Immersion treatment system and method and auger for immersion treatment system

Abstract

The invention discloses an immersion treatment system and method and an auger for the immersion treatment system. The auger may include an auger panel that moves the product and the processing liquid in the processing tank. The first auger panel may include at least: a forward edge and a rearward edge. At least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge may include one or more gaps that form corresponding grid channels, where the at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge is connected to another auger panel at a weld joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an immersion treatment system and method and an auger for an immersion treatment system. Background Art

[0002] In many industrial processes, including food preparation, products are processed by immersion in various treatment liquids. For example, warm products can be cooled by immersion in cold water, cheese curds can be solidified by immersion in brine, or food can be immersed in an antibacterial solution to reduce microbial contamination. The immersion treatment solution can immerse the product as the product travels from one end to the other through the treatment tank. The immersion treatment tank can include a trough-shaped semi-circular tank filled with the treatment solution. In some examples, an auger can rotate to urge the product to move along the tank. The auger can provide forward movement in a desired direction. A solution such as water or other treatment solution can be introduced at one end of the tank and gradually flow to the other end in a direction opposite to the product flow direction. One of the problems with flowing the treatment solution counter-currently through the tank is that while the auger is pushing the product forward, it also pushes the treatment solution through its rotation. The water must find a path around or through the auger in order to flow in a direction opposite to the product, or even just stay in place.

[0003] Some augers utilize solid auger flights to prevent products from becoming lodged or hanging against the auger and not passing through the tank properly, and to avoid damaging the products. Since it is desirable to use an auger with solid flights, a recognized method of flowing water counter-currently through the tank relative to both the auger and the product is to flow the water around the outer periphery of the auger flight between the opposite surfaces of the auger and the tank, which is typically limited to a small size, such as a clearance space between 1 inch and 1 - 1 / 2 inches. This small space around the auger periphery avoids smaller product pieces from becoming trapped or lodged between the auger and the tank and avoids damage to the products.

[0004] Since the counter-current water movement that occurs in this arrangement only flows around the edges of the auger flights and not uniformly through the large amount of product located at the centerline of the tank, there is a lack of uniformity and effectiveness in cooling the product located at the centerline of the tank or the product that "cakes" or aggregates together in the tank. Due to the frictional contact with the rotating auger, these designs may cause the product to move towards one sidewall of the tank, such that there is less product on the opposite side of the tank, and the main circulation of the water is around the edges of the auger flights without the product, and thus open water movement.

[0005] Accordingly, some augers may also include a grate that is a separate component relative to the auger panel and is adapted and connected between adjacent panels in the auger flighting. The grate is joined to the panel by welding at the root and at the edges. This can result in a very difficult and laborious welding process that can be both costly and time-consuming. Additionally, as described above, unlike solid flighting, flighting that includes a grate between the panels can cause product to become trapped in the grate. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an immersion treatment system for treating a product by immersion in a treatment liquid. The immersion treatment system includes: a treatment tank for containing a treatment liquid for treating the product; and an auger including a plurality of auger panels for moving the product and the treatment liquid. A first auger panel of the plurality of auger panels includes: a main panel section; a forward edge; and a rearward edge, wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge includes at least one gap, and wherein at least one grate channel is at least partially defined by the at least one gap, and wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge is joined to a second auger panel of the plurality of auger panels using at least one weld joint.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method that includes: forming an auger including a plurality of auger panels for moving a product and a treatment liquid in a treatment tank; and forming a first auger panel of the plurality of auger panels, the first auger panel including at least: a forward edge and a rearward edge, wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge includes at least one gap, and wherein at least one grate channel is at least partially defined by the at least one gap, and wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge is joined to a second auger panel of the plurality of auger panels using at least one weld joint.

