THERMALLY CONDITIONED OLIVE CRUSHING SYSTEM

Abstract

Crushing system (IF) for olives (V) comprising a crusher (F) and a conveyor assembly (T) arranged downstream of the crusher (F); wherein said crusher (F) comprises a crushing chamber (10) provided with crushing means (2) for crushing the olives (V) and generating a puree (P); wherein said conveyor assembly (T) comprises a frame (3) comprising a tubular element (30) and an inlet (31) terminating in the tubular element (30) and into which the puree from the crusher (F) flows, and a volute (4) that conducts the puree introduced into the tubular element (30) to one end of the tubular element (30); the peculiarity of the crushing system (IF) is that it comprises a temperature conditioning system (R) configured in such a way as to thermally condition the crushing system (IF).

Description

CONDITIONED OLIVE CRUSHING SYSTEM THERMALLY STATE OF THE ART OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention This application for an industrial invention patent relates to a thermally conditioned olive crushing system. The area of ​​reference is the olive sector, that is, the sector that is dedicated to the transformation of olives for the production of oil. Description of previous artwork As is well known, the processing of olives for oil production is traditionally divided into four successive stages, which are called defoliation and washing, crushing, kneading and oil extraction. To carry out continuous processing of the olives, continuous cycle mills have been built, which comprise: - a defoliation and washing system comprising machinery suitable for defoliating and washing olives; - a crushing system comprising a crusher suitable for splitting and crushing the olives in such a way as to generate a puree, and a conveyor assembly that receives the puree from the 1776101 of 20 crusher and transports it to a collection point where the puree is taken by a pump and forcefully pumped to a mixer; - a kneading system comprising said kneader which uses conduction / convection mechanisms to add the oil droplets so as to have increasingly larger droplets that are easier to extract in a subsequent extraction step; - an extraction system comprising an extractor configured to receive the mash and permanently separate the oil from the waste material, commonly referred to as pomace; said pomace can be recycled and used as fuel in biomass boilers or can be used to feed anaerobic fermentation processes for gas production. In particular, the present invention relates to the olive crushing process. As is well known, the crushing process involves crushing the olives to release the oil contained within the cells. Furthermore, crushing activates the enzymatic components (lipoxygenase, glycosidase, lipolysis, and polyphenol oxidase) that are responsible for the formation of the oil's chemical and sensory characteristics. A conventional crusher comprises: - a crushing chamber in which the olives are crushed to obtain the puree, 1776101 of 20 - crushing means arranged in the crushing chamber and suitable for crushing the olives so as to generate the puree - a feed pipe that leads to the crushing chamber in order to feed the chamber with the olives, - a suitable outlet for discharging said puree. This conveyor assembly is arranged under the outlet to receive and guide the puree to the collection point, where the puree is pumped to the mixer. The conveyor assembly comprises: - a frame comprising a tubular element, which is arranged horizontally, and an inlet in communication with the outlet of the crusher such that the puree discharged by the outlet flows into the tubular element; and - a volute arranged in the tubular element coaxially to the tubular element; the volute is suitable for transporting the puree that is introduced into the tubular element towards the collection point arranged in the vicinity of one end of the tubular element. IT1046323 describes a crushing system according to the preamble of claim 1. EP1479302A2 describes a particular type of olive crusher. 1776101 of 20 WO2004 / 011580A1 describes an olive oil extraction plant that operates at low temperatures. The applicant pointed out that a crucial aspect affecting the quality and characteristics of the final oil is the temperature at which the olives are crushed and, therefore, the temperature at which the puree is fed into the kneading system. During the crushing of the olives and the mechanical transport of the puree, the puree heats up, reducing the efficiency of subsequent steps and thus negatively affecting the quality of the final oil. In particular, the applicant discovered that the higher the temperature of the puree exiting the crushing system, the worse the quality and organoleptic properties of the final oil. