Dispensing device and method for texturizing a food composition, in particular a meat substitute composition

Abstract

A dispensing device (3) for texturing a food composition (Z) comprises an inner core (23) and an outer shell (21) surrounding the inner core (23). A flow channel (59) for texturing the food composition (Z) is formed between the inner core (23) and the outer shell (21). The inner core (23) and the outer shell (21) can be rotated relative to each other about a longitudinal axis (X) by means of a drive (25). This enables simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of the food composition (Z).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dispensing device and a method for texturizing a food composition, in particular a meat substitute composition. The food composition, in particular the meat substitute composition, serves as food for humans and / or animals. The meat substitute composition is in particular HMMA (HMMA: High Moisture Meat Analogues).

[0002] EP 3 524 059 A1 (corresponding to US 2021 / 0046690 A1) discloses a discharge device, referred to as a cooling tool, for discharging and texturizing food from an extruder. The cooling tool comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, between which an annular flow channel is formed. The food extrudate conveyed from the extruder enters the flow channel at an inlet end and exits the flow channel at an outlet end. The food extrudate is cooled in the flow channel. For this purpose, the cooling tool has at least one coolant flow channel, which serves, for example, to cool the inner wall. The outer wall is formed from two segments that are mechanically connected to one another and can be disassembled for cleaning purposes.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of creating a dispensing device that enables simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. The food composition is, in particular, a meat substitute composition.

[0004] This object is achieved by a discharge device having the features of claim 1. The drive enables rotation of the inner core and the outer shell relative to one another about the longitudinal axis, whereby the shear acting on the food composition in the flow channel and thus its texture can be influenced. Preferably, the drive enables rotation of the inner core. The outer shell is preferably stationary, i.e., not rotatable by the drive. The texture can be influenced in particular as a function of a rotational speed of the inner core and the outer shell relative to one another. The drive is preferably arranged at the discharge-side end of the inner core. An axis of rotation of the drive runs in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the drive is congruent with the longitudinal axis.Rotating the inner core relative to the outer shell reduces adhesion of the food composition to the inner core and / or the outer shell. This allows the food composition to be cooled at a low temperature in the flow channel, enabling the discharge device to achieve high cooling performance.

[0005] Furthermore, depending on the rotational speed or the rotational speed of the inner core and the outer shell relative to one another, the pressure of the food composition in the region of the feed opening and / or in the region of an outlet opening of a processing device can be influenced. By rotating the inner core relative to the outer shell, adhesion of the food composition to the inner core and / or the outer shell is reduced, whereby the processing device can press the food composition more easily through the flow channel due to its conveying effect. Thus, the pressure of the food composition in the feed opening and / or the outlet opening of the processing device is lower, the lower the adhesion. The pressure, in turn, can influence the residence time and / or the processing quality of the food composition in the processing device.

[0006] The drive is designed, in particular, as an electric drive motor. The discharge device preferably has exactly one drive. The drive is, in particular, directly connected to the inner core.

[0007] The flow channel is preferably ring-shaped and / or preferably has a closed shape. The flow channel has a length L along its longitudinal axis, where, in particular, 500 mm ≤ L ≤ 5,000 mm, in particular 750 mm ≤ L ≤ 4,000 mm, and in particular 1,000 mm ≤ L ≤ 3,000 mm apply. The longitudinal axis defines a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is directed, in particular, from the feed opening to the discharge opening.

[0008] The flow channel has a height H between the inner core and the outer shell, where, in particular, 4 mm ≤ H ≤ 30 mm, in particular 6 mm ≤ H ≤ 24 mm, and in particular 8 mm ≤ H ≤ 18 mm apply. The height H is defined in particular in a radial direction. The radial direction runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or the longitudinal direction.

[0009] The inner core forms, in particular, an inner wall that delimits the flow channel at an inner diameter d. The inner diameter d is thus delimited by the inner core. The outer shell forms, in particular, an outer wall that delimits the flow channel at an outer diameter D. The outer diameter D is thus delimited by the outer shell. The flow channel thus has an outer diameter D, where, in particular, 100 mm ≤ D ≤ 800 mm, in particular 120 mm ≤ D ≤ 600 mm, and in particular 140 mm ≤ D ≤ 400 mm. The inner diameter d of the flow channel is: d = D - 2 H.

[0010] The drive is particularly designed such that the inner core and the outer shell can be driven in rotation relative to one another about the longitudinal axis in a first direction of rotation and / or in an opposite second direction of rotation. The first direction of rotation runs, for example, clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The drive is particularly designed such that the inner core and the outer shell can be driven in rotation relative to one another about the longitudinal axis at a speed n, wherein in particular the following applies: 1 rpm ≤ n ≤ 40 rpm, in particular 2 rpm ≤ n ≤ 40 rpm and in particular 3 rpm ≤ n ≤ 20 rpm. The drive is preferably designed such that the inner core can be driven in rotation at the speed n in the first direction of rotation and / or in the second direction of rotation.

[0011] The discharge device defines an inlet direction. The inlet direction runs, in particular, perpendicular to a surface defined by an inlet opening. The inlet direction runs parallel and / or transverse to the longitudinal axis. This allows for axial feeding, radial feeding, and / or tangential feeding of the food composition into the discharge device.

[0012] The discharge device preferably comprises at least one cutting tool. The at least one cutting tool is preferably arranged longitudinally downstream of the discharge opening. The at least one cutting tool cuts the food composition discharged through the discharge opening, in particular into pieces. The pieces are easier to handle. Preferably, the at least one cutting tool is arranged between the discharge opening and a conveyor unit, so that the pieces obtained from the food composition can be transported away by the conveyor unit for further processing.

[0013] The dispensing device comprises, in particular, at least one measuring sensor. The at least one measuring sensor serves to control and / or monitor the dispensing device or the dispensing of the food composition. The at least one measuring sensor is arranged, for example, on the inner core and / or the outer shell and / or an inlet unit. Preferably, the at least one measuring sensor serves to measure a temperature and / or a pressure and / or a color or color change of the food composition. By measuring the color or color change, a residence time of the food composition in the dispensing device can be determined, in particular, based on the addition of a colorant or color tracer.

[0014] The discharge device preferably comprises at least one addition opening. The at least one addition opening is formed in particular in the outer casing and / or in an inlet unit, for example in a distributor and / or an inlet line. The at least one addition opening serves to add at least one medium, for example a viscous medium and / or a pore-forming medium. For example, grease and / or oil and / or at least one color can be added as the viscous medium. A gas, for example, can be added as the pore-forming medium. The addition preferably takes place into the flow channel.

[0015] By rotating the inner core and outer shell relative to each other around their longitudinal axis using the drive, the texturing and quality of the food composition can be easily and flexibly influenced. Furthermore, the rotation reduces sticking, enabling high cooling performance and improved texturing. The discharge device thus enables reliable and economical texturing and / or cooling of the food composition.

