DE102015016765B3 - Method and system for treating a culture medium to be inoculated into a carrier medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system for treating a culture medium (KM) to be inoculated into a carrier medium (TM), the carrier medium (TM) having a carrier medium temperature (θ) containing the culture medium (KM) containing a Culture medium temperature (θ (KM)) is discontinuously seeded at a target location (Z; Z1, Z2). The method and the system, suitable for carrying out the method, are intended to energetically optimize the inoculation process in comparison to known solutions, to improve the temperature control in the vaccination process and to ensure the quality of the culture medium. This is procedurally achieved by steps (i) to (vi) of a seed cycle, including the following steps: (iv) the stream of culture medium (Q (KM)) is converted to the carrier medium by indirect heat exchange in the bypass flow path (2) -Temperature (θ) warmed up; (v) after complete delivery of the initially introduced amount of culture medium (KM) into and via the secondary flow path (2), the carrier medium (TM) is divided and handled according to steps (i) and (ii), the flow in the bypass flow path (2) being still existing culture medium (KM) with the second partial flow carrier medium (Q2 (TM)) to the destination (Z; Z1, Z2) is ejected; (vi) then the indirect heat exchange is terminated; (vii) a further vaccination cycle with an initially introduced amount of culture medium (KM) is carried out after steps (i) to (vi).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a method for treating a culture medium to be inoculated into a carrier medium, wherein the carrier medium having a carrier medium temperature is discontinuously seeded with the culture medium having a culture medium temperature at a target site, and an apparatus for Implementation of the method is suitable. Furthermore, an application of the method and a use of the plant are each intended for the production of milk products, in particular of cheese, yogurt, sour cream or other fermented milk products.

STATE OF THE ART

Under the culture medium or a fermentation culture is to be understood below a liquid or a flowable medium which is enriched with desirable microorganisms and in a main medium, the carrier medium, either continuously or discontinuously, preferably in a single dose, added or metered or is vaccinated.

In the production and processing of liquid foodstuffs, individual, separately delimited volumes (so-called batches or batches) can be successively produced from a product stream which is preferably continuously provided, the aforementioned carrier medium in the form of a total stream of this carrier medium, each batch containing a predetermined amount of culture medium or fermentation culture is added or each batch is inoculated.

The addition or inoculation into the respective charge is often not continuous over the entire period of production of the batch, but discontinuously at a certain time in the period of filling the batch, preferably in a single dose. The addition or inoculation can take place either directly in the batch or in the volume which is delimited, for example, in a tank or process vessel, or it can be fed into the preferably continuous feed of the carrier medium to the tank or process vessel, the batch being fed via the feed. the volume is fed done. In the following, the term "inoculation" also refers to the addition in question and the fermentation culture is subsumed under the term culture medium.

The amount of culture medium is usually relatively small in relation to the amount of carrier medium that forms the batch or volume; it is up to a few percent. While the carrier medium or the total current of the carrier medium prior to the generation of the batch or volume to a carrier medium temperature, a desired fermentation temperature, which depends on the product to be produced, is warmed, the culture medium for reasons of quality assurance in the rule cold, d. H. at a temperature below the carrier medium temperature, stored.

If now the colder culture medium is added to the warmer carrier medium or if the warmer carrier medium is inoculated with the colder culture medium, a mixing temperature results that is close to the carrier medium temperature due to the small addition or inoculation amount. The lowering of the mixing temperature due to the addition or inoculation is either compensated for by a sufficient increase in the carrier medium temperature or is often ignored if it is insignificant.

In food processing companies, it is often the case that heat energy is available or can be made available in excess through energy sources of various kinds. It is therefore within the skill of the art to compensate for the aforementioned lowering of the mixing temperature due to inoculation with the culture medium by heating the culture medium prior to its inoculation in a heat exchanger. In this case, in prior art systems after the end of the inoculation process, warmed culture medium would remain in the heat exchanger and in a flow path adjoining the injection site until the next vaccination or until the end of production. This would be detrimental to the quality and activity of the culture medium because microorganisms, after their environment has reached a suitable growth temperature for them, would begin undesired fermentation.

The present invention has for its object to provide a method and a system suitable for carrying out the method, which energetically optimize the vaccination process over known solutions, improve the temperature control in the vaccination process and ensure the quality of the culture medium.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by a method having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the method are the subject of the dependent claims. An installation suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention is the subject matter of independent claims 4 or 5. An advantageous embodiment the respective system is specified in claim 6. The application of the method according to the invention and the use of the plant according to the invention in each case for the production of milk products, in particular of cheese, yogurt, sour cream or other fermented milk products are claimed in claims 7 and 8 or 9 and 10.

The method of the invention is based on a known method of treating a culture medium to be inoculated into a carrier medium, in which the carrier medium having a carrier medium temperature is discontinuously seeded with the culture medium having a culture medium temperature at a target site. The culture medium temperature is always colder than the carrier medium temperature.

