WO2009012780A2 - Appareil pour traitement thermique par voie gazeuse - Google Patents

Appareil pour traitement thermique par voie gazeuse Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009012780A2
WO2009012780A2 PCT/DK2008/000277 DK2008000277W WO2009012780A2 WO 2009012780 A2 WO2009012780 A2 WO 2009012780A2 DK 2008000277 W DK2008000277 W DK 2008000277W WO 2009012780 A2 WO2009012780 A2 WO 2009012780A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gas
housing
section
conveyor
evaporator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/DK2008/000277
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2009012780A3 (fr
Inventor
Henrik Ziegler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
DANTECH FOOD SYSTEMS Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
DANTECH FOOD SYSTEMS Pte Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by DANTECH FOOD SYSTEMS Pte Ltd filed Critical DANTECH FOOD SYSTEMS Pte Ltd
Priority to US12/452,837 priority Critical patent/US20100199703A1/en
Priority to CN2008801082995A priority patent/CN101809386B/zh
Priority to RU2010106270/02A priority patent/RU2468315C2/ru
Priority to EP08773304A priority patent/EP2183533A2/fr
Publication of WO2009012780A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009012780A2/fr
Publication of WO2009012780A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009012780A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D13/00—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms
    • F25D13/06—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms with conveyors carrying articles to be cooled through the cooling space
    • F25D13/067—Stationary devices, e.g. cold-rooms with conveyors carrying articles to be cooled through the cooling space with circulation of gaseous cooling fluid
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
    • A23B2/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general
    • A23B2/80—Freezing; Subsequent thawing; Cooling
    • A23B2/803—Materials being transported through or in the apparatus, with or without shaping, e.g. in the form of powders, granules or flakes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/06—Damage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/22—Cleaning means for refrigerating devices

