GB2179450A

GB2179450A - Process and apparatus for maintaining a predetermined, adjustable liquid level

Info

Publication number: GB2179450A
Application number: GB08615310A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Ullmann; Istvan Marjai; Gyorgy Bendek; Imre Horvath
Original assignee: KOBANYAI SORGYAR
Current assignee: KOBANYAI SORGYAR
Priority date: 1985-06-25
Filing date: 1986-06-23
Publication date: 1987-03-04
Also published as: HU195628B; GB2179450B; AT386291B; GB8615310D0; FR2583903A1; DE3621285A1; HUT43976A; ATA170386A

Abstract

The level of liquid, slurry, etc in a tank 1 is adjusted by varying the height of the drain outlet 4a. The outlet may comprise the overlapping area of a vertical slot in pipe 3 and a helical slot in coaxial rotatable pipe 4. The helical slot may be replaced by a senses of small apertures or if pipe 4 is moved axially, by a single aperture. Alternatively one axially movable pipe can be used. The apparatus is used for the continuous processing of beer wort. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Process and apparatus for draining material with constant rate, while maintaining a predetermined variable liquor level Technical Field This invention relates to a process and apparatus for draining material--a liquid or a composite or mixture-with constant rate, while maintaining a predetermined, variable liquor level, which can be used for regulating the reaction time(s) in a given liquid, composition or mixture.

Background Art There are a number of known processes and apparatus for regulating the flow of liquids, composites or mixtures, where the liquid of varying specific weight is to be drained continuously, sec e.g. HU-PS 141.288. In the German patent No.

1.156.573 is described an apparatus for draining a predetermined volume of liquid according to a ratio.

An apparatus is known in the prior art, see the old German patent No. 864.746, for limitting the throughput volume of liquids. This apparatus is characterized in that in a vertically arranged house a float with clearance is lifted, when the throughput volume is increased above a predetermined value, thereby the superfluous quantity of the liquid is-according to the first and second embodiments drained,-according to the third embodiment throttled.

In accordance with the aim of this patent the float moves in the cylindrical house up and down. The cylinder receiving the float is, furthermore, provided with at least one opening to drain the superfluous quantity of liquid.

Although the methods known in the prior art meet the requirements regarding the automatic control of the liquor level by means of a float, they do not meet an other requirement, namely that the whole quantity of the liquid, which is introduced in the apparatus with a constant speed of volume, must be throughput, and that the one and the same apparatus must be used in a wide range of throughput volume.

On the other hand, the manufacturing of the known apparatus requires high accuracy, therefore expensive. Furthermore, these apparatus can be used only with homogenous liquids, unsuitable for feeding mixtures of a liquid and solid particles, such as beer wort.

Disclosure of the Invention The aim of the present invention is to provide a process and an apparatus for maintaining the liquor lever in a tank on a constant value, or on a value which can be varied in a predetermined range, whereby the liquid is fed into the tank at its bottom or top with a constant rate of volume, and the liquid is streaming inside the tank from bottom to top.

According to the present invention the aim stated above is achived by a process in the course of which a liquid, a composite or a mixture of liquid and solid particles is flown through a vertical cylindrical tank so that the liquor level is maintained on a value inside a given range by means of an outlet device, said device being provided with openings in different levels, one of them is opened and simultaneously the others are closed.

The essence of the invention lies in that the outlet device is formed by two concentric pipes portruding from the bottom inside the tank, one pipe being provided with an elongated opening according to the range of liquor level, the other pipe being provided with at least one opening; one pipe being held in a fixed position, while the other pipe is moved so as to overlap the openings in the predetermined level.

By using the process described above, the outflow level of a liquid or a mixture containing liquid can be held on a predetermined height or can be varied between predetermined limits, while the the liquid or mixture is fed in the tank from the bottom or from the top with a constant rate of volume, and said liquid is streaming inside the tank from bottom to top.

