WO2008119897A2

WO2008119897A2 - Device for heating a container used to store recovered edible oil

Info

Publication number: WO2008119897A2
Application number: PCT/FR2008/000194
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Jacques Mulleris
Original assignee: Atuser
Priority date: 2007-02-14
Filing date: 2008-02-14
Publication date: 2008-10-09
Also published as: FR2912395B1; EP2117996B1; WO2008119897A3; FR2912395A1; EP2117996A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage device for recovered edible oil, comprising a storage container (2) which receives the oil from a filling pipe (2a), the stored oil being discharged from the container (2) through a discharge pipe (2b). The container (2) includes means (10) for heating the oil prior to discharge. The discharge pipe (2b) communicates with a branch device (16) for discharging the oil from the container, while the filling pipe (2a) communicates with an oil filling device. The invention is characterised in that the heating means (10) are positioned outside the container (2) and applied against at least one wall thereof, the wall of the container being made from a material enabling heat to be transmitted from the heating means (10) to the stored oil. The assembly formed by the storage container and the heating means is covered with heat-insulating means (11).

Description

Device for heating a food oil recovery storage container

The present invention relates to the field of waste fluid recovery devices and more particularly to the field of used food oil recovery devices.

In an establishment including kitchens of a certain importance, cooking or food preparations using a liquid are often in containers or apparatus of a large size, implementing a large amount of this liquid. When this liquid is out of date, used, or no longer useful, its evacuation from the premises of use must sometimes be done according to particular conditions, for example for reasons of pollution or for recovery purposes. In the case of cooking oils or fats, these oils are often stored in one or more storage containers, either specific or consist of simple drums, waiting to be recovered by a collection vehicle.

Current storage containers, however, require a reserved storage space for storing the oil. This storage space must in fact be arranged to house the storage container or containers and to allow access by persons or by liquid transport devices, for filling and emptying the storage container. During the storage of the oil, it tends, below a certain temperature to solidify which has the effect of making the emptying of recovered oils more complex. To avoid this problem, patent EP 1 180 492 provides a heating means formed by a thermowell integrated in the base of the storage container which allows to liquefy the stored oil to make it capable of being drained. However, such a heating means has the disadvantage of requiring a minimum amount of oil to be used, the heating means imposing to be completely immersed in order to be actuated and not to cause a start of combustion or as mentioned in Column 9, lines 19 to 26 of the published patent. In addition, a heating means in thermowell has the effect of causing, due to convection, the appearance of a gangue. This gangue is formed by residues suspended in the oil which are deposited on the heating means and surround it. The presence of this sleeve envelops the heating means and comes to form a thermal barrier which reduces the power of the heating. This reduction in power then imposes a higher energy consumption to achieve heating quality equivalent to that of a heating means without gangue. Likewise, the presence of a "hot spot" in the storage container formed by a heating means such as a thermowell may cause reactions with various foreign bodies or products mixed with the edible oils and which may be contaminated with foodstuffs. origin of unpleasant odors emanations, these elements foreign food oils can be detergent types in the case of misuse of the system may cause an alteration of the quality of stored oils. Furthermore, the cleaning of the heating means located inside the storage container remains complex especially since the regular elimination of this gangue is necessary to avoid a decomposition of residues that form and a loss of quality of the stored oils .

The present invention aims to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide a storage device whose heating means allow use independent of the presence of a minimum amount of oil in the storage container , while allowing efficient heating of the oil requiring less energy consumption, with easy maintenance of the device.

This objective is achieved by means of a storage device for food oil intended to be recovered comprising a storage container of determined volume receiving oil through a filling duct, the stored oil being discharged from the container by a duct. the container being heated by heating means of the oil stored prior to discharge, the exhaust duct communicating with a connection device for discharging the oil contained in the container, the filling duct communicating with an oil filling device, characterized in that that the heating means are positioned outside the container and applied against at least a portion of at least one wall of the container, the wall of the container being in a material allowing the transmission of heat from the heating means to the stored oil, and the assembly formed by the storage container and the heating means being covered by heat-insulating means limiting heat losses during the actuation of the heating means.

