JP2001169734A - Continuous electrically energizing heater for fluid food material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain uniform heating of a fluid food material and prevent the overheating of the inner walls of a pipe line, when the fluid food material is continuously heated through an electrically energizing heating process while it is continuously transported through the pipe line. SOLUTION: An electrode-supporting shaft is set at the center in the pipe line along the center axis of the pipe line and a first electrode at least whose outer circumference is made of a conductive material is set on the supporting shaft, while a second electrode at least whose inner circumference is made of a conductive material is set to the position opposing to the outer circumferential face of the first electrode. A voltage is loaded between the first and the second electrodes whereby the fluid food material flowing through the pipe line is heated by passing of electric current through the fluid food material and in the radial direction of the pipe.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a food material having fluidity such that it can be continuously flowed and transported in a pipe (in a pipe), for example, a liquid food material, a solid-liquid mixed food material, or a gel material. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for continuously heating a food material while continuously flowing and transporting the same in a pipeline for sterilization and cooking.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art According to a method of continuously heating a food material having fluidity while continuously flowing and transporting the same in a pipeline, productivity is reduced as compared with a method of heating a fixed amount in a batch system. It is possible to continuously fill the container with the food material continuously heated in the pipeline as it is, so that the process from heating to filling the container can be completely continuous. is there.

Recently, a method of heating a food material for sterilization or cooking using a current heating (Joule heating) system in which the food material is directly energized and generates heat by electric resistance of the food material has been commercialized. In particular, an apparatus for continuously heating the flowable food material in the conduit by the electric heating method while continuously flowing the flowable food material in the conduit has already been studied for practical use. ing.

[0004] As described above, a specific configuration of an apparatus for continuously energizing and heating the flowable food material in the conduit while continuously flowing the flowable food material in the conduit is as follows. They are roughly classified into two types in terms of the direction in which the accompanying energizing current flows. That is, the first type is
At two or more portions at predetermined intervals in the length direction of the pipeline (the direction in which the food material flows), annular electrodes are provided along the inner peripheral surface of the pipeline, and the upstream electrode and the downstream electrode of the pipeline are provided. The second type is a method in which an electric current flows through the food material along the length of the pipeline between the side electrodes and the second type. A pair of electrodes having a circular cross section along the circumferential direction of the pipeline is provided on one side and the other side in the diameter direction of the pipeline, and the electrode on one side and the electrode on the other side in the diameter direction of the pipeline are provided. This is a method in which an electric current is passed through the food material so as to cross the pipeline between them.

[0005]

The inventors of the present invention have conducted further experiments and studies on a continuous heating apparatus for a flowable food material by the electric heating method as described above, and found that any type of the apparatus has a problem in terms of uniform heating. It turned out that there is.

[0006] That is, the electric heating has a merit that the food material can be uniformly heated as compared with the heating from the outside, since the food material generates Joule heat from the inside of the food material itself. When the fluid food material flowing in the pipeline is heated by electricity, the current for heating the current flows unevenly to the food material in the pipeline, so that the food material is not heated evenly or The problem is that the pipe wall is overheated. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of the first type of continuous electric heating apparatus. In FIG. 19, the pipe 1 through which the flowable food material flows is transported (see FIG. 19).
Electrodes (3A, 3B, 3C) made of a conductive material such as titanium and formed in a ring (short cylindrical shape) at predetermined intervals in a direction from the lower side to the downstream side (the upper side in FIG. 19).
The conduit between the electrodes 3A, 3B, 3C is formed by a cylindrical hollow tube 5 made of an insulating material.
The upstream pipe and the downstream pipe from the electrode 3C are also formed by the cylindrical hollow pipe 5 made of an insulating material. Then, between the electrodes 3A and 3B, and between the electrodes 3B and
A voltage is applied between the 3Cs by a power supply device 7 such as a high-frequency power supply or a commercial AC power supply, and an energizing current is caused to flow in the length direction of the conduit 1 to the fluid food material. The hollow tube 5 made of an insulating material and each of the electrodes 3A to 3C are made to have the same inner diameter. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface of each of the electrodes 3A to 3C and the inner peripheral surface of the hollow tube 5 are Is substantially free of steps.

Here, if a voltage for energizing and heating is applied between the electrodes 3A and 3B and between the electrodes 3B and 3C in a state where the flowable food material is continuously flowing in the conduit 1, the electric current is reduced. Shows the tendency to flow through the smallest path. And if the electrical resistance of the flowable food material is generally uniform,
Since the electric resistance of the path corresponding to the shortest distance between the electrodes becomes lowest, the current flows between the electrodes 3A and 3B, the electrodes 3B and 3C.
In the fluid food material between the electrodes, there is a tendency to flow through a portion in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the hollow tube 5 made of the insulating material between the electrodes. Therefore, the current density in the flowable food material increases near the inner peripheral surface in the pipeline 1, while the current density decreases near the central axis O of the pipeline 1. FIG. 20 shows such a current density distribution in the conduit 1 between the electrodes 3A and 3B. As shown in FIG. 20, as a result of the non-uniform current density distribution, the food material is easily overheated in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the conduit 1, whereas the food material is hardly heated in the vicinity of the central axis O. Things happen.

Further, in the electric heating of the flowable food material, the higher the temperature of the food material to be heated and heated, the lower the electric resistance and the easier the electric current to flow. The current flows more intensively into the fluid food material that has been heated by the overheating at the position of the flow path, and as a result, the temperature of the fluid food material flowing at the position near the inner peripheral surface of the pipeline 1 rises more rapidly. As a result, the temperature difference from the fluid food material flowing near the center of the pipe 1 is further increased.

