Preparation method of walnut-flavored milk beverage and self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a preparation method of a walnut flavor milk beverage and self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment thereof.The self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment comprises a tank body shell, a tank body inner container and a temperature control interlayer, a heating element is arranged in the temperature control interlayer, a stirring rotating shaft is arranged in the tank body inner container, and an emulsification shearing assembly is coaxially arranged; the interior of the stirring rotating shaft is hollow, one end of the stirring rotating shaft communicates with the interior of the temperature control interlayer, a hollow liquid guide pipe is arranged on the stirring rotating shaft, the top of the liquid guide pipe is connected with a pressure release valve assembly, and the end of the pressure release valve assembly is connected with a cleaning spray head. When self-cleaning needs to be carried out after the emulsification tank completes work, water which is preliminarily heated in the temperature control interlayer continues to be heated into hot water, the liquid booster pump enables the water to break through the critical value of the pressure release valve assembly, the water which is originally wasted is ingeniously sprayed out of the end of the cleaning spray head, and flushing and cleaning are completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of dairy products, and in particular to a preparation method of a walnut-flavored milk beverage and a self-cleaning emulsification tank device thereof. Background Art

[0002] Emulsifying tanks are widely used and crucial in the dairy beverage industry. Through their high-speed shearing and emulsifying properties, they thoroughly mix the oil and water phases in dairy beverages, forming a stable emulsion. This effectively prevents product stratification and sedimentation during storage and transportation. This stable emulsion not only enhances the product's appearance and texture, but also significantly improves the taste and texture of dairy beverages, making them more delicate and smooth.

[0003] The authorization announcement number is CN118045504B, which discloses a mixing and stirring equipment and process for cheese production emulsification. Combined with its specification, its scheme drives the material flow through the impellers at both ends of the fixed tube, which facilitates the cooperation between the rotor and the stator to emulsify the material. The position of the impellers on both sides of the rotor can be adjusted by the cooperation between the screw and the connecting plate in the adjustment box, ensuring that the impeller can drive materials of different densities to reach the rotor at the same time, thereby improving the emulsification effect.

[0004] However, there are still some problems when using this equipment for emulsification and shearing. First, during the emulsification process, when the equipment is just started or the temperature in the tank needs to be controlled, the flow-aiding component and the shearing component will absorb the temperature of the liquid in the local area of the tank, causing uneven temperature of the liquid in the tank, affecting the effect of emulsification and shearing; and the temperature change will inevitably cause some dirt or impurities to remain on the side walls during use. The entire equipment cannot achieve the self-cleaning function, and each cleaning needs to be done manually, which reduces production efficiency and affects product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention primarily addresses the problems encountered during stirring and cleaning of an emulsification tank, and invents a method for preparing a walnut-flavored milk beverage and a self-cleaning emulsification tank device. When the emulsification tank needs to be self-cleaned after operation, the water that has been initially heated inside the temperature-controlled interlayer is further heated to hot water, placing the liquid booster pump in the second gear. At this point, the water can break through the critical value of the pressure relief valve assembly, and the water that would otherwise be wasted is cleverly ejected from the end of the cleaning nozzle. This continuously flushes the inner wall of the tank body, not only completing the initial flushing and cleaning, but also reusing the wastewater originally used for heat conduction to the stirring shaft and liquid guide tube, thus avoiding the waste of water resources. A deformable plastic support plate is selected to place the plate in two states: in the first state, the water cannot effectively support the plastic support plate. Then, when the liquid guide tube rotates and stirs, the end of the plastic scraper will not cause wear on the inner wall of the tank body. The second state is when the liquid booster pump is in the first gear. The liquid guide tube is filled with water inside the plastic support plate to provide support. The plastic scraper can clean the inner wall surface and the bottom surface of the tank body during the rotation of the liquid guide tube.

[0006] The inventive objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions: a self-cleaning emulsification tank device, comprising a tank shell, a tank liner arranged inside the tank shell, a gap between the inner wall of the tank shell and the outer side of the tank liner being a temperature control interlayer, a heating element for heating the liquid inside the temperature control interlayer being provided inside the temperature control interlayer, a stirring shaft and an emulsifying shearing assembly being provided coaxially inside the tank liner, the interior of the tank liner being hollow and one end being connected to the interior of the temperature control interlayer, a hollow liquid guide tube being provided on the surface of the stirring shaft located in the tank liner area extending to both sides and the bottom, the liquid guide tube being able to stir the material liquid inside the tank liner during the rotation of the stirring shaft, a pressure relief valve assembly being connected to the top of the liquid guide tube, and a cleaning nozzle being connected to the pressure relief port end of the pressure relief valve assembly.

[0007] Preferably, a plurality of deformable and hollow plastic support plates are provided on the surface of the liquid guide tube, the plastic support plates are communicated with the interior of the liquid guide tube, the interior of the plastic support plates can be filled with water inside the liquid guide tube, the ends of the plastic support plates are connected to scraper support shafts, the surface of the scraper support shafts is connected to plastic scrapers, and the ends of the plastic scrapers are in contact with the inner wall surface and the bottom surface of the tank body.

[0008] Preferably, a liquid booster pump is provided on the outside of the tank shell, the outlet of the liquid booster pump is connected to a water inlet pipe inserted into the temperature control interlayer, and a water outlet pipe is provided at the bottom of the tank shell. The water inside the temperature control interlayer will be sprayed out from the pressure relief port of the pressure relief valve assembly under the pressure of the liquid booster pump.

