GB2191077A - Procedure and device for the treatment of an egg product, or relative compounds, to prolong the life of such products - Google Patents

Description

GB 2 191 077 A SPECIFICATION such product. In addition to air, free water

too can be expelled -which is extremely advantageous as Procedure and device for the treatment of an egg water, as is well known, favours the proliferation of product, or relative compounds, to prolong the life bacteria. Thanks to the procedure provided for in this of such products 70 invention, which permits a good conservation of the productfor a considerable time, there is also the This invention relates to processes and devices for elimination of serious disadvantages encountered in the treatment of an egg productsuch as theyolk,the known processes in which the egg product, white, yolk and white together or a mixture of yolk pasteurized, as it cannot be conserved fresh by and/orwhite with other ingredients. 75 simple refrigeration, must be deep- frozen, dried or Procedures forthe production of egg products preserved by adding high proportions of sugaror utilizablejor example, in the production of various salt. When frozen the produettendsto gelatinize and types of food products (in the confectionery industry hygiene problems arise during de-freezing, at least etc.) are well-known. Procedures of thistype involve for userswithout adequate equipment. When the various operations, starting from fresh eggs, such 80 product is dried it must be softened in water,which as, in particular,the washing and sterilization of the takes a long time. The presence of sugar orsalt shells, in some cases the separation of the yolks and obviously limits the utilization of the products. The whites, and further operations to obtain the product obtained according to this invention does pasteurization of the product. It is particularly not requirethe above- mentioned treatments importantto obtain good resultsfrom the standpoint 85 (freezing, drying or addition of sugar orsalt). To of the hygienic characteristics of the product and the presentthe characteristics of the procedure and of possibility of conserving the organoleptic the device as provided for in the invention more characteristics of such product as long as possible. It clearly here is a description of an example of a is known, in fact, that numerous bacteria are present realization of the procedure and of the device (with in eggs and that, particularly in certain conditions, 90 certain variants) according to said invention, with these have a great capacityfor reproduction. The reference to the accompanying diagrammatic pasteurization of the product, even if (due to the drawing in which:

temperatures involved) it results in the destruction of Figure 1 shows, in completely diagrammatic form, a considerable number of bacteria it does notsolve the entire device or plant; the problem completely. It is possible, in fact,that 95 Figure2shows, on a largerscale, an essential part after pasteurizing, bacteria survive in the product of the device or plant, in a vertical cross section; and reproduce freely and rapidly. The product must Figure 3 shows, in plan form, a detail of the part therefore be consumed as soon as possible as its shown in Figure 2; hygienic characteristics lastfor a relatively short Figure 4shows, in vertical cross section, a detail of time. This represents a serious problem, both from 100 the same part shown in Figure 2; the standpoint of human health and from the various Figure 5shows, in vertical section, a detail industrial and commercial aspects. The basic representing a possible variant; objective of this invention is to produce products of Figure 6shows, in vertical section, a detail egg, or relative compounds, with better hygienic representing another possible variant; conditions, orwith the possibility of considerably 105 Figure 7shows, in vertical section, a detail longer product conservation times - in otherwords, showing a further possible variant.

the invention is intended to obtain products of egg, Figures8,9, 10showavariant.

or relative compounds, which conserve their The device shown incompletely schematic form in organoleptic characteristics fora long period. The Figurel comprises a set of apparatus or plants procedure according to this invention, forthe 110 which, in this description, are also called "stations", treatment of egg products such as the yolk,the identified by numbersfrom 1 to 14, connected to white, yolk and white together, ora mixture of such each otheras indicated in Figure 1.

