Methods for inspecting coffee bean roasting systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for inspecting a baking system (10), the system comprising: a baking apparatus (2) that generates flue gas; and a flue gas treatment unit (3) configured to treat the flue gas flow generated by the baking apparatus and including a filter (221) and a pair of temperature sensors (24, 26) configured to measure the temperature of the flue gas flow upstream and downstream of the filter (221), wherein during baking operations, the method comprises the steps of: comparing the performance of the temperature over at least one time period of the baking operation; and displaying an alarm if the performance is similar over time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This 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 involve heating the coffee beans to the desired roast level, then cooling or quenching the heated beans to stop roasting. During heating, fumes are released. These fumes contain all the safe and desirable components, especially the common aromas of roasted coffee, but also contain less desirable and unsafe volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as pyridine, 2-furanol, caffeine furfural, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, etc., and particulate matter (PM2.5). 2.5 PM 10 )……

[0003] When roasting is carried out in manufacturing facilities that produce large quantities of roasted coffee beans, all conditions are typically provided to capture unsafe components.

[0004] However, a recent trend is to utilize small roasters for small-batch roasting in shops, restaurants, and cafes where customers can enjoy coffee brewed from freshly roasted beans. These roasters not only offer the advantages of freshness and a dramatic effect, but also distribute the pleasant aroma of roasted coffee throughout the shop or cafe.

[0005] However, as mentioned above, harmful components are also emitted. When a baking machine is used in an enclosed environment (such as a shop, cafe, or restaurant), the emission of some components can become harmful depending on the size of the room and the room's ventilation... For people who work in the room for several hours, inhaling the fumes from a baking machine can cause health problems.

[0006] Therefore, in such an environment, it is recommended to stop emitting fumes from the baking machine to avoid any health problems for people present in the store. Existing solutions include destroying contaminants, such as afterburners or catalytic afterburners capable of thermally oxidizing contaminants, or retaining contaminants within the equipment, such as mechanical filters (metal sieves or paper filters), activated carbon filters, or electrostatic settlers, or combinations thereof.

[0007] When using activated carbon filters, the activated carbon material (usually kept in the pack) must be replaced periodically for regeneration. During this process, the old activated carbon pack is removed and a new, fresh one is introduced. It is possible that the operator removes the old pack but forgets to introduce the new one. The fact that flue gas filters may consist of a combination of several different filters, all requiring different cleaning processes, can exacerbate this error.

[0008] In the case of activated carbon filters, the absence of activated carbon packs inside the filter does not hinder the roasting operation because roasting emissions can flow freely, and the operator will not realize that the fumes have not been treated before multiple roasting operations, which would result in a foul odor, undesirable in shops, coffee shops, or restaurants. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems mentioned above or similar problems.

[0010] Specifically, the purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of informing the operator that a component of the flue gas filter (such as an activated carbon pack) is missing.

[0011] Advantageously, a method is provided that allows a baking operator to be informed that a part of the flue gas filter is missing without the need to add a sensor specific to that part.

[0012] In a first aspect, a method for inspecting a baking system is provided, the system comprising:

[0013] - At least one roasting device that generates smoke during the heating of coffee beans, and

[0014] - At least one flue gas treatment unit configured to treat at least a portion of the flue gas stream generated by the at least one baking device, said flue gas treatment unit including at least one removable filter.

[0015] - A flue gas actuator configured to drive flue gas from the baking equipment to the at least one filter device.

[0016] The at least one flue gas treatment unit includes at least one pair of first temperature sensors and second temperature sensors. The first temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature T1 of the flue gas flow upstream of the removable filter, and the second temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature T2 of the flue gas flow downstream of the removable filter.

[0017] The method includes the following steps:

[0018] - Operate the baking equipment to generate hot gas.

[0019] - During at least one time period of the operation, monitor the first and second temperatures measured by one of a pair of first and second temperature sensors.

[0020] -Observe the differences in the behavior of the monitored temperature over time.

[0021] - Compare the observed behavioral differences with predetermined behavioral differences corresponding to the presence of the at least one removable filter between the two temperature sensors.

[0022] - An alert is displayed if the observed behavioral difference deviates from the predetermined behavioral difference.

[0023] The purpose of this method is to check whether the baking system is working properly, especially whether the flue gas treatment unit is working properly, and more precisely, whether the removable filter of the flue gas treatment unit is missing.

[0024] This roasting system (in which the method is applied) includes two types of equipment: first, the roasting equipment in which beans are heated for roasting; and second, the flue gas treatment unit, which is configured to treat the flue gas generated in the first roasting equipment during the roasting of the coffee beans.

[0025] These two devices can be sub-components of a single main system, or alternatively, they can be considered as separate modules that work together during the baking process.

[0026] As described below, the system may include multiple baking devices and / or multiple flue gas treatment units.

[0027] Any type of roasting equipment can be used. In the roasting equipment, coffee beans are heated and preferably mixed to ensure uniform heating. Therefore, the roasting equipment includes a chamber for holding the beans and a heating device for heating the coffee beans.

[0028] The heating device can be a burner (meaning combustion) fed by natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or even wood. Alternatively, the heating device can be a resistor, a ceramic heater, a halogen source, an infrared source, or a microwave source.

[0029] Preferably, the heating device is electric, so that the air pollutants generated during roasting are solely from the heating of the coffee beans themselves, rather than from the combustion of gases that occur when the heating device is a gas burner using natural gas, propane, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or even wood.

[0030] During the roasting process, coffee beans can be mixed mechanically using a fluidized bed of hot air or by using stirring blades or a rotating drum.

[0031] Preferably, the roasting equipment is a hot air fluidized bed chamber. In such a chamber, heated air is forced with sufficient force through a screen or perforated plate beneath the coffee beans to elevate them. As the beans tumble and circulate within this fluidized bed, heat is transferred to them.

[0032] Alternatively, the roasting equipment may be a chamber in which coffee beans are tumbled in a heated environment. The chamber may consist of a cylinder that rotates along a horizontal axis, or it may include stirring blades to tumble the coffee beans in a heated environment.

[0033] The baking equipment includes an outlet from which fumes generated during the baking operation can be discharged.

[0034] In one implementation, the system may include multiple baking devices whose outlets are configured to be mixed together before being processed by one or more flue gas treatment units.

[0035] Generally speaking, the flue gas treatment unit of the system includes a flue gas inlet, which is configured to cooperate with the flue gas outlet of the baking equipment and collect flue gas through the flue gas inlet.

