JP3341160B2 - Food and other product manufacturing equipment with automatic cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the manufacture of products comprising sanitary equipment and the like used in the manufacture of liquid and creamy foods and medicines, such as milk, coffee and drinks, and other similar products. The present invention relates to a food or other product manufacturing apparatus with an automatic cleaning device provided with an automatic cleaning device (CIP) in a state where the product manufacturing device main body can be automatically cleaned in the device main body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Sanitary equipment used for food production needs to be kept clean at all times by using a washing device immediately after the production of the product to remove substances adhered during production. In order to meet this need, the cleaning device is composed of a detergent tank, a liquid sending pump, a heating device, an automatic switching valve for the detergent solution, and the like.

[0003] In this cleaning apparatus, in the operation of switching from product to fresh water, from detergent to detergent, and from detergent to fresh water, the actual equipment (plant) measures the switching time at the time of trial run adjustment and sets the cleaning time based on this. ing. Switching from the final detergent to fresh water is performed by a method such as confirming that there is no residual detergent by sampling rinsing water and performing qualitative analysis.

[0004] These operations are very complicated, and the set-up time for cleaning is not always the same time because the test run operator tends to secure safety in anticipation of extra time. Since cleaning conditions vary depending on processing conditions such as type, manufacturing time, type of detergent, temperature and flow rate, etc., adjustment is actually made to the longest time. For this reason, there are disadvantages such as a long cleaning time and a waste of clean water (rinsing water).

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel food and other product manufacturing apparatus with an automatic cleaning device capable of shortening the cleaning time and eliminating waste of used fresh water (rinsing water). Aim.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a product manufacturing apparatus main body comprising sanitary equipment and the like used for manufacturing liquid and creamy foods and medicines, and other similar products. In regard to a food manufacturing device with an automatic washing device provided with an automatic washing device in a state in which the product manufacturing device main body can be automatically washed, electric conductivity, turbidity, refractive index, scattered light rate, light absorption rate, pH of washing water, A sensor for detecting one or more of the ion concentration and the specific resistance is provided in the washing conduit, and the residual detergent rate (R) is continuously measured by the sensor to obtain a fluctuation waveform of the detergent residual rate (R). In addition, a determination reference point (RS1) is selected on the waveform, and the elapsed time (ΔT1) between the determination reference points (RS1) having a relationship between the previous time and the subsequent time is continuously measured for each cycle of the waveform during continuous measurement. Judge and the elapsed time Delta] T1) is that so as to control the automatic cleaning device with a controller which emits a trigger signal as the cleaning completed when it recognizes the fact that above the specified user has determined the time (.DELTA.T0).

[0007]

[Function] In order to produce higher quality products, CIP
Although the importance of cleaning by (automatic stationary cleaning device) has already been clarified, there are still matters to be improved in an actual manufacturing device (plant) of a product such as food. In particular, it is important to completely remove the dirt from the equipment and to rinse the removed dirt with fresh water. The following improvements can be made by automating the rinsing. a. The rinsing time can be set reasonably, and the end point of the rinsing can be managed. b. By managing the end point of the rinse, waste of the rinse water can be eliminated. c. In the field trial operation, the adjustment work of the rinsing time can be shortened.

[0008]

In the embodiment shown in the figure, an automatic stationary cleaning device (CIP) 2 is mounted on a product manufacturing apparatus main body (object to be cleaned) 1 comprising sanitary equipment and the like in a state where the product manufacturing apparatus main body 1 can be automatically cleaned. The automatic stationary cleaning device 2 is connected to the controller 5 and is controlled by a controller 5 described later.

The controller 5 is based on the residual ratio (R) of the detergent obtained by the following formula: residual ratio (R) = (conductivity of returned water−conductivity of fresh water) / conductivity of returned water.

[0010] That is, the remaining rate at the start of rinsing (SRS), the determination reference point (RS1) based on the remaining rate at the time of temporary completion during the final completion of the rinsing, and the next temporary completion from the previous temporary completion. This is obtained by enabling the setting of the elapsed time to the hour (ΔT1) and the setting of the specified time (ΔT0) determined by the user.

"Rinsing Judgment Reference Point (RS1)" In order to determine the residual rate at the end of rinsing, the value of reference data prepared in advance from data obtained by a test or the like is set as a guide. (Example) The final rinse after alkali cleaning (using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as an alkaline detergent) is performed at an alkali concentration of 3 p.
pm or less Measure the electrical conductivity of the rinse water (0.20 m
S / cm). From reference material, 3pp of sodium hydroxide NaOH
The value of m is determined (0.018 mS / cm). (0.20 + 0.018 = 0.21
8 mS / cm). Is used as the CIP return washing water to calculate the residual ratio {(1−0.20 / 0.218)} × 100 = 8.3.
%). (8%) is set as the residual ratio (RS) of the final rinse (at the time of completion of the main rinse). When the final rinsing condition is not determined, the residual ratio (R) = ｛1−electric conductivity of Shimizu / (electric conductivity of Shimizu +
The residual rate (R) is set as 0.015 to 0.15 mS / cm) x 100%, and determined by sampling.

