Dairy product multi-stage homogenization and sterilization integrated device

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of dairy processing equipment, specifically an integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products. It includes an integrated frame with a shock-absorbing support at its bottom. A high-shear pre-emulsification component is fixed to one side of the integrated frame for preliminary mixing of raw milk and additives. An energy-recovery plate heat exchanger is fixed to the middle of the integrated frame and has mutually isolated cold-side and hot-side material channels. The multi-stage series homogenization component includes a primary homogenizing valve and a secondary dispersion homogenizing valve connected sequentially via interstage piping. A tubular sterilization component is fixed to the other side of the integrated frame. This utility model uses an integrated frame to arrange the components in a compact, three-dimensional manner, changing the traditional independent and dispersed layout of equipment, reducing the overall machine footprint, solving the problem of large space occupation, and simultaneously reducing the risk of secondary contamination and heat loss caused by long-distance piping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of dairy processing equipment, specifically to an integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products. Background Technology

[0002] Dairy products are liquid milk, milk powder, condensed milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products made primarily from cow's or sheep's milk and their processed products. As an important source of nutrition in the human diet, dairy products are rich in high-quality protein, fat, vitamins, and micronutrients such as calcium. With the upgrading of consumer demand, the types of dairy products have expanded from basic liquid milk to high-viscosity, specialty formula dairy products containing various nutritional fortifiers, thickeners, flavorings, or fruit pulp.

[0003] In the modern dairy product processing and production process, in order to ensure the safety, smooth taste and physicochemical stability of the product, the materials usually need to go through three core process steps: homogenization, emulsification and sterilization.

[0004] However, in existing dairy processing lines, homogenizers, emulsifiers, and pasteurizers are usually distributed as independent devices in different areas of the production workshop, connected by long-distance metal pipes. This traditional distributed processing model has revealed the following problems in long-term operation: 1. Large space occupation: Since each piece of equipment is an independent unit, and each piece of equipment requires an independent rack, drive system and maintenance passage, the area occupied when multiple pieces of equipment are arranged is too large. In a production workshop with limited space, this layout reduces the area utilization rate of the workshop.

[0005] 2. High risk of secondary contamination: Long-distance connecting pipelines increase dead zones and material retention areas within the system, making it easy for microorganisms to grow and produce residues. This structure increases the risk of secondary contamination of dairy products during the circulation process, posing a potential threat to food safety.

[0006] 3. Low energy efficiency and significant heat loss: When materials flow between different equipment, the large heat dissipation area of ​​the pipeline leads to serious heat loss of the materials before preheating or sterilization. At the same time, multiple links are equipped with independent motors and pump sets, and their cumulative energy loss is much higher than that of the integrated system.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, we propose an integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products, in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, such as large space occupation, high risk of secondary pollution, low energy efficiency, and significant heat loss in existing dairy homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization equipment.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: An integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products, including an integrated frame with a shock-absorbing support base at the bottom; A high-shear pre-emulsification component, fixed to one side of the integrated frame, is used to deeply collide and initially fuse raw milk with various nutritional additives. An energy recovery plate heat exchanger is fixed in the middle of the integrated frame and has mutually isolated material cold side channels and material hot side channels for heat exchange and preheating of the material entering the tubular sterilization component. A multi-stage series homogenizing assembly includes a primary homogenizing valve and a secondary dispersing homogenizing valve connected in sequence through interstage pipelines. The two valves work together to break up particles in the material and prevent re-aggregation. A tubular sterilization component is fixed to the other side of the integrated frame and sterilizes materials by means of high temperature.

[0010] Preferably, the output end of the high-shear pre-emulsification component is connected to the cold-side channel input end of the plate heat exchanger via a pipeline, the output end of the cold-side channel is connected to the multi-stage series homogenizing component via a pipeline, the output end of the multi-stage series homogenizing component is connected to the input end of the tubular sterilization component, and the output end of the tubular sterilization component is connected back to the hot-side channel input end of the plate heat exchanger. This realizes the function of preheating the material to be sterilized by the heat generated during the sterilization process. This spatial intersection of hot and cold flows is the key to achieving integrated energy saving.