According to a variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the heating means applied against at least one wall of the container comprise at least one flexible heating plate and held against the wall the container by at least one rigid element whose profile follows the surface of the container vis-à-vis the rigid element.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the rigid element presses the heating plate against the wall of the storage container, the heating plate being covered with a heat insulating material positioned between the rigid member and the heating plate.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the rigid element pivots about a hinge fixed to the container, the rigid element being held to position the plate heated by at least one fastener attached to the container.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the flexible heating plate comprises at least one electric heating element powered electrically by at least one feed means. electric, the electric heating element being embedded in an electrically insulating and thermally conductive flexible material.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the storage container comprises at least one wall heated by at least one flexible heating plate applied against this wall of the container, the rigid element being flat and linked by a rounded flange to the joint disposed almost at the height of the bottom of the container.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the heating means are connected to the control means of a management device ensuring the actuation of the heating means. , the management device allowing a user via an interface to manage at least the operation of the storage container. According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the container comprises at least one sensor making it possible to measure the temperature of the stored food oils, this sensor being connected to the food storage device. management. According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the container comprises at least one sensor making it possible to measure the filling level of the storage container for the recovered edible oils. sensor being connected to the management device. According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the storage container comprises at least one evacuation duct leading to a remote pumping orifice relative to the storage container. storage. According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the storage container is connected at the level of a filling duct to a used oil recovery system from one or more tanks for use of these connected food oils involving at least one duct of a collection network formed by one or more pipes and at least one electric pump for the transfer of used cooking oil from at least one use tank to the storage container.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that at least one duct of the collection network comprises a heating complex, the heating complex comprising a ringed stainless steel skeleton of which the inner face is covered with a chemically stable and heat-resistant polymer component, the annular skeleton being covered with a braided steel sheath on which at least a portion of the length of the braided sheath is attached, at least a heating cable self-regulated and powered by a control device, the assembly formed by the polymer component, the ringed skeleton, the braided sheath and the heating cable being covered with a heat-insulating protective shell.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the electric pump is controlled by a control means of a management device, a first and a second valve respectively. bypass, manually activated, being arranged upstream and downstream respectively of the electric pump to divert the filling oil by a manually activated pump and arranged in parallel with the electric pump.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the device comprises a manually activated pump attached to the storage container and on which at least one duct is capable of being logged. According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that it comprises a discharge valve for closing or opening the filling duct associated with at least one oil level sensor disposed in the container at a given height, a submerged state of the sensor corresponding to a maximum filling level of the tank, the sensor being connected to a control means of the sensor state management device for triggering the closing of the discharge valve by a control means of the discharge valve management device.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the system for recovering used oils from one or more tanks for using these food oils comprises a pump cane which has on the one hand a rigid tubular structure intended to be introduced into the tanks to be drained and, on the other hand, a flexible tubular structure connected to a duct connected, via a duct of the collecting network, to a pump associated with the filling of the container of storage, the end of the rigid tubular structure of the pump cane comprising an oil filter screen sucked and a non-return valve.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the pump cane is connected to a conduit of the collection network by means of a waterproof and orientable connector, which presents a first end intended to be reversibly connected to a conduit of the collection network and a second end fixed to the output of the flexible tubular structure of the pump rod, the first end of the connector being circular and having an outer diameter identical to or substantially less than internal diameter of the duct of the duct of the collection network to which the connector connects, the inner face of the duct of the duct of the collection network having a thread intended to interact with a thread located on the outer face of the first end of the connector and than annular grooves on the inner side of the gold ifice of the manifold duct for receiving one or more O-rings positioned in respective annular grooves surrounding the outer face of the first end of the connector. According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the tanks for using liquids pour into a gravitation filtering tank comprising one or more successive filters or sieves , separated from each other by intercalating elements, which have increasingly reduced meshes to limit the presence of residues (food or otherwise) in the recovered used fluids, the filtering tank having dimensions facilitating its movement and positioning under the or the tanks for using liquids. characterized in that the connection of the collector duct to the outlet of the liquid utilization vessel or of a filtering tank is effected by means of an angled, waterproof and steerable connector, which has a first end connected to the collector duct and a second end reversibly connected to the outlet of the use tank or the filter tank, the second end of the connector being circular and having an outer diameter that is the same or substantially smaller than the internal diameter of the tank outlet. using or filtering tank, the inner face of the outlet of the use tank or the filtering tank having a tapping for interacting with a thread located on the outer face of the second end of the connector and one or more joints O-rings positioned in respective annular grooves surrounding the inner face of the vessel outlet and intended to be positioned r in annular grooves on the outer face of the second end of the connector.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the bent connector has, associated with a connector fixing device at the outlet of the use tank or the filtering tank, a device for obstructing the collecting duct, cooperating with the outlet of the use tank or the filtering tank, so that when the connector is separated from the liquid handling tank, the collecting duct is is closed, and when the connector is secured to the liquid handling tank, the collector duct is disengaged. According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that, access to the emptying means of the use tank or to the filtering tank positioned under the tank requiring the opening of at least one door located at a distance from the ground and which closes the space under the tank, the tank outlet or the filtering tank forms a tubular structure with two successive integral elbows so that the respective axes of a first end of the tank outlet or of the filtration tank, on which the connector is positioned and a second end fixed to the lower face of the utilization vessel or the filtering tank, are arranged in parallel, substantially vertically, and oriented on the same side, the upper edge of the first end then being positioned substantially below a horizontal plane passing through the lower edge of the door so that e connecting the connector of a collector duct to the first end of the tank outlet or the filtering tank prevents the closure of at least one door which closes the space under the tank.

According to another variant of the invention, the food oil storage device intended to be recovered is characterized in that the management device (6) comprises at least one message writing program, and is connected to a device for remote management (18) allowing communication via a GSM and / or internet type communication network. The invention, with its features and advantages, will emerge more clearly on reading the description given with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 represents an organizational diagram of the recovery of the oils in a storage container according to a first variant,

FIG. 2 represents an organizational diagram of the recovery of the oils in a storage container according to a second variant, FIG. 3 represents an organization diagram of a system for emptying the oils of a storage container by a collecting body,

FIG. 4 represents a sectional view of an exemplary storage device according to the invention,

FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c show an example of a container of a storage device and a detail in section of a heating plate according to the invention,

FIGS. 6a and 6b show a diagram of the operation of the connector,

- Figure 7 shows a sectional diagram of the heating complex.

