Method for inspecting a coffee bean roasting system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for inspecting a roasting system (10), said system comprising a roaster (2) and a smoke treatment unit (3), said smoke treatment unit comprising a smoke filter / filtering device (221, 222, 223), a removable smoke collection device (21), a temperature sensor (24) and a smoke driver (23), the method comprising the steps of operating the roaster to produce hot gases, monitoring the temperature of the smoke, observing the behavior of the monitored temperature over time, comparing the observed behavior of the monitored temperature with a predetermined behavior of the temperature corresponding to the presence of a removable smoke collection device (21) inside the smoke treatment unit, and indicating an alarm if the observed behavior deviates from the corresponding predetermined behavior.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for roasting coffee beans in a safe environment. [Background technology]

[0002] Roasting coffee beans is a well-known process. The main steps consist of heating the beans to the desired roast level and then cooling or quenching the heated beans to stop the roast. During heating, smoke is released. This smoke contains not only safe and desirable components, particularly the normal roasted coffee aroma, all together, but also undesirable and less safe volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as pyridine, 2-furanmethanol, caffeine, furfural, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and particulate matter (PM). 2.5 , PM 10 ) is also included.

[0003] When roasting is carried out at a manufacturing site that produces significant quantities of roasted beans, all conditions are generally provided to capture unsafe components.

[0004] However, recently there has been a trend towards small roasters for small batch roasting in stores, restaurants and coffee shops where customers can consume coffee brewed with freshly roasted beans. Roasters not only offer the benefits of freshness and on-site, but also deliver a pleasant roasted coffee aroma into the store or coffee shop.

[0005] However, as mentioned above, harmful compounds are also released. If the roaster is used in a closed environment such as a shop, coffee shop or restaurant, depending on the size of the room and the ventilation of the room, the release of some compounds can be harmful. For people who work in the room for several hours, smelling the smoke from the roaster can lead to health problems.

[0006] Consequently, in such circumstances, it is recommended to stop the emission of smoke from the roaster to avoid health problems for people inside the establishment. Various types of smoke treatment units exist, which consist in destroying the pollutants, such as afterburners or catalytic afterburners that allow thermal oxidation of the pollutants, or in retaining them inside the device, such as mechanical filters (metal sieves or paper filters), activated carbon filters, electrostatic precipitators, or a combination thereof.

[0007] Typically, a connecting device such as a duct is provided to collect the smoke produced at the outlet of the roaster and propel such smoke through the filter device(s) of the smoke treatment unit. This duct is located upstream of the filtering device(s) and requires regular cleaning as oily deposits adhere to its inner walls.

[0008] During cleaning maintenance, this duct is removed, cleaned, and then reinstalled in the smoke treatment unit. However, the operator may forget to reinstall this duct or parts of this duct for various reasons. The duct may be made of several removable parts, and some of these parts may be particularly small. The operator may not be trained. The duct may be covered with an outer panel, preventing the operator from performing a final inspection before operating the system.

[0009] The lack of ducting allows the smoke generated during the first roasting run after maintenance to enter the room unfiltered. Although the risk to the user from the release of a single roast is minimal and the fault is quickly detected due to excessive smoke in the room, this is unacceptable in places such as shops, cafes or restaurants.

[0010] The operator needs to be warned as soon as possible so that he can stop the roasting operation, reinstall the duct and resume operation. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned existing problems.

[0012] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to address the problem of informing an operator that a part, such as a collection duct, of a smoke filter is missing.

[0013] It would be advantageous to provide a way to notify a roast operator that a duct or part of a duct is absent without adding a sensor specific to that duct.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for inspecting a roasting system, said system comprising: a roasting device that generates smoke while heating the coffee beans; a smoke processing unit configured to process the smoke flow generated by the roasting apparatus, the smoke processing unit comprising: at least one smoke filtering device; a removable smoke collection device configured to collect smoke from an outlet of the roasting apparatus; at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature T of the smoke flow inside the smoke treatment unit; a smoke driver configured to propel smoke from the roasting apparatus through the smoke treatment unit; During a roasting operation carried out in the roasting apparatus, the method comprises: operating a roaster to generate hot gases; monitoring the temperature of the smoke during said operation; observing at least one behavior of the monitored temperature over time; comparing the at least one observed behavior of the monitored temperature with a predetermined temperature behavior corresponding to the presence of a removable smoke collection device within the smoke treatment unit; indicating an alarm if at least one observed behavior deviates from a corresponding predetermined behavior; Includes:

[0015] The method relates to roasting coffee beans by a system comprising two devices: first, a roasting device for heating and roasting the beans; and second, a smoke treatment unit configured to treat smoke generated inside the first roasting device during roasting of the coffee beans.

