JP2012116560A - Retort apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a retort apparatus capable of detecting and informing decrease of a flow rate of a heating medium at real time, and taking quickly and exactly measures to meet a situation thereafter.SOLUTION: A heating medium jetting nozzle 14 jets the heating medium 36 to an article to be treated stored in a treating tank 12. A heating medium circulation circuit 20 circulates the jetted heating medium 36 from a storing part 1202 to the heating medium jetting nozzle 14 and supplies it. A heating medium heating circuit 22 heats the heating medium 36 by high temperature steam. A flowmeter 26 detects the flow rate of the heating medium 36 flowing in piping 2202 for circulating the heating medium and supplies the detected result to a control part 28. When it is determined on the basis of the detected result of the flowmeter 26 that a criterion that the flow rate detected of the heating medium 36 is smaller than a predetermined reference flow rate is satisfied, the control part 28 generates a warning sound from a buzzer 30, displays character information for warning the decrease of the flow rate on an operation panel 34, and furthermore, turns on (or blinks) a displaying lamp 32.

Description

  The present invention relates to a retort apparatus that is suitable for use when heat-sterilizing an object to be processed such as retort food or medicine under pressure.

After heating and sterilizing the object to be processed contained in the treatment tank using a heated heat medium or high-temperature steam, the cooling medium heated at room temperature or cooled from the heat medium injection nozzle provided in the treatment tank is covered. There is provided a retort device for injecting and cooling a processed material.
In such a retort apparatus, the cooling process is often controlled based on the injection time of the cooling heat medium. When the cooling heat medium is injected from a predetermined injection time, the heat medium injection nozzle, the cooling process is performed. finish.
Therefore, it is necessary for the cooling of the workpiece to be appropriately performed that the flow rate of the cooling heat medium ejected from the heat medium ejection nozzle satisfies a predetermined reference flow rate.
That is, if the flow rate of the cooling heat medium decreases with respect to a predetermined reference flow rate, there is a possibility of affecting the taste and color of the object to be processed due to poor cooling. When the difference between the temperature in the tank and the temperature of the object to be processed becomes large, and the inside of the processing tank is opened to the atmospheric pressure, the object to be processed may boil in the pack and the pack may be deformed or broken. There is.
Therefore, the self-diagnosis mode can be executed separately from the normal operation mode in which the object to be treated is heat sterilized and cooled. In the self-diagnosis mode, the heat medium circulation pump for supplying the heat medium for cooling to the heat medium injection nozzle A retort device that diagnoses whether or not the discharge pressure is within an allowable range has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 11-347105 A

However, the above prior art is limited to diagnosing a malfunction of the heat medium circulation pump by performing the self-diagnosis mode before performing the normal operation, and injecting the cooling heat medium to the object to be processed in the normal operation. Therefore, it is impossible to detect in real time a decrease in the flow rate of the cooling heat medium that occurs during cooling.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can detect and notify in real time a decrease in the flow rate of the cooling heat medium that occurs while cooling an object to be processed. An object of the present invention is to provide a retort device that can be accurately taken.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 includes a processing object heating means for heating a processing object accommodated in the processing tank, and heat directed to the processing object provided in the processing tank. A medium injection nozzle, a heat medium supply means for supplying a cooling heat medium to the heat medium injection nozzle and spraying from the heat medium injection nozzle, and the cooling heat medium to the heat medium injection nozzle by the heat medium supply means A retort device comprising: a control means for controlling the supply of the heat medium; a heat medium flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate of the cooling heat medium ejected from the heat medium spray nozzle; and a detection by the heat medium flow rate detecting means. Based on the result, determination means for determining whether or not a determination condition that the detected flow rate of the cooling heat medium is lower than a predetermined reference flow rate is satisfied, and the determination condition is satisfied by the determination means Characterized in that the informing means for informing a fact that flow reduction is generated when it is determined is provided.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the determination condition that the flow rate of the cooling heat medium falls below a predetermined reference flow rate is satisfied, the notification means notifies that the flow rate has decreased. . Therefore, the operator can quickly and accurately know that there is a risk of insufficient cooling of the object to be processed by detecting and informing in real time the flow rate drop of the heat medium that occurs while cooling the object to be processed. And the operator can take subsequent actions quickly and accurately.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the retort device according to the first aspect, an injection time for injecting the cooling heat medium from the heat medium injection nozzle to the object to be processed is predetermined as a first set injection time. An operation means for performing a predetermined operation by an operator when extending the first set injection time, and operation guidance information for prompting the predetermined operation when the determination means determines that the determination condition is satisfied. Display means for displaying is further provided, wherein the control means extends the first set injection time based on a predetermined operation of the operation means.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is notified that the flow rate has decreased, and the operator is urged to extend the cooling time, so that the operator appropriately sets the cooling time according to the workpiece. It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the quality of the object to be processed, bag breakage, deformation of the container, and the like caused by insufficient cooling.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the retort device according to the first aspect, a time for injecting the cooling heat medium from the heat medium injection nozzle to the object to be processed is predetermined as a first set injection time, The control means controls the heat medium supply means so as to extend an injection time for injecting the cooling heat medium to be longer than the first set injection time when the determination means determines that the determination condition is satisfied. It is characterized by doing.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the injection time of the cooling heat medium is automatically extended when the flow rate is reduced, reliable cooling can be performed without impairing the quality change of the workpiece.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the retort apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the control of the heat medium supply means by the control means is such that the flow rate of the cooling heat medium detected by the heat medium flow rate detection means is The injection time is extended by a time corresponding to a reduced flow rate reduced with respect to the reference flow rate.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the extension time of the injection time can be automatically set according to the reduced flow rate of the cooling heat medium, reliable cooling is performed without impairing the quality of the workpiece. be able to.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the retort apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the heat medium supply means connects the bottom of the processing tank and the heat medium injection nozzle. A circulation pipe, and a heat medium circulation pump that is provided in the heat medium circulation pipe and supplies the cooling heat medium stored in the bottom of the processing tank toward the heat medium injection nozzle. The heat medium flow rate detecting means is constituted by a flow meter provided in a portion of the heat medium circulation pipe connecting a discharge port of the heat medium circulation pump and the heat medium injection nozzle. To do.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, since the flow meter is used as the heat medium flow rate detecting means, the flow rate drop of the cooling heat medium can be reliably detected, and the flow rate drop can be notified accurately.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the retort apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the heat medium supply means connects the bottom of the processing tank and the heat medium injection nozzle. A circulation pipe and a heat medium circulation pump that is provided in the middle of the heat medium circulation pipe and that supplies the heat medium stored in the bottom of the processing tank toward the heat medium injection nozzle. The heat medium flow rate detecting means is the cooling heat flowing through a portion connecting the discharge port of the heat medium circulation pump and the heat medium injection nozzle in the pressure P1 in the processing tank and the heat medium circulation pipe. The medium pressure P2 is detected, and a differential pressure switch for detecting whether or not the differential pressure ΔP = P2−P1 has reached a predetermined reference pressure Pr is satisfied, and the determination condition by the determination means is satisfied. Judgment that it was done Characterized in that the differential pressure ΔP is made with that does not reach the reference pressure Pr.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the differential pressure switch is used as the heat medium flow rate detecting means, it is possible to reliably perform the operation of determining the flow rate decrease of the cooling heat medium with a simple configuration.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to promptly and accurately notify the operator that there is a risk of insufficient heating or cooling of the workpiece, and the operator can take subsequent countermeasures quickly and accurately. it can. In addition, since the cooling time can be automatically extended in accordance with a decrease in flow rate while notifying the operator, the workpiece can be reliably cooled.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the whole retort apparatus 10 in 1st Embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an overall processing procedure in the retort apparatus 10. It is a flowchart which shows a heat sterilization process. It is a flowchart which shows a cooling process. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed when determination conditions are satisfied in a cooling process. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed when determination conditions are satisfied in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the whole retort apparatus 10 in 3rd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a retort device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This Embodiment demonstrates the case where a to-be-processed object is a retort food (retort pouch food). Retort food is made of plastic film or metal foil or a container (retort pouch) made of plastic film or metal foil combined into a bag or other shape, filled with food, sealed by heat melting, and sterilized by heating and heating. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the retort device 10 of the present embodiment includes a treatment tank 12, a heat medium injection nozzle 14, a heat medium supply circuit 16, a heat medium discharge circuit 18, a heat medium circulation circuit 20, The heat medium heating circuit 22, the pressure adjusting means 24, the flow meter 26, the control unit 28, the buzzer 30, the indicator lamp 32, and the operation panel 34 are configured.

