Tunnel type steaming and soaking automatic line and temperature and humidity cycle control method

Abstract

The application discloses a tunnel type proofing and steaming automatic line and a temperature and humidity cycle control method. The proofing and steaming automatic line comprises a proofing section and a steaming section. The proofing section is provided with a continuous conveying belt, an upper cover is arranged above the continuous conveying belt and is fixed with a rack to form a proofing cavity, and the continuous conveying belt separates the proofing cavity into an upper proofing cavity and a lower heating and humidifying cavity. A mixed air box is arranged, a heating and humidifying device is arranged in the mixed air box, and the temperature and humidity gases are mixed in the air box to form high-temperature and high-humidity unsaturated humid air which is sent into the proofing section through an air supply device. The structure realizes uniform temperature and humidity distribution, energy consumption reduction, convenient maintenance and cleaning of the proofing section through the uniform air field of "downward sending and upward returning" and the double-cavity heat and humidity decoupling, and can realize continuous production in combination with the steaming section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food processing equipment technology, and in particular to a tunnel-type integrated proofing and steaming line for continuous production of pasta and baked goods, and its temperature and humidity circulation control method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing tunnel-type proofing equipment mostly uses top or side direct blowing, which can easily cause: (1) Uneven temperature and humidity distribution, with significant differences in the degree of fermentation between the width and length directions of the product; (2) Moist air forms saturated condensation on cold walls or at local low temperatures, causing water droplets to fall back, resulting in surface water stains, collapse, or adhesion. (3) Open-type humidification and dehumidification result in high energy consumption, and the outward escape of environmental heat and humidity affects the workshop; (4) The internal cleaning and maintenance of the equipment is inconvenient and the downtime is long.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an automated proofing and steaming line that can create a stable and uniform temperature and humidity field, while also possessing an energy-saving circulation system and a convenient maintenance structure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line that achieves uniform temperature and humidity in the proofing section, reduces condensation dripping, lowers energy consumption, and improves maintenance efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line, characterized in that it includes a proofing section and a steaming section. The awakening segment includes: A continuous conveyor belt is used to carry pastry products and transport them from the proofing section to the steaming section; A top cover is placed above the continuous conveyor belt and fixedly connected to the frame. The top cover and the continuous conveyor belt together form a proofing cavity, and the continuous conveyor belt divides the proofing cavity into an upper proofing cavity and a lower heating and humidifying cavity. The heating and humidifying cavity is used to regulate the temperature and humidity of the gas. It also includes a mixing chamber, which is equipped with a heating device and a humidifying device to mix warm gas and humid gas inside the mixing chamber to form high-temperature, high-humidity unsaturated humid air; the mixing chamber delivers the unsaturated humid air to the proofing section through an air supply duct. An air supply duct, comprising a main air supply pipe and branch air supply pipes, wherein the main air supply pipe is located in the middle of the proofing section and distributes unsaturated humid air to both sides, and the branch air supply pipes are evenly distributed along the length of the proofing section, connected to the main air supply pipe, and supply the unsaturated humid air into the heating and humidifying chamber. Return air ducts, including return air branch pipes and the main return air duct connected to the return air branch pipes. The return air branch pipes are arranged above the proofing chamber and recover excess air to the return air main pipe, which then transmits it to the mixing box to form a circulating air path; the airflow moves from the heating and humidifying chamber to the proofing chamber to form a unidirectional circulation. The steam pipeline includes a main steam pipe and jet branch pipes connected thereto. The main steam pipe is located in the middle, and the jet branch pipes are arranged in a herringbone pattern on both sides and are evenly distributed below the continuous conveyor belt for humidifying the heating and humidifying chamber. The air supply duct, steam duct, and return air duct ensure that the temperature and humidity field within the waking chamber is evenly distributed along its width and length.

[0006] The top of the cover is provided with a fixing part, and the two side cover plates of the cover are respectively connected to the fixing part by nitrogen springs, so as to realize that the side cover plates can be lifted up and opened and maintain the opening angle.

[0007] The return air branch pipes are arranged in an array at equal intervals along the length of the proofing section. The return air branch pipes are located inside the upper cover or close to the upper part of the upper cover in the flow channel position, so that a negative pressure band with uniform suction is formed at the top of the proofing chamber.

