Steam sterilization equipment and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of steam sterilization of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, and particularly discloses steam sterilization equipment and method.The steam sterilization equipment comprises a steam generator, a steam superheater and a sterilization barrel, the output end of the steam generator is communicated with the input end of the steam superheater through a pipeline, and the output end of the steam superheater is communicated with the input end of the sterilization barrel through a pipeline; the sterilization barrel comprises a barrel body, a sterilization cavity and a propelling mechanism, and the barrel body is provided with a feeding pipe and a discharging pipe which are communicated with the sterilization cavity; the barrel body is of a double-layer structure and comprises an outer barrel and an inner barrel, a steam cavity is formed between the outer barrel and the inner barrel, a plurality of air inlet holes are formed in the side wall of the inner barrel, and the steam cavity is communicated with the sterilization cavity through the air inlet holes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of steam sterilization of traditional Chinese medicines, and in particular to a steam sterilization device and method. Background Art

[0002] Steam sterilization is an effective method of killing microorganisms using high-temperature and high-pressure steam. The basic principle is that when water is heated to boiling point, a large amount of steam will be generated. This steam can quickly increase the temperature and pressure in the closed sterilization chamber, thereby destroying the cell structure of microorganisms and causing their death. Steam sterilization has the characteristics of strong penetration and good sterilization effect, and is widely used in food, medicine, chemical industry and other fields.

[0003] The existing steam sterilization method for the production of raw Chinese medicinal material powder, with application number CN202311598928.X, uses an automatic rotating mechanism in conjunction with a lifting scraper assembly, utilizes the rotation of a medicine barrel, and then uses a cylinder to drop a scraper onto the inner wall of the medicine barrel, thereby realizing automatic cleaning of wet medicine powder adhering to the medicine barrel, so that the medicine powder can be promptly sucked away by a suction pipe for drying after being scraped off.

[0004] As mentioned above, existing steam sterilization equipment is usually complex in structure and difficult to operate. The sterilization effect is highly dependent on the state of the equipment, such as the sealing of the medicine barrel, the stability of the rotating mechanism, the contact between the scraper and the inner wall of the medicine barrel, etc. A slight deviation in any link may lead to a decrease in the sterilization effect. In addition, although the automated rotating mechanism helps to evenly heat the powder, the scraper cleaning process may cause local disturbances to the powder, affecting the uniformity of sterilization. In addition, the heating and sterilization conditions of the powder at different locations may be different, which can easily lead to inconsistent sterilization effects. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a steam sterilization device and method to solve the technical problems in the prior art that the sterilization effect is greatly affected by the state of the device and the sterilization uniformity is difficult to ensure.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a steam sterilization device and method adopting the following technical solutions: a steam sterilization device, comprising a steam generator, a steam superheater, and a sterilization barrel, wherein the output end of the steam generator is connected to the input end of the steam superheater through a pipeline, and the output end of the steam superheater is connected to the input end of the sterilization barrel through a pipeline;

[0007] The sterilization barrel comprises a barrel body, a sterilization chamber, and a propulsion mechanism. The barrel body is provided with a feed pipe and a discharge pipe which are interconnected with the sterilization chamber.

[0008] The barrel body is set to a double-layer structure, and the barrel body includes an outer barrel and an inner barrel. A steam chamber is formed between the outer barrel and the inner barrel. The side wall of the inner barrel is provided with a plurality of air inlet holes, and the steam chamber is connected with the sterilization chamber through the air inlet holes.

[0009] The propulsion mechanism includes a rotating shaft, and the outer wall of the rotating shaft is provided with propulsion blades and mixing blades. The propulsion blades include two groups, and the mixing blades are located between the two groups of propulsion blades. The propulsion blades and the mixing blades are both arranged as spiral structures, and the spiral direction of the mixing blades is opposite to the spiral direction of the propulsion blades.

