Plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of beverage sterilization and heat exchange equipment, and particularly relates to a plate heat exchange waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system, which comprises a mounting base, a support frame, a fastening pull rod, a pressing plate, a plate limiting column, a plate group, a cold beverage inlet pipe, a first hot beverage outlet pipe, a second hot beverage inlet pipe, a warm beverage outlet pipe and a buffer flow equalization assembly, the support frame is fixedly connected to the mounting base, the pressing plates are oppositely arranged on the two sides of the support frame, the fastening pull rod is arranged between the two pressing plates and connected to the inner wall of the support frame, and the plate limiting column is fixedly connected between the two pressing plates. Compared with the prior art, the present application can realize continuous transition of buffer flow equalization at the inlet end and flow guiding and diffusion at the plate end, reduce the problem of concentrated flushing of high-temperature beverages at the inlet end of the plate group, reduce local wear of the plate inlet and the sealing structure, and reduce local flow stagnation, fouling and uneven heat exchange caused by inlet flow deviation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of beverage sterilization heat exchange equipment technology, and in particular to a plate heat exchange waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system. Background Technology

[0002] Ultra-high temperature (UHT) sterilization systems for beverages are typically used for continuous high-temperature sterilization of dairy beverages, plant-based protein beverages, tea beverages, fruit juice beverages, or sugary beverages. To reduce the consumption of steam, hot water, and cooling water during the sterilization process, existing systems generally incorporate plate heat exchangers between the preheating section before sterilization and the cooling section after sterilization. This allows for indirect heat exchange between the high-temperature sterilized beverages and the low-temperature beverages entering the system. The high-temperature beverages release residual heat in the plate heat exchanger, causing their temperature to decrease, while the low-temperature beverages absorb residual heat and increase in temperature, thus reducing subsequent heating and cooling loads. A plate heat exchanger typically includes a fixed pressure plate, a movable pressure plate, a fastening rod, and a plate assembly sandwiched between the two pressure plates. The plate assembly forms isolated hot and cold flow channels, allowing the hot and cold beverages to flow on opposite sides of adjacent plates and exchange heat through the plates.

[0003] However, in existing ultra-high temperature sterilization systems for beverages using plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery devices, high-temperature beverages typically enter the inlet end of the plate assembly directly through the inlet pipe. Since the inlet pipe has a centralized feeding structure, and the plate assembly inlet consists of multiple narrow inter-plate channels, without buffering and flow equalization structures, high-temperature beverages tend to preferentially enter the portion of the channel directly opposite the inlet pipe. This results in a higher flow velocity and localized scouring in that area, while insufficient feeding in the surrounding channels leads to stagnation. For dairy beverages, plant-based protein beverages, tea beverages, or sugary beverages, the high-temperature stagnant area is more prone to protein deposition, sugar adhesion, or mineral scaling, causing increased pressure drop and decreased heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, existing plate assemblies often use the same channel structure, making it difficult to simultaneously meet the anti-clogging and anti-scaling requirements of the high-temperature inlet section and the high-efficiency heat exchange requirements of the low-temperature section. Long-term operation can easily increase cleaning frequency and reduce equipment lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to propose a plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system, so as to solve the problems of high temperature beverage inlet flow deviation, easy scaling and blockage in the high temperature inlet section, and difficulty in achieving both anti-scaling and efficient heat exchange in the existing plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides a plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system, comprising a mounting base, a support frame, fastening rods, pressure plates, plate limiting posts, a plate assembly, a cold beverage inlet pipe, a first hot beverage outlet pipe, a second hot beverage inlet pipe, a warm beverage outlet pipe, and a buffer flow equalization component. The support frame is fixedly connected to the mounting base. The pressure plates are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the support frame. The fastening rod passes between the two pressure plates and connects to the inner wall of the support frame. The plate limiting posts are fixedly connected between the two pressure plates. The plate assembly is positioned between the two pressure plates and sleeved on the plate limiting posts. The plate assembly includes multiple alternately stacked first heat exchange plates and second heat exchange plates. The first and second heat exchange plates form mutually isolated hot and cold heat exchange channels. Flow ports are provided at the four corners of the first and second heat exchange plates. Arc-shaped distribution channels that flow through the flow ports are provided on both the first and second heat exchange plates. The cold beverage inlet pipe, the first hot beverage outlet pipe, the second hot beverage inlet pipe, and the warm beverage outlet pipe are respectively sealed and connected to the corresponding flow ports of the plate group. The buffer flow equalization component is fixedly connected between the second hot beverage inlet pipe and the plate group to buffer, diffuse, and distribute the high-temperature beverage before it enters the plate group. The plate group is provided with a high-temperature heat exchange zone, a medium-temperature heat exchange zone, and a low-temperature heat exchange zone in sequence along the heat exchange flow direction of the high-temperature beverage.

