KR100746096B1 - Pulverulent body sterilizing system and pulverulent body sterilizing method using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A powder sterilizing system and a method of using the same are provided to effectively sterilize powder by radiating microwave, infrared ray, and ultraviolet ray to the powder. A powder sterilizing system includes a sterilizing portion(110) having a first section(120) comprising a microwave generating unit(121) and an infrared lamp(126) installed on a lower portion of the microwave generating unit, a second section(130) comprising an infrared heater(132) and an infrared temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater, and a third section(140) comprising an ultraviolet lamp(141) and a cooling portion, a powder transferring path(150) having a powder supply unit(152), a bottom portion, and a discharge port(168), and a vibrating portion disposed to a lower portion of the powder transferring path for supporting the powder transferring path and having a vibrator(182) for controlling a size and speed of a vibration.

Description

Powder sterilization system and powder sterilization method using the same {Pulverulent body sterilizing system and Pulverulent body sterilizing method using the same}

1 is a cross-sectional view of a powder sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first region of FIG.

3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the second region of FIG. 1;

4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the third region of FIG. 1;

5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first region of the powder sterilization system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the powder sterilization system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings>

100, 300-powder sterilization system 110-sterilization unit

120, 220, 320-First zone 121-Microwave generator

123-Waveguides 126-Infrared lamps

226-Electrodeless UV Lamp 130, 330-Second Zone

132-Infrared Heater 134-Infrared Temperature Sensor

140, 340-Third zone 141-UV lamp

142, 342-cooling section

150, 350a, 350b, 350c, 350d-powder feed passage

152-Supply Section 156-Bottom Section

160-Wall 166-Reflectors

168-outlet

180, 380a, 380b, 380c-vibrator

182-Vibration Generators 184-Vibration Absorption Springs

186-shock absorbers 351a, 351b-connectors

The present invention relates to a powder sterilization system and a powder sterilization method using the same. More specifically, a microwave and low temperature infrared light are irradiated, and thus the first region using microwave electric field characteristics and heat penetration of infrared rays, and ultra high temperature infrared rays are short. By irradiating for a second time to sterilize heat-resistant bacteria, molds, spores, etc. and ultraviolet rays are irradiated to sterilize the surface of the powder particles, and further comprising a third region for cooling the heated powder, The present invention relates to a powder sterilization system capable of effectively sterilizing powder and a powder sterilization method using the same.

In the processing of powder, that is, powdered food made of powder, it may be contaminated by various microorganisms during cultivation, raw material collection, transportation or processing. In particular, ginseng powder or food additives prepared by a non-heating method such as raw food or live food should be negative for E. coli, and may appear positive or normal bacteria exceed the standard. In this case, there is a problem that should be discarded.

Conventional powder sterilization methods include ultraviolet rays, microwaves, radiation, and ultrahigh pressure sterilization methods. The ultraviolet sterilization method has a problem in that it cannot sufficiently sterilize the inside of the powder particles due to the low transmittance of ultraviolet rays. In addition, in the sterilization by ultraviolet irradiation, the powder is transferred using a transfer screw. However, when a plurality of powder particles overlap each other, there is a problem in that ultraviolet rays cannot be sufficiently irradiated on the surface of all powder particles. In addition, since the sterilization by ultraviolet rays is an external heating method, heat transfer to the inside of the powder is delayed, so that the outside is intensively heated. Therefore, the outside of the powder may be deformed and damaged.

Microwave sterilization is a method of sterilizing food by microwaves to increase the internal temperature of microorganisms such as bacteria or destroy cell membranes. Microwave sterilization has the advantage that it can sterilize food at temperatures around 70 ℃. However, there is a problem that a sufficient sterilization effect cannot be obtained by the microwave sterilization method according to the type of food or the type of microorganism.

Radiation sterilization is a method of sterilizing by transmitting a gamma (γ) ray generated by accelerating a radioisotope such as cobalt 60 (Co-60) or cesium 137 (Cs-137) with an electron accelerator. The organism is transformed or damaged to kill the microorganisms in the food. However, there are the following problems in radiation sterilization. Even if food is irradiated with radiation, radiation does not remain, but radiation causes radical transformation of the cells that make up the food, destroying the nutrients in the cells, and creating new substances whose unknowns are unknown due to DNA modification of the food. do.

Ultra high pressure sterilization is a method of sterilizing food by applying high pressure to the food and destroying the cell membranes of microorganisms. However, there is a difficulty in manufacturing a pressure vessel for ultra-high pressure sterilization, and in the case of specific microorganisms, there is a problem in that high pressure is required for perfect sterilization, such as not being killed at more than 5000 atmospheres.

On the other hand, when the powdered foods made of powder are not completely dried, there is a problem that some microorganisms present after sterilization may proliferate and the food may be recontaminated.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, in particular, the microwave and low-temperature infrared radiation is irradiated with a first region using the electric field characteristics of the microwave and the heat penetrating power of the infrared, and ultra-high temperature infrared radiation is irradiated for a short time A second area for sterilizing heat-resistant bacteria, molds, spores and the like is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to sterilize the surface of the powder particles, and in addition to the third area for cooling the heated powder, more effectively sterilizing the powder. An object of the present invention is to provide a powder sterilization system and a powder sterilization method using the same.