[0010] Furthermore, a dividing mechanism is provided on the feed pipe and the discharge pipe, and the dividing mechanism includes a driving shaft, and a plurality of dividing blades are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the driving shaft. The plurality of dividing blades are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction on the outer wall of the driving shaft. The driving shaft and the dividing blades both extend into the feed pipe and the discharge pipe, and the central axis of the driving shaft is perpendicular to the central axis of the feed pipe and the discharge pipe respectively.

[0011] Furthermore, the side walls of the feed pipe and the discharge pipe are both configured as arc-shaped structures adapted to the material distribution mechanism.

[0012] Furthermore, a mixing rod is arranged on the outer wall of the rotating shaft between the mixing blades, and there are a plurality of mixing rods, which are spirally distributed along the outer wall of the rotating shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, the steam chamber corresponds to the mixing blades and the propulsion blades close to the feed pipe. A heating chamber is formed on one side of the steam chamber and between the outer barrel and the inner barrel. The heating chamber corresponds to the propulsion blades close to the discharge pipe. A heater is arranged in the heating chamber.

[0014] Furthermore, the rotating shaft includes three groups, and the mixing blades and the two groups of propulsion blades correspond to the three groups of rotating shafts one by one, respectively, and the three groups of rotating shafts are sleeved and connected in sequence.

[0015] Furthermore, the mixing blades and the propulsion blades are full-surface spiral blades, the outer diameters of the mixing blades and the propulsion blades are both d1, the blade pitches of the mixing blades and the propulsion blades are both t, d1:t is 1:(0.4-0.7), the inner diameters of the mixing blades and the propulsion blades are both d2, d1:d2 is 1:(0.15-0.4).

[0016] Furthermore, the feed pipe and the discharge pipe are both provided with sealing covers, and the side wall of the outer barrel is provided with an air intake valve and an exhaust valve. The air intake valve is interconnected with the steam chamber and the output end of the steam superheater, and the exhaust valve is interconnected with the steam chamber.

[0017] A steam sterilization method, using the steam sterilization device as described above, comprises the following steps:

[0018] S1. Feeding: pour the selected, washed, cut and dried Chinese medicinal materials into the feeding pipe;

[0019] S2. Start the distributing mechanism: through the rotation of the driving shaft and the distributing blades, the Chinese medicinal materials are evenly dispersed in the feeding pipe to avoid blockage or agglomeration, and the Chinese medicinal materials are quantitatively fed into the sterilization chamber;

[0020] S3, steam sterilization: close the sealing covers on the feed pipe and the discharge pipe, start the steam generator, and the generated steam is further heated by the steam superheater and enters the steam chamber of the sterilization cylinder through the pipeline. The steam enters the sterilization chamber through the air inlet hole on the side wall of the inner barrel to perform high-temperature steam sterilization on the Chinese medicinal materials;

[0021] S4, start the propulsion mechanism in the sterilization cylinder: the rotating shaft drives the propulsion blade and the mixing blade to rotate, the propulsion blade is responsible for pushing the Chinese medicinal materials forward, and the mixing blade rotates in a spiral direction opposite to that of the propulsion blade, so that the Chinese medicinal materials are fully mixed and turned in the sterilization chamber;

[0022] S5, heating: the heater in the heating chamber on one side of the steam chamber works to additionally heat the Chinese medicinal materials near the discharge pipe to ensure the temperature uniformity during the entire sterilization process and dry the Chinese medicinal materials;

[0023] S6. Discharging: After sterilization is completed, open the discharge pipe of the sterilization cylinder, and through the continuous rotation of the rotating shaft, the sterilized material is smoothly pushed out of the sterilization cylinder, and the distributing mechanism on the discharge pipe is started to evenly disperse the material in the discharge pipe.

[0024] Furthermore, before step S3 starts, the air inlet valve is in a closed state, and after closing the sealing covers on the feed pipe and the discharge pipe, the air inlet valve is opened to allow high-temperature and high-pressure steam to enter the steam chamber;

[0025] Before starting step S3, the exhaust valve is opened to exhaust the cold air in the sterilization chamber and the steam chamber, and is closed after the cold air is exhausted. After the sterilization is completed, the exhaust valve is opened again to reduce the pressure in the sterilization chamber and the steam chamber to a safe level and release the residual steam.

