A grime removing unit for removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a grime removing unit for removing grime from compartments in- between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device and a method of removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device.

Description

[0001] A grime removing unit for removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention concern a grime removing unit for removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device and a method of removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] A large number of goods such as food items are stored, transported and sold as cooled or frozen or otherwise thermally treated.

[0006] Horizontal thermal treatment devices can be used for thermally treating a variety of goods such as food items.

[0007] Horizontal plate freezers are one of such horizontal thermal treatment devices that may be used for freezing food items. Horizontal plate freezers typically comprise a number of horizontal plates in a horizontal stack. The plates are constructed such that cooling medium may be guided through the plates. The plates are brought in close physical contact with the items to be frozen - the items may be placed in trays. The cooling medium is usually supplied from a cooling media supply plant to the interior of the plates in the freezer via a pipe system.

[0008] After placement of items / holders / trays on the plates of a horizontal thermal treatment device, the plates are pushed together in a vertical direction for slightly squeezing the items / holders / trays arranged between the plates in order to create a good thermal conductive contact between the items to be thermally treated e.g. frozen and the plates. Thus, the items to be thermally treated e.g. frozen is brought into contact with two plates: The upper surface of the plate on which the item / holders / tray is placed and the lower surface of the plate above the item / holder / tray.

[0009] However, due to the plates being pushed together for squeezing the items / holders / trays arranged between the plates, grime may be squeezed out of the items. This results in that some of the grime will solidify and adhere to the plates. The plates should preferably be rinsed / cleaned before the next round of treatment. This is achieved by the present invention.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention has the purpose of providing a grime removing unit for removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device and a method of removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device in an effective way.

[0012] Hence, disclosed herein is a grime removing unit for removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device, where the horizontal thermal treatment device comprises a plurality of plates separated from each other to create a number of compartments in-between each adjacent pair of plates, said compartments being suitable for receiving a plurality of commodity holders, such as trays, said commodity holders comprising commodities to be thermally treated, the grime removing unit comprising; at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle, at least one connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source, said source being selected from a pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant or pressurized air; and at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime after being removed from the compartments; wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said source; and where said unit comprising means for capturing the grime is configured for stopping said grime from being scattered out in the surrounding environment.

[0013] In one or more embodiment, the horizontal treatment device is a horizontal plate freezer. In one or more embodiment, the horizontal treatment device is a horizontal plate cooler. In one or more embodiment, the horizontal treatment device is a horizontal plate heater. In the example where the horizontal treatment device is a horizontal plate freezer, the grime removing unit is for removing grime from freezing compartments in-between adjacent pair of freezing plates in a horizontal plate freezer, where the horizontal plate freezer comprises a plurality of freezing plates separated from each other to create a number of freezing compartments in-between each adjacent pair of freezing plates, said compartments being suitable for receiving a plurality of commodity holders, such as trays, said commodity holders comprising commodities to be frozen or which commodities are frozen, the grime removing unit comprising; at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle, at least one connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source, said source being selected from a pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant or pressurized air; and at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime after being removed from the freezing compartments; wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said source; and where said unit comprising means for capturing the grime is configured for stopping said grime from being scattered out in the surrounding environment.

[0014] By grime is meant all kinds of dirt comprising both solids and liquids. Grime can also be microorganisms. Solid particles may also comprise ice. The grime may solidify during the thermal treatment e.g. freezing and adhere to the plates. If the thermal treatment is freezing, the grime will solidify during freezing and adhere to the freezing plates during the freezing phase.

[0015] The wording commodities and items are used interchangeably.

[0016] The wording commodity holders and trays are used interchangeably.

[0017] By commodities is meant all kinds of goods that can be thermally treated e.g. cooled, frozen or heated. The goods can be non-food or food products. Non-food products can e.g. be freezing elements or cooling gel. Food products can e.g. be seafood such as fish, meat, chicken, fruit and vegetables. By seafood is meant all form of sea life regarded as food such as commercially captured or farmed freshwater and saltwater fish. In case, the commodities to be frozen is seafood, which may requires rapid freezing to preserve taste and nutritious value, the grime may also comprise juices or excess fluid being squeezed out of the seafood.

