BAG PROTECTION AND SECURING SYSTEM FOR BULK HPP EQUIPMENT AND ASSOCIATED PROCEDURE

Abstract

Bag protection and securing system for high-pressure bulk processing equipment characterized in that it comprises: - at least one tube (10) provided with holes (10a), - caps (11a and 11b) for evacuation and connection of the ends of the tube or tubes (10), the tube or tubes being anchored to said caps; - bag protection means (13) adapted to lengthen the exit path of the processed product once the depressurization of the equipment 10 occurs and a connector (14) from the bag protection means (13) to the cap on the side where the product exits in the bag (11a).

Description

BAG PROTECTION AND SECURING SYSTEM FOR BULK HPP EQUIPMENT AND ASSOCIATED PROCEDURE FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention belongs to the field of apparatus and procedures for high-pressure processing of substances known as "pumpable", in particular, but not limited to, fluids such as beverages, cosmetics, etc. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION High Pressure Processing (HPP) is a technology that uses pressures above 4,000 bar to reduce the microbial load of a product without altering its characteristics. The HPP systems used for treating liquids or other substances with high pressure are based on processing the product already in flexible packaging, such as bottles. The classic method of high-pressure processing is carried out in batches of packaged products, meaning it is a discrete, not continuous, process. Initially, the products in their final flexible packaging are loaded into rigid plastic containers, which are then placed inside a steel vessel. This vessel is subsequently filled with a pressurizing fluid, usually water, leaving unfilled spaces between the containers. Once the vessel is full, it is completely sealed, and high-pressure water is pumped through one or more high-pressure intensifiers until 4,000–6,000 bar is reached. This pressure is maintained for a period that can vary from a few seconds to several minutes.The pressure reached and the time it is maintained are the main parameters of the process and are defined in each case according to the product being processed (commonly referred to as the "recipe"). For example, in the case of a beverage, the technology is used for its effect of inactivating microorganisms, and the recipe is defined according to the desired level of microorganism inactivation. Finally, the pressure is released, the containers are removed from the vessel, and the processed product is extracted. The product has been sanitized, meaning its microbial load has been reduced. In an HPP process, pressure is transmitted to the product through the pressurizing fluid, ensuring that the pressure is applied equally and instantaneously to all points of the product. Since the product is processed already packaged, the vessel fill rate (the ratio between the volume of product to be processed and the vessel's usable volume) is low, between 40% and 60%, depending on the container geometry and vessel diameter. The main advantage of batch processing is the absence of subsequent product contamination, as the product is in its final packaging from the start. Conversely, the main disadvantage is that the low fill rate achieved limits the productivity of traditional high-pressure processing equipment.Other disadvantages of the batch process are the need to use flexible containers that can withstand the effects of high pressures, making it impossible to use materials such as glass, and having to handle them for loading and unloading the HPP machine. Therefore, the need arises to find an alternative to the current processing method that increases the filling coefficient of the vessel and avoids the restrictions of this type of container, ensuring that no contamination occurs after the product is processed, the latter being the most difficult to achieve. Over time, different solutions have been proposed, one of which consists of processing liquids inside a flexible bag or membrane located inside the vessel and occupying as much usable space as possible. To distinguish it from the HPP processing of pre-packaged products, the process using a bag or membrane is called bulk HPP. For simplicity, we will refer to the bag or membrane simply as a bag. Examples of bulk HPP processing systems are those described in documents US5993172A or US6305913B1, which show different systems for bulk HPP processing of pumpable substances. One of the challenges of a bulk HPP system is to ensure that the pressurization fluid (usually water) and the pumpable substance cannot mix. qq i znn / 1 znz / E / YiAi To do this, two things must be ensured: that the bag connection is completely watertight and that the bag itself does not suffer a rupture. With reference to Figure 1, the operating sequence of a bulk HPP unit consists of the following stages: 1. Filling bag 2 with the pumpable substance through valve 5 and plug 3a. To vent the air inside vessel 1, open the discharge valves 6a and 6b and let the air escape through ducts 8a and 8b. Alternatively, venting could be done through a valve located in either of the two plugs. Filling could also be carried out through a valve 5 located in the opposite plug, as shown in Figure 5. 2. Pressurization of vessel 1 by pumping high-pressure water through conduits 7a and 7b. The pressurized water remains inside vessel 1 and outside of bag 2. 3. Maintaining pressure within vessel 1 for a time predetermined by the operator when selecting the recipe. 