[0011] Preferably, the high-shear pre-emulsification component includes an emulsification tank and a shear pump located at the bottom outlet of the emulsification tank. The inlet of the shear pump is connected to the emulsification tank, and its outlet is connected to the cold-side channel input end of the plate heat exchanger via a pipeline. The top of the emulsification tank is provided with an addition port. The formulation components added through the addition port are combined in the emulsification tank, mixed by the stirring structure on the emulsification tank, and finally transported to the plate heat exchanger by the shear pump.

[0012] Preferably, the multi-stage series homogenizing components are located below the emulsifying tank, and the length of the connecting pipes between each component is less than 1200mm. This compact spatial stacking layout, combined with short pipe connections, can effectively lock in the material temperature and significantly reduce material loss and wall adhesion risks caused by excessively long pipelines.

[0013] Preferably, the hot side channel output end of the plate heat exchanger is connected to a cooling discharge pipe, which is connected to an external ice water system to cool the finished dairy products after heat exchange to 4℃-10℃. As the final cooling process, the cooling discharge pipe can ensure that the final product can directly enter the filling process or low-temperature storage tank.

[0014] Preferably, the primary homogenizing valve and the secondary dispersive homogenizing valve are connected by an interstage pressure stabilizing pipe. The interstage pressure stabilizing pipe is a corrugated elastic compensation pipe or a T-shaped pipe with a pressure buffer chamber. The interstage pressure stabilizing pipe can suppress the physical pulsation generated by the shear pump, ensure the stability of the homogenizing pressure during alternation, and avoid local pressure overload.

[0015] Preferably, the tubular sterilization component is a spiral baffle sleeve structure, including an inner tube for conveying dairy products and an outer tube for heating. The outer tube is provided with a steam inlet port and a steam outlet port. The tubular sterilization component is wrapped with aluminum silicate insulation cotton. The heat exchange design of milk flowing through the inner tube and steam flowing through the outer tube, together with the outer aluminum silicate insulation cotton, can transfer heat energy to the core of the material and reduce heat loss.

[0016] Preferably, all connecting pipes of the device are made of sanitary grade 316L stainless steel, and the radius of curvature at the pipe bends is greater than 1.5 times the pipe diameter. The pipe connections adopt a quick-installation clamp structure without dead angles. By using high-specification materials and smooth pipe curves, combined with the quick disassembly and assembly characteristics of the clamps, the hidden dangers of dead angles in the pipes are effectively reduced, and it is convenient for later disassembly and maintenance.

[0017] Preferably, a temperature sensor is installed on the pipeline between the plate heat exchanger and the multi-stage series homogenizing component, and a pressure sensor is installed at the outlet of the tubular sterilization component, for real-time monitoring of the heat balance parameters in the integrated process. The temperature sensor and the pressure sensor can detect heat fluctuations and pressure fluctuations in the process, providing real-time data support for back-end control.

[0018] Preferably, it also includes a PLC central control box integrated on the integrated frame. The PLC central control box automatically adjusts the flow rate of the shear pump and the steam intake based on the signals from the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor. The PLC central control box is responsible for processing the signals fed back by the sensors and dynamically controlling the shear pump and the steam pipeline valves to achieve automated management of the entire process.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. This integrated multi-stage homogenization emulsification and sterilization device for dairy products arranges high-shear pre-emulsification components, energy recovery plate heat exchangers, multi-stage series homogenization components, and tubular sterilization components in a three-dimensional and compact manner through an integrated frame. This changes the traditional independent and scattered layout of dairy processing equipment. This highly integrated structure significantly reduces the footprint of the entire machine and solves the problem of large space occupation in the production workshop.

[0020] 2. This integrated multi-stage homogenization emulsification and sterilization device for dairy products adopts an energy recovery plate heat exchanger. It uses the heat from the finished product after treatment by the tubular sterilization component to preheat the material entering the multi-stage series homogenization component, forming a highly efficient heat energy utilization, reducing unnecessary heat loss in pipeline flow, and improving the energy efficiency ratio.