[0009] Preferably, the pressure relief valve assembly includes a pressure relief valve body, a valve body end cover, a valve core, a spring support shaft and a return spring. The bottom of the pressure relief valve body is connected to the outlet at the top of the liquid guide tube. The bottom of the pressure relief valve body is provided with a valve body end cover, and the valve body end cover is stuck in the interior of the liquid guide tube. The interior of the valve body end cover is slidably connected with a valve core. The top surface of the pressure relief valve body is provided with a pressure relief port and a spring support shaft is extended inwardly from the middle part. A return spring is provided between the top of the valve core and the spring support shaft, and the pressure relief port is connected to the interior of the cleaning nozzle.

[0010] Preferably, the heating element is a ceramic electric heating tube, and an electric control box is provided on one side surface of the tank shell. Several heating tube support sleeves are detachably connected to the inside of the electric control box, and each ceramic electric heating tube is arranged inside the heating tube support sleeve.

[0011] This setting makes it easy for subsequent users to quickly disassemble the ceramic electric heating tube through the heating tube support sleeve for maintenance.

[0012] Preferably, the emulsification shearing assembly includes a first motor support seat, a first drive motor, a first coupling, an emulsification drive shaft, a stator, a support column and a rotor. The first motor support seat is arranged at the top of the tank body, the top of the first motor support seat is provided with a first drive motor, the interior of the first motor support seat is provided with a first coupling, the rotating shaft of the first drive motor is connected to the interior of the first coupling, the interior of the first coupling is also provided with an emulsification drive shaft, one side of the first motor support seat is also provided with a support column passing through the tank body, the end of the support column is provided with a stator, the interior of the stator is provided with a rotor, and the emulsification drive shaft is connected to the interior of the rotor.

[0013] Preferably, the liquid guide tube is asymmetrically designed along the rotation axis of the stirring shaft, and the liquid guide tube includes an arc tube and a transverse tube, and the outlet of the liquid guide tube is located at the top of the arc tube.

[0014] The asymmetric design of the entire liquid guide tube can break the periodicity of fluid movement, making the fluid flow more complex and irregular. This design can increase the probability of collision between fluid microclusters, thereby improving the mixing effect.

[0015] Preferably, a second drive motor is provided at the bottom of the tank shell, the rotating shaft of the second drive motor is connected to the bottom of the stirring shaft, the top surface of the tank body is provided with a liquid inlet, and the side wall surface of the tank body extends outward through the tank shell to provide a discharge pipeline.

[0016] A method for preparing a walnut-flavored milk beverage, using a self-cleaning emulsification tank device, is characterized by comprising the following steps: S1: Add 40-60℃ purified water to the emulsification tank, add whole milk powder, stir to dissolve for 5-10 minutes, let it stand for 20-40 minutes, and transfer it to the batching tank through a 100-mesh filter; S2: Pour hot water into the emulsification tank, add white sugar and compound thickener and stabilizer in a mass ratio of 3:1 in sequence, and perform shear emulsification for 5-15 minutes. Then add peanut butter, walnut powder and the remaining white sugar and continue emulsification for 5 minutes. The resulting liquid is filtered through a 100-mesh pipeline and fed into the batching tank; S3: The material temperature in the batching tank is controlled at 63±2℃, and standardized according to the internal control standard. Flavoring and milk are added and stirred for 5 minutes; S4: The liquid is subjected to secondary homogenization treatment, with a secondary pressure of 3-7 MPa, a total pressure of 25-35 MPa, and a homogenization temperature of 55-70°C; after homogenization, it is degassed at -0.01 to -0.05 MPa, sterilized at 130-145°C for 5-10 seconds, and then cooled to below 45°C before being transferred to a sterile tank; S5: Use aseptic filling system for filling, test the sealing and filling capacity, and store qualified products after labeling.

[0017] Preferably, in S2, the liquid pressure of the liquid inside the liquid guide tube is less than the set value of the pressure relief valve assembly, and the stirring shaft in the emulsification tank and the liquid temperature inside the liquid guide tube are heated by the heating element, thereby preventing the stirring shaft and the liquid guide tube from affecting the temperature of the internal liquid in the emulsification tank.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. After the liquid in the temperature-controlled interlayer is heated, it will flow into the mixing shaft through the through-hole at the bottom, keeping the temperature of the mixing shaft and the liquid guide tube stable. This prevents the temperature difference between the mixing shaft or the liquid guide tube and the non-contact area from being too large, which may cause the local temperature of the liquid to be too high or too low, affecting the emulsification effect. The entire emulsification tank is in a controllable temperature state, which makes the liquid temperature uniform and the emulsification process always maintains the ideal emulsification effect. 2. A pressure relief valve assembly is cleverly installed at the outlet of the liquid guide tube. During operation, the return spring continuously presses the valve core to prevent water in the liquid guide tube from flowing into the tank body. The liquid guide tube can stir the liquid inside the tank body along with the stirring shaft, and the emulsification and shearing assembly can also perform the emulsification and shearing operations normally. 3. When the emulsification tank needs to be self-cleaned after the subsequent work is completed, the water that has been initially heated in the temperature control interlayer is allowed to continue to heat into hot water, and the liquid booster pump is put into the second gear. At this time, the water can break through the critical value of the pressure relief valve assembly. This water that would have been wasted is cleverly sprayed out from the end of the cleaning nozzle. It continuously flushes the inner wall of the tank body, not only completing the initial flushing and cleaning, but also reusing the wastewater originally used for heat conduction of the stirring shaft and liquid guide tube, avoiding the waste of water resources; 4. Use a deformable plastic support plate and make full use of the water inside the liquid guide tube to make the plastic support plate in two states: In the first state, when the liquid booster pump is not working, the water cannot effectively support the plastic support plate. Therefore, when the liquid guide tube rotates and stirs, the end of the plastic scraper cannot adhere to the inner wall and bottom surface of the tank body, and no wear will occur on the inner wall of the tank body.