The processing tank 12 includes a storage unit 1202 and a storage unit 1204.
In the present embodiment, the processing tank 12 includes a cylindrical wall extending in the horizontal direction, an opening provided at one end in the extending direction of the cylindrical wall, a blocking wall closing the other end of the cylindrical wall, and an opening. And a hermetic door that opens and closes.
The storage unit 1202 is provided at the bottom of the processing tank 12 and stores the heat medium 36 supplied from the heat medium supply circuit 16. In the present embodiment, the heat medium 36 is water, and the heat medium 36 is a cooling heat medium that is sprayed from the heat medium spray nozzle 14 onto the workpiece.
The accommodating portion 1204 is a portion that accommodates an object to be processed, and puts and removes the object to be processed through the opening.

Further, the treatment tank 12 is provided with a water level gauge 1206 and a temperature sensor 1208.
The water level meter 1206 detects the position (water level) of the liquid surface of the heat medium 36 stored in the storage unit 1202 and supplies the detection result to the control unit 28. The electrode type water level detection method is used. More specifically, the water level meter 1206 includes a metal container that communicates with the processing tank 12 through a pipe, and three electrode bars for detecting the water level. The water level detected by the longest low water electrode is the low water level, the water level detected by the second long medium water electrode is the medium water level, and the water level detected by the shortest high water electrode is the high water level. Yes.
The temperature sensor 1208 detects the in-bath temperature T1, which is the temperature in the storage unit 1204.

The heat medium injection nozzle 14 is provided in the treatment tank 12 and injects the heat medium 36 stored in the storage unit 1202 from the side with respect to the workpiece stored in the storage unit 1204.
In the present embodiment, the heat medium injection nozzle 14 is disposed at a location above the liquid level of the heat medium 36 stored in the storage unit 1202 and is disposed on both sides of the storage unit 1204 in the left-right width direction. . A plurality of heat medium spray nozzles 14 are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction, which are the extending directions of the cylindrical wall.

The heat medium supply circuit 16 supplies the heat medium 36 to the storage unit 1202.
The heat medium supply circuit 16 includes a heat medium tank 1602, a water supply pipe 1604, a water supply pump 1606, and a water supply valve 1608.
The heat medium tank 1602 accommodates the heat medium 36.
The heat medium tank 1602 is provided with a ball tap 1610 that controls the amount of water stored in the heat medium tank 1602 from the water supply source to a certain level.
The water supply pipe 1604 connects the heat medium tank 1602 and the storage unit 1202.
The feed water pump 1606 is provided in the feed water pipe 1604 and supplies the heat medium 36 accommodated in the heat medium tank 1602 to the storage unit 1202.
The water supply valve 1608 is provided at a location of the water supply pipe 1604 between the water supply pump 1606 and the storage unit 1202.

The heat medium discharge circuit 18 discharges the used heat medium 36 stored in the storage unit 1202.
The heat medium discharge circuit 18 includes a pipe 1802 and a drain valve 1804.
The pipe 1802 connects the storage part 1202 and the outside (sewage groove).
The drain valve 1804 is interposed in the pipe 1802.

The heat medium circulation circuit 20 circulates and supplies the sprayed heat medium 36 and the drain condensed with high-temperature steam from the storage unit 1202 to the heat medium spray nozzle 14.
In other words, the heat medium circulation circuit 20 supplies the heat medium 36 stored in the storage unit 1202 to the heat medium injection nozzle 14, so that the heat medium 36 is stored in the storage unit 1204 from the heat medium injection nozzle 14. By injecting the material to be processed, the object to be processed is heated or cooled by the heat medium 36.
The heat medium circulation circuit 20 includes a heat medium circulation pipe 2002 and a heat medium circulation pump 2004.
The heat medium circulation pipe 2002 connects the storage unit 1202 and the heat medium injection nozzle 14.
The heat medium circulation pump 2004 is interposed in the heat medium circulation pipe 2002, supplies the heat medium 36 of the storage unit 1202 toward the heat medium injection nozzle 14, and is injected from the heat medium injection nozzle 14 to the storage unit 1202. The heat medium 36 that has flowed down is supplied to the spray nozzle 14 again.
Therefore, the heat medium circulation circuit 20 causes the heat medium 36 to pass through the storage part 1202, the heat medium circulation pipe 2002, the heat medium circulation pump 2004, the heat medium circulation pipe 2002, the heat medium injection nozzle 14, and the storage part 1202. It will be circulated.