[0021] 3. This integrated multi-stage homogenization emulsification and sterilization device for dairy products features a compact layout design that allows for strict control of the length of connecting pipelines between functional modules. This eliminates the risk of residue from long-distance transportation from a physical structure perspective. All connecting pipelines are made of sanitary-grade stainless steel and are equipped with a quick-installation, dead-angle-free clamp structure and a large-radius bend design to ensure that there are no sanitary dead corners inside the system, facilitating later disassembly and maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is one of the partial structural schematic diagrams of this utility model; Figure 3 This is the second partial structural schematic diagram of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the tubular sterilization component structure in this utility model; In the diagram: 1. Integrated frame; 2. High-shear pre-emulsification assembly; 21. Emulsification tank; 22. Shear pump; 23. Addition port; 3. Plate heat exchanger; 31. Cold side channel input; 32. Cold side channel output; 33. Hot side channel input; 34. Hot side channel output; 4. Multi-stage series homogenizing assembly; 41. Primary homogenizing valve; 42. Secondary dispersion homogenizing valve; 43. Interstage pressure stabilizing pipe; 5. Tubular sterilization assembly; 51. Inner pipe; 52. Outer pipe; 521. Steam input port; 522. Steam output port; 6. Cooling discharge pipe; 7. PLC central control box. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0024] See appendix Figures 1-4 The integrated device for multi-stage homogenization emulsification and sterilization of dairy products provided by this utility model includes an integrated frame 1, the bottom of which is provided with a shock-absorbing support seat. The high-shear pre-emulsification component 2 is fixed to one side of the integrated frame 1 and is used to deeply collide and initially blend the raw milk with various nutritional additives. The energy recovery plate heat exchanger 3 is fixed in the middle of the integrated frame 1 and has a material cold side channel and a material hot side channel that are isolated from each other for heat exchange and preheating of the material entering the tubular sterilization component 5. The multi-stage series homogenizing component 4 includes a first-stage homogenizing valve 41 and a second-stage dispersion homogenizing valve 42 connected in sequence through interstage pipelines. The two valves work together to break up particles in the material and prevent them from re-aggregating. The tubular sterilization component 5 is fixed to the other side of the integrated frame 1 and sterilizes the material by high temperature.

[0025] To shorten the flow path and recover heat energy, the output end of the high-shear pre-emulsification component 2 is connected to the cold-side channel input end 31 of the plate heat exchanger 3 via a pipeline. The cold-side channel output end 32 is connected to the multi-stage series homogenizing component 4 via a pipeline. The output end of the multi-stage series homogenizing component 4 is connected to the input end of the tubular sterilization component 5. The output end of the tubular sterilization component 5 is connected back to the hot-side channel input end 33 of the plate heat exchanger 3. This realizes the function of preheating the material to be sterilized by the heat generated during the sterilization process. This spatial intersection of cold and hot flows is the key to achieving integrated energy saving.

[0026] To achieve the fusion of materials and formulation, the high-shear pre-emulsification component 2 includes an emulsification tank 21 and a shear pump 22 located at the bottom outlet of the emulsification tank. The inlet of the shear pump 22 is connected to the emulsification tank 21, and its outlet is connected to the cold side channel input end 31 of the plate heat exchanger 3 through a pipeline. The top of the emulsification tank 21 is provided with an addition port 23. The formulation components added through the addition port 23 are combined in the emulsification tank 21 and mixed by the stirring structure on the emulsification tank 21. Finally, the mixture is transported to the plate heat exchanger 3 by the shear pump 22.

[0027] To optimize the layout and lock in the temperature drop, the multi-stage series homogenizing component 4 is located below the emulsifying tank 21, and the length of the connecting pipes between each component is less than 1200mm. This compact spatial stacking layout, combined with short pipe connections, can effectively lock in the material temperature and significantly reduce material loss and wall adhesion risks caused by excessively long pipelines.

[0028] In order to control the discharge temperature of the finished product, the hot side channel output end 34 of the plate heat exchanger 3 is connected to a cooling discharge pipe 6. The cooling discharge pipe 6 is connected to an external ice water system to cool the finished dairy products after heat exchange to 4℃-10℃. As the last cooling process, the cooling discharge pipe 6 can ensure that the final product can directly enter the filling process or low temperature storage tank.