[0019] The second state is when the liquid booster pump is in the first gear. When the liquid guide tube is filled with water inside the plastic support plate, it will have support. The plastic scraper can clean the inner wall surface and bottom surface of the tank body as the liquid guide tube rotates. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Markings in the figure: 1. Tank shell; 11. Water outlet pipe; 12. Electric control box; 121. Heating tube support sleeve; 2. Tank body; 21. Liquid inlet; 22. Feed pipe; 3. Temperature control interlayer; 4. Heating element; 5. Stirring shaft; 51. Liquid guide pipe; 511. Arc pipe; 512. Horizontal pipe; 52. Plastic support plate; 53. Scraper support shaft; 54. Plastic scraper; 6. Emulsification shear component; 6 1. First motor support seat; 62. First drive motor; 63. First coupling; 64. Emulsification drive shaft; 65. Support column; 66. Stator; 67. Rotor; 7. Pressure relief valve assembly; 71. Pressure relief valve body; 72. Valve body end cover; 73. Valve core; 74. Spring support shaft; 75. Return spring; 76. Pressure relief port; 8. Cleaning nozzle; 9. Liquid booster pump; 91. Water inlet pipe; 10. Second drive motor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings: Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the first embodiment of the present invention is a self-cleaning emulsification tank device, comprising a tank shell 1, a tank liner 2 arranged inside the tank shell 1, a temperature control interlayer 3 formed in the gap between the inner wall of the tank shell 1 and the outer side of the tank liner 2, a heating element 4 for heating the liquid inside the temperature control interlayer 3 provided inside the temperature control interlayer 3, the heating element 4 being a ceramic electric heating tube, an electric control box 12 provided on one side surface of the tank shell 1, a plurality of heating tube support sleeves 121 detachably connected to the interior of the electric control box 12, each ceramic electric heating tube being provided inside the heating tube support sleeve 121. A liquid inlet 21 is provided on the top surface of the tank liner 2, and a material discharge pipeline 22 is provided on the side wall surface of the tank liner 2 extending outward through the tank shell 1.

[0023] A ceramic electric heating tube is used to heat the water inside the temperature-control interlayer 3. This heating process occurs before the liquid is added to the tank liner 2. The heating element 4 heats the water inside the temperature-control interlayer 3 to a temperature slightly lower than the liquid's own temperature. In this mode, the entire tank shell 1 is able to insulate the liquid inside the tank liner 2. This is particularly effective during winter production, preventing the liquid from being affected by external temperature during subsequent stirring and emulsification shearing, which could ultimately affect the quality of the finished product.

[0024] A stirring shaft 5 is provided inside the tank body 2, and a second drive motor 10 is provided at the bottom of the tank body shell 1, and the shaft of the second drive motor 10 is connected to the bottom of the stirring shaft 5. The interior of the stirring shaft 5 is hollow and one end is connected to the interior of the temperature control interlayer 3. A hollow liquid guide tube 51 is provided on the surface of the stirring shaft 5 located in the area of the tank body 2, extending to both sides and the bottom. The shaft of the second drive motor 10 can drive the stirring shaft 5 to rotate. The liquid guide tube 51 can stir the liquid inside the tank body 2 during the rotation of the stirring shaft 5. At this time, the liquid guide tube 51 can not only accommodate the water inside the temperature control interlayer 3, but also can continuously stir the liquid.

[0025] The liquid guide tube 51 is asymmetrically designed along the rotation axis of the stirring shaft 5 and includes an arc-shaped tube 511 and a transverse tube 512. The outlet of the liquid guide tube 51 is located at the top of the arc-shaped tube 511. For emulsification tank equipment without self-cleaning function, the outlet of the liquid guide tube 51 can be closed with a sealing cap.

[0026] The asymmetric design of the entire liquid guide tube 51 can break the periodicity of the fluid movement, making the fluid flow more complex and irregular. This design can increase the collision probability of fluid micro-clusters, thereby improving the mixing effect.

[0027] After heating the liquid inside the temperature-control interlayer 3, the heating element 4 flows through the through-hole at the bottom of the stirring shaft 5, gradually filling the entire arc-shaped tube 511 and the transverse tube 512. This maintains a stable temperature in the stirring shaft 5 and the liquid guide tube 51. Even when the liquid inlet 21 is pouring liquid into the tank 2, the temperature difference between the stirring shaft 5 and the liquid guide tube 51 and the liquid is minimal.

[0028] The purpose of this design is to prevent the temperature difference between the area where the stirring shaft 5 or the liquid guide tube 51 contacts the liquid and the other areas not in contact with the liquid from being too large, which could cause the liquid temperature to be too high or too low locally, affecting the emulsification effect. Maintaining a controllable temperature throughout the emulsification tank ensures a uniform liquid temperature and maintains an ideal emulsification effect.

[0029] In the first embodiment, after the emulsification tank is finished working, the water inside the temperature control interlayer 3 has been preliminarily heated. Then, the water can be quickly heated to hot water, which can be further used to clean the residue inside the tank liner 2.

[0030] In order to allow the water inside the liquid guide tube 51 to be smoothly sprayed from the inside to the inner wall of the temperature control interlayer 3. A pressure relief valve assembly 7 is connected to the top of the liquid guide tube 51, and a cleaning nozzle 8 is connected to the end of the pressure relief port 76 of the pressure relief valve assembly 7.

[0031] A liquid booster pump 9 is provided outside the tank shell 1. The outlet of the liquid booster pump 9 is connected to a water inlet pipe 91 inserted into the temperature-control interlayer 3. A water outlet pipe 11 is provided at the bottom of the tank shell 1. The water inside the temperature-control interlayer 3 is pressurized by the liquid booster pump 9 and ejected from the pressure relief port 76 of the pressure relief valve assembly 7. This design is intended to maximize the utilization of the heated water inside the temperature-control interlayer 3.