The inventive procedural basic idea when vaccinating or dosing a batch carrier medium with a culture medium is that before and until the initiation of the discontinuous vaccination or dosage of the flow path of the culture medium to the destination, the inoculation or dosing, with a partial flow of the carrier medium flows through permanently and so that it is heated to the carrier medium temperature. Upon initiation of the vaccination or dosing process, the culture medium substitutes the carrier medium present in this flow path and is thereby heated to the carrier medium temperature by indirect heat exchange. After supply of the presented and defined vaccine or Dosiermenge in the carrier medium, the flow path still acting culture medium is ejected by a partial flow of the carrier medium from this flow path, followed by the permanent flow of this flow path with the partial flow of the carrier medium until the next vaccination or Dosierzyklus continues.

• (i) Ein über den Impfzyklus durchgängig vorliegender Gesamtstrom Trägermedium wird in einen ersten Teilstrom Trägermedium und in einen zweiten Teilstrom Trägermedium aufgeteilt. Die Aufteilung erfolgt dabei durchgängig und ohne Unterbrechungen.
• (ii) Der erste Teilstrom Trägermedium wird in einem Hauptströmungsweg fortgeführt, der zweite Teilstrom Trägermedium wird über einen Nebenströmungsweg geführt und beide Teilströme Trägermedium werden an dem Zielort zusammengeführt. Die Durchströmung des Haupt- und des Nebenströmungsweges erfolgt durchgängig und ohne Unterbrechungen.
• (iii) Mit dem Zeitpunkt der Einleitung der diskontinuierlichen Impfung wird die Aufteilung in die beiden Teilströme Trägermedium beendet und eine vorgelegte, definierte Menge Kulturmedium wird in Form eines Stromes Kulturmedium über den Nebenströmungsweg dem Trägermedium am Zielort zugeführt.
• (iv) Der Strom Kulturmedium wird im Zuge seiner Überführung an den Zielort durch indirekten Wärmeaustausch im Nebenströmungsweg auf die Trägermedium-Temperatur angewärmt.
• (v) Nach vollständiger Zufuhr der vorgelegten Menge Kulturmedium in und über den Nebenströmungsweg erfolgt eine Aufteilung und Handhabung des Trägermediums nach den Schritten (i) und (ii), wobei das im Nebenströmungsweg noch vorhandene Kulturmedium mit dem zweiten Teilstrom Trägermedium zum Zielort ausgeschoben wird.
• (vi) Anschließend wird der indirekte Wärmeaustausch beendet.
• (vii) Ein weiterer Impfzyklus mit einer vorgelegten, definierten Menge Kulturmedium wird nach den Schritten (i) bis (vi) durchgeführt.

A vaccination or dosing cycle in the context of the above-outlined inventive method is carried out in the following steps (i) to (vi):

• (i) A total current carrier medium which is present throughout the vaccination cycle is divided into a first substream carrier medium and into a second substream carrier medium. The division is made consistently and without interruptions.
• (ii) the first substream carrier medium is continued in a main flowpath, the second substream carrier medium is routed via a tributarypath, and both substreams of carrier medium are combined at the destination. The flow through the main and the Nebenströmungsweges is continuous and without interruptions.
• (iii) At the time of initiation of the discontinuous inoculation, the division into the two substreams of carrier medium is stopped and a given defined amount of culture medium is supplied in the form of a stream of culture medium via the tributary to the carrier medium at the destination.
• (iv) The culture medium stream is warmed to the carrier medium temperature as it is transferred to the target site by indirect heat exchange in the bypass flow path.
• (v) After complete delivery of the amount of culture medium introduced into and via the secondary flow path, the carrier medium is divided and handled according to steps (i) and (ii), whereby the culture medium still present in the secondary flow path is ejected to the destination with the second partial flow carrier medium.
• (vi) Subsequently, the indirect heat exchange is terminated.
• (vii) Another vaccination cycle with a given defined amount of culture medium is performed after steps (i) to (vi).

A first embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the destination at which the vaccination or dosage takes place with the culture medium is a first destination in the form of the total flow carrier medium in the main flow path. This means that the culture medium is inoculated or metered into the flowing carrier medium, which forms the charge of the carrier medium and flows into a space receiving this charge.

A second embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the destination at which the vaccination or dosing with the culture medium takes place is a second destination in the form of the carrier medium located in a vaccine or dosing container. This means that in the course of the batchwise delimitation of the carrier medium, the culture medium is directly inoculated or metered into the forming batch of the carrier medium.

