Compounding system and compounding method

Abstract

The mixture is cooled using a simple structure. [Solution] The compounding system comprises a compounding tank for compounding the compounding liquid, a circulation channel connected to the compounding tank and circulating the compounding liquid flowing out of the compounding tank back to the compounding tank, and a heat exchanger positioned in the circulation channel for cooling the compounding liquid circulating through the circulation channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a formulation system and a formulation method for cooling a formulation liquid.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a content filling system for filling a bottle with a content such as a beverage. This content filling system includes a content preparation unit for preparing the content from beverage raw materials and a content sterilization device for sterilizing the content to be filled into the bottle. And the content sterilization device is connected to a temperature adjustment unit via a content supply system pipe. Also, the temperature adjustment unit adjusts the temperature of the content sterilized in the content sterilization device to the filling temperature. For example, the temperature adjustment unit is a cooling device that lowers the temperature of the content. Also, the temperature adjustment unit is connected to a second tank via a content supply system pipe. And the second tank temporarily stores the content whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described in the prior art documents, there is a system for preparing a formulation liquid such as a beverage. And when preparing the formulation liquid in a preparation tank, there may be a case where it is desired to temporarily retain the beverage in the preparation tank. For example, when some trouble occurs during the production of the beverage, it may be required to retain the formulation liquid in the preparation tank, different from the plan or schedule. However, the time during which the formulation liquid can be retained (hereinafter, also referred to as the retention possible time) is determined by the liquid temperature in the preparation tank, so it is difficult to retain the formulation liquid for a long time. Therefore, it is required to cool the formulation liquid to make the retention possible time longer.

[0005] For example, one possible method for cooling the mixed liquid is to cover the outer perimeter of the mixing tank with a cooling jacket. This cools the mixing tank, and in turn, cools the mixed liquid inside. However, cooling jackets are expensive, and the jackets that cover the outer perimeter of the mixing tank are large in size. Furthermore, due to their size, a large amount of refrigerant needs to be supplied to the cooling jacket. Therefore, a simpler structure for cooling the mixed liquid is needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A compounding system according to one embodiment includes a compounding tank for compounding a compounding liquid, A circulation channel connected to the aforementioned mixing tank, which circulates the mixing liquid flowing out of the mixing tank back to the mixing tank, The system includes a heat exchanger positioned in the aforementioned circulation channel for cooling the prepared liquid circulating through the circulation channel.

[0007] Furthermore, in a compounding method relating to another embodiment, the compounding liquid is compounded in a compounding tank, The prepared liquid flowing out of the prepared tank is circulated back to the prepared tank via a circulation channel connected to the prepared tank. The heat exchanger located in the aforementioned circulation channel cools the prepared liquid circulating in the circulation channel. The cooled mixture is returned to the mixing tank via the aforementioned circulation channel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the compounding system. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the circulation pathway. [Figure 3] This is a side view of a heat exchanger. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the inside of a heat exchanger. [Figure 5]This is a flowchart of the cooling process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be arbitrarily set and modified according to the configuration of the apparatus or method to which the present invention is applied, or according to various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0010] Furthermore, in this specification, "compound liquid" refers to a liquid that is filled into a container, or a liquid used to manufacture a beverage that is filled into a container. The compound liquid may be filled into a container on its own, or it may be filled into a container after being mixed with other substances (e.g., diluents). Also, in this specification, "up" refers to the upper side in the direction of gravity, and "down" refers to the lower side in the direction of gravity.

[0011] [Embodiment] First, the mixing system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Each device and tank specified as part of the configuration of the mixing system 100, as well as other devices included in the mixing system 100 (e.g., measuring devices), are connected by a fluid supply route for the mixing liquid or raw materials. This supply route is, for example, composed of piping through which the fluid flows. However, a portion of the supply route may include a route in which the fluid is transported manually by an operator managing and operating the mixing system 100, or by a liquid transport device. Furthermore, each device, each tank, and other device may be one or multiple. Additionally, each device, each tank, and other device may function independently or as a unit functioning together with other machinery or structures.