productswith other ingredients, in which the In part (orstation) 1 there isthe refrigeration ofthe pasteurization ofthe product is performed, is whole eggs, i.e. including theshells, generallyata characterized essentially in that italso involves a 115 temperatureof aboutO'C. The eggs arethen phase in which the product, already pasteurized or transferred to the plant orstation 2wheretheyare still to be pasteurized, is placed in an environment washed attemperatures normally between 30'C and connected to a means capable of creating a certain 400C. In this waythe shells of the eggs, still whole, degrees of vacuum in such environment, the degree arewashed. From station 2 the eggs pass to plant or of vacuum being held for a certain time,this 120 station 3 where the shells are sterilized by means of producing the expulsion,from the product, of a chlorine-based products, attemperatures generally gaseous mixture comprising air and other gases ranging from 40'to 50'C (heretoo the eggs are and, anyfree water, afterwhich the product is whole, i.e. with shells). Basically,the eggs are transferred for subsequent processing. The washed and disinfected to eliminate the bacteria elimination of air or other gases from the product is 125 from the shells. Downstream of station 3 there is particularly advantageous as the presence of air can plant 4 in which the shells are mechanically broken cause oxydation or bacteria growth which would by means of an apparatuswhich prevents any jeopardize both the hygienic quality of the product mixing of the shells and theircontents. Atstation 4 conserved by means of refrigeration, thus the contents of the eggs (yolkorwhite) are considerably decreasing the duration and quality of 130 discharged while the shells are eliminated.

2 GB 2 191 077 A 2 Downstream of station 4 one orthe other of thetwo respectively, to the two tanks or containers 15 components (yolkorwhite) or yolks and whites providedwith relative valves 26. Fromthe bottom of together,can be transferred forfurther processing. If thetwotanks 15two pipes N 1 leadto a single pipeN only one of the components isto be processed (the (also shown in Figure 1) leading to packing station 14 yolkforexample) thetwo components are 70 (see Figure 1). Each of these pipes N1 is provided separated, downstream of station 4, by plant5. with a valve (orcock) 27. From condensers 22there Station 6 is designed to receivethe yolk, station 7to are, respectively, two pipes 28 leading to a single receivetheyolk and white together and station 8to pipe 28Aconnected to a pump 29 (see Figure4) receive the white. designed to create a high degree of vacuum. Pipes 28 If yolkand white are to be used togethersaid 75 are fitted, respectively, with two filters 30 and two separator5 will obviously not be used. valves (orcocks) 31. On pipe 28Athere is a vacuum Consequently, the product subjectto subsequent gauge 32 and a filter33. Here is a basic description of processing in the stations indicated in Figure 1,will the operation of the plant in question, particularlyfor betheyolkalone (coming from station 6),the the processing of theyolk (but also, if requiredjor yolk-white mixture (from station 7) orthewhite alone 80 the white oryolk- white mixture. The egg yolk, as (from station 8). In the case of theyolk,there is described above, is supplied by station 6 (afterthe provision, immediately downstream of station 6jor various stages realized in stations 1 - 5 andthen an ultrafiltration plant (9) designedto remove any proceedsto stations 9, 10, 11 and 12 wherethe excesswaterfrom the yolk. Such water is present abovementioned processestake place. The when there has been a dilution of theyolk by a little 85 pasteurized yolk is supplied continuously from white during the separation phase. The device also station 12 to plant 13 through pipe M and then to the comprises a plant orstation 10 for homogenization, two sections M 1.