[0008] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an auger for an immersion treatment system. The auger includes: a plurality of auger panels for moving a product and a treatment liquid in a treatment tank; and a first auger panel of the plurality of auger panels, the first auger panel including at least: a forward edge and a rearward edge, wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge includes at least one gap, and wherein at least one grate channel is at least partially defined by the at least one gap, and wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge is joined to a second auger panel of the plurality of auger panels using at least one weld joint. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and emphasis is instead placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, in the drawings, like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout several views.

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of a screw conveyor using a screw conveyor panel construction with an integrated grille and a perspective view of an immersion treatment tank are shown, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of a screw conveyor using a screw conveyor panel construction with an integrated grille, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 An enlarged exploded view of two screw conveyor panels with an integrated grille, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 A diagram of various examples of the mating edges of a screw conveyor panel with an integrated grille, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 A side view of a portion of a screw conveyor using a screw conveyor panel construction with an integrated grille, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0015] The present disclosure relates to a screw conveyor panel with an integrated grille for immersion treatment equipment. Industrial processes including food preparation can include treating products by immersion in various treatment liquids. For example, warm products can be cooled by immersion in cold water, cheese curds can be solidified by immersion in brine, or food can be immersed in an antibacterial solution to reduce microbial contamination. The immersion treatment solution can immerse the product as the product travels from one end to the other through the immersion treatment tank. The immersion treatment tank can include a trough-shaped semi-circular tank filled with the treatment solution. Some screw conveyor-based treatment equipment can utilize solid screw conveyor slats in order to prevent products from becoming lodged or hanging against the screw conveyor and unable to pass through the tank properly, and to avoid damaging the products.

[0016] The counter-current water movement that occurs in a solid auger arrangement flows only around the edges of the flights of the auger, rather than uniformly through most of the product. Some augers may also include a grate that, as a separate component relative to the auger panel, fits and connects between adjacent panels in the auger flights. This type of auger grate is joined to the panel by welding using a complete weld line on each side of the grate at the root and at two edges, with a complete weld line for each adjacent auger panel. This can result in a very difficult and laborious welding process that can be both costly and time-consuming. Additionally, as described above, unlike solid flights, flights that include a grate between the panels can cause product to become trapped in the grate. For processes related to food processing, the weld joints should be completely sealed so that no gaps that could harbor pathogens are left. Hygiene considerations dictate that the welds are continuous; for example, skipped welds could leave gaps that could harbor pathogens. Adjacent items around the shaft must be seam welded for the length of a complete joint from the root end adjacent to the central axis to the outer edge of the helical blade on both sides of their abutting edges. This amount of welding is relatively expensive and can cause the base metal to deform due to the heat involved.

[0017] However, the present disclosure describes systems, devices, and methods that can reduce the weld length compared to the panel and grate configurations of current devices. For example, the present disclosure can reduce the weld length required to join adjacent panels by, at least, integrating the liquid channels of the grate as part of the panel and positioning at least some of the liquid channels of the grate such that the channels span the abutting edges to be joined. The degree to which the length of the joined edges is interrupted by open channels can reduce the weld length to less than the full distance from the panel root to the outer edge of the helix. Thus, for a panel at a particular radial dimension from the central axis, relative to a conventional device having the same or similar radial dimensions, a reduced weld length can be included. In some examples, the joined edges do not form a straight line. The present disclosure can also utilize bends or folds in the panel that can prevent or reduce product from becoming trapped on the grate while maintaining the stiffness and strength of the panel.

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of an auger 100 constructed using a plurality of auger panels 103 with an integrated grate is shown. The figure also shows a submersion treatment tank 106. The auger 100 can be a component of the submersion treatment tank 106.

[0019] The auger 100 can refer to an Archimedes screw or other type of screw that is submerged in the processing tank 106. The auger 100 can be manufactured by attaching precisely formed auger panels 103 around a central axis 109 to form a helical blade or auger slat. The central axis 109 can include a cylindrical shape and can be physically supported by being connected to opposite ends of the submerged processing tank 106.

