Emulsifying device for liquid food production

Abstract

The utility model discloses an emulsifying device for liquid food production, which relates to the technical field of food production and comprises an emulsifying tank, and an emulsifying mechanism is arranged in the emulsifying tank. The extraction tank and the emulsification tank are arranged at an interval, and a first stirring mechanism is arranged on the extraction tank; the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank are arranged in parallel, and second stirring mechanisms are mounted on the second buffer tank and the first buffer tank; the filter is respectively connected with the emulsifying tank, the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank through pipelines; the emulsifying tank comprises an outer tank and an inner container which are coaxially sleeved; the emulsifying mechanism comprises a second stirring motor and an emulsifying motor which are mounted at the top of the outer tank; the annular stirring frame is driven by a second stirring motor and is arranged in the circumferential direction of the inner container; the axial emulsifying stirrer is driven by the emulsifying motor and is provided with a rotating shaft positioned on the central axis of the stirring frame. According to the utility model, the labor intensity of workers is reduced, and the working efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food production technology, specifically to an emulsification device for liquid food production. Background Technology

[0002] Emulsification is a common process in food processing, which involves mixing immiscible food ingredients (such as oil and water phases) together (with or without emulsifiers) and stirring them using high-speed rotating blades (or other emulsification equipment, such as homogenizers or colloid mills) to disperse the oil and water phases, thus forming an emulsion. In current technology, emulsification is usually performed separately. The raw materials must be added to the emulsification tank all at once before emulsification, and no additional materials can be added during the process, making it inconvenient. Furthermore, after emulsification, the emulsion in the tank needs to be manually extracted, which is not only labor-intensive but also inefficient. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an emulsification device for liquid food production, which solves the technical problems of inconvenience caused by the requirement to add raw materials into the emulsification tank all at once before emulsification and the inability to add materials midway, as well as the need for manual extraction of the emulsion in the emulsification tank after emulsification, resulting in high labor intensity and low work efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] An emulsifying device for liquid food production, comprising:

[0006] An emulsifying tank, wherein an emulsifying mechanism is provided inside the emulsifying tank;

[0007] An extraction tank is provided at a distance from the emulsification tank, and the extraction tank is equipped with a first stirring mechanism;

[0008] A first buffer tank and a second buffer tank are connected in parallel, and a second stirring mechanism is installed on both the second buffer tank and the first buffer tank.

[0009] The filters are connected to the emulsification tank, the first buffer tank, and the second buffer tank via pipelines, respectively.

[0010] The emulsifying tank includes an outer tank and an inner liner coaxially sleeved together, and the emulsifying mechanism includes:

[0011] A second stirring motor and an emulsifying motor are installed on the top of the outer tank;

[0012] An annular stirring frame driven by the second stirring motor, the stirring frame being arranged circumferentially along the inner liner;

[0013] An axial emulsifying agitator driven by the emulsifying motor.

[0014] Furthermore, the stirring frame is provided with staggered first baffles on both radial sides, and the curved surface direction of each first baffle is tangent to the rotation direction of the stirring frame.

[0015] Furthermore, the first stirring mechanism includes:

[0016] A first stirring motor is vertically mounted on top of the extraction tank;

[0017] A first stirring rod extending to the bottom of the extraction tank is connected to the output end of the first stirring motor;

[0018] Three to five layers of first dispersion plates are equidistantly distributed along the axial direction of the first stirring rod.

[0019] Furthermore, the second stirring mechanism includes:

[0020] A third stirring motor is installed on the first buffer tank / second buffer tank;

[0021] A second stirring rod connected to the lower end of the third stirring motor;

[0022] Several second dispersion plates are disposed on the second stirring rod.

[0023] Furthermore, both the first and second buffer tanks are symmetrically provided with spirally rising second baffles on their inner walls, and several second dispersion plates are located between corresponding two second baffles.

[0024] Furthermore, one end of the filter is connected to a filter delivery pipe, and the other end is connected to a main buffer delivery pipe, which is connected to the first buffer tank and the second buffer tank.

