Pressure vessel temperature control for batch processing in high pressure application

Abstract

The present invention relates to a high pressure treatment system comprising: a pressure vessel configured to receive a basket or vessel; a high pressure pump configured to pump a pressure medium to the pressure vessel to increase a pressure in the pressure vessel; and a heater or cooler system, such as an insulating jacket surrounding the pressure vessel, and the insulating jacket contains a heated and cooled heat transfer medium. The high pressure treatment system treats food products at any high temperature of about 40 DEG C or higher in addition to treating the food products at very high pressures of at least 2,000 bar.

Description

[0001] Divisional application information

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on March 24, 2021, with application number 202180024395.7 and invention title "Temperature control of pressure vessels in batch processing under high pressure".

[0003] Cross-reference of related applications

[0004] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 006,550, filed April 7, 2020, and also to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 001,113, filed March 27, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Technology

[0005] High-pressure processing (HPP) is used to reduce the microbial load on food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other products without altering the properties of the treated products. Successful HPP typically requires a pressure level of at least 2,000 bar.

[0006] Traditional equipment for processing beverages and other liquids, as well as pumpable foods and other substances, using HPP is based on disposing of the product as individual units in flexible packaging (e.g., bottles, cartons, or bags). These individual units are grouped or combined in larger, reusable load baskets, which are sized and shaped to fit into wire-wound high-pressure vessels (also known as “wire-wound containers” or “high-pressure vessels”).

[0007] This high-pressure vessel is filled with water, which acts as the pressurizing medium. Once the coiled container is filled and closed, a high-capacity pump introduces additional water into the pressure vessel, increasing the pressure from approximately 2,000 bar to 10,000 bar. This pressure is maintained for a sufficient duration, from a few seconds to a few minutes, to reduce the microbial load on the product being treated. The specific pressure level and duration of this pressure are specific to the product being treated.

[0008] Once the desired level of microbial inactivation is reached, the pressure in the container is released, and the load basket is removed, allowing individual packages or units to be retrieved. The treated product undergoes pasteurization after exposure to high pressure and holding time, resulting in reduced microbial load and extended shelf life.

[0009] High-pressure food processing operates at relatively low temperatures, typically 2 to 30°C, due to the need to maintain the integrity of the cold chain. High-pressure food processing is usually carried out at pressure levels above 2,000 bar in water or other pressure media and holding times longer than 20 seconds (typically 6,000 bar with a holding time of 3 minutes).

[0010] However, some foods require specific minimum temperatures, which are higher than those typically used in high-pressure processing. This disclosure addresses this drawback and offers further advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This disclosure relates to processing products using very high pressures and higher processing temperatures. In the past, high-pressure processing has been used to reduce microbial counts in many types of food and other products. In this disclosure, "product" is intended to encompass, for example, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and various types of organic matter. In the past, the purpose of high-pressure processing was to maintain products at relatively low temperatures, typically from 4 to 29°C.

[0012] Water is the pressure medium used to apply high pressure to the product being processed. The enhancer is used to increase the water pressure to the desired level. When this pressure is applied, the adiabatic temperature rise of the water is approximately 3°C per 1,000 bar. Typically, the adiabatic temperature rise was not a problem in the past because the water began to flow at a sufficiently low temperature to remain within the desired temperature range despite the adiabatic temperature rise. Once the pressure is released, the temperature of the water and the processed product begins to decrease accordingly.

[0013] However, some regulations require certain products to be heat-treated to certain minimum temperatures. For example, to meet regulations governing milk processing, milk must preferably be heated to 55°C and maintained within a relatively close temperature range.

[0014] According to this disclosure, the pressure vessel is equipped with one or more heating and cooling systems to control the temperature range to meet any temperature requirements of the product when subjected to pressurization.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pressure medium is used to heat or cool a pressure vessel and / or the product therein using a system that provides feedback to a controller via a temperature sensor.

[0016] In one embodiment, the controller employs an adiabatic temperature rise when calculating the temperature of the pressure medium to meet any desired processing temperature for a particular product.

[0017] In one embodiment, the temperature of the pressurized water medium in the pressure vessel is controlled, and the adiabatic temperature rise and temperature drop of the water are calculated based on the processing pressure. When using different pressurized media, the adiabatic temperature rise of the pressurized media used can also be calculated.

[0018] In one embodiment where the pressure vessel is surrounded by an oil bath, the oil bath can be converted into an oil-filled heat insulation jacket by recirculating the oil through an auxiliary oil heating and cooling system. The oil-filled heat insulation jacket partially surrounds the pressure vessel, which contains one or more baskets and / or containers holding the product. Therefore, the oil-filled heat insulation jacket can be used to apply or remove heat.

