Continuous evaporation sterilization system
By designing a continuous evaporation sterilization system, high-temperature and low-temperature evaporation and concentration of materials are achieved through continuous flow within the system, solving the problems of low production efficiency and loss of nutrients, and realizing energy saving and improved production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TIANJUSHI ENG TECH GROUP
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
The existing evaporation, concentration, and sterilization processes have low production efficiency, result in significant loss of nutrient components in the materials, and consume a high amount of energy.
The system employs a continuous evaporation sterilization system, which includes a pre-evaporation unit, a sterilization unit, and multiple post-evaporation units. The material flows continuously within the system and is concentrated through high-temperature and low-temperature evaporation. The sterilization unit is located between the pre-evaporation unit and the post-evaporation unit to reduce the temperature difference and achieve continuous sterilization.
It improved production efficiency, reduced the loss of nutrients in materials, and saved energy consumption.
Smart Images
Figure CN224404031U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of evaporation, concentration and sterilization technology, and specifically relates to a continuous evaporation sterilization system. Background Technology
[0002] Liquid materials involved in food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals often require evaporation, concentration, and sterilization, such as liquid sugar.
[0003] In existing technologies, the evaporation concentration and sterilization processes are typically performed in batches. This involves first concentrating the material through multi-effect evaporation, then transferring it to the sterilization process for unified temperature control (during multi-effect evaporation, the temperature of each subsequent effect gradually decreases, necessitating reheating during sterilization). This method involves frequent feeding, discharging, and cleaning, resulting in low production efficiency. Furthermore, the relatively long residence time of the material within the sterilization equipment during unified temperature control leads to significant loss of nutrients. Additionally, the temperature control sterilization process consumes energy. Utility Model Content
[0004] This utility model provides a continuous evaporation sterilization system, which aims to solve the problem of low production efficiency in existing evaporation concentration and sterilization processes.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: to provide a continuous evaporation sterilization system, comprising:
[0006] The pre-evaporation unit has a first material inlet and a first concentrated liquid outlet; the first material inlet is connected to a material supply unit, and the pre-evaporation unit is used to perform high-temperature evaporation and concentration on the incoming material;
[0007] The sterilization unit has an inlet and an outlet; the inlet of the sterilization unit is connected to the first material outlet; the sterilization unit is used to continuously convey the incoming material and sterilize the material.
[0008] The post-evaporation unit is provided in multiple units, which are connected in sequence and connected to the outlet of the sterilization unit. Each post-evaporation unit is used to perform low-temperature evaporation and concentration on the transferred material.
[0009] In one possible implementation, the pre-evaporation unit includes:
[0010] The first heater has a heat medium passage and a refrigerant passage for the material to pass through; the inlet of the refrigerant passage of the first heater is the inlet of the first material.
[0011] The first separator has a first inlet connected to the refrigerant passage outlet of the first heater; the first separator also has a first exhaust port and a first outlet; the first outlet is the first concentrated liquid outlet; the first separator is used for gas-liquid separation of materials.
[0012] A first delivery pump is disposed between the first outlet and the sterilization unit.
[0013] In one possible implementation, a first connecting pipe is provided between the first outlet and the refrigerant channel inlet of the first heater, and a first circulation pump is provided on the first connecting pipe.
[0014] In one possible implementation, the sterilization unit is a tubular sterilization maintainer.
[0015] In one possible implementation, each of the post-evaporation units includes:
[0016] The second heater has a heat medium passage and a cold medium passage for the material to pass through;
[0017] The second separator has a second inlet connected to the refrigerant passage outlet of the second heater; the second separator also has a second exhaust port and a second outlet for discharging concentrated liquid; the second separator is used for gas-liquid separation of materials;
[0018] A second delivery pump is disposed between the second outlet and the sterilization unit;
[0019] The second outlet in the preceding evaporation unit is connected to the second inlet in the following evaporation unit.
