JPH02207850A - Method and equipment for working grain - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a good-quality product in a stagnant time shorter than a conventional method by performing treatment of three stages of preheating, alpha conversion and steaming of grain for a raw material in the respective independent tanks at the pressure and the temp. correspondent to the respective aims to be treated. CONSTITUTION:The alpha conversion process of grain for a raw material is constituted of three stages described hereunder. In a first stage, constant amount of grain for the raw material is introduced into a preheating tank 2 maintained at the pressure of the same degree as the atmospheric pressure and preheated at such a degree that alpha conversion is unprogressed while supplying low-temp. steam. In a second stage, the grain is transferred into a cooking tank 3 and alpha conversion is performed while high-temp. and high-pressure steam is filled in this tank 3. In a third stage, the grain is transferred into an after- heating tank 4 maintained at the pressure Of the same degree as the atmospheric pressure at the nearly same temp. as the inside of the cooking tank 3. Thereafter the grain is held for constant time or more.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing grains used as food or feed.

(Conventional technology) Conventionally, the method of processing grains such as corn and wheat as feed for livestock is to first heat and humidify the raw material grains to pregelatinate them, and then to press the pregelatinized grains into flakes. Furthermore, a method has been adopted in which the flaked raw material grain is dried to prevent so-called aging and to obtain a product feed.

FIG. 4 shows a conventional grain processing apparatus (Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-6456) employing the processing method described above. The device includes an input port (9) for raw material (10), a pressurized can (92) for supplying saturated steam (90) to perform alphaization, a pressing roller device (94) for forming into flakes, and dry cooling equipment (
95) are connected in series, and rotary valves (91) (91) are interposed at the inlet and outlet of the pressurized can (92), so that the pressure inside the pressurized can (92) is approximately 3 Kg/am'' ( absolute pressure).

(Problem to be Solved) However, in the above-mentioned conventional device, the grains at room temperature inputted from the raw material input port (9) are
Since gelatinization is carried out by exposing it to high-temperature, high-pressure steam of "K g/cvs", if the residence time in the pressurized can (92) is not long, for example, 30 minutes or more, gelatinization will be insufficient. In addition, since the grain discharged from the pressurized can (92) is immediately sent to the pressing roller device (94), the pressurized can (
If the residence time in the press 92) is not sufficient, the grains will be sent to the pressing roller device 94 without being sufficiently steamed, resulting in a problem with the quality of the final product.

However, in order to increase the residence time, it is necessary to lower the feeding rate of grain to the equipment (input amount per unit time).
This results in a reduction in processing power.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the applicant has proposed a method of processing grains in a pressurized can (92) when a sufficient residence time is set to obtain a complete product in a conventional device. Upon consideration, it was found that near the entrance of the pressurized can (92), the grains are simply heated and gelatinization does not proceed (
1st stage), then heated to 100°C or more with saturated steam to become pregelatinized (2nd stage), and then a pressurized can (92°C).
) It was found that a process (third stage) to completely steam the pregelatinized grains was taking place near the exit.

Since the first, second, and third stages are performed for different purposes, there should be appropriate processing pressures and temperatures for each stage.

However, in conventional equipment, each stage of processing is performed under the same pressure and temperature, which can result in situations where longer residence times are required or the desired quality is not obtained. Was.

Based on the above analysis, the purpose of the present invention is to be able to perform the three stages of preheating, pregelatinization, and steaming in independent tanks under pressures and temperatures that are appropriate for each treatment purpose. An object of the present invention is to provide a processing method and a processing device.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In the grain processing method according to the present invention, the pregelatinization step involves introducing low-temperature steam into a preheating tank (2) maintained at a pressure comparable to atmospheric pressure. A first step of charging a certain amount of raw material grain into the tank (2) and preheating the raw material grain to the extent that gelatinization does not proceed while supplying the material, and a first step of supplying high-temperature and high-pressure steam to the cooking tank (3). While filling
A second step of transferring the grains that have undergone the first step into the tank (3) and pregelatinizing the grains is maintained at a pressure similar to atmospheric pressure and at approximately the same temperature as in the cooking tank. It consists of a third step in which the grains that have undergone the second step are transferred into an after-heating tank (4) and held there for a certain period of time or more. The grain that has passed through the third step is continuously supplied to the flaking step.