Definitions

  • the present invention discloses an apparatus for thermal gas treatment of objects car- ried on an endless conveyor where the objects may be in particular food items.
  • the evaporator and source of gas for the treatment of the objects is arranged underneath and along the conveyor belt extending through more treatment zones such that adjustment of the temperature depends on how the evaporator is operated which will influence more treatment zones. Furthermore, it is possible to add vaporised, liquefied gas in the return gas channel such that it will be sucked into the gas distribution chamber by the fan.
  • a further example of a prior art apparatus for thermal gas treatment of objects is known from EP0859199 wherein an oven particularly an air impingement oven is disclosed.
  • the housing of the oven comprises an upper part and a lower part which by means of telescopes may be separated such that the upper part may be elevated in relation to the lower part whereby access may be gained to the interior of the oven.
  • a liquid seal is provided between the two housing sections.
  • separate fans and pressure chambers are arranged on either side, i.e. upper and lower side of the conveyor belt in order to provide the gas treatment necessary for the task at hand.
  • the products are carried on a conveyor belt which conveyor belt is positioned between upper and lower baffle plates which creates the impingement, i.e.
  • the upper and lower fans which create the pressure necessary in order to create the impingement jets are arranged in a pressure chamber above respectively below the conveyor belt such that for cleaning purposes the personnel carrying out this task will not only have to elevate the upper housing section in relation to the lower housing section but will also have to remove in an non-specified manner parts of the upper and lower pressure chambers in order to gain access to the interior of the pressure chambers and thereby to the fans and impingement baffles.
  • the arrangement of a fan system below the conveyor belt requires that the lower housing has upstanding walls in order to provide for the gas circulation and accommodate the lower installation, i.e. the fans and pressure chamber. These upstanding walls make it difficult to clean and inspect the lower fan installation in the lower pressure chamber.
  • the present invention addresses this by providing an apparatus for thermal gas treatment of objects carried on an endless conveyor, in particular food items, where said apparatus comprises: - a housing separated in two or more sections, where a first section comprises means for moving said first section in relation to a second section; an endless conveyor belt arranged inside said housing and projecting outside said housing in a first and second end, where said endless conveyor has an upper run suitable to carry the objects and a lower return run; - two or more gas conditioning units arranged inside said housing, where the units are arranged one downstream of another along the conveyor, for directing a treated gas towards the endless conveyor; substantially gas tight partitions separating the gas conditioning units from each other, creating separate treatment zones, where said treatment zones are only connected adjacent the endless conveyor; where said housing substantially completely encloses said gas conditioning units, partitions treatment zones and the endless conveyor except for the first and second end sections.
  • the apparatus as disclosed above provides numerous advantages both relating to efficiency but especially relating to easy access for thorough cleaning which again may improve the hygienic standard.
  • the substantially gas tight partitions creating separate treatment zones having their own gas conditioning units makes it possible to carry out different treatments along the conveyor.
  • the first and second sections of the housing may be moved in relation to each other such that for example the second section may be a foundation plate properly insulated and in most cases elevated from the surface on which the apparatus is placed whereas the first section may have a bell-shape such that it encloses the working parts of the apparatus as such and by engagement with the lower second section in a gas tight manner, creates a housing having substantially gas tight properties and equipped with the appropriate insulation necessary for the proper functioning of the apparatus.
  • the housing will typically be made from sandwich panels where the outer skin of the sandwich panel is made from a stainless steel plate material and the interior insulating material may be selected freely, but in preferred embodiments a foam material such as for example polyurethane foam, is used.
  • the substantially gas tight partitions are preferably fastened to the second section, i.e. the bottom section, such that as the bell is elevated the partitions will remain on the second section and be freely accessible for cleaning and maintenance purposes, hi order to provide the substantially gas tight connection between the partitions and the inside of the housing, the first section of the housing or at least the inner walls of the first section of the housing has a diminishing width upwards corresponding to an upwards taper of the partitions such that when the housing sections are in mutual engagement, the partitions will engage the inside walls of the first section of the housing, and as the housing is moved upwards, the taper will provide for easy release such that the partitions are not influenced by the movement of the housing sections in relation to each other.
  • gas treatment of objects on the conveyor includes an impingement process, where the apparatus further in at least one treatment zone comprises:
  • heating or cooling element providing passage of a gas thereby allowing heat exchange with said heating or cooling element
  • a gas pressure distribution system connected to the outlet side of the fan or the gas conditioning units, and further comprising an upper gas distribution chamber arranged above the endless conveyor, said chamber having an upper and lower plate member, where at least part of the lower plate member is provided with impingement nozzles or apertures, and that the upper plate member, during use is substantially in engagement with one of the sections of the housing.