stabilizing and refrigeration. The product is Supposing (for example) thattank 15 on the left is homogenized by mechanical means, simultaneously empty (when looking at Figure 2) also indicated by orotherwise, with its refrigeration attemperatures 90 15A andthatthe corresponding valve 26 is open,this ranging, generally, between O'C and 4'C. will permitthe passage of the product (yolk) from Downstream of said plant is apparatus 11 for pipe M to the inside of said tank 15A. In such filtering; downstream of the latter is plant 12 forthe conditions, the othervalve 26 will be in closed pasteurizing of the product. Particularly in the case of position, thus preventing the productfrom entering the yolk, the pasteurizing takes place in station 12 by 95 the right hand tank 15 also indicated by 1513. During heating the product generally attemperatures the first period of about 5 minutes the productwill between 600 and WC for a certain time and then entertank 15A and will reach a certain level (for cooling itto temperatures between O'and 4C. example that indicated in Figure 2). During said Downstream of said plant 12 there is a plant (13), for period air is not drawn f rom tank 15A (i.e. the the stabilizing of the product (performed according 100 corresponding valve 31 prevents the passage of the to this invention) and downstream of plant 13 there air) and the corresponding motor 18 is off with the is, finally, station 14forthe packing of the product. result that stirrer blades 20 and 21 are inactive. After Here is a description of the construction and this first period, valve 26, corresponding to tank 15A functioning of said plant 13, of which the details are closes the passage and, atthe same time, motor 18 illustrated separately in Figure 2n, 3 and 4. Said plant 105 starts and begins suction, i.e. valve 31 corresponding 13 comprises two parts (right and left, respectively to tank 1 5A opens the passage. Pump 29 remains for an observer looking at Figure 2) which are active. This begins the second period, which also perfectly similar and thus the various elements lasts about 5 minutes, during which the following comprising said parts are identified bythe same stages take place. During the first4 minutes or so of numbers. Each of said parts comprises a tank 110 the second period the air is drawn from the inside of constituted basically by a container 15 equipped, at tank 15A, causing the expulsion f rom product Mass P the top, with a sealing panel or "cover" 16 fixed to (yolk) of a gaseous mixture composed of air and container 15 with means, such as screw 17, which other gases already present in the yolkwhile others permits separation when desired. To cover 16 is may have entered it during previous stages of the secured a motorwith reduction unit indicated, as a 115 process in the stations described above. Together group, by 18, the shaft of which 19 extends through with this gaseous mixture a fraction of the freewater container 15 and having two blades, 20 and 21 also present in the yolk is also extracted. Such respectively, at right angles to each other and with extraction of gaseous mixture and free water, opposing helical movement for reasons which will produced bypump 29, isfacilitated by lowerstirrer beexplained more fully later on. Cover16 isalso 120 blade20, immersed in the product, which rotates fitted with an element 22 which, in this description, is continually during said period of about 4 minutes.

termed the "condenser", comprising, basically, of a The form (helical) of blade 20 is such that itthrusts tubular body communicating with the inside of the product upwards.

container 15. In condenser 22 there aretwo filters 23 During this suction phase there is the formation of and 24 designed to trap the froth. In the same 125 an undesirable yoikfroth (which also rises as a result container 15 there is a grille 25 also capable of of the suction) which would create serious damage trapping (partially) the froth. The product is supplied were itto reach pump 29. Blade 21, above the from pasteurizing station 12 through pipe M (see product mass P, has a helical form opposite to that of Figure 1 and 2) which is divided into two branches, blade 20 in orderto force said froth downwards so both identified by M1 (see Figure 2) leading, 130 that (in part) it returns to the mass P below. The rest 3 GB 2 191 077 A 3 of the froth which rises meets grille 25 and thus part forming on it a thin film and collects at the bottom of fails back into mass P while the part which rises, the container. The suction of the gaseous mixture instead of entering condenser 22, is trapped by filters obtained by means of a pump, through pipe 39, is 23 and 24 which, instead, permit the passage of the particularly efficient on said film. Product Pis then gaseous mixture and water vapour. Anyfroth not 70 extracted by means of pump 41. Another alternative trapped by filters 23 and 24 fa H into filter 30 solution is the use of apparatus 42 (see Figure 6) to downstream of condenser 22. Filter 30 has a which the product is conveyed through pipe 43 and transparentwall and thus permits the operatorto comes into contactwith pairs of convex or concave monitorthe phenomenon and to intervene. Afterthis plates 44-45 (or even flat), forming thereupon a film period of about 4 minutes suction ceases (still in 75 which facilitates suction by a pump through pipe 46.

