Pasteurization equipment with more stable hot water temperature at feed inlet

Abstract

This invention discloses a pasteurization device with a more stable inlet hot water temperature. It comprises a hot water tank, a steam heating pipe, a plate heat exchanger, and a hot water transfer tank. A first temperature sensor is installed in the hot water tank. The inlet of the first fluid channel of the plate heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the hot water tank via a hot water outlet pipe, which is equipped with a circulation pump. The outlet of the first fluid channel is connected to the inlet of the hot water transfer tank via an intermediate hot water pipe. The outlet of the hot water transfer tank is connected to the inlet of the hot water tank via a hot water return pipe, which is equipped with a return proportional control valve. The inlet of the second fluid channel of the plate heat exchanger is connected to the steam heating pipe via a steam outlet pipe, and the outlet of the second fluid channel is connected to a discharge pipe. This invention enables the hot water temperature at the inlet of the hot water tank to remain essentially stable, thereby ensuring the quality of sterilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processing technology, and in particular to a pasteurization device with a more stable hot water temperature at the feed inlet. Background Technology

[0002] Pasteurization equipment uses pasteurization to sterilize food. Its principle is to kill pathogens in food by treating it within a certain temperature range and through appropriate temperature and holding time. For example... Figure 2 The image shows an existing pasteurization system, which mainly includes a hot water tank 2 and a steam heating pipe 1. The hot water tank 2 has an inlet 2.1 and an outlet 2.2 at its two ends. A conveyor 2.3 is installed in the hot water tank 2, which feeds the material in through the inlet 2.1, through the hot water in the tank 2, and finally out through the outlet 2.2. The steam input end 1.5 of the steam heating pipe 1 is connected to an external steam source. A corresponding steam input control valve group 1.1 and a filter 1.2 are installed on the steam heating pipe 1. Four output branches 1.3 are provided at the steam output end of the steam heating pipe 1. The steam outlets of the four output branches 1.3 extend into the water in the hot water tank 2. A steam output proportional control valve 1.4 is installed on each of the four output branches 1.3, and a first temperature sensor 3 is installed in the hot water tank 2 near the steam outlet of each output branch 1.3. During operation, steam at a set temperature is input through steam heating pipe 1 to heat the water in hot water tank 2. The opening degree of the corresponding steam output proportional control valve 1.4 is controlled by the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 3 using PID control.

[0003] However, in existing pasteurization equipment, when the materials enter the hot water tank from the feed inlet, the lower-temperature materials directly contact the hot water at the feed inlet of the hot water tank (the temperature of the materials is usually much lower than the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank). The temperature of the hot water at the feed inlet will drop sharply (usually by 3-8°C), thus affecting the sterilization qualification rate.

[0004] Traditional solutions mainly involve increasing the overall hot water temperature or extending the sterilization time. Increasing the overall hot water temperature results in high energy consumption, while extending the sterilization time reduces efficiency. Furthermore, excessively high temperatures or excessively long sterilization times can lead to a dull aroma and a darker color in the product. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pasteurization device with a more stable hot water temperature at the feed inlet.

[0006] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A pasteurization device with a more stable inlet hot water temperature is provided. It includes a hot water tank and a steam heating pipe for heating the water in the tank. The two ends of the hot water tank are an inlet and an outlet, respectively. A first temperature sensor for detecting the hot water temperature is provided at least at the inlet and outlet of the hot water tank. The device is characterized by further including a plate heat exchanger and a hot water transfer tank. The plate heat exchanger has a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel for heat exchange. The inlet of the first fluid channel is connected to the outlet of the hot water tank via a hot water outlet pipe, and a circulation pump is installed on the hot water outlet pipe. The outlet of the first fluid channel is connected to the inlet of the hot water transfer tank via an intermediate hot water pipe. The outlet of the hot water transfer tank is connected to the inlet of the hot water tank via a hot water return pipe, and a return proportional control valve is installed on the hot water return pipe. The inlet of the second fluid channel is connected to the steam heating pipe via a steam outlet pipe, and the outlet of the second fluid channel is connected to a discharge pipe.

[0008] A further technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the pipe is provided at the outlet of the intermediate hot water pipe near the first fluid channel, and a steam outlet proportional control valve is provided on the steam outlet pipe.

[0009] A further technical solution of this utility model is: an ultrasonic level gauge for detecting the internal hot water level is provided on the top of the hot water transfer tank.

[0010] A further technical solution of this utility model is: a drain valve assembly is provided on the discharge pipe.

[0011] A further technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a steam input control valve group and a filter are sequentially provided on the steam heating pipe, and the connection between the steam outlet pipe and the steam heating pipe is located between the steam input control valve group and the filter.