  • an impingement effect it is necessary to create jets of the treatment gas, and this is typically done by elevating the pressure on one side of an impingement plate relative to the other side and provide impingement nozzles for example in the shape of holes in said impingement plate whereby jets of the treatment gas will be created.
  • the invention therefore provides a gas pressure distribution system system connected to the outlet side of the fan in order to create the pressure necessary in order to create the gas jets and thereby the impingement process.
  • a gas distribution chamber is arranged above and below the endless conveyor such that the impingement process may occur both from above and below. The gas which has already been impinged upon the objects and thereby been heated is sucked back into the treatment unit, i.e. the evaporator, by the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet sides of the fan.
  • the upper and lower plate members are in substantially gas tight engagement with the housing during operation. Due to the tapered configuration of the housing as explained above the plates have been dimensioned to fit to this taper such that as the first section of the housing is lowered over the treatment equipment inside the housing the horizontal plates will engage the substantially vertical tapered inside walls of the housing thereby creating a substantially gas tight connection whereby it becomes possible to maintain a gas pressure above the treatment zone.
  • one or more channels connects the upper gas distribution chamber with one or more lower gas distribution chambers, where each channel is partly integral with a section of the housing, and where the lower gas distribution channels are arranged under the upper run of the conveyor belt, and transverse the conveyor belts travelling direction, and where an upper plate member of said lower gas distribution chamber is provided with impingement nozzles or apertures.
  • channels such that the pressurized gas may be provided in the lower gas distribution chamber in order to provide for impingement from below onto the conveyor belt.
  • the present construction it is not possible to interconnect the upper and upper and lower gas distribution chambers in that it is necessary to provide space for the return gas, i.e. for the gas that needs to be circulated back to the fan and gas conditioning unit.
  • channels are provided where the channels comprise a connecting plate from the upper to the lower gas distribution chamber immediately adjacent the side edges of the conveyor belt and a closing part of the channel being integral with the inside of the first section of the housing, i.e. the part which is elevated relative to the second section.
  • the channel part will be easy to remove from the corresponding channel plate connected to the upper and lower plate member whereby full accessibility will be provided to the upper and lower gas distribution chambers and to the channels connecting these during use of the apparatus. Between the channels, space is provided for circulating the return air back to the gas conditioning unit.
  • the apparatus for thermal gas treatment may both be used as already men- tioned above for heating or cooling objects, in a further preferred embodiment the apparatus is a freezer and the gas conditioning unit includes an evaporator.
  • the gas treatment of objects on the conveyor includes a gas blasting process, where the apparatus further, in at least one treatment zone comprises: a heating or cooling element, providing passage of a gas thereby allowing heat exchange with said heating or cooling element; a fan, said fan having an intake and an outlet side;
  • a gas pressure distribution system connected to the outlet side of the fan or the gas conditioning units, and further comprising an upper gas distribution chamber arranged above the endless conveyor, said chamber having an upper and lower plate member, where said plate member is provided with longitudinal relatively narrow apertures arranged transverse of the conveyor belts' travelling direction and that the upper plate member, during use is substantially in engagement with one of the sections of the housing.
  • Gas blasting is a different treatment from the impingement in that the gas directly from the conditioning unit is brought into contact with the objects on the conveyor, and due to the circulation of the gas a continuous gas flow is created on or around the objects such that heat exchange may occur between the objects and the treatment gas.
  • the gas pressure distribution system is provided in order to distribute the gas substantially evenly over the entire area of the conveyor belt in that particular treatment zone such that a homogenous and substantially unitary treatment of the products in that zone may be achieved.
  • plate members are provided above and below the conveyor belt where relatively narrow apertures are arranged in the plate member such that a gas flow will emit from these apertures but at the same time a certain flow resistance is created in order to distribute the gas to adjacent apertures whereby the substantially homogenous gas distribution in the treatment zone is achieved.
  • the apertures are provided with gas direction means in the shape of guide plates, where said gas direction means provides for a gas flow against or along the travel direction or transverse to the travel direction of the endless conveyor belt.
  • the gas direction means may direct the emitted gas in a determined direction, for example against the travel of the conveyor belt in one treatment zone and in an adjacent treatment zone in the same direction as the travel of the conveyor belt, whereby it is ensured that the objects on the conveyor belt is treated effectively by the treatment gas.
  • the upper and lower horizontal plate members are configured so that they may be removed by sliding the plates in and/or out, and be replaced by plates of the same or of a different type.
  • This embodiment facilitates a relatively simple manner in which to alter the apparatus from carrying out for example an impingement freezing process to a blast freezing process, simply by replacing the impingement plates by plates suitable for the blast freezing process.