Further, the flow velocity of the flowable food material flowing in the pipeline 1 is smaller near the inner peripheral surface of the pipeline 1 than in the vicinity of the central portion of the pipeline 1 due to viscous resistance with the pipe wall. The residence time between the electrodes of the flowable food material flowing between the electrodes near the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 1 is longer than that near the center,
Therefore, at a position near the inner peripheral surface of the pipeline 1, the time for which the fluid food material is energized becomes longer, and the temperature rises more easily than near the center, which also promotes the uneven heating as described above. It has become.

If the food material is overheated, sterilization can be sufficiently performed, but the flavor of the food may be impaired, discoloration may occur, and nutritional components may be destroyed. In order to obtain high quality food materials, it is essential to avoid overheating. On the other hand, if the food material is not sufficiently heated, sterilization may be insufficient and a food hygiene problem may occur. In addition, when heating is intended, cooking may not be performed sufficiently. Therefore, it is important for a food heating apparatus to uniformly heat the entire food material to an appropriate temperature according to a target process, and in the conventional continuous heating apparatus for a fluid food material as described above, a fluid food is used. It was still difficult to heat the material uniformly to the appropriate temperature.

Further, in the case of the above-mentioned continuous electric heating device,
As a result of the fluid food material flowing near the inner peripheral surface of the conduit 1 being overheated, the insulating material, for example, the resin constituting the hollow tube 5 of the conduit 1 is softened by high temperature and easily deformed. There is also a problem that the food material is scorched on the inner surface of the pipeline 1 and the flavor of the food material is impaired.

On the other hand, FIGS. 21 and 22 show an example of the above-described second type, that is, an example of a continuous energizing heating device of a type in which electric current is supplied in the transverse direction of the pipeline. The electrodes 3A and 3B, each having an arc-shaped cross section, are disposed on one side and the other side of the tube 1 so as to be along the inner surface of the pipe 1 and to face each other in the diametrical direction (transverse direction) of the pipe 1. I have. In such a type of continuous energizing heating device, the electrodes 3 opposing each other in the transverse direction of the pipeline 1 are used.
By applying a voltage between A and 3B, a current flows in the fluid food material flowing in the pipeline 1 in the transverse direction of the pipeline 1, and the fluid food material is electrically heated.

In the case of such a continuous current heating device of the second type, the distance between the electrodes 3A and 3B facing each other is small (distance L1) at both ends of the electrodes 3A and 3B, and the distance between the electrodes 3A and 3B is small. It becomes larger in the part (distance L2). Therefore, while the current density at the position between both ends of the electrodes 3A and 3B increases, the current density between the central portions tends to decrease. In particular, as shown in FIG.
When the divergence angle θ between the two ends of A and 3B with respect to the axis O is large (close to 180 °) and the cross-sectional shape is close to a semicircle, as shown in the right side of FIG. Electrode 3
Extremely concentrated at the position between both ends of A and 3B, unevenness of current density becomes remarkable. If the current density becomes non-uniform in this way, as in the first type (see FIGS. 19 and 20), overheating occurs due to non-uniform heating, and conversely, insufficient heating occurs. There is a risk. In addition, since the current density at the position between both ends of the electrode is increased as described above, the spread angle θ formed by both ends of the electrodes 3A and 3B with respect to the axis O is close to 180 ° as shown in FIG. If
The inner peripheral surface of the conduit 1 near the position between both ends of the electrodes 3A and 3B is overheated, and the insulating material, for example, the resin constituting the portion is softened and easily deformed. is there.

On the other hand, even in the case of the second type of current-carrying heating apparatus which energizes in the transverse direction of the pipeline 1 in the same manner as described above, FIG.
As shown in the figure, if the spread angle θ formed by the pair of electrodes 3A, 3B opposed to each other in the transverse direction of the pipe line 1 with respect to the axis O is small, the distance L1 between both ends of the electrodes 3A, 3B and the center The difference (L2−L1) from the distance L2 between the electrodes becomes small, so that the unevenness of the current density can be eliminated to some extent. It is also possible to prevent overheating of the peripheral surface. However, in this case, as shown on the right side of FIG. 23, the current density in the portion (the portion denoted by reference numeral 8 in FIG. 23) further aside than between both ends of the electrodes 3A and 3B in the conduit 1 is extremely high. In the portion 8, the fluid food material is hardly electrically heated and there is a strong possibility that insufficient heating will occur. Therefore, in the second type of continuous energization heating device that energizes in the transverse direction of the conduit 1, even if the spread angle θ of the electrodes 3A and 3B with respect to the central axis position O is reduced, the problem of uneven heating is solved. Could not.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and, when continuously heating a fluid food material in a conduit by applying electric current, the food material flowing in the conduit can be uniformly heated. It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that prevents the inner wall of the pipeline from becoming hot.

[0017]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, basically, a flowable food material flowing in a pipe is applied in a radial direction (radial direction) of the pipe. It was decided to energize.

More specifically, the continuous electric heating apparatus for a fluid food material according to the first aspect of the present invention is capable of continuously flowing and transporting a food material having fluidity in the lengthwise direction of the pipeline while maintaining the fluidity. An electrode supporting shaft is provided along a central axis of a conduit in a central portion of a conduit in a continuous current heating device for a fluid food material in which a fluid food material is continuously energized and heated. A first electrode having at least an outer peripheral surface formed of a conductive material is provided on the electrode support shaft, and a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the first electrode is provided on the inner wall side of the conduit. , A second electrode having at least an inner peripheral surface formed of a conductive material is provided, and a flowable food material flowing in a pipeline by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. Characterized by heating by energizing the pipe in the radial direction of the pipe A.

