Steam mixing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a steam mixing apparatus that can efficiently mix liquid products and steam while suppressing scale buildup caused by high temperatures of the steam flow path forming members, in a steam mixing apparatus that heats liquid products with steam. [Solution] The steam mixing device D comprises a liquid channel 2 through which a liquid flows, a steam channel 3 positioned close to the liquid channel 2 through which steam that heats the liquid flows, and a cooling section that cools the vicinity of the liquid channel 2 in the steam channel 3. In the embodiment, the cooling section has a multi-cylinder structure provided around the steam channel 3, and cools the steam channel 3 by circulating a cooling medium inside it.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam mixing apparatus that supplies steam to a liquid product to heat the liquid product. More specifically, the present invention relates to a steam mixing apparatus for instantaneously heating and sterilizing beverages and other liquid products with steam. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, as an apparatus for heating or sterilizing liquid products such as beverages, an injector-type steam mixing apparatus (steam injector) that directly supplies steam to a liquid product to mix the liquid product and the steam is known. Steam injection that enables instantaneous sterilization by direct steam blowing is an excellent technology that minimizes the thermal history and quality degradation of the product, compared with indirect heating using a heat exchanger.

[0003] In this type of steam mixing apparatus, a steam supply member for supplying steam, a nozzle member, an inner cylinder, and other steam flow path forming members are provided, and the liquid product is heated by discharging steam from the steam flow path forming member into the liquid product (for the steam mixing apparatus, see, for example, Patent Document 1). PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-279321 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] However, the conventional injector method has a problem that the steam supply component itself tends to reach a high temperature, and when the liquid product comes into contact with the high-temperature portion, scaling (burn-on) of the liquid product is likely to occur.

[0006] When scaling occurs, heat transfer efficiency decreases, potentially leading to unstable heating and sterilization performance. Furthermore, if parts of the scaling detach, they may become foreign matter and contaminate the product.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a steam mixing device that can efficiently mix a liquid product and steam while suppressing scale buildup caused by high temperatures in the steam supply unit or steam flow path forming member, in a steam mixing device that heats a liquid product with steam. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the steam mixing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a liquid channel through which a liquid flows; a steam channel arranged in close proximity to the liquid channel through which steam for heating the liquid flows; and a cooling section for cooling the vicinity of the liquid channel in the steam channel.

[0009] Preferably, the liquid flow path is formed along the inner surface of the outer cylinder, and the vapor flow path is formed inside the outer cylinder along the centerline of the outer cylinder. Even more preferably, the liquid flows in from the tangential direction of the outer cylinder to form a swirling flow, and the cooling section has a multi-cylinder structure provided around the vapor flow path, configured to circulate a cooling medium inside it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Thus, the steam mixing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by having a cooling section that cools the vicinity of the liquid flow path in the steam flow path. Therefore, scaling of the liquid product caused by the high temperature of the steam supply section or the steam flow path forming member can be suppressed. As a result, a decrease in heat transfer efficiency can be suppressed, and heating performance and sterilization performance can be stabilized. In addition, the risk of foreign matter contamination due to scale peeling can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]This is a side view of the steam mixing apparatus of the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the steam mixing apparatus of the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the steam mixing apparatus in the example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the following embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to them alone. [Examples]

[0013] (composition) First, the overall configuration of the steam mixing device D of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the steam mixing device D consists of an outer cylinder portion 1 which is a container-shaped container with an inverted truncated cone shape as a whole, a liquid flow path 2 connected to the upper side of the outer cylinder portion 1, a steam flow path 3 which is an inner cylinder portion connected to the upper top surface of the outer cylinder portion 1, and a cooling medium flow path 4 which is a cooling section connected to the side of the steam flow path 3.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer cylinder portion 1 is constructed by integrally connecting a short cylindrical container-shaped upper outer cylinder portion 11 and a truncated cone-shaped lower outer cylinder portion 12 (a tapered cylindrical shape where the diameter decreases towards the downstream side) with a clamp band 13. The product liquid flowing in from the liquid channel 2 and the high-temperature steam flowing in from the steam channel 3 are mixed in the steam mixing device D and then discharged from the downstream outlet 121.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, a liquid channel 2 is connected tangentially to the side of the upper outer cylinder portion 11, so that the liquid product forms a swirling flow (helical flow) inside the outer cylinder portion 1. In other words, since the liquid channel 2 enters the upper outer cylinder portion 11, which has a (short) cylindrical container shape, from the tangential direction, it becomes a rotating flow (swirling flow), or helical flow, while maintaining its flow velocity.

