Concentration device for pigment extracting solution of red-heart red dragon fruit

Abstract

The utility model discloses a red-heart red dragon fruit pigment extracting solution concentration device which comprises a concentration tank, a shell is arranged outside the concentration tank, and a heat exchange cavity capable of providing a heat source for a pigment extracting solution in the concentration tank is arranged between the shell and the concentration tank; a stirring shaft is vertically and rotatably arranged in the concentration tank, the top end of the stirring shaft extends out of the concentration tank, the top end of the stirring shaft is connected with a stirring motor, and a stirring paddle is arranged on the stirring shaft in the concentration tank; a sealed feeding hole is formed in the top of the concentration tank, and the top of the concentration tank is connected with a receiving tank through a negative pressure pipe and a vacuum pump; a discharge port is formed in the bottom of the concentration tank, and a discharge valve is mounted on the discharge port. The concentration device for the red-heart red dragon fruit pigment extracting solution is ingenious in structural arrangement, the red-heart red dragon fruit pigment extracting solution can be rapidly concentrated, and follow-up pigment extraction work is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of liquid concentration, specifically to a device for concentrating pigment extract from red dragon fruit. Background Technology

[0002] Dragon fruit (Latin name: Hylocereus undulatus Britt Dragon fruit, also known as dragon pearl fruit, fairy honey fruit, or jade dragon fruit, is a plant belonging to the Cactaceae family and the genus *Hylocereus* or *Lithops*. It originated in Central America, including Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Cuba, and Colombia. Later, it was introduced to Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, as well as Taiwan, Hainan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, and Yunnan provinces in China. Dragon fruit is not only sweet and delicious but also highly nutritious, combining the advantages of fruits, buds, vegetables, and medicine. It is not only rich in nutrients and has unique functions but is also rarely affected by pests and diseases, growing normally with almost no pesticides. Therefore, dragon fruit is a green, environmentally friendly fruit and a health-promoting food with certain therapeutic effects. Every 100 grams of dragon fruit pulp contains 83.75 grams of water, 0.34 grams of ash, 0.17 grams of crude fat, 0.62 grams of crude protein, 1.21 grams of crude fiber, 13.91 grams of carbohydrates, 59.65 kilocalories of energy, 1.62 grams of dietary fiber, 5.22 milligrams of vitamin C, 2.83 grams of fructose, 7.83 grams of glucose, 6.3-8.8 milligrams of calcium, 30.2-36.1 milligrams of phosphorus, 0.55-0.65 milligrams of iron, and a large amount of anthocyanins (most abundant in red-fleshed varieties), water-soluble dietary protein, plant albumin, etc.

[0003] Dragon fruit is sweet and neutral in nature, and its main nutrients include protein, dietary fiber, vitamins B2, B3, and C, iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It is rich in pulp fiber, carotene, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B12, and C. The seeds (similar to black sesame seeds) contain abundant calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other minerals, as well as various enzymes, albumin, fiber, and a high concentration of natural pigments, anthocyanins (especially in the red flesh). The flowers, stems, and young shoots also possess various health benefits similar to its close relative (aloe vera). The red pigment in red-fleshed dragon fruit is mainly found in the peel and pulp, with a higher content in the pulp. This red pigment has good solubility, cold and heat stability, acid and alkali resistance, and photo-oxidation stability, making it promising for wide application in food, cosmetics, and other fields.

[0004] To extract the red pigment from both the peel and pulp, the red dragon fruit requires washing, crushing, filtering, and extraction. During the filtration and extraction process, water is added during crushing and filtration to dilute the pigment, resulting in a high water content in the filtrate. To better utilize the extracted pigment, the filtrate needs to be concentrated before extraction. Therefore, a red dragon fruit pigment extraction concentrate concentration device needs to be designed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for concentrating red dragon fruit pigment extract. This device has a cleverly designed structure that can quickly extract red dragon fruit pigment, which is beneficial for subsequent pigment extraction.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A device for concentrating pigment extract from red dragon fruit includes a concentration tank with an outer shell. A heat exchange chamber is formed between the outer shell and the concentration tank to provide a heat source for the pigment extract inside the concentration tank. A vertically rotating stirring shaft is installed inside the concentration tank, with its top end extending outside the tank. A stirring motor is connected to the top end of the stirring shaft, and a stirring paddle is installed on the stirring shaft inside the concentration tank. A sealed feeding port is provided at the top of the concentration tank, and a receiving tank is connected to the top of the concentration tank via a negative pressure pipe and a vacuum pump. A discharge port is provided at the bottom of the concentration tank, and a discharge valve is installed on the discharge port.

