阅读说明：本技术 利用固态rf能量技术的设备及相关的工业应用 (Apparatus utilizing solid state RF energy technology and related industrial applications ) 是由 约斯特·凡尔珀 于 2018-05-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种处理设备,在该处理设备中优选地对物质进行加热、烹饪、干燥、消毒和/或巴氏消毒、灭菌。本发明还涉及一种利用射频波处理物质的方法。(The invention relates to a treatment apparatus in which substances are preferably heated, cooked, dried, sterilized and/or pasteurized, sterilized. The invention also relates to a method for treating a substance with radio frequency waves.)

1. A treatment plant in which substances are heated, dried, sterilised, pasteurised and/or sterilised, characterised in that the treatment plant comprises one solid state radio frequency source (2), preferably a plurality of solid state radio frequency sources (2).

2. The processing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the solid state radio frequency sources (2) are arranged in an array of n columns and m rows, where n is an integer greater than 1 and m is an integer above 1.

3. The processing apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solid state radio frequency sources (2) are arranged equidistantly around the circumference of the product chamber (14).

4. Treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, having an inlet and an outlet, which are separate from each other.

5. Treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (22) for conveying the substance past the solid-state radio-frequency source (2).

6. A processing device (1) according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the substance is provided in batches, placed in the vicinity of the solid state radio frequency sources (2), preferably in the vicinity of the array of solid state radio frequency sources (2).

7. Processing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control system controlling the solid-state radio frequency source (2).

8. Processing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing device comprises a sensor measuring at least one property of an edible material and/or one property of radiation reflected from the edible material, wherein the control system utilizes the signal of the sensor.

9. Treatment apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is part of a food production line.

10. Treatment apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged downstream of a hopper (3).

11. Treatment apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with a former and/or a batter machine.

12. Treatment plant (1), characterized in that the treatment plant (1) is at least partially isolated by one or more valves (19).

13. A method for treating a substance with radio frequency waves, characterized in that the radio frequency waves are provided by one or more solid state radio frequency sources (2).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the substance is transported from an inlet (21) to an outlet (20), the inlet (21) and the outlet (20) being separate from each other.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the substance is delivered continuously and/or intermittently.

16. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that one or more sensors (17), preferably an antenna (17) of the solid-state RF energy source (2), are provided to measure one or more properties of the substance and/or radiation reflected by the substance.

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the signal of the sensor is used to control the solid-state radio frequency source (2).

18. Method according to one of the claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the substance is heated, dried, disinfected and/or pasteurized, sterilized and/or killed.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the substance comprises at least a portion of an insect or a mixture of insects.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a treatment apparatus in which substances are preferably heated, cooked, dried, disinfected and/or pasteurized, sterilized. The invention further relates to a method for treating a substance with radio frequency waves.

Background

In domestic as well as industrial applications, products are often treated using a method in which microwave radiation penetrates the product. For example, a conventional microwave oven includes a magnetron that generates microwave energy. However, in industrial applications where microwaves are generated by a magnetron, long operation times can result in the generation of unwanted heat and/or the process cannot be fully controlled. Furthermore, undesirable hot spots may occur.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a processing apparatus and method which do not comprise the drawbacks of the prior art.

This problem is solved by a treatment device in which preferably a substance is heated, cooked, dried, sterilised, pasteurised and/or sterilised, characterized in that the treatment device comprises at least one solid state radio frequency source, preferably a plurality of solid state radio frequency sources.

The subject matter disclosed with respect to the present invention is also applicable to other inventions and vice versa. The subject matter disclosed with respect to the present invention can also be combined with the subject matter of other inventions of the present application.

The present invention relates to a processing device with solid state Radio Frequency (RF) transistors in an RF power amplifier. A radio frequency power amplifier is an electronic amplifier that converts a low power radio frequency signal to a high power signal. Typically, an RF power amplifier drives the antenna of the transmitter. The antenna may be coupled to and/or located in a waveguide, wherein the antenna may radiate microwaves into the waveguide, which is preferably designed from a reflective material, and may guide the microwaves to a desired location, for example into a product chamber in which the product to be treated is located. Advantages of solid state RF energy technology compared to magnetrons are low voltage drive, semiconductor reliability and lower power consumption due to advanced control systems. The apparatus of the present invention may be used, for example, to heat, cook, dry sterilize, pasteurize, and/or sterilize a substance. The substance is preferably an edible product for human and/or animal consumption, in particular a protein-containing food or feed product, in particular meat. The meat may be boned meat, lean meat and/or minced meat. The product may also be fish and/or dough.