[0016] The two devices may be subparts of one single main system, or the two devices may be considered as separate modules that work together during the roasting process.

[0017] Any type of roaster can be used, in which the coffee beans are heated and preferably mixed to homogenize the heating throughout the beans.

[0018] The heat source can be a burner (meaning combustion) supplied with natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or even wood, or it can be an electrical resistor, ceramic heater, halogen source, infrared source, or microwave source.

[0019] Preferably, the heating source is electrically powered, so that the only air pollutants produced during roasting are those produced from the heating of the coffee beans themselves, and not from the combustion of gases, as occurs when the heating source is a gas burner using natural gas, propane, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or even wood.

[0020] Mixing of the beans during the roasting operation can be obtained using a fluidized bed of hot air or mechanically using stirring blades or a rotating drum.

[0021] Preferably, the roasting apparatus is a hot air fluidized bed chamber in which heated air is forced through a screen or perforated plate below the coffee beans with sufficient force to lift the beans, transferring heat to the beans as they tumble and circulate within the fluidized bed.

[0022] Alternatively, the roasting apparatus may be a drum chamber in which the coffee beans are tumbled in a heated environment. The drum chamber may consist of a drum that rotates along a horizontal axis, or the drum chamber may be equipped with stirring blades to cause the coffee beans to roll around in the heated environment.

[0023] The roasting apparatus includes an outlet through which smoke generated during the roasting operation can be vented.

[0024] The smoke treatment unit treats the smoke to reduce or eliminate the harmful pollutants it contains.

[0025] The smoke treatment unit may comprise at least one filtering device configured to filter particulate matter or PM, volatile organic compounds or VOCs, and / or hydrocarbons.

[0026] Preferably, the smoke treatment unit comprises at least one filtering device from the list of high-efficiency particulate accumulator filters, metal filters, electrostatic precipitators, activated carbon filters, paper filters, cotton filters, cloth filters, etc. Optionally, the smoke treatment unit may comprise additional filtering devices such as wet scrubbers, catalytic converters, and afterburners.

[0027] The filter configured to capture VOCs is preferably an activated carbon filter or a charcoal filter.

[0028] Preferably, the smoke treatment unit may comprise several filters, each with a different capacity to retain particular pollutants.

[0029] The smoke is propelled into the smoke treatment unit and filtering device by a smoke driver configured to circulate the smoke through the smoke treatment unit from the smoke collection device to an outlet of the smoke treatment unit where contaminants have been trapped so that the smoke can be safely released into the room atmosphere.

[0030] The smoke driver is typically a fan that propels the smoke to the outlet.

[0031] Preferably, the fan is located adjacent the outlet of the smoke treatment unit so that it is not contaminated by untreated smoke and its maintenance is easier.

[0032] The smoke treatment unit of the system includes a smoke collection device configured to collect smoke from the roaster outlet and direct the smoke to a filtering device. Typically, the smoke collection device is associated with the smoke outlet of the roaster. The smoke collection device is removable from the smoke treatment unit for maintenance, particularly cleaning. Due to its upstream location within the smoke treatment unit, it is the first part to come into contact with the hot smoke emitted by the roaster and quickly becomes the dirtiest part of the smoke treatment unit.

[0033] The collection device may include an air inlet device configured to mix the smoke generated by the roasting apparatus with ambient air in order to control the temperature of the smoke flowing through the smoke filtering subunit. This temperature control may be necessary if the operating efficiency of some of the filtering devices of the smoke processing unit depends directly on the temperature range, such as for activated carbon filters, which are preferably operated at temperatures below 60°C.

[0034] If the collection device is equipped with an air inlet device, ambient air can be taken directly from the room in which the system is installed.

[0035] Typically, this removable collection device comprises several removable sub-elements which, when assembled, form the collection device. In particular, the collection device may comprise the following sub-elements: an adapter for the roasting equipment, elbow duct(s) and straight duct(s), the air inlet device mentioned above, and adapter(s) for attaching the above parts to each other.

[0036] The smoke treatment unit comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature T inside the smoke treatment unit.

[0037] Preferably, this temperature sensor is positioned downstream of the collection device according to the direction of smoke flow inside the smoke treatment unit.

[0038] The temperature sensor may be any sensor configured to measure temperature. The sensor may be configured to measure only temperature, or the sensor may be a multi-sensor component capable of measuring various other parameters besides temperature, such as humidity, pressure, VOC content, etc. Examples of such sensors are air sensors or gas sensors.

