A low temperature sterilization equipment

Abstract

The present invention discloses a low-temperature sterilization device, comprising a sterilization device body and a circulation tank B; the sterilization device body is divided into a heating chamber, a sterilization tank and a circulation tank A; the sterilization tank and the circulation tank A are arranged at the upper end of the heating chamber; the sterilization tank and the circulation tank A are separated by a partition, and a connecting port A for connecting the sterilization tank with the circulation tank A is provided on the upper part of the partition; a plurality of heating pipes and a temperature control device are arranged in the heating chamber; a water inlet A is arranged at the lower part of the sterilization tank, and the heating chamber and the water inlet A are connected by a pipeline; an opening connected to the heating chamber is arranged at the bottom of the circulation tank A; a connecting port B is arranged on the side wall of the circulation tank A, and the connecting port B is connected to the circulation tank B; the water outlet of the circulation tank B is connected to the circulation tank A by a pipeline. The present invention solves the problems of uneven temperature of sterilizing water and untimely temperature adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of food processing machinery, and in particular relates to low-temperature sterilization equipment. Background Art

[0002] Cooked frozen prepared products need to be sterilized at low temperature (i.e. pasteurized) after packaging and sealing to extend their shelf life and maintain their texture and flavor. In the art, the products are usually sterilized by hydrothermal method.

[0003] Since the hydrothermal equipment used for batch sterilization is large and the sterilization temperature is difficult to control, it is usually impossible to achieve timely temperature adjustment, and there is a large temperature difference at different positions in the sterilization tank. The temperature in the frozen prepared product production workshop, especially the aquatic frozen prepared product production workshop, is usually low, and the temperature is not timely and the temperature difference in the tank is large, which affects the sterilization effect, and thus affects the shelf life and flavor of the product.

[0004] In addition, the packaged frozen prepared products are large in size, and when they are put into the sterilization tank in batches, they cause large changes in the water level, which brings about huge temperature differences and difficulties in temperature control. At the same time, hot water can easily overflow from the sterilization tank, causing hot water loss and posing safety risks. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention provides a low-temperature sterilization equipment, which solves the problems of uneven temperature of sterilization water and untimely temperature adjustment by separating the sterilization tank from the heating chamber and setting up two circulation tanks, effectively improves the sterilization quality of frozen prepared products, especially aquatic frozen prepared products, saves energy consumption, and is conducive to safe production.

[0006] The specific technical solutions are as follows:

[0007] A low-temperature sterilization device, comprising a sterilization device body and a circulation tank B;

[0008] The sterilization equipment body is divided into a heating chamber, a sterilization tank and a circulation tank A; the sterilization tank and the circulation tank A are arranged at the upper end of the heating chamber; the upper ends of the sterilization tank and the circulation tank A are open; the sterilization tank and the circulation tank A are separated by a partition, and a connecting port A for connecting the sterilization tank and the circulation tank A is provided on the upper part of the partition;

[0009] A plurality of heating tubes are arranged in the heating chamber, and the heating tubes are connected to a temperature control device; the temperature control device comprises a temperature sensor A and a heating tube controller arranged in the heating chamber, which can control the temperature in the heating chamber;

[0010] A water inlet A is provided at the lower part of the sterilizing tank, and the heating chamber is connected to the water inlet A through a pipeline, and a pump A and a flow valve A are provided on the pipeline;

[0011] The bottom of the circulation tank A is provided with an opening connected to the heating chamber; the circulation tank B is provided with a water inlet B; the side wall of the circulation tank A is provided with a connecting port B, and is connected to the water inlet B of the circulation tank B through the connecting port B; the position of the connecting port B is lower than the connecting port A;

[0012] A water outlet is provided at the lower part of the circulation tank B, and the water outlet is connected to the circulation tank A through a pipeline, and a pump B and a flow valve B are arranged on the pipeline; the water outlet is located lower than the water inlet B;

[0013] A heat preservation layer is arranged between the heating chamber and the sterilization tank, and a heat preservation layer is arranged between the sterilization tank and the circulation tank A.

