FR2808585A1 - ONLINE COOLING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

A device chills articles on a conveyor using dry ice. The device has a dry ice generator connected to projection chamber whose opposite end is open. A continuous supply of gaseous carbon dioxide is also connected to chamber. An Independent claim is included for the following: (a) Equipment making a fresh creamy or paste like food product has a conveyor, stations forming product, cutting it into separate articles and packaging it and also a chilling device as above. Preferred Features: The gaseous carbon dioxide is produced from liquid carbon dioxide and supplied at about 0 degrees C. The dry ice is also produced from the same liquid. The gas comes via a distributor and a pipe to the chambers. The chambers are supported by the distributor via the pipe.

Description

The present invention relates to an in-line cooling device,

  in particular of food products, by controlled deposition of carbon dioxide snow, of the type comprising a carbon dioxide snow projection chamber, this chamber comprising an open outlet end, and means for producing carbon dioxide snow connected to the chamber. FR 2 762 190 describes an installation for manufacturing fresh dough which comprises a conveyor line along which dough processing stations are arranged. The treatments include shaping, in-line cooling and cutting the dough into pieces. The dough is

  cooled by the controlled deposit of dry ice on it.

  This deposition is carried out by a controlled carbon dioxide snow deposition device which comprises liquid CO2 expansion solenoid valves arranged above the conveyor and connected to a source of liquid CO2. Cylindrical blows are connected to the solenoid valves to guide the snow throw

  carbon dioxide to the dough on the conveyor.

  A protective cover open towards the bottom surrounds the blunderbuss and the solenoid valves in order to channel towards a device for CO2 extraction, the CO2 gas which is produced. A drawer is provided in order to close the lower opening of the cover, during the non-use phases of the controlled depositing device of

dry ice.

  The operation of this device is as follows: The spread dough is transferred by the conveyor below the openings of the blinkers, and the production of carbon dioxide snow is triggered

when the dough arrives.

  The rate of production of dry ice is regulated essentially according to the speed of the conveyor and the thickness of the dough in order to ensure

the desired cooling.

  Pulp production lines are often used in humid environments, which causes the deposition of drops of condensed water on the blobs and solenoid valves. As a result, the dry ice becomes wet and no longer falls evenly on the dough, but

falls into lumps.

  In addition, when the condensed water on the orifice freezes

  solenoid valves, these clog.

  Production is often interrupted for reasons of disruption of one of the stations. In such a case, the frozen condensed water on the blobs thaws and falls from the blobs. In order to prevent the drops from falling on the conveyor belt or on the dough, it is necessary, each time the production is stopped, to slide the drawer below the

  blunder. This is an ineffective solution.

  In addition, since the blunderbusses are fixedly connected to the

  solenoid valves and that the attachment is difficult to release due to the slagging of these

  these are difficult to clean. Often it is necessary to wait until

  the fasteners are thawed.

  The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks and to propose a device for depositing dry ice which allows snow to be deposited.

  carbon control better controlled and more reliable.

  To this end, the invention relates to a cooling device of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the device also comprises means

  permanent supply of gaseous CO2 connected to the chamber.

  According to particular embodiments, the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics: - the means for permanent supply of gaseous CO2 are arranged in the vicinity of the means for producing carbon dioxide snow; - The means for permanently supplying gaseous CO2 are means for supplying gaseous CO2 at a temperature markedly below ambient temperature, preferably at most 0 ° C .; the means for the permanent supply of gaseous CO2 comprise a source of liquid CO2, a CO2 vaporizer connected to this source, the outlet of the vaporizer being connected to the inlet of a pressure reducer, and of a gaseous CO2 pipe provided with '' a shut-off solenoid valve, which connects the pressure reducer to the projection chamber; - the means for producing carbon dioxide snow comprise a source of liquid CO 2 connected to an expansion solenoid valve; the source of liquid CO2 of the means of permanent supply of gaseous CO2 and of the means of producing carbon dioxide snow is constituted by a source of refrigerated cryogenic liquid CO2 connected to a separator of liquid CO2 and of gaseous CO 2; the device also comprises a distribution cabinet which comprises at least part of the means for the permanent supply of gaseous C02 and / or the means for producing carbon dioxide snow, the gaseous C02 pipe being rigidly connected to said cabinet, the cabinet forming a support for the projection chambers; - The device comprises means for modifying the distance from the outlet opening of the projection chamber to an underlying location for depositing carbon dioxide snow; and - the projection chamber is connected to the means for supplying permanent gaseous C02 by a quick coupling while the means of production

  dry ice are freely connected to the projection chamber.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the description which will

  to follow, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic view, partially in longitudinal section of a plant for producing food products according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a view partially in longitudinal section along line 11-11 of Figure 3, of the device for depositing carbon dioxide snow; - Figure 3 is a front view, partially in cross section, of the device for depositing carbon dioxide snow according to the invention; - Figure 4 is a schematic view of the components of the cabinet

  distribution of liquid and gaseous C02 according to the invention.