[0039] To check the roasting system, and in particular the presence of connected devices (which are absent by default), the method comprises: operating a roaster to generate hot gases; monitoring the temperature of the smoke during operation; observing at least one behavior of the monitored temperature over time; comparing the at least one observed behavior of the monitored temperature with a predetermined temperature behavior corresponding to the presence of a removable smoke collection device within the smoke treatment unit; indicating an alarm if at least one observed behavior deviates from a corresponding predetermined behavior; Includes:

[0040] It has been observed that when hot smoke from a roasting machine or any other hot gases, in particular hot air, passes through a fully operational smoke processing unit, the temperature inside the smoke processing unit rises rapidly from the start of this operation, whereas if no removable collection device is placed inside the smoke filtering unit, the rate of temperature rise is observed to be much lower at the start of this operation.

[0041] As a result, by observing the behavior of at least one of the monitored temperatures over time and comparing said behavior with a predetermined behavior, it is possible to detect a high risk of the removable collection device being absent and a corresponding alarm is displayed requesting the operator to check for the presence of a collection device inside the smoke treatment unit.

[0042] The behavior of the monitored temperature over time means a parameter that is directly linked to the temperature or a function of the monitored temperature.

[0043] The step of operating the roaster to generate hot gases may be a coffee bean roasting operation, a roaster pre-heating operation, or an inspection operation after a maintenance operation of the smoke treatment unit.

[0044] In any operation, operating the heating means of the roasting apparatus generates hot gases. If coffee beans are in the chamber, the hot gases become smoke produced by the heating of the beans. If there are no coffee beans in the chamber, the hot gases become hot air. This can occur during a pre-heating operation of the roasting system or during a maintenance operation, for example an inspection operation of the roasting system after a cleaning operation of the smoke collecting device.

[0045] Preheating is a heating operation performed without beans in the roaster and designed to bring the roaster to its optimum operating temperature before roasting the beans begins.

[0046] Typically, when the method is applied during the operation of a coffee bean roasting operation, the roasting operation is the first operation after a maintenance operation of the removable smoke collecting device.

[0047] Indeed, it is important to know from the first operation carried out after a cleaning or maintenance operation of the smoke treatment unit that at least part of the smoke collection device is absent.

[0048] Additionally, the method is more efficient if the smoke processing unit is at ambient temperature at the start of the temperature monitoring step: the operator can immediately know that a part of the smoke collection device is missing and can be prevented from starting a new roasting operation without inspecting and, if necessary, reinstalling the smoke collection device in the smoke filtering unit.

[0049] The observed behavior of the monitored temperature may be of different types.

[0050] In one simplest aspect of the method, The observed behavior of the monitored temperature is the temperature over time, comparing the monitored temperature at at least one time t0 to a predetermined temperature T0 associated with that time t0; If the temperature T at time t0 is below a predetermined temperature T0, an alarm is displayed.

[0051] In another preferred mode, The observed behavior of the monitored temperature is the rate of increase of the monitored temperature.

[0052]

number

[0053] Generally, compared to a simple temperature difference, the rate of rise offers the advantage of being less affected by environmental conditions, by the roast profile applied to the coffee beans during the roasting operation, or even by the fact that the filtering device has already been heated by several previous roasting operations.

[0054] Another advantage is that by analyzing the rate of rise, the absence of a filtering device can be detected earlier, allowing the roasting operation to be stopped immediately before VOC and PM peaks appear.

[0055] If the step of operating a roaster to generate hot gases is a coffee bean roasting operation, the rate of rise is preferably calculated at a time before the peak of VOC and PM emissions of the beans occurs, which may vary depending on the type of beans roasted in the roaster, such as green beans or partially pre-roasted beans, which are beans obtained by heating green coffee beans and stopping the heating process before the end of the first crack.

[0056] The difference in the rate of temperature rise between the presence and absence of the collection device is particularly highlighted during the week before the peak emission occurs.

[0057] Advantageously, the roast can also be stopped and restarted after installing the missing collection device.

[0058] Typically, the predetermined temperature T0 associated with time t0 and the predetermined rate of rise R0 to which the temperature at time t0 or rate of rise R at t0 is compared are set based on experimental data, which are typically linked to the type of smoke filtering unit, the design of the collection device, e.g. the internal path of the smoke in the collection device up to the temperature sensor, the material from which the smoke filtering unit is made, the location of the temperature sensor, in particular the presence of a filtering device upstream of this temperature sensor whose temperature is monitored, etc.

