Food material thawing device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of food raw material thawing device, it includes for the frozen whole piece food raw material is chopped into granular chopping mixer, first conveying device, for the food raw material that is chopped into granular thawing cabinet, second conveying device and third conveying device, the input end of first conveying device is butt joint with the output end of chopping mixer, the output end of first conveying device is butt joint with the input end of second conveying device, second conveying device passes from thawing cabinet, the inside of thawing cabinet can produce hot air stream constantly blow to the food raw material that is chopped into granular by second conveying device conveying, the input end of third conveying device is butt joint with the output end of second conveying device, the output end of third conveying device is used to be connected with reaction kettle.The utility model can more efficiently thaw the frozen food raw material, better guarantee the quality of food raw material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processing technology, specifically to a food raw material thawing device. Background Technology

[0002] The production of compound seasoning sauce requires onions, ginger, and garlic, totaling 3-5 tons per batch. Previously, each batch required 5 people to peel and dice the onions, ginger, and garlic, incurring a labor cost of approximately 1500 yuan per day. Furthermore, reassigning staff to handle these pre-processing tasks would reduce daily production capacity by 10-15%. Additionally, onions, ginger, and garlic are fresh ingredients and cannot be purchased and stored in large quantities during periods of low prices; their price must be determined by market fluctuations, resulting in an annual procurement cost that is 110-120% higher.

[0003] Based on the above background, we switched to using frozen diced onions, ginger, and garlic as food ingredients. Therefore, in the production process of compound seasoning sauce, there is no need for personnel to peel and dice the ingredients, and we can lock in prices when they are low, thus solving the problems of low efficiency, high labor costs, and high procurement costs.

[0004] However, frozen diced onions, ginger, and garlic will solidify into lumps (each weighing approximately 10-20 kg) after freezing. If these whole frozen lumps are directly added to the reaction vessel during production, the agitator inside the vessel is easily deformed by the impact, and the lumps will sink to the bottom, preventing normal production. Therefore, frozen diced onions, ginger, and garlic need to be thawed before production. This is usually done in a drying room or at room temperature until they are loose before being used in production. However, this thawing process presents the following problems:

[0005] 1. Thawing in a drying room usually takes 36 hours and costs 600-700 yuan / ton in energy. Thawing in a room temperature space takes 48-72 hours. Their thawing and delivery time is longer, which increases the difficulty of production planning and scheduling.

[0006] 2. Both drying room and room temperature thawing require slow thawing from the outside in, which takes a long time. When the food ingredients inside are completely thawed, the food ingredients on the outside have already shown signs of quality degradation and micro-inspection failure. Each time, the food ingredients on the outside need to be manually picked out, and the unqualified ones will be discarded. The loss rate is 1-1.5%, resulting in waste of raw materials. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a food raw material thawing device that can thaw frozen food raw materials more efficiently and better ensure the quality of the food raw materials.

[0008] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0009] A food ingredient thawing device, characterized in that it includes a chopper for chopping frozen whole food ingredients into granules, a first conveying device, a thawing chamber for thawing the chopped food ingredients, a second conveying device, and a third conveying device. The input end of the first conveying device is connected to the output end of the chopper, and the output end of the first conveying device is connected to the input end of the second conveying device. The second conveying device passes through the thawing chamber, and the interior of the thawing chamber generates a hot airflow that continuously blows onto the chopped food ingredients conveyed by the second conveying device. The input end of the third conveying device is connected to the output end of the second conveying device, and the output end of the third conveying device is used to connect to a reaction vessel.

[0010] A further technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a heat exchange channel is provided inside the thawing box, a steam heat exchanger is provided inside the heat exchange channel, a fan is provided at the air inlet of the heat exchange channel, and the air outlet of the heat exchange channel faces the conveying surface of the second conveying device. When in use, the airflow generated by the fan will flow through the steam heat exchanger for heat exchange.

[0011] A further technical solution of this utility model is: the heat exchange channel is located at the top of the defrosting box, and the air outlet of the heat exchange channel is located above the conveying surface of the second conveying device.

[0012] A further technical solution of this utility model is as follows: the food raw material thawing device is equipped with a return air pipe, the air inlet end of the return air pipe is connected to the bottom of the thawing box, and the air outlet end of the return air pipe is connected to the air inlet end of the fan.

