JP3663150B2 - Retort sterilization method and retort sterilization control device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a retort sterilization method using a retort pot and a retort sterilization control device in the production of beverages and foods.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, in sterilization of packaged foods such as canned beverages and canned foods, the F value for sterilization at a predetermined temperature and time is known, and the retort kettle is filled with canned beverages and the temperature inside the retort kettle is steamed. After the temperature is increased to a predetermined temperature by sterilization, sterilization is performed with an F value (sterilization time determined by the sterilization temperature: minutes).
However, although the temperature in the retort kettle can be measured directly in real time, the temperature in the container of packaged food cannot be measured directly in real time, and there is a difference between the temperature in the kettle and the temperature of the packaged food in the container. Deviation occurs in the F value (sterilization time). When such a deviation of the F value occurs, the contents of the container are excessively heated (excess retort sterilization) or the sterilization is not sufficiently performed (insufficient retort sterilization).
In order to prevent such excessive retort sterilization and inadequate retort sterilization, it has been conventionally performed to obtain an appropriate F value. For example, in Japanese Patent No. 3071412, the temperature in the retort kettle, the heat transfer coefficient of the packaged food container, and the measured product temperature (internal temperature of the container) are obtained from past retort sterilization and accumulated, It is disclosed that a heating side individual heat transfer coefficient and a cooling side individual heat transfer coefficient obtained by a retort test machine are obtained to obtain an expected F value at an actually measured temperature in the kettle.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional technique for calculating the temperature in the container of the packaged food from the temperature in the pot based on the calculation result of the heating side heat transfer coefficient and the cooling side heat transfer coefficient, the calculation formula becomes complicated and the heat transfer coefficient of the container Is different depending on the temperature difference between the temperature in the kettle and the contents and the temperature in the kettle, so that an error occurs in the predicted F value, and it is difficult to prevent the above-described "excessive retort sterilization" and "insufficient retort sterilization". .
[0004]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a retort sterilization method and a retort sterilization control device that can prevent “excess retort sterilization” and “insufficient retort sterilization” and easily obtain an expected F value.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the temperature data in the kettle measured by the past retort sterilization and the temperature data in the container of the packaged food are obtained every time, and one axis of the two-dimensional graph is set as the time axis and the other The temperature curve in the kettle and the temperature curve in the container with the axis as the temperature axis are displayed, and the difference between the two times at the sterilization start temperature is set as a correction coefficient A. And is sterilized with a sterilization time based on the expected F value.
[0006]
[Formula 2]
Expected F value = standard F value (min) × 10 ^T −A (min) (Formula 1)
T = (Bactericidal temperature−121.1 ° C.) / 10
The standard F value is a sterilization time determined at a predetermined sterilization temperature.
It is characterized by.
[0007]
In the first aspect of the present invention, a time shift A at a predetermined sterilization temperature is obtained from a graph displaying the temperature curve in the pot obtained by past retort sterilization and the temperature curve in the container. The deviation is subtracted from the standard F value as a correction coefficient A to obtain an expected F value.
Therefore, since the time shift value A at the sterilization temperature obtained from the pot temperature curve and the container temperature curve is simply subtracted from the standard F value, the F value can be easily obtained. In addition, since it can be obtained directly from data based on past actual measurement values, there are few errors. Thereby, "excess retort sterilization" and "insufficient retort sterilization" can be prevented.
[0008]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the sterilization end time of the predicted F value is calculated by adding the sterilization time from the start of sterilization to the present time and the remaining sterilization time based on the predicted F value of the first aspect. And displaying on the graph screen with the sterilization temperature on one axis of the dimensional graph and the standard F value on the other axis, and the boundary line of excess retort sterilization for each sterilization temperature specified based on past data; The border of insufficient retort sterilization is displayed.
[0009]
The invention described in claim 2 has the same effects as those of the invention described in claim 1, and the boundary line for excessive retort sterilization and the boundary line for insufficient retort sterilization are displayed on the screen of the control device. The operator may have a predicted F value in the proper region between these boundaries, or may be out of the proper region between these boundaries, resulting in excessive retort sterilization, or It can be easily determined whether there is a risk of insufficient retort sterilization. If the predicted F value may deviate from the appropriate range, the predicted F value can be corrected before the predicted F value elapses, so that excessive retort sterilization and insufficient retort can be prevented.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 3 issues an alarm when the predicted F value deviates from an appropriate region located between the boundary line of excessive retort sterilization or the insufficient retort boundary line in the invention of claim 2. It is characterized by that.
