Crystallizing tank for continuously producing lactose

Abstract

The utility model discloses a continuous lactose production crystallizing tank which comprises a tank body, an end cover is connected to the upper end of the tank body, a partition plate is connected to the middle in the tank body, an outer shaft is rotationally connected to the end cover, an inner shaft is rotationally connected into the outer shaft, the lower end of the outer shaft is rotationally connected with the partition plate, and the inner shaft penetrates through the partition plate and extends to the lower portion in the tank body. A driving box is mounted on the end cover; a first driving mechanism for driving the outer shaft to rotate and a second driving mechanism for driving the inner shaft to rotate are arranged in the driving box; the outer shaft is detachably connected with a plurality of turbo-type stirring paddles, and the outer wall of the lower part of the inner shaft is detachably connected with a frame-type stirring paddle; an overflow groove is formed in the partition plate, a plurality of overflow pipes communicated with the overflow groove are connected to the periphery of the bottom of the partition plate, and the inner wall of the overflow groove inclines towards the overflow pipes on the two sides. Through vertical zoning and differential stirring in the tank body, the continuous flow of crystal nucleus generation, growth and ripening is realized in the same tank body, and the crystallization time is shortened.

Description

A continuous production line for lactose crystallization Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of crystallization tank technology, specifically a continuous production lactose crystallization tank. Background Technology

[0002] Lactose crystallization: This involves cooling concentrated sugar solution to crystallize lactose. Stirring is required in the initial stage of crystallization. Stirring can be stopped after the temperature drops to 30°C. The crystallization time should be no less than 30 hours. Forced crystallization can be divided into two types: rapid crystallization and slow crystallization. Both are completed in a crystallizer equipped with a jacketed inlet that is cooled by cold water and has a stirrer.

[0003] Traditional lactose crystallization processes often use intermittent crystallizers, but these have the following problems: existing continuous crystallization equipment mostly uses a single stirring structure, which makes it difficult to achieve coordinated control of crystal nucleus generation and crystal growth during continuous feeding. Furthermore, it is impossible to stir different areas within the tank in different ways, resulting in low crystallization yield, easily broken crystals, and poor crystal morphology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a continuous production lactose crystallizer to solve the problems of low crystallization yield and poor crystal morphology caused by the use of a single stirring structure in current lactose crystallizers.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A continuous lactose crystallization tank includes a tank body, an inlet pipe connected to the upper part of the tank body, and an outlet pipe connected to the bottom of the tank body. Both the inlet and outlet pipes are equipped with a first electric regulating valve. A spiral cooling pipe is provided in the lower part of the tank body, running along the inner wall of the tank. One end of the cooling pipe is connected to a liquid inlet pipe, and the other end is connected to a liquid outlet pipe. Both the liquid inlet and outlet pipes extend to the outside of the tank body. An end cap is sealed to the upper end of the tank body. A partition is connected to the middle of the tank body. A hollow outer shaft is rotatably connected to the end cap, and an inner shaft is rotatably connected inside the outer shaft. The lower end of the outer shaft is rotatably connected to the partition. The inner shaft passes through the partition and extends to the lower part of the tank. A drive box is installed on the end cover. The drive box contains a first drive mechanism for driving the outer shaft to rotate and a second drive mechanism for driving the inner shaft to rotate. Several turbine-type stirring paddles are detachably connected to the outer shaft and are arranged vertically. A frame-type stirring paddle is detachably connected to the outer wall of the inner shaft below the partition. An overflow groove is provided on the partition around the outer shaft. Multiple overflow pipes communicating with the overflow groove are connected to the outer periphery of the bottom of the partition. The inner wall of the overflow groove is inclined towards the overflow pipes on both sides. The upper and lower parts of the tank are connected through the overflow pipes and the overflow groove.

[0007] Preferably, the first drive mechanism includes a first motor installed in the drive housing, a transmission shaft connected to the first motor via a coupling, a first gear connected to the transmission shaft, and a second gear connected to the outer shaft, wherein the first gear and the second gear mesh; the second drive mechanism is a second motor installed outside the drive housing, wherein the second motor is connected to the upper end of the inner shaft via a coupling.