[0012] The blending system 100 includes a blending tank 11 for blending a liquid mixture from raw materials. For example, the liquid mixture is used to manufacture beverages. As an example, a beverage is manufactured by mixing a diluent with the blended liquid mixture. The manufactured beverage is then filled into containers such as paper cartons or PET bottles. Examples of beverages include dairy products, tea-based beverages, coffee beverages, carbonated beverages, fruit beverages, vegetable beverages, sports drinks, lactic acid bacteria beverages, and alcoholic beverages. Examples of diluents include sterilized water, purified water, natural water, mineral water, and carbonated water. The following explanation will mainly focus on an example where the beverage is a dairy product.

[0013] The blending system 100 includes a main raw material tank 63 as an example of a raw material tank for storing the raw materials of the blending liquid. This main raw material tank 63 temporarily stores the main raw material, which is an example of a raw material. The blending system 100 also includes a secondary raw material tank 64 as another example of a raw material tank for storing the raw materials of the blending liquid. This secondary raw material tank 64 temporarily stores secondary raw materials, which are other examples of raw materials. Multiple types of secondary raw materials may be stored in one secondary raw material tank 64, or each secondary raw material may be stored in its own dedicated secondary raw material tank 64.

[0014] The main ingredient is present in a larger proportion in the blended liquid than the secondary ingredients. For example, the main ingredient may be whole milk or pasteurized milk. Conversely, the secondary ingredients are present in a smaller proportion in the blended liquid than the main ingredient. For example, the secondary ingredients may be dissolved milk powder, isomerized sugar syrup, granulated sugar syrup, dissolved flavorings, and other liquids or powders.

[0015] The blending system 100 includes a main raw material route 63A as an example of a raw material route through which raw materials are sent from the raw material tank to the blending tank 11. The main raw materials stored in the main raw material tank 63 are supplied to the blending tank 11 via the main raw material route 63A. The blending system 100 also includes a secondary raw material route 64A as another example of a raw material route through which raw materials are sent from the raw material tank to the blending tank 11. The secondary raw materials stored in the secondary raw material tank 64 are supplied to the blending tank 11 via the secondary raw material route 64A.

[0016] In the mixing tank 11, the main raw material and auxiliary raw material are stirred to prepare the mixture. As an example, there are two mixing tanks 11, and each mixing tank 11 has a capacity to prepare 45,000 L or 45 tons of mixture. However, the number of mixing tanks 11 may be one or three or more, and the capacity of the mixing tanks 11 may be less than 45,000 L or more than 45,000 L.

[0017] Furthermore, the mixing system 100 includes a sterilization device 21 for sterilizing the mixed liquid supplied from the mixing tank 11. For example, the sterilization device 21 sterilizes by methods such as heating, irradiation with ultraviolet light, and filtration sterilization by passing the liquid through a filter. As an example, the sterilization device 21 is a shell-and-tube type heat sterilization device. The mixing system 100 may also include a buffer tank or the like for temporarily storing the mixed liquid before sterilization, either as part of the sterilization device 21 or separately from the sterilization device 21.

[0018] Furthermore, the compounding system 100 includes storage tanks 30 for storing the sterilized compounding solution. For example, the storage tanks 30 are sterile tanks that store the compounding solution in a sterile environment. As an example, there are four storage tanks 30, and each storage tank 30 has a capacity to store 35,000 L or 35 tons of compounding solution. However, the number of storage tanks 30 may be three or fewer, or five or more, and the capacity of the storage tanks 30 may be less than 35,000 L or more than 35,000 L. Furthermore, at least one of the multiple storage tanks 30 may have a different capacity from the other storage tanks 30.

[0019] Further, the preparation system 100 may include a sterile blender that mixes a diluent with the prepared liquid supplied from the storage tank 30 to produce a beverage in a sterile environment. In this case, the preparation system 100 further includes a diluent supply source that supplies a sterile diluent to the sterile blender. As an example, the diluent supply source supplies sterile pure water as the diluent to the sterile blender.