Powder sterilization system according to an aspect of the present invention devised to achieve the above object is a system for sterilizing powder, the first region including a microwave generator, and an infrared lamp formed on the side down of the microwave generator And an infrared heater for generating infrared rays, a second area including an infrared temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, an ultraviolet lamp for generating ultraviolet rays, and a cooling unit for cooling the powder under the ultraviolet lamp. A sterilization unit including a third region; A supply part to which powder to be sterilized is supplied, a bottom part to which the powder injected from the supply part is placed, and which is moved, a wall part formed at both ends of the bottom part to prevent the powder from falling, and the powder transferred through the bottom part. A powder transfer passage including a discharge portion for discharging; And a vibration unit supporting the powder transport path at a lower portion of the powder transport path and including a vibration generator formed to adjust the vibration width and the vibration speed.

In addition, a waveguide may be formed in the first region so that the microwaves may be concentrated on the surface of the powder by setting an irradiation region of microwaves generated by the microwave generator below the microwave generator. have.

In addition, an infrared reflector is formed to surround the upper and side portions of the infrared heater of the second region so as to reflect infrared rays irradiated in a direction other than the region in which the powder exists so that infrared rays can be concentrated on the surface of the powder. Can be.

The cooling unit of the third region may include a heat transfer part formed at a lower portion of the bottom portion, a thermoelectric element formed at a lower portion of the heat transfer portion, a heat sink formed at a lower portion of the thermoelectric element, and a side surface of the heat sink. It may be made to include a cooling fan. The thermoelectric element may be a peltier element, and the heat transfer part may be made of aluminum.

Meanwhile, the cooling unit of the third region may include a heat transfer unit formed under the bottom portion, a coolant accommodating unit accommodating the cooling water surrounded by the heat transfer unit, and a coolant pump supplying the coolant to the coolant accommodating unit.

In addition, a metal mesh may be interposed between the supply part and the bottom part. In addition, the discharge portion may be further interposed with a metal mesh.

In addition, a reflector may be formed between the powder conveyance passage and the vibrator so that light transmitted below the powder conveyance passage may be reflected to the powder conveyance passage.

In addition, irregularities may be formed in the bottom portion.

The wall portion may include a microwave transmitting portion and a microwave blocking portion formed outside the microwave transmitting portion. In addition, the microwave transmission unit may be made of any one of Teflon (teflon), polyethylene (PE), glass.

In addition, a wire mesh may be interposed between the infrared lamp and the powder transport passage to prevent microwaves from reaching the infrared lamp.

The vibration unit may further include a vibration absorbing spring formed under the vibration generator to absorb vibration.

In addition, the powder sterilization system according to another aspect of the present invention is a system for sterilizing powder, the first region including a microwave generator and an electrodeless ultraviolet lamp formed below the microwave generator, for generating infrared And a third region including an infrared heater, a second region including an infrared temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, and an ultraviolet lamp for generating ultraviolet rays, and a cooling unit for cooling the powder under the ultraviolet lamp. Sterilization unit; A supply part to which powder to be sterilized is supplied, a bottom part to which the powder injected from the supply part is placed, and which is moved, a wall part formed at both ends of the bottom part to prevent the powder from falling, and the powder transferred through the bottom part. A powder transfer passage including a discharge portion for discharging; And a vibration generator supporting the powder transport passage at a lower portion of the powder transport passage, the vibration generator being configured to adjust a vibration width and a vibration speed, and a vibration absorbing spring formed at the bottom of the vibration generator to absorb vibration. It is characterized by comprising.

In addition, the waveguide is formed below the microwave generator to set the irradiation region of the microwave generated by the microwave generator so that the microwave can be concentrated on the surface of the powder, and is connected to the lower end of the waveguide, the non- It may include an ultraviolet reflector for allowing the ultraviolet light generated from the electrode ultraviolet lamp to be irradiated in the powder direction.

The electrodeless ultraviolet lamp may be filled with any one of argon, a mixed gas of argon and mercury, a mixed gas of argon, mercury, and iron, and a mixed gas of argon, mercury, iron, and sulfuric acid.

The vibration unit may further include a vibration absorbing spring formed under the vibration generator to absorb vibration.

In addition, the powder sterilization system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the system for sterilizing powder, the first region having a microwave generator, and an infrared lamp formed on the side of the microwave generator below, for generating infrared rays A second region having an infrared heater, an infrared temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, and a third region having an ultraviolet lamp for generating ultraviolet rays, and below the first to third regions. A powder transfer passage for transporting the powder is provided, respectively, and a vibration generator capable of adjusting a vibration width and a vibration speed is located below each powder transfer passage, and each powder transfer passage below the first region to the third region. They are characterized in that connected to each other via a connector.