[0059] In one embodiment, the system comprises: a number of smoke treatment units, each configured to direct and treat at least a portion of the smoke through a dedicated path; an inlet duct device for guiding smoke emitted by the at least one roasting apparatus to at least one of the smoke processing units; Equipped with.

[0060] In this embodiment, the system comprises several smoke processing units capable of processing smoke from at least one roaster. Each smoke processing unit defines a specific path for the smoke, defined by a duct means, and includes a specific collection device. One temperature sensor per smoke processing unit can be used to provide information about each collection device.

[0061] In another embodiment, the system comprises: Equipped with several roasting devices, a smoke processing unit configured to process the smoke flow generated by the roasting apparatus; The smoke processing unit comprises several removable smoke collection devices, each of which is configured to collect smoke from the outlet of a respective one of the roasting apparatuses.

[0062] In one embodiment, the method preferably comprises: obtaining information about the number of roasters in operation; obtaining a predetermined temperature behavior corresponding to the presence of all removable smoke collection devices between the obtained number of operated roasters and the smoke processing unit; comparing the observed behavior of the monitored temperature with a predetermined obtained behavior of the temperature corresponding to the presence of all removable smoke collection devices; Includes:

[0063] In a second aspect, there is provided a system for roasting coffee beans, the system comprising: A roasting device, a smoke treatment unit configured to treat smoke produced by the roasting apparatus, said smoke treatment unit comprising: a removable smoke collection device configured to collect smoke from an outlet of the roasting apparatus; a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature T of the smoke flow inside the smoke treatment unit; a smoke driver configured to propel smoke from the roasting apparatus through the smoke treatment unit; a control system operable to carry out the method described above; Equipped with.

[0064] Preferably, the roasting machine may be equipped with a display unit to display alarms such as a request to check for the presence of a collection device. The display may be visual and / or audible.

[0065] Preferably, the smoke treatment unit can include at least one other filtering device other than the activated carbon filter. This other filtering device can be included in the following list: high-efficiency particle accumulation filter, metal filter, electrostatic precipitator, paper filter, cotton, cloth. Optionally, the smoke treatment unit can include additional filtering devices such as a wet scrubber, a catalytic converter, an afterburner.

[0066] Preferably, the smoke filtering subunit comprises, in succession according to the direction of smoke flow inside the smoke treatment unit, at least one filter for removing particulate matter, then an electrostatic precipitator, then an activated carbon filter, which sequence prevents the activated carbon filter from being blocked by particulate matter.

[0067] The smoke is propelled into the smoke treatment unit and different filters by a smoke driver configured to circulate the smoke through the smoke treatment unit from an inlet to an outlet of the smoke treatment unit where the smoke and pollutants are trapped so that the treated stream can be safely released into the room atmosphere.

[0068] The smoke driver is typically a fan that propels the smoke to the outlet.

[0069] Preferably, the fan is located adjacent the outlet of the smoke treatment unit so that it is not contaminated by untreated smoke and its maintenance is easier.

[0070] According to one preferred embodiment, the smoke filtering sub-unit is adapted to at least continuously: Metal mesh, then an electrostatic precipitator, then Activated carbon filter according to the movement of the smoke flow inside the smoke treatment unit.

[0071] Preferably, in this embodiment, the activated carbon filter is physically located above the electrostatic precipitator, so that the smoke is directed upwards through the successive devices.

[0072] Depending on the integration of the roasting apparatus with the smoke processing unit, the control system may be shared between both apparatuses and method steps may be shared between at least the processing units of these two apparatuses.

[0073] In one embodiment, the method can be performed by a processing unit of the roasting apparatus and a processing unit of the smoke treatment unit, both processing units being in communication with each other. In particular: The processing unit of the smoke processing unit is monitoring the temperature; observing the behavior of the monitored temperature and comparing it to a predetermined behavior; commanding the roaster to display an alarm, if necessary; You can run The processing unit of the roaster is operating a roaster to generate hot gases; displaying a cleaning alarm; can be executed.

[0074] In another embodiment, The processing unit of the smoke processing unit is monitoring the temperature; communicating the monitored temperature values ​​to a roasting device; You can run The processing unit of the roaster is operating a roaster to generate hot gases; observing the behavior of the monitored temperature and comparing it to a predetermined behavior; If necessary, displaying a cleaning alarm; can be executed.

[0075] In another embodiment, the processing unit of the smoke processing unit may perform all steps except for operating the roaster to generate hot gases after receiving information from the roaster that said operations have commenced.

[0076] Preferably, the roasting machine can be equipped with a display unit to display the alarm.

[0077] Alternatively, the smoke treatment unit may be equipped with a device for indicating an alarm, such as an illuminated button and / or a sound and / or voice message.