The heat medium heating circuit 22 heats the heat medium 36 with high-temperature steam.
In the present embodiment, the heat medium heating circuit 22 includes a mixer 2202, a steam supply pipe 2204, and a steam supply valve 2206.
The mixer 2202 is provided at an intermediate position of the heat medium circulation pipe 2002.
The steam supply pipe 2204 connects a steam supply source (boiler) (not shown) and the mixer 2202.
The steam supply valve 2206 is interposed in the steam supply pipe 2204.
Therefore, when the steam supply valve 2206 is opened, the high temperature steam from the steam supply source is supplied to the mixer 2202 via the steam supply pipe 2204, and the high temperature steam is mixed with the heat medium 36 in the mixer 2202. Thus, the heat medium 36 is heated.

The pressure adjusting means 24 adjusts the pressure in the processing tank 12.
In the present embodiment, the pressure adjusting means 24 includes a compressed air supply valve 2402, an exhaust valve 2404, a check valve 2406, a pressure reducing means 2408, a vacuum valve 2410, an air supply valve 2412, an open valve 2414, A check valve 2416 and a filter 2418 are included.

  The compressed air supply valve 2402 is connected between a compressed air supply source (not shown) and the processing tank 12, and the compressed air is supplied into the processing tank 12 by opening the compressed air supply valve 2402. .

  The exhaust valve 2404 has an upstream side connected to the processing tank 12 and a downstream side connected to the outside of the processing tank 12 via a check valve 2406. When the exhaust valve 2404 is opened, the pressure inside the processing tank 12 is increased. Air is discharged out of the processing tank 12 through the exhaust valve 2404 and the check valve 2406.

The decompression means 2408 is connected to the processing tank 12 via a vacuum valve 2410. When the compressed air supply valve 2402 is opened while the vacuum valve 2410 is opened, the pressure in the processing tank 12 is reduced by the pressure reducing means 2408.
In the present embodiment, an air ejector is used as the pressure reducing means 2408, but various conventionally known devices such as a water ring vacuum pump can be used.

The release valve 2414 has a downstream side connected to the processing tank 12 via a check valve 2416 and an upstream side connected to the outside of the processing tank 12 via a filter 2418.
When the release valve 2414 opens while the inside of the treatment tank 12 is at a negative pressure, air (atmosphere) outside the treatment tank 12 is supplied into the treatment tank 12 via the filter 2418, the release valve 2414, and the check valve 2416. Thereby, the inside of the processing tank 12 returns to the atmospheric pressure. At this time, the filter 2418 removes dust and the like in the air sucked into the processing tank 12.

The flow meter 26 is provided in a portion of the heat medium circulation pipe 2202 that connects the discharge port 2004A of the heat medium circulation pump 2004 and the heat medium injection nozzle 14, and the flow rate of the heat medium 36 that flows through the heat medium circulation pipe 2202. And the detection result is supplied to the control unit 28.
Therefore, the flow meter 26 constitutes a heat medium flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of the heat medium 36 ejected from the heat medium ejection nozzle 14.

The control unit 28 receives detection signals from the water level gauge 1206 and the temperature sensor 1208, and also includes a water supply pump 1606, a heat medium circulation pump 2004, a water supply valve 1608, a drain valve 1804, a steam supply valve 2206, a compressed air supply valve 2402, an exhaust gas. The valve 2404, the vacuum valve 2410, the air supply valve 2412, and the release valve 2414 are controlled according to the heat sterilization processing procedure of the object to be processed.
The control unit 28 operates the buzzer 30 and the indicator lamp 32, receives an operation signal when the operation panel 34 is operated, and supplies display information to the operation panel 34.
The control unit 28 includes a first timer 2802A, a second timer 2802B, and a third timer 2802C that time each of the following times in advance.
In the present embodiment, before the start of one batch operation of the retort device 10, the first timer 2802A, the 22802B, and the third timer 2802C are set with predetermined set times, respectively. When the time count reaches the set time, the control unit 28 is notified that the time is up.
1) First timer 2802A: set time th for heating is set as a set time (used in a sterilization step (S14) described later).
2) Second timer 2802B: The first set injection time tx or the second set injection time ty that extends the first set injection time tx is set as the set time (used in the cooling step (S16) described later).
3) Third timer 2802C: The extension time tcd is set as a set time (used in a cooling step (S306) described later).

Such a control unit 28 can be configured by a microcomputer.
In other words, the microcomputer includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface, and the like connected via a bus line. The ROM stores a control program for heat sterilization processing executed by the CPU, and the RAM provides a working area.
The control unit 28 is realized by the CPU executing the control program.

  The buzzer 30 sounds based on a control signal supplied from the control unit 28 and generates a warning sound, thereby notifying a decrease in the flow rate of the heat medium 36 to be described later.

The indicator lamp 32 is lit or blinked based on a control signal supplied from the control unit 28 to notify a decrease in the flow rate of the heat medium 36 described later.
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the indicator lamp 32 is configured as follows, for example.
1) Provide two lamps, green and red. Based on the control signal supplied from the control unit 28, the green lamp is turned on during normal operation, and the green lamp is blinked when the flow rate is reduced. In addition, the red lamp is lit (flashes) during an abnormal stop.
2) Provide three lamps of green, yellow and red. Based on the control signal supplied from the control unit 28, the green lamp is turned on during normal operation, and the yellow lamp is turned on (flashing) when the flow rate is reduced. In addition, the red lamp is lit (flashes) during an abnormal stop.

The operation panel 34 includes a display unit 3402 including a liquid crystal panel that displays characters and images, and a transparent touch panel switch 3404 pasted on the display surface of the display unit 3402.
By supplying a control signal from the control unit 28 to the operation panel 34, a plurality of operations such as a numeric value input button, an enter button for determining an operation, and a menu button for displaying a menu screen are displayed on the display unit 3402. A button is displayed. Then, by touching a portion of the touch panel switch 3404 corresponding to each operation button, an operation signal corresponding to each operation button is supplied to the control unit 28.
In the present embodiment, the operation panel 34 can perform a predetermined operation for extending the first set injection time tx at which the heat medium 36 is injected from the heat medium injection nozzle 14, and an operation signal corresponding to the predetermined operation. Is supplied to the control unit 28.
Further, the operation panel 34 causes the display unit 3402 to display various information to be notified to the operator based on the display control signal supplied from the control unit 28.
In the present embodiment, the operation panel 34 displays a warning by characters on the display unit 3402 to notify the lowering of the flow rate of the heat medium 36 described later, and the first set injection time according to the lowering of the flow rate. Operation guidance information that prompts extension of tx, that is, prompts the predetermined operation is displayed.
For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, operating the touch panel switch 3404 is referred to as operating the operation panel 34, and displaying information on the display unit 3402 is referred to as displaying information on the operation panel 34.

