasons or when the initial temperature of the beverage is already low, shutting off the fourth cooling stage 8 can be considered to reduce unnecessary energy waste. After shutting off the fourth cooling stage, the beverage bottle will only undergo the first three cooling stages; although the final temperature may be slightly higher, it is sufficient to meet most storage and transportation needs.

[0036] Based on the above embodiments, the first cooling section 5 includes a first heat exchanger 51, a first spray mechanism 52, and a first recovery mechanism; the second cooling section 6 includes a second heat exchanger 61, a second spray mechanism 62, and a second recovery mechanism; and the third cooling section 7 includes a third heat exchanger 71, a third spray mechanism 72, and a third recovery mechanism. The first heat exchanger 51 includes energy exchange channels three and four; the second heat exchanger 61 includes energy exchange channels five and six; and the third heat exchanger 71 includes energy exchange channels seven and eight. The inlet of channel seven is connected to... The outlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger 3 is connected; the outlet of channel 7 is connected to the third spray mechanism 72; the inlet of channel 8 is connected to the output end of the third recovery mechanism; the outlet of channel 8 is connected to the inlet of channel 5; the outlet of channel 5 is connected to the second spray mechanism 62; the inlet of channel 6 is connected to the output end of the second recovery mechanism; the outlet of channel 6 is connected to the inlet of channel 3; the outlet of channel 3 is connected to the first spray mechanism 52; the inlet of channel 4 is connected to the output end of the first recovery mechanism; and the outlet of channel 4 is connected to the inlet of channel 1.

[0037] In other words, channel seven of the third heat exchanger 71 receives the outlet medium from the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger 3. After heat exchange, the medium temperature rises from 30°C to 38°C and flows to the third spray mechanism 72. The sprayed medium then enters through channel eight of the third heat exchanger 71. After heat exchange with the medium in channel seven, the medium in channel eight cools down to 38°C and is then sent to channel five, entering the second heat exchanger 61.

[0038] The third spraying mechanism 72 uses the heat-exchanged medium in channel seven to spray and cool the beverage bottle; the third recycling mechanism is responsible for recycling the cooling medium after spraying and introducing it into channel eight for heat exchange in the third heat exchanger 71.

[0039] Channel five in the second heat exchanger 61 receives the cooling medium from channel eight after heat exchange. After heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 61, the temperature of the medium rises from 38°C to 45°C and flows to the second spray mechanism 62. The sprayed medium enters through channel six in the second heat exchanger 61. After heat exchange with the medium in channel five, the temperature of the medium in channel six rises to 46°C and is then sent to channel three, entering the first heat exchanger 51.

[0040] The second spraying mechanism 62 uses the medium after heat exchange in channel five to spray and cool the beverage bottle. The second recycling mechanism is responsible for recycling the cooling medium after spraying and introducing it into channel six for heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 61.

[0041] Channel three in the first heat exchanger 51 receives the cooling medium from channel six after heat exchange. After heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 51, the temperature of the medium rises from 46°C to 56°C and flows to the first spray mechanism 52. The sprayed medium enters through channel four in the first heat exchanger 51. After heat exchange with the medium in channel three, the temperature of the medium in channel four rises to 52°C and is then sent to the inlet of channel one of the heat pump 10 for further heat energy recovery.

[0042] The first spraying mechanism 52 is responsible for spraying and cooling the beverage bottles using the medium that has undergone heat exchange in channel three. The first recycling mechanism is responsible for recycling the cooled medium after spraying and introducing it into channel four for use in the heat exchanger in the first heat exchanger.

[0043] The inlet of channel one of heat pump 10 receives cooling medium from channel four. After being heated in heat pump 10, the medium flows to the inlet of the medium channel of preheating heat exchanger 3 to preheat the beverage that is about to enter the high-temperature heat exchanger 4. The entire multi-stage cooling assembly forms a closed-loop heat recovery and reuse system, ensuring that the cooling process of the beverage bottle is both efficient and environmentally friendly.

