DAIRY PRODUCT MOLDING SYSTEM INCLUDING A VALVE CONTROL DEVICE BASED ON A REPRESENTATIVE PRESSURE MEASUREMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a molding system (1) for a dairy product such as cheese. The molding system (1) comprises molding containers (3) for filling molds (4) with a dairy mixture, depressurization lines (25) for the containers, and feed lines (23) for the dairy mixture for the containers (3). The molding system (1) includes a feed valve (6) for the dairy mixture for each container (3) and a control device (8) for each feed valve (6). The control device (8) is configured to compare the pressure in each depressurization line (25) to a threshold value. (Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: DAIRY PRODUCT MOLDING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DEVICE CONTROLLING A VALVE FROM A REPRESENTATIVE PRESSURE MEASUREMENT Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates generally to the manufacture of foodstuffs, particularly to the processing of dairy products. In particular, the invention relates to the manufacture of cheese, for example, a pressed-curd cheese. Pressed-curd cheeses include raw pressed cheeses such as Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, or Reblochon, and cooked pressed cheeses such as Comté, Abondance, or Beaufort.

[0002] The invention relates to a system for molding a dairy product such as cheese. More specifically, the invention relates to a cheese molding system configured to draw a dairy mixture from a vat into a cheese mold. Prior art

[0003] To make cheese, the milk is coagulated, often after being pasteurized. The coagulation of milk is also called curdling. Under the action of starter cultures and / or rennet, a solid part of the milk, called the curd, is separated from a liquid called whey. The curd-whey mixture is then molded. When the cheese is a pressed cheese, the cheese is also pressed during the molding process.

[0004] During the molding step, the curd-whey mixture is transferred from a vat to mold filling containers via a transfer circuit. The transfer circuit includes curd-whey mixture supply lines to the containers. To regulate the flow rate of curd-whey mixture feeding the containers, the supply lines may be at least partially crushed to cause a flow restriction at the point of crushing.

[0005] Crushing a feed pipe is an empirical method that is difficult to reproduce, presents risks of high flow rate variations between containers, and requires human expertise. Furthermore, crushing a feed pipe is difficult and potentially dangerous to perform. Correcting a crushed pipe is difficult, and the number of errors that can occur during the crushing process is limited. Finally, human intervention is required. near the containers to crush the feed pipe, which puts the operator at risk.

[0006] There is a need for a cheese molding system that limits human operator intervention near a mold filling container, improves the reproducibility of the arrival of a milk mixture in the mold filling container, and increases the accuracy of the arrival of the milk mixture in the container. Description of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

[0008] In this regard, the invention relates to a molding system for a dairy product such as cheese. The molding system comprises containers for filling molds with a dairy mixture, a depressurization channel for each container, and a feed channel for the dairy mixture for each container.

[0009] According to the invention, the molding system comprises a feed valve for each vessel supplying the milk mixture and a control device for each feed valve. Each feed valve includes a shutter that is movable at least between an open position and a closed position. The feed valve allows the milk mixture to flow through the milk mixture feed line when the shutter is in the open position. The feed valve prevents the milk mixture from flowing through the milk mixture feed line of the vessel when the shutter is in the closed position. The control device is configured to control the position of each shutter and to compare the pressure in each depressurization line to a threshold value.

[0010] Thanks to the molding system as claimed, human operator intervention is limited or even eliminated, the reproducibility of the arrival of a dairy mixture in the container is improved, and the molding accuracy is increased, notably by reducing variations in the arrival of the dairy mixture in the molds. The drawbacks associated with an empirical method of flow control in the feed duct are reduced. Flow control can be performed more easily and safely for a human operator.