[0018] The commodities may also be various types of berries and fruits, which may also requires rapid cooling or freezing to preserve taste and nutritious value. Here the grime may comprise juices or excess fluid being squeezed out of the various types of berries and fruits.

[0019] Grime e.g. frozen or liquefied, placed on the plates may cause issues during handling of the commodity holders comprising commodities to be thermally treated in the following round of treatment. For example can frozen grime result in less direct contact with the freezing plates where the horizontal treatment device is a horizontal plate freezer.

[0020] By having a grime removing unit comprising at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle, at least one connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source, said source being selected from a pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant or pressurized air; and at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime after being removed from the compartments; wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said source; and where said unit comprising means for capturing the grime is configured for stopping said grime from being scattered out in the surrounding environment - is it ensured that the grime positioned on the plates are removed before loading the compartment with a new set of commodity holders e.g. trays comprising commodities to be thermally treated e.g. frozen in the following round of thermal treatment.

[0021] That the means for capturing the grime is configured for stopping said grime from being scattered out in the surrounding environment ensures a cleaner working environment and further entails less manual cleaning of the surrounding environment. In one or more examples, each spray nozzle is movable in several directions, both horizontally and vertically to be able to reach both the lower side of the upper plate and the upper side of the lower plate of the two plates separated from each other to create a compartment in-between said two adjacent pair of plates.

[0022] The angle and speed of each spray nozzle can be controlled by a control unit.

[0023] In one or more examples each of the spray nozzles are set up to flush at a direction angled at between 1 to 10 degree, such as between 1 to 5 degree, above and / or below the horizontal level of the exit port of the spray nozzle when flushing in-between two adjacent pair of plates.

[0024] In one or more examples, the at least one ejector unit each contains only one spray nozzle. That one spray nozzle may be movable in several directions.

[0025] In one or more example, the grime removing unit comprises one ejector unit which contains only one spray nozzle. That one spray nozzle may be movable in several directions.

[0026] In one or more examples the grime removing unit further comprise at least one elevating support structure, where said at least one elevating support structure is being configured for supporting the at least one ejector unit and / or the at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime in a suitable position.

[0027] In one or more example, one elevating support structure is configured for supporting the at least one ejector unit and another elevating support structure is configured for supporting the at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime in a suitable position. In one or more example, one elevating support structure is configured for supporting both the at least one ejector unit and the at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime in a suitable position.

[0028] In one or more examples, the elevating support structure being configured for supporting the at least one ejector unit entails that the at least one ejector unit can be moved up and down to be able to position the at least one ejector unit at a position facing a compartment in-between said two adjacent pair of plates. The at least one spray nozzle is movable in several directions both horizontally and vertically and can thereby reach both the lower side of the upper plate and the upper side of the lower plate of the two plates in that compartment. The angle and speed of each spray nozzle can be controlled by a control unit.

[0029] In one or more examples, each of the spray nozzles are set up to flush at a direction angled at between 1 to 10 degree, such as between 1 to 5 degree, above the horizontal level of the exit port of the spray nozzle when the at least one ejector unit is moved upwards and between 1 to 10 degree, such as between 1 to 5 degree, below the horizontal level of the exit port of the spray nozzle when the at least one ejector unit is moved downwards or vice versa. By this, the lower side of all the upper plates in the thermal treatment device is flushed during the upward movement of the at least one ejector unit - one lower side of all the upper plates at a time; followed by that all the upper side of the lower plates in the thermal treatment device is flushed during the downward movement of the at least one ejector unit - one upper side of all the lower plates at a time.