Next, a processing procedure of the retort device 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the heat sterilization processing of an object to be processed such as a retort food by the retort device is performed by sequentially executing the following steps.
1) Water supply process to the processing tank 12 (S10).
2) A heating step (S12) in which the heat medium 36 is circulated and heated while being sprayed onto the workpiece.
3) The sterilization process (S14) which heat-sterilizes the to-be-processed object under pressure.
4) A cooling step (S16) for cooling the object to be processed under pressure.
5) A drainage step (S18) for discharging the heat medium 36 in the treatment tank 12.
6) Exhaust process (S20) which exhausts the pressurized air in the processing tank 12 and makes it atmospheric pressure.
7) An end step (S22) in which the inside of the treatment tank 12 is once brought to a negative pressure and then returned to the atmospheric pressure.
Hereafter, each said process is demonstrated.

1) Water supply process (S10)
An object to be processed is accommodated in the processing tank 12 and the above-described sealed door is closed.
In the initial state before the water supply process is performed, the water supply valve 1608, the drain valve 1804, the steam supply valve 1606, the compressed air supply valve 2402, the vacuum valve 2410, the air supply valve 2412, and the release valve 2414 are closed, and the exhaust valve 2404 is opened.
The control unit 28 opens the water supply valve 1608, starts the water supply pump 1606, supplies the heat medium 36 from the water supply tank 1802 to the storage unit 1202 of the treatment tank 12, and stores based on the detection result of the water level gauge 1206. If it is determined that the water supply level of the unit 1202 has reached a predetermined water level, the water supply pump 1606 is stopped, the water supply valve 1608 is closed, and the exhaust valve 2404 is closed. In the present embodiment, the control unit 28 stops water supply to the storage unit 1202 when a high water level is detected by the high water level electrode rod.
The heat medium 36 supplied from the water supply tank 1802 to the storage unit 1202 is at room temperature.
On the other hand, with the water supply from the heat medium tank 1602 to the storage unit 1202, water is supplied from the water supply source to the heat medium tank 1602, and the amount of water in the heat medium tank 1602 is replenished from the water supply source.

2) Heating step (S12)
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The control unit 28 operates the heat medium circulation pump 2004 to circulate and inject the heat medium 36 to the object to be processed while opening the steam supply valve 2206, and high-temperature steam is transferred from the mixer 2202 to the heat medium 36. The heat medium 36 is heated by mixing (S100, S102).
The object to be processed is heated by the heat medium 36 injected from the heat medium injection nozzle 14 onto the object to be processed. The heat medium 36 sprayed onto the object to be processed comes into contact with the object to be processed, and then flows downward and falls to the storage unit 1202 to be stored. The stored heat medium 36 is mixed with high-temperature steam by the mixer 2202. Then, it is heated and injected from the heat medium injection nozzle 14 by the heat medium circulation circuit 22. In this way, the heat medium 36 circulates while being heated and is jetted onto the workpiece.
In addition, since the amount of the heat medium 36 is increased when the high-temperature steam is jetted and mixed with the heat medium 36, the water level of the heat medium 36 in the reservoir 1202 gradually increases. Therefore, the control unit 28 controls the opening / closing operation of the drain valve 1804 so that the water level of the heat medium 36 stored in the storage unit 1202 becomes a predetermined water level. In the present embodiment, the control unit 28 performs control so that the water level is detected between the high water level electrode rod and the middle water level electrode rod by the water level meter 1206.
The controller 28 determines whether or not the in-tank temperature T1 detected by the temperature sensor 1208 has reached a predetermined target temperature TA (S104). The target temperature TA is a high temperature (sterilization temperature) necessary to heat sterilize the workpiece, and is about 110 ° C. to 120 ° C. in the present embodiment.

3) Sterilization process (S14)
When the tank temperature T1 reaches the target temperature TA, the control unit 28 starts the first timer 2802A in which the heating set time th is set in advance, and the tank temperature T1 is maintained at the target temperature TA. While being, the time counting operation is started to measure the sterilization time (S106). The controller 28 further adjusts the opening of the steam supply valve 2206 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1208 so as to maintain the temperature T1 in the tank at the target temperature TA, and the heat medium 36 injected into the processing tank 12. The supply amount of high-temperature steam to be mixed is controlled (S108).
As a result, the in-tank temperature T1 is maintained at the target temperature TA, and therefore, the heat medium 36 is heated by being sprayed onto the workpiece while the heat medium 36 is also maintained at the target temperature TA. The

  The control unit 28 determines whether or not the first timer 2802A has timed up (S110). If the first timer 2802A has not timed up (the sterilization time at the target temperature TA has reached the heating set time th). If not, the process returns to S108, and if the first timer 2802A times out (if the sterilization time at the target temperature TA reaches the set time th for heating), the operation of the heat medium circulation pump 2004 is continued, The steam supply valve 2404 is closed to stop the supply of high-temperature steam (S112). Thereby, the heat sterilization process of a to-be-processed object is complete | finished.

Note that the pressure in the treatment tank 12 from the heating process to the sterilization process is set higher than the atmospheric pressure.
For example, the control unit 28 increases the pressure in the processing tank 12 by opening and closing the compressed air supply valve 2802 and the exhaust valve 2404 based on the detection result of a pressure sensor (not shown) provided in the processing tank 12. Control is performed to a predetermined target pressure P1 higher than the atmospheric pressure.

4) Cooling step (S16)
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In the present embodiment, the cooling process is completed in only the primary cooling process (S200 to S206), and after the primary cooling process, the secondary cooling process (S208 to S232) is further performed. In the case where the number of cooling operations is set, the secondary cooling process is repeatedly performed by the number of times.

The primary cooling process will be described.
The control unit 28 opens the water supply valve 1608 and operates the water supply pump 1606 to supply the heat medium 36 to the treatment tank 12 until the intermediate water level is detected by the water level gauge 1206 (S200).
Next, when the medium water level is detected, the control unit 28 maintains the supply of the heat medium 36 to the treatment tank 12 while maintaining the medium water level based on the detection result of the water level meter 1206. Then, the heat medium circulation pump 2004 is operated to inject the heat medium 36 from the plurality of heat medium injection nozzles 14 toward the object to be processed (S202).
The injected heat medium 36 flows down through the object to be processed, falls down, reaches the storage unit 1202, and is stored. The heat medium 36 stored in the storage unit 1202 is injected from the heat medium injection nozzle 14 via the pipe 2202 and the heat medium circulation pump 2004. In this way, the heat medium 36 is jetted onto the workpiece while circulating, and the temperature of the workpiece is gradually lowered.
Next, the control unit 28 determines whether or not the tank temperature T1 detected by the temperature sensor 1208 has decreased to 90 ° C. to 100 ° C. (S204).
If the determination result in S204 is NO, the process returns to S202 to continue the injection of the heat medium 36. If the determination result is YES, the heat medium circulation pump 2004 and the feed water pump 1606 are stopped and the feed valve 1608 is closed (S206). ), Thereby completing the primary cooling step.
Next, the control unit 28 determines whether or not the preset number of operations of the secondary cooling process, that is, the set number of operations N (N is an integer of 0 or more) is one or more, that is, the execution of the secondary cooling process. Whether or not there is is determined (S208).
If the determination result in S208 is NO (N = 0), the process proceeds to the draining process (S18).
If the determination result in S208 is YES, the process proceeds to the secondary cooling process.