[0016] Further, in the upper outer cylindrical portion 11 of the present embodiment, a cylindrical steam flow path 3 as an inner cylindrical portion is inserted from above along the center line thereof. This steam flow path 3 extends linearly inside the outer cylindrical portion 1 to a position corresponding to the lower outer cylindrical portion 12. That is, the open end (downstream side) of the steam flow path 3 as the inner cylindrical portion is located at a position of an inverted truncated conical shape (tapered cylindrical shape).

[0017] By arranging the open end of the steam flow path 3 in the reduced diameter region corresponding to the lower outer cylindrical portion 12 in this manner, steam is supplied from the center side to the liquid product flowing toward the downstream side inside the outer cylindrical portion 1. As a result, a speed difference and a shearing action are generated between the liquid product swirling along the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 1 and the steam flowing on the center side, and the mixing of the two is promoted.

[0018] As described above, the rotational flow (swirl flow) of the liquid product that has flowed in from the liquid flow path 2 becomes a spiral flow. Therefore, in the vicinity of the end of the lower outer cylindrical portion 12 (near the discharge port 121), the liquid product that has become a spiral flow and the steam are sufficiently mixed.

[0019] Further, the steam mixing apparatus D of the present embodiment includes a cooling medium flow path 4 which is a cooling unit for cooling the vicinity of the liquid flow path 2 in the steam flow path 3. That is, the steam flow path 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and in the present embodiment, the cooling medium flow path 4 as a cooling unit having a triple cylindrical structure centered on the steam flow path 3 is formed.

[0020] Here, the cooling medium flow path 4 is provided so as to cool the outer periphery of the steam flow path 3 in a height region corresponding to the portion where the liquid flow path 2 is connected to the outer cylindrical portion 1. Since the liquid product that has flowed in from the liquid flow path 2 first passes through the vicinity of the steam flow path 3, by lowering the outer surface temperature of the steam flow path 3 in this region, it is possible to suppress scaling that occurs when the liquid product comes into contact with a high-temperature portion. In particular, in the region where the liquid product flowing in from the liquid flow path 2 first reaches the vicinity of the outer periphery of the steam flow path 3, scale is likely to be generated if a local high-temperature portion exists, but in the present embodiment, the generation of scale can be suppressed by preferentially cooling the region.

[0021] That is, the cooling medium flow path 4 is configured between the upstream flow path 40 that flows into the steam flow path 3 which is the inner cylinder portion, and the downstream flow path 43 that flows out from the steam flow path 3, to consist of a first flow path 41 that is in contact with the steam flow path 3, and a second flow path 42 that is exposed inside the outer cylinder portion 1.

[0022] Further, the steam mixing device D of the present embodiment may further include, separately from the cooling medium flow path 4, an outer cylinder cooling unit (not shown) that cools the tapered portion of the outer cylinder portion 1 (the position where steam comes into contact). This outer cylinder cooling unit can be configured by, for example, a cooling medium flow path, a cooling jacket, or other cooling structure arranged along the outer peripheral side or the inner peripheral side of the outer cylinder portion 1. Thereby, the temperature rise of the outer cylinder portion 1 can be suppressed, and scaling when the liquid product comes into contact with the high-temperature portion of the outer cylinder portion 1 can be further suppressed. The outer cylinder cooling unit may be arranged, for example, in an annular or spiral shape along the outer periphery of the lower outer cylinder portion 12, and configured to cool the reduced-diameter region leading to the discharge port 121.

[0023] More specifically, the first flow path 41 is a thin cylindrical (columnar with a donut-shaped cross section) space sandwiched between the outer wall of the steam flow path 3 and the partition wall between the first flow path 41 and the second flow path 42. Similarly, the second flow path 42 is a thin cylindrical (columnar with a donut-shaped cross section) space sandwiched between the partition wall between the first flow path 41 and the second flow path 42, and the outer wall of the cooling medium flow path 4. The first flow path 41 and the second flow path 42 are connected (at the lower portion).