4. Depressurization. The pressure is released by releasing the water from inside the chamber to the outside through the discharge valves 6a and 6b and the conduits 8a and 8b. 5. Emptying the bag, preferably aseptically and through the same filling valve 5 or another valve that could be enabled in either of the caps 3a or 3b, but always in the cap to which the protective means 13 are connected. The filling stage can present problems for the integrity of the bag, since if the amount of liters introduced is not carefully controlled, the bag can rupture due to the pumping pressure itself. However, ruptures can also occur during the chamber depressurization stage. During this stage, the pressurized water, which can reach 6,000 bar, is released instantaneously by opening the discharge valves 6a and 6b. For the pressure to equalize with atmospheric pressure, the same amount of water must be released as was introduced during the pumping stage.Since liquids tend to move from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure, and since both the water and the pumpable substance qq i znn / 1 ζηζ / E / γίΛΐ are at the same pressure, both fluids tend to flow out when valves 6a and 6b are opened, so that the pumpable substance, in its attempt to move out of the vessel, drags the bag along the discharge path until it bursts. Furthermore, the pressurization water may not be distributed evenly on both sides of the vessel due to multiple reasons, such as having more pumps connected to one side than the other, or during discharge, the valves not opening at exactly the same time, causing more water to come out on one side. The problem with this asymmetrical water distribution in the vessel is that, during depressurization, since there is less fluid on one side, the bag will tend to be drawn down the discharge pipe on that side. Furthermore, pools of water may form in the central area of ​​vessel 1, the contents of which will not have an outlet to the discharge valves during depressurization. As previously mentioned, if all the pressurization water does not drain from the vessel, the pumpable substance will tend to escape, rupturing the bag. Another stage where the bag can suffer suction damage is during the emptying stage, as it can be pulled towards the outlet path of valve 5. In addition to tears, this phenomenon can cause the product discharge path to become clogged, thus preventing the bag from being emptied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a system and a procedure that prevents differences in the distribution of the pressurization fluid inside the vessel, the possible formation of pools of water away from the discharge areas, and overpressures generated during the filling and emptying stages of the high-pressure vessel of an HPP equipment from causing a problem for the integrity of the bag or hindering the discharge of the product. To this end, the system of the present invention provides a bag protection and securing system for high-pressure bulk processing equipment qq i znn / 1 znz / E / YiAi, comprising at least one perforated tube, evacuation caps, and end connections for the tube(s). If there are two or more tubes, they are anchored to the caps in optionally symmetrical positions with respect to the caps' central axis. The system also includes bag protection elements adapted to lengthen and thus facilitate the exit path of the processed product once the equipment is depressurized, and a connector for the bag protection elements to the cap on the side where the product exits the bag. Advantageously, the perforations in the tube(s) are oriented towards the inner face of the vessel. The protection elements are preferably spiral, mesh, ribbon, or cylindrical with holes and extend inside the bag by at least 3L of its length.The pipe or pipes have a circular, oval, or square cross-section. The holes in the pipe or pipes preferably have a diameter between 2 mm and 10 mm. The drain and connection caps are optionally provided with channels for the pressurization fluid outlet, and the pipe or pipes are equipped with a telescopic section. The invention further comprises a high-pressure processing equipment comprising the system of the invention and a procedure for its use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES To aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention and to complement this description, the following figures are included as an integral part thereof, the nature of which is illustrative and not limiting: Figure 1 shows a schematic of a possible bulk HPP system according to the state of the art. Figure 2 is a schematic of the HPP system incorporating the invention. Figure 3 shows details of the bag protection and fastening system according to the invention. Figure 4 shows the lid on the side where the product is inserted according to the invention. Figure 5 shows an implementation with a filling valve on the opposite side from the emptying valve, in which the bag is connected to the 2 plugs, one qq i znn / 1 znz / E / YiAi for filling and the other for emptying DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the bag protection and securing system consists of perforated tubes 10 extending along the inside of the vessel 1 (although three are shown in the figures, there could be anywhere from a single tube to twenty) and drain and connection caps for the ends of the tube(s) 11a and 11b. It is also equipped with bag protection devices 13 designed to facilitate the exit of the processed product. By facilitating the exit of