[0030] In one or more examples the at least one elevating support structure also is configured for supporting at least one actuating arrangement, the at least one actuating arrangement being configured for loading commodity holders e.g. trays into the compartments and / or for emptying commodity holders e.g. trays from one compartment at a time.

[0031] In one or more examples the elevating support structure configured for supporting the at least one actuating arrangement is the same elevating support structure as being configured for supporting the at least one ejector unit and / or the at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime in a suitable position. In one or more examples the elevating support structure configured for supporting the at least one actuating arrangement is a separate elevating support structure.

[0032] In one or more examples, the at least one elevating support structure is arranged to enable the at least one elevating support structure to position the at least one ejector unit and the at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime in suitable positions, facing a selected compartment.

[0033] In one or more examples, the at least one elevating support structure is arranged to enable the elevating support structure to position the at least one actuating arrangement in a suitable position, facing a selected compartment.

[0034] In one or more examples, the at least one ejector unit and the at least one actuating arrangement are individually mounted on the elevating support structure and the movements thereof can be controlled individually, e.g. by a control unit.

[0035] In one or more examples, one or more of the at least one ejector units is mounted on the at least one actuating arrangement configured for loading trays into the compartments and / or for emptying trays from one compartment at a time. In one or more examples, one or more ejector units are mounted on the elevating support structure and one or more ejector units are mounted on the at least one actuating arrangement.

[0036] The grime removing unit may further comprise sensors configured for sensing if the grime has been removed from a compartment in-between adjacent pair of plates.

[0037] In one or more examples the at least one connector is connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source, said source being pressurized water, wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the one or more of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said pressurized water.

[0038] In one or more examples the at least one connector is connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of detergent, such as liquid soap, wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the one or more of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said detergent.

[0039] In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of detergent is the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water. In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of detergent is not the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water.

[0040] In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the detergent is the same as the ejector unit used for the pressurized water. In this setup, the same spray nozzles can be used for both flushing a compartment with pressurized water and for flushing the compartment with a detergent.

[0041] In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the detergent is a different ejector unit as used for the pressurized water. In this setup, different spray nozzles are used for flushing a compartment with a pressurized water and for flushing with a detergent.

[0042] The above examples enables that each compartment can be cleaned with a detergent, e.g. liquid soap. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a detergent followed by flushing with a pressurized water. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a detergent and then again flushed with a pressurized water.

[0043] In one or more examples, the at least one connector is connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of disinfectant, wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the one or more of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said disinfectant.

[0044] By disinfectant is meant a substance or compound that can be used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms.

[0045] In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of disinfectant is the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water or detergent. In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of disinfectant is not the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water or detergent.

[0046] In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the disinfectant is the same as the ejector unit used for the pressurized water. In this setup, the same spray nozzles can be used for both flushing a compartment with pressurized water and for flushing the compartment with a disinfectant.

[0047] In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the disinfectant is a different ejector unit as used for the pressurized water. In this setup, different spray nozzles are used for flushing a compartment with a pressurized water and for flushing with a disinfectant.

[0048] The above examples enables that each compartment can be cleaned with a disinfectant. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a disinfectant followed by flushing with a pressurized water. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a disinfectant. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a disinfectant and then again flushed with a pressurized water.

[0049] In one or more examples, the at least one connector is connecting one or more of the at least one ejector unit to a source of pressurized air, wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the one or more of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said pressurized air.

[0050] In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized air is the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water or disinfectant or detergent. In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized air is not the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water or disinfectant or detergent. In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the pressurized air is the same as the ejector unit used for the pressurized water. In this setup, the same spray nozzles can be used for both flushing a compartment with a pressurized water and for flushing a compartment with a pressurized air. Having pressurized air flushing through the plurality of spray nozzles also ensures that the spray nozzles are empty of liquids before cooling is applied to the horizontal thermal treatment device e.g. a horizontal plate freezer.

[0051] In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the pressurized air is a different ejector unit as used for the pressurized water. In this setup, different spray nozzles are used for flushing a compartment with a pressurized water and for flushing with a pressurized air.