[0024] The cooling medium flow path 4 is partitioned from the steam flow path 3 and the internal space of the outer cylinder portion 1 via wall portions, and is configured so that the cooling medium does not come into direct contact with the liquid product or steam. Thereby, the steam flow path 3 can be cooled while ensuring the hygiene of the liquid product.

[0025] Therefore, the cooling medium flows in the following order: the upstream channel 40, the inner first channel 41, the outer second channel 42, and the downstream channel 43. The cooling medium flowing through the inner first channel 41 absorbs heat from the outer wall of the steam channel 3, thereby suppressing the overheating of the steam channel 3 itself. On the other hand, the cooling medium flowing through the outer second channel 42 can equalize the temperature distribution of the entire cooling medium channel 4 while stabilizing the cooling state near the steam channel 3.

[0026] (action) Next, the operation of the steam mixing device D in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 3. The liquid product flowing in from the liquid flow path 2 is introduced tangentially along the inner surface of the upper outer cylinder 11, and flows downstream while forming a swirling flow within the outer cylinder 1.

[0027] Meanwhile, the steam supplied from the steam channel 3 flows downstream along the center of the outer cylinder 1, and this flow draws the swirling flow of the liquid product downstream. As a result, the liquid product comes into contact with the steam in a spiral flow, and combined with the diameter-reducing effect of the lower outer cylinder 12, the two are thoroughly mixed near the discharge port 121. Furthermore, since the liquid product and steam are mixed while converging towards the discharge port 121, unevenness in the flow after mixing is suppressed, and the mixture is easily discharged downstream in a uniform state.

[0028] At this time, by circulating the cooling medium through the cooling medium channel 4, the temperature rise of the outer surface of the vapor channel 3 located near the liquid channel 2 is suppressed. Therefore, even if a liquid product comes into contact with this area, scorching or scale buildup is less likely to occur.

[0029] (effect) Next, the effects of the steam mixing device D in this embodiment will be listed and explained.

[0030] (1) As described above, the steam mixing device D of this embodiment includes a liquid channel 2 through which liquid flows, a steam channel 3 arranged in close proximity to the liquid channel 2, and a cooling medium channel 4 which serves as a cooling section for cooling the vicinity of the liquid channel 2 in the steam channel 3. Therefore, when the liquid product flowing in from the liquid channel 2 passes near the steam channel 3, it is possible to suppress contact with the high-temperature part of the steam channel 3 and cause scorching or scale buildup. Thus, it is possible to mix the liquid product and steam while suppressing scaling caused by the high temperature of the steam channel forming member.

[0031] (2) Furthermore, if the device comprises an outer cylinder portion 1 and a steam passage 3 as an inner cylinder portion inserted inside it, and the liquid passage 2 is formed along the inner surface of the outer cylinder portion 1 and the steam passage 3 is formed along the centerline of the outer cylinder portion 1 (inside the inner cylinder portion that is positioned therein), the flow of the liquid product and the flow of steam can be appropriately separated and guided to the outer circumference side and the central side. This makes it easier for the liquid product to come into contact with the steam as it flows around the steam passage 3, making it easier to form a stable mixing state.

[0032] (3) Furthermore, if the outer cylinder portion 1, particularly the lower outer cylinder portion 12, has an inverted frustoconical shape in which the diameter decreases toward the downstream side, the flow of the liquid product and steam can be concentrated toward the discharge port 121. This promotes contact between the liquid product and steam, and enables more uniform mixing.

[0033] (4) Furthermore, when the liquid product flowing in from the liquid channel 2 is introduced from the tangential direction to the outer cylinder 1, a rotational velocity component can be imparted to the liquid product. This makes it easier for the liquid product to swirl inside the outer cylinder 1, increasing the contact area with the steam supplied from the steam channel 3, and thus improving the mixing efficiency of the liquid product and the steam.

[0034] (5) Furthermore, if the cooling section has a multi-cylinder structure provided around the steam passage 3, and a cooling medium is circulated inside the multi-cylinder structure, the outer circumference of the steam passage 3 can be efficiently cooled. This suppresses localized temperature rises in the steam passage 3, and even if a liquid product comes into contact with the vicinity of the steam passage 3, the occurrence of scale buildup or scorching can be more reliably suppressed.

