Food processing line and method for food processing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a food processing line (10), the food processing line (10) comprising an injection device (2) configured to inject a liquid into food; at least one microwave sensor (1, 3) configured to sense microwave transmission data of the food product, the microwave sensor (1, 3) comprising a microwave transmitter (11) and a microwave receiver (12) spaced apart from the microwave transmitter (11), the microwave receiver (12) further configured to receive a transmission signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter (11); and a control unit (4) configured to receive the microwave transmission data from the microwave sensor (1, 3) and to control the injection device (2) based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor (1, 3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of food processing, in particular to in-line food processing, and is particularly suitable for processing foods such as meat, poultry and fish.

[0002] The present invention relates to a food processing line comprising an injection device configured to inject a liquid into food. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for processing food, in particular meat, poultry or fish, in a food processing line comprising the injection device.

[0003] EP2708148A1 discloses an in-line method for processing meat in which a liquid in the form of brine is injected into the meat. The method involves an injection device that inserts an array of needles into the food so as to inject the brine into the meat through the needles.

[0004] However, it has been observed that the injection effect can vary for different types of food supplied to the injection device. Furthermore, the results can vary if different masses of the same type of food are injected.

[0005] In this context, the problem to be solved is to better control the injection of liquids into foods of different types and / or qualities.

[0006] In order to solve this problem, the present invention proposes a food processing line, which includes

[0007] an injection device configured to inject a liquid into the food, and

[0008] at least one microwave sensor configured to sense microwave transmission data of food, the microwave sensor comprising a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver spaced apart from the microwave transmitter, the microwave receiver further configured to receive a transmission signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter, and

[0009] A control unit is configured to receive microwave transmission data from the microwave sensor and control the injection device based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor.

[0010] According to the present invention, at least one microwave sensor is provided, configured to sense microwave transmission data of a food being or to be injected with liquid. This microwave transmission data can indicate the quality of the food being measured, specifically, the liquid content of the food. The microwave transmission data is received by a control unit, which is capable of controlling an injection device based on the microwave transmission data. Thus, the present invention allows the injection device to be controlled based on the liquid content of the measured food. This allows for improved control of liquid injection for different types and / or qualities of food, or for optimization of the injection process based on trending results.

[0011] The liquid injected using the injection device can be a brine or marinade. The liquid can include salt and / or spices and / or oil and / or vinegar. The injection device can include one or more injection needles connected to the liquid reservoir. The microwave transmitter preferably transmits a frequency signal or a narrow bandwidth signal. The single frequency can be a frequency in the range of 0.1 GHz to 10 THz, specifically 810 MHz, 960 MHz, or 1.165 GHz. The microwave transmitter preferably operates at a transmission power of less than 1 mW, preferably less than 0.5 mW, for example 0.1 mW.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microwave sensor includes a processing unit configured to analyze the amplitude of a transmission signal received by the microwave receiver. Analyzing the transmission signal, specifically comparing the amplitude of the signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter with the transmission signal received by the microwave receiver, can indicate the amount of energy absorbed by the food. It has been found that the amplitude of the transmission signal is a good indicator of the liquid content of the food. The processing unit can include a processor, such as a programmable processor and / or a vector network analyzer (VNA). The processing unit can receive the signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter and the transmission signal received by the microwave receiver.

[0013] In this context, the processing unit is preferably further configured to analyze the phase of the transmission signal received by the microwave receiver, preferably to analyze the phase difference between the signal emitted by the microwave transmitter and the transmission signal received by the microwave receiver. By analyzing both the amplitude and the phase of the transmission signal, the reliability of the liquid content determination can be improved compared to analyzing only the amplitude.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is further configured to

[0015] - adjusting the liquid injection pressure based on microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor, and / or

[0016] - adjusting the liquid injection volume based on microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor, and / or

[0017] - adjusting the speed of the injection head of the injection device based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor.

