A sterilization pot

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of sterilization equipment technology, specifically to a sterilization pot. The sterilization pot includes: a sterilization pot body; a sterilization component, which includes a sterilization circulation pipeline containing liquid, with both ends of the circulation pipeline connected to the top and bottom of the sterilization pot body; a heat exchanger disposed on one side of the sterilization pot body, with the sterilization circulation pipeline connected to the heat exchanger; a heating component, which includes a heating pipeline containing a heating medium, and is connected to the heat exchanger; a first heat exchange component, which includes a first heat exchange pipeline containing a first heat exchange medium, and is connected to the heat exchanger; and a second heat exchange component, which includes a second heat exchange pipeline containing a second heat exchange medium, and is connected to the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sterilization equipment technology, specifically to a sterilization pot. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of bottled beverages / foods, the bottled products need to be sterilized to achieve a sterile state and ensure that the products will not spoil over a longer period of time. Currently, sterilization is typically carried out in an autoclave, using steam as the medium. The product is subjected to steam cooling and heating up to 121.5-123℃ and 0.110-0.113 MPa pressure for sterilization. After sterilization, cooling water is used directly to cool the product. Due to the poor thermal penetration of steam, it takes a long time to use steam to remove the cold air from the autoclave. The heating and constant-temperature sterilization stages of the sterilization process require a large amount of steam to heat and sterilize the product inside the autoclave. This high steam demand, coupled with the direct removal of waste steam (the gas produced after steam cooling, heating, and sterilization) during the steam cooling, heating, and sterilization processes, wastes steam energy. Furthermore, after the sterilization stage, cooling water is used directly to cool the product. At this point, the surface temperature of the autoclave is high, and direct contact between the cooling water and the autoclave body can cause thermal expansion and contraction. Over time, fatigue cracks may appear in the autoclave body, affecting its service life. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a sterilizer to solve the problems of directly venting the exhaust steam during the steam cooling, heating and sterilization process, which wastes steam energy; at the same time, directly using cooling water in contact with the pot body, which makes the pot body prone to thermal expansion and contraction, and after a long time, fatigue cracks will appear in the sterilizer body, affecting the service life of the sterilizer.

[0004] This utility model provides a sterilization pot, comprising:

[0005] The main body of the sterilizer;

[0006] A sterilization component, comprising a sterilization circulation pipeline containing liquid, wherein the two ends of the sterilization circulation pipeline are respectively connected to the top and bottom of the sterilization pot body;

[0007] A heat exchanger is disposed on one side of the sterilizer body, and the sterilization circulation pipeline is connected to the heat exchanger;

[0008] A heating assembly, comprising a heating pipe containing a heating medium, and the heating pipe being connected to the heat exchanger;

[0009] A first heat exchange assembly, the first heat exchange assembly includes a first heat exchange pipeline, the first heat exchange pipeline contains a first heat exchange medium, and the first heat exchange pipeline is connected to the heat exchanger;

[0010] The second heat exchange assembly includes a second heat exchange pipeline containing a second heat exchange medium, and the second heat exchange pipeline is connected to the heat exchanger.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, the sterilization component further includes a spray structure located on top of the product inside the sterilization pot body, and the water outlet of the sterilization circulation pipeline is connected to the spray structure.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the spray structure includes a spray tank with a plurality of spray holes, the water outlet direction of the spray holes being towards the product.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the spray structure further includes a distribution pipe having multiple distribution outlets located above the spray tank, with adjacent distribution outlets spaced apart, and the distribution inlet of the distribution pipe connected to the outlet of the sterilization circulation pipeline.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, a heat exchange pipeline is further included, which is connected to the heat exchanger, and the inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline is connected to the outlet ends of the heating pipeline, the first heat exchange pipeline, and the second heat exchange pipeline, respectively.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the heating pipeline includes a first heating pipeline section and a second heating pipeline section, wherein the outlet end of the first heating pipeline section is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline, and the inlet end of the second heating pipeline section is connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange pipeline.

[0016] The first heat exchange pipeline includes a liquid inlet section and a liquid outlet section. The outlet end of the liquid inlet section is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline, and the inlet end of the liquid outlet section is connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange pipeline.

