CN112772736A

CN112772736A - Steam sterilization equipment

Info

Publication number: CN112772736A
Application number: CN201911096802.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 朱笔武; 黄涛; 邵爱菊; 曾新生; 牟启娅; 李志明; 李贤飞; 肖宪坚; 邓龙; 宋芬; 陈转波
Original assignee: Menghai Tea Industry Co ltd
Current assignee: Menghai Tea Industry Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-11
Filing date: 2019-11-11
Publication date: 2021-05-11

Abstract

The invention relates to steam sterilization equipment which comprises a steam sterilization mechanism, wherein the steam sterilization mechanism comprises a shell and a steam conveying pipe positioned in the inner space of the shell, the steam conveying pipe is provided with a steam inlet and a steam outlet, and the steam inlet is positioned at one end of the steam conveying pipe and is used for being connected with a steam source; the upper surface of the shell is provided with a plurality of holes for steam to pass through; the device is characterized in that the upper surface is provided with a feeding end and a discharging end opposite to the feeding end, and the feeding end is higher than the discharging end so that an included angle of 10-15 degrees is formed between the upper surface and the horizontal direction; and the steam sterilization equipment further comprises a vibration mechanism which comprises a vibration motor, wherein the vibration mechanism is in contact with the steam sterilization mechanism so that the steam sterilization mechanism vibrates in the horizontal direction. The equipment of the invention greatly improves the sterilization qualification rate, the quality uniformity, the safety and the production efficiency of the product.

Description

Steam sterilization equipment

Technical Field

The invention belongs to the field of tea refining and processing, and particularly relates to steam sterilization equipment and a steam sterilization process.

Background

At present, the tea sterilization mainly adopts an ultraviolet sterilization technology. The sterilization principle is that ultraviolet rays with the wavelength of 250-270nm are emitted by an ultraviolet lamp tube and act on bacterial cells to cause DNA chain breakage and kill the biological activity of nucleic acid, so that the cells are killed, and the purpose of sterilization is achieved. Based on the principle, in the production process, the tea needs to be uniformly spread and then irradiated by ultraviolet rays, so that the aim of sterilization is fulfilled. However, this sterilization method has the following disadvantages:

1. the tea leaves are laid to a certain thickness, and if the tea leaves are too thick, the tea leaves below a certain thickness cannot be sterilized fully. Therefore, the yield of tea sterilization is too low because the thickness of the lay-up cannot be too thick.

2. The raw material inspection has low qualification rate and needs repeated sterilization.

3. If the protection is improper, operating personnel is easily injured by ultraviolet rays.

4. The equipment cost and the later maintenance cost are higher.

Therefore, there is a need to improve the way of tea sterilization and develop a sterilization apparatus suitable for industrial production.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to solve the problems in the prior art, the invention provides steam sterilization equipment and a process.

Specifically, the present invention provides:

(1) a steam sterilization apparatus comprising a steam sterilization mechanism, the steam sterilization mechanism comprising:

a housing having an inner space defined by upper and lower surfaces and a sidewall connecting the upper and lower surfaces, and the upper surface having a plurality of holes through which steam passes; and

a vapor transfer duct within the interior space, the vapor transfer duct having a vapor inlet and a vapor outlet;

the device is characterized in that the upper surface is provided with a feeding end and a discharging end opposite to the feeding end, and the feeding end is higher than the discharging end so that an included angle of 10-15 degrees is formed between the upper surface and the horizontal direction; and the steam sterilization apparatus further comprises a vibration mechanism including a vibration motor which is in contact with the steam sterilization mechanism and is capable of vibrating the steam sterilization mechanism in a horizontal direction to a direction parallel to the upper surface.

(2) The steam sterilizing apparatus according to (1), wherein the vibration motor is capable of vibrating the steam sterilizing mechanism in a horizontal direction or in a direction parallel to the upper surface.

(3) The steam sterilizing apparatus according to (1), wherein the upper surface includes a feeding zone, a sterilizing zone and a discharging zone in this order from a feeding end to a discharging end, the sterilizing zone of the upper surface has the plurality of holes for passing steam, and the steam conveying pipe is located below the sterilizing zone; preferably, the plurality of holes for passing the steam have a pore size of 60 to 100 mesh.