[0020] Each of the auger panels 103 can include an integrated grid that can reduce the welding length used to connect two panels 103. The reduction in the welding length can be related to the total radial distance from the center (and / or circumferential outer edge) of the central axis 109 to the outer peripheral edge of the auger panel 103. In contrast, existing devices can weld the entire radial distance and can use a separate grid, thus using two welds. Therefore, the auger panels 103 can significantly reduce the welding length. This reduction can increase the speed and efficiency of construction and reduce the amount of welding filler used. The auger panels 103 can be made by bending, cutting, stamping, and otherwise forming a single piece of sheet metal or plate.

[0021] The immersion processing system can include a submerged processing tank 106 having a chamber. The chamber has an inlet end 112 and a discharge end 115. The auger 100 can advance the product from the inlet end 112 to the discharge end 115. For example, in other embodiments, multiple chambers and submerged processing tanks 106 can be used to accommodate a second conveyor that advances the product through different solutions.

[0022] The submerged processing tank 106 has a variety of configurations. The submerged processing tank 106 in a continuous processing operation can be configured to receive a processing liquid and receive the product at the inlet end 112 and unload the product at the discharge end 115. The immersion processing system can include equipment for adding the processing liquid to the submerged processing tank 106, such as a processing liquid supply line and a liquid line for discharging the liquid from the submerged processing tank 106; and controls for maintaining the liquid level in the submerged processing tank 106, such as automatic valves, weirs, and other components. The immersion processing system can be designed such that the product moves through it sequentially, such that the first product unit introduced into the processing system is the first product to be removed approximately (FIFO). The movement of the auger 100 can be controlled to control the residence time of the product in the submerged processing tank 106.

[0023] Move to Figure 2, shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the auger 100. The enlarged view shows the construction of the auger 100 using the auger panel 103 around the central axis 109. The auger panel 103 may include at least the auger panels 103a - 103j. The auger panels 103a - 103h may provide the first complete (e.g., ≥360°) rotation of the auger flights of the auger 100. The auger panels 103i - 103j may be part of the second turn of the auger flights of the auger 100. The auger 100 may provide any number of auger panels 103 to rotate a full turn around its central axis 109. The auger 100 may provide any number of turns of the joined panels 103 around its central axis 109.

[0024] Each of the auger panels 103 may include two joining edges that join with the other joining edges of the auger panel 103. The joining edges may be referred to as the forward edge and the rearward edge, or another term may be used. The forward edge may refer to the edge that “guides” the rotation as the farthest radial edge in the direction of rotation, and the rearward edge may follow the rotation as the farthest radial edge opposite the direction of rotation. For example, the auger panel 103j may have joining edges including a forward edge 203 and a rearward edge 206.

[0025] In this view, it can be seen that the rearward edge 206 of the auger panel 103j includes at least a portion of a set of grille channels 209. A subgroup or portion of the grille channels 209 is included as an open gap 210 into the rearward edge 206, which becomes closed once welded or otherwise fixed to the forward edge of the next auger panel 103. The auger panel 103j also includes another portion or subgroup of the grille channels 209 enclosed within the auger panel 103j. In the example shown, the forward edge is straight and does not include a gap 210 that increases the flow area of the grille channels 209. However, in other examples, the forward edge of the auger panel may have a gap 210 that matches the gap of the rearward edge and thereby expands the grille channels 209. Generally, the gap 210 in the forward edge or the rearward edge occurs when the concavity of the edge profile prevents the adjacent edges of the adjacent panels 103 from contacting when the panels are fitted together, leaving the grille channels 209 through which the liquid can flow.

[0026] Although the grill channels 209 are shown as having a trapezoidal shape with alternating directions, any type and arrangement of shape can be used that can include any polygon (n-sided n-gon) shape, any curved shape, and any custom shape. The auger panel 103 can have any number of grill channels 209, and the channels can be of any size. The size of the grill channels 209 can be designed such that a target product or another product cannot pass through the grill channels 209, the target product being, for example, a whole bird or a wing in a poultry product. For example, the grill channels 209 can have a maximum size that is less than the minimum size of the target product. The corners of the grill channels 209 include corners that join at the weld joints to form corners, and the corners of the grill channels 209 can be rounded to prevent catching on products that are frozen or otherwise processed in the processing tank. The angle of the sharpest corner of the grill channels 209 can be wide enough such that the chance of a known catch point of the product being wedged in the sharpest corner is reduced, the known catch point being, for example, a wing tip, a joint of a chicken leg, or another specific catch point.

