An energy-saving and multifunctional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment

Abstract

This utility model discloses an energy-saving, multifunctional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying device, comprising a cavity and a vacuum unit, the vacuum unit being connected to the cavity; several belt conveyor mechanisms are arranged inside the cavity, with multiple parallel support plates arranged below the conveyor belts of the belt conveyor mechanisms; it also includes a cold trap and a cooling plate; wherein, the cold trap is connected to the cavity, and the vacuum unit is connected to the cavity through the cold trap; part of the support plate at the input end of the belt conveyor mechanism is replaced by a cooling plate, and refrigerant is circulated inside the cooling plate. This utility model solves the problems of long cooling time, high energy consumption, and limited functionality of some existing freeze-drying equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of microwave low-temperature vacuum drying equipment, and in particular to an energy-saving and multifunctional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum freeze-drying (hereinafter referred to as freeze-drying) is carried out under conditions of below 0 degrees Celsius, or even -60 to -70 degrees Celsius, and in a vacuum and oxygen-deficient environment. During the drying process, it minimizes chemical and biochemical reactions in the processed material (hereinafter referred to as the material), reduces the volatilization of its components, and virtually eliminates shrinkage and deformation after drying. Compared with ordinary drying methods, it better preserves the original shape and composition of the material. Currently, freeze-drying is mainly used in the fields of medicine, food, biology, and chemicals.

[0003] In existing technologies, materials are first frozen to a specified temperature using a freeze-drying chamber or freeze-drying silo, then heated to sublimate. The sublimated water vapor is then extracted and discharged as liquid after passing through a water-capturing device. However, due to the large volume of the cooling chamber, it takes a very long time to reach a temperature of -60 to -70 degrees Celsius.

[0004] Chinese patent document CN119075324A discloses a microwave vacuum low-temperature liquid continuous belt dryer, comprising: a concentration device, a main unit, a material feeding device, a material collecting device, a packaging device, a vacuum unit, and a cooling water device. The liquid product undergoes preliminary evaporation in the concentration device. The main unit includes a cavity and several belt conveyor modules. Several sets of first microwave generators are installed on the cavity. The material feeding device is connected to the concentration device and the several belt conveyor modules. The material collecting device is connected to the several belt conveyor modules. The packaging device is connected to the material collecting device. The vacuum port of the vacuum unit is connected to the top and sides of the cavity through multiple sets of vacuum tubes. The cooling water pipes of the cooling water device are connected to the first microwave generators, and the cooling water device is used to cool the first microwave generators and their microwave power supply. This invention features a high degree of automation, high efficiency, and the ability to operate continuously for extended periods. However, because it does not incorporate freeze-drying technology, it can only achieve drying functions above 0 degrees Celsius, failing to meet the special requirements of freeze-drying operations at sub-zero temperatures and thus failing to fill the market gap for high-efficiency continuous freeze-drying equipment. In addition, although the patent also uses two sets of water-catching devices, when they work alternately, one of them is completely stopped and cannot continue to complete the water-catching function, which also wastes a lot of electricity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of this utility model, an energy-saving and multifunctional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying device is provided, comprising a cavity and a vacuum unit, the vacuum unit being connected to the cavity; the cavity is provided with several belt conveyor mechanisms, and multiple parallel support plates are provided below the conveyor belts of the belt conveyor mechanisms, further comprising:

[0006] The cold trap is connected to the cavity, and the vacuum unit is connected to the cavity through the cold trap;

[0007] Part of the support plate at the input end of the belt conveyor mechanism is replaced by a cooling plate, and refrigerant is introduced into the cooling plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the cold trap comprises: a first housing, a first coil assembly, a second coil assembly, a second housing, and a third housing;

[0009] The second and third housings are arranged side by side inside the first housing, and the bottoms of the second and third housings are connected.

[0010] The first coil assembly is located inside the second housing;

[0011] The second coil assembly is located inside the third housing;

[0012] Both the first and second coil groups are equipped with several cooling fins.

[0013] Refrigerant is introduced into the first coil group and the second coil group respectively.

