DISTRIBUTION HEAD FOR STEAM INFUSION CONTAINER AND STEAM INFUSION SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a distributor head for introducing a product into a steam infusion container, to a steam infusion system comprising such a steam infusion container, a system for ultra-high temperature heating of a liquid product, and a method for heating a liquid product.

[0002] It is known that liquid products, especially liquid food products such as milk, yogurt, juice, or similar items, can be preserved by heating. This can be achieved, in particular, by steam infusion in a pressurized steam infusion vessel, where the product is heated directly by steam. "Directly" in this context can mean, in particular, that the product is heated through direct contact or heat exchange with the steam.

[0003] For example, the product can be fed as a product jet into the upper section of the steam infusion vessel and, as it travels vertically downwards through the vessel, heated with hot, preferably saturated, steam, for example, steam between 120°C and 160°C. During the time the product jet falls vertically through the steam infusion vessel, it can be heated to the desired temperature for the desired duration. The heated product is then collected in a section, often conical, at the bottom of the infusion vessel. This section, particularly the conical one, can optionally be cooled to prevent or reduce product sticking to the walls. A steam infusion system for the heat treatment of liquid and semi-liquid foods, such as...Dairy products in which the heat input is controlled by a single valve that regulates the steam flow into the infusion chamber are disclosed in WO 2021 / 023351 A1.

[0004] A product jet can consist of a single continuous jet or multiple partial jets. Distributor heads for generating such a product jet in an infusion container are known, for example, from EP 1 536 702 B1 or DE 69 209 097 T2. However, in such distributor heads for generating a product jet, the product jet is surrounded and exposed to steam from the outside. This can cause the product jet to spread radially outwards, so that the cylindrical wall sections in the middle and lower areas of the infusion container can be contacted by the product. This can lead to undesirable deposits and / or fouling, which can affect the taste of the product and necessitate frequent cleaning of the infusion container. Furthermore, in this arrangement, less steam is available in the center of the product jet for heating the product than in the outer areas.This can lead to insufficient heating of the product internally, or it may be necessary to increase the steam temperature to achieve adequate heating. Such an increase in temperature, which would not be necessary externally, can negatively affect product quality, particularly taste, and can also be energy-intensive.

[0005] EP 2 381 793 B1 and EP 3 772 284 A1 both disclose distributor heads for feeding a product into a container. These heads direct the product stream in an annular pattern, and steam can also be introduced into the interior of the product stream. To enable this, in EP 3 772 284 A1, the distributor head is suspended within the infusion container. A disadvantage of this design is that the product heats up as it passes through the distributor, necessitating intensive cooling and frequent cleaning. Furthermore, the steam supply to the interior is limited due to the unguided steam flow and the small cross-sectional area of ​​the interior. In EP 2 381 793 B1, separate steam connections are required for steam supply.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of solving one or more of the aforementioned problems. The invention comprises a distributor head for introducing a liquid product according to claim 1, a steam infusion system according to claim 13, a system for ultra-high temperature heating of a liquid product according to claim 14, and a method for heating a liquid product according to claim 15. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] A distributor head for introducing a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product such as milk, yogurt, juice, milk substitutes or similar, is designed for introducing a liquid product in the form of a product jet, in particular composed of partial jets.

[0008] The distributor head includes, in the area of ​​one or more openings, at least one openingless area, which is arranged and / or designed such that a product jet is formed that allows steam to enter the interior of the product jet perpendicular to the direction of movement of the product jet. In particular, steam can thus enter the interior of the product jet from the outside and move perpendicular to the direction of movement of the product jet. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce steam into the product from above via a separate connection or through the product nozzle; rather, steam can enter the product jet laterally.

[0009] The distributor head is designed for introducing a product into a steam infusion container. A steam infusion container for which the distributor head is designed can, in particular, be a steam infusion container as previously described or one described in EP 3 171 701 B1. Figure 2The steam infusion vessel described above can be configured so that a product is introduced from above in the form of a product stream, while steam is supplied laterally. Typically, the product and the steam can be under pressure, e.g., between 2 bar and 6.2 bar, e.g., between 2.7 bar and 4.8 bar, e.g., 3.6 bar, so that temperatures of approximately 120°C to 160°C, e.g., between 130°C and 150°C, e.g., 140°C, can be reached within the steam infusion vessel. The product can already be heated when it is introduced into the steam infusion vessel, for example, to a temperature between 70°C and 90°C, e.g., approximately 80°C.The product introduced into the steam infusion vessel can then move as a product jet along the body of the steam infusion vessel, particularly its cylindrical shape, and especially vertically downwards, and be heated by the steam during its passage through the vessel. In the lower region of the steam infusion vessel, the product can be collected, particularly by a conical section. This conical section can optionally be cooled, for example, to a temperature between 100°C and 140°C, or between 110°C and 130°C, or 120°C.