Thus, in the continuous electric heating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first electrode on the outer peripheral surface of the electrode supporting rod along the central axis of the conduit and the second electrode on the inner wall side of the conduit. The distance is
The current density in the cross section of the conduit when current flows in the radial direction of the conduit between the first electrode and the second electrode is equal to each other over the entire circumference in the inner peripheral direction of the conduit. It becomes uniform over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, so that the fluid food material flowing in the pipeline is heated uniformly.

Here, a plurality of first electrodes may be formed at intervals in the length direction of the electrode support shaft, and a plurality of second electrodes may be formed at intervals in the length direction of the conduit. May be.
These are defined by the continuous electric heating device according to the second to fourth aspects of the present invention.

More specifically, the continuous electric heating device for fluid food material according to the second aspect of the present invention is capable of continuously flowing and transporting a fluid food material in the lengthwise direction of the pipeline while maintaining the fluidity in the pipeline. An electrode supporting shaft is provided along a central axis of a conduit in a central portion of a conduit in a continuous current heating device for a fluid food material in which a fluid food material is continuously energized and heated. A first electrode having at least an outer peripheral surface formed of a conductive material is provided on the electrode support shaft, and a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the first electrode is provided on the inner wall side of the conduit. A plurality of second electrodes, at least an inner peripheral surface of which is formed of a conductive material, are provided at intervals in the length direction of the conduit, and a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. The fluid food material flowing through the pipeline in the radial direction of the pipeline. It is characterized in that to heat.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a continuous flow heating apparatus for a flowable food material, wherein the flowable food material is continuously flowed and transported in a lengthwise direction of the flow path while the flowable food material in the flow path is kept flowing. In a continuous current heating device for a fluid food material that is continuously energized and heated for the material, an electrode support shaft is provided along a central axis of the pipeline at a central portion in the pipeline, and On the electrode support shaft, a plurality of first electrodes at least having an outer peripheral surface formed of a conductive material are provided at intervals in the length direction of the electrode support shaft, and on the inner wall side of the conduit,
A second electrode having at least an inner peripheral surface formed of a conductive material is provided at a position facing the entirety of the plurality of first electrodes, and a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Is applied to the flowable food material flowing in the conduit so that the fluid is supplied with electricity in the radial direction of the conduit and heated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a continuous electric heating apparatus for a fluid food material, the fluid food material having fluidity being continuously flowed and transported in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline, and the fluid food in the pipeline being transported. In a continuous current heating device for a fluid food material that is continuously energized and heated for the material, an electrode support shaft is provided along a central axis of the pipeline at a central portion in the pipeline, and On the electrode support shaft, a plurality of first electrodes at least having an outer peripheral surface formed of a conductive material are provided at intervals in the length direction of the electrode support shaft, and on the inner wall side of the conduit,
At a position facing the outer peripheral surface of each of the first electrodes,
A plurality of second electrodes having at least an inner peripheral surface formed of a conductive material are provided at intervals in the length direction of the conduit, and apply a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. Accordingly, the fluid food material flowing in the pipeline is heated by being energized in the radial direction of the pipeline.

As defined in claims 2 to 4, in a configuration in which a plurality of first electrodes and / or second electrodes are provided at intervals in the length direction of an electrode support shaft or a conduit. In particular, it becomes possible to stably and uniformly heat the fluid food material to a high temperature. That is, when only one first electrode and one second electrode are provided,
If the current density distribution between the first electrode and the second electrode is slightly non-uniform, the effect appears on the ultimate heating temperature of the fluid food material, especially at a high temperature (for example, 80 ° C.). However, if the heating is performed up to the above, there is a possibility that the heating temperature varies, but if a plurality of first electrodes or second electrodes are provided at intervals in the length direction of the conduit, the flowable food material Are heated repeatedly between the opposing electrode surfaces, so that even if the current density distribution between the pair of opposing electrode surfaces is slightly non-uniform, the flowable food material remains Therefore, the temperature can be stably and uniformly increased to a high temperature.

Further, when a plurality of first electrodes are provided or a plurality of second electrodes are provided as described above, each first electrode or each second electrode is connected to a pipe or a circumference of an electrode support shaft. The configuration may be divided into a plurality of directions. Claims 5 to 7 define this.

Specifically, the continuous electric heating apparatus for a fluid food material according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the second or fourth aspect.
Wherein the plurality of second electrodes are each divided into a plurality of sectioned second electrodes in a circumferential direction of a conduit, and a certain second electrode is provided. The direction connecting the central portion of the divided second electrode constituting the first electrode and the central axis position of the conduit is the central portion of the divided second electrode constituting the adjacent second electrode and the central axis position of the conduit. Are defined so as to be different from the direction connecting

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the continuous electric heating apparatus for a fluid food material according to any one of the third and fourth aspects, wherein Are divided into a plurality of divided first electrodes in the circumferential direction of the pipeline, and a certain first electrode is divided into a plurality of first electrodes.
The direction connecting the central portion of the divided first electrode and the central axis position of the conduit is the central portion of the divided first electrode and the central axis position of the conduit constituting another adjacent first electrode. Are defined so as to be different from the direction connecting