the treated product, the pressure on the bag is reduced. These devices are any elongated means that present an increased surface area over which the treated product is distributed and are shaped like a spiral, mesh, ribbon, or cylinder with holes. The protection devices extend inside the bag and comprise at least % of its length. The devices 13 are attached to the connector 14 of the cap 3a via a support 12. The product can pass through the connector 14.The means 13 are preferably made of stainless steel, which gives them sufficient rigidity to prevent collapse during product emptying due to external pressure on the bag and makes them resistant to corrosion from various products. The support 12 is provided with holes. The means 13 and the support 12 protect the integrity of the bag during product emptying and prevent the bag from being sucked into the outlet circuit. They do this by lengthening the product outlet path and preventing the suction from concentrating rapidly on a narrow point at the bag's outlet, instead spreading it over a larger surface area. In this way, if the bag collapses, it does so over the protective means and not over a small area. The drain and end caps 11a and 11b, which connect the tube(s), are made of stainless steel to withstand the stresses generated during high-pressure discharge and to resist corrosion from the pressurizing fluid. They ensure continuity in the fluid's outlet path and eliminate the risk of the bag being sucked in at any point. The fluid path is connected via these caps, which are provided with channels 16. QQI znn / 1 7P7 / B / YILI discharge 8a, 8b with the pipe or pipes 10. The connection of the pipe or pipes 10 with the evacuation and connection caps 11 a and 11 b is made by mechanical means, preferably a quick-connect fitting to facilitate operation. Each of the pipes 10 is manually inserted into the housings of the anchor points 15 (figure 4) in both caps and is mechanically locked. The cover 11a, through which the product enters, is provided with a housing for connector 14. The opposite cover 11b is provided with channels 16 but not with the housing for the connector if the product enters and exits through the same valve. Otherwise (see Figure 5), cover 11b will be provided with a connector for the product inlet. The protection and lashing system as a whole provides the following advantages: i. Provide a path for the proper evacuation of air contained in the vessel during bag filling. ii. To provide a rapid evacuation path for pressurization water during discharges, thus protecting against suction and subsequent perforation of the bag. iii. To serve as an anchor point for the treatment bag during successive cycles, preventing displacement or twisting that could occur during the different process phases. The perforated tube(s) 10 have a cross-section preferably without edges that could mark or damage the bag when it is full. They can be circular, square, elliptical, or other shapes. The number of tubes is variable, preferably three, and their dimensions are, preferably but not necessarily, between 20 and 40 mm in diameter. The length of this tube(s) corresponds to the distance between the machine's caps. At least one end of the tube has a telescopic section that allows it to be connected to the caps when they are outside the vessel, during the bag assembly phase, since the distance between caps will be reduced in the stage prior to subsequent pressurization. The tube(s) have inlet / outlet holes 10a. Their diameter is preferably between 2 and 10 mm. The holes can also be slotted or of different diameters.They are arranged along the entire length of the tube, oriented towards the inner face of the vessel 1 so that the bag 2, located in the interior space defined by the tubes 10, in the case that there is more than one, cannot reach these holes during the high pressure discharge phase, thus avoiding the possible suction of bag 2 and its consequent rupture. Possible materials for the tube(s) are 316 stainless steel or plastic, to minimize the risk of metal-to-metal contact with the vessel and the resulting damage. Sliding and locking bushings 17 are located at both ends of the tube(s) 10 to allow and limit the movement of the telescopic tubes and prevent contact between the tube(s) 10 and the vessel 1. These bushings also serve as anchor points for the bag, maintaining it in its correct position throughout all cycles of use, as will be discussed later. The bushings can be made of plastic, preferably high-density PE. Tube spacers 18, preferably made of plastic, are also provided. Their main function is to keep the tubes 10 together and orient them correctly with the holes facing the vessel.They also prevent these tubes from contacting vessel 1 and serve as support points for the treatment bag during the insertion and removal phases of the bag from the processing vessel. If there is only one tube, the spacers 18 will still orient it with the holes facing the vessel and will also prevent contact between the tube and the vessel, while still serving as support points for the treatment bag. The connection between the spacers 18 and the tube or tubes 10 is preferably made with non-metallic connectors. The bulk HPP treatment process using equipment incorporating the system of the invention is as follows: 1. Placing the bag: At the entrance of the vessel, there is a preparation and bag loading table. The tube(s) 10 and spacers 18 serve at this stage as support for securing the bag and its subsequent insertion into vessel 1. qq i znn / 1 znz / E / YiAi The bag is attached to the 17 bushings by means of elastic bands to maintain its fixed position in the successive cycles that will be carried out with it and to avoid possible displacements or twists that may occur due to the effects during the phases of the process such as high pressure discharges. Next, the protective equipment 13 and the support 12 are placed in the bag. 2. Inserting the assembly into the vessel: With the vessel 1 in position aligned with a bag preparation table, the tube assembly 10 and spacers 18 with the bag 2 incorporated are pushed until they are fully inserted into the vessel 1. 