[0025] Furthermore, the first buffer tank is connected to a first buffer delivery branch pipe, which is connected to the main buffer delivery pipe.

[0026] Furthermore, a second buffer delivery branch pipe is connected to the second buffer tank, and the second buffer delivery branch pipe is connected to the main buffer delivery pipe.

[0027] Furthermore, a suction tube is connected between the extraction tank and the inner liner.

[0028] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0029] 1. This utility model includes an extraction tank that filters the liquid to be emulsified. The upper liquid is then transported to an emulsification tank via a suction pipe for emulsification. After emulsification, a filter further filters the emulsion, which is then transported to a first buffer tank and a second buffer tank for further buffering. When packaging is required, the liquid can be directly drawn from these two buffer tanks, reducing the occupancy rate of the emulsification tank and allowing it to continue emulsification, thus saving usage time. Furthermore, this utility model employs an automated conveying system, which not only reduces manual labor intensity but also improves work efficiency.

[0030] 2. The modular design of each component allows for relative independence between them, facilitating replacement or repair as needed by the user. This not only reduces maintenance costs but also improves the reliability and lifespan of the equipment.

[0031] 3. In this application, the emulsifying tank is equipped with an openable end cap, which allows for easy addition of materials at any time during the emulsification process, making it more convenient to use. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of this utility model. The illustrative embodiments of this utility model and their descriptions are used to explain this utility model and do not constitute an improper limitation of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The process diagram.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second embodiment of the emulsifying tank of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged view of the connection between the outer can and the end cap in this application.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Extraction tank; 11-First cleaning pipe; 12-Suction pipe; 2-First stirring mechanism; 21-First stirring motor; 22-First stirring rod; 23-First dispersing plate; 3-Outer tank; 31-Inner liner; 32-First end cap; 321-Opening; 33-Discharge port; 34-Second cleaning pipe; 35-CIP pipe; 36-Liquid inlet pipe; 4-Emulsification mechanism; 41-Second stirring motor; 42-Emulsification motor; 43-Stirring frame; 44-First baffle; 45-Emulsifying stirrer; 46- Shear plate; 461-Auxiliary plate; 5-First buffer tank; 51-Second baffle plate; 52-Third cleaning pipe; 53-Second end cap; 54-First buffer conveying branch pipe; 6-Second stirring mechanism; 61-Third stirring motor; 62-Second stirring rod; 63-Second dispersing plate; 7-Second buffer tank; 71-Fourth cleaning pipe; 72-Third end cap; 73-Second buffer conveying branch pipe; 8-Filter; 81-Filter conveying pipe; 82-Main buffer conveying pipe; 9-Conveying pump; 91-Conveying pipe; 10-Control box. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. Here, the illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are used to explain the present utility model, but are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0039] refer to Figures 1 to 4 ,like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this embodiment provides an emulsification device for liquid food production, mainly composed of an emulsification tank, an extraction tank 1, a first buffer tank 5, a second buffer tank 7, a filter 8, and a control box 10 arranged sequentially at intervals. The control box 10 is used to control the coordinated operation between the various mechanisms. The emulsification tank includes an outer tank 3 and an inner liner 31 fixedly connected together. The inner liner 31 is made of 316L stainless steel with a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating (thickness 2-3 μm), a contact angle >110°, and reduces the adhesion rate of protein raw materials by 85%. An emulsification mechanism 4 is installed on the outer tank 3, and the lower end of the emulsification mechanism 4 extends into the inner liner 31. The extraction tank 1 is connected to the inner liner 31 by a suction pipe 12, which is equipped with a valve for controlling the operation. A first stirring mechanism 2 is provided on the extraction tank 1, which is used to stir the liquid food in the extraction tank 1 to mix the various liquids evenly for filtration after settling. Extraction tank 1, through settling, separates liquid food into an upper liquid (hereinafter referred to as liquid) and a lower sediment. The upper liquid is used for emulsification, and the lower sediment is removed using a slag collection bucket. A second stirring mechanism 6 is installed on both the second buffer tank 7 and the first buffer tank 5. A filter 8 is connected between the emulsification tank, the first buffer tank 5, and the second buffer tank 7. The emulsification mechanism 4 consists of a second stirring motor 41, an emulsification motor 42, a stirring frame 43, and an emulsification agitator 45. Both the second stirring motor 41 and the emulsification motor 42 are mounted on a rotating shaft on the outer tank 3. The second stirring motor 41 is connected to the stirring frame 43, which is arranged circumferentially along the inner liner 31. The emulsifying motor 42 is connected to the emulsifying agitator 45. Rotating the shaft disc causes the second agitator 41 to drive the annular agitator frame 43 to rotate within the inner liner 31, and the emulsifying motor 42 to drive the emulsifying agitator 45 to rotate within the inner liner 31. The second agitator 41 drives the agitator frame 43 to rotate at low speed, which can agitate the emulsifier, liquid, and other raw materials within the inner liner 31. The emulsifying motor 42 drives the emulsifying agitator 45 to rotate at high speed, which can disperse one type of liquid (such as the oil phase or water phase) in the inner liner 31 into tiny droplets, so that it can be evenly distributed in the other liquid within the inner liner 31, ultimately forming an emulsion. Several first baffles 44 are arranged in parallel on both sides of the stirring frame 43. The several first baffles 44 can change the flow direction and speed of the liquid. Therefore, when the liquid collides with the first baffles 44 under the action of centrifugal force, the first baffles 44 generate shearing and turbulence on the liquid, further refine the droplets and increase the mixing effect between the liquids, so as to accelerate the emulsification process and improve the emulsification efficiency.