[0017] The second heat exchange pipeline includes a liquid inlet section and a liquid outlet section. The outlet end of the liquid inlet section is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline, and the inlet end of the liquid outlet section is connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange pipeline.

[0018] In one optional embodiment, control valves are respectively provided for the first heating pipe section, the second heating pipe section, the first heat exchange pipe inlet section, the first heat exchange pipe outlet section, the second heat exchange pipe inlet section, and the second heat exchange pipe outlet section.

[0019] In one alternative implementation, the control valve is signal-connected to a control device.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, the liquid inlet sections of the first heat exchange pipeline and the second heat exchange pipeline are equipped with one-way valves.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, a circulating water pump is provided on the sterilization circulation pipeline.

[0022] Beneficial effects:

[0023] This utility model discloses a sterilizer that uses a heat exchanger to exchange heat between water in the sterilization circulation pipeline and steam in the heating pipeline. A small amount of liquid is sufficient to achieve the purposes of cooling, heating, and constant-temperature sterilization of the products inside the sterilizer, thus saving steam consumption. The steam in the heating pipeline heats the circulating process water through the heat exchanger without direct contact with the water, ensuring the products are not contaminated and guaranteeing their safety during sterilization. Simultaneously, ambient temperature RO water exchanges heat with the water in the sterilization circulation pipeline for the first time, effectively utilizing the water's heat and cooling the products inside the sterilizer. By using ambient temperature RO water for heat exchange, the RO water can be heated to 65-70°C, while the required RO water temperature for the blending area is 85°C, thus saving steam used for heating the RO water. Furthermore, the water in the sterilization circulation pipeline exchanges heat with the first and second heat exchange pipelines through the heat exchanger, preventing direct contact between the cooling water and the sterilizer body, thus preventing fatigue cracks and effectively improving the service life of the sterilizer body. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sterilization pot according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the spray tank according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution tube according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 1. Sterilizer body; 2. Sterilization circulation pipeline; 3. Heat exchanger; 4. Heating pipeline; 401. First heating pipeline section; 402. Second heating pipeline section; 5. First heat exchange pipeline; 501. Liquid inlet section of the first heat exchange pipeline; 502. Liquid outlet section of the first heat exchange pipeline; 6. Second heat exchange pipeline; 601. Liquid inlet section of the second heat exchange pipeline; 602. Liquid outlet section of the second heat exchange pipeline; 7. Spray tank; 8. Spray hole; 9. Distribution pipe; 901. Distribution outlet; 902. Distribution inlet; 10. Heat exchange pipeline; 11. Control valve; 12. Check valve; 13. Circulating water pump. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0031] The following is combined Figures 1 to 3 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sterilization pot is provided, including a sterilization pot body 1, a sterilization component, a heat exchanger 3, a heating component, a first heat exchange component, and a second heat exchange component.

[0033] Specifically, the sterilization assembly includes a sterilization circulation pipe 2 containing liquid, with both ends of the sterilization circulation pipe 2 connected to the top and bottom of the sterilizer body 1, respectively; a heat exchanger 3 is disposed on one side of the sterilizer body 1, and the sterilization circulation pipe 2 is connected to the heat exchanger 3; the heating assembly includes a heating pipe 4 containing a heating medium, and the heating pipe 4 is connected to the heat exchanger 3; the first heat exchange assembly includes a first heat exchange pipe 5 containing a first heat exchange medium, and the first heat exchange pipe 5 is connected to the heat exchanger 3; the second heat exchange assembly includes a second heat exchange pipe 6 containing a second heat exchange medium, and the second heat exchange pipe 6 is connected to the heat exchanger 3.