[0036] The flue gas treatment unit treats flue gas to reduce or eliminate harmful pollutants contained in the flue gas. The flue gas treatment unit includes at least one filter device configured to destroy or trap pollutants. This unit may include:

[0037] - At least one active treatment filter that breaks down contaminants inside the device, such as an afterburner or catalytic afterburner capable of thermally oxidizing the contaminants.

[0038] or

[0039] - At least one passive treatment filter that retains contaminants within the device, such as a mechanical filter (metal sieve, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or paper filter), activated carbon filter or other adsorption filter, or electrostatic settler.

[0040] Or a combination of the above units.

[0041] Typically, the flue gas treatment unit includes at least one removable filter device, which is cleanable, disposable, or regenerable, and preferably includes the following: metal screens, electrostatic settlers, HEPA filters, paper filters, cotton, cloth, absorbent material filters, and combinations thereof.

[0042] These types of filters can be removed from the flue gas treatment unit for cleaning or disposal and replaced with new filters. This is especially true for passively treated filters:

[0043] - Remove the metal screen and electrostatic precipitator plates for washing, and then reinstall them inside the flue gas treatment unit.

[0044] - Remove the HEPA, paper, cotton, and cloth filters for disposal and install new paper filters inside the flue gas treatment unit.

[0045] - Remove the adsorbent material pack from the activated carbon filter for regeneration and install the new pack inside the flue gas treatment unit.

[0046] When a flue gas treatment unit includes multiple filtration devices, they are typically positioned in series along the direction of flue gas flow. Generally, the device for filtering particulate matter (PM) is positioned upstream of the device for filtering volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the flue gas treatment unit may include at least one adsorption filter, preferably activated carbon. This type of filter adsorbs VOCs. This filter requires specific operating conditions with respect to temperature, therefore a temperature sensor is often located close to the filter device.

[0048] This activated carbon filter includes a removable activated carbon pack. This pack contains activated carbon that adsorbs VOCs, and when the activated carbon has reached its maximum adsorption capacity, the pack must be removed and replaced with a new activated carbon holder. Typically, the pack is made of a material that allows flue gas to flow through while retaining the activated carbon, which is usually in particulate form. The removable pack is located in a dedicated area of ​​the flue gas filter unit.

[0049] The flue gas is driven into the flue gas treatment unit and filtration device by means of a flue gas actuator configured to circulate the flue gas from the flue gas collection device to the outlet of the flue gas treatment unit. At the outlet, since the pollutants have been captured, the flue gas can be safely released into the atmosphere of the room.

[0050] A flue gas actuator is typically a fan that drives the flue gas to the outlet.

[0051] Generally, the flue gas actuator is part of the flue gas treatment unit. Preferably, the fan is positioned near the outlet of the flue gas treatment unit. Therefore, the fan is not contaminated by untreated flue gas and its maintenance is easier.

[0052] Alternatively, the flue gas actuator can be located outside the flue gas treatment unit; the actuator and the unit are then connected by a pipe.

[0053] Alternatively, the flue gas actuator may be a fan of a baking device that drives the flue gas in the direction of the flue gas treatment unit.

[0054] The flue gas treatment unit includes at least one pair of first temperature sensors and second temperature sensors. The first temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature T1 of the flue gas flow upstream of at least one removable filter in the removable filter device, and the second temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature T2 of the flue gas flow downstream of the removable filter device.

[0055] The terms "downstream" and "upstream" are understood in relation to the flue gas flow through the flue gas treatment unit and filtration device.

[0056] A temperature sensor can be any sensor configured to measure temperature. This sensor can be configured to measure temperature only, or it can be a multi-sensor component capable of measuring various other parameters besides temperature, such as humidity, pressure, and VOC content. Examples of such sensors are air sensors or gas sensors.

[0057] To check the baking system, particularly the presence of a removable filter (which is assumed to be absent by default), the method includes the following steps:

[0058] - Operate the baking equipment to generate hot gas.

[0059] -Observe the differences in the behavior of the monitored temperature over time.

[0060] - Compare the observed behavioral differences with predetermined behavioral differences corresponding to the presence of the at least one removable filter between the two temperature sensors.

[0061] - An alert is displayed if the observed behavioral difference deviates from a predetermined behavioral difference.

[0062] It has been observed that when hot flue gas or any other hot gas (especially hot air) from a baking apparatus passes through a filter, the rate of increase of the second temperature T2, measured at a second temperature sensor just downstream of this filter, is much slower than the rate of increase of the first temperature T1, measured at a first temperature T1 just upstream of this filter; this is because the filter absorbs the heat energy of the flue gas, acting as a thermal buffer. Conversely, when there is no filter, the temperatures monitored at both sensors increase almost simultaneously in a very similar manner as the flue gas rapidly passes through the empty space between the two temperature sensors.

[0063] Therefore, if similar behavior is observed in the monitored temperatures T1 and T2, there is a high risk that there is no removable filter between the two temperature sensors in the pair, and an alarm can be displayed once the baking operation stops to request the operator to check the presence of the filter in the flue gas treatment unit.

[0064] In cases where multiple filters exist between the two sensors of the same pair of temperature sensors, if only one of these filters is absent, the two temperatures measured at the two sensors may not increase rapidly in very similar ways (especially if filters are still present and can act as thermal buffers for heating energy between the temperature sensors). However, the temperature behavior will still deviate from the behavior when all filters are present. In this case, the deviation from the predetermined behavior (which corresponds to the normal presence of all removable filters between the two temperature sensors) is an indication that at least one filter may be missing and can serve as a warning.

[0065] Therefore, this method enables the detection of missing removable filters within a flue gas treatment unit and can alert the operator.

[0066] The steps of operating roasting equipment to generate hot gas can be coffee bean roasting, preheating of the roasting equipment, or initialization of the filtration device.

[0067] Regardless of the operation, hot gases are generated by operating the heating element of the roasting equipment. If coffee beans are present in the chamber, the hot gases will be the flue gas produced by heating the beans. If there are no coffee beans in the chamber, the hot gases will be hot air. This can occur when the filtration device is first introduced into the flue gas treatment unit, such as after maintenance or replacement operations, or during the preheating operation of the roasting system or the initialization operation of the filtration device.

[0068] Typically, when this method is applied concurrently with the coffee bean roasting operation, this roasting operation is the first operation after the maintenance operation of the flue gas processing unit (preferably maintenance of at least one filter device).

[0069] In fact, it is important to know from the first operation performed after the cleaning or maintenance of the flue gas treatment unit that at least one of the filter devices is missing.

[0070] Furthermore, this method is more effective if the flue gas treatment unit is at ambient temperature at the start of the temperature monitoring steps T1 and T2. It immediately informs the operator that a portion of the filter is missing, prevents the operator from initiating a new baking operation without checking the filter within the flue gas filter unit, and allows for reinstallation of the filter if necessary.