The substance may also comprise at least a portion of an insect or a mixture of insects. Preferably, these insects are live supplied to the apparatus or production line of the present invention and are killed by microwave radiation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus of the invention may comprise not only one solid-state radio frequency source, but also a plurality of solid-state radio frequency sources. This may be achieved by using one or more antennas and/or one or more waveguides. Preferably, each radio frequency source may be individually powered and preferably each radio frequency source may be individually controlled, more preferably may be individually closed loop controlled. The wavelength, amplitude and/or direction of the radiation may be controlled.

The solid state radio frequency sources are preferably arranged in an array of n columns and m rows, where n is an integer greater than 1 and m is an integer greater than 1. Preferably, the solid state radio frequencies are arranged equidistantly in a row and/or the columns are also arranged equidistantly. In the case of multiple sources, they may be arranged randomly.

Preferably, the solid state rf sources are arranged equidistantly around the circumference of the product chamber. The edible product to be treated will be placed in the chamber or the edible product to be treated will be delivered through the product chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment, the treatment device comprises an inlet and an outlet, which are separate from each other. The edible substance preferably enters the apparatus through an inlet, preferably enters the product chamber through an inlet, passes through the apparatus/product chamber and then exits the apparatus/product chamber through an outlet distinct from the inlet.

Preferably, the treatment apparatus of the present invention comprises means for transporting the substance through the solid state radio frequency source. These means may be a tubular body and a pump for pumping a substance through the tubular body. The tubular body is in this example a product chamber. Preferably, the tubular body is at least partly made of a material that is at least partly permeable to RF radiation, preferably a material that is transparent to RF radiation. For example, the tubular body may be made of a plastic material, preferably a food grade plastic material. Preferably, the pump pumps the substance through the RF source in a continuous or semi-continuous flow. Preferably, the speed of the pumped product is adjustable so that the residence time in the product chamber can be varied. The device may also be a conveyor, such as a conveyor belt, preferably an endless belt or an endless chain, wherein the chain is preferably not made of a metallic material. The conveyor is preferably at least partially transparent to RF radiation. The conveyor preferably conveys the edible product as a separate portion past the solid state radio frequency source. Preferably, the product is conveyed by the conveyor continuously or intermittently. The speed of the conveyor is preferably adjustable so that the residence time in the product chamber can be varied.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the substance is provided in batches, which are placed in the vicinity of the solid state radio frequency source, preferably in the vicinity of the array of solid state radio frequency sources. The batch may be, for example, a tub, tank, etc. containing the substance. After the edible material is placed in proximity to the solid state radio frequency source, the solid state radio frequency source may be moved, for example, toward the edible material. At least a portion of the solid state rf source may be secured to a frame of the apparatus of the present invention, which may be reciprocated between a remote position and an operating position. At the remote location, the substance may be placed in batches in or near the equipment, and the solid state radio frequency source is then moved to its operating location.

Preferably, the processing apparatus comprises a control system for controlling the solid state radio frequency source. The control system preferably comprises one or more sensors, preferably sensor signals for controlling one or more solid state radio frequency sources individually and/or in relation to each other. For example, in applications where the material is pumped through a tubular body, gradual heating of the material may be achieved by controlling the electromagnetic field with a precise control of power level, frequency and/or phase versus time to achieve a uniform energy distribution, for example in the product cavity or product. The RF energy load may be adjusted according to the progress of the treatment process. For example, during cooking, the RF energy load may vary. Such a change in load may be detected, for example, by measuring reflected energy via the antenna. The control system compares the energy transmitted by the antenna with the reflected energy and will thereby adjust the energy to be transmitted by the antenna. The amplitude, frequency, and/or phase may be controlled individually and/or in groups at each solid state RF energy source. The antenna may act as a sensor, for example for detecting radiation reflected from the substance to be treated.

The sensor may sense one or more properties of the substance, such as the temperature of the substance and/or the energy absorbed by the substance and/or the degree of freezing. A sensor may measure the type of radiation, e.g. wavelength, reflected by the substance. When delivering a substance during treatment of the substance with RF radiation, there may be a plurality of sensors in the delivery path. The local readings of the sensors may be used to control the respective local solid-state radio sources and/or the solid-state radio sources upstream and/or downstream of each sensor.

The processing plant of the invention is preferably part of a food production line comprising one or more processing stations, such as a cutting or grinding station, a shaping station, a batter station and/or a pickling station. These stations may be combined with a conveyor. Preferably, the substance enters the line at the entrance of the line and then passes through all the stations of the respective line in sequence until finally leaving the line.