[0013] A further technical solution of this utility model is as follows: the bottom of the defrosting box is provided with a recessed water collection trough, the air inlet end of the return air pipe is connected to the side wall of the water collection trough, and the bottom of the water collection trough is connected to a drain pipe.

[0014] A further technical solution of this utility model is as follows: the steam heat exchanger includes a heat exchange pipe and heat exchange fins provided on the heat exchange pipe. The inlet end of the heat exchange pipe is connected to the steam source, and the outlet end of the heat exchange pipe extends to the outside of the defrosting box.

[0015] A further technical solution of this utility model is: a temperature sensor is provided inside the defrosting chamber for detecting the temperature of the airflow output from the air outlet of the heat exchange channel.

[0016] A further technical solution of this utility model is as follows: the food raw material thawing device also includes an unpacking platform and a fourth conveying device, the input end of the fourth conveying device is close to the unpacking platform, and the output end of the fourth conveying device is connected to the input end of the chopper.

[0017] A further technical solution of this utility model is: the first conveying device, the second conveying device and the fourth conveying device are all belt conveyors that convey goods by conveying belts.

[0018] A further technical solution of this utility model is as follows: the third conveying device includes a screw conveyor and a feed pipe, the output end of the second conveying device is connected to the input end of the screw conveyor, the output end of the screw conveyor is connected to the input end of the feed pipe, and the output end of the feed pipe is connected to the reaction tank.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] This invention first uses a chopper to chop frozen whole food ingredients into granules, and then thaws the chopped food ingredients through a hot airflow in a thawing chamber. The chopped food ingredients have a large contact area with the hot airflow, resulting in a fast heat exchange rate and high heat exchange efficiency, thus enabling rapid thawing of the food ingredients. This efficient thawing also better preserves the quality of the food ingredients, fundamentally solving the quality problems such as reduced freshness and loss of flavor of frozen food ingredients such as diced onions, ginger, and garlic during the thawing process.

[0021] As can be seen, this invention solves the problem of long thawing and delivery times for frozen food ingredients such as diced onions, ginger, and garlic, enabling continuous production. In actual production, it can save approximately 36-72 hours of thawing time, and compared to thawing in a drying room, it can save 2000-3500 yuan per batch in energy costs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the food raw material thawing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the defrosting box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Meaning of the labels in the attached diagram:

[0025] 1-Unpacking platform; 2-Fourth conveying device; 3-Chopping machine; 4-First conveying device; 5-Defrosting box; 6-Second conveying device; 7-Screw conveyor; 8-Feed pipe; 9-Reaction tank; 10-Steam inlet control valve group; 11-Heat exchange fins; 12-Fan; 13-Return air duct; 14-Heat exchange pipe; 14.1-Inlet end of heat exchange pipe; 14.2-Outlet end of heat exchange pipe; 15-Heat exchange channel; 15.1-Air outlet; 15.2-Air inlet; 16-Fixed bracket; 17-Drain pipe; 18-Water collection tank. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Example:

[0031] like Figure 1 The food raw material thawing device shown in this embodiment includes an unpacking platform 1, a fourth conveying device 2, a chopper 3, a first conveying device 4, a thawing box 5, a second conveying device 6, and a third conveying device. The first conveying device 4, the second conveying device 6, and the fourth conveying device 2 are all belt conveyors that transport materials via conveyor belts. The third conveying device includes a screw conveyor 7 and a feed pipe 8.

[0032] The unpacking platform 1 is located at the front end, allowing workers to place whole frozen food ingredients on it for unpacking. The fourth conveyor 2 is angled upwards and used for transporting food between the unpacking platform 1 and the food chopper 3. The input end of the fourth conveyor 2 is close to the side of the unpacking platform 1 and located below its surface, facilitating the movement of unpacked whole frozen food ingredients onto it.

[0033] The food chopper 3 is a conventional device for chopping food. In this embodiment, the food chopper 3 is used to chop frozen whole food ingredients into granules. The input end of the food chopper 3 is equipped with a feed hopper, and the output end of the fourth conveying device 2 is located above the feed hopper of the food chopper 3.