[0078] In another alternative, the control system may be configured to display an alarm on a mobile device in communication with the system.

[0079] In a third aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions to cause the system described above to carry out a method as described above.

[0080] In one embodiment, the computer program can be executed by a processing unit of the roasting device and a processing unit of the smoke processing unit, both processing units being in communication with each other. In particular: The processing unit of the smoke processing unit is monitoring the temperature; observing the behavior of the monitored temperature and comparing it to a predetermined behavior; commanding the roaster to display an alarm, if necessary; You can run The processing unit of the roaster is operating a roaster to generate hot gases; displaying a cleaning alarm; can be executed.

[0081] In another embodiment, The processing unit of the smoke processing unit is monitoring the temperature; communicating the monitored temperature values ​​to a roasting device; You can run The processing unit of the roaster is operating a roaster to generate hot gases; observing the behavior of the monitored temperature and comparing it to a predetermined behavior; If necessary, displaying a cleaning alarm; can be executed.

[0082] In another embodiment, the processing unit of the smoke processing unit may perform all steps except for operating the roaster to generate hot gases after receiving information from the roaster that said operation has commenced.

[0083] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing the above computer program.

[0084] In this application, the term "some" means at least two.

[0085] The above-described aspects of the invention may be combined in any suitable combination. Moreover, various features herein may be combined with one or more of the above-described aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically shown and described. Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, detailed description, and accompanying drawings.

[0086] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0087] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a system according to the present invention showing the path of smoke through the system. [Figure 2A] 1 is a diagram of a system according to the present invention showing the path of smoke through the system. [Figure 2B] 1 is a diagram of a system according to the present invention showing the path of smoke through the system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the system according to FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 1 shows the evolution of the rate of temperature rise with and without the collection device. [Figure 5] 1 shows a system of one roaster and several smoke treatment units according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0088] Roasting system Figure 1 shows an exemplary diagram of a system of a roaster 1 and a smoke treatment unit 2. Functionally, the roaster is operable to roast coffee beans and the smoke treatment unit is operable to treat smoke generated during roasting by the roaster.

[0089] Roasting equipment The roasting apparatus 1 is operable to receive coffee beans within the roasting chamber 12 for roasting.

[0090] Preferably, the roasting apparatus 1 comprises a roasting chamber 12 into which a hot air current is introduced to agitate and heat the beans. The hot air current is usually generated by an air flow driver and a heater. These devices are located below the roasting chamber and introduce the hot air current through the bottom of the chamber. In the illustrated illustration, the bottom of the chamber is configured to allow air to pass through, and in particular may be a perforated plate on which the beans are placed and through which air can flow upwards.

[0091] The airflow driver is operable to generate an airflow upward toward the bottom of the container. The generated airflow is configured to heat, agitate, and lift the beans, resulting in uniform heating of the beans. Specifically, the airflow driver may be a fan powered by a motor. An air inlet may be provided inside the base of the housing to supply air to the interior of the housing, and the airflow driver blows this air toward the chamber 12.

[0092] The heater is operable to heat the airflow generated by the airflow driver. Preferably, the heater is an electrical resistor positioned between the fan and the perforated plate so that the airflow is heated before entering the chamber 12 to heat and lift the beans.

[0093] The heater and / or fan are operable to apply a roast profile to the beans, the roast profile being defined as a curve of temperature against time.

[0094] Preferably, the roasting device comprises a user interface 13 that allows: inputting information about the roast, in particular the amount of beans introduced into the roasting chamber and the desired roast level; Output of information about the roasting process (state, temperature, time) Preferably, output of information regarding the smoke treatment unit 2, in particular regarding the cleaning of the different electrostatic precipitators 222; This makes it possible.

[0095] Roasting the beans produces smoke that is propelled into the top opening 121 of the roasting chamber by the air flow generated by the air flow driver, as shown by arrow S1 in FIG.

[0096] Generally, the chaff collector is in flow communication with the top opening 121 of the chamber and catches the chaff that gradually separates from the beans during roasting and is blown into the chaff collector due to its light density.

[0097] The remaining smoke is discharged through a smoke outlet 11 at the top of the roaster.

[0098] Smoke Treatment Unit The smoke treatment unit 2 is operable to receive and treat the smoke S1 emitted at the smoke outlet 11 of the roasting apparatus.

[0099] Firstly, the smoke processing unit 2 comprises a smoke collection device 21 adapted to collect smoke. This smoke collection device 21 or collection device forms an internal void space or duct that guides the smoke (dotted lines S1, S2, S3) from the outlet 11 of the roasting apparatus towards the filtering device of the smoke filtering sub-unit 22.

