Fluid raw material ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device

Abstract

This utility model relates to an ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials, comprising a pressure-resistant cylinder and an elastic stainless steel tank. The elastic stainless steel tank is disposed inside the pressure-resistant cylinder, and a sealed gap is provided between the elastic stainless steel tank and the pressure-resistant cylinder. A pressurized water inlet is provided on the pressure-resistant cylinder for injecting high-pressure water at a set pressure into the sealed gap. The elastic stainless steel tank is used to fill the fluid raw material. The balanced pressure generated by the high-pressure water is transmitted to the fluid raw material inside the elastic stainless steel tank through the elastic stainless steel tank, achieving high-pressure sterilization. Its advantages are: this sterilization device eliminates the need for product packaging; fluid products can be directly filled into the tank for high-pressure sterilization; it has a simple structure and high production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ultra-high pressure sterilization equipment, and in particular to an ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials. Background Technology

[0002] High-pressure processing (HPP), also known as autoclaving or cold pasteurization, is a non-thermal (5°C–20°C) method for preserving food and beverages. HPP technology uses water at pressures up to hundreds or thousands of MPa to deliver strong, uniform pressure to the product for several minutes. This pressure is instantaneously and uniformly distributed throughout the product. HPP does not affect the covalent bonds in food, meaning its flavor and nutritional properties remain unchanged. It works by disrupting non-covalent bonds in microbial proteins, altering and destroying the three-dimensional structure of proteins and polysaccharides, leading to protein coagulation and enzyme inactivation. It also causes cell membrane rupture, resulting in the outflow of intracellular chemical components, thus killing almost all bacteria, molds, and yeasts in the food. This leads to the decomposition of microbial membranes, rendering them inactive and achieving sterilization. Freshly squeezed juice processed under ultra-high pressure can retain its original flavor and all vitamins and nutrients for weeks or even months. It has high sensory characteristics and nutritional quality, contains no additives or preservatives, and has a longer shelf life. Unlike traditional heat treatment and chemical treatment, non-thermal processing technologies such as high pressure processing (HPP) have become particularly popular in recent years and are highly sought after by consumers because they cater to consumers' "appetite" and nutritional needs.

[0003] Existing high-pressure processing (HPP) equipment typically involves first packaging the product into cans / bags, then sending the canned / bagged product into a high-pressure chamber for sterilization. This method has the following drawbacks: it requires canning / bagging the product, which is not conducive to continuous production, resulting in low production efficiency and high energy consumption; because there are gaps in the packaged product, high-pressure sterilization leads to high energy consumption and a high scrap rate; this type of equipment is particularly unsuitable for composite cardboard packaging of fruit juice beverages. Therefore, the motivation for this invention is to design a simple, efficient, and direct high-pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials that allows for direct sterilization in cans without prior packaging. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a simple, efficient, and high-pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials that allows direct entry into the tank for high-pressure sterilization without requiring product packaging. This device does not require extensive equipment replacement for juice beverage plants or liquid milk packaging plants; only the ultra-high temperature sterilization equipment before the aseptic tank needs to be replaced.

[0005] The technical solution of the ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A continuous high-pressure sterilization device for fluid raw materials includes a pressure-resistant cylinder (1) and an elastic stainless steel tank (2). The elastic stainless steel tank (2) is disposed inside the pressure-resistant cylinder (1). A sealing gap (3) is provided between the elastic stainless steel tank (2) and the pressure-resistant cylinder (1). A pressurized water inlet (4) is provided on the pressure-resistant cylinder (1). The pressurized water inlet (4) is used to inject high-pressure water at a set pressure into the sealing gap (3). The elastic stainless steel tank (2) is used to fill the fluid raw materials. The balanced pressure generated by the high-pressure water is transmitted to the fluid raw materials in the elastic stainless steel tank (2) through the elastic stainless steel tank (2) to achieve high-pressure sterilization.

[0007] Furthermore, the lower end of the elastic stainless steel tank (2) is provided with a fluid raw material inlet and a fluid raw material outlet (11). The inlet pipe is provided with an inlet valve (9) and a first check valve (10), and the outlet pipe is provided with a first pressure-resistant sterile valve (12) and a second check valve (13). The fluid raw material inlet and the outlet pipe (11) are connected to the interior of the elastic stainless steel tank (2) through a connecting pipe. The connecting pipe is provided with a second pressure-resistant sterile valve (14) and / or a third pressure-resistant sterile valve (15). The upper end of the elastic stainless steel tank (2) is provided with a fluid raw material overflow pressure-resistant valve (19) and a fifth pressure-resistant sterile valve (17). ); The pressurized water inlet (4) is connected in sequence to the atmospheric pressure pump (5) and the booster pump (6). The pressure-resistant cylinder (1) is equipped with a pressurized water overflow pressure-resistant valve (7); When feeding, the first pressure-resistant sterile valve (12) at the fluid raw material outlet (11) is closed. The fluid raw material is pressurized from the feed inlet valve (9) into the elastic stainless steel tank (2). When the fluid raw material overflow pressure-resistant valve (19) overflows, filling is stopped; The atmospheric pressure pump (5) fills with pressurized water. When the pressurized water overflow pressure-resistant valve (7) overflows, the pressurized water overflow pressure-resistant valve (7) is closed. The booster pump (6) pressurizes the pressurized water in the sealed gap (3) for sterilization; After sterilization, the first pressure-resistant sterile valve (12) is opened, and the sterilized fluid raw material flows out for use.