[0008] The above technical solution involves starting the first motor, which drives the transmission shaft. Through the engagement of the first and second gears, the outer shaft rotates, thereby rotating the turbine-type agitator. Starting the second motor drives the inner shaft, which in turn rotates the frame-type agitator. Furthermore, the first and second motors operate independently, allowing for separate control of the outer and inner shaft rotations, thus enabling adjustment of their respective speeds.

[0009] Preferably, the turbine-type agitator includes a first mounting sleeve, several connecting rods fixedly connected to the first mounting sleeve, and blades connected to the outer ends of the connecting rods. The blades are inclined. The first mounting sleeve and the outer shaft are provided with matching first screw holes. The first mounting sleeve is connected to the outer shaft by screws engaging with the first screw holes.

[0010] The above technical solution involves multiple sets of turbine-type agitators, each with blades angled to achieve high-shear stirring of the lactose solution in the upper part of the tank, promoting rapid crystal formation. The turbine-type agitators are connected to the outer shaft via a first mounting sleeve for easy replacement.

[0011] Preferably, the frame-type stirring paddle includes a second mounting sleeve and a plurality of U-shaped rods fixedly connected to the second mounting sleeve. The second mounting sleeve and the inner shaft are provided with matching second screw holes. The second mounting sleeve is connected to the inner shaft by screws engaging with the second screw holes.

[0012] Through the above technical solution, the frame-type agitator can perform low-shear agitation of the lactose solution in the lower part of the tank, reducing crystal breakage. Furthermore, the frame-type agitator is connected to the inner shaft via a second mounting sleeve, facilitating replacement.

[0013] Preferably, a control box is installed on the outer wall of the tank, the control box is equipped with a display screen, and a controller is installed inside the control box. The display screen, the first electric regulating valve, the first motor, and the second motor are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0014] Through the above technical solution, the controller is programmed with a control program, the display screen is used to display the working parameters of each component, and the controller is used to control the operation of the first electric regulating valve, the first motor, the second motor, the first electric regulating valve, and the second electric regulating valve.

[0015] Preferably, a particle size analyzer is also installed inside the control box, and a probe is installed inside the discharge pipe. The probe is connected to the particle size analyzer via a wire, and the particle size analyzer is electrically connected to the controller.

[0016] The above technical solution involves installing a probe in the discharge pipe to send data to a particle size analyzer to monitor the final crystal particle size. Based on the crystal particle size, the signal is transmitted to the controller to control the operation of the first and second motors and dynamically adjust the stirring speed.

[0017] Preferably, a pump body is installed on the outer wall of the lower part of the tank. The inlet end of the pump body is connected to the lower part of the tank through a pipe, and the outlet end of the pump body is connected to the upper part of the tank through a return pipe. A second electric regulating valve is installed at the lower part of the return pipe. Both the pump body and the second electric regulating valve are electrically connected to the controller.

[0018] With the above technical solution, after lactose crystallizes in the lower part of the tank, the upper layer will be covered with mother liquor. By opening the second electric regulating valve, the mother liquor can be pumped to the upper part of the tank for re-crystallization, reducing the loss of crystal nuclei.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The upper part of the tank is the crystal nucleation zone, where high-shear stirring by a turbine-type impeller promotes rapid crystal nucleus formation. The lower part of the tank is the crystal growth and maturation zone, where low-shear stirring by a frame-type impeller reduces crystal breakage and achieves gentle mixing. By vertically partitioning and differentiated stirring within the tank, a continuous process of crystal nucleus generation, growth, and maturation is achieved within the same tank, shortening the crystallization time. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a turbine-type agitator;

[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a frame-type stirring paddle;

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the end cap;