[0011] The risks associated with human operator intervention in the vicinity of the Feed channels are limited, preventing an operator from crushing the feed channel with milk mixture. Molding is improved by making the arrival of the milk mixture in each mold more reproducible, for example, by avoiding empirically crushing each feed channel with milk mixture. Molding accuracy is increased, notably by reducing variations in The mold filling process involves varying the flow rate of the milk mixture in the feed duct during the molding stage. Automation of the molding system is encouraged, for example, by allowing automatic regulation of the milk mixture flow rate in each feed duct during the molding stage.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the control device is configured to command the obturator of each supply valve to be in the open position when a pressure value in the depressurization line is less than a first threshold value when emptying a tank containing the dairy mixture into the containers.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the valve control device is configured to command the obturator of each supply valve to be in the closed position when a pressure value in the depressurization line is greater than a second threshold value during tank emptying.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the molding system includes at least one representative pressure value sensor per depressurization duct, which is configured to measure a representative pressure value in the depressurization duct.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each obturator is in the open position when the molding system determines that the pressure value in the depressurization conduit of the container is less than the first threshold value from the measurement of representative pressure value during the emptying of the tank of the dairy mixture.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each obturator is in the closed position when the molding system determines that the pressure value in the depressurization conduit of the container is greater than the second threshold value from the measurement of representative pressure value during the emptying of the tank of the dairy mixture.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the control device includes an electronic control unit for the feed valve, which is configured to control the opening and / or closing of the feed valve's obturator based on a representative pressure measurement during tank emptying. The control unit is configured to compare the pressure in the depressurization line to the threshold value.

[0018] According to one embodiment, each supply valve includes a pneumatic actuator which is controlled by the electronic control unit to open and / or close at least partially the supply valve shutter.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the molding system includes a position sensor per feed valve, which is configured to detect the position of the feed valve shutter.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the control device includes a remote control module configured to allow a human operator to remotely control the opening and / or closing of each supply valve, in particular to isolate each vessel. The remote control module is located, in particular, at a distance from each vessel, each supply line, and each depressurization line.

[0021] According to another embodiment, each shutter includes at least one stable intermediate position in which the shutter is between the open and closed positions. The control device is configured to command each shutter to be in an intermediate position when a pressure value in the depressurization line is strictly between the first threshold value and the second threshold value during tank emptying.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the molding system is configured to regulate the pressure in each depressurization conduit by controlling the opening and / or closing at least partially of each supply valve, in particular so that the pressure in each depressurization conduit is substantially constant during the emptying of the tank.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the molding system includes a depressurization device configured to reduce the pressure in each depressurization line, particularly below atmospheric pressure. The depressurization device includes a pump.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the molding system includes a tank configured to contain the milk mixture. The mold filling vessels are connected to the tank by a transfer circuit to transfer the milk mixture between the tank and the vessels. The transfer circuit includes feed lines to supply each vessel with the milk mixture from the tank.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the molding system includes a distributor which is configured to distribute the milk mixture from the tank between the milk mixture feed lines to transfer the milk mixture to each container.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the molding system includes a tank drain valve. The tank drain valve includes a shutter that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shutter of the tank drain valve allows the milk mixture to flow towards each container when the shutter is in the open position. The valve shutter of Emptying the tank prevents the milk mixture from circulating towards each container when the shutter is in the closed position.

[0027] The invention also relates to a cheese molding method implemented using a molding system as defined above. The molding method includes a step of opening each feed valve when the pressure in the vessel's depressurization line is below a first threshold value during tank emptying. In addition, or alternatively, the molding method includes a step of closing each feed valve when the pressure in the vessel's depressurization line is above a second threshold value during tank emptying.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the opening and / or closing of each valve is controlled from the measurement of the representative pressure value in the depressurization conduit of the container, so that the opening of the obturator is partial when the representative pressure value is strictly between the first threshold value and the second threshold value when emptying the tank.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the obturator of each supply valve is in the open position during the depressurization of the depressurization conduit and before the opening of the tank drain valve.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the obturator of each supply valve is in the open position when the tank has been emptied and the molds have been filled. Brief description of the figures

[0031] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the description of non-limiting examples of embodiments, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate: • [Fig.1]: a schematic representation of a cheese molding system according to a first embodiment of the invention; • [Fig. 2]: a partial schematic perspective representation of the system molding according to the first embodiment, at the level of a mold filling container; • [Fig. 3]: a representation of a first, a second, and a third type of obturators for a mold filling valve according to a first embodiment of the invention; • [Fig. 4]: a schematic illustration of a control device the mold filling valve according to the first embodiment of the invention; • [Fig. 5]: a schematic illustration of the regulation of a valve according to the first embodiment; • [Fig.6]: a schematic illustration of a molding process which is implemented from the molding system according to the first embodiment; • [Fig.7]: a schematic illustration of the regulation of the opening of the valve according to the first embodiment during the emptying of a tank of the cheese molding system.

