Cooling device for yoghurt beverage production
By combining a refrigeration unit, refrigerant tank, heat exchanger, and cooling pipes, along with the design of a germicidal lamp, the problem of stratification caused by excessively high temperatures in yogurt beverage production has been solved. This has enabled precise temperature control and microbial prevention, thereby improving product quality and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGDONG XIANJIN HEALTH BEVERAGE FOOD CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
In the production of yogurt beverages, excessively high preparation temperatures can cause product separation, and existing technologies lack effective cooling devices.
A cooling device comprising a refrigeration unit, a refrigerant tank, a heat exchanger, and an insulation tank was designed. Through heat exchange between the refrigerant and process water, combined with cooling ducts and sterilization lamps, the device ensures that the temperature during the yogurt beverage production process is controlled within a suitable range, prevents stratification, and sterilizes to prevent microbial growth.
This effectively avoids the layering phenomenon in yogurt drinks, improves product safety and reliability, ensures that the beverage is produced at low temperatures, and enhances product stability and health.
Smart Images

Figure CN224136214U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beverage production technology, and in particular to a cooling device for the production of yogurt beverages. Background Technology
[0002] In the beverage production industry, temperature control is extremely critical for different types of beverages. A suitable preparation temperature can ensure that the produced beverages have good flavor and taste. For example, when producing yogurt beverages, if the preparation temperature is too high, the product will separate into layers if left for a long time. Therefore, it is necessary to control the preparation environment at a low temperature to avoid the separation problem. There is an urgent need for a cooling device to solve the problem of separation in yogurt beverages due to excessively high preparation temperature. Utility Model Content
[0003] To overcome the shortcomings mentioned above, this utility model aims to provide a technical solution that can solve the above problems.
[0004] A cooling device for yogurt beverage production includes a refrigerator, a refrigerant tank, a heat exchanger, and an insulated tank. The heat exchanger includes a first return pipe and a second return pipe for heat exchange. The refrigerant tank has a refrigerant output pipe and a refrigerant input pipe. The refrigerant output pipe is connected to the input end of the refrigerator, and the output end of the refrigerator is connected to one end of the first return pipe. The first return pipe has a first water pump, and the other end of the first return pipe is connected to the input end of the first water pump. The output end of the first water pump is connected to the refrigerant input pipe to form a first circulation loop. The insulated tank has a second water pump, an insulated input pipe, and an insulated output pipe. The insulated output pipe is connected to the input end of the second water pump, and the second water pump is connected to one end of the second return pipe. The other end of the second return pipe is connected to the insulated input pipe in a second circulation loop. The insulated tank has a cooling conduit installed on the surface of the insulated tank near its lower end. One end of the cooling conduit communicates with the interior of the insulated tank, and the other end extends out of the surface of the insulated tank.
[0005] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the cooling conduit is provided with a valve, and the valve is installed at the connection between the cooling conduit and the insulation tank.
[0006] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the cooling conduit includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and a germicidal lamp. The outer tube is fitted over the inner tube, and an irradiation gap is formed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The outer tube has at least two mounting grooves that connect to the irradiation gap. The germicidal lamp is detachably installed in the mounting grooves. The inner tube is made of a light-transmitting material.
[0007] As a further aspect of this utility model, the inner tube is made of polyethylene.
[0008] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the outer tube is provided with four mounting slots evenly distributed in the circumference, and the outer tube is provided with four germicidal lamps respectively, which are installed in the mounting slots.
[0009] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the insulated tank includes an outer cover, an inner liner, and a sealing cap. The outer cover has an installation hole, the inner liner is disposed in the installation hole, the outer surface of the inner liner has at least two guide grooves, the installation hole has at least two guide blocks, the guide blocks are evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the installation hole, and the guide blocks are respectively inserted into the guide grooves. The gap between the outer cover and the inner liner is filled with heat-insulating material, and the sealing cap is installed on the upper port of the outer cover.
[0010] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the insulated tank is equipped with a temperature sensor and a high / low liquid level switch, the temperature sensor is installed inside the inner liner, and the high / low liquid level switch is installed on the outer wall of the outer cover.
