Ice melting system and method

Abstract

The invention provides an ice melting system and method, and relates to the technical field of food production. The ice melting system comprises an ice melting tank used for receiving and mixing ice block-shaped materials and liquid materials; the circulating system comprises a circulating pump, a heating device and a circulating pipeline, and the circulating pump conveys the liquid material in the ice melting tank to the heating device for heating and then returns to the ice melting tank; and the discharging system is connected to the ice melting tank and is used for discharging the liquid material in the ice melting tank. The ice melting method adopts the ice melting system and comprises the following steps: adding a liquid material into the ice melting tank to a first preset liquid level, starting the circulating pump and the heating device, and heating the liquid material to a preset temperature; and the ice block-shaped material is continuously added into the ice melting tank, and when the liquid-state material in the ice melting tank reaches a second preset liquid level and reaches a preset temperature, a discharging system is started to discharge the liquid-state material in the ice melting tank. The ice melting device can improve the ice melting efficiency of ice block-shaped materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food production technology, and in particular to an ice-melting system and method. Background Technology

[0002] In the food production industry, some liquid materials are pre-frozen at their place of origin to form ice blocks, which are then transported from the place of origin to the production site, where the ice blocks are thawed to obtain liquid materials.

[0003] In existing technologies, a common technique for thawing ice-like materials involves first crushing the ice into smaller pieces, then directly heating these smaller pieces using a jacketed kettle or similar heating device to obtain a liquid form. Stirring during the heating process is often used to increase the thawing speed. The drawback of this method is that, because crushed ice lacks fluidity, stirring can only be initiated after a certain amount of liquid has been formed. Furthermore, the thawing process relies solely on heat conduction for heat exchange, and since the heat exchange area is fixed and relatively small, the thawing efficiency is low. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an ice-melting system, comprising: Ice melting tank, used to receive and mix ice-like materials and liquid materials; The circulation system includes a circulation pump, a heating device, and circulation pipelines. The circulation pump transports the liquid material in the ice melting tank to the heating device for heating and then returns it to the ice melting tank. The discharge system is connected to the ice melting tank and is used to discharge liquid materials from the ice melting tank.

[0005] In an optional embodiment, a feeding system connected to the ice melting tank is also included. The feeding system includes a feed pump and a liquid material silo, and is used to feed liquid material into the ice melting tank.

[0006] In an optional implementation, the heating device is a plate heat exchanger or a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

[0007] In an optional implementation, the heat exchange medium of the heating device is steam or water.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, at least two heating devices are provided, and the at least two heating devices are connected in parallel.

[0009] In an optional implementation, a liquid level sensor is installed in the ice melting tank, and the discharge system starts discharging when the liquid level sensor reaches the set discharge liquid level value.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the circulation system is provided with a first temperature sensor, which is located inside the circulation pipe to detect the temperature of the liquid material.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the ice melting tank is equipped with a filter screen, which is used to separate ice-like materials from the feed inlet of the circulation system and the discharge system connected to the ice melting tank.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, an ice crusher is also included, with the discharge port of the ice crusher located above the ice melting tank.

[0013] The ice-melting system provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention utilizes an ice-melting tank to receive and mix ice-shaped materials and liquid materials. The liquid materials and ice-shaped materials can directly contact each other for heat exchange. The large contact area and heat exchange area between the two can improve the efficiency of ice melting. 2. The present invention sets up a circulation system to heat the liquid material. The ice-like material is heated and melted by exchanging heat with the liquid material. The ice-melting tank is only used as a heat exchange container. The structure of the ice-melting tank is simpler and easier to arrange. The circulation system makes it easier to set up heating devices and makes it easier to heat the liquid material. 3. The operation of melting ice-shaped materials using liquid materials, where the liquid materials and ice-shaped materials are of the same origin, ensures that the composition of the materials is not diluted during the melting process. The ice-melting system provided by this invention is particularly suitable when the ice-shaped materials are undiluted products or single-component products.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an ice-melting method, employing an ice-melting system according to any of the foregoing embodiments, comprising the following steps: Add liquid material to the ice melting tank to the first preset liquid level, start the circulation pump and heating device to heat the liquid material to the preset temperature; Continuously add ice-like material to the melting tank, keep the circulation pump and heating device running, and use the circulation system to continuously heat the liquid material to the preset temperature; When the liquid material in the ice melting tank reaches the second preset liquid level and the liquid material reaches the preset temperature, the discharge system is started to discharge the liquid material in the ice melting tank. The second preset liquid level is higher than the first preset liquid level.