[0071] Typically, in this method, predetermined behavioral differences are set based on the properties of at least one removable filter located between the first and second temperature sensors of the pair.

[0072] As mentioned above, filter devices can have various properties in terms of design and materials (simple and thin metal sieves, large material adsorption packs, metal electrode plates of electrostatic settlers, etc.), which have the effect of maintaining flue gas flow in different ways and exhibiting different heat capacities. Therefore, in order to determine whether a filter device designed for flue gas filtration exists between temperature sensors, this method is applied with reference to predetermined behavioral differences corresponding to that filter device.

[0073] Predetermined behavioral differences corresponding to the presence of a removable filter between two temperature sensors can be predetermined through experiments during the baking process. Machine learning can also be applied based on these experiments.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, different predetermined behavioral differences are predetermined based on the type of baking operation performed in the baker.

[0075] The type of roasting operation refers to the relationship between the type of temperature profile applied to the beans and time in the roasting equipment. In advanced methods, three general types of roasting operations can be defined, corresponding to the three common roasting levels of coffee beans: light, medium, or dark. These three types of roasting operations differ in their duration and the temperature level at the end of the operation, with a longer duration for a dark roast achieved at a higher final temperature, and a shorter duration for a light roast achieved at a lower final temperature. In more precise methods, a more specific type of temperature profile applied to the beans versus time can be considered.

[0076] By observing the differences in the behavior of temperatures T1 and T2 monitored during each of these different baking operations and when the flue gas treatment unit is fully operational, the normal behavior differences of the temperatures can be measured and predetermined.

[0077] Preferably, the predetermined threshold depends on the type of at least one removable filter device. This selection can be implemented during the system configuration process, particularly in the configuration process of the flue gas treatment unit. The threshold can be modified accordingly based on the type of removable filter device present within the flue gas filter, such as the nature of the adsorbent material or the size of the adsorbent material pack. A settings menu in the system's user interface allows input of the type of removable filter device and selection of the corresponding predetermined threshold stored in the system's process control memory or remotely accessible from a server.

[0078] The behavioral differences between the monitored temperatures T1 and T2 can be of different types.

[0079] In the simplest mode of this method:

[0080] - In the step of observing the behavioral differences of the monitored temperatures, the difference ΔT between the temperatures (T1, T2) is calculated at at least time t0 after the start of the operation, and

[0081] - An alarm is displayed if the difference ΔT is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold ΔT0 associated with the time t0.

[0082] In this method, behavioral differences are observed at at least t0 by means of the difference ΔT between the temperatures and by comparing the difference ΔT with a predetermined temperature threshold ΔT0.

[0083] In another preferred mode,

[0084] - In the step of observing the behavior of the monitored temperature, calculate the rate of increase of the first measured temperature at a predefined time t0 since the start of the operation. The rate of rise of the second measured temperature at the predefined time t0 ratio and

[0085] -If the ratio is If the value falls below a predetermined threshold R2 / 1, an alarm will be displayed.

[0086] Generally speaking, compared to simple temperature differences, the rate of ascent exhibits the advantage of being less affected by environmental conditions, the roasting profile applied to the coffee beans during the roasting process, or even the fact that some previous roasting operations have heated the filter. Another advantage is that the analysis of the rate of ascent allows for earlier detection of missing filters and enables the roasting process to be stopped immediately before VOC and PM peaks occur.

[0087] When the step of operating the roasting equipment to generate hot gases is a coffee bean roasting operation, it is preferable to calculate the rate of increase (R1, R2) before the peak emissions of VOCs and PMs from the coffee beans occur.

[0088] This time can vary depending on the type of beans being roasted in the roasting equipment, such as green beans or partially pre-roasted beans, which are obtained by heating green coffee beans and stopping the heating process before the first crack ends.

[0089] Advantageously, baking can even be stopped and restarted after the missing filter is installed.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, depending on the flue gas or hot gas flow, the first temperature sensor in a pair is positioned precisely upstream of a removable filter, and the second temperature sensor in the pair is positioned precisely downstream of the removable filter.

[0091] This implementation provides precise information about a removable filter device placed between the two temperature sensors of the pair, such as an activated carbon filter comprising a removable activated carbon pack.

[0092] In this preferred embodiment, the rate of increase of the first measured temperature at a predefined time t0 is calculated from the start of the baking operation. The rate of rise of the second measured temperature at the predefined time t0 ratio and

[0093] -If the ratio If the value is close to 1, preferably above a predetermined threshold, and below 1, an alarm is displayed.

[0094] A ratio slightly below 1 A ratio close to 1 corresponds to the fact that the flue gas or hot gas flow always reaches the second temperature after the first temperature sensor. A ratio close to 1 reflects the fact that, since there is no filter, the flue gas flow is not retained inside the filter. Therefore, a value of 1 can be set by default, and the term "off" can be defined based on the configuration of the flue gas treatment unit and the location of the temperature sensor.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, if the ratio during the start of operation... If the value is higher than a predetermined threshold, and the threshold is lower than 1, an alarm is displayed.

[0096] Typically, the ratio The predetermined threshold used for comparison is set based on experimental data. This threshold is typically related to the type of flue gas filtration unit, the presence of other types of filters within the unit (especially upstream of the unit), and the internal design of the flue gas treatment unit and filtration device.

[0097] In a particular embodiment of this preferred embodiment, the flue gas treatment unit may include:

[0098] - Multiple removable filter devices, positioned in series according to the direction of flue gas flow within the flue gas treatment unit, and

[0099] - Multiple pairs of first and second temperature sensors, each pair associated with a dedicated removable filter, wherein, depending on the direction of the flue gas or hot gas flow, the first temperature sensor in the pair is positioned exactly before the dedicated removable filter, and the second temperature sensor in the pair is positioned exactly after the dedicated removable filter.

[0100] Therefore, precise information about these filtration devices can be obtained using dedicated sensor pairs (e.g., two different activated carbon filters).

[0101] In another implementation:

[0102] - The flue gas treatment unit may include multiple removable filter devices, which are positioned in series according to the direction of flue gas flow inside the flue gas treatment unit, and

[0103] -For at least one pair of temperature sensors:

[0104] - The first temperature sensor is positioned to measure the temperature T1 of the flue gas flow upstream of at least two removable filter units, and

[0105] - The second temperature sensor is positioned to measure the temperature T2 of the flue gas flow downstream of the at least two removable filters.

[0106] In this embodiment, a pair of temperature sensors can be used to provide global information about all filtration devices located between each of the sensors in the pair. For example, the first sensor may be located at the inlet of the flue gas treatment unit, and the second sensor may be located at the outlet of the flue gas treatment unit.