Further, the grain processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a raw material input section (1)
and a preheating tank (2
), a cooking tank (3) to which a saturated steam pipe (5) is connected, and an after-heating tank (4) kept within a predetermined temperature range, are controlled by gate valves (13) (2), respectively.
4) Connected in series via (34). Also, the steam in the packing tank (3) is returned to the preheating tank (2) via the bleed pipe (6). Each of the gate valves is opened and closed according to a predetermined sequence, whereby a certain amount of raw grain is sequentially transferred to the preheating tank (2), the cooking tank (3), and the afterheating tank (4), and then to the afterheating tank (4). The pregelatinized raw grain is continuously discharged from the outlet of the heating tank (4).

(Function) In the grain processing method according to the present invention, first, a certain amount of raw material grain is preheated in a preheating tank (2) to a temperature that is about 10° C. higher than room temperature, for example. This does not pre-gelatinate the grain, but pre-treats it for rapid and complete gelatinization in the subsequent packing process.

In the cooking tank (3), a certain amount of raw grain sent from the preheating tank (2) is exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure steam, rapidly heated and humidified, and completely gelatinized.

In the afterheating tank (4), a certain amount of raw grain sent from the packing tank (3) is kept at the same temperature and completely steamed in this process, after which it is continuously transferred to the flaking process. is supplied to

In addition, in the grain processing apparatus according to the present invention, the steam whose enthalpy has been reduced by being used to pregelatize the grain in the cooking tank (3) is converted into raw material in the breating tank (2). Can be reused to preheat grains.

(Effects of the Invention) According to the grain processing method and processing apparatus according to the present invention, processing is performed sequentially at pressures and temperatures corresponding to each stage of the complete gelatinization process of raw material grains, resulting in good quality. Products are obtained with shorter residence times than before.

(Example) Figures 1 and 2 show a grain processing apparatus according to the present invention.

It should be noted that the examples are for illustrating the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention described in the claims or reducing its scope.

The first factor shows the equipment for carrying out the packing process, which includes an input section (1) for the raw material (10), a preheating tank (2) for preheating the raw grain, and a packing tank for pregelatinization. (3) and an after-heating tank (4) for sufficiently steaming the pregelatinized grains are arranged in series.

The raw material input part (1) and the inlet of the preheating tank (2) are connected by a supply pipe (12).
), the raw material (10) is placed in a preheating tank (2).
A supply device such as a screw pump that transports the material toward ( )
11), and a first gate valve (13) consisting of a butterfly valve or a ball valve is interposed near the tank inlet. In addition, there is also a connecting pipe (24) between the pre-heating tank (2) and the footwear tank (3), a connection pipe (24) between the footwear tank (3) and the after-heating tank (4).
) A second gate valve (25) and a third gate valve (35) each consisting of a butterfly valve or a ball valve are interposed in the connecting pipe (34) between the two.

Further, a discharge pipe (44) connected to the outlet of the after-heating tank (4) is connected to a compressing device to be described later. A fourth gate valve (45) is interposed.

Each tank (2) (3) (4) has a motor (2
1) Stirring blades (22) (32) (42), which are rotationally driven by (31) and (41), are provided to stir the grain in the tank and discharge it outside the tank. .

The preheating tank (2) is equipped with an atmospheric release valve (26) to maintain the pressure inside the tank at approximately atmospheric pressure, a thermometer (27) for temperature monitoring, and a thermometer (27) to monitor the tank level when it reaches a predetermined value. A level meter (23) is equipped to detect the level meter, and a detection signal from the level meter is sent to the first gate valve (13) to control the closing operation of the valve.

The cooking tank (3) is equipped with a thermometer (36) that monitors the temperature inside the tank, and is also equipped with a level meter (33) that detects when a predetermined tank level has been reached, and outputs the detection signal. It is sent to the second gate valve (25) to control the closing operation of this valve.

The after-heating tank (4) is equipped with a pressure gauge (47) and a thermometer (47) for monitoring the pressure and temperature inside the tank.
46) and a level meter (43) that detects a predetermined tank level, and sends the detection signal to the third gate valve (35) to control the closing operation of the valve.