[0006] Preferably, the buffer flow equalization assembly includes a buffer tube, a connecting ring, a mounting groove, a distribution plate, and a distribution hole. One end of the buffer tube is fixedly connected to the second hot beverage inlet tube, and the other end of the buffer tube is fixedly connected to the connecting ring by bolts. A mounting groove is provided between the inner walls of the buffer tube and the connecting ring. The distribution plate is embedded in the mounting groove and detachably connected to the connecting ring. The distribution hole is opened through the distribution plate so that the high-temperature beverage enters the connecting ring through the buffer tube and is then dispersed into the plate assembly through the distribution hole.

[0007] Preferably, the distribution plate is a circular plate structure, the distribution holes are distributed radially along the distribution plate, and the diameter of the distribution holes gradually decreases from the peripheral area to the center area of ​​the distribution plate, so that the fluid near the center area of ​​the high-temperature beverage inlet is subject to a strong throttling effect, and the fluid in the peripheral area obtains a larger flow area, so as to reduce the instantaneous impact in the center area of ​​the inlet and compensate for the flow rate in the peripheral area.

[0008] Preferably, the arc-shaped distribution channel is located between the flow port and the heat exchange channel in the middle of the heat exchange plate, with one end of the arc-shaped distribution channel connected to the corresponding flow port and the other end connected to the heat exchange channel.

[0009] Preferably, when the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are stacked alternately, the arc-shaped distribution channel is used to guide hot or cold drinks into the heat exchange channel from the corresponding flow port, and guide them to the flow port at the corresponding outlet end after heat exchange.

[0010] Preferably, a sealing gasket is provided between the connecting ring and the distribution plate. The sealing gasket is pressed between the groove wall of the mounting groove and the outer periphery of the distribution plate. After the distribution plate is installed in the mounting groove, the sealing gasket forms a seal between the arc-shaped distribution channel and the outside of the connecting ring to prevent high-temperature beverages from leaking from the periphery of the distribution plate.

[0011] Preferably, sealing rubber rings are respectively provided on the outer periphery of the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate, and the sealing rubber rings on the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged along different paths, so that the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are alternately stacked and pressed together.

[0012] Preferably, the sealing rubber ring forms a selective sealing structure around different flow ports, so that high-temperature beverages enter the plate group through the second hot beverage inlet pipe, flow along the hot flow channel, and are discharged from the first hot beverage outlet pipe; low-temperature beverages enter the plate group through the cold beverage inlet pipe, flow along the cold flow channel, and are discharged from the warm beverage outlet pipe; the warm beverages discharged from the warm beverage outlet pipe are sterilized at high temperature and then transported to the second hot beverage inlet pipe.

[0013] Preferably, the plate group is provided with a high-temperature heat exchange zone, a medium-temperature heat exchange zone and a low-temperature heat exchange zone in sequence along the flow direction of the high-temperature beverage. The flow channel spacing between adjacent first and second heat exchange plates in the high-temperature heat exchange zone is greater than the flow channel spacing in the medium-temperature heat exchange zone, and the flow channel spacing in the medium-temperature heat exchange zone is greater than the flow channel spacing in the low-temperature heat exchange zone.

