JPH04505847A - High humidity containment vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] High humidity containment vessel The present invention relates to high humidity freezing enclosures and apparatus for controlling humidity within the freezing enclosure.

Background technology If you keep vegetables in a frozen state while transporting them, the product will be preserved.

Quality is better preserved. Furthermore, for example, in a humid environment with a relative humidity of over 90%. Freezing further preserves quality by helping prevent moisture loss in vegetables. . Therefore, vegetables are often transported in frozen bulk containers, and the contents inside the container These days they are placed in containers where the atmosphere is modified to maintain high humidity. many.

The present invention provides an effective high humidity freezing enclosure, such as a frozen storage or frozen transport room container. I am working on things.

Summary of the invention Accordingly, the present invention provides, in its broadest aspects, an apparatus for controlling humidity within a refrigerated enclosure. It can be said that the device: inside the refrigeration enclosure to collect condensate that forms on the coils during cooling operation of the refrigeration enclosure. a condensate collector adapted to be positioned relative to the coil; a condensate storage unit fluidly connected to the collector to receive and store condensate; ; During operation, water is drawn from the condensate storage unit and released into the moving air at the outlet side of the coil. a water spray device that releases its water in the form of a spray; The relative humidity of the air is measured at the inlet side of the coil, and the measured relative humidity is set in advance. A control unit designed to control the water spray to keep it within a defined range: include.

In another aspect, the invention provides a freezing enclosure that: Refrigeration coil: During cooling operation of the refrigerated enclosure, the coils are condensate collector located at a condensate storage unit fluidly connected to the collector to receive and store the condensate; During operation, the flow from the inlet side of the coil past the coil to the outlet side of the coil and from there an air circulation device that circulates air through a During operation, water is drawn from the condensate storage unit and into the moving air at the outlet side of the coil. a water spray device that releases its water in the form of a spray; Measure the relative density of air at the inlet side of the coil, and set the measured relative density in advance. a control unit that controls the water spray to keep it within a defined range; including.

A broader aspect of the invention provides a humidity modified refrigeration unit, the unit comprising: : an inlet adapted to receive circulating air from the volume to be frozen; and an inlet adapted to receive circulating air from the volume to be frozen; an air passageway with an outlet adapted to return to the loading section: a cooling coil fixed in the middle of and substantially across the cross-section of the air passage; positioned against the coil to collect condensate that forms on the coil during cooling operation. condensate collector; fluidly connected to the collector to receive and store condensate; is a condensate storage unit integrated with it; During operation, circulating air is moved from the inlet, past the coil, and out the outlet. Air circulation system: During operation, water is drawn from the condensate storage unit and transferred to the outlet side of the coil. Water spray device that releases water spray into moving air; relative humidity of circulating air is measured at the inlet side of the coil. measure the relative humidity and keep the measured relative humidity within a preset range or against a preset A control unit that controls the water spray to keep it close to a defined value: including.

Besides giving longer storage of vegetables under high humidity in frozen enclosures, the present invention A particularly desirable form of lighting is to maintain the internal temperature and humidity at approximately predetermined values while The safety of vegetables, such as potatoes, involves storing the vegetables in frozen enclosures for a specified period of time. Provides a method for stabilizing fixed vegetables.

Brief description of the drawing Illustrative cross-sectional view of a high humidity refrigeration containment facility for containers provided by the present invention The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The refrigeration equipment 1 is easily attached to a suitable storage or transport container (not shown) and Or it is housed in a partial unit carried in part 2. Equipment circulates inside the container The cooling coil 2, which is part of a conventional Hinito pump, is used in cooling air. include. The cooling coil 2 is almost a part of the air duct 4 which also contains the air circulation fan 3. extends across the entire length. The air circulation fan 3 is an air intake point connected to the inside of the container. 5, the air is forced to flow upward through the air duct 4, and the air is Air is forced out through the outlet side 6 and returned to the container.

During the normal cooling process, condensate collects on the cooling coil 2.

A condensate collector 7 is placed below the cooling coil 2 to collect the falling condensate. It will be done. A predetermined volume of condensate is maintained until the condensate begins to drain through the overflow drain pipe 8. The condensate collector 7 has sufficient size to also serve as a condensate tank.

Typically, a volume of 10 to 151 cm is practical, but depending on the equipment, the volume may be larger. It needs to be large, while a smaller volume may be appropriate.

A water sprayer 9 is arranged in the air duct 4 on the outlet side 6 of the cooling coil 2 . Spout The atomizer 9 is supplied with compressed air and produces fine droplets of water and air in the low-temperature part of the circulating air stream. To generate an air mist, draw water from the condensate collector/tank 7 and reduce the size of the droplets. (average diameter) is approximately 20μ or less.