Whereas traditional heaters use thermowells probes integrated inside the storage container (2), the device of the invention relates to the use of at least one heating means (10) positioned outside the container (2). This heating means (10) is applied directly against the surface of a wall of the storage container (2) through which heat is transmitted to the oil stored in the container. The heating means (10) need not be applied against the entire surface of a wall of the storage container (2). Indeed, the positioning of the heating means (10) against only a portion of the wall may be sufficient. The wall of the storage container (2), which is a heat conductor, is then used as a heat-diffusing means for the entire container (2). The use of such a device makes it possible to avoid the presence of a particular heating point in favor of heating distributed over a surface or part of a surface. This distribution of heating energy and allows to have optimal heating regardless of the level of stored oil while avoiding the risk of fire or carbonization. The use of such a device then allows to empty the container regardless of the level of oil stored therein thus avoiding an oil stored too long lose its quality and become unsuitable for recycling. According to a preferred embodiment, so that the diffusion of heat is optimal in the storage container (2), heating means (10) are positioned symmetrically on the container. Likewise, in order that the heating and the liquefaction of the oil are more efficient, the heating means (10) used are positioned against the wall of the storage container (2), at the base of the container, for example on the whole length of one side.

The heating means (10) applied against the wall of the storage device (2) are preferably formed by flexible heating plates (10). These heating plates have in their structure at least one electrical element forming a heating resistor embedded in a flexible material both thermally conductive and electrically insulating which can be silicone or any other polymer having similar properties. This electric heating resistance is powered by at least one power supply means to enable it to provide a power of between 100W and 10000W. According to a preferred embodiment, the heating plates used are self-regulating and fed all or nothing.

In a nonlimiting manner, a reinforcing bar is positioned inside the storage container (2) on the inside of the wall against which a heating plate is applied. This reinforcement bar is, for example, welded to the wall and will allow the wall of the tank to retain its shape despite the temperature changes it undergoes. In addition, the heating plates (10) are pressed by positioning means (12) against the container and exert significant effort against the container (2) may also be the cause of deformation of the heated wall. Depending on the constraints, the reinforcing bar is for example of round, square or rectangular section.

The positioning means (12) of the heating plate (10) against the outer wall of the storage container (2) make it possible on the one hand to maintain at least one heating plate (10) against the container (2) and on the other hand part of pressing a heating plate (10) by associating it with for example, a thermally insulating material (11) disposed between the heating plate (10) and the positioning means (12). These positioning means (12) are, for example, formed by a rigid positioning plate (12a) pivotable about a hinge (12b) fixed to the container and located at one end of the positioning plate (12a). This articulation (12b) forms a fulcrum to allow on the one hand the holding in position of the heating plate (10) and on the other hand its tight and uniform application against the outer wall of the container during the pivoting of the plate positioning device (12a) rigid. This rigid plate (12a) has a shape similar to the surface of the wall of the storage container (2) against which the heating plate (10) is applied.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rigid positioning plate (12a) is held in a position of application of at least one heating plate (10) against the wall of the container by means of a hook (13) for holding the plate (12a) rigid. According to a particular embodiment, the hook (13) for holding the rigid positioning plate (12a) in the application position is placed against the edge of the positioning plate (12a) situated at the opposite end of the articulation (12a). According to another embodiment, the edge of the positioning plate (12a) located at the end opposite the hinge (12a) comprises means for pivoting identically two plate locking hooks integral with this means of pivoting. These locking hooks form planar means parallel to the plane of the container faces located on either side of the face against which the heating plate is positioned. These hooks are thus inserted on a fastening screw to maintain pressed and fixed the heating plate against the face of the container (2). In addition, each hook is traversed by a bore in which is positioned a fastening means integral with the face against which the hook is positioned, so that the hooks remain locked in the hooked position on the storage container (2). According to a preferred embodiment, the rigid positioning plate (12a) and the plate formed by the insulating material (11) have an upper surface or at least equal to the surface of the flexible heating plate (10). The positioning plate (12a) and the plate formed by the insulating material (11) then both follow a same profile, substantially identical to the profile of the wall of the storage container (2) against which the heating plate (10) is applied. ). Thus, the flexible heating plate (10) is pressed optimally against the wall of the storage container (2). In addition, since the face of the heating plate (10) opposite the tank is pressed by a thermally insulating material (11), the heat released by the heating plate (10) is mainly distributed in the direction of the wall of the container. storage (2). The positioning plate (12a) is made so as to leave at least a portion of the heating plate (10) accessible so as to allow the passage of electrical supply wires connecting, for example, the heating plate (10) to a electric power device providing electric heating energy.

The use of insulating material (11) makes it possible, of course, to direct the heat generated by the heating plates (10) to the storage container (2), but also to act as a heat shield by protecting the immediate environment heating means (10) during operation. This protection then allows the positioning of the storage container (2) both in a place isolated from the rest of the restaurant or kitchens, for example buried, as in a place located inside the restaurant, for example at the level of a double partition.

The storage container (2) comprises on the one hand a conduit allowing its filling (2a) by which the used oils intended to be recycled are injected to be recovered and the other by a conduit for the emptying (2b) of recovered oils . The positioning of the filling duct (2a) is positioned on the upper part or on the top of the storage container (2). On the other hand, the emptying duct (2b) must have an orifice which, inside the tank, opens in the lower part of the storage container (2) so as to allow optimal emptying of the stored oil.