[0019] In one embodiment, a heating blanket may be used to cover the pressure vessel. The heating blanket is supplied with heat via a resistance heating element. In addition to the oil-filled insulation jacket, the heating blanket, and the pressure medium, other heating and cooling systems may be constructed to apply heat to or remove heat from the pressure vessel to control the processing temperature.

[0020] In one embodiment, the purpose of this disclosure is to control the processing temperature when pressurizing the product. Thus, the product undergoes microbial inactivation through both pressure and heating.

[0021] In other embodiments, the product may be sensitive to high temperatures caused by adiabatic heating. In this case, the object of this disclosure is to treat the product under high pressure to inactivate microorganisms without subjecting it to harmful high temperatures. Therefore, the high-pressure treatment system may also include a cooling system and a heating system, both under the control of a controller.

[0022] The system disclosed herein can be used to process products under high pressure with controlled temperature within a desired range, which is not possible with high-pressure processing systems. Typically, processing temperatures are allowed to fluctuate based on the adiabatic temperature rise at a given pressure. In this disclosure, the temperature is actively monitored and controlled within the desired range.

[0023] This disclosure provides advantages. For example, the system has been described as useful in processing dairy products. The system can also be used at operating temperatures of at least 130°C or higher in cases of both high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization. Such operating pressures can be up to 8,000 bar or even higher. Thus, for example, the system of this disclosure can be used for pressure-assisted temperature sterilization (PATS) or temperature-assisted pressure sterilization (TAPS).

[0024] This synopsis is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are further described in the detailed description below. This synopsis is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0025] When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the foregoing aspects and many accompanying advantages of the invention will be more readily understood and better appreciated by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0026] Figure 1This is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a high-voltage processing system;

[0027] Figure 2 This is an illustrative illustration of an embodiment of a high-pressure processing system with process temperature control;

[0028] Figure 3 This is an illustrative description of one embodiment of a high-pressure processing system with process temperature control; and

[0029] Figure 4 This is an illustrative description of a temperature control system for high-pressure processing according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a temperature control system for controlling the processing temperature of a product, such as a dairy product, within a high-pressure processing (HPP) pressure vessel. With this system and method, the temperature within the pressure vessel can be maintained within a very narrow temperature band required for the product (e.g., dairy products or other food products) to achieve its desired parameters or characteristics (e.g., nutritional value, shelf life, and food safety standards). In this disclosure, dairy products and food products are used as examples to illustrate aspects of temperature control during high-pressure processing; however, this disclosure is not limited to any particular product.

[0031] This application relates to a "product" or "products" subjected to high-pressure treatment or disposal by means of high-pressure treatment under temperature control as disclosed herein. Such products may include all forms of food, including pumpable food or beverages, as well as non-food products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and organic materials and substances in which pathogens and microorganisms need to be controlled.

[0032] In this context, "dairy products" refers to any product made from or derived from ruminant animals (such as cattle, goats, sheep, deer, and the like). Dairy products are described as representative examples of products. However, the term "product" is not limited to dairy products or food, but may also include things that benefit from microbial inactivation, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and various types of organic materials and substances.

[0033] Current high-pressure processing for food is carried out at the lowest possible temperature (typically 4 to 29°C) to avoid interrupting the cold chain, which is often key to establishing the desired shelf life.

[0034] For example, higher temperatures should be achieved for dairy products and other products. In one instance, dairy products should be exposed to, for example, a minimum of about 55°C. In one embodiment, the system aims to achieve high-pressure processing by means of temperature control within the range of about 45°C to 65°C.

[0035] High-pressure food processing is a superior method for achieving microbial inactivation in many aspects because this treatment does not rely on high temperatures that can destroy or ruin the nutrients, flavor, and texture of food. By using high pressure and holding time, shelf life is extended while nutrients are preserved. Furthermore, by using high pressure and holding time, food manufacturers can use clean labels without being forced to use preservatives to extend shelf life. However, as examples show, further heating or cooling may be desired for some products.

[0036] High-pressure vessels have been commercially available for over 25 years. They exist in various configurations and sizes. However, all systems involve pressure vessels capable of withstanding very high pressure levels. The most commonly used pressure medium is water, but water with additives can also be used. This disclosure can be applied to retrofitting existing pressure vessels with temperature control systems or constructing new pressure vessels with temperature control systems.