[0020] And the preparation system 100 includes a filling device 51 that fills a container with the prepared liquid or the beverage produced by diluting the prepared liquid. This filling device 51 fills the container with the beverage in a sterile environment. As an example, the containers include paper packs, PET bottles, cans, bottles, and the like. Alternatively, the filling device 51 may include a device that sterilizes the beverage in the container filled with the beverage. For example, the device sterilizes the beverage by irradiating ultraviolet rays.

[0021] Furthermore, the preparation system 100 includes a control device 70. This control device 70 controls the whole preparation system 100 or at least one of each device and each part of the preparation system 100. For example, the control device 70 is configured as a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined program and other peripheral devices.

[0022] As an example, the control device 70 has a processor and a memory as a storage unit that stores a control program. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and controls the whole system and comprehensively controls various processes based on the program stored in the memory. Note that the control device 70 may have an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0023] Memory includes RAM (Random Access Memory), which is system work memory for the processor to operate, as well as storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive) that store programs and system software.

[0024] Furthermore, the control device 70 is connected via wired or wireless connection to an operating device including a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data. The control device 70 is also connected via wired or wireless connection to a display device that shows the device's input status, setting status, measurement results, and various other information. In addition, the control device 70 can perform control according to programs stored on portable recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), CF (Compact Flash) cards, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or on external storage media such as servers on the Internet.

[0025] For example, if a problem occurs in the mixing system 100, the control device 70 will discharge the mixing liquid from the mixing tank 11. The discharged mixing liquid will then be cooled, and the cooled mixing liquid will be returned to the mixing tank 11, thereby circulating the mixing liquid through the circulation channel 12. This cools the mixing liquid before it is supplied to the next processing unit (for example, the sterilization device 21) that processes the mixing liquid after the mixing process. Note that the circulation of the mixing liquid may be performed automatically by the control device 70 when the circulation conditions are met. For example, the circulation conditions are that when the mixing liquid is accumulated in the mixing tank 11, the supply of mixing liquid from the mixing tank 11 to the next processing unit is stopped. Alternatively, the circulation of the mixing liquid may be performed according to the operator's actions.

[0026] [Circulation mode] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the circulation channel 12 of the mixing system 100 will be described. Figure 2 shows the configuration of the circulation channel 12. Figure 3 shows the shell-and-tube type heat exchanger 15 viewed from the side. Figure 4 shows the internal structure of the shell-and-tube type heat exchanger 15. In Figure 4, a portion of the shell 15A is broken to show the internal structure.

[0027] In the blending system 100, the temperature of the blended liquid varies depending on the season (e.g., winter or summer), the type of raw materials, or the blending method. Furthermore, even for liquids blended from the same raw materials, different retention times are defined depending on the temperature of the liquid. The retention time is the time allowed from the completion of the blending process to the filling of the beverage.

[0028] For example, the retention time is set to be shorter as the temperature of the compounding liquid increases. Therefore, if a high-temperature compounding liquid is left in the tank, it may exceed the retention time and have to be discarded. As an example, if a problem occurs in the compounding system 100 and the supply of compounding liquid from the compounding tank 11 is stopped, it is necessary to leave the high-temperature compounding liquid in the compounding tank 11. In such a case, it is possible that the retention time will be exceeded.

[0029] In this regard, if the compounding liquid can be cooled, the retention time of the compounding liquid in the compounding tank 11 can be extended. Therefore, in the compounding system 100, the compounding liquid flowing out of the compounding tank 11 is circulated back to the compounding tank 11 via a circulation channel 12 connected to the compounding tank 11. The compounding liquid is then cooled along the circulation channel 12. This allows the circulating compounding liquid to be cooled and its retention time extended using a simple structure utilizing the circulation channel 12. As a result, the amount of compounding liquid that is discarded can be reduced by preventing the retention time from being exceeded. In addition, since the flow rate of the refrigerant can be reduced, the compounding liquid can be cooled at a lower cost.

