DE202013012163U1 - Smoke generator with dual functionality - Google Patents

Abstract

Smoke generator (1) for the production of smoke for smoking food, for example for smoking food in a smoke system connected to the smoke generator (1), the smoke generator (1) comprising:
- at least one Verschwelraum (2),
- at least one within the Verschwelraums (2) located Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung (3) for receiving Schwelgut,
At least one heating element (4) arranged within the Verschwelraums,
At least one Schwelgutvorratsbehälter (5),
- At least one steam generator (6) which is connected by means of a vapor conductor (7) with the Verschwelraum (2),
- At least one vapor conductor mouth (8), by means of which the vapor conductor (7) opens in the Verschwelraum (2),
wherein the smoke generator (1) has a selectability at least between two intended operating modes
- A steam smoke operation with an exclusive production of steam smoke within the Verschwelraums (2) and
- Has a Glimmrauchbetriebs with an exclusive production of glow smoke within the Verschwelraums (2).

Description

The invention relates to a smoke generator for the production of smoke for smoking food. Furthermore, a method for the production of smoke for smoking food is proposed.

The smoking of food has been used for a long time. By smoking various foods, such as meat, fish, cheese or even derived from these products, such as sausages treated. Initially, one of the most important processes for the preservation and preservation of food, in addition to the extension of the shelf life, especially the setting of characteristic flavors in food is an essential goal of smoking.

The usual equipment used in industrial scale for the production of smoke for smoking food is based either on the principle of the production of glow smoke in a glow smoke generator or on the principle of the production of steam smoke in a steam smoke generator.

The smoldering smoke generator uses the functional principle for the production of smoke that generates glowing smoke by igniting small parts, for example wood chips or sawdust, from natural wood by means of an electric heater. The wood chips or sawdust are usually located on a Schwelgutrost during smoke generation and are caused by a in a region of the carbonization grate or Schwelgutrost itself arranged heating element to smolder.

The necessary for the production of glow smoke entanglement process here that the wood chips or sawdust available oxygen concentration is high enough to maintain the glow process, but on the other hand not reached too high a concentration to avoid ignition and subsequent burning of the carbonization , The resulting incandescence process is promoted by a targeted and controlled addition of air. The wood chips glaze through the effluent glowing process to ash, which then by the Schwelgutrost, for example, in a specially designated collection container, falls down. The smoke produced in the polluting space is then directed to the smokehouse, where the smoking of the food takes place. Depending on, for example, the other process parameters or the material used, for example the size of the chips or the type of wood used, the smoke intensity and the temperature of the smoldering smut can be influenced, which not least a targeted influence on the taste of smoked foods are taken can. The smoke produced in a glow smoke process is typically very flavorful, but dry, and is therefore suitable, for example, for smoking foodstuffs such as salami or dry smoked fish.

Smoke generators based on the principle of producing smoke smoke are based on the principle that superheated steam having a temperature of about 380 ° C to 400 ° C is generated in a steam generator and thereafter passed through wood chips or sawdust. In this way, we cause a bleaching of wood chips by a Verschwelen, a pyrolytic process. The consistency and shape of the wood chips are preserved during the fumigation, so that no ash remains as a waste product, in contrast to the steam smoke process. Also, the steam smoke produced in a steam smoke process is passed after its production in a smoke plant, in which then takes place the smoking of food. The superheated steam introduced into the smoke generator for the production of steam smoke has a high proportion of moisture, in particular water. Smoke generated by the process of steam smoke production is therefore particularly suitable for smoking foods which, even after smoking, should still have a significant proportion of water. An example of this is boiled sausage production. Other advantages of the steam smoke are that it is extremely color-stable and it is almost not washable by means of water or steam. As a result of the pyrolytic manufacturing processes used, steam smoke is also soot-free, so that possible carcinogenic combustion products are avoided. Since there is a need to supply wood chips or sawdust superheated steam, special structural measures are required in currently known conventional steam smoke generators to ensure a targeted passage of the superheated steam by the sawdust or wood chips.

From the WO 2012/080391 A1 goes out a glow smoke generator on which a steam generator unit is arranged with a superheater. As a result, superheated steam should be produced, which is intended to be introduced into the Verschwelraum of the glow smoke generator. In the glow smoke generator described in this publication is due to the arranged on the Glimmraucherzeuger steam generator unit and introduced into the Verschwelraum steam the effect that the in the course of Glimmrauchverfahrens produced smoke has an increased water vapor content and further has a low Verschweltemperatur. Like from the WO 2012/080391 A1 As a result, this should make it possible to smoke foods in which the properties of smoked-smoked foods and smoked-smoke foods are partially combined.

The object of the invention is to provide a smoke generator which, compared with the prior art, provides improved possibilities for generating smoke.

The object is achieved with a smoke generator with the features of claim 1 as well as with a method for producing smoke with the features of claim 12. Further advantageous embodiments and developments will become apparent from the following description. One or more features of the claims, the description as well as the figures may be linked with one or more features thereof to further embodiments of the invention. In particular, one or more features of the independent claims may be replaced by one or more other features of the description and / or figures. The proposed claims are to be construed as a draft only, without, however, limiting the scope of the subject matter.

• – wenigstens einen Verschwelraum,
• – wenigstens eine innerhalb des Verschwelraums befindliche Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung zur Aufnahme von Schwelgut,
• – wenigstens ein innerhalb des Verschwelraums angeordnetes Heizelement,
• – wenigstens einen Schwelgutvorratsbehälter,
• – wenigstens einen Dampferzeuger, welcher mittels eines Dampfleiters mit dem Verschwelraum verbunden ist,
• – wenigstens eine Dampfleitermündung, mittels welcher der Dampfleiter in den Verschwelraum mündet.