[0008] Furthermore, the upper end of the elastic stainless steel tank (2) is provided with a cleaning CIP port and a sterile gas inlet (18), the sterile gas inlet (18) is provided with a fourth pressure-resistant sterile valve (16), and a cleaning nozzle (21) is provided inside the elastic stainless steel tank (2).

[0009] Furthermore, the sterilization device also includes an in-tank pressure sensor (20) and a pressurized water pressure sensor (8). The pressurized water pressure sensor (8) is used to monitor the pressure of the pressurized water between the pressure-resistant cylinder (1) and the elastic stainless steel tank (2). The in-tank pressure sensor (20) is used to monitor the pressure of the fluid raw material inside the elastic stainless steel tank (2).

[0010] Furthermore, a sterilization device consisting of multiple sets of pressure-resistant cylinders (1) and flexible stainless steel tanks (2) are arranged in parallel, and the outlet end of the multiple sets of flexible stainless steel tanks (2) is connected to the sterile large tank (22).

[0011] The implementation of this utility model has the following technical effects:

[0012] This utility model discloses an ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials. It eliminates the need for product packaging, allowing fluid products to be directly filled into the tank for high-pressure sterilization. The device features a simple structure and high production efficiency. It is highly versatile, requiring minimal equipment replacement for juice beverage plants and liquid milk packaging plants; only the ultra-high temperature sterilization equipment before the aseptic tank needs to be replaced. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Pressure-resistant cylinder; 2. Flexible stainless steel tank; 3. Sealing gap; 4. Pressurized water inlet; 5. Atmospheric pressure pump; 6. Booster pump; 7. Pressurized water overflow pressure-resistant valve; 8. Pressurized water pressure sensor; 9. Feed inlet valve; 10. First check valve; 11. Fluid raw material outlet; 12. First pressure-resistant sterile valve; 13. Second check valve; 14. Second pressure-resistant sterile valve; 15. Third pressure-resistant sterile valve; 16. Fourth pressure-resistant sterile valve; 17. Fifth pressure-resistant sterile valve; 18. Sterile gas inlet; 19. Fluid raw material overflow pressure-resistant valve; 20. Internal pressure sensor; 21. Cleaning nozzle; 22. Sterile large tank. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention and do not constitute any limitation thereof.

[0016] See Figure 1As shown in the figure, a fluid raw material ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device of this embodiment includes a pressure-resistant cylinder 1 and an elastic stainless steel tank 2. The elastic stainless steel tank 2 is disposed inside the pressure-resistant cylinder 1, and a sealing gap 3 is provided between the elastic stainless steel tank 2 and the pressure-resistant cylinder 1. The pressure-resistant cylinder 1 is provided with a pressurized water inlet 4, which is used to inject high-pressure water of a set pressure into the sealing gap 3. The elastic stainless steel tank 2 is used to fill the fluid raw material. The balanced pressure generated by the high-pressure water is transmitted to the fluid raw material in the elastic stainless steel tank 2 through the elastic stainless steel tank 2 to achieve high-pressure sterilization. Specifically, the lower end of the elastic stainless steel tank 2 is provided with a fluid raw material inlet and a fluid raw material outlet 11. The fluid raw material inlet pipe is equipped with an inlet valve 9 and a first check valve 10. The fluid raw material outlet pipe is equipped with a first pressure-resistant sterile valve 12 and a second check valve 13. The fluid raw material inlet and outlet 11 are connected to the interior of the elastic stainless steel tank 2 via a connecting pipe, which is equipped with a second pressure-resistant sterile valve 14 and / or a third pressure-resistant sterile valve 15. The upper end of the elastic stainless steel tank 2 is equipped with a fluid raw material overflow pressure-resistant valve 19 and a fifth pressure-resistant sterile valve 15. Valve 17; the pressurized water inlet 4 is connected in sequence to the atmospheric pressure pump 5 and the booster pump 6. A pressurized water overflow pressure-resistant valve 7 is installed on the pressure-resistant cylinder 1. During feeding, the first pressure-resistant sterile valve 12 at the fluid raw material outlet 11 is closed, and the fluid raw material is pressurized from the inlet valve 9 into the elastic stainless steel tank 2. When the fluid raw material overflow pressure-resistant valve 19 overflows, filling stops. The atmospheric pressure pump 5 fills with pressurized water. When the pressurized water overflow pressure-resistant valve 7 overflows, the pressurized water overflow pressure-resistant valve 7 is closed, and the booster pump 6 pressurizes the pressurized water in the sealed gap 3 for sterilization. After sterilization, the first pressure-resistant sterile valve 12 is opened, and the sterilized fluid raw material flows out for standby. The setting of the first one-way valve 10 and the second one-way valve 13 can prevent the liquid raw material from flowing back and ensure that the unsterilized raw material is mixed and contaminated with the sterilized raw material. The setting of the pressure-resistant sterile valve can ensure that the valve does not fail during high-pressure sterilization. During sterilization, fluid raw materials are filled into the flexible stainless steel tank 2, and then high-pressure water at a set pressure is filled into the sealed gap 3 to complete the sterilization.

