Steam infusion sterilization apparatus

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of steam immersion type sterilization equipment, steam immersion type sterilization equipment includes steam immersion type sterilization device, cooling device and storage device, wherein:steam immersion type sterilization device includes sterilization bin, sterilization bin includes the cavity formed by the cavity of closed storehouse body, for accommodating to be sterilized object, sterilization storehouse body includes steam inlet, sterilization inlet and sterilization outlet, steam inlet, sterilization inlet is located in the top of the vertical direction of sterilization storehouse body, sterilization outlet is located in the bottom of the vertical direction of sterilization storehouse body;Cooling device includes cooling bin, cooling bin is used to cool the sterilized object;Storage device includes sterile storage tank, sterile storage tank is used to store the sterilized object.The mode solves the lower efficiency of traditional sterilization process to microorganism sterilization, heating temperature controllability is poorer, the active substance of being sterilized object is easily damaged, leading to product quality unstable and other problems, improve product quality, prolong product shelf life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food processing machinery technology, specifically a steam immersion sterilization device. Background Technology

[0002] Sterilization equipment is an essential piece of equipment in food processing. Liquid foods such as milk and juice are typically sterilized using liquid food sterilization equipment. Most sterilization equipment uses high-temperature heating for sterilization, including indirect heating methods such as heating through a medium and direct steam heating methods that directly heat the liquid with steam. However, the heating temperature control is poor, which can easily damage the active substances in the sterilized product, leading to unstable product quality. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a steam immersion sterilization device, wherein the steam immersion sterilization device includes a steam immersion sterilization apparatus, a cooling apparatus, and a storage apparatus. Specifically, the steam immersion sterilization apparatus includes a sterilization chamber, which includes a cavity formed by a sealed chamber body for containing the object to be sterilized. The sterilization chamber body includes a steam inlet, a sterilization inlet, an exhaust port, and a sterilization outlet. The steam inlet, sterilization inlet, and exhaust port are located at the top of the sterilization chamber body in the vertical direction, and the sterilization outlet is located at the bottom of the sterilization chamber body in the vertical direction. The cooling apparatus includes a cooling chamber, which includes a cooling inlet and a cooling outlet. The cooling inlet is connected to the sterilization outlet, and the cooling chamber is used to cool the sterilized object. The storage apparatus includes a sterile storage tank, the inlet of which is connected to the cooling outlet, and the sterile storage tank is used to store the sterilized object.

[0004] In one embodiment, the aseptic storage tank includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank, and the steam immersion sterilization equipment further includes an aseptic switching device, which includes an aseptic valve for controlling the delivery pipeline to deliver the sterilized material to the first storage tank or the second storage tank.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first storage tank is an aseptic tank filled with sterile air; the second storage tank is a pasteurized milk clean tank filled with sterile air.

[0006] In one embodiment, the cooling device includes a flash cooling chamber, a vacuum pump, and a product transfer pump. The flash cooling chamber is used to contain sterilized materials and cool them down. The vacuum pump is used to create a negative pressure inside the flash cooling chamber and remove steam. The product transfer pump is used to extract the sterilized materials from the flash cooling chamber.

[0007] In one embodiment, the steam immersion sterilization equipment further includes a sterile homogenizer, which is connected to the cooling outlet via a pipe and is used to homogenize the sterilized material cooled by the 2.

[0008] In one embodiment, the steam immersion sterilization equipment further includes an aseptic filling device connected to the storage device for filling sterilized materials into an aseptic composite packaging container.

[0009] In one embodiment, the aseptic composite packaging device is composed of aseptic composite packaging material, which includes a plastic outer layer, a paper base layer, an adhesive layer, an aluminum foil layer, a first protective inner layer, and a second protective inner layer, all stacked together.

[0010] In one embodiment, the steam immersion sterilization equipment includes a heating device connected to the sterilization inlet via a pipe for preheating the material to be sterilized.

[0011] In one embodiment, the steam immersion sterilization equipment is used to sterilize dairy products and also includes a raw milk storage tank, which is connected to the heating device via a pipeline and is used to store raw milk to be sterilized.

[0012] In one embodiment, the steam immersion sterilization equipment includes a raw milk filter, which is connected to the raw milk storage tank via a pipe and is used to filter the raw milk to be sterilized.

[0013] This invention employs steam immersion sterilization technology with high-temperature instantaneous sterilization, which maximizes the retention of active substances (lactoferrin, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins) during sterilization, while reducing furosine and lactulose, thereby increasing the product's marketable selling temperature, extending its shelf life, and producing high-quality pasteurized milk.

[0014] The effective advantages of this utility model are:

[0015] (1) To retain the active substances in raw milk to the greatest extent possible.