[0032] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference numerals throughout the figures, detailed description of an embodiment

[0033] Figure 1 represents a molding system 1 for manufacturing a dairy product such as cheese. The cheese is, for example, a raw or cooked pressed cheese. The cheese is made from a dairy mixture, typically a curd-whey mixture obtained after a curdling step. The molding of the pressed cheese by the molding system 1 includes, in particular, pressing the dairy mixture into each mold 4 of the molding system 1.

[0034] The molding system 1 comprises a tank 2, containers 3 for filling a mold 4 with a dairy mixture, the molds 4, a control and command system 10 and a transfer circuit 20. The containers 3 and the molds 4 are joined within vacuum draining groups 5 of the molding system 1. The molding system 1 is configured to mold a cheese from the dairy mixture contained in the tank 2 of the molding system 1.

[0035] In the description and claims, and unless otherwise specified, the terms longitudinal, transverse, and vertical refer to the trihedral axis XX, YY, ZZ shown in Figures 1 and 2. A direction parallel to the longitudinal direction XX of the molding system 2 is also called the axial direction. The terms front and rear are defined with respect to the axial direction. The transverse direction YY is a direction along the width of the molding system 1. The vertical direction ZZ is a direction along the height of the molding system 1, and in particular of each container 3. The vertical direction ZZ is perpendicular to the axial and transverse directions. The terms bottom and top are defined with reference to the direction of the height ZZ with respect to a usage orientation relative to the ground of each container 3.

[0036] With more specific reference to the embodiment shown, the molding system 1 comprises, for example, two rows of vacuum drawing units 5 which are spaced along the transverse direction YY. In particular, each row comprises six vacuum drawing units 5 which are aligned along the longitudinal direction XX of the molding system 1.

[0037] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, each vacuum dispensing unit 5 comprises a mold filling vessel 3, a milk mixture feed line 23, a milk mixture feed valve 6, a depressurization line 25, and a representative pressure value sensor 11. The vacuum dispensing units 5 are, for example, identical to each other. Each vacuum dispensing unit 5 is configured to dispense the milk mixture from the tank 2 into one of the molds 4.

[0038] In each vacuum dispensing group 5, the milk mixture feed line 23 is connected to the container 3 in a lower part of the container 3. The depressurization and / or washing line 25 is connected to the container in an upper part of the container 3. Washing of the container 3 and the milk mixture feed line 23 is facilitated.

[0039] With reference to [Fig. 1], tank 2 is intended to contain the milk mixture, which is, for example, stirred in tank 2 to ensure homogeneity. Tank 2 is specifically configured to heat the milk mixture, for example, above 80°C, when the cheese is a cooked pressed cheese. Tank 2 is configured to supply each of the molding system's containers 3 with the milk mixture via the transfer circuit 20.

[0040] The transfer circuit 20 comprises a tank drain line 21, feed lines 23 to the milk mixture containers, depressurization lines 25 for the containers, a pump 26, a tank drain valve 12, feed valves 6 for supplying milk mixture to the containers 3, and a distributor 22. The transfer circuit 20 is configured to supply the containers 3 with fluid, typically milk mixture and cleaning fluid. The transfer circuit 20 is configured, for example, so that the milk mixture contained in the tank 2 is withdrawn in less than five minutes towards the molds 4.

[0041] The tank discharge conduit 21 fluidly connects the tank 2 to the distributor 22 to supply the distributor 22 with milk mixture from the tank 2. The discharge conduit 21 forms an inlet conduit for the distributor 22. The milk mixture supply conduits 23 for the containers each fluidly connect the distributor 22 to one of the mold filling containers 3. The milk mixture supply conduits 23 for the containers form the outlet conduits for the distributor 22. The milk mixture supply conduits 23 are distribution conduits for the milk mixture between the containers 3.

[0042] The tank drain valve 12 includes a shutter that is movable between an open position and a closed position, which are stable positions of the shutter of the drain valve 12. In the open position, the shutter of the tank drain valve 12 allows the milk mixture to flow through the drain conduit 21 towards the distributor 22 and the containers 3. In the closed position, The tank drain valve 12 obturator prevents the milk mixture from circulating through the drain conduit 21 towards the distributor 22 and the containers 3.