[0020] In one possible implementation, in each of the post-evaporation units, a second connecting pipe is provided between the second outlet and the refrigerant passage inlet of the second heater, and a second circulation pump is provided on the second connecting pipe.
[0021] In this implementation, the pre-evaporation unit and each subsequent evaporation unit form a multi-effect evaporation and concentration structure, ensuring that high-temperature evaporation and concentration are achieved sequentially during the continuous flow of materials, effectively guaranteeing sufficient concentration. The sterilization unit, located between the pre-evaporation unit and each subsequent evaporation unit, has a pre-existing temperature relative to the concentrated liquid exiting the pre-evaporation unit. This reduces the temperature difference required for sterilization, ensuring energy savings. Furthermore, the relatively short heating time minimizes the loss of nutrients in the materials. The sterilization unit also enables continuous sterilization, ensuring continuous material transfer between the pre-evaporation unit and each subsequent evaporation unit, effectively improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the continuous evaporation sterilization system provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0024] 10. Pre-evaporation unit; 11. First heater; 12. First separator; 13. First transfer pump; 14. First connecting pipeline; 15. First circulation pump; 20. Sterilization unit; 30. Post-evaporation unit; 31. Second heater; 32. Second separator; 33. Second transfer pump; 34. Second connecting pipeline; 35. Second circulation pump. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.
[0026] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 1 The continuous evaporation sterilization system provided by this utility model will now be described. The continuous evaporation sterilization system includes a pre-evaporation unit, a sterilization unit, and a post-evaporation unit. The pre-evaporation unit has a first material inlet and a first concentrated liquid outlet. The first material inlet is connected to a material supply unit, and the pre-evaporation unit can perform high-temperature evaporation and concentration on the incoming material. The sterilization unit has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the sterilization unit is connected to the first material outlet. The sterilization unit can continuously convey and sterilize the incoming material. Multiple post-evaporation units are provided, each connected sequentially and connected to the outlet of the sterilization unit. Each post-evaporation unit can perform low-temperature evaporation and concentration on the incoming material.
[0027] The material enters the pre-evaporation unit through the first material inlet for high-temperature evaporation and concentration, and then enters the sterilization unit through the first concentrated liquid outlet. It is continuously sterilized through continuous transfer in the sterilization unit, and then flows through each post-evaporation unit for low-temperature evaporation and concentration.
[0028] The continuous evaporation sterilization system provided in this embodiment, compared with the prior art, forms a multi-effect evaporation and concentration structure with the pre-evaporation unit and each subsequent evaporation unit. This ensures that high-temperature evaporation and concentration are achieved sequentially during the continuous flow of materials, effectively guaranteeing sufficient concentration. The sterilization unit, located between the pre-evaporation unit and each subsequent evaporation unit, has a certain temperature relative to the concentrated liquid exiting from the pre-evaporation unit. Therefore, the temperature difference for the sterilization unit can be relatively reduced, ensuring energy conservation. Furthermore, the relatively short heating time minimizes the loss of nutrients in the materials. The sterilization unit can also achieve continuous sterilization, ensuring continuous material transfer between the pre-evaporation unit and each subsequent evaporation unit, effectively improving production efficiency.
[0029] In some embodiments, the aforementioned pre-evaporation unit may employ, as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 Multiple front evaporation units can be provided, and each front evaporation unit is connected in sequence.
[0030] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the front evaporation unit and each subsequent evaporation unit are sequentially divided into a first-effect evaporation unit, a second-effect evaporation unit, a third-effect evaporation unit, a fourth-effect evaporation unit, etc. The sterilization unit can be located between the first-effect evaporation unit and the second-effect evaporation unit, or between the second-effect evaporation unit and the third-effect evaporation unit, or between the third-effect evaporation unit and the fourth-effect evaporation unit, etc., and can be flexibly determined according to the evaporation temperature of each effect evaporation unit and the sterilization temperature of the sterilization unit to ensure sterilization effect and production efficiency.
[0031] Specifically, the temperatures of the double-effect evaporation unit, triple-effect evaporation unit, and quadruple-effect evaporation unit can be between 95°-105°, 75°-85°, and 50-60°, respectively.