[0032] During normal stirring, although the interior of liquid guide tube 51 is filled with water, it is blocked by pressure relief valve assembly 7 and cannot be ejected from the top of arc tube 511. After the stirring is completed, liquid booster pump 9 pressurizes the liquid inside temperature control interlayer 3 until it exceeds the critical pressure of pressure relief valve assembly 7, causing the water that would otherwise be wasted to be ejected from the end of cleaning nozzle 8. This water then flushes the inner wall of tank liner 2, completing the initial flushing and cleaning process.

[0033] The pressure relief valve assembly 7 includes a pressure relief valve body 71, a valve body end cover 72, a valve core 73, a spring support shaft 74 and a return spring 75. The bottom of the pressure relief valve body 71 is connected to the outlet at the top of the liquid guide tube 51. The bottom of the pressure relief valve body 71 is provided with a valve body end cover 72, and the valve body end cover 72 is stuck in the inside of the liquid guide tube 51. The inside of the valve body end cover 72 is slidably connected with the valve core 73. The top surface of the pressure relief valve body 71 is provided with a pressure relief port 76 and the middle part is extended inwardly with a spring support shaft 74. A return spring 75 is provided between the top of the valve core 73 and the spring support shaft 74. The pressure relief port 76 is connected to the inside of the cleaning nozzle 8.

[0034] When the liquid booster pump 9 is not working, the return spring 75 will continue to press the valve core 73, so that the valve core 73 is firmly fitted with the through hole of the valve body end cover 72, preventing the water inside the liquid guide tube 51 from flowing into the interior of the tank liner 2.

[0035] Whenever the water pressure inside the liquid guide tube 51 increases and exceeds the critical value of the return spring 75, the valve core 73 slides upward along the through-hole of the valve body end cover 72. The gap between the valve core 73 and the through-hole of the valve body end cover 72 increases, and water flows upward through this gap along the interior of the pressure relief valve body 71, eventually flowing out of the pressure relief port 76 into the interior of the cleaning nozzle 8 and being sprayed out.

[0036] In the first embodiment, in order to further clean the inner wall of the tank liner 2, a plurality of deformable and hollow plastic support plates 52 are provided on the surface of the liquid guide tube 51. The plastic support plates 52 are connected to the interior of the liquid guide tube 51. The interior of the plastic support plates 52 can be filled with water inside the liquid guide tube 51. The end of the plastic support plate 52 is connected to a scraper support shaft 53, and the surface of the scraper support shaft 53 is connected to a plastic scraper 54.

[0037] It should be noted that the liquid booster pump 9 can provide two levels of boosting. The first level of boosting can fill the plastic support plate 52 with water, and the second level of boosting can enable the water in the liquid guide tube 51 to break through the set value of the pressure relief valve assembly 7.

[0038] This design allows the plastic support plate 52 to be in two states. In the first state, when the liquid booster pump 9 is not operating, the water cannot effectively support the plastic support plate 52. Consequently, when the liquid guide tube 51 rotates and stirs, the end of the plastic scraper 54 cannot contact the inner wall and bottom surfaces of the tank liner 2, preventing wear on the inner wall of the tank liner 2.

[0039] In the second state, when the liquid booster pump 9 is operating and the pressure provided by the liquid booster pump 9 is at the first gear, the liquid guide tube 51 is filled with water inside the plastic support plate 52, providing support. The ends of the plastic scraper 54 are in contact with the inner wall and bottom surfaces of the tank liner 2. As the liquid guide tube 51 rotates, the plastic scraper 54 cleans the inner wall and bottom surfaces of the tank liner 2.

[0040] The cleaning action of the plastic scraper 54 can be performed after the cleaning nozzle 8 has sprayed water, or before the cleaning nozzle 8 has sprayed water. Of course, the liquid booster pump 9 can also be in the second gear, at which time the cleaning nozzle 8 can spray water while the plastic scraper 54 scrapes and cleans.

[0041] In the first embodiment, an emulsifying shearing assembly 6 coaxial with the stirring shaft 5 is further provided inside the tank body 2, and the emulsifying shearing assembly 6 includes a first motor support seat 61, a first drive motor 62, a first coupling 63, an emulsifying drive shaft 64, a stator 66, a support column 65 and a rotor 67. The first motor support seat 61 is arranged at the top of the tank body 2, and the top of the first motor support seat 61 is provided with a first drive motor 62, and the interior of the first motor support seat 61 is provided with a first coupling 63. The rotating shaft of the first drive motor 62 is connected to the interior of the first coupling 63, and the interior of the first coupling 63 is also provided with an emulsifying drive shaft 64. One side of the first motor support seat 61 is also provided with a support column 65 passing through the tank body 2, and the end of the support column 65 is provided with a stator 66, and the interior of the stator 66 is provided with a rotor 67, and the emulsifying drive shaft 64 is connected to the interior of the rotor 67.

[0042] During emulsification and shearing, the rotating shaft of the first drive motor 62 drives the emulsification drive shaft 64 through the first coupling 63. This rotation of the emulsification drive shaft 64 drives the rotor 67 inside the stator 66 to rotate at high speed. It is crucial that the liquid inside the tank liner 2 remains in a fluid state during the high-speed rotation of the rotor 67. The fluid continuously circulates within the tank liner 2 and is subjected to more frequent and intense shearing as it passes through the narrow gap between the emulsification head (rotor 67) and the stator 66. This shearing action breaks down large particles or droplets into smaller microparticles, thereby enhancing the emulsification effect.