[0027] The grill channels 209 in the trailing edge 206 can reduce the welding length required to join the leading edge of the next adjacent auger panel 103 after the auger panel 103j. The grill channels 209 can also be referred to as liquid channels or process solution channels. This can reduce the welding length to less than the full distance from the root 212 of the auger panel 103j at the central axis 109 to the circumferential outer edge 215 of the auger panel 103j along the weld line. Thus, a panel having a specific length measured radially along the weld line from the central axis 109 to the circumferential outer edge 215 of the auger panel 103j can include a reduced welding length relative to a conventional device having the same or similar radial dimensions.

[0028] Figure 3 is an enlarged exploded view of two auger panels 103 including the auger panels 103a and 103b. The auger panels 103 can be made of sheet metal, panels, or another rigid sheet material. At least one of the joining edges of each auger panel 103 can include a grill channel 209 that enables liquid to pass through the auger 100 in a direction opposite to the product flow.

[0029] The joined edges of the auger panel 103a may include a forward edge 203a and a rearward edge 206a. The joined edges of the auger panel 103b may include a forward edge 203b and a rearward edge 206b. The rearward edge 206a of the auger panel 103a may be welded to the forward edge 203b of the auger panel 103b. At least one of the rearward edge 206a of the auger panel 103a and the forward edge 203b of the auger panel 103b may include a gap 210 that will define at least a portion of a set of grille channels 209 once the edges are joined. As shown, the rearward edge 206a of the auger panel 103a includes a set of grille channels 209 corresponding to a length L Gap1 , L Gap2 , L Gap3 and L Gapn The gap 210 reduces the welding length L Weld , so that L Weld Corresponding to equation 1:

[0030]

[0031] In other words, the total welding length L Weld The total edge length L Tot Reduce the length L of each gap 210 Gap1 , L Gap2 , L Gap3 and L Gapn . Total length L Tot The weld joint 303 may be radially measured from the root 212 at the center connection point to the circumferential edge 215 of the auger panel 103a. Although a certain number of gaps 210 are shown, in other embodiments, the number of gaps 210 may vary. Although the gaps 210 are shown as having the same or similar lengths in this example, in other embodiments, the gaps 210 may have different lengths, shapes, and sizes.

[0032] Although referred to as a single joint, the welded joint 303 can include a plurality of separate joined portions, which can alternatively be considered separate "joints". In this example, once connected, the rearward edge 206a of the auger panel 103a can form an angle with the forward edge 203b of the auger panel 103b at the weld point. This can form an angular joint at any angle, such as 90 degrees or any other angle. Providing an angular joint between the rearward edge 206a of the auger panel 103a and the forward edge 203b of the auger panel 103b can reduce the total number of bends required to manufacture the auger 100, while also reducing the weld length by reducing the gap 210 along the welded joint. In other examples, once connected, the rearward edge 206a of the auger panel 103a can form a plane at a "butt" welded joint 303 with the forward edge 203b of the auger panel 103b. Other types of welded joints 303 can also be used. The rearward edge 206a can be connected to the lower panel of the auger flighting.

[0033] For processes related to food processing, the welded joint 303 can be completely sealed so that no gaps are left that could harbor pathogens. Hygiene considerations dictate that the welded joint 303 is continuous such that the contacting or joined portions of two adjacent auger panels 103 are continuously welded along the joined portion. Skipping a weld can leave gaps that can harbor pathogens. Adjacent auger panels 103 (and other items) around the central axis must be sealed and welded on both sides of their adjacent edges. This type of welding can also cause warping, so the described structure can help prevent or reduce warping.

