JP4810324B2 - Saturated steam temperature measuring device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is an apparatus for measuring saturated steam temperature in a treatment tank of a saturated steam atmosphere or a steam atmosphere under reduced pressure, and can be used in steaming, heating cookers, steam sterilizers and other devices that are heated with saturated steam in general. Relates to the device.

  Without picking up the superheat temperature generated in the steam heating device, the temperature of the processing device is controlled and the pressure is controlled by stably measuring the accurate saturated steam temperature, which is equivalent to the product temperature. Realize temperature control.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a heat treatment apparatus, an apparatus that adjusts the temperature by measuring a saturated vapor temperature or a saturated vapor pressure in a treatment tank has been used.
JP-A-8-170807 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-19684

  The problem to be solved is that the steam sent into the treatment tank below atmospheric pressure always superheats, so the temperature sensor is affected by this superheated steam and measures a temperature higher than the saturated steam temperature. Therefore, the temperature inside the processing tank cannot be correctly controlled. In particular, since this superheated temperature is picked up during heating and heating, the set temperature is caught early, and the product cannot be sterilized by the substantially set temperature.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-19684 discloses an example in which a container filled with water up to a predetermined water level in a reduced pressure atmosphere is installed. In this example, the lower end of the water supply member is installed in the water in the container, and a temperature sensor temperature sensor is provided at the upper end of the water surface.

  According to this configuration, the temperature in a state where the heat of vaporization when water sucked up by the water supply member evaporates is measured by the temperature sensing unit, and the saturated steam temperature is not directly measured. Further, a pressure calculating means for calculating the pressure from the relationship between the saturated steam and the saturated vapor pressure stored in advance is provided, and the processing tank is controlled by the pressure.

  In the present invention, in the treatment tank, when performing each stage such as initial degassing, repressure, redegassing, temperature rise, heating, vacuum cooling, etc. in an atmosphere below atmospheric pressure (see FIG. 7, Table 1), the superheat temperature A container constituting a saturated vapor layer was installed in the treatment tank so as not to be affected by this, and the saturated vapor temperature was directly measured.

  It is known that the temperature in the treatment tank below atmospheric pressure is less affected by superheat at the bottom. In the present invention, the state of the bottom of the treatment tank, that is, near the water pool, the state where the gas vapor is stagnant, or the temperature of the treatment tank itself is low, is optimal for measuring the saturated vapor temperature. It was developed based on the knowledge that there is.

  A gap communicating with the treatment tank was provided in the lid, and a container containing water was installed in the treatment tank. A saturated vapor layer is formed in this container, and a temperature sensor is installed in the saturated vapor layer between the water surface and the lid, so that the saturated vapor temperature in the treatment tank is assured to the temperature sensor by the principle of free molecular movement of the gas. And it was communicated accurately.

  Specific means will be described below.

  1st invention is installed in the processing tank made into the saturated steam atmosphere or the steam atmosphere under pressure reduction, the heat-resistant container which accommodated water, the cover of the container which provided the clearance gap connected to a processing tank, and the water surface in a container A saturated steam layer that is not affected by the superheated steam formed between the water surface and the lid, and a temperature measuring unit that has a temperature sensor installed in the saturated steam layer between the water surface and the lid in the vicinity of the water surface, It was set as the saturated vapor temperature measuring apparatus which consists of.

  Therefore, the temperature control can be performed more accurately and quickly, and the product can be processed at the correct temperature.

  In the second aspect of the invention, the overflow notch is provided in the container so as to hold water at a constant water level.

  In 3rd invention, the baffle plate which disperse | distributes the steam sent inward of the steam inlet of a processing tank was installed.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, a steam inlet is provided at the upper center of the processing tank in the longitudinal direction, and a container in which a temperature sensor is installed in the saturated steam layer is provided at the center in the height direction on the side wall near the product inlet / outlet of the processing tank.

  Install a heat-resistant container containing water in the treatment tank, provide a lid that communicates with the treatment tank, and configure a saturated vapor layer that is not affected by superheated steam between this lid and the water surface. As a result, the saturated steam temperature can be measured directly and the temperature can be measured accurately and promptly.

  When the steam fed into the treatment tank is dispersed by the baffle plate provided at the inlet, the vapor distribution in the treatment tank becomes uniform and is less susceptible to the overheating temperature.

  By controlling the amount of steam fed into the treatment tank according to the exact measured temperature, the product can be heat-treated at a predetermined temperature, and the saturated steam temperature can be accurately grasped and the saturated steam pressure can be adjusted. .

  Water was put into a container such as a box or a box installed in the treatment tank, and overflowed by the notch to hold a predetermined amount of water.

