Food processing line and method of processing food

Abstract

The invention relates to a food processing line (10) comprising: a first oven (2) configured to inject a liquid into a food product; and at least one microwave sensor (1, 3) configured to sense microwave emission data of the food product, the microwave sensor (1, 3) comprising a microwave emitter (11) and a microwave receiver (12) spaced apart from the microwave emitter (11), the microwave receiver (12) further configured to receive an emission signal emitted by the microwave emitter (11); and a control unit (4) configured to receive microwave emission data from the microwave sensors (1, 3) and to control the first oven (2) based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of food processing, in particular to in-line food processing, and is particularly suitable for processing meat products such as bacon, poultry and fish.

[0002] The present invention relates to a food processing line comprising an oven for drying and preferably additionally smoking food. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for processing food, in particular meat, such as bacon, poultry or fish, on a food processing line comprising an oven for drying and preferably additionally smoking food. Background Art

[0003] EP3641549B1 discloses an online process operating an oven configured to dry and smoke food. Using the known online oven, the liquid content of processed food can be reduced to control shelf life and / or food safety.

[0004] However, it has been observed that the final liquid content varies depending on the type of food supplied to the oven. Furthermore, if food of the same type but of different qualities is dried and smoked in the oven, the results may vary.

[0005] In this context, the problem to be solved is to better control the drying of food products for different types and / or qualities of food products. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve this problem, the present invention proposes a food processing production line, comprising:

[0007] a first oven configured for drying food products and preferably additionally for smoking food products; and

[0008] at least one microwave sensor configured to sense microwave emission data of the food, the microwave sensor comprising a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver spaced apart from the microwave transmitter, the microwave receiver further configured to receive an emission signal emitted by the microwave transmitter; and

[0009] The control unit is configured to receive microwave emission data from the microwave sensor and control the first oven based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor.

[0010] According to the present invention, at least one microwave sensor is provided, configured to sense microwave emission data from a food being dried and, preferably, smoked in an oven. This microwave emission data can indicate the quality of the food being measured, particularly its liquid content. A control unit receives the microwave emission data and controls the oven based on the microwave emission data. Thus, the present invention allows oven control based on the liquid content of the measured food. This allows the drying and, preferably, smoking operations to be modified to accommodate different types and / or qualities of food, or the drying and, preferably, smoking processes to be optimized based on trending results.

[0011] The oven is preferably an in-line oven, comprising a conveyor device for conveying food through the oven. The conveyor device can be configured to convey the food from an inlet of the oven, through one or more chambers of the oven, to an outlet of the oven. The conveyor device can comprise a conveyor belt, particularly an endless conveyor belt. The conveyor device can comprise a linear conveying path from the inlet to the outlet. Alternatively or additionally, the conveyor device can comprise a conveying path having one or more spiral sections.

[0012] The oven may include two or more chambers. The chambers of the oven may be independently controlled. At least one first chamber of the oven may be configured to dry food. The first chamber may additionally be configured to smoke food. The second chamber of the oven may be configured to dry or smoke the food, or a combination of drying and smoking. The chambers may be arranged in the oven such that the food is first conveyed through the first chamber and then through the second chamber.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the food processing line comprises a second oven for smoking food, the second oven being disposed downstream of the first oven, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor.

[0014] The microwave transmitter preferably transmits a single frequency signal or a narrow bandwidth signal. The single frequency may be a frequency in the range of 0.1 GHz to 10 THz, in particular 810 MHz, 960 MHz, or 1.165 GHz. The microwave transmitter preferably operates with a transmission power of less than 1 mW, preferably less than 0.5 mW, for example 0.1 mW.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microwave sensor includes a processing unit configured to analyze the amplitude of the transmitted signal received by the microwave receiver. Analyzing the transmitted signal, particularly comparing the amplitudes of the signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter and the transmitted signal received by the microwave receiver, can indicate the amount of energy absorbed by the food. It has been found that the amplitude of the transmitted signal is particularly useful for indicating the liquid content of the food. The processing unit can include a processor, such as a programmable processor and / or a vector network analyzer (VNA). The processing unit can receive the signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter and the transmitted signal received by the microwave receiver.