[0015] The ice-melting method provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. When the liquid material reaches the first preset liquid level, start the circulation pump and heating device first. After heating the liquid material to the preset temperature, add ice-shaped material into the ice melting tank. Preheating the liquid material can improve the melting efficiency of the ice-shaped material after it is added. 2. The discharge system is activated only when the liquid material in the melting tank reaches the second preset level and the liquid material reaches the preset temperature. The second preset level is higher than the first preset level, which not only ensures the temperature of the liquid material when it is discharged, but also ensures the volume of the liquid material in the melting tank. This helps to stabilize the temperature of the liquid material and improve the melting effect of the ice-like material. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an existing ice-melting system; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice-melting system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Icons: 100-Ice melting tank; 110-Filter screen; 210-Circulation pump; 220-Heating device; 300-Discharge system; 410-Feed pump; 420-Liquid material silo; 500-Liquid level sensor; 610-First temperature sensor; 620-Second temperature sensor; 700-Ice crusher. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0021] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0026] Existing technologies for melting ice-like materials, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the 220 jacketed kettle heating device directly heats the crushed ice material to obtain a liquid material. During the heating process, stirring is also used to increase the thawing speed. The drawback of this thawing method is that, because crushed ice lacks fluidity, stirring can only be started after heating to form a certain amount of liquid material. The thawing process can only exchange heat through heat conduction, and since the heat exchange area per unit is fixed and small, the thawing efficiency is low.

[0027] Example 1: An ice-melting system like Figure 2 As shown, Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides an ice-melting system, comprising: Ice melting tank 100 is used to receive and mix ice-like materials and liquid materials; The circulation system includes a circulation pump 210, a heating device 220 and a circulation pipeline. The circulation pump 210 transports the liquid material in the ice melting tank 100 to the heating device 220 for heating and then returns it to the ice melting tank 100. The discharge system 300 is connected to the ice melting tank 100 and is used for discharging liquid materials from the ice melting tank 100.

[0028] In the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment, the ice-melting tank 100 is used to receive and mix ice-shaped materials and liquid materials. The liquid materials and ice-shaped materials can directly contact each other for heat exchange. The large contact area and heat exchange area between the two can improve the efficiency of ice melting.

[0029] In the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment, a circulation system is set up to heat the liquid material. The ice block material is heated and melted by exchanging heat with the liquid material. The ice-melting tank 100 is only used as a heat exchange container. The structure of the ice-melting tank 100 is simpler and easier to arrange. The circulation system makes it easier to set up the heating device 220 and to heat the liquid material.

[0030] In the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment, a liquid material is used to melt ice-shaped materials. The liquid material and the ice-shaped materials are of the same origin, and the composition of the materials is not diluted during the melting process. The ice-melting system provided in this embodiment is particularly suitable when the ice-shaped materials are undiluted products or single-component products. For example, the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment is particularly suitable when the materials are coconut juice, coconut water, fruit juice, etc.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment also includes a feeding system connected to the ice-melting tank 100. The feeding system includes a feed pump 410 and a liquid material tank 420, and is used to input liquid material into the ice-melting tank 100. Specifically, the feed pump 410 can be a product such as a pneumatic diaphragm pump. The liquid material tank 420 can pre-store a small portion of liquid material, thereby providing a portion of liquid material sufficient to start the circulation system in the ice-melting tank 100. The liquid material can be prepared in advance, and after the ice-melting system is started, a portion of the liquid material in the discharge system 300 can also be added to the liquid material tank 420. The feeding system can realize automatic feeding of the ice-melting tank 100, and can also ensure the sealing and cleanliness during the feeding process.