A smoke generator for the production of smoke for smoking food is proposed. The smoke generator points to:

• - at least one Verschwelraum,
• At least one Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung located within the Verschwelraums for receiving Schwelgut,
• At least one heating element arranged inside the Verschwelraums,
• At least one Schwelgutvorratsbehälter,
• At least one steam generator, which is connected by means of a vapor conductor with the Verschwelraum,
• - At least one vapor conductor mouth, by means of which the vapor conductor opens into the Verschwelraum.

• – einen Dampfrauchbetrieb mit einer ausschließlichen Herstellung von Dampfrauch innerhalb des Verschwelraums und
• – einen Glimmrauchbetrieb mit einer ausschließlichen Herstellung von Glimmrauch innerhalb des Verschwelraums.

The smoke generator in this case has a selectability at least between two intended operating modes. The two operating modes are:

• - A steam smoke operation with an exclusive production of steam smoke within the Verschwelraums and
• - A smoldering operation with an exclusive production of glowing smoke within the Verschwelraums.

The term of carbonization here refers to material that is used for the production of smoke by means of chemical conversion of Schwelguts. Here, in particular, a blurring of the smoldering and a smoldering smoldering should be possible. In any case, the concept of revelation should in any case also include a possibility of glaring and not suggest a restriction of revelry to providence for sublimation processes.

As Verschwelraum that space is referred to, within which take place the chemical processes for bleaching and / or smoldering Schwelguts. It may be provided, for example, that the Verschwelraum merges without separation, for example, in an area within which a recording of already verschweltem and / or glaring Schwelgut, for example in the form of an ashes, is provided. An undivided transition to other premises, for example, in a space provided for the storage of Schwelgutnachschub premises may be provided. But also a separate transition, which at times can be opened, for example, by means of locks or valves, can be provided.

The Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung can be provided, for example, as a grid, grid or similar permeable devices for solid macroscopic components below a certain size of the smoldering Schwelguts. The design of the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung can be suitably designed in this case that the Schwelgut intended for use can be filled in not glimmered and / or not swollen state on the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung and remains positioned on this and not already falls through any openings provided, for example, in a collecting container , If appropriate, provided holes in the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung can then allow for a glaring and / or Verschwelen slipping through the openings provided. In this case, it may be provided, for example, that fuming leads to the production of ashes which fall through openings provided in the carbonous material receiving device into an ash container provided for receiving ash underneath the oiling device and are collected therein. Likewise, it may be provided, for example, that the shape and / or the consistency of the smoldering material is not changed during smoldering of the smoldering material, so that the smoldering material remains on the smoldering device during the complete process of smoldering. The latter is often the case, for example, in pyrolytic processes.

In one embodiment, for example, be provided that the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is formed as a rust. A further embodiment may provide that the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is formed as a grid. In an embodiment of the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung also provided, for example, be provided that the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is formed as a flat or curved plate. A further exemplary embodiment provides that the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is interchangeable. An interchangeability of Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung may, for example, the advantage that, in accordance with a respectively provided process for this process a particularly suitable Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung can be used. Thus, for example, a use of a Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung be provided with larger openings for use of Schwelgut with parts of coarser dimensions, such as coarse chips, as for example, for use of Schwelgut with particles smaller extent, for example sawdust. Likewise, for example, it may be provided that a Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is used for a glowing process, which has smaller openings for falling through of ashes, while for example, a Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung with larger openings may be provided for a Schwelprozess, as appropriate, no ash is produced, but in some cases the openings favor the distribution of superheated steam introduced into the plenum. For the constructive implementation of a use of exchangeable Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtungen can be provided, for example, that the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is held within the Verschwelraums by rails and easily by replacing a Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung and introducing another Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung a replacement can be made.

The heating element may be any type of heating element. For example, it may be a heating element which is heated by passing hot fluids, such as hot oil, hot water or hot steam. In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided, in particular, that the heating element is an electrical heating element. For example, it can be provided that the electrical heating element has at least one current-carrying heating coil, wherein usually the heating coil is electrically insulated from the wood chips to be heated.

The heating element is in this case arranged within the Verschwelraums, wherein, for example, an arrangement of the heating element within the Verschwelraums slightly below, slightly above and / or in an inlet towards the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is arranged. This results in the advantage that even with a filling of only small amounts of Schwelgut already efficient heating of the carbonization is possible because there is only a small distance to the Schwelgut or even a touch of the heating element with the Schwelgut. In a further embodiment of the smoke generator, for example, be provided that the heating element is part of the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung.

The term Schwelgutvorratsbehälters is to be understood that within the Schwelgutvorratsbehälters a Schwelgut is stored, which is provided for the production of smoke and / or during manufacture smoke for a continuous, quasi-continuous and / or discrete filling of Schwelgut in the Verschwelraum , It can be provided in particular that the Schwelgutvorratsbehälter is located above the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung, resulting in the advantage that a feeding of Schwelgut on the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is already possible solely by the use of gravity. But other constructions for an arrangement of a Schwelgutvorratsbehälters may be provided. For example, it may be provided that, for example by means of a feed mechanism, feeding of Schwelgut to the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is provided. Examples of this could be, for example, conveyor belt devices, gripper arms or the like.