[0052] The above examples enables that the spray nozzles can be used for both flushing a compartment with a pressurized water and for flushing a compartment with a pressurized air and may in addition, also be used for flushing with a detergent and / or disinfectant. This enables that excess water can be removed from each compartment before loading the compartment with the trays comprising commodities. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water and then excess water is be removed by flushing with pressurized air. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a detergent followed by flushing with a pressurized water and then excess water is be removed by flushing with pressurized air. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a detergent and then again flushed with a pressurized water and finally excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a disinfectant and then excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a disinfectant and then again flushed with a pressurized water and finally excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air.

[0053] As can be seen from the above, the order of which source is being applied to the compartment can be varied. As mentioned, one or more of the at least one ejector units may be mounted on the at least one actuating arrangement configured for loading trays into the compartments and / or for emptying trays from one compartment at a time out through a side of the compartment. The at least one actuating arrangement may also be called displacement means. The at least one actuating arrangement or displacement means for displacing / pushing the trays out through the side of the compartment may be a horizontal bar. This entails that the one or more of the at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle can move horizontally in-between each adjacent pair of plates. This is done by moving the at least one actuating arrangement having mounted thereon at least one ejector unit horizontally in-between each adjacent pair of plates.

[0054] In one or more examples, the at least one actuating arrangement configured for loading trays into the compartments and / or for emptying trays from one compartment at a time out through a side of the compartment may also comprises means for scraping off remaining grime (if any) from both the lower side of an upper plate of the compartment and a upper side of a lower plate of that compartment. The means for scraping off remaining grime may be a flexible scraper e.g. rubber list, mounted on the at least one actuating arrangement configured for handling the trays.

[0055] As also mentioned, one or more ejector units may be mounted on the elevating support structure, hence being able to move up and down and one or more ejector units are mounted on the at least one actuating arrangement.

[0056] So, in addition to being able to apply the pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant and / or pressurized air by flushing from a position facing a selected compartment (the edge of the compartment) and in-between each adjacent pair of plates, it is also possible to apply the pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant and / or pressurized air to the compartment from a shorter distance by flushing during movement of the at least one actuating arrangement with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle mounted thereon horizontally in-between each adjacent pair of plates.

[0057] In one example, the compartment may be flushed with a pressurized water from the edge of the compartment and in-between each adjacent pair of plates and then excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air in-between each adjacent pair of plates by moving the at least one actuating arrangement with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle mounted thereon horizontally inbetween the adjacent pair of plates.

[0058] This entails that the drying of the surface of the plates can be more effective since the distance from the spray nozzle to the surface of the plates are shorter.

[0059] In one example, the compartment may be flushed with a pressurized water in-between each adjacent pair of plates by moving the at least one actuating arrangement with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle mounted thereon horizontally in-between the adjacent pair of plates and then afterwards excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air in-between each adjacent pair of plates by moving the at least one actuating arrangement with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle mounted thereon horizontally in-between the adjacent pair of plates.

[0060] In one example, the compartment is also flushed with a detergent or disinfectant. This can either be done by flushing from the edge of the compartment and in-between each adjacent pair of plates or by flushing in-between each adjacent pair of plates by moving the at least one actuating arrangement with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle mounted thereon horizontally in-between the adjacent pair of plates.

[0061] The at least one spray nozzle of the one or more of the at least one ejector units may in one or more examples points at a direction substantially towards the at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime.

[0062] The grime removing unit may comprise at least one control unit. The control unit may control all the mechanical parts of the grime removing unit including but not limited to the at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle; the at least one connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector unit to a source; and the at least one actuating arrangement. The control unit can also control the movement of each spray nozzle. As mentioned, the at least one spray nozzle can move both horizontally and vertically to be able to reach both the lower side of the upper plate and the upper side of the lower plate of the two plates in a compartment. The speed of each spray nozzle can also be controlled by a control unit. Hence, the angle and speed of each spray nozzle can be controlled by a control unit.

