WO1990008462A1

WO1990008462A1 - Process and vertical arrangement for the continuous production of cheese

Info

Publication number: WO1990008462A1
Application number: PCT/FR1990/000080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roland Gabriel-Robez
Original assignee: Gabriel Robez Roland
Priority date: 1989-02-06
Filing date: 1990-02-01
Publication date: 1990-08-09
Also published as: EP0409951A1; FR2642615B1; AU5047190A; CA2026211A1; FR2642615A1; FI904806A0

Abstract

Production of cheese. The process for the continuous production of cheese from curd is characterized in that it consists in determining the supply level of the curd in order to obtain a pressure head which ensures the gravity flow of the curd inside the channel (6), and in installing, in conjunction with the channel (6), modules (Mi) for processing the curd according to the type of cheese to be obtained. Application: for the production of semi-pressed, pressed or boiled cheeses.

Description

PROCESS AND VERTICAL INSTALLATION FOR THE CONTINUOUS MANUFACTURE OF CHEESE

TECHNICAL AREA :

The present invention relates to the technical field of the manufacture of cheeses in the general sense from a curd. The invention finds a particularly advantageous application for the manufacture of soft, semi-pressed, pressed or cooked cheeses, and for the preparation of "cottage cheese" or cheeses produced from ultra-fi ltré milk.

PRIOR TECHNIQUE:

A well-known technique for manufacturing such cheeses relates to the discontinuous production method according to which the different phases of the manufacturing process take place in a tank. Various devices and accessories are appended to each tank to ensure filling, presetting, coagulation, stripping, withdrawal of serum. Optional grain washing, heating and cooling, including, of course, draining.

Such a discontinuous process therefore involves molding all the equipment or accessories specific to each of the tanks in relation to the number of tanks used and causes a discontinuity in the work due to the passage from tank to tank.

In addition, this process does not allow good homogeneity to be obtained in the production of pasta, mainly due to the fact that the density during emptying tends to decrease progressively due to the fact that the sedimentation of solid bodies, by compared to the Mid Liquid Location, is influenced by the head, especially in large capacity tanks.

It should be noted, furthermore, that the fragmentation of the mass may not be obtained regularly, in The extent to which the stripping members are supported by resistant frames having transverse cross sections, notably larger than the stripping combs or knives. This results in a heterogeneity of grain leading to the production of variably quality cheese.

In an attempt to remedy these drawbacks, the prior art has proposed a machine allowing the continuous preparation of cheese. This machine mainly comprises a conveyor belt of the endless type, the upper strand of which is intended to cooperate with conformations to give the band a form of horizontal gutter open on the top. The machine also comprises, in relation to superposition with the upper strand of the strip, a horizontal noria of interposed panels intended to fit into the open gutter of the strip, to constitute successive compartments there.

The displacement of the strip makes it possible to obtain the separation of the compartments in front of a continuous milk distribution station and a station for sowing and rennet distribution. Coagulation in the open environment is then carried out during the progression of the filled compartments.

At the exit of the conformations, the endless belt is again deployed at the opening to unmold or release the mass of caiLLé from each successive compartment and bring this mass to a cutter ensuring fragmentation or disconnection. Beyond the cutter, the conveyor belt pours the cut caiLLé towards an installation responsible for molding the dough for example.

Such an installation, which effectively makes it possible to produce curd continuously, has obvious drawbacks.

The most important drawback lies in the fully open position of the machine, the different successive positions of which are in the open air. Bacterial growth problems are therefore to be feared and can only be combated by resorting to the implantation of such an establishment b Rigorous beam. In addition, this facility occupies a particularly cumbersome floor space due to its purely horizontal arrangement.

It also appears that such an installation does not lend itself to the phases of drawing off the serum and washing the grains, since the strip forming the endless conveyor does not, by its nature, constitute a filter which in practice ensures the Carrying out such phases of the process.

By the way, this installation does not allow Milk and CaiLLé to travel along different paths to make them avoid or, on the contrary, borrow stations according to the successive phases of the process which they must undergo in relation to the specific characteristics. of the dough to be produced. The flow of milk and caiLLé is therefore fixed and based on the Longest unwinding of the manufacturing process occurring for all cheeses.