[0011]
In the invention according to the third aspect, an alarm is issued to alert an operator or a person engaged in retort sterilization work. The alarm may be displayed on the screen of the control device or emit a sound, or may generate an alarm from the control device main body to a specific person's mobile phone or other communication device.
[0012]
[0013]
[0014]
[0015]
[0016]
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the number of times of sterilization in each retort pot is taken on one axis of the two-dimensional graph, the F value is taken on the other axis, The F value performed for each retort sterilization treatment is displayed on the screen.
[0017]
In this invention of Claim 4 , while having the same effect as the invention of Claim 2 or 3, it can grasp | ascertain the tendency of F value used for the sterilization process for every retort pot, for example, F value However, if it gradually increases or decreases with each retort sterilization operation, it is easy to infer abnormalities such as a change in the amount of steam in the retort kettle or a leak in the retort kettle. Can do.
[0018]
The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 4 , wherein each defect item in the retort sterilization process is displayed on the screen, and a predetermined item is selected from each defect item And a check item corresponding to the selected item is displayed.
[0019]
In this invention of Claim 5 , while having the same effect as the invention of any of Claims 2-4 , what kind of trouble matters when abnormality (fault matter) in retort sterilization arises It is possible to quickly and easily check even if it is an unskilled person, and to display an abnormal situation by displaying a manual that shows what kind of piping needs to be checked for the failure. Misoperations to deal with can be prevented.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1-8 is a figure which shows the screen display of the retort sterilization control apparatus concerning this Embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram which shows the structure of a retort sterilization control apparatus.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 9, the retort sterilization control device according to the present embodiment is composed of a screen 11 and a main body 13. The main body 13 is the temperature, pressure, time, standard F value, etc. of past retort sterilization. A writing unit 1 for recording various data, an interface unit 3 for fetching temperature data from a temperature detector provided in the retort pot, and an expected F value based on the temperatures fetched from the writing unit 1 and the interface unit 3 Is provided with a calculation unit 5, a display unit 7 for displaying various data on a screen, and a recording unit 9 in which data relating to trouble items in the retort sterilization treatment operation is described. In the main body 13, a menu screen is displayed as an initial screen on the screen 11, and a menu corresponding to various menus is selected by selecting a menu such as “sterilization state grasping screen”, “F value calculation screen”, etc. Is displayed.
[0022]
The calculation unit 5 calculates an expected F value. As shown in FIG. 1, the predicted F value is obtained by passing the temperature data in the pot measured by the past retort sterilization and the temperature data in the container of the packaged food over time. The sterilization start temperature is calculated from the temperature curve in the kettle and the temperature curve in the container with the horizontal axis (one axis of the two-dimensional graph) as the time axis and the vertical axis (the other axis of the two-dimensional graph) as the temperature axis. A time difference A between the two is obtained, and this is used as a correction coefficient A. The expected F value is obtained by the following formula 1.
[0023]
[Formula 3]
Expected F value = standard F value (min) × 10 ^T −A (min) (Formula 1)
T = (Bactericidal temperature−121.1 ° C.) / 10
The standard F value is a sterilization time determined at a predetermined sterilization temperature.
[0024]
That is, in the graph shown in FIG. 1 in which the temperature in the pot in the past retort sterilization and the content temperature of the can beverage (packaged food) are measured and these values are plotted for each elapsed time, for example, 115 ° C. When A is the sterilization start temperature, a deviation of A time (minute) occurs. This deviation time A is a time deviation due to heat transfer because the contents in the can become the same temperature as the temperature in the kettle. Therefore, an appropriate predicted F value can be obtained by subtracting this shifted time A from the standard F value. The graph of FIG. 1 is displayed on the screen 11 as required by selecting the screen menu of the control device by the operator.
By using the predicted F value thus obtained, retort sterilization control is performed at the temperature in the retort kettle that can be sequentially measured in real time. The temperature in the retort pot is controlled by the control temperature detector 15.
