How to roast coffee beans

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for roasting coffee beans in a roasting system comprising a roaster 1 and a smoke treatment unit 2 configured to treat smoke produced by the roaster, the smoke treatment unit comprising at least an electrostatic precipitator 222, the electrostatic precipitator comprising at least one cell, the cell comprising an ionizing wire, a collecting electrode and a repelling electrode, the ionizing wire being powered to apply a high voltage V to the ionizing wire, the method comprising the steps of: during each roasting operation performed in the roaster, monitoring the voltage V at the ionizing wire and / or the electrodes over the time of the roasting operation; and indicating a cleaning alarm if, during the duration of the roasting operation, the monitored voltage falls below a predetermined voltage threshold V0 and if the time period during which the monitored voltage V is below the lower voltage threshold V0 exceeds a predetermined time threshold Δt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for roasting coffee beans in a safe environment.

Background Art

[0002] Roasting of coffee beans is a well-known process. The main steps consist of heating the beans to the desired roasting level and then cooling or quenching the heated beans to stop the roasting. During heating, smoke is emitted. This smoke contains not only all the safe and desired components, especially the normal roasted coffee aroma, but also undesirable low-safety volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as pyridine, 2-furanmethanol, caffeine furfural, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, etc. VOCs, and particulate matter (PM 2.5 、PM 10 ).

[0003] When roasting is carried out at a production site that produces an important amount of roasted beans, generally all the conditions for capturing non-safe components are provided.

[0004] However, recently, there has been a tendency to carry out small-batch roasting with small roasters in stores, restaurants, and coffee shops where customers can consume coffee brewed with freshly roasted beans. The roaster not only provides freshness and on-site advantages, but also emits a pleasant roasted coffee aroma into the store or coffee shop.

[0005] However, as described above, harmful components are also emitted. When the roaster is used in a closed environment such as a store, coffee shop, or restaurant, depending on the size of the room and the ventilation of the room, the emission of some components can be harmful. For people working in that room for several hours, smelling the smoke from the roaster can lead to health problems.

[0006] As a result, in such environments, it is recommended to stop the emission of smoke from roasters to avoid health problems for people inside the store. Existing solutions consist of eliminating contaminants with afterburners or catalytic afterburners that allow for thermal oxidation of contaminants, or retaining contaminants inside devices such as mechanical filters (metal sieves or paper filters), activated carbon filters, electrostatic precipitators, or combinations thereof.

[0007] Electrostatic precipitators capture some PM particles, typically having a size of 1.0–10 μm. The advantages of electrostatic precipitators are their low cost of purchase and use, and the absence of noise and heat during operation. Because electrostatic precipitators capture contaminants that remain attached to the precipitator's charging cells, the devices must be cleaned regularly.

[0008] Cleaning warnings can be set based on the maximum number of hours the roaster has been operated or the maximum amount of coffee beans roasted. However, these warnings are not always accurate and may prompt the operator to clean the filters too late, resulting in insufficient filtering efficiency during the final roasting cycle and potentially compromising the safety of those around the roaster. In addition, the roaster and filter system may still be operational, albeit inefficiently, so the operator may ignore this alarm and continue roasting.

[0009] In particular, if the cleaning operation is not performed on time, a problem specific to electrostatic precipitators is the occurrence of dielectric breakdown due to the presence of particles inside the device. These dielectric breakdowns can be very short, but while they occur, the smoke is not filtered, resulting in at least two undesirable consequences. Firstly, particulate matter may be released into rooms in cafes, shops, or restaurants where people are present. Secondly, some unfiltered particulate matter can clog other filters located downstream of the electrostatic precipitator, such as activated carbon filters. As a result, VOCs are no longer filtered out by these filters, increasing health problems in public rooms. Finally, the electrostatic precipitator device may be damaged.

[0010] These dielectric breakdowns can be caused by the fact that the electrostatic precipitator has reached its particle collection limit, which can occur when the operator ignores a previous cleaning alarm. They can also be caused by the unusual presence of some large particles that are normally captured upstream of the electrostatic precipitator, such as coffee bean chaff, which then flow exceptionally through the precipitator, where they become blocked and cause dielectric breakdown. They can also be caused by technical problems with the electrostatic precipitator itself. [Overview of the project]

[0011] The objective of this invention is to address the aforementioned existing problems.