[0014] further,

[0015] The top of the second housing is provided with a first communication port, and one side of the top of the third housing is provided with a second communication port;

[0016] The first connection port is connected to the cavity, and the second connection port is connected to the vacuum unit.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes: a first branch pipe;

[0018] The first diversion pipe is installed inside the second housing and is placed horizontally on top of the first coil assembly. Its upper end is connected to the first connecting port, and its lower end is provided with several diversion holes.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes: a second branch pipe;

[0020] The second diversion pipe is installed inside the third housing and is placed horizontally on top of the second coil assembly. One side is connected to the first connecting port, and the lower end is provided with several diversion holes.

[0021] Furthermore, an observation window is provided on one side of the first housing, allowing observation of the interior of the first housing.

[0022] Furthermore, the refrigerant is Freon or liquid nitrogen.

[0023] Furthermore, a serpentine flow channel is provided inside the cooling plate, and the refrigerant enters the serpentine flow channel from one end of the cooling plate and flows out of the serpentine flow channel from the other end of the cooling plate.

[0024] Furthermore, the conveyor belt is made of butadiene rubber or silicone rubber.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0026] 1. Energy-saving and efficient: By using a cooling plate at the input end of the belt conveyor mechanism to achieve local cooling, the temperature of the material on the conveyor belt is quickly reduced to the set temperature, avoiding the need to cool the entire cooling chamber, greatly shortening the cooling time and reducing energy consumption.

[0027] 2. Continuous operation: Two water trapping systems (i.e., the first coil group and the second coil group) are set up in the cold trap. One system traps water and the other defrosts, working alternately. The defrosting water trapping system can still retain water vapor in the gas because of the low temperature, which effectively solves the energy waste problem of existing water trapping devices.

[0028] 3. Multifunctional ultra-low temperature freeze drying: Combining microwave, low vacuum and other technologies, it can realize continuous freeze drying of materials in an ultra-low temperature environment, so that a set of drying equipment can simultaneously have the functions of both above-zero low temperature drying and freeze drying.

[0029] 4. Dual cooling: First, the cooling plate rapidly cools the material, and then the vacuum unit and cold trap collect the evaporated water vapor, further reducing the temperature inside the cavity. This allows the belt conveyor to run continuously at a faster speed, greatly improving production efficiency.

[0030] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the claimed technology. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view;

[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along axis AA;

[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A;

[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 2 BB-direction sectional view;

[0036] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary equipment (including cold trap, vacuum unit, etc.) according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Top view;

[0038] Figure 8 for Figure 7 CC-direction sectional view;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cold trap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The left view;

[0041] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of DD;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cold trap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigeration plate according to an embodiment of the present invention after the top cover is removed. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, further illustrating the present invention.

[0045] First, combine Figures 1-13 The energy-saving, multi-functional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment according to the embodiments of this utility model is used in the fields of medicine, food, biology, and chemical industry, and its application scenarios are very wide.

[0046] like Figures 1-13 As shown, the energy-saving multifunctional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment of this utility model embodiment includes a cavity 1 and a vacuum unit 2, the vacuum unit 2 being connected to the cavity 1; the cavity 1 is provided with a plurality of belt conveyor mechanisms 11, and a plurality of parallel support plates are provided below the conveyor belts of the belt conveyor mechanisms 11; it also includes:

[0047] Cold trap 3 is connected to cavity 1, and vacuum unit 2 is connected to cavity 1 through cold trap 3;

[0048] Part of the support plate at the input end of the belt conveyor mechanism 11 is replaced by a cooling plate 4. The cooling plate 4 is hollow inside and refrigerant is introduced into it. The number of cooling plates 4 can be selected according to the requirements. The cooling plates 4 are arranged in sequence below the conveyor belt, which can both freeze the material on the conveyor belt and replace the support plate to support the conveyor belt.

[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 , 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the cold trap 3 includes: a first housing 31, a first coil assembly 32, a second coil assembly 33, a second housing 35, and a third housing 36;

[0050] The second housing 35 and the third housing 36 are arranged side by side inside the first housing 31, and the bottom of the second housing 35 and the third housing 36 are connected.