[0026] The steam sterilization device and method provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0027] 1. The double-layer structure design of the sterilization barrel and the spiral blade design of the propulsion mechanism enable the steam to be evenly distributed in the sterilization chamber and fully contact with the material. At the same time, the stirring action of the mixing blade can further ensure the uniformity of the material during the sterilization process and avoid sterilization dead corners;

[0028] 2. The equipment uses high-temperature and high-pressure steam for sterilization, which can quickly and effectively kill various microorganisms and spores. This sterilization method has the characteristics of strong penetration and reliable sterilization effect. The design of the automatic propulsion mechanism enables the material to be automatically advanced during the sterilization process without manual intervention, thereby effectively improving production efficiency;

[0029] 3. The equipment can adapt to a variety of materials and sterilization requirements, and is not limited to the production of Chinese medicinal material powder, so that the equipment can be flexibly applied in different production scenarios and process requirements, and the process parameters of the equipment (such as temperature, pressure, time, etc.) are easier to adjust and optimize to adapt to different production batches and material characteristics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] By reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become readily understood. In the accompanying drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are shown in an exemplary and non-limiting manner, and the same or corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a steam sterilization device and method of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a sterilization cylinder of a steam sterilization device and method of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of a propulsion mechanism of a steam sterilization device and method of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 The present invention is a flow chart of a steam sterilization method.

[0035] Description of reference numerals:

[0036] 1. Steam generator; 2. Steam superheater;

[0037] 3. Sterilization cylinder;

[0038] 31. Barrel body;

[0039] 311, feed pipe; 312, discharge pipe;

[0040] 313, material distribution mechanism; 3131, driving shaft; 3132, material distribution blade;

[0041] 314, outer barrel; 3141, air inlet valve; 3142, exhaust valve; 315, inner barrel; 3151, air inlet hole; 316, steam chamber; 317, heating chamber; 3171, heater;

[0042] 32. Sterilization chamber;

[0043] 33. Propelling mechanism; 331. Rotating shaft; 332. Propelling blade; 333. Mixing blade; 334. Mixing rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should know that the embodiments described below are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] Any number of elements in the drawings is for illustration and not limitation, and any naming is for distinction only and does not have any limiting meaning.

[0046] The principle and spirit of the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to several representative embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] The present invention provides a steam sterilization device and method, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a steam sterilization device includes a steam generator 1, a steam superheater 2, and a sterilization barrel 3. The output end of the steam generator 1 is connected to the input end of the steam superheater 2 through a pipeline, and the output end of the steam superheater 2 is connected to the input end of the sterilization barrel through a pipeline.

[0048] In this embodiment, steam is generated by the steam generator 1, and then superheated by the steam superheater 2 to increase the temperature and sterilization effect of the steam. The high-temperature and high-pressure steam generated by the combined action of the steam generator 1 and the steam superheater 2 can quickly penetrate the material, effectively kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, and achieve the purpose of efficient sterilization. The superheated steam is transported to the sterilization barrel through a pipeline, ensuring that the steam has sufficient temperature and pressure when it reaches the sterilization chamber 32 to meet the sterilization requirements.

[0049] In this embodiment, the sterilization barrel includes a barrel body 31, a sterilization chamber 32, and a propulsion mechanism 33. The barrel body 31 is provided with a feed pipe 311 and a discharge pipe 312 which are interconnected with the sterilization chamber 32. In this embodiment, the feed pipe 311 and the discharge pipe 312 are both provided with sealing covers (not shown in the figure) to prevent outside air and microorganisms from entering the sterilization chamber 32 during the sterilization process, thereby ensuring the purity and stability of the sterilization environment.