[0026] In the diagram: 1-Tank body, 2-Inlet pipe, 3-Outlet pipe, 4-First electric regulating valve, 5-Cooling pipe, 6-Inlet pipe, 7-Outlet pipe, 8-End cap, 9-Baffle plate, 10-Outer shaft, 11-Inner shaft, 12-Drive box, 13-Turbine agitator, 131-First mounting sleeve, 132-Connecting rod, 133-Blade, 14-Frame agitator, 141-Second mounting sleeve, 142-U-shaped rod, 15-Overflow groove, 16-Overflow pipe, 17-First motor, 18-First gear, 19-Second gear, 20-Second motor, 21-Probe, 22-Control box, 23-Pump body, 24-Return pipe, 25-Second electric regulating valve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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 scope of protection of the present utility model. Embodiments

[0028] Please refer to Figures 1-5. A continuous production lactose crystallization tank includes a tank body 1. The upper part of the tank body 1 is connected to a feed pipe 2, and the bottom of the tank body 1 is connected to a discharge pipe 3. Both the feed pipe 2 and the discharge pipe 3 are equipped with a first electric regulating valve 4. The lower part of the tank body 1 is provided with a spiral cooling pipe 5 arranged along the inner wall of the tank body. One end of the cooling pipe 5 is connected to a liquid inlet pipe 6, and the other end is connected to a liquid outlet pipe 7. Both the liquid inlet pipe 6 and the liquid outlet pipe 7 extend to the outside of the tank body 1. Coolant oil enters through the liquid inlet pipe 6, passes through the spiral cooling pipe 5, and is then discharged through the liquid outlet pipe 7.

[0029] The upper end of the tank body 1 is sealed with an end cap 8, which can be threaded to the upper end of the tank body 1. A sealing ring is also provided at the threaded connection to improve the sealing performance. A partition 9 is connected to the middle of the tank body 1. A hollow outer shaft 10 is rotatably connected to the end cap 8 via a rotary bearing. An inner shaft 11 is rotatably connected to the outer shaft 10 via a rotary bearing. The lower end of the outer shaft 10 is rotatably connected to the partition 9 via a rotary bearing. The inner shaft 11 passes through the partition and extends to the lower part of the tank body 1. A drive box 12 is installed on the end cap 8. The drive box 12 is equipped with a first drive mechanism for driving the outer shaft 10 to rotate and a second drive mechanism for driving the inner shaft 11 to rotate. Specifically, the first drive mechanism includes a first motor 17 installed inside the drive housing 12, a drive shaft connected to the first motor via a coupling, a first gear 18 fixedly connected to the drive shaft, and a second gear 19 fixedly connected to the outer shaft. The first gear 18 and the second gear 19 mesh. The outer shaft needs to pass through the end cover, so sealing rings are provided at the connection between the outer shaft and the end cover to improve sealing and prevent leakage of the sugar concentrate. Controlling the first motor 17 drives the drive shaft, which in turn drives the outer shaft 10 to rotate through the engagement of the first gear 18 and the second gear 19, thereby driving the turbine-type stirring paddle 13 to rotate. The second drive mechanism is a second motor 20 installed outside the drive housing. The second motor 20 is connected to the upper end of the inner shaft 11 via a coupling. The inner shaft needs to pass through the outer shaft and the end cover, so sealing rings are provided at both ends of the connection between the inner shaft and the outer shaft to improve sealing and prevent leakage of the sugar concentrate. Controlling the second motor 20 drives the inner shaft 11 to rotate, thereby driving the frame-type stirring paddle to rotate. Moreover, the first and second motors work independently and can control the rotation of the outer and inner shafts respectively, so as to adjust the rotation speed of the outer and inner shafts and make the rotation speed of the first motor greater than that of the second motor.

[0030] A plurality of upper and lower turbine-type stirring paddles 13 are detachably connected to the outer shaft 10. Each turbine-type stirring paddle 13 includes a first mounting sleeve 131, a plurality of connecting rods 132 fixedly connected to the first mounting sleeve, and blades 133 connected to the outer ends of the connecting rods. The blades 133 are inclined. The first mounting sleeve 131 and the outer shaft 10 are provided with matching first screw holes. The first mounting sleeve 131 is connected to the outer shaft 10 by screws engaging with the first screw holes. Multiple sets of turbine-type stirring paddles 13 are provided, and the blades 133 of each set are inclined, which can perform high-shear stirring of the lactose solution in the upper part of the tank, promoting rapid crystal nucleation. The turbine-type stirring paddles are connected to the outer shaft 10 through the first mounting sleeves 131 for easy replacement.