[0043] The distributor 22 includes a movable distribution element that connects the tank discharge conduit 21 to at least one of the container feed conduits 23 for the milk mixture. The distributor 22 is configured to distribute the milk mixture from the tank 2 between the container feed conduits 23 for the milk mixture to be transferred to the containers 3. The distributor 22 is, for example, capable of isolating one of the containers 3 during the emptying of tank 2.

[0044] Each container feed valve 6 for the dairy mixture includes a shutter 60 that is movable at least between an open position and a closed position, which are stable positions of the shutter 60. Each feed valve 6 allows at least partial circulation of the dairy mixture through the feed conduit 23 for the dairy mixture when the shutter 60 is in the open position. Each feed valve 6 prevents at least partial circulation of the dairy mixture through the feed conduit 23 for the dairy mixture when the shutter 60 is in the closed position. Each container feed valve 6 for the dairy mixture acts, for example, as a mold filling valve.

[0045] Each obturator 60 is in the open position when a pressure value in the depressurization line 25 of the container is less than a first threshold value during the emptying of the tank 2. Each obturator 60 is in the closed position when a pressure value in the depressurization line 25 of the container is greater than a second threshold value during the emptying of the tank 2.

[0046] With more specific reference to the embodiment shown, in the open position of the obturator 60, the feed valve 6 allows a maximum of the milk mixture to flow through the milk mixture feed line 23 to the container 3. In the closed position of the obturator 60, the milk mixture feed valve 6 completely prevents the flow of milk mixture between the tank 2 and the mold filling container 3 4 through the container's milk mixture feed line 23. The open and closed positions are the extreme positions of the obturator 60.

[0047] With more specific reference to the embodiment shown, the obturator 60 comprises at least one stable intermediate position in which the obturator 60 is between the open and closed positions. In the intermediate position, the obturator 60 is partially open and partially closed. In this intermediate position, the obturator 60 allows a dairy mixture to flow in the depressurization line 25 between the tank 2 and the mold filling container 4 3 at a maximum flow rate that is less than the maximum flow rate of the dairy mixture in the line The second threshold value is strictly greater than the first threshold value. The second threshold value is strictly greater than the first threshold value. The second threshold value is strictly between the first and second threshold values ​​during tank 2 emptying. The second threshold value is strictly between the first and second threshold values. The second threshold value is strictly between the open and closed positions. The second threshold value is strictly between the open and closed positions. The second threshold value is strictly between the open and closed positions. The second threshold value is, for example, between 60% and 80% of the second threshold value.

[0048] The supply valve 6, in particular the obturator 60, is made of at least one material that meets food-grade standards, for example, food-grade stainless steel. The valve material includes, for example, 316 stainless steel with a minimum surface roughness of 0.8 mm. The valve material is compatible with the use of strong detergents for the food industry, for example, strong acid or strong base concentrations of up to 2%. The valve material is also compatible with temperatures from 80°C to 100°C. It is compatible with vacuuming, for example, up to a pressure of 0.90 hPa.

[0049] The supply valve 6 has no retention areas to prevent the accumulation of food residue. In particular, and with reference to [Fig. 3], the upper part of the obturator 60a, 60b, 60c has a gently sloping shape that allows liquid to drain away and prevents food residue from stagnating on the upper surface of the obturator 60. With reference more specifically to the first type 3a obturator, a lower part of the obturator 60a has, for example, a partially frustoconical shape. With reference more specifically to the third type 3c obturator, a lower part of the obturator 60c has, for example, a cylindrical shape. With reference more specifically to the second type 3b obturator, a lower part of the obturator 60b has, for example, a shape that is between cylindrical and frustoconical.

[0050] With reference to [Fig.4] and more specifically to the embodiment shown, each supply valve 6 includes, for example, a pneumatic actuator 72 which is configured to move the obturator 60 relative to a valve body, to open and / or close the supply valve 6. The pneumatic actuator 72 forms a mechanical pneumatic transducer of the molding system 1.

[0051] The tank drain pipe 21, the tank drain valve 12, the distributor 22, the container slurry feed pipes 25, and the container slurry feed valves 6 together form a device of transfer of dairy mixture from tank 2 to mold filling containers 3.

