Frozen, deep-frozen and / or cryogenic portions of liquid or viscous products

Abstract

Frozen, deep-frozen and / or cryogenized portions of liquid or viscous products The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing frozen, deep-frozen and / or cryogenized portions of liquid or pasty products and in particular to the manufacturing of IQF products and in particular equipment for freezing and / or deep-freezing portions of liquid or pasty products comprising or not at least one solid element, comprising a continuous conveyor belt and means for driving said continuous conveyor belt characterized in that the continuous conveyor belt comprises at least one mold open only in its upper part and made of at least one elastomeric material having a glass transition temperature lower than 0°C as well as the corresponding manufacturing method. Figure for abstract: [Fig. 2]

Description

Title of the invention: Frozen, deep-frozen and / or cryogenized portions of liquid or viscous products

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of the manufacture of frozen, deep-frozen and / or cryogenized portions of liquid or viscous products and in particular to the manufacture of IQF products.

[0002] An IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) product is a product that has undergone a freezing and / or deep-freezing technique allowing each ingredient to be frozen and / or deep-frozen individually.

[0003] They are particularly used for the manufacture of frozen sauce portions in the form of pebbles, also called sauce "pellets". These pellets are used in ready meals because of their convenience of use.

[0004] The manufacture of frozen and / or deep-frozen portioned products such as IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) products presents several technological challenges.

[0005] One of the major problems lies in the adhesion of the portions during the freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenic process, resulting in agglomerates that are difficult to separate, altering the quality and appearance of the finished products, thus compromising the expected convenience of the portions.

[0006] In addition, the difficulties of demolding represent a major obstacle, leading to losses of time and material during the preparation of the portions.

[0007] Different technologies have been considered in the prior art.

[0008] Application WO2006 / 092535 discloses a method for manufacturing ice cubes from liquid or pasty products characterized by the use of a bottomless honeycomb belt located opposite a cooled zone which serves as a bottom for the partial mold that constitutes the cells. The cooled zone is preferably the metal plate of a cryogenic liquid exchanger, this cooled zone ensuring the deep freezing of the liquid or pasty product.

[0009] Similarly, application WO97 / 23141 discloses equipment for freezing block materials comprising molds made of flexible materials open in their upper and lower parts, i.e. cells, conveyed along a cooled zone serving as the bottom of the mold and as a cold supply zone.

[0010] The equipment according to these two applications only allows the creation of shapes which necessarily have two flat faces, the first being constituted by the contact zone with the cooled zone serving as the bottom of the mold, and the second formed by gravity following the filling of the mold.

[0011] Application EP4279846 discloses equipment for manufacturing pellets of liquid or pasty products, comprising a tunnel and comprising a conveyor belt fitted with stainless steel molds, said application emphasizing the advantage of using stainless steel compared to polymer materials in order to avoid adhesion of the liquid or pasty product.

[0012] The equipment presented in the prior art requires pre-cooling of the constituent elements of the molds during the filling step in order to ensure the "crusting" of the liquid or pasty product by the formation of a frozen layer in contact with said mold so as to prevent the product from flowing through the interstices formed by the various constituent parts of the mold. In addition, conveyor belts made exclusively of metals have a very high moving mass. These two elements lead to a very high operating energy expenditure.

[0013] Furthermore, the use of metal molds also makes it difficult, if not impossible, to create portions with complex shapes, particularly those which cannot be easily removed from the mold.

[0014] Quite surprisingly, the applicant has developed equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenizing portions of liquid or pasty products, comprising or not comprising at least one solid element, comprising a continuous conveyor belt and means for driving said continuous conveyor belt, characterized in that the continuous conveyor belt comprises at least one mold open only in its upper part and made of at least one elastomeric material having a glass transition temperature below 0°C, making it possible to solve all the technical problems encountered with the technologies of the prior art.

[0015] Due to their glass transition temperatures, the molds of the equipment according to the present invention remain rigid during freezing, deep freezing and / or cryogenization. They therefore retain their shapes and allow the formation of a continuous and rigid peripheral layer and regain their flexibility by returning to a temperature above the glass transition temperature, making it possible not to break the mold during demolding operations and not to alter the frozen product. Thus, the device does not require the implementation of a process artifact to counteract the non-tightness of the cell or the mold.

