阅读说明：本技术 骨骼中骨髓的凝固 (Coagulation of bone marrow in bones ) 是由 约斯特·凡尔珀 亨德里库斯·柏图斯·杰拉杜斯·梵杰尔文 于 2019-05-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种处理含有骨骼结构的肉类物质的方法。(The present invention relates to a method for treating a meat-based material containing skeletal structures.)

1. A method of processing meat material, preferably fresh meat material containing skeletal structures, characterised in that bone marrow is coagulated by means of microwaves generated by a solid state radio frequency energy source.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein microwave heating is performed prior to the heat treatment of the meat mass.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein microwave heating is performed after slaughter and before the freshly slaughtered meat matter is frozen.

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the meat mass is thawed and then heat treated.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the bone marrow is heated during thawing.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat treatment is performed in an oven or fryer or before freezing the substance.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power level, frequency, wavelength, phase versus time, amplitude, magnitude and/or direction of the radiation power of the radiofrequency energy source is set such that the radiation penetrates through meat and bone structures.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature of the bone structure and/or bone marrow is measured during microwave heating.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the rf energy source is controlled using a temperature measurement signal.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the meat of the meat-based substance is at least partially, preferably fully, frozen without freezing the bone, and simultaneously and/or subsequently the bone marrow is coagulated by means of microwaves generated by a solid state radio frequency energy source.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein in a subsequent step the meat of the meat mass is heated, preferably to 60-100 ℃, more preferably to 80-90 ℃.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the substance is preferably frozen to-10 ℃ or lower.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method of treating a food product such as a meat-based product containing skeletal structures.

Background

Chickens we eat today are between six and eight weeks old and have more porous bone that is under-developed compared to older chickens. The bone marrow in the chicken bone is purple. In the case of heating products such as chicken legs, for example after coating these products, the purple bone marrow in the bone leaks through the porous bone and into the meat. The surface of the bone and adjacent meat becomes dark red/purple or even black, which is visible and unattractive.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method which does not comprise the drawbacks according to the prior art.

This problem is solved by a method of treating a meat-based material containing skeletal structures, wherein bone marrow is coagulated with microwaves generated by a solid-state RF energy source.

The present invention relates to a method of processing meat material using solid state Radio Frequency (RF) transistors in a RF power amplifier. A radio frequency power amplifier is an electronic amplifier that converts a low power radio frequency signal into 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 as a reflective material, and may guide the microwaves to a desired location, for example into a product chamber in which the substance to be treated is placed. The advantages of solid state RF energy technology over magnetrons are low voltage drive, semiconductor reliability and lower energy consumption due to advanced control systems. In the case of the invention, the device is used for coagulation, for example for heating, cooking, drying, pasteurizing and/or sterilizing substances.

All described embodiments are directed to microwaves generated by a solid state RF energy source, but the described embodiments may also apply microwaves generated by a magnetron.

The meat material may be, for example, meat from beef cattle, pork, poultry. The meat material is meat at a skeletal structure, wherein the skeletal structure is at least partially surrounded by the meat. Typical examples of meat-based substances with a skeletal structure are poultry wings, poultry legs, legs of pigs or lambs and/or fish. The bone comprises a skeletal structure and bone marrow, wherein the skeletal structure surrounds the bone marrow. The meat material is preferably fresh meat material, e.g. meat that has just been slaughtered or meat that is shortly after slaughter, preferably without further processing, but is preferably washed and/or disinfected.

Transistor technology generates strong RF fields. Preferably, a plurality of RF sources will be applied, which sources can be controlled individually and preferably in relation to each other. For example, in applications where a substance is pumped through a conduit, gradual heating of the substance can be achieved by controlling the electromagnetic field in a manner that achieves uniform energy distribution by precisely controlling the power level, frequency, and phase versus time. Typically, in the event of a load change at a certain point of a substance, object, substance flow or object flow, the controller may control a particular parameter in that certain point in order to correct for the adverse effects of the load change. For example, during cooking, the load will be constantly changing, and this load change will be detected via the antenna by measuring the reflected energy. The control system will compare the energy transmitted via the antenna with the reflected energy and adjust the energy to be transmitted by the antenna accordingly. For example, if there is no load in the product compartment, no energy is absorbed, the antenna receives the reflected energy, and the control unit will stop transmitting new energy to the product compartment. With a solid state RF energy source, the amplitude, frequency, phase and time and/or direction of each antenna, and/or the total radiated energy emitted, can be controlled. Such advanced energy management systems based on a rapid response to the heat demand of certain points of the substance to be heated prevent damage to internal components and prevent uncontrolled substance treatment with uneven energy distribution. Another advantage of solid-state RF energy sources is that they increase the throughput of the material to be processed, since efficient use of energy results in less energy loss.