[0063] In one or more examples, where there are more than one spray nozzle, the spray nozzles can be activated individually.

[0064] In one or more examples, the grime removing unit also comprises means for that the plurality of plates can be tilted or angled at one end; preferably the end from where the at least one ejector unit is placed, hence opposite the end where the at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime is positioned. This entails that excess water can easier be drained of the plates. In one or more examples, it is the whole thermal treatment device that can be tilted or angled at one end; preferably the end from where the at least one ejector unit is placed. The means for that the plurality of plates can be tilted or angled at one end can be controlled by one or more control units.

[0065] Disclosed herein is also a method of removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device, where the horizontal thermal treatment device comprises a plurality of plates separated from each other to create a number of compartments in-between each adjacent pair of plates, said compartments being suitable for receiving a plurality of commodity holders, such as trays, said commodity holders comprising commodities to be thermally treated, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps:

[0066] - Activating at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle, where the at least one ejector unit being connected via at least one connecter to a source, said source being selected from pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant and / or pressurized air and thereby flushing a compartment with the source, and stopping said grime from being scattered out in the surrounding environment by capturing the grime being removed from the compartment with at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime; Optionally removing grime from another selected compartment by repeating the above steps for that compartment.

[0067] In one or more embodiment, the horizontal treatment device is a horizontal plate freezer. In one or more embodiment, the horizontal treatment device is a horizontal plate cooler. In one or more embodiment, the horizontal treatment device is a horizontal plate heater.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the method comprises several activating steps, e.g. where the source is pressurized water, where the source is detergent, where the source is disinfectant and / or where the source is pressurized air.

[0069] In the example where the horizontal treatment device is a horizontal plate freezer, the method is for removing grime from freezing compartments in-between adjacent pair of freezing plates in a horizontal plate freezer, where the horizontal plate freezer comprises a plurality of freezing plates separated from each other to create a number of freezing compartments in-between each adjacent pair of freezing plates to receive a plurality of commodity holders, such as trays, said commodity holders comprising commodities to be frozen or which commodities are frozen, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps:

[0070] - Activating at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle, where the at least one ejector unit being connected via at least one connecter to a source, said source being selected from pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant or pressurized air and thereby flushing a compartment with the source, and stopping said grime from being scattered out in the surrounding environment by capturing the grime being removed from the freezing compartment with at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime;

[0071] Optionally removing grime from another selected freezing compartment by repeating the above steps for that freezing compartment.

[0072] In one or more examples of the method, each spray nozzle is movable in several directions, both horizontally and vertically to be able to reach both the lower side of the upper plate and the upper side of the lower plate of the two plates separated from each other to create a compartment in-between said two adjacent pair of plates.

[0073] The angle and speed of each spray nozzle can be controlled by a control unit.

[0074] In one or more examples of the method, each of the spray nozzles are set up to flush at a direction angled at between 1 to 10 degree, such as between 1 to 5 degree, above and / or below the horizontal level of the exit port of the spray nozzle when flushing in-between two adjacent pair of plates.

[0075] In one or more examples of the method, the at least one ejector unit each contains only one spray nozzle. That one spray nozzle may be movable in several directions. In one or more example of the method, there is only one ejector unit, which contains only one spray nozzle. That one spray nozzle may be movable in several directions.

[0076] In one or more examples, the source is being pressurized water, thereby flushing a compartment with said pressurized water.

[0077] In one or more examples, the source is being detergent, such as liquid soap, thereby flushing a compartment with said detergent.

[0078] In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of detergent is the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water. In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of detergent is not the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water.

[0079] In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the detergent is the same as the ejector unit used for the pressurized water. In this setup, the same spray nozzles can be used for both flushing a compartment with a pressurized water and for flushing with a detergent. In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the detergent is a different ejector unit as used for the pressurized water. In this setup, different spray nozzles are used for flushing a compartment with a pressurized water and for flushing with a detergent.