[0034] The first conveying device 4 is used for conveying food between the chopper 3 and the second conveying device 6. The first conveying device 4 is also inclined upwards. The input end of the first conveying device 4 is located below the output end of the chopper 3, and is used to receive the granulated food ingredients output from the output end of the chopper 3. The output end of the first conveying device 4 is located above the input end of the second conveying device 6.

[0035] The second conveying device 6 is horizontally positioned and passes through the thawing chamber 5. It is used to transport the chopped food ingredients through the thawing chamber 5 for rapid thawing. During the thawing process, a hot airflow is generated inside the thawing chamber 5 and continuously blows onto the chopped food ingredients being transported by the second conveying device 6.

[0036] The screw conveyor 7 of the third conveying device is equipped with a feed hopper at its input end. The feed hopper of the screw conveyor 7 is located below the output end of the second conveying device 6. The input end of the feed pipe 8 is connected to the output end of the screw conveyor 7, and the output end of the feed pipe 8 is connected to the reaction tank 9.

[0037] The specific structure of the defrosting box 5 in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the defrosting chamber 5 is installed via a fixed bracket 16. A transverse heat exchange channel 15 is provided at the top of the defrosting chamber 5. Air inlets 15.2 and outlets 15.1 are located at both ends of the heat exchange channel 15. Air inlets 15.2 are situated on the side wall of the defrosting chamber 5. A fan 12 is located at air inlet 15.1; in this embodiment, a powerful fan is used. The fan 12 blows air into the heat exchange channel 15. The outlet 15.1 of the heat exchange channel 15 is located inside the defrosting chamber 5 and faces downwards toward the conveying surface of the second conveying device 6. The hot air blown from the outlet 15.1 will be directed toward the granulated food ingredients on the conveying surface of the second conveying device 6.

[0038] A steam heat exchanger is installed within the heat exchange channel 15. The steam heat exchanger includes a heat exchange pipe 14 and heat exchange fins 11 mounted on the heat exchange pipe 14. The heat exchange pipe 14 bends back and forth and extends forward within the heat exchange channel 15, allowing steam to circulate. The heat exchange fins 11 facilitate the faster diffusion of heat from the heat exchange pipe 14 to the surrounding area. The inlet end 14.1 of the heat exchange pipe extends to the outside of the defrosting chamber and is equipped with a conventional steam inlet control valve assembly 10 for connection to an external high-temperature steam source. The outlet end 14.2 of the heat exchange pipe also extends to the outside of the defrosting chamber 5, potentially reaching below it, for the discharge of condensate formed from the cooled steam.

[0039] The food ingredient thawing device in this embodiment is also equipped with a return air duct 13. A recessed water collection trough 18 is provided at the bottom of the thawing chamber 5, with the water collection trough 18 located near one end of the thawing chamber 5. The air inlet end of the return air duct 13 is connected to the side wall of the water collection trough 18, and the air outlet end of the return air duct 13 is connected to the air inlet end of the fan 12. A drain pipe 17 is connected to the bottom of the water collection trough 18, and the drain pipe 17 is used to drain the accumulated water in the water collection trough 18.

[0040] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor is installed inside the defrosting chamber 5. The temperature sensor is located at the air outlet 15.1 of the heat exchange channel 15 and is used to detect the temperature of the airflow output from the air outlet 15.1 of the heat exchange channel 15. The temperature sensor enables closed-loop PID control of the temperature inside the defrosting chamber. The signal output terminal of the temperature sensor, the control terminal of the fan 12, and the control terminal of the steam inlet control valve group 10 can be connected to the controller respectively. The airflow of the fan 12 and the amount of steam in the heat exchange pipe 14 are adjusted based on the temperature signal fed back by the temperature sensor, thereby achieving temperature control.