[0030] Specifically, the blending system 100 includes a circulation channel 12 connected to the blending tank 11. Through this circulation channel 12, the blending liquid flowing out of the blending tank 11 is circulated back to the blending tank 11. The blending system 100 also includes a heat exchanger 15 located in the circulation channel 12. The heat exchanger 15 cools the blending liquid circulating in the circulation channel 12. For example, the heat exchanger 15 constitutes part of the circulation channel 12. As the blending liquid circulates through the heat exchanger 15 back to the blending tank 11, it is cooled by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the blending liquid. As a result, the cooled blending liquid flows into the blending tank 11. Therefore, the temperature of the blending liquid remaining in the blending tank 11 can be lowered.

[0031] As an example, the heat exchanger 15 is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 15 may be a plate heat exchanger in which the mixture and refrigerant flow between stacked heat transfer plates. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 15 may be a jacket heat exchanger consisting of a cooling jacket that surrounds the outer circumference of the piping through which the mixture flows. The refrigerant flows inside this cooling jacket, but the mixture does not. Therefore, when a jacket heat exchanger is used, the heat exchanger 15 located in the circulation channel 12 does not constitute part of the circulation channel 12. In the following description, the example in which the heat exchanger 15 is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger will be mainly described.

[0032] Furthermore, the circulation channel 12 includes a first channel 12A located between the mixing tank 11 and the heat exchanger 15. For example, the first channel 12A is connected to the heat exchanger 15 and guides the mixed liquid flowing out of the mixing tank 11 to the heat exchanger 15. The first channel 12A is also located upstream of the heat exchanger 15 in the direction of circulation of the mixed liquid. Specifically, in Figure 2, the circulation direction, which is the direction in which the circulating mixed liquid flows, is indicated by a solid arrow. The first channel 12A is located closer to the tank outlet 11A of the mixing tank 11 than to the heat exchanger 15 in the direction of circulation. For example, the mixed liquid flows out of the mixing tank 11 into the first channel 12A via the tank outlet 11A provided in the mixing tank 11. Subsequently, the mixed liquid that has flowed into the first channel 12A before cooling flows into the heat exchanger 15 and is cooled.

[0033] Furthermore, the circulation channel 12 includes a second channel 12B located between the heat exchanger 15 and the mixing tank 11. For example, the second channel 12B is connected to the heat exchanger 15 and guides the mixing liquid from the heat exchanger 15 to the mixing tank 11. The second channel 12B is located downstream of the heat exchanger 15 in the circulation direction. In the circulation direction, the second channel 12B is located closer to the tank inlet 11B of the mixing tank 11 than to the heat exchanger 15. For example, the mixing liquid that has been cooled by flowing through the heat exchanger 15 flows out into the second channel 12B. Subsequently, the cooled mixing liquid that has flowed into the second channel 12B flows from the second channel 12B into the mixing tank 11 via the tank inlet 11B of the mixing tank 11.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 2, one circulation channel 12 is provided for two mixing tanks 11. However, one circulation channel 12 may be provided for each mixing tank 11. By providing one circulation channel 12 for multiple mixing tanks 11, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of heat exchangers 15. This allows for a reduction in the refrigerant flow rate, thus enabling the cooling of the mixed liquid at a lower cost.

[0035] Furthermore, the first channel 12A or the second channel 12B may be directly connected to the mixing tank 11, or they may be indirectly connected to the mixing tank 11 via other piping or connecting pipes. In the example in Figure 2, the first channel 12A is connected to the mixing tank 11 via a tank outlet 11A provided in the mixing tank 11. The second channel 12B is connected to the mixing tank 11 via a tank inlet 11B provided in the mixing tank 11.

[0036] For example, in a stagnant mixture, a high-temperature portion may accumulate at the top of the mixing tank 11. In this case, the circulation channel 12 may be configured to equalize the temperature of the mixture in the mixing tank 11. For example, the circulation channel 12 may include a tank inlet 11B located at the top of the mixing tank 11. This allows the cooled mixture to flow into the top of the mixing tank 11 through the tank inlet 11B. As a result, the cooled mixture mixes more easily with the high-temperature portion at the top of the mixture in the mixing tank 11. Furthermore, a tank outlet 11A may be provided at the top of the mixing tank 11 to facilitate the outflow of the high-temperature portion. The top of the mixing tank 11 is defined as the portion located above the center of the mixing tank 11 in the vertical direction, when the vertical direction is defined along the direction of gravity.