[0012] In particular, an object of the present invention is to address the problem of informing the operator that dielectric breakdown has occurred and that cleaning or maintenance of the smoke filter of the electrostatic precipitator is necessary, and to provide that information in an accurate manner.

[0013] It would be advantageous to distinguish false dielectric breakdown from dielectric breakdown that actually affects the filtering capacity of an electrostatic precipitator.

[0014] In a first aspect of the present invention, a method for roasting coffee beans in a roasting system is provided, the system is Roasting equipment and A smoke processing unit configured to process smoke generated by a roasting device, The above smoke treatment unit is equipped with an electrostatic precipitator, The above electrostatic precipitator comprises at least one cell, The above cell comprises an ionization beam, a collection electrode, and a repulsion electrode. The above cell includes a smoke treatment unit to which power is supplied in order to apply a high voltage V to at least a portion of the ionization beam and electrodes, During each roasting operation performed within the roasting apparatus, this method A step of monitoring the voltage V at the ionization line and / or electrode along the time of the roasting operation, If the monitored voltage falls below a predetermined voltage threshold V0 during the roasting operation period Δt, If the above period Δt exceeds a predetermined time threshold Δt0, the cleaning alarm is displayed. Includes.

[0015] This method relates to roasting coffee beans using a system comprising two devices: firstly, a roasting device for heating and roasting the beans, and secondly, a smoke treatment unit configured to process the smoke generated inside the first roasting device during the roasting of the coffee beans.

[0016] These two devices could be subparts of a single main system, or they could be considered as separate modules that work together during the roasting process.

[0017] Any type of roasting apparatus can be used. Inside the roasting apparatus, the coffee beans are heated and, preferably, mixed to ensure uniform heating of the beans.

[0018] The heat source may be a burner (meaning combustion) supplied with natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or even wood. Alternatively, the heat source may be an electrical resistor, a ceramic heater, a halogen source, an infrared source, or a microwave source.

[0019] Preferably, the heating source is operated by electricity, so that the air pollutants generated during roasting are only those resulting from the heating of the coffee beans themselves, rather than pollutants resulting from the combustion of gas such as would occur if the heating source were a natural gas, propane, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or even a gas burner using wood.

[0020] The mixing of the beans during the roasting operation can be obtained mechanically using a fluidized bed of hot air or by using a stirring blade or a rotating drum.

[0021] Preferably, the roasting apparatus is a hot air fluidized bed chamber. In such a chamber, heated air is fed through a screen or perforated plate under the coffee beans with sufficient force to lift the beans. Heat is transferred to the beans as they roll and circulate within this fluidized bed.

[0022] Alternatively, the roasting apparatus may be a drum chamber in which the coffee beans are tumbled in a heated environment. The drum chamber can consist of a drum rotating along a horizontal axis, or the drum chamber can be equipped with stirring blades for rolling the coffee beans in a heated environment.

[0023] The roasting apparatus includes an outlet capable of discharging the smoke generated during the roasting operation.

[0024] Generally, the smoke treatment unit of the system has a smoke inlet configured to cooperate with the smoke outlet of the roasting apparatus and collect the smoke through the smoke inlet.

[0025] The smoke treatment unit treats the smoke to reduce or remove harmful pollutants contained in the smoke, particularly particulate matter such as PM1, PM 2.5 and PM 10 and the like.

[0026] This smoke treatment unit includes at least an electrostatic precipitator.

[0027] An electrostatic precipitator is a particle collection device that filters smoke by using static electricity to remove particles from the smoke stream.

[0028] The electrostatic precipitator comprises one or more cells. Each cell is identical, Ionization beams or corona metal beams within the upstream ionization region, The system comprises a collection electrode and a repulsive electrode in a downstream collection area. Typically, the electrodes are in the form of plates. An electric field is generated through the electrodes and is perpendicular to the smoke flow. This electric field is generated by applying different voltages to a pair of electrodes, or by applying a voltage to one electrode and grounding the other electrode. By associating several pairs of collection electrodes and repulsive electrodes spaced apart from each other, smoke can be directed into the space between the collection electrodes and repulsive electrodes.

[0029] Typically, an ionization beam is powered to apply a high voltage V to it. Smoke particles flowing through the ionization region are ionized to either a positive or negative charge.