  FIG. 1 schematically represents a production facility 2 for food products making it possible to transform a pasty product 4 into a kneader into pieces or portions individually conditioned 6 before packaging in batches and, if necessary, cooling in a cold room. These latter operations, known per se, are not shown on

Figure 1.

  This installation 2 comprises, arranged along a conveyor line 8, stations for mechanical processing of the food product. This product successively encounters, during its movement in the direction of the arrow, a station 10 for shaping the product by spreading, a station 12 for cutting the pieces of spread product 14, and a station for

  individual packaging 16 pieces of cut food product 18.

  For the detailed description of stations 10, 12, 16, refer to

FR 2 762 190 cited above.

  The installation further comprises a device for the controlled deposition of dry ice 20 on the spread product 14, disposed above the line of

  conveying 8 between the shaping station 10 and the cutting station 12.

  In FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the device for the controlled deposition of dry ice 20 comprises a distribution cabinet 22 for gaseous CO2 and liquid CO2, carried by an adjustable height support 24, as well as a row of eight devices. of dry ice production 26, connected to the cabinet

distribution 22.

  The support 24 comprises two pillars 28, 30 arranged laterally on both sides of the conveyor line 8. Each pillar 28, 30 consists of a base body 32, 34, in which is housed in a rotary manner a threaded rod 36, 38. These rods 36, 38 are screwed into sleeves 40, 42 having an adjustable internal thread. Two I-irons 44, 46 extend from the sleeves 40, 42 horizontally and transversely above the conveyor 8

  and are integrally connected to the distribution cabinet 22.

  A wheel 48, 50 fixed on the upper end of each rod 36, 38

allows the training of this one.

  In order to allow the installation of the device above the

  conveyor, one of the two base bodies 32, 34 is detachable.

  Alternatively, the support 24 may include hydraulic cylinders

  for height adjustment of the distribution cabinet 22.

  The cabinet 22 is connected by a supply line 52 to a

  liquid CO2 source at 20 bar at -20 C represented by arrow 54.

  The distribution cabinet 22 also has a 100% liquid CO2 outlet 56 and a 100% gaseous CO2 outlet 58. The structure of the distribution cabinet

  22 will be described in detail below.

  The 100% liquid CO2 outlet 56 is connected, on the underside of the cabinet 22 by an intermediate pipe 60 to a first collecting pipe 62, coated with thermal insulation 64. The gaseous CO2 outlet 58 is connected to a second collecting line 66, the two collecting lines

  62, 66 leading to the eight devices for producing dry ice 26.

  The second collector pipe 66 is connected on one side of

  the cabinet (right side of Figure 3) at the CO2 gas outlet 58 of the cabinet.

  It is substantially U-shaped with two upper ends folded inwards. In order to increase the rigidity, this collecting pipe 66 is also fixed on the other side of the cabinet (left side in FIG. 3). This point of

  fixing 70 does not have a gaseous CO2 connection.

  The lower part 72 of this collecting pipe 66 extends

  transversely and perpendicular to the conveyor line 8.

  Eight branches 74 are stitched on this lower part 72 of the pipe 66. To each of the branches 74 is connected a quick connector 76 which can be released by simple pressure on it. The quick coupling is fixed on a blunderbuss 78 of a device for producing dry ice 26 and opens out

in this blunderbuss.

  Thus, this collector pipe 66 forms a support for the blinkers 78.

  Each blunderbuss 78 is of cylindrical shape with vertical axis, having an outlet opening 79 directed downwards, and closed upwards except for the opening of the quick coupling 76 and an inlet opening for dry ice. (no

represented).

  Each device for producing dry ice 26 comprises an expansion solenoid valve 80 fixed to the liquid CO2 collecting pipe 62 by a bypass pipe 82. The expansion solenoid valves 80 are connected by control lines 84 to the distribution cabinet 22 A flow control nozzle is mounted on each solenoid valve and has a calibrated orifice, not visible in the drawings, which opens into the snow inlet orifice.

carbon content of each blunderbuss 78.

  The solenoid valve 80 is not integrally connected to the blunderbuss 78. It can be provided with a seal in order to seal the slot which

  exists between the opening of the blunderbuss 78 and the solenoid valve 80.