[0016] They also have a much lower mass than their metallic equivalents.

[0017] These last two characteristics make it possible to significantly reduce the energy expenditure of operating the equipment according to the invention.

[0018] The glass transition temperature of the mold applied to an elastomeric material also guarantees its flexibility at temperatures above this, ensuring easy, reliable demolding without the risk of organic residue (material remaining in the mold after evacuation) without the need to add technological ingredients such as demolding additives to the liquid or pasty products used. The absence of residues is crucial in food industry processes for reasons of hygiene and weight control, as the mold must be continuously empty during filling throughout the cycles.

[0019] Where appropriate, the molds of the equipment according to the present invention can be easily inverted and / or turned over, i.e. changed from concave to convex shape, and are therefore also easily cleanable.

[0020] The equipment developed by the applicant also has the advantage of allowing the creation of almost infinite shapes and sizes of molds and therefore of portions, the different shapes and sizes of molds being able to be combined in the same production cycle using the equipment according to the invention. In particular, it has the advantage of allowing the demolding of shapes that cannot be naturally demolded, in particular when the inlet section of the mold is less than or equal to the largest section of the mold.

[0021] It makes it possible to ensure the production of portions of very liquid to very viscous products, including water, at high rates without the liquid product overflowing, and therefore without loss, during its downstream conveyance.

[0022] The equipment according to the invention also has the advantage of allowing the freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization of liquid products in portions to be carried out in a precise and reliable manner, with constant and reproducible results. These advantages also help to reduce production losses linked to unexpected variations.

[0023] It also allows for greater control over the quality of the frozen product, in particular better uniformity of the final portion, without any demoulding marks.

[0024] A first object of the present invention relates to equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization in portions of liquid or pasty products comprising or not comprising at least one solid element, comprising a continuous conveyor belt and means for driving said continuous conveyor belt characterized in that the continuous conveyor belt comprises at least one mold open only in its upper part and made of at least one elastomeric material having a glass transition temperature lower than 0°C, said equipment comprising successively in the direction of driving of the continuous conveyor belt the following zones: • at least one zone a) for filling the molds, • at least one zone b) of cold supply, • at least one demolding zone c), • at least one area d) for reshaping the mold.

[0025] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that zones a), b), c) and / or d) are included in a single device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that zones a), b), c) and d) are included in a single device.

[0027] In one embodiment, the liquid or pasty product is a food product.

[0028] In one embodiment, the liquid or pasty product is a food product chosen from the group including a sauce, a condiment, a puree and / or a juice.

[0029] In one embodiment, the liquid or pasty product comprises at least one solid element.

[0030] In one embodiment, the liquid or pasty product does not comprise a solid element.

[0031] In one embodiment, the solid element comprises at least one element chosen from pieces of fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, aromatic plant condiments, and / or seeds, spices, garlic, almonds and / or chocolate chips.

[0032] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the zone a) for filling the molds comprises at least one means for dosing the quantity of liquid or pasty products, comprising or not at least one solid element, to be placed in each mold.

[0033] In one embodiment, the dosing means is a mechanical, electronic, electromechanical and / or electromagnetic device.

[0034] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the zone a) for filling the molds comprises at least one filling means.

[0035] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the filling means is suitable for producing simple, multi-layer, concentric, twisted products and / or products with different textures / consistencies.

[0036] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the filling means comprises one or more nozzles.

[0037] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the filling means comprises a device for depositing a solid element.

[0038] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the zone a) for filling the molds is at a temperature in a range from 0°C to 25°C.

[0039] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the zone a) for filling the molds is at a temperature in a range from 5°C to 15°C.

[0040] In one embodiment, the mold open only in its upper part is an impression mold and / or a pattern mold.

[0041] In one embodiment, at least one mold has a shape defined by its interior volume comprising variations in height, depth, texture, and / or different sections along the height.

[0042] In one embodiment, at least one mold has an inlet section less than or equal to the largest section of the mold.

[0043] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is suitable for demolding molds having an inlet section smaller than the largest section of the mold.

[0044] It is understood that the equipment will be said to be “suitable for demolding” if the portion obtained is as defined by the shape of the interior volume of the mold in a compliant and repeatable manner.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least one mold has a shape defined by its interior volume of parallelepiped and / or almond.