[0010] The distributor head comprises one or more openings for introducing the product, typically arranged such that the product jet exits in a direction that, particularly when the distributor head is used in a steam infusion chamber, may be vertically downwards. In particular, the distributor head may be configured such that all partial jets of the product jet exit parallel to each other in one direction. This direction is referred to as the direction of the product jet.

[0011] The distributor head can optionally include one or more connection points for a product feed, e.g., for a pipe, and / or include one or more product feeds, e.g., one or more pipes. It can also optionally include an expansion device between the product feed and the product introduction openings, e.g., a chamber. In particular, a product stream fed to the distributor head through a pipe can be expanded there to the product jet width defined by the product introduction openings of the distributor head. The distributor head can include a termination with the openings, e.g., a straight or curved plate with openings for the product jet. The product can collect in the optional expansion device before exiting the distributor head through the product jet openings, e.g., in a straight or curved plate.The distributor head, in particular the end cap with the openings, the optional expansion device, and the optional connection for the product jet or product feed, can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces. Specifically, the end cap with the openings can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces, e.g., from different materials that may be joined together, or in multiple pieces from the same material that may be joined together by another material or other fasteners.

[0012] The openings for introducing the product can be arranged in a planar fashion, meaning that when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the product jet, the arrangement, particularly the pattern created by the openings or the shape of the opening(s) themselves, can extend in two directions perpendicular to each other. In particular, such a planar arrangement of the openings for introducing the product can be arranged in a plane or on a curved surface. For example, in a round, especially circular, distributor head, the arrangement can be located in a region along the circumference of the circle, and thus extend in two directions perpendicular to each other.

[0013] The presence of at least one opening-free area within the region of one or more openings creates at least one non-product-carrying area in the product stream. This non-product-carrying area can, in particular, result in at least one opening in the product stream through which no product is carried.

[0014] This at least one opening-free area can be formed, for example, by the absence of openings in the closure with openings, e.g. in a (straight or curved) plate, or by the closure of originally existing openings in the closure.

[0015] The distributor head, particularly in the area of ​​one or more openings, and especially its end, can be formed from a single, continuous plate, e.g., a straight or curved one. In other embodiments, the distributor head, particularly in the area of ​​one or more openings, and especially its end, can be composed of several separate sections, for example, curved plates, which may be connected to one another or separate.

[0016] The product beam, when viewed in a plane perpendicular to its direction of motion, is bounded by the smallest convex geometric figure that encompasses all parts of the product beam. This figure can, in particular, correspond to the smallest convex geometric figure that encompasses all projections of openings, where the projection is onto a plane perpendicular to the product beam. For example, the smallest convex geometric figure can be the smallest circle or the smallest convex polygon that encompasses all openings if the one or more openings are arranged in a circle. This smallest convex geometric figure bounds the product beam. The region within this smallest convex geometric figure is, in particular, considered to be inside (interior to) the product beam. The region outside this smallest convex geometric figure is, in particular, considered to be outside the product beam.

[0017] The at least one opening-free area now allows steam to enter the interior of the product jet, whereby the steam can enter perpendicular to the direction of movement of the product jet, i.e., from outside the product jet into its interior. In particular, steam can move into the product jet through the boundary of the smallest convex geometric figure, which was defined previously. It should be noted that while steam entry perpendicular to the direction of the product jet must be possible, the actual steam entry into the steam infusion vessel depends on the direction of entry of the steam. Therefore, steam entry into the product jet can alternatively or additionally occur in another direction, e.g., at an angle to the product jet or with only a small angular deviation from the direction of the product jet, e.g., no more than 20°, e.g., no more than 10° to the product jet.According to the invention, steam inlet must be possible up to the center of the product jet. The center of the product jet (center of the product jet) can, in particular, be the center of gravity of the previously defined smallest convex geometric figure (center of gravity of the product jet).

[0018] The at least one opening-free area can, for example, have a diameter of at least 15 millimeters, in particular at least 25 millimeters.

[0019] To determine the diameter of the area without openings, a projection of the area with the openings perpendicular to the direction of movement of the product jet onto a plane perpendicular to the direction of the product jet is considered. The minimum diameter of 15 millimeters, and in particular at least 25 millimeters, can mean, in particular, that a circle with this diameter can move throughout the entire area without openings, and in particular that it can move from the outside (especially outside the product jet) into the interior of the product jet.

[0020] The at least one opening-free area of ​​the distributor head can (projected in the direction of the product jet into a plane perpendicular to the direction of the product jet) have a diameter of at least 2 times, in particular at least 3 times, for example at least 4 times the diameter of the largest circle that can be inscribed in all openings for introducing the product.