[0052] The molding system 1 includes a depressurization device for at least a portion of the transfer circuit 20 and a cleaning device configured to clean at least the transfer device. The depressurization device includes a pumping system and depressurization lines 25. The depressurization device is configured to lower the pressure in each depressurization line 25 so that the milk mixture is drawn from the tank 2 into each mold filling container 3 4.

[0053] In particular, the pumping system comprises at least one pump 26 and is configured to reduce the pressure in each depressurization line 25, notably below atmospheric pressure. The pump 26 is preferably a vacuum pump configured to achieve a pressure of 0.90 mbar, i.e., a pressure of 0.90 hPa.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the depressurization lines 25 are also container washing lines, which are configured to inject a cleaning liquid into the containers 3 once cheese production is complete. The pumping system is, for example, deactivated during the cleaning of the molding system 1.

[0055] The control and command system 10 includes representative pressure value sensors 11, position detectors 74 of shutters and control devices 8. The control and command system 10 is configured to monitor and control the operation of the tank drain valve 12 and the feed valves 6 of the dairy mixture from the containers.

[0056] Each representative pressure value sensor 11 is configured to measure a representative pressure value in one of the depressurization lines 25. The representative pressure value sensor 11 is, for example, installed near the container 3. In the embodiment shown, each representative pressure value sensor 11 is a pressure sensor.

[0057] With reference to [Fig. 4], the control and command system 10 includes a position detector 74 of the shutter via a supply valve 6. The shutter position detector 74 includes a position sensor. The shutter position detector 74 includes a magnetoresistive sensor. This sensor is preferably an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor, also known as an "AMR sensor".

[0058] With joint reference to Figures 1 to 6, the control device 8 of each feed valve 6 for the milk mixture comprises a central electronic control unit 9 and local electronic control units 7. Each device The control device 8 is configured to control the position of the obturator 60 of one of the feed valves 6 for the milk mixture. Each control device 8 is configured to compare the pressure measured in one of the depressurization lines 25 to the first threshold value and the second threshold value during the emptying of the tank 2.

[0059] The control device 8 of each feed valve 6 is configured to command the obturator 60 to be in the open position when the pressure value in the depressurization line 25 is lower than the first threshold value during the emptying of a tank 2, in particular based on the measurement by the representative pressure value sensor 11.The control device 8 of each supply valve 6 is configured to command the obturator 60 to be in the closed position when the pressure value in the depressurization line 25 is greater than the second threshold value during the emptying of the tank 2 of the dairy mixture, in particular from the measurement by the representative pressure value sensor 11. The control device 8 of each supply valve 6 is configured to command the obturator 60 to be in an intermediate position when the pressure value in the depressurization line 25 is strictly between the first threshold value and the second threshold value during the emptying of the tank 2 of the dairy mixture, in particular from the measurement by the representative pressure value sensor 11.

[0060] The control device 8 of each supply valve 6 is configured in particular to control the opening and / or closing at least partially of each supply valve 6 so that the pressure in the depressurization line 25 is substantially constant during the emptying of the tank 2. The control device 8 regulates the pressure in the depressurization line 25 by controlling the opening and / or closing of the supply valve 6.

[0061] The molding system 1 comprises a single central electronic control unit 9. The central electronic control unit 9 is common to each of the control devices 8 and to each of the feed valves 6. The central electronic control unit 9 is a remote control module configured to allow a human operator to control the opening and / or closing of each feed valve 6. The central electronic control unit 9 allows, for example, an operator to open or close at least one of the feed valves 6 in an emergency. The central electronic control unit 9 is located remotely from the vessel 3, the milk mixture feed line 23, and the depressurization line 25.

[0062] Each local electronic control unit 7 is located near the representative pressure value sensor 11. Each control unit 7 is configured to control the opening and / or closing of the obturator 60 of the supply valve 6 during the emptying of the tank 2 based on the value measurement representative pressure measured by the sensor representative pressure value 11.

[0063] In the embodiment shown and with reference to [Fig.4], the local electronic control unit 7 includes, for example, a pneumatic electrical transducer 71 which is configured to transform an electrical control signal, in particular from the central electronic unit 9, into a pneumatic control of the pneumatic actuator 72.