[0016] A dispensing device according to claim 2 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. Because the inner core comprises a shaft and at least one inner core sleeve attached thereto, the at least one inner core sleeve is easy and flexibly replaceable. The inner core thus has a modular design. As a result, depending on the food composition to be produced, the texture can be specifically influenced by using different inner core sleeves. The at least one inner core sleeve is, in particular, detachably attached to the shaft. For attachment, a profile connection formed between the shaft and the at least one inner core sleeve serves, for example. The at least one inner core sleeve can be clamped onto the shaft, for example with a tip detachably attached to the shaft. The inner core preferably comprises a number N Ion inner core sleeves. For the number N I In particular: 1 ≤ N I ≤ 20, especially 2 ≤ N I ≤ 15, and in particular 3 ≤ N I ≤ 10

[0017] If the inner core has multiple inner core sleeves, these are releasably attached to the shaft one after the other in the longitudinal direction. Multiple inner core sleeves can be identical and / or different in design. Each inner core sleeve thus forms a segment or section of the inner core and defines the flow channel in this segment or section.

[0018] The respective inner core sleeve has a length L in the longitudinal direction I For the length L I In particular: 10 mm ≤ L I ≤ 5,000 mm, in particular 25 mm ≤ L I ≤ 4,000 mm, in particular 50 mm ≤ L I ≤ 3,000 mm, in particular 100 mm ≤ L I ≤ 1,000 mm, in particular 150 mm ≤ L I ≤ 800 mm, especially 200 mm≤ L I≤ 600 mm, and in particular 250 mm ≤ L1 ≤ 400 mm. In the case of several inner core sleeves, the respective lengths L I be the same and / or different.

[0019] For an inner core sleeve designed for tempering and / or texturing and / or conveying, the following applies in particular: 50 mm ≤ L I ≤ 1,000 mm, in particular 75 mm ≤ L I ≤ 800 mm, and in particular 100 mm ≤ L I ≤ 600 mm.

[0020] For an inner core sleeve designed for storage and / or measurement and / or feeding and / or texturing and / or conveying, the following applies in particular: 10 mm ≤ L I ≤ 400 mm, in particular 25 mm ≤ L I ≤ 300 mm and in particular 50 mm ≤ L I ≤ 200 mm.

[0021] The outer shell comprises, in particular, at least one outer shell section. Preferably, the outer shell comprises a plurality of outer shell sections arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction and connected to one another. Preferably, the outer shell comprises a number N A on outer sheath sections, where in particular: 1 ≤ N A ≤ 20, especially 2 ≤ N A ≤ 15 and especially 3 ≤ N A ≤ 10

[0022] The respective outer jacket section has a length L in the longitudinal direction A . Several outer sheath sections can be identical and / or different. For the respective length L A applies in particular: 10 mm ≤ L A ≤ 1,000 mm, in particular 25 mm ≤ L A ≤ 800 mm, in particular 50 mm ≤ L A ≤ 600 mm, in particular 100 mm ≤ L A ≤ 400 mm and 150 mm ≤ L A ≤ 200 mm. Preferably, the length L Aan outer sheath section of length L I an associated inner core sleeve.

[0023] A dispensing device according to claim 3 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. The at least one web enables the outer shell or an outer wall formed by the outer shell and defining the flow channel to be stripped off. This stripping prevents the food composition from adhering to the outer shell. This allows, in particular, the outer shell to be cooled with high cooling performance. The at least one web can divide the food composition before dispensing, making it easier to handle.

[0024] Preferably, the at least one web or the respective web runs parallel to the longitudinal axis. The at least one web or the respective web thus has a pitch of infinite.

[0025] Preferably, the flow channel has a length L in the direction of the longitudinal axis and the at least one web has a pitch P. The following applies in particular to a ratio of the pitch P to the length L: 0.02 ≤ P / L ≤ 10, in particular 0.05 ≤ P / L ≤ 8, in particular 0.1 ≤ P / L ≤ 6, in particular 0.15 ≤ P / L ≤ 4, in particular 0.2 ≤ P / L ≤ 2, and in particular 0.4 ≤ P / L ≤ 1. Preferably, several webs run parallel to one another and have the same P / L ratio.

[0026] The inner core preferably comprises a plurality of webs that are arranged circumferentially on the inner wall of the inner core. The webs are preferably arranged at equal angular intervals around the longitudinal axis. For a number N S of the webs applies in particular: 1 ≤ N S ≤ 18, especially 2 ≤ N S ≤ 12, and in particular 3 ≤ N S ≤ 6. Preferably: 1 ≤ N S ≤ 3. The number N SThe number of webs is also referred to as the number of turns. If several webs are arranged on the inner wall, they preferably run parallel to each other.

[0027] The respective bridge has a bridge length L S and defines a web area in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which has a length L B Depending on the pitch of the respective web, the following applies: L B ≤ L S If the pitch of the respective bridge is infinite, then: L B = L S .

[0028] For a ratio of length L B of the web area to a length L of the flow channel in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the following applies in particular: 0.6 ≤ L B / L ≤ 1, in particular 0.2 ≤ L B / L ≤ 0.9 and especially 0.3 ≤ L B / L ≤ 0.8. Preferably, the web region of the respective web extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the coordinate 0 to the coordinate L, in particular from the coordinate 0.1·L to the coordinate 0.8·L, and in particular from the coordinate 0.2·L to the coordinate 0.6·L. The coordinate 0 denotes the beginning of the flow channel, whereas the coordinate L denotes the end of the flow channel.

[0029] Preferably, at least one web is formed at least in sections on at least one inner core sleeve. Preferably, at least one web is formed at least in sections on exactly one inner core sleeve, or on several inner core sleeves, or on all inner core sleeves. For example, at least one web is formed at least in sections on a first inner core sleeve on the feed side, whereas no web is arranged on a last inner core sleeve on the discharge side, i.e., the last inner core sleeve is formed without webs or is smooth.

[0030] A discharge device according to claim 4 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturizing of a food composition. The pitch P influences a conveying effect and / or a conveying direction of the food composition. The conveying effect and / or the conveying direction influences the shear acting on the food composition and the texturizing of the food composition and / or reduces, preferably prevents, adhesion of the food composition to the inner core and / or the outer shell. In particular, the food composition cannot adhere in the flow channel even at extremely high cooling capacities. The conveying effect makes it possible to adjust the pressure of the food composition in the feed opening and / or an outlet opening of a processing device.The pressure can be adjusted in particular by the pitch P and / or by the speed n and / or a direction of rotation.

[0031] If the inner core has multiple webs, these preferably have the same pitch P and run parallel. The pitch P of at least one web can be constant and / or variable along the longitudinal axis. For example, at least one web can be formed on at least two inner core sleeves, and each respective at least one web can have a different pitch P than the respective other web.