In this case, the cooling unit may further include a thermoelectric element connected to the third region and having a thermoelectric element positioned at an upper portion of the powder transfer passage, and a heating cooling fan positioned at an upper portion of the thermoelectric element.

In addition, the powder sterilization method according to the present invention comprises a first step of irradiating the powder with microwaves generated through the magnetron, and infrared rays of 80 ~ 90 ℃ generated through the infrared lamp; A second step of irradiating the powder with infrared rays of 120 to 150 ° C. generated through the infrared heater; And irradiating the powder with ultraviolet rays generated through the ultraviolet lamp, and simultaneously cooling the powder.

In this case, the first step may be performed for 15 to 25 seconds. In addition, the second step may be performed for 3 to 5 seconds.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, in adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as much as possible, even if shown on different drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related well-known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the following will describe a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the technical idea of the present invention is not limited thereto and may be variously modified and modified by those skilled in the art.

First, a powder sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a powder sterilization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first region of FIG. 1. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the second region of FIG. 1. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the third region of FIG. 1.

Powder sterilization system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figures 1 to 4, comprises a sterilization unit 110, the powder transfer passage 150 and the vibration unit 180. The powder sterilization system 100 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape long in the moving direction of the powder. The sterilization unit 110 includes a first region 120, a second region 130, and a third region 140. In addition, the first region 120 includes a microwave generator 121 and an infrared lamp 126. In addition, the second region 130 includes an infrared heater 132 and an infrared temperature sensor 134. In addition, the third region 140 includes an ultraviolet lamp 141 and a cooling unit 142. In addition, the cooling unit 142 includes a heat transfer unit 144, a thermoelectric element 145, a heat sink 146, and a cooling fan 148.

The powder conveying path 150 includes a supply part 152, a bottom part 156, a wall part 160, a reflector 166, and a discharge part 168. A metal mesh 170 may be interposed between the supply part 152 and / or the discharge part 168.

The vibrator 180 includes a vibration generator 182, a vibration absorbing spring 184, and a shock absorbing material 186.

The sterilization unit 110 includes a first region 120 for spraying microwaves and low-temperature infrared rays, a second region 130 for ultra-high instantaneous sterilization with infrared rays, and a third region 140 for spraying ultraviolet rays and cooling the powder. It is formed to include. The sterilization unit 110 is located at the upper end of the powder sterilization system 100, and is formed on the upper portion of the powder transport passage 150. The sterilization unit 110 includes a microwave generator 121, an infrared lamp 126, an infrared heater 132, an ultraviolet lamp 141, and the like, formed in an approximately long rectangular box shape. The rectangular box of the sterilization unit 110 is preferably made of a metal or reinforced plastic material excellent in impact resistance and heat resistance. The sterilization unit 110 serves to remove mold, bacteria and the like by irradiating light of various wavelengths to the powder.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first region 120 includes a microwave generator 121 and an infrared lamp 126. The first region 120 is located in front of the sterilization unit 110 when viewed as a movement path of the powder. In addition, the powder transfer passage 150 is located below the first region 120. The first region 120 serves to sterilize the powder 105 by irradiating microwaves and low-temperature infrared rays.

The microwave generator 121 is positioned above the first region 120 and is fixed and supported by the horizontal wall 107. The microwave generator 121 may be composed of a magnetron and a radar, and other types of generators may be used. The magnetron generates microwaves, and the generated microwaves are irradiated to the powder 105 with a large area by the radar. A waveguide 123 is formed at the lower end of the microwave generator 121 so that the irradiated microwaves can be concentrated on the surface of the powder 105. The waveguide 123 may be formed in a substantially pipe shape, and may be formed to set an irradiation area of microwaves by adjusting an inner diameter of the waveguide 123. Cooling fan 125 is located on the side of the microwave generator 121, so that the performance can be maintained by preventing overheating of the microwave generator 121. The microwave irradiated from the microwave generator 121 spreads out like a substantially triangular dotted line in FIG. 2 and is irradiated onto the surface of the powder 105. The microwave is a dielectric heating method that heats from the inside of the powder 105, and functions to sterilize the microorganisms in the powder by raising the temperature to the heat killing condition of the microorganism. Microwave sterilization is achieved by vibrating and destroying cells of microorganisms including water and proteins. In addition, as the powder is heated by the microwaves, the moisture inside the powder is evaporated. At this time, since the powder 105 is evenly mixed by the vibration, the microwave is evenly irradiated to the powder 105.

The thermometer side sensor 127 is positioned substantially vertically below the microwave generator 121. The thermometer sensor 127 measures the temperature of the part sterilized by the microwaves. At this time, it is preferable to isolate the heated powder 105 so as not to contact the thermometer side sensor 127. It is preferable to send the measured temperature data to a microwave controller (not shown) so as to reduce the amount of microwaves irradiated from the magnetron when the proper sterilization temperature is exceeded. As a result, the temperature of the part sterilized by the microwave maintains an appropriate temperature.