[0030] Next, as the smoke stream passes the downstream metal plate, the collection electrode acts as a collector for ionized particles, attracting the charged particles to the plate, moving toward it, and forming a layer that remains on the plate. Thus, the escaping smoke stream is removed from the charged particles collected on the collection electrode.

[0031] Using an electrostatic precipitator, particles with a size of 1.0 to 10 μm can be captured.

[0032] If the electrostatic precipitator has several cells, these cells are arranged in sequence in the smoke stream, with the first cell filtering out most of the smoke particles, and the second cell filtering the smoke processed by the first cell to achieve improved separation.

[0033] When roasting is performed inside the roasting apparatus, this method A step of monitoring the voltage V at the ionization line and / or electrode along the time of the roasting operation, If, during the roasting operation period Δt, the monitored voltage falls below a predetermined voltage threshold V0, and If the above period Δt exceeds a predetermined time threshold Δt0, the following steps are taken: A cleaning alarm is then displayed. Includes.

[0034] This voltage threshold V0 can be predefined such that if the monitored voltage V falls below the lower voltage threshold during a period when the roasting operation is performed and the monitored voltage V is above threshold Δt0, it means that electrical breakdown has occurred. If the period is shorter, the monitored low voltage is a false breakdown and should not be considered.

[0035] Furthermore, if, during a particular roasting operation, a lower value of the monitored voltage falls below the lower voltage threshold V0 for a very short period of time, these values ​​are not considered.

[0036] Typically, the lower voltage threshold V0 is set based on experimental data, as described later, taking into account the high voltage applied to the ionization line.

[0037] Typically, the voltage threshold V0 depends on the configuration of the electrostatic precipitator, particularly the high voltage applied, and can be further determined by experiment.

[0038] Typically, this threshold is far below the high voltage applied to the ionization beam and electrodes, preferably 10 times lower than the applied high voltage.

[0039] In one preferred embodiment, the lower predetermined voltage threshold V0 may be less than 100V.

[0040] In particular, for high voltages exceeding 5kV applied to the ionization beam or electrode, the lower predetermined voltage threshold V0 may be less than 100V.

[0041] In one embodiment, the length of a predetermined time threshold Δt0 may depend on the level of roasting performed during the roasting operation and / or the type of beans being roasted during the roasting operation.

[0042] In fact, it has been observed that different roasting levels (light, medium, and dark roasts) produce different amounts of PM (particulate matter) from the same amount of beans. In particular, dark roasts have been observed to release more releases than light roasts.

[0043] Similarly, it has been observed that some types of beans produce more PM than others.

[0044] Depending on the roasting conditions (level, bean type), if more particles are generated, the particles may remain temporarily blocked between the electrodes, increasing the risk of false dielectric breakdown. To prevent these false dielectric breakdowns, whether numerous or longer, from affecting the detection of conditions for displaying the cleaning alarm, a predetermined time threshold Δt0 can be adjusted and increased during dark roast operations or when roasting beans that produce a lot of PM, compared to a predetermined time threshold Δt0 during light roast operations or when roasting beans that produce little PM.

[0045] In another embodiment, the length of a predetermined time threshold Δt0 may depend on the number of roasting operations performed since the last cleaning operation of the electrostatic operator.

[0046] As electrostatic precipitators become increasingly contaminated, the layer of particulate matter present on the collection electrodes thickens, increasing the risk of particles remaining temporarily blocked between the electrodes and causing false dielectric breakdown.

[0047] To prevent numerous or longer false dielectric breakdowns from affecting the detection of conditions for displaying a cleaning alarm, a predetermined time threshold Δt0 can be progressively or stepwise increased depending on the number of roasting operations performed since the last cleaning operation of the electrostatic precipitator.

[0048] In another embodiment, the length of a predetermined time threshold Δt0 is the roasting operation Change in between It can transform.

[0049] During the roasting process, PM generation is not constant, and it is known that the peak occurs closer to the end of the roasting process than at the start.

[0050] In a similar manner to that described above, a predetermined time threshold Δt0 can be set longer at the end of the roasting operation to avoid a large number or longer false dielectric breakdowns affecting the detection of conditions for indicating a cleaning state request.