[0032] The pitch P of the respective web can be constant and / or variable along the longitudinal axis. For a given direction of rotation, the pitch P can be designed to convey forwards and / or backwards. Forwards means that the conveying direction has at least one component in the longitudinal direction x, whereas backwards means that the conveying direction has at least one component opposite to the longitudinal direction x. A backwards conveying pitch P can increase the residence time of the food composition in the discharge device and / or accumulate the food composition. If, for example, a web extends over several inner core sleeves, the web on one inner core sleeve can have a backwards conveying pitch P, whereas the web on the other inner core sleeve can have a forwards conveying pitch P.This allows the conveying action and / or the conveying direction of the food composition in the flow channel to be specifically influenced. In particular, an axial component and / or a radial component of the conveying direction can be influenced. The conveying action and / or the conveying direction can influence the residence time and / or the shear, and thus the texture and / or the product quality of the food composition.

[0033] A discharge device according to claim 5 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. The gap dimension S ensures, on the one hand, effective stripping of the food composition from the outer shell and / or effective conveying of the food composition in the flow channel. On the other hand, the gap dimension S prevents excessive wear on the outer shell and / or the at least one web. The gap dimension S is defined in particular in the radial direction.

[0034] A dispensing device according to claim 6 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturizing of a food composition. The bearing prevents undesired bending of the inner core during operation of the dispensing device. This prevents wear on the outer shell and / or the inner core due to contact caused by the bending. Preferably, the feed-side end of the inner core is mounted on the outer shell and / or the distributor. For this purpose, at least one bearing element is arranged between the inner core and the outer shell and / or between the inner core and the distributor, which supports the feed-side end of the inner core. The distributor is arranged in the longitudinal direction between a processing device and the outer shell and distributes the food composition discharged from the processing device in the circumferential direction in the flow channel.In particular, a temperature control unit is assigned to the distributor so that the distributor can be temperature controlled. By temperature controlling the distributor, the texture of the food composition can be influenced immediately after it leaves a processing device. Preferably, a baffle can be arranged between the inner core and the outer casing and / or between the inner core and the distributor, which baffle also serves to support the inner core. Preferably, the inner core comprises a tip which forms the feed-side end of the inner core and extends into the distributor. The inner core is mounted on the distributor and / or on the outer casing, in particular in the region of the tip. The drive is connected to the inner core, in particular at the discharge-side end. The drive mounts the inner core at the discharge-side end.

[0035] For example, an inlet unit comprises a plurality of bearing elements distributed around the longitudinal axis. The bearing elements are preferably arranged at equal angular intervals around the longitudinal axis. The bearing elements are preferably arranged on a distributor of the inlet unit. The bearing elements serve to support or mount the inner core, in particular a tip of the inner core.

[0036] A dispensing device according to claim 7 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturizing of a food composition. The at least one tempering unit enables tempering, i.e., heating and / or cooling, of the food composition. The tempering of the food composition preferably takes place in a distributor and / or in the flow channel. The at least one tempering unit is arranged in particular on the distributor and / or on the inner core and / or on the outer shell. Preferably, the respective tempering unit comprises a fluid channel formed in the inner core and / or in the outer shell. A tempering fluid is used, in particular, for tempering. The tempering fluid is, for example, water, oil, gas, in particular air, and / or a water-glycol mixture. The tempering fluid flows in particular through the fluid channel of the respective tempering unit.Preferably, the respective temperature control unit comprises a temperature control unit for heating and / or cooling the food composition. The temperature control unit serves in particular for heating and / or cooling the temperature control fluid.

[0037] The temperature control unit generates a temperature T T , where in particular: -20°C ≤ T T ≤ 140°C, especially -10°C ≤ T T ≤ 110°C, especially 0°C ≤ T T ≤ 100°C, and in particular 5°C ≤ T T ≤ 95°C. The temperature T T is in particular an outlet temperature of a temperature control fluid from the temperature control unit.

[0038] The respective tempering unit forms a tempering zone. The respective tempering zone extends in the circumferential direction and / or in the longitudinal direction around the food composition. The respective tempering zone can extend in particular in the circumferential direction around the flow channel and / or in the longitudinal direction along the flow channel. The discharge device comprises at least one tempering zone, preferably several tempering zones. The tempering zones are formed in particular one after the other in the longitudinal direction, preferably along the flow channel. The tempering units or the associated tempering zones can be operated independently of one another and / or jointly in the same way. Preferably, a tempering zone is assigned to at least one outer shell section, preferably each outer shell section, and / or to at least one inner core sleeve, preferably each inner core sleeve. A length L Ta tempering zone in the longitudinal direction thus corresponds to a length L A an outer sheath section and / or a length L I an inner core sleeve and / or a multiple of the length L A and / or a multiple of the length L I . Preferably, a tempering zone is formed by exactly one outer shell section and / or by exactly one inner core sleeve and / or by the distributor.

[0039] A dispensing device according to claim 8 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturizing of a food composition. The food composition prepared in the processing device is fed to the dispensing device through an inlet opening. The inlet unit comprises, in particular, an inlet line and / or a distributor. The inlet opening is formed, in particular, by the inlet line and / or the distributor. The inlet opening serves to connect to an outlet opening of the processing device. The inlet direction is defined, in particular, by the inlet opening. The inlet direction runs, in particular, perpendicular to a surface of the inlet opening. Because the inlet direction runs transversely to the longitudinal axis, a radial and / or tangential feed of the food composition into the dispensing device, in particular into the flow channel, is enabled.This allows the food composition to be built up in multiple layers within the flow channel. The food composition impinges radially and / or tangentially on the rotating inner core, creating a multi-layered texture within the food composition. The multi-layered texture structure depends particularly on the rotational speed of the inner core. This increases the flexibility in texturing the food composition. Furthermore, the installation space of the discharge device is reduced compared to axial feeding through the inlet opening.

[0040] The inlet direction extends, in particular, at an angle α to the longitudinal direction. The angle α is defined, in particular, in a plane spanned by the inlet direction and the longitudinal direction. The following applies, in particular, to the angle α: 60° ≤ α ≤ 120°, in particular 70° ≤ α ≤ 110°, and in particular 80° ≤ α ≤ 100°. Preferably, α = 90°.

[0041] A discharge device according to claim 9 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. The at least one texturing tool serves to influence the texturing of the food composition in the flow channel. Preferably, the at least one texturing tool is arranged on the inner core, in particular on at least one inner core sleeve, and / or on the outer shell, in particular on at least one outer shell section. The at least one texturing tool influences in particular the swirl and / or the flow direction of the food composition in the flow channel. The at least one texturing tool is designed in particular as a pin, flow divider, flow distributor, and / or flow influencer. A respective pin is, for example, round, oval, and / or polygonal in cross-section. The at least one texturing tool is in particular a web.

[0042] A dispensing device according to claim 10 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturizing of a food composition. The at least one diaphragm influences, in particular, the texturizing of the food composition in the dispensing device. The at least one diaphragm is, for example, annular and / or circular. Each diaphragm has a plurality of diaphragm openings through which the food composition flows. Preferably, the at least one diaphragm is arranged in an inlet unit and / or in the flow channel. The at least one diaphragm is arranged, for example, in an inlet line and / or in a distributor of the inlet unit and / or between the inner core and the outer casing in the flow channel. The at least one diaphragm can serve, in particular, to support a feed-side end of the inner core.For example, a diaphragm is arranged between the inner core and the outer shell and / or between the distributor and the inner core, in particular a tip of the inner core. This supports the inner core against the outer shell and / or the distributor.