Further, in the continuous flowing heating apparatus for a fluid food material according to the present invention, in the continuous flowing heating apparatus for a fluid food material according to the fourth aspect, each of the plurality of second electrodes may be a conduit. Is divided into a plurality of divided second electrodes in the circumferential direction, and a second divided electrode constituting a certain second electrode.
The direction connecting the center part of the electrode and the center axis position of the conduit is different from the direction connecting the center part of the second electrode which is another adjacent second electrode and the center axis position of the conduit. And the plurality of first electrodes are each divided into a plurality of divided first electrodes in a circumferential direction of the conduit,
The direction connecting the central portion of the divided first electrode constituting the certain first electrode and the position of the central axis of the conduit is different from that of another adjacent first electrode.
Are defined so as to be different from the direction connecting the central portion of the first electrode section and the central axis position of the conduit.

In the case of the continuous electric heating apparatus according to the fifth to seventh aspects of the present invention, since the first electrode or the second electrode is divided in the circumferential direction, the first electrode or the second electrode constitutes the first electrode. A position corresponding to between the two ends of one electrode, or
Electricity is not applied at a position corresponding to between the two end portions of the second electrode which constitutes the electrode, which may cause non-uniform heating. The direction connecting the central portion of the electrode and the center axis position of the conduit is different from the direction connecting the central portion of each of the first electrodes of the other adjacent first electrodes and the central axis position of the conduit. Or a direction connecting the central portion of each sectioned second electrode constituting a certain second electrode and the center axis position of the conduit constitutes another second electrode. Is defined so as to be different from the direction connecting the central portion of the pipe and the center axis position of the conduit, so that when viewed along the axial direction of the conduit, both end portions of the segmented first electrodes constituting each first electrode Between the two ends of the section second electrode constituting each section second electrode Corresponding position are not overlapping, it is possible to reduce the non-uniformity of the heating purpose.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0031]

FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a continuous heating apparatus according to the present invention, and FIGS.

In FIG. 1, a fluid food material such as a liquid food material or a solid-liquid mixed food material is contained in a supply side container 11 in advance. A supply opening / closing valve 13 is provided at a lower end of the supply side container 11, and a pipe 15 is extended from a lower end of the supply opening / closing valve 13. In a position near the supply on-off valve 13 in the pipe line 15,
A pump 17 is provided as a pumping means for flowing and transporting the fluid food material in the pipeline 15. On the downstream side of the pump 17 in the pipeline 15, there is a pipeline vertical rising portion 15A that rises vertically upward, and in the pipeline vertical rising portion 15A, an energization heating device 19 characterized by the present invention is formed. Have been. Further pipe 1
5, the upper end of the vertical rising portion 15A is bent and extended in the horizontal direction, and at that portion, that is, at a portion corresponding to the downstream side of the electric heating device 19, a cooling device 21 for cooling the flowable food material is provided. A discharge-side container 23 is provided downstream of the cooling device 21.

In the example of FIG. 1, the pipe 15 is used as the pressure feeding means.
Although the pump 17 is provided in the middle, the supply side container 11 may be provided with a pressurizing means for pressurizing the fluid food material in the container in some cases. Further, the cooling device 21 can be omitted in some cases.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the energization heating device 19 in an enlarged manner.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, a vertically rising portion 15A of the conduit 15 is vertically inserted with a rod-shaped or cylindrical electrode supporting shaft 25 at the position of the center axis O. Upper end 25A and lower end 2 of shaft 25
5B is fixed to an upper end and a lower end of the pipe line vertical rising portion 15A by a mounting member 26 such as a nut.
The electrode support shaft 25 is connected to at least a second electrode 2 described later.
9 is formed of a conductive material such as titanium at a position opposed to the first electrode 27.
And Specifically, in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the entire electrode support shaft 25 is made of a conductive material such as titanium and the outer peripheral surface thereof is used as the first electrode 27. In some cases, as shown in FIG. The electrode support shaft 25 itself is made of an electrically insulating material such as a resin, and the outer layer portion 28 corresponding to the second electrode 29 is formed of a conductive material such as titanium.
The outer layer portion 28 may be used as the first electrode 27.

On the other hand, on the inner wall side of the vertical rising portion 15A of the conduit 15, a second electrode 29 having at least an inner peripheral surface formed of a conductive material such as titanium is provided at a position facing the first electrode 27. I have. Specifically, in the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a vertical intermediate portion of the vertical rising portion 15 </ b> A of the conduit 15 is formed by a cylindrical electrode body 30 made of titanium or the like, and the cylindrical electrode body 30 is The upper and lower portions of the cylindrical electrode body 30 are used as the electrodes 29 and the insulating tube 3
1. Of course, in some cases, as shown in FIG. 5, the entire vertical rising portion 15A of the conduit 15 is formed by the insulating tubular body 31, and the cylindrical electrode body 30 is lined on the inner surface of the vertical intermediate portion thereof to form the second Electrode 2
9 may be formed.

The above-mentioned first electrode 27 and second electrode 29
Is the output terminal 3 of the power supply 33 for energization and heating as shown in FIG.
3A and 33B are electrically connected to each other. Note that a high-frequency power supply or a commercial AC power supply is usually used as the power supply 33 for energizing and heating.

