Dairy product sterilization device
The combination of pasteurization and ultraviolet sterilization and crushing fat globules solves the problem of lactulose and bacteria content in dairy processing, achieving efficient bactericidal and high-quality dairy production.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422541338.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-08
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-21
AI Technical Summary
During the processing of existing dairy products, high-temperature sterilization leads to an increase in the content of lactulose, while low-temperature sterilization leads to poor sterilization effect, making it difficult to meet the requirements of lactulose and bacterial content at the same time.
Pasteurization units are used to eliminate most bacteria, combine with ultraviolet sterilization units to eliminate bacilli or spores with strong heat resistance, and break fat spheres through homogenization units to increase surface area, and control the temperature with the first and second heat exchangers to achieve effective sterilization.
Effectively control the content of lactulose, avoid bacterial content exceeding the standard, and prevent dairy products from coking, improving sterilization and processing efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN223195456U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of food processing, in particular to a dairy product sterilization device. Background Art
[0002] During the processing of dairy products such as cow's milk, goat's milk, and camel's milk, they need to be sterilized and disinfected. Existing sterilization processes generally use the following two methods: one is UHT (ultra-high temperature sterilization, heating at 135-150°C for 2-3 seconds). This sterilization process can effectively kill bacteria, but due to the high temperature, the lactose in the dairy product is rapidly degraded to produce organic acids such as lactic acid, acetic acid, and acetic acid. These organic acids will cause the lactulose index to rise, and then the final processed dairy product will not meet the lactulose content requirements of the high-quality milk technical regulations. The other is pasteurization, which is to keep the temperature of the items to be sterilized between 60-85°C. This sterilization process can maintain the stability of lactose in dairy products, but it is difficult to kill heat-resistant bacteria or spores, so the bacterial content of the final processed dairy products may exceed the standard. Utility Model Content
[0003] The utility model aims to provide a dairy product sterilization device to solve the problem that during the dairy product sterilization process, the lactulose content increases significantly due to excessively high temperature or the sterilization effect is poor due to low temperature.
[0004] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:
[0005] A dairy product sterilization device includes a first heat exchanger, a feed pump, a pasteurization unit, a homogenization unit and an ultraviolet sterilization unit, wherein the first heat exchanger is configured to preheat the dairy product; the outlet of the feed pump is connected to the cold fluid inlet of the first heat exchanger; the inlet of the pasteurization unit is connected to the cold fluid outlet of the first heat exchanger; the inlet of the homogenization unit is connected to the outlet of the pasteurization unit, and the inlet of the ultraviolet sterilization unit is connected to the outlet of the homogenization unit.
[0006] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization unit includes a housing and an ultraviolet lamp. The ultraviolet lamp is located in the housing and is spiral-shaped.
[0007] In one embodiment, the shell includes a main shell and end covers. The main shell is configured as a cylindrical structure with open ends at both axial ends. The two end covers are detachably fixed to the axial ends of the main shell, and the ultraviolet lamp is detachably fixed to the end covers.
[0008] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet lamps are distributed in the housing in a circular array.
[0009] In one embodiment, a plurality of ultraviolet sterilization units are provided, and adjacent ultraviolet sterilization units are parallel to each other and connected through U-shaped tubes.
[0010] In one embodiment, a connecting pipe is further provided between adjacent ultraviolet sterilization units, and the connecting pipe is perpendicular to the ultraviolet sterilization unit.
[0011] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization unit further includes a fixing seat, which is sleeved on the housing, and the fixing seats of adjacent ultraviolet sterilization units abut against each other.
[0012] In one embodiment, the outlet of the ultraviolet sterilization unit is further connected to a second heat exchanger to cool the dairy product.
[0013] In one embodiment, the first heat exchanger and / or the second heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.
[0014] In one embodiment, the inlet of the feed pump is connected to a balancing cylinder.
[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the dairy product sterilization device of the present invention utilizes a pasteurization unit to eliminate most of the bacteria in the dairy products, and then utilizes an ultraviolet sterilization unit to eliminate heat-resistant bacilli or spores, which can reduce the possibility of lactose denaturation due to high-temperature heating, thereby effectively controlling the lactulose content, and avoiding excessive bacteria content caused by incomplete sterilization. The setting of the first heat exchanger can prevent the dairy products from coking due to a sudden increase in temperature after entering the pasteurization unit. The setting of the homogenization unit can break the fat globules in the dairy products into fat globules that are much smaller than the original ones, thereby increasing the surface area of the fat globules and the dairy product slurry by 4-6 times, and can better utilize the ultraviolet sterilization unit to achieve effective sterilization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of the dairy product sterilization device in the embodiment of the present utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the ultraviolet sterilization unit in an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0018] In the picture:
[0019] 1. Feed pump; 2. First heat exchanger; 3. Homogenizing unit; 4. Pasteurization unit; 5. UV sterilization unit; 51. Outer shell; 511. Main shell; 512. End cover; 52. UV lamp; 6. Second heat exchanger; 7. Balancing cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all of its components.