[0012] A further technical solution of this utility model is: the filter is a sterile filter.

[0013] A further technical solution of this utility model is: a switch valve is provided on the steam outlet pipe.

[0014] A further technical solution of this utility model is: the outlet of the hot water transfer tank is located at the bottom, and the water level of the hot water in the hot water transfer tank is higher than the water level of the hot water in the hot water tank, so that the hot water in the hot water transfer tank can be transported to the inlet end of the hot water tank by means of the water level difference.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] This invention guides hot water from the outlet of the hot water tank through a plate heat exchanger, where it is temporarily stored in a hot water transfer tank. Then, a reflux proportional control valve directs the hot water from the transfer tank into the inlet of the hot water tank as needed. During operation, as lower-temperature items enter the hot water tank through the inlet, hot water from the transfer tank continuously replenishes the hot water at the inlet, ensuring rapid and stable heat replenishment. This maintains a relatively stable temperature at the inlet (approximately within ±0.5℃), preventing significant temperature drops and thus guaranteeing sterilization quality.

[0017] This invention temporarily stores hot water in a hot water transfer tank before introducing it into the inlet of the hot water tank, which ensures the stability of the hot water supply and allows for better control of the hot water temperature at the inlet of the hot water tank.

[0018] This invention uses a steam outlet pipe to directly draw steam from the steam heating pipe of the original pasteurization equipment to heat the circulating hot water, eliminating the need for additional heating equipment and reducing costs.

[0019] This invention only requires connecting the steam outlet pipe to the steam heating pipe of the original pasteurization equipment, connecting the hot water outlet pipe to the discharge port of the hot water tank of the original pasteurization equipment, and connecting the hot water return pipe to the inlet of the hot water tank of the original pasteurization equipment. This completes the connection with the original pasteurization equipment and the modification of the original pasteurization equipment. The structure of the original pasteurization equipment does not need to be changed, resulting in low modification cost and high practicality.

[0020] Compared to existing solutions for increasing overall hot water temperature, this invention reduces energy consumption. In practical use, the heat energy consumption for post-treatment of 1 ton of product using this invention can be reduced by 10-15%. Compared to existing solutions for extending sterilization time, this invention improves efficiency. In practical use, the efficiency can be increased by approximately 8-12%. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pasteurization equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an existing pasteurization equipment.

[0023] Meaning of the labels in the attached diagram:

[0024] 1-Steam heating pipe; 1.1-Steam input control valve assembly; 1.1.1-Pressure reducing valve; 1.1.2-Pressure sensor; 1.2-Filter; 1.3-Output branch; 1.4-Steam output proportional control valve; 1.5-Steam input end; 2-Hot water tank; 2.1-Inlet; 2.2-Outlet; 2.3-Conveyor; 3-First temperature sensor; 4-Hot water outlet pipe; 4.1-Circulation pump; 5-Intermediate hot water pipe; 5.1-Second temperature sensor; 6-Steam outlet pipe; 6.1-On / off valve; 6.2-Steam outlet proportional control valve; 7-Discharge pipe; 7.1-Drain valve assembly; 8-Hot water return pipe; 8.1-Return proportional control valve; 9-Hot water transfer tank; 10-Plate heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0029] Example:

[0030] like Figure 1 The pasteurization equipment shown in this embodiment has a more stable hot water temperature at the feed inlet. It is equipped with a hot water tank 2, a steam heating pipe 1, a plate heat exchanger 10, and a hot water transfer tank 9.

[0031] The structure of the hot water tank 2 in this embodiment is the same as that of the hot water tank in the existing pasteurization equipment. The two ends of the hot water tank 2 are the inlet 2.1 and the outlet 2.2, respectively. A conveyor 2.3 is provided in the hot water tank 2. The conveyor 2.3 inputs the material from the inlet 2.1, then through the hot water in the hot water tank 2, and finally outputs it from the outlet 2.2.