relation to tank 15A considered). During the Product P is then taken away by means of pump 47. A subsequent 20 seconds or so carbon dioxide (C02) is further alternative solution consists in the use of an introduced into tank 15A at high pressure through apparatus 48 (shown in Figure 7) comprising a pipe 34with the agitator (motor 18 and blades 20 and perforated hollow sphere 49 to which the product is 21) in function to restore atmospheric pressure in 80 conveyed through pipe 50. Product P passesthrough tank 15A. Afterthis period of 20 seconds orso that the holes in said sphere 49 into the lower part of the agitator stops, the C02 at high pressure is cut off and apparatus. The suction is provided by a pump and for about40 seconds, once morethrough pipe34, relative pipe 51 and is particularly effective on the carbon dioxide at low pressure is introduced. individual sprays coming out of the sphere. The Simultaneously, valve 27 corresponding to tank 15A 85 product is pumped away by pump 52. Probes S1 and opens the passage (up to now, obviously, said valve S2 (Figures 5,6,7) control the level of the product. The closed the passage) and thus, due to both the effect treatment of the product as described above (by of the gravity and of the C02 pressure, product P (i.e. means of the equipment shown in Figures 2,3 and 4 the yolk) is expelled from tank 15A and, through pipe or others) can be performed afterthe pasteurizing N1, to pipe N to be conveyed to packing station 14. 90 stage, or before or during such stage.

During said second period of about 5 minutes in To obtain a greater bactericidal effect it is possible which, in tank 15A, suction (about 4 minutes) and to place, between plant 13 and station 14, an then C02 inlet and product discharge (about 1 ultra-violet ray device. Such rays, at least in a certain minute), have taken place, tank 15B is filled. wavelength range, perform a bactericidal function.

In otherwords, the two tanks alternate and the 95 Figure 8 is identical to Figure 1 but comprises, in processe are repeated. Returning to the addition to the various parts shown in Figure 1 (and consideration of the functioning of the apparatus thus identified bythe same reference numers). Said during suction, it should be pointed outthat in ultra-violet ray device, indicated as a whole by 53, is condenser 22 the mass of froth cools and, in part, illustrated in detail in Figure 9 and Figure 1 Othat condenses, so that itfalls back, by gravity, intotank 100 showsthe Section X-X of Figure 9.

15A. Condenser 22 is surrounded byjacket pipe 40to Device 53 comprisestwo identical parts indicated, maintain the inside of the condenser cold. The lower in Figure 9, by Z1 and Z2 respectively. Each of said temperature treatment (in the example in question) parts comprises a tubular body 55 preferably is particularly useful to prevent any proliferation of stainless steel and a second tubular body 54 inside bacteria. The high degree of vacuum obtained by 105 said body 55 and co- axial to it. Body 54 is made of a pump 29 permitsthe extraction of said gaseous material which istransparentto ultra-violet rays, mixture or said free water, even ata low preferably quartz. Between thetwo pipes there is a temperature. Said carbon dioxide, in addition to the jacket indicated as 57. In pipe 54there aretwo lamps functions mentioned above, also performs a 56 designed to emit ultra- violet rays. The number 59 bacteriostatic function with regard to the product. It 110 indicates the protective sleeves forthe electrical has been discovered that small quantities of connections and 60 the sealing elements to prevent LYSOZYME (product obtained from egg white) the product leaking. 58 indicates a pipe which added to the product (yolk, for instance) before and connects the two jackets 57 of the two parts Z1 and afterthe pasteurizing stage can increase product life Z2.

and preventthe proliferation of bacteria. For 115 The egg products, supplied from plant 13 example, 70 - 100 g of LYSOZYME are dissolved in a (described above) arrives at apparatus 53 (part Z1) as litre of water and such solution is added to about indicated bythe arrow in Figure 9. The product runs 1000 litres of product (yolk). If the stabilization through jacket 57 between pipes 54 and 55 and thus process described above (with apparatus 13) is not is subjectto the sterilizing action of the ultra-violet performed continuously but after a certain time 120 rays created by lamps 56. The product is then (several hours) afterthe homogenizing stage, it is conveyed through pipe 58,to part Z2 where it runs particularly useful to add said LYSOZYME solution through jacket 57 to be subjected once more to the described aboveto the product. As an alternative to sterilizing action of the ultra-violet rays created by the plantshown in Figure 2,3, and 4, other plants can lamps 56 of said partZ2. Finallythe product leaves be used to extraetthefluid mixture from the product. 125 the apparatus 53 (as indicated bythe arrow in Figure One of them is shown in figure 5 where a perforated 9) and arrives at station 14where the product is basket 35, caused to rotate by motor 36, expels packed.