• • Sie besitzt einen Hauptströmungsweg für das Trägermedium, der einen an einer Abzweigungsstelle abzweigenden Abzweigströmungsweg und eine unterstromig der Abzweigungsstelle angeordnete Vereinigungsstelle aufweist.
• • Sie verfügt weiterhin über einen Nebenströmungsweg entweder für das Kulturmedium oder für eine Teilmenge des Trägermediums, in den einerseits der Abzweigströmungsweg einmündet. Der Nebenströmungsweg mündet andererseits an der Vereinigungsstelle in den Hauptströmungsweg ein.
• • Es ist ein Wärmeaustauscher vorgesehen, über den primärseitig ein Wärmeträgerströmungsweg und über den sekundärseitig der Nebenströmungsweg geführt ist.
• • In dem Abzweigströmungsweg ist ein erstes Absperrventil angeordnet, in dem Nebenströmungsweg ist oberstromig des Wärmeaustauschers ein Umschaltventil vorgesehen, in das zusätzlich wenigstens der Abzweigströmungsweg einmündet, und in dem Wärmeträgerströmungsweg ist ein zweites Absperrventil angeordnet.
• • In dem Hauptströmungsweg befindet sich oberstromig der Abzweigungsstelle ein erster Signalaufnehmer und in dem Nebenströmungsweg befindet sich oberstromig des Umschaltventils ein zweiter Signalaufnehmer, die jeweils Eigenschaften der dort befindlichen Medien erfassen.
• • Entweder ist in dem Hauptströmungsweg zwischen der Abzweigungs- und der Vereinigungsstelle ein Strömungswiderstand oder es ist in dem Nebenströmungsweg unterstromig des Umschaltventils eine Bypass-Pumpe angeordnet, wobei beide Maßnahmen der Sicherstellung einer Strömung im Nebenströmungsweg, parallel zur Strömung im Hauptströmungsweg, dienen.
• • Es ist eine Steuereinrichtung vorgesehen, die wenigstens über einen ersten Signalleitungs-Anschluss mit dem ersten Signalaufnehmer und über einen zweiten Signalleitungs-Anschluss mit dem zweiten Signalaufnehmer verbunden ist. Die Steuereinrichtung ist weiterhin mit Steuerleitungs-Anschlüssen wenigstens mit dem ersten Absperrventil, dem Umschaltventil, dem zweiten Absperrventil und mit der alternativ zum Strömungswiderstand vorgesehenen Bypass-Pumpe verbunden.

A plant of the first type for treating a culture medium to be inoculated into a carrier medium, which is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention, is characterized by the following features:

• It has a main flow path for the carrier medium which has a branch flow path branching off at a branch point and a junction point arranged downstream of the branch point.
• It also has a secondary flow path either for the culture medium or for a subset of the carrier medium into which the branch flow path opens on the one hand. On the other hand, the bypass flow path opens into the main flow path at the junction.
• A heat exchanger is provided, via which a heat carrier flow path is led on the primary side and the secondary flow path on the secondary side.
• • In the branch flow path, a first shut-off valve is disposed, in the bypass flow path, a switching valve is provided upstream of the heat exchanger, into which additionally at least the branch flow path opens, and in the heat carrier flow path, a second shut-off valve is disposed.
• • In the main flow path upstream of the branch point is a first signal sensor and in the secondary flow path is upstream of the changeover valve, a second signal pickup, each detecting properties of the media located there.
• Either there is a flow resistance in the main flow path between the branch point and the junction point, or a bypass pump is arranged in the bypass flow downstream of the changeover valve, both measures serving to ensure a flow in the bypass flow path parallel to the flow in the main flow path.
• A control device is provided which is connected to the first signal receiver at least via a first signal line connection and to the second signal receiver via a second signal line connection. The control device is furthermore connected to control line connections at least to the first shut-off valve, the change-over valve, the second shut-off valve and to the bypass pump provided as an alternative to the flow resistance.

The flow paths are preferably in the form of pipelines.

• • Sie besitzt einen Hauptströmungsweg für das Trägermedium, der einen an einer Abzweigungsstelle abzweigenden Abzweigströmungsweg aufweist und der unterstromig der Abzweigungsstelle in einen Impfbehälter einmündet.
• • Sie verfügt weiterhin über einen Nebenströmungsweg entweder für das Kulturmedium oder für eine Teilmenge des Trägermediums, in den einerseits der Abzweigströmungsweg einmündet. Der Nebenströmungsweg mündet andererseits in den Impfbehälter ein.
• • Es ist ein Wärmeaustauscher vorgesehen, über den primärseitig ein Wärmeträgerströmungsweg und über den sekundärseitig der Nebenströmungsweg geführt ist.
• • In dem Abzweigströmungsweg ist ein erstes Absperrventil angeordnet, in dem Nebenströmungsweg ist oberstromig des Wärmeaustauschers ein Umschaltventil vorgesehen, in das zusätzlich wenigstens der Abzweigströmungsweg einmündet, und in dem Wärmeträgerströmungsweg ist ein zweites Absperrventil angeordnet.
• • In dem Hauptströmungsweg befindet sich oberstromig der Abzweigungsstelle ein erster Signalaufnehmer und in dem Nebenströmungsweg befindet sich oberstromig des Umschaltventils ein zweiter Signalaufnehmer, die jeweils Eigenschaften der dort befindlichen Medien erfassen.
• • Entweder ist in dem Hauptströmungsweg unterstromig der Abzweigungsstelle ein Strömungswiderstand oder es ist in dem Nebenströmungsweg unterstromig des Umschaltventils eine Bypass-Pumpe angeordnet, wobei beide Maßnahmen der Sicherstellung einer Strömung im Nebenströmungsweg, parallel zur Strömung im Hauptströmungsweg, dienen.
• • Es ist eine Steuereinrichtung vorgesehen, die wenigstens über einen ersten Signalleitungs-Anschluss mit dem ersten Signalaufnehmer und über einen zweiten Signalleitungs-Anschluss mit dem zweiten Signalaufnehmer verbunden ist. Die Steuereinrichtung ist weiterhin mit Steuerleitungs-Anschlüssen wenigstens mit dem ersten Absperrventil, dem Umschaltventil, dem zweiten Absperrventil und mit der alternativ zum Strömungswiderstand vorgesehenen Bypass-Pumpe verbunden.

