A retort channel for a steam-sealed retort with a flow guide

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of for steam sealing type wine retort's retort groove with flow guide device, it is related to flow guide device technical field, including retort bucket, annular retort groove being set in retort bucket top, groove hole being opened in retort bucket side wall top and retort groove internal communication and flow guide pipe assembly being set in groove hole, flow guide pipe assembly side wall is set in groove hole by sealing form. The utility model is simple in structure, and operator can be skilled in operation after 10 minutes training;Periodically (every quarter) only needs pipeline cleaning during, maintenance cost is reduced by 60% compared with traditional manual cleaning mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flow guiding device technology, and more specifically to the field of steam still technology for a steam-sealed wine still with a flow guiding device. Background Technology

[0002] During the distillation of baijiu (Chinese liquor), to prevent steam leakage and ensure distillation efficiency, the still is typically filled with water to form a sealed structure. After the extraction of both the raw and tail liquors, during the high-pressure steaming stage, the pressure inside the still rises above the ambient pressure, making it easy for steam to break through the seal. At this point, the temperature inside the still has risen above 70°C (because the overall temperature inside the still generally exceeds 90°C during distillation), and the high-temperature water is carried away by the high-pressure steam and splashed onto the surrounding area of ​​the still.

[0003] From the perspectives of both safety and production efficiency, this phenomenon presents multiple problems: First, the high-temperature water mist exceeding 70℃ directly threatens the safety of on-site operators, posing a clear risk of burns; second, the splashed water increases the moisture content of the mash around the still, and abnormal moisture content directly reduces subsequent distillation efficiency, affecting the yield and quality of baijiu; third, the splashed water may carry contaminants from around the still into the mash, causing food safety hazards and failing to meet hygiene standards for food production.

[0004] In summary, ensuring the thorough and safe drainage of water accumulated in the still before the steaming process begins is a critical issue that urgently needs to be addressed in the distillation of baijiu. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the technical problem of water splashing from the still during the grain steaming stage in the existing baijiu distillation process due to high-pressure steam. This invention provides a still with a flow guiding device for steam-sealed stills. Through structural design, it achieves efficient collection and safe discharge of still water, ultimately reducing safety risks, ensuring food safety, and realizing energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model specifically adopts the following technical solution: This utility model provides a steaming still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed brewing still, including a still, an annular trough set on the top of the still, a slot formed on the top of the side wall of the still and communicating with the inside of the trough, and a flow guiding pipe assembly set in the slot. The side wall of the flow guiding pipe assembly is set in the slot in a sealed manner.

[0007] Specifically, this solution is based on the opening optimization method of the steaming trough structure. According to the actual height of the steaming trough, the optimal opening size is determined by comparing the drainage efficiency and structural stability of openings with different diameters, thus solving the contradiction of "slow drainage when the opening is too small and imbalance of the steaming platform when the opening is too large".

[0008] Pipe length design method based on work scenario: Combining the operator's working habits when loading the steamer (moving close to the steamer wall, range of hand operation), the optimal pipe length is determined by testing the safety and practicality of pipes of different lengths, balancing the problems of "too short a pipe is easy to burn, too long a pipe is easy to collide".

[0009] Adaptive design of opening-pipe-control system: Based on the selected opening size and pipe length, design a control system to achieve structural adaptation of the three components, ensuring that the drainage process is controllable and efficient, and avoiding water loss or inconvenience in operation.

[0010] In one embodiment, the system further includes a control system, with a solenoid valve connected to the control system signal on the guide tube assembly, and a liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor installed in the annular trough, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor being connected to the control system signal.

[0011] Specifically, the control system, liquid level sensor, and temperature sensor are added. Based on the selected opening size and pipe parameters, a suitable control system is designed to achieve controllability of the steaming tank water discharge, avoid water loss during drainage, and ensure ease of operation.

[0012] In one embodiment, the depth of the steaming groove is 6 cm, and the diameter of the groove hole is 1 cm, 3 cm, or 5 cm.