[0017] See Figure 1As shown, the upper end of the elastic stainless steel tank 2 is provided with a cleaning CIP port and a sterile gas inlet 18. The sterile gas inlet 18 is equipped with a fourth pressure-resistant sterile valve 16. A cleaning nozzle 21 is installed inside the elastic stainless steel tank 2. When it is necessary to clean the elastic stainless steel tank 2, sterile oxygen can be introduced to quickly clean the elastic stainless steel tank 2. The sterilization device also includes an internal pressure sensor 20 and a pressurized water pressure sensor 8. The pressurized water pressure sensor 8 is used to monitor the pressure of the pressurized water between the pressure-resistant cylinder 1 and the elastic stainless steel tank 2, and the internal pressure sensor 20 is used to monitor the pressure of the fluid raw material inside the elastic stainless steel tank 2. A sterilization device consisting of multiple sets of pressure-resistant cylinders 1 and elastic stainless steel tanks 2 is arranged in parallel, and the outlet ends of the multiple sets of elastic stainless steel tanks 2 are connected to the sterile large tank 22.

[0018] This sterilization device requires no product packaging treatment; it can directly fill the tank with liquid products for high-pressure sterilization. It features a simple structure and high production efficiency. It is highly versatile and requires minimal equipment replacement for juice beverage plants and liquid milk packaging plants; only the ultra-high temperature sterilization equipment before the aseptic tank 22 needs to be replaced.

[0019] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model.

Claims

1. A continuous ultra-high pressure sterilization device for fluid raw materials, characterized in that: The system includes a pressure-resistant cylinder (1) and an elastic stainless steel tank (2). The elastic stainless steel tank (2) is disposed inside the pressure-resistant cylinder (1). A sealing gap (3) is provided between the elastic stainless steel tank (2) and the pressure-resistant cylinder (1). A pressurized water inlet (4) is provided on the pressure-resistant cylinder (1). The pressurized water inlet (4) is used to inject high-pressure water at a set pressure into the sealing gap (3). The elastic stainless steel tank (2) is used to fill fluid raw materials. The balanced pressure generated by the high-pressure water is transmitted to the fluid raw materials in the elastic stainless steel tank (2) through the elastic stainless steel tank (2) to achieve high-pressure sterilization.

2. The ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the elastic stainless steel tank (2) is provided with a fluid raw material inlet and a fluid raw material outlet (11). The inlet pipe of the fluid raw material is provided with an inlet valve (9) and a first check valve (10). The outlet pipe of the fluid raw material is provided with a first pressure-resistant sterile valve (12) and a second check valve (13). The fluid raw material inlet and the outlet pipe (11) are connected to the interior of the elastic stainless steel tank (2) through a connecting pipe. The connecting pipe is provided with a second pressure-resistant sterile valve (14) and / or a third pressure-resistant sterile valve (15). The upper end of the elastic stainless steel tank (2) is provided with a fluid raw material overflow pressure-resistant valve (19) and a fifth pressure-resistant sterile valve (17). The pressurized water inlet (4) is connected in sequence to a normal pressure pump (5) and a booster pump (6). The pressure-resistant cylinder (1) is provided with a pressurized water overflow pressure-resistant valve (7). When feeding, the first pressure-resistant sterile valve (12) at the fluid raw material outlet (11) is closed, and the fluid raw material is pressurized from the feed port valve (9) into the elastic stainless steel tank (2). When the fluid raw material overflow pressure-resistant valve (19) overflows, filling is stopped. The atmospheric pressure pump (5) fills with pressurized water. When the pressurized water overflow pressure-resistant valve (7) overflows, the pressurized water overflow pressure-resistant valve (7) is closed. The booster pump (6) pressurizes the pressurized water in the sealed gap (3) for sterilization. After sterilization, the first pressure-resistant sterile valve (12) is opened, and the sterilized fluid raw material flows out for standby.

3. The ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper end of the elastic stainless steel tank (2) is provided with a cleaning CIP port and a sterile gas inlet (18). The sterile gas inlet (18) is provided with a fourth pressure-resistant sterile valve (16). A cleaning nozzle (21) is provided inside the elastic stainless steel tank (2).

4. The ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization device also includes an in-tank pressure sensor (20) and a pressurized water pressure sensor (8). The pressurized water pressure sensor (8) is used to monitor the pressure of pressurized water between the pressure-resistant cylinder (1) and the elastic stainless steel tank (2). The in-tank pressure sensor (20) is used to monitor the pressure of the fluid raw material inside the elastic stainless steel tank (2).

5. The ultra-high pressure continuous sterilization device for fluid raw materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sterilization device consisting of multiple sets of pressure-resistant cylinders (1) and flexible stainless steel tanks (2) connected in parallel, with the outlet end of the multiple sets of flexible stainless steel tanks (2) connected to a sterile large tank (22).

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