[0014] Preferably, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate in the high temperature heat exchange zone, the medium temperature heat exchange zone and the low temperature heat exchange zone are all pressed and fixed by pressure plates and fastening rods. When the fastening rods are tightened, the pressure plates on both sides press the plate assembly into a predetermined pressing state.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. This ultra-high temperature sterilization system for beverages uses a plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device. By setting a buffer flow equalization component between the second hot beverage inlet pipe and the plate group, the high-temperature beverage first passes through the buffer pipe and connecting ring to form a transition diffusion before entering the plate group, and then is evenly distributed through the distribution holes on the distribution plate. The diameter of the distribution holes gradually decreases from the periphery to the center, which can throttle the high-speed fluid in the central area of ​​the inlet and compensate the flow in the peripheral area. At the same time, the arc-shaped distribution channel on the first and second heat exchange plates is located between the flow port and the heat exchange channel, which can guide the beverage after entering the flow port to the heat exchange channel along the arc path, avoiding the beverage from directly rushing into the middle area of ​​the plate from the port. Thus, the buffer flow equalization component and the arc-shaped distribution channel can achieve a continuous transition between buffer flow equalization at the inlet end and flow diffusion at the plate end, reducing the problem of high-temperature beverages rushing the inlet end of the plate group, reducing local wear at the plate inlet and sealing structure, and reducing local stagnation, scaling and uneven heat exchange caused by inlet flow deviation.

[0016] 2. This ultra-high temperature sterilization system for beverages uses a plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device. By dividing the plate assembly into a high-temperature heat exchange zone, a medium-temperature heat exchange zone, and a low-temperature heat exchange zone along the heat exchange direction of the high-temperature beverage, and by gradually decreasing the spacing between the flow channels in the three heat exchange zones, the device can match different flow channel structures according to the beverage state at different temperature stages. The high-temperature heat exchange zone uses a larger flow channel, which helps reduce the risk of blockage caused by protein deposition, sugar adhesion, and mineral scaling in the high-temperature section. The medium-temperature heat exchange zone uses a medium flow channel to achieve a smooth transition in flow rate and pressure drop. The low-temperature heat exchange zone uses a smaller flow channel to improve fluid turbulence and heat exchange efficiency. This partitioned structure can balance the anti-clogging and anti-scaling properties of the high-temperature section with the high-efficiency heat exchange of the low-temperature section, reducing the cleaning frequency and extending the service life of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only for this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the buffer flow equalization component of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front view of the distribution plate of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view and a three-dimensional structural diagram of the buffer flow equalization component of the present invention. Figure 5This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate of the present invention.