  When processing such as initial degassing, return pressure, re-degassing, temperature rise, heating, vacuum cooling, etc. in the atmosphere inside the treatment tank below atmospheric pressure, the water in the container is condensed during heating and the amount of water increases. Since the water boils and decreases during vacuum cooling, the evaporation state is calculated so that the water in the container does not disappear, and the water is retained.

  In one batch operation, the amount of water varies depending on the size of the treatment tank, the type of object to be treated, etc., but the amount of water varies as follows, for example.

  Although the amount of water in the container is calculated in advance so that water does not run out, it can be replenished during the heat treatment.

Treatment tank Diameter 1000mm Total length 1900mm
Container (SUS) length 120mm, width 120mm, height 50mm
The height of the notch provided in the container 32.5mm
The amount of water The volume when water is filled up to the notch is 438.6 ml, height 31.5 mm
It is.
Evaporation amount at vacuum cooling (cooling from 80 ° C to 30 ° C) 39.8ml
The height of the water was 28.6 mm.

  The vessel was provided with a lid having a gap communicating with the treatment tank without being affected by the overheating temperature, and constituted a saturated vapor layer through which the vapor could enter and exit, so that the saturated vapor temperature could be measured directly and immediately.

  In the illustrated example, the container and the lid are separately provided, but may be integrated.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a container and a temperature measuring unit used in the present invention. 2 is a sectional view, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view.

  Reference numeral 1 denotes a container, which is a heat-resistant container for storing water such as a box, a box or the like. Reference numeral 2 denotes a lid, which is provided at the upper end of the container 1 to form a gap 3 on both sides to communicate with the treatment tank. Reference numeral 4 denotes a notch, which can keep the water 7 held in the container at a constant water level. 5 is a temperature sensor, and 6 is a temperature measuring unit.

  Reference numeral 8 denotes a saturated vapor layer, which is configured so as not to be affected by superheat between the water surface in the container 1 and the lid 2. The lid 2 prevents the steam from condensing and affecting the temperature sensor because the container communicates with the treatment tank 9 through the gap 3 and covers the temperature sensor 5.

  The lid 2 is separable in the illustrated example, but may be an integral type as long as water can be injected and a gap can be formed.

  4 and 5, reference numeral 9 denotes a processing tank, and the container 1 is provided in the intermediate portion in the height direction in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 10 side of the processing tank 9. When the water 7 inside the container 1 is condensed in one batch operation and the amount of water increases, it is discharged from the notch 4, and when water is boiled and reduced during vacuum cooling, it is in the vicinity of the treatment tank entrance / exit. Therefore, it is easy to supply water for the next treatment.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a steam inlet, which is attached to the upper end of the central portion of the processing tank 9, and a baffle plate 12 is provided inside. The baffle plate 12 disperses the steam so that uniform heating can be achieved. When the container 1 is close to the inlet / outlet 10 side of the processing tank 9, it is separated from the steam inlet 11 and is arranged so as not to be affected by the superheated steam.
Reference numeral 13 denotes an object to be processed.

  An independent metal (preferably SUS) small box was permanently placed next to the basket loaded with product away from the steam inlet. Thereby, it was set as the arrangement | positioning which cannot receive the heat conduction from a processing tank directly.

  A small box was filled with water, and a temperature sensor having a length of 100 mm was set in a space of about 10 mm above the water. The temperature sensor was placed close to the water surface, but it was not touched.

  Attach a lid to the small box and leave a gap of about 10 mm at both ends. Thereby, it communicates with the treatment tank and the steam once entered is retained.

  The distance from the temperature sensor to the inside of the lid was about 30 mm.

  By providing a small box, the steam molecules isolated from the steam flow in the treatment tank and saturated with heat transferred between the steam contained in the lid and the water surface are converted according to the principle of free molecular motion of the gas. To ensure contact with the temperature sensor.

  FIG. 6 shows a processing path depending on the saturated steam temperature in the processing tank 9, and a degassing / vacuum cooling path (A), return pressure / temperature rising / heating path (B) connected to the steam inlet 11, and a vacuum break. Route (C) is provided.

  FIG. 7 shows processing steps, and steps a, b, c, d, e, f, and g are performed. The details are shown in Table 1.

  First, the air in the treatment tank 9 is removed as initial degassing (operation in FIG. 6A). Next, steam is put into the treatment tank to restore the pressure, and the pressure is raised to a set value (operation in FIG. 6B). The gas in the treatment tank is again evacuated, steam is added to the set temperature, and heating is performed at the saturated steam temperature (operation in FIG. 6B). Heating is performed while keeping the set temperature. After the heating is completed, the pressure in the treatment tank is lowered to evaporate the moisture in the product (operation in FIG. 6A) and cool (operation in FIG. 6C).