[0021] "Inscribed in an opening for introducing the product" can mean, in particular, that this circle can be inscribed in a projection of the openings in the direction of the product jet onto a plane perpendicular to the direction of the product jet. A circle that can be inscribed in all openings for introducing the product is a circle that can be inscribed in every opening for introducing the product. This circle can thus, in particular, describe the smallest diameter of a (partial) jet of the product jet, e.g., the smallest thickness of a (partial) jet of the product jet. The diameter of the circle can thus, in particular, relate the possible thickness of a product jet to the diameter of the at least one openingless region.The at least one opening-free area can, in particular, have a diameter at least twice, in particular at least three times, for example at least four times, the diameter of the smallest or any, in particular circular, opening for introducing a product.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one opening-free area can have a diameter at least twice, and in particular at least three times, for example at least four times, the diameter of the largest circle that can be inscribed in the opening closest to this area of ​​the opening-free region. Thus, for example, if the openings taper towards the interior of the product jet, the opening-free area(s) can also taper accordingly, since less steam is required to heat product jet areas with smaller diameter partial jets to comparable temperatures.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one opening-free area of ​​the distributor head (projected in the direction of the product jet into a plane perpendicular to the direction of the product jet) can have a diameter of at least 2 times, in particular at least 3 times, for example at least 4 times, the mean diameter of the openings for introducing the product, or a diameter of at least 2 times, in particular at least 3 times, for example at least 4 times, the smallest dimension of all openings for introducing the product or the mean value of the smallest dimension of each opening for introducing the product.

[0024] The invention further comprises a distributor head, wherein the openings of the distributor head are arranged in segments separated from one another by one or more openingless areas. Such segmentation of the openings of the distributor head (or the resulting segmentation of the product jet) can allow the partial product jets generated by the individual segments to be heated more effectively than if a continuous jet were present. In particular, each segment can thus come into complete contact with steam from all sides.

[0025] The openings in a segment can have various shapes, for example round, radial, slit-shaped, x-shaped, or similar shapes.

[0026] A segment, and in particular each segment, can comprise one or at least two openings, and in particular, for example, at least four or at least ten openings, or more than 20 openings. The number of openings per segment can be the same or different. For example, a distributor head can comprise one or more first segments, each with a first number of openings, and one or more second segments, each with a second number of openings. The second number of openings can be greater than the first number of openings, for example, by a factor of between 1.2 and 3, or by a factor of 1.5.

[0027] A segment can comprise at least two openings spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, at least three openings can be arranged in a single segment, each spaced apart from the others in this manner.

[0028] More generally, two openings of the same segment can be arranged on a straight line that passes by the center of the distributor head or does not intersect the center. This straight line is projected onto a plane perpendicular to the product jet. The center of the distributor head can be, in particular, its centroid or its midpoint (especially when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the product jet). Specifically, all segments can include at least two such openings.

[0029] The distances, in particular the centers, of two, in particular all, openings of the same segment can be smaller than the distances, in particular the centers, of two, in particular all, openings of two adjacent segments.

[0030] The distances between at least two, in particular at least three, especially adjacent, openings in at least one segment, in particular the majority of segments, for example all segments, can differ from each other in two perpendicular directions. The distances can differ by a factor of 1.1 or more.

[0031] The density of openings per square centimeter within a segment can be greater than outside a segment.

[0032] A segment can comprise at least two openings. The openings comprised by a segment can each be separated from one another by areas without openings. The distance from one opening to the next in a segment can be smaller than the distance between two openings separated by an area without openings, in particular the distance between two openings from two different segments, especially by a factor of 2 or more, for example by a factor of 5 or more. In particular, this condition can be satisfied for any two openings of a segment and for any two openings separated by an area without openings, i.e., especially those located in two different segments. The distance from one opening to the next can, in particular, be the distance between the centers of the two openings or the minimum distance between two endpoints of the openings.

[0033] At least one segment can consist of exactly one opening, for example a long gap.

[0034] Openings in a segment can be arranged in a planar fashion; in particular, openings can be arranged in their projection in the direction of the product beam onto a plane perpendicular to the product beam in two directions arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0035] Two segments of a distributor head can have separate product feeds, allowing them to be supplied with product independently. In particular, it may be possible to switch the product feed to individual segments, especially segments with separate product feeds (also referred to as switching individual segments on and off), on and off during the generation of the product jet. For example, the distributor head can be designed as a multi-stage distributor head where individual segments can be switched on and / or off depending on the desired product quantity for the product jet. Specifically, for example, two, three, or more segments can have separate product feeds; for instance, all segments can have separate product feeds.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, two (or more) segments can share a common product feed. Such two (or more) segments can optionally be arranged diametrically opposite each other. This can have the advantage of maintaining the symmetry of the product jet. In particular, this can enable uniform and / or consistent heating of the respective segments.

[0037] Different segments of a distributor head can be arranged symmetrically to each other, in particular point-symmetrically and / or axially symmetrically. Such a symmetrical arrangement can be advantageous because it enables uniform heating of the respective segments of the product jet.

[0038] A distributor head can comprise an even or an odd number of segments. The segments can, for example, have the shape of a circular sector, a circular arc (both originating from the center of the product stream), a rounded X-shape, a butterfly shape, a dumbbell shape, or other shapes. In particular, the segments can be arranged as circular arcs at a fixed distance from the center of the product stream and / or as circular arcs at varying distances from the center of the product stream. Multiple segments at a fixed distance from the center of the product stream can optionally be arranged at equal intervals along the circumference.