[0025]
In addition to the control temperature detector 15 (see FIG. 9), a chart temperature detector 17 (see FIG. 9) is inserted in the same portion of the retort pot, and the same is applied to at least two thermometers. Measure the temperature of the site. The control temperature detector 15 is a temperature detector for calculating an expected F value, and the chart temperature detector 17 is a temperature detector for storing a record on chart paper. The detected temperatures of the control temperature detector 15 and the chart temperature detector 17 are displayed on the screen as a “calibration device monitoring screen” shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents elapsed time, and the vertical axis represents detected temperature in real time. This screen can be displayed by freely changing the scale of the graph, and the deviation of the measured values of both can be confirmed in the temperature range by an arbitrary scale. Also, an alarm display is provided on the display screen, and when the deviation of the measured value exceeds the error range, the alarm is displayed according to the deviation range. That is, the measured values of these two temperature detectors 15 and 17 should coincide with each other. However, if there is a deviation in the measured temperature, there is a failure or abnormality in either of the temperature detectors 15 and 17. It can be inferred that there is, for example, it is possible to promptly take corresponding measures such as replacement of a failed temperature sensor.
[0026]
On the other hand, the screen 11 can display past information and current information in retort sterilization, and the “F value calculation screen” shown in FIG. 2 displays the current time at the sterilization temperature and the expected F value. . That is, the screen shown in FIG. 2 takes temperature on the horizontal axis and time on the vertical axis, and displays the sterilization time from the start of sterilization to the present, the remaining sterilization time, and the expected F value in a graph. The end time can be grasped. Further, this graph displays a boundary line 21 for excessive retort sterilization and a boundary line 23 for insufficient retort sterilization for each sterilization temperature specified based on past data. Then, the operator confirms that the current value and the predicted F value are in the region between the boundary lines 21 and 23, and if the predicted F value deviates from the region between the boundary lines 21 and 23, Since there exists a possibility of becoming "excess retort sterilization" or "insufficient retort", those situations can be prevented beforehand.
[0027]
In the control device, by selecting “trend screen” on the menu screen, the current and past operation status of each pot in the retort sterilization operation is continuously displayed. The screen shown in FIG. 4 is a graph showing elapsed time on the horizontal axis and the temperature in the pot on the vertical axis, and changes in the pot temperature in each pot are graphed. Patterns, predicted F values, etc. are displayed for each item so that operation management can be facilitated.
[0028]
Furthermore, the screen shown in FIG. 4 can be enlarged and displayed by selecting a specific part of the screen or changing the scale. As shown in the “detail screen” in FIG. 5, one retort sterilization in any pot is possible. It is possible to select and display the process. Further, on the graph screen shown in FIG. 5, various items such as the product type, primary heating time, and predicted F value are displayed at the same time, and the pressure change in the pot indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is also displayed.
[0029]
The screen display shown in FIG. 6 shows a display in which a part of the graph shown in FIG. 5 is further partially enlarged and each process such as the primary cooling process is set for each elapsed time. That is, in FIG. 6, the display of the start of the primary cooling process is shown in the graph, but other processes such as the start and end of the primary heating and the start and end of the secondary heating can be displayed at any time.
[0030]
The graph screen shown in FIG. 7 is the “F value list screen” selected on the menu screen, and shows the F value in each retort sterilization process as a graph in all retort sterilization pots. This is the number of sterilization steps, with the F value on the vertical axis. In this embodiment, there are three retort kettles, and these three retort kettles are sequentially used to perform retort sterilization continuously, and the overall tendency of the F value for each retort sterilization is grasped from the graph. Can do. For example, when the F value is gradually increased or decreased as the retort sterilization process is repeated, it can be inferred that some abnormality is gradually progressing in the retort kettle and equipment. When the F value tends to deviate from the standard (standard F value) from the tendency of the F value that is continuously grasped, an alarm is displayed.
In each of the graph screens described above, it is preferable to display the alarm in a color that calls attention, such as red, blink the screen, or emit a sound at the same time.
[0031]
When it is determined from the above-described graphs that trouble has occurred in the retort sterilization operation, when the operator selects “troubleshooting” from the menu screen, a “troubleshooting” screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. In this trouble shooting screen, each trouble (trouble) item in retort sterilization operation such as “Does not start even if the start button is pressed” or “The temperature does not rise even if started” is displayed. When an item is selected by clicking with the mouse, a check (inspection item) necessary for each trouble item is displayed. For example, if you select and click “Do not start when the start button is pressed”, check items such as “Check the power switch” and “Check the open / close valve of the retort pot” are displayed. It is supposed to be. Therefore, even if trouble occurs in the retort sterilization operation, by checking the check items according to the contents of each trouble, it is possible to easily deal with leaks and to determine the calm situation even if it is an unskilled person And can take measures.
