EP2225518B1 - Zeolite dehydration unit - Google Patents

Zeolite dehydration unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2225518B1
EP2225518B1 EP08872312.7A EP08872312A EP2225518B1 EP 2225518 B1 EP2225518 B1 EP 2225518B1 EP 08872312 A EP08872312 A EP 08872312A EP 2225518 B1 EP2225518 B1 EP 2225518B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cassette
container
enclosure
installation according
support
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP08872312.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2225518A2 (en
Inventor
Gilles Beurel
Dominique Boutaud
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MILLENNIUM ENERGY
Original Assignee
Millerail
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Millerail filed Critical Millerail
Publication of EP2225518A2 publication Critical patent/EP2225518A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2225518B1 publication Critical patent/EP2225518B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B21/00—Arrangements or duct systems, e.g. in combination with pallet boxes, for supplying and controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
    • F26B21/06—Controlling, e.g. regulating, parameters of gas supply
    • F26B21/08—Humidity
    • F26B21/083—Humidity by using sorbent or hygroscopic materials, e.g. chemical substances, molecular sieves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B5/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat
    • F26B5/04—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum
    • F26B5/044—Drying solid materials or objects by processes not involving the application of heat by evaporation or sublimation of moisture under reduced pressure, e.g. in a vacuum for drying materials in a batch operation in an enclosure having a plurality of shelves which may be heated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B9/00—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards
    • F26B9/06—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards in stationary drums or chambers
    • F26B9/066—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards in stationary drums or chambers the products to be dried being disposed on one or more containers, which may have at least partly gas-previous walls, e.g. trays or shelves in a stack