through the holes of its cylindrical lateral wall the It is also possible to provide a storage tank for the product P which enters container 38 through pipe 37; sterile finished product. It is advisable to use a gear the product impacts the wall of said container 130 pump to convey the product to apparatus 53 (the - 4 GB 2 191 077 A 4 pressure, for example, is two or three atmospheres). necessary, of parts off ree water, after which the The wavelength of the ultraviolet rays, for example, product is subjected to subsequent operations.

is 2537Angstr6m (A). Device 53 is supplied with an 2. Device for the performance of the process

Claims (1)

1. electrical control panel which signals any according to Claim 1,

   characterized in that it malfunctions (lamps 56fail to function etc.). It is 70 comprises two identical parts, each of which advisable to add a small mixture of carbon dioxideto comprises a tank (15) to receive the product, a the product before it is supplied to apparatus 53to condenser (22), in communication with said tank neutralize the action of the ozone which ultraviolet (15), destined forthe passage of said gaseous rays can produce (ozone has an oxydizing effect on mixture and connected to a pump (29) capable of the fats). The degree of sterility of the product 75 creating a high degree of vacuum in said tank, and depends on its density (maximum forthe white, agitator, composed of a motorwith reduction unit excellentforthe whole egg, averageforthe yolk).A (18) and blades (20,21) integral with the drive shaft very importantfactorforthe correct function i ng of and meansforthe introduction of carbon dioxide at apparatus 53 is thethickness of the product in jacket varying pressures into said tank (1 5),thetwo tanks 57 which mustbe as little as is permitted bytheflow 80 (15) being connected by means of two respective requirements (flow rate in litres/hour). Practice has inlet pipes (M1) to inlet pipe (M) through whichthe shown thatthe optimum thickness rangesfrom 1 to productto be processed is conveyed, the tanks (15) 1.5 mm. The action of the ultra-violet rays consists, in furthermore being connected, by means of two practice, in the destruction of the protoplasmatic respective outlet pipes (N 1) to an outlet pipe (N), membrane of the bacteria and is practically 85 being also provided with means by which, for each instantaneous. It is therefore unnecessaryto tank, there is a first phase during which the product is establish a particular duration forth e treatment with introduced into the tank fortreatment and a second such rays. The dual passage through parts Z1 and Z2 phase during which take place, f irst, the suction is not designed, therefore, to extend thetreatment process with the agitator in movement and, second, time butto ensure a complete exposure to the 90 the introduction of carbon dioxide at high pressure uitra-vioiet radiation by all of the mass circulating to restorethe atmospheric equilibrium, followed through the apparatus. It is known thatthe immediately by the subsequent introduction of penetration of ultraviolet rays in opaque and rather carbon dioxide at low pressure to facilitate the dense products is very limited. Thetreatment of the discharge of the product and being provided with productwith ultra-violet rays is very important as it 95 means which, when the f irst phase is underway in ensures a further increase in the duration of the egg onetankthe second phase takes place in the other productthanksto the further reduction of the one and vice versa.

   residual bacteria count produced by such rays. In the 3. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in abovementioned example there is provision fortwo thatthere is provision for means to prevent the froth parts Z1 and Z2 butthe numberof said parts can be 100 of the productformed during suction and agitation different (only one may be provided). Preferablysaid from reaching said pump (29).

   parts are connected in series (as in Figure 9) butthey 4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in can also be connected in parallel, for example, to thatthe lower blade (20) possesses a helical form obtain a greaterflow. designedto thrustthe product upwardswhilethe Elements like that indicated byZ1 (orZ2) can also 105 lower blade (21) has an opposite helical form so asto be inserted in other parts ofthediagram (Figures 1 or forcethefroth downwards.