The flow rate of water during atomization is 10-30 m1/min.

Satisfactory operation may be ensured if the sprayer is placed fairly high vertically above the tank. As evidenced, it may be necessary to deliver pressurized water to the sprayer by means of a suitable pump. do not have.

Atomizers other than atomizers may also be used.

The air and water lines supplying the sprayer may become partially or completely frozen and Wrapped in thermal insulation so as not to adversely affect the operation of the fogger.

A relative humidity sensor 10 is installed on the high temperature side of the cooling coil 2, which is the air intake side 5 of the coil 2. is arranged, the sensor 10 is connected to the humidity controller 11, and the sensor 10 is connected to the humidity controller 11. 1 processes the information of the sensor 10 and controls the air supply to the atomizer 9 accordingly. to maintain the sensed relative humidity within a predetermined range (depending on the performance of the sensor 10). ).

Relative humidity ranges of a few percent within the range 88-98% are practical.

The moisture normally lost from the circulating air in the cooling coil 2 is removed from the condensate collector/tank 7. by the atomizer 9 in a manner controlled by the humidity controller 11. The humidity of the entire container is recirculated through a fine water mist generated by It will be guaranteed that it will be maintained.

For effective cyclic operation, the controller must be operated at a relative humidity of approximately 2-4%. programmed to have a system. For example, if the set relative humidity is 96% Then, whenever the sensed relative humidity is lower than, say, 93%, the nebulizer will It starts working and stops working whenever it exceeds 96%.

Certain vegetables, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, are grown for a period of time, preferably several days. Stabilizes when kept in an environment of constant temperature and relative humidity. For "stabilization" approx. Except in special cases where temperatures can reach 25°C, the best storage conditions for horticultural crops are: A high relative Humidity, for example above 90%, preferably above 95%. Therefore, high humidity and cold Freezing equipment regulates the internal atmosphere of a freezing enclosure within a predetermined temperature and/or relative humidity range. It is desirable to have the ability to maintain a regulated value.

Existing refrigeration containers to allow maintenance of a high or controlled humidity atmosphere It is clear that the present invention can also be used to modify the design of freezer compartments. It is. In addition, all elements except the sprayer and sensors are also inside the frozen enclosure. It can also be placed externally and is not limited to vertical upward airflow past the coil. stomach. Alternative equipment such as proprietary upflow refrigeration equipment also accepts humidity control units can be equally adapted to

Copy and translation of amendment) Submission (Article 184-8 of the Patent Law) 1 International application number PCT/AU89100083 2 Name of the invention High humidity containment vessel 3 Patent applicant Address: Sitney, Twoney South Wales 2000, Commonwealth of Australia ー, Matsukeru Building φ Lawson Brace (no address)・ Name: The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs Were for the State φ of NS Address: Commonwealth of Australia, Australian Capital Territory 26 01, Campbell, Limestone Avenue (no street address) Name Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization 4 Representative Address: 8th floor, Sogo Nagatacho Building, 1-11-28 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 5 Date of submission of written amendment November 28, 1990 (Heisei 2) The cooling coil 2 substantially crosses a part of the air duct 4 which also contains the air circulation fan 3. It extends. The air circulation fan 3 is connected to the inside of the container at the air intake point 5. The air is drawn in, forced to flow upward through the air duct 4, and then Air is forced out through 6 and returned to the container.

During the normal cooling process, condensate collects on the cooling coil 2.

A condensate collector 7 is placed below the cooling coil 2 to collect the falling condensate. It will be done. A predetermined volume of condensate is maintained until the condensate begins to drain through the overflow drain pipe 8. Condensate collector 7 has sufficient size to also serve as a condensate tank with . Typically, a volume of 10 to 15 A' is practical, but depending on the equipment, the volume may be too large. On the other hand, a smaller volume may be appropriate.

A water sprayer 9 is arranged in the air duct 4 on the outlet side 6 of the cooling coil 2 . Spout The atomizer 9 is supplied with compressed air and produces fine droplets of water and air in the low-temperature part of the circulating air stream. To generate an air mist, draw water from the condensate collector/tank 7 and reduce the size of the droplets. (average diameter) is approximately 20μ or less.

The droplets thus rapidly vaporize into the circulating air stream. The flow rate of water during atomization is 10-30 m1/min.

Satisfactory operation may be ensured if the sprayer is placed fairly high vertically above the tank. As evidenced, it may be necessary to deliver pressurized water to the sprayer by means of a suitable pump. do not have.

Atomizers other than atomizers may also be used.

The air and water lines supplying the sprayer may become partially or completely frozen and Wrapped in thermal insulation so as not to adversely affect the operation of the fogger.