[0021] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0022] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.
[0023] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplified operation. They do not indicate or imply that the units or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.
[0024] refer to Figure 1-Figure 2As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a dairy product sterilization device, comprising a feed pump 1, a first heat exchanger 2, a pasteurization unit 4, a homogenization unit 3, and an ultraviolet sterilization unit 5. The outlet of the feed pump 1 is connected to the cold fluid inlet of the first heat exchanger 2 to pump liquid dairy product into the first heat exchanger 2. The feed pump 1 can be adaptively selected from a centrifugal pump, a liquid ring pump, or a positive displacement pump according to the viscosity of the dairy product. The first heat exchanger 2 is configured to preheat the dairy product. The inlet of the pasteurization unit 4 is connected to the cold fluid outlet of the first heat exchanger 2, the inlet of the homogenization unit 3 is connected to the outlet of the pasteurization unit 4, and the inlet of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 is connected to the outlet of the homogenization unit 3.
[0025] Generally, bacteria lose their activity or die when exposed to high temperatures of 85°C-100°C, but some, such as heat-resistant rods or spores, can still survive. Therefore, the present invention utilizes the pasteurization unit 4 to eliminate most bacteria in the dairy product, and then utilizes the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 to eliminate heat-resistant rods or spores. This not only reduces the possibility of lactose denaturation due to high-temperature heating, thereby effectively controlling the lactulose content, but also avoids excessive bacterial content caused by incomplete sterilization. The first heat exchanger 2 is provided to prevent the dairy product from charring due to a sudden temperature increase after entering the pasteurization unit 4. It is understood that ultraviolet rays can only propagate in a straight line, resulting in low radiation energy and weak penetration. Therefore, the present invention provides the homogenization unit 3 between the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 and the pasteurization unit 4. This can break down the fat globules in the dairy product into much smaller ones than before, thereby increasing the surface area between the fat globules and the dairy product slurry by 4-6 times, allowing the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 to be more effectively utilized for sterilization.
[0026] Specifically, the temperature of the hot fluid used in the first heat exchanger 2 is between 60°C and 90°C. To reduce costs, hot water can be used as the hot fluid. While preheating the dairy products, the first heat exchanger 2 can also inactivate enzymes and kill some bacteria. The temperature in the pasteurization unit 4 is between 83°C and 87°C. The pasteurization unit 4 can adopt any pasteurization structure used in the prior art for sterilizing liquids. The homogenization unit 3 also adopts a homogenization structure in the prior art, which will not be explained in detail here. As for the first heat exchanger 2, a plate heat exchanger can be used. Compared with a tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger has a higher heat exchange efficiency.
[0027] refer to Figure 2As shown, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 includes a shell 51 and an ultraviolet lamp 52. A sterilization cavity is provided in the shell 51. A first connecting port and a second connecting port connected to the sterilization cavity are provided at both ends of the length of the shell 51. The first connecting port of the shell 51 serves as the inlet of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 and is connected to the outlet of the pasteurization unit 4. The second connecting port of the shell 51 is the outlet of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5. The ultraviolet lamp 52 is provided in the sterilization cavity to sterilize and disinfect the dairy products flowing through the sterilization cavity. The ultraviolet lamp 52 preferably adopts an ultraviolet lamp that can emit light with a wavelength range of 320-400nm to achieve better penetration effect.
[0028] Specifically, the ultraviolet lamp 52 is configured in a spiral shape to increase the time the dairy product is exposed to ultraviolet light, allowing the dairy product to pass through the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 in a short time with a maximum contact area. Of course, the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 can also include multiple ultraviolet lamps 52. The number of ultraviolet lamps 52 is related to the volume of the housing 51 and the flow rate of the dairy product, and can be specifically set according to needs.
[0029] In order to reduce the difficulty of cleaning the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5, the shell 51 includes a main shell 511 and an end cover 512, wherein the main shell 511 is configured as a cylindrical structure with open ends at both axial ends, and the two end covers 512 are detachably fixed to the axial ends of the main shell 511 to cooperate with the main shell 511 to form a sterilization chamber, and the first connecting port and the second connecting port are respectively opened on the two end covers 512. At the same time, a plurality of mounting holes for installing ultraviolet lamp tubes 52 are also provided on the end covers 512, and the plurality of ultraviolet lamp tubes 52 pass through the mounting holes one by one and are detachably connected to the end covers 512.
[0030] For example, flanges are provided at both axial ends of the main housing 511, and the end caps 512 are bolted to the flanges. Similarly, flanges are also provided at the ends of the ultraviolet lamp 52, and the ultraviolet lamp 52 is bolted to the flanges on the main housing 511.