In the continuous electric heating apparatus of the embodiment described above, if the supply-side on-off valve 13 is opened and the pump 17 is operated, the flowable food material is supplied from the supply-side container 11 to the conduit 1.
5 is transported from left to right in FIG. The fluid food material is supplied to the vertical rising portion 1 of the conduit 15.
5A, the electric power is passed from the lower side to the upper side through the energizing heating device 19, during which the energizing heating is performed, the temperature rises, heating for sterilization and cooking is performed, and further cooling by passing through the cooling device 21, the discharge side container To 23.

Here, the vertical rising portion 15 of the pipe 15
The operation of the electric heating device 19 of A will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS.

In the vertical rising portion 15A of the conduit 15, the fluid food material is supplied to the first electrode 27 on the side of the central axis.
Of the second electrode 29 on the inner wall side of the conduit. Since the first electrode 27 and the second electrode 29 are connected to the power supply 33 for electric heating, the first electrode 2
A current flows radially in the radial direction of the conduit 15 between the electrode 7 and the second electrode 29 through the fluid food material, and the fluid food material generates heat due to the resistance of the fluid food material. Done. At this time, since the first electrode 27 and the second electrode 29 are arranged concentrically, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the first electrode 27 and the inner peripheral surface of the second electrode 29 is Equally over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, the current density is also uniform over the entire circumference of the pipe 15 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the fluid food material passes between the outer peripheral surface of the first electrode 27 and the inner peripheral surface of the second electrode 29, it is uniformly heated at any position on the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, and the temperature is uniformly increased. Will rise. That is, without overheating locally, or without insufficient heating locally,
The temperature of the fluid food material flowing in the pipe 15 can be raised uniformly.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the single first
Although the electrode 27 and the single second electrode 29 are provided, a plurality of one or both of them are provided at intervals in the length direction of the conduit 15 (length direction of the electrode support shaft 25). May be. An example in that case is shown in FIGS.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which a plurality of first electrodes 27A to 27D are provided for a single second electrode 29. In this example, the electrode support shaft 25 itself is formed of an electrically insulating material such as a resin,
On the outer peripheral surface at the intermediate position, annular first electrodes 27A to 27D are formed at predetermined intervals in the length direction of the electrode support shaft 25. The second electrode 29 on the inner wall side of the conduit 15 is
The plurality of first electrodes 27A to 27D are provided so as to face the entirety. The plurality of first electrodes 27A to 27A
27D is connected in parallel to one output terminal 33A of the power supply 33 for energization and heating (see FIG. 3), and the second electrode 29 is connected to the other output terminal 33B of the power supply 33 for energization and heating.

In the continuous electric heating apparatus shown in FIG. 6, the flowable food material flowing in the conduit 15 is first heated between the most upstream first electrode 27A and the second electrode 29, and then heated. Between the first electrode 27B and the second electrode 29, further between the first electrode 27C and the second electrode 29, and finally between the most downstream first electrode 27D and the second electrode 29,
Heating is carried out sequentially so that the temperature rises. Therefore, it is possible to stably and uniformly heat to a high temperature.

FIG. 7 shows an example in which a plurality of second electrodes 29A to 29D are provided at intervals in the length direction of the conduit 15 with respect to a single first electrode 27. In this example, the intermediate portion of the vertical rising portion 15A of the conduit 15 is formed by alternately arranging a plurality of cylindrical electrode bodies 30 and a plurality of insulating tubular bodies 31 in the longitudinal direction of the conduit 15. The plurality of cylindrical electrode bodies 3
0 constitutes the second electrodes 29A to 29D, respectively.
On the other hand, the first electrode 27 is formed by forming the electrode support shaft 25 itself from a conductive material, and thus the first electrode 27 faces the entire second electrodes 29A to 29D. The first electrode 27 is provided with a power supply 33 for energization and heating.
(See FIG. 3) and one of the output terminals 33A, and the plurality of second electrodes 29A to 29D are connected in parallel to the other output terminal 33B of the power supply 33 for energization and heating.

In the continuous electric heating apparatus shown in FIG. 7, the fluid food material flowing in the conduit 15 is first electrically heated between the most upstream second electrode 29A and the first electrode 27. Next, between the second electrode 29B and the first electrode 27, between the second electrode 29C and the first electrode 27, and finally, between the second most downstream second electrode 29D and the first electrode 27, the current is sequentially supplied. It will be heated and the temperature will rise. Also in this case, it is possible to stably and uniformly heat up to a high temperature as in the example of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a plurality of first electrodes 27A-27.
D shows an example in which a plurality of second electrodes 29A to 29D are provided.
Here, the plurality of first electrodes 27A to 27D are configured as in the case of FIG. 6, and the plurality of second electrodes 29A to 29D are configured as in the case of FIG. And each first electrode 27A
27D are formed at positions facing the second electrodes 29A to 29D, respectively. The plurality of first electrodes 27A to 27A
27D is connected in parallel to one output terminal 33A of the power supply 33 for energizing and heating (see FIG. 3), and a plurality of second electrodes 29A to 29A are connected.
29D is the other output terminal 33B of the power supply 33 for energization and heating.
Are connected in parallel.

In the continuous electric heating apparatus shown in FIG. 8, the flowable food material flowing in the conduit 15 is first electrically heated between the first and second electrodes 27A and 29A on the most upstream side. Next, between the first electrode 27B and the second electrode 29B, between the first electrode 27C and the second electrode 29C, and finally, between the first and second most downstream first electrodes 27D and the second electrode 29D. It is heated and its temperature rises. Also in this case, it is possible to stably and uniformly heat up to a high temperature as in the examples of FIGS.