[0043] A second embodiment of the present invention is a method for preparing a walnut-flavored milk beverage using a self-cleaning emulsifying tank device, comprising the following steps: S1: Add 40℃ purified water to the emulsification tank, add whole milk powder, stir and dissolve for 5 minutes, then let it stand for 20 minutes to hydrate, and transfer it to the batching tank through a 100-mesh filter; S2 Emulsification treatment: Pour hot water into the emulsification tank, add white sugar and compound thickener and stabilizer in a mass ratio of 3:1 in sequence and perform shear emulsification for 5 minutes, then add peanut butter, walnut powder and remaining white sugar and continue emulsification for 5 minutes. The resulting liquid is fed into the batching tank through a 100-mesh pipeline filter; The compound thickening stabilizer is (Taikang stabilizer TKM012G, Fucheng stabilizer CZR2006, gelling temperature 73±2℃) or (Hengwang stabilizer HW-2087, gelling temperature 63±2℃).

[0044] S3 Standardized preparation: The material temperature in the batching tank is controlled at 63±2℃, and standardized adjustments are made according to internal control standards. After adding flavoring and milk, stir for 5 minutes; S4 homogenization and sterilization: the liquid is subjected to secondary homogenization treatment, the secondary pressure is 3MPa, the total pressure is 25MPa, and the homogenization temperature is 55℃; after homogenization, it is degassed under -0.01MPa conditions, and sterilized at 130℃ for 5 seconds. After cooling to below 45℃, it is put into the sterile tank; S5 Aseptic Filling: Use aseptic filling system for filling, test the sealing and filling capacity, and store qualified products after labeling.

[0045] The liquid pressure of the liquid inside the liquid guide tube 51 in S2 is lower than the set value of the pressure relief valve assembly 7, and the stirring shaft 5 in the emulsification tank and the liquid temperature inside the liquid guide tube 51 are heated by the heating element 4, thereby preventing the stirring shaft 5 and the liquid guide tube 51 from affecting the temperature of the internal liquid in the emulsification tank.

[0046] In S4, a double-effect plate heat exchanger is set to cool down after ultra-high temperature sterilization to control the discharge temperature to ≤45°C.

[0047] Product testing in S5 includes microbial index testing, viscosity testing and stability testing, among which the viscosity is controlled at 300mPa·s (25℃).

[0048] A third embodiment of the present invention is a method for preparing a walnut-flavored milk beverage using a self-cleaning emulsifying tank device, comprising the following steps: S1: Add 50℃ purified water to the emulsification tank, add whole milk powder, stir and dissolve for 7.5 minutes, then let it stand for 30 minutes to hydrate, and transfer it to the batching tank through a 100-mesh filter; S2 Emulsification treatment: Pour hot water into the emulsification tank, add white sugar and compound thickener and stabilizer in a mass ratio of 3:1 in sequence, and carry out shear emulsification for 10 minutes. Then add peanut butter, walnut powder and the remaining white sugar and continue emulsification for 5 minutes. The resulting liquid is input into the batching tank through a 100-mesh pipeline filter; The compound thickening stabilizer is (Taikang stabilizer TKM012G, Fucheng stabilizer CZR2006, gelling temperature 73±2℃) or (Hengwang stabilizer HW-2087, gelling temperature 63±2℃).

[0049] S3 Standardized blending: The material temperature in the batching tank is controlled at 63±2℃, and standardized adjustments are made according to internal control standards. After adding flavoring and milk, stir for 5 minutes; S4 homogenization and sterilization: The liquid is subjected to secondary homogenization treatment, with a secondary pressure of 5MPa, a total pressure of 29MPa, and a homogenization temperature of 63°C; after homogenization, it is degassed at -0.03MPa, sterilized at 138°C for 5 seconds, and then transferred to a sterile tank after cooling to below 45°C; S5 Aseptic Filling: Use aseptic filling system for filling, test the sealing and filling capacity, and store qualified products after labeling.

[0050] The liquid pressure of the liquid inside the liquid guide tube 51 in S2 is lower than the set value of the pressure relief valve assembly 7, and the stirring shaft 5 in the emulsification tank and the liquid temperature inside the liquid guide tube 51 are heated by the heating element 4, thereby preventing the stirring shaft 5 and the liquid guide tube 51 from affecting the temperature of the internal liquid in the emulsification tank.

[0051] The homogenization process in S4 adopts a two-stage homogenizer, in which the first-stage homogenization pressure is 18-28MPa and the second-stage homogenization pressure is 3-7MPa.

[0052] In S4, a double-effect plate heat exchanger is set to cool down after ultra-high temperature sterilization to control the discharge temperature to ≤45°C.

[0053] The aseptic filling environment in S5 maintains a positive pressure aseptic air curtain, and the air cleanliness in the filling room meets ISO5 standards.

[0054] Product testing in S5 includes microbial index testing, viscosity testing and stability testing, among which the viscosity is controlled at 400mPa·s (25℃).

[0055] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is a method for preparing a walnut-flavored milk beverage using a self-cleaning emulsifying tank device, comprising the following steps: S1: Add 60℃ purified water to the emulsification tank, add whole milk powder, stir and dissolve for 10 minutes, then let it stand for 40 minutes to hydrate, and transfer it to the batching tank through a 100-mesh filter; S2 Emulsification treatment: Pour hot water into the emulsification tank, add white sugar and compound thickening stabilizer in a mass ratio of 3:1 in sequence, and carry out shear emulsification for 15 minutes. Then add peanut butter, walnut powder and the remaining white sugar and continue emulsification for 5 minutes. The resulting liquid is input into the batching tank through a 100-mesh pipeline filter; The compound thickening stabilizer is (Taikang stabilizer TKM012G, Fucheng stabilizer CZR2006, gelling temperature 73±2℃) or (Hengwang stabilizer HW-2087, gelling temperature 63±2℃).