(4) Steam sterilization apparatus according to (1), wherein the steam delivery pipe has one steam inlet and a plurality of steam outlets, the plurality of steam outlets being located in a long axis direction of the steam delivery pipe.

(5) The steam sterilization apparatus according to (1), wherein the steam sterilization mechanism further comprises a steam hood which is covered on the upper surface of the steam sterilization mechanism and has a top and a side wall, a portion of the top above the feeding end has an opening through which the material can pass, and the side wall of the steam hood on the side of the discharging end has an opening through which the material can pass.

(6) The steam sterilization apparatus according to (1), wherein the steam sterilization mechanism has a steam amount adjustment device capable of adjusting the amount of steam introduced into the one or more steam delivery pipes.

(7) Steam sterilization apparatus according to (1), wherein the vibration mechanism further comprises a frequency converter.

(8) The steam sterilization equipment in the step (1), further comprising a feeding unit, wherein the feeding unit comprises a conveying belt mechanism and a feeding bin; the conveying belt mechanism comprises a conveying belt and a motor; the feeding bin is positioned above one end of the conveying belt, is a box body and comprises a side wall and an outlet, the outlet is positioned on the front side surface of the feeding bin in the advancing direction of the conveying belt, and a space for accommodating materials is defined by the side wall and one end of the conveying belt; one end of the conveying belt mechanism, which is opposite to the feeding bin, is positioned above the feeding end of the steam sterilization mechanism.

(9) Steam sterilization apparatus according to (8), wherein the front side of the feeding bin has an active baffle capable of controlling the opening and closing of the outlet by activity.

(10) The steam sterilization equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit is electrically connected with the feeding unit, the steam sterilization mechanism and the vibration mechanism so as to control the feeding unit, the steam sterilization mechanism and the vibration mechanism.

Compared with the prior art, the invention has the following advantages and positive effects:

the steam sterilization equipment provided by the invention changes the original equipment structure and operation mode, so that the sterilization qualification rate, quality uniformity, safety and production efficiency of the product are greatly improved.

Specifically, the inventors of the present invention developed a steam sterilization apparatus which not only breaks the conventional practice of ultraviolet sterilization in the art, but also skillfully designs the apparatus with respect to the characteristics of tea production, i.e., the steam sterilization mechanism of the apparatus makes an angle of 10 to 15 degrees with the horizontal direction, and the steam sterilization apparatus includes a vibration mechanism capable of vibrating the steam sterilization mechanism from the horizontal direction to a direction parallel to the upper surface. Through the design, when materials (such as tea leaves) are sterilized, the materials are randomly placed at one end of the upper surface of the steam sterilization mechanism (which is common when the materials are fed through a conveying belt in a tea leaf production line), and through the vibration of the steam sterilization mechanism and the included angle between the vibration and the horizontal direction, the materials on the steam sterilization mechanism can move forwards under the action of gravity and inertia and are automatically and uniformly distributed on the surface, so that the materials are uniformly acted by high-temperature steam. Therefore, the sterilization effect can be greatly improved, products with uniform quality can be obtained, one-time inspection can be realized, and repeated sterilization is not needed.

Furthermore, since steam sterilization is employed, it is no longer necessary to specifically limit the thickness of the material (e.g., tea leaves) laid, which can be 5 times or more as thick as in the case of ultraviolet sterilization. This greatly improves production efficiency and productivity.

In addition, the steam sterilization equipment is designed to be suitable for being combined with a product (such as tea) production line, a product conveying belt can be butted at the upstream of the steam sterilization equipment, and materials conveyed by the conveying belt can be directly and continuously sterilized by the equipment without influencing the sterilization effect; downstream may be connected a product dryer or the like. Therefore, the equipment is suitable for industrial production.

The steam sterilization equipment is different from the conventional steam sterilization tank structure, can be in an open structure, can observe the states of the thickness, the steam quantity and the like of materials at any time, and is favorable for timely adjustment.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the steam sterilization equipment is provided with a steam quantity adjusting device, a vibration motor frequency adjusting device, a conveying belt motor frequency adjusting device and a feeding bin outlet movable baffle, so that the distribution uniformity and thickness of materials and the steam quantity can be regulated and controlled through a plurality of nodes, and more effective sterilization can be realized according to actual conditions.