[0032] The structure of the steam heating pipe 1 in this embodiment is the same as that of the steam heating pipe in existing pasteurization equipment. The steam input end 1.5 of the steam heating pipe 1 is connected to an external steam source. A corresponding steam input control valve group 1.1 and filter 1.2 are installed on the steam heating pipe 1. The steam input control valve group 1.1 is closer to the steam input end than the filter 1.2. The steam input control valve group 1.1 is usually equipped with a pressure reducing valve 1.1.1, a pressure sensor 1.1.2, and other control valves. Four output branches 1.3 are provided at the steam output end of the steam heating pipe 1. The steam outlets of the four output branches 1.3 extend into the water in the hot water tank 2. Two steam outlets are arranged at the inlet 2.1 and outlet 2.2 of the hot water tank 2, and the other two steam outlets are arranged at intervals near the middle of the hot water tank 2. Steam output proportional control valves 1.4 are installed on each of the four output branches 1.3. A first temperature sensor 3 is installed near the steam outlet of each output branch 1.3 in the hot water tank 2. Two of the first temperature sensors 3 are located at the inlet 2.1 and outlet 2.2 of the hot water tank 2 to detect the water temperature at these locations. During operation, steam at the set temperature is input through the steam heating pipe 1. After passing through the control valve group 1.1 and the filter 1.2, the steam enters different parts of the hot water tank 2 through different output branches 1.3 to heat the water in different parts of the tank 2. During heating, the opening degree of the corresponding steam output proportional control valve 1.4 can be controlled by the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 3, thereby achieving temperature control. Of course, the number of output branches 1.3 and the number of first temperature sensors 3 are not fixed and can be adjusted according to requirements.

[0033] The filter 1.2 used in this embodiment is a sterile filter. The sterile filter ensures that the steam introduced into the hot water is clean.

[0034] The internal structure of the plate heat exchanger 10 is conventional, and it is provided with a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel for heat exchange.

[0035] In this embodiment, the inlet of the first fluid channel is connected to the outlet 2.2 of the hot water tank 2 via a hot water outlet pipe 4. The hot water from the outlet 2.2 of the hot water tank 2 is led out to the plate heat exchanger 10 via the hot water outlet pipe 4. A circulation pump 4.1 is installed on the hot water outlet pipe 4, which provides power for the circulation of hot water in the pipe. The outlet of the first fluid channel is connected to the inlet at the top of the hot water transfer tank 9 via an intermediate hot water pipe 5. A second temperature sensor 5.1 for detecting the water temperature inside the pipe is installed on the intermediate hot water pipe 5 near the outlet of the first fluid channel. The outlet of the hot water transfer tank 9 is connected to the inlet 2.1 of the hot water tank 2 via a hot water return pipe 8. A return proportional control valve 8.1 is installed on the hot water return pipe 8. In use, the return proportional control valve 8.1 can be controlled according to the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 3 at the inlet 2.1 of the hot water tank 2. The outlet of the hot water transfer tank 9 is located at the bottom. The hot water in the hot water transfer tank 9 is transported to the inlet 2.1 of the hot water tank 2 by means of the water level difference. Of course, the installation position of the hot water transfer tank 9 should be high enough to ensure that the water level of the hot water in the hot water transfer tank 9 is higher than the water level in the hot water tank 2, thus forming a water level difference.

[0036] In this embodiment, the inlet of the second fluid channel is connected to the steam heating pipe 1 via a steam outlet pipe 6. The connection between the steam outlet pipe 6 and the steam heating pipe 1 is located between the steam input control valve assembly 1.1 and the filter 1.2. A switching valve 6.1 and a steam outlet proportional control valve 6.2 are installed on the steam outlet pipe 6, with the proportional control valve 6.2 being closer to the inlet of the second fluid channel than the switching valve 6.1. During operation, the steam outlet pipe 6 directly draws steam from the steam heating pipe 1 through the plate heat exchanger 10 to heat the circulating hot water. The opening degree of the proportional control valve 6.2 can be controlled based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 5.1 to control the temperature of the hot water output from the outlet of the first fluid channel. The outlet of the second fluid channel is connected to a discharge pipe 7, which is equipped with a steam trap assembly 7.1. The steam trap assembly 7.1 adopts a conventional structure and is used to discharge condensate, air, and non-condensable gases while preventing steam leakage. It is commonly used in steam pipelines and will not be described in detail here.

[0037] In this embodiment, an ultrasonic level gauge 11 for detecting the internal hot water level is provided on the top of the hot water transfer tank 9. The volume of the hot water transfer tank 9 is 20%-30% of the total hot water volume in the hot water tank 2.

[0038] The circulating pump 4.1 used in this embodiment is a centrifugal variable frequency hot water pump with a flow rate of 20-40 m³ / h. 3 / h.

[0039] The usage process of the pasteurization equipment in this embodiment is as follows:

[0040] First, steam enters from the steam inlet 1.5 of the steam heating pipe 1. After being filtered by a sterile filter, a portion of the steam is delivered to the water in the hot water tank 2 via the output branch 1.3 to heat the water in the hot water tank 2. During the heating process, the opening of the steam output proportional control valve 1.4 on the output branch 1.3 is controlled by the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 3, achieving closed-loop PID regulation control to regulate the heating process. When the water temperature in the hot water tank 2 reaches the set temperature, the pasteurization equipment can be started, and the material is input from the feed inlet 2.1 via the conveyor 2.3.