The term of the steam generator designates in a preferred embodiment of a device for generating superheated steam from a low-pressure saturated steam. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the low-pressure saturated steam is introduced into the steam generator via an inlet device. Typical inlet pressures may be approximately in the range between 0.4 bar and 0.6 bar, preferably at approximately 0.5 bar. The steam generator also has at least one superheater, which is provided for overheating the saturated steam to produce superheated steam. Furthermore, it can be provided that the steam generator has a steam trap for draining condensate. However, it can also be provided that the low pressure saturated steam is produced within the steam generator by a separate unit of the steam generator. Other possible preparations may be provided.

To connect the steam generator with the Verschwelraum can be provided, for example, that a arranged on the steam generator steam outlet is connected to the Verschwelraum. The term of the connection can hereby on the one hand have a non-destructive detachable, but also a permanent connection. Also, a single connector may be included under the term of the connection. The connection of the steam generator by means of a steam conductor is not intended to preclude the steam generator being arranged directly on the smoke generator and / or the Verschwelraum, for example in an embodiment that the Verschwelraum and the steam generator form a unit.

Following the course of the vapor conductor, the steam exits at the vapor conductor mouth. This vapor conductor is expediently located within the Verschwelraums. In this case, it is provided that the vapor conductor orifice is positioned in such a way that the orifice is located inside decoys located on the carbonaceous material receiving device. Consequently, the vapor conductor mouth is expediently arranged at a position at which the vapor conductor mouth is covered with reveling material after filling the carbonaceous material receiving device for producing smoke, in particular for producing smoke in a steam smoking plant, that is to say that the vapor conductor mouth is located within a quantity of carbonization material is. For example, it can be provided that the vapor conductor mouth is penetrating the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung and immediately above the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung from a bottom of the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung. In a further embodiment, for example, be provided that the vapor conductor and / or the vapor conductor mouth is height adjustable. For example, it can be provided that a continuous or quasi-continuous height adjustment of the vapor conductor opening occurs during the production of steam smoke.

By the described embodiments of the smoke generator, for example, it is ensured that apparatus steam smoke operation with an exclusive production of steam smoke within the Verschwelraums is just as possible as a glow smoke operation with an exclusive production of glow smoke within the Verschwelraums. The concept of selectivity between at least two modes of operation is to be understood as meaning that it is possible to actively act on the smoke generator so that either a steam smoke operation or a glow smoke operation takes place, whereby a selection can be made actively. This ensures that the smoke generator has at least one Verschwelraum within which according to the selection made either a steam smoke operation or a glow smoke operation can take place, the success of a steam smoke operation or a glow smoke operation is selectable. The advantage of this is that any time either a steam smoke operation or a glow smoke operation can take place in the same Verschwelraum. This results in particular the advantage that the expenditure on equipment for providing both manufacturing processes for smoke is significantly reduced and also necessary for a positioning of the smoke generator footprint is reduced.

In one embodiment of the smoke generator can be provided in this case that only the two operating modes of a steam smoke operation and a glow smoke operation are provided. In such an embodiment, the smoke generator has a selectability from exactly two intended operating modes, the intended operating modes being the steam smoke operation and the glow smoke operation.

In another embodiment of the smoke generator can be provided that at least the two operating modes of a steam smoke operation and a glow smoke operation are provided, in addition to these two modes of operation, however, further operating modes are possible.

In one embodiment of the smoke generator can be provided that the smoke generator has a selection means. The selection means is a selection means for selecting one of the two intended operating modes of a steam smoke operation and a glow smoke operation, wherein the selection of one of the two provided operating modes of a steam smoke operation and a glow smoke operation can be performed as a selection operation which can be performed in a discrete step. A selection of one of the two intended operating modes of a steam smoke operation and a glow smoke operation is to be understood that a selection of the two provided operating modes of the steam smoke operation and the glow smoke operation can take place as often as desired, but within the at least one Verschwelraums at any time either only a steam smoke operation or only a glow smoke operation can be made, but no simultaneous steam smoke and glow smoke operation. However, it should not be ruled out that other operating modes other than the steam smoke operation and the glow smoke operation are provided at a time other than the above-mentioned operation modes of a steam smoke operation and a glow smoke operation, for example, a maintenance operation, a purge operation, or similar operation modes.

The selection means may be provided such that the selection means is a manually operable selection means, for example a manually operable valve. It can also be provided that the selection means are a group of interacting selection sub-agents, which interact with each other, for example, in AND and / or OR links. For example, the selection means may also be cooperative mechanical and manually operable selection means. It can also be provided that the selection means is an electronic control, by means of which corresponding mechanical devices, for example valves, are actuated automatically after actuation.

In a further embodiment of the smoke generator can be provided that the vapor conductor opening of the vapor conductor opens within the Verschwelraums in an area of the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung. In particular, it can be provided that the vapor conductor mouth opens on a same level in which the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is located.

In addition, it can be provided, for example, that the vapor conductor opening of the vapor conductor is arranged offset by a distance from the surface of the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung. Advantage of the mouth of the vapor conductor mouth of the vapor conductor within the Verschwelraums is that steam smoke is generated by Verschwelen the Schwelguts by means of superheated steam by the emerging from the Dampfleitermündung overheated steam flows through the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung located Schwelgut. It can also be provided that the vapor conductor opening is positioned outside the Verschwelraums on the other side of the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung and exiting the vapor conductor mouth steam must first flow through the permeable Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung and then into the Schwelgut.