[0008] The air supply branch pipes are arranged at equal intervals along the length of the evaporation section, and each air supply branch pipe is provided with multiple upward air outlet holes / gap, so that unsaturated humid air passes upward from the heating and humidification chamber through the continuous conveyor belt to form a uniform upward airflow.

[0009] The air inlet of the main air supply pipe is located near the midpoint of the length of the evaporation section, and the pipe diameter, orifice plate or throttling structure of the main air supply pipe from the air inlet to both sides is set in a symmetrical or gradually changing form, so that the air supply resistance on both sides is matched and the air volume is balanced.

[0010] The jet branch pipe and the air supply branch pipe of the steam pipeline are arranged alternately or correspondingly along the width direction, so that the steam jet and the unsaturated humid air are fully mixed in the heating and humidification chamber before entering the proofing chamber, thereby reducing the local over-humidification caused by direct steam impact on the product.

[0011] The mixing air box is equipped with a mixing guide structure, which is used to extend the mixing path of warm gas and humid gas and suppress condensation and dripping back, so as to stabilize the temperature and relative humidity of the output unsaturated humid air.

[0012] A filter assembly is installed between the return air main and the mixing air box to intercept flour dust, condensate mist or impurities, improve the cleanliness of the circulating air path and protect the heating and humidifying devices.

[0013] The proofing and steaming section is provided in multiple sets, which are spliced ​​together and connected by a continuous conveyor belt. Each set of proofing and steaming sections is equipped with a mixing air box, air supply duct, return air duct, and steam pipeline. A temperature and humidity circulation control method based on the aforementioned tunnel-type automatic proofing line includes: S1: Warm gas and humid gas are mixed in the mixing box to form high-temperature and high-humidity unsaturated humid air; S2: Air is introduced into the middle of the proofing section through the main air supply pipe and then split to both sides, and evenly delivered into the heating and humidifying chamber through the branch air supply pipe. S3: The gas is fed upward from the heating and humidifying chamber through the continuous conveyor belt into the evaporation chamber to evaporate the product for heat exchange and mass transfer. S4: The air is drawn in through the array of return air branch pipes located above the waking chamber and fed back into the return air main pipe to the mixing box; S5: When the humidity of the proofing chamber is detected to be lower than the set value, the herringbone steam pipe is opened to supplement steam and mix it fully with the circulating air in the heating and humidifying chamber to achieve rapid and uniform restoration of the humidity of the proofing chamber.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: 1) Unsaturated humid air output: Warm and humid gases are first mixed in the mixing box to form high temperature and high humidity but unsaturated humid air. Compared with the traditional direct steam injection method, it is less likely to produce local saturated condensation, reducing water dripping and surface defects from the source. 2) Central air intake and symmetrical flow splitting: The main air supply pipe receives air from the middle of the evaporation section and splits the flow symmetrically, which significantly shortens the flow path, reduces the pressure drop difference at both ends, and makes the air volume more uniform along the length. 3) Conveyor belt divides the double chamber (heat and moisture decoupling): The lower heating and humidification chamber is responsible for mixing and pressure equalization, while the upper proofing chamber is a stable proofing space to avoid direct blowing that could cause the product surface to become dry and hard or locally too wet. 4) Uniform air intake from the top return air array: The return air branch duct array creates a stable negative pressure zone along the top, suppressing dead zones, improving temperature and humidity uniformity, and recovering excess air to the mixing box for reuse, saving energy and reducing consumption; 5) Fishbone-type secondary steam humidification: It can quickly replenish humidity when the humidity is insufficient or the load changes. The fishbone-type uniform distribution structure makes the humidification response fast and the distribution even. It is fully mixed with the circulating air in the heating and humidification chamber before entering the proofing chamber, avoiding direct steam impact on the product. 6) Nitrogen spring quick-opening side cover: The upper cover side panel can be lifted and maintained at the opening angle, significantly reducing the difficulty of cleaning and maintenance and downtime. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the solutions in this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hybrid air box structure of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1 – Aeration section; 11 – Continuous conveyor belt 2 – Top cover, A – Proofing chamber, B – Heating and humidifying chamber, 21 – Fixing part, 22 – Side cover plate, 23 – Nitrogen spring 3 – Mixing air box, 31 – Heating device, 32 – Humidifying device, 33 – Return air fan 4 - Rack 5 – Air supply duct, 51 – Main air supply duct, 52 – Branch air supply duct 6 – Return air duct, 61 – Main return air duct, 62 – Branch return air duct 7 – Steam pipe, 71 – Steam main pipe, 72 – Jet branch pipe 8 - Steaming section. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings of this application, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.