When the storage container (2) is buried, the filling duct (2a) which opens into the upper part of the container (2) is located at a lower level with respect to the oils that fill it. When the filling of the storage container (2) involves a pump (4), this difference in level makes it possible on the one hand to reduce a part of the work of the pump (4) and on the other hand to make a saving of surface for the restaurant. In the basement, the storage container (2), wrapped in a heat-insulating envelope, is located in a metal and cement excavation. The emptying of the storage container (2) is then effected by the upper face of the container (2) where opens the drain pipe (2b).

The collecting body that pumps the stored liquids to a mobile collection tank (7) then connects to the end of the drain duct (2b) to suck up the recovered oils in the storage container (2). This connection point may, for example, be disposed remotely with respect to the storage container. A branch point (16) remote empties the container (2) without reaching without the collector body is directly in contact therewith. Such a connection point may be necessary for practical reasons when, for practical reasons, the container (2) is difficult to access for the collecting organism or is buried, or for hygienic, qualitative or even legislative reasons, when the container is located in an isolated way inside a restaurant. The duct (2b) which connects the connection point (16) to the storage container (2) can be buried or placed above ground, for example along the walls of the building or between double partitions or false ceilings.

According to a particular embodiment, the heating means or means (10) applied against one or more walls of the storage container (2) are connected to a control means (6b) of a management device (6) which ensures energizing the heating means (10). The storage container (2) is equipped with a plurality of sensors which communicate through one or more electrical connections with a control means (6a) of a management device (6) connected to the control means (6b). The tank thus comprises, for example, a temperature sensor and / or a sensor of the filling level of the storage container (2) such as for example a bimetallic sensor making it possible to detect the presence of oil at a height defined by the position of the sensor. The measured values are transmitted to the control means (6a) of the management device (6) which by comparison with a stored threshold value determines the activation of the heating device of the storage container (2). Furthermore, one or more sensors, arranged at the storage container (2) and connected to the control device (6), make it possible to measure the filling rate of the storage container (2). These sensors may for example be bimetallic sensors. These measurements are transmitted to the control means of the management device (6) which, after comparison with a stored threshold value, can trigger an alarm signal or block the flow of the liquid coming from a tank (1) in the process of draining by acting at a pump (4) which ensures the filling of the container (2) and secondly at a discharge valve (17) located at the opening of the filling duct (2a ) in the container (2). According to a particular embodiment, the oil is transported by means of a mobile tank (5) for the recovery of the oil also called "filtering tank" or "filtering tank". This tray (5) comprises, for example, one or more superposed oil filters whose mesh is decreasing, and positioned above a container whose capacity is sufficient to receive and contain the oil of one or more tanks (1) frying appliances. The mobile container (5) is, for example, brought under the tank (1) of a frying apparatus to collect the oil it contains, through an opening at the base of the tank, the oil s' then flows by gravity into the tray (5). The mobile tank (5) can then be used to empty several successive tanks (1) of the oil they contain, then this mobile tank (5) is fed to a pump (4) intended to suck the oil previously recovered for transferring it via a feed duct (2a) into the oil storage container (2). Baccalaureat mobile (5), to be drained, may include for example a conduit opening into the bottom or near the bottom of the tray (5) and by which the pump (4) sucks the oil to be recycled.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filling duct (2a) of the storage container (2) is connected to the various tanks (1) for using the restaurant's edible oils via one or more ducts (3) capable of forming a network. The flow of liquids through these pipes (3) is facilitated on the one hand by the presence of an electric pump (4) which ensures the junction between the filling duct and on the other by the integration of less a heating complex positioned in the network of pipes for the transfer of liquids. In fact, the tanks of the fryers (1) are emptied while the used oil is still at high temperature. In use, the edible oil is heated to about 180 ° C, and although the oils are generally allowed to cool before the vats (1) fried are drained, it is often the case that these oils are still very hot . This is why the pipes and the heating complexes (3) used must have a high resistance to high temperatures, greater than 180 ^° C. Moreover, these pipes and these heating complexes (3) must also have good resistance to various chemical compositions of the liquids they are likely to dispose of, whether used food liquids or detergent type liquids in the case of misuse of the system.

To do this, the pipes and the heating complexes (3) are made around a skeleton (3b) corrugated stainless steel which gives the conduit a certain flexibility and thus facilitates its assembly around the different branches of machines that can be encountered in a kitchen and hard to reach spaces (false ceiling, etc ....). This skeleton (3b) of steel-stainless steel pipe is covered on its inner face with a polymer (3a) thermally and chemically resistant. According to a preferred embodiment, the polymer used is PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). To ensure resistance against aggression external to the pipe and the heating complexes (3), the skeleton (3b) of the conduit is covered on its outer face with a braided steel sheath (3c). Finally, to avoid risks of burns by conduction with the liquids flowing in the pipes and the heating complexes (3), a heat-insulating shell (3e), generally made of insulating foam, is used to surround the entire duct. manifold.