[0050] In this embodiment, a dividing mechanism 313 is provided on the feed pipe 311 and the discharge pipe 312, and the dividing mechanism 313 includes a driving shaft 3131, and a plurality of dividing leaves 3132 are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the driving shaft 3131, and the plurality of dividing leaves 3132 are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the driving shaft 3131 along the circumferential direction, and the driving shaft 3131 and the dividing leaves 3132 are both extended into the feed pipe 311 and the discharge pipe 312, and the central axis of the driving shaft 3131 is perpendicular to the central axis of the feed pipe 311 and the discharge pipe 312, respectively, so that the dividing leaves 3132 can rotate perpendicular to the material flow direction, and through the rotation of the driving shaft 3131 and the plurality of dividing leaves 3132, the material entering or leaving the sterilization chamber 32 is evenly distributed on the cross section of the feed pipe 311 or the discharge pipe 312, which helps to avoid blockage or local accumulation of materials in the pipeline and ensures that the material can flow evenly and smoothly.

[0051] In this embodiment, the side walls of the feed pipe 311 and the discharge pipe 312 are both configured as arc structures adapted to the material distribution mechanism 313, which facilitates the installation of the material distribution mechanism 313, reduces the resistance of the material flowing in the pipeline, and improves the smoothness of the material flow.

[0052] In this embodiment, the barrel body 31 is set as a double-layer structure, and the barrel body 31 includes an outer barrel 314 and an inner barrel 315. A steam chamber 316 is formed between the outer barrel 314 and the inner barrel 315. The side wall of the inner barrel 315 is provided with a plurality of air inlet holes 3151. The steam chamber 316 is interconnected with the sterilization chamber 32 through the air inlet holes 3151. The sterilization barrel adopts a double-layer structure, which can effectively improve the heat preservation performance of the equipment, and allow steam to evenly enter the sterilization chamber 32 through the air inlet holes 3151 on the side wall of the inner barrel 315, thereby achieving all-round sterilization of the material. In this embodiment, the side wall of the outer barrel 314 is provided with an air inlet valve 3141 and an exhaust valve 3142. The air inlet valve 3141 is interconnected with the steam chamber 316 and the output end of the steam superheater 2, and the exhaust valve 3142 is interconnected with the steam chamber 316.

[0053] In other embodiments, the material of the inner barrel 315 can be selected from various high temperature resistant and corrosion resistant food grade materials such as stainless steel, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.

[0054] In this embodiment, the air inlet 3151 provided on the side wall of the inner barrel 315 is the key channel for steam to enter the sterilization chamber 32. The air inlet 3151 is evenly distributed, so that the steam can evenly penetrate into every corner of the sterilization chamber 32, ensuring that the material is fully sterilized. At the same time, as the steam circulates and diffuses in the sterilization chamber 32, it can also promote the uniform mixing and heating of the material. The steam chamber 316, as a passage and storage space for steam, can ensure that the steam maintains a certain temperature and pressure before entering the sterilization chamber 32 of the inner barrel 315 through the air inlet 3151, so that the steam can be evenly distributed on the side wall of the inner barrel 315 and penetrate into the sterilization chamber 32 through the air inlet 3151, so as to comprehensively and evenly heat and sterilize the material. The double-layer barrel body 31 structure also has good thermal insulation performance, which can reduce the heat loss of steam during the transmission process. The steam accumulates in the steam chamber 316, forming a thermal barrier, which helps to maintain the high temperature environment in the sterilization chamber 32 and improve the sterilization efficiency.

[0055] In this embodiment, the precise control of the air inlet valve 3141 and the air exhaust valve 3142 ensures the stability and safety of the device during the sterilization process. The air inlet valve 3141 is responsible for controlling the entry of steam. By adjusting the opening of the air inlet valve 3141, the flow rate and pressure of the steam can be controlled, thereby achieving precise control of the temperature and pressure in the sterilization chamber 32; the air exhaust valve 3142 is used to discharge excess steam or adjust the pressure in the steam chamber 316. During the sterilization process, with the continuous entry of steam and the heating of the material, the pressure in the steam chamber 316 will gradually increase. By opening the air exhaust valve 3142, part of the steam can be released to keep the pressure in the steam chamber 316 within a reasonable range, ensuring the safe operation of the device.