[0013] Specifically, the steamer trough opening size was optimized: based on the actual height of the steamer trough (6cm, refer to the specific implementation data), circular opening schemes with diameters of 1cm, 3cm, and 5cm were designed. By comparing the drainage efficiency and impact on the structural stability of the steamer platform of different opening sizes, the optimal opening specification was selected to ensure a balance between drainage efficiency and equipment safety.

[0014] In one embodiment, the guide tube assembly is made of 304 food-grade stainless steel.

[0015] Specifically, the alternative materials for the flow guide pipe assembly include rubber, 304 food-grade stainless steel, and plastic. High-temperature simulation testing (simulating an environment above 70°C inside a steaming tank) revealed that rubber is prone to softening and detachment, while plastic poses a risk of high-temperature deformation. Both are not only unsuitable for long-term stable use, but the detached material could also contaminate the production environment, posing a food safety hazard. 304 food-grade stainless steel, with its high-temperature resistance (capable of withstanding temperatures above 100°C), corrosion resistance, and structural stability, and meeting food production hygiene standards, was therefore selected as the sole material for the flow guide pipe and control system.

[0016] In one embodiment, the length of the guide tube assembly extending out of the slot is one of 0cm, 1cm, 3cm or 5cm.

[0017] Specifically, considering the operators' work habits and the structure of the steamer, four pipe length options—0cm (no extension), 1cm, 3cm, and 5cm—were designed. Through testing in actual operational scenarios, the impact of different lengths on water collection efficiency and operator safety was analyzed, ultimately selecting the optimal length specification.

[0018] In one embodiment, the flow guide assembly includes an outer pipe that mates with an inner pipe that is sealed and welded within a slot.

[0019] In one embodiment, the inner tube includes a cylinder and a limiting annular boss sleeved on the outside of the cylinder. The diameter of the limiting annular boss is larger than the diameter of the slot. The diameter of the cylinder is adapted to the slot. The cylinder has an internal thread. The outer side of the cylinder is flush with the outer side of the slot.

[0020] In one embodiment, the outer tube includes an extension and an external threaded portion. The external threaded portion mates with the internal thread of the cylinder. The external threaded portion is fully screwed into the internal thread of the cylinder of the inner tube, and the extension is located outside the inner tube.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Currently, in baijiu distillation production, the treatment of still water mostly involves "manual cleaning" or "simple pipe drainage (without system optimization)." No publicly available technology mentions an integrated design that "optimizes the opening size based on the still height, selects pipe length for operational safety, and uses a control system made of 304 stainless steel." Furthermore, this device also offers the following technical advantages: 1. Significantly reduced safety risks: By optimizing the size of the steaming trough opening and the length of the guide pipe, the problem of water splashing in the high-temperature steaming trough is completely solved. Actual tests (refer to the specific implementation method) show that no water mist splashing occurs during the grain steaming stage, and the risk of burns to operators is reduced to zero.

[0022] 2. Comprehensive food safety assurance: The entire device is made of 304 food-grade stainless steel, which does not soften, fall off, or deform under high-temperature conditions above 70℃, preventing foreign matter from mixing into the mash. At the same time, the drainage process is well sealed, eliminating the risk of water carrying pollutants, and meets the requirements of GB14881-2013 "National Food Safety Standard General Hygiene Specification for Food Production".

[0023] 3. Clear energy-saving and emission-reduction benefits: Through actual application (refer to Specific Implementation Method 3), each steamer can collect 10.7 kg of water from the steamer trough. The collected water resources can be directly used for tool cleaning, on-site sanitation and other processes, replacing tap water. At the same time, because the accumulated water is completely drained, there is no need to consume additional energy to deal with the efficiency loss caused by the accumulated water during the grain steaming stage, and the overall energy consumption is reduced by about 5% (based on comparative test data under the same working conditions).

[0024] 4. Low operating and maintenance costs: The device has a simple structure, consisting of only three major components: openings, pipes, and control systems. Operators can become proficient in operating the device after 10 minutes of training. The corrosion resistance of the 304 stainless steel material can extend the service life of the device (expected service life ≥ 5 years). During this period, only regular (quarterly) pipe cleaning is required, reducing maintenance costs by 60% compared to traditional manual cleaning methods. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the opening of the steamer groove proposed in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external pipe structure proposed in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal pipe structure proposed in this utility model; Figure 4 This is an exploded view showing the coordination between the internal and external piping systems; Reference numerals: 1. Steamer trough; 2. Steamer barrel; 3. Groove hole; 4. Guide pipe assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and technical effects of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "inner", "outer", "upper", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed when in use. 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.