A plant of the second type for treating a culture medium to be inoculated into a carrier medium, which is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention, is characterized by the following features:

• It has a main flow path for the carrier medium, which has a branch flow path branching off at a branch point and which opens into a seed container downstream of the branch point.
• It also has a secondary flow path either for the culture medium or for a subset of the carrier medium into which the branch flow path opens on the one hand. On the other hand, the bypass flow path opens into the seed tank.
• A heat exchanger is provided, via which a heat carrier flow path is led on the primary side and the secondary flow path on the secondary side.
• In the branch flow path, a first shut-off valve is disposed, in the bypass flow path, a change-over valve is provided upstream of the heat exchanger into which at least the branch flow path opens, and a second shut-off valve is disposed in the heat transfer flow path.
• • In the main flow path upstream of the branch point is a first signal sensor and in the secondary flow path is upstream of the changeover valve, a second signal pickup, each detecting properties of the media located there.
• Either a flow resistance is provided in the main flow path downstream of the branch point, or a bypass pump is disposed in the bypass flow downstream of the changeover valve, both of which serve to ensure a flow in the bypass flow path parallel to the flow in the main flow path.
• A control device is provided which is connected to the first signal receiver at least via a first signal line connection and to the second signal receiver via a second signal line connection. The control device is furthermore connected to control line connections at least to the first shut-off valve, the change-over valve, the second shut-off valve and to the bypass pump provided as an alternative to the flow resistance.

An advantageous embodiment of the plant of the first and second type provides in each case in the secondary flow downstream of the heat exchanger, a control valve. With this control valve, it is possible to ensure a dosage or inoculation of the culture medium adapted to the total flow carrier medium in the main flow path.

The method of the present invention can be applied to any liquid or fluid food products prepared and / or treated in processes in which a culture medium is dosed or inoculated. It is particularly suitable for the production of milk products and in particular for the production of cheese, yoghurt, sour cream or other fermented milk products.

The first and second type plant according to the invention can be applied to all liquid or flowable food products produced and / or treated in processes in which a culture medium is dosed or inoculated. The plants are particularly suitable for the production of dairy products and in particular for the production of cheese, yogurt, sour cream or other fermented milk products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more detailed description of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings of the drawings and from the claims. While the invention is implemented in various embodiments, in the drawing a plant of the first type and a plant of the second type, each suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention, are described according to structure and function. Show it

1 in a schematic and to the essentials reduced representation of an inventive plant of the first kind for the treatment of a medium to be inoculated in a culture medium in which a Nebenströmungsweg opens at a first destination in a main flow path, with all necessary to further explain the system and the method according to the invention designations;

2 in a schematic and to the essentials reduced representation of a plant of the second kind for the treatment of a medium to be inoculated in a culture medium, in which a main flow path and a Nebenströmungsweg each at a second destination, a carrier located in a vaccine carrier, are brought together;

3 in a schematic representation of the plant of the first kind according to 1 wherein a total flow carrier medium is in the phase of its partitioning into a first partial flow carrier medium and a second partial flow carrier medium;

4 in a schematic representation of the plant of the first kind according to 1 wherein the culture medium is in the phase of its being heated to carrier medium temperature and the discontinuous inoculation into the total current carrier medium;

5 in a schematic representation of the plant of the second kind according to 2 , wherein a total current carrier medium is in the phase of its division into a first partial flow carrier medium and a second partial flow carrier medium and