[0041] Simultaneously, the circulating pump 4.1 also starts, transporting the hot water from the outlet 2.2 of the hot water tank 2 through the hot water outlet pipe 4 to the first fluid channel of the plate heat exchanger 10 (the normal temperature of the hot water at the outlet 2.2 of the hot water tank 2 is 95℃, but it will be lost during transportation). After passing through the first fluid channel, it is then transported to the hot water transfer tank 9 through the intermediate hot water pipe 5. A portion of the steam from the steam heating pipe 1 enters the second fluid channel of the plate heat exchanger 10 through the steam outlet pipe 6, where it exchanges heat with the hot water flowing through the first fluid channel, heating the hot water to ensure that the hot water delivered to the hot water transfer tank 9 has a sufficient temperature (the hot water flowing out of the first fluid channel will be maintained at 95±0.5℃). The condensate and residual gas generated after heat exchange in the second fluid channel enter the discharge pipe 7 and are discharged through the drain valve group 7.1. During operation, the speed of the circulating pump 4.1 can be controlled by PID control based on the water level detected by the ultrasonic level gauge 11 to control the water level of the hot water in the hot water transfer tank 9. The opening degree of the steam outlet proportional control valve 6.2 on the steam outlet pipe 6 can be controlled based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 5.1.

[0042] Subsequently, the hot water in the hot water transfer tank 9 will be transported to the inlet 2.1 of the hot water tank 2 via the hot water return pipe 8, achieving a rapid and stable replenishment of heat to the inlet 2.1 of the hot water tank 2. This ensures that the hot water temperature at the inlet 2.1 of the hot water tank 2 remains relatively stable (approximately within ±0.5℃), preventing significant temperature drops. The opening degree of the return proportional control valve 8.1 on the hot water return pipe 8 can be controlled by PID based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 3 at the inlet 2.1 of the hot water tank 2.

[0043] The above embodiments of this utility model are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. The implementation of this utility model is not limited thereto. All other modifications, substitutions or alterations made to the above structure of this utility model based on the above content of this utility model and in accordance with the common technical knowledge and conventional means in the field, without departing from the basic technical idea of ​​this utility model, shall fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A pasteurization device with a more stable inlet hot water temperature, comprising a hot water tank and a steam heating pipe for heating water in the hot water tank by steam, wherein the two ends of the hot water tank are an inlet and an outlet, and a first temperature sensor for detecting the hot water temperature is provided at least at the inlet and outlet of the hot water tank, characterized in that: It also includes a plate heat exchanger and a hot water transfer tank. The plate heat exchanger has a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel for heat exchange. The inlet of the first fluid channel is connected to the outlet of the hot water tank via a hot water outlet pipe. A circulation pump is installed on the hot water outlet pipe. The outlet of the first fluid channel is connected to the inlet of the hot water transfer tank via an intermediate hot water pipe. The outlet of the hot water transfer tank is connected to the inlet of the hot water tank via a hot water return pipe. A return proportional control valve is installed on the hot water return pipe. The inlet of the second fluid channel is connected to the steam heating pipe via a steam outlet pipe. The outlet of the second fluid channel is connected to the discharge pipe.

2. The pasteurization equipment with a more stable inlet hot water temperature according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water inside the pipe is provided at the outlet of the intermediate hot water pipe near the first fluid channel, and a steam outlet proportional control valve is provided on the steam outlet pipe.

3. The pasteurization equipment with a more stable inlet hot water temperature according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the hot water transfer tank is equipped with an ultrasonic level gauge for detecting the internal hot water level.

4. The pasteurization equipment with a more stable inlet hot water temperature according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge pipe is equipped with a condensate drain valve assembly.

5. The pasteurization equipment with a more stable inlet hot water temperature according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam heating pipe is equipped with a steam input control valve group and a filter in sequence, and the steam outlet pipe is connected to the steam heating pipe between the steam input control valve group and the filter.

6. The pasteurization equipment with a more stable inlet hot water temperature according to claim 5, characterized in that: The filter is a sterile filter.

7. The pasteurization equipment with a more stable inlet hot water temperature according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steam outlet pipe is equipped with a switch valve.

8. The pasteurization equipment with a more stable inlet hot water temperature according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet of the hot water transfer tank is located at the bottom, and the water level of the hot water in the hot water transfer tank is higher than that of the hot water in the hot water tank, so that the hot water in the hot water transfer tank can be transported to the inlet end of the hot water tank by means of the water level difference.

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