[0031] This utility model provides a steaming trough with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed brewing still, including a still 2, an annular trough 1 set on the top of the still 2, a slot 3 opened on the top of the side wall of the still 2 and communicating with the inside of the trough 1, and a flow guiding pipe assembly 4 set in the slot 3. The side wall of the flow guiding pipe assembly 4 is set in the slot 3 in a sealed manner.

[0032] Specifically, this solution is based on the opening optimization method of the steaming trough 1 structure. According to the actual height of the steaming trough 1, the optimal opening size is determined by comparing the drainage efficiency and structural stability of openings with different diameters, thus solving the contradiction of "slow drainage when the opening is too small and imbalance of the steaming platform when the opening is too large".

[0033] Pipe length design method based on work scenario: Combining the operator's working habits when loading the steamer (moving close to the steamer wall, range of hand operation), the optimal pipe length is determined by testing the safety and practicality of pipes of different lengths, balancing the problems of "too short a pipe is easy to burn, too long a pipe is easy to collide".

[0034] Adaptive design of opening-pipe-control system: Based on the selected opening size and pipe length, design a control system to achieve structural adaptation of the three components, ensuring that the drainage process is controllable and efficient, and avoiding water loss or inconvenience in operation.

[0035] In one embodiment, the system further includes a control system. The guide tube assembly 4 is equipped with a solenoid valve that is connected to the control system signal. The annular steamer 1 is equipped with a liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor, which are connected to the control system signal.

[0036] Specifically, a control system, a liquid level sensor, and a temperature sensor are added. Based on the selected opening size and pipe parameters, a suitable control system is designed to achieve controllability of water discharge from the steamer 1, avoid water loss during drainage, and ensure ease of operation.

[0037] In one embodiment, the depth of the steaming groove 1 is 6cm, and the diameter of the slot 3 is 1cm, 3cm, or 5cm.

[0038] Specifically, the opening size of the steaming trough 1 is optimized: based on the actual height of the steaming trough 1 (6cm, refer to the specific implementation data), circular opening schemes with diameters of 1cm, 3cm, and 5cm are designed. By comparing the drainage efficiency and the impact on the structural stability of the steaming platform of different opening sizes, the optimal opening specification is selected to ensure a balance between drainage efficiency and equipment safety.

[0039] In one embodiment, the guide tube assembly 4 is made of 304 food-grade stainless steel.

[0040] Specifically, the alternative materials for the flow guide assembly 4 include rubber, 304 food-grade stainless steel, and plastic. After high-temperature simulation testing (simulating an environment above 70°C inside the steamer 1), the rubber material was found to be prone to softening and detachment, while the plastic material posed a risk of high-temperature deformation. Both were deemed unsuitable for long-term stable use, and the detached material could potentially enter the production environment, posing a food safety hazard. 304 food-grade stainless steel, however, possesses high-temperature resistance (withstanding temperatures above 100°C), corrosion resistance, and structural stability, and meets food production hygiene standards; therefore, it was chosen as the sole material for the flow guide pipe and control system.

[0041] In one embodiment, the length of the guide tube assembly 4 extending out of the slot 3 is one of 0cm, 1cm, 3cm or 5cm.

[0042] Specifically, considering the operators' work habits and the structure of the steamer trough 1, four pipe length options were designed: 0cm (no extension), 1cm, 3cm, and 5cm. Through testing in actual operational scenarios, the impact of different lengths on water collection efficiency and operator safety was analyzed to select the optimal length specification.

[0043] In one embodiment, the guide tube assembly 4 includes an outer tube that mates with an inner tube by being sealed and welded within the slot 3.

[0044] In one embodiment, the inner tube includes a cylinder and a limiting annular boss sleeved on the outside of the cylinder. The diameter of the limiting annular boss is larger than the diameter of the slot 3. The diameter of the cylinder is adapted to the slot 3. The cylinder is provided with an internal thread. The outer side of the cylinder is flush with the outer side of the slot 3.