[0019] The diagram is marked as follows: 1. Mounting base; 2. Support frame; 3. Fastening rod; 4. Pressure plate; 5. Plate limiting post; 6. Plate assembly; 7. First heat exchange plate; 8. Second heat exchange plate; 9. Cold beverage inlet pipe; 10. First hot beverage outlet pipe; 11. Second hot beverage inlet pipe; 12. Warm beverage outlet pipe; 13. Buffer pipe; 14. Connecting ring; 15. Mounting groove; 16. Distribution plate; 17. Distribution hole; 18. Arc-shaped distribution channel; 19. Sealing rubber ring; 20. Sealing gasket; 21. Flow port. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0021] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a plate heat exchange waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system includes a mounting base 1, which serves as the foundation for the entire machine. A support frame 2 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 1. The support frame 2 and fastening rods 3 are used to support the pressing plates 4 and keep the plate assembly 6 in a stable installation position during operation. The pressing plates 4 are arranged opposite to each other on the side wall of the support frame 2. The fastening rods 3 pass through the pressing plates 4 and are connected to the inner wall of the support frame 2. Through the tightening action of the fastening rods 3, the pressing plates 4 on both sides can apply clamping force to the plate assembly 6. This structure can ensure that multiple first heat exchange plates 7 and second heat exchange plates 8 form a stable inter-plate sealing state after being stacked, avoiding cross-flow or leakage of hot and cold beverages due to loose plates. The plate group 6 is disposed between the two pressing plates 4 and sleeved on the plate limiting post 5. The plate limiting post 5 is used to limit the displacement of the plate group 6 in the height direction or the lateral direction, so that the multiple heat exchange plates can maintain the same arrangement direction during the pressing process, and avoid the flow port 21 not being accurately aligned due to plate misalignment. The plate group 6 includes multiple alternating stacked first heat exchange plates 7 and second heat exchange plates 8. Adjacent first heat exchange plates 7 and second heat exchange plates 8 form mutually isolated hot and cold heat exchange channels, so that high temperature beverages and low temperature beverages can flow on both sides of the adjacent plates respectively, and complete the heat transfer through the plate wall. Each of the four corners of the first heat exchange plate 7 and the second heat exchange plate 8 is provided with a flow port 21. The flow port 21 is used to connect with the cold beverage inlet pipe 9, the first hot beverage outlet pipe 10, the second hot beverage inlet pipe 11, and the warm beverage outlet pipe 12. The cold beverage inlet pipe 9 is used to send the low-temperature beverage to be processed into the plate group 6. The warm beverage outlet pipe 12 is used to discharge the beverage that has been preheated by waste heat and send it to the subsequent ultra-high temperature sterilization section. The second hot beverage inlet pipe 11 is used to receive the high-temperature beverage after ultra-high temperature sterilization. The first hot beverage outlet pipe 10 is used to discharge the hot beverage after the waste heat has been released. Through the above pipeline arrangement, the low-temperature beverage and the high-temperature beverage can form a reverse and staggered heat exchange path in the plate group 6, which is conducive to improving the waste heat recovery efficiency. The buffer flow equalization component is fixedly connected between the second hot beverage inlet pipe 11 and the plate group 6. It is used to buffer, diffuse and distribute the high-temperature beverage before it enters the plate group 6. The buffer flow equalization component includes a buffer pipe 13, a connecting ring 14, an installation groove 15, a distribution plate 16 and a distribution hole 17. One end of the buffer pipe 13 is fixedly connected to the second hot beverage inlet pipe 11, and the other end is fixedly connected to the connecting ring 14 by bolts. This allows the sterilized high-temperature beverage to enter the buffer pipe 13 from the second hot beverage inlet pipe 11 and then enter the connecting ring 14. An installation groove 15 is opened between the inner walls of the buffer pipe 13 and the connecting ring 14. The distribution plate 16 is embedded in the installation groove 15 and is detachably connected to the connecting ring 14. This facilitates the cleaning and replacement of the distribution plate 16 or the adjustment of the hole structure according to the viscosity of different beverages. The distribution plate 16 is a circular plate structure, and the distribution holes 17 are opened through the distribution plate 16. The distribution holes 17 are distributed radially along the distribution plate 16, and the diameter of the distribution holes 17 gradually decreases from the peripheral area to the center area of ​​the distribution plate 16. Since the flow velocity and dynamic pressure in the central area of ​​the inlet are usually higher when the hot beverage enters from the second hot beverage inlet pipe 11 and the buffer pipe 13, while the flow velocity in the peripheral area is relatively lower, the smaller distribution holes 17 in the central area can throttle the high-speed fluid, and the larger distribution holes 17 in the peripheral area can provide a larger flow area, so that the peripheral area can obtain a compensated flow. Through this structure, the hot beverage no longer rushes into the part of the inter-plate flow channel directly opposite the inlet, but is redistributed before entering the plate group 6, which helps to reduce local scouring and inlet deflection. Both the first heat exchange plate 7 and the second heat exchange plate 8 are provided with arc-shaped distribution channels 18 that communicate with the flow port 21. The arc-shaped distribution channel 18 is a flow guiding structure on the plate surface of the heat exchange plate itself. It is located between the flow port 21 and the heat exchange channel in the middle of the heat exchange plate. One end of it is connected to the corresponding flow port 21, and the other end is connected to the middle heat exchange channel. When the beverage enters the heat exchange plate from the flow port 21, it first passes through the arc-shaped distribution channel 18 for transition and guidance, and then enters the heat exchange channel. This structure can prevent the beverage from directly entering the middle heat exchange area from the flow port 21, so that the beverage gradually diffuses in the end area of ​​the heat exchange plate, which helps to reduce local scouring and flow distribution at the port. When the first heat exchange plate 7 and the second heat exchange plate 8 are stacked alternately, the arc-shaped distribution channel 18 is used to guide hot or cold drinks into the heat exchange channel through the corresponding flow port 21, and guide them to the corresponding outlet flow port 21 after heat exchange. That is to say, the first heat exchange plate 7 and the second heat exchange plate 8 use different sealing paths and port connection methods to allow high-temperature drinks and low-temperature drinks to enter different inter-plate channels. The two do not come into direct contact and only transfer heat through the heat exchange plates. The arc-shaped distribution channel 18 plays a role in port transition and diversion in this process, making the drinks enter the plate heat exchange channel more smoothly from the circular flow port 21. A sealing gasket 20 is provided between the connecting ring 14 and the distribution plate 16. The sealing gasket 20 is pressed between the groove wall of the mounting groove 15 and the outer periphery of the distribution plate 16. After the distribution plate 16 is installed into the mounting groove 15, the sealing gasket 20 forms a seal between the flow space inside the connecting ring 14 and the outside of the connecting ring 14, preventing high-temperature beverages from leaking from the periphery of the distribution plate 16, thereby ensuring that the throttling and flow equalization functions of the distribution hole 17 can be stably performed. Sealing rubber rings 19 are respectively provided on the outer periphery of the first heat exchange plate 7 and the second heat exchange plate 8. The sealing rubber rings 19 are used to form a circumferential seal between adjacent heat exchange plates. The sealing rubber rings 19 on the first heat exchange plate 7 and the sealing rubber rings 19 on the second heat exchange plate 8 are arranged in different paths. After the first heat exchange plate 7 and the second heat exchange plate 8 are alternately stacked and pressed together, different flow ports 21 are selectively opened or closed, thereby forming hot flow channels and cold flow channels in sequence. With this arrangement, high-temperature beverages enter the plate group 6 through the second hot beverage inlet pipe 11 and flow along the hot flow channel and are discharged from the first hot beverage outlet pipe 10. Low-temperature beverages enter the plate group 6 through the cold beverage inlet pipe 9 and flow along the cold flow channel and are discharged from the warm beverage outlet pipe 12. The warm beverage discharged from the warm beverage outlet pipe 12 is further transported to the heating and sterilization section of the external ultra-high temperature sterilization device. After heating and sterilization, it is then transported to the second hot beverage inlet pipe 11. In this way, the low-temperature beverage first absorbs the residual heat of the high-temperature beverage in the plate group 6, and becomes a warm beverage before entering the subsequent sterilization section. This can reduce the energy consumption required for subsequent heating. The sterilized high-temperature beverage then returns to the second hot beverage inlet pipe 11, enters the plate group 6 through the buffer flow equalization component, and releases residual heat, thus forming a continuous waste heat recovery process. This circulation path can reduce the heat waste of high-temperature beverages and also reduce the subsequent cooling load. Plate group 6 is arranged with a high-temperature heat exchange zone, a medium-temperature heat exchange zone and a low-temperature heat exchange zone in sequence along the heat exchange flow direction of the high-temperature beverage. The flow channel spacing between adjacent heat exchange plates in the high-temperature heat exchange zone is greater than that between adjacent heat exchange plates in the medium-temperature heat exchange zone. The flow channel spacing between adjacent heat exchange plates in the medium-temperature heat exchange zone is greater than that between adjacent heat exchange plates in the low-temperature heat exchange zone. Since the temperature of the high-temperature beverage is the highest when it first enters plate group 6, proteins, sugars or minerals are more likely to deposit in the high-temperature area. Therefore, the high-temperature heat exchange zone adopts a larger flow channel spacing, which is beneficial to improve the flow capacity and reduce the risk of blockage and scaling. The hot beverage after heat exchange in the high-temperature area will flow to the medium-temperature heat exchange zone. The medium-temperature heat exchange zone is located between the high-temperature and low-temperature heat exchange zones, with its channel spacing between the two. This allows for a gradual transition in flow rate and pressure drop as the temperature of the high-temperature beverage decreases, preventing a sudden change in flow resistance caused by a direct transition from the large channels in the high-temperature heat exchange zone to the small channels in the low-temperature heat exchange zone. The channel spacing in the low-temperature heat exchange zone is relatively small. At this point, the temperature of the high-temperature beverage has already decreased, reducing the risk of scaling. The temperature difference between the hot and cold sides also gradually decreases. Therefore, using a smaller channel spacing can enhance fluid turbulence, improve the utilization rate of the unit heat exchange area, and facilitate further recovery of residual heat. The first heat exchange plate 7 and the second heat exchange plate 8 in the high temperature heat exchange zone, the medium temperature heat exchange zone and the low temperature heat exchange zone are all pressed and fixed by the clamping plate 4 and the fastening rod 3. When the fastening rod 3 is tightened, the clamping plates 4 on both sides press the plate group 6 into a predetermined clamping state, so that the sealing rubber ring 19 is pressed between the adjacent heat exchange plates, ensuring that the hot flow channel and the cold flow channel are kept isolated. This structure can prevent the crossflow of hot and cold drinks due to insufficient clamping of the plate group 6, and can also prevent local sealing failure due to uneven clamping, thereby improving the operational reliability of the plate heat exchange waste heat recovery device.