[0034] The present disclosure can also utilize bends or folds in the auger panel 103, which can maintain the stiffness and strength of the auger panel 103. The folds also help to shield the grille channel 209 such that food impact on the grille channel 209 is reduced during rotation of the auger 100. This will be described in further detail with reference to Figure 5 Further detail.

[0035] A set of example bends or folds in the auger panel 103 can be described relative to the auger panel 103a. The auger panel 103a can include a central or main panel 308 of substantially planar or flat material, such as a sheet or plate of metal. The auger panel 103a can include a forward edge tab 310, a circumferential edge tab 312, a rearward edge and / or grille channel offset section 314, and a rearward edge tab 316.

[0036] The forward edge tab 310 can form the forward edge 203a of the auger panel 103a. The forward edge tab 310 can be bent from the main panel 308 at the fold line 321 to form a first predetermined angle. The circumferential edge tab 312 can be bent from the main panel 308 at the fold line 323 to form a second predetermined angle. The offset section 314 can be bent from the main panel 308 at the fold line 325 to form a third predetermined angle. The rearward edge tab 316 can be bent from the offset section 314 at the fold line 327 to form a fourth predetermined angle. In other examples of the auger panel 103a, other bends can be provided. However, in this embodiment, the fold lines 321, 323, and 325 allow the nominally flat auger panel 103 to approximate a continuously curved auger blade about the auger axis 109 and also provide stiffness to the auger 100 and the auger panel 103a. The set of fold lines 325 and 327 can orient the rearward edge tab 316 in a direction such that when the auger rotates, the rearward edge tab applies less pressure to the product than the central panel 308, thereby reducing the likelihood that the product will clog the grille passage 209. For example, the rearward edge tab 316 can intersect a plane perpendicular to the axis of the central axis 109 along a line that is substantially radial to the axis to form an angle between 0 - 20 degrees such that the forward edge of the tab at the bend 327 is closer to the discharge end 115 of the auger 100 than the rearward edge of the tab 206a. In contrast, the central panel 308 is angled with respect to such a normal plane such that the forward edge of the panel at the bend 321 is further from the discharge end 115 of the auger 100 than the rearward edge of the panel at the bend 325.

[0037] The fold lines 321, 323, and 325 can form a set of substantially triangular bends around the main panel 308. In this context, substantially triangular can indicate that even if the fold lines do not intersect exactly on the main panel 308 itself, a triangle is formed when a corresponding one of the set of straight bends is extended. The fold lines 321, 323, and 325 can provide axial stiffness and strength, e.g., parallel to the axis formed by the central axis 109. The fold lines 321, 323, and 325 can prevent bending of the main panel 308 and other sections of the tabs and the auger panel 103a.

[0038] Figure 4A diagram that is an example of a set of joining edges 403a - 403d of the auger panel 103 of other diagrams. Each of the joining edges 403 can refer to the rear edge of one auger panel 103 and the front edge of another auger panel 103 that can be joined by one or more weld joints 303. A variety of joining edge sets 403a - 403d are provided as non - limiting examples that can illustrate more designs and shapes for joining the edges of the auger panel 103. Although the joining edge sets 403a - 403d are shown adjacent to each other as if they are joined at a butt joint, they can also be joined to form any weld joint, such as a corner joint, a lap joint, or any kind of joint.

[0039] The joining edge set 403a can include a rear edge 316a and a front edge 310a, which can be joined at a weld joint 303a. The weld joint 303a can be considered a set of weld joints 303a that join the rear edge 316a and the front edge 310a. The rear edge 316a can include a set of grille channels 209a. A subgroup of the grille channels 209a can be completely enclosed within the rear edge 316a. Another subgroup of the grille channels 209a can include a gap 210a in the rear edge 316a, which can define the second subgroup of the grille channels 209a when a set of one or more weld joints 303a joins the rear edge 316a to the front edge 310a. In this example, the front edge 310a can be continuous or substantially straight and lacks or omits the gap 210 for the grille channels 209a. Thus, the shape of the second subgroup of the grille channels 209a defined by joining the two panels is different from those completely enclosed within the rear edge tabs. The front edge 310a can bridge the gap 210 in the rear edge 316a and thereby enclose and define a subgroup of the grille channels 209a along the weld joint 303a.