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to devise a thermally conditioned olive crushing system that allows the temperature of the puree to be adjusted, preferably by cooling it, so that the puree has an optimal temperature for subsequent processing stages. In other words, the purpose of the present invention is to devise a thermally conditioned crushing system capable of providing the puree at a temperature that improves the quality of the final oil. 1776101 of 20 Another scope of the present invention is to devise a crushing system that is efficient and simple to implement. Another purpose is to devise an oil press comprising such a thermally conditioned crushing system. These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention having the features listed in appended independent claim 1. Advantageous realizations arise from dependent claims. The crushing system according to the invention is defined in claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For the sake of clarity, the description of the crushing system according to the invention is continued with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting, where: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a continuous-cycle oil press comprising the crushing system according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of the crushing system according to the invention equipped with a thermal conditioning system; 1776101 of 20 Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the crusher and conveyor assembly of the crushing system according to the invention; Figures 4 and 4A are two axonometric views of the crusher of the crushing system viewed from two different angles; Figure 5 is a front view of the crusher illustrating in detail the crushing chamber and crushing means; Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the crusher shown in Fig. 5 sectioned along plane VV; Figure 5B is an enlarged view of the detail enclosed in circle O in Figure 5A; Figure 6 is an axonometric view of the volute of the conveyor assembly according to a first embodiment; Figure 6A is an axial sectional view of the volute shown in Figure 6; Figure 7 is an axonometric view of the volute of the conveyor assembly according to a second embodiment; Figure 7A is an axial sectional view of the volute shown in Fig. 7; Figures 8 and 8A are two cross-sectional views of the volute of the conveyor assembly, in which the central shaft is hollow so that a conditioning fluid can flow inside; 1776101 of 20 Figure 9 is a top view of the conveyor assembly frame; Figure 9A is a side view of the conveyor assembly frame sectioned along plane IX-IX of Figure 9; Figure 10 is an exploded axonometric view of the conveyor assembly frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figs. 2 to 10, a crushing system according to the invention is described, which is generally referred to as (IF). The crushing system (IF) is an integral part of an oil press (H), which is shown schematically in Fig. 1. In particular, the oil press (H) comprises: - a defoliation and washing system (ID) comprising machinery for defoliating and washing olives (V); - said crushing system (IF) suitable for crushing the olives (V) received from the defoliation and washing system (ID) in such a way as to obtain a puree (P); - a kneading system (IG) comprising a kneader that uses conduction / convection mechanisms to add the oil droplets contained in the mash (P) in such a way that it has droplets 1776101 of 20 increasingly larger and easier to extract in a subsequent extraction step; - an extraction system (IE) comprising an extractor configured to receive the mash from the kneading system and permanently separate the oil from the waste material, which is commonly defined as pomace. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the crushing system (CS) comprises a crusher (F) and a conveyor assembly (T) arranged downstream of the crusher (F). The conveyor assembly (T) is preferably located below the crusher (F). The crusher (F) is mounted on a support frame (QS), also known as a support bench. With reference to Figs. 4, 4A, 5, 5A and 5B, the crusher (F) comprises: - a crushing chamber (10) where the olives (V) are crushed to obtain the puree (P); - crushing means (2) arranged in the crushing chamber (10) and configured to crush said olives (V) to obtain said puree (P); - a feed conduit (11) leading into the crushing chamber (10) so as to feed the crushing chamber (10) with the olives (V); - an outlet (12) that is arranged under the crushing chamber (10) and through which the puree (P) comes out by gravity. 