[0051] Typically, the predetermined time threshold Δt0 is about a few seconds, for example, less than 10 seconds, and preferably less than 5 seconds.

[0052] Typically, a smoke treatment unit includes a high-voltage process control board configured to control an electrostatic precipitator, and the monitored voltage is read from the process control panel.

[0053] In one preferred embodiment, the electrostatic precipitator comprises at least two cells, the cells arranged successively along the flow of smoke emitted by the roaster, and the method is applied to each of the cells.

[0054] Therefore, this method enables the detection of dielectric breakdown in each cell.

[0055] Preferably, for two cells, if the monitored voltage V falls below the lower voltage threshold V0 during the same period Δt of the roasting operation, and the period exceeds a predetermined time threshold Δt0, then a technical maintenance alarm is displayed.

[0056] Preferably, the fume treatment unit comprises at least one other filtering device in addition to the electrostatic precipitator. This other filtering device may include, but is not limited to, high-efficiency particle accumulation filters, metal filters, activated carbon filters, paper filters, cotton, and cloth. Optionally, the fume treatment unit may also comprise additional filtering devices such as a wet scrubber, catalytic converter, or afterburner.

[0057] The filter configured to capture VOCs is preferably an activated carbon filter or a charcoal filter.

[0058] Preferably, the smoke filtering subunit comprises, in accordance with the direction of smoke flow within the smoke treatment unit, at least one filter for removing particulate matter, followed by an electrostatic precipitator, and then an activated carbon filter, in a sequence. This sequence prevents the activated carbon filter from becoming clogged with particulate matter.

[0059] Smoke is propelled through the smoke treatment unit and different filters by a smoke driver configured to circulate the smoke through the smoke treatment unit from the inlet to the outlet. At the outlet, the smoke and contaminants are captured, so that a safely treated flow can be released into the room atmosphere.

[0060] A smoke driver is generally a fan that pushes smoke towards an outlet.

[0061] Preferably, the fan is positioned adjacent to the outlet of the smoke treatment unit. As a result, the fan is not contaminated by untreated smoke, and its maintenance becomes easier.

[0062] According to one preferred embodiment, the smoke filtering subunit comprises, in sequence, at least the following: Metal mesh, then Electrostatic precipitator, then An activated carbon filter that responds to the movement of smoke flow inside the smoke treatment unit.

[0063] Preferably, in this embodiment, the activated carbon filter is physically positioned above the electrostatic precipitator. Thus, the smoke is introduced upward through the continuous device.

[0064] In a second embodiment, a system for roasting coffee beans is provided, and the system is Roasting equipment and A smoke processing unit configured to process smoke generated by a roasting device, The above smoke treatment unit includes at least an electrostatic precipitator, The above electrostatic precipitator comprises at least one cell, The above cell comprises an ionization beam, a collection electrode, and a repulsion electrode. The above cell includes a smoke treatment unit to which power is supplied in order to apply a high voltage to at least a portion of the ionization beam and electrodes, A control system capable of operating to control the roasting process according to the method described above, It is equipped with.

[0065] Depending on the integration of the roasting apparatus and the smoke treatment unit, the control system can be shared between both apparatuses, and the steps of the method can be shared between the control units of at least these two apparatuses.

[0066] In one embodiment, the method can be carried out by the control unit of the roasting apparatus and the control unit of the smoke treatment unit, and both treatment units communicate with each other. Specifically, it is as follows: The control unit for the smoke treatment unit is, The steps include monitoring the voltage V, The steps include comparing the monitored voltage V with a predetermined voltage threshold V0 and optionally comparing the period with a predetermined time threshold Δt, If necessary, the following steps can be taken: communicate the status of the cleaning request to the roasting machine. The control unit of the roasting machine can perform the step of displaying a cleaning alarm.

[0067] In another embodiment, The control unit for the smoke treatment unit is, The steps include monitoring the voltage V, The steps of communicating the monitored voltage V value to the roasting device can be performed. The control unit of the roasting machine is The steps include comparing the monitored voltage V with a predetermined voltage threshold V0 and comparing the period Δt with a predetermined time threshold Δt0, If necessary, the steps to display a cleaning alarm can be performed.

[0068] In another embodiment, the control unit of the smoke treatment unit can perform all steps after receiving information from the roasting device that the roasting step has started.