The secondary cooling process will be described.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the secondary cooling step is set 0 to n times (n is 1 or more).
The control unit 28 determines whether or not the number of operations of the secondary cooling process to be executed is n-th (S210).
If the determination result in S210 is NO, the control unit 28 opens the drain valve 1804, drains the heat medium 36 to the detection level of the low water level electrode rod (S212), and then closes the drain valve 1804. The water supply valve 1608 is operated, the water supply pump 1606 is operated, the normal temperature heat medium 36 is supplied to the treatment tank 12, and water is supplied to the detection level of the high water level electrode rod (S214).
When water is supplied to the detection level of the high water level electrode rod, the control unit 28 closes the water supply valve 1608, stops the water supply pump 1606, and starts the second timer 2802B in which the first set injection time tx is set (S216). ), The heat medium circulation pump 2004 is operated to inject the heat medium 36 from the plurality of heat medium injection nozzles 14 toward the object to be processed (S218).
When the second timer 2802B expires, the heat medium circulation pump 2004 is stopped (S220, S222).
Then, returning to S210, if the determination result in S210 is NO, the operations in S212 to S222 are repeated.
If the determination result in S210 is YES, that is, when the number of operations in the secondary cooling process reaches the nth time, the control unit 28 activates the second timer 2802B (S224) and operates the heat medium circulation pump 2004. Then, the heat medium 36 is sprayed from the plurality of heat medium spray nozzles 14 toward the object to be processed (S226).
Then, the control unit 28 opens the water supply valve 1608, operates the water supply pump 1606, and opens and closes the drain valve 1804 so as to maintain the water level at the detection level of the intermediate water level electrode rod (S228).
When the second timer 2802B times out, the control unit 28 stops the heat medium circulation pump 2004 and the water supply pump 1606, and closes the water supply valve 1608 (S230, S232).
Then, it transfers to a drainage process (S18).

In each secondary cooling step, the control unit 28 performs the process shown in FIG. 5 for the time during which the heat medium 36 is injected, that is, the time during which S218 or S226 is being executed.
The control unit 28 determines whether or not the flow rate of the heat medium 36 detected based on the detection result of the flow meter 26 is below a predetermined reference flow rate (whether or not a determination condition is satisfied) (S300). .
If S300 is NO (above the reference flow rate), S218 or S226 is continued.
If S300 is YES (less than the reference flow rate), the control unit 28 performs a notification operation to notify the flow rate decrease (S302).
Specifically, (1) a warning sound is generated from the buzzer 30, (2) character information for warning of a decrease in flow rate is displayed on the operation panel 34, and (3) the indicator lamp 32 is turned on (or flashes). The notification operation is executed by any one of these or a combination thereof.
In the present embodiment, the indicator lamp 32 is blinked, the warning character “flow rate decrease” is displayed on the operation panel 34, and the operation key for selecting whether or not to extend the injection time on the operation panel 34 is selected. “Yes” key and “No” key are displayed (S304). In the present embodiment, the selection operation key displayed on the operation panel 34 corresponds to the operation guidance information.
At the same time as S302, the control unit 28 switches the timer for controlling the injection time from the second timer 2802B to the third timer 2802C in which the extension time tcd is set in advance, and starts the third timer 2802C. The ejection of the heat medium 36 is continued (S306). The extension time tcd is a time for ensuring the time for injecting the heat medium 36 in order to reliably cool the object to be processed even when the operation of extending the injection time of the heat medium 36 by the operator described later is not performed. The extension time tcd is longer than the first set injection time tx.
The control unit 28 determines whether or not there is an input operation on the operation panel 34 by the operator (S308). That is, it is determined whether the “yes” key or the “no” key is operated.
If S308 is YES, the control unit 28 determines whether or not the “Yes” key has been operated (S310).
If S310 is YES, the control unit 28 switches the timer for controlling the injection time from the third timer 2802C to the second timer 2802B again (S312), and sets the time set in the second timer 2802B to the first set injection. The second timer 2802B is started by extending from the time tx to the second set injection time ty (S314, S316). Then, the process returns to S218 or S226 and the injection of the heat medium 36 is continued.
Note that the secondary cooling process performed after the set injection time of the second timer 2802B is extended from the first set injection time tx to the second set injection time ty in S314 is the second set injection in the second timer 2802B. Time ty is set and executed.
That is, the start of the second timer 2802B in S216 and S224 of FIG. 4 is performed in a state where the second set injection time ty is set.

In the present embodiment, in S306, the timer for controlling the injection time is switched from the second timer 2802B to the third timer 2802C in which the extension time tcd is set in advance, and then S308 and S310 are both set to YES. When it becomes, in S316, the timer for controlling the injection time is switched again to the second timer 2802B in which the second set injection time ty is set.
That is, at the stage where the third timer 2802C has already timed the time Δt1, the time measurement operation of the second set injection time ty by the second timer 2802B is newly started.
In this case, in S314, the control unit 28 may set the second set injection time ty in the second timer 2802B in consideration of the time Δt1, or will not consider the time Δt1, as described below. Alternatively, the second set injection time ty may be set in the second timer 2802B.
1) Considering time Δt1:
The controller 28 subtracts the time Δt1 timed by the third timer 2802C from the predetermined initial second set injection time ty, and sets (ty−Δt1) as the new second set injection time ty ′. 2 Set the timer 2802B to execute the time measuring operation.
Accordingly, the actual injection time coincides with the initial second set injection time ty.
2) When time Δt1 is not considered:
Regardless of the time Δt1, the control unit 28 sets the second timer 2802B and executes the time measuring operation without changing the predetermined second preset injection time ty.
Therefore, the actual injection time is the initial second set injection time ty + time Δt1.

Examples of the extension from the first set injection time tx to the second set injection time ty are the following methods (1) to (4).
For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the secondary cooling process is repeated three times (N = 3).
And
First set injection time tx1 = 10 minutes in the first time First set injection time tx2 = 10 minutes in the second time First set injection time tx3 = 5 minutes in the third time.