[0080] The above examples enables that each compartment can be cleaned with a detergent, e.g. liquid soap. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a detergent followed by flushing with a pressurized water. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a detergent and then again flushed with a pressurized water.

[0081] In one or more examples, the source is being a disinfectant, thereby flushing a compartment with said disinfectant.

[0082] In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of disinfectant is the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water or detergent. In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of disinfectant is not the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water or detergent.

[0083] In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the disinfectant is the same as the ejector unit used for the pressurized water. In this setup, the same spray nozzles can be used for both flushing a compartment with pressurized water and for flushing the compartment with a disinfectant.

[0084] In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the disinfectant is a different ejector unit as used for the pressurized water. In this setup, different spray nozzles are used for flushing a compartment with a pressurized water and for flushing with a disinfectant.

[0085] The above examples enables that each compartment can be cleaned with a disinfectant. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a disinfectant followed by flushing with a pressurized water. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a disinfectant. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a disinfectant and then again flushed with a pressurized water.

[0086] In one or more examples, the source is being a pressurized air, thereby flushing a compartment with said pressurized air.

[0087] In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized air is the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water or disinfectant or detergent. In one or more examples, the connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized air is not the same connector as used for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized water or disinfectant or detergent.

[0088] In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the pressurized air is the same as the ejector unit used for the pressurized water. In this setup, the same spray nozzles can be used for both flushing a compartment with a pressurized water and for flushing a compartment with a pressurized air and may in addition, also be used for flushing with a detergent and / or disinfectant.

[0089] In one or more examples, the ejector unit used for the pressurized air is a different ejector unit as used for the pressurized water. In this setup, different spray nozzles are used for flushing a compartment with a pressurized water and for flushing with a pressurized air.

[0090] The above examples enables that excess water can be removed from each compartment before loading the compartment with the trays comprising commodities. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized liquid and then excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a detergent followed by flushing with a pressurized water and then excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a detergent and then again flushed with a pressurized water and finally excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a disinfectant and then excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air. In one example, the compartment is first flushed with a pressurized water followed by flushing with a disinfectant and then again flushed with a pressurized water and finally excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air.

[0091] One or more of the at least one ejector unit may be mounted on at least one actuating arrangement configured for loading trays into the compartments and / or for emptying trays from one compartment at a time out through a side of the compartment. This entails that the one or more of the at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle can move horizontally in-between each adjacent pair of plates. This is done by moving the at least one actuating arrangement having mounted thereon at least one ejector unit horizontally in-between each adjacent pair of plates. Hence, in one or more example, the method further comprises that the flushing of the compartment is done in-between each adjacent pair of plates.

[0092] In one or more examples, the at least one actuating arrangement configured for loading trays into the compartments and / or for emptying trays from one compartment at a time out through a side of the compartment may also comprises means for scraping off remaining grime (if any) from both the lower side of an upper plate of the compartment and a upper side of a lower plate of that compartment. The means for scraping off remaining grime may be a flexible scraper e.g. rubber list, mounted on the at least one actuating arrangement configured for handling the trays. Hence, in one or more embodiments the method also comprises a step of scraping off remaining grime (if any) from both the lower side of an upper plate of the compartment and a upper side of a lower plate of that compartment by use of the means for scraping off remaining grime.

[0093] One or more ejector units may be mounted on the elevating support structure, hence being able to move up and down and one or more ejector units are mounted on the at least one actuating arrangement. So, in addition to being able to apply the pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant and / or pressurized air by flushing from a position facing a selected compartment (the edge of the compartment) and in-between each adjacent pair of plates, it is also possible to apply the pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant and / or pressurized air to the compartment from a shorter distance by flushing during movement of the at least one actuating arrangement with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle mounted thereon horizontally in-between each adjacent pair of plates.