The apparatus according to the present invention and usable for carrying out the process above consists of a vertically arranged cylindrical tank and an outlet device portruding inside the tank from the bottom, and said device is provided with at least one opening which can be opened and closed. The essence of the present invention lies in that said outlet device consists of two concentric pipes, one pipe being provided with an elongated opening according to the range of liquor level, the other pipe being provided with at least one opening; one pipe being held in a fixed position, the other is moved so as to overlap the openings in the predetermined height.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the second pipe is provided with several openings in different heights and angles; one pipe is arranged rotatably around its axis.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second pipe is provided with a short opening, and said second pipe is arranged movably along its axis.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second pipe is provided with an opening runnig helically in the length of the first pipe's opening, and one pipe is arranged rotatably around its axis.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the outlet device is a single pipe with an opening at its upper end, and said pipe is arranged in the tank movably along its axis.

The structure of the apparatus is very simply and reliable, it contains only a single movable part, and only a seal between the pipes and between the outer pipe and the tank has to be produced, which can be done in any known way, and it can be operated for long periods without faults occurring.

The pipe can be moved, in the simplest form of the apparatus, manually or it can be controlled by means of a mechanism or a servo-mechanism; in the latter case its operation can be programmed.

By using the process and apparatus according to the present invention, a phase of the beer producing technology, namely the production of beer wort can be made continuous, instead of intermittent, as till now. The aim of the production of beer wort is the enzymatic decomposition of the starch, protein, etcetera, contents of the starting materials of the beer production (e.g. malt, barley, corn, etcetera).

Therefore the particles of starting materials are mixed with warm water and a wort is made, which must be held-in several phases-during given periods of time at temperatures, which temperatures are optimal in respect of the enzymatic processes. These operations are carried out intermittently according to the known (classic) technology, in general two tanks are used by turns, depending on the number of the tanks, 5 to 10 brews pro day.

The process and apparatus according to the invention make possible to carry out the different phases of the beer wort producing technology continuously, rather than intermittently, as usual. Such phases are for example the liquefaction of the starch, the saccharization of the starch, etc.

It is easy to see that, if the wort is fed in the tank and drained out of it at a constant rate of volume, its reaction time on a given temperature is proportional to its throughput('s) time, which-on the other hand-depends on the liquor level in the tank. According to the invention, the outlet height, that is, the liquor level can be varied, as desired between the limits F7 and F2.

These and additional features and advantages of the present invention will become evident in the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawing Figures 1.a to l.c show a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, where the inner pipe is fixed to the bottom of the vertical cylindrical tank and is provided with an elongated opening, the exte rior pipe is movable vertically and is provided with a short, rectangular opening; Figures 2.a to 2.c show a second embodi ment, where the inner pipe is fixed to the bottom of the vertical cylindrical tank and is provided with an elongated opening, the exte rior pipe is rotatable around its axis and the inner pipe and is provided with an opening running helically in the length of the inner pipe's opening;; Figures 3.a to 3.c show a third embodiment, where the inner pipe is formed as shown above, the exterior pipe is arranged rotatably around the inner pipe and is provided with three short rectangular openings in different heights and angles; Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment, where a single pipe is arranged in the tank at its bottom, it is movable along its axis and is provided with an opening at its upper end, where the material is fed in the tank via an admission piece on the bottom; Figure 5 is similar to Fig. 4, but the material is fed in the tank from the top; and finally Figures 6.a and 6.b are a schematic diagram of the continuous beer wort producing technology, where the apparatus according to the present invention is used.

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Fig. 1 illustrates a tank 1, which is a vertically positioned cylinder, provided with an admission piece 2 at its bottom. The liquid, composition or mixture is fed via this admission pipe 2, whereby the liquor level should be held or varied between the heights F1 and F2.

In the tank 1 an inner pipe 3 is mounted on the bottom, extending upwards and surrounded with a movable exterior pipe 4. The inner pipe 3 is provided with an elongated opening 3.a, the length of the opening 3.a corresponds to the heights F1 and F2. The exterior pipe 4 is provided with a short rectangular opening 4.e, where said opening 4.e is arranged before the opening 3.a, i.e. they overlap each other. In Fig. 1.a the directions of the moving of pipe 4 (up and down) and the inlet and outlet of the material via the admission piece 2 and the inner pipe 3 respectively are illustrated with arrows.

In Fig. 1 .a is shown furthermore a mixer 7 for mixing the contents, liquid, composite or mixture of the tank 1.