The solidification temperature of used edible oils is variable according to its composition, the amount of food residue found there, etc. This solidification temperature is generally close to or greater than the temperature or temperature of the collecting ducts. It can therefore happen, if the emptying of the tank (1) of use is carried out while the temperature of the oil is close to its solidification temperature, that the oil in flow in the pipe solidifies and the mouth. To avoid this drawback, the manifold duct network integrates one or more heating complexes which consist of a pipe with which is associated a heating means (3d). This heating means (3d), made from a heating cable (3d) whose temperature is self-regulating, is connected to a control means (6b), itself integrated in a management device (6). The heating cable is thus positioned along the collection duct, on one or more portions of the collection network, between the steel braided sheath and the foam protective shell. This heating cable runs along the conduit against only one side of the conduit, but the braided sheath (3c) made of steel ensures the conduction and diffusion of the heating over the entire periphery of the conduit. This heating cable formed by a ribbon, when it is activated by the control means (6b), makes it possible to obtain a heating complex (3) whose temperature is self-regulating above the solidification temperature of the flowing liquids. Such a device eliminates temperature regulation involving one or more heat sensors along the pipe. Nevertheless, at least one sensor may be used to monitor the activity of the heating complex (3), this sensor being connected to the control means (6a). On the whole of network collection ducts, several heating complexes (3) can be positioned, they can either be each independently connected to the control means (6b) which ensures respective activation, or be interconnected, one being then in relationship with the control means (6b) so that the activation is common for all the heating complexes (3) present on the collection network.

According to a preferred embodiment, a similar heating complex is formed on the one hand at the filling duct (2a) of the storage container (2) and on the other hand at the drain duct (2b), thus avoiding their respective obstruction by solidified oil residues.

The tanks (1) for using the liquids are emptied by suction of the used liquids by means of a pump (4) positioned on the collection network formed by the various pipes (3) which ensures their transfer to the duct. supply (2a) of the storage container (2). The activation of this pump (4) is managed by the control means (6b) of the management device (6).

According to a particular embodiment, the electric pump (4) has two bypass valves (14) positioned close upstream and downstream of the electric pump. These valves (14) are activated manually and enable the filling oil to be diverted to a duct incorporating a manually activated pump (4b2) arranged in parallel with the electric pump (4).

According to another embodiment, the manually activated pump (4b1) forms a supply means for the independent storage container connected directly to the upper part of a wall of the storage container.

During the emptying of the use tanks (1) of the liquids, the liquids are filtered through at least one filter tank (5) which has one or more screens with more or less large meshes. According to a preferred embodiment, the filter tank (5) is mounted on a wheel so as to be able to be moved by the user and has dimensions allowing to be positioned under the outlet of the used liquid from a tank (1) for use to be drained. The filtering is then carried out by suction and / or gravitation of the used liquids through successive sieves arranged vertically and kept apart between them by intercalating means. The different residues, food or otherwise, which can remain after several cooking cycles are eliminated. According to a preferred embodiment, three superimposed sieves are used, the meshes of which are successively 5 mm, 2 mm and then 1 mm and make it possible respectively to retain the large food residues, the breadcrumbs and then the starch suspended in the liquids. This aims to recover only used liquids for the sake of recovery and to limit the risk of clogging of the collecting ducts (3). Once the filter box (5) used, it is easily removable by the user to allow its maintenance and cleaning. In addition, the filter tank (5) is provided with a lid which on the one hand has an orifice to allow the liquid-handling tank (1) to be emptied into the tank (5) by limiting the splashing and secondly prevent an accidental release of contaminants when the tray (5) is not used.

According to one embodiment, when the filter tank (5) has recovered the oil from one or more tanks, a draining of the filter tank (5) can be achieved by moving it near the hand pump (4b). ).

The bottom of the tanks (1) of frying generally has an opening through which the draining takes place. This opening communicates with the outside of the tank (1) at a valve which must be actuated so that the emptying can take place. According to an alternative embodiment, the tank may have an evacuation duct that runs along the edge of the tank (1) and a first end of which is open at a boss located near the bottom of the tank (1), the second end of the duct leading to the outside of the tank (1). The distance separating the first end of the pipe from the bottom of the tank (1) must allow suction of almost all the oil present in the tank (1). In this variant of realization, one or more different sieves or filters are positioned in the bottom of the tank above the first end of the exhaust duct so that the liquid sucked does not recover food residues.

The collecting duct (3) can form a more or less large network integrating a pump (4) and one end of which is connected to the filling duct (2a) of the storage container (2), the other ends being connected either to the emptying opening of the tanks (1) for the use of liquids, or at the outlet of the filtration tanks (5) when the tanks (1) pour into a respective (or common) filtration tank (5) during emptying. The collector pipe (3) is fixed to the outlet of the filtration tank (5) by means of a connector (9) that is angled, sealed and orientable. This connector (9) has a first end secured to the collector duct (3) at one end of the network, the second end has an axis located at an angle substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first end. This second end is circular and has an internal diameter identical to or substantially less than the internal diameter of the outlet of the tray (5) of filtration to which it connects. Furthermore, the inner face of the outlet of the filtration tank (5) has a tapping intended to interact with a thread located on the outer face of the second end of the connector (9). In addition, to improve the sealing of the fastener, one or more O-rings are positioned in respective annular grooves which surround the outer face of the second end of the connector. Annular grooves, located on the inner face of the outlet of the filter tank (5) are intended to receive a respective O-ring once the connector (9) placed on the liquid outlet of the tray (5) filtration. The connector (9) once fixed allows to orient the flow of used liquid in a plane perpendicular to the output axis during the emptying and thus to overcome the spatial constraints due to the positioning of the tray (5) filtration under the tank (1) to empty in small spaces. In addition, the use of a fastening by a thread / tapping system participates with the presence of O-rings to seal the connection while allowing orientation of the connector. An attachment of the connector (9) can be similarly performed directly on a tank outlet (1).