[0107] In another embodiment, the system may include:

[0108] - Multiple flue gas treatment units, each of which is configured to conduct and treat at least a portion of the flue gas via a dedicated path, and

[0109] - An inlet duct device for directing flue gas emitted from at least one baking device to at least one of a plurality of flue gas treatment units.

[0110] - An outlet duct device for guiding the flue gas treated by the flue gas treatment unit to the system outlet, and

[0111] -For at least one pair of temperature sensors:

[0112] - The first temperature sensor is positioned to measure the temperature T1 of the flue gas flow upstream of the inlet duct assembly, and

[0113] - The second temperature sensor is positioned to measure the temperature T2 of the flue gas flow downstream of the outlet duct device.

[0114] In this embodiment, the system includes multiple flue gas processing units capable of processing flue gas from at least one baking device. Each flue gas processing unit defines a specific path for the flue gas, typically defined by a ductwork assembly. A pair of temperature sensors can be used to provide global information about all flue gas processing units located between each of these sensors.

[0115] In a second aspect, a system for roasting coffee beans is provided, the system comprising:

[0116] -At least one baking device, and

[0117] - At least one flue gas treatment unit, configured to treat at least a portion of the flue gas stream generated by the at least one baking device, the flue gas treatment unit comprising:

[0118] -At least one removable filter device, and

[0119] - At least one pair of first temperature sensors and second temperature sensors, the first temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature T1 of the flue gas flow upstream of the removable filter, and the second temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature T2 of the flue gas flow downstream of the removable filter.

[0120] - A flue gas actuator configured to drive the flue gas generated by the baking equipment through a flue gas treatment unit.

[0121] - A control system that is operable to perform methods as described above.

[0122] Preferably, the baking equipment may include a display unit to display an alarm, which may be visual and / or audible.

[0123] Preferably, the flue gas treatment unit includes at least one removable filter device, which is cleanable, disposable, or regenerable, and preferably includes the following: metal screens, electrostatic settlers, HEPA filters, paper, cloth and / or cotton filters, adsorbent material filters, and combinations thereof.

[0124] Preferably, depending on the direction of flue gas flow within the flue gas treatment unit, the flue gas filtration subunit sequentially includes at least one filter to remove particulate matter, followed by an electrostatic precipitator, and then an activated carbon filter. This sequence prevents the activated carbon filter from being clogged by particulate matter.

[0125] A flue gas actuator is typically a fan that drives the flue gas to the outlet.

[0126] Preferably, the fan is positioned near the outlet of the flue gas treatment unit. Therefore, the fan is not contaminated by untreated flue gas and its maintenance is easier.

[0127] According to a preferred embodiment, the flue gas filtration subunit includes at least the following sequentially:

[0128] -Metal mesh, then

[0129] - Electrostatic settler, then

[0130] - Activated carbon filter based on the movement of flue gas flow within the flue gas treatment unit.

[0131] Preferably, in this embodiment, the activated carbon filter is physically positioned above the electrostatic precipitator. Therefore, the flue gas is introduced upwards through subsequent devices.

[0132] Based on the integration of the baking equipment and the flue gas treatment unit, the control system can be shared between the two devices, and the steps of the method can be shared between the treatment units of at least the two devices.

[0133] In one implementation, the method can be executed by a processing unit of the baking equipment and a processing unit of the flue gas treatment unit, the two processing units communicating together. Specifically:

[0134] -The flue gas treatment unit may implement the following steps:

[0135] - Monitor the first and second temperatures.

[0136] - Observe the observed behavioral differences and compare them with predetermined behavioral differences.

[0137] - If necessary, command to display an alarm to the baking equipment.

[0138] -The processing unit of the baking equipment can perform the following steps:

[0139] - Operate the baking equipment to generate hot gases.

[0140] - Displays a cleaning alert.

[0141] In another implementation,

[0142] -The flue gas treatment unit may implement the following steps:

[0143] - Monitor the first and second temperatures.

[0144] - The monitored temperature value is transmitted to the baking equipment, and

[0145] -The processing unit of the baking equipment can perform the following steps:

[0146] - Operate the baking equipment to generate hot gases.

[0147] - Observe the observed behavioral differences and compare them with predetermined behavioral differences.

[0148] - Display cleaning alerts if necessary.

[0149] In another embodiment, the processing unit of the flue gas treatment unit may, after receiving information that the operation has started from the baking equipment, perform all steps other than the operation of the baking equipment in order to generate hot gas.

[0150] Preferably, the baking equipment may include a display unit to display alarms.

[0151] Alternatively, the flue gas treatment unit may include devices for displaying alarms, such as illuminated buttons and / or sound and / or voice messages.

[0152] In another alternative, the control system can be configured to display an alarm on a mobile device that communicates with the system.

[0153] In a third aspect, a computer program is provided that includes instructions for causing the aforementioned system to perform methods such as those described above.

[0154] In one implementation, the computer program can be executed by the processing units of the baking equipment and the flue gas treatment unit, with the two processing units communicating together.

[0155] Specifically:

[0156] -The flue gas treatment unit may implement the following steps:

[0157] - Compare the behavior at the first temperature and the second temperature, and

[0158] - If necessary, command to display an alarm to the baking equipment.

[0159] -The processing unit of the baking equipment can perform the following steps:

[0160] - Operate the baking equipment to generate hot gases.

[0161] - Display an alarm.

[0162] In another implementation,

[0163] -The flue gas treatment unit may implement the following steps:

[0164] - Monitor the first and second temperatures.

[0165] - The monitored temperature value is transmitted to the baking equipment, and

[0166] -The processing unit of the baking equipment can perform the following steps:

[0167] - Operate the baking equipment to generate hot gases.

[0168] - Observe the observed behavioral differences and compare them with predetermined behavioral differences.

[0169] - Display cleaning alerts if necessary.

[0170] In another embodiment, the processing unit of the flue gas treatment unit may, after receiving information that the operation has started from the baking equipment, perform all steps other than the operation of the baking equipment in order to generate hot gas.

[0171] In a fourth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided on which the aforementioned computer program is stored.

[0172] In this application, the term "multiple" means at least two.

[0173] The foregoing aspects of the invention can be combined in any suitable manner. Furthermore, various features herein can be combined with one or more of the foregoing 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 descriptions, and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0174] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the following accompanying drawings:

[0175] - Figure 1 This is a view of a system according to the present invention, showing the path of flue gas through the system.

[0176] - Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Activated carbon filter in flue gas treatment unit,

[0177] - Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A block diagram of the system's control system.