[0044] Based on the above embodiments, the fourth cooling section 8 includes a fourth heat exchanger 81, a fourth spray mechanism 82, and a fourth recovery mechanism. The fourth heat exchanger 81 includes an energy exchange channel nine and a channel ten. The inlet of channel nine is connected to the output end of the cooling tower, the outlet of channel nine is connected to the fourth spray mechanism 82, the inlet of channel ten is connected to the output end of the fourth recovery mechanism, and the outlet of channel ten is connected to a collection device.

[0045] This can be understood as follows: the inlet of channel nine of the fourth heat exchanger 81 is connected to the output of the cooling tower, receiving the low-temperature cooling medium from the cooling tower. The outlet of channel nine is connected to the fourth spray mechanism 82, conveying the cooling medium to the spray mechanism. The inlet of channel ten is connected to the output of the fourth recovery mechanism, recovering the sprayed medium. The outlet of channel ten is connected to a collector for collecting and possibly further processing or reusing the sprayed medium. The fourth spray mechanism 82 uses the low-temperature cooling medium from channel nine to spray and cool the beverage bottle. The fourth recovery mechanism is responsible for recovering the sprayed cooling medium and guiding it into channel ten for heat exchange in the fourth heat exchanger 81.

[0046] Based on the above embodiments, the fifth cooling section 9 includes a fifth heat exchanger 91, a fifth spray mechanism 92, and a fifth recovery mechanism. The fifth heat exchanger 91 includes an energy exchange channel eleven and a channel twelve. The inlet of channel eleven is connected to the outlet of channel two, the outlet of channel eleven is connected to the fifth spray mechanism 92, the inlet of channel twelve is connected to the output end of the fifth recovery mechanism, and the outlet of channel twelve is connected to the inlet of channel two.

[0047] In other words, the inlet of channel eleven of the fifth heat exchanger 91 is connected to the outlet of channel two of the heat pump 10, and the outlet of channel eleven is connected to the fifth spray mechanism 92, conveying the medium to the spray mechanism. The inlet of channel twelfth of the fifth cooling section 9 is connected to the output end of the fifth recovery mechanism, recovering the sprayed medium, and the outlet of channel twelfth is connected to the inlet of channel two, forming a closed-loop heat energy recovery and reuse system. The fifth spray mechanism 92 uses the medium from channel eleven to spray and cool the beverage bottle, and the fifth recovery mechanism is responsible for recovering the sprayed medium and introducing it into channel twelfth for heat exchange in the fifth heat exchanger 91.

[0048] Based on the above embodiments, the first cooling section 5, the second cooling section 6, the third cooling section 7, the fourth cooling section 8, and the fifth cooling section 9 are all equipped with thermometers 12. The first spray mechanism 52, the second spray mechanism 62, the third spray mechanism 72, and the fifth spray mechanism 92 are correspondingly connected to the first external pipe, the second external pipe, the third external pipe, and the fourth external pipe. The input ends of the first external pipe, the second external pipe, the third external pipe, and the fourth external pipe are all connected to the cooling tower. The first external pipe, the second external pipe, the third external pipe, and the fourth external pipe are all equipped with solenoid valves 13. The thermometers 12 and the solenoid valves 13 are all connected to the controller via signal connection.

[0049] Specifically, thermometers 12 are installed on the first spray mechanism 52, the second spray mechanism 62, the third spray mechanism 72, the fourth spray mechanism 82, and the fifth spray mechanism 92. These thermometers can monitor the temperature of the cooling medium sprayed by the spray mechanism in real time, thereby ensuring that the cooling effect reaches the expected level.

[0050] Meanwhile, to flexibly adjust the source of the cooling medium, the first spray mechanism 52, the second spray mechanism 62, the third spray mechanism 72, and the fifth spray mechanism 92 are respectively connected to the first external pipe, the second external pipe, the third external pipe, and the fourth external pipe. The input ends of the above-mentioned external pipes are all connected to the cooling tower to ensure that the spray mechanism can obtain the low-temperature cooling medium from the cooling tower.