Surprisingly, it has been found that by coagulating bone marrow within a bone using microwaves generated by a solid state RF energy source, leakage of bone marrow can be reduced or preferably stopped. Preferably, the microwave radiation generated by the solid state RF energy source is controlled such that the meat surrounding the bone is heated only to a very small extent. The temperature of which preferably rises by less than 10 ℃ during the treatment of the bone.

In addition, the meat material may be processed in other heat treatment equipment. In the heat treatment apparatus, the material is preferably cooked, roasted, fried, smoked and/or roasted. The further thermal treatment apparatus is located downstream of the solid state radio frequency source with respect to material flow; i.e. the bone is treated with microwaves generated by a solid state RF energy source before a further heat treatment step.

The meat material is preferably processed in a production line comprising several processing steps arranged in sequence. The substance is supplied to the production line at the beginning of the production line and is then conveyed continuously or semi-continuously through the production line until the end of the production line is reached, at which the substance is discharged and/or packaged. The transport may be accomplished by a conveyor (e.g., a conveyor belt) that connects the devices. Preferably, the production line comprises a common control unit which controls the individual devices and the handover of the substance from one device/step to another.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus in which the bone marrow is processed may include not only one solid-state radio source but a plurality of solid-state radio sources. This may be achieved by using one or more antennas and/or one or more waveguides. Each radio frequency source may preferably be individually powered and each radio frequency source may preferably be individually controlled, more preferably individually closed loop controlled. The frequency, wavelength, phase versus time, amplitude, radiation direction and/or overall magnitude of the radiated power may be controlled.

Preferably, the solid state radio frequency sources are 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 or equal to 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, the solid state radio frequencies may be randomly arranged.

Preferably, the solid state radio frequency sources are disposed equidistantly around the circumference of the product chamber. In the chamber, the edible substance to be treated will be placed or transported through the product chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment, each device in the production line comprises an inlet and an outlet, the inlets and outlets being spaced apart from each other. Preferably the edible substance enters each device through an inlet, passes through the device and then exits the device through an outlet, preferably distinct from the inlet.

Preferably, each apparatus in the production line comprises means for conveying the substance through the processing apparatus (e.g. solid state radio frequency source) of the apparatus. These devices may be tubing and pumps that pump substances through the tubing. In this case, the pipe is the product compartment. Preferably, the tube is at least partially made of a material that is at least partially transmissive, preferably transparent to RF radiation. The tube may for example be made of a plastic material, preferably a food grade plastic material. The pump preferably pumps the material through the RF source in a continuous or semi-continuous flow. The rate at which the substance is pumped is preferably 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 transmissive to RF radiation. The conveyor conveys the edible substance (preferably as a separate piece) past the solid state radio frequency source. Preferably, the substance 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. Each apparatus of the production line may have its own conveyor, in particular a conveyor belt, which conveys the substance through the respective apparatus.

At least some of the conveyors, preferably each conveyor, are adapted to the specific requirements in the respective apparatus. The products are preferably handed over from one conveyor to another. At least one of the conveyors may comprise means for distributing and/or accumulating products on the respective conveyor, more preferably on the respective conveyor as required for a particular process step.