[0069] Preferably, the roasting apparatus may be equipped with a display unit to display a cleaning alarm.

[0070] Alternatively, the electrostatic precipitator may be equipped with means for displaying a cleaning alarm, such as a light-up button.

[0071] In another alternative configuration, the control system may be configured to display a cleaning alarm on a mobile device communicating with the system.

[0072] In a third aspect, a computer program is provided which includes instructions causing the system according to the second aspect to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0073] In one embodiment, the computer program can be executed by the processing unit of the roasting apparatus and the control unit of the smoke processing unit, and both processing units communicate with each other. Specifically, this is as follows: The control unit for the smoke treatment unit is, The steps include monitoring the voltage V, The steps include comparing the monitored voltage V with a predetermined voltage threshold V0 and comparing the period Δt with a predetermined time threshold Δt0, If necessary, the following steps can be taken: communicate the status of the cleaning request to the roasting machine. The control unit of the roasting machine can perform the step of displaying a cleaning alarm.

[0074] In another embodiment, The control unit for the smoke treatment unit is, The steps include monitoring the voltage V, The steps of communicating the monitored voltage V value to the roasting device can be performed. The control unit of the roasting machine is The steps include comparing the monitored voltage V with a predetermined voltage threshold V0 and comparing the period Δt with a predetermined time threshold Δt0, If necessary, the steps to display a cleaning alarm can be performed.

[0075] In another embodiment, the control unit of the smoke treatment unit can perform all steps after receiving information from the roasting device that the roasting step has started.

[0076] In the fourth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores the computer program according to the third aspect.

[0077] The above embodiments of the present invention can be combined in any preferred combination. Furthermore, by combining various features described herein with one or more of the above embodiments, combinations other than those specifically illustrated and described can be provided. Further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will become apparent from the "Claims," ​​"Modes for Carrying Out the Invention," and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0078] Specific embodiments of the present invention are further described herein by reference to the following drawings. [Figure 1] This is a diagram of the system according to the present invention, showing the path of smoke passing through the system. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows one of the cells in the electrostatic precipitator section of the smoke treatment unit. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 are block diagrams of the control system of the system shown. [Figure 4A] This shows the voltage along the ionization line, monitored over time during the roasting process. [Figure 4B] This shows the voltage along the ionization line, monitored over time during the roasting process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0079] A system for roasting coffee beans Figure 1 shows an exemplary diagram of the system comprising a roasting apparatus 1 and a smoke treatment unit 2. Functionally, the roasting apparatus is capable of operating to roast coffee beans, and the smoke treatment unit is capable of processing the smoke generated during roasting by the roasting apparatus.

[0080] Roasting equipment The roasting device 1 is operable to receive coffee beans into the roasting chamber 12 and roast them.

[0081] Preferably, the roasting apparatus 1 includes a roasting chamber 12 into which a hot air flow is introduced to agitate and heat the beans. The hot air flow is usually generated by an airflow driver and a heater. These devices are located below the roasting chamber and introduce a flow of hot air through the bottom of the chamber. In the diagram shown, the bottom of the chamber is configured to allow air to pass through, and specifically, it may be a perforated plate through which beans are placed and air can flow upward.

[0082] The airflow driver is operable to generate an upward airflow towards the bottom of the container. The generated flow is configured to heat and agitate the beans, lifting them up. As a result, the beans are heated uniformly. Specifically, the airflow driver may be a motor-powered fan. An air inlet may be located in the base of the housing to supply air into the housing, and the airflow driver blows this air towards the chamber 12.

[0083] The heater is operable to heat the airflow generated by the airflow driver. Preferably, the heater is an electrical resistor placed between the fan and the perforated plate, so that the airflow is heated before it enters the chamber 12 to heat and lift the beans.

[0084] The heater and / or fan can be operated to apply a roasting profile to the beans, which is defined as a temperature curve over time.

[0085] Preferably, the roasting apparatus includes a user interface 13 that enables the following: Input of information regarding roasting, specifically the amount of beans introduced into the roasting chamber and the desired roasting level, and output of information regarding the roasting operation (state, temperature, time), and Preferably, the output relates to the output of information concerning the smoke treatment unit 2, specifically, information concerning the cleaning of the electrostatic precipitator 222.