[0037] Figure 1 This is an illustrated description of an embodiment of a high-pressure processing system 100 capable of achieving product temperature control during high-pressure processing, and Figure 2 and 3 This is a schematic illustration of a high-pressure processing system 300 illustrating the main components used for temperature control. Other features not shown are standard features of existing high-pressure processing systems. In one embodiment, the system can be used to process products (e.g., milk), particularly in the range of about 45°C to 65°C. Figure 4 This is a schematic illustration of a temperature control system, showing the main components used in high-pressure processing.

[0038] refer to Figure 1In one embodiment of high-pressure processing, basket 102 is used to contain one or more food packages, such as bottles, cartons, or bags, wherein pumpable products can be disposed of by high-pressure processing system 100 while the temperature is controlled within a range. However, this disclosure is not limited to pumpable liquid products, but may also be applied to non-pumpable and solid products. It should be understood that basket 102 is merely one example of a product to be processed in system 100. Other containers may be used. Additionally, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 001119, filed March 27, 2020, entitled “Reusable Container for Bulk Processing in High Pressure Application,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 001047, filed March 27, 2020, entitled “Container and Loadbasket for Thermal Management for Processing in High Pressure Application,” are both expressly incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes.

[0039] In high-pressure processing, when the pressure medium and product are pressurized, the adiabatic temperature rise increases the temperature of both. A typical temperature rise is approximately 3°C per 1,000 bar, resulting in a rise of approximately 18°C ​​at a normal operating pressure of 6,000 bar. Once the pressure is released, the temperature decreases. It should be understood that different materials, foods, and pressure media can result in different adiabatic temperature rises.

[0040] However, even at a pressure of 6,000 bar, the adiabatic temperature rise is insufficient to achieve a temperature range of approximately 45 to 65°C. Furthermore, because the high-pressure application operates in a cooled environment room, the entire equipment used for high-pressure application experiences low temperatures. During the holding time, the system cools both the pressure medium and the product exposed to the pressure medium to the generally low room temperature. This cooling of the pressure medium and product during the holding time results in the unfavorable condition that the desired temperature accuracy is not achieved throughout the entire pressure cycle. Therefore, this disclosure provides a system capable of controlling the temperature at certain locations in the process, including the pressure medium temperature, the product temperature itself, and also calculating the adiabatic temperature rise for a given pressure, enabling precise temperature control in combination with high-pressure processes.

[0041] This disclosure provides a high-pressure processing system that controls the temperature of the processing location or the product itself by collecting and evaluating data and adjusting external parameters that affect the product temperature.

[0042] In this example, the external parameter for temperature control is the water or pressure medium that will benefit from the adiabatic temperature rise. Heat exchanger 316 is suitable for this purpose (see [link to heat exchanger]). Figure 2 ).

[0043] In this example, another external parameter for heating and / or cooling to achieve the processing temperature and product temperature is controlled by the temperature of the oil-filled jacket 324 surrounding the pressure vessel 326 (see [reference]). Figure 2 The oil-filled sleeve 324 is a gap existing between the outermost layer of the pressure vessel 326 and the surrounding sheet shell. For example, this gap is typically filled with oil to reduce condensation. However, in one embodiment, an auxiliary oil heating and cooling system 332 is connected to heat and cool the oil. With precise control of the oil temperature, there is no risk of overheating of the pressure vessel 326 and its internal components. In this disclosure, oil is described as a heat transfer medium; however, this disclosure can be practiced with any other heat transfer medium suitable for the stated purpose.

[0044] In this embodiment, due to the mass of the pressure vessel 326, the heat provided by the auxiliary oil heating and cooling 332 and the pressure medium heat exchanger 316 may be insufficient to provide a rapid response to bring the incoming product to the desired temperature range. The high-pressure processing time for some products can range from a few seconds to several minutes. Therefore, in one embodiment, the incoming product in the basket 102 or other vessel to be processed should be thoroughly temperature-controlled to achieve reproducible and repeatable results until the desired temperature is reached. For this purpose, the temperature of the incoming product needs to be fairly stable and remain within the desired temperature range from one basket to another or other vessel. Temperature sensor 322l can be used to measure the temperature of the incoming product positioned in basket 102, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 For example, this temperature sensor 322l can be a thermal scanner.

[0045] To further help stabilize the temperature of the product before high-pressure processing, the product can be cooled or heated to a predetermined temperature range, or the product can be allowed to reach room temperature for a period of time.

[0046] The temperature of the product leaving the pressure vessel can also be measured by a temperature sensor 322m, and the temperature is used in any control loop used to adjust the product temperature before or during high-pressure processing.

[0047] Food temperature can be measured using temperature sensors that come into contact with the food, but other types of sensors (such as infrared or thermal imaging cameras) can also be used.

[0048] Continue to refer to Figure 2 Generally, pressure vessel 326 is used to subject product 320 to high pressure using a high-pressure medium (such as water). For this purpose, system 300 is equipped with a pressure medium pumping and pressure reduction system.

