A built-in homogenizing device for an enzyme inactivator for fruit juice

Abstract

This utility model provides a built-in homogenizing device for a juice enzyme inactivator, relating to the technical field of juice enzyme inactivator devices. It is fixedly installed in the heating tube of the enzyme inactivator and includes several axially connected mixing units. Each mixing unit includes a fixed tube, which is fixedly sleeved inside the heating tube. Adjacent fixed tubes are fixedly connected by connecting rings, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the fixed tube to which it is connected, thus forming a variable-diameter flow channel between adjacent fixed tubes and the connecting rings. A spiral fin assembly is fixedly installed inside the fixed tube. The variable-diameter flow channel formed by the fixed tube and the connecting ring actively disrupts laminar flow through periodic changes in tube diameter, promoting uniform fluid velocity distribution. The spiral fin assembly causes the juice to rotate and flow, enhancing radial mixing and allowing sufficient heat exchange between the juice near the tube wall and the central area, improving the uniformity of the enzyme inactivation temperature. The entire device is fixedly sleeved inside the heating tube of the enzyme inactivator, with a simple structure that reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of enzyme inactivation devices for fruit juice, and in particular to a built-in homogenizing device for enzyme inactivation devices for fruit juice. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of fruit juice, after extraction and filtration, the juice needs to undergo enzyme inactivation treatment to destroy the natural enzyme activity in the juice and prevent browning or flavor deterioration. Enzyme inactivation machines typically use heat treatment, which involves rapidly and evenly heating the juice to a target temperature and holding it for a certain time to inactivate the enzymes. Existing tubular enzyme inactivation machines mainly rely on fluid turbulence for heat exchange. When processing juices with high viscosity and rich pulp particles, such as citrus and mango juices, laminar flow or excessively high central flow velocity can easily occur. This causes the juice near the tube wall to overheat, while the juice in the center of the flow channel suffers from insufficient heat exchange, resulting in incomplete enzyme inactivation. Consequently, this affects the overall stability and shelf life of the product. Existing technologies typically employ the addition of mechanical stirrers inside enzyme inactivation machines to improve flow uniformity. For example, rotating blades can be used to stir the juice to ensure more thorough mixing. However, in such solutions, the high-speed rotation of the mechanical stirrer can generate shear forces that damage the natural particle structure and nutrients in the juice, affecting its taste and quality. Furthermore, its complex dynamic sealing structure can easily create unsanitary corners and increase energy consumption and maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a built-in homogenizing device for an enzyme inactivation machine for fruit juice, which solves the problem that mechanical stirring in existing technologies easily damages the particle structure of fruit juice, affecting its taste and quality.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a built-in homogenizing device for an enzyme inactivator of fruit juice is fixedly installed in the heating tube of the enzyme inactivator. It includes several mixing units connected in series along the axial direction. Each of the mixing units includes a fixed tube, which is fixedly sleeved inside the heating tube. Adjacent fixed tubes are fixedly connected by a connecting ring. The diameter of the connecting ring is smaller than the diameter of the fixed tube to which it is connected, so that a variable diameter flow channel is formed between the adjacent fixed tubes and the connecting ring. A spiral fin assembly is fixedly provided on the inner side of the fixed tube.

[0005] The technical principle of this invention is as follows: In the flow channel composed of several mixing units in this device, fixed pipes and connecting rings with smaller diameters are alternately connected to form a periodic variable diameter flow channel. When the juice flows through the variable diameter section, the pipe diameter shrinks, which increases the flow velocity and disrupts the flow pattern, breaking the original laminar flow or high-speed flow state in the center. Subsequently, the pipe diameter expands, the flow velocity slows down, and the fluid is mixed. At the same time, the spiral fin group on the inner side of the fixed pipe guides the juice to rotate and move forward along the pipe wall, forming a spiral flow. This allows the juice near the pipe wall and the center of the flow channel to continuously exchange positions, achieving uniform heat mixing and avoiding local overheating or insufficient heating.

[0006] Furthermore, the spiral fin assembly includes at least two spiral guide plates that are evenly distributed along the circumference of the fixed tube.

[0007] Furthermore, the spiral guide plate extends spirally from the edge of the feed end of the fixed tube to the edge of its discharge end.