[0086] Bean roasting generates smoke that is sent to the upper opening 121 of the roasting chamber by an airflow generated by an airflow driver, as shown by arrow S1 in Figure 1.

[0087] Generally, the chaff collector is in flow communication with the upper opening 121 of the chamber and catches the chaff that gradually separates from the beans during roasting and is blown into the chaff collector by its light density.

[0088] The remaining smoke is discharged through the smoke outlet 11 at the top of the roasting device.

[0089] Smoke treatment unit The smoke processing unit 2 is operable to receive and process the smoke S1 emitted from the smoke outlet 11 of the roasting apparatus.

[0090] Firstly, the smoke treatment unit 2 includes a smoke collection device 21 adapted to collect smoke. This smoke collection device 21 or collection device forms an internal void space or duct that guides smoke (dotted lines S1, S2, S3) from the outlet 11 of the roasting apparatus toward the filtering device of the smoke filtering subunit 22.

[0091] The smoke filtering subunit 22 filters PM1, PM 2.5 , and PM 10 The system includes an electrostatic precipitator 222 adapted to filter out small particulate matter such as smoke. The electrostatic precipitator 222 comprises two identical cells 222a and 222b arranged in succession in the smoke stream.

[0092] Figure 2 shows the main components of cell 222a. Cell 222a is configured to be traversed by smoke and is continuously configured as follows, according to the direction of the smoke flow. Several ionization lines 2221, then Several collection electrodes 2222 and repulsion electrodes 2223 are arranged alternately at a distance of a few millimeters, usually in the form of parallel plates. The plates are oriented to form channels for smoke flow.

[0093] A high voltage level (in this case, in the range of 8kV) is applied to the ionization line 2221, generating a corona discharge that charges the smoke particles entering the cell.

[0094] By applying a voltage difference between the collecting electrode and the repulsive electrode (for example, in this case, applying 4kV to the collecting electrode and connecting the repulsive electrode to ground), an electric field is generated by the collecting electrode and the repulsive electrode.

[0095] When charged particles flow through a channel defined by alternating collecting and repulsive electrodes, these charged particles are attracted to the collecting electrode 2222 by an electric field perpendicular to the direction of flow.

[0096] The cleaning operation of the electrostatic precipitator 222 consists of removing the cells 222a and 222b of the electrostatic precipitator from the smoke filtering unit and washing the cells with water and optionally with detergent, for example, in a dishwasher.

[0097] In addition, in this particular exemplary embodiment, the smoke filtering subunit 22 may include the following: PM 10 A device 223 adapted to filter large particulate matter such as a metal mesh and associated diffuser, generally a metal grid placed in front of (i.e., upstream of) the mesh. Activated carbon filter 221 adapted to remove VOCs from smoke.

[0098] Preferably, the device for removing particulate matter is positioned upstream of the activated carbon filter. This upstream position ensures that particulate matter does not contaminate the activated carbon filter.

[0099] The electrostatic precipitator is physically positioned beneath the activated carbon filter to prevent particles from falling onto the activated carbon filter when the electrostatic precipitator is switched off.

[0100] The smoke filtering subunit 22 is equipped with a smoke driver 23, typically a fan, for drawing in contaminated smoke from the inlet 211 of the collection device through the smoke filtering subunit 22 where the contaminated smoke is processed, to the outlet 25 of the smoke filtering subunit 22, where it is safely discharged into the ambient atmosphere.

[0101] Control system for roasting equipment and smoke treatment unit Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, we will now consider the control system 3. The control system 3 is operable to control the smoke filtering unit 2, and in particular the electrostatic precipitator 222 of the smoke treatment unit.

[0102] Depending on the level of integration between the roasting apparatus 1 and the smoke filtering unit 2, the control system can be shared between the control units of these two devices. If the smoke treatment unit 2 is part of the roasting apparatus 1, typically the control unit of the roasting apparatus is the master and the control unit of the filter is the slave. If the roasting apparatus 1 and the smoke processing unit 2 form two different apparatuses, each of which has its own control unit, these control units may be configured to communicate in order to carry out the method.

[0103] In particular, it may be possible to establish communication between the systems of these two devices and a mobile device in order to display information.

[0104] Figure 3 shows the control system for the smoke filtering unit 2 in Figure 1.