[0029] In order to smooth out the pressure pulsation between multiple series, the first-stage homogenizing valve 41 and the second-stage dispersed homogenizing valve 42 are connected by an interstage pressure stabilizing pipe 43. The interstage pressure stabilizing pipe 43 is a corrugated elastic compensation pipe or a T-shaped pipe with a pressure buffer chamber. The interstage pressure stabilizing pipe 43 can smooth out the physical pulsation generated by the shear pump 22, ensure the stability of homogenizing pressure during alternation, and avoid local pressure overload.

[0030] To improve sterilization efficiency and prevent heat loss, the tubular sterilization component 5 has a spiral baffle sleeve structure, including an inner tube 51 for conveying dairy products and an outer tube 52 for heating. The outer tube 52 is equipped with a steam inlet port 521 and a steam outlet port 522. The tubular sterilization component 5 is wrapped with aluminum silicate insulation cotton. The heat exchange design of milk flowing through the inner tube 51 and steam flowing through the outer tube 52, together with the outer aluminum silicate insulation cotton, can transfer heat energy to the core of the material and reduce heat loss.

[0031] To enhance cleanliness, all connecting pipes in the system are made of sanitary-grade 316L stainless steel, and the radius of curvature at pipe bends is greater than 1.5 times the pipe diameter. Pipe connections use a quick-installation, dead-angle-free clamp structure. By using high-specification materials and smooth pipe curves, combined with the quick-installation and disassembly characteristics of the clamps, the potential dangers of dead angles in the pipes are effectively reduced, and it is convenient for later disassembly and maintenance.

[0032] In order to dynamically monitor the thermal and pressure parameters of the entire process, a temperature sensor is installed on the pipeline between the plate heat exchanger 3 and the multi-stage series homogenizing component 4, and a pressure sensor is installed at the outlet of the tubular sterilization component 5. These sensors are used to monitor the thermal balance parameters in the integrated process in real time. The temperature and pressure sensors can detect heat fluctuations and pressure fluctuations in the process, providing real-time data support for back-end control.

[0033] To achieve intelligent control of the process flow, a PLC central control box 7 is also included, which is integrated on the integrated frame 1. The PLC central control box 7 automatically adjusts the flow rate of the shear pump 22 and the steam intake based on the signals from the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor. The PLC central control box 7 is responsible for processing the signals fed back from the sensors and dynamically controlling the shear pump 22 and the steam pipeline valves to achieve automated management of the entire process.

[0034] It should be noted that the shear pump 22, plate heat exchanger 3, primary homogenizing valve 41, secondary dispersion homogenizing valve 42, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, and PLC central control box 7 in this utility model are all general standard parts or parts known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principle can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods. The specific connection means should refer to the working sequence of each electrical component in the above working principle to complete the electrical connection. The detailed connection means are well-known technologies in the field. The above mainly introduces the working principle and process, and will not explain the electrical control. The contents not described in detail in this description belong to the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0035] In this embodiment, the integrated multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization device for dairy products is used by the operator who adds raw milk and nutritional formula components through the addition port 23. The mixture is initially premixed in the emulsification tank 21 using a stirring structure. Then, the shear pump 22 is activated to force the mixture to the cold-side channel input end 31 of the plate heat exchanger 3. Inside the plate heat exchanger 3, the material absorbs heat returned from the rear end through heat exchange, completing the preheating process. Immediately afterward, the preheated material flows out from the cold-side channel output end 32 and is directly pumped into the multi-stage series homogenization assembly 4. The material undergoes high-speed shearing and particle breaking through the first-stage homogenization valve 41, and after pressure pulsation is smoothed by the inter-stage pressure stabilizing pipe 43, it enters the second-stage dispersion homogenization valve 42 for micro-dispersion. The refined emulsion then enters the inner tube 51 of the tubular sterilization assembly 5. At this time, steam is injected through the steam input port 521 on the outer tube 52 to provide sterilization heat, while the exhaust steam exits through the steam output port 52. 2. The sterilized high-temperature emulsion is discharged and returned to the hot-side channel input end 33 of the plate heat exchanger 3 to release heat. Finally, the material flows into the cooling discharge pipe 6 through the hot-side channel output end 34 and is rapidly cooled to the predetermined temperature under the action of ice water circulation. Throughout the entire operation cycle, the PLC central control box 7 reads the feedback electrical signals collected from the temperature sensor 71 and pressure sensor 72 on the pipeline in real time through the internal preset PID control algorithm and compares them with the system's preset constant temperature homogenization model. Once the temperature sensor 71 detects that the sterilization temperature scale deviates from the set threshold, the PLC central control box 7 immediately issues a command to the proportional regulating valve connected to the steam input port 521 to dynamically adjust the steam intake. At the same time, it corrects the motor output frequency of the shear pump 22 in real time according to the interstage pressure loss change captured by the pressure sensor 72. Thus, the deep coupling of heat feedback and flow compensation ensures the dynamic stability of the entire production process.