[0023] During operation, the low-temperature beverage to be processed enters the cold flow channel of the plate group 6 through the cold beverage inlet pipe 9, and flows along the arc-shaped distribution channel 18 and heat exchange channel corresponding to the second heat exchange plate 8. During the flow, it absorbs the heat released by the high-temperature beverage in the adjacent hot flow channel. Then it is discharged through the warm beverage outlet pipe 12 and enters the subsequent ultra-high temperature sterilization section. After ultra-high temperature sterilization, the high-temperature beverage enters the second hot beverage inlet pipe 11, and passes through the buffer pipe 13, connecting ring 14 and distribution plate 16 in sequence. The high-temperature beverage is weakened in the buffer flow equalization component. The flow rate is uniformly distributed through distribution holes 17 of different diameters before entering the hot runner of plate group 6. The high-temperature beverage flows sequentially along the high-temperature heat exchange zone, the medium-temperature heat exchange zone, and the low-temperature heat exchange zone. In the high-temperature heat exchange zone, the larger flow channel reduces the risk of scaling and clogging. In the medium-temperature heat exchange zone, the flow rate transition is completed. In the low-temperature heat exchange zone, the residual heat is further released. Finally, it is discharged from the first hot beverage outlet pipe 10. Throughout the process, the high-temperature beverage and the low-temperature beverage exchange heat indirectly through the first heat exchange plate 7 and the second heat exchange plate 8 without mixing.