[0178] - Figure 4A and Figure 4B The evolution of temperatures T1 and T2 monitored during the baking operation is shown with and without an activated carbon holder.

[0179] - Figure 5 and Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 Alternative system to the system shown

[0180] - Figure 7 A system of multiple baking apparatuses and flue gas treatment units according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0181] Systems for baking

[0182] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system including roasting equipment 1 and flue gas treatment unit 2 is shown. Functionally, the roasting equipment can be operated to roast coffee beans, and the flue gas treatment unit can be operated to treat the flue gas generated by the roasting equipment during roasting.

[0183] Baking equipment

[0184] The roasting equipment 1 is operable to receive and roast coffee beans within the roasting chamber 12.

[0185] Preferably, the roasting apparatus 1 includes a roasting chamber 12 into which a flow of hot air is introduced to agitate and heat the coffee beans. The hot air flow is typically generated by an airflow driver and a heater. These devices are positioned below the roasting chamber and introduce the hot air flow through the bottom of the chamber. In the accompanying drawings, the bottom of the chamber is configured to allow air to pass through; specifically, it may be a perforated plate on which coffee beans can be placed and through which air can flow upwards.

[0186] The airflow actuator can be operated to generate an upward airflow in the direction of the bottom of the container. The generated airflow is configured to heat, stir, and lift the beans. Therefore, the coffee beans are heated evenly. Specifically, the airflow actuator can be a motor-powered fan. An air inlet can be located within the base of the housing to feed air into the housing, and the airflow actuator blows this air in the direction of chamber 12.

[0187] The heater can be operated to heat the airflow generated by the airflow driver. Preferably, the heater is a resistor positioned between the fan and the perforated plate, resulting in the airflow being heated before entering chamber 12 to heat and lift the coffee beans.

[0188] Heaters and / or fans can be operated to apply a roasting profile to coffee beans, which is defined as a temperature versus time profile.

[0189] Preferably, the baking equipment includes a user interface 13, which is capable of:

[0190] - Input information about roasting (especially the amount of beans introduced into the roasting chamber and the desired roasting level) and output information about the roasting process (status, temperature, time), and

[0191] - Preferably, the output of information concerning the flue gas treatment unit 2, particularly the output of information concerning the cleaning of the electrostatic precipitator 222.

[0192] The roasting of coffee beans generates smoke, which is driven to the top opening 121 of the roasting chamber by an airflow generated by an airflow driver. Figure 1 As shown by arrow S1 in the diagram.

[0193] Generally speaking, the bran collector is in fluid communication with the top opening 121 of the chamber to receive the bran that is gradually separated from the coffee beans during roasting and blown into the bran collector due to its lighter density.

[0194] The remainder of the flue gas is discharged through the flue gas outlet 11 located at the top of the baking equipment.

[0195] Flue gas treatment unit

[0196] The flue gas treatment unit 2 can be operated to receive and treat the flue gas S1 emitted at the flue gas outlet 11 of the baking equipment.

[0197] First, the flue gas treatment unit 2 includes a flue gas collection device 21 suitable for collecting flue gas. The flue gas collection device 21 or collection device forms an internal void space or pipe that guides the flue gas from the outlet 11 of the baking equipment along the direction of the filter device of the flue gas filter subunit 22 (dashed lines S1, S2, S3).

[0198] The flue gas filtration subunit 22 includes an activated carbon filter 221 suitable for removing VOCs from the flue gas.

[0199] Figure 2 The main components of this activated carbon filter 221 are shown. The filter includes a housing 2212 configured to contain an adsorbent material, preferably activated carbon. Since this adsorption is typically in granular form, the adsorbent is held in a retainer 2211, the walls of which allow flue gas to pass freely. Typically, this retainer is a plastic mesh bag.

[0200] The top and bottom walls of the box are simple grilles, allowing flue gas to pass freely while holding the retainer inside the box. Box 221 can be removed from the flue gas filter unit for maintenance. A handle on a side wall allows the operator to pull out the box. Once removed from the unit, the cover 2213 can be removed to access the activated carbon retainer 2211.

[0201] The maintenance procedure for activated carbon filters involves replacing retainer 2211 with a new one. When the adsorbent material has reached its maximum adsorption capacity, the material must be removed for regeneration. Regeneration cannot be performed on-site. Therefore, the old retainer is replaced with a new one.

[0202] During this maintenance operation, the operator may forget to reintroduce the new retainer into the housing before repositioning it in the cell.

[0203] In the specifically illustrated embodiment, the flue gas filtration subunit 22 may include:

[0204] - Devices 223 suitable for filtering large particulate matter such as PM10, such as metal mesh and associated diffusers, which are typically metal grids located in front of (i.e., upstream of) the mesh.

[0205] - Electrostatic settler 222, suitable for filtering small particulate matter.

[0206] Preferably, the device for removing particulate matter is positioned upstream of the activated carbon filter. This upstream location ensures that particulate matter does not contaminate the activated carbon filter.

[0207] Physically, the electrostatic precipitator is positioned below the activated carbon filter to prevent particles from falling from the electrostatic precipitator onto the activated carbon filter when the electrostatic precipitator is de-energized.

[0208] The flue gas filtration subunit 22 includes a flue gas driver 23, typically a fan, for drawing contaminated flue gas from the inlet 211 of the collection device to the outlet 25 of the flue gas filtration subunit 22 (where the flue gas is safely distributed into the ambient atmosphere) through the flue gas filtration subunit 22 (where the flue gas is treated).

[0209] The flue gas filtration subunit 22 includes two temperature sensors, 24 and 26, which are positioned directly upstream and downstream of the activated carbon filter, respectively, and configured to measure the temperature of the flue gas. Specifically, sensor 26 is a multi-component gas sensor capable of measuring the gas pressure, temperature, and VOC composition. This sensor is typically used to analyze the safety of the gas dispensed from the flue gas treatment unit, particularly when the gas is dispensed in a public room. Temperature sensor 24 is typically used to control the temperature of the flue gas passing through the activated carbon filter 221 to prevent it from becoming excessively high.

[0210] These two existing sensors can be used to apply the methods of the present invention as described below.

[0211] Control system of baking equipment and flue gas treatment unit

[0212] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Now we will consider control system 3: control system 3 is operable to control flue gas treatment unit 2.

[0213] Depending on the integration level of baking equipment 1 and flue gas filtration unit 2, the control system can be shared between the processing units of these two devices:

[0214] -If the flue gas treatment unit 2 is part of the baking equipment 1, then typically, the treatment unit of the baking equipment is the main unit, while the treatment unit of the filter is the secondary unit.