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dehydration plant using more particularly zeolites as adsorption means.
  • the invention is particularly intended for the dehydration of food products whose organoleptic qualities must be preserved.
  • a zeolite is a material comprising pores with a diameter greater than the smallest dimension of a water molecule and electrical charges attracting water molecules. These characteristics give the zeolite a water adsorption power of interest in the field of dehydration.
  • Dehydration by means of zeolites is generally carried out by means of an installation comprising an adjoining first enclosure and a second enclosure and in communication with each other.
  • the first chamber is designed to receive products to be dewatered and the second chamber receives zeolites and is equipped with an air suction pump contained in the enclosures.
  • the suction pump creates a vacuum in the enclosures that promotes the evaporation of the water contained in the products that are possibly heated. Water vapor passes into the second chamber where it is trapped in zeolites. This type of dehydration is particularly effective.
  • Such an installation comprises an enclosure, an air suction member contained in the enclosure, a product receptacle received in the enclosure and provided with an upper opening opposite which extends a bottom, permeable to air and with water, a cassette containing means for adsorbing moisture.
  • the cassette extends over the receptacle and defines therewith a compartment whose air is sucked through the adsorption means which maintain in the vicinity of the products the aromas which would escape during the evaporation of the water contained in the products.
  • the invention thus relates to a product dehydration installation, comprising an enclosure, an air suction member contained in the enclosure, a product receptacle received in the enclosure and provided with an upper opening facing of which extends a bottom, permeable to air and water, a cassette containing moisture adsorption means.
  • a seal extends between a periphery of the bottom of the cassette and an edge of the receptacle defining the opening.
  • the installation comprises means for relative movement of the cassette and the receptacle between a position of contact of the seal with the cassette and the edge of the receptacle and a detachment position of the seal and the cassette and / or the edge of the receptacle.
  • the enclosure contains at least one shelf, the receptacle and the cassette having side portions received in slides of a support, the cassette being suspended under an upper flange of the slides and the receptacle being movable between the contact position and the position in which the lateral parts of the receptacle rest on lower wings of the slideways, the support being movable between a high position in which the receptacle is detached from the shelf and rests by its lateral parts on the inner wings of the slides and a position in which the receptacle rests on the shelf and is in the contact position with respect to the cassette.
  • the seal is secured to a removable frame having surfaces of its lateral positioning on the receptacle and / or the cassette with, preferably, a lower peripheral rim. to which belong the lateral positioning surfaces and / or an upper peripheral rim to which the lateral positioning surfaces belong.
  • the positioning means ensures that the seal is in a correct position to perform its function.
  • the seal is made of a thermally insulating material.
  • the seal then makes it possible to isolate the heating means from the cassette by limiting heat transfer by conduction from the cassette to the receptacle.
  • a difference in temperature between the cassette and the products contained in the receptacle makes it possible to promote a condensation of the aromas.
  • the installation according to the invention comprises an enclosure generally designated at 1 which is delimited here by a blind tubular wall 2 having an open end sealingly closed by a door 3.
  • the chamber 1 is associated with an evacuation member schematized at 4 which comprises, in a manner known per se, a suction pump for the air contained in the chamber 1.
  • the shelves 20 are of thermally conductive material , here stainless steel or aluminum, and have an opposite edge to the passage 21 fixed to a pipe 22 for transporting a coolant ( figure 6 ).
  • the pipes 22 are substantially horizontal and are interconnected by collecting pipes 23 to form a circuit connected to a device 24 for heating and circulation of the coolant disposed outside the enclosure 1.
  • a module generally designated in 5 support of products to be dehydrated and zeolites is received in the chamber 1.
  • the support module 5 comprises a central armature 6 having two opposite faces 7 from which extend laterally projecting pairs of horizontal slideways 8 having a cross-sectional area. C with an upper wing 8.a and a lower wing 8.b (only one slide has been shown on the Figures 2 and 3 ).
  • Each pair of slides 8 receives a zeolite cassette 9.
  • Each cassette 9 comprises a bottom and an upper wall between which extend side walls having a height less than the distance between the wings 8.a, 8.b of the slides 8 between which the cassette 9 is received. More specifically, each cassette 9 has two opposite edges suspended under the upper wings 8.a, 8.b of the pair of slides 8 corresponding.
  • pins 10 extend from these projecting edges above the upper wall of the cassette 9 through openings 11 formed in the upper wings 8.a.
  • the pins 10 have a shouldered head and helical springs 12 extend around the pins 10 between the shoulder head and the wing 8.a.
  • the cassettes 9 receive unrepresented zeolites.
  • the upper part and the bottom of the cassettes 9 are formed by a grid (the bottom is represented symbolically on the Figures 2 and 3 ) having meshes retaining the zeolites while allowing the passage of air.
  • the grid forming the bottom has mesh allowing the passage of water vapor.
  • each pair of slides 8 are slidably received receptacles 13 to products.
  • Each receptacle 13 comprises a bottom and side walls of low height and has an upper opening 25 delimited by an edge 26. Two of the side walls, opposite to each other, are provided with the opposite of the bottom of a flange 14 projecting outwardly. Each flange 14 extends between the lower flange 8b and the corresponding cassette 9 so that the receptacle 13 extends under the cassette 9 and is vertically movable between two positions as will be explained later.
  • Each cassette assembly 9 / receptacle 13 has a height less than the distance separating two shelves 20.
  • the central armature 6 of the module 5 has an upper end secured to a carriage 15 suspended from an upper rail 16, parallel to the central axis of the enclosure 1, connected to the ceiling of the enclosure 1 by jacks 17 connected to a control unit, not visible in the figures, arranged to control the cylinders 17 so as to vertically move the rail 16 between a high position and a low position.
  • the central armature 6 of the module 5 has a lower end provided with rollers 18, vertical axes, rolling on two opposite faces of a lower rail 19 fixed in the lower part of the enclosure 1 parallel to the upper rail 16 to guide laterally the lower end of the central frame 6 of the module 5 and prevent it from swinging in the chamber 1.
  • a seal carrier frame 30 is removably received on each receptacle 13.
  • the seal carrier frame 30 comprises a web 31, horizontal and shaped corresponding to that of the upper opening 25 of the receptacle 13.
  • a seal 32 of thermally insulating material such as a silicone elastomer, is embedded in the inner periphery of the core 31. From the outer periphery of the core 31 project respectively upwardly and downwardly an upper rim 33 and a lower flange 34 forming lateral positioning surfaces of the seal carrier 30 relative to the cassette 9 on the one hand and the rim 14 of the receptacle 13 on the other hand.
  • the receptacle 13 on which the seal carrier 30 rests via the seal 32 is vertically movable in the slides 8 between a (high) contact position of the seal 32 with the cassette 9 and the edge 26 ( figure 2 ) and a position (low) of separation of the seal 32 and the cassette 9, the receptacle then resting by its edges 14 on the lower wings 8.b of the slides 8 ( figure 3 ).
  • the receptacles 13 are loaded with products to be dehydrated outside the enclosure 1 to facilitate loading.
  • a mobile gantry (not visible in the figures) provided with a rail which can be brought into the extension of the upper rail 16 so as to be able to completely out the module 5 of the enclosure 1.
  • the receptacles 13 are extracted from the slides 8 of the module 5 suspended from the gantry and loaded products to be dehydrated.
  • the seal-holder frame 30 is put back in place on each receptacle 13 which is then put back between the slideways 8.
  • the receptacles 13 are then in the detachment position.
  • the module 5 is then introduced into the chamber 1 by sliding it on the upper rail 16 in the high position so that below each shelf 20 extends a receptacle 13.
  • the door 3 is then closed.
  • the cylinders 17 are then controlled to bring the upper rail 16 in the low position.
  • the receptacles 13 come to bear against the shelves 20 and rest thereon and the cassettes 9 are brought into contact with the seals 32.
  • the receptacles are thus in the position of contact with respect to the cassettes 9. In the contact position, it will be noted that part of the weight of the cassette 9 is taken up by the slideways 8 via the springs 12 and is therefore not not on the receptacle 13 and therefore not on the corresponding shelf 20.
  • the door 3 is then closed and the suction pump of the vacuum means 4 is put into operation.
  • the air is then sucked into the enclosure 1.
  • the air escapes from the receptacles 13 through the upper opening 25 thereof and through the bottom grid of the cassettes 9 before passing through the zeolites to flow into the space between the cassettes 9, the shelves 20 and the enclosure 1.
  • the seal 31 is taken between the bottom of the cassette 9 and the flange 14 extending laterally outwardly from the edge 26 of the opening 25.
  • the air is evacuated from the enclosure by the pump of the vacuum means 4.
  • the water contained in the products evaporates.
  • the water vapor thus created follows the same path as the air to the zeolites in the pores from which it is trapped.
  • the products are thus progressively dehydrated.
  • the air of the receptacle is sucked through the zeolites so that most of the aromas can not escape from the receptacle 13, the zeolites limiting the passage thereof to the outside of the receptacle 13 in the manner of a molecular sieve. As the zeolites are very close to the products, the aromas are therefore maintained in the vicinity of the products.
  • Shelves 20 are heated to prevent products from freezing under the effect of dehydration and the pressure drop in the chamber 1. It is also possible to take advantage of the exothermic nature of the adsorption to heat the products or at least to take account of it in the regulation of the heating temperature of the shelves 20.
  • the adsorption of water causes a rise in temperature of the zeolites.
  • the heat generated at the zeolites of the cassettes 9 is communicated in part to the products by radiation and by conduction via the slides 8 and the receptacles 13.
  • the thermally insulating material used for the seal 32 makes it possible to better control this heat input. and to avoid excessive heating of the products.
  • the heating of the products also makes it possible to increase the evaporation of the water.
  • This heating is controlled by means of a thermal regulator according to the information provided by unrepresented temperature sensors disseminated in the module 5.
  • These temperature sensors comprise, for example, temperature probes that pass through a portion of the cassettes to have a protruding end protruding into the receptacle and an opposite end which protrudes from the cassette and is electrically connected to the regulating member.
  • each cassette comprises two passage openings of the temperature probes, at least one of which is provided with a seal.
  • the temperature probe can pass through the wall of the receptacle.
  • the thermal regulator can maintain a temperature difference between the products and the immediate environment thereof. For example, a temperature of 20 ° at the product level and 70 ° at the environment thereof can be maintained. This difference in temperature causes condensation on the products of aromas that are kept in the compartment.
  • the installation may have a geometry different from that described.
  • the cassettes may be fixed in the enclosure 1, as well as the support module, particularly when the installation is a relatively low capacity installation.
  • the module may have a different number of receptacles.
  • Shelves may not be associated with heating means.
  • the vertical movement of the receptacles with respect to the cassettes can be obtained by the use of dedicated actuators on board the modules or integral with the enclosure, acting directly on the receptacles and / or cassettes, regardless of association with seals.
  • the seal may be overmoulded or embedded directly on a peripheral edge of the product receptacle or on a rim of the cassette.
  • the grids of cassettes 9 can be replaced by any structure (eg mesh or fabric) or material permeable to air and water.

Description

La présente invention concerne une installation de déshydratation utilisant plus particulièrement des zéolithes comme moyens d'adsorption. L'invention est notamment destinée à la déshydratation de produits alimentaires dont les qualités organoleptiques doivent être conservées.The present invention relates to a dehydration plant using more particularly zeolites as adsorption means. The invention is particularly intended for the dehydration of food products whose organoleptic qualities must be preserved.

ARRIERE PLAN DE L'INVENTIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

On rappelle qu'une zéolithe est un matériau comportant des pores de diamètre supérieur à la plus petite dimension d'une molécule d'eau et des charges électriques attirant les molécules d'eau. Ces caractéristiques confèrent à la zéolithe un pouvoir d'adsorption de l'eau intéressant dans le domaine de la déshydratation.It is recalled that a zeolite is a material comprising pores with a diameter greater than the smallest dimension of a water molecule and electrical charges attracting water molecules. These characteristics give the zeolite a water adsorption power of interest in the field of dehydration.