[0024] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples; within the framework of the invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of the different aspects of the invention as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity.

[0025] This invention is intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system, characterized in that: The system includes a mounting base (1), a support frame (2), a fastening rod (3), a pressure plate (4), plate limiting posts (5), a plate assembly (6), a cold beverage inlet pipe (9), a first hot beverage outlet pipe (10), a second hot beverage inlet pipe (11), a warm beverage outlet pipe (12), and a buffer flow equalization assembly. The support frame (2) is fixedly connected to the mounting base (1). The pressure plate (4) is arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the support frame (2). The fastening rod (3) passes between the two pressure plates (4) and is connected to the inner wall of the support frame (2). The plate limiting posts (5) are fixedly connected between the two pressure plates (4). The plate assembly (6) is arranged between the two pressure plates (4) and sleeved on the plate limiting posts. On the position column (5), the plate group (6) includes multiple alternating stacked first heat exchange plates (7) and second heat exchange plates (8). Adjacent first heat exchange plates (7) and second heat exchange plates (8) form mutually isolated hot and cold heat exchange channels. The four corners of the first heat exchange plates (7) and second heat exchange plates (8) are provided with flow ports (21). The first heat exchange plates (7) and second heat exchange plates (8) are each provided with arc-shaped distribution channels (18) that flow through the flow ports (21). The cold beverage inlet pipe (9), the first hot beverage outlet pipe (10), the second hot beverage inlet pipe (11) and the warm beverage outlet pipe (12) are respectively sealed and connected to the corresponding flow ports (21) of the plate group (6). The buffer flow equalization component is fixedly connected between the second hot beverage inlet pipe (11) and the plate group (6) to buffer, diffuse and distribute the high-temperature beverage before it enters the plate group (6). The plate group (6) is provided with a high-temperature heat exchange zone, a medium-temperature heat exchange zone and a low-temperature heat exchange zone in sequence along the heat exchange flow direction of the high-temperature beverage.