[0021] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line of the present invention includes a proofing section 1 and a steaming section 8 arranged in series. The proofing section 1 is provided with a continuous conveyor belt 11, which is used to carry the dough blanks and continuously pass through the proofing section into the steaming section.

[0024] A top cover 2 is installed above the continuous conveyor belt 11. The two ends of the top cover 2 are fixedly connected to the outer frame 4 of the continuous conveyor belt 11. The top cover 2 and the continuous conveyor belt 11 together form a proofing cavity. The continuous conveyor belt 11 divides this cavity into an upper proofing cavity A and a lower heating and humidifying cavity B: proofing cavity A serves as the product proofing space; heating and humidifying cavity B serves as the space for gas mixing, pressure equalization, temperature replenishment, and humidity replenishment.

[0025] The top of the upper cover 2 is provided with a fixing part 21. The side cover plates 22 on both sides of the upper cover 2 are connected to the fixing part 21 through nitrogen springs 23, so that the side cover plates 22 can be lifted up and opened and stay stably, which facilitates cleaning, disinfection and maintenance of the inside of the proofing chamber A and the periphery of the conveyor belt 1.

[0026] A mixing air box 3 is installed above the top cover 2. The mixing air box 3 is equipped with a heating device 31, a humidifying device 32 and a return air fan 33. The return air fan 33 draws air from the return air main duct 62. The warm gas and the humid gas are mixed in the box by heating and humidifying to form high temperature and high humidity unsaturated humid air. Then the unsaturated humid air enters the air supply duct 5.

[0027] The air supply duct 5 includes a main air supply pipe 51 and branch air supply pipes 52. The main air supply pipe 51 inputs unsaturated humid air from the middle of the proofing section along its length and splits it to both sides. Multiple branch air supply pipes 52 are evenly distributed along the length of the proofing section and are located below the continuous conveyor belt 11. After connecting with the main air supply pipe 51, they send the gas into the heating and humidifying chamber B. Through this pressure equalization structure of "air inlet in the middle and flow split to both sides", the air supply volume at both ends and the middle of the proofing section is nearly consistent. After the gas is further pressure-equalized and mixed in the heating and humidifying chamber B, it permeates upward through the conveyor belt 1 into the proofing chamber A, forming a gentle and uniform upward airflow from bottom to top, which exchanges heat and moisture with the product, thereby achieving stable proofing.

[0028] To form a closed loop and improve energy efficiency, a return air branch pipe 61 is installed above the upper cover 2 or inside the upper part of the upper cover 2. The return air branch pipe 61 is continuously arranged above the proofing chamber A and is connected to the return air main pipe 62 respectively. The excess air in the proofing chamber A is evenly drawn into the return air main pipe 62 and then sent back to the mixing air box 3 to mix with the freshly added warm and humid gas again, so as to realize recycling, reduce energy consumption, and suppress dead corners and stratification in the proofing chamber A.

[0029] To cope with load fluctuations or rapid humidity drops, a steam pipe 7 is installed below the continuous conveyor belt 11. The steam pipe 7 adopts a herringbone arrangement: the main steam pipe 71 is in the middle, and the jet branch pipes 72 are on both sides, evenly distributed along the length. After the steam is injected into the heating and humidifying chamber B, it is fully mixed with the circulating unsaturated humid air, and then rises into the proofing chamber A, thereby achieving "secondary humidification + uniform diffusion" and avoiding the direct impact of steam on the product, which could cause local over-humidification or surface blistering.

[0030] A transition isolation structure can be set between the rear end of the proofing section 1 and the steaming section 8 to reduce the backflow of steam from the steaming section 8 into the circulating air path of the proofing section 1, so as to maintain the stability of temperature and humidity control in the proofing section.