La déshydratation au moyen de zéolithes, ou "zéodratation", est généralement réalisée au moyen d'une installation comportant une première enceinte et une deuxième enceinte attenantes et en communication l'une avec l'autre. La première enceinte est agencée pour recevoir des produits à déshydrater et la deuxième enceinte reçoit des zéolithes et est équipée d'une pompe d'aspiration d'air contenu dans les enceintes. La pompe d'aspiration crée une dépression dans les enceintes qui favorise l'évaporation de l'eau contenue dans les produits qui sont éventuellement chauffés. La vapeur d'eau passe dans la deuxième enceinte ou elle est piégée dans les zéolithes. Ce type de déshydratation est particulièrement efficace.Dehydration by means of zeolites, or "zeodration", is generally carried out by means of an installation comprising an adjoining first enclosure and a second enclosure and in communication with each other. The first chamber is designed to receive products to be dewatered and the second chamber receives zeolites and is equipped with an air suction pump contained in the enclosures. The suction pump creates a vacuum in the enclosures that promotes the evaporation of the water contained in the products that are possibly heated. Water vapor passes into the second chamber where it is trapped in zeolites. This type of dehydration is particularly effective.

Toutefois, une partie des arômes est quand même extraite des produits. Ces arômes se retrouvent dans la deuxième enceinte avant d'en être évacués par la pompe. Il en résulte une altération des qualités organoleptiques des produits déshydratés.However, some of the aromas are still extracted from the products. These flavors are found in the second chamber before being removed by the pump. This results in an alteration of the organoleptic qualities of dehydrated products.

Il a été envisagé une installation de déshydratation de produits, en particulier de produits alimentaires, qui soit efficace tout en n'occasionnant qu'une altération minimum des qualités des produits et notamment des propriétés organoleptiques dans le cas des produits alimentaires.It was envisaged a dehydration facility products, in particular food products, which is effective while causing only a minimal alteration of the qualities of the products and in particular the organoleptic properties in the case of food products.

Une telle installation, décrite dans le document FR-A-2 868 520 , comprend une enceinte, un organe d'aspiration d'air contenu dans l'enceinte, un réceptacle à produits reçu dans l'enceinte et pourvu d'une ouverture supérieure en regard de laquelle s'étend un fond, perméable à l'air et à l'eau, d'une cassette contenant des moyens d'adsorption d'humidité. La cassette s'étend au-dessus du réceptacle et définit avec celui-ci un compartiment dont l'air est aspiré au travers des moyens d'adsorption qui maintiennent au voisinage des produits les arômes qui s'en échapperaient lors de l'évaporation de l'eau contenu dans les produits.Such an installation, described in the document FR-A-2,868,520 , comprises an enclosure, an air suction member contained in the enclosure, a product receptacle received in the enclosure and provided with an upper opening opposite which extends a bottom, permeable to air and with water, a cassette containing means for adsorbing moisture. The cassette extends over the receptacle and defines therewith a compartment whose air is sucked through the adsorption means which maintain in the vicinity of the products the aromas which would escape during the evaporation of the water contained in the products.

Les performances de ces installations sont tout à fait remarquables et il pouvait sembler impossible de les améliorer.The performances of these installations are quite remarkable and it could seem impossible to improve them.

OBJET DE L'INVENTIONOBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Par l'invention, on a néanmoins tenté d'obtenir une telle amélioration.By the invention, however, it has been attempted to obtain such an improvement.

RESUME DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

L'invention a ainsi pour objet une installation de déshydratation de produits, comprenant une enceinte, un organe d'aspiration d'air contenu dans l'enceinte, un réceptacle à produits reçu dans l'enceinte et pourvu d'une ouverture supérieure en regard de laquelle s'étend un fond, perméable à l'air et à l'eau, d'une cassette contenant des moyens d'adsorption d'humidité. Un joint d'étanchéité s'étend entre un pourtour du fond de la cassette et un bord du réceptacle délimitant l'ouverture. L'installation comprend des moyens de déplacement relatif de la cassette et du réceptacle entre une position de contact du joint d'étanchéité avec la cassette et le bord du réceptacle et une position de décollement du joint d'étanchéité et de la cassette et/ou du bord du réceptacle. L'enceinte contient au moins une étagère, le réceptacle et la cassette ayant des parties latérales reçues dans des glissières d'un support, la cassette étant suspendue sous une aile supérieure des glissières et le réceptacle étant mobile entre la position de contact et la position de décollement dans laquelle les parties latérales du réceptacle reposent sur des ailes inférieures des glissières, le support étant mobile entre une position haute dans laquelle le réceptacle est décollé de l'etagère et repose par ses parties latérales sur les ailes intérieures des glissières et une position basse dans laquelle le réceptacle repose sur l'étagère et est en position de contact par rapport à la cassette.The invention thus relates to a product dehydration installation, comprising an enclosure, an air suction member contained in the enclosure, a product receptacle received in the enclosure and provided with an upper opening facing of which extends a bottom, permeable to air and water, a cassette containing moisture adsorption means. A seal extends between a periphery of the bottom of the cassette and an edge of the receptacle defining the opening. The installation comprises means for relative movement of the cassette and the receptacle between a position of contact of the seal with the cassette and the edge of the receptacle and a detachment position of the seal and the cassette and / or the edge of the receptacle. The enclosure contains at least one shelf, the receptacle and the cassette having side portions received in slides of a support, the cassette being suspended under an upper flange of the slides and the receptacle being movable between the contact position and the position in which the lateral parts of the receptacle rest on lower wings of the slideways, the support being movable between a high position in which the receptacle is detached from the shelf and rests by its lateral parts on the inner wings of the slides and a position in which the receptacle rests on the shelf and is in the contact position with respect to the cassette.

Le joint d'étanchéité empêche un passage de l'air entre la cassette et le réceptacle. On s'est en effet aperçu qu'une partie des arômes pourrait s'échapper en empruntant un tel passage et que, si faible soit cette partie, cette perte d'arômes serait sensible gustativement.The seal prevents air passage between the cassette and the receptacle. It has indeed been noticed that some of the aromas could escape by borrowing such a passage and that, if it is weak this part, this loss of aromas would be sensitive tastefully.

Avantageusement le joint d'étanchéité est solidaire d'un cadre amovible comportant des surfaces de son positionnement latéral sur le réceptacle et/ou la cassette avec, de préférence, un rebord périphérique inférieur auquel appartiennent les surfaces de positionnement latéral et/ou un rebord périphérique supérieur auquel appartiennent les surfaces de positionnement latéral.Advantageously, the seal is secured to a removable frame having surfaces of its lateral positioning on the receptacle and / or the cassette with, preferably, a lower peripheral rim. to which belong the lateral positioning surfaces and / or an upper peripheral rim to which the lateral positioning surfaces belong.

Il est ainsi aisé de manipuler le joint pour le nettoyer en limitant le risque d'une détérioration de celui-ci. Les moyens de positionnement garantissent que le joint d'étanchéité est dans une position correcte pour assurer sa fonction.It is thus easy to manipulate the seal to clean it by limiting the risk of deterioration thereof. The positioning means ensures that the seal is in a correct position to perform its function.