Preferably, each processing apparatus and/or production line includes a control system to control individual devices, such as solid state radio frequency sources and/or conveyors. The control system preferably comprises one or more sensors whose signals are used to control one or more parameters of the apparatus in order to achieve the desired treatment of the substance. Preferably, each device is controlled individually, but preferably by a common production line control system. Preferably, one or more sensors are utilized to control one or more solid state radio frequency sources, preferably individually and/or in relation to each other. For example, in applications where the object is pumped through a pipeline, gradual heating of the object may be achieved by controlling the electromagnetic field in a manner that precisely controls the power level, frequency and/or phase versus time to achieve a uniform energy distribution, for example, in the product chamber or substance. The RF energy load may be adapted to the progress of the process. For example, during cooking, the RF energy load may change. Such a change in load can be detected via the antenna, for example, by measuring the reflected energy. The control system will compare the energy transmitted via the antenna with the reflected energy and adjust the energy to be transmitted by the antenna accordingly. At each solid-state RF energy source, the amplitude, frequency, wavelength, phase versus time, and/or direction of radiation may be controlled individually and/or in groups. The antenna may be used as a sensor, for example for detecting radiation reflected from the substance to be treated.

The control system preferably controls the at least one solid state radio frequency source such that it exclusively heats the meat surrounding the bone structure such that it preferably reaches a temperature between 60 ℃ and 100 ℃, more preferably between 80 ℃ and 90 ℃, and without heating the meat between the bone structure and the outer surface of the food product or food substance. This temperature allows the bone marrow to coagulate.

The sensor may sense one or more properties of the substance, such as its temperature and/or energy absorbed by the substance or a portion of the substance (e.g., the skeletal structure and/or meat surrounding the skeletal structure). A sensor can measure what radiation is reflected from the substance, e.g. the frequency. In case the substance is delivered during its treatment, in particular with RF radiation, there may be a plurality of sensors along the delivery path. The local readings of the sensors may be used to control respective local processing devices, e.g., solid state radio sources and/or solid state radio sources upstream and/or downstream of the respective sensors.

The temperature sensor may measure a temperature inside the substance, preferably a core temperature of the substance and/or a temperature distribution inside the substance and/or a temperature of the bone marrow/bone structure. In case the substance is delivered during its treatment, in particular with RF radiation, there may be a plurality of sensors along the delivery path. The local readings of the sensors may be used to control respective local processing devices, e.g., solid state radio sources and/or solid state radio sources upstream and/or downstream of the respective sensors.

The method preferably further comprises one or more processing steps upstream and/or downstream of the bone marrow coagulation step with the solid radio frequency source, which processing steps alter the consistency, shape and/or surface of the meat material, such as freezing, cutting, grinding, injecting, pickling, shaping, pasting and/or pickling stations. These stations may be combined with a conveyor.

According to the invention, the meat material comprises a bone structure, wherein at least one solid state radio frequency source is controlled to heat exclusively the bone structure. This may be achieved, for example, by controlling the frequency, wavelength, phase versus time, amplitude, radiation direction and/or overall magnitude of the radiation power of the at least one RF energy source such that the bone structures are exclusively heated such that their temperature increases rapidly, while preferably the other meat of the substance is heated less or preferably not.

The meat material may be delivered continuously and/or intermittently. They may be delivered in strings, arrays or in individual portions.

At least one parameter of the meat material to be treated may be input into the control system and the control unit sets at least the parameters for the solid state RF energy source microwave heating step accordingly. An example of a parameter is, for example, the size of the bone structure, preferably the average size of the bone structure, or the volume of the bone structure, preferably relative to the volume of the surrounding meat and/or the temperature of the bone structure (in particular the bone marrow that has to be reached).

Preferably, microwave heating is carried out to effect solidification prior to heat treatment of the material, preferably in an oven or fryer, or prior to freezing of the material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the microwave heating that causes the bone marrow to at least partially coagulate is performed after slaughter and preferably before the freshly slaughtered meat material is frozen. That is, slaughtered meat material is treated with microwaves generated by a solid-state RF energy source until the bone marrow is at least partially, preferably completely, coagulated. Only after this treatment step has taken place is the product frozen and subsequently, for example after a few days or weeks, a further heat treatment step is carried out.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the meat mass is thawed and then subjected to a heat treatment. Preferably, the bone marrow is heated during thawing, more preferably until the bone marrow is at least partially coagulated, preferably fully coagulated.

Preferably, the power level, frequency, wavelength, phase versus time, amplitude, magnitude and/or direction of the radiation power of the RF energy source is set such that the radiation penetrates meat and bone structures. More preferably, the microwave radiation is not absorbed by the bone structure and/or the meat surrounding the bone.