6 in a schematic representation of the plant of the second kind according to 2 , wherein the culture medium is in the phase of its heating to carrier medium temperature and the discontinuous inoculation in the total current carrier medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A plant of the first kind 100 ( 1 ) for treating a culture medium KM to be inoculated into a carrier medium TM, which is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention, has a main flow path 1 of which the carrier medium TM is supplied at a carrier medium temperature θ. The main flow path 1 has one at a branch point 6 branching branch flow path 1a and a junction located downstream of the branch point 7 on. The Association Office 7 acts as the destination Z, in this case as the first destination Z1 in the form of a vaccine or dosing, for in the phase of vaccination in a Nebenströmungsweg 2 flowing culture medium KM. The plant of the first kind 100 has the bypass flow path 2 , in the one hand at one in the Nebenströmungsweg 2 arranged switching valve 9 the branch flow path 1a opens. The secondary flow path 2 On the other hand, it joins the Association Office 7 in the main flow path 1 one. The upstream of the changeover valve 9 located part of the bypass flow path 2 The culture medium KM is supplied at a culture medium temperature θ (KM). Behind the association office 7 the main flow path continues 1 either carrier medium TM having the carrier medium temperature θ or culture medium inoculated with TM + KM at the carrier medium temperature θ are removed. Between the switching valve 9 and the Association Office 7 is a heat exchanger 4 provided, on the primary side, a heat transfer flow path 3 and on the secondary side of the secondary flow path 2 is guided. About the heat transfer flow path 3 is the heat exchanger 4 a heat transfer medium WM having a heat transfer medium inlet temperature θ1 (WM) supplied to the heat exchanger 4 after heat release via the heat transfer flow path 3 with a heat carrier outlet temperature θ2 (WM) leaves.

In the branch flow path 1a is a first shut-off valve 8th arranged in the bypass flow path 2 is upstream of the heat exchanger 4 the changeover valve 8th provided in the additionally at least the branch flow path 1a opens, the Nebenströmungsweg 2 optionally has downstream of the heat exchanger 4 a control valve 11 on and in the heat transfer flow path 3 is a second shut-off valve 10 arranged. To dissipate one during the cleaning of the plant of the first kind 100 accumulating detergent R has the switching valve 9 another connection, by means of a third shut-off valve 12 opened or closed.

In the main flow path 1 is located upstream of the branch point 6 a first signal pickup 15 and in the bypass flow path 2 located upstream of the changeover valve 9 a second signal sensor 16 , which respectively record properties of the carrier medium TM or culture medium KM located there.

Either is in the main flow path 1 between the junction and the junction 6 . 7 a flow resistance 5 or it is in the tributary path 2 , downstream of the changeover valve 9 and preferably before the optional control valve 11 , a bypass pump 5.1 arranged, taking both measures, flow resistance 5 or bypass pump 5.1 , which ensures flow in the bypass flow path 2 , parallel to the flow in the main flow path 1 , serve.

It is a control device 14 provided, at least via a first signal line connection a with the first signal sensor 15 and via a second signal line connection b to the second signal sensor 16 connected is. The control device 14 is still in the order mentioned via control line connections c, d, e, f, g, h with the first shut-off valve 8th , the change-over valve 9 , the second shut-off valve 10 , the optional control valve 11 , the bypass pump 5.1 and the third shut-off valve 12 connected.

The main flow path 1 , the branch flow path 1a , the tributary path 2 and the heat transfer fluid path 3 are preferably each designed as a pipeline. The respective embodiment of the shut-off valves 8th . 10 . 12 , the changeover valve 9 and the control valve 11 is not on the in the 1 to 6 illustrated embodiment limited. Other embodiments may be chosen, provided that the necessary function deriving from the method according to the invention is ensured.

Upstream of the branch point 6 and downstream of the junction 7 forms the main flow path 1 each a total flow carrier medium Q (TM) and upstream of the switching valve 9 forms the secondary flow path 2 a stream of culture medium Q (KM).

A plant of the second kind 101 ( 2 ) for the treatment of a culture medium KM to be inoculated into a carrier medium TM, which is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention, differs from the plant of the first type 100 in that the secondary flow path 2 no longer at the association office 7 in the main flow path 7 opens but in a vaccine or Dosierbehälter 13 , The main flow path 1 also flows separately into the vaccine or Dosierbehälter 13 one. Both for the main flow path 1 as well as for the secondary flow path 2 forms the vaccine or dosing container 13 and thus the carrier medium TM located there has a second destination Z2 for that via the main flow path 1 supplied carrier medium TM and the via the Nebenströmungsweg 2 supplied culture medium KM. The further construction of the plant of the second kind 101 is identical to the structure of the plant of the first kind ( 1 ). In this regard, reference is made to the above description 1 directed.

