Structural arrangement of a palm fruit softening machine and a process for softening palm fruits

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fruit pulp softening machine. More specifically, a machine for softening and conditioning the pulp of fruits of palm species. Initially, the conditioning chamber is filled with a predetermined amount of water, followed by the batch of fruits to be processed, after which the vessel is sealed. The machine is then pressurized with compressed air and maintained under pressure for a period appropriate to each fruit species. The water is then completely drained, and the conditioning chamber is completely emptied of its fruit contents.

Description

[0001] CONSTRUCTIVE ARRANGEMENT OF A MACHINE USED FOR SOFTENING PALM FRUITS AND A PROCESS FOR SOFTENING PALM FRUITS

[0002] Field of invention

[0003]

[0001] The present innovation relates to a machine for softening and conditioning fruit pulp. More specifically, it is equipment developed for palm fruits, such as açaí, bacaba, buriti, maca-úba and tucumã, whose pulp, highly adhered to the relatively large pit, requires an efficient softening process.

[0004] Fundamentals of innovation

[0005]

[0002] This softening operation is necessary so that the subsequent pulping operation can be carried out, where the pulp is removed and processed into a paste or juice. This process is fundamental to guaranteeing the purity and quality of the final product, avoiding contamination by unwanted residues.

[0006]

[0003] The main reasons that led to the development of this device are the need to improve the quality of pulp extraction and separation from the pits, as well as to ensure that the final product is superior to what is currently offered on the market. The continuous improvement of this equipment is crucial to meet the growing demands of consumers for healthier and higher quality products.

[0007]

[0004] The innovation in this device aims not only to optimize the efficiency of the separation process, but also to minimize waste and contamination. This equipment replaces the old softening process which, by submerging the fruit in warm water for long periods to achieve the same result, implied the loss of a considerable portion of the main nutrients contained in the pulp, which were diluted in the process water. This operation ensures that the pulp of these fruits is processed more efficiently, resulting in a high-quality final product with greater purity and flavor, and meeting the demanding standards of the current market.

[0008] Description of the drawings

[0009]

[0005] Figure 1 shows the characteristic components of this machine, namely: Input Hopper (1), Level Switch (2), Fruit Inlet Valve (3), Conditioning Chamber (4), Water Inlet Valve (5), Compressed Air Inlet Valve (6), Structure (7), Fruit Outlet Valve (8), Output Hopper (9), Water Pump (10), Pressure Switch (11), Manometer (12), Control Panel (13).

[0010] Detailed description of the invention

[0011]

[0006] The machine (M) is composed of a structure (7) that supports and integrates several components essential for its operation, including: Inlet Hopper (1), Level Switch (2), Fruit Inlet Valve (3), Conditioning Chamber (4), Water Inlet Valve (5), Compressed Air Inlet Valve (6), Fruit Outlet Valve (8), Outlet Hopper (9), Water Pump (10), Pressure Switch (11), Manometer (12) and Control Panel (13). The system operates in batch cycles, ensuring an automated, efficient and controlled process for conditioning the fruit pulp.

[0012]

[0007] The cycle begins with the deposit of the fruit into the Inlet Hopper (1), where the Level Switch (2) monitors the volume until the ideal load for a batch is reached. When this limit is reached, feeding is automatically stopped. Then, the Water Inlet Valve (5) is activated, allowing the Water Pump (10) to transfer the necessary volume to the Conditioning Chamber (4), ensuring complete immersion of the fruit.

[0013]

[0008] With the water level adjusted, the Fruit Inlet Valve (3) is opened, allowing the transfer of fruit from the Inlet Hopper (1) to the Conditioning Chamber (4). As soon as the hopper is emptied, the valve closes, ensuring that the exact quantity of fruit is processed in each cycle. Subsequently, compressed air is injected through the Compressed Air Inlet Valve (6), with the pressure being monitored and controlled by the Manometer (12) and the Pressure Switch (11), which act as safety devices for the system. This process promotes controlled pressurization of the chamber.

[0014]

[0009] The application of controlled pressure allows water to penetrate the pulp uniformly, accelerating its softening and facilitating the subsequent separation of the pit. The pressurization time is adjustable according to the characteristics of each type of fruit, ensuring efficient and standardized processing.

[0015]

[0010] After the conditioning time is complete, the water in the Conditioning Chamber (4) is completely drained by the drainage system, ensuring that only the fruit remains in the container. Then, the Fruit Outlet Valve (8) is opened, allowing the chamber to be completely emptied by means of the Outlet Hopper (9), directing the fruit to the next processing stages.

[0016]

[0011] The combination of controlled immersion in water and pressurization with compressed air creates an ideal environment for the uniform softening of the pulp, reducing its adherence to the pit and facilitating subsequent pulping. The entire process is monitored and managed in real time via the Control Panel (13), which allows operational adjustments and ensures the accuracy of the system. This method optimizes pulp conditioning, increasing process efficiency and ensuring higher yield and quality of the final product.

[0012] This innovation is not limited to the representations discussed or illustrated herein and should be understood in its broad scope. Many modifications and other representations of the invention will come to mind for those skilled in the art to which this innovation belongs, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the preceding descriptions and attached drawing.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific form disclosed, and that modifications and other forms are understood to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive manner and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS 1) Constructive arrangement of a machine used for softening palm fruits, characterized by a machine (M) for softening fruit pulp, characterized by containing a structure (7) that supports and integrates the following essential components: Inlet Hopper (1), Level Switch (2), Fruit Inlet Valve (3), Conditioning Chamber (4), Water Inlet Valve (5), Compressed Air Inlet Valve (6), Fruit Outlet Valve (8), Outlet Hopper (9), Water Pump (10), Pressure Switch (11), Manometer (12) and Control Panel (13). 2) Process for softening palm fruits, characterized by depositing the fruits in the Inlet Hopper (1), with volume monitoring by means of the Level Switch (2), which automatically interrupts the feeding and activates the Water Inlet Valve (5) for transporting water by the Water Pump (10) to the Conditioning Chamber (4); by opening the Fruit Inlet Valve (3), allowing the movement of the fruits from the Inlet Hopper (1) to the Conditioning Chamber (4), followed by complete drainage of the water from the Conditioning Chamber (4) after the conditioning time, with the opening of the Fruit Outlet Valve (8) to empty the chamber and transport the fruits to the Outlet Hopper (9).

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