[0045] In one embodiment, the outer tube includes an extension and an external threaded portion. The external threaded portion mates with the internal thread of the cylinder. The external threaded portion is fully screwed into the internal thread of the cylinder of the inner tube, and the extension is located outside the inner tube.

[0046] Example 1 This utility model provides a steaming still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed wine still.

[0047] The selection of opening dimensions for steaming groove 1 is as follows: Implementation premise: Based on the specifications of the commonly used still trough 1 for baijiu distillation, the height of the still trough 1 for testing is determined to be 6cm, the material of the guide pipe is uniformly 304 food-grade stainless steel, and the pipe length is tentatively set at 3cm (to eliminate the interference of pipe length on the test results).

[0048] The implementation steps for screening the opening size of the steaming groove 1 are as follows: S1, Press Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the opening of the steamer trough 1. Circular slots 3 with diameters of 1cm, 3cm, and 5cm are respectively opened on three steamer troughs 1 of the same specifications. S2. Weld a 3cm long guide tube assembly 4 of the corresponding specification to each steamer 1 (ensure consistent welding process and avoid welding quality affecting test results). S3. Inject an equal amount of water into each steamer 1 (simulating the sealing water consumption of steamer 1 in actual production, about 15kg), and record the time it takes to completely drain the water. S4. Measure and compare the weight of pipes corresponding to different opening specifications, as well as the weight balance on both sides of the steamer after welding.

[0049] S5. Test Results: S51, Drainage time is as follows: It takes 8 minutes and 20 seconds to drain water from slot 3 with a diameter of 1cm; It takes 1 minute and 40 seconds to drain water from slot 3, which has a diameter of 3cm. Drainage of slot 3 with a diameter of 5cm takes 50 seconds; The larger the opening size of slot 3, the higher the drainage efficiency; S52. The structural stability is as follows: The weight of the guide tube assembly 4 corresponding to the 5cm slot 3 is 400g. The weight of the guide tube assembly 4 corresponding to the 3cm slot 3 is 250g; The weight of the guide tube assembly 4 corresponding to the 1cm slot 3 is 50g; After the 5cm slot 3 is welded onto the guide tube assembly 4, the weight difference between the two sides of the still is 150g, which causes tilting and affects the uniformity of steam distribution during the distillation process. After the 3cm slot 3 is welded onto the guide tube assembly 4, the weight difference between the two sides of the steamer is ≤1kg, and the structure is stable. Although the guide tube assembly 4 inside the 1cm slot 3 is the lightest, its drainage efficiency is too low and it cannot meet the need for rapid drainage before steaming grains.

[0050] Considering both drainage efficiency and structural stability, the diameter of slot 3 was selected to be 3cm.

[0051] Example 2 This utility model provides a steaming still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed wine still.

[0052] The length selection method for guide tube assembly 4 is as follows: Implementation premise: Based on the results of Example 1, the opening size of the fixed steamer trough 1 is 3cm, the pipe material is still 304 food-grade stainless steel, and the test scenario simulates the actual operation process of the operator loading the steamer (the operator moves along the wall of the steamer and needs to touch the control system with his / her hands).

[0053] The implementation steps for length selection of the flow guide assembly 4 are as follows: A1. For four identical steamer troughs 1 (with 3cm holes already drilled), weld guide tube assemblies 4 with lengths of 0cm (no extension), 1cm, 3cm, and 5cm respectively. A2. Pour 15kg of water into each steamer trough and test the water collection effect (whether it flows out along the steamer wall). A3. Arrange three operators (1.6m-1.8m tall) to carry out the steaming and drainage operations, and record the risk of the operators coming into contact with the high-temperature steaming tank 2 and the frequency of pipe collisions with their bodies.