[0040] The blades of the emulsifying stirrer 45 are electrochemically polished (Ra<0.2μm) and laser textured (micro-pit diameter 50μm, spacing 200μm) to improve heat transfer efficiency by 15%.

[0041] In one embodiment, the rotational speed ratio of the stirring frame 43 to the emulsifying stirrer 45 is 1:8 to 1:12 to improve emulsification efficiency.

[0042] As a second embodiment of the emulsifying mechanism 4, such as Figure 3 As shown, several rhomboid shear plates 46 are spaced apart on the inner wall of the stirring frame 43. Several inclined auxiliary plates 461 are provided on both sides of the shear plates 46. By increasing the shear plates 46 and auxiliary plates 461, more liquid can be sheared simultaneously under the action of the high-speed rotation of the emulsifying stirrer 45, thereby further accelerating the emulsification process.

[0043] The first stirring mechanism 2 consists of a first stirring motor 21, a first stirring rod 22, and several first dispersing plates 23. The first stirring motor 21 is mounted on the top of the extraction tank 1, and the first stirring rod 22 is connected to the output end of the first stirring motor 21 and extends to the inner bottom of the extraction tank 1. Several first dispersing plates 23 are connected in parallel to the first stirring rod 22, and the several first dispersing plates 23 are distributed equidistantly in 3-5 layers along the axial direction of the first stirring rod 22. Driven by the first stirring motor 21, the first stirring rod 22 and the several first dispersing plates 23 rotate, which can fully stir the liquid raw material in the extraction tank 1 so as to facilitate subsequent settling and stratification.

[0044] The inner wall of extraction tank 1 adopts a bimetallic composite structure: the substrate is Q345R with a 3mm thick Al alloy coating (AlSi10Mg), which is treated with micro-arc oxidation (film thickness 20μm) and has a Cl⁻ corrosion resistance that is 3 times that of 316L stainless steel.