• (i) Der über den Impfzyklus durchgängig vorliegender Gesamtstrom Trägermedium Q(TM) (3) mit der Trägermedium-Temperatur wird an der Abzweigungsstelle 6 in einen ersten Teilstrom Trägermedium Q1(TM) und in einen zweiten Teilstrom Trägermedium Q2(TM) aufgeteilt. Die Aufteilung erfolgt dabei durchgängig und ohne Unterbrechungen; beide Teilströme besitzen die Trägermedium-Temperatur ϑ.
• (ii) Der erste Teilstrom Trägermedium Q1(TM) wird in dem Hauptströmungsweg 1 fortgeführt und der zweite Teilstrom Trägermedium Q2(TM) wird bei geöffnetem ersten Absperrventil 8 über den an der Abzweigungsstelle 6 abzweigenden Abzweigströmungsweg 1a dem Nebenströmungsweg 2 über das entsprechend geschaltete Umschaltventil 9 zugeführt. Der erste Teilstrom Trägermedium Q1(TM) und der zweite Teilstrom Trägermedium Q2(TM) werden an der Vereinigungsstelle 7, dem ersten Zielort Z1, zusammengeführt und über den sich fortsetzenden Hauptströmungsweg 1 als Gesamtstrom Trägermedium Q(TM) in einen nicht dargestellten weiteren Produktionsanlagen-Abschnitt, beispielsweise einen Behälter für die Abgrenzung einer mit dem Kulturmedium KM geimpften Charge Trägermedium TM, abgeführt. Die Durchströmung des Haupt- und des Nebenströmungsweges 1, 2 erfolgt durchgängig und ohne Unterbrechungen.
• (iii) Mit dem Zeitpunkt der Einleitung der diskontinuierlichen Impfung (4) wird die Aufteilung in die beiden Teilströme Trägermedium Q1(TM) und Q2(TM) beendet, indem der Abzweigströmungsweg 1a durch das erste Absperrventil 8 geschlossen wird. Anschließend wird eine vorgelegte, definierte Menge Kulturmedium KM in Form des Stromes Kulturmedium Q(KM) über den Nebenströmungsweg 2 dem in dem Hauptströmungsweg 1 strömenden Gesamtstrom Trägermedium Q(TM) an der Vereinigungsstelle 7, dem als Inline-Impf- oder Dosierstelle fungierenden ersten Zielort Z1, zugeführt.
• (iv) Der Strom Kulturmedium Q(KM), der vor dem Wärmeaustauscher 4 die Kulturmedium-Temperatur ϑ(KM) besitzt, wird im Zuge der Überführung zum ersten Zielort Z1 über den Nebenströmungsweg 2 durch indirekten Wärmeaustausch im Wärmeaustauscher 4 auf die Trägermedium-Temperatur ϑ angewärmt.

A vaccination or Dosierzyklus in the inventive method is carried out with a plant of the first kind 100 ( 1 . 3 and 4 ) in the following steps (i) to (vi):

• (i) The total current carrier medium Q (TM) ( 3 ) with the carrier medium temperature is at the branch point 6 into a first partial flow carrier medium Q1 (TM) and into a second partial flow carrier medium Q2 (TM). The division takes place continuously and without interruptions; both partial streams have the carrier medium temperature θ.
• (ii) The first partial flow carrier medium Q1 (TM) becomes in the main flowpath 1 continued and the second partial flow carrier medium Q2 (TM) is opened with the first shut-off valve 8th via the at the junction 6 branching branch flow path 1a the bypass flow path 2 via the appropriately switched changeover valve 9 fed. The first partial flow carrier medium Q1 (TM) and the second partial flow carrier medium Q2 (TM) are at the junction 7 , the first destination Z1, merged and via the continuing main flow path 1 as a total flow carrier medium Q (TM) in a non-illustrated further production plant section, such as a container for the delimitation of a seeded with the culture medium KM batch carrier medium TM removed. The flow through the main and the Nebenströmungsweges 1 . 2 is continuous and without interruptions.
• (iii) At the time of initiation of discontinuous vaccination ( 4 ), the split into the two substreams carrier medium Q1 (TM) and Q2 (TM) is terminated by the branch flow path 1a through the first shut-off valve 8th is closed. Subsequently, a presented, defined amount of culture medium KM in the form of the stream culture medium Q (KM) via the Nebenströmungsweg 2 in the main flow path 1 flowing total stream carrier medium Q (TM) at the union site 7 supplied to the first target site Z1 acting as an in-line vaccine or dosing site.
• (iv) The stream culture medium Q (KM), before the heat exchanger 4 has the culture medium temperature θ (KM), in the course of the transfer to the first destination Z1 via the Nebenströmungsweg 2 by indirect heat exchange in the heat exchanger 4 warmed to the carrier medium temperature θ.

• (v) Nach vollständiger Zufuhr der vorgelegten Menge Kulturmedium KM in und über den Nebenströmungsweg 2 erfolgt eine Aufteilung und Handhabung des Trägermediums TM nach den Schritten (i) und (ii) gemäß 3, wobei das im Nebenströmungsweg 2 noch vorhandene Kulturmedium KM mit dem zweiten Teilstrom Trägermedium Q2(TM) zum ersten Zielort Z1 ausgeschoben wird.
• (vi) Anschließend wird der indirekte Wärmeaustausch im Wärmeaustauscher 4 gemäß 4 beendet.
• (vii) Ein weiterer Impfzyklus mit einer vorgelegten, definierten Menge Kulturmedium KM wird nach den Schritten (i) bis (vi) gemäß den 3 und 4 durchgeführt.

In the main flow way 1 lies, seen in the direction of flow, behind the junction point 7 now a mixture of carrier medium and Culture medium TM + KM before, which has the carrier medium temperature θ and the plant of the first kind 100 As a current inoculated carrier medium Q (TM + KM) leaves.