Therefore, another preferred or inventive embodiment of the present invention is a production line, in particular a food production line, comprising the apparatus of the present invention.

Preferably, the apparatus of the invention is provided downstream of a hopper in which, for example, a batch of edible material may be stored.

According to another preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the invention is arranged with the former and/or the batter machine, preferably in a line.

Preferably, the treatment device of the invention, in particular the radiation, can be at least partially isolated from the surrounding environment by one or more valves. The edible substance enters the apparatus, for example, by a conveyor. The conveyor is then stopped and preferably gate-like valves are closed at the entrance and exit of the conveyor so that no or little radiation can pass from the apparatus into the surrounding environment. After the RF treatment, the valve/shutter is opened again, the treated product can leave the apparatus and untreated product preferably enters the apparatus at the same time.

The problem is also solved by a method for treating a substance with radio frequency waves, wherein the radio frequency waves are provided by one or more solid state radio frequency sources.

The subject matter disclosed with respect to the present invention is also applicable to other inventions and vice versa. The subject matter disclosed with respect to the present invention can also be combined with the subject matter of other inventions of the present application.

The material to be treated may be an edible material such as meat, fish or dough. The substance may also be, for example, insects killed by RF radiation.

Preferably, the substance is delivered from an inlet of the treatment apparatus to an outlet of the same apparatus separate from the inlet.

The substance may be delivered continuously and/or intermittently. They may be delivered in strings or in individual portions.

Preferably, one or more sensors are provided which measure one or more properties of the edible product and/or radiation reflected from the product. During the treatment of the product with RF radiation, the product properties are measured at least twice. Variations in the properties are determined and can be taken into account when controlling the solid state radio frequency source.

Preferably, the substance is heated, cooked, dried, sterilized and/or pasteurized, sterilized.

Transistor technology generates strong RF fields. Preferably, a plurality of RF sources are applied, which may be controlled individually and preferably in relation to each other. For example, in applications where the material is pumped through a conduit, gradual heating of the material may be achieved by controlling the electromagnetic field with precision such as to achieve a uniform energy distribution, controlling the power level, frequency and/or phase versus time. Generally, when the load at a point in a product, material, product quantity or material flow changes, the controller may control specific parameters at that point to correct the adverse effects of the load change. For example, during cooking, the load will constantly change, which will be detected by measuring the reflected energy via the antenna. The control system compares the energy transmitted by the antenna with the reflected energy, thereby adjusting the energy to be transmitted by the antenna. For example, if there is no load in the product chamber, no energy is absorbed, the antenna receives the reflected energy, and the control unit will stop transmitting new energy into the product chamber. With solid state RF energy sources, the amplitude, frequency and phase of each energy source, as well as all antennas, can be controlled. Based on the rapid response to the heat demand of certain parts of the product to be heated, such advanced energy management systems prevent damage to internal components and prevent uncontrolled product processing from causing uneven energy distribution. Another advantage of solid state RF energy sources is to increase the throughput of the product to be processed, since efficient use of energy results in less energy loss.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description applies equally to all embodiments of the invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1a-d show a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2a and 2b show a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3a and 3b show a third embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4a and 4b show a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figures 5a to 5d show a production line with a hopper and the apparatus of the invention.

Fig. 6a to 6d show an apparatus of the invention having one or more valves.

Fig. 7a to 7c show the apparatus of the invention in combination with a conveyor.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1a depicts a first embodiment of a solid state RF excited microwave device comprising one solid state RF source 2, but preferably comprises a plurality of solid state RF sources 2, each solid state RF source 2 comprising, among other parts, a waveguide 16 and/or an antenna 17. In this example, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality of solid state RF sources 2, the plurality of solid state RF sources 2 being disposed around the product chamber 14 and preferably equidistantly. The number of sources 2 in the circumferential direction may depend on the efficiency of the microwave for homogeneously heating the substance 11, for example by measuring the temperature rise per unit time. In this embodiment, the chamber 15 in which the solid state RF source 2 is located and the product chamber 14 in which the product to be treated/heated is placed are the same chamber and are defined by the housing 8. The housing may resemble a faraday cage to prevent electromagnetic waves from emanating from the housing. At least the inner wall 9, but preferably the entire housing 8, may be made of steel, e.g. stainless steel. A conveyor 10, such as a conveyor belt, is positioned within the housing 8 and conveys a product 11, such as a shaped food product, through the housing 8. However, it is also possible to place batches of product into the product chamber, treat the product with RF radiation, and remove the product after the treatment is complete. The placement of the product in batches may be performed by electromechanical means. Fig. 1b depicts a square design of the housing 8. Fig. 1c is the embodiment of fig. 1a and fig. 1d is the embodiment of fig. 1b, and both are preferably provided with a microwave transparent insert 12 to prevent particles of the product 11 from coming into contact with the solid state RF energy source. In this embodiment, the shielding is designed to be circular and co-radial with the inner wall 9 of the housing 8. The design of the shielding is not limited to this design, for example a flat shielding is also possible, but not preferred for hygienic reasons. In addition to this, the description with respect to fig. 1a also applies to fig. 1 b.