[0045] A second stirring mechanism 6 is installed on both the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 7. The second stirring mechanism 6 consists of a third stirring motor 61, a second stirring rod 62, and several second dispersing plates 63. The third stirring motor 61 is installed on the top of the first buffer tank 5 / second buffer tank 7, and the second stirring rod 62 is connected to the lower end of the corresponding third stirring motor 61, with the lower end of the second stirring rod 62 extending into the first buffer tank 5 / second buffer tank 7. Several second dispersing plates 63 are arranged parallel to the corresponding second stirring rod 62. Two spirally rising second baffles 51 are arranged opposite each other on the inner walls of both the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 7, with several second dispersing plates 63 located between the corresponding two second baffles 51. The first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 7 are used to buffer the emulsified liquid; however, to prevent the emulsion from separating during temporary storage, two second stirring mechanisms 6 are provided. When the emulsified liquid needs to be filled or processed further, the third stirring motor 61 is started, causing the second stirring rod 62 to drive several second dispersing plates 63 to rotate, thus further emulsifying the liquid in the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 7. A delivery pump 9 is installed on one side of the second buffer tank 7, and the delivery pump 9 is connected to the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 7 through a delivery pipe 91. After emulsification is complete, the delivery pump 9 is started, and the liquid is delivered through the delivery pipe 91. This process requires no manual operation and has the characteristics of high work efficiency.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, after emulsification in the emulsification tank, the liquid needs to be transported to the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 7 for buffering, so that the emulsification tank can continue emulsification and save time. The emulsified liquid needs to be filtered before it can be temporarily stored in the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 7. Therefore, a filter conveying pipe 81 is connected to the discharge port 33 of the inner tank 31. The filter conveying pipe 81 is connected to the inlet end of the filter 8, so that the emulsified liquid in the inner tank 31 is transported to the filter 8 for filtration through the filter conveying pipe 81. The output end of the filter 8 is connected to a main buffer conveying pipe 82, which is equipped with a first buffer conveying branch pipe 54 and a second buffer conveying branch pipe 73. After filtration is completed, the main buffer conveying pipe 82 transports the filtered liquid to the first buffer tank 5 through the first buffer conveying branch pipe 54, and simultaneously transports the filtered liquid to the second buffer tank 7 through the second buffer conveying branch pipe 73.

[0047] like Figure 4As shown, the outer tank 3 is sealed with a first end cap 32, which, when opened, has an opening 321 that communicates with the inner liner 31. The first buffer tank 5 is sealed with a second end cap 53, and the second buffer tank 7 is sealed with a third end cap 72. The first end cap 32 facilitates the addition of materials to the emulsification tank by operators through the opening 321, making material addition during processing more convenient. Furthermore, the ease of opening the first end cap 32, second end cap 53, and third end cap 72 makes it easier to observe the emulsification or cleaning status within the tanks during use.

[0048] In order to clean the extraction tank 1, emulsification tank 3, first buffer tank 5 and second buffer tank 7 before and after use, a first cleaning pipe 11 is installed on the extraction tank 1, which is connected to the CIP pipe 35 of the CIP cleaning system. A second cleaning pipe 34 is installed on the emulsification tank, which is also connected to the CIP pipe 35. A third cleaning pipe 52 is installed on the first buffer tank 5, which is also connected to the CIP pipe 35. A fourth cleaning pipe 71 is installed on the second buffer tank 7, which is connected to the CIP pipe 35.

[0049] Working principle: Liquid food is placed into extraction tank 1. The first stirring mechanism 2 is activated to stir the liquid food, which is then allowed to stand and separate into layers. After separation, the upper layer of liquid is transported to inner tank 31 through suction pipe 12. Soft water is injected into inner tank 31 through liquid inlet pipe 36, and raw materials required for emulsification, such as emulsifiers, are then fed into inner tank 31 through opening 321. The second stirring motor 41 is activated to mix the various raw materials evenly. Then, the emulsification motor 42 is activated, causing the emulsifying stirrer 45 to rotate at high speed to emulsify the raw materials. After emulsification, the valves on filter conveying pipe 81 and main buffer conveying pipe 82 are opened. After filtration by filter 8, the emulsified liquid (i.e., emulsion) is transported to the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer conveying pipe 73 for temporary storage through the first buffer conveying branch pipe 54 and the second buffer conveying branch pipe 73, respectively. At this time, the emulsification tank is cleaned, and the next emulsification operation can be carried out. When the emulsion in the first buffer tank 5 and / or the second buffer tank 7 needs to be used, the corresponding second stirring mechanism 6 is activated to further emulsify the emulsion and prevent stratification. After the second stirring mechanism 6 has finished working, the delivery pump 9 starts, and the emulsion in the first buffer tank 5 and / or the second buffer tank 7 is delivered to the required equipment through the delivery pipe 91 (all of the above processes are controlled by the controller in the control box 10). This achieves integrated processing of liquid food extraction, emulsification, temporary storage, and delivery. This not only reduces manual labor intensity but also increases work efficiency.