[0034] In this embodiment, the sterilizer body 1 has a sterilization chamber where the product can be placed. The sterilization circulation pipe 2 contains liquid, with its outlet located at the top of the sterilization chamber and its inlet at the bottom. The sterilization circulation pipe 2 and the heating pipe 4 exchange heat through a heat exchanger 3. The liquid in the sterilization circulation pipe 2 exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium in the heating pipe 4, absorbing heat from the heat exchange medium. After heat exchange, the liquid enters the sterilization chamber from the outlet of the sterilization circulation pipe 2 to rinse the product and perform high-temperature sterilization. The rinsed liquid then re-enters the sterilization chamber from the inlet of the sterilization circulation pipe 2. The product circulates within the circulation pipe 2. After high-temperature sterilization, when cooling is required, the sterilization circulation pipe 2 first exchanges heat with the first heat exchange pipe 5 in the heat exchanger 3. The first heat exchange pipe 5 contains RO water, which absorbs some of the heat from the liquid. The RO water after heat exchange can then enter the mixing area. Once the temperature of the liquid in the sterilization circulation pipe 2 drops to the specified temperature, the sterilization circulation pipe 2 and the second heat exchange pipe 6 undergo a second heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3. The second heat exchange pipe 6 contains cooling water, which absorbs the remaining heat from the liquid. The cooling water after heat exchange enters the cooling water tank for storage and heat dissipation, awaiting the next heat exchange. During the heat exchange process between the liquid in the sterilization circulation pipe 2 and the first and second heat exchange pipes 5 and 6, the liquid in the sterilization circulation pipe 2 continuously rinses the product, causing it to cool down slowly.

[0035] Preferably, the liquid in the sterilization circulation pipe 2 is water, and the heat exchange medium in the heating pipe 4 is steam. In other optional embodiments, the heat exchange medium in the heating pipe 4 can be hot water.

[0036] By employing heat exchanger 3 to exchange heat between the water in the sterilization circulation pipe 2 and the steam in the heating pipe 4, a small amount of water can be used to achieve the purpose of cooling, heating, and constant-temperature sterilization of the products in the sterilizer, thus saving steam consumption. The steam in the heating pipe 4 heats the circulating process water through heat exchanger 3 without direct contact with the water, thereby ensuring that the products are not contaminated and guaranteeing the safety of the products during the sterilization process. At the same time, the room-temperature RO water undergoes the first heat exchange with the water in the sterilization circulation pipe 2, effectively utilizing the water's internal properties. The heat can also cool the products inside the sterilizer. By using room temperature RO for heat exchange, the RO water can be heated to 65-70℃. The required RO water temperature in the blending area is 85℃. After heat exchange, the steam used for heating the RO water can be saved. In addition, the water in the sterilization circulation pipe 2 exchanges heat with the first heat exchange pipe 5 and the second heat exchange pipe 6 through the heat exchanger 3, which can prevent the cooling water from directly contacting the sterilizer body 1, prevent fatigue cracks in the sterilizer body 1, and effectively improve the service life of the sterilizer body 1.

[0037] In one embodiment, the sterilization component further includes a spray structure located on top of the product inside the sterilization pot body 1, and the water outlet of the sterilization circulation pipeline 2 is connected to the spray structure.

[0038] In this embodiment, the spray structure is located at the top of the sterilization chamber, and the outlet of the sterilization circulation pipe 2 is connected to the spray structure. Water in the sterilization circulation pipe 2 enters the spray structure and rinses the product through the spray structure. By setting up the spray structure, the water in the sterilization circulation pipe 2 can be evenly sprayed onto the product, improving the sterilization effect.

[0039] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the spray structure includes a spray tank 7 with multiple spray holes 8, the water outlet direction of which faces the product. Water from the sterilization circulation pipeline 2 enters the spray tank 7 and is sprayed onto the product through the spray holes 8.

[0040] In one embodiment, the spray structure further includes a distribution pipe 9, which has multiple distribution outlets 901 located above the spray tank 7, with adjacent distribution outlets 901 spaced apart, and the distribution inlet 902 of the distribution pipe 9 connected to the outlet of the sterilization circulation pipeline 2.

[0041] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the distribution pipe 9 consists of three parallel and spaced horizontal pipes and two parallel and spaced vertical pipes. The three horizontal pipes are interconnected through the vertical pipes. The distribution inlet 902 is located on the middle horizontal pipe among the three horizontal pipes. The openings at both ends of the horizontal pipe are the distribution outlets 901. After the water in the sterilization circulation pipe 2 enters the horizontal pipe through the distribution inlet 902, it can enter the other two horizontal pipes through the vertical pipes, and then enter the spray tank 7 from the distribution outlet 901.

[0042] In other alternative embodiments, the dispensing tube 9 may include four or more horizontal tubes, thereby increasing the number of dispensing outlets 901.

