A pH acidity monitoring system for identifying microbial contamination risks

Abstract

The present invention discloses a pH acidity monitoring system for identifying the risk of microbial contamination, which relates to the field of food filling detection. The system includes: the discharge port of the storage tank and the filling system are connected by a pipeline, and a first diaphragm valve, a pH meter, and a second diaphragm valve are sequentially arranged on the pipeline; the output end of the pH meter is electrically connected to a control cabinet, and the control end of the second diaphragm valve is electrically connected to the control cabinet. The control cabinet is used to calculate the difference between the real-time pH value detected by the pH meter and the standard pH value, and compare the difference with a set threshold value. When the difference is less than the set threshold value, the second diaphragm valve is controlled to open, and when the difference is greater than the set threshold value, the second diaphragm valve is controlled to close. The present invention can detect the real-time pH value by aseptic sampling by arranging the pH meter and the diaphragm valve on the pipeline and electrically connecting them to the control cabinet. When the pH value exceeds the standard, the diaphragm valve can be automatically closed to prevent contamination by unqualified materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of food filling detection, and in particular to a pH acidity monitoring system for identifying microbial contamination risks. Background Art

[0002] Use aseptic food storage tanks to store the flowing jam with neutral grain particles for adding to yogurt and dairy products, and the low-acid food containing this type of jam (such as cereal milk), wherein low-acid product is a professional term, referring to products with a pH of 4.6 or above, which is basically equivalent to our traditional understanding of neutral products. "Low-acid food containing this type of jam (such as cereal protein beverage)" is an animal or plant protein beverage containing cereal particles, which is a neutral product, not an acidic food. The product is a large-packaged aseptically packaged product, and the existing technology cannot achieve the aseptic sampling process of the product before use. The purpose of this technical application is to solve the microbial verification of large-packaged low-acid products before use, and to ensure that microbiologically safe products are used for subsequent production and processing.

[0003] One of the manifestations of low-acid products being contaminated by microorganisms is a change in food acidity caused by microbial growth and acid production, which is also a key basis for determining the commercial sterility of canned foods. TT cans, filled using aseptic cold filling technology, are currently the primary packaging method for bulk raw materials in the food industry. TT cans are reusable and low-carbon and environmentally friendly, but they cannot be sampled to verify microbial compliance of large-packaged products before use. Based on the principle that low-acid products cause changes in product acidity when contaminated by microorganisms, changes in product acidity will lead to significant changes in its pH. By implementing real-time monitoring of the pH of large-packaged low-acid jams before and during use, customers can identify whether the materials in the cans are contaminated by microorganisms before use, thereby avoiding production losses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pH acidity monitoring system for identifying microbial contamination risks. By arranging a pH meter and a diaphragm valve on the pipeline and electrically connecting it to the control cabinet, sterile sampling can be performed to detect the real-time pH value. When the pH value exceeds the standard, the diaphragm valve can be automatically closed to prevent contamination by unqualified materials.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0006] A pH acidity monitoring system for identifying microbial contamination risk, the system comprising: a storage tank, a first diaphragm valve, a pH meter, a second diaphragm valve, a filling system, and a control cabinet;

[0007] The discharge port of the storage tank and the filling system are connected by a pipeline, and the first diaphragm valve, the pH meter and the second diaphragm valve are arranged on the pipeline in sequence; the output end of the pH meter is electrically connected to the control cabinet, and the control end of the second diaphragm valve is electrically connected to the control cabinet. The control cabinet is used to calculate the difference between the real-time pH value detected by the pH meter and the standard pH value, and compare the difference with a set threshold. When the difference is less than the set threshold, the second diaphragm valve is controlled to open, and when the difference is greater than the set threshold, the second diaphragm valve is controlled to close.

[0008] Optionally, the system further comprises: a third diaphragm valve;

[0009] The third diaphragm valve is arranged between the second diaphragm valve and the filling system, and the third diaphragm valve is used to control the opening and closing of the material inlet of the filling system.

[0010] Optionally, the first diaphragm valve and the third diaphragm valve are manual valves.

[0011] Optionally, the system further comprises: a three-phase valve;

[0012] The first port of the three-phase valve is connected to the pipeline between the first diaphragm valve and the pH meter;

[0013] The second port of the three-phase valve is connected to the air outlet of the external steam sterilization equipment;

[0014] The third port of the three-phase valve is connected to the gas outlet of the external nitrogen purge equipment;

[0015] The control end of the three-phase valve is electrically connected to the control cabinet. The control cabinet is also used to control the first port and the second port to be connected when steam sterilization is required, and to control the first port and the third port to be connected when sterile nitrogen purge is required, and to pass sterile nitrogen to purge the pipeline.