On the high temperature side of the cooling coil 2, which is the air intake side 5 of the coil 2. During operation, the moving air is humidified by rapid vaporization of fine water droplets. Water is drawn from the condensate storage unit and added to the moving air at the exit side of the coil. a water atomizer that emits said water in the form of a mist of fine water droplets; and The relative humidity of the air is measured at the inlet side of the coil, and the measured relative humidity is Refrigeration including: a control unit that controls the water spray to keep it within a set range. enclosure.

5. The condensate collector and the condensate storage unit have a liquid capacity of 10 to 151 5. The refrigeration enclosure of claim 4, wherein the enclosure is an integrated condensate collector/storage unit.

6. The refrigeration enclosure of claim 5, wherein the water atomization device is an air-powered atomizer.

7. An inlet adapted to admit circulating air from the volume to be frozen; and an air passageway having an outlet adapted to return said circulating air to; a cooling coil fixed approximately midway across the cross-section of the air passageway; positioned relative to the coil to collect condensate that forms on the coil during cooling operation; a condensate collector configured to receive and store the condensate; a condensate storage unit that is liquid connected or an integral part of the collector unit; ; The condensation during operation humidifies the moving air by the rapid vaporization of fine water droplets. Water is drawn from the compressed material storage unit and fine water is added to the moving air at the outlet side of the coil. Water atomization device that releases a mist of drops: Measure the relative humidity of the air at the inlet side of the coil, and calculate the measured relative humidity The water spray is finely adjusted to keep it within a set range or at a preset value. Control unit that controls the mist of water droplets: including a humidity-corrected refrigeration unit.

8. The air passage is a substantially vertical air duct, and the air circulation device at least one air compressor producing vertical upward movement of air within the air duct; 8. The refrigeration unit of claim 7.

9. The condensate collector and the condensate storage unit are located approximately vertically below the cooling coil. An integral, approximately funnel-shaped receptacle with a liquid capacity of 10 to 151, which is fixed in close proximity to the The refrigeration unit according to claim 7, wherein the refrigeration unit is not suitable.

10 The control unit is disposed within the air duct on the inlet side of the cooling coil. It also includes mechanically separate but electrically connected sensors; is designed to generate an indicative electrical signal in response to the relative humidity of the air surrounding the The refrigeration unit according to claim 9.

11. The water atomization device is an air-driven atomizer, and the control unit Claim wherein said control of water mist is effected by controlling pressurized air supplied to the vessel. 10 refrigeration units.

12 The control unit controls the signal from the sensor to be lower than a preset lower value. Connect the pressurized air to the nebulizer when the sensor signal indicates low relative humidity. The pressurized air is discharged from the atomizer when the relative humidity is higher than the set upper value. 12. The refrigeration unit of claim 11, wherein the refrigeration unit is isolating.

13 It is constructed integrally with the container to be frozen or is firmly attached to the container. and the inlet and outlet are connected to the internal volume of the container at vertically separate locations. 13. The refrigeration unit of claim 12.

14. The freezing enclosure of claim 4 while maintaining the internal temperature and relative humidity at approximately predetermined values. A method of stabilizing a stable vegetable comprising loading the vegetable into a container for a predetermined period of time.

15. The predetermined period is several days, the predetermined temperature value is approximately 25°C, and the predetermined relative 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the humidity value is between 88 and 98%.

Copy and translation of amendment) Submission (Article 184-8 of the Patent Law) 1 International application number PCT/AU8910 OO83 2. Name of the invention High humidity containment vessel 3 Patent applicant Address: Sitney, Twoney South Wales 2000, Commonwealth of Australia - Matsukeru Building Lawson Brace (no street address) Name: The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs Airs for the State of NS Address: Commonwealth of Australia, Australian Capital Territory 26 01, Campbell, Limestone Avenue (no street address) Name Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization 4 Representative Address: 8th floor, Sogo Nagatacho Building, 1-11-28 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 5 Date of submission of written amendment January 8, 1991 6 List of attached documents (1) Copy and translation of written amendment) Scope of claims 1 Cooling coil, from the inlet side of the coil to the outlet side of the coil past the coil for controlling the humidity within the refrigerated enclosure, including a circulation system that produces air moving towards the A control device for; to collect dripping water condensate that forms on the coils during cooling operation of the refrigeration enclosure; a condensate collector adapted to be positioned relative to the cooling coil; a fluid connection to the collector unit to receive and store the dripping water condensate; condensate storage unit; during operation so that the moving air is humidified by rapid evaporation of fine water droplets. Water is drawn from the condensate storage unit and into the moving air at the outlet side of the coil. A water atomizer that releases the water in the form of a mist of fine water droplets; Measure relative humidity and adjust to keep the measured relative density within a preset range. A control unit adapted to control the water sprayer.

equipment containing.