[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the heat preservation tank also includes a mounting cover, which is hinged to the upper end face of the heat preservation tank.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0013] 1. By setting up a cooling device, the refrigeration unit works with the refrigerant tank to output low-temperature refrigerant. The low-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with the process water flowing through the second return pipe in the heat exchanger through the first return pipe of the heat exchanger. This reduces the heat of the process water and stores it in the heat exchanger. The process water is then output through the cooling pipe for the production of lactic acid beverages, ensuring that the lactic acid beverages are in a suitable low-temperature state during production, which can effectively prevent the separation of lactic acid beverages.
[0014] 2. By installing germicidal lamps inside the cooling conduits, the process water flowing through the inner tubes can be effectively irradiated, thereby preventing the growth and exceeding of microbial standards. This ensures that the process water involved in the production of lactic acid beverages meets high-quality standards. This measure can not only effectively reduce the quality risks in the lactic acid production process, but also significantly improve the safety and reliability of the products, providing consumers with healthier and safer lactic acid beverages.
[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling device of this utility model.
[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.
[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of the heat exchanger of this utility model.
[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of section BB.
[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insulated tank of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the thermal insulated container of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 7 This is a top view of the insulated container (with hidden sealing lid) of this utility model.
[0024] In the diagram: 1. Refrigeration unit; 2. Refrigerant tank; 21. Refrigerant outlet pipe; 22. Refrigerant inlet pipe; 3. Heat exchanger; 31. First return pipe; 32. Second return pipe; 33. First water pump; 4. Insulated tank; 41. Second water pump; 42. Insulated inlet pipe; 43. Insulated outlet pipe; 44. Cooling conduit; 441. Outer pipe; 442. Inner pipe; 443. Germicidal lamp; 444. Mounting slot; 45. Valve; 46. Outer cover; 461. Mounting hole; 462. Guide block; 47. Inner liner; 471. Guide groove; 48. Sealing cover; 49. Temperature sensor; 50. High and low liquid level switch; 51. Mounting cover; 6. Mixing tank. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0026] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0028] In this embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment of the invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0029] Please see Figures 1-5In this embodiment of the present invention, a cooling device for yogurt beverage production includes a refrigerator 1, a refrigerant tank 2, a heat exchanger 3, and an insulation tank 4. The heat exchanger 3 includes a first return pipe 31 and a second return pipe 32 for heat exchange. The refrigerant tank 2 is provided with a refrigerant output pipe 21 and a refrigerant input pipe 22. The refrigerant output pipe 21 is connected to the input end of the refrigerator 1. The output end of the refrigerator 1 is connected to one end of the first return pipe 31. The first return pipe 31 is provided with a first water pump 33. The other end of the first return pipe 31 is connected to the input end of the first water pump 33. The output end of the refrigerant tank 2 is connected to the refrigerant input pipe to form a first circulation loop. The insulated tank 4 is equipped with a second water pump 41, an insulated input pipe 42, and an insulated output pipe 43. The insulated output pipe 43 is connected to the input end of the second water pump 41. The second water pump 41 is connected to one end of the second return pipe 32, and the other end of the second return pipe 32 is connected to the second circulation loop of the insulated input pipe 42. The insulated tank 4 is equipped with a cooling conduit 44, which is installed on the surface of the insulated tank 4 near its lower end. One end of the cooling conduit 44 connects to the interior of the insulated tank 4, and the other end extends out of the surface of the insulated tank 4. The refrigeration unit 1 and the refrigerant tank 2 are connected via pipelines. Specifically, the refrigerant medium includes, but is not limited to, water and sodium chloride aqueous solution. The first water pump 33 can draw refrigerant from the refrigerant tank 2 and transfer it to the refrigeration unit 1 for cooling. After cooling by the refrigeration unit 1, the refrigerant is transferred through pipelines to the heat exchanger 3 and then back to the refrigerant tank 2. The chiller 1 can be of various types, including air-cooled chillers and centrifugal chillers. The second water pump 41 draws process water stored in the insulated tank 4 to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling. After heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 3, the process water returns to the insulated tank 4 for storage. The germicidal lamp 443 can be of various types, including but not limited to UV germicidal lamps, plasma germicidal lamps, and UVC ultraviolet lamps.