[0051] A solenoid valve 13 is installed on each external pipe. The solenoid valve 13 can precisely adjust the source of the cooling medium according to the controller's instructions.

[0052] If a malfunction disrupts the stable circulation between the high-temperature heat exchanger 4 and the multi-stage cooling components, or if the beverage supply is interrupted, additional heat will not be neutralized, resulting in the beverage in the final bottle not being cooled down completely. At this time, the thermometer 12 on the fifth spray mechanism 92 will detect that the spray temperature exceeds the set value. After receiving the signal, the controller will open the control valves 15 on the first, second, third, and fourth external pipes. When the thermometer 12 on the fifth spray mechanism 92 detects that the spray temperature has reached the set value, the control valves will be closed.

[0053] This can be understood as follows: during the process between the high-temperature heat exchanger 4 and the multi-stage cooling components, if a stable circulation is disrupted due to some malfunction, or if the beverage supply is interrupted, the extra heat that should have been neutralized cannot be effectively handled, resulting in the final output bottled beverage temperature not dropping to the expected value. Specifically, when the thermometer 12 on the fifth spray mechanism 92 detects that the spray temperature exceeds the set value, the controller immediately receives this signal. In response, the controller performs the following actions: opening the control valves 15 on the first, second, third, and fourth external pipes. These external pipes are connected to the cooling tower and can provide a low-temperature cooling medium. By opening these control valves, the flow rate of the cooling medium in the spray mechanism can be increased, thereby accelerating the cooling process of the beverage. The controller continuously monitors the reading of the thermometer 12 on the fifth spray mechanism 92. Once the spray temperature drops to the set value, the controller closes the previously opened control valves 15 to save energy and maintain stable system operation.

[0054] This ensures that in the event of a malfunction between the high-temperature heat exchanger 4 and the multi-stage cooling components, or an interruption in beverage supply, the system can react quickly by increasing the flow rate of the cooling medium to accelerate the cooling process, thereby ensuring that the final output bottled beverage reaches the expected temperature. Simultaneously, by precisely controlling the opening and closing of the control valves, the system can achieve energy efficiency while maintaining cooling effectiveness.

[0055] Specifically, the number of nozzles in the first spray mechanism 52, the second spray mechanism 62, the third spray mechanism 72, the fourth spray mechanism 82 and the fifth spray mechanism 92 is not less than 3.

[0056] Understandably, each spray mechanism has at least three nozzles, meaning the cooling medium can be sprayed onto the beverage bottle from different angles and directions, creating a wider and more uniform cooling surface. This prevents the beverage from becoming overheated or undercooled in one area, ensuring a uniform decrease in the overall temperature of the beverage.

[0057] Furthermore, the design of multiple nozzles can improve the reliability and stability of the system. When one nozzle malfunctions or becomes clogged, the others can continue to operate, ensuring the continuity of the cooling process. At the same time, multiple nozzles can also adjust the intensity and range of the spray according to actual needs, adapting to the cooling requirements of different types and quantities of beverages.

[0058] Specifically, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth recovery mechanisms each include a water pump 14 and a control valve 15. It is understood that the water pump 14 in each recovery mechanism is responsible for extracting the used cooling medium from the spray area, while the control valve 15 is used to control the flow of the cooling medium.

[0059] More specifically, the liquid bottling assembly 2, the preheating heat exchanger 3, the high-temperature heat exchanger 4, the spraying mechanism, and the heat pump are all applications of existing mature technologies.

[0060] The workflow of the high-temperature sterilization and cooling system for beverages is as follows:

[0061] S1. The inlet of channel one of heat pump 10 receives cooling medium from channel four. After being heated in heat pump 10, it flows to the medium channel inlet of preheating heat exchanger 3 to preheat the beverage that is about to enter high temperature heat exchanger 4. After being preheated, the beverage enters high temperature heat exchanger 4. After high temperature sterilization, the beverage will be filled into bottles through liquid bottling assembly 2 and then enter the bottled beverage conveying line 11.