[0105] The control system 3 typically includes a processing or control unit 30, a power supply 33, a memory unit 31, and a voltage sensor 34 for ionization rays, all located at a second level of the smoke filtering unit 2.

[0106] The control unit 30 is configured to output feedback to the user interface 13 of the roasting apparatus, in particular, to display the status of the electrostatic precipitator cleaning request. In an alternative configuration, some processing units 2 may have their own user interface for displaying this status, such as a light button that can be illuminated according to the status.

[0107] The control unit 30 may also output the following information to the user interface 13: Cleaning order, Reset alarm status.

[0108] The user interface hardware may include any suitable device(s), for example, one or more of the following: buttons such as joystick buttons, knobs or push buttons, a joystick, LEDs, a graphic LCD or character LCD, a graphic screen having touch-sensitive buttons and / or screen edge buttons. The user interface 20 can be formed as one unit or multiple separate units.

[0109] Part of the user interface may also be located on the mobile app if the device is provided with a communication interface 32, as described below. In that case, at least part of the inputs and outputs can be transmitted to the mobile device through the communication interface 32.

[0110] The control unit 30 generally comprises memory and input / output system components, typically configured as integrated circuits such as a microprocessor or microcontroller. The control unit 30 may also comprise other suitable integrated circuits, such as programmable logic devices like ASICs, PALs, CPLDs, and FPGAs, and analog integrated circuits such as PSoCs, system-on-a-chip (SoCs), and controllers. With respect to such devices, where appropriate, the aforementioned program code can be considered as programmed logic, or can be considered to additionally include programmed logic. The control unit 30 may also comprise one or more of the aforementioned integrated circuits. An example of the latter is several integrated circuits arranged to communicate with each other in a modular manner, such as a slave integrated circuit that communicates with a master integrated circuit for controlling the roasting apparatus 1 to control the smoke processing unit 2, and a slave integrated circuit that communicates with a master integrated circuit for controlling the roasting apparatus 1 to control the user interface 13.

[0111] The power supply 33 is operable to supply electrical energy to the controlled components and the control unit 30. The power supply 33 may include various means, such as a battery or a unit for receiving and regulating the main power supply.

[0112] The control unit 30 generally includes a memory unit 31 for storing instructions as program code and optionally for storing data. For this purpose, the memory unit typically includes non-volatile memory such as EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash for storing program code and operating parameters as instructions, and volatile memory (RAM) for temporarily storing data. The memory unit may include separate and / or integrated memory (e.g., on a semiconductor die). For programmable logic devices, instructions can be stored as programmed logic.

[0113] The instructions stored in the memory unit 31 can be ideally represented as including a program for determining dielectric breakdown warnings and cleaning or maintenance requests.

[0114] The control unit 30 is configured to output a voltage V value at the ionization line 2221, which is measured by the sensor 34. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage can be read directly from the high-voltage PCB of the electrostatic precipitator.

[0115] During the roasting process, the control system 3 can operate as follows: The voltage V at the ionization line 2221 is monitored along the time of the roasting operation. If the monitored voltage falls below a predetermined voltage threshold V0 during the roasting operation, If the above period Δt exceeds a predetermined time threshold Δt0, a cleaning alarm will be displayed.

[0116] Figures 4A and 4B show the monitored voltage changes in two cells of a single electrostatic precipitator during a portion of the roasting operation. Curve A shows the monitored voltage change in the first cell, and curve B shows the monitored voltage change in the second cell. The voltage applied to the cells is typically 8kV. A predetermined threshold V0 is 100V. A predetermined time threshold Δt0 is equal to 5 seconds.

[0117] In Figure 4A, it is observed that during the illustrated portion of the roasting operation, the voltage monitored in the first cell falls below 100V for a period Δt1 longer than Δt0, and accordingly, a cleaning alarm is displayed at this point in the roasting operation or at the end of the roasting operation. Dielectric breakdown occurred during that period Δt1, and the smoke was not filtered by the first cell during that time.

[0118] Similarly, the voltage monitored in the second cell will fall below 100V during another period Δt2 that is longer than Δt0, and it will be confirmed that a cleaning alarm is displayed at this point in the roasting operation or at the end of the roasting operation.