[0008] Furthermore, the circumferential installation angles between the spiral guide plates on adjacent fixed tubes are different.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner wall of the connecting ring is provided with a plurality of axially extending heat-conducting grooves.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer wall of the connecting ring is surrounded by a plurality of axially extending heat-conducting fins.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixed tube has raised turbulence protrusions on the inner wall between the roots of adjacent spiral guide plates.

[0012] Furthermore, a positioning ring is provided on the outer circumference of the fixed tube, and the outer wall of the positioning ring is sealed to the inner wall of the heating tube, so that a sealed heating cavity is formed between the positioning ring, the fixed tube, the connecting ring and the inner wall of the heating tube.

[0013] Furthermore, the positioning ring is provided with through holes, which allow adjacent heating cavities to communicate with each other, and the heating tube is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe at both ends, which connect the inside and outside of the heating cavity.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. The variable diameter flow channel formed by the fixed pipe and the connecting ring actively disrupts the laminar flow through periodic pipe diameter changes, promoting uniform fluid velocity distribution and overcoming the problems of excessively high central flow velocity and poor edge heat exchange in traditional tubular enzyme inactivators.

[0015] 2. The spiral fin assembly causes the juice to rotate and flow, enhancing radial mixing and allowing the juice near the tube wall to fully exchange heat with the central area, thus improving the uniformity of enzyme inactivation temperature.

[0016] 3. The entire device is fixedly fitted inside the heating tube of the enzyme inactivator. The structure is simple, easy to disassemble and clean, and reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the mixing unit structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heating tube structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention and the heating tube assembly.

[0021] In the above figures: 1. Heating tube; 11. Liquid inlet pipe; 12. Liquid outlet pipe; 2. Fixed pipe; 21. First connecting part; 22. Second connecting part; 23. Turbulence protrusion; 3. Connecting ring; 31. Heat conduction groove; 32. Heat conduction plate; 4. Spiral fin assembly; 41. Spiral guide plate; 5. Positioning ring; 51. Through hole; 52. Rubber sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] like Figure 1-4 As shown in the figure, this utility model embodiment proposes a built-in homogenizing device for a juice enzyme inactivator, which is fixedly installed in the heating tube 1 of the enzyme inactivator. Specifically, it includes several mixing units fixed in series along the axial direction of the heating tube 1. These mixing units together form a fluid channel for the juice to pass through. Each of the mixing units includes a fixed tube 2, which is a cylindrical structure. A spiral fin assembly 4 is fixedly arranged on the inner side of the fixed tube 2. The spiral fin assembly 4 is an integral component, and its structure is preferably set as a spatial curved surface configuration that extends from the inner wall of the fixed tube 2 towards the center of the tube and spirally extends along the axial direction. This allows the outer layer of juice entering the fixed tube 2 to rotate and move along its spiral curved surface and continuously mix with the inner layer of juice.

[0024] like Figure 1-4As shown, in this exemplary embodiment, adjacent fixed pipes 2 are fixedly connected by connecting rings 3. Specifically, the diameter of the connecting ring 3 is smaller than the diameter of the fixed pipe 2 it is connected to. The two ends of the connecting ring 3 are respectively connected to the upstream and downstream fixed pipes 2. The contour of the connection between the two is set as a smooth slope or curved surface to avoid excessive resistance to the flow of juice or causing juice particles to accumulate at the connection. This makes it possible to form a smooth variable diameter flow channel between the adjacent fixed pipes 2 and the connecting ring 3. The connection method between the connecting ring 3 and the fixed pipe 2 includes, but is not limited to, conventional fixed connection methods such as welding and bolt fixing. At the same time, the fixed pipe 2 and the connecting ring 3 are preferably made of high thermal conductivity and corrosion resistant materials such as austenitic stainless steel and food-grade aluminum alloy to enhance the thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance of the device.

[0025] like Figure 1-4 As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the heating tube 1 is an inherent structure within the tubular enzyme inactivator, with smooth cylindrical surfaces on its inner and outer walls. The flow channel composed of the fixed tube 2 and the connecting ring 3 is fixedly fitted inside the heating tube 1. Specifically, the fixed tube 2 at both ends is fixedly connected to a first connecting part 21 and a second connecting part 22 at the inlet and outlet ends, respectively. The first connecting part 21 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the inlet of the heating tube 1, and the second connecting part 22 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the outlet of the heating tube 1. The heating tube 1, the fixed tube 2, and the connecting ring 3 together form an annular heating cavity. The two ends of the heating tube 1 are respectively connected to an inlet pipe 11 and an outlet pipe 12 for the inflow and outflow of the heating medium. After being heated by an external heat source, the heating medium enters the heating cavity, and its flow direction is generally opposite to the flow direction of the juice to ensure that a continuous and sufficient heat supply can be provided within the entire coverage area of ​​the heating tube 1. Furthermore, the length of the heating tube 1 and the type and temperature of the heating medium are flexibly set according to the actual enzyme inactivation requirements. Correspondingly, the length of the flow channel composed of the flow equalization unit matches that of the heating tube 1.