[0062] S2, Channel 7 of the third heat exchanger 71 receives the medium from the preheating heat exchanger 3, and the temperature rises from 30°C to 38°C. The heated medium flows to the third spraying mechanism 72 to spray and cool the beverage bottle. The sprayed medium is recovered by the third recovery mechanism and introduced into channel 8. The medium in channel 8 exchanges heat with the medium in channel 7, and the temperature drops to 38°C. Then it enters channel 5.

[0063] S3. Channel 5 of the second heat exchanger 61 receives the medium from channel 8, and the temperature rises from 38°C to 45°C. The heated medium flows to the second spray mechanism 62 to spray and cool the beverage bottle. The sprayed medium enters the second heat exchanger 61 through channel 6 and exchanges heat with the medium in channel 5, and the temperature rises to 46°C. The heated medium then enters channel 3.

[0064] S4. Channel 3 of the first heat exchanger 51 receives the medium from channel 6, and the temperature rises from 46°C to 56°C. The heated medium flows to the first spray mechanism 52 to spray and cool the beverage bottle. The sprayed medium enters the first heat exchanger 51 through channel 4 and exchanges heat with the medium in channel 3 at a temperature of 52°C. The heated medium then enters the inlet of channel 1 of the heat pump 10. Channel 1 of the heat pump 10 receives the medium from channel 4. After being heated by the heat pump 10, it flows to the inlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger 3 to preheat the beverage that is about to enter the high-temperature heat exchanger 4, forming a closed-loop heat energy recovery and reuse system.

[0065] S5. The inlet of channel nine of the fourth heat exchanger 81 is connected to the output end of the cooling tower to receive the low-temperature cooling medium from the cooling tower. The outlet of channel nine is connected to the fourth spray mechanism 82 to transport the low-temperature cooling medium to the fourth spray mechanism 82. The fourth spray mechanism 82 uses the low-temperature cooling medium from channel nine to spray and cool the beverage bottle.

[0066] S6. The inlet of channel eleven of the fifth heat exchanger 91 is connected to the outlet of channel two of the heat pump 10. The outlet of channel eleven is connected to the fifth spray mechanism 92, which delivers the medium to the fifth spray mechanism 92. The fifth spray mechanism 92 uses the medium from channel eleven to spray and cool the beverage bottle. The fifth recovery mechanism is responsible for recovering the sprayed medium and introducing it into channel twelve for heat exchange in the fifth heat exchanger 91. The outlet of channel twelve is connected to the inlet of channel two, forming a closed-loop heat energy recovery system.

[0067] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0068] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-temperature sterilization and cooling system for beverages, comprising a liquid beverage conveying line (1) and a bottled beverage conveying line (11), wherein the liquid beverage conveying line (1) and the bottled beverage conveying line (11) are connected by a liquid bottling assembly (2), characterized in that, The liquid beverage conveying line (1) is provided with a preheating heat exchanger (3) and a high temperature heat exchanger (4) in sequence along the liquid flow direction. The bottled beverage conveying line (11) is provided with multiple cooling components. The multiple cooling components are connected to the preheating heat exchanger (3) through a circulation pipe. The preheating heat exchanger (3), the high temperature heat exchanger (4) and the multiple cooling components are all connected to the controller. The multi-stage cooling assembly includes a first cooling section (5), a second cooling section (6), and a third cooling section (7) arranged sequentially along the liquid bottle flow direction. The input end of the third cooling section (7) is connected to the outlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger (3). The output end of the third cooling section (7) is connected to the input end of the second cooling section (6) so that the medium after cooling the third cooling section (7) is transferred to the second cooling section (6). The output end of the second cooling section (6) is connected to the input end of the first cooling section (5) so that the medium after cooling the second cooling section (6) is transferred to the first cooling section (5). The output end of the first cooling section (5) is connected to the inlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger (3) so that the medium after cooling the first cooling section (5) is transferred to the preheating heat exchanger (3), thereby realizing the preheating of the beverage before entering the high-temperature heat exchanger (4). The multi-stage cooling assembly also includes a fourth cooling section (8), a fifth cooling section (9), and a heat pump (10) arranged sequentially along the liquid bottle flow direction. The heat pump (10) includes an energy exchange channel one and a channel two. The inlet of the channel one is connected to the output end of the first cooling section (5), the outlet of the channel one is connected to the inlet of the medium channel of the preheating heat exchanger (3), the inlet of the channel two is connected to the output end of the fifth cooling section (9), the outlet of the channel two is connected to the input end of the fifth cooling section (9), and the input end of the fourth cooling section (8) is connected to the cooling tower.