[0049] The high-pressure vessel 326 is supported on a frame comprising a longitudinal frame structure 302 and an end frame structure 304. The frame structure is any rigid structure capable of providing structural functionality for the high-pressure treatment described herein.

[0050] To retain the pressure medium within the pressure vessel 326, in one embodiment, a closure / plug 306, 308 is present at each end of the pressure vessel 326. The closures 306, 308 are free-floating and will be pushed outwards during pressurization. The closures 306, 308 are held in place by means of a frame 302 that acts as a yoke.

[0051] However, this disclosure is also applicable to different pressure vessel designs. For example, pressure vessels may use both frame / yoke and wire-wound frame designs and plate frames.

[0052] This disclosure also applies to smaller pressure vessels where the frame can be omitted. In this case, the closure is held in place by another type of locking system (e.g., pin-type closure design, interrupted thread design, etc.).

[0053] Pressure vessels may also be made of various designs of cylindrical and wire-wound cylindrical / container as well as integral cylindrical / container, all of which are capable of withstanding the high pressures described in this application.

[0054] Adding a temperature control system to a high-pressure handling system can be adapted to specific types of pressure vessels. The temperature control system can utilize existing systems (such as oil-filled jackets and water heat exchangers) by retrofitting these systems with temperature sensors connected to the controller.

[0055] In other embodiments, a completely new temperature control system may need to be added to the high-pressure handling system, including pressure vessels without oil-filled jackets. For example, a heating blanket may replace the oil-filled insulation jacket as the temperature control system.

[0056] In one embodiment, the high-pressure processing system 300 also includes one or more high-pressure pumps 310, a water module 312, an electrical cabinet containing a programmable logic controller 314 and communication cables, and other important components, material handling and auxiliary hydraulic units.

[0057] In one embodiment, water module 312 provides water to pressure vessel 326 during prefilling and provides a high-pressure pump / enhancer during the pressure level increase step.

[0058] The water supplied to the pressure vessel 326 by the water module 312 is typically cooled by the heat exchanger 316 to keep the process as cool as possible, typically within the range of 2 to 30°C. This temperature range has been found to be optimal from a process and component lifespan perspective. In one embodiment, in addition to the heat exchanger 316, the water module 312 is also equipped with a heating element to adjust the water temperature to the temperature required for implementing temperature control in the high-pressure processing system.

[0059] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger may have a heat transfer medium or coolant to provide heating or cooling of water, or both.

[0060] When water from water module 312 fills pressure vessel 326, the pre-filled water volume has a set temperature. When high-pressure pump 310 begins to increase the pressure level in pressure vessel 326, pump 310 is supplied with water from water module 312 (with a pre-set water temperature). However, as the pressure in pressure vessel 326 and the high-pressure pipe increases, the adiabatic temperature rise increases the temperature of the water and the product being processed. A typical adiabatic temperature rise is 3°C per 1,000 bar, or 18°C ​​at 6,000 bar.

[0061] During the holding time, typically between 30 seconds and 15 minutes, the temperature of the pressure medium (water) within the pressure vessel 326 is controlled to increase or decrease by measuring the temperature at certain locations using multiple temperature sensors 322a to 322n. The temperature sensors 322a to 322n can use any technology for measuring temperature, including but not limited to thermocouples, thermistors, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), infrared cameras, thermal imaging cameras, and the like.

[0062] The programmable logic controller 314 uses one or more temperature measurements in the feedback and / or feedforward control loops. Therefore, when the processing temperature is high according to specific pre-programmed logic, cooling of the pressure medium or oil in the oil-filled jacket 324 may be required, while heating of the pressure medium or oil may be required when the processing temperature is low. The process temperature may refer to any location specified herein, or any other suitable advantageous location. In some instances, the temperature of the pressure medium and oil is used to control the internal temperature of the system or product 320 itself.

[0063] In some cases, the metal parts will experience a temperature increase, followed by a temperature plateau as the system operates in pressure vessel 326 for more cycles. Fine-tuning and adjusting the temperature with pre-programmed settings is then important. In this embodiment, controller 314 compensates for this initial temperature increase, followed by a stable temperature plateau.