[0051] The first coil assembly 32 is disposed within the second housing 35;

[0052] The second coil assembly 33 is disposed inside the third housing 36;

[0053] Several cooling fins 34 are provided on the first coil group 32 and the second coil group 33.

[0054] Refrigerant is introduced into the first coil group 32 and the second coil group 33 respectively.

[0055] The cold trap 3 is divided into two water-catching systems, each with its own refrigerant supply. These systems can operate alternately, one catching water and the other defrosting, greatly improving efficiency. Furthermore, the vacuum unit 2 extracts the gas from the cavity 1, which then passes through the second shell 35 and the third shell 36, condensing or even frosting upon contact with the first, second, and third coils. This ensures that even when one water-catching system is defrosting, it maintains a low temperature, allowing the passing water vapor to condense. In contrast, in existing technologies, when one water-catching system stops, its inlet valve closes, causing water vapor to flow to the other system, resulting in significant energy waste.

[0056] Preferably, such as Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, a drainage pipe (existing technology) is provided at the bottom of the first housing 31, and the bottom of the first housing 31 is connected to the bottom of the second housing 35 and the bottom of the third housing 36.

[0057] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the second housing 35 and the third housing 36 are sealed housings, sealing the corresponding first coil group 32 and second coil group 33.

[0058] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 , 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the top of the second housing 35 is provided with a first communication port 311, and the top side of the third housing 36 is provided with a second communication port 312; the first communication port 311 is connected to the cavity 1, and the second communication port 312 is connected to the vacuum unit 2.

[0059] The gas in cavity 1 enters from the top of the second shell 35 through the first connecting port 311 until it reaches the bottom. During this process, some water vapor condenses or frosts. Then, the remaining water vapor enters from the bottom of the third shell 36 to condense or frost. At this time, the moisture in the air is almost zero. The remaining gas is discharged from the second connecting port 312 into the vacuum unit 2. The second connecting port 312 is located on one side, which changes the direction of gas flow and increases the time that the gas stays in the third shell 36, further improving the water capture efficiency.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 , 12 As shown, in this embodiment, it also includes: a first shunt pipe 37;

[0061] The first diversion pipe 37 is disposed inside the second housing 35 and is horizontally positioned on top of the first coil assembly 32. Its upper end is connected to the first connecting port 311, and its lower end is provided with several diversion holes 371. Gas in the cavity 1 is diverted through the several diversion holes 371 and evenly enters the second housing 35, thereby increasing the water capture efficiency of the second coil assembly 33 and the fins 34.

[0062] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 , 12 As shown, in this embodiment, it also includes: a second shunt pipe 38;

[0063] The second diversion pipe 38 is disposed inside the third housing 36 and is horizontally positioned on top of the second coil assembly 33. One side is connected to the first connecting port 311, and the lower end is provided with several diversion holes 381. The remaining gas enters the second diversion pipe 38 through the diversion holes 381 and is then discharged through the second connecting port 312, which facilitates improved water capture efficiency.

[0064] Preferably, such as Figure 8 , 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the diameter of the second diversion pipe 38 is smaller than the diameter of the first diversion pipe 37, which facilitates further improvement of water capture efficiency.

[0065] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 , 9 As shown, in this embodiment, an observation window 313 is provided on one side of the first housing 31. The observation window 313 is sealed with quartz glass, and the internal condition of the first housing 31 can be observed through the observation window 313.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the refrigerant is Freon or liquid nitrogen, which has a good cooling effect. The lowest evaporation temperature that Freon can produce is -120°C. The temperature of the liquid nitrogen cold trap 3 is usually around -196°C. However, in practical applications, depending on the specific design and requirements, its temperature setting range can be from room temperature to -196°C or even lower.