2. The plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer flow equalization assembly includes a buffer tube (13), a connecting ring (14), a mounting groove (15), a distribution plate (16), and a distribution hole (17). One end of the buffer tube (13) is fixedly connected to the second hot beverage inlet tube (11), and the other end of the buffer tube (13) is fixedly connected to the connecting ring (14) by bolts. The mounting groove (15) is provided between the inner walls of the buffer tube (13) and the connecting ring (14). The distribution plate (16) is embedded in the mounting groove (15) and detachably connected to the connecting ring (14). The distribution hole (17) is opened through the distribution plate (16) so that the high-temperature beverage enters the connecting ring (14) through the buffer tube (13) and is then dispersed into the plate group (6) through the distribution hole (17).

3. The plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distribution plate (16) is a circular plate structure. The distribution holes (17) are distributed radially along the distribution plate (16), and the diameter of the distribution holes (17) gradually decreases from the peripheral area to the center area of ​​the distribution plate (16). This makes the fluid near the center area of ​​the high-temperature beverage inlet subject to a strong throttling effect, and the fluid in the peripheral area obtains a larger flow area, so as to reduce the instantaneous impact in the center area of ​​the inlet and compensate for the flow rate in the peripheral area.

4. The plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped distribution channel (18) is located between the flow port (21) and the heat exchange channel in the middle of the heat exchange plate. One end of the arc-shaped distribution channel (18) is connected to the corresponding flow port (21), and the other end is connected to the heat exchange channel.

5. The plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the first heat exchange plate (7) and the second heat exchange plate (8) are stacked alternately, the arc-shaped distribution channel (18) is used to introduce hot or cold drinks into the heat exchange channel through the corresponding flow port (21) and guide them to the flow port (21) at the corresponding outlet after heat exchange.

6. The plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system according to claim 5, characterized in that, A sealing gasket (20) is provided between the connecting ring (14) and the distribution plate (16). The sealing gasket (20) is pressed between the groove wall of the mounting groove (15) and the outer periphery of the distribution plate (16). After the distribution plate (16) is installed into the mounting groove (15), the sealing gasket (20) forms a seal between the arc-shaped distribution channel (18) and the outside of the connecting ring (14) to prevent high-temperature beverages from leaking from the periphery of the distribution plate (16).

7. The plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sealing rubber rings (19) are respectively provided on the outer periphery of the first heat exchange plate (7) and the second heat exchange plate (8), and the arrangement paths of the sealing rubber rings (19) on the first heat exchange plate (7) and the sealing rubber rings (19) on the second heat exchange plate (8) are different, so that the first heat exchange plate (7) and the second heat exchange plate (8) are alternately stacked and pressed together.

8. The plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing rubber ring (19) forms a selective sealing structure around different flow ports (21), so that high-temperature beverages enter the plate group (6) through the second hot beverage inlet pipe (11), flow along the hot flow channel and are discharged from the first hot beverage outlet pipe (10), and low-temperature beverages enter the plate group (6) through the cold beverage inlet pipe (9), flow along the cold flow channel and are discharged from the warm beverage outlet pipe (12). The warm beverages discharged from the warm beverage outlet pipe (12) are disinfected at high temperature and then transported to the second hot beverage inlet pipe (11).

9. The plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate group (6) is provided with a high temperature heat exchange zone, a medium temperature heat exchange zone and a low temperature heat exchange zone in sequence along the flow direction of the high temperature beverage. The flow channel spacing between adjacent first heat exchange plates (7) and second heat exchange plates (8) in the high temperature heat exchange zone is greater than the flow channel spacing in the medium temperature heat exchange zone. The flow channel spacing in the medium temperature heat exchange zone is greater than the flow channel spacing in the low temperature heat exchange zone.

10. A plate heat exchanger waste heat recovery device for a beverage ultra-high temperature sterilization system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first heat exchange plate (7) and the second heat exchange plate (8) in the high temperature heat exchange zone, the medium temperature heat exchange zone and the low temperature heat exchange zone are all pressed and fixed by the pressure plate (4) and the fastening rod (3). When the fastening rod (3) is tightened, the pressure plates (4) on both sides press the plate group (6) in the predetermined pressing state.

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