[0016] Optionally, the system further comprises: a temperature and pressure sensor and an automatic regulating valve;

[0017] The air inlet of the automatic regulating valve is arranged on the pipeline between the second diaphragm valve and the third diaphragm valve, and the air outlet of the automatic regulating valve is connected to the external air; the temperature and pressure sensor is arranged on the pipeline between the second diaphragm valve and the automatic regulating valve, the temperature and pressure sensor is electrically connected to the control cabinet, and the control end of the automatic regulating valve is electrically connected to the control cabinet; the temperature and pressure sensor is used to detect the temperature and pressure in the pipeline and send the temperature and pressure in the pipeline to the control cabinet; the control cabinet is also used to control the steam sterilization time of the external steam sterilization equipment based on the temperature in the pipeline during the steam sterilization process, and at the same time control the opening of the automatic regulating valve based on the pressure in the pipeline. During the sterile nitrogen purging process, the sterile nitrogen input amount of the external nitrogen purging equipment is controlled based on the pressure in the pipeline to maintain positive pressure in the pipeline.

[0018] Optionally, the standard pH value is the pH value measured after the material production is completed.

[0019] Optionally, the threshold is set to 0.2.

[0020] According to the specific embodiments provided by the present invention, the present invention discloses the following technical effects:

[0021] The present invention arranges a pH meter and a diaphragm valve on the pipeline and electrically connects them to a control cabinet, thereby enabling aseptic sampling and detecting real-time pH values. When the pH value exceeds the standard, the diaphragm valve can be automatically closed to prevent contamination by unqualified materials. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural connection diagram of the biological contamination risk identification and pH acidity monitoring system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pH acidity monitoring system for identifying microbial contamination risks. By arranging a pH meter and a diaphragm valve on the pipeline and electrically connecting it to the control cabinet, sterile sampling can be performed to detect the real-time pH value. When the pH value exceeds the standard, the diaphragm valve can be automatically closed to prevent contamination by unqualified materials.

[0026] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention discloses a pH acidity monitoring system for identifying microbial contamination risk, comprising: a storage tank, a first diaphragm valve, a pH meter, a second diaphragm valve, a filling system and a control cabinet;

[0028] The storage tank's outlet is connected to the filling system via a pipeline, with a first diaphragm valve, pH meter, and second diaphragm valve installed in sequence. The pH meter's output is electrically connected to a control cabinet, as is the control end of the second diaphragm valve. The control cabinet calculates the difference between the meter's real-time pH value and a standard pH value, compares this difference with a set threshold, and controls the second diaphragm valve to open when the difference is less than the threshold and close when it exceeds the threshold. The storage tank is a sterile TT tank.

[0029] The standard pH value is the pH value measured after the material production is completed, and the threshold is set to 0.2.

[0030] The first diaphragm valve in this embodiment is also the front end connector of the system, which can also be called a TT tank discharge valve, and is used to connect to a sterile food storage tank. The interface size model of the first diaphragm valve is: DN50.

[0031] The pH probe (pH meter) in this embodiment is model 8021 produced by Bürkert, made of stainless steel, with a maximum pressure tolerance of 6 bar, an operating temperature of 0°C-140°C, an accuracy of 0.01, and can collect pH data for data output and storage.

[0032] When in use, connect the first diaphragm valve of the system to the discharge port of the storage tank, and the third diaphragm valve to the product filling pipeline. Due to the sterile properties of the tank itself, sampling and inspection cannot be performed before use. This system is mainly used to identify whether the material in the tank is contaminated with microorganisms before the customer uses it to avoid misuse by the customer.

[0033] After the pH-acidity monitoring system for identifying microbial contamination risks is activated, the pH value of the material is set in the system. The basis for setting the pH value of the material is that the pH value of the material will be measured after the production is completed, before sterilization and canning, and this pH value is the set pH value of the material. After the material is filled, if the microorganisms do not reproduce, the pH should not change significantly; if the microorganisms reproduce, the pH of the material will change significantly in the short term (generally no longer than one week). The monitoring system of the present invention is used for detection during the use of materials. The time interval between the actual material production completion and use is longer than one week.