De préférence, le joint d'étanchéité est en un matériau thermiquement isolant.Preferably, the seal is made of a thermally insulating material.

Le joint d'étanchéité permet alors d'isoler les moyens de réchauffage par rapport à la cassette en limitant les transferts de chaleur par conduction depuis la cassette jusqu'au réceptacle. Une différence de température entre la cassette et les produits contenus dans le réceptacle permet de favoriser une condensation des arômes.The seal then makes it possible to isolate the heating means from the cassette by limiting heat transfer by conduction from the cassette to the receptacle. A difference in temperature between the cassette and the products contained in the receptacle makes it possible to promote a condensation of the aromas.

Selon des caractéristiques particulières :

  • les parties latérales de la cassette sont suspendues aux ailes supérieures des glissières par un organe élastique,
  • le support est suspendu à un rail supérieur, sensiblement horizontal, relié à un plafond de l'enceinte par au moins un organe de déplacement vertical du rail supérieur entre la position haute et la position basse,
  • l'étagère est associée à un moyen de chauffage,
  • l'enceinte contient une pluralité d'étagères superposées et le support est équipé d'une pluralité de glissières superposées et, de préférence, le support comprend une armature centrale ayant une extrémité supérieure solidaire d'un chariot coulissant le long du rail supérieur, les glissières s'étendant latéralement en saillie de deux faces de l'armature centrale opposées l'une à l'autre et sensiblement parallèles au rail, les étagères étant disposées en deux groupes disposées en regard de part et d'autre d'un chemin de passage pour l'armature centrale du support ; l'armature centrale du support ayant avantageusement une extrémité inférieure agencée pour coopérer avec un rail inférieur fixé dans l'enceinte parallèlement au rail supérieur.
According to particular characteristics:
  • the lateral parts of the cassette are suspended from the upper wings of the slideways by an elastic member,
  • the support is suspended from an upper rail, substantially horizontal, connected to a ceiling of the enclosure by at least one vertical displacement member of the upper rail between the high position and the low position,
  • the shelf is associated with a heating means,
  • the enclosure contains a plurality of superimposed shelves and the support is provided with a plurality of superimposed slides and, preferably, the support comprises a central frame having an upper end secured to a carriage sliding along the upper rail, the slides extending laterally projecting from two faces of the central frame opposite to each other and substantially parallel to the rail, the shelves being arranged in two groups disposed opposite each side of a path of passage for the central frame of the support; the central armature of the support preferably having a lower end arranged to cooperate with a lower rail fixed in the enclosure parallel to the upper rail.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront à la lecture de la description qui suit d'un mode de réalisation particulier non limitatif de l'invention.Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description of a particular non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Il sera fait référence aux dessins annexés, parmi lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'une installation conforme à l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue partielle, en coupe selon la ligne II-II de la figure 7, d'un ensemble réceptacle/cassette en position de contact,
  • la figure 3 est une vue partielle de cet ensemble en position de décollement,
  • la figure 4 est une vue partielle de l'installation en coupe selon le plan IV de la figure 1,
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne V-V de la figure 5,
  • la figure 6 est une vue de détail de la zone VI de la figure 1,
  • la figure 7 est une vue en élévation du module support des réceptacles ou des cassettes.
Reference will be made to the appended drawings, among which:
  • the figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an installation according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 is a partial view, in section along the line II-II of the figure 7 , of a receptacle / cassette assembly in the contact position,
  • the figure 3 is a partial view of this assembly in detachment position,
  • the figure 4 is a partial view of the sectional installation according to plan IV of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 5 is a sectional view along line VV of the figure 5 ,
  • the figure 6 is a detail view of the VI zone of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 7 is an elevational view of the support module of the receptacles or cassettes.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

En référence aux figures, l'installation conforme à l'invention comprend une enceinte généralement désignée en 1 qui est ici délimitée par une paroi tubulaire borgne 2 ayant une extrémité ouverte obturée de manière étanche par une porte 3.With reference to the figures, the installation according to the invention comprises an enclosure generally designated at 1 which is delimited here by a blind tubular wall 2 having an open end sealingly closed by a door 3.

L'enceinte 1 est associée à un organe de mise sous vide schématisé en 4 qui comprend de façon connue en soi une pompe d'aspiration de l'air contenu dans l'enceinte 1.The chamber 1 is associated with an evacuation member schematized at 4 which comprises, in a manner known per se, a suction pump for the air contained in the chamber 1.

Dans l'enceinte 1 sont fixées des étagères 20, horizontales et superposées, réparties en deux groupes séparés par espace formant un passage 21 s'étendant le long de l'axe central de l'enceinte 1. Les étagères 20 sont en matériau thermiquement conducteur, ici de l'acier inoxydable ou de l'aluminium, et ont un bord opposé au passage 21 fixé à une canalisation 22 de transport d'un fluide caloporteur (figure 6). Les canalisations 22 sont sensiblement horizontales et sont reliées entre elles par des canalisations collectrices 23 pour former un circuit raccordé à un dispositif 24 de réchauffage et de circulation du fluide caloporteur disposé à l'extérieur de l'enceinte 1.In the chamber 1 are fixed shelves 20, horizontal and superimposed, divided into two groups separated by space forming a passage 21 extending along the central axis of the chamber 1. The shelves 20 are of thermally conductive material , here stainless steel or aluminum, and have an opposite edge to the passage 21 fixed to a pipe 22 for transporting a coolant ( figure 6 ). The pipes 22 are substantially horizontal and are interconnected by collecting pipes 23 to form a circuit connected to a device 24 for heating and circulation of the coolant disposed outside the enclosure 1.

Un module généralement désigné en 5 de support de produits à déshydrater et de zéolithes est reçu dans l'enceinte 1. Le module de support 5 comprend une armature centrale 6 ayant deux faces opposées 7 à partir desquelles s'étendent latéralement en saillie des paires de glissières 8 horizontales ayant une section en forme de C avec une aile supérieure 8.a et une aile inférieure 8.b (une seule glissière a été représentée sur les figures 2 et 3) .A module generally designated in 5 support of products to be dehydrated and zeolites is received in the chamber 1. The support module 5 comprises a central armature 6 having two opposite faces 7 from which extend laterally projecting pairs of horizontal slideways 8 having a cross-sectional area. C with an upper wing 8.a and a lower wing 8.b (only one slide has been shown on the Figures 2 and 3 ).