The infrared lamp 126 is positioned substantially at the center of the first region 120 and is fixed and supported by the horizontal wall 107. The infrared lamp 126 is formed at a position where one end is fixed to the horizontal wall 107 and extends downward by a predetermined length. The infrared lamp 126 is preferably covered with a hat 129. The hat shade 129 reflects infrared rays in all directions except the direction in which the powder is placed, so that the infrared rays can be concentrated on the surface of the powder. Infrared rays have excellent heat penetrating ability to organic materials, so that sterilization by microwave electric field characteristics can be performed more effectively.

A wire mesh 128 is positioned between the infrared lamp 126 and the powder conveying passage 150. One end of the wire mesh 128 is connected to the lower end of the waveguide 123, and the other end thereof extends substantially horizontally. The wire mesh 128 is installed to prevent microwaves from reaching the infrared lamp 126. When microwaves are irradiated to the filaments of the infrared lamp and the ultraviolet lamp, a spark phenomenon occurs. Thus, the wire mesh 128 prevents the microwaves reflected by the reflector 166 from rising toward the infrared lamp 126. Since the wavelength of the microwave corresponds to about 12.2 cm, the eye size of the wire mesh 128 may be about 2 to 3 mm. However, the eye size of the wire mesh 128 is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 3, the second region 130 includes an infrared heater 132 and an infrared temperature sensor 134. The second region 130 is positioned in the middle of the sterilization unit 110 when viewed as a movement path of the powder. In addition, the powder transfer path 150 is located below the second region 130. The second region 130 is irradiated with infrared rays to the powder 105 to perform ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilization.

The infrared heater 132 is positioned substantially at the center of the second region 130. One end of the infrared heater 132 is fixed to the horizontal wall 107 and is formed at a predetermined length extending downward to be closer to the powder 105. The infrared heater 132 may be formed in plural and the infrared rays may be concentrated on the surface of the powder 105 by being covered with a hat shade 139. Infrared heaters can typically reach up to 400-800 ° C and control the irradiation distance to ensure that the right temperature of infrared radiation is emitted. The infrared heater 132 performs ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilization of the powder 105. The ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilization can simultaneously sterilize the inside and outside of the powder particles, and by spraying the powder 105 particles thin and wide by the vibrator 180 within a short time of 3 to 5 seconds to sterilize by heating to 120 ~ 150 ℃ instantaneous That's how. In addition, according to the ultra-high temperature sterilization method, it is possible to effectively sterilize heat-resistant bacteria, general bacteria, molds, and spore-shaped bacteria, and to sterilize powders without being greatly influenced by the change of ingredients due to heat of the target material. .

The infrared temperature sensor 134 is located between the infrared heaters 132, the upper end is fixed to the horizontal wall 107 and the lower end is formed extending in the powder 105 direction. The infrared temperature sensor 134 measures the heating temperature by infrared rays, and is formed to be isolated from the heated powder. The measured temperature data is sent to an infrared controller (not shown) to ensure that the proper sterilization temperature is maintained.

Referring to FIG. 4, the third region 140 includes an ultraviolet lamp 141 and a cooling unit 142. The third region 140 is located at the end of the sterilization unit 110 when viewed as a movement path of the powder. In addition, the powder transfer passage 150 is located below the third region 140. The third region 140 serves to finish the sterilization by irradiating the powder 105 with ultraviolet rays and to cool the heated powder 105.

The ultraviolet lamp 141 is positioned at substantially the center of the third region 140. One end of the ultraviolet lamp 141 is fixed to the horizontal wall 107 and is formed at a position extending downward in a predetermined length to be closer to the powder 105. The infrared heater 141 may be formed in plural, and the hat shade 149 may be covered to concentrate ultraviolet rays on the surface of the powder 105. Sterilization by ultraviolet rays sterilizes the outside of the powder 105 to maximize sterilization efficiency. The powder 105 is moved while being evenly mixed by vibration, and the ultraviolet light is evenly irradiated onto the powder 105. Thus, the powder 105 can be evenly and completely sterilized.

The cooling unit 142 includes a heat transfer unit 144, a thermoelectric element 145, a heat sink 146, and a cooling fan 148. The cooling unit 142 is located at the lower portion of the powder conveying passage 150, and serves to cool the heated powder 105.

The heat transfer part 144 is formed to contact the bottom portion 156 of the powder transfer passage 150. The heat transfer part 144 is formed in a substantially plate shape, and is made of an aluminum material having excellent thermal conductivity so that heat of the powder 105 and the bottom 156 can be quickly transferred to the thermoelectric element 145 and the heat sink 146. It is preferable.

The thermoelectric element 145 is formed to contact the lower portion of the heat transfer part 144. The thermoelectric element 145 may be formed to be equal to the number of heat sinks 146, and thus, a plurality of thermoelectric elements 145 may be formed. The thermoelectric phenomenon refers to a phenomenon in which a flow of electrons occurs when there is a temperature difference between two materials, thereby generating an electromotive force or, conversely, a temperature difference when electricity is supplied. That is, it is a device capable of converting thermal energy into electrical energy, or conversely, converting electrical energy into thermal energy. The heat transfer part 144 and the heat sink 146 require a large temperature difference from each other. That is, the heat transfer part 144 is in a relatively high temperature state because it is close to the heated powder 105, the heat sink 146 is a relatively low temperature state by the large surface area and the cooling fan 148. Thus, by flowing a current through the thermoelectric element 145, the thermoelectric element 145 is cooled to consequently serve to lower the temperature of the heat transfer part 144. As the thermoelectric element 145, a peltier element that is frequently used as a cooler may be used.