[0064] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the regulation of the opening and / or closing of each supply valve 6. An opening command 301 for the supply valve 6 is issued, for example, by the central electronic control unit 9. The opening command 301 of the supply valve 6 is transformed into an opening command 303 of the supply valve 6, for example, into a pneumatic opening command of the supply valve 6 which is issued by the local electronic unit 7. This results in the opening 307 of the obturator 60 of the supply valve 6. A representative pressure value measurement 309 is taken in the depressurization line 25. The opening command 303 of the supply valve 6 is modified if necessary based on the representative pressure value measurement 309, after comparing the pressure in the depressurization line 25 with the first threshold value and / or with the second threshold value.

[0065] Figure 6 illustrates a molding process 100 for a dairy product such as cheese, which is implemented by the molding system 1. The molding process 100 includes a step 101 of depressurizing the molding system, a step 103 of opening the tank drain valve, the regulation 200 of the opening and / or closing of each feed valve 6, the final draining 107 from the mixing tank, and a step 109 of cleaning the transfer circuit 20 and the containers 3. The molding process 100 for the dairy product is notably implemented during a cheese manufacturing process.

[0066] During depressurization step 101 of the molding system 1, the supply valves 6 are open and the tank drain valve 12 is closed. During depressurization step 101, the pump 26 of the pumping system lowers the pressure in the transfer circuit 20, in particular by drawing air into the depressurization lines 25. Each depressurization line 25 is depressurized at least until the pressure value in the depressurization line 25 is at least below the first threshold value.

[0067] Step 103 of opening the drain valve 12's obturator takes place when the depressurization line 25 has been depressurized. The milk mixture is then drawn from the tank 2 to the molds 4 through the containers 3.

[0068] The regulation 200 of the opening and / or closing of the obturator 60 of each supply valve takes place during the withdrawal of the milk mixture from the tank 2. The regulation of the flow rate of milk mixture in each supply line 23 in milk mixture from container is carried out by regulating the pressure in each depressurization line 25, in particular by comparing the pressure in the depressurization line 25 to the first threshold value and / or to the second threshold value.

[0069] At the end of the draw-off 207 from tank 2, tank 2 was emptied of the milk mixture, containers 3 were emptied of milk mixture, and molds 4 were filled. The obturator of the tank drain valve 12 is open. The obturator of each feed valve 6 is open.

[0070] During step 109 of cleaning the transfer circuit 20 and the containers, washing fluid is introduced into the depressurization lines 25 to wash the containers 3, the feed valves 6, the feed lines 25 containing the milk mixture, the distributor 22, the tank discharge line 21, and the tank discharge valve 12. The tank 2 is likely to be cleaned by the washing fluid during cleaning step 109.

[0071] Figure 7 illustrates the control 200 of the opening and / or closing of the obturator 60 of each supply valve 6 during the emptying of the tank 2. The control 200 includes a measurement 201 of the representative pressure value in the depressurization line 25 by the representative pressure value sensor 11 to determine the pressure in the depressurization line 25 during the emptying of the tank 2. The control 200 includes the comparison 203 of the pressure in the depressurization line 25 with the first threshold value and / or with the second threshold value.

[0072] The control 200 includes the full opening 207 of the obturator 60 of the supply valve 6 when the pressure in the depressurization line 25 is below the first threshold value. Each obturator 60 moves to the open position when the pressure measured in the depressurization line 25 falls below the first threshold value during the emptying of the tank 2 of the milk mixture.

[0073] When it is determined that the pressure in the depressurization line 25 is greater than the first threshold value, the control 200 includes comparing the pressure in the depressurization line 25 to the second threshold value. When it is determined that the pressure in the depressurization line is greater than the second threshold value, the control 200 includes the complete closure 209 of the blanking plate 60 of the supply valve. The blanking plate 60 moves to the closed position when the pressure value measured in the line depressurisation 25 becomes greater than the second threshold value during the emptying of tank 2.

[0074] When it is determined that the pressure in the depressurization line 25 is strictly between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, the control 200 includes the partial opening of the obturator 60 of the supply valve. The obturator 60 moves to an intermediate position when the pressure value measured in the depressurization line 25 becomes strictly between the first threshold value and the second threshold value during the emptying of the tank 2.