[0046] In one embodiment, at least one mold has at least one positive or negative embossing.

[0047] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least two molds of identical or different shapes.

[0048] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least two molds of identical shapes.

[0049] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least two molds of different shapes.

[0050] In one embodiment, the elastomeric material has a glass transition temperature in a range from -100°C to 0°C.

[0051] In one embodiment, the elastomeric material has a glass transition temperature in a range from -90°C to -20°C.

[0052] In one embodiment, the elastomeric material has a glass transition temperature in a range from -80°C to -30°C.

[0053] In one embodiment, the elastomeric material has a glass transition temperature in a range from -75°C to -40°C.

[0054] In one embodiment, the elastomeric material is selected from the group comprising nitrile elastomers, butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer copolymers, nitrile rubber, NBR, fluorocarbon elastomers, silicone elastomers, chloroprene, polyvinyl alcohol elastomers, latexes and / or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM).

[0055] In one embodiment, the elastomeric material is a silicone elastomer.

[0056] In one embodiment, the elastomeric material is compatible with a use lization with foodstuffs.

[0057] In one embodiment, the elastomer material complies with standard NF EN 1186 (January 2003 Edition) and / or standard NF EN 13130-1 (August 2004 Edition).

[0058] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that The continuous conveyor belt includes an articulated frame.

[0059] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the continuous conveyor belt comprises at least one positive drive means.

[0060] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the continuous conveyor belt comprises an articulated metal frame.

[0061] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the continuous conveyor belt is arranged longitudinally in the equipment.

[0062] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the continuous conveyor belt comprises means for supporting and / or fixing the molds.

[0063] In one embodiment, the belt has a size and / or speed suitable for a cycle time of 3 to 120 minutes.

[0064] In one embodiment, the belt has a size and / or speed suitable for a cycle time of 5 to 60 minutes.

[0065] For the purposes of the present invention, "cycle time" means the time required for a mold to complete all the steps of the equipment, i.e. the time required for the mold to complete a complete revolution and return to the starting point on the conveyor belt.

[0066] In one embodiment, the mat has a size suitable for a cycle time of 3 to 120 minutes.

[0067] In one embodiment, the mat has a size suitable for a cycle time of 5 to 60 minutes.

[0068] In one embodiment, the belt has a speed suitable for a cycle time of 3 to 120 minutes.

[0069] In one embodiment, the belt has a speed suitable for a cycle time of 5 to 60 minutes.

[0070] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "portion" means the shape of the liquid or pasty product frozen, deep-frozen and / or cryogenized using the equipment according to the invention. The portion is defined by the internal volume of the mold.

[0071] In one embodiment, the portion has a mass in the range of 1 g to 1000 g.

[0072] In one embodiment, the portion has a mass in the range of 5 g to 500 g.

[0073] In one embodiment, the portion has a mass in the range of 10 g to 100 g.

[0074] In one embodiment, the portion has a mass in the range of 15 g to 50 g.

[0075] In one embodiment, the portion has a mass comprised in an in- range from 15 g to 30 g.

[0076] In one embodiment, the portion has a mass in the range of 20 g to 30 g.

[0077] In one embodiment, the portion corresponds to a unit dose for a frozen meal.

[0078] In one embodiment, the portion is an IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) product.

[0079] In one embodiment, the portion has a shape comprising variations in heights, depths and / or textures.

[0080] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is capable of demolding portions having shapes comprising variations in height, depth and / or texture.

[0081] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) is at a temperature lower than or equal to the glass transition temperature of the elastomer material.

[0082] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) is at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the elastomer material.

[0083] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) comprises at least one means of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization of all or part of the liquid or pasty products in portions.

[0084] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) comprises at least one means for crusting the liquid or pasty products in portions.

[0085] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "crusting" means the step of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization allowing the hardening of only the outer layer of the portion. It is opposed to deep-freezing.

[0086] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) comprises at least one means of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization at the core of the liquid or pasty products in portions.

[0087] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) comprises at least one freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization tunnel.

[0088] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) comprises at least two freezing tunnels.

[0089] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) comprises at least one deep-freezing tunnel intended for crusting of liquid or pasty products in portions and at least one freezing tunnel intended for freezing, deep freezing and / or cryogenization of liquid or pasty products in portions.