[0050] 1. Process parameters of extraction tank 1

[0051] Stirring speed: 80-120 rpm (first stirring motor 21); Basis: Ensure liquid shear force ≤500Pa to avoid damaging heat-sensitive components.

[0052] Stirring time: 15-30 min (programmable); Optimization: Adjust the time based on feedback from the turbidity sensor, and stop when the turbidity change is <2%.

[0053] Settling time: 60-90 min (temperature dependent); Control: Tank jacket insulation 25℃±2℃ to accelerate solid-liquid separation.

[0054] Suction tube trigger threshold: liquid level separation height difference ≥15cm; sensor: ultrasonic level gauge accuracy ±0.5cm.

[0055] 2. Emulsifying tank process parameters

[0056] Premixing stage

[0057] Stirring frame speed: 30-50 rpm (second stirring motor 41);

[0058] Temperature control: Maintained at 45℃±3℃ via a jacketed water bath; Function: Prevents emulsifier crystallization and improves dispersibility.

[0059] Emulsification stage

[0060] Emulsifying mixer speed: 2000-3000 rpm (emulsifying motor 42);

[0061] Shear rate: ≥5000s⁻¹ (monitored online by laser particle size analyzer);

[0062] Droplet size target: D50≤2μm (dairy product standard); Safety: Vibration sensor monitors bearing displacement, alarm if it exceeds 0.5mm.

[0063] 3. Filtering and caching parameters

[0064] Filter accuracy: 100μm (food-grade sintered mesh); differential pressure control: ≤0.3MPa, automatic backwashing when exceeded.

[0065] Buffer container stirring

[0066] Second stirring mechanism speed: 40-60 rpm (intermittent operation);

[0067] Operating cycle: Starts for 2 minutes every 15 minutes; Energy saving: Uses a variable frequency motor, power <300W when no load.

[0068] Transfer pump parameters

[0069] Flow rate: 8-15 m³ / h (automatically adjusted according to pipe diameter);

[0070] Back pressure control: ≤0.2MPa to prevent emulsion rupture.

[0071] 4. CIP cleaning parameters

[0072] Cleaning solution formula

[0073] Alkaline washing: 1.5% NaOH + 0.2% surfactant (85℃);

[0074] Pickling: 1.0% HNO3 (65℃); Contact time: static immersion ≥30min / dynamic circulation ≥15min.

[0075] Flow control

[0076] Main CIP delivery pipe: 12-18 m³ / h;

[0077] Return flow rate of the recovery tank: ≤4m³ / h (to prevent sediment from being stirred up).

[0078] Conductivity acceptance: <50μS / cm after cleaning (end point of purified water rinsing).

[0079] In summary, the advantages of this emulsification device are:

[0080] 1. High-efficiency mixing and emulsification: Through the cooperation of the first stirring mechanism 2 and the second stirring motor 41, high-efficiency mixing of liquid food and emulsified raw materials is achieved. The emulsification motor 42 drives the emulsification stirrer 45 to rotate at high speed, further improving the emulsification efficiency and making the emulsion more uniform and delicate.

[0081] 2. Automated Control: The entire emulsification process is controlled by a controller, achieving automated operation, reducing manual intervention, and improving production efficiency. Automated control also ensures the stability and consistency of the emulsification process, guaranteeing product quality.