[0215] -If the baking equipment 1 and the flue gas treatment unit 2 form two different devices (each of which has its own processing unit), these processing units can be configured to communicate to implement the method.

[0216] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The control system of the flue gas filtration unit 2.

[0217] The controller 3 typically includes, in the second level of the flue gas filtration unit 2, a processing unit 30, a power source 33, a memory unit 31, and a communication interface 32 optionally used for remote connection.

[0218] Processing unit 30 is configured to output feedback to the user interface 13 of the baking equipment, specifically displaying an alarm related to the detection of the absence of an activated carbon filter holder inside the activated carbon filter. In an alternative configuration, some processing units 2 may include their own user interface to display this information, such as an illuminated button that can be lit according to the presence or absence of the holder.

[0219] The processing unit 30 can also output information about the following items to the user interface 13:

[0220] - Cleaning instructions

[0221] - Reset of alarm status

[0222] -alarm

[0223] - Error alert.

[0224] The hardware of the user interface may include any suitable device, such as one or more of the following: buttons (such as joystick buttons, knobs, or push buttons), joysticks, LEDs, graphic or character LDCs, touch-sensitive graphical screens, and / or screen edge buttons. The user interface 20 may be formed as a single unit or multiple discrete units.

[0225] When the device is equipped with the communication interface 32 as described below, a portion of the user interface can also be located on the mobile application. In this case, at least a portion of the input and output can be transmitted to the mobile device via the communication interface 32.

[0226] Processing unit 30 typically includes memory, input, and output system components arranged as integrated circuits (typically microprocessors or microcontrollers). Processing unit 30 may include other suitable integrated circuits, such as ASICs, programmable logic devices (such as PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, PSoCs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), and analog integrated circuits (such as controllers). For such devices, the program code described above can be considered programming logic or may additionally include programming logic, where appropriate. Processing unit 30 may also include one or more of the aforementioned integrated circuits. An example of the latter is multiple integrated circuits arranged in a modular manner that communicate with each other, for example: a slave integrated circuit for controlling the flue gas treatment unit 2 communicates with a master integrated circuit for controlling the baking equipment 10, and a slave integrated circuit for controlling the user interface 13 communicates with the master integrated circuit for controlling the baking equipment 10.

[0227] The control system 30 may include a communication interface 32 for data communication between the system 10 and another device and / or system (such as a server system, a mobile device). The communication interface 32 may be used to supply and / or receive information related to the coffee bean roasting process, such as roasting process information and bean type. The system may also receive information regarding the characteristics of removable filter components 221 of the flue gas treatment unit, and particularly information regarding the characteristics of refillable components of these filters (such as activated carbon packs 2211). According to embodiments of the invention, predetermined behavioral differences or predetermined thresholds related to the use of a particular removable filter 221 may be downloaded remotely. Alternatively, such information may be manually entered by an operator via a user interface. The communication interface 32 may include a first communication interface and a second communication interface for simultaneous data communication with multiple devices or communication via different media.

[0228] The communication interface 32 can be configured for cable media or wireless media or combinations thereof, such as wired connections like RS-232, USB, I2C, Ethernet as defined by IEEE 802.3, wireless connections like wireless LAN (e.g., IEEE 802.11) or near-field communication (NFC), or cellular systems like GPRS or GSM. The communication interface 32 communicates with the processing unit 30 via communication interface signals. Generally, the communication interface includes a separate processing unit (examples of which are provided above) for controlling the communication hardware (e.g., an antenna) to communicate with the main processing unit 30. However, a less complex configuration can be used, such as a simple wired connection for direct serial communication with the processing unit 30.

[0229] The power source 33 is operable to supply electrical energy to the controlled components and processing unit 30. The power source 33 may include various devices, such as batteries or units for receiving and regulating mains power.

[0230] Processing unit 30 typically includes a memory unit 31 for storing instructions as program code and optionally data. For this purpose, the memory unit typically includes: non-volatile memory, such as EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory, for storing program code and operating parameters as instructions; and volatile memory (RAM) for temporary data storage. The memory unit may include separate and / or integrated (e.g., on a semiconductor die) memory. For programmable logic devices, instructions may be stored as programming logic.

[0231] The instructions stored in memory unit 31 can be idealized as a program that includes determining the presence of the activated carbon filter in the flue gas treatment unit of the system and displaying an alarm.

[0232] The processing unit 30 is configured to output the values ​​of temperatures T1 and T2 measured by temperature sensors 24 and 26.

[0233] During the baking process, control system 3 can operate as follows:

[0234] - Monitor the first and second temperatures measured by one of a pair of first and second temperature sensors during at least one time period of operation.

[0235] -Observe the differences in the behavior of the monitored temperature over time.

[0236] - Compare the observed behavioral differences with a predetermined behavioral difference corresponding to the presence of the filtering device between the two temperature sensors.

[0237] - An alert is displayed if the observed behavioral difference deviates from a predetermined behavioral difference.

[0238] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The behavior of temperatures T1 and T2 is shown during the first coffee bean roasting operation performed after activated charcoal filter maintenance. Time 0 indicates the start of the roasting operation.

[0239] exist Figure 4A In this configuration, an activated carbon retainer 2211 is present, and it can be observed that the behavior of temperatures T1 and T2 measured at each temperature sensor differs over the duration of the baking operation: temperature T1 upstream of the activated carbon filter rises faster than temperature T2 downstream of the filter. This can be explained by the fact that activated carbon acts as a heat buffer, losing the heat energy of the flue gas to heat the activated carbon.

[0240] On the contrary, Figure 4B In the process, it can be observed that when the activated carbon retainer 2211 is absent, the changes in temperature T1 and T2 with baking operation time are very similar and close to each other. When the filter is in the appropriate position, Figure 4B The observed behavioral differences between the two temperatures (its deviation) Figure 4A The difference in normal behavior between the two temperatures can be used to detect the fact that the activated carbon holder has not been placed inside the filter and to display the corresponding alarm.

[0241] like Figure 4A As shown, the behavioral difference between T1 and T2 corresponds to the behavioral difference determined experimentally in advance during the normal roasting operation of coffee beans, preferably starting from the system of roasting equipment and cooled flue gas treatment unit.

[0242] In a practical and simplest mode, control system 3 can operate as follows:

[0243] - Calculate the difference ΔT between the temperatures (T1, T2) at at least one time t0 after the start of operation, and

[0244] - If the difference ΔT is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold ΔT0 associated with the time T0, an alarm is displayed.

[0245] based on Figure 4A The predetermined scenario shown involves measuring the monitored temperature during a baking operation initiated immediately following a recent maintenance operation (such as replacing the activated carbon filter retainer 2211). The difference ΔT between the temperatures T1 and T2 can be calculated at a specific predetermined time t0, and if the difference is lower than the corresponding predetermined temperature threshold ΔT0, an alarm is displayed, prompting the operator to check the presence of the filter within the flue gas treatment unit.