[0032] In some embodiments, the aforementioned pre-evaporation unit may employ, as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 The pre-evaporation unit includes a first heater, a first separator, and a first transfer pump. The first heater has a heat transfer medium channel and a refrigerant channel for material passage. The inlet of the refrigerant channel of the first heater is the first material inlet. The first separator has a first inlet connected to the outlet of the refrigerant channel of the first heater. The first separator also has a first exhaust port and a first outlet. The first outlet is the first concentrated liquid outlet. The first separator is capable of gas-liquid separation of the material. The first transfer pump is located between the first outlet and the sterilization unit.
[0033] The material enters the refrigerant channel through the refrigerant inlet of the first heater. The first heater heats the material, causing it to form a gas-liquid mixture. This mixture then enters the first separator, which quickly separates the vapor from the concentrate and discharges the vapor. The material exiting the first outlet of the first separator is then pumped to the sterilization unit by the first transfer pump.
[0034] In this embodiment, the heat medium channel of the first heater can be circulated with a heat medium capable of heating, thereby ensuring that the material in the refrigerant channel is heated. The combination of the first separator and the first heater can improve the efficiency of evaporation and concentration, thereby ensuring improved production efficiency.
[0035] It should be noted that the first heater, the first separator, and the sterilization unit are all connected by connecting pipes, and the first delivery pump is also located on the connecting pipe between the first outlet and the sterilization unit. Furthermore, a number of valves are typically installed on the connecting pipes; this technology is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated upon here.
[0036] It should also be noted that the first exhaust port in the front evaporation unit can be directly connected to the external negative pressure mold unit.
[0037] In some embodiments, the aforementioned pre-evaporation unit may employ, as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 A first connecting pipe is provided between the first outlet and the refrigerant channel inlet of the first heater, and a first circulating pump is provided on the first connecting pipe.
[0038] The first connecting pipe is connected at both ends to the first outlet and the refrigerant inlet of the first heater, respectively. A first circulation pump is installed on the first connecting pipe. This structure ensures that the concentrated liquid discharged from the first separator is reintroduced into the refrigerant channel of the first heater for circulating heating. This method ensures further evaporation and concentration of the material, or facilitates adjustment of the residence time of the material during the high-temperature evaporation stage. In addition, the temperature involved in high-temperature evaporation is usually between 120°C and 130°C, which can also sterilize to a certain extent, thereby ensuring the concentration and sterilization effects.
[0039] In some embodiments, the sterilization unit described above may employ, for example... Figure 1 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 The sterilization unit is a tubular sterilization maintainer.
[0040] The pipeline sterilization maintainer is an existing technology. It has a pipeline for material flow, which enables continuous flow of materials in the pipeline. During the flow, high-temperature sterilization and cooling are carried out. Moreover, by adjusting the material flow rate, the residence time of the materials inside can be controlled. The relatively short residence time of the materials can maximize the activity of nutrients in the materials, ensure continuous production, and improve production efficiency.
[0041] In some embodiments, the above-described post-evaporation unit may employ, as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 Each post-evaporation unit includes a second heater, a second separator, and a second transfer pump. The second heater has a heat transfer medium passage and a refrigerant passage for the material to pass through. The second separator has a second inlet connected to the refrigerant passage outlet of the second heater. The second separator also has a second vent and a second outlet for discharging the concentrated liquid. The second separator is capable of gas-liquid separation of the material. The second transfer pump is located between the second outlet and the sterilization unit.
[0042] Specifically, the second outlet in the preceding evaporation unit is connected to the second inlet in the following evaporation unit; the second inlet in the following evaporation unit, which is closest to the sterilization unit, is connected to the outlet of the sterilization unit.
[0043] The material enters the refrigerant channel through the refrigerant inlet of the second heater. The second heater heats the material, creating a gas-liquid mixture. This mixture then enters the second separator, which quickly separates the vapor from the concentrate and discharges the vapor. The material exiting the second outlet of the second separator is then pumped by the second transfer pump to the next post-evaporation unit or a collection tank.