[0031] A frame-type stirring paddle 14 is detachably connected to the outer wall of the inner shaft 11 located below the partition. The frame-type stirring paddle 14 includes a second mounting sleeve 141 and several U-shaped rods 142 fixedly connected to the second mounting sleeve. The second mounting sleeve 141 and the inner shaft 11 have matching second screw holes. The second mounting sleeve 141 is connected to the inner shaft 11 by screws engaging with the second screw holes. The frame-type stirring paddle 14 can perform low-shear stirring of the lactose solution in the lower part of the tank, reducing crystal breakage. The frame-type stirring paddle is connected to the inner shaft 11 via the second mounting sleeve 141 for easy replacement.

[0032] An overflow trough 15 is provided on the outer periphery of the baffle 9. Multiple overflow pipes 16, communicating with the overflow trough, are connected to the outer periphery of the bottom of the baffle 9. The inner wall of the overflow trough 15 slopes towards the overflow pipes on both sides, connecting the upper and lower parts of the tank 1 through the overflow pipes 16 and the overflow trough 15. After the lactose solution enters the tank 1 through the inlet pipe 2, it undergoes high-shear agitation in the upper part of the tank. Simultaneously, the lactose solution gradually enters the overflow trough and flows along the overflow trough and through the overflow pipes into the lower part of the tank. The baffle design slows down the descent of the lactose solution, allowing for sufficient high-shear agitation in the upper part of the tank.

[0033] A control box 22 is installed on the outer wall of the tank body 1. The control box 22 contains a controller and a display screen. The first electric regulating valve 4, the first motor 17, and the second motor 20 are all electrically connected to the controller. The controller contains a control program and is used to control the operation of the first electric regulating valve, the first motor, the second motor, the first electric regulating valve, and the second electric regulating valve. The display screen is used to display the operating parameters of each component.

[0034] The control box 22 is also equipped with a particle size analyzer, and the discharge pipe 3 is equipped with a probe 21. A wire is connected to the probe, which enters the control box 22 along the outer wall of the tank 1 and connects to the particle size analyzer. The particle size analyzer is electrically connected to the controller. The probe 21 is a laser probe, used to emit a laser into the discharge pipe 3, which penetrates the sample. The particles scatter in the laser path, with large particles scattering at a small angle and small particles scattering at a large angle. The signal is transmitted to the particle size analyzer, which obtains the final crystal particle size and feeds it back to the controller to control the operation of the first motor 17 and the second motor 20, and dynamically adjust the stirring speed.

[0035] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: Lactose melt enters the tank 1 through the feed pipe 2. The first motor 17 is started, driving the outer shaft 10 to rotate, which in turn drives the turbine-type agitator 13 to rotate, performing high-shear agitation on the lactose solution and promoting rapid crystal formation. The lactose solution after high-shear agitation enters the lower part of the tank 1 through the overflow tank 15 and overflow pipe 16. Then, the second motor 20 is started, driving the inner shaft 11 to rotate, which in turn drives the frame-type agitator 14 to rotate, performing low-shear agitation on the lactose solution and reducing crystal breakage. Simultaneously, the coolant flows in a spiral path through the cooling pipe 5, cooling the lactose solution until crystals form and are discharged through the discharge pipe 3. Example

[0036] Based on Example 1, a pump body 23 is installed on the lower outer wall of the tank 1. The inlet end of the pump body 23 is connected to the lower part of the tank 1 through a pipe, and the outlet end of the pump body 23 is connected to the upper part of the tank 1 through a return pipe 24. A second electric regulating valve 25 is installed at the lower part of the return pipe 24. Both the pump body 23 and the second electric regulating valve 25 are electrically connected to the controller. After lactose crystallizes in the lower part of the tank 1, lactose mother liquor will adhere to its upper layer. At this time, the second electric regulating valve 25 is opened, and the mother liquor is pumped to the upper part of the tank 1 by the pump body 23 for re-crystallization, reducing the loss of crystal nuclei.