In a further embodiment of the smoke generator, a vapor outlet device can be arranged on the vapor conductor mouth. The purpose of this steam outlet device is to be, for example, to effect a guided outlet of the steam from the vapor conductor mouth, in order to effect and / or to improve an entry of the vapor into the Schwelgut. Another possible purpose of the steam outlet device may be, for example, that the steam outlet device ensures protection of the vapor conductor mouth from permeable material entering the vapor conductor mouth.

The fact that the vapor conductor mouth opens within the Verschwelraums in a range of Schwelgutaufnahmerichtung to cause generation of steam smoke by Verschwelen the Schwelguts by means of superheated steam, for example, may have the disadvantage that Schwelgut can get into the vapor conductor. In order to avoid the possible disadvantages associated therewith, it can be provided that a vapor outlet device arranged at the vapor conductor mouth is correspondingly constructed in order to prevent the sludge from slipping into the vapor conductor.

In particular, it may be provided, for example, that the steam outlet device is configured such that the steam is released as unhindered and guided out of the vapor conductor mouth, on the other hand, however, penetration of Schwelgut through the vapor conductor mouth into the vapor conductor can not be done. Furthermore, there is advantageously the effect that the discharge of steam from the vapor conductor mouth for entry into the Schwelgüt takes place in that the most efficient Verschwelen the Schwelguts results by corresponding, in particular chemical, processes during the flow through the Schwelguts by superheated steam. For this purpose, it may be provided that the steam outlet device fulfills the purpose of causing the discharge of the steam in a guide distributed as evenly as possible.

In a further embodiment of the smoke generator, the smoke generator can be designed such that the steam outlet device at least partially circulates the vapor conductor opening.

The fact that the steam outlet device at least partially circumscribes the steam conductor opening causes the steam to be distributed when the steam is discharged from the steam conductor mouth, thereby causing an efficient blistering of the carbonization material within the Verschwel space. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the smoke generator, this effect is further enhanced by the fact that the steam outlet device completely circumscribes the vapor conductor opening. Circulation of the steam outlet device through the vapor conductor mouth is to be understood as meaning that a normal standing on a cross section of an opening of the vapor conductor is circulated by the vapor outlet device. It is particularly preferred here that this circulation is complete and following a rotationally symmetrical course. In particular, it can also be provided that the normal passing through the opening cross section is circulated in a circular, jacket-shaped or spherical manner.

In one embodiment of the smoke generator can be provided that the steam outlet device is designed as a grid. It can be provided that the vapor conductor mouth is covered with a grid. The grid can be considered as even Be formed mesh, which is arranged adjacent to the vapor conductor opening at an edge of the vapor conductor opening. In another embodiment of the grid can be provided that the grid includes a cavity of any shape and the vapor conductor mouth is positioned within the cavity. In particular, it can also be provided, for example, that the grid is formed as part of a spherical surface or as part of a jacket of a prism. The grid in this case in particular causes that a uniform escape of the vapor from the vapor conductor mouth is effected, and that a protection of the vapor conductor takes place before the entry of Schwelgut. The term lattice is to be understood as meaning that the lattice is characterized in that a plurality of openings are located in a surface of the lattice. Thus, for example, in the word usage used here, a sieve is likewise encompassed by the term of a grid.

A further embodiment of the smoke generator may provide that the vapor outlet device is designed as a concentric outlet opening. The term concentric outlet opening is to be understood as meaning that a normal of the vapor conductor opening is circulated by an outlet opening. In a preferred embodiment of the outlet opening, this is an elliptical, preferably circular circulation of the vapor conductor mouth. In an exemplary embodiment, in which the concentric outlet opening along a parallels the course of the normal of the vapor conductor mouth has only small expansions, which are smaller than the expansions, which have typical particles contained in the Schwelgut, is also by a concentric outlet opening a penetration of Schwelgut placed in the vapor conductor. Due to the concentricity of a corresponding exemplary embodiment of the outlet opening, the further advantage that a uniform distribution of the steam takes place at the exit from the vapor conductor opening.

In a further embodiment of the smoke generator, it may be provided, for example, that the steam outlet device is designed as an outlet hood. In this case, the term of the outlet hood designates in particular an approximately hood-like construction which, when the vapor following the vapor conductor mouth runs along a normal of the vapor conductor mouth, results in an impact of the vapor on a surface of the outlet hood and thereby at least partially forces a reverse flow of the vapor. By this reverse flow, the effect can be effected, that also areas of the amount of Schwelguts are flowed through, which take place not only in the forward of the vapor conductor mouth half space, but also in the other half space. In this way, the efficiency of the flow through the Schwelguts be further increased by the effluent from the vapor conductor mouth steam.

For an optimized combination of the advantages of the above-described or other embodiments of the steam outlet device it can be provided that at least two of the described ones or at least one of the described are combined with other embodiments of the steam outlet devices in order to effect an optimum flow of the vapor through the Schwelgut.

In a further embodiment of the smoke generator can be provided that the heating element is arranged directly below the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung and / or is integrated in the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung.

In a further embodiment of the smoke generator, it may be provided, for example, that an air supply line is arranged on the smoke generator for supplying air into the Verschwelraum inside. The air supply line can in this case be formed with its opening on an outer shell of the smoke generator final, but it can also be provided that the air supply line leads into the smoke generator into, for example, to effect a targeted supply of air into a specific area of the smoke generator.