  A protective cover 86 of generally parallelepiped shape with a long axis substantially perpendicular to the conveying line 8 surrounds the lower parts of the blinkers 78 and the conveyor 8. It has on its lateral side a cover 87 in order to allow the mounting of the cover. It has two passage openings 88, 90 in its end surfaces. The protective cover 86 is connected via a gas sheath 92 to an extractor in order to ensure the extraction of the gaseous CO2 in the direction of arrow 94 of the

Figure 2.

  A sensor 96 for conveying line speed 8 and / or for product presence 14 is placed above the conveyor and fixed in the cover.

  86. Alternatively, it can be arranged on the side of the conveyor.

  Referring to Figure 4, we see that the distribution cabinet 22 comprises, on the one hand, means for supplying 100% liquid CO2, and, on the other

  share, means of supply of 100% gaseous C02.

  The liquid CO2 supply line 52 of the cabinet 22 is

  connected to a conventional gas trap 120.

  The gaseous CO2 outlet 122 from this gas trap 120 is connected to a gaseous CO 2 evacuation pipe 124, by means of a purge authorization solenoid valve 126 connected to a control device 127 via a wiring box 129. The control device 127 is located outside the cabinet for safety reasons. He commands the

  different components of the installation.

  The exhaust pipe 124 leads the gaseous CO2 out of the room of

  production in order to avoid any danger of suffocation.

  The liquid outlet 128 of the gas trap 120 is connected to a T-connector 130. A first outlet of this T-connector is connected to the liquid CO2 collecting pipe 62 as described above. So a diet of

  C02 100% liquid from the expansion valves 80 is ensured.

  The second outlet of the T-connector 130 is connected to the input of an electrical resistance CO2 vaporizer 134 which is controlled as a function of a thermostat (not shown). The output of this CO2 vaporizer 134 is connected, via a line 136, a CO2 regulator 138, a flexible line 140, and a scanning authorization solenoid valve 142, to the

CO2 gas outlet 58.

  The regulator 138 is further connected to a pressure gauge 144 which is fixed in the outer wall of the cabinet 22 for controlling the pressure of the

CO2 gas.

  In addition, a safety valve 150 is tapped on the T-connector and is connected to a safety line 152 which opens into the

CO2 discharge line 124.

  The sensor 96 as well as the expansion valves 80 are also connected to the control device 127. The device for depositing dry ice according to the invention operates

as follows.

  When the distribution cabinet 22 is started and before the production of the food product 14 is started by spreading, the cabinet ensures a permanent production of gaseous CO2 and introduces it via the pipe.

  collector 66 of gaseous CO2 and the quick couplings 76 in the blunt pipes 78.

  CO2 has a temperature much lower than room temperature, preferably at most C, and contains no trace of humidity. CO2 gas fills the bluetooth 78 completely and is evacuated through the orifices

lower 79 of these.

  The holes of the solenoid valves and the interior space of the blunt clips are

  therefore under CO2 inerting and are kept cold.

  Then, the conveyor 8 and the product spreading station 10 are started. The food product 14 is spread on the conveyor 8 and transported to the in-line cooling device 20. When the control device 127 via the sensor 96 detects the presence of the product 14 below the orifices 79 of the blunt clips 78, it activates the expansion solenoid valves 80 and produces carbon dioxide snow 98 from the liquid CO2 supplied by the distribution cabinet 22. The injection rate is regulated by the timing of the opening of the solenoid valves. Snow production can be controlled by a delay timer or injection time or by

  function of other sensors possibly present in the installation.

  The snow 98 then falls on the upper surface of the dough and forms

a layer 100 thereon.

  Thanks to the permanent inerting of the nozzles of the expansion solenoid valves, there is no risk of clogging thereof. In addition, since the interior of the bloats 78 is completely free of moisture, the dry ice flakes do not agglomerate. As a result, the amount of dry ice is well controlled and precise, so that a layer of

  dry ice 100 regular without lumps on the dough 14.

  Since snow is only deposited on top of the

  paste, there is no risk of acidification of the paste by C02.

  If, during a fault in one of the other stations 10, 12, 16, the conveyor 8, the production of the product, and the production of snow must be stopped temporarily, the permanent gas sweeping C02 prevents the introduction of dust into the blunderbuttons 78 and the orifices of

solenoid valves 80.

  In addition, since the CO 2 gas has a maximum temperature of 0 C, frozen drops of condensed water possibly present on the external surface of the blobs do not thaw. Consequently, a drawer for closing the lower opening of the hood is not

  necessary, and no dripping occurs.