[0018] Preferably, the food is located between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver during sensing with the microwave sensor.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a food processing line includes a transport device configured to transport food to and / or from an injection device. Microwave sensors are preferably positioned along the transport device to sense the food before entering the injection device and / or after exiting the injection device. The transport device may be a conveyor, specifically a belt conveyor or a walking beam conveyor.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transport device is further configured to transport food through the gap between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver of the microwave sensor. For example, a portion of the transport device may be positioned within the gap between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver to transport the food through the gap. In this example, the transport device may include a substantially horizontal conveyor, one of the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver may be positioned above the conveyor, and the other may be positioned below the conveyor to form a substantially vertical transport path. According to another example, both the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver may be positioned on the same side of the transport device, such as on the same side of the conveyor, without the transport device reaching the gap between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver. In this example, the transport device may include a substantially horizontal conveyor, with the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver forming a substantially horizontal transport path.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is further configured to control the transport device. In particular, the control unit can be configured to adjust the step displacement of the transport device.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a microwave sensor is positioned upstream of the injection device. Placing the microwave sensor upstream of the injection device allows for sensing microwave transmission data from the food before liquid is injected into the food. The liquid content of the food before injection can indicate the maximum possible liquid absorption by the food supplied to the injection device. Therefore, measuring the liquid content before liquid injection allows for controlling liquid injection to achieve maximum liquid absorption by the food and / or to avoid injecting liquid that cannot be absorbed by the food.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a microwave sensor is positioned downstream of the injection device. This placement allows for sensing microwave transmission data from the food after the liquid has been injected into the food. The liquid content of the food after injection provides an indication of the amount of liquid injected into the food. This allows for monitoring liquid absorption in the food and, based on this assessment, allows adjustments to be made to subsequent liquid injections into the food (i.e., within the same batch).

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food processing line comprises at least two microwave sensors, wherein a first microwave sensor is arranged upstream of the injection device and a second microwave sensor is arranged downstream of the injection device. This embodiment allows the liquid content of the food to be measured before and after injection.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food processing line includes a food thickness measuring device, in particular a laser or other height measuring device such as a mechanical probe, which is configured to measure the thickness of the food, preferably when the food is located between the microwave emitter and the microwave receiver. The control unit is preferably configured to additionally receive the measured thickness of the food and to additionally control the injection device based on this thickness. In particular, the microwave transmission data can be scaled according to the measured thickness. The food thickness measuring device can be configured to measure the distance between the measuring device and the surface of the food when the food is arranged at a known distance from the measuring device (e.g., on a transport device).

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food processing line comprises a food temperature measuring device, in particular an IR temperature sensor, which is configured to measure the temperature of the food, in particular the surface temperature of the food, preferably when the food is located between the microwave emitter and the microwave receiver. The control unit is preferably configured to additionally receive the measured temperature of the food and to additionally control the injection device based on this temperature.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is further configured to

[0028] - determine the content of certain ingredients in food, in particular the fat content of the food, and / or

[0029] - recording microwave transmission data received from microwave sensors, and / or

[0030] - record data received from food thickness measuring equipment, and / or

[0031] -Records data received from food temperature measuring devices.

[0032] Preferably, the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor can be used to determine the chemical ratios of the elements. The determined fat content can be used, for example, to check food quality and / or to adapt the injection process in the injection device to the food quality. Recording this data can provide better insights into food quality and / or identify trends and / or store data for tracking and tracing. The recorded data can optionally be used to optimize processing, particularly in the injection device, either automatically or manually by the device operator.

[0033] In order to solve this problem, the present invention also proposes a method for processing food in a food processing line, wherein the food is in particular meat, poultry or fish, the food processing line comprising an injection device, at least one microwave sensor and a control unit, wherein

[0034] Use an injection device to inject liquid into the food.

[0035] sensing microwave transmission data of the food using a microwave sensor, wherein the microwave sensor includes a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver spaced apart from the microwave transmitter, wherein the microwave receiver receives a transmission signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter, and

[0036] The control unit receives the microwave transmission data from the microwave sensor and controls the injection of the liquid using the injection device based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor.

[0037] This method can achieve the same technical effects and advantages as those described in conjunction with the food processing line of the present invention.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit

[0039] - adjusting the liquid injection pressure based on microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor, and / or

[0040] - adjusting the liquid injection volume based on microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor, and / or

[0041] - adjusting the speed of the injection head of the injection device based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food is transported from and / or to the injection device by a transport device, in particular a conveyor, of a food processing line, preferably wherein the transport device transports the food through a gap between a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver of the microwave sensor.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a microwave sensor is arranged upstream of the injection device to sense microwave transmission data of the food before the liquid is injected into the food.