Likewise it can be provided that a system of several air supply lines is provided, for example a system of air supply lines, in which an air supply takes place at different positions of the Verschwelraums. A further embodiment of the smoke generator can be provided, in which an air supply line takes place at other locations of the smoke generator. For example, it can be provided that the supply of air through the air supply takes place in a region of the smoke generator, which is separated from the Verschwelraum, but not airtight separated from this, so that, for example, a diffusion and / or convection of the air to the Verschwelraum done can. In a preferred embodiment it can be provided that at least one turbomachine is arranged on the air supply line. For example, the turbomachine may be a fan. Advantage of an air supply line, which is arranged on the smoke generator that an air supply can be controlled in the Verschwelraum. The controlled air is a condition, in particular, for successfully producing glow smoke, since the glow process necessary for generating glow smoke has a consumption of oxygen. The control and / or controllability of the supply of air in the Verschwelraum is required in particular for the reason that would be at a low air intake, the glowing would come to a standstill and would be at too high air intake of the glowing process in a fire.

In particular, be provided, for example, that the air supply line is arranged in a region of the Verschwelraums. However, it can also be provided that the air supply line is arranged in a region of the smoke generator located below the carbonaceous material receiving device on the smoke generator. It can also be provided that more than one air supply line are arranged in one or more different areas of the smoke generator. It can be provided that the more than one air supply line are supplied with a source or with multiple sources. In each of these cases, it can be provided that an air supply in different air supply lines is set, controlled and / or regulated the same or independently of one another.

In one embodiment of the smoke generator can be provided that the smoke generator comprises a control device for controlling an air supply to the Verschwelraum during the production of smoke. For example, it can be provided that control of an air supply takes place in the Verschwelraum during production of glow smoke. It can also be provided that a control of a filling of Schwelgut from the Schwelgutvorratsbehälter to the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung takes place during the production of smoke. The filling of Schwelgut from the Schwelgutvorratsbehälter to the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung can be controlled to the effect that the filling takes place as a continuous filling and / or quasi-continuous Zufüllen.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the smoke generator has a control device in which the previously described control is replaced by a control.

Furthermore, it may be provided that a combination of a controller and a controller is provided for one or more of the described and / or further setting variables during the production of smoke.

But also a possibility of manual adjustment of one or more of the described and / or further adjustment variables for the production of smoke can be provided.

In a further embodiment of the smoke generator can be provided that the smoke generator has at least one agitator, wherein the agitator has at least one stirrer. By means of this stirrer stirring of the carbonization can be carried out at least temporarily during the production of smoke. Advantage of a stirrer may be, for example, that already smoldered Schwelgut is mixed with not yet verschwelem Schwelgut, so that in the production of glow smoke is still not glimmered Schwelgut in contact with the heating element and / or always not verschweltes Schwelgut is flowed through by steam. A further advantage may be that during the production of glow smoke by maintaining a glowing process in the Schwelgut the already glimmed Schwelgut having, for example, a consistency of ash, by means of stirring in the case of a permeable Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung by means of stirring by this Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung falls and / or is pressed. In a further embodiment of the smoke generator can be provided that the stirrer has a surface which is in contact or almost in contact with a surface of the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung. This results in the advantage that a pressing of smoldering Schwelgut is favored by an opening of the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung. In other embodiments, for example, it may also be provided that more than one stirrer is arranged on the agitator.

Preferably, the stirrer is arranged on the agitator, that during the stirring of the Schwelguts the vapor conductor opening is circulated through the stirrer. This can be implemented constructively, for example, in that the agitator has a revolving axis and the stirrer is arranged eccentrically extending away from this revolving axis.

A further embodiment of the smoke generator can provide that the steam generator is formed within a separate steam generator housing. Advantage of a separate steam generator housing is that the steam generator housing can be positioned independently of the part of the smoke generator, which includes the Verschwelraum. This results in, for example, the advantage of greater flexibility in the installation of the smoke generator and optionally a simplified vornehmbarer maintenance and / or repair process, possibly against a conscious acceptance of a possibly less compact design of the smoke generator.

• – Zufüllen von Schwelgut aus einem Schwelgutvorratsbehälter auf eine in einem Verschwelraum eines Raucherzeugers befindliche Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung,
• – Auswählen eines Betriebsmodus aus wenigstens zwei vorgesehenen Betriebsmodi
• – eines Dampfrauchbetriebs mit einer ausschließlichen Herstellung von Dampfrauch innerhalb des Verschwelraums und
• – eines Glimmrauchbetriebs mit einer ausschließlichen Herstellung von Glimmrauch innerhalb des Verschwelraums,
• – Erzeugen von Rauch innerhalb des Verschwelraums gemäß dem ausgewählten Betriebsmodus.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of producing smoke for smoking food. At least the following steps are taken for the production of smoke:

• Filling of Schwelgut from a Schwelgutvorratsbehälter on a located in a Verschwelraum a smoke generator Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung,
• Selecting an operating mode from at least two intended operating modes
• - A steam smoke operation with an exclusive production of steam smoke within the Verschwelraums and
• A smoldering operation with the exclusive production of glowing smoke within the polluting space,
• Generating smoke within the blaze space according to the selected operating mode.

Advantage of this method is that within an identical Verschwelraums both an exclusive production of steam smoke within the Verschwelraums and an exclusive production of glow smoke within the Verschwelraums is possible.

The steam smoke operation and the glow smoke operation can in this case, for example, in any order and for any time periods alternate. For this purpose, it can be provided that between two modes of operation other Schwelgut is admitted or the same Schwelgut is used. Also, a use of the same Schwelguts be provided. For example, it can be provided that in a first step with a Schwelgut smoke in the steam smoke operation is generated and in a second step with the same Schwelgut smoke is generated in the glow smoke operation.