  The graph of FIG. 8 is a measurement graph by the saturated steam temperature measuring device of the present invention at a set temperature of 85 ° C. (A) is a measurement value by this invention measuring apparatus, (B) has shown product temperature. In (A) and (B), accurate temperature control is performed at the heat treatment temperature. (C) shows the superheat temperature (superheat) generated in the treatment tank below atmospheric pressure, but is not affected by this temperature.

Treatment tank RIC-100 / 20-1 manufactured by Nisaka Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Size Diameter 1000x1900mm Internal volume 1.78m ³
Processed product Small fish 62Kg
Temperature rise time 40 ° C 85 ° C 1 minute 37 seconds Heating temperature (set temperature) 85 ° C
Heating time 2 minutes 30 seconds Vacuum cooling pressure -98 Kps
Vacuum cooling temperature about 30 ℃
Vacuum cooling time 3 minutes 30 seconds

Measuring instrument HYY-2.3-30-10-Pt100-316-AD manufactured by Yamatake Corporation
Product temperature measurement Installed in the center of the top of the product loaded in the tray.
Measurement of overheating temperature Installed directly on the side wall of the treatment tank.

  The graph of FIG. 9 shows the measurement result of the conventional example, and a high superheat temperature (D) is picked up with respect to the set temperature of 85 ° C. In the process (B) shown in FIG. There is a drawback that the operation of reducing the opening degree of the control valve is performed and the product temperature is lowered. As is apparent from the graph (B) with respect to the set temperature of 85 ° C., the results show that the product temperature falls below 80 ° C. The treatment tank, measuring instrument, product temperature, superheat temperature measurement, and the like are the same as in the first embodiment.

  In the present invention, the container 1 is installed in the treatment tank 9 as described above, water at a constant water level is maintained, communication with the treatment tank is made by the gap 3 formed by the lid 2, and the saturated vapor layer 8 is further contained in the container. Is configured. Therefore, accurate temperature measurement and temperature control of the treatment tank by this temperature can be realized. In particular, in the saturated steam layer 8, the temperature sensor 5 and the temperature measuring unit 6 are not affected at all by the superheated steam in the processing tank, so the problem of picking up the high temperature that has been seen in the past has been solved.

  In the conventional temperature measurement, the temperature of the small fish that is the product and the control temperature provided in the sterilizer are not uniform due to the flow of steam, the presence of air in the tank, etc., and ensure the quality and sterilization of the small fish. Because of this, it was difficult to control. In the present invention, accurate temperature measurement as close as possible to the set temperature can be performed and control can be performed, so that a product with high quality can be obtained.

  As described above, in the present invention, the temperature of the saturated vapor layer in the container is directly measured, whereby the heat treatment or sterilization treatment can be accurately controlled.

  Since the measurement of the saturated steam temperature in the treatment tank has become accurate, it can be used for temperature control in steaming, heating cookers, steam sterilizers, and other devices that use saturated steam in general. Can be used widely and easily, and can achieve extremely accurate measurement and temperature control.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a container. Sectional drawing of a container. The perspective view which separated and showed the container. Explanatory drawing inside a processing tank. Sectional drawing of a processing tank. The path | route diagram which shows a process process. Explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of a process process. The relationship figure between the measured value and product temperature by this invention. The related figure of the measured value and product temperature of a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

1: Container 2: Lid 3: Gap 4: Notch 5: Temperature sensor 6: Temperature measuring unit 7: Water 8: Saturated steam layer 9: Treatment tank 10: Treatment tank inlet / outlet 11: Steam inlet / outlet 12: Baffle plate 13: Object to be heated
A: Measurement value of the present invention
B: Product temperature
C: Overheating temperature
D: Measurement value of conventional example

Claims (4)

A heat-resistant container installed in a treatment tank having a saturated steam atmosphere or a steam atmosphere under reduced pressure and containing water;
A container lid provided with a gap communicating with the treatment tank;
A saturated vapor layer not affected by superheated steam formed between the water surface in the container and the lid;
A temperature measuring unit having a temperature sensor installed in the saturated vapor layer in the vicinity of the water surface between the water surface and the lid;
Saturated steam temperature measuring device.   2. The saturated steam temperature measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the container is provided with a notch for overflow so as to hold water at a constant water level.   2. The saturated steam temperature measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a baffle plate that disperses the steam fed into the steam inlet of the treatment tank. The saturated steam temperature according to claim 1, wherein a steam inlet is provided at the upper center in the length direction of the processing tank, and a container having a temperature sensor installed in the saturated steam layer is provided in the center in the height direction on the side wall near the product inlet / outlet of the processing tank. measuring device.

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