[0044] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a microwave sensor is arranged downstream of the injection device to sense microwave transmission data of the food after the liquid is injected into the food.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food processing line includes at least two microwave sensors, wherein the first microwave sensor is arranged upstream of the injection device to sense first microwave transmission data of the food before the liquid is injected into the food, and wherein the second microwave sensor is arranged downstream of the injection device to sense second microwave transmission data of the food after the liquid is injected into the food.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food thickness measuring device measures the thickness of the food, in particular the food thickness measuring device comprises a laser or other height measuring device such as a mechanical probe, preferably when the food is located between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food temperature measuring device measures the temperature of the food, in particular the food temperature measuring device comprises an IR temperature sensor, preferably measuring the temperature of the food, in particular the surface temperature of the food, when the food is located between the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit further

[0049] - determine the content of certain ingredients in food, in particular the fat content of the food, and / or

[0050] - recording microwave transmission data received from microwave sensors, and / or

[0051] - record data received from food thickness measuring equipment, and / or

[0052] -Records data received from food temperature measuring devices.

[0053] Preferably, the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor can be used to determine the chemical ratios of the elements. The determined fat content can be used, for example, to check food quality and / or to adapt the injection process in the injection device to the food quality. Recording this data can provide better insights into food quality and / or identify trends and / or store data for tracking and tracing. The recorded data can optionally be used to optimize processing, particularly in the injection device, either automatically or manually by the device operator.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the advantageous features and / or advantageous embodiments described in connection with the food processing line can be implemented in the method according to the invention for processing food.

[0055] These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the present invention. This description is given by way of example only and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a food processing line according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a food processing line according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a food processing line according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a microwave sensor according to a first embodiment;

[0060] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a microwave sensor according to a second embodiment;

[0061] Figure 6 is a graph showing transmission data sensed by a microwave sensor for foods that received no injection, one injection, and two injections.

[0062] The present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only illustrative and non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes.

[0063] Figure 1 A food processing line 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The food processing line 10 comprises an injection device 2 configured to inject a liquid into food and a control unit 4 connected to the injection device and configured to control the injection device 2. The food processing line further comprises a transport device 5 for transporting the food to and from the injection device 2, here for transporting the food in a transport direction T. The transport device 5 may comprise a conveyor, such as a belt conveyor or a walking beam conveyor.

[0064] The food processing line 10 also includes a microwave sensor 1, which is arranged upstream of the injection device 2 along the food transport direction T. The microwave sensor 1 is configured to sense microwave transmission data of the food. The microwave sensor 1 includes a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver spaced apart from the microwave transmitter, the microwave receiver further configured to receive the transmission signal emitted by the microwave transmitter. The sensed microwave transmission data is transmitted to a control unit 4, which receives the microwave transmission data from the microwave sensor and controls the injection device 2 based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor 1. For example, the control unit 4 can be configured to adjust the liquid injection pressure based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor 1, adjust the liquid injection volume based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor 1, and / or adjust the speed of the injection head of the injection device 2 based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor 1.

[0065] Figure 2 A food processing line 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for elements with the same functions, and reference is made to the description of the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, the food processing line 10 of the second embodiment includes a microwave sensor 3, which is arranged downstream of the injection device 2 along the food transport direction T. The microwave sensor 3 includes a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver spaced apart from the microwave transmitter, the microwave receiver being further configured to receive the transmission signal emitted by the microwave transmitter. Sensed microwave transmission data is transmitted to a control unit 4, which receives the microwave transmission data from the microwave sensor and controls the injection device 2 based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor 3. For example, the control unit 4 can be configured to adjust the liquid injection pressure based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor 3, adjust the liquid injection volume based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor 3, and / or adjust the speed of the injection head of the injection device 2 based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensor 3.

[0066] Figure 3 A food processing line 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The third embodiment includes a first microwave sensor 1 upstream of an injection device 2 and a second microwave sensor 3 downstream of the injection device 2. The third embodiment combines aspects of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, like reference numerals are used for like functional elements, and reference is made to the description of the first and second embodiments.