[0016] In this case, preferably, the processing unit is further configured to analyze the phase of the transmission signal received by the microwave receiver, preferably to analyze the phase difference between the signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter and the transmission signal received by the microwave receiver. By simultaneously analyzing the amplitude and phase of the transmission signal, the reliability of the liquid content determination can be improved compared to analyzing only the amplitude.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is further configured to:

[0018] - regulating the temperature within the first oven and, if present, the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor; and / or

[0019] - regulating the humidity within the first oven and, if present, the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor; and / or

[0020] - adjusting the air flow rate within the first oven and, if present, the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor; and / or

[0021] - regulating the supply of smoke to the first oven and, if present, the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor; and / or

[0022] - adjusting the food conveyance speed within the first oven and, if present, the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor.

[0023] Preferably, when sensing is performed using the microwave sensor, the food is located between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food processing line includes a conveyor device configured to convey food from and / or to the first oven and, if present, the second oven. Microwave sensors are preferably arranged along the conveyor device to sense the food before entering the first oven and, if present, the second oven, and / or after exiting the first oven and, if present, the second oven. The conveyor device may be a conveyor, in particular a belt conveyor or a walking beam conveyor.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor device is further configured to convey the food through the gap between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver of the microwave sensor. For example, a portion of the conveyor device may be positioned within the gap between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver to convey the food through the gap. In this example, the conveyor device may include a substantially horizontal conveyor, and one of the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver may be positioned above the conveyor, while the other of the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver is positioned below the conveyor, thereby forming a substantially vertical transmission path. According to an alternative example, the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver may be positioned on the same side of the conveyor device, for example, on the same side of the conveyor, without the conveyor device extending into the gap between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver. In this example, the conveyor device may include a substantially horizontal conveyor, with the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver forming a substantially horizontal transmission path.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is further configured to control the conveying device. In particular, the control unit can be configured to adjust the conveying speed and / or step displacement of the conveying device.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a microwave sensor is positioned upstream of the first oven. Positioning the microwave sensor upstream of the first oven allows for sensing microwave emission data from the food product prior to drying. The liquid content of the food product prior to drying can indicate the amount of liquid that needs to be removed from the food product during drying in the first oven. Therefore, measuring the liquid content prior to drying allows for controlling the drying process so that the liquid content of the food product after drying reaches a predetermined level, for example, a predetermined liquid content that is above a predetermined minimum liquid content and below a predetermined maximum liquid content.

[0028] According to an optional preferred embodiment of the present invention, a microwave sensor is positioned downstream of the first oven. By positioning the microwave sensor downstream of the first oven, microwave emission data from the food can be sensed after drying. The liquid content of the food after drying can indicate the amount of liquid removed during the drying process. This allows for verification of liquid removal in the first oven and, based on this assessment, adjustments to the operation of the first oven, i.e., the same batch, can be made.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food processing line includes at least two microwave sensors, wherein a first microwave sensor is positioned upstream of a first oven and a second microwave sensor is positioned downstream of the first oven. This embodiment allows for measuring the liquid content of food before and after drying.

[0030] In embodiments where the food processing line includes a second oven for smoking the food, the food processing line may optionally include an additional microwave sensor positioned downstream of the second oven. By positioning the additional microwave sensor downstream of the second oven, microwave emission data from the food can be sensed after smoking. The liquid content of the food after smoking can indicate the total amount of liquid removed during the drying and smoking processes. Therefore, it is possible to verify whether liquid removal has been achieved in both the first and second ovens, and to adjust the operation of both ovens, i.e., within the same batch, based on this assessment.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a food processing production line comprises: an injection device configured to inject a liquid into a food, wherein the injection device is arranged upstream of a first oven; and an additional microwave sensor arranged upstream of the injection device, wherein the control unit is further configured to receive additional microwave emission data from the additional microwave sensor. The liquid may include salt and / or spices and / or oil and / or vinegar and / or phosphates and / or preservatives and / or spices. The injection device may include one or more injection needles connected to a liquid reservoir. Arranging the additional microwave sensor upstream of the injection device allows sensing of microwave emission data of the food before the liquid is injected into the food. The liquid content of the food before injection may indicate the maximum possible liquid absorption amount of the food supplied to the injection device.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can be further configured to control the injection device and / or the first oven and / or, if present, the second oven based on additional microwave emission data received from the additional microwave sensor. The liquid injected using the injection device can be a brine or a marinade. Therefore, measuring the liquid content before injection allows for controlling the liquid injection to maximize liquid absorption by the food and / or to avoid injecting an amount of liquid that cannot be absorbed by the food. Optionally, the control unit can be further configured to control the injection device based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is further configured to:

[0034] - adjusting the liquid injection pressure based on additional microwave emission data received from the additional microwave sensor, and / or

[0035] - adjusting the liquid injection amount based on additional microwave emission data received from additional microwave sensors, and / or

[0036] - adjusting the speed of an injection head of the injection device based on additional microwave emission data received from the additional microwave sensor.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food processing line comprises a food thickness measuring device, in particular, the food thickness measuring device comprises a laser or other height measuring device such as a mechanical probe, and is configured to measure the thickness of the food, preferably when the food is located between a microwave emitter and a microwave receiver. The control unit is preferably configured to additionally receive the measured thickness of the food and to additionally control the oven and / or the injection device based on this thickness. In particular, the microwave emission data can be scaled according to the measured thickness. The food thickness measuring device can be configured to measure the distance between the measuring device and the surface of the food when the food is arranged at a known distance from the measuring device, for example on a conveyor.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food processing line comprises a food temperature measuring device, in particular, the food temperature measuring device comprises an IR temperature sensor, and is configured to measure the temperature of the food, in particular the surface temperature of the food, preferably while the food is located between the microwave emitter and the microwave receiver. The control unit is preferably configured to additionally receive the measured temperature of the food and to additionally control the oven and / or the injection device based on this temperature.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is further configured to:

[0040] - determine the content of specific ingredients in food, in particular the fat content of food, and / or

[0041] - record microwave emission data received from microwave sensors, and / or

[0042] - record data received from food thickness measuring devices, and / or

[0043] - Recording of data received from food temperature measuring devices.

[0044] Preferably, the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor can be used to determine the chemical ratios of elements. The determined fat content can be used, for example, to check food quality and / or adjust the drying process in the first oven, / or the injection process in the injection device, and / or the smoking process in the second oven to suit food quality. Recording this data can provide a better understanding of food quality, identify trends, and / or store data for tracking and tracing purposes. The recorded data can optionally be used to optimize the process, particularly in the first oven and / or, if present, the second oven and / or the injection device, either automatically or manually by the machine operator.

[0045] In order to solve this problem, the present invention further proposes a method for processing food, especially bacon, in a food processing production line, wherein the food processing production line comprises a first oven, at least one microwave sensor and a control unit, wherein

[0046] using the first oven to dry the food product, and preferably additionally using the first oven to smoke the food product,

[0047] sensing microwave emission data of the food using a microwave sensor, wherein the microwave sensor comprises a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver spaced apart from the microwave transmitter, wherein the microwave receiver receives an emission signal emitted by the microwave transmitter, and

[0048] Drying the food using the first oven and preferably smoking the food using the first oven are controlled based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor by a control unit that receives the microwave emission data from the microwave sensor.

[0049] This method can achieve the same technical effects and advantages as those described in conjunction with the food processing production line of the present invention.