[0032]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to beverage retort sterilization, and may be used for food retort sterilization.
In each of the graphs such as the temperature curve in the kettle and the temperature curve in the container, one of the one axis and the other of the two-dimensional graph may be a horizontal axis or a vertical axis.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the time shift value A at the sterilization temperature obtained from the temperature curve in the pot and the temperature curve in the container is simply subtracted from the standard F value, the F value is easily obtained. be able to. In addition, since it can be obtained directly from data based on past actual measurement values, there are few errors. Thereby, "excess retort sterilization" and "insufficient retort sterilization" can be prevented.
[0034]
According to the invention described in claim 2, while having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1, the expected F value is an appropriate region between the boundary line of excessive retort sterilization and the boundary line of insufficient retort sterilization. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive retort sterilization and insufficient retort.
[0035]
According to the invention described in claim 3, the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 2 can be obtained, and attention can be drawn by issuing an alarm when the predicted F value is not appropriate. .
[0036]
[0037]
[0038]
According to invention of Claim 4 , while having the same effect as invention of Claim 2 or 3, it can grasp | ascertain the tendency of F value used for the sterilization process for every pot, and, thereby, retort sterilization equipment Can be easily grasped.
[0039]
According to the invention described in claim 5 , since the same effect as in the invention described in any one of claims 2 to 4 is achieved and the check items are displayed for the defect items in the retort sterilization operation, Even so, it is possible to quickly and easily cope with an abnormal situation and to prevent an erroneous operation for dealing with the abnormal situation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a graph screen showing the relationship between the temperature in a retort kettle and the temperature in a container of packaged food according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a graph screen showing an F value calculation screen and showing a relationship between a current value of F value and an expected F value.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a graph screen displaying measurement data of a control temperature detector and a chart recording temperature detector.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a graph screen displaying continuous data in one retort pot.
FIG. 5 is a diagram of a graph screen displaying data of each retort sterilization operation in one retort pot.
6 is a graph screen showing a part of the graph shown in FIG. 4 in an enlarged scale. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a graph screen showing the tendency of the F value for each retort pot.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a troubleshooting screen.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a retort sterilization control apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording part 3 Interface part 5 Calculation part 7 Display part 9 Data part 11 Screen 13 Main body 15 Temperature detector for control 17 Temperature detector for chart 21 Boundary line of excessive retort sterilization 23 Boundary line of insufficient retort sterilization

Claims (5)

The temperature in the kettle measured in the past retort sterilization and the temperature data in the container of the packaged food are obtained over time, and the inside of the kettle with one axis of the two-dimensional graph as the time axis and the other axis as the temperature axis. The temperature curve and the temperature curve in the container are displayed, the difference between the two times at the sterilization start temperature is used as the correction coefficient A, and the predicted F value of the next retort sterilization to be performed is calculated by A retort sterilization method, characterized by sterilization based on a sterilization time.
[Formula 1]
Expected F value = standard F value (min) × 10 ^T −A (min) (Formula 1)
T = (Bactericidal temperature−121.1 ° C.) / 10
The standard F value is a sterilization time determined at a predetermined sterilization temperature.   Based on the predicted F value according to claim 1, the sterilization time from the start of sterilization to the present and the remaining sterilization time are added to calculate the sterilization end time of the predicted F value on one axis of the two-dimensional graph. And the boundary line for excess retort sterilization for each sterilization temperature specified based on past data and the boundary line for insufficient retort sterilization. Retort sterilization control device to display.   The retort sterilization control device according to claim 2, wherein an alarm is issued when the predicted F value deviates from an appropriate region between the boundary line of excessive retort sterilization or the insufficient retort boundary line. The number of times the sterilization process is performed in each retort pot is taken on one axis of the two-dimensional graph, the F value is taken on the other axis, and the F value performed for each retort sterilization process is displayed on the screen. The retort sterilization control device according to claim 2 . Each defect item in retort sterilization processing is displayed on a screen, and when a predetermined item is selected from each defect item, a check item corresponding to the selected item is displayed . The retort sterilization control device according to any one of 4 .

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