[0100] In the specifically illustrated embodiment, the smoke filtering subunit 22 comprises: a device 223 adapted to filter large particulate matter such as PM10, for example a metal mesh and associated diffuser, which is typically a metal grid placed before (i.e., upstream of) the mesh; an electrostatic precipitator 222 adapted to filter small particulate matter; an activated carbon filter 221 adapted to remove VOCs from smoke; may include:

[0101] Preferably, the device for removing particulate matter is located upstream of the activated carbon filter, this upstream location ensuring that particulate matter does not contaminate the activated carbon filter.

[0102] The electrostatic precipitator is physically located below the activated carbon filter to prevent particles from falling from the electrostatic precipitator onto the activated carbon filter when the electrostatic precipitator is switched off.

[0103] The smoke filtering subunit 22 comprises a smoke driver 23, typically a fan, for drawing the polluted smoke from the inlet 211 of the collection device through the smoke filtering subunit 22 where it is treated and to the outlet 25 of the smoke filtering subunit 22 where it is safely discharged into the ambient atmosphere.

[0104] The smoke filtering subunit 22 is positioned immediately upstream of the activated carbon filter and includes a temperature sensor 24 configured to measure the temperature of the smoke.

[0105] Figure 2A shows more precisely the different subparts 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216 of the collection device of Figure 1. When assembled, all these subparts design the path of the smoke from the outlet 11 of the chamber of the roasting apparatus to the filtering devices 221, 222, 223 of the smoke processing unit. These parts can be disassembled for cleaning and maintenance.

[0106] The collection device comprises different subparts with different designs and functions, including: an air inlet device 211, which is a device that allows connection to the chamber outlet 11 and has a side opening for introducing air to mix with the roaster smoke; two elbow ducts 212, 214 and a straight duct 213; a connection element 215 with a final duct 216 (dotted line); Includes:

[0107] This final duct is hidden behind the side panel of the smoke treatment unit and is not visible when the panel is in place.

[0108] Following disassembly and subsequent reassembly of the collection device, some parts may be missing, such as the smallest connecting elements 211, 215, or hidden ones such as the final duct 216.

[0109] Figure 2B shows an alternative embodiment of the roasting system of Figures 1 and 2A, in which the roasting apparatus is located above the counter and the smoke treatment unit is located below the counter. In this configuration, the small connection device 215 is also hidden below the counter, and the operator may forget to reassemble this part of the collection device.

[0110] Control system for roaster and smoke treatment unit system The control system 3 will now be discussed with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3. The control system 3 is operable to control the smoke filtering unit 2.

[0111] Depending on the level of integration between the roasting device 1 and the smoke filtering unit 2, the control system can be shared between the processing units of these two devices, If the smoke processing unit 2 is part of a roaster 1, the processing unit of the roaster is typically the master and the processing unit of the filter is the slave; If the roasting apparatus 1 and the smoke treatment unit 2 form two different apparatuses, each with its own processing unit, these processing units may be configured to communicate in order to carry out the method.

[0112] FIG. 3 shows a control system for the smoke filtering unit 2 of FIG.

[0113] The control system 3 typically comprises, at the second level of the smoke filtering unit 2 , a processing unit 30 , a power supply 33 and a memory unit 31 .

[0114] The processing unit 30 is configured to output feedback to the roasting apparatus user interface 13, in particular to display an alarm related to the detection of the absence of a smoke collection device. In an alternative configuration, some processing units 2 may be provided with their own user interface to display this information, for example an illuminated button that can light up depending on the presence or absence of a smoke collection device.

[0115] Processing unit 30 also includes: Reinstallation instructions, Reset alarm conditions, Information about the above may be displayed on the user interface 13.

[0116] The user interface hardware may include any suitable device or devices, for example, the hardware may include one or more of the following: a joystick button, a button such as a knob or push button, a joystick, an LED, a graphic or text LCD, a graphic screen with touch-sensitive buttons and / or screen edge buttons. The user interface 20 may be formed as a single unit or as multiple separate units.

[0117] Portions of the user interface may also be on a mobile app if the device is equipped with a communications interface, as described below, in which case at least some of the inputs and outputs may be transmitted to the mobile device through communications interface 32.