[0050] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the food processing production line includes a second oven, which is arranged downstream of the first oven, wherein the second oven is used to smoke the food, and the operation of smoking the food using the second oven is controlled by a control unit that receives microwave emission data from the microwave sensor based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit:

[0052] - regulating the temperature in the first oven and, if present, the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor; and / or

[0053] - regulating the humidity within the first oven and, if present, the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor; and / or

[0054] - adjusting the air flow rate within the first oven and, if present, the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor; and / or

[0055] - regulating the supply of smoke to the first oven and, if present, the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor; and / or

[0056] - adjusting the food conveyance speed within the first oven and, if present, the second oven based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food is conveyed from the first oven and, if present, the second oven and / or to the first oven and, if present, the second oven by a conveying device, in particular a conveyor, of a food processing production line, preferably wherein the conveying device conveys the food through a gap between a microwave emitter and a microwave receiver of a microwave sensor.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microwave sensor is disposed upstream of the first oven and senses microwave emission data of the food before the food is dried in the oven.

[0059] According to an optional preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microwave sensor is disposed downstream of the first oven, and senses microwave emission data of the food after the food is dried in the oven.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food processing production line includes at least two microwave sensors, wherein the first microwave sensor is arranged upstream of a first oven and senses first microwave emission data of the food before the food is dried in the first oven, and wherein the second microwave sensor is arranged downstream of the first oven and senses second microwave emission data of the food after the food is dried in the first oven.

[0061] In embodiments where the food processing line includes a second oven for smoking the food, the food processing line optionally includes an additional microwave sensor disposed downstream of the second oven.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food processing production line comprises:

[0063] an injection device arranged upstream of the first oven, wherein the liquid is injected into the food using the injection device, and

[0064] an additional microwave sensor disposed upstream of the injection device and configured to sense additional microwave emission data from the food product before the liquid is injected into the food product;

[0065] Wherein, the control unit further receives additional microwave emission data from an additional microwave sensor.

[0066] Preferably, the control unit controls injecting liquid into the food using the injection device and / or drying the food using the first oven further based on the additional microwave emission data received from the additional microwave sensor.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the food thickness measuring device, in particular comprising a laser or other height measuring device such as a mechanical probe, measures the thickness of the food, preferably when the food is located between a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food temperature measuring device, in particular, comprises an IR temperature sensor, which measures the food temperature, in particular the surface temperature of the food, preferably when the food is located between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit further:

[0070] - determine the content of specific ingredients in food, in particular the fat content of food, and / or

[0071] - record microwave emission data received from microwave sensors, and / or

[0072] - record data received from food thickness measuring devices, and / or

[0073] - Recording of data received from food temperature measuring devices.

[0074] Preferably, the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor can be used to determine the chemical ratios of elements. The determined fat content can be used, for example, to check food quality and / or adjust the drying process in the oven and / or the injection process in the injection device to suit food quality. Recording this data can provide a better understanding of food quality and / or identify trends and / or store data for tracking and tracing purposes. The recorded data can optionally be used to optimize the process, particularly in the oven and / or the injection device, either automatically or manually by an operator.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, the beneficial features and / or advantageous embodiments described in connection with the food processing line may be implemented in the food processing method according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the present invention. This description is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of a food processing production line according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a food processing production line according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a food processing production line according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a food processing production line according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a microwave sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and

[0082] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a microwave sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings are illustrative only and non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Figure 1 A food processing line 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The food processing line 10 includes a first oven 2 configured for drying food, and a control unit 4 connected to the first oven 2 and configured to control an injection device 2. The food processing line further includes a first conveyor device 5 for conveying food to the first oven 2 and a second conveyor device 5' for conveying food from the first oven 2. The conveyor devices 5, 5' convey the food in a conveying direction T. The conveyor devices 5, 5' may include conveyors, such as belt conveyors or walking beam conveyors.

[0085] The oven is configured as an in-line oven and comprises an internal conveying device for conveying the food product within the oven.The oven is preferably configured to additionally smoke the food product after and / or during drying.

[0086] The food processing line 10 further includes a microwave sensor 1, which is positioned upstream of the first oven 2 along the food conveyance direction T. The microwave sensor 1 is configured to sense microwave emission data from the food. The microwave sensor 1 includes a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver spaced apart from the microwave transmitter. The microwave receiver is further configured to receive an emission signal emitted by the microwave transmitter. The sensed microwave emission data is transmitted to a control unit 4, which receives the microwave emission data from the microwave sensor and controls the first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor 1. For example, the control unit 4 may be configured to adjust the temperature within the oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor 1, adjust the humidity within the first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor 1, adjust the air flow rate within the first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor 1, adjust the supply of smoke into the first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor 1, and / or adjust the food conveyance speed within the first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor 1.