[0075] Thanks to the molding system 1 as claimed, the intervention of a human operator is limited or even eliminated, the reproducibility of the arrival of a dairy mixture in the container 3 is improved, and the accuracy of the molding is increased. The drawbacks associated with an empirical method of controlling the flow rate in the feed line 25 of the dairy mixture are reduced. Variations in the filling of the molds 4 tend to decrease. The expertise required to transfer the dairy mixture from a tank 2 to the container 3 is reduced. It is easier to vary the flow rate of the dairy mixture feeding the container, including during the molding process. Controlling the flow rate in the feed line 25 of the dairy mixture can be done more easily and with less risk for a human operator.

[0076] The risks associated with human intervention near the feed lines are limited by preventing an operator from crushing the feed line 25 containing the milk mixture. Molding is improved by making the arrival of the milk mixture into the mold 4 more reproducible, for example, by avoiding the empirical crushing of a feed line 25 containing the milk mixture. Molding accuracy is increased, notably by reducing variations in mold filling and by allowing the milk mixture flow rate in the feed line 25 to be varied during the molding step. Automation of the molding system 1 is facilitated, for example, by enabling automatic regulation of the milk mixture flow rate in the feed line during the molding step.

[0077] By measuring the representative pressure value in the feed line 25 in dairy mixture, the flow rate of dairy mixture circulating in the feed line 25 can be better regulated.

[0078] Of course, various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art to the invention which has just been described without going out of the scope of the disclosure of the invention.

[0079] The number and arrangement of the vacuum dispensing groups 5 may vary. The structure of each vacuum dispensing group 5 may also be modified. For example, at least one of the vacuum dispensing groups 5 may include a vessel wash line that is separate from the depressurization line 25. For example, at least one 5 vacuum dispensing groups lack a pressure value representative sensor 11.

[0080] Alternatively, the representative pressure value sensor 11 measures for example a temperature in the depressurization duct 25 from which the pressure in the depressurization duct 25 is estimated.

[0081] Alternatively, the drain valve 12 is replaced by a draining pipe. The draining pipe is a tubular element allowing the tank 2 to be emptied manually.

[0082] Alternatively, the obturator 60 of each supply valve 6 is, for example, partially open in the open position and / or the obturator 60 of each supply valve 6 is, for example, partially closed in the closed position. In the intermediate position, the position of the obturator 60 then remains strictly between the position of the obturator 60 in the open position and in the closed position.

[0083] Alternatively, at least one of the supply valves 6 comprises only two stable positions of the obturator 60, the open position and the closed position. The regulation of the opening and / or closing of each supply valve 6 will be achieved, in particular, by fully opening / fully closing the supply valve 6.

[0084] Alternatively, each supply valve 6 includes an electric actuator and / or a mechanical actuator instead of the pneumatic actuator 72.

[0085] Alternatively, at least one of the supply valves 6 is devoid of a position detector 74 of the shutter.

[0086] The number of central electronic units 9 and / or local electronic units 7 may vary. For example, the molding system 1 has at least two central electronic units 9.

[0087] The order of the steps in the molding process 100, and in particular the control step 200, may vary. For example, the comparison 207 of the pressure in the depressurization line 25 to the second threshold value may take place before a comparison 205 of the pressure in the depressurization line 25 to the first threshold value. In this case, the step 205 of comparing the pressure in the depressurization line 25 to the first threshold value is optional, particularly when it has been determined that the pressure in the depressurization line 25 is greater than the second threshold value.

[0088] Cleaning step 109, for example, is not carried out every time. Cleaning step 109 is carried out, for example, only once a day.

[0089] It is emphasized that all the features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached claims, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other Specific characteristics, both individually and in any combinations, may be combined with other characteristics or groups of characteristics disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances render such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

Demands

1. A molding system (1) for a dairy product such as cheese, comprising containers (3) for filling molds (4) with a dairy mixture, a depressurization conduit (25) per container (3) and a feed conduit (23) for the dairy mixture per container (3), characterized in that the molding system (1) comprises a feed valve (6) for the dairy mixture per container (3) and a control device (8) for controlling each feed valve (6), each feed valve (6) comprising a shutter (60) which is movable at least between an open position and a closed position, the feed valve (6) allowing the dairy mixture to flow through the feed conduit (23) for the dairy mixture from the container (3) when the shutter (60) is in the open position,the feed valve (6) preventing the circulation of dairy mixture through the feed line (23) when the obturator (60) is in the closed position, the control device (8) being configured to control the position of each obturator (60) and to compare a pressure in each depressurization line (25) to a threshold value.