[0039] The segments of the distributor head can be integrated into a common base plate.

[0040] The distributor head, in particular the common base plate, can optionally be arranged in the head of the steam infusion container. Arrangement in the head of the steam infusion container can, in particular, include the distributor head being positioned, or being arrangable, in the steam infusion container in such a way that it is not, or cannot be, surrounded by steam from above and from the sides.

[0041] The distributor head can have at least two different types of openings, for example, openings with different shapes, diameters, sizes, and / or lengths. The openings can be designed as recesses, such as punched or cutouts, or as bores. Recesses and bores can be designed with rounded or chamfered edges. Bores with rounded or chamfered edges can, in particular, improve product flow and jet stability, for example, by preventing turbulence.

[0042] For example, one or more openings may have circular, oval, rectangular, rod-shaped, oblong, slotted, curved, or similar cross-sections (where, in particular, the cross-section is considered as a projection in the direction of the product jet into a plane perpendicular to the product jet). The openings may, for example, be or include circular bores, optionally with rounded corners or chamfers. Alternatively or additionally, the cross-sections may include, for example, rod-shaped, oblong, or slotted cross-sections, optionally with rounded corners and / or optionally with a bend, circular annular gap shapes, arcuate annular gap shapes, or other shapes.

[0043] A distributor head and / or the product jet can have various cross-sections (projected along the direction of the product jet onto a plane perpendicular to the product jet). For example, the cross-section of the product jet and / or the distributor head can be circular, rectangular, square, oval, or another shape.

[0044] The openings can be arranged in a specific order, e.g., extending outwards from the center of the product jet, particularly in rows, especially radially from the center of the product jet. Alternatively or additionally, the openings can be arranged on circular arcs around the center of the product jet. For example, openings can be arranged radially from the center of the product jet on circular arcs at varying distances from the center of the product jet and / or at equal intervals from each other. The openings can also be arranged perpendicular to the product jet in projection onto the product jet direction, for example, alternatively or additionally at an angle to the radial direction and / or in a circular arc.For non-circular boundaries of the product jet, for example, in particular regular polygons, radial can in particular mean an orientation starting from the center of gravity of the product jet outwards, in particular radial can mean a radial orientation in the smallest circle encompassing the boundary of the product jet around the center of gravity of the product jet.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the opening(s) can be arranged in a planar fashion, i.e., in particular when the product beam is projected onto a plane perpendicular to it, they can have an extension / arrangement that extends in two mutually perpendicular directions.

[0046] The open area(s) in a distributor head can be oriented at least partially radially from the center point, particularly the center of gravity, of the product jet. This can be advantageous because a radial arrangement allows steam to enter the product jet via the shortest path, thus increasing the availability of steam within the product jet. According to the invention, one (or more) open area must extend through to the center of the product jet. This ensures that steam is available even in the center of the product jet, enabling the most uniform heating possible. Furthermore, steam in the center of the product jet can prevent or reduce its expansion.

[0047] The invention further comprises a steam infusion system, comprising a previously described steam infusion container for heating a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, and a previously described distributor head for introducing the product into the steam infusion container.

[0048] The steam infusion vessel can, in particular, include a product feed area in which a distributor head as previously described can be arranged. The distributor head can, in particular, be located in the head of the steam infusion vessel. The steam infusion vessel can further comprise, in particular, cylindrical walls, and a steam supply line, in particular arranged laterally. The steam infusion vessel can be designed for use at a pressure between 4 and 5 bar, e.g., 4.5 bar. It can be designed for the following operating parameters: The product can have a temperature between 75 and 85 °C, e.g., approximately 80 °C, upon feed, and the steam can be supplied at a temperature between 120 °C and 160 °C, e.g., between 130 °C and 150 °C. The steam infusion vessel can include a collection area, in particular a conical one, at the lower end of the infusion vessel, which can optionally be cooled, e.g.,to a temperature between 100°C and 140°C, e.g., between 110°C and 130°C. This can be achieved, in particular, by supplying and discharging a coolant, especially tempered water, at the steam infusion tank. The optional conical collection area can include a drainage option, e.g., an opening or a valve, to drain or pump out the product.

[0049] The invention further comprises a system for ultra-high temperature heating of a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, comprising a previously described steam infusion system for ultra-high temperature heating of the product, and a filling system for the product arranged downstream of the steam infusion system. The system for ultra-high temperature heating of such a liquid product can optionally further include a holding section in which the product is kept at a specific temperature, for example between 120°C and 160°C.For example, the system for ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) of a liquid product can include an outlet at the collection point. From this outlet, a pump can convey the liquid product to a holding section within the UHT system and then to a vacuum chamber where it is cooled and, optionally, the water added by the steam can be removed. The product can then be transferred to the filling line and filled.

