Low-temperature meat product sterilization equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides low-temperature meat product sterilization equipment which comprises a pressure tank, a first tank door and a second tank door are arranged at the two ends of the pressure tank respectively, a partition plate is arranged in the middle of the pressure tank, the pressure tank is divided into a first sterilization chamber and a second sterilization chamber through the partition plate, a first pressure sensor is arranged in the first sterilization chamber, and a second pressure sensor is arranged in the second sterilization chamber. The second sterilization chamber is provided with a second pressure sensor; the pressure regulating assembly is connected with the first sterilizing chamber and the second sterilizing chamber, is used for regulating the internal pressure of the first sterilizing chamber and the second sterilizing chamber, and at least comprises an air extracting pump and an air inlet valve for supplying air to the air extracting pump. Wherein the pressure regulation of the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber is realized through the pressure regulation assembly, and a large amount of extra energy input for re-pressurization or re-decompression is not needed, so that the energy loss is effectively reduced, and the energy consumption in the production process is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of meat product sterilization technology, specifically to a low-temperature meat product sterilization device. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese patent document CN117481182A discloses a method and application for ultra-high pressure low-temperature sterilization of meat products. The low-temperature sterilization method disclosed in this patent application uses ultra-high pressure sterilization to treat meat products, including the step of "ultra-high pressure sterilization treatment: placing the packaged vacuum-sealed meat products into an ultra-high pressure sterilization device for sterilization treatment at an ultra-high pressure of 100-400 MPa for 5-10 minutes, then adjusting the pressure to 250-550 MPa and sterilizing for 5-10 minutes as one cycle, and performing three cycles."

[0003] To achieve the above method, Chinese patent document CN222486028U discloses a low-temperature segmented sterilization equipment for meat products. During operation, sterilization solution is added to sterilization chambers one and two. Meat products are placed in packaging bags, which are then hung on a conveying mechanism on an upper horizontal frame. The conveying mechanism sequentially transports multiple packaging bags above sterilization chambers one and two. The piston rods of multiple push cylinders retract, causing the upper horizontal frame to descend. The conveying mechanism then places the lower portions of two packaging bags into the sterilization chambers of sterilization chambers one and two, respectively. Simultaneously, the upper horizontal frame closes four covers on sterilization chambers one and two via multiple push rods. Four covers seal the loading and unloading ports of sterilization chamber 1 and sterilization chamber 2, applying different pressures and temperatures to the sterilization chambers of sterilization chamber 1 and sterilization chamber 2. This performs the first stage of sterilization on the meat products in the packaging bags in sterilization chamber 1 and the second stage of sterilization on the meat products in the packaging bags in sterilization chamber 2. After sterilization, the piston rods of multiple push cylinders extend, pushing the upper crossbar to rise. At the same time, multiple push rods open the four covers, removing two packaging bags from sterilization chamber 1 and sterilization chamber 2. The conveying mechanism moves the packaging bags removed from sterilization chamber 2 out of sterilization chamber 2, moves the packaging bags removed from sterilization chamber 1 to the top of sterilization chamber 2, and moves the packaging bags outside sterilization chamber 1 to the top of sterilization chamber 1. The packaging bags removed from sterilization chamber 2 are then removed for further processing. The above operation is repeated to achieve continuous low-temperature segmented sterilization of meat products. By setting the number of sterilization chambers 1 and 2, multi-stage sterilization under different pressure and temperature conditions can be achieved.

[0004] When using the above-mentioned equipment, in order to achieve the steps mentioned in the invention patent, the meat products need to be repeatedly moved horizontally in sterilization box one and sterilization box two, or multiple sterilization boxes with high pressure and low pressure arranged alternately according to the process are set up. This has the disadvantages of being cumbersome to operate or requiring multiple sterilization boxes, resulting in high equipment manufacturing costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to propose a low-temperature meat product sterilization device to solve the problems mentioned in the background section above.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A low-temperature meat product sterilization device includes a pressure tank with a first tank door and a second tank door at both ends. A partition is provided in the middle of the pressure tank, dividing it into a first sterilization chamber and a second sterilization chamber. A first pressure sensor is provided in the first sterilization chamber, and a second pressure sensor is provided in the second sterilization chamber. The device also includes a pressure regulating assembly connecting the first and second sterilization chambers. The pressure regulating assembly is used to regulate the internal pressure of the first and second sterilization chambers. The pressure regulating assembly includes at least one air pump and an air inlet valve for supplying air to the air pump.