[0090] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) is at a temperature within a range from -110°C to 0°C.

[0091] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) is at a temperature within a range from -100°C to -20°C.

[0092] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) is at a temperature within a range from -90°C to -50°C.

[0093] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) is at a temperature within a range from -85°C to -65°C.

[0094] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) comprises at least one mechanical and / or cryogenic cooling equipment.

[0095] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) comprises at least one mechanical cooling equipment.

[0096] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) comprises at least one cryogenic cooling equipment.

[0097] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the cold supply zone b) comprises at least one cryogenic cooling equipment by soaking, spraying and / or ventilation of at least one refrigerant fluid.

[0098] In one embodiment, the at least one refrigerant is nitrogen, liquid oxygen and / or carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0099] In one embodiment, the at least one refrigerant is nitrogen.

[0100] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that only the cold supply zone b) is refrigerated in the equipment.

[0101] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the duration of the transit of a mold in the cold supply zone b) is within an interval ranging from 3 to 20 minutes.

[0102] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the duration of the transit of a mold in the cold supply zone b) is included in an in- interval ranging from 4 to 15 minutes.

[0103] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the duration of the transit of a mold in the cold supply zone b) is within an interval ranging from 5 to 10 minutes.

[0104] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the duration of the transit of a mold in the cold supply zone b) is within an interval ranging from 6 to 9 minutes.

[0105] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization time is within a range of 3 to 20 minutes.

[0106] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization time is within a range of 4 to 15 minutes.

[0107] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization time is within a range of 5 to 10 minutes.

[0108] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization time is within a range of 6 to 9 minutes.

[0109] The demolding zone c) of the equipment according to the invention allows the ejection of the portion from the mold.

[0110] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) is at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the elastomer material.

[0111] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) is at a temperature in a range from 0 to 25°C.

[0112] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) is at a temperature in a range from 5°C to 15°C.

[0113] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) comprises at least one mechanical demolding means and / or at least one means of bringing the mold to a temperature above its glass transition temperature.

[0114] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) comprises a mechanical demolding means.

[0115] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) comprises a means of mechanical demolding by twisting, by bending, by pressure and / or by deformation.

[0116] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) comprises a mechanical demolding means chosen from the group comprising a shaft comprising or not comprising at least one positive imprint and / or a punch.

[0117] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) comprises a mechanical demolding means comprising a shaft comprising at least one positive imprint.

[0118] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) comprises a mechanical demolding means comprising at least one punch.

[0119] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) comprises at least one means for bringing the mold to a temperature above its glass transition temperature.

[0120] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the demolding zone c) comprises at least one means for bringing the mold to a temperature above its glass transition temperature chosen from the group comprising radiative, electromagnetic, convective means and / or a sufficient time at the ambient temperature of the demolding zone.

[0121] The mold reshaping zone d) of the equipment according to the present invention makes it possible to return the mold to its initial shape following demolding and before filling the mold.

[0122] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the zone d) for reshaping the mold comprises at least one mechanical means for reshaping the mold.

[0123] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the zone d) for reshaping the mold comprises at least one mechanical means for reshaping the mold chosen from the group comprising a shaft comprising or not comprising at least one positive impression and / or a punch.

[0124] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the zone d) for reshaping the mold comprises at least one mechanical means for reshaping the mold comprising a shaft comprising at least one positive imprint.

[0125] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the zone d) for reshaping the mold comprises at least one mechanical means for reshaping the mold comprising at least one punch.

[0126] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that it further comprises a zone e) for storing liquid or pasty products frozen, deep-frozen and / or cryogenized in portions by the equipment.

[0127] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that the zone e) for storing frozen, deep-frozen and / or cryogenized liquid or pasty products in portions by the equipment is consecutive to the zone c) for demolding in the direction of travel of the continuous conveyor belt.

[0128] In one embodiment, the equipment according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a pre-storage hopper between the zone c) of demolding in the direction of drive of the continuous conveyor belt and the zone e) of storage of the liquid or pasty products frozen, deep-frozen and / or cryogenized in portions by the equipment.