[0050] The invention further comprises a method for heating a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, characterized in that a distributor head as previously described is used to introduce the product into a steam infusion vessel. The method can further comprise one, two, or all of the following steps: supplying steam, cooling the collection area to prevent the product from sticking, storing the product in a holding area, and / or filling the product. The method can be carried out in a steam infusion system as previously described and / or in a previously described ultra-high temperature (UHT) system for a liquid product, and in particular, heating and cooling to the temperatures described in connection with this steam infusion system and UHT system. Another aspect of the invention

[0051] Also disclosed, but not part of the invention according to the claims, are a system and a method for generating targeted pulsations in the product feed of a distributor head for introducing a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, into a steam infusion container.

[0052] A potential problem when feeding a product through a distributor head into a steam infusion tank is that the feeding equipment and devices, particularly the pump and / or valves and control valves, switch frequently. This creates pulsations, which can affect the free-falling liquid jet. As a result, fluctuations in the product flow can occur, impacting jet stability (such an impact on jet stability is described, for example, in the Encyclopaedia cinematographica, Film E3175, Gerd. E. A. Meier and Georg Grabitz, 1995, Institute of Scientific Film, but in a completely different context). Fluctuations in the jet increase the risk of the jet being deflected against the tank wall and coming into contact with the hot surface, which can lead to taste impairment, fouling, and the need for more frequent cleaning of the steam infusion tank.Due to the fluctuations in the product jet they cause, the pulsations thus have an influence on the operating time of the steam infusion vessel and can, in particular, reduce the operating time.

[0053] The disclosure aims to solve or at least mitigate this problem. The system and method for generating targeted pulsations in the product feed of a distributor head for introducing a liquid product, particularly a liquid food product, into a steam infusion vessel is intended to increase jet stability by generating targeted pulsations in the product feed. Such targeted pulsations in the product feed can be used, for example, in a steam infusion system or an ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) system for a liquid product, particularly in a steam infusion system or an UHT system for a liquid product as described above.The system and method for generating targeted pulsations can be used in the product feed to a previously described distributor head, but also in a distributor head that does not have any opening-free areas in the area of ​​the openings as described above, but only one or more openings for feeding a liquid product into a steam infusion container and corresponding steam infusion system and / or system for ultra-high temperature heating of a liquid product, which includes such a distributor head.

[0054] A system for generating targeted pulsations in the product feed comprises a measuring device for detecting process-related fluctuations and / or pulsations, a device for generating targeted pulsations, and a control device for controlling the device for generating targeted pulsations based on the detected results of the measuring device for detecting process-related fluctuations and / or pulsations.

[0055] In particular, the control device can be configured to control the device for generating targeted pulsations based on the detected process-related fluctuations and / or pulsations, such that the targeted pulsations reduce or prevent the process-related fluctuations and / or pulsations. Specifically, the pulsations generated by the control of the device for generating targeted pulsations can interfere destructively with the measured pulsations (already present in the system), so that fewer or no pulsations act on the product jet. Thus, jet decay can be delayed to such an extent that the probability of the product coming into contact with the container wall is reduced.

[0056] For example, the device for generating targeted pulsations can be a movable piston or include one in which the piston stroke and rotational speed are adjustable; in particular, the amplitude of the generated pulsation can be determined by the piston stroke and the frequency by the rotational speed.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the device for generating targeted pulsations can be or include a pulsator based on the principle of a diaphragm pump, which can be designed to be particularly hygienic (i.e., sterilizable, cleanable, food-safe, corrosion-resistant, with smooth surfaces to which contaminants cannot permanently adhere, and / or with no or very few dead spaces). Such pumps are already successfully used in CIP (Cleaning-in-Place) systems. The diaphragm pump can, for example, be connected in a bypass to the main flow. Optionally, a check valve can be present and used. The diaphragm pump can, for example, be arranged upstream of the optional check valve in the bypass.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the device for generating targeted pulsations can include a membrane that transmits the targeted pulsations. Alternatively or additionally, the device for generating targeted pulsations can include a flexible tube or similar component to generate the targeted pulsations.

[0059] The device for generating targeted pulsations can in particular be designed to generate a pulsating flow in which frequency and amplitude can be controlled.

[0060] The measuring device for detecting process-related fluctuations and / or pulsations can be configured to detect pulsations measured before product start-up (e.g., using high-resolution mass flow meters) and / or measured jet breakup. For example, it can include one, two, or more cameras that are located inside the steam infusion chamber or that can take pictures inside the steam infusion chamber, e.g., from the outside.

[0061] An example of a possible camera orientation is given in EP 3 171 701 B1, in particular Figure 2This is shown in the figure, where in particular two cameras are directed towards the product stream. For example, a first camera, for instance, located at the head of the steam infusion vessel, can be directed towards the product stream, in particular its lower region, optionally including a portion of the collection area. A second camera can be arranged in the area of ​​the body of the steam infusion vessel, which is in particular cylindrical, and directed towards the product stream, in particular its upper region, optionally including a portion of the distributor head. In other embodiments, only one camera may be included, which may be directed, for example, like the first or the second camera, or differently. Alternatively, two or more cameras may be included, one or more of which may be directed differently.