[0118] The processing unit 30 generally comprises memory and input / output system components, typically configured as an integrated circuit such as a microprocessor or microcontroller. The processing unit 30 may include other suitable integrated circuits, such as, for example, an ASIC, a programmable logic device such as a PAL, CPLD, FPGA, or PSoC, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), an analog integrated circuit such as a controller, etc. With respect to such devices, the aforementioned program code may be considered, where appropriate, as programmed logic or as additionally including programmed logic. The processing unit 30 may also comprise one or more of the aforementioned integrated circuits. An example of the latter would be several integrated circuits arranged to communicate with each other in a modular manner, such as, for example, a roasting device. 1 a slave integrated circuit for controlling the smoke processing unit 2 in communication with the master integrated circuit for controlling the roasting device; 1 The slave integrated circuit controls the user interface 13 by communicating with the master integrated circuit for controlling the user interface 13 .

[0119] The power supply 33 is operable to supply electrical energy to the controlled components and the processing unit 30. The power supply 33 may include various means such as a battery or a unit for receiving and regulating the mains power supply.

[0120] The processing unit 30 generally comprises a memory unit 31 for storing instructions as program code and, optionally, data. To this end, the memory unit typically comprises a non-volatile memory, such as, for example, an EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash, for storing program code as instructions and operating parameters, and a volatile memory (RAM) for temporarily storing data. The memory unit may comprise a separate and / or integrated memory (e.g., on a semiconductor die). For programmable logic devices, the instructions may be stored as programmed logic.

[0121] The instructions stored in the memory unit 31 may be idealized as including a program that determines the presence, and particularly the cleaning status requirements, of activated carbon filters in the smoke treatment units of the system.

[0122] The processing unit 30 is configured to output the value of the temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 24 .

[0123] The control system 3 is Operate the roaster to generate hot gases; During the above operation, the temperature of the smoke is monitored. observing at least one behavior of the monitored temperature over time; comparing the at least one observed behavior of the monitored temperature with a predetermined temperature behavior corresponding to the presence of a removable smoke collection device within the smoke treatment unit; displaying an alarm if at least one observed behavior deviates from a corresponding predetermined behavior; It can operate as follows.

[0124] Preferably, the control system 3 comprises: The rate of rise of the monitored temperature at at least one time t0

[0125]

number

[0126] Figure 4 shows the rate of increase of the temperature measured by the sensor 24 during the first roasting operation carried out after a maintenance operation on the collection device 21 of the roasting apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2A. The start of the roasting operation begins at t=0.

[0127] In curve A, the temperature was measured with the collection device 21 properly reinstalled inside the smoke treatment unit, while in curve B, the temperature was measured with the subpart 221 of the collection device 21 missing.

[0128] At t0=5 minutes, curve A shows a rise rate of 0.040°C / sec, and it can be observed that the temperature rises at the temperature sensor 24 located inside the smoke processing unit as soon as the roasting operation starts.

[0129] Conversely, at t0=5 minutes, the rate of increase for curve B remains zero.

[0130] Therefore, by setting a predetermined rate of rise R0 to 0.020°C / s, the absence of part of the collection device can be detected by measuring the rate of rise of the temperature inside the smoke treatment unit, and if the rate of rise is similar to curve b, an alarm will be issued requesting inspection of the collection device.

[0131] This threshold may be predetermined through experimentation and, as mentioned above, this predetermined threshold may be stored in memory 31 of the control system.

[0132] This threshold update can be applied if the configuration of the collection device 21 in the roasting system changes, for example the threshold will be different when having the collection device 21 of the roasting apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2B.

[0133] Settings linked to a configuration can be changed through manual input via a user interface (either on the system or on the mobile device) or through a remote server and communication interface 32 .

[0134] Figure 5 shows several smoke treatment units. 2Such a configuration can be adapted to handle large volumes of smoke, for example from a continuous roasting operation. The smoke outlet of the roasting device is connected to a smoke handling unit. 2 1. The smoke can be sent to one of the three smoke treatment units while the other units are undergoing maintenance or cleaning. In each smoke treatment unit, a corresponding temperature sensor 24 is connected to the smoke treatment unit in a manner similar to that of FIG. 2 This allows the detection of the absence of a corresponding collection device at the entrance of the device.

[0135] One advantage of this method is that it can be performed using temperature sensors that are not specifically dedicated to performing this method. Temperature sensors located inside the smoke treatment unit for other process control purposes can additionally be used to provide information about the presence of essential parts of the smoke treatment unit after maintenance operations. Rather than adding a sensor dedicated to detecting the presence of the collection device, existing temperature sensors can be used to detect a reinstallation error, such as a sensor that establishes contact with the device (such as a switch contact), an optical sensor, a sensor that can read the magnetic field of a magnetic element of the device, an RFID device that can read the RFID tag of the device, etc.