Chaque paire de glissières 8 reçoit une cassette 9 à zéolithes. Chaque cassette 9 comprend un fond et une paroi supérieure entre lesquels s'étendent des parois latérales ayant une hauteur inférieure à la distance séparant les ailes 8.a, 8.b des glissières 8 entre lesquelles la cassette 9 est reçue. Plus précisément, chaque cassette 9 a deux bords opposés suspendus sous les ailes supérieures 8.a, 8.b de la paire de glissières 8 correspondante. A cette fin, des pions 10 s'étendent depuis ces bords en saillie au-dessus de la paroi supérieure de la cassette 9 en passant par des ouvertures 11 ménagées dans les ailes supérieures 8.a. Les pions 10 ont une tête épaulée et des ressorts 12, hélicoïdaux, s'étendent autour des pions 10 entre la tête épaulée et l'aile 8.a.Each pair of slides 8 receives a zeolite cassette 9. Each cassette 9 comprises a bottom and an upper wall between which extend side walls having a height less than the distance between the wings 8.a, 8.b of the slides 8 between which the cassette 9 is received. More specifically, each cassette 9 has two opposite edges suspended under the upper wings 8.a, 8.b of the pair of slides 8 corresponding. For this purpose, pins 10 extend from these projecting edges above the upper wall of the cassette 9 through openings 11 formed in the upper wings 8.a. The pins 10 have a shouldered head and helical springs 12 extend around the pins 10 between the shoulder head and the wing 8.a.

Les cassettes 9 reçoivent des zéolithes non représentées. La partie supérieure et le fond des cassettes 9 sont formés par une grille (le fond est représenté symboliquement sur les figures 2 et 3) ayant des mailles retenant les zéolithes tout en permettant le passage de l'air. La grille formant le fond a des mailles permettant le passage de la vapeur d'eau.The cassettes 9 receive unrepresented zeolites. The upper part and the bottom of the cassettes 9 are formed by a grid (the bottom is represented symbolically on the Figures 2 and 3 ) having meshes retaining the zeolites while allowing the passage of air. The grid forming the bottom has mesh allowing the passage of water vapor.

Dans chaque paire de glissières 8, sont reçues à coulissement des réceptacles 13 à produits.In each pair of slides 8 are slidably received receptacles 13 to products.

Chaque réceptacle 13 comprend un fond et des parois latérales de faible hauteur et présente une ouverture supérieure 25 délimitée par un bord 26. Deux des parois latérales, opposées l'une à l'autre, sont pourvues à l'opposé du fond d'un rebord 14 en saillie vers l'extérieur. Chaque rebord 14 s'étend entre l'aile inférieure 8.b et la cassette 9 correspondante de telle manière que le réceptacle 13 s'étende sous la cassette 9 et soit mobile verticalement entre deux positions comme cela sera expliqué par la suite.Each receptacle 13 comprises a bottom and side walls of low height and has an upper opening 25 delimited by an edge 26. Two of the side walls, opposite to each other, are provided with the opposite of the bottom of a flange 14 projecting outwardly. Each flange 14 extends between the lower flange 8b and the corresponding cassette 9 so that the receptacle 13 extends under the cassette 9 and is vertically movable between two positions as will be explained later.

Chaque ensemble cassette 9 / réceptacle 13 a une hauteur inférieure à la distance séparant deux étagères 20.Each cassette assembly 9 / receptacle 13 has a height less than the distance separating two shelves 20.

L'armature centrale 6 du module 5 a une extrémité supérieure solidaire d'un chariot 15 suspendu à un rail supérieur 16, parallèle à l'axe central de l'enceinte 1, relié au plafond de l'enceinte 1 par des vérins 17 reliés à une unité de commande, non visible sur les figures, agencée pour commander les vérins 17 de manière à déplacer verticalement le rail 16 entre une position haute et une position basse.The central armature 6 of the module 5 has an upper end secured to a carriage 15 suspended from an upper rail 16, parallel to the central axis of the enclosure 1, connected to the ceiling of the enclosure 1 by jacks 17 connected to a control unit, not visible in the figures, arranged to control the cylinders 17 so as to vertically move the rail 16 between a high position and a low position.

L'armature centrale 6 du module 5 possède une extrémité inférieure pourvue de galets 18, d'axes verticaux, roulant sur deux faces opposées d'un rail inférieur 19 fixé dans la partie inférieure de l'enceinte 1 parallèlement au rail supérieur 16 pour guider latéralement l'extrémité inférieure de l'armature centrale 6 du module 5 et éviter que celui-ci ne se balance dans l'enceinte 1.The central armature 6 of the module 5 has a lower end provided with rollers 18, vertical axes, rolling on two opposite faces of a lower rail 19 fixed in the lower part of the enclosure 1 parallel to the upper rail 16 to guide laterally the lower end of the central frame 6 of the module 5 and prevent it from swinging in the chamber 1.

Un cadre porte-joint 30 est reçu de façon amovible sur chaque réceptacle 13. Le cadre porte-joint 30 comprend une âme 31, horizontale et de forme correspondant à celle de l'ouverture supérieure 25 du réceptacle 13. Un joint d'étanchéité 32, en matériau thermiquement isolant tel qu'un élastomère siliconé, est enchâssé sur le pourtour interne de l'âme 31. Depuis le pourtour externe de l'âme 31 s'étendent en saillie respectivement vers le haut et vers le bas un rebord supérieur 33 et un rebord inférieur 34 formant des surfaces de positionnement latéral du cadre porte-joint 30 par rapport à la cassette 9 d'une part et au rebord 14 du réceptacle 13 d'autre part.A seal carrier frame 30 is removably received on each receptacle 13. The seal carrier frame 30 comprises a web 31, horizontal and shaped corresponding to that of the upper opening 25 of the receptacle 13. A seal 32 , of thermally insulating material such as a silicone elastomer, is embedded in the inner periphery of the core 31. From the outer periphery of the core 31 project respectively upwardly and downwardly an upper rim 33 and a lower flange 34 forming lateral positioning surfaces of the seal carrier 30 relative to the cassette 9 on the one hand and the rim 14 of the receptacle 13 on the other hand.

Le réceptacle 13 sur lequel repose le cadre porte-joint 30 par l'intermédiaire du joint d'étanchéité 32 est mobile verticalement dans les glissières 8 entre une position (haute) de contact du joint d'étanchéité 32 avec la cassette 9 et le bord 26 (figure 2) et une position (basse) de décollement du joint d'étanchéité 32 et de la cassette 9, le réceptacle reposant alors par ses bords 14 sur les ailes inférieures 8.b des glissières 8 (figure 3).The receptacle 13 on which the seal carrier 30 rests via the seal 32 is vertically movable in the slides 8 between a (high) contact position of the seal 32 with the cassette 9 and the edge 26 ( figure 2 ) and a position (low) of separation of the seal 32 and the cassette 9, the receptacle then resting by its edges 14 on the lower wings 8.b of the slides 8 ( figure 3 ).

Le fonctionnement de l'installation va maintenant être décrit.The operation of the installation will now be described.