[0062] This allows process-related fluctuations in the product stream to be detected. Alternatively or additionally, pulsations in the feed can be measured.

[0063] Thus, the system for generating specific pulsations can then be controlled by the controller in such a way that a desired flow pattern of the product jet is set.

[0064] The system for generating specific pulsations can, in particular, also include a distributor head, wherein the distributor head is configured for introducing a liquid product, especially a liquid food product, into a steam infusion vessel, and comprises one or more openings for introducing the product into a steam infusion vessel in the form of a product jet, in particular composed of partial jets. Optionally, the distributor head can include at least one opening-free area in the region of the one or more openings, for example as described above, or it can not include such an opening-free area.

[0065] The system for generating specific pulsations may be included in a steam infusion system and / or a system for ultra-high temperature heating of a liquid product comprising such a distributor head (with or without opening-free areas).

[0066] The invention further comprises a method for generating targeted pulsations in the product inlet of a distributor head for introducing a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, into a steam infusion vessel. This method can be carried out, in particular, in a system for generating targeted pulsations in the product inlet of a distributor head as described above.

[0067] The method comprises the following steps: detecting process-related fluctuations and / or pulsations; controlling the device for generating targeted pulsations based on the detected process-related fluctuations and / or pulsations, so that the device for generating targeted pulsations generates targeted pulsations that reduce or prevent the process-related fluctuations and / or pulsations. In particular, the pulsations generated by controlling the device for generating targeted pulsations can destructively interfere with the existing positions, so that reduced or no pulsations act on the product stream.

[0068] The procedure can also include all the procedural steps previously described in connection with the distribution header.

[0069] Further aspects and details of the invention are shown in the accompanying figures (not necessarily to scale). These show: Figure 1 schematically shows a steam infusion vessel. Figure 2 schematically shows a distributor head with arc-shaped segments. Figures 3a - 3c schematically show possible shapes of open areas in distributor heads. Figure 4 schematically shows a distributor head with one segment. Figure 5 schematically shows a multi-stage distributor head. Figure 6 schematically shows a segmented distributor head. Figure 7 schematically shows a system for ultra-high temperature heating of a liquid product. Figure 8 schematically shows a system for generating specific pulsations.

[0070] Figure 1Figure 1 schematically shows a steam infusion vessel 1. The steam infusion vessel 1 comprises a head 1a, which, as in this example, may be conical. It further comprises a body 1b, in particular a cylindrical one, and a collection area 1c for the product, which may also be conical, for example. The steam infusion vessel also includes a steam inlet 1d. Optionally, it may also include a cooling system for the collection area, which may, for example, comprise a spirally surrounding tube 1e or, alternatively, a double jacket (not shown here). The cooling system may, in particular, include an inlet 1f and an outlet 1g for tempered water.

[0071] The head 1a includes a distributor head 2 for introducing a liquid product into the steam infusion chamber. The distributor head 2 is designed and arranged to generate a product jet 3 that runs from top to bottom approximately parallel to the body 1b, which is particularly cylindrical, and in particular without touching the walls of the body. This product jet 3 can be heated in the steam infusion chamber 1 by the supply 1d of steam during its descent and collected in the collection area 1c. The collection area 1c can optionally be cooled. A valve, a pump for pumping out the liquid product, and other components, e.g., a holding section, can be connected to or attached to the steam infusion chamber 1 at the collection area.

[0072] Figure 2Figure 1 schematically shows a distributor head 4 according to the invention with segments 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d arranged in a circular arc. The boundary of the product jet can be approximately defined by the schematically drawn ring 6; in a more detailed representation, the boundary of the product jet could encompass a polygon within the ring 6. The segments of the product jet are separated from one another by the opening-free area 7, whereby the areas 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d of the opening-free area 7 allow vapor to enter the interior of the product jet perpendicular to the direction of the product jet.

[0073] Each of the arc-shaped segments 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d comprises several openings for introducing the product into a steam infusion vessel. The product jet is composed of the partial jets supplied through the respective openings, which may be rod-shaped. In other embodiments (not shown here), other opening shapes may be included, e.g., circular or oval openings or rod-shaped openings arranged radially and / or obliquely (approximately 45°, e.g., between 15° and 75° to the radial direction) in the segments; in further embodiments (not shown here), one or each segment may comprise exactly one opening, e.g., a slit-shaped, arc-shaped opening.

[0074] Figure 3a Figure 1 shows an example of a possible arrangement of an opening-free area on a distributor head, in which the opening-free area 8 has a similar shape to that shown in Figure 2. Figure 2The product jet 9 has arc-shaped segments 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d and is bounded by the schematically drawn figure 10. The areas 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d of the opening-free area 8 allow steam to enter the interior of the product jet. The segments 9a–9d can include one or more openings.

[0075] Figure 3b Figure 1 schematically shows an alternative arrangement of opening-free areas on a distributor head. The opening-free area 11 shown there divides the product jet into two segments 12a, 12b, which are arranged in a circular arc. The opening-free areas 11a, 11b of the opening-free area 11 allow steam to enter the interior of the product jet perpendicular to the direction of the product jet.