In addition, the equipment of the invention has no ultraviolet radiation, is safer and more convenient to use, has low cost and convenient maintenance, and is suitable for large-scale production.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a steam sterilizing apparatus including a feeding unit, a vibration mechanism, a steam sterilizing mechanism, and a dryer in one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a steam sterilization apparatus comprising a vibration mechanism and a steam sterilization mechanism in another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a steam conveying pipe and a condensed water outlet of a steam sterilizing mechanism of a steam sterilizing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Wherein the reference numerals of fig. 1, 2, 3 are explained as follows:

1. a feeding unit; 2. a steam sterilization mechanism; 3. a vibration mechanism; 4. a dryer; 11. a control box; 12. a feeding bin; 13. a baffle plate; 14. a conveyor belt; 21. a steam inlet of the steam conveying pipe; 22. a feeding area; 23. a sterilization zone; 24. a condensed water outlet; 25. a discharge zone; 26. a vibration motor; 27. a damping spring; 28. a steam hood; 213. and (4) conveying branch pipes.

Detailed Description

The present invention is further described in the following description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings, which are not intended to limit the invention, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications or improvements based on the basic idea of the invention, but within the scope of the invention, unless departing from the basic idea of the invention.

As mentioned above, in the field of tea production, the traditional sterilization method is uv sterilization, and the process mainly comprises: the raw materials are evenly fed onto the conveying belt and are ensured to be moderate in thickness, a multi-layer belt structure is adopted, the raw materials repeatedly turn over and fall onto the lower layer belt, and the ultraviolet sterilization lamp tube is additionally arranged at a proper position in the closed cabinet body to achieve sterilization. However, there are several disadvantages to this sterilization method. For this reason, the inventors of the present invention developed a steam sterilizing apparatus.

Specifically, the present invention provides a steam sterilization apparatus including a steam sterilization mechanism including:

a housing having an interior space defined by an upper surface and a lower surface, and a sidewall connecting the upper surface and the lower surface, an

A steam delivery pipe located within the interior space; wherein

The steam conveying pipe is provided with a steam inlet and a steam outlet, and the steam inlet is positioned at one end of the steam conveying pipe and is used for being connected with a steam source;

said upper surface of said housing having a plurality of apertures for the passage of steam;

the device is characterized in that the upper surface is provided with a feeding end and a discharging end opposite to the feeding end, and the feeding end is higher than the discharging end so that an included angle of 10-15 degrees is formed between the upper surface and the horizontal direction; and the steam sterilization apparatus further comprises a vibration mechanism including a vibration motor, the vibration mechanism being in contact with the steam sterilization mechanism and being capable of vibrating the steam sterilization mechanism in a horizontal direction to a direction parallel to the upper surface.

The equipment of the invention breaks through the convention of adopting ultraviolet sterilization in the field, and skillfully designs the equipment aiming at the characteristics of tea production, namely, the steam sterilization mechanism of the equipment forms an included angle of 10-15 degrees with the horizontal direction, and the steam sterilization equipment comprises a vibration mechanism which can make the steam sterilization mechanism vibrate along the horizontal direction to the direction parallel to the upper surface. Through the design, when tea is sterilized, tea is randomly placed at one end of the upper surface of the steam sterilization mechanism (which is common when the tea is fed through a conveying belt in a tea production line), and through vibration of the steam sterilization mechanism and an included angle between the steam sterilization mechanism and the horizontal direction, tea on the steam sterilization mechanism can move forwards under the action of gravity and inertia and is automatically and uniformly distributed on the surface, so that the tea is uniformly subjected to the action of high-temperature steam. Thus greatly improving the sterilization effect and obtaining products with uniform quality. In addition, because steam sterilization is adopted, the thickness of laying the tea leaves does not need to be particularly limited, and the thickness can be more than 5 times of that of ultraviolet sterilization. This greatly improves production efficiency and productivity.