[0032] In other embodiments, initial liquid material may be supplied to the ice melting tank 100 manually or by hand to start the circulation system.

[0033] In the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the heating device 220 is a heat exchanger, specifically a plate heat exchanger, with steam as the heat exchange medium. The heating process between the heat exchanger and the liquid material is an instantaneous heating process, characterized by rapid temperature rise and short heat exchange time. This has a significant effect on heat-sensitive materials, effectively preserving their properties and texture. Using steam as the heat exchange medium also increases the heating rate, reduces heat exchange time, and maintains the material's properties and texture.

[0034] In other embodiments, when the heating device 220 is a heat exchanger, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger may also be used. When the heating device 220 is a heat exchanger, the heat exchange medium can be steam or hot water. For example, the hot water can be exchanged with steam first, and then the liquid material can be exchanged with the hot water.

[0035] In other embodiments, the heating device 220 may also be a rapid heat exchange device other than a heat exchanger.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, in the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment, only one heating device 220 is provided. In other embodiments, multiple heating devices 220 can be provided in parallel as needed to cope with ice-melting tanks 100 of different capacities and ensure heating effect.

[0037] In the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a liquid level sensor 500 is installed inside the ice melting tank 100. The discharge system 300 starts discharging when the liquid level sensor 500 reaches the set discharge liquid level value to ensure that there is enough liquid material in the ice melting tank 100. The liquid level sensor 500 can also be used to provide a signal to stop discharging. For example, when the liquid material reaches the set stop discharge liquid level value, the discharge operation of the discharge system 300 is stopped, thereby ensuring that there is enough liquid material in the ice melting tank 100.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, in the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment, the circulation system is equipped with a first temperature sensor 610. The first temperature sensor 610 is located in the circulation pipe to detect the temperature of the liquid material. When the temperature of the liquid material is lower than the set temperature, the heating device 220 is activated to heat the liquid material. Heating is stopped when the temperature of the liquid material reaches the set temperature. During this process, the circulation pump 210 is always running, keeping the liquid material in a constant state of flow, which also improves the melting effect of the liquid material on the ice-like material.

[0039] In the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, a second temperature sensor 620 is also provided inside the ice melting tank 100 to detect the temperature of the liquid material inside the ice melting tank 100. The discharge system 300 is only started when the temperature of the liquid material inside the ice melting tank 100 reaches the set temperature and the liquid level sensor 500 reaches the set discharge liquid level value. The second temperature sensor 620 can solve the problem of possible temperature differences between the circulation system and the ice melting tank 100, ensuring that the discharged liquid material is at the set temperature.

[0040] In other embodiments, the discharge system 300 may also be started based on the first temperature sensor 610 provided in the circulation system.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, in the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment, a filter screen 110 is provided inside the ice-melting tank 100. The filter screen 110 is used to separate ice-like materials from the inlet of the circulation system and the discharge system 300 connected to the ice-melting tank 100. The filter screen 110 can prevent crushed ice from entering the inlet of the circulation system and the discharge system 300 connected to the ice-melting tank 100, thus preventing blockage of the circulation system and the discharge system 300. Figure 2 As shown, the outlet of the circulation system connected to the ice melting tank 100 can be located on the side of the filter screen 110 containing ice-like material, which can improve the melting rate of the ice-like material by the heated liquid material.

[0042] In other embodiments, a filtration structure may also be provided within the circulation system or the discharge system 300.

[0043] In the ice-melting system provided in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, it also includes an ice crusher 700, the discharge port of which is located above the ice melting tank 100. Ice-like materials are first crushed into ice blocks by the ice crusher 700, making them easier to melt. Ice-like materials can be manually fed into the ice crusher 700, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it can also be transported automatically by equipment.