[0014] When using the above equipment, water is injected into the heating chamber at the bottom through the opening of the circulation tank A, and the valve and pump are opened to allow water to flow from the heating chamber into the sterilization tank. When the water level in the sterilization tank reaches the height of the connecting port A, the water flows into the circulation tank A through the connecting port A; when the water level in the circulation tank A reaches the height of the connecting port B, the water in the circulation tank A flows to the circulation tank B; in order to buffer the loss caused by the evaporation of hot water, the water in the circulation tank B is passed through the pipeline to the circulation tank A, so that the heating chamber is always full of water. Start the heating pipe and adjust the heating temperature of the heating chamber according to the indoor operating temperature (usually 15-20℃ higher than the set sterilization temperature). When the water temperature in the sterilization tank reaches the required sterilization temperature, the materials to be sterilized are put into the sterilization tank. If the sterilization temperature is higher, the circulation is accelerated; if the sterilization temperature is lower, the circulation is slowed down. The flow valve and pump can be adjusted according to the measured temperature in the sterilization tank, or the flow valve can be adjusted according to the indoor operating temperature and the amount of sterilized materials based on experience to control the circulation speed. 5-15 minutes after the materials are put in, the materials basically reach uniform temperature inside and outside, and the flow valve can also be adjusted to a fixed value. Since the amount of water inside and outside the heating room is basically unchanged and can be exchanged and circulated in time, the temperature in the sterilization tank is relatively stable when the temperature difference between inside and outside is not large; because the hot water is always in a circulating state, the temperature in the sterilization tank is uniform, and the temperature difference between the head and the tail of the tank can be controlled within 2°C.

[0015] Normally, when the workshop temperature is 12-15℃, the heating temperature of the heating chamber is set to 80℃. When a cover is installed on the upper opening, the temperature in the sterilization tank can be maintained at 62℃±1℃.

[0016] The setting of two circulation tanks and the way of circulating hot water between the heating chamber, the sterilizing chamber and the two circulation tanks make it easy to maintain a uniform temperature in the heating chamber and the sterilizing tank and adjust the temperature in time.

[0017] The water of the present invention circulates automatically with little loss, and the circulation tank is used as a buffer. When a cover plate is installed on the upper opening, the water can be maintained for 10-15 days without replenishing water. If the flow rate at the flow valve B is kept equal to or greater than the flow rate at the flow valve A, the circulation balance can be ensured, and each tank and heating chamber will not be short of water.

[0018] A baffle can be set in the sterilization tank to separate it into multiple areas. There is a gap between the baffle and the bottom of the sterilization tank, which does not hinder the flow of water at the bottom of the sterilization tank. The various areas are connected at the bottom. Such a setting is conducive to distinguishing different products.

[0019] Furthermore, a porous plate is provided in the sterilization tank to separate the sterilization tank from top to bottom, and the position of the porous plate is higher than the water inlet A; the holes on the porous plate are evenly distributed.

[0020] Hot water flows in from the bottom of the sterilization tank. The water temperature at the bottom is relatively high. After being blocked by the porous plate, the temperature of the hot water contacting the material can be more uniform. The hot water passes through the evenly distributed holes and then enters the upper part of the sterilization tank, which has the effect of mixing the hot water evenly.

[0021] Furthermore, a partition net is provided on the opening to prevent debris from falling into the heating chamber.

[0022] Furthermore, the pump A and the flow valve A are arranged in sequence according to the flow direction of water, and the flow valve A is a flow limiting valve, which is connected to the shunt pipe leading to the circulation tank A. Such an arrangement is conducive to the protection of the pump.

[0023] A pressure start device can be set at the end of the diversion pipe to open the pipe mouth when the water pressure reaches a certain value.