In an attempt to remedy the problems of bacterial development, due to the open situation of the machine described above, it is known in the prior art, in particular from US Pat. No. 3,822,361, an installation of manufacture of a cheese in the form of a conical tower comprising a closed tube in the form of a propeller for the passage of a serum-cai mixture. The serum from the mixture is withdrawn during the downward progression of the mixture which is provided by means of rotary push arms. If this facility has a closed manufacturing structure, it must be considered that the latter is exclusively reserved for the manufacture of cheese of the Cheddar type and is not able to ensure the processing of the cheese according to the cheese to be obtained.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention therefore aims to remedy the drawbacks set out above, by proposing a process for the continuous production of cheeses from a wedge allowing notably reduce the footprint of the manufacturing facility and reduce the risk of bacterial growth during the dough-making process, while ensuring the execution of work operations for the caiLLé, adapted to suit the type of cheese to obtain.

The invention also aims to propose a manufacturing process making it possible to define, for a type of cheese to be produced, a specific path for the caiLLé from a general maximum path likely to be taken. The invention also aims to offer a manufacturing process allowing, by an optimized and automatic control, to use the same installation for the successive sequence of different manufacturing processes between which only washing takes place. To achieve the goals cited above. The process for the continuous production of cheese, from a curd, of the type consisting in carrying out a curd feeding at a determined level with respect to a reference plan and in bringing the curd into a closed chute developing from The feeding in caiLLe, on a non-linear downward path, is characterized in that it consists:

- to determine the level of the caiLLé feeding, in order to have a loading height allowing to ensure the gravitational flow of the caiLLé inside the gouLotte,

- and to set up, in relation to the chute, working methods of the stem in relation to the type of cheese to be obtained.

The invention also aims to propose an installation allowing the implementation of the method and comprising:

- a device for supplying caiLLé to a determined level in relation to a reference plan,

- and a closed trough entered in case by the supply device and developing along a non-linear downward path. According to the invention, the closed chute is constituted by at least one working module of the caiLLé and the caiLLé supply device is placed at a determined level to have a loading height allowing to ensure the gravitational flow of the caiLLé inside the gouLotte.

Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments of the object of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:

Fig. 1 is an elevation view, partly broken away, showing a manufacturing installation illustrating the process according to the invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a diagram showing a detail L characteristic of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation showing a coaguLation device suitable for the manufacturing installation according to FIG. 1.

Fig. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a coaguLation device suitable for implementing the invention.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken sensibly along the lines V-V of FIG. 4.

BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION:

Fig. 1 illustrates an installation in accordance with the invention ensuring the continuous production, for example of "cottage cheese", soft, pressed, semi-pressed or cooked cheeses, or cheeses produced from ultra-fi ltré milk. THE INSTALLATION INCLUDES A SUPPLY OR AN INLET 1 FROM A DIMENSION 2 DELIVERED BY A DEVICE 3, THE FUNCTIONS OF WHICH WILL BE DESCRIBED MORE IN DETAIL of The description. The arrival or supply 1 of the caiLLé is adapted to be placed at a determined level with respect to a horizontal reference plan constituted, for example, by a planer 4. The caiLLé 2 is poured into a funnel 5 of at least a closed chute 6 which extends sensibly from the supply device 3 in the direction of the fisher 4. According to the invention, the closed chute 6 is developed according to a non-linear and inclined path in the direction of the fisher to ensure drainage. caiLLé by gravity. The level of the inlet or of the feed 1 is determined in order to have a loading height allowing to ensure the flow or the gravitational progression of the caiLLé inside the gouLotte. Advantageously, the level of the inlet or of the feed 1, relative to the plLancher 4, is between 5 and 30 meters and, preferably, of the order of 20 meters.

The chute 6 is therefore in the form of a fully closed tubular structure of generally descending direction and extending non-linearly, in a zigzag and / or in a helix for example.

Advantageously, the closed chute 6 is constituted by at least one cell or a working module of the ball 2, assuming a precise function corresponding to at least one phase of the process for producing a cheese. In the example illustrated in fig. 1, the closed chute 6 comprises successively modules M. to M-, from the arrival or the supply 1 in caiLLé.

The M- module constitutes a static mixing module formed by three tubular sections t _^ mounted in a zigzag and comprising static disrupters 8 of the cail path.