[0129] In one embodiment, the zone e) for storing frozen, deep-frozen and / or cryogenized liquid or pasty products in portions by the equipment comprises a means for packaging the portion(s).

[0130] In one embodiment, the means for packaging the portion(s) is suitable for bagging the portion(s).

[0131] The present invention also relates to an automated method for manufacturing portions obtained by freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization of liquid or pasty products comprising or not comprising at least one solid element, comprising at least the steps of: 1. Filling with at least one liquid or pasty product at least one mold open only in its upper part and made of at least one elastomeric material having a glass transition temperature lower than 0°C, 2. Freezing, deep freezing and / or cryogenization, 3. Demolding and obtaining at least one portion, 4. Reshaping the mold, 5. Return to the filling area.

[0132] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that it is implemented in equipment as previously defined.

[0133] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the liquid or pasty product is as previously defined.

[0134] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the portions are as previously defined.

[0135] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the filling step 1. is carried out at a temperature in a range from 0°C to 25°C.

[0136] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the filling step 1. is carried out at a temperature between in a range from 5°C to 15°C.

[0137] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the filling step 1. further comprises the depositing of at least one solid element in the mold.

[0138] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the mold is as previously defined.

[0139] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the elastomeric material is as previously defined.

[0140] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the filling step 1. comprises loading a mass of liquid or viscous products in a range from 1 g to 1000 g.

[0141] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the filling step 1. comprises the loading of a mass of liquid or viscous products comprising or not at least one solid element within a range from 5 g to 500 g.

[0142] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the filling step 1. comprises the loading of a mass of liquid or viscous products comprising or not at least one solid element within a range from 10 g to 100 g.

[0143] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the filling step 1. comprises the loading of a mass of liquid or viscous products comprising or not at least one solid element within a range from 15 g to 50 g.

[0144] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the filling step 1. comprises the loading of a mass of liquid or viscous products comprising or not at least one solid element included in a range from 15 g to 30 g

[0145] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the filling step 1. comprises the loading of a mass of liquid or viscous products comprising or not at least one solid element within a range from 20 g to 30 g.

[0146] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization comprises at least one step of crusting the liquid or pasty products in portions.

[0147] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization comprises at least one step of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization at the core of the liquid or pasty products in portions.

[0148] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the elastomeric material.

[0149] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out in at least one freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization tunnel. In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out in at least two freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization tunnels.

[0150] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out in at least one deep-freezing tunnel intended for crusting the portioned liquid or pasty products and at least one deep-freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization tunnel intended for the core freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization of the portioned liquid or pasty products.

[0151] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out at a temperature in a range from -110°C to 0°C.

[0152] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out at a temperature in a range from -100°C to -20°C.

[0153] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out at a temperature in a range from -90°C to -50°C.

[0154] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out at a temperature in a range from -85°C to -65°C.

[0155] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out by means of at least one mechanical and / or cryogenic cooling equipment.

[0156] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out by means of at least one mechanical cooling equipment.

[0157] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out by means of at least one cryogenic cooling equipment.

[0158] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out by means of at least one cryogenic cooling equipment by soaking, spraying and / or ventilation of at least one refrigerant fluid.

[0159] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out by means of at least one cryogenic cooling equipment by soaking, spraying and / or ventilation of at least one refrigerant fluid, said refrigerant fluid being chosen from the group comprising nitrogen, liquid oxygen and / or carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0160] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is carried out by means of at least one cryogenic cooling equipment by soaking, spraying and / or ventilation of at least one refrigerant fluid, said refrigerant fluid being nitrogen.

[0161] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is characterized in that the freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization time is within a range of 3 to 20 minutes.

[0162] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is characterized in that the freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization time is within a range of 4 to 15 minutes.

[0163] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is characterized in that the freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization time is within a range of 5 to 10 minutes.

[0164] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 2. of freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization is characterized in that the freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization time is within a range of 6 to 9 minutes.

[0165] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 3. of demolding is carried out at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the elastomer material.

[0166] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 3. of demolding is carried out at a temperature in a range from 0 to 25°C.

[0167] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 3. of demolding is carried out at a temperature in a range from 5°C to 15°C.

[0168] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 3. of demolding is carried out by a mechanical and / or thermal action.