[0016] (2) Pasteurized milk has increased temperature tolerance when not refrigerated.

[0017] (3) The shelf life of pasteurized milk is extended under the same storage conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The following and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steam immersion sterilization device in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization chamber in the embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling chamber in the embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the aseptic composite packaging device in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0024] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steam immersion sterilization equipment according to an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the steam immersion sterilization equipment includes a steam immersion sterilization device 10, a cooling device 20, and a storage device 30. The steam immersion sterilization device 10 includes a sterilization chamber, which includes a cavity formed by a sealed chamber body for containing the items to be sterilized. The cooling device 20 includes a cooling chamber, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the sterilization chamber, and the cooling chamber is used to cool the sterilized items. The storage device 30 includes a sterile storage tank, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the cooling chamber, and the sterile storage tank is used to store the sterilized items.

[0026] In this embodiment, the material to be sterilized enters a steam immersion sterilization device through pipelines. The steam immersion sterilization system effectively kills pathogenic microorganisms instantly at high temperatures while producing minimal chemical, physical, and sensory changes. This process effectively achieves sterilization while maximizing the preservation of the active substances in the sterilized material. The material is then rapidly cooled by a cooling system, and after sterilization, it enters an aseptic storage tank. The product is then aseptically filled to form the final finished product. This method solves the problems of low microbial sterilization efficiency, poor temperature control, and easy destruction of active substances in sterilized materials, leading to unstable product quality in traditional sterilization processes. It improves product quality and extends product shelf life.

[0027] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization chamber in an embodiment of this application. The sterilization chamber includes a cavity formed by a sealed chamber body for containing the object to be sterilized. The sterilization chamber body includes a steam inlet 101, a sterilization inlet 102, a sterilization outlet 103, and an exhaust port 104. The steam inlet 101, sterilization inlet 102, and exhaust port 104 are located at the top of the sterilization chamber body in the vertical direction, and the sterilization outlet 103 is located at the bottom of the sterilization chamber body in the vertical direction.

[0028] The steam immersion sterilization chamber is a vertical, sealed chamber. Steam enters the chamber through the steam inlet 101 at the top, filling it with steam. The product drips uniformly from the top of the chamber through the sterilization inlet 102, ensuring full contact between the material and the high-temperature steam. The steam transfers a large amount of heat to the material, causing it to heat up rapidly. After absorbing the heat from the steam, the material's temperature rises quickly enough to kill bacteria, achieving sterilization in a short time while retaining most of the active substances in the product. This equipment can be used for sterilizing cow's milk. It provides high-temperature, instantaneous sterilization, preserving the active substances in pasteurized milk (lactoferrin, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins), reducing furosine and lactulose, enhancing the temperature tolerance of pasteurized milk in non-refrigerated conditions, and extending its shelf life, thus producing the highest quality pasteurized milk.

[0029] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The steam immersion sterilization equipment provided in this application also includes a heating device 40, which is connected to the sterilization inlet 102 via a pipeline for preheating the material to be sterilized. Specifically, the raw milk in the storage tank is preheated to 70-80°C before entering the steam immersion sterilization equipment for sterilization via the input pipeline. This method makes it easier to control the sterilization temperature and time, thereby improving sterilization efficiency.

[0030] In one embodiment, the steam immersion sterilization equipment is used to sterilize dairy products. The steam immersion sterilization equipment also includes a raw milk storage tank and a raw milk filter. The raw milk storage tank is connected to a heating device via a pipe and is used to store raw milk to be sterilized. The raw milk filter is connected to the raw milk storage tank via a pipe and is used to filter the raw milk to be sterilized.

[0031] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling chamber in an embodiment of this application. The cooling chamber includes a cooling inlet 201 and a cooling outlet 202. The cooling inlet 201 is connected to the sterilization outlet 103. The cooling chamber is used to cool the sterilized items.

[0032] In one embodiment, the cooling chamber is a flash cooling chamber. Specifically, pasteurized milk is rapidly injected into the flash cooling chamber at a high temperature through the cooling inlet 201 to increase the heat dissipation area. A vacuum pump creates negative pressure inside the flash cooling chamber, and the hot gas from the high-temperature milk entering the chamber is extracted through the gas outlet 203, causing the milk to cool rapidly. Simultaneously, all the steam that entered the milk during pasteurization is extracted from the flash cooling chamber, ensuring the milk's product specifications. The cooled milk is then transported to the next process via the cooling outlet 202 using a product transfer pump. This method enables rapid cooling of pasteurized materials.