In Fig. 1.b and 1.c only the pipes 3 and 4 are illustrated in side view and in cross section as well.

In Fig. 2.a the tank 1 with the admission piece 2 and the mixer 7 and the inner pipe 3 with the elongated opening 3.a is identical with the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1.a.

The only difference is that the opening on the exterior pipe 4 is a helical opening 4.a running along the opening 3.a. The exterior pipe 4 is arranged rotatably around its axis, i.e. around the inner pipe 3. It is obvious that the helix must be shorter than a full turn, preferably it has a length of a half turn.

Similarly to Figs. 1.b and 1.c, Figs. 2.b and 2.c show the pipes 3 and 4 in side view and in cross section respectively.

Referring now to Fig. 3.a, the tank 1 and the inner pipe 3 are the same, as in the above-mentioned examples. The exterior pipe 4 is arranged rotatably around its axis, i.e.

around the inner pipe 3 here too, but it has three openings 4.b to 4.c in different heights along with the opening 3.a, and in different angles.

In Figs. 3.b and 3.c the side view and the cross section of pipes 3 and 4 are illustrated.

Referring now to Fig. 4, a tank 1 with an admission piece 2 arranged on the bottom and a mixer 7 inside the tank 1 is shown here too. On the bottom of the tank 1 a pipe 5 is arranged, but not fixed thereto. The pipe 5 can be moved or shifted up and down so that an opening 5.f on its upper end moves in the range between the heights F1 and F2.

Fig. 5 shows a tank 1 with a propeller stirrer 8 arranged in the middle of the tank 1. In this case the feeding of the material can be taken place partly or fully from the top of the tank 1. By rotating the propeller stirrer 8, a concaveness 9 occurs on the surface of the liquid, as known by a person skilled in the art, and the flow of the liquid (composite or mixture) is directed downwards in the middle of the tank 1, and upwards along the walls.

Together with such a tank, any of the outlet devices shown above can be used, which consists of an inner pipe 3 and an exterior pipe 4. For the sake of simplicity, the outlet device in Fig. 5 is similar to that shown in Fig. 1, (example 1).

At last we refer to Figs. 6.a and 6.b, where the application of the process and apparatus according to the present invention is illustrated by way of example, and its operation will be detailed. The following example refers to the continuous beer wort producing technology, using the following devices: tanks 11 to 15, which are provided according to the present invention with liquor level regulators or outlet devices, and centrifugal pumps 16 attached thereto, and a heat exchanger 17, as well.

The wort T is fed by the upper side of the cylindrical tank 12 (Fig. 6.a, right side), where the wort consists of some sort of substitute material, such as maize grits. The wort T is streaming through the whirlpool 9 generated by means of the propeller stirrer 8, which is built in the tank 12, down to the bottom of the tank 12, then along the walls of the tank 12 upwards, and finally the wort T is outlet through the openings of the liquor level regulator or outlet device consisting of the pipes 3, 4 or 5. In the tank 12 the wort is warmed up to a temperature of 45 "C, and, depending on the adjustment of the liquor level regulator, leaves the tank 12 after 15 to 30 minutes.

The wort will be transferred by means of the first centrifugal pump 16 to the regenerative heat exchanger 17, where it will be warmed up about to 81 "C, then forwarded to the tank 11, which is a wort boiler tank.

In the tank 11, which is provided with a mixer 7, the beer wort boiles on a temperature between 100 and 103 "C for 30 to 60 minutes, then it will be outlet.

The temperature of the beer wort leaving the tank 11 is cca 98 "C. The wort will be transferred then by means of the second centrifugal pump 16 back to the heat exchanger 17, where it will be cooled dpwn to 60 00.

The cooled wort leaving off the heat exchanger 17 gets into the third tank 13 (Fig.

6.b), by the bottom of it, via a (non illustrated) admission piece 2.

On the top of the tank 13, a wort M made of malt grits is fed in. This tank 13 is provided also with a propeller stirrer 8 generating a whirlpool 9. In this tank 13 the beer wort will be warmed up to 50 "C in 40 to 45 minutes, then will be forwarded via the third centrifugal pump 16 to the fourth tank 14.