  • the advantageous embodiment is facilitated by the fact that the housing may be moved upwards, thereby exposing the horizontal plates, along with all other equipment inside the freezer. This construction necessitates that the horizontal plates are car- ried on or by members spanning cross- wise relative to the transport direction.
  • the plates may therefore, by simple means in the bearings be made to slide in the same direction, facilitating cleaning and replacement.
  • This facility furthermore increases the versatility of the apparatus, as different sections may carry out different types of thermal mal treatment, which, depending on the products being treated, may provide for a more effective and higher quality process. Also from a hygienic point of view, improved cleaning may be achieved.
  • the construction is also relatively simple, in that the first section will maintain the plates in their proper position during operation.
  • the housing is separated horizontally, such that the endless conveyor belt, the two or more gas conditioning units, and the substantially gas tight partitions separating the gas conditioning units from each other, creating separate treatment zones are provided on a lower section of said housing, and where an upper section by means of telescoping lifting means may be elevated or lowered from or onto respectively said lower section, whereby in the lowered position the lower and upper sections enclose the apparatus apart from the first and second ends of the conveyor belt, and in the elevated position of the upper section, the endless conveyor belt, the two or more gas conditioning units, the gas distribution chambers and channels and the substantially gas tight partitions separating the gas conditioning units from each other, creating separate treatment zones are accessible for inspection, repair, service and cleaning.
  • the housing sections comprise means for creating a substantially gas tight assembly where the sections are in mutual contact.
  • This assembly may for example include projecting members or a ridge provided on the lower first section with mutual engagement means or corresponding valley means in the upper section, such that in addition to providing a gas tight connection it also provides for a mechanically stable connection which will be able to withstand the increased pressure which will be present inside the housing and exerting its pressure on the inside walls of the housing in order to create the treatments discussed above.
  • the connection between the upper and lower section may in cases where the apparatus is designed for freezing include heating means such that it is possible to thaw the gas tight assembly in order to release the two sections from each other. This is particularly true for freezing in that the gas tight assembly although the housing may be insulated may create a thermal bridge and thereby moisture may condensate and freeze in particular around the connection between the upper and lower sections of the housing.
  • the apparatus is used for freezing the evaporator is arranged for horizontal gas flow through said evaporator, and the pressure distribution system includes a pressure distribution section downstream of the evaporator connected to the upper and lower gas distribution chambers, and the gas after having passed the objects on the conveyor is directed to the intake side of the fan, partly along the conveyor and mainly below the lower gas distribution chambers.
  • This embodiment provides advantages relating to the overall size of the apparatus in that the very compact construction of the fan being in direct connection with the evaporator and having the gas distribution chambers immediately connecting to the evaporator is a space saving construction. At the same time plenty of space is provided for the return gas being able to circulate back to the fan and thereby being pressurized through the evaporator which provides for a high efficiency of the freezer.
  • the evaporator is arranged for a vertical gasfiow through said evaporator, and that the pressure distribution system includes a pressure distribution section above and upstream of the evaporator, and that the upper gas distribution chamber is arranged between the evaporator and the conveyor and that lower gas distribution chambers are connected by means of channels arranged in the housing section to said upper gas distribution chamber, and that the gas after having passed the objects on the conveyor is directed to the intake side of the fan, partly along the conveyor and mainly below the lower gas distribution chambers, and along one closed side of the evaporator.
  • the motor of the fan is arranged outside the housing having an axle going through the upper section of the housing connecting to the vane/blade construction of the fan.
  • the fan motor and the vane/blade construction of the fan is elevated with the upper section, whereas an inlet funnel for directing the return air into the fan is maintained on the lower section of the housing.
  • the interior parts of the fan may be thoroughly cleaned and at the same time the motor for driving the fan is maintained at an ambient temperature which lessens the power consumption and provides for a less aggressive environment than had the motor been inside the housing where the pressurized cool gas would have been constantly impacting on the motor.
  • a pressure chamber is provided above the evaporator and a further pressure chamber in the shape of the gas distribution chamber provided below the evaporator.
  • evaporator fan and gas distribution chambers are self-contained units which are not necessarily reliable on the rest of the construction and as such may easily be replaced by a further separate unit.
  • gas blasting or other gas treatment is carried out and in an easy way substitute one element by another such that impingement units may easily be replaced by blasting units or vice versa.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment in production mode
  • Figure 2 illustrates the apparatus in a cleaning mode
  • Figure 3 illustrates the invention in a transparent view allowing a view to the different parts of the apparatus;
  • Figure 4 illustrates a cross section of the first embodiment;
  • Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment in a cleaning mode;
  • Figure 6 illustrates the invention in a transparent view allowing a view to the different parts of the apparatus
  • Figure 6a illustrates a cross section of the second embodiment