[0041] The specific usage process of the food ingredient thawing device in this embodiment is as follows:

[0042] First, the defrosting chamber 5 is started, and the fan 12 is activated, blowing air into the heat exchange channel 15. The airflow passes through the steam heat exchanger and then exits from the outlet 15.1 of the heat exchange channel 15 downwards onto the conveying surface of the second conveying device 6. It then returns to the fan 12 through the return air pipe 13 at the bottom of the defrosting chamber 5, forming a cycle. After the internal airflow is circulated, the steam inlet control valve group 10 is opened, allowing high-temperature steam to enter the heat exchange pipe 14. The temperature of the high-temperature steam is transferred to the heat exchange pipe 14 and the heat exchange fins 11, exchanging heat with the flowing air, thus heating the air. At this time, the temperature sensor acquires the temperature and feeds the temperature signal back to the controller, forming a closed-loop PID control of the temperature. Finally, the airflow temperature blowing out from the outlet 15.1 of the heat exchange channel 15 is approximately 80℃-95℃, and the airflow velocity is approximately 0.5m / s-2m / s.

[0043] Next, the food ingredient thawing device can begin thawing the food ingredients. The frozen whole food ingredient is placed on the unpacking platform 1 for unpacking. After unpacking, the whole food ingredient is pushed to the fourth conveyor 2, which then sends it to the chopper 3. The chopper 3 chops the frozen whole food ingredient into granules, approximately 4-6mm in size. The chopped granules are output from the chopper 3 and fall onto the first conveyor 4, where they are further chopped. The granular food raw materials are conveyed to the second conveying device 6, which transports the granulated food raw materials through the thawing chamber 5. The hot air blown out from the air outlet 15.1 in the thawing chamber 5 blows onto the granulated food raw materials for rapid thawing. After thawing, the granulated food raw materials are output from the output end of the second conveying device 6 and fall into the screw conveyor 7. The screw conveyor 7 continuously pushes the granulated food raw materials into the feed pipe 8, and finally sends them into the reaction tank 9 to participate in production.

[0044] The food ingredients mentioned above can be frozen diced onions, ginger, and garlic, etc.

[0045] 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 food ingredient thawing device, characterized in that: The device includes a chopper for chopping frozen whole food ingredients into granules, a first conveying device, a thawing chamber for thawing the chopped food ingredients, a second conveying device, and a third conveying device. The input end of the first conveying device is connected to the output end of the chopper, and the output end of the first conveying device is connected to the input end of the second conveying device. The second conveying device passes through the thawing chamber, and the interior of the thawing chamber generates a hot airflow that continuously blows onto the chopped food ingredients conveyed by the second conveying device. The input end of the third conveying device is connected to the output end of the second conveying device, and the output end of the third conveying device is used to connect to a reaction vessel.

2. The food raw material thawing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The defrosting chamber is equipped with a heat exchange channel, which contains a steam heat exchanger. A fan is installed at the air inlet of the heat exchange channel, and the air outlet of the heat exchange channel faces the conveying surface of the second conveying device. During use, the airflow generated by the fan flows through the steam heat exchanger for heat exchange.

3. The food raw material thawing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat exchange channel is located at the top of the defrosting chamber, and the air outlet of the heat exchange channel is located above the conveying surface of the second conveying device.

4. The food raw material thawing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The food raw material thawing device is equipped with a return air duct. The air inlet of the return air duct is connected to the bottom of the thawing box, and the air outlet of the return air duct is connected to the air inlet of the fan.

5. The food raw material thawing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the defrosting chamber is provided with a recessed water collection trough, the air inlet end of the return air duct is connected to the side wall of the water collection trough, and the bottom of the water collection trough is connected to a drain pipe.

6. The food raw material thawing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steam heat exchanger includes a heat exchange pipe and heat exchange fins provided on the heat exchange pipe. The inlet end of the heat exchange pipe is connected to a steam source, and the outlet end of the heat exchange pipe extends to the outside of the defrosting chamber.

7. The food raw material thawing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The defrosting chamber is equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the airflow output from the outlet of the heat exchange channel.

8. The food raw material thawing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The food ingredient thawing device also includes an unpacking platform and a fourth conveying device. The input end of the fourth conveying device is close to the unpacking platform, and the output end of the fourth conveying device is connected to the input end of the chopper.

9. The food raw material thawing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first conveying device, the second conveying device, and the fourth conveying device are all belt conveyors that transport goods via conveyor belts.

10. The food raw material thawing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third conveying device includes a screw conveyor and a feed pipe. The output end of the second conveying device is connected to the input end of the screw conveyor, the output end of the screw conveyor is connected to the input end of the feed pipe, and the output end of the feed pipe is connected to the reaction vessel.

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