[0033] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The steam immersion sterilization equipment provided in this application also includes an aseptic homogenizer 50. When milk enters the aseptic homogenizer 50, the pressure drops sharply as the liquid passes through the homogenization valve, creating a cavitation effect that breaks down fat globules. The high-speed flowing liquid generates strong shear force within the homogenization valve, further refining the fat globules. The equipment operates under aseptic conditions, ensuring the product remains uncontaminated. The aseptic homogenizer refines fat globules through high pressure and shear force, improving the stability, taste, and shelf life of dairy products.

[0034] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The aseptic storage tank in the steam immersion sterilization equipment provided in this application includes a first storage tank 301 and a second storage tank 302. The first storage tank 301 is an aseptic tank filled with sterile air; the second storage tank 302 is a pasteurized milk cleaning tank filled with sterile air.

[0035] Specifically, the aseptic tank can be sterilized by steam after CIP cleaning, with a minimum sterilization temperature of 125°C and a minimum time of 30 minutes. After sterilization, it is cooled by water cooling through cooling jackets. During the cooling process, sterile air is filled into the aseptic tank to prevent vacuum formation. This ensures that the sterilized milk is free from any possibility of microbial contamination within the aseptic tank. During production, the sterile air filling area within the aseptic tank is higher than the product level. The pressure is automatically controlled to meet the supply pressure required for the filling equipment during operation.

[0036] Pasteurized milk clean tanks can be cleaned using CIP (Clean-In-Place) technology followed by hot water sterilization. The minimum sterilization temperature is 85℃, and the minimum time is 10 minutes. The clean tanks are filled with sterile air to prevent external gases from entering and effectively block microbial intrusion. During production, the sterile air level in the clean tank is higher than the product level, and the product is delivered to the filling equipment via a pump.

[0037] Please continue reading. Figure 1The steam immersion sterilization equipment provided in this application also includes an aseptic transfer device 60, which includes an aseptic valve for controlling the delivery pipeline to transport the sterilized material to either the first storage tank 301 or the second storage tank 302. After passing through the aseptic homogenizer, the milk can be transferred to either the aseptic tank or the pasteurized milk clean tank via the aseptic valve. The sterilization technology during the separation process can improve the sterilization time, extending the shelf life of pasteurized milk under the same storage conditions.

[0038] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The steam immersion sterilization equipment provided in this application also includes an aseptic filling device 70, which is connected to the storage device 20 and is used to fill the sterilized material into an aseptic composite packaging container.

[0039] Among them, pasteurization machines typically use aseptic filling machines, with a sterilization efficiency of Log2 to Log3, and the internal sterilization residue verification result is ≤10 CFU / 100cm³. 2 The sterilization residue test result inside the aseptic filling machine, using its own heating process, was <1 CFU / 100cm³. 2 In this way, the packaging equipment achieves a microbial sterilization efficiency of Log6 during the high-temperature heating process; the sterile chamber environment of the equipment is sprayed with 30-35% H2O2 for 10 minutes, kept for 15 minutes after spraying, and then dried with hot air at 40-42℃ for 30 minutes.

[0040] The product is filled into barrier packaging materials. The packaging must meet food safety requirements while preserving as much of the product's nutrients as possible. As milk is exposed to light for extended periods, its sensory characteristics and color gradually change, becoming lighter in color. Studies have shown that without barrier film packaging, milk exposed to light for 24 hours can lose up to 50% of its vitamin B2 and approximately 30% of its vitamin C. Simultaneously, the peroxide value can rise to 0.06 mmol / kg, resulting in unpleasant sensory experiences and nutrient loss and decomposition. Choosing appropriate packaging materials can effectively prevent these problems and extend the shelf life of pasteurized milk.

[0041] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the aseptic composite packaging device according to an embodiment of this application. In one embodiment, this application provides an aseptic composite packaging device composed of 6 layers, the structure of which is as follows: 1st layer, outer plastic, which serves to prevent moisture, protect the printed surface, and block odors; 2nd layer, paper substrate, which serves to provide the rigidity of the packaging material and the printed pattern; 3rd layer, composite plastic, which serves to bond the paper and aluminum foil; 4th layer, aluminum foil, which serves to block air, light, moisture, and odors; 5th and 6th layers, which serve to protect the contents and block odors. The sterilization efficiency of microorganisms in this packaging material reaches Log6); the packaging material is sterilized by immersion in a 42℃ hydrogen peroxide water bath, and then dried with hot air at 42℃ after passing through a hydrogen peroxide scraper.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the steam immersion sterilization process provided in this application includes a steam immersion sterilization chamber, a flash cooling chamber, an aseptic tank, an aseptic homogenizer, a pasteurized milk cleaning tank, and an aseptic filling machine. Raw milk is transported to the aseptic filling system via the steam immersion sterilization system. The raw milk enters the steam immersion sterilization system through pipelines, where the high temperature of the steam immersion sterilization chamber effectively kills pathogenic microorganisms while producing minimal chemical, physical, and sensory changes, effectively removing spore-forming bacteria and other microorganisms from the raw milk. It is then rapidly cooled in the flash cooling chamber system. After sterilization, the milk enters the aseptic tank or the pasteurized milk cleaning tank, and the product is aseptically filled to form the final finished product. This invention solves the problem of low microbial sterilization efficiency in traditional pasteurization processes, effectively removing microorganisms from pasteurized milk while retaining active substances (lactoferrin, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, immunoglobulins) in pasteurized milk. Simultaneously, it reduces furosine and lactulose, improving product quality and extending shelf life.