  • Figure 7 illustrates details of the gas flow inside the apparatus:
  • Figures 8a, 8b, 9a,9b, 1Oa 5 10b illustrates details of the connection between the housing and the gas pressure distribution channels.
  • the apparatus includes a housing in two sections, a first upper section 1 and a second lower section 2.
  • Means in the shape of telescopes 3 are provided in order to be able to elevate the first section 1 in relation to the second section 2 as illustrated with reference to figure 2.
  • the first section 1 has a bell-shape such that the second section 2 may be described as a platform where the first section 1 fits over the equipment necessary in order to treat the products placed on a conveyor which conveyor runs from a first end 4 of the apparatus to a second end 6.
  • the conveyor belt's structure 5 is visible whereas the conveyor belt itself has been removed.
  • the two sections 1 , 2 of the housing in this manner substantially fully encloses the apparatus and only allows the conveyor belt to project outside the housing in the first and second ends 4, 6 as illustrated by the conveyor structure 5 in figure 1.
  • the telescopic means 3 has been activated in order to elevate the first section of the housing 1 in relation to the second section 2.
  • two telescopic means 3 are illustrated.
  • bodiment four evaporators 7 are arranged along the conveyor belt 5 in a manner such that four treatment zones will be created inside the housing. Each treatment zone is separated from an adjacent treatment zone by a partition wall 8.
  • the apparatus is equipped to carry out an impingement freezing process such that a pressure distribution chamber 10 is illustrated below each evaporator 7 as will be further explained in detail blow.
  • pressure distribution channels 11 are arranged beneath the conveyor belt 5, but in con- nection with the pressure distribution chamber 10 as will also be explained below.
  • three impingement channels 11 are arranged underneath each evaporator 7 but any number of impingement channels may be provided.
  • FIG 3 the first section 1 of the housing has been illustrated as transparent in order to illustrate the machinery inside the apparatus. Adjacent each evaporator 7 is arranged two fans 12, 13. For clarity reasons the partition walls 8 as discussed with reference to figure 2 are not illustrated except for the partition walls adjacent the first and second end 4, 6 of the apparatus such that it should be evident that partition walls are provided in order to create four distinct treatment zones inside the apparatus.
  • figure 4 is illustrated a cross section through the apparatus according to the first embodiment where like reference numbers denote like features.
  • a gas treatment zone illustrated with a bracket 20, i.e. the space inside the housing between two partitions 8 is a more or less self-standing unit which in fact may be manufactured as an independent unit such that for repair reasons or thorough cleaning the unit may be replaced by a comparable unit while the unit in question is being attended to regarding repair work or cleaning.
  • FIG. 5 6 and 6a is illustrated a second embodiment of the invention where the orientation of the evaporator has been turned 90° in relation to the first embodiment.
  • the fans will create a horizontal airflow, i.e. parallel to the conveyor belt belt through the evaporators 7.
  • This embodiment requires a particular arrangement of the gas distribution means as will be elaborated below.
  • the evaporators are arranged for gas flow in a vertical direction, i.e. perpendicular to the travelling direction of the conveyor belt.
  • the underlying construction is corresponding to the construction discussed above such that the housing consists of two sections, an upper first section 1 , a second lower section 2, means in the shape of telescopes 3 to elevate and lower the first section 1 in relation to the second section 2 whereby access may be gained to the interior of the freezer.
  • the motors 21 powering the fans are arranged outside the housing 1, but via an axle connected to the vanes/blades 22 (see figure 6) such that the gas inside the housing during operation may be pressurized and forced through the evaporator an onto products/objects placed on the conveyor belt 5.
  • figure 6 is like in figure 3 illustrated an embodiment, where the first section of the housing 1 is drawn as transparent in order to illustrate the interior arrangement inside the freezer.
  • the fan motors 21 are connected through the housing 1 to the vanes/blades of the fan. Also clearly visible are the partitions separating each evaporator from the adjacent evaporator thereby creating treatment zones which zones may have different characteristics relating to temperature, air speed, etc. in comparison to other treatment zones in the apparatus.
  • FIG. 6a is illustrated a cross section comparable to the cross section illustrated in figure 4 where it may clearly be seen that the motors 21 are arranged outside the housing section 1 but connected by tion 1 but connected by an axle to the blades/vanes 22 inside the housing.
  • a plate member 23 is arranged between the evaporator and the adjacent partitions 8 where an inlet opening for the fan is provided in said plate 23, such that it is possible for the fan to retrieve gas which has been used for treatment of objects on the conveyor through the fan and into an upper pressure chamber 24 delimited by said plate member 23 the partitions 8 and the inside wall of the housing 1.
  • the plate member 23 furthermore has an aperture allowing the gas, pressurized in the chamber 24 to pass substantially vertically through the evaporator 7 into a pressure distribution chamber 10 arranged underneath the evaporator. From here on the gas is distributed as already explained above.
  • the comparable pressurized space 24 as defined with reference to figure 6a above is arranged in the space between the fans 12, 13 and the evapo- rator and on the other side of the evaporator, i.e. downstream from the evaporator, between the end of the evaporator 7 and the partition 8 which for illustrative purposes is illustrated as being transparent. Furthermore, pressurized gas will be present in the gas distribution chamber 10 arranged below the evaporator 7.