[0054] A4. Test Results: A41. Water collection effect: The diversion pipe assembly 4 has no extension section, and the water flows directly out from the opening along the wall of the steamer 2, and cannot be collected through the pipe; the diversion pipe assembly 4 can achieve directional water collection with no outflow when the extension length is 1cm, 3cm and 5cm respectively. A42. Operational safety: When the extension length of the guide tube assembly 4 is 1cm, due to the short length of the tube, the operator's hands need to be close to the wall of the steamer 2 (the temperature of the wall of the steamer 2 is ≥80℃) when using the control system. During the test, all 3 operators experienced a slight burning sensation in their hands. When the extension length of the diversion tube assembly 4 is 5cm, due to the excessive length of the tube, the tube will collide with the body (waist and legs) 4 times per steamer when the operator moves along the wall of the steamer, posing a risk of collision damage. When the extension length of the guide tube assembly 4 is 3cm, the distance between the operator's hand and the wall of the steamer 2 is ≥10cm due to the moderate length of the tube, there is no burning sensation, and the frequency of the tube colliding with the body during movement is ≤2 times / steamer, which is the safest.

[0055] Considering both water collection effectiveness and operational safety, a length of 3cm was selected for the diversion pipe.

[0056] Example 3 This utility model provides a steaming still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed wine still.

[0057] The overall assembly and application testing methods for the device are as follows: Implementation prerequisites: Based on the results of Examples 1 and 2, the opening size of the steaming trough 1 is fixed at 3cm, the length of the guide pipe is 3cm, and the material is 304 food-grade stainless steel. Figure 3 (Structural diagram of combined flow diversion pipe and control system) Assemble the control system.

[0058] The implementation steps are as follows: B1. Install the complete device on three stills (of the same specifications) of the baijiu distillation production line; carry out distillation and grain steaming operations according to the normal production process, and record the water collection time and amount for each still, as well as the impact on the grain steaming efficiency (time to complete the grain steaming) and the quality of the mash (moisture content and impurity content). B2. Conduct continuous production testing for 30 days to verify the stability of the equipment; B3. Test Results: B31. Water Treatment: The water collection time for each batch is 1 minute and 40 seconds, and the collection volume is stable at 10.7 kg / batch. The collected water is tested (pH value 7.2-7.5, no impurities) and can be directly used for tool cleaning. B32. Production Impact: The steaming completion time was only slightly different from that of a steamer without the device; the moisture content of the mash was controlled within a reasonable range and met the process requirements; no foreign matter or impurities were detected. B33. Stability: During the 30-day test, the device had no pipe leaks or control system malfunctions, with a failure rate of 0%.

Claims

1. A steaming still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed brewing still, characterized in that, It includes a steamer (2), an annular steaming groove (1) set on the top of the steamer (2), a slot (3) opened on the top of the side wall of the steamer (2) and communicating with the inside of the steaming groove (1), and a guide pipe assembly (4) set in the slot (3). The side wall of the guide pipe assembly (4) is set in the slot (3) in a sealed manner.

2. A steaming still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed brewing still according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control system. The guide tube assembly (4) is equipped with a solenoid valve that is connected to the control system. The annular steamer (1) is equipped with a liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor. The liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor are connected to the control system.

3. A still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed still according to claim 1, characterized in that, The depth of the steamer groove (1) is 6cm, and the diameter of the slot (3) is 1cm, 3cm or 5cm.

4. A still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed still according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the flow guide assembly (4) is 304 food-grade stainless steel.

5. A still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed still according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the guide tube assembly (4) extending out of the slot (3) is one of 0cm, 1cm, 3cm or 5cm.

6. A steaming still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed brewing still according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flow guide assembly (4) includes an outer pipe that mates with the inner pipe by being sealed and welded into the slot (3).

7. A still with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed still according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner tube includes a cylinder and a limiting annular boss sleeved on the outside of the cylinder. The diameter of the limiting annular boss is larger than the diameter of the slot (3). The diameter of the cylinder is adapted to the slot (3). The cylinder is provided with an internal thread. The outer side of the cylinder is flush with the outer side of the slot (3).

8. A stilling trough with a flow guiding device for a steam-sealed stilling according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer tube includes an extension and an external threaded portion. The external threaded portion mates with the internal thread of the cylinder. The external threaded portion is fully screwed into the internal thread of the cylinder of the inner tube. The extension is located outside the inner tube.

Images