2. The beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cooling section (5) includes a first heat exchanger (51), a first spray mechanism (52), and a first recovery mechanism; the second cooling section (6) includes a second heat exchanger (61), a second spray mechanism (62), and a second recovery mechanism; the third cooling section (7) includes a third heat exchanger (71), a third spray mechanism (72), and a third recovery mechanism. The first heat exchanger (51) includes energy exchange channels three and four; the second heat exchanger (61) includes energy exchange channels five and six; and the third heat exchanger (71) includes energy exchange channels seven and eight. The inlet of channel seven is connected to the preheating heat exchanger. (3) The outlet of the medium channel is connected, the outlet of the channel seven is connected to the third spray mechanism (72), the inlet of the channel eight is connected to the output end of the third recycling mechanism, the outlet of the channel eight is connected to the inlet of the channel five, the outlet of the channel five is connected to the second spray mechanism (62), the inlet of the channel six is ​​connected to the output end of the second recycling mechanism, the outlet of the channel six is ​​connected to the inlet of the channel three, the outlet of the channel three is connected to the first spray mechanism (52), the inlet of the channel four is connected to the output end of the first recycling mechanism, and the outlet of the channel four is connected to the inlet of the channel one.

3. The beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fourth cooling section (8) includes a fourth heat exchanger (81), a fourth spray mechanism (82), and a fourth recovery mechanism. The fourth heat exchanger (81) includes an energy exchange channel nine and a channel ten. The inlet of the channel nine is connected to the output end of the cooling tower, the outlet of the channel nine is connected to the fourth spray mechanism (82), the inlet of the channel ten is connected to the output end of the fourth recovery mechanism, and the outlet of the channel ten is connected to a collection device.

4. The beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fifth cooling section (9) includes a fifth heat exchanger (91), a fifth spray mechanism (92), and a fifth recovery mechanism. The fifth heat exchanger (91) includes an energy exchange channel eleven and a channel twelve. The inlet of channel eleven is connected to the outlet of channel two, the outlet of channel eleven is connected to the fifth spray mechanism (92), the inlet of channel twelve is connected to the output end of the fifth recovery mechanism, and the outlet of channel twelve is connected to the inlet of channel two.

5. The beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first cooling section (5), the second cooling section (6), the third cooling section (7), the fourth cooling section (8), and the fifth cooling section (9) are all equipped with thermometers (12). The first spray mechanism (52), the second spray mechanism (62), the third spray mechanism (72), and the fifth spray mechanism (92) are respectively connected to the first external pipe, the second external pipe, the third external pipe, and the fourth external pipe. The input ends of the first external pipe, the second external pipe, the third external pipe, and the fourth external pipe are all connected to the cooling tower. The first external pipe, the second external pipe, the third external pipe, and the fourth external pipe are all equipped with solenoid valves (13). The thermometers (12) and the solenoid valves (13) are all connected to the controller.

6. The beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of nozzles in the first spray mechanism (52), the second spray mechanism (62), the third spray mechanism (72), the fourth spray mechanism (82) and the fifth spray mechanism (92) is not less than 3.

7. The beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first recycling mechanism, the second recycling mechanism, the third recycling mechanism, the fourth recycling mechanism and the fifth recycling mechanism all include a water pump (14) and a control valve (15).

8. The beverage high-temperature sterilization and cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is a programmable logic controller.

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