[0043] The discharge device preferably has at least two baffles. A first baffle serves, for example, to support a feed-side end of the inner core, whereas a second baffle serves to support the inner core between the feed opening and the discharge opening. This allows the inner core to be supported easily and reliably, especially when the flow channel has a large length L.

[0044] A discharge device according to claim 11 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. The support frame enables easy assembly and disassembly of the outer shell and / or the inner core. The inner core is attached to the support frame, in particular via the drive, so that the inner core can be arranged in the outer shell to form the flow channel. Rollers for moving the discharge device are preferably arranged on the support frame. This allows the discharge device to be easily mounted on a processing device or disassembled from the processing device.

[0045] A discharge device according to claim 12 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturizing of a food composition. The inner core guide enables easy cleaning of the inner core and the outer shell. The inner core guide is designed in particular as a linear guide that runs in the longitudinal direction. This allows the inner core, in particular with the drive attached thereto, to be displaced longitudinally relative to the outer shell. In a first cleaning state, the inner core is displaced longitudinally from the outer shell and is thus exposed, so that the inner core is easy to clean. Furthermore, the outer shell is accessible at the discharge-side end, so that in the first cleaning state, the outer shell can be cleaned inside.

[0046] The discharge device preferably comprises a cleaning unit for cleaning the inner core and / or the outer shell. The cleaning unit comprises, in particular, a cleaning tool and a cleaning tool drive. The cleaning tool drive is, in particular, designed such that the cleaning tool can be driven in rotation and / or pivoted and / or linearly displaced. For example, the cleaning tool drive is designed as a handling robot that displaces the cleaning tool in the desired manner and / or drives it in rotation about a cleaning tool rotation axis. The cleaning tool is designed, for example, as a cleaning brush.

[0047] The outer shell guide enables easy disassembly of the outer shell from a processing device, so that the processing device can be easily cleaned. The processing device comprises, for example, a multi-shaft screw extruder to which the discharge device is connected. The outer shell guide allows the disassembled outer shell to be displaced such that the at least two treatment element shafts of the multi-shaft screw extruder are accessible. The at least two treatment element shafts can, for example, be removed from a housing of the multi-shaft screw extruder and cleaned. In this second cleaning state of the discharge device, the outer shell is displaced, in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis, by means of the outer shell guide. In the second cleaning state, the outer shell is thus arranged laterally of the inner core.The outer casing guide serves in particular for linear displacement and / or pivoting of the outer casing, preferably transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0048] Due to the inner core guide and / or the outer jacket guide, the discharge device has a CIP function (CIP: Clean-in-Place) and / or a WIP function (WIP: Wash-in-Place).

[0049] Preferably, at least one web is formed on the inner core, at least in sections. This allows the flow channel to be emptied and / or the outer shell to be stripped before cleaning.

[0050] Simplified cleaning ensures less downtime for the processing device and the discharge device, for example when a different food composition is to be produced.

[0051] A discharge device according to claim 13 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturizing of a food composition. The conveyor unit is arranged downstream of the discharge opening, preferably below the discharge opening, so that the discharged food composition reaches the conveyor unit by gravity. Preferably, at least one cutting tool is arranged between the discharge opening and the conveyor unit, which cuts the discharged food composition into pieces. Preferably, at least one web is formed on the inner core, so that the discharged food composition does not have a closed shape and can be transported away from the conveyor unit in a flat or single-layered manner. The conveyor unit comprises, in particular, a conveyor belt. The discharged food composition is transported away by means of the conveyor unit, in particular for further processing and / or packaging.

[0052] The invention is further based on the object of creating a plant which enables a simple, flexible, reliable and economical production of a food composition, in particular a meat substitute composition.

[0053] This object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 14. The processing device processes the food composition, which is then textured and discharged by the discharge device. For this purpose, the processing device is connected to the discharge device.

[0054] The processing device preferably comprises a multi-shaft screw extruder for continuously processing the food composition. The multi-shaft screw extruder comprises a housing in which at least two mutually penetrating housing bores are formed. A respective treatment element shaft is arranged in the at least two housing bores. The multi-shaft screw extruder thus has at least two treatment element shafts. The at least two treatment element shafts are, in particular, rotatable or rotationally drivable in the same directions.

[0055] Preferably, the processing device is connected to an inlet unit of the discharge device. The inlet unit comprises, in particular, an inlet line and / or a distributor. The inlet unit forms an inlet opening that is connected to an outlet opening of the processing device. The inlet opening defines an inlet direction that runs parallel or transversely, in particular radially and / or tangentially, to the longitudinal direction. The inlet unit forms an inlet channel. The geometric dimensions of the inlet channel influence the texturing of the food composition.

[0056] The invention is further based on the object of creating a method which enables simple, flexible, reliable and economical texturizing of a food composition, in particular a meat substitute composition.

[0057] This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 15. The advantages of the method according to the invention correspond to the already described advantages of the discharge device according to the invention for texturizing a food composition and of the system according to the invention for producing a food composition. The method according to the invention can be further developed with at least one feature that is described in connection with the discharge device according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention. Accordingly, the discharge device according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention can be further developed with at least one feature that is described in connection with the method according to the invention.

[0058] A method according to claim 16 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. The food composition is cooled in particular by means of at least one tempering unit. The food composition is preferably cooled in a distributor and / or in the flow channel. The discharge device preferably comprises at least one web to reduce, in particular to prevent, adhesion of the food composition. The at least one web is formed in particular on the inner core. The at least one web in particular wipes off the outer shell.

[0059] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several exemplary embodiments. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a plant for producing a food composition according to a first embodiment, which comprises a processing device for continuously processing the food composition and a discharge device for texturizing the food composition, Fig. 2 a bottom view of the system in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a side view of the system in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a front view of the system in Fig. 1, Fig. 5 a sectional view of the system along the section line VV in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 an enlarged detail VI of a feed-side end of the discharge device in Fig. 5, Fig. 7 an enlarged detail VII of a discharge end of the discharge device in Fig. 5, Fig. 8 a perspective view of the system in Fig. 1 in a first cleaning state of the discharge device, Fig. 9 a side view of the system in Fig. 8, Fig. 10 a perspective view of the system in Fig. 1 in a second cleaning state of the discharge device, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a plant for producing a food composition according to a second embodiment, Fig. 12 a front view of the system in Fig. 11, Fig. 13 a sectional view through the plant along the section line XIII-XIII in Fig. 12, and Fig. 14 an enlarged detail XIV of the discharge device in Fig. 13 in the area of ​​a flow channel.

[0060] The following is based on the Fig. 1 to 10, a first embodiment of the invention is described. A system 1 for producing a food composition comprises a processing device 2 and a discharge device 3. The food composition serves as food for humans and / or animals. The food composition is designed as a meat substitute composition Z. The meat substitute composition Z comprises, for example, no animal components, in particular no animal fats and no animal proteins. The meat substitute composition Z comprises, in particular, vegetable proteins and vegetable fats. The meat substitute composition Z is, for example, HMMA.