[0064] To illustrate, during pressure cycling, controller 314 may aim to bring the product, container, and pressure medium to approximately the same initial temperature (e.g., 37°C). Due to adiabatic temperature rise, the pressure medium and product can rise to similar temperatures (e.g., 55 to 57°C) under full pressure. Because pressure vessel 326 responds more slowly due to the large mass of the metal, the interior of pressure vessel 326 may warm slightly and exhibit a temperature slightly above the initial temperature (e.g., 37°C). During continuous cycling (each cycle with a new basket / milk / food), the inner surface of pressure vessel 326 may experience a “steady” increase in its inner surface temperature. In an embodiment, controller 314 is programmed with the recipe to compensate for this increase in temperature inside pressure vessel 326 after each cycle in a series of continuous cycles, and responds by, for example, reducing the container temperature or the temperature of the incoming product by a small amount until the temperature of pressure vessel 326 has stabilized. Thus, the risk of milk / food being exposed to excessively high temperatures is reduced or eliminated.

[0065] In this embodiment, the product may undergo more than one cycle. In this case, the controller 314 is programmed with a formula to compensate for the temperature increase during each cycle. The formula can be validated by performing a learning experiment before it is used in actual production.

[0066] When processing certain products (such as dairy products), it is important to reach certain product temperatures within a certain time period (holding time). To achieve temperatures within reasonable tolerances, the combination of temperature control of the pressure medium, the oil in the oil-filled jacket 324, adiabatic temperature rise, and additional heating or cooling from the ambient temperature of the room where high-pressure processing occurs is controlled by a programmable logic controller 314. Therefore, it is possible to... Figure 2 and 3 The system described herein provides high-pressure processing of dairy products at pressures exceeding 2,000 bar and temperatures ranging from approximately 40°C to approximately 65°C and higher.

[0067] The system is not limited to dairy products or the aforementioned temperatures. As discussed above, the system according to this disclosure can be used for pressure-assisted temperature sterilization (PATS) or temperature-assisted pressure sterilization (TAPS). For example, the system can be used at an operating temperature of at least 130°C or higher in cases of both high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization. Such operating pressures can be up to 8,000 bar or even higher.

[0068] In one embodiment, controller 314 controls one or more inlet water temperatures of pressure vessel 326, calculates the adiabatic temperature rise of the system, controls the oil temperature in oil-filled jacket 324, and can control room temperature. To calculate the adiabatic temperature rise, controller 314 includes a program module for calculating the adiabatic temperature rise. For example, this module can use the specific heat capacity of the pressure medium (water) and metal, the calculated volume of the metal in contact with the pressure medium, room temperature, and product temperature. The adiabatic temperature rise can also be pre-calculated and stored in a table accessible to controller 314. This table can be based on empirical data and / or from actual measurements.

[0069] In another embodiment, the temperature of the final product may also be part of a feedback loop, i.e., temperature adjustment based on the "quality" of the food.

[0070] In embodiments, temperature increases or decreases can be fine-tuned via an oil-filled heat insulation sleeve 324, wherein the temperature can be increased or decreased as needed to maintain temperature parameters. Increases or decreases in the temperature of the heat insulation sleeve 324 are preferably achieved by circulating temperature-controlled oil between the wire-wound pressure vessel 326 and the interior of the vessel sheet shell. Although the heat insulation sleeve 324 is described as using oil, this disclosure is not limited to oil. In some embodiments, any heat transfer medium can be used in the voids of the heat insulation sleeve 324.

[0071] Multiple thermocouples (or other temperature sensors) 322a to 322n will be used to collect temperature data at different locations for use in the control / feedback loop to adjust the temperature parameters at selected locations. The selection of locations represents only one embodiment, and fewer or more temperature sensors may be used in other locations.

[0072] refer to Figure 2 Examples of temperature sensors are specified below. This list is not intended to be exhaustive. The number of temperature sensors may vary depending on the specific application.

[0073] 322a - Temperature of the pressure medium at water module 312.

[0074] Temperature of the pressure medium after the 322b-high pressure pump 310.

[0075] 322c - to the pressure medium temperature of pressure vessel 326.

[0076] 322d - to the pressure medium temperature of pressure vessel 326.

[0077] 322e - Temperature inside pressure vessel 326.

[0078] 322f - Temperature inside pressure vessel 326.

[0079] 322g - Temperature of the insulation sleeve 324.

[0080] 322h - Temperature of the 326 wall of the pressure vessel.

[0081] 322i - Oil temperature.

[0082] The temperature of the oil returned by 322j-set 324.

[0083] 322k - Temperature of the pressure medium from heat exchanger 316.

[0084] 322l - Temperature measurement of food packaging entering pressure vessel 326.

[0085] 322m - Temperature measurement of food packaging leaving pressure vessel 326.

[0086] 322n - Temperature measurement of pressurized product or food packaging.

[0087] While the temperature of food can be measured relative to the food product itself using sensors that come into contact with it, other types of sensors (such as infrared or thermal imaging cameras) can also be used. Therefore, the temperature of food entering and leaving pressure vessel 326 can also be recorded using temperature sensors.