When a plurality of first electrodes and / or a plurality of second electrodes are provided as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, it is a matter of course that the voltage applied between the electrodes can be made different as required. .

In the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the plurality of first electrodes 27A to 27D are individually formed on the outer peripheral surface of the electrode support shaft 25 made of an electrically insulating material. As shown in FIG. 9, the entire electrode supporting shaft 25 is made of a conductive material such as titanium,
A plurality of insulating members 35 made of an electrically insulating material are provided at predetermined positions on the outer peripheral surface of
A to 35C may be formed, and the upper, lower, and middle portions of the insulating portions 35A to 35C may be used as the first electrodes 27A to 27D.

The plurality of second electrodes 29A to 29D can be similarly configured. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the conduit 15 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the long cylindrical electrode body 37.
By forming insulating portions 39A to 39C made of an electrically insulating material at intervals in the longitudinal direction, the insulating portions 3A to 39C are formed.
The second electrodes 29 are provided above, below, and in the middle of 9A to 39C, respectively.
A to 29D may be sectioned.

Further, in the continuous electric heating apparatus of the present invention, when a plurality of first electrodes 27A to 27D are provided,
Alternatively, in the case where a plurality of second electrodes 29A to 29D are provided, each electrode may be divided into a plurality of pieces in the circumferential direction of the conduit 15, and examples in that case are shown in FIGS.
Shown in

In the example shown in FIGS.
Each of the second electrodes 29A to 29D on the inner wall side is a pair of divided second electrodes 41A, 43A; 41B, 43B;
C, 43C; 41D, 43D. That is, for example, the second electrode 29 </ b> A
The pair of divided second electrodes 41A and 43A at an angle of less than 80 ° (for example, about 120 ° in the illustrated example) is formed by the pair of divided second electrodes 41A and 43A. Similarly, the other second electrodes 29B to 29D are also formed so as to face each other, and a pair of divided second electrodes 41B, 43B; 41C, 43C;
D, 43D. Then, the divided second electrodes 41A constituting the most upstream second electrode 29A,
The facing direction of 43A (the direction connecting the center of the divided second electrodes 41A and 43A through the central axis) is the second divided electrode 4 constituting the second second electrode 29B from the upstream side.
9B with respect to the opposite direction of 1B and 43B (the direction connecting the center portions of the divided second electrodes 41B and 43B through the central axis).
Each of the second electrodes 41A, 43A; 4 so as to form 0 °.
The arrangement angles of 1B and 43B are shifted.
Further, the facing direction of the divided second electrodes 41C and 43C constituting the third second electrode 29C from the upstream side is also 2 degrees from the upstream side.
A second electrode 41B constituting the second electrode 29B,
The arrangement angle of each of the divided second electrodes 41B, 43B: 41C, 43C is shifted so as to form 90 ° with respect to the facing direction of 43B, and the fourth from the upstream side (the most downstream side).
Of the second electrodes 41D, 43 constituting the second electrodes 29D of FIG.
Also, the facing direction of D is 90 ° with respect to the facing direction of the sectional second electrodes 41C and 43C constituting the third second electrode 29C from the upstream side.
The arrangement angle of 1D and 43D is shifted. The first electrode 27 on the center axis side is configured to be continuous in the circumferential direction of the electrode support shaft 25.

Here, in the examples of FIGS. 11 to 13,
Each pair of divided second electrodes 41A, 43A; 41B, 43B; 41C, 4 constituting each of the second electrodes 29A to 29D.
3C; 41D and 43D in the circumferentially divided portion, that is, in the region 45 (see FIG. 12) corresponding to the position between the ends adjacent in the circumferential direction, the current flowing through the fluid food material flowing through the conduit 15 is Although the current does not flow, the heating is not performed in that portion. However, by shifting the facing direction of the second electrodes of the respective sections, the region 45 in which the current does not flow is also changed to the second electrode 29.
A to 29D, the position is shifted from the most upstream second electrode 29A to the most downstream second electrode 29D.
Until the power is supplied, the fluid food material is electrically heated at any position in total, and uniform heating can be achieved.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the opposing directions of the pair of divided second electrodes are shifted by 90 ° between the upper and lower second electrodes, but the angle by which the opposing directions are shifted by 90 °. Not limited to this, the point is that when viewed along the axial direction, the region 45 between the ends of the pair of sectioned second electrodes should not be overlapped between the adjacent upper and lower second electrodes. Therefore, for example, the configuration may be such that the facing direction is shifted by 60 °.

In the examples shown in FIGS.
Each of the electrodes 29A to 29D is configured to be divided into a pair of divided second electrodes in the circumferential direction of the conduit 15;
May be divided into three or more divided second electrodes in the circumferential direction. Also in this case, when viewed along the axial direction, the center position of each sectioned second electrode and the center axis position of the conduit 15 are connected so that the region between the ends of each sectioned second electrode does not overlap. Needless to say, the directions are shifted by an appropriate angle for each second electrode.