[0061] The processing device 2 serves for the continuous processing of the meat substitute composition Z. The processing device 2 comprises a multi-shaft screw machine 4. Various recipe components of the meat substitute composition Z are fed into the multi-shaft screw machine 4 and mixed together and processed in the multi-shaft screw machine 4.

[0062] The multi-shaft screw extruder 4 is designed as a co-rotating twin-shaft screw extruder. The multi-shaft screw extruder 4 comprises a housing 5 in which two mutually penetrating housing bores 6, 6' are formed. The multi-shaft screw extruder 4 has two treatment element shafts 7, 7' arranged in the corresponding housing bores 6, 6'. The treatment element shafts 7, 7' can be rotated or driven in the same directions of rotation in the housing bores 6, 6'. The housing 5 is constructed from successively arranged and interconnected housing sections 8. The last housing section 8 is closed off by an outlet plate 9. The outlet plate 9 serves to discharge the processed meat substitute composition Z from the multi-shaft screw extruder 4. For this purpose, the outlet plate 9 has an outlet opening 10.

[0063] The discharge device 3 serves to texturize the meat substitute composition Z. The discharge device 3 comprises a support frame 11 comprising two first cross beams 12, 13 and two second cross beams 14, 15. The cross beams 12, 13, 14, 15 are arranged one after the other in a longitudinal direction x and extend in a transverse direction y, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x. The second cross beams 14, 15 are higher in a vertical direction z than the first cross beams 12, 13. The vertical direction z runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicular to the transverse direction y. The longitudinal direction x, the transverse direction y, and the vertical direction z form a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0064] The support frame 11 further comprises two first longitudinal beams 16, 17 and two second longitudinal beams 18, 19. The first longitudinal beams 16, 17 extend in the longitudinal direction x and connect the first cross beams 12, 13 and the second cross beams 14, 15 on both sides. The second longitudinal beams 18, 19 also extend in the longitudinal direction x, but only connect the second cross beams 14, 15 on both sides.

[0065] The discharge device 3 further comprises an inlet unit 20, an outer shell 21, an outer shell guide 22, an inner core 23, an inner core guide 24 and a drive 25.

[0066] The discharge device 3 is connected to the outlet plate 9 of the multi-shaft screw extruder 4. For this purpose, the inlet unit 20 is connected to the outlet plate 9 and to the outer shell 21. The outer shell 21 is arranged on the first cross members 12, 13 by means of the outer shell guide 22. The outer shell guide 22 comprises a carriage 26 and guide rails 27. The guide rails 27 are arranged on the first cross members 12, 13 and run in the transverse direction y. The carriage 26 is arranged on the guide rails 27 and is displaceable in the transverse direction y. The outer shell 21 is fastened to the carriage 26 and can be displaced with the carriage 26 when disassembled from the inlet unit 20 or the multi-shaft screw extruder 4.

[0067] The outer shell 21 forms a supply-side end 28 and a discharge-side end 29. The supply-side end 28 is connected to the inlet unit 20. The outer shell 21 defines a receiving space 30, which forms a receiving opening 31 at the discharge-side end 29.

[0068] The inner core 23 is guided through the receiving opening 31 into the receiving space 30 and mounted on the inner core guide 24 by means of the drive 25. The inner core guide 24 comprises guides 32 and a guide rail 33. The guides 32 are suspended from the second cross members 14, 15. The guide rail 33 extends in the longitudinal direction x and is guided displaceably in the longitudinal direction x in the guides 32. The guide rail 33 extends approximately from the feed-side end 28 of the outer shell 21 to the second cross member 15.

[0069] The drive 25 is attached to the guide rail 33. The drive 25 comprises an electric drive motor 34 and a bearing unit 35. The electric drive motor 34 is connected to the inner core 23 and mounted in the bearing unit 35, so that the inner core 23 can be rotated about a longitudinal axis X by means of the electric drive motor 34. The longitudinal axis X runs parallel to the longitudinal direction x. For rotation, the electric drive motor 34 and the inner core 23 are mounted in the bearing unit 35. The bearing unit 35 is connected to the guide rail 33, so that the electric drive motor 34, the bearing unit 35 and the inner core 23 can be displaced together with the guide rail 33 in the longitudinal direction x.

[0070] The outer sheath 21 comprises a plurality of outer sheath sections 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, which are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction x and are connected to one another. The first outer sheath section 36 and the last outer sheath section 40 have a length L in the longitudinal direction x. A1 whereas the outer shell sections 37, 38, 39 have a length L in the longitudinal direction x A2 For a number N A of the outer sheath sections generally applies: 1 ≤ N A ≤ 20, especially 2 ≤ N A ≤ 15 and especially 3 ≤ N A ≤ 10. In this case: N A = 5.

[0071] The outer shell sections 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 form an outer wall 51 that delimits the receiving space 30 in a radial direction R. The radial direction R runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The outer wall 51 is cylindrical. The outer wall 51 has an outer diameter D. The following generally applies: 100 mm ≤ D ≤ 800 mm, in particular 120 mm ≤ D ≤ 600 mm, and in particular 140 mm ≤ D ≤ 400 mm.

[0072] The outer jacket sections 36, 40 serve to measure the temperature of the meat substitute composition Z. Accordingly, temperature sensors 41, 42 are arranged on the outer jacket sections 36, 40. In particular, the following applies: 10 mm ≤ L A1 ≤ 400 mm, in particular 25 mm ≤ L A1 ≤ 300 mm, and in particular 50 mm ≤ L A1 ≤ 200 mm.

[0073] In contrast, the outer shell sections 37, 38, 40 serve to form respective tempering zones. For this purpose, each outer shell section 37, 38, 40 is assigned a tempering unit 43, 44, 45. In particular, the following applies: 50 mm ≤ L A2 ≤ 1,000 mm, in particular 75 mm ≤ L A2 ≤ 800 mm, and in particular 100 mm ≤ L A2 ≤ 600 mm.

[0074] The respective temperature control unit 43, 44, 45 comprises a fluid channel 46, which is integrated in the respective outer casing section 37, 38, 39, fluid channel connections 47, 48, a temperature control unit 49 and a fluid line 50. The temperature control unit 49 serves to temperature control a temperature control fluid F and to convey the temperature control fluid F via the fluid line 50 and the fluid channel connections 47, 48 through the fluid channel 46. The respective temperature control zone has a length L in the longitudinal direction x T where: L T = L A2 . The length L Tthe respective tempering zone corresponds to the length L A2 of the respective outer jacket section 37, 38, 39.

[0075] A temperature T T The temperature of the tempering fluid F is adjustable by means of the tempering unit 49, so that the meat substitute composition Z can be heated and / or cooled as required in the respective tempering zone independently of the other tempering zones. The temperature T T is an outlet temperature of the temperature control fluid F from the respective temperature control unit 49.