[0246] Based on the shown Figure 4A and Figure 4B It can be seen that at times t' and t''... Figure 4B The corresponding differences ΔT' and ΔT" between the monitored temperatures T1 and T2 are both lower than Figure 4A The corresponding differences ΔT' and ΔT' between the monitored temperatures T1 and T2 are shown. By setting a predetermined temperature difference threshold ΔT0 at the corresponding time t0, the difference ΔT(t0) between the temperatures T1 and T2 at that time t0 can be compared with the threshold ΔT0.

[0247] Preferably, the time t0 is set as low as possible while still allowing temperature differences to be observed. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the time t0 can be set to 300 seconds.

[0248] The comparison between temperature difference and threshold ΔT0 can take into account a certain error tolerance caused by measurement errors (sensor position, sensor sensitivity).

[0249] Predefined time parameters and associated temperature differences (t0; ΔT0) can be adjusted in the baking system settings. This adjustment may be due to changes in the properties of the carbon filter (e.g., changes in the procurement of adsorbent materials), excessively high or low sensitivity of alarm displays, predetermined improvements to parameters, and extensive experimentation (especially experiments conducted via machine learning).

[0250] In a preferred mode, the control system 3 can be operated as follows:

[0251] - Calculate the rate of rise of the first measured temperature at the same predefined time t0. The rate of rise of the second measured temperature ratio and

[0252] -If the ratio is If the value falls below a predetermined threshold R2 / 1, an alarm will be displayed.

[0253] For example, in such Figure 1 In the flue gas filtration unit shown, the predetermined threshold R2 / 1 is set to 0.7 for 300 seconds. This threshold is chosen to accurately determine the presence of the activated carbon pack and avoid issuing false warnings to the operator.

[0254] Therefore, with the threshold set to 0.7, if the ratio If the value is higher than 0.7 after 300 seconds, an alarm will be displayed.

[0255] In a similar manner to the above, time and ratio The predefined parameters can be adjusted in the baking system settings.

[0256] The rate of rise (often referred to as RoR) is a common parameter derived from the temperature monitored in the baking equipment. In this method, the rates of rise R1 and R2 are calculated based on each of the temperatures T1 and T2 monitored at temperature sensors 24 and 26.

[0257] Regardless of the mode used, alarms generally prompt operators to check the activated charcoal filter before performing any new baking operations.

[0258] Although shown with an activated carbon filter, this method can also be implemented in a similar manner with other filtration devices.

[0259] Figure 5 It shows something similar to Figure 1The system shown differs in that the first temperature sensor 24 is positioned upstream of PM filter 223. Therefore, this pair of temperature sensors surrounds the three filter units. If, apart from maintenance and removal of filter units 221, 222, and 223, one of these filter units is not reinstalled in the flue gas treatment unit and the baking operation is not initiated, the behavior of the first and second measured temperatures at sensors 24 and 26 will be more similar than if the missing filter unit were reinstalled. However, in this particular embodiment, due to the presence of at least two of the three filter units, the similar temperature behavior will not be as pronounced as in the case where the missing filter unit is reinstalled. Figure 1 The implementation plan is not as straightforward as the one described above.

[0260] exist Figure 5 In one implementation, the observed behavioral difference between the monitored temperatures T1 and T2 is compared with a predetermined behavioral difference corresponding to the presence of three removable filter devices 221, 222 and 223 located between the two temperature sensors.

[0261] These predetermined behavioral differences are established in advance by experimenting with the system during the baking process, preferably starting with a cold system.

[0262] If the observed behavioral difference deviates from a predetermined behavioral difference, an alarm is displayed to draw the operator's attention to the possibility that one of the three filter devices 221, 222, and 223 may be missing. The operator can quickly check for this risk by opening the flue gas treatment unit.

[0263] In a specific mode, the ratio can be adjusted. The deviation is estimated by comparing it with a predetermined threshold corresponding to the absence of at least one removable filter device.

[0264] As described above, this predetermined threshold can be stored in the memory 31 of the control system. If some of the filters in the filtration device differ from the original settings manually entered through the user interface (the system's user interface or the mobile device's user interface) or implemented through the remote server and communication interface 32 (the supply of the removable filter changes, for example, the nature or quantity of adsorption changes), the predetermined threshold can be updated.

[0265] Figure 6 It shows something similar to Figure 1 The system shown differs in that the third temperature sensor 27 is located upstream of the PM filter 223.

[0266] Therefore, it can be assumed that the flue gas treatment unit 3 includes at least two pairs of temperature sensors:

[0267] - A pair of temperature sensors, including sensors 24 and 26, enable the detection of missing activated carbon packets, as described above. Figure 1 As mentioned, and

[0268] A pair of temperature sensors, including sensors 24 and 27, enable the detection of one of the electrostatic filter 222 and / or PM filter 223 located between these sensors. If, apart from maintaining and removing these filters 222, 223, one of these filters is not reinstalled within the flue gas treatment unit and the baking operation is initiated, the behavior of the first and second measured temperatures at sensors 24 and 27 will be more similar to the scenario where the missing filter is reinstalled. Figure 5 The principles described are applied in the same way.

[0269] Figure 7 A system comprising multiple flue gas treatment units 3 is shown. This configuration is suitable for processing large volumes of flue gas, for example, due to baking in two baking devices 1. The flue gas outlet of the baking device is connected to an inlet duct assembly 34, which is configured to guide the flue gas to at least one of the multiple flue gas treatment units 3. An outlet duct assembly 35 is configured to guide the flue gas treated by the flue gas treatment units 3 to the system outlet. Depending on the volume of the emitted flue gas, it can be delivered to one, two, or three flue gas treatment units. Temperature sensors 24 and 26 are located at the inlet and outlet duct assemblies and enable [temperature measurement / sensing / etc.]. Figure 5 The missing filter device in at least one of the multiple flue gas treatment units 3 is detected in a similar manner.

[0270] One advantage of this method is that it can be implemented using temperature sensors that are not specifically designed for this particular implementation. Temperature sensors located within the flue gas treatment unit for other process controls can additionally provide information about the presence of key parts of the flue gas treatment unit after maintenance operations. Instead of adding sensors specifically designed to detect the presence of filters, existing temperature sensors can be used to detect reinstallation errors, such as sensors that establish contact with the filter (e.g., switch contacts), optical sensors, sensors that can read the field of the magnetic elements of the filter, or RFID devices that can read the RFID tags on the filter.