The inventor of the present invention finds out through repeated experiments that when the included angle is less than 10 degrees, the tea leaves on the upper surface of the steam sterilization mechanism are not easy to move, and are difficult to be uniformly distributed on the surface even if the tea leaves are subjected to vibration in the horizontal direction, which causes uneven thickness distribution of the tea leaves, so that the sterilization effect is inconsistent, and the quality requirement cannot be met. In addition, the angle is too small, so that material blockage is easy to occur, and the production cannot be carried out. On the other hand, when the included angle is larger than 15 degrees, when the tea leaves are vibrated in the horizontal direction, the tea leaves are accumulated forward too fast, so that the tea leaves cannot be uniformly distributed, and the sterilization time is too short due to the fact that the materials are moved too fast, and the sterilization effect cannot be achieved.

The steam sterilization mechanism vibrates along the horizontal direction to the direction parallel to the upper surface, and any plane between the horizontal direction and the direction parallel to the upper surface is included. Preferably, the vibration mechanism is capable of vibrating the steam sterilization mechanism in a horizontal direction, or in a direction parallel to the upper surface.

In one embodiment of the invention, the housing has an opening therein connecting the steam inlet to a source of steam. The source of steam may be in any form known in the art, such as a steam generator or a factory steam. For example, as shown in fig. 1-3, the housing has an opening in a side thereof, whereby the steam inlet 21 of the steam delivery pipe can be connected to a steam source.

In the present invention, the side of the feeding end is used for loading the material, i.e. the material is placed on the feeding end side of the steam sterilization mechanism. During operation of the steam sterilization device, material on that side of the feed end is thrown forward by the vibrating and inclined upper surface in said direction, so that an even distribution starts in an area in front of the feed end. During the continuous feeding process, the materials continuously move forwards from the feeding end due to the action of vibration and the inclination of the upper surface and are finally accumulated at the discharging end. Therefore, on the upper surface of the steam sterilization means, the area where the material is initially loaded may be referred to as a feeding area, the area where the material is substantially uniformly distributed may be set as a sterilization area (i.e., where sterilization is performed), and the area where the material is finally accumulated may be set as a discharging area. That is, the upper surface may include a feeding area, a sterilization area, and a discharging area in order from the feeding end to the discharging end. As shown in fig. 1-3, the feeding area and the sterilization area may be rectangular, while the discharge area may be configured as a trapezoid, which is more advantageous for the accumulation of material.

In the present invention, the term "feeding end" refers to an end feeding on the upper surface of the steam sterilization mechanism, and the "discharging end" refers to an end for removing materials opposite to the feeding end, which are all intended to have a certain area, and should not be understood as an end point. The terms "feed" and "discharge" are common terms in the art and have known meanings in the art.

In one embodiment, said plurality of apertures for the passage of steam may be provided only in said sterilization zone of said upper surface, and said steam delivery duct may be provided only below the sterilization zone.

Preferably, the plurality of holes for allowing the steam to pass through have a hole diameter of 60-100 meshes, and most preferably 60 meshes, so as to ensure that the steam can uniformly and sufficiently pass through, and simultaneously avoid the material from leaking downwards. In one embodiment, the sterilization zone is in the form of a screen meeting the parameters described above.

The material of the components of the steam sterilization means of the present invention is not limited, and those generally used may be employed as long as they can withstand the temperature of steam sterilization, but the upper surface in contact with the material is preferably a food grade material, preferably food grade stainless steel.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the steam carrying pipe has a steam inlet and a plurality of steam outlets, the plurality of steam outlets being located in the direction of the long axis of the steam carrying pipe. Preferably, the steam delivery pipe is a hose, thereby preventing breakage of the steam pipe due to vibration during the production process.