[0008] Furthermore, the pressure regulating assembly includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The two ends of the first pipeline are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber, and the two ends of the second pipeline are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. The first pipeline is provided with a first three-way valve, and the second pipeline is provided with a second three-way valve. The assembly also includes a third pipeline connecting the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve, and the third pipeline is provided with the air pump.

[0009] Furthermore, the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve are electric three-way valves or pneumatic three-way valves, and the system also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the air inlet valve, the air pump, the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the first pressure sensor, and the second pressure sensor.

[0010] Furthermore, the pressure regulating component includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The two ends of the first pipeline are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. A first air pump is provided in the first pipeline, which is used to pump the gas in the first sterilization chamber to the second sterilization chamber. The two ends of the second pipeline are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. A second air pump is provided in the second pipeline, which is used to pump the gas in the second sterilization chamber to the first sterilization chamber.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the intake valve, the first suction pump, the second suction pump, the first pressure sensor, and the second pressure sensor.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a first pressure relief valve connected to the first sterilization chamber and a second pressure relief valve connected to the second sterilization chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, one of the first sterilization chambers or the second sterilization chamber is provided with the air inlet valve connected thereto.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: A low-temperature meat product sterilization device includes a pressure tank, with a first tank door and a second tank door respectively at both ends of the pressure tank. A partition is provided in the middle of the pressure tank, dividing the pressure tank into a first sterilization chamber and a second sterilization chamber. The first sterilization chamber is provided with a first pressure sensor, and the second sterilization chamber is provided with a second pressure sensor. It also includes a pressure regulating component connecting the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. The pressure regulating component is used to regulate the internal pressure of the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. The pressure regulating component includes at least an air pump and an air inlet valve for supplying air to the air pump. The pressure regulation component enables pressure adjustment between the first and second sterilization chambers, eliminating the need for substantial additional energy input for repressurization or depressurization. This effectively reduces energy loss and lowers energy consumption during production. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for cumbersome manual operations and equipment adjustments, allowing for rapid pressure cyclical processing solely through the pressure regulation component. This significantly saves operating time and labor costs, improves production efficiency, and enables highly efficient pressure recycling. It makes the sterilization process more compact and continuous, avoiding unnecessary production waiting time and enhancing the overall production line's operational efficiency and capacity. It also prevents the impact of drastic pressure changes on the entire production system, resulting in more stable and orderly pressure variations. This improves the stability and reliability of the entire sterilization system and reduces safety risks during production. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the component connection relationship in the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the component connection relationship in the second embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0018] 1. Pressure tank; 11. First sterilization chamber; 111. First pressure sensor; 12. Second sterilization chamber; 121. Second pressure sensor; 2. First tank door; 3. Second tank door; 4. Partition; 5. Pressure regulating assembly; 51a. First pipeline; 52a. Second pipeline; 53a. First three-way valve; 531a. First interface one; 532a. First interface two; 533a. First interface three; 54a. Second three-way valve; 541a. Second interface one; 542a. Second interface two; 543a. Second interface three; 55a. Third pipeline; 56a. Air pump; 57b. First air pump; 58b. Second air pump; 6. First pressure relief valve; 7. Second pressure relief valve; 8. Air inlet valve. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description of these embodiments is intended to aid in understanding this utility model, but does not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0020] Reference Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a low-temperature meat product sterilization device includes a pressure tank 1. The pressure tank 1 has a first tank door 2 and a second tank door 3 at both ends. A partition 4 is provided in the middle of the pressure tank 1, which divides the pressure tank 1 into a first sterilization chamber 11 and a second sterilization chamber 12. The first sterilization chamber 11 is provided with a first pressure sensor 111, and the second sterilization chamber 12 is provided with a second pressure sensor 121. The device also includes a pressure regulating component 5 connecting the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12. The pressure regulating component 5 is used to regulate the internal pressure of the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12. The pressure regulating component 5 includes at least a vacuum pump 56a and an air inlet valve 8 for supplying air to the vacuum pump 56a.