[0076] The general rule is: -20°C ≤ T T ≤ 140°C, especially -10°C ≤ T T ≤ 110°C, especially 0°C ≤ T T ≤ 100°C, and in particular 5°C ≤ T T ≤ 95°C. The temperature T T can be the same and / or different for the respective temperature control zones. The temperature control unit 49 and the fluid line 50 are in Fig. 1 only for the outer jacket section 37.

[0077] The inner core 23 is arranged in the receiving space 30 such that the outer shell 21 surrounds the inner core 23. The inner core 23 comprises a shaft 52 and inner core sleeves 53, 54, 55, 56, 57. The inner core sleeves 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 are detachably fastened to the shaft 52 one after the other in the longitudinal direction x. The inner core sleeves 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 are thus interchangeable. For example, a profile connection is formed between the shaft 52 and the inner core sleeves 53, 54, 55, 56, 57. The shaft 52 is connected to the electric drive motor 34 and mounted in the bearing unit 35. For a number N I of the inner core sleeves generally applies: 1 ≤ N I ≤ 20, especially 2 ≤ N I ≤ 15 and especially 3 ≤ N I ≤ 10. In this case: N I = 5.

[0078] The inner core sleeves 53, 57 have a length L in the longitudinal direction x I1 whereas the inner core sleeves 54, 55, 56 have a length L in the longitudinal directionI2 For the length L I1 applies: L I1 = L A1 . Accordingly, the length L I2 : L I2 = L A2 .

[0079] The inner core sleeves 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 form an inner wall 58 in the radial direction R. The inner wall 58 is cylindrical. The inner wall 58 defines an inner diameter d.

[0080] The inner wall 58 and the outer wall 51 define a flow channel 59 for the meat substitute composition Z between them in the radial direction R. The flow channel 59 is essentially annular. The following generally applies to a height H of the flow channel 59: 4 mm ≤ H ≤ 30 mm, in particular 6 mm ≤ H ≤ 24 mm, and in particular 8 mm ≤ H ≤ 18 mm. The following applies to the inner diameter d of the flow channel: d = D - 2 H.

[0081] The flow channel 59 has a feed opening 60 at the feed-side end 28. At the discharge-side end 29, the flow channel 59 has a discharge opening 61. The feed opening 60 and the discharge opening 61 are essentially annular. The flow channel 59 is thus formed between the inner core 23 and the outer shell 21. The feed opening 60 serves to feed the meat substitute composition Z into the flow channel 59, whereas the discharge opening 61 serves to discharge the meat substitute composition Z from the flow channel 59. The flow channel 59 has a length L between the feed opening 60 and the discharge opening 61 in the longitudinal direction x. The following generally applies: 500 mm ≤ L ≤ 5,000 mm, in particular 750 mm ≤ L ≤ 4,000 mm, and in particular 1,000 mm ≤ L ≤ 3,000 mm.

[0082] The inner core 23 comprises a spirally extending web 62. The web 62 is arranged on the inner wall 58. The web 62 is thus arranged on the inner core sleeves 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 and runs spirally along the inner core sleeves 53, 54, 55, 56, 57. For a number N S The following generally applies to bridges: 1 ≤ N S ≤ 18, especially 2 ≤ N S ≤ 12, and in particular 3 ≤ N S ≤ 6. Preferably: 1 ≤ N S ≤ 3. In this case: N S = 1. The number N S The number of threads on the webs is also referred to as the number of threads. The inner core 23 is thus single-threaded.

[0083] The web 62 delimits, with the outer wall 51 of the outer shell 21 in the radial direction R, a radial gap 63 with a gap dimension S. The following generally applies: 0.1 mm ≤ S ≤ 2.5 mm, in particular 0.5 mm ≤ S ≤ 2 mm, and in particular 1 mm ≤ S ≤ 1.5 mm.

[0084] The web 62 has a pitch P in the longitudinal direction x. The pitch P influences a conveying effect of the inner core 23 in the longitudinal direction x. The following generally applies: 20 mm ≤ P ≤ 500 mm, in particular 100 mm ≤ P ≤ 300 mm, and in particular 150 mm ≤ P ≤ 250 mm.

[0085] The web 62 has a web length L along its spiral course S and defines in the longitudinal direction x a web area having a length L B Depending on the pitch P of the web 62, the following generally applies: L B ≤ L S . In this case: L B < L S and L B = L. The web 62 thus extends spirally from the feed opening 60 to the discharge opening 61, so that the web region extends from the feed opening 60 to the discharge opening 61.

[0086] The web 62 influences the texturing of the meat substitute composition Z and thus acts as a texturing tool. The inner core sleeve 54 comprises additional texturing tools 64, which are designed as pins and / or tenons. The texturing tools 64 are arranged on the inner wall 58 and extend into the flow channel 59.

[0087] The inner core 23 forms a temperature control zone. For this purpose, the discharge device 3 comprises a temperature control unit 65 assigned to the inner core 23. The temperature control unit 65 comprises a fluid channel 66, fluid channel connections 67, 68, a temperature control unit 69, and a fluid line 70.

[0088] The fluid channel 66 is formed in the shaft 52 and the bearing unit 35. The fluid channel 66 extends essentially in the longitudinal direction x and forms ring sections 71 outside the outer shell 21 in the area of ​​the bearing unit 35, to which the fluid channel connections 67, 68 are connected. The temperature control unit 65 serves to control the temperature of a temperature control fluid F. The temperature control unit 69 controls the temperature of the temperature control fluid F in the desired manner and supplies the temperature control fluid F to and from the fluid channel 66 via the fluid line 70 and the fluid channel connections 67, 68. The inner core 23 thus forms a temperature control zone. For a length L T This tempering zone applies: L T = L.

[0089] The fluid channel connection 67 can be used to supply and / or discharge the temperature control fluid F. If the temperature control fluid F is supplied to the fluid channel 66 via the fluid channel connection 67, the temperature control fluid F is discharged from the fluid channel 66 again via the fluid channel connection 68. If, on the other hand, the temperature control fluid F is discharged from the fluid channel 66 via the fluid channel connection 67, the temperature control fluid F is supplied to the fluid channel 66 via the fluid channel connection 68. Since the section of the fluid channel 66 that lies on the outside in the radial direction R has a stronger temperature control effect, the supply or discharge of the cooling fluid F influences whether the inner core 23 is temperature-controlled to a greater extent at the supply-side end 28 or at the discharge-side end 29.

[0090] The inner core 23 includes a tip 72, which is releasably attached to the shaft 52 in the longitudinal direction x, opposite the drive 25. The tip 72 serves to clamp the inner core sleeves 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 on the shaft 52.

[0091] The inlet unit 20 comprises an inlet line 73 and a distributor 74. The inlet line 73 is connected to the outlet plate 9 of the multi-shaft screw extruder 4. The inlet line 73 defines an inlet opening 75, which is in communication with the outlet opening 10. The inlet line 73 and the distributor 74 are arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis X.