1776101 of 20 The feed conduit (11) is mounted on a door (1s) that is configured to close the front of said crushing chamber (10). In the feed chute (11) a conveyor volute (1t) is provided which is suitable for pushing and transporting the olives (V) to the crushing chamber (10). The conveyor volute (1t) is moved by means of handling means (M3). In particular, these handling means (M3) consist of an electric motor. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, said crushing means (2) of the crusher (F) comprise: - a grid (20) of circular section housed in the crushing chamber (10); - an impeller (21) arranged in the grid (20) and comprising a central hub (21a) and a plurality of hammers (21b) suitable to cooperate with the circular grid (20) to crush the olives (V) and generate the puree (P); - rotation means (M1, M2) of said grid (20) and said impeller (21) which are configured so that they rotate said grid (20) and said impeller (21) in opposite directions. The turning means (M1, M2) consist of electric motors connected by transmission means (not 1776101 of 20 shown in the attached figures) to the impeller (21) and the grid (20). The conveyor assembly (T) comprises: - a frame (3) (shown in Figs. 9, 9A and 10) comprising a tubular element (30) arranged in a substantially horizontal position and an inlet (31) terminating in the tubular element (30) and communicating with the outlet (12) of the crusher (F) so that the puree coming out of said outlet (12) flows into the tubular element (30); and - a volute (4) (shown in Figs. 6, 6A, 7, 7A, 8 and 8A) arranged in the tubular element (30) coaxially to the tubular element (30); the volute (4) is suitable for transporting the puree that is introduced into the tubular element (30) towards one end of the tubular element (30), where the puree is then directed towards said mixer by means of a pump. The volute (4) is rotated about its axis by means of manipulating devices not shown in the accompanying figures. These manipulating means consist of a motor and transmission means that transfer the motion from the motor to the spiral (4). The volute (4) comprises a central axis (40) and a helical blade (41) that extends along the entire length of the central axis (40). Preferably, said frame (3) comprises a hopper (3x) comprising said inlet (31). The The 1776101 hopper (3x) is mounted on the tubular element (30) and is configured so that it connects to the outlet (12) of the crusher (F) to form a single conduit leading to the crushing chamber (10) of the crusher in direct communication with the inside of the tubular element (30) of the frame (3) of the conveyor assembly (T). In the attached figures, the connection of the hopper (3x) to the outlet (12) is made by means of a connection flange (31a), obtained on the top of the hopper (3x) on which fixing screws of the hopper (3x) to the outlet (12) are applied. Alternatively, said outlet (12) and said hopper (3x) can be connected to each other by means of a connecting tube connected to said outlet (12) on one side and said hopper (3x) on the other side. The frame (3) also includes a flue gas exhaust chimney (39) through which the fumes generated during the crushing process are discharged. Preferably, an exhaust pipe (TS), shown and indicated in Fig. 3, is connected to the flue gas exhaust chimney (39). With reference to Fig. 2, the peculiarity of the crushing system (IF) according to the invention is the fact that it comprises a temperature conditioning system (R) comprising a water system in which a conditioning liquid is suitable to flow, and means (Rm) suitable for handling and making 1776101 of 20 flow the conditioning liquid in the water system. This temperature conditioning system (R) is configured to thermally condition the crushing system (IF). In other words, the temperature conditioning system (R) is configured to thermally condition the temperature of the crushing chamber (10) and / or the frame (3) and / or the volute (4) so ​​that said crushing system (IF) provides the subsequent processing systems with a puree at a pre-set temperature. The water system comprises pipes (t) in which the conditioning liquid is suitable to flow, while said means (Rm) comprise a hydraulic pump suitable for moving the liquid in the water system. Preferably, the water system further comprises temperature control means (Rt) configured in such a way as to adjust the temperature of the conditioning liquid. Preferably, this temperature conditioning system (R) is a refrigeration system, and therefore the conditioning fluid is a refrigerant. However, the refrigerant temperature can always be adjusted by means of these temperature control devices (Rt). 