Les réceptacles 13 sont chargés en produits à déshydrater en-dehors de l'enceinte 1 afin de faciliter le chargement. Pour ce faire, il est prévu à l'extérieur de l'enceinte 1, un portique mobile (non visible sur les figures) pourvu d'un rail qui peut être amené dans le prolongement du rail supérieur 16 de manière à pouvoir complètement sortir le module 5 de l'enceinte 1. Les réceptacles 13 sont extraits des glissières 8 du module 5 suspendu au portique et chargés en produits à déshydrater. Le cadre porte-joint 30 est remis en place sur chaque réceptacle 13 qui est ensuite remis entre les glissières 8. Les réceptacles 13 sont alors en position de décollement.The receptacles 13 are loaded with products to be dehydrated outside the enclosure 1 to facilitate loading. To do this, there is provided outside the enclosure 1, a mobile gantry (not visible in the figures) provided with a rail which can be brought into the extension of the upper rail 16 so as to be able to completely out the module 5 of the enclosure 1. The receptacles 13 are extracted from the slides 8 of the module 5 suspended from the gantry and loaded products to be dehydrated. The seal-holder frame 30 is put back in place on each receptacle 13 which is then put back between the slideways 8. The receptacles 13 are then in the detachment position.

Le module 5 est ensuite introduit dans l'enceinte 1 en le faisant coulisser sur le rail supérieur 16 en position haute de telle manière qu'au-dessous de chaque étagère 20 s'étende un réceptacle 13. La porte 3 est ensuite refermée.The module 5 is then introduced into the chamber 1 by sliding it on the upper rail 16 in the high position so that below each shelf 20 extends a receptacle 13. The door 3 is then closed.

Les vérins 17 sont alors commandés pour amener le rail supérieur 16 en position basse. Les réceptacles 13 viennent en appui des étagères 20 et reposent sur celles-ci et les cassettes 9 sont amenées en contact des joints d'étanchéité 32. Les réceptacles sont ainsi en position de contact par rapport aux cassettes 9. En position de contact, on notera qu'une partie du poids de la cassette 9 est repris par les glissières 8 via les ressorts 12 et ne porte donc pas sur le réceptacle 13 et donc pas non plus sur l'étagère 20 correspondante.The cylinders 17 are then controlled to bring the upper rail 16 in the low position. The receptacles 13 come to bear against the shelves 20 and rest thereon and the cassettes 9 are brought into contact with the seals 32. The receptacles are thus in the position of contact with respect to the cassettes 9. In the contact position, it will be noted that part of the weight of the cassette 9 is taken up by the slideways 8 via the springs 12 and is therefore not not on the receptacle 13 and therefore not on the corresponding shelf 20.

La porte 3 est ensuite refermée et la pompe d'aspiration des moyens de mise sous vide 4 est mise en fonctionnement.The door 3 is then closed and the suction pump of the vacuum means 4 is put into operation.

L'air est alors aspiré dans l'enceinte 1. L'air s'échappe des réceptacles 13 par l'ouverture supérieure 25 de ceux-ci et par la grille de fond des cassettes 9 avant de traverser les zéolithes pour s'écouler dans l'espace séparant les cassettes 9, les étagères 20 et l'enceinte 1. Le joint d'étanchéité 31 est pris entre le fond de la cassette 9 et le rebord 14 s'étendant latéralement vers l'extérieur depuis le bord 26 de l'ouverture 25.The air is then sucked into the enclosure 1. The air escapes from the receptacles 13 through the upper opening 25 thereof and through the bottom grid of the cassettes 9 before passing through the zeolites to flow into the space between the cassettes 9, the shelves 20 and the enclosure 1. The seal 31 is taken between the bottom of the cassette 9 and the flange 14 extending laterally outwardly from the edge 26 of the opening 25.

L'air est évacué hors de l'enceinte par la pompe des moyens de mise sous vide 4.The air is evacuated from the enclosure by the pump of the vacuum means 4.

La pression dans l'enceinte 1 diminuant, l'eau contenu dans les produits s'évapore. La vapeur d'eau ainsi créée suit le même trajet que l'air jusqu'aux zéolithes dans les pores desquelles elle est piégée.As the pressure in the chamber 1 decreases, the water contained in the products evaporates. The water vapor thus created follows the same path as the air to the zeolites in the pores from which it is trapped.

Les produits sont ainsi progressivement déshydratés.The products are thus progressively dehydrated.

On notera que l'air du réceptacle est aspiré au travers des zéolithes de sorte que la plupart des arômes ne peuvent s'échapper du réceptacle 13, les zéolithes limitant le passage de ceux-ci vers l'extérieur du réceptacle 13 à la manière d'un tamis moléculaire. Comme les zéolithes sont très proches des produits, les arômes sont donc maintenus au voisinage des produits.It will be noted that the air of the receptacle is sucked through the zeolites so that most of the aromas can not escape from the receptacle 13, the zeolites limiting the passage thereof to the outside of the receptacle 13 in the manner of a molecular sieve. As the zeolites are very close to the products, the aromas are therefore maintained in the vicinity of the products.

Les étagères 20 sont chauffées pour éviter que les produits ne gèlent sous l'effet de la déshydratation et de la baisse de pression dans l'enceinte 1. Il est également possible de profiter du caractère exothermique de l'adsorption pour réchauffer les produits ou tout au moins de tenir compte de celui-ci dans la régulation de la température de chauffage des étagères 20. L'adsorption de l'eau engendre en effet une élévation de température des zéolithes. La chaleur engendrée au niveau des zéolithes des cassettes 9 est communiquée en partie aux produits par rayonnement et par conduction via les glissières 8 et les réceptacles 13. Le matériau thermiquement isolant utilisé pour le joint d'étanchéité 32 permet de mieux contrôler cet apport de chaleur et d'éviter un réchauffement trop important des produits.Shelves 20 are heated to prevent products from freezing under the effect of dehydration and the pressure drop in the chamber 1. It is also possible to take advantage of the exothermic nature of the adsorption to heat the products or at least to take account of it in the regulation of the heating temperature of the shelves 20. The adsorption of water causes a rise in temperature of the zeolites. The heat generated at the zeolites of the cassettes 9 is communicated in part to the products by radiation and by conduction via the slides 8 and the receptacles 13. The thermally insulating material used for the seal 32 makes it possible to better control this heat input. and to avoid excessive heating of the products.

Le réchauffement des produits permet en outre d'augmenter l'évaporation de l'eau. Ce réchauffement est contrôlé par l'intermédiaire d'un organe de régulation thermique en fonction des informations fournies par des capteurs de température non représentés disséminés dans le module 5. Ces capteurs de température comprennent par exemple des sondes de température qui traversent une partie des cassettes pour avoir une extrémité sensible en saillie dans le réceptacle et une extrémité opposée qui est en saillie de la cassette et qui est reliée électriquement à l'organe de régulation. A cet effet, chaque cassette comprend deux orifices de passage des sondes de températures dont au moins un est pourvu d'un joint d'étanchéité. En variante, la sonde de température peut traverser la paroi du réceptacle.The heating of the products also makes it possible to increase the evaporation of the water. This heating is controlled by means of a thermal regulator according to the information provided by unrepresented temperature sensors disseminated in the module 5. These temperature sensors comprise, for example, temperature probes that pass through a portion of the cassettes to have a protruding end protruding into the receptacle and an opposite end which protrudes from the cassette and is electrically connected to the regulating member. For this purpose, each cassette comprises two passage openings of the temperature probes, at least one of which is provided with a seal. Alternatively, the temperature probe can pass through the wall of the receptacle.