[0037] Furthermore, the mixing liquid in the mixing tank 11 may contain uneven portions where the raw materials are not mixed uniformly. In this case, the circulation channel 12 may be configured so that the uneven portions mix with other portions to ensure uniform mixing of the raw materials. For example, the tank outlet 11A, which constitutes part of the circulation channel 12, may be located in a position where the uneven portions can easily flow out. As an example, the circulation channel 12 may include the tank outlet 11A located at the bottom of the mixing tank 11. The mixing liquid before cooling flows out of the mixing tank 11 through the tank outlet 11A. As a result, the uneven portions at the bottom of the mixing liquid flow out through the tank outlet 11A and circulate through the circulation channel 12. Then, they flow back into the mixing tank 11 from the tank inlet 11B, which constitutes part of the circulation channel 12. As a result, the uneven portions mix with other portions of the mixing liquid, ensuring uniform mixing of the raw materials. The lower part of the mixing tank 11 is the portion located below the central part of the mixing tank 11 in the vertical direction.

[0038] Furthermore, the non-uniform portion may contain a higher amount of auxiliary ingredients compared to other portions. In this case, if the specific gravity of the auxiliary ingredients is greater than that of the main ingredients, the non-uniform portion is likely to be located at the bottom of the mixture. Therefore, the tank outlet 11A can be provided at the bottom of the mixing tank 11. Also, the tank inlet 11B can be provided at the top of the mixing tank 11 to prevent the mixture that has returned to the mixing tank 11 from flowing directly out of the tank outlet 11A. On the other hand, if the specific gravity of the auxiliary ingredients is less than that of the main ingredients, the non-uniform portion is likely to be located at the top of the mixture. Therefore, the tank outlet 11A can be provided at the top of the mixing tank 11. Also, the tank inlet 11B can be provided at the bottom of the mixing tank 11 to prevent the mixture that has returned to the mixing tank 11 from flowing directly out of the tank outlet 11A.

[0039] Furthermore, when a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined, auxiliary materials tend to accumulate at the central position on the horizontal plane. In this case, the tank outlet 11A can be located at the central position of the mixing tank 11 (for example, the center of the bottom surface of the mixing tank 11). The tank inlet 11B can be located at an outer position (for example, on the side of the mixing tank 11) outside the central position of the mixing tank 11, so that the mixing liquid that has returned to the mixing tank 11 does not flow out directly from the tank outlet 11A. On the other hand, auxiliary materials tend to accumulate at the outer positions on the horizontal plane. In this case, the tank outlet 11A can be located at an outer position (for example, on the side of the mixing tank 11). The tank inlet 11B can be located at the central position of the mixing tank 11, so that the mixing liquid that has returned to the mixing tank 11 does not flow out directly from the tank outlet 11A.

[0040] In this way, the circulation channel 12 can perform not only the function of cooling the mixture but also the function of ensuring uniform mixing of the raw materials. Therefore, even when cooling of the mixture is not required, the mixture may be circulated through the circulation channel 12 to ensure uniform mixing of the raw materials. Furthermore, the mixture may be circulated and cooled while the mixing process is being carried out. However, if the mixture is left standing unplanned or unexpectedly, the mixture will be circulated and cooled through the circulation channel 12 after the mixing process is completed. Alternatively, the circulation channel 12 for cooling the mixture may be provided separately from the path used to circulate the mixture to ensure uniform mixing of the raw materials.

[0041] Furthermore, the mixing system 100 includes a refrigerant tank 16 that stores the refrigerant supplied to the heat exchanger 15. Cooling water, as an example of a refrigerant, is supplied to the heat exchanger 15 from the refrigerant tank 16. In Figure 2, the dotted arrow A shows the flow of refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 15. The dotted arrow B shows the flow of refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger 15 and returning to the refrigerant tank 16. Alternatively, the refrigerant may be an aqueous solution of calcium chloride, an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol, or a brine such as alcohol. Note that the refrigerant tank 16 may be omitted if the temperature can be lowered by circulating the refrigerant.