[0031] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of this application, but do not limit the patent scope of this application. This application can be implemented in many different forms; rather, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing specific embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any equivalent structures made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. A tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line, characterized in that, Includes proofing and steaming sections. The awakening segment includes: A continuous conveyor belt is used to carry pastry products and transport them from the proofing section to the steaming section; A cover is placed above the continuous conveyor belt, and the cover and the continuous conveyor belt together form a proofing cavity, and the continuous conveyor belt divides the proofing cavity into an upper proofing cavity and a lower heating and humidifying cavity; the heating and humidifying cavity is used to regulate the temperature and humidity of the gas; It also includes a mixing chamber, which is equipped with a heating device and a humidifying device to mix warm gas and humid gas inside the mixing chamber to form high-temperature, high-humidity unsaturated humid air; the mixing chamber delivers the unsaturated humid air to the proofing section through an air supply duct. An air supply duct, comprising a main air supply pipe and branch air supply pipes, wherein the main air supply pipe is located in the middle of the proofing section and distributes unsaturated humid air to both sides, and the branch air supply pipes are evenly distributed along the length of the proofing section, connected to the main air supply pipe, and supply the unsaturated humid air into the heating and humidifying chamber. Return air ducts, including return air branch pipes and return air main pipes connected to the return air branch pipes. The return air branch pipes are arranged above the proofing chamber and recover excess air to the return air main pipe, which then transmits it to the mixing box to form a circulating air path; the airflow moves from the heating and humidifying chamber to the proofing chamber to form a unidirectional circulation. The steam pipeline includes a main steam pipe and jet branch pipes connected thereto. The main steam pipe is located in the middle, and the jet branch pipes are arranged in a herringbone pattern on both sides and are evenly distributed below the continuous conveyor belt for humidifying the heating and humidifying chamber. The air supply duct, steam duct, and return air duct ensure that the temperature and humidity field within the waking chamber is evenly distributed along its width and length.

2. The tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the cover is provided with a fixing part, and the two side cover plates of the cover are respectively connected to the fixing part by nitrogen springs, so as to realize that the side cover plates can be lifted up and opened and maintain the opening angle.

3. The tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The return air branch pipes are arranged in an array at equal intervals along the length of the proofing section. The return air branch pipes are located inside the upper cover or close to the upper part of the upper cover in the flow channel position, so that a negative pressure band with uniform suction is formed at the top of the proofing chamber.

4. The tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air supply branch pipes are arranged at equal intervals along the length of the evaporation section, and each air supply branch pipe is provided with multiple upward air outlet holes / gap, so that unsaturated humid air passes upward from the heating and humidification chamber through the continuous conveyor belt to form a uniform upward airflow.

5. The tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet of the main air supply pipe is located near the midpoint of the length of the evaporation section, and the pipe diameter, orifice plate or throttling structure of the main air supply pipe from the air inlet to both sides is set in a symmetrical or gradually changing form, so that the air supply resistance on both sides is matched and the air volume is balanced.

6. The tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The jet branch pipe and the air supply branch pipe of the steam pipeline are arranged alternately or correspondingly along the width direction, so that the steam jet and the unsaturated humid air are fully mixed in the heating and humidification chamber before entering the proofing chamber, thereby reducing the local over-humidification caused by direct steam impact on the product.

7. The tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mixing air box is equipped with a mixing guide structure, which is used to extend the mixing path of warm gas and humid gas and suppress condensation and dripping back, so as to stabilize the temperature and relative humidity of the output unsaturated humid air.

8. The tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line according to claim 1, characterized in that: A filter assembly is installed between the return air main and the mixing air box to intercept flour dust, condensate mist or impurities, improve the cleanliness of the circulating air path and protect the heating and humidifying devices.

9. The tunnel-type automatic proofing and steaming line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proofing and steaming section is provided in multiple sets, which are spliced ​​together. A continuous conveyor belt connects the multiple sets of proofing and steaming sections. Each set of proofing and steaming sections is provided with a mixing air box, an air supply pipe, a return air pipe, and a steam pipe.

10. A method for temperature and humidity circulation control of a tunnel-type automatic proofing line according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: S1: Warm gas and humid gas are mixed in the mixing box to form high-temperature and high-humidity unsaturated humid air; S2: Air is introduced into the middle of the proofing section through the main air supply pipe and then split to both sides, and evenly delivered into the heating and humidifying chamber through the branch air supply pipe. S3: The gas is fed upward from the heating and humidifying chamber through the continuous conveyor belt into the evaporation chamber to evaporate the product for heat exchange and mass transfer. S4: The air is drawn in through the array of return air branch pipes located above the waking chamber and fed back into the return air main pipe to the mixing box; S5: When the humidity of the proofing chamber is detected to be lower than the set value, the herringbone steam pipe is opened to supplement steam and mix it fully with the circulating air in the heating and humidifying chamber to achieve rapid and uniform restoration of the humidity of the proofing chamber.

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