The number of the steam conveying pipes and the steam outlets can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the steam sterilization unit may have 1-6 steam delivery pipes, for example, 2-3 steam delivery pipes, and the steam delivery pipes may be branched, thereby being more advantageous in increasing the number of steam outlets. Each steam conveying pipe has, for example, 25-40 steam outlets. The aperture of the steam outlet may be, for example, 1-1.5 mm.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 3, the steam sterilization mechanism has two sets of steam delivery tubes. Each steam delivery pipe set has a steam inlet (as shown in fig. 1-3) on the side of the housing of the steam sterilization mechanism, and one end of the steam inlet branches into two delivery branch pipes, and each delivery branch pipe has a plurality of steam outlets, preferably 35 steam outlets. Therefore, high-temperature steam enters the two groups of steam conveying pipes from the steam source and is sprayed out from a plurality of steam outlets on the four conveying branch pipes to form a steam surface, so that the materials are fully sterilized.

In a preferred embodiment, the steam sterilization mechanism of the present invention further comprises a steam hood covering the upper surface of the steam sterilization mechanism, the steam hood having a top and a side wall, the top portion above the feeding end having an opening for allowing the material to pass through for loading the material, the opening being adjustable in size according to actual conditions, for example, the opening may be 100cm × 30cm, the side wall of the steam hood on the side of the discharging end having an opening for allowing the material to pass through for removing the material, the opening being adjustable in size according to actual conditions, for example, the opening may be 100cm × 30 cm. Preferably, the steam hood is transparent. The steam cover enables the sterilization effect to be better, effectively prevents the material from splashing outwards due to overlarge steam flow, can allow the states of the thickness, the steam flow and the like of the material to be observed at any time, and is favorable for timely adjustment. As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 1, the steam hood has an arch structure which covers the feeding area and the sterilizing area on the upper surface of the steam sterilizing mechanism, and the steam hood is transparent (the opening is not shown in FIG. 1). As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the steam hood can be in any suitable shape and can be in any suitable position, as long as a relatively closed space can be formed with the steam sterilization mechanism, the high-temperature steam emission can be prevented, and the splashing prevention effect of the materials can be realized. In some examples, the steam hood is bolted to the upper surface of the steam sterilization mechanism.

Preferably, the steam sterilization means has a steam quantity adjustment device capable of adjusting the quantity of steam introduced into the one or more steam delivery pipes. For example, the steam delivery pipe is provided with a valve, and the amount of steam is adjusted by adjusting the valve.

Therefore, the steam sterilization equipment is different from the conventional steam sterilization tank structure, can be an open structure, can observe the states of the thickness, the steam quantity and the like of the materials at any time, and is favorable for timely adjustment.

Preferably, the steam sterilization means has a condensed water system. As shown in fig. 1, a condensed water outlet is provided on a side surface of the steam sterilization mechanism casing. The condensate system may take any configuration known in the art and may be readily operatively connected to the apparatus of the present invention by suitable connection means.

The vibration mechanism can also comprise a frequency converter, so that the material distribution uniformity in the sterilization area can be realized by adjusting the frequency of the vibration motor. Preferably, the vibration frequency of the vibration motor is in the range of 40-50 HZ.

The vibration motor and frequency converter may be of a construction known in the art and are commercially available and may be readily operatively connected to the apparatus of the present invention by suitable connection means to enable the steam sterilization means to effect said vibration means. As shown in fig. 2, an example of the structure of the vibration motor is such that the upper and lower surfaces of the housing of the steam sterilization mechanism are parallel to each other, and the vibration motor is in contact with the lower surface of the housing of the steam sterilization mechanism, and vibrates the steam sterilization mechanism in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the housing.

Preferably, the vibration mechanism comprises a damper spring. As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration mechanism comprises a bracket for supporting the steam sterilization mechanism, and a set of damping springs are respectively arranged on four vertical columns of the bracket.

A schematic configuration of an example of the steam sterilizing apparatus of the present invention, which includes a steam sterilizing mechanism and a vibrating mechanism, is shown in fig. 2.

In some embodiments, the steam sterilization apparatus further comprises a feeding unit, wherein the feeding unit comprises a conveyor belt mechanism and a feeding bin; the conveying belt mechanism comprises a conveying belt and a motor; the feeding bin is positioned above one end of the conveying belt, is a box body and comprises a side wall and an outlet, the outlet is positioned on the front side surface of the feeding bin in the advancing direction of the conveying belt, and a space for accommodating materials is defined by the side wall and one end of the conveying belt; one end of the conveying belt mechanism, which is opposite to the feeding bin, is positioned above the feeding end of the steam sterilization mechanism.