[0042] [Heat exchanger] Next, the shell-and-tube type heat exchanger 15 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figure 3, the heat exchanger 15 has a cylindrical shell 15A. The cylindrical shell 15A is provided with a shell inlet 15B through which the prepared liquid flows in from the first channel 12A. The cylindrical shell 15A is also provided with a shell outlet 15C through which the prepared liquid flows out to the second channel 12B.

[0043] As shown by the solid arrows in Figure 3, the pre-cooling mixture flows from the shell inlet 15B into the shell 15A. The mixture is then cooled as it flows through the shell 15A. Subsequently, the cooled mixture flows out from the shell outlet 15C. Also, as shown by the dotted arrow A in Figure 3, the refrigerant before heat exchange flows from the refrigerant tank 16 into the heat exchanger 15. Then, as shown by the dotted arrow B, the refrigerant after heat exchange flows out of the heat exchanger 15 and returns to the refrigerant tank 16.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the heat exchanger 15 has multiple tubes 15D arranged inside a shell 15A. A refrigerant at a lower temperature than the prepared liquid flows through each tube 15D. The prepared liquid flows in the area outside the tubes 15D within the shell 15A. As a result, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the prepared liquid, and the prepared liquid is cooled.

[0045] Furthermore, the shell 15A may have the same flow path cross-sectional area as at least one of the first flow path 12A and the second flow path 12B. For example, within the shell 15A, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the region outside the tube 15D is the same as the flow path cross-sectional areas of the first flow path 12A and the second flow path 12B. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​each tube 15D and the number of tubes 15D are set so that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the shell 15A is the same as the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path 12A and the second flow path 12B. This reduces the pressure loss of the preparation liquid flowing through the shell 15A.

[0046] The flow path cross-sectional area may be a representative value such as the mean, median, or mode. Furthermore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the shell 15A can be determined by subtracting the total cross-sectional area of ​​the multiple tubes 15D from the cross-sectional area of ​​the shell 15A.

[0047] Furthermore, the second flow path 12B may be connected to the main raw material path 63A, which is an example of a raw material path. This allows a portion of the main raw material path 63A to be shared with the circulation flow path 12. For example, the end of the second flow path 12B may be connected to a portion of the piping in the main raw material path 63A. In this case, the piping also functions as the circulation flow path 12. That is, the portion of the main raw material path 63A from the connection point with the second flow path 12B to the tank inlet 11B also functions as the circulation flow path 12. As an example, a flow path switching mechanism is provided at this connection point. The flow path is then switched depending on whether the main raw material is flowing into the mixing tank 11 or whether the cooled mixing liquid is flowing into the mixing tank 11.

[0048] Furthermore, the second flow path 12B may be connected to a secondary raw material path 64A, which is an example of a raw material path. This allows a portion of the secondary raw material path 64A to be shared with the circulation flow path 12. For example, the end of the second flow path 12B may be connected to a portion of the piping in the secondary raw material path 64A. In this case, the piping also functions as the circulation flow path 12. That is, the portion of the secondary raw material path 64A from the connection point with the second flow path 12B to the tank inlet 11B also functions as the circulation flow path 12. As an example, a flow path switching mechanism is provided at this connection point. The flow path is then switched depending on whether secondary raw materials are flowing into the mixing tank 11 or whether cooled mixing liquid is flowing into the mixing tank 11.

[0049] [Examples] To verify the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger 15, a cooling experiment of the prepared liquid was conducted. Specifically, cooling water was flowed as a refrigerant through tube 15D, and the temperature of the prepared liquid flowing through the shell 15A of the heat exchanger 15 was measured for a predetermined period of time. As a result, it was confirmed that the temperature of the prepared liquid decreased, as shown in Examples 1 and 2 below.