[0043] In the foregoing description of this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "fixed," "installed," "connected," or "joined" should be interpreted broadly. For example, the term "joined" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or it can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly limited in this specification, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] Based on the above description in this specification, those skilled in the art will also understand that terms used, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "length," "width," "thickness," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "clockwise," or "counterclockwise," are terms indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification. They are only for the purpose of facilitating the explanation of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not imply that the device or element involved must have the specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above-mentioned orientation or positional relationship terms should not be understood or interpreted as limitations on the present invention.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms "first" or "second," etc., used in this specification to refer to numbers or ordinal numbers are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating, explicitly or implicitly, relative importance or specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this specification, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] While this specification has shown and described several embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, alterations, and alternatives will arise in the mind and spirit of the present invention without departing from its intent. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be employed in the practice of the present invention. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of protection of the present invention and therefore cover the modular compositions, equivalents, or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A steam immersion sterilization device, characterized in that, The steam immersion sterilization equipment includes a steam immersion sterilization device, a cooling device, and a storage device, wherein: The steam immersion sterilization device includes a sterilization chamber, which includes a cavity formed by a sealed chamber body for containing the object to be sterilized. The sterilization chamber body includes a steam inlet, a sterilization inlet, an exhaust port, and a sterilization outlet. The steam inlet, sterilization inlet, and exhaust port are located at the top of the sterilization chamber body in the vertical direction, and the sterilization outlet is located at the bottom of the sterilization chamber body in the vertical direction. The cooling device includes a cooling chamber, which has a cooling inlet and a cooling outlet. The cooling inlet is connected to the sterilization outlet, and the cooling chamber is used to cool the sterilized material. The storage device includes a sterile storage tank, the inlet of which is connected to the cooling outlet, and the sterile storage tank is used to store sterilized materials.

2. The steam immersion sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterile storage tank includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank. The steam immersion sterilization equipment also includes a sterile switching device, which includes a sterile valve. The sterile valve is used to control the delivery pipeline to deliver the sterilized material to the first storage tank or the second storage tank.

3. The steam immersion sterilization equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first storage tank is an aseptic tank filled with sterile air; the second storage tank is a pasteurized milk clean tank filled with sterile air.

4. The steam immersion sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling device includes a flash cooling chamber, a vacuum pump, and a product transfer pump. The flash cooling chamber is used to contain sterilized materials and cool them down. The vacuum pump is used to create a negative pressure inside the flash cooling chamber and remove steam. The product transfer pump is used to extract the sterilized materials from the flash cooling chamber.

5. The steam immersion sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam immersion sterilization equipment also includes a sterile homogenizer, which is connected to the cooling outlet via a pipeline and is used to homogenize the sterilized material cooled by the steam immersion sterilization equipment.

6. The steam immersion sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam immersion sterilization equipment also includes an aseptic filling device, which is connected to the storage device and is used to fill the sterilized material into an aseptic composite packaging container.

7. The steam immersion sterilization equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The aseptic composite packaging device is composed of aseptic composite packaging material, which includes a plastic outer layer, a paper base layer, an adhesive layer, an aluminum foil layer, a first protective inner layer, and a second protective inner layer, all stacked together.

8. The steam immersion sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam immersion sterilization equipment includes a heating device, which is connected to the sterilization inlet via a pipe and is used to preheat the material to be sterilized.

9. The steam immersion sterilization equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The steam immersion sterilization equipment is used to sterilize dairy products. The steam immersion sterilization equipment also includes a raw milk storage tank, which is connected to the heating device through a pipeline and is used to store raw milk to be sterilized.

10. The steam immersion sterilization equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The steam immersion sterilization equipment includes a raw milk filter, which is connected to the raw milk storage tank via a pipeline and is used to filter the raw milk to be sterilized.

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