[0008] A further preferred embodiment: an electric heating element is installed at the lower end of the heat exchange chamber, and a water tank is connected to the bottom of the heat exchange chamber via a water pump and a water pipe. The water tank is connected to the upper end of the heat exchange chamber via a return water pipe. Water from the water tank is pumped into the heat exchange chamber by the water pump, and the water in the heat exchange chamber is heated by the electric heating element, maintaining it within a certain temperature range. Heat exchange occurs between the pigment extract in the concentration tank and the water in the heat exchange chamber, thus heating the pigment extract in the concentration tank.

[0009] A further preferred embodiment includes a temperature sensor installed inside the heat exchange chamber. The temperature sensor is connected to a controller via wires, and the controller is also connected to a water pump and an electric heating element via wires. The temperature sensor transmits the water temperature signal from the heat exchange chamber to the controller, which then controls the water pump and electric heating element according to a pre-set program to ensure the water in the heat exchange chamber remains within a certain temperature range.

[0010] A further preferred embodiment includes a drain pipe connected to the water pump and the heat exchange chamber, with a drain valve installed on the drain pipe. The drain valve is periodically opened to remove scale from the heat exchange chamber.

[0011] A further preferred embodiment: the concentration tank is suspended and supported on a bracket, which suspends and supports the concentration tank, facilitating the installation of a discharge port and discharge valve at the bottom of the concentration tank.

[0012] A further preferred embodiment includes a cleaning nozzle installed at the top inner surface of the concentration tank. The cleaning nozzle is connected to a cleaning water injection pipe, and a water injection valve is installed on the cleaning water injection pipe. When concentration is not required, the water injection valve is opened, and cleaning water enters the concentration tank through the cleaning water injection pipe and rinses the inside of the concentration tank through the cleaning nozzle, keeping the concentration tank clean.

[0013] This red dragon fruit pigment extract concentration device features a cleverly designed structure. A stirring shaft and impeller within the concentration tank, driven by a stirring motor, agitate the pigment extract. A vacuum pump and negative pressure pipe create negative pressure within the tank, enabling concentration at relatively low temperatures. An external heat exchange chamber, providing a heat source for the pigment extract, is located between the outer shell and the tank. An electric heating element is installed at the lower end of the heat exchange chamber. A water tank is connected to the bottom of the chamber via a water pump and a water pipe. The water tank is connected to the upper end of the heat exchange chamber via a return pipe. Water from the tank is pumped into the heat exchange chamber, where it is heated by the electric heating element. A temperature sensor is installed within the heat exchange chamber and connected to a controller via wires. The controller is also connected to the water pump and the electric heating element via wires. The temperature sensor transmits the water temperature signal in the heat exchange chamber to the controller. The controller controls the water pump and electric heating tube to work according to the set program, ensuring that the water in the heat exchange chamber is within a certain temperature range, thereby achieving constant temperature heating of the pigment extract in the concentration tank. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the red dragon fruit pigment extraction concentration device;

[0015] The names corresponding to the serial numbers in the figure are:

[0016] 1. Water tank; 2. Return water pipe; 3. Water pump; 4. Pumping pipe; 5. Controller; 6. Bracket; 7. Temperature sensor; 8. Housing; 9. Concentrator; 10. Sealed feeding port; 11. Stirring motor; 12. Cleaning water injection pipe; 13. Water injection valve; 14. Cleaning nozzle; 15. Negative pressure pipe; 16. Stirring shaft; 17. Stirring paddle; 18. Vacuum pump; 19. Receiving tank; 20. Heating element; 21. Discharge port; 22. Discharge valve; 23. Sewage valve; 24. Sewage pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model. Example

[0018] A device for concentrating pigment extract from red dragon fruit includes a concentration tank 9, an outer shell 8 surrounding the concentration tank 9, and a heat exchange chamber between the outer shell 8 and the concentration tank 9 to provide a heat source for the pigment extract inside the concentration tank 9. A stirring shaft 16 is vertically rotatably mounted inside the concentration tank 9, with its top end extending outside the concentration tank 9. A stirring motor 11 is connected to the top end of the stirring shaft 16, and a stirring paddle 17 is mounted on the stirring shaft 16 inside the concentration tank 9. A sealed feeding port 10 is provided at the top of the concentration tank 9, and a receiving tank 19 is connected to the top of the concentration tank 9 via a negative pressure pipe 15 and a vacuum pump 18. A discharge port 21 is provided at the bottom of the concentration tank 9, and a discharge valve 22 is installed on the discharge port 21.