[0050] In Example 1, 9000 kg of drinking water was cooled by flowing it through shell 15A as the preparation solution. The circulation flow rate of the drinking water in Example 1 was 15000 kg / h. The circulation flow rate of the cooling water was 10000 kg / h. Furthermore, the initial temperature of the drinking water was 25 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the cooling water supplied to tube 15D was 7 degrees Celsius. After cooling for 60.2 minutes, the temperature of the drinking water decreased to 19 degrees Celsius.

[0051] In Example 2, 25,000 kg of whole milk was cooled by flowing it through shell 15A as the preparation liquid. The circulation flow rate of the whole milk in Example 2 was 30,000 kg / h. The circulation flow rate of the cooling water was 10,000 kg / h. Furthermore, the initial temperature of the whole milk was 24 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the cooling water supplied to tube 15D was 7 degrees Celsius. After cooling for 59.3 minutes, the temperature of the whole milk decreased to 21 degrees Celsius.

[0052] [Cooling process] Referring to Figure 5, the cooling process of the compounding liquid in the compounding system 100 will be explained. First, the raw materials for the compounding liquid are supplied from the raw material tank to the compounding tank 11 (S101). Specifically, the main raw material stored in the main raw material tank 63 is supplied to the compounding tank 11 via the main raw material route 63A. In addition, the auxiliary raw material stored in the auxiliary raw material tank 64 is supplied to the compounding tank 11 via the auxiliary raw material route 64A. Note that the supply of the main raw material and the supply of the auxiliary raw material may be performed in either order. Furthermore, the supply of the main raw material and the auxiliary raw material may be performed simultaneously.

[0053] Next, in the mixing tank 11, the main raw materials and auxiliary raw materials are stirred to prepare the mixing liquid (S102). If cooling of the mixing liquid is necessary (YES in S103), the mixing liquid flowing out of the mixing tank 11 is circulated back to the mixing tank 11 via the circulation channel 12 connected to the mixing tank 11. For example, if the supply of mixing liquid from the mixing tank 11 is stopped while the mixing liquid is accumulating in the mixing tank 11, cooling of the mixing liquid is required. On the other hand, if cooling of the mixing liquid is not necessary (NO in S103), the mixing liquid is supplied to the filling device 51 and the process is completed.

[0054] When circulating the mixed liquid, the mixed liquid is discharged from the mixing tank 11 to the first flow path 12A via the tank outlet 11A provided in the mixing tank 11 (S104). The mixed liquid that flows into the first flow path 12A before cooling is then discharged into the heat exchanger 15 and cooled (S105). Subsequently, the cooled mixed liquid flows out into the second flow path 12B (S106). Finally, the cooled mixed liquid is returned to the mixing tank 11 from the second flow path 12B (S107), and the process is completed.

[0055] According to the blending system 100 described above, the simple structure utilizing the circulation channel 12 allows for cooling of the blending liquid and extending its retention time. This prevents the retention time from exceeding its limit, thereby reducing the amount of blending liquid that needs to be discarded. Furthermore, by utilizing the circulation channel 12, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be reduced, allowing for cooling of the blending liquid at a lower cost.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Inventions modified within the scope that does not contradict the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each variation, as well as the technical means included in each embodiment or each variation, can be appropriately combined within the scope that does not contradict the present invention.

[0057] For example, the blending system 100 may include an extraction device for extracting tea, which will be part of the raw materials for the blended liquid. This extraction device extracts tea using tea leaves and an extraction solvent such as heated water. Furthermore, the blending system 100 may include a tank for storing the extraction solvent, a tank for storing the extraction solvent before heating, an extraction solvent generating device, a hopper for supplying tea leaves, and a tea cooler, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, the blending system 100 may include a separation device for separating some of the components of the extracted tea. In addition, the blending system 100 may include a generating device for producing a removal liquid from which caffeine and other substances are removed from the tea, which is supplied to the separation device. Furthermore, the blending system 100 may include a removal liquid tank or the like for storing the removal liquid.