[0092] The inlet opening 75 defines an inlet direction E. The inlet direction E runs perpendicular to the area bounded by the inlet opening 75. The inlet direction E runs parallel to the longitudinal direction x. For an angle α between the inlet direction E and the longitudinal axis X, the following applies: α = 0°.

[0093] The distributor 74 is connected to the inlet line 73 and the outer shell section 36. This is shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The distributor 74 comprises a distribution chamber 76 which widens in cross-section in the longitudinal direction x. The tip 72 of the inner core 23 extends into the distribution chamber 76, so that an expanding annular distribution channel 77 is formed, which opens into the feed opening 60 of the flow channel 59.

[0094] Bearing elements 78 are arranged in the distribution channel 77 and are attached to the distributor 74 and bear against the tip 72. The bearing elements 78 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the longitudinal axis X. For example, three bearing elements 78 are attached to the distributor 74. This supports the inner core 23 at the tip 72.

[0095] The discharge device 3 further comprises a diaphragm 79. The diaphragm 79 is arranged in the distribution channel 77 between the distributor 74 and the tip 72. The diaphragm 79 has a plurality of diaphragm openings 80 through which the meat substitute composition Z flows into the flow channel 59. The diaphragm 79 serves to influence the texturing of the meat substitute composition Z. In addition, the diaphragm 79 supports the inner core 23 on the distributor 74 and the outer shell 21. The diaphragm 79 is clamped between the distributor 74 and the outer shell section 36.

[0096] The discharge device 3 further comprises a conveyor unit 81. The conveyor unit 81 serves to transport the discharged meat substitute composition Z. The conveyor unit 81 is designed, for example, as a conveyor belt. The conveyor unit 81 is arranged below the storage unit 35 on the longitudinal beams 16, 17. The conveyor unit 81 conveys the discharged meat substitute composition Z in the transverse direction y away from the discharge device 3 for further processing. For this purpose, the storage unit 35 forms a drop opening 82, which is formed between the outer casing 21 and the electric drive motor 34. The drop opening 82 is connected to the discharge opening 61.

[0097] For separating the discharged meat substitute composition Z, the discharge device 3 comprises a cutting tool 83. The cutting tool 83 is arranged in the region of the drop opening 82 on the storage unit 35. The cutting tool 83 is displaceable in the longitudinal direction x.

[0098] For control purposes, the system 1 comprises a control unit 84. The control unit 84 controls the processing device 2 and / or the discharge device 3. For this purpose, the control unit 84 is in signal connection with the processing device 2 and / or the discharge device 3.

[0099] The functionality of Annex 1 is described below: The operating status of plant 1 is shown in the Fig. 1 to 7. The discharge device 3 is connected to the processing device 2 by means of the inlet unit 20. The outer shell 21 is connected to the inlet unit 20, and the inner core 23 is arranged in the receiving space 30 of the outer shell 21.

[0100] The recipe components of the meat substitute composition Z are fed to the multi-shaft screw extruder 4. The recipe components are mixed and homogenized in the housing bores 6, 6' by means of the treatment element shafts 7, 7'. The prepared meat substitute composition Z is then conveyed through the outlet opening 10. At the outlet opening 10, the prepared meat substitute composition Z has a temperature of, for example, between 120°C and 160°C.

[0101] In the discharge device 3, the meat substitute composition Z is tempered, in particular cooled, and textured so that when discharged from the discharge device 3, it has a texture, appearance and taste similar to meat.

[0102] The inner core 23 is driven in rotation about the longitudinal axis X at a speed n by the electric drive motor 34. The following generally applies: 1 rpm ≤ n ≤ 40 rpm, in particular 2 rpm ≤ n ≤ 40 rpm, and in particular 3 rpm ≤ n ≤ 20 rpm. The drive 25 is designed such that the inner core 23 can be driven in rotation at the speed n in a first direction of rotation and / or in an opposite second direction of rotation. The inner core 23 is mounted at its tip 72 against the distributor 74 and the outer casing 21 via the bearing elements 78 and the aperture 79.

[0103] The meat substitute composition Z flows from the outlet opening 10 through the inlet opening 75 into the inlet line 73 and the distributor 74. The inlet direction E runs parallel to the longitudinal axis X, such that the meat substitute composition Z is fed axially into the discharge device 3. The meat substitute composition Z is distributed in the distribution channel 77 and flows through the aperture openings 80 and the feed opening 60 into the flow channel 59. The aperture 79 influences the flow profile and / or the texture and / or the structure of the meat substitute composition Z depending on the aperture openings 80. In the distribution channel 77 and / or at the beginning of the flow channel 59, the meat substitute composition Z is still melt-like and / or elastic and / or deformable, such that influencing the flow profile and / or the texture and / or the structure is easily possible.

[0104] In the flow channel 59, the meat substitute composition Z is conveyed due to the rotation of the inner core 23 about the longitudinal axis X and due to the web 62 in the longitudinal direction x. The conveying effect and / or the conveying direction depends on the rotational speed n and the pitch P. The conveying effect and / or the conveying direction can, on the one hand, influence the shear acting on the meat substitute composition Z in the flow channel 59, which in turn influences the texture. On the other hand, the conveying effect can influence the pressure of the meat substitute composition Z in the outlet opening 10, which in turn influences the residence time of the meat substitute composition Z in the multi-shaft screw machine 4 and the processing.

[0105] In the flow channel 59, the meat substitute composition Z is tempered, in particular cooled, by means of the tempering units 43, 44, 45, 65. The rotation of the inner core 23 prevents the meat substitute composition Z from adhering to the inner core 23 and the outer shell 21, so that a high cooling capacity P can be achieved by means of the tempering units 43, 44, 45, 65. T into the meat substitute composition Z. The web 62 particularly wipes off the outer wall 51, so that the meat substitute composition Z does not adhere to the outer shell 21. The tempering units 43, 44, 45, 65 can be operated uniformly and / or separately. The texturing tools 64 additionally influence the texturing of the meat substitute composition Z in the flow channel 59.

[0106] By means of the temperature sensors 41, 42, the temperature of the meat substitute composition Z is measured at the feed end 28 and at the discharge end 29, so that the cooling capacity P T and a tempering profile can be set along the longitudinal axis X.

[0107] The cooled and textured meat substitute composition Z is discharged from the flow channel 59 through the discharge opening 61 and falls, due to gravity, through the drop opening 82 onto the conveyor unit 81. The web 62 gives the textured meat substitute composition Z a ribbon-like shape. Using the cutting tool 83, the meat substitute composition Z can be cut into pieces of a desired length. For this purpose, the cutting tool 83 is moved along the longitudinal direction x to the drop opening 82 and the ribbon-like meat substitute composition Z is severed. The resulting pieces have the shape of a parallelogram. The resulting pieces are transported away for further processing by the conveyor unit 81.

[0108] The meat substitute composition Z is discharged with a throughput Q. The following applies in particular to a specific cooling capacity: 0.02 kWh / kg ≤ P T / Q ≤ 0.2 kWh / kg, in particular 0.04 kWh / kg ≤ PT / Q ≤ 0.12 kWh / kg, and in particular 0.05 kWh / kg ≤ P T / Q ≤ 0.08 kWh / kg.