[0056] S3 Standardized blending: The material temperature in the batching tank is controlled at 63±2℃, and standardized adjustments are made according to internal control standards. After adding flavoring and milk, stir for 5 minutes; S4 homogenization and sterilization: The liquid is subjected to secondary homogenization treatment, with a secondary pressure of 7MPa, a total pressure of 35MPa, and a homogenization temperature of 70°C; after homogenization, it is degassed at -0.05MPa, sterilized at 145°C for 10 seconds, and then transferred to a sterile tank after cooling to below 45°C; S5 Aseptic Filling: Use aseptic filling system for filling, test the sealing and filling capacity, and store qualified products after labeling.

[0057] The liquid pressure of the liquid inside the liquid guide tube 51 in S2 is lower than the set value of the pressure relief valve assembly 7, and the stirring shaft 5 in the emulsification tank and the liquid temperature inside the liquid guide tube 51 are heated by the heating element 4, thereby preventing the stirring shaft 5 and the liquid guide tube 51 from affecting the temperature of the internal liquid in the emulsification tank.

[0058] In S4, a double-effect plate heat exchanger is set to cool down after ultra-high temperature sterilization to control the discharge temperature to ≤45°C.

[0059] The aseptic filling environment in S5 maintains a positive pressure aseptic air curtain, and the air cleanliness in the filling room meets ISO5 standards.

[0060] Product testing in S5 includes microbial index testing, viscosity testing and stability testing, among which the viscosity is controlled at 500mPa·s (25℃).

[0061] Tables 1 and 2 below are used to illustrate the changes in the milk powder reconstitution process parameters in step S1 in the second, third, and fourth embodiments: Table 1: Water temperature value Protein dispersion (%) Residual particles after filtration Effect Change Description 40℃ 70% 8 pieces / 100m The water temperature is too low, the milk powder is not fully dissolved, the dispersion degree is ≤85%, and the residual particles after filtration are ≥5 particles / 100ml. 50℃ 95% No visible particles Optimal temperature range, dispersion ≥95%, no visible particles after 100 mesh filtration. 60℃ 95% No visible particles High temperature accelerates dissolution (dispersion ≥ 90%), but causes loss of heat-sensitive components (vitamin C loss rate ≥ 10%). Table 2: Standing hydration time Hydration uniformity (viscosity / mPa·s) Viscosity Change Description 20 minutes 100mPa·s Insufficient time, incomplete hydration, and viscosity fluctuation ≥15% will affect the subsequent emulsification effect. 30 minutes 120 mPa·s The viscosity is stable at 120±5mPa·s, and there is no particle agglomeration. 40 minutes 150mPa·s Excessive hydration causes the viscosity to rise to 150 mPa·s, affecting the fluidity. It can be seen from the data in Tables 1 and 2 that when the water temperature is 50°C, the protein dispersion is the best and the vitamin C loss rate will not exceed 10%. When the static hydration time is 30 minutes, the viscosity stability is the best and will not affect the fluidity, and there is no obvious particle agglomeration.

[0062] Tables 3 and 4 below are used to illustrate the changes in stabilizer and emulsification shear parameters in step S2 in the second, third, and fourth embodiments: Table 3: Glue temperature Effect Change Description Taikang / Fucheng stabilizer: 73±2℃ When the temperature is lower than 71°C, the stabilizer is not fully dissolved and the precipitation rate is ≥2%; at 73°C, the precipitation rate is ≤0.5%. Hengwang stabilizer: 63±2℃ Hengwang stabilizer becomes colloidally brittle at >65℃; it becomes smoother at 63℃. Table 4: Cutting time Particle residue (microscope observation) Description of shear effect changes 5 minutes 15 Shearing time less than 8 minutes resulted in ≥10 undissolved particles. 10 minutes 6 The shearing time was 8 minutes but less than 15 minutes, resulting in ≤8 undissolved particles. 15 minutes none No particles were visible after 15 minutes of shearing. Combined with Tables 3 and 4, the specific gelling temperature and material addition method make the emulsification process easier to control. Workers can precisely operate according to the set temperature and ratio, ensuring product quality stability and consistency, improving production efficiency, and reducing defective product rates. Promoting uniform emulsification: Mixing the sugar and stabilizer before pouring them into the emulsification tank helps ensure more complete contact and mixing of the ingredients during stirring and other emulsification operations, improving the emulsification effect and forming a uniform and stable emulsion system.

[0063] The following are Tables 5 and 6: used to show the changes in the homogenization pressure and temperature parameters in step S4 in the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment: Table 5: Homogenizing pressure Fat globule size (μm) Description of changes in fat globule size 25MPa 1μm Insufficient pressure, particle size ≥0.8μm, and stratification rate ≥5% after 7 days of storage. 29MPa 0.4μm Particle size ≤ 0.5μm, no stratification within 30 days. 35MPa 0.35μm Particle size ≤ 0.5 μm, but excessive pressure causes protein denaturation rate ≥ 15% and energy consumption increases by 30%. Table 6: Homogenization temperature Emulsion stability (centrifugal separation rate%) Emulsification rate 55℃ 5% Insufficient emulsification, stratification rate ≥ 3% 63℃ 0.8% When the temperature is 63℃, the emulsification is complete. 70℃ 3% Emulsification is sufficient, but the protein denaturation rate is ≥10% Combining Tables 5 and 6, adjusting the first-stage pressure to a total pressure of 29±1 MPa and controlling the temperature at 63±2°C during homogenization has the following main benefits: Reduced particle size: At a pressure of 29±1 MPa, the material is subjected to strong shear, collision, and cavitation when passing through the homogenizer valve. This can break large particles into smaller particles, making the dispersed phase particles finer and more uniform. For example, it can refine particles such as fat globules, giving the product a more delicate taste. Improved uniformity: The appropriate combination of pressure and temperature can fully mix the various components of the material, avoiding localized uneven concentrations and making the product's appearance and internal quality more uniform. Enhanced emulsification: The synergistic effect of pressure and temperature helps reduce the surface tension of the oil-water interface, better dispersing the oil droplets in the aqueous phase, forming a more stable emulsion system, and reducing the possibility of stratification and oil separation during storage. Prevented sedimentation: Particle refinement and uniform dispersion reduce the rate at which particles settle due to gravity, improving product stability and extending its shelf life.