[0067] Figure 4A first embodiment of microwave sensors 1, 3 is shown, which can be used in the previously described embodiments. Microwave sensors 1, 3 are positioned along a food production line 10 at a location on a transport device 5. Transport device 5 can be a conveyor and is configured to transport food F through a gap G between microwave emitters 11 and microwave receivers 12 of microwave sensors 1, 3. According to the first embodiment, the transport direction T of food F is substantially horizontal. Microwave sensors 1, 3 are configured to include a substantially vertical transmission path. Microwave emitters 11 are positioned above transport device 5, and microwave receivers 12 are positioned below transport device 5.

[0068] A food thickness measuring device 20 and a food temperature measuring device 30 are also provided in the region of the microwave sensors 1 , 3 . Both the food thickness measuring device 20 and the food temperature measuring device 30 are configured to measure respective properties of the food F when the food F is located between the microwave transmitter 11 and the microwave receiver 12 .

[0069] The control unit 4 of the food processing line 10 using the microwave sensors 1, 3 is preferably configured to additionally receive a measured thickness of the food F and to additionally control the injection device 2 based on this thickness. Furthermore, the control unit 4 is preferably configured to additionally receive a measured temperature of the food F and to additionally control the injection device 2 based on this temperature.

[0070] Figure 5 A second embodiment of a microwave sensor 1, 3 is shown, which can be used in the embodiment of the food production line described previously. The second embodiment of the microwave sensor 1, 3 is similar to Figure 4 The first embodiment is shown. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for elements with the same functions, and reference is made to the description of the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, the transmission paths of the microwave sensors 1, 3 are oriented horizontally. Here, both the microwave transmitter 11 and the microwave receiver 12 are positioned above the transport device 5. The microwave transmitter 11 and the microwave receiver 12 are separated by a gap G, through which the transport device 5 is configured to transport food F.

[0071] If combined Figure 4 As described, the second embodiment includes a food (layer) thickness measuring device 20 and a food temperature measuring device 30 configured to measure respective characteristics of the food F when the food F is located in the gap G between the microwave transmitter 11 and the microwave receiver 12 .

[0072] Figure 6A graph shows transmission data for foods sensed by a microwave sensor that received no injection (curve A, circles), one injection (curve B, triangles), and two injections (curve C, squares). As can be clearly seen from the graph, microwave transmission decreases as the liquid content of the food increases. For example, compared to curve A for the food that did not receive an injection, curve B shows reduced microwave transmission for the food that received a single injection. Similarly, curve C shows reduced microwave transmission for the food that received two injections, compared to curve B for the food that received a single injection.

[0073] Description of reference numerals:

[0074] 1 Microwave sensor

[0075] 2Injection device

[0076] 3 Microwave Sensor

[0077] 4Control Unit

[0078] 5. Transport device

[0079] 10 Food processing lines

[0080] 11 Microwave transmitter

[0081] 12 microwave receivers

[0082] 20 Food thickness measuring equipment

[0083] 30 Food temperature measuring equipment

[0084] F Food

[0085] TTransportation direction

Claims

1. A food processing line (10), comprising: an injection device (2) configured to inject a liquid into the food (F), and at least one microwave sensor (1, 3), the microwave sensor (1, 3) being configured to sense microwave transmission data of the food (F), the microwave sensor (1, 3) comprising a microwave transmitter (11) and a microwave receiver (12) spaced apart from the microwave transmitter (11), the microwave receiver (12) being further configured to receive a transmission signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter (11), and A control unit (4) is configured to receive microwave transmission data from the microwave sensors (1, 3) and control the injection device (2) based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3).

2. The food processing line (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit (4) is further configured to: - adjust the liquid injection pressure based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3); and / or - adjusting the liquid injection volume based on microwave transmission data received from said microwave sensors (1, 3), and / or - regulating the speed of the injection head of the injection device (2) based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3).

3. A food processing line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that A transport device (5), in particular a conveyor, is configured to transport the food (F) from the injection device (2) and / or to the injection device (2).