   8) instead of in the position between plant 13 and 5. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in station 14. that in condenser (22) there aretwo filters (23 and 24) Forexample, an element likeZ1 can be inserted designed totrap only said froth.

   between apparatus 11 designed forfiltration and 110 6. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in plant 12 for pasteurizing while another can be that in pipes (28) connecting the two condensers (22) inserted between plant 12 and plant 13. Parts like Z1 to said pump (29) there are respectively two filters and Z2 can also be placed in other positions, (30) capable of trapping any quantities of froth depending on whether only egg yolk, only egg white leaving the condensers, the walls of such filters (30) or both are being processed. 115 being transparentto permit the monitoring of the phenomenon.

   CLAIMS 7. Device according Claim 2 characterized in that said condenser (22) is surrounded by a jacket pipe 1. Process forthe treatment of an egg product (40) designed to keep the inside of the condenser such as the yolk, the white, yolk and whitetogether 120 cold.

   or a mixture of yolk and/orwhite with other 8. Device for the carrying out of the process ingredients, involving the phase of the pasteurizing according to Claim 1 characterized in thatforthe of the product, characterized in thatthere is also a suction of said mixture there is provision of phase in whichthe product, pasteurized orto be apparatus (38) comprising a rotating perforated pasteurized or during pasteurizing, is placed in an 125 basket (35) from which the product,which is environment connected to a means designed to conveyed to itthrough a pipe (37) is expelledforming create a certain degree of vacuum in said on the internal wall of the device a thin film which environment, which degree of vacuum is held for a facilitatesthe suction of the gaseous mixture.

   certain time, causing the expulsion of a gaseous 9. Device for the carrying out of the process mixture comprising air and other gases, and, if 130 according to Claim 1 characterized in thatforthe GB 2 191077 A 5 suction of said mixture there is provision of device (42) comprisingtwo plates (44,45) onwhichthe product is deposited to form on said platesathinfilm which facilitates the suction ofthe mixture.

   10. Device for the carrying out of the process according to Claim 1 characterized in thatforthe suction of said mixture there is provision of a device (48) comprising a hollow perforated sphere (49)from which the product, supplied to it by a pipe (50) is expelled in theform of spraywhich greatly facilitates the suction of the mixture.

   11. Process according to Claim 1, characterized in that small quantities of LYSOZYME are added to the product.

   12. Process according to Claim 1, characterized in that, after the said phase in which the product is placed in an environment with a certain degree of vacuum, the product is placed in another environment in which the product is subjected to ultra-violet rays with sterilizing properties.

   13. Device for the actuation of the process according to Claim 12, characterized in that it comprises one or more elements (Z1, Z2) in series and/or in parallel, each comprising a pipe (55) preferably made of steel, a pipe (54) made of a material transparent to ultra-violet rays, preferably quartz, inside the first pipe and co-axial to it, and of such a diameter as to provide a cavity permitting the passage of the egg product. In said inner pipethere are one or more lamps (56) which emit ultra-violet rays and means are provided to conveythe egg product into said cavity and to conveythe product, after treatment with said rays, for subsequent operations.

   14. Procedure according to Claim 1, characterized in that at in at least one phase of the procedure, before or after the product is placed in said environment with a certain degree of vacuum, the product itself is subjected to ultra-violet rays which have a sterilizing effect.

   15. Device for the actuation of the procedure according to Claim 14, characterized in thatthere is provision for at least one element comprising two co-axial pipes (54,55) in jacket (57) through which the product passes while in the inner pipe (54), which is made of material permitting the passage of the uitra-violet rays, there is at least one lamp (56) designed to emitsaid rays.

   16. A process for the treatment of an egg product, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to one or more figures of the accompanying drawings.

   17. A device for treatment of an egg product, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to one or more of the figures of the accompanying drawings.

   Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Croydon Printing Company (U K) Ltd, 10187, D8991685. Published by The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A l AY, from which copies maybe obtained.