The heat sink 146 is formed to contact the lower portion of the thermoelectric element 145. The heat sink 146 is formed to have a large cross-sectional area so that heat transferred from the heated powder 105 can be quickly radiated into the air. The heat sink 146 is preferably formed of a metal material having excellent thermal conductivity, particularly aluminum or copper. However, the material of the heat sink 146 is not limited thereto.

The cooling fan 148 is formed on the side of the heat sink 146. The cooling fan 148 serves to ventilate the heat transferred to the heat sink 146 to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the powder sterilization system 100.

Although not shown, the cooling unit may be made of water cooling. That is, the cooling unit may be formed by forming a space in which the cooling water can be accommodated in the lower portion of the powder transfer passage 150 and supplying and circulating the cooling water using a pump.

1 and 2, the powder conveying path 150 is formed to include a supply part 152, a bottom part 156, a wall part 160, a reflector 166, and a discharge part 168. The powder conveying path 150 is formed long in the moving direction of the powder, and is protected from the external environment by the housing. The powder conveying path 150 is positioned below the sterilization unit 110, and is inclined so as to smoothly move the powder 105 in the direction of the third region 140 from the first region 120, or the conveyor belt. It may be formed in a form.

The supply part 152 is formed at one end of the powder conveying passage 150, and is an inlet into which the powder 105 to be sterilized is introduced. A metal mesh basket 154 is interposed in the supply part 152. The metal basket 154 serves to block leakage of microwaves. Since the amplitude of the microwave is about 12.2 cm, the eye size of the network should be 2-3 mm to minimize the waste of microwaves due to leakage. However, the eye size of the net can be adjusted according to the size of the powder particles, of course. In addition, the metal mesh basket 154 serves to prevent the particles from agglomerating by disturbing the powder 105. In addition, the metal basket 154 may prevent foreign matters from entering the supply unit 152. The metal basket 154 is preferably formed of iron, stainless steel, or the like.

The bottom portion 156 is a portion where the powder 105 is placed and moved. The bottom portion 156 may be formed to be inclined inclined in the advancing direction of the powder 105, and of course, the powder 105 may be moved in a conveyor belt manner. It is preferable that a large number of irregularities are formed in the bottom portion 156. This is because when the bottom part 156 is formed to be inclined inclined, the powder 105 may flow down before sterilization of each step is performed properly. In addition, even when operating in a conveyor belt method is because the powder 105 is slipped on the bottom 156, so that the powder 105 may not move smoothly.

The wall portion 160 is formed as a double layer of the transmission portion 162 and the blocking portion 164. The wall 160 is formed at both sides of the bottom 156 to serve as a guard wall so that the powders 105 on the bottom 156 do not flow sideways. The transmission unit 162 is formed of a material such as Teflon, polyethylene, glass through which microwaves can be transmitted. The transmission part 162 is focused on the microwave to the powder transfer position, and the wider area can be irradiated through the reflector 166. On the other hand, the blocking unit 164 is formed of a metal material through which microwaves cannot pass. The blocking unit 164 allows the irradiated or reflected microwaves to be concentrated irradiated onto the powder 105 without leakage.

The reflector 166 is formed below the wall portion 160. The reflecting mirror 166 is inclined so that both side ends have a predetermined inclination in the vertical section, so that even light that is obliquely input may be reflected to the powder 105. The microwaves reflected by the reflector 166 are shown by dashed arrows in FIG. 2. Microwaves irradiated into the area of the bottom part 156 extending to the transmission part 162 are reflected by the reflector 166 and irradiated back to the bottom part 156 and the powder 105.

The discharge part 168 is formed at the other end of the powder transfer passage 150, and is an inlet through which the sterilized powder 105 is discharged. Similar to the supply unit 152, the discharge unit 168 is interposed with the metal mesh basket 170. The metal basket 170 prevents foreign matter from entering into the discharge part 168 and disperses it again when the powder particles are agglomerated in the powder transfer passage 150.

The vibrator 180 may include a vibration generator 182, a vibration absorbing spring 184, and a shock absorbing material 186. The vibrator 180 is positioned below the powder conveying passage 150 to vibrate the powder conveying passage 150 so that sterilization can be performed smoothly.

A magnetic vibrator may be used as the vibration generator 182. Magnetic vibrator is composed of vibration transmission spring, electromagnet, leaf spring and electromagnet link spring. The vibration transmission spring transmits the vibration generated in the magnetic vibrator to the powder transfer path 150. The electromagnet is located on the left and right in the magnetic vibrator to connect the elastic force by using a leaf spring. The vibration generator is formed to control the vibration width and the vibration speed, so that the more effective sterilization can be achieved by adjusting the vibration width and vibration speed according to the situation.