[0036] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art may modify this utility model or modify it into an equivalent technical solution using the technical solutions described above. Therefore, any simple modifications or equivalent substitutions made based on the technical solutions of this utility model are within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. An integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products, characterized in that, include: Integrated frame (1), with a shock-absorbing support at the bottom; A high-shear pre-emulsification component (2) is fixed to one side of the integrated frame (1) for the initial mixing of raw milk and additives; An energy recovery plate heat exchanger (3) is fixed in the middle of the integrated frame (1) and is provided with a material cold side channel and a material hot side channel that are isolated from each other. The multi-stage series homogenizing assembly (4) includes a first-stage homogenizing valve (41) and a second-stage dispersion homogenizing valve (42) connected in sequence through interstage pipelines. A tubular sterilization component (5) is fixed to the other side of the integrated frame (1); The output end of the high-shear pre-emulsification component (2) is connected to the cold-side channel input end (31) of the plate heat exchanger (3) via a pipeline. The output end (32) of the cold-side channel is connected to the multi-stage series homogenizing component (4) via a pipeline. The output end of the multi-stage series homogenizing component (4) is connected to the input end of the tubular sterilization component (5). The output end of the tubular sterilization component (5) is connected back to the hot-side channel input end (33) of the plate heat exchanger (3).

2. The integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-shear pre-emulsification component (2) includes an emulsification tank (21) and a shear pump (22) located at the bottom outlet of the emulsification tank. The inlet of the shear pump (22) is connected to the emulsification tank (21), and its outlet is connected to the cold side channel input end (31) of the plate heat exchanger (3) through a pipeline. The top of the emulsification tank (21) is provided with an addition port (23).

3. The integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products according to claim 2, characterized in that: The multi-stage series homogenizing component (4) is located below the emulsifying tank (21), and the length of the connecting pipeline between each component is less than 1200 mm.

4. The integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat-side channel output end (34) of the plate heat exchanger (3) is connected to a cooling discharge pipe (6), which is connected to an external ice water system to cool the finished dairy products after heat exchange to 4℃-10℃.

5. The integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The primary homogenizing valve (41) and the secondary dispersive homogenizing valve (42) are connected by an interstage pressure stabilizing pipe (43), which is a corrugated elastic compensation pipe or a T-shaped pipe with a pressure buffer chamber.

6. The integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tubular sterilization assembly (5) is a spiral baffle sleeve structure, including an inner tube (51) for conveying dairy products and an outer tube (52) for heating. The outer tube (52) is provided with a steam input port (521) and a steam output port (522). The tubular sterilization assembly (5) is wrapped with aluminum silicate insulation cotton on the outside.

7. The integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products according to claim 1, characterized in that: All connecting pipes of the device are made of sanitary grade 316L stainless steel, and the radius of curvature at the pipe bends is greater than 1.5 times the pipe diameter. The pipe connections adopt a quick-installation clamp structure with no dead angles.

8. The integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products according to claim 1, characterized in that: A temperature sensor is installed on the pipeline between the plate heat exchanger (3) and the multi-stage series homogenizing component (4), and a pressure sensor is installed at the outlet of the tubular sterilization component (5) to monitor the heat balance parameters in the integrated process in real time.

9. The integrated device for multi-stage homogenization, emulsification, and sterilization of dairy products according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a PLC central control box (7) integrated on the integrated frame (1), which automatically adjusts the flow rate and steam intake of the shear pump (22) based on the signals from the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor.

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