[0087] Figure 2 A food processing production line 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to denote elements having the same functions, and reference is made to the description of the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the food processing production line 10 of the second embodiment includes a microwave sensor 3, which is positioned downstream of the first oven 2 along the conveying direction T of the food. The microwave sensor 3 includes a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver spaced apart from the microwave transmitter. The microwave receiver is further configured to receive a transmission signal emitted by the microwave transmitter. The sensed microwave emission data is transmitted to a control unit 4, which receives the microwave emission data from the microwave sensor and controls the first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor 3. For example, control unit 4 may be configured to adjust the temperature within first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from microwave sensor 3, and / or adjust the humidity within first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from microwave sensor 3, and / or adjust the air flow rate within first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from microwave sensor 3, and / or adjust the smoke supply into first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from microwave sensor 3, and / or adjust the food conveying speed within first oven 2 based on the microwave emission data received from microwave sensor 3.

[0088] Figure 3A food processing production line 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. This third embodiment includes both a first microwave sensor 1 located upstream of a first oven 2 and a second microwave sensor 3 located downstream of the first oven 2. This third embodiment combines aspects of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, like reference numerals are used to identify elements having like functions, and reference is made to the description of the first and second embodiments.

[0089] Figure 4 A food processing line 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. This fourth embodiment includes all elements of the third embodiment. Therefore, like reference numerals are used to denote elements having like functions, and reference is made to the description of the third embodiment. Furthermore, food processing line 10 includes an injection device 7 located upstream of first microwave sensor 1 and an additional microwave sensor 6 located upstream of injection device 7. Control unit 4 is further configured to control injection device 7 and first oven 2 based on additional microwave emission data received from additional microwave sensor 6. Alternatively, injection device 7 may be controlled by control unit 4 based on microwave emission data received from first microwave sensor 1 and second microwave sensor 3.

[0090] Optionally, food processing line 10 according to the fourth embodiment includes a second oven 8 located downstream of second microwave sensor 3, and another additional microwave sensor 9 located downstream of second oven 8. The second oven is configured for smoking food. In this alternative embodiment, control unit 4 is configured to control first oven 2 based on additional microwave emission data received from the additional microwave sensor 9. Optionally, injection device 7 and / or second oven 8 can be controlled by control unit 4 based on microwave emission data received from first microwave sensor 1 and second microwave sensor 3.

[0091] Figure 5 A first embodiment of a microwave sensor 1, 3, 6, 9 that can be used with one of the aforementioned embodiments is shown. The microwave sensor 1, 3, 6, 9 is positioned somewhere along a conveyor 5, 5' of a food production line 10. The conveyor 5, 5' can be a conveyor and is configured to transport the food F through a gap G between a microwave emitter 11 and a microwave receiver 12 of the microwave sensor 1, 3. According to the first embodiment, the conveying direction T of the food F is substantially horizontal. The microwave sensor 1, 3, 6, 9 is configured to include a substantially vertical transmission path. The microwave emitter 11 is positioned above the conveyor 5, 5', and the microwave receiver 12 is positioned below the conveyor 5, 5'.

[0092] A food thickness measuring device 20 and a food temperature measuring device 30 are also provided within the region of microwave sensors 1, 3, 6, and 9. Both the food thickness measuring device 20 and the food temperature measuring device 30 are configured to measure corresponding characteristics of the food F when the food F is located between the microwave transmitter 11 and the microwave receiver 12.

[0093] The control unit 4 of the food processing line 10 using the microwave sensors 1, 3, 6, 9 is preferably configured to additionally receive the measured thickness of the food F and to additionally control the first oven 2 based on the thickness. Furthermore, the control unit 4 is preferably configured to additionally receive the measured temperature of the food F and to additionally control the first oven 2 based on the temperature.