[0169] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 4. of reshaping the mold allows the reshaping of at least 95% of the molds.

[0170] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 4. of reshaping the mold allows the reshaping of at least 99% of the molds.

[0171] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that step 4. of reshaping the mold allows the reshaping of 100% of the molds.

[0172] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that it further comprises a core freezing step after step 2 and / or 3.

[0173] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that it further comprises a step of deep freezing by post-freezing and / or during storage of the portion.

[0174] [Fig.l] illustrates a mold open only in its upper part and made of at least one elastomeric material usable according to the invention.

[0175] [Fig.2] illustrates portions of liquid or pasty products frozen using the equipment according to the invention.

[0176] [Fig.3] illustrates a continuous conveyor belt comprising molds open only in their upper parts according to the invention.

[0177] EXAMPLES

[0178] Example 1. Production of a portion using the device according to the invention.

[0179] The applicant produced portions using a device according to the invention characterized as follows:

[0180] Conveyor belt: • Conveyor belt comprising 24 molds aligned on a belt in the width direction similar to that illustrated in [Fig.3] and further comprising an articulated metal frame and drive devices.

[0181] Molds: • Impression mold open mold only in its upper part with dimensions 35x35x21mm made of at least one elastomer material such as presented in [Fig.l] and made of food-grade silicone elastomer conforming to standard NF EN 1186 and standard NF EN 13130-1 having a glass transition temperature of - 45 °C.

[0182] Filling area: - Filling area comprising a dosing means capable of depositing a quantity of 10 to 30 g of liquid or pasty product in each mold.

[0183] Cold supply zone: - Freezing tunnel by cryogenic cooling using liquid nitrogen ventilation. - Cryogenization time: 8 minutes. - Cryogenic temperature: -70°C.

[0184] Demolding area: • Demolding by pistoning of a counterform.

[0185] Mold reshaping area: - reshaping the mold by pistoning a counterform.

[0186] The method of producing portions using the device according to the invention is carried out in a production workshop at a controlled temperature of 10°C, with the exception of the freezing tunnel. The cycle time is approximately 9 minutes. The production rate is 424 (3x8) lines per minute, each line of the conveyor belt comprising 24 molds.

[0187] Example 1.1. Production of frozen portions of a couscous sauce.

[0188] A couscous sauce is prepared without adding any technological ingredient. Its water, salt and sugar content is evaluated using formulation software. Its viscosity is measured using a VISCOSIMETER (LAMY, FIRST PLUS). The results are summarized in [Table 1]. [Tables 1] Couscous sauce Water content (%) 73.5 Salt content (%) 0.5 Sugar content (%) 1.1 Viscosity (Pa. s) 0.800

[0189] The couscous sauce is placed in the reservoir of the filling means of the zone a) filling the mold then a quantity of 20.00g is dosed by the dosing means and deposited in each mold passing through the nozzles of the filling zone.

[0190] The frozen portions are recovered and weighed using a precision balance. The results are shown in [Table 2].

[0191] [Table 2], Portions of couscous sauce obtained according to example 1.1 Maximum measured mass (g) 20.38 Maximum measured mass (g) 19.90 Average standard deviation (g) 0.13

[0192] A very small average difference, of approximately 1%, between the mass of very liquid product consisting of a couscous sauce placed in the mold and the mass of the frozen portion is observed. This difference can be explained by measurement inaccuracies, in particular inaccuracies in the dosing means as well as by evaporation phenomena of the sauce. The portions obtained also show no signs of demolding.

[0193] These results demonstrate that despite a water content greater than 70% and a very low viscosity of the liquid product used, the device according to the invention allows a freezing process for obtaining portions, which is very precise and reliable, the results of which are constant and reproducible.

[0194] Furthermore, no residue was observed at the bottom of the molds and all of the molds were reshaped at the end of the cycle.

[0195] Example 1.2. Production of frozen portions of a yakiniku sauce.

[0196] A yakiniku sauce is prepared without adding any technological ingredient. Its water, salt and sugar content as well as its viscosity are measured in the same way as in Example 1.1. The results are shown in [Table 3]. [Tables 3] Yakiniku Sauce Water content (%) 54 Salt content (%) 3.4 Sugar content (%) 13 Viscosity (Pa. s) 1.164

[0197] The yakiniku sauce is placed in the reservoir of the filling means of zone a) of filling the mold then a quantity of 20.00g is dosed by the dosing means and deposited in each mold by passing through the nozzles of the filling zone.