[0030] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: By setting up a cooling device, the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerant tank 2 output low-temperature refrigerant. The low-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with the process water flowing through the second return pipe 32 in the heat exchanger 3 via the first return pipe 31. This reduces the heat of the process water and keeps it in the heat exchanger 4. The process water is then output through the cooling pipe 44 for the production of lactic acid beverages. This ensures that the lactic acid beverages are in a suitable low-temperature state during production, which can effectively prevent the separation of lactic acid beverages.
[0031] In another embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, during the production of lactic acid beverages, the process water in the insulated tank 4 is transported to the ingredient tank 6 used for beverage production via the cooling pipe 44, so that the beverage production process can maintain a low temperature and avoid stratification due to excessive temperature.
[0032] In another embodiment of this utility model, the process water can be cooled to a temperature between 0°C and 10°C. Selectable process water temperatures include 0°C, 3°C, 5°C, and 8°C. The cooled process water can be used in the acid spraying process of lactic acid beverage production. In the prior art, the acid spraying temperature is too high, which causes the product to separate after a long storage time. In this embodiment, the original addition of room temperature process water is replaced with the addition of ice process water, which can reduce the original acid spraying temperature. Lowering the acid spraying temperature can solve the product separation problem, improve the stability of yogurt beverage products, and extend the storage time.
[0033] Further as Figure 1 and Figures 5-6 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, the cooling conduit 44 is equipped with a valve 45, which is installed at the connection between the cooling conduit 44 and the insulation tank 4. The valve 45 can be a shut-off valve. The flow state of the process water in the cooling conduit 44 can be controlled by the valve 45. Opening the valve 45 allows the process water in the insulation tank 4 to flow out of the cooling conduit 44 and be used in beverage production. When the set output is reached, the valve 45 can be closed to prevent the process water from flowing out of the cooling conduit 44.
[0034] Further as Figures 1-2 and Figures 5-6 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, the cooling conduit 44 includes an outer tube 441, an inner tube 442, and a germicidal lamp 443. The outer tube 441 is fitted over the inner tube 442, forming an irradiation gap between the inner tube 442 and the outer tube 441. The outer tube 441 has at least two mounting grooves 444, which connect to the irradiation gap. The germicidal lamp 443 is detachably installed in the mounting grooves 444 for irradiating the inner tube 442. The inner tube 442 is made of a light-transmitting material. Specifically, the material of the inner tube 442 includes, but is not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The connection method between the germicidal lamp 443 and the outer tube includes, but is not limited to, snap-fit connection and adhesive bonding. The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: By installing a germicidal lamp 443 inside the cooling conduit 44, the germicidal lamp 443 can effectively irradiate the process water flowing through the inner tube 442, thereby preventing the growth and excessive levels of microorganisms.
[0035] Further as Figures 1-2 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, the inner tube 442 is made of polyethylene. The inner tube 442, produced by injection molding using polyethylene as raw material, has good low-temperature resistance and is also translucent, allowing ultraviolet light or other bactericidal light to pass through.
[0036] Further as Figure 2As shown in this embodiment of the invention, the outer tube 441 has four circumferentially evenly spaced mounting slots 444, and four germicidal lamps 443 are correspondingly mounted on the outer tube 441, with each lamp installed in one of the mounting slots 444. The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: the four sets of germicidal lamps 443 can evenly irradiate the inner tube 442. Even if a single lamp malfunctions, it will not affect the overall effect. Furthermore, the multi-point irradiation ensures thorough sterilization and avoids sterilization dead zones.
[0037] Further as Figures 5-6 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, the insulated tank 4 includes an outer cover 46, an inner liner 47, and a sealing cap 48. The outer cover 46 has a mounting hole 461, and the inner liner 47 is disposed within the mounting hole 461. The outer surface of the inner liner 47 has at least two guide grooves 471, and the mounting hole 461 has at least two guide blocks 462. The guide blocks 462 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the mounting hole 461 and are respectively inserted into the guide grooves 471. The gap between the outer cover and the inner liner 47 is filled with insulation material. The sealing cap 48 is installed at the upper end of the outer cover 46 to seal the gap between the outer cover 46 and the inner liner 47. The inner liner 47 and the outer cover 46 are connected by mutual insertion and engagement through the guide blocks 462 and the guide grooves 471. The inner liner 47 and the outer cover 46 are detachable, facilitating disassembly and assembly and improving convenience. The insulation material can be polyurethane foam, which serves as the insulation layer of the insulated tank 4, reducing heat transfer and improving insulation performance.