  During a complete shutdown of the installation 2, the quick connectors 76 allow an easy and quick detachment of the blinkers 78 for easy maintenance and cleaning of the device. The actuation of the quick couplings 76 is easily possible and without the need to wait a long time thanks to the reduced freezing of the quick couplings 76 compared to an arrangement of the couplings on

  2 0 the solenoid valves. This leads to increased availability of the installation.

  Alternatively, the in-line cooling device 20 can be installed on the production line at any location where a sufficient surface

large conveyor is available.

  In the case where the device is arranged downstream of the cutting station, the production of carbon dioxide snow is timed so as to deposit a layer of carbon dioxide snow 100 on each cut piece 18. The permanent sweeping in CO2 of the blobs avoids as before a

  fouling and rising humidity in the expansion solenoid valves.

  It should be noted that the holes in the solenoid valves no longer clog, solenoid valves with thinner holes or more opening angles

small ones can be used.

  It should be noted that, although the device according to the invention is particularly well suited for cooling the dough products or

  dairy products, it can be applied to the cooling of other products.

  In general, it can be applied to a food product of any type (for example meats, vegetables, cheeses, etc.) or

  any preparation (for example cooked, raw, ...).

  We can cite other fields of application of the device.

  The device according to the invention mounted upstream of a mechanical freezer allows precooling to increase the efficiency of the freezer and ensure material gain of the product by reducing water losses. The device allows the stiffening of products or product layers to facilitate their handling without marking or the realization in

continuous multi-layer products.

  Products (e.g. cheese) can be stabilized

  quickly by using the device.

  Finally, fine products can be cooled by a few

  degrees and thus be brought to their shipping temperature.

Claims (10)

  1 - In-line cooling device (20), in particular for food products, by controlled deposition of carbon dioxide snow, of the type comprising a chamber for spraying carbon dioxide snow (78), this chamber comprising an open outlet end (79), and means for producing carbon dioxide snow (62, 80, 82, 120) connected to the chamber, characterized in that the device also comprises means for permanently supplying CO2   gas (66, 74,120,134,138,142) connected to the chamber (78).   2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for permanent supply of gaseous CO2 (66, 74, 120, 134, 138, 142) are arranged in the vicinity of the means for producing carbon dioxide snow (62, , 82, 120).   3 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the means for permanently supplying gaseous CO2 (66, 74, 120, 134, 138, 142) are means for supplying gaseous CO2 at a temperature markedly below ambient temperature, preferably at least maximum 0 C.   4 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the means for permanently supplying gaseous CO2 comprise a source of liquid CO2 (120), a CO2 vaporizer (134) connected to this source (120), the outlet of the vaporizer (134) being connected to the inlet a regulator (138), and a gaseous CO2 line (66) provided with a solenoid valve   shutter (142), which connects the regulator (138) to the projection chamber (78).   - Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the means for producing carbon dioxide snow comprise a source of liquid CO2 (120) connected to a solenoid valve for trigger (80).   6 - Device according to claims 4 and 5 taken together,   characterized in that the source of liquid CO 2 of the means for the permanent supply of gaseous CO 2 and of the means of producing dry ice consists of a source of refrigerated cryogenic liquid CO 2 connected to a   liquid CO2 and gaseous CO2 separator (120).   7 - Device according to claim 4 or one of claims   dependent on claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises a distribution cabinet (22) which comprises at least part of the means for permanent supply of gaseous CO2 and / or means for producing carbon dioxide snow, the pipe of gaseous CO2 (66) being rigidly linked to said cabinet   (22), the cabinet (22) forming a support for the projection chambers (78).   8 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that it comprises means for modifying the distance from the outlet opening (79) of the projection chamber (78) at a location   underlying dry ice deposit.   9 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the projection chamber (78) is connected to the means for supplying permanent gaseous CO2 (66, 74, 120, 134, 138, 142) by a quick coupling (76) while the means for producing carbon dioxide snow   (80) are freely connected to the projection chamber (78).   - Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the projection chamber consists of a tube (78),   in particular cylindrical, with vertical axis, closed at its upper end.   1il - Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that it comprises several snow projection chambers (78)   carbonic arranged in a row.   12 - Installation for making fresh dough (2), characterized in that it comprises, arranged along a line for conveying dough (8), on the one hand mechanical dough treatment stations comprising at least a shaping station (10), a station for cutting the dough into portions (12), and at least one station for conditioning the cut dough (16), and on the other hand a controlled depositing device on the dry ice snow paste (20),   according to one of claims 1 to 12.   13 - Installation according to claim 12, characterized in that the device for depositing carbon dioxide snow (20) is disposed upstream of the   first conditioning station (16).