In one embodiment of the method, superheated steam is generated in the steam smoke operation. The superheated steam is generated here by means of a steam generator connected to the Verschwelraum. Via a vapor conductor mouth of a vapor conductor, the superheated vapor then passes into a region of the carbonaceous material receiving device in the Verschwelraum. When it exits, the steam flows out of the vapor conductor mouth and flows thereafter the Schwelgut, whereby a Verschwelen the Schwelguts is effected.

The passage of the superheated steam through the Schwelgut through is to be understood as meaning that the steam flows through an accumulation of Schwelgut located on the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung until it emerges from the accumulation of Schwelgut or it is converted by means of chemical reaction within the Schwelguts. It is quite possible that not all Schwelgut located on the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is flowed through by the superheated steam. For example, it can be provided that the flow rate of the vapor flowing out of the vapor conductor mouth can be individually adjusted, controlled and / or regulated just as the amount of carbonization present on the heavy material receiving device, wherein, for example, the type of food to be smoked, the size of the in the Schwelgut containing parts or about their material composition can be considered.

It is preferably provided that the steam is distributed as evenly as possible on its exit from the vapor conductor mouth. In this case, the most uniform possible distribution can be effected in particular by means of a device, for example a steam outlet device, arranged at a vapor conductor mouth. The steam outlet device can in this case be designed with the objective of effecting an optimized, uniform distribution of the steam after it leaves the carbonaceous material receiving device.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the superheated steam at its exit from the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung has a temperature in a range between 360 ° C and 420 ° C, preferably between 380 ° C and 400 ° C. According to the distance to be traveled by the steam from the steam generator to the vapor conductor mouth, the temperature of the superheated vapor to be generated within the steam generator can be adjusted to the extent that the desired outlet temperature is reached accordingly.

In a further embodiment of the method it can be provided that in the smoldering operation a smoldering of the smoldering material is effected by means of a heating element arranged in a region of the smear material receiving device. It can be provided that the smoldering of Schwelguts is effected by direct contact of Schwelgut with the heating element. It can also be provided that a smoldering of the smoother is effected by means of a heating element arranged at a distance from the Schwelgut, in particular by radiant heat. Furthermore, it can be provided that a smoldering of the smoldering material by means of already smoldering smoldering is effected, for example, by exciting an initial smoldering with the heating element. Furthermore, it can be provided that a control and / or a regulation takes place, which initiates a reignition of the glow process and / or changes a temperature of the heating element in case of imminent termination of the glow process.

In a further embodiment of the method for producing smoke for smoking food can be provided, an air supply in the Verschwelraum via a on the Verschwelraum arranged to cause air supply line. In the case of the air supply, this can be a targeted air supply, for example by means of a turbomachine, such as a fan, or else by a natural air supply. The natural air supply can be done, for example, the use of natural convection.

The term air, in the use made throughout the text of necessary atmospheric oxygen, refers to a necessary oxygen content required to maintain glowing operation. The term air may therefore refer to both an ambient atmosphere and an artificially created atmosphere containing a proportion of oxygen and any other gases. It is only important that an amount of oxygen is supplied.

It can be provided that the air supply is controlled. It can preferably be provided that the air supply is regulated, wherein at least one measurement variable relating to a particular gravity chamber is used as the manipulated variable. The aim is, for example, to effect a controlled maintenance of the fuming of Verschwelguts in the smoldering operation. As a measured variable, for example, a partial pressure of CO, CO ₂ , O ₂ , or other gases or a ratio of two or more of the existing gases or other gases can be used. Also, control and / or regulation may be based on optical analysis of the smog. An adjustment of the air supply, for example, controlled and / or regulated, in this case, for example, via an adjustment of a flow velocity of a turbomachine, a setting of a variable cross-section of an air supply line, for example by means of a valve and / or a combination of both.

A further embodiment of the method may provide that the Schwelgut located on the heavy material receiving device during the production of smoke is stirred continuously or quasi-continuously. The aim of a continuous or quasi-continuous stirring of the carbonization during the production of smoke is as uniform as possible smoldering and / or smoldering Schwelguts. In particular, the goal of a continuous or quasi-continuous stirring of the carbonization during the production of smoke is to effect a uniform as possible Verschwelen in the steam smoke operation. A further aim of a continuous or quasi-continuous stirring of the smoulder during the production of smoke is the most uniform possible smoldering of smoldering in the smoldering operation. The stirring is here in particular in the smoldering in the smoldering essential, since in addition to a uniform as possible smoldering Schwelguts also a drop of ash generated during smoldering caused, for example, by an opening in the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung, so verschweltes Schwelgut example in a below the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung provided ash container falls.

In particular, a use of the smoke generator described for the production of smoke for smoking food is provided.

Further advantageous embodiments and developments will become apparent from the following figures. However, the details and features of the figures are not limited to these. Rather, one or more features having one or more features from the above description may be linked to new designs. In particular, the following explanations do not serve as a restriction of the respective scope of protection, but rather explain individual features as well as a possible interaction with one another.

Show it:

1 a smoke generator based on the principle of operation of glow smoke generation according to the prior art;

2 : a smoke generator based on the functional principle of steam smoke generation;

3 : a smoke generator according to the invention in a side view in section;

4 a region of the Verschwelraums to illustrate a design of a steam outlet device in a side view in section;

5 a region of the Verschwelraums to illustrate a further embodiment of a steam outlet device in a side view in section;

6 FIG. 2: a section of the Verschwelraums for illustrating a further embodiment of a steam outlet device in a side view in section.