[0021] Specifically, Chinese patent document CN117481182A discloses a method for ultra-high pressure low-temperature sterilization of meat products. Different types of meat need to be repeatedly cycled under two pressures to achieve sterilization. For example, "when the meat product is braised beef, the ultra-high pressure sterilization treatment values ​​are 400 MPa, 5 min, room temperature, then the pressure is adjusted to 550 MPa, 5 min, room temperature as one cycle, and three cycles are performed, and then it is stored at a low temperature of 5℃."

[0022] Therefore, when using the low-temperature meat product sterilization equipment of this utility model, braised beef can be placed in the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 respectively. The pressure of the first sterilization chamber 11 is adjusted to 400MPa and the pressure of the second sterilization chamber 12 is adjusted to 500MPa. When pressure adjustment is required, 100MPa of the pressure of the second sterilization chamber 12 is transmitted to the first sterilization chamber 11 through the pressure regulating component 5, so that the pressure of the first sterilization chamber 11 is adjusted to 500MPa and the pressure of the second sterilization chamber 12 is adjusted to 400MPa, thereby realizing the pressure exchange between the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12.

[0023] This invention achieves pressure exchange or adjustment between the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 through the pressure regulating component 5, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] Firstly, it eliminates the need for significant additional energy input to repressurize or depressurize, effectively reducing energy loss and lowering energy consumption during the production process.

[0025] Secondly, it eliminates the need for cumbersome manual operations and equipment adjustments. Pressure can be quickly circulated using only the pressure regulating component 5, significantly saving operating time and labor costs, improving production efficiency, and achieving efficient pressure recycling. This makes the sterilization process more compact and continuous, avoiding unnecessary production waiting time and improving the overall operating efficiency and capacity of the production line.

[0026] Thirdly, it avoids the impact of drastic pressure changes caused by repeatedly increasing pressure from atmospheric pressure to the required pressure on the entire sterilization equipment, making the pressure changes of the sterilization equipment more stable and orderly, improving the stability and reliability of the entire sterilization system, and reducing safety risks in the production process.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this is a first embodiment of the pressure regulating component 5. The pressure regulating component 5 includes a first pipeline 51a and a second pipeline 52a. The two ends of the first pipeline 51a are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12. The two ends of the second pipeline 52a are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12. A first three-way valve 53a is provided in the first pipeline 51a, and a second three-way valve 54a is provided in the second pipeline 52a. The component also includes a third pipeline 55a connecting the first three-way valve 53a and the second three-way valve 54a. The air pump 56a is provided in the third pipeline 55a.

[0028] When using, refer to Figure 1As indicated by the red arrow, when the first sterilization chamber 11 needs to be depressurized while the second sterilization chamber 12 needs to be pressurized, the first three-way valve 53a is switched to connect its first port 1 (531a) and first port 3 (533a), and the second three-way valve 54a is switched to connect its second port 2 (542a) and second port 3 (543a). Then, the vacuum pump 56a operates, allowing gas from the first sterilization chamber 11 to enter the second sterilization chamber 12.

[0029] When using, refer to Figure 1 As indicated by the black arrow, when the first sterilization chamber 11 needs pressurization and the second sterilization chamber 12 needs depressurization, the first three-way valve 53a switches to connect its first port 2 532a and first port 3 533a, and the second three-way valve 54a switches to connect its second port 1 541a and second port 3 543a. Then, the vacuum pump 56a operates, allowing gas from the second sterilization chamber 12 to enter the first sterilization chamber 11.