[0064] The following are Tables 7 and 8: used to show the changes in the degassing and sterilization process parameters in step S4 in the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment: Table 7: Degassing pressure Dissolved oxygen content (ppm) Description of changes in degassing effect -0.01MPa 5ppm Degassing is not complete, dissolved oxygen ≥ 3ppm, oil peroxide value ≥ 0.1g / 100g. -0.03MPa 0.2ppm Complete degassing, dissolved oxygen ≤ 1ppm, oxidation rate reduced by 50%, and shelf life extended to 12 months. -0.05MPa 0.2ppm Thorough degassing, with dissolved oxygen ≤1ppm, reduces the oxidation rate by 50%. However, excessive degassing can lead to a loss of flavor substances ≥20%. Table 8: Sterilization temperature / time Microbial residue (CFU / g) / nutrient retention rate (%) Description of changes in sterilization effect 130℃ / 10 seconds 8CFU / g, vitamin C loss rate 25%. Microbial residue ≤10 CFU / g (meets the standard), but vitamin C loss rate ≥20%. 138℃ / 5 seconds 4CFU / g, protein denaturation rate 4%. Microbial residue ≤5CFU / g, vitamin C loss rate ≤8%, protein denaturation rate ≤5%. 145℃ / 5 seconds 3CFU / g, protein denaturation rate 18%. The Maillard reaction intensifies (browning index increases by 30%), and the protein denaturation rate is ≥15%. Combined with Tables 7 and 8, the benefits of vacuum degassing and ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilization are as follows: Preventing oxidation: Reducing oxygen content in the liquid reduces issues such as oil oxidation, pigment fading, and flavor oxidation, thereby maintaining the product's color, flavor, and nutritional content and extending shelf life. Preventing the effects of bubbles: Removing bubbles from the liquid prevents foam overflow and equipment operation during subsequent processing, ensuring accurate metering and a good appearance during filling. Improving stability: Reducing the risk of microbial growth caused by dissolved oxygen and improving the stability of the liquid during storage and transportation.

[0065] Working principle and usage of the present invention: Before the liquid enters the tank liner 2 through the liquid inlet 21, the heating element 4 heats the liquid inside the temperature-control interlayer 3, which then flows through the through-holes at the bottom of the stirring shaft 5, gradually filling the entire arc-shaped tube 511 and transverse tube 512. This stabilizes the temperature of the stirring shaft 5 and liquid guide tube 51. As the liquid inlet 21 then pours the liquid into the tank liner 2, the temperature difference between the stirring shaft 5 and liquid guide tube 51 and the liquid is minimal.

[0066] At this time, the liquid booster pump 9 is not operating, and the return spring 75 continues to press the valve core 73, so that the valve core 73 is firmly attached to the through hole of the valve body end cover 72, preventing the water in the liquid guide tube 51 from flowing into the tank liner 2. The liquid guide tube 51 can stir the liquid in the tank liner 2 along with the stirring shaft 5, and the emulsifying and shearing assembly 6 can also perform the emulsifying and shearing operation normally.

[0067] When the emulsification tank is finished, the water inside the temperature control interlayer 3 has been preliminarily heated. Then heating will quickly produce hot water, which can be further used to clean the residue inside the tank liner 2.

[0068] At this time, the liquid booster pump 9 can provide two levels of boosting. The first level of boosting can fill the plastic support plate 52 with water, and the second level of boosting can enable the water in the liquid guide tube 51 to break through the set value of the pressure relief valve assembly 7.

[0069] In the first position, the liquid guide tube 51 is filled with water and provides support to the plastic support plate 52. The end of the plastic scraper 54 is in contact with the inner wall and bottom surfaces of the tank liner 2. As the liquid guide tube 51 rotates, the plastic scraper 54 cleans the inner wall and bottom surfaces of the tank liner 2.

[0070] When in the second gear, the water pressure inside the liquid guide tube 51 increases and exceeds the critical value of the return spring 75, causing the valve core 73 to slide upward along the through-hole of the valve body end cap 72. The gap between the valve core 73 and the through-hole of the valve body end cap 72 increases, and water flows upward through this gap along the interior of the pressure relief valve body 71, ultimately flowing out of the pressure relief port 76 and into the cleaning nozzle 8 for spraying. At this point, the cleaning nozzle 8 sprays water while the plastic scraper 54 scrapes and cleans simultaneously. However, the scraping effect of the plastic scraper 54 in this state is not as good as when the liquid booster pump 9 is in the first gear.