[0094] Figure 6 The second embodiment of the microwave sensor 1, 3, 6, 9 is shown as one of the above-mentioned embodiments and can be used in a food production line. Figure 5 The first embodiment is similar to the one shown. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to denote elements having the same functions, and reference is made to the description of the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the transmission paths of the microwave sensors 1, 3, 6, and 9 are horizontal. Here, the microwave transmitter 11 and microwave receiver 12 are both arranged above the conveyor 5, 5'. A gap G separates the microwave transmitter 11 and microwave receiver 12, with the conveyor 5, 5' being configured to convey the food F through the gap G.

[0095] If combined Figure 4 As described above, the second embodiment includes: a food (layer) thickness measuring device 20 and a food temperature measuring device 30 , which are configured to measure corresponding characteristics of the food F when the food F is located in the gap G between the microwave transmitter 11 and the microwave receiver 12 .

[0096] List of reference numerals:

[0097] 1 Microwave sensor

[0098] 2 ovens

[0099] 3 Microwave Sensor

[0100] 4Control Unit

[0101] 5. 5' conveying equipment

[0102] 6 Microwave Sensor

[0103] 7Injection equipment

[0104] 8 ovens

[0105] 9 Microwave Sensor

[0106] 10 Food processing production lines

[0107] 11 Microwave transmitter

[0108] 12 microwave receivers

[0109] 20 Food thickness measuring device

[0110] 30 Food temperature measuring device

[0111] F Food

[0112] T transmission direction

Claims

1. A food processing production line (10), comprising: a first oven (2) configured for drying food (F) and preferably additionally for smoking said food (F); as well as At least one microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9) is configured to sense microwave emission data of the food (F), the microwave sensor (1, 3) comprising a microwave transmitter (11) and a microwave receiver (12) spaced apart from the microwave transmitter (11), the microwave receiver (12) being further configured to receive an emission signal emitted by the microwave transmitter (11); as well as A control unit (4) is configured to receive microwave emission data from the microwave sensors (1, 3) and control the first oven (2) based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9).

2. The food processing production line (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that A second oven (8) is configured to smoke the food (F), the second oven (8) being arranged downstream of the first oven (2), wherein the control unit (4) is further configured to control the second oven (8) based on microwave emission data received from microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9).

3. A food processing production line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The control unit (4) is further configured to: - regulating the temperature in the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9); and / or - regulating the humidity in the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9); and / or - regulating the air flow rate in the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9); and / or - regulating the supply of smoke in the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9); and / or - regulating the conveying speed of the food (F) in the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9).

4. A food processing line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that A conveying device (5, 5'), in particular a conveyor, is configured to convey the food product (F) from and / or to the first oven (2) and, if present, the second oven (8).

5. The food processing production line (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The conveying device (5) is further configured to convey the food (F) through a gap (G) between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12) of the microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9).

6. The food processing production line (10) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that: The control unit (4) is further configured to control the conveying device (5).

7. A food processing production line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The microwave sensors (1, 6) are arranged upstream of the first oven (2).

8. The food processing production line (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The microwave sensor (3, 9) is arranged downstream of the first oven (2).

9. The food processing production line (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The food processing production line (10) comprises at least two microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9), wherein a first microwave sensor (1, 6) is arranged upstream of the first oven (2), and a second microwave sensor (3, 9) is arranged downstream of the first oven (2, 8).

10. The food processing production line (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The food processing production line (10) comprises: an injection device (7) configured to inject liquid into the food (F), wherein the injection device (7) is arranged upstream of the first oven (2); and An additional microwave sensor (6), arranged upstream of the injection device (7), Wherein, the control unit (4) is further configured to receive additional microwave emission data from the additional microwave sensor (6).

11. The food processing production line (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The control unit (4) is further configured to control the injection device (7) and / or the first oven (2) and / or the second oven (8) if present, based on additional microwave emission data received from the additional microwave sensor (6).

12. A food processing line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that A food thickness measuring device (20), in particular comprising a laser, is configured to measure the thickness of the food (F), preferably when the food (F) is located between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12).