  • the pressure distribution chamber is limited by a lower plate member 30, a part of which extends past the evaporator 7 which in this embodiment is supplied with a waffle structure and impingement nozzles.
  • the upper horizontal limitation of the pressure distribution chamber 10 is created by a further horizontal plate member 31.
  • vertical connection channels 32 are provided for guid- ing the pressurized gas into the gas distribution channels 11 arranged underneath the conveyor belt 5.
  • the return gas i.e. the gas that has been forced on the objects on the conveyor belt 5 may return underneath the conveyor belt and the lower pressure distribution channels 11 and return to the inlet side of the fans 12, 13 in the space 33.
  • substantially vertical pressure distribution channels 32 will be explained with reference to figures 8-10. hi the figures three different embodiments of the configuration of these channels are illustrated whereas figure 8a, figure 9a and figure 10a illustrate the position when the two housing sections are engaging, i.e. when the when the installation is ready for production, whereas the figures 8b, 9b and 10b illustrate the situation when the first housing section 1 has been elevated in relation to the second housing section 2 thereby allowing access to the pressure distribution channels 10, 11, 32 for cleaning purposes.
  • an object 50 may be seen being transported on the conveyor belt 5. Enclosing the conveyor belt is a treatment zone 20.
  • FIGS 8, 9 and 10 illustrate the situation where the substantially vertical pressure distribution channels 32 are present.
  • the upper plate 31, see also figure 7, extends as illustrated, whereas the lower plate 30 like the upper plate 31 extends all the way through to the inside wall of the housing section 1 indicated by 35.
  • the vertical channels 32 connect the pressure distri- bution chamber 10 above the conveyor belt 5 with the lower pressure distribution chamber 11.
  • the plate 30 as well as the upper plate 36 in the lower pressure distribution chamber 11 may be provided with impingement nozzles (not illustrated) in order to impinge the gas onto the objects 50 carried on the conveyor belt 5.
  • the difference in the embodiments illustrated with reference to figures 8, 9 and 10 is the way that the first housing section 1 connects with the treatment zone 20.
  • the inside wall 35 of the first housing section 1 is illustrated by the hatched cross section is substantially straight.
  • the taper of the housing section 1 as illustrated and explained above is greatly exaggerated, in fact the angle between the first wall section or at least the inner wall 35 of the first wall section 1 and vertical, will be in the range 0-5°.
  • the pressure distribution chambers will be fully accessible in that the first wall section 1 has been completely removed.
  • the plate 31 and lower plate 36 of the lower pressure chamber 11 extends further than the inner limitation 37 of the substantially vertical pressure connection channel 32.
  • the inner wall 35 of the housing section 1 in the longitudinal direction i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the drawings, will have flanges, acting as skods limiting the extent in the longitudinal di- rection, i.e. parallel to the travelling direction of the conveyor, of the channel 32 which flanges will connect to the plate 31 and 36 and the inner limitation 37 in order to create the channel 32.
  • the inner wall 35 of the first housing section has been provided with two substantially horizontal flanges 40, 41 which have an extent corresponding to the width of the channel 32 in the longitudinal direction whereby the upper and lower plates 31, 36 will have an extent corresponding to the enclosure of the treatment zone.
  • This embodiment is furthermore in figure 10 provided with a closure member for the treatment zone which closure member 42 is attached to the flanges as described above limiting the channel 32 and extends in the longitudinal direction such that when elevating the first housing section 1 as illustrated with reference to figure 10b also the treatment zone in the area of the vertical pressure distribution channels 32 is freely available for cleaning or inspection.
  • the longitudinal extent of the vertical pressure distribution channels 32 is such that it is possible to clean the conveyor belt and the treatment zone around the conveyor belt even behind the closure member 37. It is, however, clear that making the entire cross section available as described with reference to figure 10, a more convenient and thereby possibly also more thorough cleaning may be possible.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil pour traitement thermique par voie gazeuse d'objets transportés sur un convoyeur sans fin, notamment des produits alimentaires. Ledit appareil comprend : un logement séparé en au moins deux sections, une première section étant équipée de moyens permettant de déplacer ladite première section par rapport à la deuxième; un convoyeur sans fin installé dans ledit logement et dont une première et une deuxième extrémité font saillie à l'extérieur dudit logement, ledit convoyeur sans fin présentant une piste supérieure capable de transporter les objets et une piste de retour inférieure; au moins deux unités de conditionnement de gaz installées dans ledit logement, les unités étant disposées en aval les unes des autres le long du convoyeur afin de diriger le gaz traité vers le convoyeur sans fin; des cloisons sensiblement étanches au gaz séparant les unités de conditionnement du gaz les unes des autres, ce qui permet de créer des zones de traitement distinctes, où lesdites zones de traitement ne sont reliées qu'à proximité du convoyeur sans fin; ledit logement enferme complètement lesdites unités de conditionnement de gaz, les zones de traitement distinctes et le convoyeur sans fin à l'exception de la première et de la deuxième extrémité terminale.
PCT/DK2008/000277 2007-07-25 2008-07-24 Appareil pour traitement thermique par voie gazeuse Ceased WO2009012780A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/452,837 US20100199703A1 (en) 2007-07-25 2008-07-24 Apparatus for thermal gas treatment
CN2008801082995A CN101809386B (zh) 2007-07-25 2008-07-24 用于热气处理的设备
RU2010106270/02A RU2468315C2 (ru) 2007-07-25 2008-07-24 Устройство для газовой термообработки
EP08773304A EP2183533A2 (fr) 2007-07-25 2008-07-24 Appareil pour traitement thermique par voie gazeuse