[0082] 3. Layered Processing and Buffer Design: Through the design of static layering and suction pipe 12, the separation of liquid and solid is effectively achieved, facilitating subsequent material preparation and emulsification. The design of the first buffer tank 5 and the second buffer tank 7 allows the emulsified emulsion to be temporarily stored, facilitating subsequent use and transportation.

[0083] 4. Adding materials at any time: By setting an end cap 32 on the emulsification tank, materials can be added into the tank at any time by opening the end cap 32, making the material adding operation more convenient.

[0084] 5. Easy to clean and maintain: The emulsification tank is designed for ease of cleaning, featuring a smooth inner wall material that reduces dirt buildup. This allows for easy cleaning after emulsification, preparing the tank for the next emulsification cycle. The equipment has a simple and straightforward structure, making it easy to maintain and repair, thus reducing operating costs.

[0085] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An emulsifying apparatus for producing a liquid food product, characterized by comprising: The application relates to a milk emulsion device. The device comprises: an emulsion tank provided with an emulsion mechanism (4); an extraction tank (1) arranged in parallel with the emulsion tank, the extraction tank (1) being provided with a first stirring mechanism (2); a first buffer tank (5) and a second buffer tank (7) arranged in parallel, the second buffer tank (7) being provided with a second stirring mechanism (6) on the first buffer tank (5); a filter (8) connected to the emulsion tank, the first buffer tank (5) and the second buffer tank (7) through pipelines. The emulsion tank comprises an outer tank (3) and an inner tank (31) arranged coaxially, and the emulsion mechanism (4) comprises: a second stirring motor (41) and an emulsion motor (42) arranged on the top of the outer tank (3); an annular stirring frame (43) driven by the second stirring motor (41), the stirring frame (43) being arranged circumferentially along the inner tank (31); 2. The emulsifying apparatus for liquid food production according to claim 1, characterized by an axial emulsion stirrer (45) driven by the emulsion motor (42).

3. The emulsifying apparatus for liquid food production according to claim 1, characterized by The stirring frame (43) is provided with first baffles (44) arranged in a staggered manner on the two radial sides of the stirring frame (43), and the curved surface direction of each first baffle (44) is tangent to the rotating direction of the stirring frame (43). The first stirring mechanism (2) comprises: a first stirring motor (21) vertically arranged on the top of the extraction tank (1); a first stirring rod (22) extending to the bottom of the extraction tank (1) and connected to the output end of the first stirring motor (21); 4. The emulsifying apparatus for producing a liquid food according to claim 1, characterized by 3-5 layers of first dispersion plates (23) distributed equidistantly along the axial direction of the first stirring rod (22). The second stirring mechanism (6) comprises: a third stirring motor (61) arranged on the first buffer tank (5) or the second buffer tank (7); a second stirring rod (62) connected to the lower end of the third stirring motor (61); 5. The emulsifying apparatus for liquid food production according to claim 4, characterized by a plurality of second dispersion plates (63) arranged on the second stirring rod (62).

6. The emulsifying apparatus for liquid food production according to claim 1, wherein The inner walls of the first buffer tank (5) and the second buffer tank (7) are symmetrically provided with second baffles (51) rising spirally, and the plurality of second dispersion plates (63) are located between the corresponding two second baffles (51).

7. The emulsifying apparatus for liquid food production according to claim 6, wherein One end of the filter (8) is connected with a filter conveying pipe (81), and the other end is connected with a total buffer conveying pipe (82), the total buffer conveying pipe (82) being connected to the first buffer tank (5) and the second buffer tank (7).

8. The emulsifying apparatus for liquid food production according to claim 6, wherein The first buffer tank (5) is connected with a first buffer conveying sub-pipe (54), and the first buffer conveying sub-pipe (54) is connected with the total buffer conveying pipe (82).

9. The emulsifying apparatus for liquid food production according to claim 1, wherein The second buffer tank (7) is connected with a second buffer conveying sub-pipe (73), and the second buffer conveying sub-pipe (73) is connected with the total buffer conveying pipe (82). The extraction tank (1) and the inner tank (31) are connected with a suction pipe (12).

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