[0026] In operation, the fixed pipe 2 is alternately connected to the smaller diameter connecting ring 3 to form a periodic variable diameter flow channel. When the juice flows through the variable diameter section, the pipe diameter shrinks, which increases the flow velocity and disrupts the flow pattern, breaking the original laminar flow or high-speed flow state in the center. Subsequently, the pipe diameter expands, the flow velocity slows down, and the fluid is mixed. At the same time, the spiral fin assembly 4 on the inner side of the fixed pipe 2 guides the juice to rotate and move forward along the pipe wall, forming a spiral flow. This allows the juice near the pipe wall and the center of the flow channel to continuously exchange positions, achieving uniform heat mixing and avoiding local overheating or insufficient heating.

[0027] In this invention, the fixed pipe 2 and the connecting ring 3 form a variable diameter flow channel. The periodic pipe diameter change actively disrupts the laminar flow, promoting a uniform fluid velocity distribution and overcoming the problems of excessively high central flow velocity and poor edge heat exchange in traditional tubular enzyme inactivators. At the same time, the spiral fin assembly 4 causes the juice to rotate and flow, enhancing radial mixing and allowing the juice near the pipe wall to fully exchange heat with the central area, thus improving the uniformity of the enzyme inactivation temperature. The entire device is fixedly fitted inside the heating pipe 1 of the enzyme inactivator, with a simple structure, easy disassembly and cleaning, and reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs.

[0028] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in another embodiment, the spiral fin assembly 4 includes at least two spiral guide plates 41 evenly distributed circumferentially along the fixed tube 2. The spiral guide plates 41 extend spirally from the edge of the feed end of the fixed tube 2 to the edge of its discharge end. Based on the above arrangement, the outer layer of juice entering from the feed end can be captured and guided simultaneously by multiple guide plates, forming a stable and powerful rotating flow around the axis. This lays a good flow foundation for subsequent flow field disturbance in the variable diameter region. The number of spiral guide plates 41 can be flexibly set according to actual needs. Appropriately increasing the number of guide plates can avoid excessively increasing the flow resistance. Under the premise of providing a denser flow-guiding contact surface, the radial stirring and heat exchange efficiency of the juice is improved; furthermore, the circumferential installation angles between the spiral guide plates 41 on adjacent fixed pipes 2 are different, that is, along the juice flow direction, the subsequent spiral guide plate 41 does not extend on the spiral path of the previous spiral guide plate 41, but is offset by a certain angle in the circumferential direction. When the juice flow with a specific rotation direction generated by the previous spiral guide plate 41 enters the next spiral guide plate 41, it can rotate and flow with a new entry angle, further improving the homogenization efficiency and effect of temperature and components.

[0029] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in another embodiment, the inner wall of the connecting ring 3 is surrounded by a plurality of heat-conducting grooves 31 extending along its axial direction, while the outer wall of the connecting ring 3 is surrounded by a plurality of heat-conducting plates 32 extending axially. Based on the above configuration, when the juice flows through the variable diameter area of ​​the connecting ring 3, the heat-conducting grooves 31 not only cause a drastic adjustment of fluid velocity and pressure through cross-sectional changes to enhance mixing, but also increase the effective contact area between the inner wall and the juice, and guide the fluid to generate a fine directional flow in the groove, thereby improving the local heat transfer intensity in this area. The heat-conducting plates 32 on the outer wall increase the heat transfer surface area between the connecting ring 3 and the external heating medium, so that external heat can be more efficiently introduced into the body of the connecting ring 3. This allows the juice to achieve a rapid and uniform temperature increase within a shorter flow channel length while undergoing drastic mixing, thereby further optimizing the uniformity and energy efficiency of the enzyme inactivation process as a whole.