(1) A method in which each first set injection time tx is uniformly set to a second set injection time ty of the same time.
For example, when S316 is executed when the first step has elapsed 5 minutes, the second set injection time ty is extended as follows. The second set injection time ty is 20 minutes.
Second set injection time ty1 at the first time = 20 minutes Second set injection time at the second time ty2 = 20 minutes Second set injection time at the third time ty3 = 20 minutes However, the first step has passed 5 minutes. In the first step, the actual injection time is 5 minutes + 20 minutes = 25 minutes.

(2) A method in which each first set injection time tx is uniformly extended to a second set injection time ty of the same time and the elapsed time is included in the injection time. The second set injection time ty is 20 minutes.
For example, when S316 is executed when the first step has elapsed 5 minutes, the second set injection time ty is extended as follows.
Second set injection time ty1 at the first time = 20 minutes−5 minutes = 15 minutes Second set injection time at the second time ty2 = 20 minutes Second set injection time at the third time ty3 = 20 minutes Therefore, the first to the third time In any of the steps, the actual injection time is 20 minutes.

(3) A method of adding a predetermined additional time Δt to the first set injection time tx to obtain the second set injection time ty.
For example, when S316 is executed when the first step has elapsed 5 minutes, the additional time Δt is set to 10 minutes.
Second set injection time ty1 at the first time = 10 minutes + 10 minutes = 20 minutes Second set injection time at the second time ty2 = 10 minutes + 10 minutes = 20 minutes Second set injection time ty3 at the third time = 5 minutes + 10 minutes = 15 Minute However, since the first process has passed 5 minutes, in the first process, the actual injection time is 5 minutes + 20 minutes = 25 minutes.

(4) A method of adding a predetermined additional time Δt to the first set injection time tx to obtain a second set injection time ty, and including the elapsed time in the injection time.
For example, when S316 is executed when the first step has elapsed 5 minutes, the additional time Δt is set to 10 minutes.
Second set injection time ty1 at the first time = 10 minutes + 10 minutes−5 minutes = 15 minutes Second set injection time at the second time ty2 = 10 minutes + 10 minutes = 20 minutes Second set injection time ty3 = 5 minutes + 10 at the third time Minute = 15 minutes Therefore, in any of the first to third steps, the actual injection time is 20 minutes.

The second set injection time ty in (1) and (2) described above and the additional time Δt in (3) and (4) are determined in advance. However, the second set injection time ty and the additional time Δt may be set at an arbitrary time by the operator operating the operation panel 34.
In this case, after the “Yes” key is operated in S310 of FIG. 5, the display unit 28 causes the operation panel 34 to display a numeric keypad or a determination key, and the operation panel 34 displays the second set injection time ty, or Information including a message prompting an input operation of a time for extending the additional time Δt is displayed.
Then, when the operator operates the numeric keypad and the determination key displayed on the operation panel 34, the second set injection time ty or the additional time Δt is supplied to the control unit 28 as an operation signal.
Therefore, in this case, in addition to the “Yes” key and the “No” key, the numeric keypad, the enter key, and the information prompting the input operation are the operation guide information.
In addition, the display form of operation guidance information is not limited to the above-mentioned form, The following are illustrated.
(1) The display of the “Yes” key and the “No” key is skipped, and the numeric keypad and the enter key are displayed on the operation panel 34. In this case, the numeric keypad and the decision key become operation guidance information.
(2) The display of the “Yes” key and the “No” key is skipped, the numeric keypad and the decision key are displayed on the operation panel 34, and the portion of the operation panel 34 to be operated, that is, the numeric keypad, the decision Make the key blink. In this case, the flashing numeric keypad and enter key are the operation guidance information.

When the determination result in S308 is NO (when the operation panel 34 is not operated), the control unit 28 until the third timer 2802C times up, that is, until the extension time tcd elapses. When the injection of the heat medium 36 is continued and the time of the third timer 2802C is up, the process returns to S220 or shifts to S18 (S318).
That is, when the secondary cooling process is further performed, the process returns to S220, and thereafter, the injection time of the heat medium 36 is controlled by the second timer 2802B. Moreover, when it is the last time (Nth) of a secondary cooling process, it transfers to a drainage process (S18).
Further, when the determination result in S310 is NO (when the “NO” key is operated), the control unit 28 injects the heat medium 36 until the extended time tcd elapses as described above. If the third timer 2802C times out, the process returns to S220 or proceeds to S18 (S318).

5) Drainage process (S18)
The control unit 28 maintains the stop of the feed water pump 1606 and the heat medium circulation pump 2004, and opens the drain valve 1804 in a state where the close operation of the feed water valve 1608 is maintained. Let
If the control unit 28 determines that all the heat medium 36 in the treatment tank 12 has been discharged based on the detection result of the water level gauge 1206, the control unit 28 maintains the water supply pump 1606 and the heat medium circulation pump 2004 stopped, and the water supply valve 1608. The draining process is terminated in a state in which the closing operation is maintained and the opening operation of the drain valve 1804 is maintained.
6) Exhaust process (S20)
The controller 28 discharges the pressurized air in the processing tank 12 by opening the exhaust valve 2404 while maintaining the opening operation of the drain valve 1804.
When it is detected by the pressure sensor that the pressure in the processing tank 12 has become atmospheric pressure, the control unit 28 closes the drain valve 1804 and the exhaust valve 2404 and ends the exhaust process.

7) End process (S22)
The control unit 28 opens the vacuum valve 2410, the air supply valve 2412, and the compressed air supply valve 2402 to operate the pressure reducing unit 2408 so that the inside of the processing tank 12 is slightly negative with respect to the atmospheric pressure. If it is detected by the pressure gauge that the inside of the processing tank 12 has a negative pressure, the pressure reducing means 2408 is stopped and opened by closing the vacuum valve 2410, the air supply valve 2412, and the compressed air supply valve 2402. The valve 2414 is opened.
Thereafter, if it is detected by the pressure gauge that the inside of the processing tank 12 has become the atmospheric pressure, the end step is ended, and thereby processing (operation) for one batch is completed.

In the present embodiment, the processing object heating means for heating the processing object accommodated in the processing tank 12 includes a heat medium circulation circuit 20 and a heat medium heating circuit 22.
The heat medium supply means for supplying the heat medium for cooling to the heat medium spray nozzle 14 and spraying it from the heat medium spray nozzle 14 includes a heat medium circulation circuit 20 and a heat medium supply circuit 16.
In addition, the control unit 28 includes a control unit 28 that controls the supply of the cooling heat medium to the heat medium spray nozzle 14 by the heat medium supply means.
In addition, the control unit 28 includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a determination condition that the flow rate of the heat medium 36 detected based on the detection result of the heat medium flow rate detection unit falls below a predetermined reference flow rate is satisfied. It is configured.
In addition, notification means for notifying that the flow rate drop has occurred when the determination means determines that the determination condition is satisfied is configured by the control unit 28, the buzzer 30, the indicator lamp 32, and the operation panel 34.
In addition, an operation means that is configured by the operator to perform a predetermined operation when extending the first set injection time tx is configured by the operation panel 34.
The operation panel 34 includes display means for displaying operation guidance information that prompts a predetermined operation on the operation panel 34 when the determination means determines that the determination condition is satisfied.
In the present embodiment, the case where the operation means and the display means are integrally configured by the operation panel 34 has been described. However, the operation means is configured by an operation switch and a keyboard, and the display means is configured by a display device. By doing so, the operation means and the display means are configured independently.