[0071] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the present invention. Persons skilled in the art may make various modifications, additions, or substitutions to the described specific embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention or exceeding the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning emulsification tank device, comprising a tank shell (1), a tank liner (2) arranged inside the tank shell (1), characterized in that: The gap between the inner wall of the tank shell (1) and the outer side of the tank body (2) is a temperature control interlayer (3). A heating element (4) for heating the liquid inside the temperature control interlayer (3) is provided inside the temperature control interlayer (3). A stirring shaft (5) and an emulsifying shearing assembly (6) are provided coaxially inside the tank body (2). The interior of the stirring shaft (5) is hollow and one end is connected to the interior of the temperature control interlayer (3). A hollow liquid guide tube (51) is provided on the surface of the stirring shaft (5) located in the tank body (2) area and extending to both sides and the bottom. The liquid guide tube (51) can stir the liquid inside the tank body (2) during the rotation of the stirring shaft (5). The top of the liquid guide tube (51) is connected to a pressure relief valve assembly (7). The end of the pressure relief port (76) of the pressure relief valve assembly (7) is connected to a cleaning nozzle (8).

2. The self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the liquid guide tube (51) is provided with a plurality of deformable and hollow plastic support plates (52), the plastic support plates (52) being connected to the interior of the liquid guide tube (51), the interior of the plastic support plates (52) being able to be filled with water in the liquid guide tube (51), the end of the plastic support plate (52) being connected to a scraper support shaft (53), and the surface of the scraper support shaft (53) being connected to a plastic scraper (54).

3. The self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: A liquid booster pump (9) is provided on the outside of the tank shell (1), and the outlet of the liquid booster pump (9) is connected to a water inlet pipe (91) inserted into the interior of the temperature control interlayer (3). A water outlet pipe (11) is provided at the bottom of the tank shell (1). Water in the temperature control interlayer (3) is ejected from the pressure relief port (76) of the pressure relief valve assembly (7) under the pressure of the liquid booster pump (9).

4. The self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressure relief valve assembly (7) includes a pressure relief valve body (71), a valve body end cover (72), a valve core (73), a spring support shaft (74) and a return spring (75). The bottom of the pressure relief valve body (71) is connected to the outlet at the top of the liquid guide tube (51). The bottom of the pressure relief valve body (71) is provided with a valve body end cover (72). The valve body end cover (72) is stuck in the interior of the liquid guide tube (51). The interior of the valve body end cover (72) is slidably connected to the valve core (73). The top surface of the pressure relief valve body (71) is provided with a pressure relief port (76) and a spring support shaft (74) is extended inwardly from the middle. A return spring (75) is provided between the top of the valve core (73) and the spring support shaft (74). The pressure relief port (76) is connected to the interior of the cleaning nozzle (8).

5. The self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating element (4) is a ceramic electric heating tube. An electric control box (12) is provided on one side surface of the tank shell (1). A plurality of heating tube support sleeves (121) are detachably connected to the interior of the electric control box (12). Each ceramic electric heating tube is arranged inside the heating tube support sleeve (121).

6. The self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The emulsification shearing assembly (6) comprises a first motor support seat (61), a first drive motor (62), a first coupling (63), an emulsification drive shaft (64), a stator (66), a support column (65) and a rotor (67), wherein the first motor support seat (61) is arranged on the top of the tank body (2), the first drive motor (62) is provided on the top of the first motor support seat (61), the first coupling (63) is provided inside the first motor support seat (61), the rotating shaft of the first drive motor (62) is connected to the inside of the first coupling (63), the emulsification drive shaft (64) is also provided inside the first coupling (63), and the first motor support seat (61) is also provided with a support column (65) passing through the tank body (2), the end of the support column (65) is provided with a stator (66), the inside of the stator (66) is provided with a rotor (67), and the emulsification drive shaft (64) is connected to the inside of the rotor (67).

7. The self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The liquid guide tube (51) is asymmetrically designed along the rotation axis of the stirring shaft (5), and the liquid guide tube (51) comprises an arc tube (511) and a transverse tube (512). The outlet of the liquid guide tube (51) is located at the top of the arc tube (511).

8. The self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: A second drive motor (10) is provided at the bottom of the tank shell (1), and a rotating shaft of the second drive motor (10) is connected to the bottom of the stirring rotating shaft (5). A liquid inlet (21) is provided on the top surface of the tank body (2), and a discharge pipe (22) is provided on the side wall surface of the tank body (2) extending outward through the tank shell (1).

9. A method for preparing a walnut-flavored milk beverage, using the self-cleaning emulsification tank equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: Add 40-60°C purified water to the emulsification tank, add whole milk powder, stir and dissolve for 5-10 minutes, let it stand for 20-40 minutes to hydrate, and transfer it to the batching tank through a 100-mesh filter; S2: Pour hot water into the emulsification tank, add white sugar and compound thickener and stabilizer in a mass ratio of 3:1 in sequence, and shear emulsify for 5-15 minutes, then add peanut butter, walnut powder and the remaining white sugar and continue emulsification for 5 minutes. The resulting liquid is input into the batching tank through a 100-mesh pipeline filter; S3: The material temperature in the batching tank is controlled at 63±2°C, standardized according to internal control standards, and stirred for 5 minutes after adding flavoring and milk; S4: The material liquid is subjected to secondary homogenization treatment, with a secondary pressure of 3-7MPa, a total pressure of 25-35MPa, and a homogenization temperature of 55-70℃; after homogenization, it is degassed at -0.01 to -0.05MPa, sterilized at a high temperature of 130-145℃ for 5-10 seconds, and then put into a sterile tank after cooling to below 45℃; S5: An aseptic filling system is used for filling, and the sealing and filling capacity are tested. Qualified products are labeled and stored in the warehouse.

10. The method for preparing the walnut-flavored milk beverage according to claim 9, characterized in that: In S2, the liquid pressure of the liquid inside the liquid guide tube (51) is lower than the set value of the pressure relief valve assembly (7), and the temperature of the liquid inside the stirring shaft (5) and the liquid guide tube (51) in the emulsification tank is heated by the heating element (4), thereby preventing the stirring shaft (5) and the liquid guide tube (51) from affecting the temperature of the liquid inside the emulsification tank.

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