[0024] Furthermore, a porous tube connected to the water inlet A is arranged at the bottom of the sterilization tank, and a plurality of holes are evenly arranged on the porous tube. The porous tube is conducive to making the water temperature uniform in all parts of the sterilization tank. The porous tube should be evenly arranged at the bottom of the sterilization tank.

[0025] Furthermore, a temperature sensor B is provided in the sterilization tank.

[0026] Furthermore, the heating tubes in the heating chamber are evenly arranged, and corresponding to each heating tube, a plurality of temperature sensors A are arranged at appropriate positions in the heating chamber.

[0027] Furthermore, the device of the present invention also includes a PLC control system, which receives the signal of the temperature sensor and controls the switch of the heating tube, pump, valve and the adjustment of the valve flow. The temperature of the heating chamber and the temperature of the sterilization tank can be set according to the temperature of the operating place and the amount of materials. When the difference between the real-time temperature of the heating chamber and the set value reaches the set difference, the heating tube is started; when the difference between the real-time temperature of the sterilization tank and the set value reaches the set difference, the flow of the valve is adjusted.

[0028] Through the setting of the PLC control system, there is no need for manual temperature measurement and manual operation of valves and pumps. The heating tube, pump opening and valve flow can be adjusted in real time according to the temperature signal, saving time and effort while making the sterilization temperature control more accurate.

[0029] A water level sensor may also be provided in the circulation tank B. When the water level drops to the position of the water level sensor, it indicates that the system equipment is short of water, and the PLC control system issues an alarm.

[0030] Furthermore, the upper end of the circulation tank B is open, and the upper openings of the sterilization tank, the circulation tank A and the circulation tank B are provided with openable and closable covers to prevent heat loss.

[0031] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0032] The present invention separates the sterilization tank from the heating chamber and sets two circulation tanks, thereby solving the problem of uneven sterilization water temperature and untimely temperature adjustment, effectively improving the sterilization quality of frozen prepared products, especially aquatic frozen prepared products, saving energy and water, and facilitating safe production. When the present invention is used in conjunction with a PLC control system, it can automatically realize accurate control of the water temperature in the sterilization tank, more effectively solving the problem of difficult control of low-temperature sterilization conditions for frozen prepared products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a top view schematic diagram of a specific implementation method;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a top view of a specific embodiment after removing the cover plates of the sterilization tank and the circulation tank A;

[0035] Figure 3 It is a front view schematic diagram of a specific implementation method;

[0036] Figure 4 for Figure 2 AA section diagram of the sterilization equipment body;

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 3 BB section diagram of the sterilization equipment body;

[0038] Figure 6 It is a PLC control schematic diagram of a specific implementation method;

[0039] In the figure: 1. Heating chamber; 1.1. Heating pipe; 2. Sterilizing tank; 2.1. Water inlet A; 3. Circulating tank A; 3.1. Opening; 3.2. Connecting port B; 4. Circulating tank B; 4.1. Water inlet B; 4.2. Water outlet; 5. Partition plate; 5.1. Connecting port A; 6. Pump A; 7. Flow valve A; 8. Pump B; 9. Flow valve B; 10. Insulation layer; 11. Perforated plate; 12. Separation net; 13. Diverter pipe; 14. Perforated pipe; 15. Temperature sensor A; 16. Temperature sensor B; 17. Cover plate; 18. PLC control cabinet; 19. Water level sensor;

[0040] Figure 6 In the figure, the dotted line with an arrow represents signal reception, and the solid line with an arrow represents control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The principles and features of the present invention are described below in conjunction with examples. The examples are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0042] A low temperature sterilization device, such as Figure 1-6 As shown, it includes a sterilization equipment body, a circulation tank B 4 and a PLC control system;