[0030] In order to achieve automatic control and improve production efficiency and product quality stability, the first three-way valve 53a and the second three-way valve 54a are electric three-way valves or pneumatic three-way valves, and a controller is also included. The controller is electrically connected to the air inlet valve 8, the air pump 56a, the first three-way valve 53a, the second three-way valve 54a, the first pressure sensor 111 and the second pressure sensor 121.

[0031] The air pump 56a has its inlet end connected to the first three-way valve 53a and its outlet end connected to the second three-way valve 54a. The air pump 56a can be a piston-type air pump 56a or other existing technology, which is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. In addition, the three-way valve, pressure sensor such as pressure gauge, air inlet valve 8 and other components are all existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0032] Furthermore, it also includes a first pressure relief valve 6 connected to the first sterilization chamber 11 and a second pressure relief valve 7 connected to the second sterilization chamber 12. By adjusting the automatic pressure relief of the first pressure relief valve 6 to the sterilization pressure required by the first sterilization chamber 11, the automatic pressure relief of the second pressure relief valve 7 is adjusted to the sterilization pressure required by the second sterilization chamber 12.

[0033] One of the first sterilization chamber 11 or the second sterilization chamber 12 is provided with the air inlet valve 8 connected thereto. When the pressure of the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 increases from atmospheric pressure to the required pressure, the air inlet valve 8 can be opened, and then the air pump 56a can be operated to make the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 reach the pressure relief values ​​of the first pressure relief valve 6 and the second pressure relief valve 7 respectively, and then stop.

[0034] In the above embodiment, there may be a problem that the pressurization efficiency is slow because the distance between the air inlet valve 8 and the air pump 56a is too far. Therefore, a booster pump (not shown in the figure) can be connected to the end of the air inlet valve 8 away from the pressure tank 1. The first three-way valve 53a is used to switch the first interface 1 531a and the first interface 2 532a to the conducting state. Then, the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 are pressurized to 400MPa as in the example above. Then, the first three-way valve 53a is closed, and the first sterilization chamber 11 is pressurized to 500MPa, so that the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 meet the rated pressure of sterilization conditions.

[0035] As an extension of the above embodiment, an air inlet valve 8 can be provided in both the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12. The end of the air inlet valve 8 away from the pressure tank 1 is connected to a booster pump. When there is pressure loss in the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 during the pressure adjustment process, the two booster pumps can be used to replenish the pressure in the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 respectively.

[0036] By coordinating a vacuum pump 56a and a first three-way valve 53a and a second three-way valve 54a, the pressure in the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 is repeatedly adjusted. This allows for rapid pressurization and depressurization of the microorganisms within, reducing the responsiveness of their cell walls, cell membranes, metabolic enzymes, and nucleic acids to environmental conditions, and preventing their cumulative loss. This reduces the microorganisms' adaptability, achieving better sterilization and further extending the shelf life and freshness of meat products. Meat products treated with ultra-high pressure sterilization, combined with low-temperature storage, can further extend their shelf life. This approach achieves sterilization and extends storage time while effectively preserving the color, aroma, flavor, and nutritional components of the meat products. This invention has advantages such as simple structure, few required parts, and low equipment cost. Furthermore, the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 sterilize two portions of meat products separately, improving production efficiency.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this is a second embodiment of the pressure regulating component 5. The pressure regulating component 5 includes a first pipeline 51a and a second pipeline 52a. The two ends of the first pipeline 51a are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12. A first suction pump 57b is provided in the first pipeline 51a, which is used to pump the gas in the first sterilization chamber 11 to the second sterilization chamber 12. The two ends of the second pipeline 52a are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12. A second suction pump 58b is provided in the second pipeline 52a, which is used to pump the gas in the second sterilization chamber 12 to the first sterilization chamber 11.

[0038] When using, refer to Figure 2 As indicated by the red arrow, when the first sterilization chamber 11 needs to be depressurized and the second sterilization chamber 12 needs to be pressurized, the first suction pump 57b is activated to allow gas from the first sterilization chamber 11 to enter the second sterilization chamber 12. The inlet of the first suction pump 57b is connected to the first sterilization chamber 11, and the outlet of the first suction pump 57b is connected to the second sterilization chamber 12.