[0088] The control / feedback loop can measure one or more temperatures indicated above to control the same temperature or temperatures at different locations. For example, both the temperature of the pressure medium and the oil temperature affect the temperature inside pressure vessel 326. In one example, the control / feedback loop includes temperature data such as the temperature from the inlet water to the high-pressure pump 310 (temperature sensor 322a), the water flowing out of the high-pressure pump 310 (temperature sensor 322b), the inlet water to pressure vessel 326 (temperature sensors 322c, 322d), the temperature inside pressure vessel 326 (temperature sensors 322e, 322f), the vessel wall temperature (temperature sensor 322h), and the insulation jacket temperature (temperature sensor 322g).

[0089] In other embodiments, the same or different locations can be used to measure temperature.

[0090] In one embodiment, the high-pressure tubing may be insulated to minimize any temperature drop / decrease from the high-pressure pump 310 to the high-pressure vessel 326. With controlled and limited temperature drop in the high-pressure tubing, temperature accuracy within the pressure vessel 326 will be increased.

[0091] In one example, the temperature of the oil and the temperature of the pressure medium (water) are controlled by control logic residing on the programmable logic controller 314. In another example, one or more temperature sensors 322a to 322n are used for feedback loop control of the temperature of the oil and the pressure medium.

[0092] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2 The embodiments are illustrative examples of the following, with differences shown below. Figure 2 and 3 Similar components appearing in the same document are specified using the same component reference symbol.

[0093] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, the auxiliary oil heating / cooling block 332 is replaced by a resistance heater 328 connected to the heating blanket 330. The heating blanket 330 may include a resistive element as a means of providing heat. The heating blanket 330 may be wrapped around the outer cylinder of the pressure vessel 326 to provide heat to maintain the process temperature within the desired range. A temperature sensor 322 is disposed on or near the heating blanket 330 to measure the temperature of the heating blanket 330 for use in one or more control loops executed by the controller 314. In an embodiment, the “gap” acting as the oil-filled heat insulation jacket 324 may be drained of oil and replaced with an insulating material.

[0094] Figure 2 and 3 These are representative embodiments to demonstrate at least one method of controlling the processing temperature of the pressure vessel 326 and its contents and the accompanying adiabatic temperature rise during pressurization. Figure 2 and 3 The embodiments described herein are not the only ways to heat the pressure vessel and its contents. Heating and cooling of pressure vessel 326 are not limited to auxiliary oil, heating blankets, and pressure media. Other heat generation or cooling systems can be used, including, but not limited to, microwave or radio frequency systems or even resistance heaters built into the pressure vessel for heating, while refrigeration systems comprising compression, evaporation, and absorption systems can be used for cooling. Typical refrigerants used in mechanical compression systems are hydrofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, propylene, and the like, while evaporation and absorption systems can use ammonia and water. The heat exchanger 316 used for heating the pressure media can also be supplemented or replaced by other heating or cooling methods, such as those mentioned herein.

[0095] As described above, in this embodiment, due to factors such as the large mass of the pressure vessel 326 and the limited area for heat transfer, the incoming product in the basket 102 or other vessel to be processed should be thoroughly temperature-controlled to achieve reproducible and repeatable results in terms of temperature control. Therefore, the auxiliary oil heating and cooling 332 and the heating blanket 330 can be considered secondary systems for fine-tuning or maintaining the desired temperature, for example, preventing or minimizing heat loss from the pressure vessel 326. In this embodiment, since the pressure medium is closer to the product within the pressure vessel 326, the pressure medium temperature will be used as a primary component in temperature control, for example, increasing or decreasing the process temperature and / or product temperature.

[0096] In this example, controller 314 includes at least one processor and system memory. Depending on the exact configuration and type of controller 314, the system memory may be volatile or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), EEPROM, flash memory, or similar memory technologies. Those skilled in the art will recognize that system memory typically stores data and / or program modules that are readily accessible and / or currently being operated on by the processor. In this regard, the processor can act as the computational center of controller 314 by supporting the execution of programmed logic instructions.

[0097] In an example, controller 314 may include a network interface that includes one or more components for communicating with other devices over a network. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the network interface may refer to one or more wireless or physical communication interfaces described and illustrated above with respect to the specific components of controller 314.

[0098] In this example, controller 314 also includes storage media. The storage media may be volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable, and may be implemented using any technology capable of storing information, such as, but not limited to, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs or other disc storage devices, tape cassettes, magnetic tapes, disk storage devices and / or the like.