[0034] When the material reaches the probe of the pH meter, the real-time pH value of the material is detected. When the deviation between the detected value and the set value is less than 0.2, the operator manually inputs the value into the PLC control panel (the system automatically determines whether the deviation between the detected value and the set value is consistent). After the judgment is qualified, the operator manually confirms it. Only after confirmation can the third diaphragm valve connected to the client (filling system) pipeline be opened. After passing the test, the material in the sterile food storage tank can be passed into the product filling pipeline. During the discharge process, the microbial contamination risk identification pH acidity monitoring system monitors the pH value of the material in real time. When the system monitors that the deviation between the material and the set value is greater than 0.2, the system will send a buzzer alarm through the control cabinet and control the second diaphragm valve (fully automatic stop valve) to close.

[0035] In addition, the system itself can also perform CIP cleaning and SIP sterilization (cleaning and sterilization are performed through the pipes marked with steam in the figure).

[0036] As an optional embodiment, the system also includes a third diaphragm valve, located between the second diaphragm valve and the filling system. The third diaphragm valve controls the opening and closing of the filling system's inlet. Both the first and third diaphragm valves are manual valves. The third diaphragm valve, also known as the rear connector, is used to connect to the customer's end (filling system). The third diaphragm valve has a DN50 connector.

[0037] As an optional embodiment, the system further includes: a three-phase valve;

[0038] The first port of the three-phase valve is connected to the pipeline between the first diaphragm valve and the pH meter; the second port of the three-phase valve is connected to the air outlet of the external steam sterilization equipment; the third port of the three-phase valve is connected to the air outlet of the external nitrogen purging equipment; the control end of the three-phase valve is electrically connected to the control cabinet, and the control cabinet is also used to control the first port and the second port to be connected when steam sterilization is required, and to control the first port and the third port to be connected when sterile nitrogen purging is required, and to control the first port and the third port to be connected, and to pass sterile nitrogen to purge the pipeline.

[0039] Furthermore, the system also includes: a temperature and pressure sensor and an automatic regulating valve.

[0040] The air inlet of the automatic regulating valve is arranged on the pipeline between the second diaphragm valve and the third diaphragm valve, and the air outlet of the automatic regulating valve is connected to the external air; the temperature and pressure sensor is arranged on the pipeline between the second diaphragm valve and the automatic regulating valve, the temperature and pressure sensor is electrically connected to the control cabinet, and the control end of the automatic regulating valve is electrically connected to the control cabinet; the temperature and pressure sensor is used to detect the temperature and pressure in the pipeline, and sends the temperature and pressure in the pipeline to the control cabinet; the control cabinet is also used to control the steam sterilization time of the external steam sterilization equipment based on the temperature in the pipeline during steam sterilization, and control the opening of the automatic regulating valve based on the pressure in the pipeline at the same time. During the sterile nitrogen purge process, the input amount of the sterile nitrogen of the external nitrogen purge equipment is controlled based on the pressure in the pipeline to maintain positive pressure in the pipeline. In the present invention, the sterilization temperature is 121°C-138°C and the time is 10-40 minutes. Before steam sterilization, CIP cleaning (CLEAN IN PLACE) is performed. This process allows for safe, automated cleaning of the system using simple, simple methods without disassembling the equipment. CIP cleaning not only cleans the equipment but also controls microorganisms. After sterilization, sterile nitrogen is introduced into the equipment to balance the pressure, reduce the temperature, and maintain positive pressure protection.

[0041] Taking low-acid oat jam as an example, the working process of the microbial contamination risk identification pH acidity monitoring system is as follows:

[0042] S1. First, measure the pH value of low-acid oat jam at different times and conditions.

[0043] The pH of the cooked low-acid oat jam was measured at 6.76. After 10 days of incubation at 36°C, the pH of the pasteurized low-acid oat jam was 6.77, with no microorganisms detected. After 3 days of incubation at 36°C, the pH of the incompletely pasteurized low-acid oat jam was 6.5, with no microorganisms detected. After 5 days of incubation at 36°C, the pH of the incompletely pasteurized low-acid oat jam was 5.61, with no microorganisms detected. Connect the filling system piping and perform CIP cleaning along with the filling system. After cleaning, connect the storage tank.

[0044] S2. First, set the SIP steam sterilization temperature and time for the control cabinet. Set the pH control value (to control the opening and closing of the second diaphragm valve during use), the sterile nitrogen purge cooling temperature after sterilization, and maintain the pressure in the system pipeline.