In the invention, the feeding bin can be in a cubic, cylindrical or other three-dimensional structure, and can be provided with a top cover or not.

The feeding unit is used for conveying the materials to the feeding end of the steam sterilization mechanism. The feeding bin is used for placing materials to be conveyed, the conveying belt mechanism is used for conveying the materials, and the materials move together with the conveying belt on the conveying belt in the feeding bin and are conveyed to the feeding end. Preferably, both the feeding bin and the conveyor belt are made of food grade materials, such as food grade stainless steel. In some embodiments, the end of the conveyor belt mechanism opposite the feed bin is positioned above the feed end, and may or may not be in contact with the feed end, such that material will fall from the conveyor belt to the feed end.

In the present invention, the construction of the conveyor belt mechanism is known in the art and is commercially available, for example, as a conveyor belt. In some examples, the conveyor belt mechanism includes a t-belt, a motor, and a frequency converter. The motor and frequency converter may be of a construction known in the art and are commercially available and may be readily operatively connected to the conveyor belt mechanism by a suitable connection. The speed of the belt can be controlled by adjusting the frequency converter, so that the material flow is controlled to control the thickness of the material in the feeding area and the sterilizing area. Preferably, the speed of the conveyor belt is in the range of 0.2-0.5 m/s.

Preferably, the front side of the feeding bin is provided with an active baffle which can control the opening and closing of the outlet through activity. For example, the size of the outlet can be adjusted by changing the degree of opening and closing to control the thickness of the material on the conveyor belt (e.g., in a trough of the conveyor belt). In one example, the movable baffle is inserted into the grooves on two adjacent side walls and can move up and down, so that the size of the outlet of the feeding bin can be controlled by adjusting the opening degree. Those skilled in the art can modify the structure and form of the active barrier according to the spirit of the present invention as long as it can perform its function.

The flow rate and the thickness of the material can be controlled by the opening size of the feeding bin and the speed of the conveying belt. The thickness of the material in the sterilization zone is preferably 1-3 cm.

In some examples, the feeder hopper may or may not have a top cover. In some examples, the feed bin is a cube, located at one end of the conveyor belt mechanism, with a movable flap on the front side in the direction of belt travel, and an immovable flap on the other three sides.

The steam sterilization equipment of the invention can also comprise a control unit which is electrically connected with the feeding unit, the steam sterilization mechanism and the vibration mechanism so as to realize the control of the feeding unit, the steam sterilization mechanism and the vibration mechanism. The configuration of the control unit and its connection to other units or mechanisms of the invention may take those commonly used in the art. For example, the control unit is an electric cabinet which is arranged on the outer side of one side wall of the feeding bin, so that the start and stop of each unit or mechanism can be controlled by manual operation, and the frequency of the conveyor belt motor and the vibration motor can be adjusted. The configuration of the electric cabinet is known in the art and may, for example, have a display screen and buttons thereon to enable manipulation.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the materials for the respective units, mechanisms and parts of the steam sterilization apparatus of the present invention may be those conventionally used therefor, unless otherwise specified.

In some embodiments, the steam sterilization apparatus of the present invention may further include a dryer. The dryer is used for drying the sterilized tea leaves, so that the moist materials can be prevented from going bad at the later stage. The construction of dryers is known in the art and the material can be moved into the dryer from the discharge end after sterilization.

The steam sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is constructed as shown in fig. 1, and includes a feeding unit, a steam sterilization mechanism, a vibration mechanism, and a dryer, which constitute a sterilization production line.

Preferably, the part of the whole sterilization production line, which is in direct contact with the materials, is made of food-grade materials.

The invention also provides application of the steam sterilization equipment in tea production.

Examples

The steam sterilization device has a structure as shown in fig. 1, wherein the steam source is a steam generator, the upper and lower surfaces of the housing of the steam sterilization mechanism are parallel, the included angle between the upper and lower surfaces of the housing and the horizontal plane is 10-15 degrees, and the vibration motor is in contact with the lower surface of the housing, so that the steam sterilization mechanism vibrates along the direction parallel to the upper surface of the housing. The technological process for sterilizing the tea by adopting the steam sterilization equipment mainly comprises the following steps:

firstly, pouring raw materials to be sterilized into a feeding bin, and then sequentially starting a dryer, a vibration motor, a steam generator and a feeding unit.