Further, the after-heating tank (4) is provided with a passage (49) for heat-retaining steam (40) surrounding the outer peripheral wall, thereby maintaining the temperature inside the tank at approximately 130°C.

The opening timing of the first, second, and third gate valves (13), (25), and (35) during steady operation is controlled by time management from the time when each gate valve closes, as described below. Ru.

A flow meter (51) and a first control valve (52) are interposed in the saturated steam pipe (5) that supplies saturated steam (50) to the cooking tank (3), and the flow meter (51) is connected to the saturated steam pipe (5). Sends a control signal to the control valve (52)/\ to adjust the valve opening,
The amount of steam supplied is maintained at a predetermined value. Further, a pressure gauge (53) for monitoring steam pressure is attached to the saturated steam pipe (5).

First and second air bleed pipes (6) (61) are installed at the top of the packing tank (3) and after-heating tank (4).
These bleed pipes are connected to the preheating tank (2) via the preheating steam pipe (62), and the steam after heat exchange in the packing tank (3) and the afterheating tank (4) is is returned to the preheating tank (2).

A second control valve (63) whose opening degree is adjusted by a control signal from the pressure gauge (53) of the saturated steam pipe (5) is installed in the first air bleed pipe (6,). The maximum pressure inside the king tank (3) is kept to approximately 3 Kg/am2.

Further, a third control valve (64) whose opening degree is adjusted by a control signal from the pressure gauge (47) of the after-heating tank (4) is installed in the second air bleed pipe (61). This maintains the pressure inside the tank at atmospheric pressure or slightly higher.

Further, a pressure gauge (65) is attached to the preheating steam pipe (62), and the detection signal of the pressure gauge (65) is sent to the atmosphere release valve (
26) to control the opening and closing of the valve.

The thermometers (27), (36), and (46) are used during the process of starting up the device from a stopped state to a steady operating state.
It is also used to control each control valve (52), (63), and (64).

Figures 3(a), (b), and (c) show the levels of each tank (2), (3), and (4) in the steady operation state of the above device.
Changes in tank pressure and temperature of grain in the tank (hereinafter referred to as product temperature), and each gate valve (13) (25) (3
5) shows an example of the timing of opening and closing.

Note that changes in tank level, tank pressure, and product temperature represent their respective target values or final values, and in reality, some deviations and fluctuations occur.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the first gate valve (13) opens while the second gate valve (25) is closed, and when the tank level reaches a predetermined value, the first gate valve (13) closes.

As a result, a certain amount of grain put into the tank is preheated to a temperature approximately 10° C. higher than room temperature (for example, 35° C.) by the steam sent from the preheating steam pipe (62).

Thereafter, the grain in the preheating tank (2) is sent to the cooking tank (3) by opening the second gate valve (25). At this time, the third gate valve (35) is closed. When the level of the hooking tank (3) reaches a predetermined value, the second gate valve (25) closes. As a result, the pressure inside the tank is increased to approximately 3 K g/Cs2 by the steam sent from the saturated steam pipe (5), and the product temperature gradually rises to approximately 130°C.

Thereafter, after a certain period of time (approximately 5 to 8 minutes) has passed, the grains will be completely gelatinized.

Immediately after the alpha conversion is completed, the third gate valve (35) opens, thereby opening the shoe king tank (3).
One of them! material is discharged into the afterheating tank (4).

In the after-heating tank (4), the level has decreased to a predetermined tank level when the third gate valve (35) is opened, and the fourth gate valve (45) connected to the outlet remains open. The tank level gradually rises as grain is supplied from the cooking tank (3), and when a predetermined tank level is reached, the third gate valve (35) closes, and then the tank level gradually decreases.

The after-heating tank (4) is filled with low-temperature steam (40
), and the grains transferred into the tank maintain the temperature (approximately 130°C) in the packing tank (3) until being discharged to the discharge pipe (44). During the process (approximately 5 to 8 minutes), it will mature sufficiently and be steamed.

The grain discharged from the after-heating tank (4) passes through a discharge pipe (44) as shown in FIG.
-38102)).