2. The condensate collector and the condensate storage unit have a liquid capacity of 10 to 15 A'. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is an integrated condensate collector/storage unit.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the water spray device is an air powered atomizer.

4 Cooling coil; the coil to collect condensate that forms on the coil during cooling operation of the refrigeration enclosure; Condensate collector placed against: international search report

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1 A device for controlling the humidity within a freezing enclosure, which: during cooling operation of the freezing enclosure, The cooling coil is configured to collect condensate formed on the cooling coil present within the cooling enclosure. a condensate collector adapted to be placed against the a condensate storage unit fluidly connected to the collector to receive and store the condensate; ; During operation, water is drawn from the condensate storage unit and transferred at the outlet side of the coil. a water spray device that emits the water in a spray form into moving air; The relative humidity of the air is measured at the inlet side of the coil, and the measured relative humidity is set in advance. a control unit adapted to control the water sprayer to keep it within a defined range: equipment containing. 2. The condensate collector and the condensate storage unit have a liquid capacity of 10 to 15 liters. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a shaped condensate collector/storage unit. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the water spray device is an air powered atomizer. 4 Cooling coil; the coil to collect condensate that forms on the coil during cooling operation of the refrigeration enclosure; a condensate collector located against; a condensate tank fluidly connected to the collector unit to receive and store the condensate; Storage unit: During operation, from the inlet side of the coil, past the coil, and into the coil. an air circulation device for circulating air to the outlet side and from there through the enclosure; During operation, water is drawn from the condensate storage unit and transferred at the outlet side of the coil. A water spray device that emits the water in a spray form into moving air; The relative humidity of the air is measured at the inlet side of the coil, and the measured relative humidity is Refrigeration including: a control unit that controls the water spray to keep it within a set range. enclosure. 5. The condensate collector and the condensate storage unit have a liquid capacity of 10-15 l. 5. The refrigeration enclosure of claim 4, wherein the enclosure is an integrated condensate collector/storage unit. 6. The refrigeration enclosure of claim 5, wherein the water spray device is an air-powered sprayer. 7. An inlet adapted to admit circulating air from the volume to be frozen; and an air passageway having an outlet adapted to return said circulating air to; a cooling coil fixed approximately midway across the cross-section of the air passageway; positioned relative to the coil to collect condensate that forms on the coil during cooling operation; a condensate collector configured to receive and store the condensate; a condensate storage unit that is liquid connected or an integral part of the collector unit; ; During operation, the circulating air is moved past the coil from the inlet and released through the outlet. air circulation system; draws water from the condensate storage unit during operation; a water spray device that emits water spray into the moving air on the outlet side of the pipe; Measure the relative humidity of the air at the inlet side of the coil, and calculate the measured relative humidity Control the water spray to keep it within a preset range or approximately at a preset value. Control unit: including a humidity-corrected refrigeration unit. 8. The air passage is a substantially vertical air duct, and the air circulation device at least one air compressor producing vertical upward movement of air within the air duct; 8. The refrigeration unit of claim 7. 9. The condensate collector and the condensate storage unit are located approximately vertically below the cooling coil. An integrated, approximately funnel-shaped receiver with a liquid capacity of 10 to 15 liters, which is fixed in close proximity to the The refrigeration unit according to claim 7, wherein the refrigeration unit is not suitable. 10 The control unit is disposed within the air duct on the inlet side of the cooling coil. It also includes mechanically separate but electrically connected sensors; is designed to generate an indicative electrical signal in response to the relative humidity of the air surrounding the The refrigeration unit according to claim 9. 11. The water spray device is an air-driven sprayer, and the control unit controls the sprayer. Claim 1 wherein said control of water spray is effected by controlling pressurized air supplied to said water spray. 0 refrigeration unit. 12 The control unit controls the signal from the sensor to be lower than a preset lower value. Connect the pressurized air to the nebulizer when the sensor signal indicates low relative humidity. The pressurized air is discharged from the atomizer when the relative humidity is higher than the set upper value. 12. The refrigeration unit of claim 11, wherein the refrigeration unit is isolating. 13 It is constructed integrally with the container to be frozen or is firmly attached to the container. and the inlet and outlet are connected to the internal volume of the container at vertically separate locations. 13. The refrigeration unit of claim 12. 14. The freezing enclosure of claim 4 while maintaining the internal temperature and relative humidity at approximately predetermined values. A method of stabilizing a stable vegetable comprising loading the vegetable into a container for a predetermined period of time. 15. The predetermined period is several days, the predetermined temperature value is approximately 25°C, and the predetermined relative 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the humidity value is between 88 and 98%.