[0076] Figure 3cFigure 13 schematically shows another arrangement of opening-free areas on a distributor head. The opening-free area 13 shown there divides the product jet, which is bounded by a schematically drawn figure 15, into segments 14a–14g, which can, in particular, have the shape of a circular segment (pie slice). The sub-areas 13a–13g allow steam to enter the interior of the product jet perpendicular to the direction of the product jet.

[0077] In Figures 3a, 3b and 3cFor example, the opening-free areas in at least the sub-areas 8a-8d, 11a, 11b, and 13a-g are radially oriented from the center of the product jet and extend to the center of the product jet, allowing steam to enter the center of the product jet via the shortest path. In other embodiments (not shown), the opening-free area(s) may be radially oriented from the center of the product jet, at least in sub-areas, and may not extend to the center of the product jet or may not be radially oriented.

[0078] Figure 4Figure 16 schematically shows a distributor head with a segment 16 and four openingless areas 17a–17d. The openingless areas 17a–17d in the region of the openings 18 allow steam to enter the interior of the product jet bounded by the schematically drawn Figure 19. In some sections, they extend radially from the center of the product jet, but do not extend to the center of the product jet. In this example, the openings 18 are arranged planarly within the segment. Their projections toward the product jet onto a plane perpendicular to it exhibit an arrangement that extends in two mutually perpendicular directions k1, k2. Figure 4 The opening-free areas have, for example, a diameter at least 3 times the diameter of the largest circle that can be inscribed in all openings 18.

[0079] Figure 5Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary segment arrangement of a distributor head with 8 segments 19a-d and 20a-d. Segments 19a-d and 20a-d are each arranged in a circular arc, and the four segments 19a-d are equidistant from each other, as are the four segments 20a-d. Segments 19a-d are located radially inside segments 20a-d. In the example shown, segments 20a-d in the outer ring can, in particular, comprise a higher number of openings than segments 19a-d in the inner ring, e.g., at least 1.5 times the number, and especially 1.5 times or 3 times the number.

[0080] In the example shown, segments 19a-d can optionally have a separate product feed from segments 20a-2d. This allows the distributor head to be controlled in multiple stages. For the lowest power level, the product can only be fed into segments 19a-d. For the medium power level, the product can only be fed into segments 20a-20d. For the highest power level, the product can be fed into segments 19a-d and segments 20a-20d.

[0081] Figure 6aFigure 1 schematically shows a distributor head with 12 segments. The opening-free area 21 extends radially to the center of the product jet 22 in sub-areas 21a–21d, and radially to the center of the product jet in sub-areas 21e–h, but does not extend to the center of the product jet; in area 21i, the opening-free area forms an annulus. The product jet is bounded by the schematically indicated convex shape in Figure 23.

[0082] Figure 6b schematically shows an enlarged cross-section through the distributor head of the Figure 6a along line a in a plane parallel to the direction of the product jet. As can be seen there, the openings here include, for example, a chamfer to improve the product inlet, whereby this chamfer can be arranged particularly on the side facing the product inlet.

[0083] In other embodiments (not shown here), the openings may include a rounded section instead of a chamfer to improve product entry, or no chamfer or rounded section at all. A chamfer or rounded section to improve product entry may also be included in all other embodiments, particularly those shown in other figures, even though they are not explicitly shown there.

[0084] Figure 7Figure 1 schematically shows a system for ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) of a liquid product. The product can be fed into the system, for example, through an inlet (shown on the left in the figure). The system for ultra-high temperature processing of a liquid product comprises a steam infusion system with a steam infusion vessel 24 and a distribution head 25, and a filling unit 26 for the product located downstream of the steam infusion system. A steam supply line 24a into the steam infusion vessel 24 is shown as an example. In other embodiments (not shown), a steam supply line into the steam infusion vessel can also be located elsewhere within the steam infusion vessel and / or multiple steam supply lines can be included. The finished product containers, shown here as an example, can then optionally be discharged from the filling unit 26.

[0085] Also shown is an optional pump 27a, which can pump product from the steam infusion tank 24, an optional holding section 27b, and an optional flash cooler 27c, from which steam can be discharged via an optional outlet 27d (shown as an example). Furthermore, the ultra-high temperature processing system can include one or more additional pumps to pump the product between the various treatment stations, in particular pump 27e (shown as an example), and an optional buffer tank 27f, in particular for the intermediate storage of a pasteurized product, upstream of the filling system 26.

[0086] The optional buffer tank 27f can be located, in particular, downstream of an optional cooler 27g and upstream of the filling system 26. The optional cooler can be located, in particular, downstream of the flash cooler 27c, whereby, as shown by way of example, further components, in particular the optional pump 27e, can optionally be located between the flash cooler 27c and cooler 27g.