After the steps are completed, the height of the baffle at the outlet of the feeding bin and the rotating speed of the motor of the conveying belt are adjusted according to the body shape and the thickness of the tea leaves, so that the phenomenon that the belt is pulled to crack or the raw materials are excessively thick accumulated at the feeding end of the steam sterilization mechanism due to the excessively high rotating speed is avoided.

When the raw materials fall to the feeding end, the frequency of the vibration motor is adjusted according to the distribution condition of the raw materials, so that the raw materials can be uniformly dispersed and move to pass through the sterilization area.

When the materials pass through the sterilization zone, the thickness and the steam condition are observed, and the steam valve is adjusted to control the steam size, so as to ensure that the raw materials are sterilized and qualified through one-time inspection.

The raw materials which pass through the discharging area firstly need to be sterilized again.

And adjusting the included angle to be 15 degrees, sterilizing the tea leaves by using the steam sterilization equipment, and uniformly distributing the tea leaves in the sterilization area. And collecting a tea sample in a discharge area for microbial detection. After multiple sampling, the detection results are all lower than 300MPN/100g, and the detection results meet the relevant requirements of GBT 4789.3-2003-food hygiene microbiological inspection coliform bacteria determination.

And adjusting the included angle to 10 degrees, sterilizing the tea leaves by using the steam sterilization equipment, and uniformly distributing the tea leaves in the sterilization area. And collecting a tea sample in a discharge area for microbial detection. After multiple sampling, the detection results are all lower than 300MPN/100g, and the detection results meet the relevant requirements of GBT 4789.3-2003-food hygiene microbiological inspection coliform bacteria determination.

Claims

1. A steam sterilization apparatus comprising a steam sterilization mechanism, the steam sterilization mechanism comprising:

2. Steam sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibration motor is capable of vibrating the steam sterilization mechanism in a horizontal direction or in a direction parallel to the upper surface.

3. The steam sterilizing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper surface includes a feeding zone, a sterilizing zone and a discharging zone in order from a feeding end to a discharging end, the sterilizing zone of the upper surface has the plurality of holes for passing the steam, and the steam delivery pipe is located below the sterilizing zone; preferably, the plurality of holes for passing the steam have a pore size of 60 to 100 mesh.

4. Steam sterilisation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steam delivery duct has a steam inlet and a plurality of steam outlets, said plurality of steam outlets being located in the direction of the long axis of the steam delivery duct.

5. The steam sterilization apparatus of claim 1, wherein the steam sterilization mechanism further comprises a steam hood that is covered on the upper surface of the steam sterilization mechanism and has a top and a sidewall, a portion of the top above the feed end having an opening through which material can pass, the sidewall of the steam hood on the side of the discharge end having an opening through which material can pass.

6. Steam sterilisation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steam sterilisation mechanism is provided with steam volume adjustment means enabling adjustment of the volume of steam passing into the one or more steam delivery pipes.

7. Steam sterilisation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vibration mechanism further comprises a frequency converter.

8. The steam sterilization apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a feeding unit, wherein the feeding unit comprises a conveyor belt mechanism and a feeding bin; the conveying belt mechanism comprises a conveying belt and a motor; the feeding bin is positioned above one end of the conveying belt, is a box body and comprises a side wall and an outlet, the outlet is positioned on the front side surface of the feeding bin in the advancing direction of the conveying belt, and a space for accommodating materials is defined by the side wall and one end of the conveying belt; one end of the conveying belt mechanism, which is opposite to the feeding bin, is positioned above the feeding end of the steam sterilization mechanism.

9. Steam sterilisation apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said front side of said feed bin has an active barrier which is movable to control the opening and closing of said outlet.

10. Steam sterilization apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit electrically connected to the feeding unit, the steam sterilization mechanism and the vibration mechanism, thereby enabling control thereof.