The vibration absorbing spring 184 is a portion that absorbs vibration so that the vibration generated in the vibration generator 182 is transmitted to the floor as it is so that noise does not occur. The vibration absorbing spring 184 may be formed in plural. The buffer member 186 is interposed between the vibration generator 182 and the vibration absorbing spring 184 to serve to cushion the impact.

Next, a powder sterilization system according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first region of the powder sterilization system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 5 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the electrodeless ultraviolet lamp 226 is used instead of the infrared lamp 126 in the first region 220, and thus, the difference will be described. In addition, since portions other than the first region 220 are the same as those of FIGS. 3 and 4, it is not shown.

Powder sterilization system according to another embodiment of the present invention is formed to include a sterilization unit 110, the powder transfer passage 150 and the vibration unit 180. The sterilization unit 110 includes a first region 220, a second region 130, and a third region 140.

The first region 220 includes a microwave generator 121 and an electrodeless ultraviolet lamp 226. Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of electrodeless ultraviolet lamps 226 are formed below the microwave generator 121. The electrodeless ultraviolet lamp 226 is formed at an approximately central portion of the sterilization unit 110. The electrodeless ultraviolet lamp 226 has argon (Ar), a mixed gas of argon and mercury (Ar + Hg), a mixed gas of argon, mercury and iron (Ar + Hg + Fe), argon and mercury in the quartz tube. It is formed by filling any one of a mixed gas (Ar + Hg + Fe + SO ₄ ) of iron and sulfuric acid. The electrodeless ultraviolet lamp 226 emits ultraviolet rays of approximately 254 nm wavelength when microwave is irradiated. Since microwaves rapidly reduce energy due to organic materials, the microwaves are passed between the electrodeless ultraviolet lamps 226 and then irradiated with the powder 105. Then, the ultraviolet rays generated from the electrodeless ultraviolet lamps 226 are separated from the powder ( 105). The upper side and the side side of the electrodeless ultraviolet ray lamp 226 are surrounded by the ultraviolet reflector 228 so that the generated ultraviolet rays can be concentrated on the powder 105. The upper end of the ultraviolet reflector 228 is connected to the lower end of the waveguide 123, and the lower end of the ultraviolet reflector 228 is broadly expanded in a conical shape.

In this way, electric sterilization and dielectric heating are performed by microwaves, and then ultraviolet sterilization can be performed.

Next, a powder sterilization system according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a powder sterilization system according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the first to third regions are formed separately from each other by a predetermined interval, and the powder transfer passages are formed to be connected to each other by a connecting pipe, and the cooling unit is separately formed on the upper portion of the powder transfer passage. Since it is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 except for the above, the difference will be mainly described.

In the powder sterilization system 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. 6, a first region 320, a second region 330, a third region 340, and the first region ( 320 and the vibrating parts formed separately below the third region 340 and separately formed under the powder transfer passages 350a, 350b and 350c and the powder transfer passages 350a, 350b and 350c, respectively. 380a, 380b, and 380c). In addition, the cooling unit 342 is further formed to be connected to the third region 340. In addition, connecting pipes 351a and 351b are formed between the respective powder transfer passages 350a, 350b and 350c. Since the configuration and operation of the first region 320 to the third region 340 are formed in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the powder 105 undergoes microwave and infrared pasteurization through the first region 320, the powder 105 moves to the powder transfer passage 350b below the second region 330 through the connecting pipe 351a. When passing through the ultra-high temperature sterilization through the infrared (330) is moved to the powder transfer path (350c) below the third region 340 through the connecting pipe (351b). Finally, the powder 105 is subjected to ultraviolet surface sterilization through the third region 340, and then cooled through the cooling unit 342 and then discharged to the outside.

The cooling unit 342 is separately formed to be connected to the third region 340. The cooling unit 342 is formed on the thermoelectric element 345 formed on the powder transfer path 350d, the heat sink 346 formed on the thermoelectric element 345 and the upper part of the heat sink 346. It is formed including the cooling fan 348. The cooling unit 342 utilizes the principle that cold air moves down and hot air moves up. That is, the cool air is introduced into the powder conveying passage 350d through the cooling fan 348, the heat sink 346, and the thermoelectric element 345, and the hot air of the powder conveying passage 350d is discharged upward. .

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, since the respective regions may be freely separated and coupled to each other with respect to the connection pipes 351a and 351b, the arrangement method may vary according to the wide width of the installation space. For example, when the installation space is secured for a long time, the respective regions may be arranged in a substantially straight line, and may be connected to each other by connecting pipes 351a and 351b. On the other hand, when the floor of the installation space is similar in length and width, each area may be arranged in a triangular shape and connected by connecting pipes 351a and 351b. As described above, according to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the arrangement can be freely changed according to the installation environment, and thus space utilization can be more effectively used.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus including the first region 320 is disposed highest, and the powder 105 is moved by lowering the height toward the second region 330 and the third region 340. This can be done more smoothly.