The in 1 shown smoke generator 101 is a side view in section a smoke generator based on the principle of smoke generation by means of glow smoke operation according to the prior art. How 1 it can be seen, the smoke generator has a Verschwelraum 102 on. In the Verschwelraum 102 is a lot of Schwelgut 120 shown. The Schwelgut 120 is here on a designed as a rust Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung 103 positioned. Below the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is a heating element 104 arranged. A heating of the Schwelguts 120 by means of the heating element 104 results in a suitably adjusted proportion of oxygen in the Verschwelraum 102 to a glimmer of smoldering 120 , In addition to a very uniform distribution for fuming, the stirring with the stirrer leads 114 also to a falling through of ash arising during smoldering in the ash container 121 , At the Verschwelraum 102 is also an air supply line 110 arranged, which in the embodiment shown, a first air inlet 125a in an area of the blaze space 102 and a second air inlet 125b in an area below the Schwelguts 120 having. Here, for example, be provided that the means of the first air inlet 125a and the second air intake 125b can be changed independently by means of independently operable adjustment means. For introducing air into the blaze room 102 and in an area below the smoldering 120 is designed as a fan turbomachine 118 intended. Above the blaze room 102 is a Schwelgutvorrats 105 arranged. The Schwelgutvorbehälter 105 is by means of a valve 122 from the Verschwelraum 102 separated. Inside the Schwelgutvorratsbehälter 105 there is a Schwelgutvorrat 120b , After a glimmering of a portion of the Schwelguts 120 can the valve 122 be opened and thereby further Schwelgut from the Schwelgutvorrat 120b to the Schwelgut 120 be added. The agitator 123 extends in the 1 to be removed embodiment axially through the Schwelgutvorratsbehälter 105 and is by means of a above the Schwelgutvorratsbehälters arranged agitator motor 124 operated.

Of the 2 is a smoke generator 201 in the design of a smoke generator provided for a steam smoke operation 201 represented according to the prior art. A steam entrance 27a is provided in which saturated steam is admitted. The saturated steam is then over a superheater 27b directed, by means of which the temperature of the saturated steam is increased to overheat the saturated steam. During this process accumulating condensate is via a steam trap 27c dissipated. The superheated steam is then added to a vapor smoke smoldering room 28 in which the superheated steam by means of steaming in the Dampfrauchverschwelraum 28 Schwelgut produced fumes produced. The steam smoke is then over the smoke outlet 29 from the steam smoke generator 1 executed. A burn-up during smoldering smoldering is via a lock 30 from the steam smoke smoldering room 28 reaching into a specially provided burn-off container 31 guided. Accumulating condensate is transferred via a condensate line 32 in a lower part of the steam smoke generator 1 arranged steam trap 27c dissipated. The Dampfrauchverschwelraum 28 is based on a Schwelgutzufuhr 33 and a Schwelgutvorratsbehältnis 34 about a Schwelguttransport 35 in the supply room 28 directed. The Schwelguttransport 35 is in this case designed as a screw, so that a blazing only from a designated amount within the supply room 28 is provided.

3 an inventive smoke generator can be seen. The in 3 shown smoke generator 1 is a side view in section a smoke generator based on the principle of smoke generation by means of glow smoke operation according to the prior art. How 3 it can be seen, the smoke generator has a Verschwelraum 2 on. In the Verschwelraum 2 is a lot of Schwelgut 20 shown. The Schwelgut 20 is here on a designed as a rust Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung 3 positioned. Below the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung is a heating element 4 arranged. A heating of the Schwelguts 20 by means of the heating element 4 results in a suitably adjusted proportion of oxygen in the Verschwelraum 2 to a glimmer of smoldering 20 , In addition to a very uniform distribution for fuming, the stirring with the stirrer leads 14 also to a falling through of ash arising during smoldering in the ash container 21 , At the Verschwelraum 2 is also an air supply line 10 arranged, which in the embodiment shown, a first air inlet 25a in one area of the blaze room and a second air inlet 25b in an area below the Schwelguts has. Here, for example, be provided that the means of the first air inlet 25a and the second air intake 25b can be changed independently by means of independently operable adjustment means. For a discharge of air into the Verschwelraum and in an area below the Schwelguts is designed as a fan turbomachine 18 intended. Above the blaze room 2 is a Schwelgutvorrats 5 arranged. The Schwelgutvorbehälter 5 is by means of a valve 22 from the Verschwelraum 2 separated. Inside the Schwelgutvorratsbehälter 5 there is a Schwelgutvorrat 20b , After a glimmering of a portion of the Schwelguts 20 can the valve 22 be opened and thereby further Schwelgut from the Schwelgutvorrat 20b to the Schwelgut 20 be added. The agitator 23 extends in the 3 to be removed embodiment axially through the Schwelgutvorratsbehälter 5 and is by means of a above the Schwelgutvorratsbehälters arranged agitator motor 24 operated. The above-described features of the 3 to be taken smoke generator are exemplified by the 1 similar to those shown to be taken smoke generator. Furthermore, the is the 3 to be taken smoke generator in a separate steam generator housing 11 arranged steam generator 6 refer to. The steam generator 6 has, among other things, a superheater 37 for overheating in the steam generator 6 initiated steam, for example, low pressure saturated steam. For discharging condensate accumulating during the superheated, the steam generator has at least one steam trap 38 on. Starting from the steam generator 6 leads a steam ladder 7 in the poll space 2 into it. The Verschwelraum 2 This is from below the designed as a rust Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung 3 through the vapor conductor 7 pierced, so that the vapor conductor mouth 8th within the amount of revelry 20 located. The vapor conductor mouth 8th is designed in the embodiment shown as a circular opening of a tube designed as a circular cross-section conductor. The vapor conductor mouth 8th encompassing axially is designed as a grid steam outlet device 12 arranged. The one in the blaze room 2 smoke is generated via a smoke outlet 36 the Indian 3 not shown smoke system supplied within which the smoking of food takes place.