[0037] It should be noted that 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 limitation, 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.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A continuous production lactose crystallization tank, comprising a tank body (1), an inlet pipe (2) connected to the upper part of the tank body (1), an outlet pipe (3) connected to the bottom of the tank body (1), a first electric regulating valve (4) installed on both the inlet pipe (2) and the outlet pipe (3), a cooling pipe (5) spirally arranged along the inner wall of the tank body (1) in the lower part, one end of the cooling pipe (5) being connected to an inlet pipe (6), and the other end being connected to an outlet pipe (7), both the inlet pipe (6) and the outlet pipe (7) extending to the outside of the tank body (1), characterized in that: The upper end of the tank (1) is sealed with an end cap (8), and a partition (9) is connected to the middle of the tank (1). A hollow outer shaft (10) is rotatably connected to the end cap (8), and an inner shaft (11) is rotatably connected inside the outer shaft (10). The lower end of the outer shaft (10) is rotatably connected to the partition (9), and the inner shaft (11) passes through the partition and extends to the lower part of the tank (1). A drive box (12) is installed on the end cap (8), and the drive box (12) is provided with a first drive mechanism for driving the outer shaft (10) to rotate and a mechanism for driving the inner shaft (11) to rotate. The second drive mechanism; several turbine-type stirring paddles (13) are detachably connected to the outer shaft (10) and are arranged in the upper and lower positions; a frame-type stirring paddle (14) is detachably connected to the outer wall of the inner shaft (11) below the partition plate; an overflow groove (15) is provided on the outer periphery of the outer shaft on the partition plate (9); a number of overflow pipes (16) communicating with the overflow groove are connected to the outer periphery of the bottom of the partition plate (9); the inner wall of the overflow groove (15) is inclined to the overflow pipes on both sides; the upper and lower parts of the tank (1) are connected through the overflow pipes (16) and the overflow groove (15).

2. The continuous lactose crystallization tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first drive mechanism includes a first motor (17) installed in the drive housing (12), a transmission shaft connected to the first motor via a coupling, a first gear (18) connected to the transmission shaft, and a second gear (19) connected to the outer shaft, wherein the first gear (18) and the second gear (19) mesh; the second drive mechanism is a second motor (20) installed outside the drive housing, wherein the second motor (20) is connected to the upper end of the inner shaft (11) via a coupling.

3. The continuous lactose crystallization tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The turbine-type agitator (13) includes a first mounting sleeve (131), several connecting rods (132) fixedly connected to the first mounting sleeve, and blades (133) connected to the outer ends of the connecting rods. The blades (133) are inclined. The first mounting sleeve (131) and the outer shaft (10) are provided with matching first screw holes. The first mounting sleeve (131) is connected to the outer shaft (10) by screws and matching the first screw holes.

4. A continuous lactose crystallization tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: The frame-type stirring paddle (14) includes a second mounting sleeve (141) and several U-shaped rods (142) fixedly connected to the second mounting sleeve. The second mounting sleeve (141) and the inner shaft (11) are provided with matching second screw holes. The second mounting sleeve (141) is connected to the inner shaft (11) by screws and matching the second screw holes.

5. A continuous lactose crystallization tank according to claim 4, characterized in that: A control box (22) is installed on the outer wall of the tank (1). The control box (22) contains a controller and a display screen. The first electric regulating valve (4), the first motor (17), and the second motor (20) are all electrically connected to the controller.

6. A continuous lactose crystallization tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control box (22) is also equipped with a particle size analyzer, and the discharge pipe (3) is equipped with a probe (21). The probe is connected to the particle size analyzer through a wire, and the particle size analyzer is electrically connected to the controller.

7. A continuous lactose crystallization tank according to claim 6, characterized in that: A pump body (23) is installed on the lower outer wall of the tank (1). The inlet end of the pump body (23) is connected to the lower part of the tank (1) through a pipe. The outlet end of the pump body (23) is connected to the upper part of the tank (1) through a return pipe (24). A second electric regulating valve (25) is installed at the lower part of the return pipe (24). Both the pump body (23) and the second electric regulating valve (25) are electrically connected to the controller.

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