[0019] The lower end of the heat exchange chamber is equipped with an electric heating tube 20. The bottom end of the heat exchange chamber is connected to a water tank 1 through a water pump 3 and a water pipe 4. The water tank 1 is connected to the upper end of the heat exchange chamber through a return water pipe 2.

[0020] A temperature sensor 7 is installed inside the heat exchange chamber. The temperature sensor 7 is connected to a controller 5 via wires. The controller 5 is also connected to a water pump 3 and an electric heating tube 20 via wires.

[0021] The water pump 3 and the heat exchange chamber are connected to a drain pipe 24, and a drain valve 23 is installed on the drain pipe 24.

[0022] The concentration tank 9 is suspended and supported on the bracket 6.

[0023] The top of the concentration tank 9 is equipped with a cleaning nozzle 14, which is connected to a cleaning water pipe 12. A water injection valve 13 is installed on the cleaning water pipe 12.

[0024] The working process of this red dragon fruit pigment extract concentration device is as follows: close the discharge valve 22 and the water injection valve 13; open the sealed feeding port 10, add the filtered red dragon fruit pigment extract into the concentration tank 9, then close the sealed feeding port 10, and start the water pump 3 and the electric heating tube 20 to heat the water in the heat exchange chamber to a suitable temperature for heat exchange with the red dragon fruit pigment extract in the concentration tank 9. The water in the heat exchange chamber can be preheated to a suitable temperature before adding the filtered red dragon fruit pigment extract into the concentration tank 9. Next, the vacuum pump 18 and stirring motor 11 are started. The stirring motor 11 drives the stirring shaft 16, which in turn drives the stirring paddle 17 to stir the red dragon fruit pigment extract in the concentration tank 9. The vacuum pump 18 creates a negative pressure by drawing a vacuum inside the concentration tank 9. The water vapor in the concentration tank 9 is then pumped to the receiving tank 19 through the negative pressure pipe 15. The receiving tank 19 can use the structure principle of a water-gas separator to separate water and gas. Water remains in the receiving tank 19, while the gas is naturally discharged. The water in the receiving tank 19 can be used for washing, crushing, and filtering the red dragon fruit. When the concentration reaches the required level, the operation of the water pump 3, the electric heating element 20, and the vacuum pump 18 is stopped. The discharge valve 23 and the sealed feeding port 10 are opened to discharge the concentrated liquid in the concentration tank 9. After the concentration work is no longer needed, the water injection valve 13 is opened, and cleaning water enters the concentration tank 9 from the cleaning water injection pipe 12 and rinses the inside of the concentration tank through the cleaning nozzle 14 to keep the inside of the concentration tank 9 clean.

[0025] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

Claims

1. A device for concentrating pigment extract from red dragon fruit, comprising a concentration tank (9), characterized in that: The concentration tank (9) is provided with an outer shell (8), and a heat exchange chamber is provided between the outer shell (8) and the concentration tank (9) to provide a heat source for the pigment extract in the concentration tank (9); a stirring shaft (16) is vertically rotatably provided inside the concentration tank (9), the top end of the stirring shaft (16) extends out of the concentration tank (9), a stirring motor (11) is connected to the top end of the stirring shaft (16), and a stirring paddle (17) is provided on the stirring shaft (16) inside the concentration tank (9); a sealed feeding port (10) is provided at the top of the concentration tank (9), and a receiving tank (19) is connected to the top of the concentration tank (9) through a negative pressure pipe (15) and a vacuum pump (18); a discharge port (21) is provided at the bottom of the concentration tank (9), and a discharge valve (22) is installed on the discharge port (21).

2. The red dragon fruit pigment extract concentration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the heat exchange chamber is provided with an electric heating tube (20). The bottom end of the heat exchange chamber is connected to a water tank (1) through a water pump (3) and a water pipe (4). The water tank (1) is connected to the upper end of the heat exchange chamber through a return water pipe (2).

3. The red dragon fruit pigment extract concentration device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A temperature sensor (7) is installed in the heat exchange chamber. The temperature sensor (7) is connected to a controller (5) via a wire. The controller (5) is also connected to a water pump (3) and an electric heating tube (20) via wires.

4. The red dragon fruit pigment extract concentration device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water pump (3) and the heat exchange chamber are connected to a drain pipe (24), and a drain valve (23) is installed on the drain pipe (24).

5. The red dragon fruit pigment extract concentration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The concentration tank (9) is suspended and supported on the bracket (6).

6. The red dragon fruit pigment extract concentration device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The concentration tank (9) is equipped with a cleaning nozzle (14) at the top inside. The cleaning nozzle (14) is connected to a cleaning water pipe (12), and a water injection valve (13) is installed on the cleaning water pipe (12).

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