[0099] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technique capable of storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data). For this purpose, system memory and storage media are merely examples of computer-readable media. Non-temporary tangible computer-readable media can be used to store instructions that, when executed by controller 314, can perform steps such as receiving one or more temperatures at one or more locations from a high-pressure processing system; heating or cooling a pressure medium or heat transfer medium or both in response to one or more temperatures deviating from a temperature range; and other steps for implementing the temperature control described herein.

[0100] Suitable implementations of the controller 314, system memory, communication bus, storage media, and network interface are known and commercially available. For ease of explanation, and because they are not essential for understanding the claimed subject matter, Figure 2 and 3 Many typical components of a controller are not shown. In this regard, controller 314 may include input devices such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, microphone, touch input device, touchscreen, tablet, and / or the like. Such input devices can be coupled to controller 314 via wired or wireless connections.

[0101] In this disclosure, controller 314 includes instructions embodied in hardware or software for performing certain steps. Such instructions can be written in a programming language. The instructions can be compiled into an executable program or written in an interpreted programming language. The instructions can be stored in any type of computer-readable media or computer storage device, and are stored on and executed by controller 314, thus creating a dedicated computer configured to provide its functionality. Controller 314 is particularly used for controlling the heating and cooling of oil and pressure media, and / or performing a series of steps based on feedback from one or more temperature sensors 322a to 322o.

[0102] refer to Figure 4 This describes the main components of the temperature control system 400 used in high-pressure processing systems. It also exists in... Figure 1 , 2 The temperature control system 400 in section 3 includes at least one controller 402 as described herein, and a heater or cooler system 404 connected to influence the temperature of the high-pressure vessel 406. The heater or cooler system 404 is any system capable of adding heat to or removing heat from the pressure vessel 406. The heater or cooler system 404 communicates with the controller 402. Figure 2 and 3 Describe several heater and cooler systems. However, Figure 4 Not limited to any specific heater or cooler system.

[0103] The controller 402 is configured to control the heater or cooler system 404 in response to one or more temperature deviations from a temperature range when the pressure vessel 406 undergoes pressurization and the accompanying increase in adiabatic temperature, in order to maintain the temperature of the pressure vessel 406 or the product therein.

[0104] The controller 402 receives temperature signals from the heater or cooler system 404 via communication line 412 and from the pressure vessel 406 or the product therein via communication line 414. The temperature signals are provided by temperature sensors described herein (e.g., temperature sensors 322a to 322o). Figure 2 and 3 However, it may also include temperature signals generated by other temperature sensors from other locations. The controller 402 then uses the temperature signals to send an output via communication line 408, which is calculated to bring the temperature to or maintain it within a desired range. The temperature desired to be within the range may be the temperature of the heater or cooler system 404 or the pressure vessel 406 or the product therein.

[0105] Some temperatures can be inferred. For example, if you want to control the product temperature, the product temperature does not need to be measured directly, but can be inferred by keeping other temperatures within the desired range.

[0106] The controller 402 can send signals, for example, to increase the flow rate of the heat transfer medium or refrigerant to the pressure vessel 406 or to increase the current to the resistance heater on the pressure vessel 406. The heater or cooler system 404 responds by adding heat to or removing heat from the pressure vessel 406, thereby also affecting the product temperature itself. A high-pressure handling system with the described temperature control can have advantages.

[0107] In one embodiment, the high-pressure processing system eliminates the influence of ambient temperature on the high-pressure processing of dairy products by using an insulating jacket that can be used to heat or cool the pressure vessel to maintain the processing temperature within a range.

[0108] In one embodiment, the high-pressure processing system controls the temperature of the pressure medium used for high-pressure pumping and adjusts and maintains it within a defined temperature range to allow precise high-pressure processing of dairy products in a temperature range of approximately 45°C to 65°C.

[0109] In one embodiment, the temperature of the high-pressure vessel is controlled by a heat-insulating jacket filled with oil that is heated or cooled to meet the processing temperature.

[0110] In one embodiment, the high-pressure processing system provides a method for precisely controlling the processing temperature of dairy products by combining temperature data of the high-pressure medium entering and exiting from the high-pressure pump, container wall temperature, insulation jacket temperature, and adiabatic temperature rise.

[0111] In one embodiment, the high-pressure processing system can analyze multiple temperatures from multiple locations on the high-pressure processing system and perform temperature correction according to a programmed recipe.

[0112] In one embodiment, the high-voltage processing system provides a method for minimizing processing temperature tolerances by using control logic and built-in measuring devices and temperature sensors.