[0040] The joining edge group 403b may include a rear edge 316b and a front edge 310b, and the rear edge 316b and the front edge 310b may be joined at a weld joint 303b. The weld joint 303b may be considered a set of weld joints 303b that join the rear edge 316b and the front edge 310b. The rear edge 316b and the front edge 310b may be joined at the weld joint 303b to form a set of grille channels 209b. In this example, all the grille channels 209b correspond to the matching gaps 210b in the rear edge 316b and the front edge 310b. Although the joining edge group 403a and the examples shown in other figures include rounded polygon (trapezoidal) grille channels 209, the grille channels 209b of the rear edge 316b and the front edge 310b may be circular or semi-circular. In this example, the rear edge 316b and the front edge 310b are symmetric with respect to each other in mirror symmetry. When the rear edge 316b and the front edge 310b are separated from each other and not connected, the joining edge group 403b omits the closed grille channels 209b in either the rear edge 316b or the front edge 310b.

[0041] The joining edge group 403c may include a rear edge 316c and a front edge 310c, and the rear edge 316c and the front edge 310c may be joined at a weld joint 303c. The weld joint 303c may be considered a set of weld joints 303c that join the rear edge 316c and the front edge 310c. All the grille channels 209c in the rear edge 316c correspond to the alignment gaps 210c of the front edge 310c, such that they are not symmetric but aligned. The segments of the rear edge 316c and the front edge 310c to be welded do not follow a straight line. Although this example may show a butt welding example, additional bends may be made in the rear edge 316c and the front edge 310c such that a set of weld joints that do not follow a straight line may form a set of corner joints. When the rear edge 316c and the front edge 310c are separated from each other and not connected, the joining edge group 403c omits the closed grille channels 209c in either the rear edge 316c or the front edge 310c. However, in this example, the rear edge 316c and the front edge 310c are asymmetric. Once the grille channels 209c are formed by connecting the rear edge 316c and the front edge 310c at the weld joint 303c, the grille channels 209c may include straight edges and circular end slots arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the weld joint 303c.

[0042] The joining edge group 403d may include a rear edge 316d and a front edge 310d, which may be joined at the weld joint 303d. The weld joint 303d may be considered a set of weld joints 303d that join the rear edge 316d and the front edge 310d. The joining edge group 403d may include subgroups of the grid channels 209d in each of the rear edge 316d tabs and the front edge 310d tabs, which are closed when the rear edge 316d tabs and the front edge 310d tabs are separated from each other and not connected. The grid channel 209d may also include channels that are open gaps 210d until joined at the weld joint 303d. The rear edge 316d and the front edge 310d may be asymmetric.

[0043] Each of the joining edge groups 403a - 403d may include symmetric or asymmetric grid channels 209 and may be included in one or more of the rear edge tabs 316 and the front edge tabs 310. However, in each example, the weld length of the corresponding weld joint 303 may be shorter than the full length of the weld joint 303.

[0044] Figure 5 Is a side view of a portion of the cooler or immersion treatment tank 106, which includes a screw conveyor 100 constructed using a screw conveyor panel 103 with an integrated grid. This figure shows how the rotation of the screw conveyor 100 about the axis of the central axis 109 can cause the product to flow across the immersion treatment tank 106. The grid of the screw conveyor panel 103 may be designed to be completely obscured, mostly obscured, or substantially obscured by more than a threshold percentage when viewed from the side view. For example, substantially obscured herein may mean that the maximum visible area at any angle of rotation from the side view is obscured by 85%, 90%, 95%, or another threshold percentage relative to the total area of the grid group 209 of a particular panel.