12 1776101 of 20 The temperature at which the conditioning liquid flows into the crushing chamber (10), the frame (3) and the volute (4) depends in particular on the ambient temperature at which the crushing system (IF) operates and on the temperature of the olives. In other words, the higher the temperature of the olives or the ambient temperature at which the crushing system (IF) operates, the lower the temperature of the conditioning liquid. Preferably, thermal conditioning machines or stations can be provided upstream of said crushing system (IF), i.e., in correspondence with the defoliation or washing system (ID), to adjust the temperature of the olives (preferably by cooling them) before they reach the crushing system. Still with reference to Fig. 2, this crushing system (CS) also comprises: - a first temperature sensor (T1) configured to detect a temperature of the olives (V) feeding the crusher (F); and - a second temperature sensor (T2) configured to detect the temperature of the mash (P) discharged from the conveyor assembly (T); and - a control unit (U) operationally connected to the temperature sensors (T1, T2) to receive the temperatures detected from the 1776101 of 20 temperature sensors (T1, T2) and manage the conditioning liquid based on these temperatures. In other words, the control unit (U) is operationally connected to the temperature control means (Rm) to set the temperature of the conditioning liquid according to the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors (T1, T2). Preferably, the control unit (U) is configured so that it adjusts the liquid temperature to have a constant temperature of the mash (P) discharged from the conveyor assembly (T) between 18°C ​​and 22°C. In fact, the applicant discovered that with such mash temperatures (P) there is an improvement in the phenolic and aromatic characteristics and a significant increase in the compounds responsible for the sensory notes of freshness and herbs in the final oil. With reference to figures 5 to 10, the present description continues with a detailed illustration of the way in which the crushing chamber (10), the frame (3) and the volute (4) are thermally conditioned, or rather, the way in which they are cooled. In particular, with reference to Figures 5, 5A, and 5B, the crusher (F) comprises an empty space (15) formed at least partially around the crushing chamber (10). The empty space (15) of the 1776101 of 20 crusher (F) is in fluid communication with the water system of the conditioning system so that the conditioning fluid flows into the empty space (15). As it passes near the crushing chamber (10), the conditioning fluid absorbs heat from the crushing chamber (10) and consequently reduces the temperature in the crushing chamber (10). This empty space (15) is hydraulically connected to the water system by means of an inlet coupling (18a) and an outlet coupling (18b) to which the hoses (t) of the water system are connected. Figures 6, 6A, 7, 7A, 8 and 8A show the way in which the volute (4) is thermally conditioned, or rather, the way in which the volute (4) is cooled. With reference to Figs. 6, 6A, 7 and 7A, two different versions of the thermal conditioning of the helical blade (41) are shown, while Figs. 8 and 8A show two modes of thermal conditioning of the central shaft (40). With reference to Figs. 6 and 6A, the thermal conditioning of the helical blade (41) is obtained by means of two conduits (42) welded to one face of the helical blade (41), which are in fluid communication with the water system so that the conditioning fluid flows into the pipes 1776101 of 20 (42). It should be noted that, although Figs. 6 and 6A show two tubes (42) extending side by side along the helical blade (41), in an alternative embodiment of the invention a single tube (42) can be provided. With reference to Figs. 7 and 7A, the thermal conditioning of the helical blade (41) is obtained by means of a vacuum space (43) that is formed inside the helical blade (41) and is in fluid communication with the water system so that the conditioning fluid flows into the vacuum space (43). Preferably, the empty space (43) is obtained by means of a first and a second portion (41a, 41b) of the helical blade (41) that extend along the same path and are welded together in such a way as to define said empty space (43). The version shown in Figs. 6 and 6A and the version shown in Figs. 7 and 7A are shown as alternatives to each other, but nothing prevents them from being combined, thus obtaining an embodiment in which both the ducts (42) and the empty space (43) are obtained simultaneously on the helical blade (41). Going to figs. 8 and 8A, two different ways of cooling the central shaft (40) are shown. In Fig. 8 and Fig. 8A, the central axis (40) comprises an internal conduit (44) in fluid connection 1776101 of 20 with the water system in such a way that the conditioning fluid flows in the internal conduit (44). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, a pipe (40t) is arranged inside the central axis (40) in a coaxial position with respect to the central axis (40). The internal duct (44) is defined internally by the pipe (40t) and externally by the central axis (40). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8A, the internal conduit (44) consists of an axial cavity formed along the entire central axis. Within the axial cavity are provided means (45) configured to impose a sinuous path on the fluid. By way of example, said means (45) comprise a structure that extends the entire length of the internal conduit (44) and comprises perforated walls that define said sinusoidal path of the liquid. Figure 8A schematically shows the path of the liquid in the internal conduit (44) by means of a line that follows a sinusoidal pattern. The pipes (42), or the empty space (43), or the internal conduit (44) are hydraulically connected to the water system by means of an inlet conduit (4i) and an outlet conduit (4u) of the central shaft (40). The inlet conduit (4i) and the outlet conduit (4u) are formed at opposite ends (401e, 402e) of the central shaft (40). 1776101 of 20 Referring to Figs. 9A and 9B, the frame (3) comprises a cover (36, 37) that completely covers said tubular element (30) and said hopper (3x) laterally. The frame (3) further comprises a cavity (3c) defined internally by the tubular frame (30) and by the hopper (3x) and defined externally by said cover (36, 37). The cover (36, 37) comprises two semi-cylindrical housings (36) that cover the tubular element (30) and two panels (37) that cover two side walls of the hopper (3x). The cavity (3c) is in fluid communication with said water system so that the conditioning fluid flows into the cavity. The cavity (3c) is in fluid communication with the water system by means of an inlet coupling (3i) and an outlet coupling (3u) installed in the semi-cylindrical housings (36) to which the hoses (t) of the water system are connected. The inlet coupling (3i) and the outlet coupling (3u) are arranged at two opposite ends of the tubular element (30) and in diametrically opposite positions with respect to the central axis of the tubular element (30). Still with reference to Figs. 9A and 9B, the frame (3) comprises a plurality of partitions (35) arranged in the cavity (3c) and configured in such a way 1776101 of 20 in such a way that they impose a sinuous path on the liquid in the cavity (3c) so that the liquid homogeneously cools the hopper (3x) and the tubular element (30). Through experimental trials, the applicant verified that the use of the crushing system (IF) according to the invention favors the enzymatic reactions that occur during the crushing of the olives, thus improving the quality and organoleptic properties of the final oil. Furthermore, experimental tests demonstrated that thermal conditioning (cooling) of the mash improves the quality of the final oil without affecting its performance. In light of the above, it is easy to understand how a crushing system (IF) of this type can play a fundamental role in the olive sector and can replace the current crushing systems installed in continuous cycle olive mills. Numerous variations and detailed modifications to the present embodiment of the invention are possible, within the reach of a skilled worker in the field, and within the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Crushing system (IF) for olives (V) comprising a crusher (F) and a conveyor assembly (T) arranged downstream of the crusher (F); wherein said crusher (F) comprises: - a crushing chamber (10) in which the olives (V) are crushed to obtain a puree (P); - crushing means (2) arranged in the crushing chamber (10) and suitably configured to crush said olives (V) in order to obtain said puree (P); - a feed conduit (11) leading into the crushing chamber (10) such that it feeds the crushing chamber (10) with the olives (V); - an outlet (12) for discharging the crushed puree (P) into the crushing chamber (10);wherein said conveyor assembly (T) comprises: - a frame (3) comprising a tubular element (30) and an inlet (31) terminating in the tubular element (30) and communicating with the outlet (12) of the crusher (F) such that the puree discharged from the outlet (12) flows into the tubular element (30); - a volute (4) disposed in the tubular element (30); said volute (4) being suitable for conveying the puree introduced into the tubular element (30) to one end of the tubular element (30); characterized in that it comprises a temperature conditioning system (R) comprising a water system in which a conditioning liquid flows; said temperature conditioning system (R) being suitably configured to thermally condition the crushing system (IF). 14 Claims follow;