[0113] Although illustrative embodiments have been described and illustrated, it will be understood that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A high-pressure processing system, comprising: A cylindrical pressure vessel, configured to receive a basket or container within the pressure vessel; A high-pressure pump is configured to pump a pressure medium into the pressure vessel to increase the pressure in the pressure vessel; A heat exchanger is used to heat and cool the pressure medium outside the pressure vessel before it is pumped into the pressure vessel; and A controller is configured to, when the pressure vessel is pressurized, control the heater or cooler system to maintain the temperature of the pressure vessel or the product therein in response to one or more temperature deviations from a temperature range: Determine the permissible temperature range of the pressure medium during high-pressure processing; The temperature was continuously measured at multiple locations inside and around the pressure vessel; A continuous high-pressure processing cycle is run using successive baskets or containers; and The pressure vessel and / or the pressure medium are cooled or heated by compensating for the amount of future heating and / or cooling of the pressure vessel, the product, and / or the pressure medium caused by future continuous high-pressure processing cycles, thereby controlling the temperature of the pressure medium within the desired temperature range.

2. The high-pressure processing system according to claim 1, comprising an electrically heated blanket surrounding the pressure vessel.

3. The high-pressure processing system of claim 1, wherein the high-pressure pump is capable of increasing the pressure medium to a pressure of at least 2,000 bar, or at least 4,000 bar, or at least 6,000 bar.

4. The high-voltage processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller has a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium thereon storing instructions, which, when executed by the controller, perform the following steps: Receive one or more temperatures from one or more locations from the high-pressure processing system; and In response to one or more temperature deviations from the temperature range, the pressure medium or heat transfer medium or both are heated or cooled.

5. The high-pressure processing system of claim 4, wherein the instruction further comprises the step of performing a calculation of the adiabatic temperature rise in the pressure medium at a given pressure.

6. The high-pressure processing system of claim 4, wherein the instruction further comprises the step of performing a calculation of the adiabatic temperature rise in the pressure vessel at a given pressure.

7. The high-pressure processing system of claim 4, wherein the instruction further includes the step of performing a calculation of the adiabatic temperature rise in the product at a given pressure.

8. The high-pressure processing system of claim 4, wherein temperature is measured at one or more of the following locations: The temperature of the product to be processed The temperature of the pressure medium before the high-pressure pump. The temperature of the pressure medium after the high-pressure pump The temperature of the pressure medium in the pressure vessel. The temperature inside the pressure vessel The temperature of the pressure vessel wall, The temperature of the pressure medium after the heat exchanger. The temperature of the room where the high-pressure treatment system is located is known. The temperature of the food or product entering the pressure vessel. The temperature of the food or product leaving the pressure vessel, and The temperature at which food or products are pressurized.

9. The high-pressure processing system according to claim 1, wherein the product is a dairy product.

10. A method for high-pressure processing of a product in a high-pressure processing system, the high-pressure processing system comprising: A pressure vessel, configured to receive a basket or container within the pressure vessel; A high-pressure pump configured to pump a pressure medium into the pressure vessel to increase the pressure in the pressure vessel; as well as A controller configured to control a heater or cooler system to maintain the desired temperature of the pressure vessel or the product therein in response to one or more temperature deviations from a temperature range when the pressure vessel is pressurized. The method includes: Place the container or basket containing the product inside the pressure vessel; The pressure vessel is filled with a pressure medium; Determine the required temperature range of the pressure medium during high-pressure processing; The temperature was continuously measured at multiple locations inside and around the pressure vessel; A continuous high-pressure processing cycle is run using successive baskets or containers; and The pressure vessel and / or the pressure medium are cooled or heated by compensating for the amount of future heating and / or cooling of the pressure vessel, the product, and / or the pressure medium caused by future continuous high-pressure processing cycles, thereby controlling the temperature of the pressure medium within the desired temperature range.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the product is a dairy product.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising, by means of the controller, calculating the adiabatic temperature rise of the pressure medium attributable to the increase in pressure within the pressure vessel.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising, by means of the controller, calculating the adiabatic temperature rise within the pressure vessel attributable to an increase in pressure within the pressure vessel.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising controlling the temperature of the heating blanket surrounding the pressure vessel.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising measuring the temperature at one or more locations selected from the group consisting of: The temperature of the product to be processed The temperature of the pressure medium before the high-pressure pump, The temperature of the pressure medium after the high-pressure pump The temperature of the pressure medium in the pressure vessel. The temperature inside the pressure vessel The temperature of the pressure vessel wall, The temperature of the chamber containing the pressure vessel is located. The temperature of the food or product entering the pressure vessel. The temperature of the food or product leaving the pressure vessel, and The temperature at which food or products are pressurized.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising maintaining the product at high pressure and process temperature according to a recipe stored in the controller.

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