According to an alternative embodiment, the tubular portion forming the outlet of the bent filtration tank (5) is formed of two successive solid elbows. This tubular portion which makes the outlet of the filtration tank (5) shows a first end open towards the outside and at which the connector is positioned and a second end open to the filtration tank (5) to which it is secured. . The double bending is carried out so that the respective axes of the first and second ends of the outlet of the tray (5) are arranged parallel, substantially vertically, and oriented on the same side, upwards, so that the second end is fixed to the underside of the filter tank (5). The outlet of the filtration tank (5) then has a tube with a shape similar to that of a "U". In some kitchens, the means for emptying the tank (1) of use or the tank (5) filtering are positioned under the tank (1), and access to these different elements requires the opening of a door located at a distance from the ground and which closes the space under the tank (1). The tubular portion forming the outlet of the filtration tank (5) is then made so that the upper edge of the first end of the outlet of the filtration tank (5) is positioned substantially below a horizontal plane which passes through the lower edge of the door and thus leaves the space under the tank (1) beyond the door by the space between the door and the floor. When the door is opened to manipulate the elements located under the tank, the connection of the connector (9) on the first end of the outlet of the filter tank (5) prevents the door from being closed. Thus, the door remains open during the handling of the tanks (1) and allows the person handling the device during the emptying to avoid forgetting to leave the manifold (3) connected to the outlet of the tank (5). ) or the tank outlet (1), thus avoiding a vacuum operation of the pumping system. According to a variant of this system, the portion of the bent tube forming the outlet of the filtration tank (5) or of the tank (1) located between the second end attached to the tank (5) or the tank (1) and the elbow the outlet which is closest to the second end forms a junction forming a rotating connection. This rotating connection allows the rotation of the outlet of the tank (5) along the axis of the second end of the outlet of the tank (5), and thus not to exceed this tank outlet (1) or tank (5). ) filtration out of the space under the tank when the manipulator does not drain.

Similarly, to compensate for the difficulties of handling the conduit (3) manifold due to the relative rigidity of the conduit, the connector (9) bent is associated with the end of the duct (3) collector with a rotating connection.

A feature of the connector (9) is that it is associated with a closure means of the collector duct (3). In the absence of attachment of the connector (9) on the outlet of the filtering container (5), the sealing means hermetically blocks the end of the collecting duct (3), likewise a closure means blocks the flow in the output of the filter box (5). This closure disappears only once the connector (9) attached to the outlet of the tray (5). Such a device allows, when the pump (4) is in operation for the emptying of another tank and the collector duct (3) is disconnected from the tank (5) of filtering, to prevent a call of air that would come into altering the pumping capacity. An example of shutter means that can be used is the push-pull system. This system adapted with the outlet of the tray (5) of filtration, involves a ball (9d) having a diameter greater than the diameter of the orifice (9c) of the connector (9). This ball (9d) is housed in a cavity (9a) which extends on one side (9b) to the collector pipe (3) and which on the other side has the orifice (9c) of the connector (9). In this cavity (9a), the ball (9d) is mounted on a spring (9e) which pushes the ball (9d) against the orifice (9c) of the connector (9) and thus obstructs the orifice (9c) of the connector (9). Between the orifice (5c) of the first end of the outlet of the tank (5) and the bend of the outlet of the tank (5) closest to this end, is disposed a cavity (5a). This cavity (5a) extends on one side (5b) towards the bend of the outlet of the tray (5) and on the other side presents a opening (5c) towards the first end of the outlet of the tray (5). In this cavity (5a) is housed a closure valve (5d) mounted on a spring (5e) and which is pushed against the opening (5c) towards the first end of the outlet of the tray (5) and thus obstructs this exit. The shut-off valve (5d) has a nipple (5f) on its outer face which leaves the cavity (5a) to overflow at the first end of the outlet of the tray (5) in the insertion zone of the orifice (9c) of the connector (9). The connection of the second end of the connector to the outlet of the filtering tank thus makes the nipple (5f) of the shut-off valve (5d) come into contact with the sealing ball (9d). This contact pushes the valve (5d) and the ball (9d), causing the ball (9d) and the valve (5d) to move away from their respective obstructed apertures (5c and 9c), thus allowing the passage of the recovered liquid. . In the case where a filter device is present in the tank (1) of use, the connector (9) bent, sealed and orientable is positionable at the outlet of the tank (1).

According to another method of recovering the oils contained in the tanks (1) for using the oil, the oil is sucked by means of a pump rod (19). This pump rod (19), manipulated by a user, has on the one hand a rigid tubular structure intended to be introduced into the tanks (1) to be drained, and on the other hand a flexible tubular structure connected at its end to a conduit connected to the pump (4) associated with the filling duct (2a) of the container (2) for storage, thus allowing the extraction of used oils. A handle provided with a protective device makes it possible to limit the risk of burns when the rod (19) is manipulated by the user. In addition, to limit an aspiration of food residues, the cane (19) is provided with a filter screen at its end. Preferably, downstream of the filtering screen, the pump rod (19) includes a non-return valve. This non-return valve, housed in a chamber of the structure of the rod (19) traversed by the flow of oil sucked by the rod (19) comprises a movable means mounted on a spring. Since the moving means is wider than the oil inlet orifice in the chamber, the spring thus pushes the moving means against the flow of oil in suction to obstruct the arrival of oil. The arrival of oil in the chamber is thus obstructed when the suction is below a critical flow, and released when it is greater than the same critical flow.