[0059] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0060] (Note 1) A mixing tank for preparing the compounding solution, A circulation channel connected to the aforementioned mixing tank, which circulates the mixing liquid flowing out of the mixing tank back to the mixing tank, A compounding system comprising a heat exchanger arranged in the circulation channel for cooling the compounding liquid circulating in the circulation channel.

[0061] (Note 2) The blending system according to Appendix 1, wherein the circulation channel comprises a first channel located between the blending tank and the heat exchanger on the upstream side of the heat exchanger in the circulation direction of the blended liquid, and a second channel located between the heat exchanger and the blending tank on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the circulation direction.

[0062] (Note 3) The heat exchanger is a shell-and-tube type heat exchanger, and comprises a shell having the same cross-sectional area as at least one of the first and second flow channels, in the blending system as described in Appendix 2.

[0063] (Note 4) A raw material tank for storing the raw materials of the aforementioned mixture, The system includes a raw material path through which the raw materials are sent from the raw material tank to the blending tank, The second flow path is connected to the raw material path, and the blending system is as described in any one of the appendices 2 to 3.

[0064] (Note 5) The circulation channel includes a tank inlet located at the top of the mixing tank. The compounding system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the compounding liquid after cooling flows into the compounding tank through the tank inlet.

[0065] (Note 6) The circulation channel includes a tank outlet located at the bottom of the mixing tank. The blending system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the blending liquid before cooling flows out of the blending tank through the tank outlet.

[0066] (Note 7) The compounding system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein the compounding liquid is a beverage or a liquid used to manufacture a beverage.

[0067] (Note 8) The mixture is prepared in the mixing tank. The prepared liquid flowing out of the prepared tank is circulated back to the prepared tank via a circulation channel connected to the prepared tank. The heat exchanger located in the aforementioned circulation channel cools the prepared liquid circulating in the circulation channel. A mixing method comprising returning the cooled mixing liquid to the mixing tank via the aforementioned circulation channel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 11: Mixing Tank 11A: Tank outlet 11B: Tank inlet 12: Circulation channel 12A: First channel 12B: Second channel 15: Heat exchanger 15A: Shell 63: Main raw material tank (raw material tank) 63A: Main raw material route (raw material route) 64: Auxiliary raw material tank (raw material tank) 64A: Auxiliary material route (raw material route) 100: Mixing System

Claims

1. A mixing tank for preparing the compounding solution, A circulation channel connected to the aforementioned mixing tank, which circulates the mixing liquid flowing out of the mixing tank back to the mixing tank, A compounding system comprising a heat exchanger arranged in the circulation channel for cooling the compounding liquid circulating in the circulation channel.

2. The mixing system according to claim 1, wherein the circulation channel comprises a first channel located between the mixing tank and the heat exchanger on the upstream side of the heat exchanger in the circulation direction of the mixing liquid, and a second channel located between the heat exchanger and the mixing tank on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the circulation direction.

3. The blending system according to claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger is a shell-and-tube type heat exchanger and comprises a shell having the same cross-sectional area as the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the first and second flow channels.

4. A raw material tank for storing the raw materials of the aforementioned mixture, The system includes a raw material path through which the raw materials are sent from the raw material tank to the blending tank, The compounding system according to claim 2, wherein the second flow path is connected to the raw material path.

5. The circulation channel includes a tank inlet located at the top of the mixing tank. The compounding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the compounding liquid, after cooling, flows into the compounding tank through the tank inlet.

6. The circulation channel includes a tank outlet located at the bottom of the mixing tank. The blending system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the blending liquid before cooling flows out of the blending tank through the tank outlet.

7. The compounding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the compounding liquid is a beverage or a liquid used to manufacture a beverage.

8. The mixture is prepared in the mixing tank. The prepared liquid flowing out of the prepared tank is circulated back to the prepared tank via a circulation channel connected to the prepared tank. The heat exchanger located in the aforementioned circulation channel cools the prepared liquid circulating in the circulation channel. A mixing method comprising returning the cooled mixing liquid to the mixing tank via the aforementioned circulation channel.

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