• (v) After complete delivery of the amount of culture medium KM introduced into and over the bypass flow path 2 there is a division and handling of the carrier medium TM according to steps (i) and (ii) according to 3 , where in the secondary flow path 2 still existing culture medium KM with the second partial flow carrier medium Q2 (TM) to the first destination Z1 is ejected.
• (vi) Subsequently, the indirect heat exchange in the heat exchanger 4 according to 4 completed.
• (vii) A further vaccination cycle with a given, defined amount of culture medium KM is performed after steps (i) to (vi) according to 3 and 4 carried out.

A vaccination or Dosierzyklus in the context of the inventive method is carried out with a plant of the second kind 101 ( 2 . 5 and 6 ) in the above steps (i) to (vi), wherein now the destination Z for the discontinuous inoculation or dosage of the carrier medium TM with the culture medium KM no longer at the junction 7 according to the 1 . 3 and 5 , the first destination Z1, but a second destination Z2 in the form of the in the vaccine or Dosierbehälter 13 located carrier medium TM. To illustrate the method according to the invention in the context of the plant of the second kind 101 Therefore, in the above method steps (i) to (vi), the first destination Z1 is to be exchanged mutatis mutandis for the second destination Z2, in which description 2 already stated that the main and the secondary flow path 1 . 2 each separately in the vaccine and Dosierbehälter 13 open out. In order to avoid repetition, the description of the method is applied mutatis mutandis 3 and 4 directed.

A scheduled and sufficient flow through the branch flow path 1a in conjunction with the bypass flow path 2 , parallel to the main flow path 1 as they are in the 3 and 5 is represented by one between the branch point 6 and the first or second destination Z1, Z2 effective pressure difference ensured. To this pressure difference in the opposite to the Nebenströmungsweg 2 less associated with pressure loss associated portion of the main flow path 1 ensure there is additionally the flow resistance 5 , For example, a controllable orifice, arranged with the necessary distribution ratio between the first and the second partial flow carrier medium Q1 (TM), Q2 (TM) is adjustable. Alternatively, like the 1 and 2 show the necessary pressure difference also by the in the Nebenströmungsweg 2 arranged by-pass pump 5.1 be generated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

Plant of the first kind

101

Plant of the second kind

1

main flow

1a

branch flow path

2

pass flow passage

3

Wärmeträgerströmungsweg

4

heat exchangers

5

flow resistance

5.1

Bypass pump

6

branching

7

association office

8th

first shut-off valve

9

switching valve

10

second shut-off valve

11

control valve

12

third shut-off valve

13

Vaccination or dosing container

14

control device

15

first signal receiver

16

second signal pickup

KM

culture medium

Q (KM)

Stream culture medium

Q (TM)

Total current carrier medium

Q (TM + KM)

Current inoculated carrier medium

Q1 (TM)

first partial flow carrier medium

Q2 (TM)

second partial flow carrier medium

R

cleaning media

TM

transfer medium

WM

Heat transfer medium

Z

Destination (general)

Z1

first destination (inline vaccination or dosing)

Z2

second destination (vaccination or dosing tank)

θ

Transfer medium temperature

θ (KM)

Culture medium temperature

θ1 (WM)

Heat transfer medium inlet temperature

θ2 (WM)

Heat transfer medium outlet temperature

a

first signal line connection

b

second signal line connection

c

first control line connection

d

second control line connection

e

third control line connection

f

fourth control line connection

G

fifth control line connection

H

sixth control line connection

Claims (10)