[0056] In this embodiment, the propulsion mechanism 33 includes a rotating shaft 331, and the outer wall of the rotating shaft 331 is provided with propulsion blades 332 and mixing blades 333. The propulsion blades 332 include two groups, and the mixing blades 333 are located between the two groups of the propulsion blades 332. The propulsion blades 332 and the mixing blades 333 are both arranged in a spiral structure, and the spiral direction of the mixing blades 333 is opposite to the spiral direction of the propulsion blades 332. In this embodiment, one group of propulsion blades 332 and the mixing blades 333 and the other group of propulsion blades 332 are horizontally arranged side by side along the rotating shaft 331, so that the entire propulsion mechanism 33 can form a continuous and orderly material processing channel when rotating. The propulsion blades 332 are responsible for pushing the material from one end to the other end, and the mixing blades 333 are located between the two groups of propulsion blades 332 to mix the material.

[0057] In this embodiment, the propulsion blade 332 is responsible for pushing the material forward to ensure that the material can pass through the sterilization area continuously and stably, while the mixing blade 333, through its reverse spiral design, allows the material to be fully mixed while moving forward, thereby improving the uniformity of sterilization. The coordinated work of the propulsion blade 332 and the mixing blade 333 ensures the continuous and stable flow of the material in the sterilization area.

[0058] In this embodiment, a mixing rod 334 is provided on the outer wall of the rotating shaft 331 between the mixing blades 333. The mixing rods 334 include multiple mixing rods 334, which are spirally distributed along the outer wall of the rotating shaft 331, so as to promote more thorough mixing and dispersion of materials in the sterilization chamber 32, help improve the uniformity and efficiency of sterilization, and can effectively reduce the accumulation and blockage of materials in the sterilization chamber 32, thereby ensuring the smooth operation of the equipment.

[0059] In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 331 includes three groups, and the mixing blades 333 and the two groups of propulsion blades 332 correspond to the three groups of rotating shafts 331 respectively. The three groups of rotating shafts 331 are connected in sequence, which not only simplifies the mechanical structure, but also effectively improves the compactness and stability of the equipment, so that the three groups of rotating shafts 331 can rotate synchronously, thereby ensuring that the mixing blades 333 and the propulsion blades 332 can work in a coordinated manner.

[0060] In this embodiment, the mixing blades 333 and the propulsion blades 332 are all full-surface spiral blades, which not only increase the contact area between the blades and the material, but also improve the fluidity of the material around the rotating shaft 331.

[0061] It should be noted that a smaller pitch in a spiral blade means that the blade is closer together, which can provide a stronger stirring and propulsion effect, but it may also increase resistance and energy consumption. A larger pitch, on the contrary, can reduce resistance and energy consumption, but the stirring and propulsion effects may be weakened. A larger inner diameter in a spiral blade means that the root of the blade is wider, which can provide better support and stability, but it may also reduce the effective working area of ​​the blade. A smaller inner diameter, on the contrary, can increase the effective working area of ​​the blade, but may reduce support and stability. In this embodiment, after comprehensive consideration of various factors, it is concluded that the outer diameter of the mixing blade 333 and the propulsion blade 332 is d1, the blade pitch of the mixing blade 333 and the propulsion blade 332 is t, d1:t is 1:(0.4-0.7), the inner diameter of the mixing blade 333 and the propulsion blade 332 is d2, d1:d2 is 1:(0.15-0.4), in this embodiment, d1:t is 1:0.5, d1:d2 is 1:0.33, so that the mixing blade 333 and the propulsion blade 332 can provide efficient stirring and propulsion effects while ensuring sufficient support and stability, ensuring that the blades can maintain stable performance and high work efficiency during operation.