[0094] In one example, the method also comprises a step of flushing the compartment with a pressurized water from the edge of the compartment and in-between each adjacent pair of plates and then excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air inbetween each adjacent pair of plates by moving the at least one actuating arrangement with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle mounted thereon horizontally in-between the adjacent pair of plates.

[0095] This entails that the drying of the surface of the plates can be more effective since the distance from the spray nozzle to the surface of the plates are shorter.

[0096] In one example, the method also comprises a step of flushing the compartment with a pressurized water in-between each adjacent pair of plates by moving the at least one actuating arrangement with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle mounted thereon horizontally in-between the adjacent pair of plates and then afterwards excess water is removed by flushing with pressurized air in-between each adjacent pair of plates by moving the at least one actuating arrangement with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle mounted thereon horizontally inbetween the adjacent pair of plates.

[0097] In one example, the compartment is also flushed with a detergent. This can either be done by flushing from the edge of the compartment and in-between each adjacent pair of plates or by flushing in-between each adjacent pair of plates by moving the at least one actuating arrangement with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle mounted thereon horizontally in-between the adjacent pair of plates.

[0098] Brief description of figures Aspects of the present disclosure will be described in the following with reference to the figures in which:

[0099] Figure 1 shows a side view of the grime removing unit for removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device, here shown as a horizontal plate freezer.

[0100] Figure 2 shows a front view of the grime removing unit for removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device, here shown as a horizontal plate freezer.

[0101] Figure 3 shows a isometric view of the grime removing unit for removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device, here shown as a horizontal plate freezer.

[0102] Figure 4 shows close up of a few plates and part of the grime removing unit.

[0103] Figure 5 shows one embodiment where ejector units are mounted on at least one actuating arrangement.

[0104] Detailed description of the invention

[0105] Figure 1 to 3 shows a horizontal thermal treatment device, (a horizontal plate freezer) 100 comprising a plurality of plates 105 separated from each other to create a number of compartments 103 in-between each adjacent pair of plates 105. When commodities to be thermally treated (not shown in the figures) e.g. positioned in commodity holders such as trays, are squeezed in-between adjacent pair of plates 105, grime will be squeezed out of the items to be thermally treated e.g. frozen. The grime can be all kinds of dirt comprising both solids and liquids as disclosed herein. When the item to be thermally treated is seafood, e.g. fish or fish products, which requires rapid freezing to preserve taste and nutritious value, the grime may also comprise juices or excess fluid being squeezed out of the seafood as disclosed herein. The grime may also be juices or excess fluid being squeezed out of various types of berries and fruits as disclosed herein.

[0106] In the figures is also shown a grime removing unit for removing the grime from the compartments 103 in-between adjacent pair of plates 105. The grime removing unit comprise an ejector unit 107 comprising at least one spray nozzle 109. In the figures are only shown one ejector unit but there could also be several ejector units. The grime removing unit also comprise at least one connector (not shown in the figures) for connecting the one or more of the at least one ejector units 107 to a source of a pressurized water and / or to a source of detergent and / or to a source of disinfectant and / or to a source of pressurized air. The at least one spray nozzle 109 are configured for flushing a compartment with the pressurized water and / or the detergent and / or the disinfectant and / or the pressurized air, thereby cleaning, rinsing and / or disinfecting the compartments 103.

[0107] As also shown in the figures, the grime removing unit also comprise a unit comprising means for capturing the grime after being removed from the compartments 115. When the at least one spray nozzle 109 has flushed the compartment so that the grime has loosened, the grime is being captured at the other end of the horizontal thermal treatment device opposite at where the ejector unit is positioned. This assures that the grime is stopped from being scattered out in the surrounding environment.

[0108] The grime removing unit may further comprise an elevating support structure 117 configured for supporting the at least one ejector unit 107 and the at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime in a suitable position 115.

[0109] Figure 4 shows close up of a few plates 105 and the grime removing unit, here simplified as comprising ejector units comprising spray nozzles 109.