[0087] Optionally, the system for ultra-high temperature heating of a liquid product can further comprise a preheater 27h, which can be arranged upstream of (before) the steam infusion vessel 24 and can preheat the product before it is fed into the steam infusion vessel 24. Optionally, as shown here by the dashed line, the preheater 27h and the cooler 27g can be connected to each other in a heat circuit or, in particular, connected to each other via one or more components to recover heat. In other embodiments (not shown here), the preheater and cooler can not be connected to each other and / or only one preheater or one cooler (not both) or neither a preheater nor a cooler can be included in the system for ultra-high temperature heating of a liquid product.

[0088] Figure 8Figure 29 schematically shows a system for generating specific pulsations, exemplified here by a steam infusion tank 28. The system comprises a controller 29, a measuring device for detecting process-related fluctuations and / or pulsations, and a device for generating specific pulsations 30. The device for generating specific pulsations 30 can, for example, be located in the product feed or a branched section of the product feed. Typically, it is positioned upstream of the distributor head. The measuring device includes, by way of example, two cameras 31 and 32. The controller 29 can, in particular, control the device for generating specific pulsations 30 to generate specific pulsations that destructively interfere with the existing pulsations. This stabilizes the product jet.

[0089] It is understood that the features mentioned in the previously described embodiments are not limited to these specific combinations and are also possible in any other combinations.

Claims

1. Distribution head (2, 4) for introducing a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, into a steam infusion container (1, 24, 28), comprising one or more openings (18) for introducing the product into a steam infusion container (1, 24, 28) in the form of a product jet, in particular composed of partial jets, characterized in that the distribution head (2, 4) comprises at least one aperture-free region (7, 8, 13, 17, 21) in the region of the one or more apertures (18), which is arranged and / or designed such that a product jet is formed which allows steam to enter the interior of the product jet perpendicular to the direction of movement of the product jet and wherein steam can enter up to the center of the product jet.

2. Distribution head according to claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture-free region has a diameter of at least 15 mm, in particular of at least 25 mm.

3. Distribution head according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one aperture-free region has a diameter of at least 2 times the diameter of the largest circle that can be inscribed in all the apertures for introducing the product.

4. Distribution head according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the openings of the distributor head are arranged in segments (5a-5d, 9a-9d, 12a-12b, 14a-14g, 16, 19a-19d, 20a-20d) which are separated from each other by one or more opening-free regions.

5. Distribution head according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a segment (5a-5d, 9a-9d, 12a-12b, 14a-14g, 16, 19a-19d, 20a-20d) comprises at least two openings, in particular at least four or at least ten openings.

6. Distribution head according to claim 5, wherein the distance from one opening to the next opening in a segment (5a-5d, 9a-9d, 12a-12b, 14a-14g, 16, 19a-19d, 20a-20d) is smaller than the distance between two openings separated by an opening-free region (7, 8, 13, 17, 21), in particular smaller by a factor of 2 or more, for example smaller by a factor of 5 or more.

7. Distribution head according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two segments (5a-5d, 9a-9d, 12a-12b, 14a-14g, 16, 19a-19d, 20a-20d) comprise product feeds separated from each other.

8. Distribution head according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two segments (5a-5d, 9a-9d, 12a-12b, 14a-14g, 16, 19a-19d, 20a-20d) comprise a common product feed, wherein the two segments (5a-5d, 9a-9d, 12a-12b, 14a-14g, 16, 19a-19d, 20a-20d) are optionally arranged diametrically to each other.

9. Distribution head according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the segments (5a-5d, 9a-9d, 12a-12b, 14a-14g, 16, 19a-19d, 20a-20d) are arranged symmetrically to one another, in particular point-symmetrically or axially symmetrically.

10. Distribution head according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the segments (5a-5d, 9a-9d, 12a-12b, 14a-14g, 16, 19a-19d, 20a-20d) are integrated in a common base plate, wherein the distributor head (2, 4) or the base plate can optionally be arranged in the head of the infusion container.

11. Distribution head according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor head (2, 4) has at least two different types of openings, and / or wherein the openings are formed as recesses or bores, in particular as bores with curves or chamfers, and / or wherein the openings are arranged radially and / or on circular arcs and / or flat.

12. Distribution head according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture-free region (7, 5, 11, 13, 17, 21) is at least partially radially aligned and / or wherein at least one aperture-free region (7, 11, 13, 21) is continuous up to the center of the product jet.

13. Vapor infusion system comprising a vapor infusion container (1, 24, 28) for heating a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, and a distributor head (2, 4) according to one of the preceding claims for introducing the product into the vapor infusion container (1, 24, 28).

14. System for ultra-high heating a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, comprising a vapor infusion system according to the preceding claim for ultra-high heating the product and a filling system (26) for the product arranged downstream of the vapor infusion system.

15. Method for heating a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, characterized in that a distribution head according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is used to introduce the product into a vapour infusion container (1, 24, 28), the method optionally being carried out in a vapour infusion system according to claim 13 and / or a system for ultra-high heating of a liquid product according to claim 14.