3. Moving the vessel to the working position: The vessel is aligned with the yoke, in the processing position. 4. Connection of the pipe or pipes 10 and spacers 18 to the evacuation and connection caps 11: The bag 2 is connected to the product cap connector 14. The perforated pipe(s) 10 are connected to both drainage and connection caps 11a and 11b. The connection is made manually. Anchoring will be done using a quick-fixing system. 5. Vessel closure: The machine's plugs and wedges are closed. The machine is now ready to start the cycle. 6. Pre-filling the vessel: A small amount of water is introduced into the container (on the outside of the bag) to fill any gaps not covered by the bag itself. This protects the bag during the product filling phase, as the water creates counterpressure. This step also reduces the amount of water required by the high-pressure pumps, thus accelerating the cycle. 7. Filling the bag: Filling bag 2 with the product to be treated. The tube or tubes 10 of the protection and securing system serve in this phase to help to properly evacuate the air from inside the vessel through the holes 10a. The product enters through the qq i znn / 1 ζηζ / E / γίΛΐ valve 5, which can be in either of the two plugs. 8. Pressurization, maintenance and discharge: The high-pressure cycle begins. Pressurization water enters through conduits 7a and 7b via caps 11a and 11b and is distributed through the perforated tube(s) 10. The pressurization water remains in the vicinity of the tube(s). After maintaining the pressure for the time specified in the recipe, the pressure in the vessel is released through conduits 8a and 8b. The water then finds its way through tube(s) 10 and caps 11a and 11b to the atmosphere. The function of the tube(s) is to prevent suction from forming in the bag during this phase. 9. Emptying the bag: To empty the bag of the already treated product, a pressurized fluid is introduced into the vessel and through the outside of the bag. 10. Consecutive cycles: The processing bag must withstand a series of consecutive cycles. Once production of a particular product type is finished, the estimated cycle limit has been reached, or a bag rupture has been detected, the bag is replaced by repeating the previous process in reverse, starting from step 5. In view of this description and figures, a person skilled in the art may understand that the invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but that multiple variations may be introduced in said preferred embodiments, without exceeding the object of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. Bag protection and securing system for high-pressure bulk processing equipment characterized in that it comprises: - at least one tube (10) provided with holes (10a); - caps (11a and 11b) for evacuating pressurization fluid and connecting the ends of the tube or tubes (10), the tube or tubes being anchored to said caps; - bag protection means (13) to lengthen the exit path of the processed product once the equipment is depressurized; wherein said protection means (13) are in the form of a spiral, mesh, tape or cylinder with holes; - a connector (14) from the bag protection means (13) to the cap on the side where the product exits in the bag (11a). 2 - Bag protection and securing system according to claim 1 where the holes of the tube or tubes are oriented towards the inner face of the vessel.

3. Bag protection and fastening system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the protection means (13) extend inside the bag to at least % of its length.

4. Bag protection and securing system according to any of the preceding claims, where the tube or tubes are of circular, oval, or square cross-section.

5. Bag protection and securing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holes (10a) of the tube or tubes have a diameter between 2 mm and 10 mm. qq i znn / 1 znz / E / YiAi 6. Bag protection and securing system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the evacuation and connection covers (11a, 11b) are provided with channels (16) for the outlet of the pressurization fluid.

7. Bag protection and securing system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the tube or tubes (10) are provided with a telescopic section.

8. High-pressure processing equipment comprising a processing vessel (1), a bag (2) and a protection and securing system (10, 11a, 11b, 12, 13) for the bag (2) according to any of the preceding claims.

9. High-pressure treatment method using equipment according to claim 8 wherein, in a first stage, a quantity of pressurizing fluid less than the quantity of fluid required to maintain the pressure of a recipe is introduced into the vessel.

10. Method according to claim 9 wherein the bag, after the application of the prescription, is emptied using a fluid pressurized outside of it.

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