13. A food processing line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that A food temperature measuring device (30), in particular comprising an IR temperature sensor, is configured to measure the temperature of the food (F), in particular the surface temperature of the food (F), preferably when the food (F) is located between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12).

14. A food processing production line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The control unit (4) is further configured to: - determine the content of specific ingredients in said food (F), in particular the fat content in said food (F), and / or - recording microwave emission data received from said microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9), and / or - recording data received from the food thickness measuring device (20), and / or - Recording the data received from the food temperature measuring device (30).

15. A method for processing food, in particular bacon, in a food processing line (10), the food processing line (10) comprising a first oven (2), at least one microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9) and a control unit (4), wherein using said first oven (2) to dry a food product (F) and preferably additionally using said first oven (2) to smoke said food product (F), The microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9) are used to sense microwave emission data of the food (F), wherein: The microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9) comprises a microwave transmitter (11) and a microwave receiver (12) spaced apart from the microwave transmitter (11), wherein the microwave receiver (12) receives a transmission signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter (11), and Drying the food (F) using the first oven (2) and preferably smoking the food (F) using the first oven (2) are controlled by the control unit (4) receiving microwave emission data from the microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9) based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The food processing production line (10) includes a second oven (8) arranged downstream of the first oven (2), wherein the food (F) is smoked using the second oven (8), and the smoking of the food (F) using the second oven (8) is controlled by the control unit (4) that receives microwave emission data from the microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9) based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9).

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that The control unit (4) - regulating the temperature in the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9); and / or - regulating the humidity in the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9); and / or - regulating the air flow rate in the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2) based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9); and / or - regulating the supply of smoke in the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) based on microwave emission data received from the microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9); and / or - regulating the conveying speed of the food (F) in the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) based on the microwave emission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9).

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that The food (F) is transported from the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) and / or to the first oven and, if present, the second oven (2, 8) by a transport device (5, 5'), in particular a conveyor, of the food processing line (10), preferably wherein the transport device transports the food (F) through a gap (G) between a microwave transmitter (11) and a microwave receiver (12) of the microwave sensor (1, 3, 6, 9).

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that The microwave sensors (1, 6) are arranged upstream of the first oven (2) and sense microwave emission data of the food (F) before the food (F) is dried in the first oven (2).

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that The microwave sensors (1, 9) are arranged downstream of the oven (2) and sense microwave emission data of the food (F) after the food (F) is dried in the oven (2).

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that The food processing production line (10) comprises at least two microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9), wherein a first microwave sensor (1, 6) is arranged upstream of the first oven (2, 8) and senses first microwave emission data of the food (F) before the food (F) is dried in the first oven (2), and wherein a second microwave sensor (3, 9) is arranged downstream of the first oven (2) and senses second microwave emission data of the food (F) after the food (F) is dried in the first oven (2).

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that The food processing production line (10) comprises: an injection device (7) arranged upstream of the first oven (2), wherein liquid is injected into the food (F) using the injection device (7), and an additional microwave sensor (6) arranged upstream of the injection device (7) and sensing additional microwave emission data of the food (F) before the liquid is injected into the food (F); Wherein, the control unit (4) further receives additional microwave emission data from the additional microwave sensor (6).

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The control unit (4) controls the injection of liquid into the food (F) using the injection device (7) and / or the drying of the food (F) using the first oven (2) based on the additional microwave emission data received from the additional microwave sensor (6).

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that A food thickness measuring device (20), in particular comprising a laser, measures the thickness of the food (F), preferably when the food (F) is located between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12).

25. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that A food temperature measuring device (30), in particular comprising an IR temperature sensor, measures the temperature of the food (F), in particular the surface temperature of the food (F), preferably when the food (F) is located between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12).

26. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that The control unit (4) further - determine the content of specific ingredients in said food (F), in particular the fat content in said food (F), and / or - recording microwave emission data received from said microwave sensors (1, 3, 6, 9), and / or - recording data received from the food thickness measuring device (20), and / or - Recording the data received from the food temperature measuring device (30).

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