[0039] When using, refer to Figure 2 As indicated by the black arrow, when the first sterilization chamber 11 needs pressurization and the second sterilization chamber 12 needs depressurization, the second suction pump 58b is activated to allow gas from the second sterilization chamber 12 to enter the first sterilization chamber 11. The inlet of the second suction pump 58b is connected to the second sterilization chamber 12, and the outlet of the second suction pump 58b is connected to the first sterilization chamber 11.

[0040] To achieve automatic control and improve production efficiency and product quality stability, a controller is also included. The controller is electrically connected to the air inlet valve 8, the first air pump 57b, the second air pump 58b, the first pressure sensor 111, and the second pressure sensor 121.

[0041] Similar to the first embodiment, the second embodiment also includes a first pressure relief valve 6 connected to the first sterilization chamber 11 and a second pressure relief valve 7 connected to the second sterilization chamber 12.

[0042] Similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, one of the first sterilization chamber 11 or the second sterilization chamber 12 is provided with the air inlet valve 8 communicating with it. When the air inlet valve 8 is connected to the first sterilization chamber 11, the first air pump 57b is activated to draw outside air into the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 through the air inlet valve 8.

[0043] In the above embodiment, there may be a problem that the pressurization efficiency is slow because the distance between the air inlet valve 8 and the vacuum pump 56a is too far. Therefore, a booster pump (not shown in the figure) can be connected to the end of the air inlet valve 8 away from the pressure tank 1. By opening the air inlet valve 8 and the booster pump, the first sterilization chamber 11 and the second sterilization chamber 12 are pressurized to 400MPa as in the example above. Then, the first vacuum pump 57b is turned on to draw the gas from the first sterilization chamber 11 to the second sterilization chamber 12, so that the second sterilization chamber 12 reaches 500MPa. The second vacuum pump 58b56a is turned off, and the first sterilization chamber 11 is pressurized to 400MPa.

[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0045] In the description of this utility model, 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 with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A low-temperature meat product sterilization device, characterized in that: The pressure tank includes a first tank door and a second tank door at both ends, and a partition in the middle of the pressure tank to divide the pressure tank into a first sterilization chamber and a second sterilization chamber. The first sterilization chamber is equipped with a first pressure sensor, and the second sterilization chamber is equipped with a second pressure sensor. It also includes a pressure regulating assembly connecting the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. The pressure regulating assembly is used to regulate the internal pressure of the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. The pressure regulating assembly includes at least an air pump and an air inlet valve for supplying air to the air pump.

2. The low-temperature meat product sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure regulating assembly includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The two ends of the first pipeline are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. The two ends of the second pipeline are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. The first pipeline is provided with a first three-way valve, and the second pipeline is provided with a second three-way valve. The assembly also includes a third pipeline connecting the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve. The third pipeline is provided with the air pump.

3. The low-temperature meat product sterilization equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first three-way valve and the second three-way valve are electric three-way valves or pneumatic three-way valves, and also include a controller, which is electrically connected to the air inlet valve, the air pump, the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor.

4. The low-temperature meat product sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure regulating component includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The two ends of the first pipeline are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. A first air pump is provided in the first pipeline. The first air pump is used to pump the gas in the first sterilization chamber to the second sterilization chamber. The two ends of the second pipeline are respectively connected to the first sterilization chamber and the second sterilization chamber. The second pipeline is equipped with a second air pump, which is used to pump the gas in the second sterilization chamber to the first sterilization chamber.

5. The low-temperature meat product sterilization equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the air intake valve, the first air pump, the second air pump, the first pressure sensor, and the second pressure sensor.

6. A low-temperature meat product sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It also includes a first pressure relief valve connected to the first sterilization chamber and a second pressure relief valve connected to the second sterilization chamber.

7. A low-temperature meat product sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first sterilization chamber or the second sterilization chamber is provided with the air inlet valve connected thereto.

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