Next, a powder sterilization method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Powder sterilization method according to the invention comprises a first step, a second step and a third step. At this time, the first to third steps are performed sequentially.

The first step is a step of irradiating the powder 105 with the microwave generated through the microwave generator 121 and the infrared ray of 80 ~ 90 ℃ generated through the infrared lamp 126. The first step is performed in the first region 120 of the powder sterilization system 100. At this time, the first step is preferably performed for 15 to 25 seconds. In the first step, electric sterilization and dielectric heating are performed by microwaves, and at the same time, sterilization is performed through infrared rays having strong penetration force.

The second step is a step of irradiating the powder 105 with infrared rays of 120 ~ 150 ℃ generated through the infrared heater 132. The second step is performed in the second region 130 of the powder sterilization system 100. At this time, the second step is preferably performed for 3 to 5 seconds. In the second step, ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilization is performed to remove heat-resistant bacteria, general bacteria, molds, and bacteria forming spores.

The third step is to irradiate the powder 105 with ultraviolet rays generated through the ultraviolet lamp 141, and simultaneously cool the powder 105. The third step is performed in the third region 140 of the powder sterilization system 100. In the third step, the ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the powder 105 to finish sterilization, and the heated powder 105 is cooled.

Experiment by applying the powder sterilization system and powder sterilization method using the same according to an embodiment of the present invention, it was analyzed. In this experiment, sterilization test of green tea powder was conducted. Hereinafter, the numbers of Tables 1-3 show the number of digits of a bacterium.

Comparative example

In the comparative example, microwaves were irradiated with primary treatment, followed by ultraviolet rays and secondary treatments. The results are shown in Table 1.

 Before treatment Primary treatment Secondary processing microwave UV-rays 320,000 94,000 18,000

Example  One

In Example 1, microwave and infrared pasteurization were carried out firstly, followed by irradiation with ultraviolet rays, followed by secondary treatment. The treatment was carried out at a temperature of 85 ° C. for 20 seconds. The results are shown in Table 2.

 Before treatment Primary treatment Secondary processing Microwave + Infrared Pasteurization UV-rays 320,000 38,000 9,000

Example  2

In Example 2, infrared ultrahigh temperature instantaneous sterilization was performed firstly, followed by irradiation with ultraviolet rays, followed by secondary treatment. The treatment was carried out at a temperature of 140 ° C. for 4 seconds. The results are shown in Table 3.

 Before treatment Primary treatment Secondary processing Infrared Ultra High Temperature Instant Sterilization UV-rays 320,000 300 or less 100 or less

<Sterilization effect analysis>

In the comparative example, the infrared irradiation was not performed at all. In this case the bacterial count was reduced to approximately 6% of the initial level. Example 1 corresponds to the case where the infrared pasteurization was performed and only the first and third steps were performed. In this case, the bacterial count was reduced to approximately 3% of the initial level. On the other hand, in the case of Example 2 is the case of performing the ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilization corresponds to the second and third steps. In this case, the bacterial count was reduced to approximately 0.03% of the initial level, indicating excellent sterilizing power.

Through this experiment it can be seen that the sterilization effect is significantly improved by performing the second step of the powder sterilization method according to the present invention.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications, changes, and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. will be. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention and the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention but to describe the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. . The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

According to the powder sterilization system and the powder sterilization method using the same according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively cope with the state of the powder particles by using a magnetic vibrator capable of adjusting the vibration width and the vibration speed.

Further, according to the present invention, by attaching the metal mesh basket to the supply portion and the discharge portion, it is possible to prevent the microwave from leaking, to disperse the powder, and to prevent the inflow of foreign substances.

In addition, according to the present invention, by performing ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilization with infrared rays, the inside and outside of the powder particles are simultaneously sterilized, and heat-resistant bacteria, molds, and bacteria that form spores can be effectively sterilized.

In addition, according to the present invention by forming a wire mesh around the infrared lamp there is an effect that can prevent the phenomenon that the spark is generated by the microwaves hit the infrared filament.

Claims (23)