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA200701084 2007-07-25
DKPA200701084 2007-07-25
DKPA200701394 2007-09-27
DKPA200701394 2007-09-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009012780A2 true WO2009012780A2 (fr) 2009-01-29
WO2009012780A3 WO2009012780A3 (fr) 2009-04-09

Family

ID=40281876

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/DK2008/000277 Ceased WO2009012780A2 (fr) 2007-07-25 2008-07-24 Appareil pour traitement thermique par voie gazeuse

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20100199703A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2183533A2 (fr)
KR (1) KR101596733B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN101809386B (fr)
RU (1) RU2468315C2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009012780A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120067066A1 (en) * 2010-09-20 2012-03-22 Conagra Foods Lamb Weston, Inc. Freeze tunnel and methods of use
EP2955466A1 (fr) * 2014-06-13 2015-12-16 John Bean Technologies AB Appareil de traitement thermique et procédé de solidification de portions de fluide

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012108974A1 (fr) * 2011-01-14 2012-08-16 Lincoln Foodservice Products Llc Porte de four
US20130047393A1 (en) * 2011-08-26 2013-02-28 Floyd McIlroy Cup belt fork
DK177376B1 (en) * 2011-09-06 2013-02-25 Hcp Innovation Aps An apparatus for freezing and storage of organic material and a door module for such an apparatus
DE102011122062A1 (de) * 2011-12-22 2013-06-27 Hosokawa Bepex Gmbh Hygienischer Kühlkanal
US9644883B2 (en) * 2012-10-04 2017-05-09 GEA Refrigeration Canada, Inc Fluidized bed conveyor belt freezer system
CN103086146B (zh) * 2013-02-06 2015-01-14 南通四方冷链装备股份有限公司 冻结机
JP5810430B2 (ja) * 2013-04-18 2015-11-11 靖 古賀 トンネル式冷却装置
CN105815432B (zh) * 2016-03-17 2019-08-09 舟山凌然科技有限公司 分体式液氮隧道冷冻机
EP3241766B1 (fr) * 2016-05-03 2019-07-03 MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG Machine a bande a chambre

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3455120A (en) * 1966-09-08 1969-07-15 Chemetron Corp Cryogenic conveyor freezer
US3393532A (en) * 1966-10-20 1968-07-23 Design Process Engineering Inc Refrigerated conveyor system
US4479776A (en) * 1981-07-22 1984-10-30 Smith Donald P Thermal treatment of food products
US4523391A (en) * 1982-09-27 1985-06-18 Donald P. Smith High efficiency impingement heating and cooling apparatus
US4955209A (en) * 1989-11-01 1990-09-11 Cryo-Chem Inc. Cryogenic bath freezer with pivoted conveyor belt
FR2669103B1 (fr) * 1990-11-09 1994-05-06 Gelavi Installation de surgelation en continu de produits alimentaires.
SE469002B (sv) * 1991-10-03 1993-04-26 Frigoscandia Food Process Syst Moduluppbyggd frystunnel
US5365752A (en) * 1992-07-13 1994-11-22 The Commonwealth Industrial Gases Limited Freezing apparatus
US5334406A (en) * 1993-02-26 1994-08-02 The Boc Group, Inc. Method and device for transmitting heating or cooling medium to a food product on a moving substrate
US5444985A (en) * 1994-05-13 1995-08-29 Liquid Carbonic Corporation Cryogenic tunnel freezer
US5551251A (en) * 1995-02-08 1996-09-03 York Food Systems Impingement freezer
US5478584A (en) * 1995-02-15 1995-12-26 Tyson Holding Company Freezing system
US5765381A (en) * 1997-03-04 1998-06-16 Air Liquide America Corporation Multitier crossflow cryogenic freezer and method of use
JPH1137625A (ja) * 1997-07-11 1999-02-12 Oorand:Kk 連続搬送式食品処理装置
DE19920069C2 (de) * 1999-05-03 2003-08-07 Sollich Kg Tunnel zum Kühlen, Wärmen oder Trocknen von Produkten der Nahrungsmittel-, insbesondere der Süßwarenindustrie
CN2367984Y (zh) * 1999-05-14 2000-03-08 南通冷冻设备厂 有容霜蒸发器的正逆交替吹风隧道式速冻装置
US6263680B1 (en) * 2000-01-18 2001-07-24 The Boc Group, Inc. Modular apparatus for cooling and freezing of food product on a moving substrate
RU2236654C2 (ru) * 2001-04-26 2004-09-20 Андрей Маркович Войтко Способ замораживания плодов и овощей (варианты) и устройство для его осуществления
CN1280599C (zh) * 2001-08-10 2006-10-18 振生冷冻机械有限公司 食品个别快速冷冻或冷却装置
CA2540443C (fr) * 2004-10-29 2011-01-04 Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd. Congelateur a transfert continu
DK200500335A (da) * 2005-03-04 2006-09-05 Carnitech As Impingement fryser