[0038] Further as Figures 5-6 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, the insulated tank 4 is equipped with a temperature sensor 49 and a high / low level switch 50. The temperature sensor 49 is installed inside the inner liner 47, and the high / low level switch 50 is installed on the outer wall of the outer casing 46. Specifically, the high / low level switch 50 is equipped with a level sensor that can detect the water level of the process water in the insulated tank 4 in real time to prevent overflow. The temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the process water in real time and control the temperature to ensure no microbial quality risk.
[0039] Further as Figures 5-6 As shown in this embodiment of the invention, the heat preservation tank 4 further includes a mounting cover 51, which is hinged to the upper surface of the heat preservation tank 4. Specifically, a silicone sealing ring is provided at the joint between the mounting cover 51 and the heat preservation tank 4 to enhance the seal and improve the heat preservation effect.
[0040] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention.
Claims
1. A cooling device for the production of yogurt beverages, characterized in that, The cooling device includes a refrigeration unit (1), a refrigerant tank (2), a heat exchanger (3), and an insulation tank (4). The heat exchanger (3) includes a first return pipe (31) and a second return pipe (32) for heat exchange. The refrigerant tank (2) is provided with a refrigerant output pipe (21) and a refrigerant input pipe (22). The refrigerant output pipe (21) is connected to the input end of the refrigeration unit (1), and the output end of the refrigeration unit (1) is connected to one end of the first return pipe (31). The first return pipe (31) is provided with a first water pump (33). The other end is connected to the input end of the first water pump (33), and the output end of the first water pump (33) is connected to the refrigerant input pipe (22) to form a first circulation loop. The insulation tank (4) is equipped with a second water pump (41). The insulation tank (4) is equipped with an insulation input pipe (42) and an insulation output pipe (43). The insulation output pipe (43) is connected to the input end of the second water pump (41). The second water pump (41) is connected to one end of the second return pipe (32), and the other end of the second return pipe (32) is connected to the second circulation loop of the insulation input pipe (42). The heat preservation tank (4) is provided with a cooling conduit (44), which is installed on the surface of the heat preservation tank (4) near the lower end. One end of the cooling conduit (44) is connected to the interior of the heat preservation tank (4), and the other end of the cooling conduit (44) extends out of the surface of the heat preservation tank (4).
2. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein The cooling conduit (44) is equipped with a valve (45), which is installed at the connection between the cooling conduit (44) and the heat preservation tank (4).
3. The cooling device of claim 2, wherein, The cooling conduit (44) includes an outer tube (441), an inner tube (442), and a germicidal lamp (443). The outer tube (441) is fitted over the inner tube (442), and an irradiation gap is formed between the inner tube (442) and the outer tube (441). The outer tube (441) has at least two mounting slots (444), which are connected to the irradiation gap. The germicidal lamp (443) is detachably installed in the mounting slot (444). The inner tube (442) is made of a light-transmitting material.
4. The cooling device according to claim 3, wherein The inner tube (442) is made of polyethylene.
5. The cooling device according to claim 3, wherein The outer tube (441) has four mounting slots (444) evenly distributed around its circumference. The outer tube (441) is provided with four germicidal lamps (443), which are installed in the mounting slots (444) respectively.
6. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein, The insulated container (4) includes an outer cover (46), an inner liner (47), and a sealing cap (48). The outer cover (46) has an installation hole (461). The inner liner (47) is located in the installation hole (461). The outer surface of the inner liner (47) has at least two guide grooves (471). The installation hole (461) has at least two guide blocks (462). The guide blocks (462) are evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the installation hole (461). The guide blocks (462) are respectively inserted into the guide grooves (471). The gap between the outer cover (46) and the inner liner (47) is filled with heat-insulating material. The sealing cap (48) is installed on the upper port of the outer cover (46).
7. The cooling device of claim 6, wherein The insulated tank (4) is equipped with a temperature sensor (49) and a high / low liquid level switch (50). The temperature sensor (49) is installed inside the inner liner (47), and the high / low liquid level switch (50) is installed on the outer wall of the outer cover (46).
8. The cooling device of claim 7, wherein, The heat preservation tank (4) also includes a mounting cover (51), which is hinged to the upper end face of the heat preservation tank (4).