[0271] Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown above, it should be understood that the invention protected by the claims is not limited in any way to the embodiments shown.

[0272] Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, if known equivalents exist for a particular feature, such equivalents should be incorporated as expressly mentioned in this specification.

[0273] As used in this specification, the words “including,” “contains,” and similar terms should not be construed as having an exclusive or exhaustive meaning. In other words, these terms are intended to mean “including but not limited to.”

[0274] Index list in the attached figure :

[0275] Baking equipment 1

[0276] Flue gas outlet 11

[0277] Baking Room 12

[0278] Top Exit 121

[0279] User Interface 13

[0280] Flue gas treatment unit 2

[0281] Flue gas collection device 21

[0282] Flue gas filter subunit 22

[0283] Activated carbon filter 221

[0284] Activated carbon retainer 2211

[0285] Box 2212

[0286] Cover 2213

[0287] Electrostatic settler 222

[0288] PM filter 223

[0289] Smoke drive 23

[0290] Exports 25

[0291] Temperature sensors 24, 26, 27

[0292] Control System 3

[0293] Processing unit 30, memory unit 31, communication interface 32, power source 33, inlet piping device 34, outlet piping device 35, system 10

Claims

1. A method for inspecting a baking system (10), the system comprising: - At least one roasting device (1), said roasting device generating smoke during the heating of coffee beans, and - At least one flue gas treatment unit (2), said at least one flue gas treatment unit being configured to treat at least a portion of the flue gas flow generated by said at least one baking device, said flue gas treatment unit including at least one removable filter device (221, 222, 223), - A flue gas actuator (23), configured to drive flue gas from the baking apparatus (1) to the at least one removable filter. The at least one flue gas treatment unit (2) includes at least one pair of first temperature sensors and second temperature sensors, the first temperature sensor (24) being configured to measure the temperature T1 of the flue gas flow upstream of the at least one removable filter, and the second temperature sensor (26) being configured to measure the temperature T2 of the flue gas flow downstream of the at least one removable filter. The method includes the following steps: - Operate the baking equipment to generate hot gas. - During at least one time period of the operation, monitor the first temperature and the second temperature measured by one of a plurality of pairs of first temperature sensors and second temperature sensors. -Observe the differences in the behavior of the monitored temperature over time. - Compare the observed behavioral differences with predetermined behavioral differences corresponding to the presence of the at least one removable filter between the pair of first and second temperature sensors. - An alert is displayed if the observed behavioral difference deviates from the predetermined behavioral difference.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The steps of operating the roasting equipment to generate hot gas are coffee bean roasting, preheating of the roasting equipment, or initialization of at least one removable filter.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The removable filter (221, 222, 223) is cleanable, disposable, or regenerable.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The predetermined behavioral differences are selected based on the properties of the at least one removable filter located between the pair of first and second temperature sensors.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - In the step of observing the difference in behavior of the monitored temperature over time, the difference ΔT between the temperature T1 and the temperature T2 is calculated at at least time t0 after the start of the operation, and - If the difference ΔT is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold ΔT0 associated with the time t0, the alarm is displayed.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - In the step of observing the difference in the behavior of the monitored temperature over time, calculate the rate of increase of the first measured temperature at a predefined time t0. With the second measured temperature at the predefined time t0 of ,and -If the above Below a predetermined threshold R 2 / 1 If so, the alarm will be displayed.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, According to the flue gas flow, the first temperature sensor (24) of the pair of first temperature sensors and second temperature sensors is located upstream of a removable filter device (221), and the second temperature sensor (26) of the pair of first temperature sensors and second temperature sensors is located downstream of the removable filter device (221).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The removable filter is an adsorbent material filter, which includes a removable adsorbent material package (2211).

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, Calculate the rate of rise of the first measured temperature at a predefined time t0. The second measured temperature at the predefined time t0 of ,and -If the above If the value is close to 1, the alarm will be displayed.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flue gas treatment unit (2) includes: - Multiple removable filter devices (221, 222, 223), wherein the multiple removable filter devices are positioned in series according to the direction of the flue gas flow within the flue gas treatment unit, and - Multiple pairs of first and second temperature sensors, each pair being associated with a dedicated removable filter, wherein, depending on the direction of the flue gas flow, the first temperature sensor (24) in each pair is positioned exactly before the dedicated removable filter (221), and the second temperature sensor (26) in each pair is positioned exactly after the dedicated removable filter (221).

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - The flue gas treatment unit (2) includes multiple removable filter devices (221, 222, 223), which are connected in series and positioned according to the direction of the flue gas flow within the flue gas treatment unit, and -For at least one pair of first and second temperature sensors: - The first temperature sensor (24) is positioned to measure the temperature T1 of the flue gas flow upstream of at least two removable filter devices, and - The second temperature sensor (26) is positioned to measure the temperature T2 of the flue gas flow downstream of the at least two removable filter devices.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The system includes: - Multiple flue gas treatment units (2), each of which is configured to conduct and treat at least a portion of the flue gas via a dedicated path, and - An inlet duct device for guiding the flue gas emitted from the at least one baking device to at least one of the plurality of flue gas treatment units. - An outlet duct device, the outlet duct device being used to guide the flue gas treated by the flue gas treatment unit to the outlet of the system, and -For at least one pair of first and second temperature sensors: - The first temperature sensor (24) is positioned to measure the temperature T1 of the flue gas flow upstream of the inlet duct device, and - The second temperature sensor (26) is positioned to measure the temperature T2 of the flue gas flow downstream of the outlet duct device.

13. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The removable filtration device includes the following: metal screens, electrostatic settlers, HEPA filters, paper, cloth and / or cotton filters, absorbent material filters, and combinations thereof.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The removable adsorbent material package (2211) is an activated carbon package.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein, If the above If the value is higher than a predetermined threshold, and the threshold is lower than 1, then the alarm is displayed.

16. A system (10) for roasting coffee beans, said system comprising: -At least one baking device (1), and - At least one flue gas treatment unit (2), the at least one flue gas treatment unit being configured to treat at least a portion of the flue gas flow generated by the at least one baking device, the flue gas treatment unit comprising: - At least one removable filter (221, 222, 223), and at least one pair of first and second temperature sensors, the first temperature sensor (24) being configured to measure the temperature T1 of the flue gas flow upstream of the removable filter, and the second temperature sensor (26) being configured to measure the temperature T2 of the flue gas flow downstream of the removable filter, and - A flue gas actuator (23), configured to drive the flue gas generated by the baking equipment (1) through the flue gas processing unit. - Control system (3), which is operable to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A computer program product comprising instructions for causing the system of claim 16 to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program product according to claim 17 is stored.

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