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120067066A1 (en) * 2010-09-20 2012-03-22 Conagra Foods Lamb Weston, Inc. Freeze tunnel and methods of use
EP2955466A1 (fr) * 2014-06-13 2015-12-16 John Bean Technologies AB Appareil de traitement thermique et procédé de solidification de portions de fluide
WO2015189398A1 (fr) * 2014-06-13 2015-12-17 John Bean Technologies Ab Appareil de traitement thermique et procédé pour solidifier des portions de fluide
US11026440B2 (en) 2014-06-13 2021-06-08 John Bean Technologies Ab Temperature treatment apparatus and method for solidifying portions of fluid

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RU2010106270A (ru) 2011-08-27
CN101809386B (zh) 2013-06-12
RU2468315C2 (ru) 2012-11-27
KR20100080505A (ko) 2010-07-08
US20100199703A1 (en) 2010-08-12
WO2009012780A3 (fr) 2009-04-09
KR101596733B1 (ko) 2016-02-23
CN101809386A (zh) 2010-08-18
EP2183533A2 (fr) 2010-05-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20100199703A1 (en) Apparatus for thermal gas treatment
US5826496A (en) Cooking oven
US6263680B1 (en) Modular apparatus for cooling and freezing of food product on a moving substrate
EP1293127A2 (fr) Four de cuisson avec échangeur de chaleur cintré
CA2356977C (fr) Appareil de traitement gazeux de produits
JP3251588B2 (ja) 製品のガス処理装置
US9739520B2 (en) Combined impingement/plate freezer
US20040244400A1 (en) Helical impingement cooling and heating
KR102261583B1 (ko) 식품 동결 장치 및 식품 처리 시스템
KR20160110381A (ko) 냉각 또는 냉동하기 위한 장치 및 방법
NL8004262A (nl) Koelinrichting voor het snel afkoelen van produkten.
JP2002039662A (ja) トンネル式冷却冷凍装置
US7197883B2 (en) Cooling or heating with multi-pass fluid flow
CA3102013C (fr) Dispositif helicoidal de refroidissement ou de chauffage
JP3331198B2 (ja) トンネル式冷却冷凍装置
US20140260401A1 (en) Hot product impingement freezer with impingement belt apparatus
JP3438164B2 (ja) 食品の急速凍結方法と装置
WO2006092145A1 (fr) Congelateur par injection
CA2331119C (fr) Appareil modulaire pour le refroidissement et la congelation d'un produit alimentaire sur un substrat mobile
JP2867218B2 (ja) 連続搬送パイプ型フリーザー
RU2406339C1 (ru) Коптильно-сушильная универсальная камера
GB2315406A (en) Modular cooking oven
PT93442A (pt) Metodo e dispositivo para aumentar a capacidade de producao e a flexibilidade de um tunel de refrigeracao com fileiras de refrigeracao em andares multiplos

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200880108299.5

Country of ref document: CN

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08773304

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2008773304

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 20107004185

Country of ref document: KR

Kind code of ref document: A

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2010106270

Country of ref document: RU

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 12452837

Country of ref document: US