According to an alternative embodiment, each of the tanks (1) has, in the vicinity, a conduit (3) clean connected to the entire collector network. During the emptying of a tank (1), the manipulator connects the end of the tubular flexible structure of the rod to the conduit (3) clean of the tank (1) which is drained. Thus, one and the same rod can be used for the emptying of several tanks. The connection of the flexible tubular structure on the duct (3) for draining the collecting network located near the tank (1) is carried out in a manner similar to the connection of the collector duct (3) to the connector (9) explained above. .

During the installation of the network of collector ducts (3), and particularly if certain equipment of the system is difficult to access or buried, it is necessary to set up one or more draw chambers at the strategic points of the network so as to maintain accessibility to all elements of the network to enable their regular maintenance.

The management device (6) automatically synchronizes the activities of different elements of the system that have connected to it. The management device (6) actuates, by means of a control means (6b) connected to a strong current network, powering up of the pump (4), of the heating complex which surrounds the various collector ducts (3) of the network. of pipelines and the storage container (2). Furthermore, the control device (6), via a control means (6a) connected to a weak current network connected to the various sensors of the storage container (2), monitors the operation of the system on which it can intervene by blocking its operation.

The management device (6) comprises one or more communication means on the one hand with elements of the recovery system and on the other hand with management interfaces (8) for the user, these interfaces (8) being able to be formed by a fixed interface (8a) to the management device (6) or remotely and remotely (8b). These interfaces (8) with the user can for example take the form of a touch screen. According to a particular embodiment, the management device (6) is connected to a remote management element (18) allowing for example telephone or internet communications via a communication network which can be for example of the GSM or Internet type. These communications can be made for example with the agency responsible for emptying the storage container (2), so that the achievement of a certain level of filling causes the sending of a signal to the body responsible for the emptying. Conversely, a signal from the body responsible for emptying can allow the actuation of the heating means in preparation for the passage of this organism. To do this, the management device (6) also comprises a signal production program. These signals can be preprogrammed, either written in the form of simple messages of the SMS type, or written in the form of more complex e-mail messages.

Furthermore, the management device (6) is also connected to an alarm device to prevent the user or a speaker in case of a problem or accident.

The management device (6) further comprises one or more storage means for storing one or more preprogrammed threshold values, as well as at least one program for managing the operation of the system. Access to the different storage means is allowed from at least one of the user interfaces to allow on the one hand the modification of the stored threshold values and on the other hand the modification of the programs.

The control device also comprises a timer so that the activation of the control device (6) activates the automation of the system and makes it possible to manage the activation and the operation of the various elements of the system only when their activity is necessary during time slots for emptying the tanks (1) of use. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration but may be modified in the field defined by the scope of the appended claims;

Claims

A storage device for food oil for recovery comprising a storage container (2) of determined volume receiving oil through a filling line (2a), the stored oil being discharged from the container (2). ) by a discharge duct (2b), the container (2) being heated by means of heating (10) the stored oil before it is discharged, the evacuation duct (2b) communicating with a connection device ( 16) for discharging the oil contained in the container, the filling conduit (2a) communicating with an oil filling device, characterized in that the heating means (10) are formed by at least one a heating plate, positioned outside the container (2) and applied against at least a portion of at least one wall of the container (2), the wall of the container (2) being made of a material allowing the transmission of heat from the heating means (10) to the stored oil, and the assembly formed by the storage container (2) and the heating means (10) being covered by heat-insulating means (11) limiting the thermal losses during the actuation of the heating means (10) .

Storage device for food oil for recovery according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating means (10) applied against at least one wall of the container (2) comprises at least one heating plate (10). ) flexible and held against the wall of the container by at least one rigid element (12a) whose profile follows the surface of the container (2) vis-à-vis the rigid element (12a).

Storage device for food oil for recovery according to claim 2, characterized in that the rigid element (12a) presses the heating plate (10) against the wall of the storage container (2), the heating plate (10) being covered with a material heat insulator (11) positioned between the rigid element (12a) and the heating plate (10).

Storage device for food oil for recovery according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the rigid element (12a) pivots about a hinge (12b) fixed to the container (2), rigid element (12a) being held to position the heating plate (10) by at least one fastener (13) fixed to the container (2).

5. Storage device for food oil for recovery according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the flexible heating plate (10) comprises at least one electric heating element electrically powered by at least one means of power supply, the electric heating element being embedded in an electrically insulating and thermally conductive flexible material.

6. Storage device for food oil for recovery according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the storage container (2) comprises at least one wall heated by at least one heating plate (1 1) flexible applied against this wall of the container, the rigid element (12a) being flat and connected by a rounded flange to the joint (12b) disposed almost at the height of the bottom of the container (2).

7. Storage device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the heating means (10) are connected to the control means of a management device (6) ensuring the actuation of the heating means (10). the management device (6) allowing a user via an interface (8) to manage at least the operation of the storage container (2).

8. Storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that the container (2) comprises at least one sensor for measuring the temperature of stored food oils, this sensor being connected to the management device (6).

9. Storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that the container (2) comprises at least one sensor for measuring the filling level of the storage container of recovered food oils, this sensor being connected to the management device (6). ).

10. Storage device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the storage container (2) comprises at least one discharge duct (2b) opening on a remote pump port relative to the storage container.

11. Storage device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the storage container (2) is connected at a filling pipe (2a) to a used oil recovery system from one or more tanks (1) of use of these connected food oils involving at least one duct (3) of a collection network formed by one or more ducts and at least one electric pump (4) allowing the transfer of used cooking oil to from minus one use tank to the storage container.

12. Storage device according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one duct of the collection network comprises a heating complex, the heating complex comprising a skeleton (3b) corrugated stainless steel whose inner face is covered with a component polymer (3a) chemically stable and heat-resistant, the annular skeleton (3b) being covered with a braided sheath (3c) of steel to which is attached, on at least a portion of the length of the braided sheath (3c) at least one heating cable (3d) self-regulated and powered by a control means (6b) of a management device (6), the assembly formed by the polymer component, the ringed skeleton, the braided sheath and the heating cable being covered with a shell (3rd) heat-insulating protection.

13. Storage device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the electric pump (4) is controlled by a control means (6b) of a management device (6), a first and respectively a second manually operated bypass valve (14) being arranged upstream and downstream of the electric pump (4) for diverting the filling oil by a manually activated pump (4b2) arranged in parallel with the electric pump ( 4).

14. Storage device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the device comprises a manually activated pump (4b1) attached to the storage container (2) and on which at least one duct is connectable.

15. Storage device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a discharge valve (17) for closing or opening the filling duct (2a) associated with at least one level sensor. the oil disposed in the container (2) at a determined height, a submerged state of the sensor corresponding to a maximum filling level of the tank, the sensor being connected to a control means (6a) of the management device (6) the state of the sensor for triggering the closing of the discharge valve (17) by a control means (6b) of the management device (6) of the discharge valve (14).

16. Storage device according to claim 11 to 15, characterized in that the used oil recovery system from one or more tanks (1) for use of these food oils comprises a pump rod (19) which has firstly a rigid tubular structure intended to be introduced into the tanks (1) to be drained and secondly a flexible tubular structure connected to a conduit connected, via a conduit (3) of the collector network, to an associated pump (4) filling the storage container (2), the end of the rigid tubular structure of the pumping rod (19) comprising a suction filter filter and a non-return valve.

Storage device according to claim 16, characterized in that the pump rod (19) is connected to a duct (3) of the collecting network by means of a waterproof and orientable connector (9), which has a first end intended to be connected reversibly to a duct (3) of the collecting network and a second end fixed to the outlet of the flexible tubular structure of the pump rod (19), the first end of the connector (9) being circular and having an outer diameter that is the same or substantially smaller than the inside diameter of the duct opening (3) of the manifold to which the connector connects, the inner face of the manifold duct opening (3) having a tapping for interact with a thread located on the outer face of the first end of the connector (9) as well as annular grooves located on the inner face of the orifice of the duct (3) of the collection network intended to receive one or more O-rings positioned in respective annular grooves surrounding the outer face of the first end of the connector (9).

18. Storage device according to claim 11 to 15, characterized in that the tanks (1) for the use of liquids are discharged into a tank (5) gravitation filter comprising one or more successive filters or screens, separated from each other by intercalating elements, which have meshes increasingly reduced to limit the presence of residues (food or otherwise) in used fluids recovered, the tray (5) having filter dimensions facilitating its movement and positioning under the or tanks (1) for using liquids.

19. Storage device according to claim 18, characterized in that the connection of the collector duct to the outlet of the tank (1) for using liquids or a tank (5) for filtering, is performed by means of a connector (9) bent, sealed and orientable, which has a first end connected to the collector duct and a second end reversibly connected to the outlet of the tank (1) of use or the tray (5) filtration, the second end of the connector (9) being circular and having an external diameter that is identical to or substantially smaller than the internal diameter of the outlet of the use tank (1) or of the filtering tank (5), the inside face of the outlet of the tank (1) of use or of the filter tank (5) presenting a tapping for interacting with a thread located on the outer face of the second end of the connector (9) and one or more O-rings positioned in respective annular grooves which surround the inner face of the vessel outlet (1) and intended for to be positioned in annular grooves located on the outer face of the second end of the connector (9).

20. Storage device according to claim 19, characterized in that access to the emptying means of the tank (1) of use or the filtering tank positioned under the tank (1) requiring the opening of the less a door located at a distance from the ground and which closes the space under the tank (1), the tank outlet (1) or the tank (5) of filtration forms a tubular structure with two successive solid elbows so that the respective axes of a first end of the tank outlet (1) or the tray (5) of filtration, which is positioned on the connector and a second end fixed to the underside of the tank (1) of use or tank (5) of filtering, are arranged parallel, substantially vertically, and oriented on the same side, the upper edge of the first end then being positioned substantially below a horizontal plane passing through the lower edge of the door of so that the connection of the connector (9 ) a collecting duct (3) on the first end of the tank outlet (1) or the filter tank (5) prevents the closure of at least one door which closes the space under the tank (1).

21. Storage device according to one of claims 7 to 20, characterized in that the management device (6) comprises at least one message writing program, and is connected to a remote management device (18) for communication via a remote control device. communication network of GSM and / or internet type.