Of the 4 is the fiery space 2 to take in an enlarged view. The Verschwelraum 2 is how he is 4 can be seen, according to the embodiment of the 3 shown to be taken smoke generator.

Of the 5 is another embodiment of a Verschwelraums 2 refer to. In contrast to the 4 to be removed embodiment of Verschwelraums is the 5 to be removed embodiment of Verschwelraums 2 the vapor outlet device as a concentric outlet opening 16 educated.

Of the 6 is another embodiment of a Verschwelraums 2 can be seen in a side view in cross section. As an essential difference to the in 5 the embodiment shown is in 6 As shown embodiment, the steam outlet device as an outlet hood 17 designed.

Of the 7 is a schematic representation of a smoke generator 1 to be taken with a selection means 9 connected is. The selection tool 9 has a switch here 39 , which can take two positions. By operating the switch, a choice is made between the two selectable operating modes of a steam smoke operation and a glow smoke operation.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2012/080391 A1 [0007, 0007]

Claims (11)

Smoke generator ( 1 ) for the production of smoke for the smoking of foodstuffs, for example for the smoking of food in a smoke generator ( 1 ), whereby the smoke generator ( 1 ): - at least one Verschwelraum ( 2 ), - at least one within the Verschwelraum ( 2 ) located Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung ( 3 ) for receiving Schwelgut, - at least one arranged within the Verschwelraums heating element ( 4 ), - at least one Schwelgutvorratsbehälter ( 5 ), - at least one steam generator ( 6 ), which by means of a vapor conductor ( 7 ) with the Verschwelraum ( 2 ), - at least one vapor conductor mouth ( 8th ), by means of which the vapor conductor ( 7 ) in the Verschwelraum ( 2 ), the smoke generator ( 1 ) a selectability at least between two intended operating modes - a steam smoke operation with an exclusive production of steam smoke within the Verschwelraums ( 2 ) and - a smoldering operation with the exclusive production of glowing smoke within the Verschwelraum ( 2 ) having. Smoke generator ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the smoke generator ( 1 ) a selection means ( 9 ) for selecting one of the two provided operating modes of a steam smoke operation and a glow smoke operation by means of a selectable in a discrete step selection process. Smoke generator ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the vapor conductor mouth ( 8th ) of the vapor conductor ( 7 ) within the blaze space ( 2 ) in an area of the spoil receiving device ( 3 ) leads to the production of steam smoke by smoldering of Schwelguts by means of superheated steam by the from the Dampfleitermündung ( 8th ) exiting superheated steam on the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung ( 3 ) Schwelgut flows through. Smoke generator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the vapor conductor mouth ( 8th ) a steam outlet device ( 12 ) is arranged for effecting a guided, preferably evenly distributed, exhausting the steam from the vapor conductor mouth ( 8th ) to enter the Schwelgut and / or to protect the vapor conductor mouth ( 8th ) against penetration of Schwelgut into the vapor conductor mouth ( 8th ). Smoke generator ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the vapor outlet device ( 12 ) the vapor conductor mouth ( 8th ) at least partially, preferably completely, and preferably completely following a rotationally symmetrical course, rotates. Smoke generator ( 1 ) according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the vapor outlet device ( 12 ) as - grid ( 15 ), - concentric outlet opening ( 16 ), - outlet hood ( 17 ), preferably as a conical outlet hood ( 17 ) or - a combination of two or three of the grids ( 15 ), concentric outlet opening ( 16 ) and / or outlet hood ( 17 ). Smoke generator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating element ( 4 ) immediately below the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung ( 3 ) is arranged and / or in the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung ( 3 ) is integrated. Smoke generator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one air supply line ( 10 ) is arranged on the smoke generator for supplying air into the Verschwelraum ( 2 ), preferably with at least one of the air supply line ( 10 ), preferably designed as a fan, turbomachine ( 18 ). Smoke generator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the smoke generator ( 1 ) - a control device ( 19 ) for controlling an air supply into the Verschwelraum ( 2 ) during the production of smoke, for example during the glow smoke operation, and / or for controlling a continuous during the production of smoke and / or quasi-continuous filling of Schwelgut from the Schwelgutvorratsbehälter ( 5 ) to the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung ( 3 ), - has a regulating device for regulating an air supply, for example during the glow smoke operation, and / or for regulating a continuous during the production of smoke and / or quasi-continuous filling of Schwelgut from the Schwelgutvorratsbehälter ( 5 ) to the Schwelgutaufnahmevorrichtung ( 3 ) and / or a combination thereof. Smoke generator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the smoke generator ( 1 ) at least one agitator ( 13 ) with at least one stirrer ( 14 ) For stirring the Schwelguts at least temporarily during the production of smoke, preferably with a Circulation of the vapor conductor mouth ( 8th ) through the stirrer ( 14 ) during a stirring of the smoldering material. Smoke generator ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steam generator ( 6 ) within a separate steam generator housing ( 11 ) is trained.

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