[0045] S3. Open the steam inlet valve and start SIP sterilization.

[0046] S4. After sterilization, the three-phase valve switches from steam to sterile nitrogen to purge and cool the pipeline. After the pipeline temperature drops to the set temperature, the automatic regulating valve closes to maintain a certain positive pressure inside the pipeline.

[0047] S5. Close the three-phase valve and automatic regulating valve during operation. Open the TT tank discharge valve, allowing the jam in the TT tube to enter the discharge system pipeline. A pH meter in the pipeline measures the pH value of the jam to see if it is within the product standard range. If it is, open the second diaphragm valve to continue production, and the jam enters the filling system. The pH meter records the real-time pH value of the jam.

[0048] S6. If the pH value is detected to be outside the set pH range, the system automatically closes the second diaphragm valve and outputs an alarm signal. Jam that poses a microbiological risk will no longer enter the filling system.

[0049] The present invention installs a pH meter and diaphragm valve on the pipeline and electrically connects it to the control cabinet, allowing aseptic sampling and real-time pH detection. When the pH value exceeds the standard, the diaphragm valve is automatically closed to prevent contamination by unqualified materials. Automatically stopping filling when an unqualified pH value due to microbial contamination is detected ensures food safety during the filling process.

[0050] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0051] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only intended to help understand the method and core concept of the present invention. At the same time, those skilled in the art will find that the specific implementation methods and application scopes may vary based on the concept of the present invention. In summary, the contents of this specification should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. A pH acidity monitoring system for identifying microbial contamination risk, characterized in that: The microbial contamination risk identification pH acidity monitoring system is used for detection during the use of materials. The system includes: a storage tank, a first diaphragm valve, a pH meter, a second diaphragm valve, a third diaphragm valve, a three-phase valve, a temperature and pressure sensor, an automatic regulating valve, a filling system and a control cabinet; The discharge port of the storage tank is connected to the filling system via a pipeline, and the first diaphragm valve, the pH meter, and the second diaphragm valve are sequentially arranged on the pipeline; the output end of the pH meter is electrically connected to the control cabinet, and the control end of the second diaphragm valve is electrically connected to the control cabinet. The control cabinet is used to calculate the difference between the real-time pH value detected by the pH meter and the standard pH value, and compare the difference with a set threshold. When the difference is less than the set threshold, the second diaphragm valve is controlled to open; when the difference is greater than the set threshold, the second diaphragm valve is controlled to close. The pH meter has a maximum pressure tolerance of 6 Bar, an operating temperature of 0°C-140°C, and an accuracy of 0.

01. The third diaphragm valve is arranged between the second diaphragm valve and the filling system, and is used to control the on-off of the inlet of the filling system; the first diaphragm valve and the third diaphragm valve are manual valves; The first port of the three-phase valve is connected to the pipeline between the first diaphragm valve and the pH meter; the second port of the three-phase valve is connected to the air outlet of an external steam sterilization device; the third port of the three-phase valve is connected to the air outlet of an external nitrogen purge device; the control end of the three-phase valve is electrically connected to the control cabinet, and the control cabinet is further used to control the first port and the second port to be connected when steam sterilization is required, and to pass steam for sterilization; when sterile nitrogen purge is required, the first port and the third port are controlled to be connected, and sterile nitrogen is passed to purge the pipeline; The air inlet of the automatic regulating valve is arranged on the pipeline between the second diaphragm valve and the third diaphragm valve, and the air outlet of the automatic regulating valve is connected to the external air; the temperature and pressure sensor is arranged on the pipeline between the second diaphragm valve and the automatic regulating valve, the temperature and pressure sensor is electrically connected to the control cabinet, and the control end of the automatic regulating valve is electrically connected to the control cabinet; the temperature and pressure sensor is used to detect the temperature and pressure in the pipeline and send the temperature and pressure in the pipeline to the control cabinet; the control cabinet is also used to control the steam sterilization time of the external steam sterilization equipment based on the temperature in the pipeline during the steam sterilization process, and at the same time control the opening of the automatic regulating valve based on the pressure in the pipeline. During the sterile nitrogen purging process, the sterile nitrogen input amount of the external nitrogen purging equipment is controlled based on the pressure in the pipeline to maintain positive pressure in the pipeline.

2. A microbial contamination risk identification pH acidity monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The standard pH value is the pH value measured after the material production is completed.

3. A microbial contamination risk identification pH acidity monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The threshold value is set to 0.2.

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