Next, in the examples of FIGS. 14 to 16, each of the first electrodes 27A to 27D on the central axis side is a pair of divided first electrodes 47A and 49 in the circumferential direction of the electrode support shaft 25.
A; 47B, 49B; 47C, 49C; 47D, 49D
Is divided into That is, for example, the first electrode 27A
A pair of divided first electrodes 47 at a portion of the electrode support shaft 25 at an angle of less than 180 ° (about 120 ° in the illustrated example) in the circumferential direction.
A, 49A, and these first electrodes 47A, 47A,
49A are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center axis O. Similarly, each of the other first electrodes 27B to 27D is a pair of divided second electrodes 47B and 49B; 47C and 49C;
47D and 49D. Then, the divided first electrode 47 constituting the most upstream first electrode 27A
A, the direction connecting the central portions of 49A is the first segment electrode 47B, which is the second first electrode 27B from the upstream side.
The arrangement angle of each of the first electrodes 47A, 49A; 47B, 49B is shifted so as to form 90 ° with respect to the direction connecting the central portions of 49B, and the other first electrodes 27B, 27C will be described below. The constituent first electrodes 47C,
Similarly, 49C; 47D and 49D are also configured so that the arrangement angles are shifted.

In the example shown in FIGS.
A region 5 corresponding to a portion between circumferential ends of the divided first electrodes.
1, no current flows. However, as described in the examples of FIGS. 11 to 13, by shifting the arrangement angle of the first electrodes in each section, the flowable food material that passes through the pipeline in total is obtained. On the other hand, energization heating is performed at any position.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the direction connecting the central portions of the pair of divided first electrodes between the upper and lower first electrodes is shifted by 90 °. The angle is not limited to 90 °. In short, it may be determined so that the region between the ends of the pair of divided first electrodes does not overlap between the adjacent upper and lower first electrodes when viewed along the axial direction. Therefore, for example, the configuration may be such that the facing direction is shifted by 60 °.

In the examples shown in FIGS.
Each of the electrodes 27A to 27D is configured to be divided into a pair of divided first electrodes in the circumferential direction of the conduit 15, but in some cases, each of the first electrodes 27A to 27D is
May be divided into three or more divided first electrodes in the circumferential direction. Also in this case, the direction connecting the centers of the first electrodes of each section is shifted by an appropriate angle for each first electrode so that the positions between the ends of the first electrodes of each section do not overlap. Of course.

Further, FIGS. 17 and 18 show that the second electrodes 29A to 29D on the inner wall side of the conduit 15 are respectively connected to a pair of divided second electrodes 41A, 43A;
43B; 41C, 43C; 41D, 43D, and at the same time, the first electrodes 27A to 27D on the central axis side are respectively divided into a pair of divided first electrodes 47 in the circumferential direction of the electrode support shaft 25.
A, 49A; 47B, 49B; 47C, 49C; 47
D and 49D are shown as examples. Each section second electrode 41A
43D are configured in the same manner as in FIGS. 11 to 13, and the first electrodes 47 </ b> A to 49 </ b> D are configured in the same manner as the examples in FIGS. 14 to 16. Note that each of the second electrodes 41C to 4C is divided.
It goes without saying that 3D is arranged so as to face the first divided electrodes 47A to 49D, respectively.

In the examples of FIGS. 17 and 18 as well, the fluid food material flowing in the conduit 15 passes through the position between the first and second electrodes 27A and 29A on the most upstream side. To the first and second electrodes 27D and 27
Before passing through the position between 9D
The whole is heated uniformly.

[0062]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the continuous electric heating device of the invention according to claims 1 to 4, the flowable food material flowing in the pipeline is positioned on the central axis side in the pipeline. Is energized in the radial direction between the first electrode and the second electrode on the inner wall side of the conduit and is heated by Joule heat. However, since the current density becomes uniform over the entire circumference of the conduit in the circumferential direction, the flow The food material is heated uniformly over the entire circumference of the pipeline, so that the temperature can be raised evenly without overheating locally or underheating locally. it can. In particular, according to the continuous electric heating device according to the second to fourth aspects of the present invention, the first electrode on the central axis side and / or the second electrode on the inner wall side of the conduit are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the conduit. Because there are a plurality of
Stable and uniform heating up to high temperatures is possible.

On the other hand, in the continuous electric heating apparatus according to the present invention, the first electrode on the center axis side and / or the second electrode on the inner wall side of the conduit are arranged in the circumferential direction of the conduit. Since the electrode is divided into a plurality of segmented electrodes, current is not applied to a region corresponding to a position between both ends of the segmented electrode at the position of each first electrode or each second electrode. A plurality of electrodes or second electrodes are provided in the flow direction of the flowable food material, and the position (angle) of each of the divided electrodes is shifted between the electrodes adjacent in the direction, so that the electric heating is uniformly performed as a whole. As a result, the temperature is uniformly increased, and the occurrence of local overheating or insufficient heating can be suppressed.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent the overheating of the food material from impairing the flavor, discoloration, and destruction of nutrient components, and to sterilize due to insufficient heating. It can effectively prevent defects and insufficient cooking.Moreover, even if a material with relatively low heat resistance such as resin is used for the insulating part of the pipeline, it will be softened due to overheating and deformed. Can be effectively prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a continuous apparatus for heating a fluid food material of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a first example of a portion of an electric heating device in the continuous electric heating device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the first electrode used in the electric heating device shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the second electrode used in the electric heating device shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a second example of the portion of the electric heating device in the continuous electric heating device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a third example of a portion of the electric heating device in the continuous electric heating device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a fourth example of the portion of the electric heating device in the continuous electric heating device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the first electrode used in the example shown in FIG. 6 or FIG.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the second electrode used in the example shown in FIG. 7 or FIG.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fifth example of a portion of the electric heating device in the continuous electric heating device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along line XX of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram perspectively showing an arrangement relationship between a first electrode and a second electrode in the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a sixth example of the portion of the electric heating device in the continuous electric heating device of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along line YY of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram perspectively showing an arrangement relationship between a first electrode and a second electrode in the examples shown in FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a seventh example of the portion of the continuous heating device in the continuous continuous heating device of the present invention.