[0031] In order to improve the uniformity of the ultraviolet lamp tubes 52 irradiating the dairy products, the mounting holes are distributed in a circular array around the first and second communication ports, that is, the ultraviolet lamp tubes 52 are distributed in a circular array in the sterilization chamber.
[0032] When the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 needs to be cleaned, one end of the ultraviolet lamp 52 is removed from the end cover 512, and then the ultraviolet lamp 52 and the other end cover 512 are removed from the main shell 511, and the sterilization chamber and the ultraviolet lamp 52 can be cleaned.
[0033] Optionally, multiple UV sterilization units 5 may be provided. To reduce occupied space, adjacent UV sterilization units 5 are arranged in parallel and connected via a U-shaped tube connected to the first and second connecting ports. At the same time, adjacent UV sterilization units 5 are also connected via a connecting tube, which is arranged perpendicular to the UV sterilization units 5. When dairy products flow between the UV sterilization units 5, a portion enters another UV sterilization unit 5 through the U-shaped tube, while another portion enters another UV sterilization unit 5 through the connecting tube. Because the two portions of dairy products flow in different directions, turbulence can be generated within the sterilization chamber, that is, one portion of the dairy products stirs the other portion of the dairy products, thereby further enhancing the UV sterilization effect.
[0034] It is understood that the end of the connecting pipe connected to the downstream ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 is close to the inlet of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5, and the end connected to the upstream ultraviolet sterilization unit 5 is close to the outlet of the ultraviolet sterilization unit 5. It is understood that along the flow direction of the dairy product, the one that passes first is the upstream and the one that passes later is the downstream.
[0035] Specifically, in order to maintain stability between adjacent ultraviolet sterilization units 5 , the ultraviolet sterilization units 5 further include a fixing seat, which is sleeved on the shell 51 , and the fixing seats between adjacent ultraviolet sterilization units 5 abut against each other.
[0036] The outlet of the UV sterilization unit 5 is connected to the second heat exchanger 6. Specifically, the outlet of the UV sterilization unit 5 is connected to the hot fluid inlet of the second heat exchanger 6, so that the dairy product is cooled by the second heat exchanger 6, and the filling process can be started without waiting for cooling, thereby improving the efficiency of dairy product processing.
[0037] The second heat exchanger 6 also adopts a plate heat exchanger, and the cold fluid used is cold water.
[0038] In one embodiment, the inlet of the feed pump 1 is further connected to a balancing cylinder 7 , which can eliminate foam in the dairy product so that the ultraviolet rays can fully irradiate the dairy product.
[0039] The balancing cylinder 7 also belongs to the prior art and will not be described in detail here.
[0040] Obviously, the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the manner in which the present invention is to be implemented. A person skilled in the art would be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A dairy product sterilization device, characterized in that: include: Feed pump (1); a first heat exchanger (2), wherein a cold fluid inlet of the first heat exchanger (2) is connected to an outlet of the feed pump (1), and the first heat exchanger (2) is configured to preheat the dairy product; a pasteurization unit (4) connected to the cold fluid outlet of the first heat exchanger (2); a homogenizing unit (3) connected to the outlet of the pasteurization unit (4); The ultraviolet sterilization unit (5) is connected to the outlet of the homogenization unit (3).
2. The dairy product sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultraviolet sterilization unit (5) comprises a housing (51) and an ultraviolet lamp (52). The ultraviolet lamp (52) is located in the housing (51) and is configured in a spiral shape.
3. The dairy product sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The housing (51) comprises a main shell (511) and end covers (512); the main shell (511) is configured as a cylindrical structure with two axial ends open; the two end covers (512) are detachably fixed to the two axial ends of the main shell (511); and the ultraviolet lamp (52) is detachably fixed to the end covers (512).
4. The dairy product sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ultraviolet lamp tubes (52) are distributed in the housing (51) in a ring array.
5. The dairy product sterilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of ultraviolet sterilization units (5) are provided, and adjacent ultraviolet sterilization units (5) are parallel to each other and connected through U-shaped tubes.
6. The dairy product sterilization device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A connecting pipe is further provided between adjacent ultraviolet sterilization units (5), and the connecting pipe is perpendicular to the ultraviolet sterilization unit (5).
7. The dairy product sterilization device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ultraviolet sterilization unit (5) further comprises a fixing seat, which is sleeved on the outer shell (51), and the fixing seats between adjacent ultraviolet sterilization units (5) abut against each other.
8. The dairy product sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The outlet of the ultraviolet sterilization unit (5) is connected to a second heat exchanger (6) to cool the dairy product.
9. The dairy product sterilization device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first heat exchanger (2) and / or the second heat exchanger (6) are plate heat exchangers.
10. The dairy product sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The inlet of the feed pump (1) is connected to a balancing cylinder (7).