2. Molding system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device (8) is configured to command the obturator (60) of each feed valve (6) to be in the open position when a pressure value in the depressurization line (25) is less than a first threshold value when emptying a tank (2) containing the milk mixture into the containers (3), and / or wherein the control device (8) is configured to command the obturator (60) of each feed valve (6) to be in the closed position when a pressure value in the depressurization line (25) is greater than a second threshold value when emptying the tank (2).

3. Molding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molding system (1) comprises a representative pressure value sensor (11) per depressurization duct (25), which is configured to measure a representative pressure value in the depressurization duct (25).

4. Molding system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device (8) comprises a unit electronic control (7) by supply valve (6), the electronic control unit (7) being configured to control the opening and / or closing of the obturator (60) of the supply valve (6) from the measurement of representative pressure value during the emptying of the tank (2), the electronic control unit (7) being configured to compare the pressure in the depressurization line (25) to the threshold value.

5. Molding system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each feed valve (6) includes a pneumatic actuator (72) which is controlled by the electronic control unit (7) to open and / or close at least partially the obturator (60) of the feed valve, and / or wherein the molding system (1) includes a position detector (74) per feed valve (6), which is configured to detect the position of the obturator (60) of the feed valve (6).

6. Molding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (8) comprises a remote control module (9) which is configured to enable a human operator to remotely control the opening and / or closing of each feed valve (6), in particular to isolate each vessel (3), the remote control module (9) being in particular located at a distance from each vessel (3), each feed line (23) and each depressurization line (25).

7. Molding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each obturator (60) includes at least one stable intermediate position in which the obturator (60) is between the open position and the closed position, the control device (8) being configured to command each obturator (60) to be in an intermediate position when a pressure value in the depressurization conduit (25) is strictly between the first threshold value and the second threshold value during the emptying of the tank (2) in dairy mixture.

8. A molding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molding system (1) is configured to regulate the pressure in each depressurization conduit (25) by controlling the at least partial opening and / or closing of each supply valve (6), in particular so that the pressure in each depressurization conduit (25) be substantially constant during the emptying of the tank (2).

9. Molding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molding system (1) includes a depressurization device which is configured to decrease the pressure in each depressurization conduit (25), in particular below atmospheric pressure, the depressurization device including a pump (26).

10. Molding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molding system (1) comprises a tank (2) which is configured to contain the milk mixture, the mold filling containers (3) (4) being connected to the tank (2) by a transfer circuit (20) for transferring a milk mixture between the tank (2) and the containers (3), the transfer circuit comprising the milk mixture supply lines (23) for supplying each of the containers (3) with milk mixture from the tank (2).

11. Molding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molding system (1) includes a distributor (22) which is configured to distribute the milk mixture from the tank (2) between the feed lines (23) in milk mixture to transfer the milk mixture to each container (3).

12. Molding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molding system (1) comprises a tank drain valve (12), the tank drain valve (12) comprises a shutter that is movable between an open position and a closed position, the shutter of the tank drain valve (12) allowing the milk mixture to flow towards the containers (3) when the shutter is in the open position, the shutter of the tank drain valve (12) preventing the milk mixture from flowing towards each container (3) when the shutter is in the closed position.

13. A method for molding (100) a cheese which is implemented from a molding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of opening (207) each feed valve (6) when the pressure in the depressurization conduit (25) of the feed valve (6) is less than a first threshold value when emptying the tank (2), and / or the molding process (100) including a closing step (209) of each feed valve (6) when the pressure in the depressurization line (25) is greater than the second threshold value when emptying the tank (2) in dairy mixture.

14. Molding method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opening and / or closing of each supply valve (6) is controlled from the measurement of the representative pressure value in each depressurization conduit (25), such that the opening of each obturator (60) is partial when the representative pressure value is strictly between the first threshold value and the second threshold value when emptying the tank (2).

15. Molding method (100) according to any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein the obturator (60) of each feed valve (6) is in the open position during depressurization of the depressurization line (25) and before opening the drain valve (12) of the tank, and / or wherein the obturator (60) of each feed valve (6) is in the open position when the tank (2) has been emptied and the molds (4) have been filled.

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