The M ^ module assumes a serum collection function and is formed by two tubular sections t ^ each comprising an envelope 9 inside which is mounted, at a distance, a tubular segment 10 pierced with orifices 11 to form a filter. The envelope 9 is provided with an extraction pipe 12 to closing and opening controlled.

The M_ module is related to a water addition and washing module, formed by two tubular sections t, each comprising a casing 9 and a pierced tubular segment 10, as described above, and associated with a pipe 13 water injection.

The M module assumes a heating function and comprises a closed enclosure 14 traversed by a part of the closed chute constituted, for example, by four tubular sections J ^ mounted in a zigzag. The closed enclosure 14 communicates with a circuit 15 for heating a fluid, at controlled temperature and circulation.

The Vl_- module aims to lengthen the path of the caiLLé in the chute and is made up of two tubular sections _t_. The M module constitutes an insulation or chambering module, comprising two tubular sections ^ each formed by two concentric tubes 16, 17 between which is placed an insulating material 18.

MODULE M _? constitutes a buffer stage with agitator. Of course, each module M. to M, can be made up of one or more tubular sections t of generally descending direction, continuous or fairly connected to each other by connections 20 and each having a linear path or not. Each tubular section t has an appropriate transverse cross section, preferably circular.

It can be envisaged to mount the modules relatively to each other according to a different order and to implement other modules assuming specific functions, such as a module 21 for visual control of the pattern or a modulus of cooling of constitution, for example. identical to the heating model to which the heating circuit is replaced by a cooling circuit.

Advantageously, the M. modules are equipped with avaL 22a and upstream 22b bypass, with opening and closing controlled respectively by a shutter 23a and 23b, so as to select, as you wish, the working modules to be crossed by the caiLLé in relation to the type of cheese to be produced.

Preferably, each working module M. is mounted in a parallel on a direct routing pipe 24, equipped downstream of the entry of a module, of a controlled shutter 25. The modules are preferably placed in a way superimposed or on different levels to allow the route to travel through any selected module. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the direct tracking pipe 24 extends sensibly along a vertical direction and ensures the adaptation, preferably removable, of a working module M ..

Fig. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention for which, the direct tracking pipe 24 extends along each module.

Of course, each branch parallel to the routing pipe 24, may comprise several modules in series which must be crossed successively by the stem and corresponding to the consecutive and necessary phases of the process in relation to a type of cheese to be produced.

IT must be considered that the closed chute 6 has a ter inaL part 6_. opening into a portioner or moulder 27 in relation to which various known apparatuses or devices are provided, such as a shortage of mold-blocks, a transporter 28 of mold-blocks to a mold, as well as a station for PACKAGING AND CONTROL.

The vertically extending installation described above offers the advantage of having a reduced floor area.

Such an installation, which can have one or more closed chutes 6, can be used for the successive sequence of processes for manufacturing different cheeses, between which only washing takes place. The path of the caiLLé through the different modules is SELECTED BY THE SHUTTER CONTROL IN RELATION TO THE TYPE OF CHEESE TO BE MANUFACTURED.

By the way, from the spill in the upper part, the caiLLé undergoes, in its mass, a continuous transformation process which makes it possible to provide, in the lower part, a dough with a homogeneous character.

In order to give the dough a real homogeneity, it is planned to supply the upper part of the chute with relatively small masses of volume which have been produced by a device 3 suitable for discharging such masses in the upper part.

Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a device 3 for supplying or arriving in line 2, particularly suitable for implementing the invention. According to this variant, the caiLLé supply device consists of a vertical noria 30 of basins 31, mounted inside a closed manufacturing tower 32. The basins 31 are driven endlessly by deflection of drive and deflection members, ensuring the transport of the basins from a low level to a high level. The basins 31 challenge slowly in front of successive stations adapted to ensure the coagulation of milk and the obtaining of caiLLé 2. To this end, the production tower 32 includes, in relation to the routing of the basins, a milk refilling station ? _. _. seeding and distribution of rennet P _? , agitation P-, coaguLation P., de-scaling P ₅ by any suitable cutting members, pouring P, the caiLLé into the funnel 5 of the closed chute 6, and washing? - .. Preferably, The stations are arranged so that the P station ensures the coaguLation of the milk during at least part of the upward displacement of the basins.