[0198] The frozen portions are recovered and weighed using a precision balance. The results are shown in [Table 4]. [Tables 4] Portions of yakiniku sauce obtained according to example 1.2 Maximum measured mass (g) 18.60 Maximum measured mass (g) 20.80 Average standard deviation (g) 0.30

[0199] A very small average difference of 3% between the mass of the yakiniku sauce placed in the mold and the mass of the frozen portion is observed. This difference can be explained by measurement inaccuracies, in particular inaccuracies in the dosing means as well as by evaporation phenomena of the sauce. The portions obtained also show no signs of demolding.

[0200] These results demonstrate that with a sauce much more viscous than that presented in example 1.1, the device according to the invention allows a very precise and reliable freezing and portion-obtaining process, with constant and consistent results. producible.

Claims

Claims

1. Equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenizing in portions liquid or pasty products comprising or not at least one solid element, comprising a continuous conveyor belt and means for driving said continuous conveyor belt characterized in that the continuous conveyor belt comprises at least one mold open only in its upper part and made of at least one elastomeric material having a glass transition temperature lower than 0°C, said equipment successively comprising in the direction of drive of the continuous conveyor belt the following zones: • at least one zone a) for filling the molds, • at least one zone b) for supplying cold, • at least one zone c) for demolding, • at least one zone d) for reshaping the mold.

2. Equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization in portions of liquid or pasty products according to claim 1, characterized in that the cold supply zone b) is at a temperature lower than or equal to the glass transition temperature of the elastomer material.

3. Equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenizing portions of liquid or pasty products according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the demolding zone c) is at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the elastomer material.

4. Equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenizing portions of liquid or pasty products according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid or pasty product is a food product comprising or not at least one solid element.

5. Equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenizing portions of liquid or pasty products according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid or pasty product is a food product comprising or not at least one solid element chosen from the group comprising a sauce, a condiment, a puree and / or a juice.

6. Equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization in portions of liquid or pasty products according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the equipment according to the invention is suitable for demolding molds having an inlet section less than or equal to the largest section of the mold.

7. Equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenizing portions of liquid or pasty products according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the equipment according to the invention is suitable for demolding portions having shapes comprising variations in height, depth and / or texture.

8. Equipment for freezing and / or deep-freezing and / or cryogenization in portions of liquid or pasty products according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomeric material having a glass transition temperature lower than 0°C of the mold is chosen from the group comprising nitrile elastomers, butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers, nitrile rubber, NBR, fluorocarbon elastomers, silicone elastomers, chloroprene, polyvinyl alcohol elastomers, latex and / or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM).

9. Equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenizing portions of liquid or pasty products according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomeric material has a glass transition temperature in a range from -100°C to 0°C.

10. Equipment for freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenizing portions of liquid or pasty products according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the elastomeric material has a glass transition temperature in a range from -80°C to -30°C.

11. Equipment for freezing and / or deep-freezing liquid or pasty products in portions according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cold supply zone b) is at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the elastomer material.

12. Equipment for freezing and / or deep-freezing liquid or pasty products in portions according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the demolding zone c) is at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the material elastomer.

13. Equipment for freezing and / or deep-freezing liquid or pasty products in portions according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the demolding zone c) comprises at least one mechanical demolding means and / or at least one means of bringing the mold to a temperature above its glass transition temperature.

14. Equipment for freezing and / or deep-freezing liquid or pasty products in portions according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the equipment is suitable for producing simple, multi-layer, concentric, twisted products, and / or products with different textures / consistencies.

15. Automated method for manufacturing portions obtained by freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization of liquid or pasty products comprising or not at least one solid element, comprising at least the steps of:

1. Filling with at least one liquid or pasty product comprising or not at least one solid element, at least one mold open only in its upper part and made of at least one elastomeric material having a glass transition temperature below 0°C, 2. Freezing, deep-freezing and / or cryogenization, 3. Demolding, 4. Reshaping of the mold, 5. Return to the filling zone.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that it is implemented in equipment as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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