According to the present embodiment, when the determination condition that the flow rate of the heat medium 36 detected based on the detection result of the flow meter 26 (heat medium flow rate detection means) is lower than a predetermined reference flow rate is satisfied, The buzzer 30, the indicator lamp 32, and the operation panel 34 notify that the flow rate has decreased.
Therefore, by detecting and notifying in real time the flow rate drop of the heat medium 36 that occurs while cooling the workpiece, it is possible to quickly and accurately indicate that there is a risk of insufficient cooling of the workpiece. The operator can be notified, and the operator can take subsequent actions quickly and accurately.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is notified that the flow rate of the heat medium 36 has decreased, and the operator is urged to extend the cooling time, so the operator can set the cooling time according to the object to be processed. It can be extended appropriately, and deterioration of the quality of the processing object caused by insufficient cooling, bag breakage, deformation of the container, and the like can be prevented.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the flow meter 26 is used as the heat medium flow rate detecting means, the flow rate drop of the heat medium 36 can be reliably detected, and the flow rate drop notification can be accurately performed.

In the first embodiment, as a display for prompting the extension of the first set injection time tx, the “Yes” and “No” keys are displayed, or the “Yes” key is operated, and then the first A case has been described in which a numeric keypad and a determination key for inputting a numerical value for extending the set injection time tx are displayed.
However, the display for prompting the extension of the first set injection time tx is not limited to this, and examples thereof include the following.
(1) A screen including a numeric keypad for inputting a numerical value for extending the first set injection time tx, a determination key, and a message for prompting an operation for extending the injection time is displayed.
(2) A numeric keypad for inputting a numerical value for extending the first set injection time tx is displayed on the display unit, and the entire display unit or a part thereof is blinked.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the case has been described in which the first set injection time tx is extended by the operator operating the operation panel 34 in response to the notification of the decrease in the flow rate in a state where the determination condition is satisfied.
On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when the determination condition is satisfied, the control unit 28 is configured to automatically extend the first set injection time tx without intervention of an operator. The heat medium circulation circuit 20 and the heat medium supply circuit 16 are controlled.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 28 performs the time during which the heat medium 36 is injected, that is, S218 or S226 in FIG. 4 during the period in which the secondary cooling process is performed each time. The processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed for the set time.
The control unit 28 determines whether or not the flow rate of the heat medium 36 detected based on the detection result of the flow meter 26 is below a predetermined reference flow rate (whether or not a determination condition is satisfied) (S400). .
If S400 is NO (above the reference flow rate), S218 or S226 is continued.
If S400 is YES (less than the reference flow rate), the control unit 28 performs a notification operation to notify the flow rate decrease (S402).
Specifically, (1) a warning sound is generated from the buzzer 30, (2) character information for warning of a decrease in flow rate is displayed on the operation panel 34, and (3) the indicator lamp 32 is turned on (or flashes). The notification operation is executed by any one of these or a combination thereof.
In the present embodiment, the indicator lamp 32 is blinked and a warning character “flow rate drop” is displayed on the operation panel 34.
At the same time as S402, the control unit 28 extends the time set in the second timer 2802B from the first set injection time tx to the second set injection time ty and starts the second timer 2802B (S404, S406). ). Then, the process returns to S218 or S226 and the injection of the heat medium 36 is continued.
In addition, the method of (1)-(4) mentioned above is applicable for the extension from 1st setting injection time tx to 2nd setting injection time ty.
The secondary cooling process performed after the set injection time of the second timer 2802B is extended from the first set injection time tx to the second set injection time ty in S404 is the second set injection in the second timer 2802B. Time ty is set and executed.
That is, the start of the second timer 2802B in S216 and S224 of FIG. 4 is performed in a state where the second set injection time ty is set.

  According to the second embodiment, the heat medium injection time is automatically extended when the flow rate of the heat medium 36 is decreased, and therefore, reliable cooling can be performed without impairing the quality of the workpiece.

When the heat medium injection time is automatically extended when the flow rate is reduced, the flow rate of the heat medium 36 detected by the control unit 28 by the flow meter 26 (heat medium flow rate detecting means) has decreased with respect to the reference flow rate. You may make it prolong time and injection time, so that the amount of fall flow is large.
Specifically, a table that associates the reduced flow rate of the heat medium 36 with the second set injection time ty or a table that associates the reduced flow rate of the heat medium 36 with the additional time Δt is prepared in advance. The controller 28 may determine the second set injection time ty by specifying the second set injection time ty or the additional time Δt from the reduced flow rate of the heat medium 36 based on these tables.
Alternatively, instead of the above table, a relational expression for calculating the second set injection time ty from the reduced flow rate of the heat medium 36 or a relational expression for calculating the additional time Δt from the reduced flow rate of the heat medium 36 is set in advance. Alternatively, the second set injection time ty may be determined by specifying the second set injection time ty or the additional time Δt from the reduced flow rate of the heat medium 36 using these relational expressions.
In this way, the larger the flow rate of the heat medium 36 is, the longer the injection time of the heat medium 36 is extended. Therefore, deterioration of the quality of the object to be processed, bag breakage, deformation of the container, and the like caused by insufficient cooling are prevented. be able to.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
In the following embodiments, the same or similar parts and members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simply performed.
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a differential pressure switch is used as the heat medium flow rate detection means, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, as in the first embodiment, the heat medium circulation circuit 22 includes a heat medium circulation pipe 2002 that connects the bottom of the processing tank 12 and the heat medium injection nozzle 14, and a heat medium circulation. And a heat medium circulation pump 2004 that supplies the heat medium 36 stored in the bottom of the processing tank 12 toward the heat medium injection nozzle 14.