Advantageously, the closed tower 32 provides, for example by means of members 33 (FIG. 1), a holding and support function, at least in part, of the chute 6 extending, for example, along a transverse wall. of the closed tower 32. Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate another variant of realization of a device ensuring the feeding or the arrival of cheese at a determined level. According to this variant, the supply device consists of a carrousel 40 of basins 31, mounted on a superstructure 41 rising from the plLancher 4 and assuming, preferably by the organs 33, a support and maintenance function for The closed chute 6.

The basins 31 are driven in rotation to pass successively past a milk replenishing station P,., For sowing and distributing rennet P _? , of agitation P, of coagulation P., of shifting P_, of discharge P, in the chute 6 and, of washing P _? . The pouring stations P, and the filling stations P .. comprise, upstream for example, a rocker 42 cooperating with tails 43 carried by the basins 31.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION:

The invention finds a particularly advantageous application for the manufacture of soft, semi-pressed, pressed or cooked cheeses and for the elaboration of "cottage cheese" or cheeses produced from ultra-filtered milk.

The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown, since various modifications can be made without departing from its scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 - Process for the continuous production of cheese, from a caiLLé (2), of the type consisting in producing a supply (1) in caiLLé (2) at a determined level with respect to a reference plan and bringing the caiLLé (2) in a closed trough (6) developing from caiLLé feeding, according to a non-linear downward path, characterized in that it consists:

- to determine the level of the caiLLé feeding, in order to have a loading height allowing to ensure the gravitational flow of the caiLLé inside the gouLotte (6),

- and to install, in relation to the chute (6), working modules (M.) of cai Lé in relation to the type of cheese to be obtained.

2 - manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists in ordering branches

(22a, 22b) placed downstream and upstream of each work module, to select the path of the caiLLé through the work models of the chute.

3 - Manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it consists in mounting each working module in a parallel with respect to a direct tracking pipe (24).

4 - Manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it consists in placing control modules (21) of the cheese in relation to the chute.

5 - Manufacturing process according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists in realizing the supply of milk at a determined level, from a coagulation of milk produced during the upward movement of the milk.

6 - InstaLLation for the implementation of the manufacturing process according to one of claims 1 to 5, of the type comprising:

- a device for supplying caiLLé (2) to a level determined with respect to a reference plan, - and a closed chute (6) fed in caiLLé by the feeding device and developing along a non-linear downward path, characterized in that: - the closed chute (6) consists of at least one module (M.) of work of the crate, - and in that the crate supply device (30, 40) is placed at a determined level to have a loading height allowing to ensure the gravitational flow of the crane at

The interior of the gouLotte (6).

7 - InstaLLation according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one working module CM.) Comprises avaL (22a) and upstream (22b) branches with controlled opening and closing.

8 - INSTALLATION ACCORDING TO Claim 7, characterized in that each working module CM.) Is mounted in parallel on a direct tracking pipe C24) fitted downstream of the entry of a module, of a controlled shutter C25) . 9 - installation according to claim 8, characterized in that the direct tracking pipe C24) extends appreciably in a vertical direction.

10 - InstaLLation according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that at least one of the CM modules.) Is constituted i by at least one envelope C9) inside of which a tubular segment C10 is mounted remotely) drilled forming a filter, to collect the serum or add water.

11 - InstaLLation according to claim 6, characterized in that the caiLLé supply device consists of a vertical noria (30) of basins C31), mounted inside a manufacturing tower C32).

12 - INSTALLATION ACCORDING TO Claim 6, characterized in that the supply device consists of a carrouseL C40) of basins C31), mounted on a superstructure C41). 13 - InstaLLation according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the tanks C31) are intended to challenge successively in front of filling stations for milk CP.,), for seeding and distribution of rennet CP), agitation CP,), coaguLation CP,), CP stripping, -), CP ₆ spillage in the chute, and CP washing.

14 - InstaLLation according to claim 11 and 13, characterized in that the stations of the noria verticaLe C30) are arranged, so as to ensure the coaguLation of the milk during at least part of the upward displacement of the basins. 15 - InstaLLation according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the manufacturing tower C32) and / or the superstructure C41) provide a holding and support function at least partL of the gouLotte C6).