A method of treating a culture medium (KM) to be inoculated into a carrier medium (TM), wherein the carrier medium (TM) having a carrier medium temperature (θ) is mixed with the culture medium (KM) having a culture medium temperature (θ (KM ) is discontinuously seeded at a target location (Z; Z1, Z2), characterized by the following steps of a seed cycle: (i) a total current carrier medium (Q (TM)) present in the seed cycle is transferred to a first sub-stream carrier medium (Q1 (Q1) TM) and divided into a second partial flow carrier medium (Q2 (TM)); (ii) the first substream carrier medium (Q1 (TM)) is placed in a main flowpath (FIG. 1 ), the second substream carrier medium (Q2 (TM)) is passed through a bypass flow path (FIG. 2 ) and both substreams carrier medium (Q1 (TM), Q2 (TM)) are merged at the destination (Z; Z1, Z2); (iii) at the time of initiation of the discontinuous vaccination, the division into the two substreams of carrier medium (Q1 (TM), Q2 (TM)) is stopped and a given, defined amount of culture medium (KM) is added in the form of a stream of culture medium (Q (FIG. KM)) via the secondary flow path ( 2 ) is supplied to the carrier medium (TM) at the destination (Z; Z1, Z2); (iv) the stream of culture medium (Q (KM)) is converted by indirect heat exchange in the secondary flow path ( 2 ) is warmed to the carrier medium temperature (θ); (v) after complete delivery of the amount of culture medium (KM) introduced into and over the secondary flow path ( 2 ), a division and handling of the carrier medium (TM) is carried out according to steps (i) and (ii), whereby in the secondary flow path (FIG. 2 ) still existing culture medium (KM) with the second partial flow carrier medium (Q2 (TM)) to the destination (Z; Z1, Z2) is ejected; (vi) then the indirect heat exchange is terminated; (vii) a further vaccination cycle with a given defined amount of culture medium (KM) is carried out after steps (i) to (vi). Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the destination (Z) is a first destination (Z1) in the form of the total flow carrier medium ((Q (TM)) in the main flow path ( 1 ). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the destination (Z) a second destination (Z2) in the form of in a vaccine or Dosierbehälter ( 13 ) carrier medium (TM). Plant of the first kind ( 100 for treating a culture medium (KM) to be inoculated into a carrier medium (TM), suitable for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 3, having a main flow path (FIG. 1 ) for the carrier medium (TM), one at a branch point ( 6 ) branching branch flow path ( 1a ) and the one downstream of the branch point ( 6 ) ( 7 ), with a secondary flow path ( 2 ) either for the culture medium (KM) or for a subset of the carrier medium (TM) in which on the one hand the branch flow path ( 1a ) and, on the other hand, at the Association ( 7 ) into the main flow path ( 1 ), with a heat exchanger ( 4 ), via the primary side a heat transfer fluid flow path ( 3 ) and over the secondary side of the secondary flow path ( 2 ), with a first shut-off valve ( 8th ) in the branch flow path (FIG. 1a ), • with an upstream of the heat exchanger ( 4 ) in the secondary flow path ( 2 ) arranged switching valve ( 9 ) into which additionally at least the branch flow path ( 1a ), with one in the heat carrier flow path ( 3 ) arranged second shut-off valve ( 10 ), • with an upstream of the branch point ( 6 ) in the main flow path ( 1 ) arranged first signal sensor ( 15 ) and an upstream of the switching valve ( 9 ) in the secondary flow path ( 2 ) arranged second signal sensor ( 16 ) With either one in the main flow path ( 1 ) between the junction and the junction ( 6 . 7 ) arranged flow resistance ( 5 ) or one in the secondary flow path ( 2 ) downstream of the switching valve ( 9 ) arranged bypass pump ( 5.1 ) and • with a control device ( 14 ), which at least via a first signal line connection (a) with the first signal sensor ( 15 ) and via a second signal line connection (b) to the second signal sensor ( 16 ) and the at least via control line connections (c, d, e, g) with the first shut-off valve ( 8th ), the switching valve ( 9 ), the second shut-off valve ( 10 ) and the bypass pump ( 5.1 ) connected is. Annex of the second kind ( 101 for treating a culture medium (KM) to be inoculated into a carrier medium (TM), suitable for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 3, having a main flow path (FIG. 1 ) for the carrier medium (TM), one at a branch point ( 6 ) branching branch flow path ( 1a ) and the downstream of the branch point ( 6 ) into a vaccine container ( 13 ), • with a secondary flow path ( 2 ) either for the culture medium (KM) or for a subset of the carrier medium (TM) in which on the one hand the branch flow path ( 1a ) and on the other hand into the vaccine container ( 13 ), with a heat exchanger ( 4 ), via the primary side a heat transfer fluid flow path ( 3 ) and via the secondary side of the secondary flow path ( 2 ), with a first shut-off valve ( 8th ) in the branch flow path (FIG. 1a ), • with an upstream of the heat exchanger ( 4 ) in the secondary flow path ( 2 ) arranged switching valve ( 9 ) into which additionally at least the branch flow path ( 1a ), with one in the heat carrier flow path ( 3 ) arranged second shut-off valve ( 10 ), • with an upstream of the branch point ( 6 ) in the main flow path ( 1 ) arranged first signal sensor ( 15 ) and an upstream of the switching valve ( 9 ) in the secondary flow path ( 2 ) arranged second signal sensor ( 16 ) With either one in the main flow path ( 1 ) downstream of the branch point ( 6 ) arranged flow resistance ( 5 ) or one in the secondary flow path ( 2 ) downstream of the switching valve ( 9 ) arranged bypass pump ( 5.1 ) and • with a control device ( 14 ), which at least via a first signal line connection (a) with the first signal sensor ( 15 ) and via a second signal line connection (b) to the second signal sensor ( 16 ) and the at least via control line connections (c, d, e, g) with the first shut-off valve ( 8th ), the switching valve ( 9 ), the second shut-off valve ( 11 ) and the bypass pump ( 5.1 ) connected is. Installation according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that in the secondary flow path ( 2 ) downstream of the heat exchanger ( 4 ) a control valve ( 11 ) is arranged. Application of the method according to one of claims 1 to 3 for the production of milk products. Use according to claim 6 for the preparation of cheese, yoghurt, sour cream or other fermented milk products. Use of the plant according to one of claims 4 to 6 for the production of milk products. Use according to claim 8 for the preparation of cheese, yoghurt, sour cream or other fermented milk products.

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