4. The food processing line (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The transport device (5) is further configured to transport the food (F) through a gap (G) between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12) of the microwave sensor (1, 3).

5. The food processing line (10) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that The control unit (4) is further configured to control the transport device (5), in particular to adjust the stepwise displacement of the transport device (5).

6. Food processing line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The microwave sensors (1, 3) are arranged upstream of the injection device (2).

7. The food processing line (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The microwave sensors (1, 3) are arranged downstream of the injection device (2).

8. The food processing line (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The food processing line (10) comprises at least two microwave sensors (1, 3), wherein a first microwave sensor (1) is arranged upstream of the injection device (2) and a second microwave sensor (3) is arranged downstream of the injection device (2).

9. Food processing line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that A food thickness measuring device (20) is configured to measure the thickness of the food (F), in particular the food thickness measuring device (20) comprises a laser, preferably measuring the thickness of the food (F) when the food (F) is located between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12).

10. Food processing line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that A food temperature measuring device (30) is configured to measure the temperature of the food (F), in particular the surface temperature of the food (F), in particular the food temperature measuring device (30) comprises an IR temperature sensor, preferably measuring the temperature of the food (F) when the food (F) is located between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12).

11. Food processing line (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The control unit (4) is further configured to: determine the content of certain components in the food (F), in particular the fat content of the food (F), and / or - recording microwave transmission data received from said microwave sensors (1, 3), and / or - recording data received from said food thickness measuring device (20), and / or - Recording the data received from said food temperature measuring device (30).

12. Method for processing food, in particular meat, poultry or fish, in a food processing line (10), comprising an injection device (2), at least one microwave sensor (1, 3) and a control unit (4), wherein injecting liquid into food (F) using the injection device (2), sensing microwave transmission data of the food (F) using the microwave sensor (1, 3), wherein the microwave sensor (3) comprises a microwave transmitter (11) and a microwave receiver (12) spaced apart from the microwave transmitter (11), wherein the microwave receiver (12) receives a transmission signal transmitted by the microwave transmitter (11), and A control unit (4) that receives microwave transmission data from the microwave sensors (1, 3) controls the injection of liquid using the injection device (2) based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The control unit (4) - regulating liquid injection pressure based on microwave transmission data received from said microwave sensors (1, 3), and / or - adjusting the liquid injection volume based on microwave transmission data received from said microwave sensors (1, 3), and / or - regulating the speed of the injection head of the injection device (2) based on the microwave transmission data received from the microwave sensors (1, 3).

14. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that The food (F) is transported from the injection device (2) and / or to the injection device (2) by a transport device (5) of the food processing line (10), in particular a conveyor, preferably, wherein the transport device transports the food (F) through the gap (G) between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12) of the microwave sensor (1, 3).

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The microwave sensors (1, 3) are arranged upstream of the injection device (2) to sense microwave transmission data of the food (F) before the liquid is injected into the food (F).

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 14, characterized in that The microwave sensors (1, 3) are arranged downstream of the injection device (2) to sense microwave transmission data of the food (F) after the liquid is injected into the food (F).

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The food processing line (10) comprises at least two microwave sensors (1, 3), wherein the first microwave sensor (1) is arranged upstream of the injection device (2) to sense first microwave transmission data of the food (F) before the liquid is injected into the food (F), and the second microwave sensor (3) is arranged downstream of the injection device (1, 3) to sense second microwave transmission data of the food (F) after the liquid is injected into the food (F).

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that The food thickness measuring device (20) measures the thickness of the food (F), in particular the food thickness measuring device (20) comprises a laser, preferably measuring the thickness of the food (F) when the food (F) is located between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12).

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that The food temperature measuring device (30) measures the temperature of the food (F), in particular the surface temperature of the food (F). In particular, the food temperature measuring device (30) comprises an IR temperature sensor, and preferably measures the temperature of the food (F) when the food (F) is located between the microwave transmitter (11) and the microwave receiver (12).

20. The food processing line (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that The control unit (4) further - determining the content of certain components in said food (F), in particular the fat content of said food (F), and / or - recording microwave transmission data received from said microwave sensors (1, 3), and / or - recording data received from said food thickness measuring device (20), and / or - Recording the data received from said food temperature measuring device (30).

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