Fig. 2a and 2b depict a second embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, wherein a tubular microwave body 12 is provided in this embodiment, in contrast to the embodiment according to fig. 1a and 1 b. The explanations given in connection with the embodiment according to fig. 1a and 1b also apply to this embodiment. The tubular microwave body 12 separates the product chamber 14 from the chamber 15, the solid state RF source 2 being located in the chamber 15. Preferably, the tubular body material is transparent to microwaves provided by the solid state RF source 2, and more preferably, the tubular body material does not absorb microwave energy and therefore will not be heated by microwave energy, if any, only by the product being heated. In order to efficiently convert microwave energy to the elevated temperature of the edible product to be heated, the material of tubular body 12 is not metal, and certain plastic materials are suitable. The product 11 is located in a product chamber 14 and is to be treated, preferably heated by one solid state source 2, preferably a plurality of solid state sources 2, located in a chamber 15. This embodiment is preferred, for example, in situations where the cleaning agent used to clean the product chamber 14 may not come into contact with the solid source 2. The tubular body 12 may also be used to direct the product past the solid state RF source 2. In this case, the product is at least partially in contact with the inner circumference of the tubular body. Fig. 3a and 3b depict embodiments of a solid state RF excited microwave device. One solid RF source 2, but preferably a plurality of solid RF sources 2, is positioned around the microwave tubular body 12, with the edible mass 4, such as minced meat, passing through the microwave tubular body 12.

Fig. 4a and 4b (with microwave transparent insert 12) describe the embodiment in connection with fig. 1a, but are also applicable to the embodiments according to fig. 1b to 3b, wherein a cooling chamber 18 is provided, which cooling chamber 18 is connected to a cooling circuit, for example a water-cooled or air-cooled circuit, preferably an air-cooled circuit. As shown in one of fig. 1a to 3b, a cooling chamber 18 surrounds the apparatus. When a solid state RF energy source is applied, microwave energy is delivered to a specific location of the product to be treated only when needed. Despite this effective energy management, additional cooling of the waveguide and connected antenna may be desirable in high energy output situations, such as high energy output over a long period of time. In another embodiment not depicted, the solid state RF energy source and power source would also be cooled. This can be done for each RF energy source as needed. The cooling of the RF energy sources is preferably controlled by temperature measurements that measure the temperature of one or more of the RF energy sources and control the flow of coolant and/or the temperature of the coolant based on the readings.

Fig. 5a to 5d depict a first application of a solid state RF excited microwave device on a line. The material supply system 3, such as a mill, hopper or stuffer, for example, comprises a positive displacement pump which pushes cold edible material 4, preferably through a supply section 5, towards a microwave part 6 of the inventive apparatus 1 to heat the pumpable mass and from there to discharge the heated material 4 through a discharge part 7. A further processing step may be the extraction of fats and other useful components. Food items such as streaky pork or vegetarian food items may be conveyed continuously or intermittently/in batches. The flow rate can be controlled according to the residence time required for the food to rise to a certain temperature. The tubular body for pumping the food mass may comprise means for mixing the product, such as a static mixer and/or a dynamic mixer. One or more sensors may be provided to measure, for example, an increase in temperature. FIG. 5b depicts the arrangement of solid state RF heat source 2, here divided into A, B, C and D four rows. Each row comprises a plurality of preferably equidistantly arranged solid-state radio frequency sources, wherein the rows are staggered with respect to one another here. Fig. 5c depicts a cross-sectional view of row B of the microwave part 6 and this cross-sectional view may be similar to that described in the embodiment according to fig. 3 a. In fig. 5d, a microwave transparent insert 12 is used to prevent the solid state RF energy source 2 from coming into contact with the material. To further optimize the heat distribution of the material flow and prevent "cold spots" and "hot spots", the number of cylindrical solid state rf source arrangements may be increased to four and more, where the cylindrical solid state rf source arrangements are annular.