The pressing device (7) includes a pair of rotating rolls (71) (72).
) is provided, and both rolls compress the grain into flakes. In addition, the discharge pipe (44) and connecting pipe (83) connected to the inlet and outlet of the flattening device (7) are provided with discharge parts (48) and (73) for steam generated from the grains, respectively. .

The flaked grain is sent to the drying and cooling device (8) via the connecting pipe (83). The drying cooling device (8) includes a drying chamber (81) and a cooling chamber (82).

The drying room (81) has two belt conveyors (85
) (86), and a heat source (88) such as a steam heater, an infrared heater, or a far-infrared heater. Further, a hot air discharge section (80) is provided at the top of the drying chamber (81).

The cooling room (82) is equipped with a belt conveyor (87) and a supply port (89) that supplies cooling air into the room.
), and a product outlet (84) corresponding to the end of the conveyor.

The flaked grain supplied into the drying chamber (81) is conveyed by the upper conveyor (85), and then transferred to the lower conveyor (85).
When dropped onto the conveyor (86), it is reversed and further transferred to the conveyor (86).
) during the process of being transported over the surface, which prevents aging.

Thereafter, the product grains cooled to room temperature in the cooling chamber (82) are continuously discharged from the outlet (84).

In the above processing equipment, each of the three steps that the raw grain must go through in the process of completely pregelatinizing, namely preheating, pregelatinization, and ripening, is performed sequentially at appropriate pressure and temperature. , a high quality product can be obtained with a shorter residence time (for example, about 10 minutes) than conventional methods. As a result, the processing capacity has increased from the conventional 10t/hr to 15t/hr.
It is possible to increase up to t/hr.

In addition, in the device shown in Fig. 1, the packing tank (3)
The steam whose enthalpy has decreased in the after-heating tank (4) is returned to the pre-heating tank (2).
Since it is used for preheating grain in a factory, the thermal efficiency of the entire device is higher than that of conventional devices, and it is also effective in reducing product costs.

The drawings and the description of the above embodiments are for illustrating the present invention, and do not limit the invention described in the claims.
Nor should it be construed as limiting the scope.

Further, it goes without saying that the configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the technical scope of the claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a system diagram of the part that performs alphaning in the processing equipment according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a system diagram of the equipment part that performs the flaking and aging prevention process, and Figure 3 is the part of the equipment shown in Figure 1. FIG. 4 is a system diagram of the conventional device. (1)...Raw material input section (2)...Pre-heating tank (3)...Cutting tank (4)...After-heating tank (13) (
25) (35)...Gate valve (5)...Saturated steam pipe (6)...Bleed pipe

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] [1] A pregelatinization process in which raw material grains are heated and humidified with water vapor, a flake production process in which the pregelatinized raw material grains are compressed, and an anti-aging process in which the flaked raw material grains are dried. In the method for processing grains comprising The first step is to put a certain amount of raw material grain into the cooking tank (3) and preheat it to the extent that gelatinization does not proceed. a second step in which the grains that have gone through the first step are transferred to a container and the grains are pregelatinized; and an after-heating step in which the grains are maintained at a pressure similar to atmospheric pressure and at approximately the same temperature as in the cooking tank (3). tank(
4) comprises a third step in which the grains that have passed through the second step are transferred and held for a certain period of time or more, and the grains that have passed through the third step are continuously supplied to the flaking step. grain processing methods. [2] In an apparatus that heats and humidifies raw material grains with water vapor to pregelatize them, there are a raw material input section (1), a preheating tank (2) maintained at approximately atmospheric pressure, and a saturated steam pipe (5). ) is connected to a cooking tank (3) and an after-heating tank (4) kept within a predetermined temperature range are connected in series via gate valves (13), (24), and (34), respectively, The steam in the cooking tank (3) is returned to the preheating tank (2) through the bleed pipe (6), and by opening and closing each of the gate valves, a certain amount of raw grain is transferred to the preheating tank (2). , cooking tank (3) and after-heating tank (4)
A grain processing device characterized by sequentially transferring the pregelatinized grains to the after-heating tank (4) and continuously discharging the pregelatinized grains from the outlet of the after-heating tank (4).