[0043] In one embodiment, the system further includes a heat exchange pipeline 10, which is connected to the heat exchanger 3. The inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline 10 is connected to the outlet ends of the heating pipeline 4, the first heat exchange pipeline 5, and the second heat exchange pipeline 6, respectively.

[0044] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the steam in the heating pipe 4, the RO water in the first heat exchange pipe 5, and the cooling water in the second heat exchange pipe 6 can enter the heat exchange pipe 10 respectively, and enter the heat exchanger 3 along the heat exchange pipe 10 to exchange heat with the water in the sterilization circulation pipe 2.

[0045] In one embodiment, the heating pipe 4 includes a first heating pipe section 401 and a second heating pipe section 402. The outlet end of the first heating pipe section 401 is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange pipe 10, and the inlet end of the second heating pipe section 402 is connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange pipe 10. The first heat exchange pipe 5 includes a first heat exchange pipe inlet section 501 and a first heat exchange pipe outlet section 502. The outlet end of the first heat exchange pipe inlet section 501 is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange pipe 10, and the inlet end of the first heat exchange pipe outlet section 502 is connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange pipe 10. The second heat exchange pipe 6 includes a second heat exchange pipe inlet section 601 and a second heat exchange pipe outlet section 602. The outlet end of the second heat exchange pipe inlet section 601 is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange pipe 10, and the inlet end of the second heat exchange pipe outlet section 602 is connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange pipe 10.

[0046] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the inlet and outlet of the first heating pipe section 401 are connected to the outlet of the steam pipe (not shown) and the inlet of the heat exchange pipe 10, respectively. The inlet and outlet of the second heating pipe section 402 are connected to the outlet of the heat exchange pipe 10 and the drainage ditch (not shown), respectively. The gaseous water in the steam becomes liquid water after heat exchange and is discharged into the drainage ditch. The inlet and outlet of the first heat exchange pipe liquid inlet section 501 are connected to the RO water pipe (not shown) and the inlet of the heat exchange pipe 10, respectively. The inlet and outlet of the first heat exchange pipe liquid outlet section 502 are connected to the outlet of the heat exchange pipe 10 and the RO hot water tank (not shown), respectively. The RO water after heat exchange can enter the RO hot water tank for storage. The inlet and outlet ends of the liquid inlet section 601 of the second heat exchange pipeline are connected to the cooling water pool (not shown) and the inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline 10, respectively. The inlet and outlet ends of the liquid outlet section 602 of the second heat exchange pipeline are connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange pipeline 10 and the cooling water pool, respectively.

[0047] In one embodiment, control valves 11 are respectively provided in the first heating pipe section 401, the second heating pipe section 402, the first heat exchange pipe inlet section 501, the first heat exchange pipe outlet section 502, the second heat exchange pipe inlet section 601, and the second heat exchange pipe outlet section 602.

[0048] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, when constant temperature sterilization of the product is required, the control valves 11 on the first heating pipe section 401 and the second heating pipe section 402 are opened, and the remaining control valves 11 are closed; when the product needs to be cooled and the first heat exchange is performed, the control valves 11 on the first heat exchange pipe inlet section 501 and the first heat exchange pipe outlet section 502 are opened, and the remaining control valves 11 are closed; when the second heat exchange is required, the control valves 11 on the second heat exchange pipe inlet section 601 and the second heat exchange pipe outlet section 602 are opened, and the remaining control valves 11 are closed.

[0049] In one embodiment, the control valve 11 is signal-connected to the control device.

[0050] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the control device (not shown) is preferably a PLC controller. The control device can control the opening and closing of control valve 11, changing the operating state of the sterilizer. A temperature detection unit can be installed inside the sterilizer. The control device can obtain information from the temperature detection unit to obtain real-time temperature information inside the sterilizer. The control device can change the state inside the sterilizer according to the duration of the sterilization temperature. For example, when the temperature inside the sterilizer reaches the specified sterilization temperature and runs for a specified time, the control device can control the control valve 11 on the first heating pipe section 401 and the second heating pipe section 402 to close, and open the liquid inlet section 501 of the first heat exchange pipe. Control valve 11 on the liquid outlet section 502 of the first heat exchange pipeline changes the state of the sterilizer from constant temperature sterilization to product cooling. Alternatively, based on the temperature inside the sterilizer, it is determined that the water temperature in the sterilization circulation pipeline 2 can no longer exchange heat with the RO water, so control valve 11 on the liquid inlet section 501 and the liquid outlet section 502 of the first heat exchange pipeline is closed, and control valve 11 on the liquid inlet section 601 and the liquid outlet section 602 of the second heat exchange pipeline is opened. It should be noted that the algorithm used to achieve the function of the above control device is something that those skilled in the art can easily conceive of and implement.