[0045] Multiple immersion treatment systems may be linked in series, for example, for consecutive treatment with different treatment liquids. Embodiments with multiple systems may include sequential operation, where the product exiting the output point of an immersion treatment system including the immersion treatment tank 106 is input into the input point of another immersion treatment system that may have the same or different treatment liquids. Depending on the relative mass density (or specific gravity) of the product and the treatment liquid, the product may sink, float, or neutrally float in the treatment liquid. This may cause the ratio of the product to the liquid to vary naturally at different depths within the treatment liquid.

[0046] Unless otherwise expressly stated, disjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y or Z" should be understood in context as generally being used to mean that an item, term, etc. may be X, Y or Z or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is generally not intended to and should not imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z each.

[0047] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible embodiments set forth for the purpose of clearly understanding the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described (one or more) embodiments without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure and are protected by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An immersion treatment system for treating a product by immersing it in a treatment liquid, characterized in that, The immersion treatment system includes: A treatment tank for containing the treatment liquid for treating the product; and A screw conveyor including a plurality of screw conveyor panels for moving the product and the treatment liquid, wherein a first screw conveyor panel of the plurality of screw conveyors includes: A main panel section; A forward edge; and A rearward edge, wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge includes at least one gap, and wherein at least one grille channel is at least partially defined by the at least one gap, and wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge is joined to a second screw conveyor panel of the plurality of screw conveyor panels using at least one weld joint.

2. The immersion processing system according to claim 1, wherein The forward edge corresponds to a radial edge that guides in the rotational direction.

3. The immersion treatment system according to claim 1, wherein The rearward edge corresponds to a radial edge that guides in a direction opposite to the rotation.

4. The immersion processing system according to claim 1, wherein The first screw conveyor panel is constructed from a single piece of metal sheet or plate.

5. The immersion processing system according to claim 1, wherein The first screw conveyor panel further includes a circumferential edge tab extending from a bend in the main panel section to the circumferential edge.

6. The immersion treatment system according to claim 1, wherein, The first screw conveyor panel includes a plurality of bends forming a substantially triangular shape that provides axial stiffness.

7. The immersion processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one weld joint includes at least one corner joint.

8. A method, characterized in that, The method includes: Forming a screw conveyor including a plurality of screw conveyor panels for moving the product and the treatment liquid in the treatment tank; and Forming a first screw conveyor panel of the plurality of screw conveyor panels, the first screw conveyor panel at least including: a forward edge and a rearward edge, wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge includes at least one gap, and wherein at least one grille channel is at least partially defined by the at least one gap, and wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge is joined to a second screw conveyor panel of the plurality of screw conveyor panels using at least one weld joint.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plurality of screw conveyor panels are connected to a central shaft.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein The screw conveyor includes an Archimedes screw.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first screw conveyor panel is constructed from a single piece of metal sheet or plate.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first screw conveyor panel is constructed from a single piece of metal sheet or plate.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first screw conveyor panel includes a plurality of bends forming a substantially triangular shape that provides axial stiffness.

14. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The weld joint includes a corner joint.

15. A screw conveyor for an immersion treatment system, characterized in that, The screw conveyor includes: A plurality of screw conveyor panels for moving the product and the treatment liquid in the treatment tank; and A first screw conveyor panel of the plurality of screw conveyor panels, the first screw conveyor panel at least including: a forward edge and a rearward edge, wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge includes at least one gap, and wherein at least one grille channel is at least partially defined by the at least one gap, and wherein at least one of the forward edge and the rearward edge is joined to a second screw conveyor panel of the plurality of screw conveyor panels using at least one weld joint.

16. The auger according to claim 15, characterized in that, The plurality of auger panels are connected to a central shaft.

17. The auger according to claim 15, wherein, The first auger panel is constructed from a single piece of sheet metal or plate.

18. The auger according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first auger panel is constructed from a single piece of sheet metal or plate.

19. The screw conveyor according to claim 15, wherein The first auger panel includes a plurality of bends that provide axial stiffness.

20. The auger according to claim 15, wherein The welded joints include corner joints.

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