[0062] In this embodiment, the steam chamber 316 corresponds to the mixing blade 333 and the propulsion blade 332 near the side of the feed pipe 311, ensuring that the material can be immediately affected by the steam when it just enters the processing area to start the sterilization process. A heating chamber 317 is formed on one side of the steam chamber 316 and between the outer barrel 314 and the inner barrel 315. The heating chamber 317 corresponds to the propulsion blade 332 near the side of the discharge pipe 312. A heater 3171 is provided in the heating chamber 317. The heater 3171 is used to generate heat and transfer it to the material, so that the heating chamber 317 can directly further heat the material that has been preliminarily treated with steam, thereby increasing the temperature of the material and enhancing the sterilization effect.

[0063] In this embodiment, the propulsion blades 332 close to the discharge pipe 312 correspond to the heating chamber 317. While pushing the material toward the discharge pipe 312, the propulsion blades 332 also ensure that the material stays in the heating chamber 317 for a sufficient time to receive sufficient heating treatment.

[0064] In this embodiment, the position and power of the heater 3171 can be adjusted according to the properties of the material and the sterilization requirements to ensure that the material is fully heated in the heating chamber 317.

[0065] In this embodiment, the working principle of the device is as follows: the device generates steam through a steam generator 1, which is then overheated by a steam superheater 2 to increase the temperature and sterilization effect of the steam. The overheated steam is transported to the sterilization barrel through a pipeline, ensuring that the steam has sufficient temperature and pressure when it reaches the sterilization chamber 32 to meet the sterilization requirements; the sterilization barrel adopts a double-layer structure, namely an outer barrel 314 and an inner barrel 315, and a steam chamber 316 is formed between the two. This design not only improves the thermal insulation performance of the device, but also allows steam to evenly enter the sterilization chamber through the air inlet 3151 on the side wall of the inner barrel 315. 32, achieving all-round sterilization of materials; the equipment realizes continuous and efficient processing of materials through the synergistic effect of the steam chamber 316, the mixing blade 333, the propulsion blade 332 and the heating chamber 317. After the materials enter the processing area through the feed pipe 311, they are first subjected to preliminary steam processing, and then the mixing blade 333 is used to achieve uniform mixing and steam penetration. Subsequently, the materials enter the heating chamber 317 for further heating treatment to improve the sterilization effect. Finally, the materials are continuously and stably discharged through the discharge pipe 312 under the push of the propulsion blade 332. The steam sterilization equipment realizes efficient and uniform sterilization of materials through fine structural design and reasonable functional layout, while improving the convenience of operation and safety of use of the equipment.

[0066] In other embodiments, the device may use control systems and monitoring methods to ensure the stability and consistency of the sterilization process, reduce batch-to-batch differences, and improve the stability of product quality.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, a steam sterilization method, using a steam sterilization device as described above, comprises the following steps:

[0068] S1, feeding: pouring the selected, washed, cut and dried Chinese medicinal materials into the feeding pipe 311, ensuring that the Chinese medicinal materials are in a suitable state before entering the sterilization process, such as removing impurities, adjusting the size, reducing the moisture content, etc., to improve the sterilization effect and product quality;

[0069] S2, start the material distribution mechanism 313: through the rotation of the driving shaft 3131 and the material distribution blade 3132, the Chinese medicinal materials are evenly dispersed in the feeding pipe 311 to avoid blockage or agglomeration, and the Chinese medicinal materials are quantitatively fed into the sterilization chamber 32 to ensure that the materials can smoothly and continuously enter the sterilization chamber 32, providing favorable conditions for the subsequent sterilization process;

[0070] S3, steam sterilization: close the sealing covers on the feed pipe 311 and the discharge pipe 312, start the steam generator 1, and the generated steam is further heated by the steam superheater 2, and then enters the steam chamber 316 of the sterilization cylinder 3 through the pipeline, and the steam enters the sterilization chamber 32 through the air inlet 3151 on the side wall of the inner barrel 315, and the Chinese medicinal materials are sterilized with high-temperature steam. The Chinese medicinal materials are sterilized quickly and efficiently with high-temperature and high-pressure steam to kill the microorganisms therein, thereby ensuring the safety and sanitary quality of the products;