[0136] While the invention has been described with reference to the above-described exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the invention as claimed is in no way limited to these exemplary embodiments.

[0137] Variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist for specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred to herein.

[0138] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and similar terms should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to." [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1. Roasting equipment 11 Smoke outlet 12 Roasting Chamber 121 Upper exit 13 User Interface 2 Smoke Processing Unit 21 Smoke collection device 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216 subparts 22 Smoke filtering subunit 221 Activated carbon filter 222 Electrostatic Precipitator 223 PM filter 23 Smoke Driver 25 Exit 24 Temperature Sensor 3. Control System 30 Processing Unit 31 Memory Unit 33 Power supply 10 Systems

Claims

1. A method for inspecting a roasting system (10), said system comprising: a roasting device (1) that generates smoke during heating of coffee beans; a smoke processing unit (2) configured to process the smoke flow generated by the roasting device, the smoke processing unit comprising: at least one smoke filtering device (221, 222, 223); a removable smoke collection device (21) configured to collect smoke from the outlet (11) of the roasting apparatus; at least one temperature sensor (24) configured to measure the temperature T of the smoke flow inside the smoke treatment unit (2); a smoke driver (23) configured to propel smoke from the roasting apparatus (1) through the smoke processing unit; During a roasting operation performed in the roasting device, the method comprises: operating the roaster to produce hot gases; monitoring the temperature of the smoke during said operation; observing at least one behavior of the monitored temperature over time; comparing the at least one observed behavior of the monitored temperature with a predetermined temperature behavior corresponding to the presence of the removable smoke collection device (21) inside the smoke processing unit; indicating an alarm if the at least one observed behavior deviates from the corresponding predetermined behavior; A method comprising:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of operating the roaster to generate hot gases is a coffee bean roasting operation, a preheating operation of the roaster, or an inspection operation after a maintenance operation of the smoke treatment unit.

3. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the roasting operation carried out in the roasting apparatus is the first operation after a maintenance operation of the removable smoke collecting device (21).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the temperature sensor (24) is arranged downstream of the collection device according to the direction of smoke flow inside the smoke processing unit.

5. the observed behavior of the monitored temperature is temperature over time; At least one time t ０ The temperature monitored at time t ０ A predetermined temperature T associated with ０ Compared to Time t ０ The temperature T at ０ If the temperature is below 100°C, the alarm is displayed. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The observed behavior of the monitored temperature may be a rate of increase of the monitored temperature. [Equation 1] and The rate of rise R of the monitored temperature is ０ is calculated at time t ０ A predetermined rate of increase R associated with ０ Compared to Time t ０ The calculated increase rate R in ０ If the temperature is below 100°C, the alarm is displayed. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The time t for calculating the rate of rise ０ The method according to claim 6, wherein is set before the first crack of the beans occurs.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the removable smoke collection device (21) of the smoke treatment unit comprises several removable sub-elements which, when assembled, form the smoke collection device.

9. The system comprises: a number of smoke treatment units (2), each configured to direct and treat at least a portion of the smoke through a dedicated path; an inlet duct device for guiding smoke emitted by the roasting apparatus to at least one of the smoke processing units; The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising:

10. The system comprises: A roasting apparatus (1) is provided, the smoke processing unit (2) is configured to process the smoke flow generated by the roasting device; the smoke processing unit comprises several removable smoke collection devices (21), each of which is configured to collect smoke from the outlet (11) of a respective one of the roasting devices; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. The method comprises: obtaining information about the number of roasters in operation; obtaining the predetermined temperature behavior corresponding to the presence of all of the removable smoke collecting devices (21) between the obtained number of operating roasters and the smoke processing unit; comparing the observed behavior of the monitored temperatures with the obtained predetermined behavior of the temperatures corresponding to the presence of all of the removable smoke collection devices (21); The method of claim 10, comprising:

12. A system (10) for roasting coffee beans, said system comprising: A roasting device (1), a smoke treatment unit (2) configured to treat the smoke produced by the roasting device, the smoke processing unit comprises a removable smoke collection device (21) configured to collect smoke from the outlet (11) of the roasting apparatus; a temperature sensor (24) configured to measure the temperature T of the smoke flow inside the smoke treatment unit (2); a smoke driver (23) configured to propel smoke from the roasting apparatus (1) through the smoke processing unit; A control system (3) operable to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11; A system (10) comprising:

13. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a system according to claim 12 to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. 14. The computer program of claim 13, wherein the computer program is executed by a processing unit of the roasting apparatus and a processing unit of the smoke treatment unit, both processing units communicating with each other.

15. A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 13.

Images