[0119] In Figure 4B, the voltage monitored in the first cell falls below 100V during a period Δt1 that is longer than Δt0, and accordingly, a cleaning alarm can be displayed at this point. In addition, the voltages monitored in both cells both fall below 100V during periods Δt1 and Δt2 that are longer than Δt0, and this overlaps with the period that is longer than Δt0. During this overlapping period, neither cell can filter the smoke, which can lead to harmful problems. It is not recommended to perform a new roasting operation, and it is preferable to check the operating status of the cells. Therefore, a maintenance alarm is displayed at this point in the roasting operation or at the end of the roasting operation.

[0120] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated above, it will be understood that the claimed invention is by no means limited to these illustrated embodiments.

[0121] Modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist for a particular feature, such equivalents are incorporated as specifically referred to herein.

[0122] When used herein, the terms “equipped,” “equipped,” and similar terms should not be interpreted as exclusive or exhaustive. In other words, they shall mean “including, but not limited to, ~.” [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Roasting equipment 11 Smoke outlet 12 roasting chambers 121 Upper exit 13 User Interface 2. Smoke treatment unit 21 Smoke collection device 22 Smoke Filtering Subunit 221 Activated carbon filter 222 Electrostatic precipitator Cells 222a and 222b 2221 Ionization line 2222 Collecting electrodes 2223 Repulsive electrode 223 PM filter 23 Smoke Driver 25 Exit 3. Control System 30 Control Units 31 memory units 32-cell current supply source 33 Power supply 34 Voltage Sensor

Claims

1. A method for roasting coffee beans in a roasting system (10), Roasting apparatus (1), A smoke treatment unit (2) configured to process smoke generated by the roasting apparatus, wherein the smoke treatment unit comprises at least one electrostatic precipitator (222), The electrostatic precipitator comprises at least one cell (222a, 222b), The cell comprises an ionization beam (2221), a collection electrode (2222), and a repulsion electrode (2223), The cell includes a smoke treatment unit (2) to which power is supplied in order to apply a high voltage to the ionization beam and at least a portion of the electrodes, During each roasting operation performed in the roasting apparatus, the method A step of monitoring the voltage V at the ionization line and / or the electrode along the time of the roasting operation, If the monitored voltage falls below a predetermined voltage threshold V0 during the roasting operation period Δt, and the period Δt exceeds a predetermined time threshold Δt0, the step of displaying a cleaning alarm, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined voltage threshold V0 is less than 100V.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the predetermined time threshold Δt0 depends on the level of roasting performed during the roasting operation and / or the type of beans roasted during the roasting operation.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the predetermined time threshold Δt0 depends on the number of roasting operations performed since the last cleaning operation of the electrostatic precipitator.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the length of the predetermined time threshold Δt0 changes during the roasting operation.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined time threshold Δt0 is less than 10 seconds.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the smoke treatment unit comprises a high-voltage process control board configured to control the electrostatic precipitator, and the monitored voltage is read from the process control board.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrostatic precipitator comprises at least two cells (222a, 222b), the cells are arranged in a continuous line along the flow of smoke emitted by the roasting apparatus, and the method is applied to each cell.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, for the two cells, if the monitored voltage V in the ionization line falls below the lower voltage threshold V0 during the same period of the roasting operation, and the period exceeds the predetermined time threshold Δt0, an alarm for technical maintenance is displayed.

10. A system for roasting coffee beans, wherein the system is Roasting apparatus (1), A smoke treatment unit (2) configured to process smoke generated by the roasting apparatus, wherein the smoke treatment unit comprises at least one electrostatic precipitator (222), The electrostatic precipitator comprises at least one cell (222a, 222b), The cell comprises an ionization beam (2221), a collection electrode (2222), and a repulsion electrode (2223), The cell includes a smoke treatment unit (2) to which power is supplied in order to apply a high voltage to the ionization beam and at least a portion of the electrodes, A control system (3) that is operable to control the roasting process according to the roasting method described in any one of claims 1 to 9, A system equipped with these features.

11. A computer program comprising an instruction causing the system according to claim 10 to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The computer program according to claim 11, wherein the computer program is executed by the control unit (30) of the roasting apparatus and the control unit of the smoke treatment unit, and both control units communicate with each other.

13. A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program described in claim 11.

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