[0071] S4, start the propulsion mechanism 33 in the sterilization cylinder 3: the rotating shaft 331 drives the propulsion blade 332 and the mixing blade 333 to rotate, the propulsion blade 332 is responsible for pushing the Chinese medicinal materials forward, and the mixing blade 333 rotates in a spiral direction opposite to the propulsion blade 332, so that the Chinese medicinal materials are fully mixed and turned in the sterilization chamber 32, ensuring that the steam can evenly penetrate into the material, improving the uniformity and effect of sterilization, and avoiding the problem of local overheating or insufficient sterilization of the material during the sterilization process;

[0072] S5, heating: the heater 3171 in the heating chamber 317 on one side of the steam chamber 316 works to additionally heat the Chinese medicinal materials near the discharge pipe 312 to ensure the temperature uniformity during the entire sterilization process, and to dry the Chinese medicinal materials. Through additional heating and drying treatment, the sterilization effect is further consolidated, the moisture content of the Chinese medicinal materials is reduced, and the stability and storage period of the product are improved;

[0073] S6. Discharging: After sterilization is completed, open the discharge pipe 312 of the sterilization cylinder 3, and push the sterilized material out of the sterilization cylinder 3 smoothly through the continuous rotation of the rotating shaft 331. Start the dividing mechanism 313 on the discharge pipe 312 to evenly disperse the material in the discharge pipe 312, so as to facilitate subsequent packaging, storage or further processing.

[0074] In this embodiment, before step S3 starts, the air inlet valve 3141 is in a closed state. After closing the sealing covers on the feed pipe 311 and the discharge pipe 312, the air inlet valve 3141 is opened to allow high-temperature and high-pressure steam to enter the steam chamber 316. Before step S3 starts, the exhaust valve 3142 is opened to exhaust the cold air in the sterilization chamber 32 and the steam chamber 316. After the cold air is exhausted, the exhaust valve 3142 is closed. After the sterilization is completed, the exhaust valve 3142 is opened again to reduce the pressure in the sterilization chamber 32 and the steam chamber 316 to a safe level and release the residual steam. Ensure that the pressure in the steam chamber 316 and the sterilization chamber 32 is stable and safe during the sterilization process to prevent cold air from affecting the sterilization effect or causing damage to the equipment; at the same time, the residual steam is released in time after the sterilization is completed to ensure the safety of the operator.

[0075] According to the above description of this specification, those skilled in the art may also understand that the terms used below, such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "width", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like, which indicate orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings of this specification, and are only for the purpose of facilitating the explanation of the scheme of the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than explicitly or implicitly indicating that the devices or elements involved must have the specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above-mentioned orientation or positional relationship terms cannot be understood or interpreted as limitations on the scheme of the present invention.

[0076] In addition, in the description of this specification, “plurality” means at least two, for example, two, three or more, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

Claims

1. A steam sterilization device, It is characterized in that It includes a steam generator, a steam superheater, and a sterilization barrel, wherein the output end of the steam generator is connected to the input end of the steam superheater through a pipeline, and the output end of the steam superheater is connected to the input end of the sterilization barrel through a pipeline; The sterilization barrel comprises a barrel body, a sterilization chamber, and a propulsion mechanism. The barrel body is provided with a feed pipe and a discharge pipe which are interconnected with the sterilization chamber. The barrel body is set to a double-layer structure, and the barrel body includes an outer barrel and an inner barrel. A steam chamber is formed between the outer barrel and the inner barrel. The side wall of the inner barrel is provided with a plurality of air inlet holes, and the steam chamber is connected with the sterilization chamber through the air inlet holes. The propulsion mechanism includes a rotating shaft, and the outer wall of the rotating shaft is provided with propulsion blades and mixing blades. The propulsion blades include two groups, and the mixing blades are located between the two groups of propulsion blades. The propulsion blades and the mixing blades are both arranged as spiral structures, and the spiral direction of the mixing blades is opposite to the spiral direction of the propulsion blades.