[0110] In one embodiment shown in figure 5, the actuating arrangement is a horizontal bar 121 - here shows as two horizontal bars 121. The horizontal bar can move horizontally in-between each adjacent pair of plates. The at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle 109 is / are mounted on the horizontal bar 121 and can therefore move horizontally in-between each adjacent pair of plates 105. By this setup, it is possible to apply the source of pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant and / or pressurized air to the compartment 103 from a shorter distance by flushing during movement of the at least one actuating arrangement, here shows as having two horizontal bars 121 with at least one ejector unit comprising at least one spray nozzle 109 mounted thereon horizontally in-between each adjacent pair of plates 105. While the present disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments or aspects, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments or aspects. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate in scope with the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments or aspects or combinations of the various embodiments or aspects. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description.

[0111] References

[0112] 100 horizontal thermal treatment device

[0113] 103 compartment

[0114] 105 plate 107 ejector unit

[0115] 109 spray nozzle

[0116] 115 unit for capturing the grime after being removed from the compartments

[0117] 117 elevating support structure

[0118] 121 horizontal bar

Claims

Claims1. A grime removing unit for removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device, where the horizontal thermal treatment device comprises a plurality of plates separated from each other to create a number of compartments in-between each adjacent pair of plates, said compartments being suitable for receiving a plurality of commodity holders, such as trays, said commodity holders comprising commodities to be thermally treated, the grime removing unit comprising; at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle, at least one connector for connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source, said source being selected from a pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant or pressurized air; and at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime after being removed from the compartments; wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said source; and where said unit comprising means for capturing the grime is configured for stopping said grime from being scattered out in the surrounding environment.

2. A grime removing unit according to claim 1 , wherein the grime removing unit further comprise at least one elevating support structure, where said at least one elevating support structure is being configured for supporting the at least one ejector unit and / or the at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime in a suitable position.

3. A grime removing unit according to claim 2, wherein said at least one elevating support structure also is configured for supporting at least one actuating arrangement, said at least one actuating arrangement being configured for loading commodity holders into the compartments and / or for emptying commodity holders from one compartment at a time.

4. A grime removing unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said at least one elevating support structure is arranged to enable said at least one elevating support structure to position the at least one ejector unit and the at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime in a suitable position, facing a selected compartment.

5. A grime removing unit according to any of the proceeding claims, where said at least one connector is connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source, said source being pressurized water, wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the one or more of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said pressurized water.

6. A grime removing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one connector is connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of detergent, such as liquid soap, wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the one or more of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said detergent.

7. A grime removing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one connector is connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of disinfectant, wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the one or more of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said disinfectant.

8. A grime removing unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one connector is connecting one or more of the at least one ejector units to a source of pressurized air, wherein said at least one spray nozzle of the one or more of the at least one ejector units are configured for flushing a compartment with said pressurized air.

9. A grime removing unit according to any of the preceding claims 3 to 8, wherein one or more of the at least one ejector units are mounted on the at least one actuating arrangement thereby enabling that one or more of the at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle can move horizontally in-between each adjacent pair of plates.

10. A method of removing grime from compartments in-between adjacent pair of plates in a horizontal thermal treatment device, where the horizontal thermal treatment device comprises a plurality of plates separated from each other to create a number of compartments in-between each adjacent pair of plates, said compartments being suitable for receiving a plurality of commodity holders, such as trays, said commodity holders comprising commodities to be thermally treated, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: - Activating at least one ejector unit each comprising at least one spray nozzle, where the at least one ejector unit being connected via at least one connecter to a source, said source being selected from pressurized water, detergent, disinfectant and / or pressurized air and thereby flushing a compartment with the source, and stopping said grime from being scattered out in the surrounding environment by capturing the grime being removed from the compartment with at least one unit comprising means for capturing the grime;Optionally removing grime from another selected compartment by repeating the above steps for that compartment.

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