Il est également possible d'utiliser l'organe de régulation thermique pour entretenir une différence de température entre les produits et l'environnement immédiat de ceux-ci. Par exemple, on peut maintenir une température de 20° au niveau des produits et de 70° dans l'environnement de ceux-ci. Cette différence de température provoque une condensation sur les produits des arômes qui sont maintenus dans le compartiment.It is also possible to use the thermal regulator to maintain a temperature difference between the products and the immediate environment thereof. For example, a temperature of 20 ° at the product level and 70 ° at the environment thereof can be maintained. This difference in temperature causes condensation on the products of aromas that are kept in the compartment.

On notera que la fabrication de l'installation est extrêmement simple. Une cassette étant associée à un réceptacle et une étagère, la capacité de l'installation dépend du nombre de cassettes, réceptacles et étagères. L'obtention d'installation de plus forte capacité peut ainsi simplement résulter de la jonction de deux enceintes l'une derrière l'autre et de l'utilisation de plusieurs modules supports. Il est de la sorte possible de fabriquer des installations de plus forte capacité par simple homothétie de l'installation décrite.It should be noted that the manufacture of the installation is extremely simple. Since a cassette is associated with a receptacle and a shelf, the capacity of the installation depends on the number of cassettes, receptacles and shelves. Obtaining higher capacity installation can thus simply result from the junction of two speakers one behind the other and the use of several support modules. It is thus possible to manufacture higher capacity installations by simple homothétie installation described.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation décrit et on peut y apporter des variantes de réalisation sans sortir du cadre de l'invention tel que défini par les revendications.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and variants may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

En particulier, l'installation peut avoir une géométrie différente de celle décrite. Les cassettes peuvent être fixes dans l'enceinte 1, de même que le module de support en particulier lorsque l'installation est une installation de relativement faible capacité.In particular, the installation may have a geometry different from that described. The cassettes may be fixed in the enclosure 1, as well as the support module, particularly when the installation is a relatively low capacity installation.

Le module peut comporter un nombre différent de réceptacles.The module may have a different number of receptacles.

Les étagères peuvent ne pas être associées à des moyens de chauffage.Shelves may not be associated with heating means.

Dans un mode de réalisation qui ne fait pas partie de l'invention, le mouvement vertical des réceptacles par rapport aux cassettes peut être obtenu par l'utilisation d'actionneurs dédiés embarqués sur les modules ou solidaires de l'enceinte, agissant directement sur les réceptacles et / ou les cassettes, indépendamment d'une association avec des joints d'étanchéité.In an embodiment which does not form part of the invention, the vertical movement of the receptacles with respect to the cassettes can be obtained by the use of dedicated actuators on board the modules or integral with the enclosure, acting directly on the receptacles and / or cassettes, regardless of association with seals.

Le joint d'étanchéité peut être surmoulé ou enchâssé directement sur un bord périphérique du réceptacle à produits ou sur un rebord de la cassette.The seal may be overmoulded or embedded directly on a peripheral edge of the product receptacle or on a rim of the cassette.

Les grilles des cassettes 9 peuvent être remplacées par toute structure (par exemple à mailles ou en tissu) ou matériau perméable à l'air et à l'eau.The grids of cassettes 9 can be replaced by any structure (eg mesh or fabric) or material permeable to air and water.

Claims (11)

  1. An installation for dehydrating products, the installation comprising an enclosure (1), a member (4) for sucking out the air contained in the enclosure, a container (13) for products that is received inside the enclosure and that is provided with a top opening (25) having an air- and water-permeable bottom of a cassette (9) extending in register therewith, the cassette containing moisture-adsorption means, the installation being characterized in that a sealing gasket (32) extends between a perimeter of the bottom of the cassette (9) and an edge (26) of the container (13) defining the opening, the installation including means (17) for moving the cassette (9) and the container (13) relative to each other between a contact position where the sealing gasket (32) is in contact with both the cassette and the edge of the container, and a separation position where the sealing gasket is separated from the cassette and/or the edge of the container, the enclosure (1) containing at least one shelf (20), the container (13) and the cassette (9) having lateral portions received in slideways (8) of a support (5), the cassette being suspended under a top flange (8.a) of the slideways and the container being movable between the contact position and the separation position in which the lateral portions of the container rest on bottom flanges (8.b) of the slideways, the support being movable between a high position in which the container is separated from the shelf and rests via its lateral portions on the bottom flanges of the slideways, and a low position in which the container rests on the shelf and is in the contact position relative to the cassette.
  2. An installation according to claim 1, wherein the sealing gasket (32) is secured to a removable frame (30) having surfaces (33, 34) for positioning it laterally on the container (13) and/or the cassette (9).
  3. An installation according to claim 2, wherein the frame (30) has a top peripheral rim (33) to which the lateral positioning surfaces belong.
  4. An installation according to claim 2, wherein the frame includes a bottom peripheral rim to which the lateral positioning surfaces belong.
  5. An installation according to claim 1, wherein the sealing gasket (32) is made of a thermally-insulating material.
  6. An installation according to claim 1, wherein the lateral portions of the cassette (9) are suspended from the top flanges (8.a) of the slideways (8) by a resilient member (12).
  7. An installation according to claim 6, wherein the support (5) is suspended from a substantially horizontal top rail (16) connected to a ceiling of the enclosure (1) via at least one vertical movement member (17) for moving the top rail between the high position and the low position.
  8. An installation according to claim 1, wherein the shelf (20) is associated with heater means (22).
  9. An installation according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure (1) contains a plurality of superposed shelves (20) and the support (5) is fitted with a plurality of superposed slideways (8).
  10. An installation according to claim 9, wherein the support (5) includes a central strength member (16) having a top end secured to a carriage (15) slidable along the top rail (16), the slideways (8) extending laterally, projecting from two mutually-opposite faces of the central strength member (6) that are substantially parallel to the top rail, the shelves (20) being disposed in two groups placed facing each other on opposite sides of a path (21) for passing the central strength member of the support.
  11. An installation according to claim 10, wherein the central strength member (6) of the support (5) has a bottom end arranged to co-operate with a bottom rail fastened in the enclosure parallel to the top rail.
EP08872312.7A 2007-12-19 2008-12-11 Zeolite dehydration unit Active EP2225518B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0708906A FR2925662B1 (en) 2007-12-19 2007-12-19 INSTALLATION OF DEHYDRATION WITH ZEOLITES
PCT/FR2008/001723 WO2009101302A2 (en) 2007-12-19 2008-12-11 Zeolite dehydration unit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2225518A2 EP2225518A2 (en) 2010-09-08
EP2225518B1 true EP2225518B1 (en) 2016-07-27

Family

ID=39650986

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08872312.7A Active EP2225518B1 (en) 2007-12-19 2008-12-11 Zeolite dehydration unit