[0043] The sterilization equipment body is divided into a heating chamber 1, a sterilization tank 2 and a circulation tank A3; the sterilization tank 2 and the circulation tank A3 are arranged at the upper end of the heating chamber 1; the upper ends of the sterilization tank 2 and the circulation tank A3 are open; the sterilization tank 2 and the circulation tank A3 are separated by a watertight partition 5, and a connecting port A5.1 for connecting the sterilization tank 2 and the circulation tank A3 is provided on the upper part of the partition 5;

[0044] A baffle is arranged in the sterilization tank 2 in a direction perpendicular to the partition 5, and a gap is left between the baffle and the bottom surface of the sterilization tank 2;

[0045] A plurality of heating tubes 1.1 and temperature sensors A 15 are evenly arranged in the heating chamber 1;

[0046] The lower part of the sterilizing tank 2 is provided with a water inlet A2.1, and the heating chamber 1 is connected to the water inlet A2.1 through a pipeline, and a pump A6 and a flow valve A7 are sequentially arranged on the pipeline according to the flow direction of water. The flow valve A7 is a flow limiting valve, which is connected to the shunt pipe 13 leading to the circulation tank A3;

[0047] A porous tube 14 connected to the water inlet A 2.1 is arranged at the bottom of the sterilization tank 2; a plurality of holes are evenly distributed on the porous tube 14, and the porous tube 14 is evenly arranged at the bottom of the sterilization tank 2;

[0048] The sterilizing tank 2 is provided with a porous plate 11 which separates the upper and lower parts thereof. The position of the porous plate 11 is higher than the water inlet A 2.1 and the porous tube 14. The holes on the porous plate 11 are evenly distributed.

[0049] A temperature sensor B 16 is provided above the porous plate 14 in the sterilization tank 2;

[0050] The bottom of the circulation tank A3 is provided with an opening 3.1 connected to the heating chamber 1, and a partition net 12 is arranged on the opening 3.1; the circulation tank B4 is provided with a water inlet B4.1; the side wall of the circulation tank A3 is provided with a connecting port B3.2, which is connected to the water inlet B4.1 of the circulation tank B4 through the connecting port B3.2; the position of the connecting port B3.2 is lower than the connecting port A5.1;

[0051] The circulation tank B 4 is open at the upper end and has a water outlet 4.2 at the lower part. The water outlet 4.2 is connected to the top of the circulation tank A 3 through a pipeline, and a pump B 8 and a flow valve B 9 are arranged on the pipeline; the water outlet 4.2 is located lower than the water inlet B 4.1; a water level sensor 19 is arranged in the circulation tank B.

[0052] A heat preservation layer 10 is provided between the heating chamber 1 and the sterilization tank 2, and a heat preservation layer 10 is provided between the sterilization tank 2 and the circulation tank A3;

[0053] The upper openings of the sterilizing tank 2, the circulation tank A3 and the circulation tank B4 are provided with openable and closable covers 17.

[0054] The PLC control system includes a PLC control cabinet 18. The PLC control system receives the signal of the temperature sensor and controls the switch of the heating pipe 1.1, the pump, the valve and the adjustment of the valve flow. The PLC control system receives the signal of the water level sensor 19. When the water level falls to the position of the water level sensor 19, an alarm is issued to remind water replenishment.