[0109] The meat substitute composition Z is cooled in the discharge device 3 to a temperature below 120°C, in particular 110°C, and in particular 100°C. The throughput of the discharge device 3 is 200 kg / h to 2,000 kg / h.

[0110] By rotating the inner core 23, the web 62 for adjusting the conveying effect, and the tempering units 43, 44, 45, 65, various meat substitute compositions Z with different textures can be produced in a simple and flexible manner, for example, to imitate different types of meat. Cleaning may be required when changing the recipe. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shows a first cleaning state of system 1, whereas in the Fig. 10 shows a second cleaning state of system 1.

[0111] Before cleaning, the processing device 2 and the discharge device 3 are emptied and stopped. The web 62 allows the discharge device 3 to be emptied even when the multi-shaft screw conveyor 4 is no longer conveying meat substitute composition Z into the discharge device 3.

[0112] To transfer the discharge device 3 from the operating state to the first cleaning state, the electric drive motor 34 is stopped so that the inner core 23 no longer rotates about the longitudinal axis X. Subsequently, the drive 25 is released from the outer casing 21 and the inner core 23 together with the drive 25 is displaced in the longitudinal direction x out of the receiving space 30 of the outer casing 21 by means of the inner core guide 24. The inner core 23 is now exposed and the receiving opening 31 of the outer casing 21 is freely accessible. The outer wall 51 of the outer casing 21 and the inner wall 58 of the inner core 23 can now be cleaned in a simple manner. The first cleaning state is shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 illustrates.

[0113] To transfer the discharge device 3 from the first cleaning state to a second cleaning state, the inlet unit 20 is detached from the multi-shaft screw extruder 4 and the outer casing 21 and removed. Additionally, the outer casing 21 is displaced in the y-direction by means of the outer casing guide 22, so that the housing bores 6, 6' of the multi-shaft screw extruder 4 are freely accessible. The treatment element shafts 7, 7' can now be removed from the housing bores 6, 6'. Furthermore, the inlet unit 20 can be easily cleaned. The second cleaning state is shown in Fig. 10 illustrates.

[0114] After cleaning, the discharge device 3 is transferred from the second cleaning state back to the first cleaning state and from there back to the operating state. This occurs in the reverse manner to that described above.

[0115] The following is based on the Fig.11 to 14, a second embodiment of the invention is described. In contrast to the first embodiment, the multi-shaft screw extruder 4 is arranged at an angle of 90° to the discharge device 3. The tip 72 of the inner core 23 is mounted only by means of the aperture 79. The inlet direction E runs at an angle α = 90° to the longitudinal axis X. The meat substitute composition Z is thus fed to the discharge device 3 radially to the longitudinal axis X. As a result, the meat substitute composition Z has a multi-layer structure in the flow channel 59, resulting in a multi-layer texturing. With regard to the further structure and further functioning of the system 1, reference is made to the preceding embodiment. In general:

[0116] The inner core 23 can comprise at least one inner core sleeve with a smooth inner wall, i.e., one without a web. For example, a first inner core sleeve can be formed with at least one web, whereas a last inner core sleeve can be smooth. Intermediate inner core sleeves can be formed with at least one web and / or be smooth. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 524 059 A1

[0002] US 2021 / 0046690 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Discharge device for texturing a food composition, in particular a meat substitute composition, comprising - an inner core (23), - an outer jacket (21) surrounding the inner core (23), - a flow channel (59) for texturing the food composition (Z), which is formed between the inner core (23) and the outer shell (21), - a feed opening (60) for feeding the food composition (Z) into the flow channel (59), and - a discharge opening (61) for discharging the food composition (Z) from the flow channel (59), characterized by a drive (25) for rotating the inner core (23) and the outer shell (21) relative to each other about a longitudinal axis (X). [2] Discharge device according to claim 1, characterized by that the inner core (23) comprises a shaft (52) and at least one inner core sleeve (53 to 57) which is fastened on the shaft (52). [3] Discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the inner core (23) comprises at least one web (62) at least in sections. [4] Discharge device according to claim 3, characterized by that the at least one web (62) has a pitch P, where: 20 mm ≤ P ≤ 20000 mm, in particular 100 mm ≤ P ≤ 10000 mm, in particular 150 mm ≤ P ≤ 5000 mm, in particular 250 mm ≤ P ≤ 4000 mm, in particular 500 mm ≤ P ≤ 3000 mm, in particular 750 mm ≤ P ≤ 2500 mm, and in particular 1000 mm ≤ P ≤ 2000 mm. [5] Discharge device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the at least one web (62) and the outer casing (21) delimit a radial gap (63) with a gap dimension S, where: 0.1 mm ≤ S ≤ 2.5 mm, in particular 0.5 mm ≤ S ≤ 2 mm, and in particular 1 mm ≤ S ≤ 1.5 mm. [6] Discharge device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the inner core (23) is mounted on the outer shell (21) and / or a distributor (74). [7] Discharge device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one tempering unit (43, 44, 45, 65) for tempering the food composition (Z). [8] Discharge device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by an inlet unit (20) for connecting the discharge device (3) to a processing device (2), wherein the inlet unit (20) defines an inlet direction (E) which runs transversely to the longitudinal axis (X). [9] Discharge device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one texturing tool (64) is arranged in the flow channel (59). [10] Discharge device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one aperture (79) for influencing the food composition (Z). [11] Discharge device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a support frame (11) for supporting the inner core (23) and / or the outer shell (21). [12] Discharge device according to claim 11, characterized by that the support frame (11) comprises an inner core guide (24) for displacing the inner core (23) and / or an outer shell guide (22) for displacing the outer shell (21). [13] Discharge device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a conveyor unit (81) for transporting away the food composition (Z) discharged through the discharge opening (61). [14] Plant for producing a food composition, in particular a meat substitute composition, comprising - a processing device (2) for continuously processing the food composition (Z), and - a discharge device (3) according to at least one of the preceding claims. [15] A method for texturing a food composition, in particular a meat substitute composition, comprising the following steps: - Providing a discharge device (3) for texturing the food composition (Z) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, - feeding the food composition (Z) into the flow channel (59), - texturing the food composition (Z) in the flow channel (59) during rotation of the inner core (23) and the outer shell (21) relative to each other about the longitudinal axis (X), and - Discharge of the food composition (Z) from the flow channel (59). [16] Method according to claim 15, characterized by that the food composition (Z) in the discharge device (3) with a cooling capacity P Tcooled and discharged with a throughput Q, whereby for a specific cooling capacity P T / Q applies: 0.02 kWh / kg ≤ P T / Q ≤ 0.2 kWh / kg, in particular 0.04 kWh / kg ≤ P T / Q ≤ 0.12 kWh / kg, and in particular 0.05 kWh / kg ≤ P T / Q ≤ 0.08 kWh / kg.

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