[0051] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the first heat exchange pipeline inlet section 501 and the second heat exchange pipeline inlet section 601 are equipped with one-way valves 12. The one-way valves 12 can prevent the RO water in the first heat exchange pipeline inlet section 501 and the cooling water in the second heat exchange pipeline inlet section 601 from flowing back.

[0052] In this embodiment, a circulating water pump 13 is installed on the sterilization circulation pipeline 2.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sterilization pot, characterized in that, include: The main body of the sterilizer (1); The sterilization component includes a sterilization circulation pipeline (2), which contains liquid, and the two ends of the sterilization circulation pipeline (2) are respectively connected to the top and bottom of the sterilization pot body (1); Heat exchanger (3), the heat exchanger (3) is disposed on one side of the sterilizer body (1), and the sterilization circulation pipeline (2) is connected to the heat exchanger (3); The heating assembly includes a heating pipe (4) containing a heating medium and connected to the heat exchanger (3). The first heat exchange component includes a first heat exchange pipeline (5), which contains a first heat exchange medium and is connected to the heat exchanger (3). The second heat exchange assembly includes a second heat exchange pipeline (6), which contains a second heat exchange medium and is connected to the heat exchanger (3).

2. The sterilizing pot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterilization component also includes a spray structure, which is located on top of the product inside the sterilization pot body (1), and the water outlet of the sterilization circulation pipeline (2) is connected to the spray structure.

3. The sterilizing pot according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spray structure includes a spray tank (7), which has multiple spray holes (8) with the water outlet direction of the spray holes (8) facing the product.

4. The sterilizing pot according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spray structure also includes a distribution pipe (9), which has multiple distribution outlets (901). The multiple distribution outlets (901) are located above the spray tank (7) and adjacent distribution outlets (901) are spaced apart. The distribution inlet (902) of the distribution pipe (9) is connected to the outlet of the sterilization circulation pipeline (2).

5. The sterilizing pot according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heat exchange pipeline (10), which is connected to the heat exchanger (3). The inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline (10) is connected to the outlet end of the heating pipeline (4), the first heat exchange pipeline (5), and the second heat exchange pipeline (6), respectively.

6. The sterilizing pot according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heating pipeline (4) includes a first heating pipeline section (401) and a second heating pipeline section (402). The outlet end of the first heating pipeline section (401) is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline (10), and the inlet end of the second heating pipeline section (402) is connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange pipeline (10). The first heat exchange pipeline (5) includes a first heat exchange pipeline inlet section (501) and a first heat exchange pipeline outlet section (502). The outlet end of the first heat exchange pipeline inlet section (501) is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline (10), and the inlet end of the first heat exchange pipeline outlet section (502) is connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange pipeline (10). The second heat exchange pipeline (6) includes a second heat exchange pipeline inlet section (601) and a second heat exchange pipeline outlet section (602). The outlet end of the second heat exchange pipeline inlet section (601) is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline (10), and the inlet end of the second heat exchange pipeline outlet section (602) is connected to the outlet end of the heat exchange pipeline (10).

7. The sterilizing pot according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first heating pipe section (401), the second heating pipe section (402), the first heat exchange pipe inlet section (501), the first heat exchange pipe outlet section (502), the second heat exchange pipe inlet section (601), and the second heat exchange pipe outlet section (602) are each equipped with a control valve (11).

8. The sterilizing pot according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control valve (11) is connected to the control device via signal.

9. The sterilizing pot according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first heat exchange pipeline inlet section (501) and the second heat exchange pipeline inlet section (601) are equipped with one-way valves (12).

10. The sterilizing pot according to claim 1, characterized in that, A circulating water pump (13) is installed on the sterilization circulation pipeline (2).

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