[0055] Under the condition of 12-15℃ in the operating environment, the above equipment is used for sterilization operation. When using the above equipment, water is injected into the bottom heating chamber 1 through the opening of the circulation tank A3, and the valve and pump are opened to allow water to flow from the heating chamber 1 into the sterilization tank 2. When the water level in the sterilization tank 2 reaches the height of the connecting port A5.1, the water flows into the circulation tank A3 through the connecting port A5.1; when the water level in the circulation tank A3 reaches the height of the connecting port B3.2, the water in the circulation tank A3 flows to the circulation tank B4; to prevent the loss caused by the evaporation of hot water, the water in the circulation tank B4 is passed through the pipeline to the circulation tank A3, so that the heating chamber 1 is always kept full of water. Start the heating pipe 1.1, set the temperature of the heating chamber 1 to 80℃, and set the temperature of the sterilization tank to 62℃. When the water temperature in the sterilization tank 2 reaches the target temperature, put the materials to be sterilized into the sterilization tank 2. The operation of the heating tube 1.1, flow valve and pump is controlled by the PLC control system. When the temperature sensor B measures that the temperature of the sterilization tank 2 is lower than the set temperature, the flow of the flow valve is adjusted to increase. When the set temperature is reached, the flow of the flow valve is adjusted to decrease or close. The materials to be sterilized are spread on the rack, and the rack is placed on the porous plate 14. The sterilization tank 2 is fully loaded. After 5 minutes, the temperature in the sterilization tank 2 is tested. The test time is 40 minutes. The temperature is measured to be below 2°C, and the temperature difference at each location is also below 2°C.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low temperature sterilization equipment, characterized in that: It includes a sterilization device body and a circulation tank B (4); The sterilization equipment body is divided into a heating chamber (1), a sterilization tank (2) and a circulation tank A (3); the sterilization tank (2) and the circulation tank A (3) are arranged at the upper end of the heating chamber (1); the upper ends of the sterilization tank (2) and the circulation tank A (3) are open; the sterilization tank (2) and the circulation tank A (3) are separated by a partition (5), and a connecting port A (5.1) is provided on the upper part of the partition (5) for connecting the sterilization tank (2) and the circulation tank A (3); A plurality of heating tubes (1.1) are arranged in the heating chamber (1), and the heating tubes (1.1) are connected to a temperature control device; the temperature control device comprises a temperature sensor A (15) arranged in the heating chamber (1) and a heating tube controller, and can control the temperature in the heating chamber (1); A water inlet A (2.1) is provided at the lower part of the sterilizing tank (2), and the heating chamber (1) is connected to the water inlet A (2.1) via a pipeline, on which a pump A (6) and a flow valve A (7) are provided; The bottom of the circulation groove A (3) is provided with an opening (3.1) connected to the heating chamber (1); the circulation groove B (4) is provided with a water inlet B (4.1); the side wall of the circulation groove A (3) is provided with a connecting port B (3.2) which is connected to the water inlet B (4.1) of the circulation groove B (4) through the connecting port B (3.2); the position of the connecting port B (3.2) is lower than the connecting port A (5.1); A water outlet (4.2) is provided at the lower part of the circulation tank B (4), and the water outlet (4.2) is connected to the circulation tank A (3) via a pipeline, and a pump B (8) and a flow valve B (9) are arranged on the pipeline; the water outlet (4.2) is located lower than the water inlet B (4.1); A heat preservation layer (10) is provided between the heating chamber (1) and the sterilization tank (2), and a heat preservation layer (10) is provided between the sterilization tank (2) and the circulation tank A (3); A porous plate (11) is arranged in the sterilization tank (2) to separate the sterilization tank from the upper and lower parts. The position of the porous plate (11) is higher than the water inlet A (2.1). The holes on the porous plate (11) are evenly distributed. A porous pipe (14) connected to the water inlet A (2.1) is arranged at the bottom of the sterilization tank (2).

2. The low-temperature sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A separation net (12) is arranged on the opening (3.1).

3. The low temperature sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pump A (6) and the flow valve A (7) are arranged in sequence according to the flow direction of water; the flow valve A (7) is a flow limiting valve, which is connected to the shunt pipe (13) leading to the circulation tank A (3).

4. The low temperature sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A temperature sensor B (16) is arranged in the sterilization tank (2).

5. The low temperature sterilization equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also comprises a PLC control system, which receives signals from the temperature sensor and controls the switching of the heating pipe (1.1), the pump and the valve, as well as the adjustment of the valve flow.

6. The low-temperature sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the circulation tank B (4) is open, and the upper openings of the sterilization tank (2), the circulation tank A (3) and the circulation tank B (4) are provided with openable and closable covers (17).

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