2. A steam sterilization device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A dividing mechanism is provided on the feed pipe and the discharge pipe. The dividing mechanism includes a driving shaft. A plurality of dividing blades are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the driving shaft. The plurality of dividing blades are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction on the outer wall of the driving shaft. The driving shaft and the dividing blades both extend into the feed pipe and the discharge pipe. The central axis of the driving shaft is perpendicular to the central axis of the feed pipe and the discharge pipe respectively.

3. A steam sterilization device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The side walls of the feed pipe and the discharge pipe are both arranged as arc structures adapted to the material distribution mechanism.

4. A steam sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The outer wall of the rotating shaft is provided with a mixing rod between the mixing blades. The mixing rod comprises a plurality of mixing rods, which are spirally distributed along the outer wall of the rotating shaft.

5. A steam sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The steam chamber corresponds to the mixing blades and the propulsion blades close to the feed pipe. A heating chamber is formed on one side of the steam chamber and between the outer barrel and the inner barrel. The heating chamber corresponds to the propulsion blades close to the discharge pipe. A heater is arranged in the heating chamber.

6. A steam sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The rotating shaft comprises three groups, and the mixing blades and the two groups of the propulsion blades correspond to the three groups of the rotating shafts one by one respectively, and the three groups of the rotating shafts are sleeved and connected in sequence.

7. A steam sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The mixing blade and the propulsion blade are both full-surface spiral blades, the outer diameter of the mixing blade and the propulsion blade is d1, the blade pitch of the mixing blade and the propulsion blade is t, d1:t is 1:(0.4-0.7), the inner diameter of the mixing blade and the propulsion blade is d2, d1:d2 is 1:(0.15-0.4).

8. A steam sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The feed pipe and the discharge pipe are both provided with sealing covers, and the side wall of the outer barrel is provided with an air intake valve and an exhaust valve. The air intake valve is connected with the steam chamber and the output end of the steam superheater, and the exhaust valve is connected with the steam chamber.

9. A steam sterilization method, using a steam sterilization device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized in that The following steps are involved: S1. Feeding: pour the selected, washed, cut and dried Chinese medicinal materials into the feeding pipe; S2. Start the distributing mechanism: through the rotation of the driving shaft and the distributing blades, the Chinese medicinal materials are evenly dispersed in the feeding pipe to avoid blockage or agglomeration, and the Chinese medicinal materials are quantitatively fed into the sterilization chamber; S3, steam sterilization: close the sealing covers on the feed pipe and the discharge pipe, start the steam generator, and the generated steam is further heated by the steam superheater and enters the steam chamber of the sterilization cylinder through the pipeline. The steam enters the sterilization chamber through the air inlet hole on the side wall of the inner barrel to perform high-temperature steam sterilization on the Chinese medicinal materials; S4, start the propulsion mechanism in the sterilization cylinder: the rotating shaft drives the propulsion blade and the mixing blade to rotate, the propulsion blade is responsible for pushing the Chinese medicinal materials forward, and the mixing blade rotates in a spiral direction opposite to that of the propulsion blade, so that the Chinese medicinal materials are fully mixed and turned in the sterilization chamber; S5, heating: the heater in the heating chamber on one side of the steam chamber works to additionally heat the Chinese medicinal materials near the discharge pipe to ensure the temperature uniformity during the entire sterilization process and dry the Chinese medicinal materials; S6. Discharging: After sterilization is completed, open the discharge pipe of the sterilization cylinder, and through the continuous rotation of the rotating shaft, the sterilized material is smoothly pushed out of the sterilization cylinder, and the distributing mechanism on the discharge pipe is started to evenly disperse the material in the discharge pipe.

10. A steam sterilization method according to claim 9, It is characterized in that Before step S3 starts, the air inlet valve is in a closed state. After closing the sealing covers on the feed pipe and the discharge pipe, the air inlet valve is opened to allow high-temperature and high-pressure steam to enter the steam chamber; Before starting step S3, the exhaust valve is opened to exhaust the cold air in the sterilization chamber and the steam chamber, and is closed after the cold air is exhausted. After the sterilization is completed, the exhaust valve is opened again to reduce the pressure in the sterilization chamber and the steam chamber to a safe level and release the residual steam.

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