18 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along the line ZZ in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a conventional continuous heating device.

20 is a schematic diagram for explaining a current density distribution of a flowing current in the conventional continuous heating device shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the conventional continuous heating device.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state of a transverse plane taken along line PP of FIG. 21 together with a current density distribution.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the situation of the transverse plane along the line PP in FIG. 21 together with the current density distribution.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Pipe line 19 Current-carrying heating device 25 Electrode support shaft 27, 27A-27D 1st electrode 29, 29A-29D 2nd electrode 41A, 43A; 41B, 43B; 41C, 43C; 4
1D, 43D Sectional second electrode 47A, 49A; 47B, 49B; 47C, 49C; 4
7D, 49D division first electrode

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A fluid food in which a flowable food material is continuously flowed and transported in the lengthwise direction of a pipeline, and the fluid food material in the pipeline is continuously energized and heated. In a continuous electric heating device for a material, an electrode support shaft is provided along a central axis of the pipeline at a central portion in the pipeline, and the electrode support shaft has at least an outer peripheral surface formed of a conductive material. One electrode is provided, and a second electrode having at least an inner peripheral surface made of a conductive material is provided on the inner wall side of the conduit at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the first electrode. And the first electrode and the second
A continuous current heating device for a fluid food material, wherein a current is applied to a fluid food material flowing in a conduit by applying a voltage between the electrodes and the fluid food material in a radial direction of the conduit to heat the fluid food material. 2. A fluid food in which a fluid food material is continuously flowed and transported in the lengthwise direction of the conduit while the fluid food material in the conduit is continuously energized and heated. In a continuous electric heating device for a material, an electrode support shaft is provided along a central axis of the pipeline at a central portion in the pipeline, and the electrode support shaft has at least an outer peripheral surface formed of a conductive material. One electrode is provided, and a plurality of second electrodes having at least an inner peripheral surface made of a conductive material are provided on the inner wall side of the conduit at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the first electrode. A radius of the conduit relative to the flowable food material flowing in the conduit by applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes, the conduit being spaced apart in the length of the conduit; A continuous current heating device for fluid food materials characterized by heating by flowing electricity in the direction . 3. A flowable food material in which a flowable food material is continuously flowed and transported in the lengthwise direction of the pipeline, and the flowable food material in the pipeline is continuously energized and heated. In a continuous current heating device for a material, an electrode support shaft is provided along a central axis of the conduit at a central portion in the conduit, and the electrode support shaft has at least a plurality of outer peripheral surfaces formed of a conductive material. Are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the electrode support shaft, and at least on the inner peripheral side of the pipe at a position facing the entirety of the plurality of first electrodes. A second electrode having a surface formed of a conductive material is provided, and a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the flowable food material flowing in the channel is connected to the second electrode. Continuous flowable food material characterized by heating by energizing in the radial direction of Electric heating device. 4. A fluid food in which a fluid food material is continuously flowed and transported in the lengthwise direction of the pipeline, and the fluid food material in the pipeline is continuously energized and heated. In a continuous current heating device for a material, an electrode support shaft is provided along a central axis of the conduit at a central portion in the conduit, and the electrode support shaft has at least a plurality of outer peripheral surfaces formed of a conductive material. Are provided at intervals in the length direction of the electrode support shaft, and at least the inner electrodes are provided on the inner wall side of the conduit at positions opposed to the outer peripheral surface of each of the first electrodes. A plurality of second electrodes whose peripheral surfaces are formed of a conductive material are provided at intervals in the length direction of the conduit, and a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. Heat is applied to the flowable food material flowing in the pipeline by applying electricity in the radial direction of the pipeline. Characterized in that, continuous resistance heating apparatus of the flowable food material. 5. The continuous energization heating device for a fluid food material according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of second electrodes are each divided into a plurality of sections in a circumferential direction of a conduit. A section that is divided into two electrodes and forms a certain second electrode. A direction that connects a central portion of the second electrode and the center axis position of the pipeline is a section that forms another adjacent second electrode. A continuous energizing heating device for a fluid food material, characterized in that the direction is different from the direction connecting the central portion of the two electrodes and the center axis position of the conduit. 6. The continuous energization heating device for a fluid food material according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of first electrodes are each divided into a plurality of sections in a circumferential direction of a pipeline. A section that is divided into one electrode and forms a certain first electrode. A direction that connects a central portion of the first electrode and a center axis position of the pipeline is a section that forms another adjacent first electrode. A continuous current heating apparatus for a fluid food material, wherein the direction is different from a direction connecting a central portion of one electrode and a center axis position of a pipeline. 7. The continuous energization heating apparatus for a fluid food material according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of second electrodes are divided into a plurality of sectioned second electrodes in a circumferential direction of the pipeline. The direction connecting the central portion of the segmented second electrode constituting a certain second electrode and the center axis position of the conduit is such that the central portion of the segmented second electrode constituting another adjacent second electrode and the tube The direction is different from the direction connecting the center axis position of the road, and the plurality of first
Are divided into a plurality of divided first electrodes in the circumferential direction of the conduit, and connect a central portion of the divided first electrode constituting a certain first electrode to a central axis position of the conduit. A fluid food material, wherein the direction is determined so as to be different from a direction connecting a central portion of the divided first electrode constituting another adjacent first electrode and a center axis position of the pipeline. Continuous heating equipment.