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US8316556B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2225518B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101903728B (en)
BR (1) BRPI0821293A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2709576C (en)
CO (1) CO6311035A2 (en)
DK (1) DK2225518T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2599930T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2925662B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009101302A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITPO20150006A1 (en) * 2015-03-22 2016-09-22 Biancalani Srl APPARATUS FOR THE FLUID TRANSPORT OF A TISSUE IN A TREATMENT TUMBLER
CN113558074B (en) * 2021-07-23 2022-12-27 全氏食品机械（上海）有限公司 Vacuum freeze drying baking machine
FR3137961A1 (en) * 2022-07-13 2024-01-19 Lgd Method for managing a dehydration system and corresponding dehydration system

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2671526A (en) * 1951-11-20 1954-03-09 Niles Bement Pond Co Dehydrator plug
WO1987006608A1 (en) * 1986-04-25 1987-11-05 Digital Diagnostics Manifold vacuum device for chemical, biochemical, and immunological uses

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB239047A (en) * 1924-09-04 1925-09-03 Aridor Patents Ltd Improvements in and relating to caps or stoppers for containers
US2317882A (en) * 1940-05-31 1943-04-27 Charles F Boesel Absorbent closure cap for receptacles containing dry medicinal materials and the like
US2487620A (en) * 1946-03-08 1949-11-08 Waller Fred Desiccator
US2676078A (en) * 1950-07-21 1954-04-20 James Howard Young Canister
FR1217571A (en) * 1959-02-27 1960-05-04 Waterproof packaging
DE1178788B (en) * 1959-10-07 1964-09-24 Leybold Hochvakuum Anlagen Tubular vacuum freeze-drying system composed of sub-chambers
US4146277A (en) * 1978-06-29 1979-03-27 Santoro Dario S Desiccant cap
US4498608A (en) * 1982-04-05 1985-02-12 Mercil Robert A Moisture absorbent condiment container
NL8700497A (en) * 1987-02-27 1988-09-16 Chemco Soest Bv TRANSPORT PACKAGING.
JPH089725Y2 (en) * 1989-08-25 1996-03-21 富士写真フイルム株式会社 Band-shaped photosensitive material package
US5813564A (en) * 1997-10-15 1998-09-29 Luo; Yi-Wen Cover structure for an airtight container
US7182820B2 (en) * 2002-04-17 2007-02-27 Magnatone Hearing Aid Corporation Methods and apparatus for cleaning a hearing aid device
FR2868520B1 (en) * 2004-04-06 2006-07-07 Millennium Energy Sa INSTALLATION OF DEHYDRATION WITH ZEOLITES
DE102004049349A1 (en) * 2004-10-08 2006-04-13 Friedrich Sanner Gmbh & Co Kg Spritzgusswerk Dispenser arrangement for containers
FR2927408B1 (en) 2008-02-11 2010-04-23 Millerail METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A DEHYDRATION FACILITY USING ZEOLITES

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2671526A (en) * 1951-11-20 1954-03-09 Niles Bement Pond Co Dehydrator plug
WO1987006608A1 (en) * 1986-04-25 1987-11-05 Digital Diagnostics Manifold vacuum device for chemical, biochemical, and immunological uses

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2925662B1 (en) 2010-01-29
EP2225518A2 (en) 2010-09-08
ES2599930T3 (en) 2017-02-06
US8316556B2 (en) 2012-11-27
CA2709576A1 (en) 2009-08-20
CN101903728A (en) 2010-12-01
BRPI0821293A2 (en) 2015-06-16
FR2925662A1 (en) 2009-06-26
CO6311035A2 (en) 2011-08-22
CA2709576C (en) 2013-05-28
CN101903728B (en) 2012-11-28
WO2009101302A2 (en) 2009-08-20
US20100263222A1 (en) 2010-10-21
WO2009101302A3 (en) 2009-10-15
DK2225518T3 (en) 2016-11-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1740898B1 (en) Dehydration installation using zeolites
EP2225518B1 (en) Zeolite dehydration unit
EP2201873A1 (en) Cooking basket and related cooking system
EP0516568A1 (en) Heat-insulated conditioner for the cooled or heated transport of receptacles containing foodstuffs
EP2374385B1 (en) Infrared cooking appliance
FR2960140A1 (en) HEATING DEVICE FOR FOOD WITH TWO BEDROOMS SUPERPOSED WITH EVENT
FR2991438A1 (en) CONDENSATE CONTAINER AND AIR TREATMENT APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH SUCH A TRAY
FR2516652A1 (en) TRANSFER DEVICE FOR THE EXTRACTION OF LYOPHILIZED CUTS OUTSIDE THE COOLING CHAMBER OF A MICROTOME FOR FROZEN CUTS
EP1116465B1 (en) Apparatus for keeping cold and heating meal-trays and installation for using such an apparatus
EP0500470B1 (en) Installation for incubating and hatching eggs
EP0176462A2 (en) Process for cooking foodstuffs such as hams and apparatus for carrying out the process
EP3610942B1 (en) Anti-contamination flange for parylene machine
FR2580473A1 (en) Apparatus for freezing and freeze-drying food products and method for freezing and freeze-drying these products
EP2315996B1 (en) Assembly device for a refrigeration unit fan
WO2018002456A1 (en) Method and device for producing fresh water by solar distillation and renewable energy
FR3061642A1 (en) FOOD HOLDING AND RETRACING TROLLEY
EP1543749A1 (en) Refrigerated display case
FR2547207A1 (en) DEVICE FOR SEPARATING THE SOLVENT FROM A SOLUTION BY THIN FILMING THE SAID SOLUTION
FR2569533A1 (en) Installation for cooking food products such as hams
FR3028400A1 (en) INSTALLATION FOR REFRIGERATING PRODUCTS IN THE PRESENCE OF A LAYER OF ICE
EP0580494A1 (en) Display case with refrigerated shelf
KR20230117985A (en) Vessel for sous vide
FR2836543A1 (en) Reinforced reservoir for a cryogenic compartment of an isothermal container
FR2989155A1 (en) DEVICE FOR STORING PRODUCTS AT CRYOGENIC TEMPERATURES
FR3063212A1 (en) HYBRYDE REFRIGERATED STALL WITH TWO OPERATING MODES

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20100616

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA MK RS

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20130402

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20160216

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 816133

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602008045371

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

Effective date: 20161117

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20160727

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 816133

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160727

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161027

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161127

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20161221

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20161221

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20161213

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20161222

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: BOVARD AG PATENT- UND MARKENANWAELTE, CH

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PUE

Owner name: MILLENNIUM ENERGY, FR

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: MILLERAIL, FR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2599930

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20170206

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602008045371

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: MILLENNIUM ENERGY, FR

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: MILLERAIL, ORLEANS, FR

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: MILLENNIUM ENERGY

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161128

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161028

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20161213

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602008045371

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20170420 AND 20170426

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161027

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161231

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20161223

Year of fee payment: 9

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20170502

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161211

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161211

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20161231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20081211

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602008045371

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

Effective date: 20171231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20171211

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160727

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180703

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171211

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171211

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171231

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20190703

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171212

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231221

Year of fee payment: 16