In the system for sterilizing powder, A first region comprising a microwave generator and an infrared lamp formed below and below the microwave generator, A second region including an infrared heater for generating infrared rays, and an infrared temperature sensor for sensing a temperature; A sterilization unit including a third region including an ultraviolet lamp for generating ultraviolet rays and a cooling unit for cooling the powder under the ultraviolet lamp; A supply part to which powder to be sterilized is supplied, a bottom part to which the powder injected from the supply part is placed, and which is moved, a wall part formed at both ends of the bottom part to prevent the powder from falling, and the powder transferred through the bottom part. A powder transfer passage including a discharge portion for discharging; And A vibrator including a vibration generator configured to support the powder transfer passage at a lower portion of the powder transfer passage, and to control the vibration width and the vibration speed. Powder sterilization system comprising a. The method of claim 1, The first region is formed below the microwave generator, the waveguide is formed so that the microwave can be concentrated on the surface of the powder by setting the irradiation area of the microwave (microwave) generated by the microwave generator Powder sterilization system. The method of claim 1, The infrared reflector is formed to surround the upper and side portions of the infrared heater of the second region to reflect infrared rays irradiated in a direction other than the region in which the powder exists so that infrared rays can be concentrated on the surface of the powder. Powder sterilization system characterized in that. The method of claim 1, The cooling unit of the third region is a heat transfer unit formed in the lower portion of the bottom portion, a thermoelectric element formed in the lower portion of the heat transfer portion, a heat sink formed in the lower portion of the thermoelectric element and cooling formed to the side of the heat sink to cool the heat sink Powder sterilization system comprising a fan. The method of claim 4, wherein The thermoelectric element is a peltier device, wherein the heat transfer part is powder sterilization system, characterized in that formed of aluminum. The method of claim 1, The cooling part of the third region includes a heat transfer part formed under the bottom part, a coolant accommodating part surrounded by the heat transfer part to receive coolant, and a coolant pump to supply coolant to the coolant accommodating part. Sterilization system. The method of claim 1, Powder sterilization system, characterized in that the metal mesh is interposed between the supply and the bottom. The method of claim 7, wherein Powder disinfection system, characterized in that the metal mesh is further interposed in the discharge portion. The method of claim 1, And a reflecting mirror is formed between the powder conveying passage and the vibrator so that light transmitted below the powder conveying passage can be reflected to the powder conveying passage. The method of claim 1, Powder sterilization system, characterized in that irregularities are formed in the bottom portion. The method of claim 1, The wall portion is a powder sterilization system, characterized in that it comprises a microwave transmission portion, and a microwave blocking portion formed on the outside of the microwave transmission portion. The method of claim 11, The microwave transmission part is powder sterilization system, characterized in that made of any one of Teflon (teflon), polyethylene (PE), glass. The method of claim 1, Powder sterilization system, characterized in that between the infrared lamp and the powder transfer passage is interposed a wire mesh for preventing microwaves from reaching the infrared lamp. The method of claim 1, The vibration unit further comprises a vibration absorbing spring formed in the lower portion of the vibration generator to absorb the vibration. In the system for sterilizing powder, A first region comprising a microwave generator and an electrodeless ultraviolet lamp formed below the microwave generator, A second region including an infrared heater for generating infrared rays, and an infrared temperature sensor for sensing a temperature; A sterilization unit including a third region including an ultraviolet lamp for generating ultraviolet rays and a cooling unit for cooling the powder under the ultraviolet lamp; A supply part to which powder to be sterilized is supplied, a bottom part to which the powder injected from the supply part is placed, and which is moved, a wall part formed at both ends of the bottom part to prevent the powder from falling, and the powder transferred through the bottom part. A powder transfer passage including a discharge portion for discharging; And A vibrator including a vibration generator configured to support the powder transfer passage at a lower portion of the powder transfer passage, and to control the vibration width and the vibration speed. Powder sterilization system comprising a. The method of claim 15, A waveguide formed below the microwave generator so that the microwaves can be irradiated to the surface of the powder by setting an irradiation area of the microwaves generated by the microwave generator; And an ultraviolet reflector connected to a lower end of the waveguide and configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays generated from the electrodeless ultraviolet lamp toward the powder direction. The method of claim 15, The electrodeless ultraviolet lamp is powder sterilization characterized in that any one of argon, a mixed gas of argon and mercury, a mixed gas of argon, mercury and iron, a mixed gas of argon, mercury, iron and sulfuric acid is filled in the quartz tube system. The method of claim 15, The vibration unit further comprises a vibration absorbing spring formed in the lower portion of the vibration generator to absorb the vibration. In the system for sterilizing powder, A first region having a microwave generator and an infrared lamp formed below and below the microwave generator, A second region having an infrared heater for generating infrared rays and an infrared temperature sensor for sensing a temperature; It comprises a third region having an ultraviolet lamp for generating ultraviolet rays, Powder transport passages through which the powder is transported are provided below the first to third regions, respectively, and a vibration generator capable of adjusting the vibration width and the vibration speed is located below the powder transport passage. Powder sterilization system, characterized in that each of the powder transport passages below the first region to the third region are connected to each other through a connecting pipe. The method of claim 19, It is provided with a thermoelectric element located in the upper portion of the powder transfer passage, and a cooling fan located in the upper portion of the thermoelectric element, Powder sterilization system, characterized in that further comprises a cooling unit connected to the third region. In the method of sterilizing powder, A first step of irradiating the powder with microwaves generated through the magnetron and infrared rays of 80 to 90 ° C. generated through the infrared lamp; A second step of irradiating the powder with infrared rays of 120 to 150 ° C. generated through the infrared heater; And The third step of irradiating the powder with ultraviolet rays generated through the ultraviolet lamp and at the same time cooling the powder Powder sterilization method comprising a. The method of claim 21, The first step is powder sterilization method, characterized in that made for 15 to 25 seconds. The method of claim 21 or 22, The second step is powder sterilization method, characterized in that made for 3 to 5 seconds.

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