This tank 14 is a first saccharifier, where the wort is streaming through in 40 to 45 minutes, depending on the adjustment of the liquor level regulator, in the meantime it will be warmed up to 65 "C.

Following it, the beer wort will be forwarded via the fourth centrifugal pump 16 to the fifth tank 15, which is a second saccharifier, where it will be warmed up to 75 "C in 50 to 60 minutes. Finally, the wort will be forwarded via the fifth centrifugal pump 16 to a known wort filter apparatus belonging to the next phase of the beer producing technology.

By using the process according to the present invention, other technologies in the food processing, industrial chemistry, biotechnology, etc. can also be made continuous in such cases too, where it has been impossible till now, because of the characteristics of the operation liquid (e.g. it contains two much solid material).

The beer wort technology illustrated in the example above has not been developped till now in an appropriate manner.

The continuous processes have well known advantages relative to the intermittent processes. So for example in the above illustrated case, the investment costs will be with 30 YO lower, the heat energy consumption with 50 to 70 % lower, and only a single person is needed for supervising the operation of the apparatus.

Claims

1. A process for maintaining the liquor level at a constant value, or at a value variable within a given range, in the course of which a liquid, a composite or a mixture of liquid and solid particles is caused to flow through a substantially vertical cylindrical tank, so that it is discharged via an outlet device provided with openings at different levels, one of which is opened and simultaneously the other(s) is or are closed, wherein said outlet device is formed by two concentric pipes protruding from the bottom inside the tank, one pipe being provided with an elongated slot substantially corresponding in length to the range of liquor level, while the other pipe is provided with at least one opening; one of said pipes is held in a fixed position, while the other pipe is displaceable so as to overlap the slot and the openings at the predetermined level.

2. The process as defined in claim 1 wherein the elongated slot is parallel with the axis of said pipe.

3. The process as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein the second pipe is provided with a short opening, and the second pipe is movable along its axis.

4. The process as defined in any preceding claim wherein the second pipe is provided with several openings at different heights and angles; and the pipes are relatively rotatable around each other.

5. The process as defined in any preceding claim wherein the second pipe is provided with an opening running helically along the length of the opening of first pipe; and the pipes are relatively rotatable around each other.

6. A process for maintaining the liquor level at a constant value or at a value variable within a given range, in- the course of which a liquid, a composite or a mixture of liquid and solid particles is caused to flow through a substantially vertical cylindrical tank, so that it is discharged via an outlet device in the form of a pipe provided with an opening at its upper end, said pipe protruding within the tank from the bottom thereof upwardly and is reciprocable along its axis so that said opening or end can be set at the desired height.

7. An apparatus for carrying out the process as defined in any of claims 1 to 5, comprising a vertically arranged cylindrical tank and an outlet device protruding inside the tank from its bottom, and said device is provided with at least one opening which can be opened and closed wherein said outlet device consists of two concentric pipes, one pipe being provided with an elongated slot corresponding to the range of liquor level, the other pipe being provided with at least one opening; one of the pipes is held in a fixed position, while the other pipe is displaceable to overlap the slot and openings at the predetermined height.

8. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein the elongated slot is parallel with the pipe axis.

9. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 or 8 wherein the second pipe is provided with several openings at different heights and angles and arranged against the first opening; and one pipe is arranged rotatably around its axis.

10. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 or 8 wherein the second pipe is provided with a short opening and said second-pipe is arranged movably along its axis.

11. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 or 8 wherein the second pipe is provided with an opening running helically along the length of the opening of the first pipe, and one pipe is arranged rotatably around its axis.

12. An apparatus for carrying out the process as defined in claim 6, consisting of a substantially vertically arranged cylindrical tank and an outlet device protruding inside the tank from the tank bottom, wherein said outlet device is a single pipe with an opening at its upper end, said pipe being arranged in the tank movably along its axis.

13. A process according to claim 1 or 6 substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figs. la to 1c or Figs. 2a to 2c or Figs. 3a to 3c or Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 of the accompanying drawings.

14. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 12 substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figs. la to 1c or Figs. 2a to 2c or Figs. 3a to 3c or Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 of the accompanying drawings.