In the present embodiment, a differential pressure switch 40 is provided.
The differential pressure switch 40 includes the pressure P1 in the processing tank 12 and the pressure of the heat medium flowing through the portion 2002A of the heat medium circulation pipe 2002 that connects the discharge port 2004A of the heat medium circulation pump 2004 and the heat medium injection nozzle 14. P2 is detected, and whether or not the differential pressure ΔP = P2−P1 has reached a predetermined reference pressure Pr is detected.
In the present embodiment, the differential pressure switch 40 is closed when the differential pressure ΔP reaches the reference pressure Pr, and is opened when the differential pressure ΔP falls below the reference pressure Pr. A detection signal generated by opening and closing is received.
The control unit 28 determines that the flow rate of the heat medium 36 is lower than a predetermined reference flow rate when the differential pressure switch 40 is opened (with the differential pressure ΔP not reaching the reference pressure Pr). Is determined to have been established.
The reason for determining the flow rate of the heat medium 36 based on the differential pressure ΔP is that the flow rate of the heat medium 36 is calculated from the differential pressure ΔP based on the following equation (1).
When the flow rate of the heat medium 36 injected from the heat medium injection nozzle 14 is Q, the flow rate Q is expressed by the following equation (1). However, C is a constant.
Q = C (P2-P1) ^1/2 = CΔP ^1/2 (1)
Since the operation content of the retort device 10 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  According to the third embodiment, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of the first embodiment is achieved, and since the differential pressure switch 40 is used as the heat medium flow rate detection means, the flow rate of the heat medium 36 The determination operation of the decrease can be reliably performed with a simple configuration.

Also in the third embodiment, the methods (1) to (4) described above can be applied to extend the first set injection time tx to the second set injection time ty.
Further, as in the second embodiment, the heat medium injection time may be automatically extended when the flow rate of the heat medium 36 is reduced. In that case, without deteriorating the quality of the workpiece, Reliable cooling can be performed.

In each embodiment, when heating the object to be processed, the heat medium 36 is directly heated by mixing high-temperature steam with the heat medium 36, and the heated heat medium 36 is discharged from the heat medium injection nozzle 14. The case where the object to be processed is heated by being sprayed on the object to be processed has been described.
However, as a configuration for heating the object to be processed, the heated heat medium 36 is indirectly heated through the heat exchanger, and the heated heat medium 36 is circulated and injected from the heat medium injection nozzle 14 to the object to be processed. The structure for heating the object to be processed or the structure for heating the object to be processed by supplying high-temperature steam into the treatment tank 12 is arbitrary.
Moreover, in each embodiment, when cooling a to-be-processed object, the case where the heat medium 36 was cooled by replacing the heat medium 36 supplied to the processing tank 12 was demonstrated.
However, as a configuration for cooling the object to be processed, while the heat medium 36 is indirectly cooled via the heat exchanger, the cooled heat medium 36 is circulated and injected from the heat medium injection nozzle 14 onto the object to be processed. The structure for cooling the object to be processed is arbitrary, or the structure for cooling the object to be processed by spraying the object to be processed from the heat medium spray nozzle 14 without circulating the heat medium 36 at room temperature or cooled.
Moreover, although embodiment demonstrated the case where a to-be-processed object was a retort food, a to-be-processed object is arbitrary, such as canned foods and a pharmaceutical.
Moreover, although embodiment demonstrated the case where a to-be-processed object was sterilized by a heat treatment process, cooking of a to-be-processed object by a heat-processing process, or performing both cooking and disinfection is arbitrary.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Retort apparatus 12 ... Processing tank 1202 ... Storage part 1204 ... Accommodating part 14 ... Heating medium injection nozzle 16 ... Heating medium supply circuit 18 ... Heating medium discharge circuit 20 ... Heating medium circulation circuit 2002 ... … Pipe for heat medium circulation 2004 …… Heat medium circulation pump 22 …… Heat medium heating circuit 24 …… Pressure adjustment means 26 …… Flow meter 28 …… Control unit 30 …… Operation switch 32 …… Buzzer 34 …… Warning lamp 36 …… Heat medium 40 …… Differential pressure switch

Claims (6)

A processing object heating means for heating the processing object accommodated in the processing tank;
A heat medium spray nozzle provided in the processing tank and directed to the object to be processed;
A heat medium supplying means for supplying a heat medium for cooling to the heat medium spray nozzle and spraying from the heat medium spray nozzle;
A retort device comprising control means for controlling the supply of the cooling heat medium to the heat medium injection nozzle by the heat medium supply means,
A heat medium flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of the cooling heat medium sprayed from the heat medium spray nozzle;
A determination unit that determines whether or not a determination condition that a flow rate of the detected cooling heat medium is lower than a predetermined reference flow rate is satisfied based on a detection result of the heat medium flow rate detection unit;
An informing means for informing that a decrease in flow rate has occurred when it is determined by the determining means that the determination condition is satisfied;
A retort device is provided. An injection time for injecting the cooling heat medium from the heat medium injection nozzle to the object to be processed is predetermined as a first set injection time,
An operation means for performing a predetermined operation by an operator when extending the first set injection time;
Display means for displaying operation guidance information that prompts the predetermined operation when the determination means determines that the determination condition is satisfied;
The control means extends the first set injection time based on a predetermined operation of the operation means,
The retort device according to claim 1. The time for injecting the cooling heat medium from the heat medium injection nozzle to the object to be processed is predetermined as a first set injection time,
The control means controls the heat medium supply means so as to extend an injection time for injecting the cooling heat medium to be longer than the first set injection time when the determination means determines that the determination condition is satisfied. It is characterized by
The retort device according to claim 1. The control of the heat medium supply means by the control means includes the time corresponding to the reduced flow rate in which the flow rate of the cooling heat medium detected by the heat medium flow rate detection unit is reduced with respect to the reference flow rate, It is made by extending the set injection time,
The retort device according to claim 3. The heat medium supply means includes a heat medium circulation pipe connecting the bottom of the treatment tank and the heat medium injection nozzle, and the cooling medium provided in the heat medium circulation pipe and stored in the bottom of the treatment tank. A heat medium circulation pump for supplying a heat medium toward the heat medium injection nozzle,
The heat medium flow rate detecting means is constituted by a flow meter provided in a portion of the heat medium circulation pipe connecting a discharge port of the heat medium circulation pump and the heat medium injection nozzle. To
The retort device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The heat medium supply means is provided between the heat medium circulation pipe connecting the bottom of the treatment tank and the heat medium injection nozzle and the heat medium circulation pipe, and is stored in the bottom of the treatment tank. A heat medium circulation pump for supplying a heat medium toward the heat medium injection nozzle,
The heat medium flow rate detecting means is the cooling heat flowing through a portion connecting the discharge port of the heat medium circulation pump and the heat medium injection nozzle in the pressure P1 in the processing tank and the heat medium circulation pipe. A medium pressure P2 and a differential pressure switch for detecting whether or not the differential pressure ΔP = P2−P1 has reached a predetermined reference pressure Pr;
The determination that the determination condition is satisfied by the determination means is made when the differential pressure ΔP has not reached the reference pressure Pr,
The retort device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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