[0035] (6) Furthermore, if the steam mixing device D is equipped with an outer cylinder cooling unit that cools the outer cylinder 1 in addition to the cooling unit that cools the vicinity of the steam flow path 3, then in addition to the heating of the steam flow path 3, the temperature rise of the outer cylinder 1 can also be suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress scaling that occurs when the liquid product comes into contact with the high-temperature part of the outer cylinder 1, and to suppress the inclusion of foreign matter and stabilize the heating performance of the device as a whole.

[0036] (7) Furthermore, when the liquid product that flows into the liquid channel 2 flows downstream while forming a swirling flow along the inner surface of the outer cylinder 1, the liquid product tends to become a spiral flow. This allows the liquid product and vapor to be thoroughly mixed near the end of the lower outer cylinder 12, especially near the discharge port 121.

[0037] (8) Furthermore, if the cooling medium is configured to fold back and flow out within the multi-cylinder structure, the cooling medium can be continuously circulated through the first flow path 41 and the second flow path 42. This allows for efficient cooling of the area around the steam flow path 3 and the parts exposed inside the outer cylinder 1, and high cooling efficiency can be obtained with a simple flow path configuration.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and any design modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0039] For example, the shape of the outer cylinder portion 1 is not limited to the inverted truncated cone shape shown in the figure, but may be other tapered shapes that narrow towards the downstream side. Also, the number of connections for the liquid flow path 2 is not limited to one, but may be multiple. Furthermore, the configuration of the cooling medium flow path 4 is not limited to the triple-cylinder structure shown in the figure, but may be a double-pipe structure or other flow path structure as long as it can cool the vicinity of the liquid flow path 2 in the vapor flow path 3.

[0040] Furthermore, water, chilled water, circulating water, compressed air, and others can be used as the cooling medium. In addition, the outer cylinder 1 and the steam passage 3 may be configured to be detachable in order to facilitate disassembly, cleaning, or maintenance. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0041] 1. Outer cylinder 11 Upper outer cylinder 12 Lower outer cylinder 121 Discharge port 13 Clamp Band 2. Liquid channel 3. Steam flow path 4 Cooling medium flow path 40 Upstream channel 41 First channel 42 Second channel 43 Downstream channel D Steam mixing device

Claims

1. A steam mixing apparatus for mixing liquid and steam, A liquid channel through which liquid flows, A steam channel is located adjacent to the liquid channel through which steam that heats the liquid flows, A cooling unit that cools the vicinity of the liquid flow path in the steam flow path, A steam mixing device equipped with the following features.

2. It further comprises an outer cylinder portion and an inner cylinder portion inserted inside the outer cylinder portion, The liquid channel is formed along the inner surface of the outer cylinder portion, The steam passage is formed inside the outer cylinder along the center line of the outer cylinder. A steam mixing apparatus as described in claim 1.

3. The steam mixing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the outer cylinder portion has an inverted frustoconical shape with a diameter that decreases toward the downstream side.

4. The steam mixing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the liquid flowing in from the liquid channel flows in from the tangential direction of the outer cylinder portion.

5. The steam mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cooling section has a multi-cylinder structure provided around the steam flow path, and the steam flow path is cooled by circulating a cooling medium inside the multi-cylinder structure.

6. A steam mixing apparatus for mixing liquid and steam, A liquid channel through which liquid flows, A steam channel is located adjacent to the liquid channel through which steam that heats the liquid flows, A cooling unit that cools the vicinity of the liquid flow path in the steam flow path, Equipped with, It further comprises an outer cylinder portion and an inner cylinder portion inserted inside the outer cylinder portion, The liquid channel is formed along the inner surface of the outer cylinder portion, The steam passage is formed inside the outer cylinder along the center line of the outer cylinder, The cooling unit has a multi-cylinder structure provided around the steam passage, and cools the steam passage by circulating a cooling medium inside the multi-cylinder structure. A steam mixing device further comprising an outer cylinder cooling section for cooling the aforementioned outer cylinder section.

7. The steam mixing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the liquid that flows into the liquid channel flows downstream while forming a swirling flow along the inner surface of the outer cylinder.

8. The steam mixing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cooling section is configured such that the cooling medium that flows into the multi-cylinder structure folds back and flows out midway.

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