A second application of solid-state RF-excited microwave devices involves heating and/or killing insects. Insects are used as the substance. The insects are first immersed in a boiling water bath and, after killing the insects, they are conveyed to the next treatment step. In the embodiment of the invention depicted in fig. 6a, the insects 4 are supplied to a material supply system 3, here a hopper or a trough. The valve 19 downstream of the microwave section is closed and the valve 19 upstream of the microwave section is opened to receive insects in the microwave section 6 of the microwave device 1. The microwave device will be activated and, after killing the insects, will open the downstream valve body 19 and may convey the insects to a further treatment station, for example by means of a conveyor belt. Fig. 6B and 6c depict cross-sectional views of row B in the microwave part 6.

In another embodiment of the invention, as depicted in fig. 6d, the insects 4 will be immersed in the material supply system 3 containing a fluid, preferably water. From there the fluid is conveyed with the submerged insects into a microwave device 1 comprising a solid state RF energy source. The method of heating and killing the insects is by applying microwave energy to the liquid and immersed insects by means of a microwave device, heating in batches or moving continuously. In the case of continuous treatment, measures should be taken to prevent microwaves from escaping the microwave section 6. This may be done by valves, gates, etc. It may also be achieved by neutralizing radiation escaping from the apparatus of the invention. Fig. 6B and 6c depict cross-sectional views of row B of the microwave part 6. In the next process step, the insects may be filtered out of the liquid and/or separated out in other ways. The water can be recycled.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the insects 4 will be deposited on a conveyor belt as described in fig. 7a and from there be conveyed to the microwave device 1. Fig. 7B depicts a cross-sectional view of row B of the microwave part 6, which is similar to that shown in fig. 1 a. The embodiment of fig. 7c is similar to that of fig. 1 c. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the apparatus according to fig. 7 can also be used for treating a patty-like shaped substance using microwaves. Product 4 then describes a meat patty. The valve in fig. 7 is not mandatory.

All of the embodiments described in fig. 1-7 may be performed in a plant with solid state RF energy technology designed for batch and continuous operation. Batch operation requires an apparatus having at least one gate, for example an apparatus having a gate, through which the material 4 or product 11 to be treated can enter the treatment section 6. If the apparatus includes a second gate, the material or product can be removed from the processing section through the second gate.

An apparatus designed for continuous operation with solid state RF energy technology is depicted in fig. 5. At least the treatment section 6, as well as the supply section 5 and the discharge section 7, may also be part of one and the same tunnel-like apparatus. They may be omitted if not required. The material 4 or the product 11 may be conveyed by suitable conveying means. For all of the embodiments described above, the number of rows in which the solid state RF energy source 2 is provided is not limited to four rows.

For all the above embodiments, the design of the housing 8 is not limited to the circular design described for example in fig. 1a, 2a and 3a, but may be of different shapes as described for fig. 1b, 2b and 3 b. It is important that the heating process of the product 11 or the material 4 is not adversely affected by the microwaves reflected by the inner wall 9 of the housing 8.

For all embodiments described above, the design of the microwave tubular body 12 is not limited to a circular design, but may be of a different shape. The circular design is advantageous in terms of pressure distribution, in particular in the case of a flow of material 4 through the tubular body as depicted in fig. 3 a. Preferably, the inner wall 13 should be provided with a smooth wall to reduce shear forces on the food pieces and to facilitate cleaning. The microwave tubular body 12 is preferably a stationary part within the assembly described and is isolated with respect to the housing 8 and the solid state RF energy source 2, which is advantageous for hygiene. The cleaning of the microwave tubes can be done manually, but is preferably done by an integrated CIP system.

Reference numerals:

1 processing apparatus, Industrial processing apparatus

2 solid state RF energy source

3 Material supply System, hopper

4 materials, edible materials, food materials, insects

5 supply part, inlet

6 microwave part, treatment part

7 discharge part

8 shell.

9 inner wall of the housing 8

10 conveying device, conveying belt

11 product, food, substance, food substance

12 microwave cavity, microwave transparent tubular body, microwave transparent insert

13 inner wall of tubular microwave body 12

14 product chamber

15 solid state source chamber

16 waveguide

17 antenna

18 cooling chamber

19 valve

20 outlet port

21 inlet

22 shield, movable shield

23 frame

Solid state RF energy source

B solid state RF energy source

C solid state RF energy source

D solid state RF energy source