[0067] Furthermore, such as Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, a serpentine flow channel 41 is provided inside the cooling plate 4. The refrigerant enters the serpentine flow channel 41 from one end of the cooling plate and flows out of the serpentine flow channel 41 from the other end of the cooling plate. The serpentine channel greatly improves the cooling effect.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figures 3-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the conveyor belt is made of butadiene rubber or silicone rubber, which can maintain good stability at ultra-low temperatures.

[0069] Working principle: Vacuum unit 2 operates, first creating a vacuum in chamber 1. Simultaneously, cold trap 3 operates, introducing external refrigerant into the cooling plate through pipes. Then, the material (taking liquid material as an example) is conveyed by the feeding device to the input end of belt conveyor mechanism 11. The cooling plate 4 at the input end freezes the material to a specified temperature. The belt conveyor then moves, and a microwave generator emits microwaves to cause the water in the material to sublimate. The sublimated gas is extracted by vacuum unit 2 and passes through cold trap 3 to capture the water. After a certain period, belt conveyor mechanism 11 continues to convey the freeze-dried material forward to the cooling plate at the output end of the belt conveyor (this is prior art; see Chinese patent document CN119075324A for details) for cooling before exiting chamber 1. During this period, the belt conveyor can either step-by-step transport the material or slowly and continuously transport it, depending on the actual needs.

[0070] When the material does not need to be freeze-dried, but only needs to be dried at a low temperature above zero, the supply of refrigerant to the cooling plate 4 can be stopped. In this way, low-temperature drying can be carried out directly, just like the microwave vacuum low-temperature liquid continuous belt dryer disclosed in CN119075324A.

[0071] Above, refer to Figures 1-13 This invention describes an energy-saving, multi-functional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which solves the problems of long cooling time, high energy consumption, and limited functionality of some existing freeze-drying devices.

[0072] It should be noted that, in this specification, 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 process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0073] Although the present invention has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the above description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. Various modifications and substitutions to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above content. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An energy-saving, multifunctional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying device, comprising a cavity and a vacuum unit, wherein the vacuum unit is connected to the cavity; a plurality of belt conveyor mechanisms are arranged inside the cavity, and a plurality of parallel support plates are arranged below the conveyor belts of the belt conveyor mechanisms, characterized in that, Also includes: A cold trap, which is connected to the cavity, and the vacuum unit is connected to the cavity through the cold trap; The support plate at the input end of the belt conveyor mechanism is replaced by a cooling plate, and a refrigerant, such as Freon or liquid nitrogen, is introduced into the cooling plate. The cooling plate is provided with a serpentine flow channel. The refrigerant enters the serpentine flow channel from one end of the cooling plate and flows out of the serpentine flow channel from the other end of the cooling plate.

2. The energy-saving, multi-functional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cold trap comprises: a first housing, a first coil assembly, a second coil assembly, a second housing, and a third housing; The second housing and the third housing are arranged side by side inside the first housing, and the bottom of the second housing is in communication with the bottom of the third housing; The first coil assembly is disposed inside the second housing; The second coil assembly is disposed within the third housing; Both the first coil group and the second coil group are provided with a number of cooling fins; Refrigerant is introduced into the first coil group and the second coil group respectively.

3. The energy-saving, multi-functional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second housing has a first communication port on its top, and the third housing has a second communication port on one side of its top. The first connection port is connected to the cavity, and the second connection port is connected to the vacuum unit.

4. The energy-saving, multi-functional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes: the first branch pipe; The first diversion pipe is disposed inside the second housing and is placed horizontally on top of the first coil assembly. Its upper end is connected to the first communication port, and its lower end is provided with several diversion holes.

5. The energy-saving, multi-functional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes: a second branch pipe; The second diversion pipe is disposed inside the third housing and is placed horizontally on top of the second coil assembly. One side is connected to the first communication port, and the lower end is provided with several diversion holes.

6. The energy-saving, multi-functional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, An observation window is provided on one side of the first housing, through which the internal condition of the first housing can be observed.

7. The energy-saving, multi-functional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerant is Freon or liquid nitrogen.

8. The energy-saving, multi-functional ultra-low temperature microwave vacuum continuous freeze-drying equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor belt is made of butadiene rubber or silicone rubber.

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