[0030] like Figure 1-4As shown, in another embodiment, the fixed tube 2 is provided with raised turbulence protrusions 23 on the inner wall between the roots of adjacent spiral guide plates 41. The turbulence protrusions are preferably hemispherical or teardrop-shaped. Based on the above configuration, when the juice enters the fixed tube 2 and contacts the spiral guide plate 41, the turbulence protrusions 23 can generate subtle local disturbances to the incoming flow, destroy the laminar boundary layer that may be formed, prevent the juice from stagnating on the surface of the fixed tube 2 and causing local overheating, and at the same time assist in initial mixing, thereby enhancing the responsiveness and uniformity of fluid movement in the entire mixing unit.

[0031] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in another embodiment, a positioning ring 5 is provided on the outer circumference of the fixed tube 2. The outer wall of the positioning ring 5 is sealed to the inner wall of the heating tube 1. Specifically, a rubber sealing ring 52 is fixedly provided on the outer wall of the positioning ring 5. The sealing rubber ring is press-fitted to the inner wall of the heating tube 1, so that a sealed heating cavity is formed around the fixed tube 2 and the connecting ring 3 between the positioning ring 5, the fixed tube 2, the connecting ring 3 and the inner wall of the heating tube 1. The heating cavity is filled with a heating medium. Furthermore, a through hole 51 is provided on the positioning ring 5, which allows adjacent heating cavities to communicate with each other. Combined with the two ends of the heating tube 1, The inlet pipe 11 and outlet pipe 12 allow the heating medium to be introduced from the inlet pipe 11 and circulate within the heating cavity. The medium transfers heat to the internal juice through the walls of the fixed pipe 2 and connecting ring 3, improving heating efficiency and temperature distribution uniformity. In this embodiment, the positioning ring 5 provides circumferential support for the fixed pipe 2, reducing the radial pressure on the fixed pipe 2, ensuring the centered alignment of the fixed pipe 2, and increasing installation convenience. At the same time, the rubber sealing ring 52 ensures sealing and positioning reliability, allowing the entire device to be easily installed or removed from the heating pipe 1, thus meeting the dual requirements of efficient heat exchange and convenient maintenance.

[0032] 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 it. 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 spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A built-in homogenizing heating device for a juice enzyme inactivator, which is fixedly installed in the heating tube (1) of the enzyme inactivator, characterized in that: It includes several mixing units connected in series along the axial direction. Each mixing unit includes a fixed tube (2), which is fixedly sleeved inside the heating tube (1). Adjacent fixed tubes (2) are fixedly connected by a connecting ring (3). The diameter of the connecting ring (3) is smaller than the diameter of the fixed tube (2) it is connected to, so that a variable diameter flow channel is formed between the adjacent fixed tubes (2) and the connecting ring (3). A spiral fin assembly (4) is fixedly provided on the inner side of the fixed tube (2).

2. The built-in homogenizing device for an enzyme inactivator of fruit juice as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The spiral fin assembly (4) includes at least two spiral guide plates (41) evenly distributed around the fixed tube (2).

3. The built-in homogenizing device for an enzyme inactivator of fruit juice as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The spiral guide plate (41) extends spirally from the feed end edge of the fixed tube (2) to the discharge end edge.

4. A built-in homogenizing device for a juice enzyme inactivator as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The circumferential installation angles of the spiral guide plates (41) on adjacent fixed pipes (2) are different.

5. The built-in homogenizing device for an enzyme inactivator of fruit juice as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the connecting ring (3) is provided with a plurality of axially extending heat-conducting grooves (31).

6. The built-in homogenizing device for a juice enzyme inactivator as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The outer wall of the connecting ring (3) is surrounded by a plurality of axially extending heat-conducting plates (32).

7. The built-in homogenizing device for a juice enzyme inactivator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed tube (2) has raised turbulence protrusions (23) on the inner wall between the roots of adjacent spiral guide plates (41).

8. The built-in homogenizing device for an enzyme inactivator of fruit juice as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A positioning ring (5) is provided on the outer circumference of the fixed tube (2). The outer wall of the positioning ring (5) is sealed to the inner wall of the heating tube (1), so that a closed heating cavity is formed between the positioning ring (5), the fixed tube (2), the connecting ring (3) and the inner wall of the heating tube (1).

9. The built-in homogenizing device for a juice enzyme inactivator as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The positioning ring (5) is provided with a through hole (51), which allows adjacent heating cavities to communicate with each other. The heating tube (1) is provided with an inlet pipe (11) and an outlet pipe (12) at both ends, which connect the inside and outside of the heating cavity.

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