[0044] Example 2: A method for melting ice This embodiment provides an ice-melting method, employing an ice-melting system according to any of the foregoing embodiments, including the following steps: Add liquid material to the ice melting tank 100 to the first preset liquid level, start the circulation pump 210 and the heating device 220 to heat the liquid material to the preset temperature; Ice-like material is continuously added to the ice melting tank 100, and the circulation pump 210 and heating device 220 are kept running. The circulation system is used to continuously heat the liquid material to the preset temperature. When the liquid material in the ice melting tank 100 reaches the second preset liquid level and the liquid material reaches the preset temperature, the discharge system 300 is started to discharge the liquid material in the ice melting tank 100. The second preset liquid level is higher than the first preset liquid level.

[0045] In the ice-melting method provided in this embodiment, when the liquid material reaches the first preset liquid level, the circulation pump 210 and the heating device 220 are started first. After the liquid material is heated to the preset temperature, ice-shaped material is added to the ice-melting tank 100. Preheating the liquid material can improve the melting efficiency after the ice-shaped material is added.

[0046] In the ice-melting method provided in this embodiment, the discharge system 300 is activated only when the liquid material in the ice-melting tank 100 reaches the second preset liquid level and the liquid material reaches the preset temperature. The second preset liquid level is higher than the first preset liquid level, which not only ensures the temperature of the liquid material when it is discharged, but also ensures the volume of the liquid material in the ice-melting tank 100, thereby helping to stabilize the temperature of the liquid material and improve the melting effect of the ice block material.

[0047] Preferably, a third preset liquid level is also provided. After the discharge system 300 is started, when the liquid material in the ice melting tank 100 reaches the third preset liquid level, the discharge system 300 is stopped. The third preset liquid level is lower than the second preset liquid level and higher than the first preset liquid level.

[0048] When the ice melting system is equipped with a first temperature sensor 610 and a second temperature sensor 620, the discharge system 300 adopts the temperature of the second temperature sensor 620 as the judgment condition for starting the discharge.

[0049] When the ice melting system is equipped with a liquid level sensor 500, the data from the liquid level sensor 500 is used to determine whether the liquid material in the ice melting tank 100 has reached the first preset liquid level and the second preset liquid level.

[0050] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice-melting system, characterized in that, include: Ice melting tank (100) is used to receive and mix ice-like materials and liquid materials; The circulation system includes a circulation pump (210), a heating device (220) and circulation pipes. The circulation pump (210) transports the liquid material in the ice melting tank (100) to the heating device (220) for heating and then returns it to the ice melting tank (100). The discharge system (300) is connected to the ice melting tank (100) and is used to discharge liquid materials in the ice melting tank (100).

2. The ice-melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a feeding system connected to the ice melting tank (100), the feeding system including a feed pump (410) and a liquid material tank (420), the feeding system being used to feed liquid material into the ice melting tank (100).

3. The ice-melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating device (220) is a plate heat exchanger or a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

4. The ice-melting system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium of the heating device (220) is steam or water.

5. The ice-melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two heating devices (220) are provided, and the at least two heating devices (220) are connected in parallel.

6. The ice-melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice melting tank (100) is equipped with a liquid level sensor (500), and the discharge system (300) starts discharging when the liquid level sensor (500) reaches the set discharge liquid level value.

7. The ice-melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circulation system is equipped with a first temperature sensor (610), which is located inside the circulation pipeline to detect the temperature of the liquid material.

8. The ice-melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice melting tank (100) is equipped with a filter screen (110), which is used to separate the ice block material from the feed inlet of the circulation system and the discharge system (300) connected to the ice melting tank (100).

9. The ice-melting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an ice crusher (700), the outlet of which is located above the ice melting tank (100).

10. A method for melting ice, characterized in that, The ice-melting system according to any one of claims 1-9 includes the following steps: Add liquid material to the ice melting tank (100) to the first preset liquid level, start the circulation pump (210) and heating device (220) to heat the liquid material to the preset temperature; Ice-shaped material is continuously added to the ice melting tank (100), and the circulation pump (210) and heating device (220) are kept running. The circulation system is used to continuously heat the liquid material to the preset temperature. When the liquid material in the ice melting tank (100) reaches the second preset liquid level and the liquid material reaches the preset temperature, the discharge system (300) is started to discharge the liquid material in the ice melting tank (100); The second preset liquid level is higher than the first preset liquid level.

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