[0044] In this embodiment, the heat medium channel of the second heater can be circulated with a heat medium capable of heating, thereby ensuring that the material in the cold medium channel is heated. The combination of the second separator and the second heater can improve the efficiency of evaporation and concentration, thereby ensuring improved production efficiency.
[0045] It should be noted that each post-evaporation unit is connected to the others, or between the second heater and the second separator within each post-evaporation unit, via connecting pipes. The second delivery pump is also located on the connecting pipe between the second outlet and the refrigerant inlet of the second heater. Furthermore, a number of valves are typically installed on these connecting pipes; this technology is well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated upon here.
[0046] It should also be noted that the second exhaust port in each post-evaporation unit can be directly connected to an external negative pressure mold unit.
[0047] In some embodiments, the above-described post-evaporation unit may employ, as follows: Figure 1 The structure shown. See also Figure 1 In each post-evaporation unit, a second connecting pipe is provided between the second outlet and the refrigerant channel inlet of the second heater, and a second circulation pump is installed on the second connecting pipe. The two ends of the second connecting pipe are respectively connected to the second outlet and the inlet of the refrigerant channel of the second heater, or the outlet of the sterilization unit and the inlet of the refrigerant channel of the second heater. This structure ensures that the concentrated liquid exported from the second separator is reintroduced into the refrigerant channel of the second heater for circulating heating. This method ensures further evaporation and concentration of the material, or facilitates the adjustment of the residence time of the material during the low-temperature evaporation stage, ensuring the concentration adjustment of the concentrated liquid.
[0048] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. Continuous evaporation sterilization system, characterized in that, include: The pre-evaporation unit has a first material inlet and a first concentrated liquid outlet; the first material inlet is connected to a material supply unit, and the pre-evaporation unit is used to perform high-temperature evaporation and concentration on the incoming material; The sterilization unit has an inlet and an outlet; the inlet of the sterilization unit is connected to the first material outlet; the sterilization unit is used to continuously convey the incoming material and sterilize the material. The post-evaporation unit is provided in multiple units, which are connected in sequence and connected to the outlet of the sterilization unit. Each post-evaporation unit is used to perform low-temperature evaporation and concentration on the transferred material.
2. The continuous fill evaporation sterilization system of claim 1, wherein, The pre-evaporation unit includes: The first heater has a heat medium passage and a refrigerant passage for the material to pass through; the inlet of the refrigerant passage of the first heater is the inlet of the first material. The first separator has a first inlet connected to the refrigerant passage outlet of the first heater; the first separator also has a first exhaust port and a first outlet; the first outlet is a first concentrated liquid outlet; the first separator is used for gas-liquid separation of materials. A first delivery pump is disposed between the first outlet and the sterilization unit.
3. The continuous fill evaporation sterilization system of claim 2, wherein, A first connecting pipe is provided between the first outlet and the refrigerant channel inlet of the first heater, and a first circulating pump is provided on the first connecting pipe.
4. The continuous fill evaporation sterilization system of claim 1, wherein, The sterilization unit is a pipeline sterilization maintainer.
5. The continuous fill evaporation sterilization system of claim 1, wherein, Each of the post-evaporation units includes: The second heater has a heat medium passage and a cold medium passage for the material to pass through; The second separator has a second inlet connected to the refrigerant passage outlet of the second heater; the second separator also has a second exhaust port and a second outlet for discharging concentrated liquid; the second separator is used for gas-liquid separation of materials; A second delivery pump is disposed between the second outlet and the sterilization unit; The second outlet in the preceding evaporation unit is connected to the second inlet in the following evaporation unit.
6. The continuous fill evaporation sterilization system of claim 5, wherein, In each of the post-evaporation units, a second connecting pipe is provided between the second outlet and the refrigerant channel inlet of the second heater, and a second circulation pump is provided on the second connecting pipe.