"Striking residual rate (SRS)" At the start of the rinsing step, since the rinsing water of the previously performed CIP remains in the return line, it is close to 0%, and thereafter the residual rate (R)
May increase (first water rinse). Therefore, in order for the rinsing to be turned ON, the condition is provided on the condition that the value of the residual ratio (R) passes through the residual ratio (SRS) triggered once.

"Specified time (ΔT0)" Percentage of residual (R) due to cleaning characteristics or sensor characteristics in each cleaning line
May reach the determination reference point (RS1), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the value may again indicate a value equal to or higher than the determination reference point. in this case,
If the rinsing is completed at the first reference point, the rinsing will be defective, which may cause a serious problem in the next product manufacturing. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to confirm that each cleaning line is below the determination reference point for a certain period of time after reaching the determination reference point (RS1), and then to end the rinsing.

Therefore, the present inventor has paid attention to this, and has developed a controller for completing the present invention by utilizing this for measurement. That is, examples of the cleaning characteristics are as follows: (1) From the determination reference point (RS1), which is the first temporary completion residual rate point in the fluctuation waveform of the detergent residual rate (R) shown in FIG. 2, to the second determination reference point (RS1) “A” elapsed time (Δ
T1) is measured, and it is determined whether or not the “A” elapsed time (ΔT1) is within the range of the specified time (ΔT0). If it is within the range, it is determined that the rinsing has failed, and the rinsing is continued. (2) “B” from the third determination reference point to the fourth determination reference point
The elapsed time (ΔT1) is measured and the specified time (ΔT0)
B "elapsed time (ΔT1) is compared and determined. If the elapsed time (ΔT1) is within the range of the specified time (ΔT0), rinsing is determined to be unsuccessful and rinsing is continued. (3)“ A ”“ B ”elapsed time (ΔT1) is incorrect. When passing,
The “C” elapsed time (ΔT1) from the fifth determination reference point to the sixth determination reference point is measured, and it is determined whether or not this is within a range of a specified time (ΔT0). Continue rinsing as a failure. (4) I repeated the rejection several times like this,
A "" B "" C "" D "longer than elapsed time (ΔT1)
The elapsed time (ΔT1) is measured, the “D” elapsed time (ΔT1) is compared with the specified time (ΔT0), and it is determined whether or not this is longer than the specified time (ΔT0). In this case, the rinsing is confirmed and the completion of rinsing is determined by the controller 5, and a trigger signal is sent to the control unit of the automatic cleaning device 2.

Next, an example of the sensor characteristics is shown in FIG. 3. In the case where the value once becomes smaller than the reference point due to the influence of a temperature change or the like depending on the type and structure of the sensor, the value becomes higher than the reference point again. There is. Therefore, accurate control of rinsing termination can be performed by the following method. (1) The “A” elapsed time (ΔT1) from the first determination reference point (RS1) to the second determination reference point (RS1) in the fluctuation waveform of the detergent remaining rate (R) is measured, and this “A” is measured. It is determined whether or not the elapsed time (ΔT1) is within the range of the specified time (ΔT0). If the elapsed time (ΔT1) is within the range, it is determined that the rinsing has failed, and the rinsing is continued. (2) “B” from the third determination reference point to the fourth determination reference point
The elapsed time (ΔT1) is measured and the specified time (ΔT0)
B "The elapsed time (ΔT1) is compared and determined to determine whether or not the elapsed time is longer than the specified time (ΔT0). If the elapsed time (ΔT1) is out of the range, it is confirmed that the rinsing has passed and the rinsing is completed by the controller 5. The judgment is made and a trigger signal is sent to the control unit of the automatic cleaning device 2.

The above-described embodiment is a method in which the cleaning method for a fixed time, which is a conventional method, is fundamentally reviewed, and the cleaning and rinsing are performed rationally based on the cleaning theory. The switching of the steps using the clean water (rinsing water) of this embodiment is performed by switching the following “A” product to clear water, “B” detergent to detergent,
There are three types of switching from "C" detergent to fresh water (rinse).

[A] Switching from product to fresh water This is a process of extruding the product remaining in the piping and the machine with fresh water after the production is completed. The concentration of the extruded liquid is (1) a part where the product concentration is constant, (2) a part where the product and fresh water are mixed and the product concentration sharply decreases, and (3) a product staying in a dead space or the like flows out and the concentration is gradual. The decreasing portion, (4) the portion in which the product strongly adsorbed on the liquid-contacting surface of the pipe or the equipment is rinsed off, and the concentration further decreases gradually, is indicated by the curves having the four types of slopes. Here, the liquids (1) and (2) can be collected and used again as a product. Since the liquids (3) and (4) are almost water and contain only a small amount of products, it is wasteful to reuse. Therefore, by shifting to the next step after the step (2), useless fresh water can be saved.

"B" Switching from detergent to detergent This is done by washing with an alkaline detergent after the above step "A".
This is a step of once collecting an alkaline detergent and further washing with an acid detergent. Also in this case, as in the case of the above "A", (1) a portion where the detergent concentration is constant, (2) a portion where the detergent and fresh water are mixed and the detergent concentration rapidly decreases, and (3) a detergent remaining in a dead space or the like flows out. A portion where the concentration gradually decreases, and (4) a portion where the detergent strongly adsorbed on the liquid-contacting surface of the pipe or the equipment is rinsed off and the concentration further decreases gradually, are indicated by the curves having the above four types of slopes. Also in this case, the detergents (1) and (2) can be collected and reused. (3),
The liquid of (4) is almost water, and contains only a small amount of detergent, so it is wasteful to reuse. Therefore,
By shifting to the next step after the step (B), useless fresh water can be saved.

"C" Switching from detergent to fresh water This is the last step in the cleaning program and the cleaning mechanism is similar to "B" above. However, detergents and stains are not left on the pipes and the surfaces of the parts that come into contact with equipment after cleaning. Therefore, to remove all of these, (4)
It is important to completely rinse with fresh water (rinse water) until the step is completed, and it should be finished after confirming that the detergent concentration is completely zero.

The advantages of the introduction of the controller 5 are as follows. 1. Accurate determination of the end point of cleaning Previously, it was difficult to accurately determine the end point of cleaning.
The use of the controller 5 makes it possible to determine each CIP cleaning and automatically terminate the cleaning. 2. Elimination of waste of rinsing Water rinsing tends to be performed more than necessary in consideration of safety. However, the use of the controller 5 can eliminate this waste. 3. Shortening of Cleaning Time Since CIP cleaning can be completed in the shortest time by using the controller 5, it is possible to increase the process operation time and reduce the operator's work time. 4. Cleaning management by user By using the controller 5, the CIP cleaning pattern and cleaning time can be compared with the data at the time of test operation, so that the user can manage the cleaning state after delivery to the plant. 5. Diagnosis of existing CIP facilities and proposals for improvement By incorporating the controller 5 into the existing CIP system, the quality of the CIP program can be determined, and it is possible to make improvement proposals to the user. 6. Design and commissioning rationalization The rinsing time is set by the designer based on past experience.
Is set for each line and reset at the time of trial operation adjustment. However, the use of the controller 5 makes these operations unnecessary and makes it possible to eliminate the variation by the designer. 7. Cleaning evaluation of in-house designed equipment In the development of sanitary equipment, the use of the controller 5 makes it possible to evaluate CIP cleaning performance.

The trial calculation of the merits that the user can obtain by introducing the controller 5 is as follows. Estimation conditions CIP time 30 minutes Rinse flow rate 20m ³ / h Dissipation time 5 minutes Number of CIP lines 5 lines Water charge 590 yen / m ³ Number of CIPs 1 time / day line Electricity charge 17.5 yen / kwh Water saving charge 20m ³ / h × 5 minutes / 60 minutes × 5 lines × 20 days / month × 12 months / year = 2,000 m ³ / year Water supply 2,000 m ³ / year × 590 yen / m ³ = 1,180,000 yen / year 10 kwh × 5 minutes / 60 minutes × 5 lines × 20 days / month × December / year = 1,000 kWh / year Electricity fee 1,000 kWh / year × 17.5 yen / kwh = 17,500 yen / year Savings cost 1 , 180,000 yen / year + 17,500 yen / year = 1,197,500 yen / year If the conditions are more than the above, it is possible to contribute to a cost reduction of about 1.2 million yen per year.

[0022]

According to the present invention, the rinsing time can be rationally set, and the final and temporary completion points of the rinsing can be managed. By managing the final completion point, waste of rinsing water (clear water) can be eliminated, and adjustment work of the rinsing time in the field trial run can be shortened.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a timing chart.

FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram of a sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Product manufacturing equipment main body 2 Automatic stationary cleaning equipment 3 Inlet point of fresh water 4 End point of rinsing 5 Controller

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An automatic cleaning device is installed in a product manufacturing apparatus main body including sanitary equipment used for manufacturing liquid or creamy foods, medicines, and other similar products in a state where the product manufacturing apparatus main body can be automatically cleaned. Regarding the food and other product manufacturing equipment with automatic washing equipment provided, the electrical conductivity, turbidity,
A sensor for detecting at least one of a refractive index, a scattered light rate, an absorptivity, a pH, an ion concentration, and a specific resistance is provided in a washing pipe, and the detergent remaining rate (R) is continuously measured by the sensor. Obtain a fluctuation waveform of the detergent remaining rate (R), select a judgment reference point (RS1) on the waveform, and determine the progress between the judgment reference point (RS1) having a relationship between the previous time and the post-time during continuous measurement. With a controller that continuously determines the time (ΔT1) for each cycle of the waveform and, when recognizing that the elapsed time (ΔT1) has exceeded the specified time (ΔT0) determined by the user, issues a trigger signal as cleaning completion. An apparatus for manufacturing a product such as food with an automatic cleaning device, wherein the automatic cleaning device is controlled.