Preferably, the temperature of the bone structure and/or bone marrow is measured during microwave heating to coagulate the bone marrow.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the meat of the meat mass is at least partially, preferably fully, frozen without freezing the bone and, simultaneously and/or subsequently, the bone marrow is coagulated by means of microwaves generated by a solid state radio frequency energy source.

Without freezing the bone, freezing the meat below 0 ℃ does not make the bone porous and the bone marrow does not expand. In addition, the frozen meat is more transparent to microwave radiation. The treatment of the bone marrow is carried out while the meat material is frozen or is followed by a treatment of the bone marrow. The meat of the meat mass need not be completely frozen.

Preferably, in a subsequent step, the meat of the meat mass is heated preferably to 60-100 ℃, more preferably to 80-90 ℃.

A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the substance is preferably frozen to-10 ℃ or less.

Drawings

The invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. The explanations apply equally to all embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 to 5 each depict a heat treatment line 1 including a conveyor.

Fig. 6 to 12 each depict an embodiment of the method of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a heat treatment apparatus 1, which comprises: the conveyor 10, here an endless belt, which passes through the housing 8, here a tunnel-shaped housing, is provided with an inlet 21 and an outlet 20, which are separated from each other. The substance 11 is conveyed past at least one, and preferably a plurality of, solid state RF energy sources 2. The housing 8 may extend in the conveying direction around the substance 11 to be heat treated and/or around the conveying device 10. The housing preferably includes slots at the inlet and at the outlet for the conveyor 10. The housing 8 may be similar to a faraday cage to prevent electromagnetic waves from exiting the housing. At least the inner wall 9, but preferably the entire housing 8, may be made of metal, preferably steel, such as stainless steel, to shield electromagnetic radiation. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 8 comprises reflecting and/or absorbing means at its inner surface to at least partially eliminate radiation from external sources entering the housing through the inlet and/or outlet. The reflecting and/or absorbing means prevent such electromagnetic radiation from reaching the antenna 17. The radiation from the multiple antennas preferably does not need to be shielded from each other.

The number of solid state elements 2/antennas 17 preferably depends on, for example, the required heating power, the width of the conveyor belt, the length of the housing, the number and/or size and/or consistency of the substance 11, the position of the substance on the conveyor belt, the speed of the conveyor belt and/or the desired accuracy and/or speed of the heat treatment process, in particular on the uniformity of the heat treatment process. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment with a plurality of solid state elements 2/antennas 17 located in each and all food substance production lines. The material 11, here provided in an array, is continuously or intermittently delivered from an inlet 21 to an outlet 20 and passed over a solid state RF energy source 2 that emits microwaves, which heat the material 11. Preferably, a plurality of rows of elements 2/antennas 17, here five rows of elements 2/antennas 17, are provided along the path of the substance 11. Preferably, rows of solid state elements 2/antennas 17 are provided equidistantly and/or each line comprises a plurality of solid state elements 2/antennas 17, which are preferably arranged perpendicular to the transport line of the substance 11. In each row, the solid-state elements 2 are preferably arranged equidistantly. Preferably, each solid state element 2 is controlled individually and/or each solid state element 2 or a group of solid state elements 2/antennas 17 in a line is controlled individually.

With respect to the embodiment of fig. 2, reference may be made to the disclosure with respect to fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows an embodiment in which the heat treatment device 1 is provided with a plurality of solid state elements 2/antennas 17, here three solid state elements 2/antennas 17 above the substance and two solid state elements 2/antennas 17 on one of the two side walls of the housing 8. In this example, the substance is arranged in an array and conveyed as an array past the solid state elements 2/antennas 17.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment with randomly oriented meat material on the conveyor 10. In other respects, reference is made to the disclosure with respect to fig. 1 and 2.

With regard to the embodiment according to fig. 4, reference is made to the disclosure according to the previous figures. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view and details of an embodiment of a solid state RF excited microwave device. The solid state energy source 2 comprises a waveguide 16 and/or an antenna 17, the energy source preferably being in direct contact with the chamber 14 in which the substance can be (pre) heated and/or (pre) cooked. Preferably, a microwave transparent shielding 23 is provided to prevent contamination of the waveguide and antenna by e.g. food substances.

With regard to the embodiment according to fig. 5, reference is made to the disclosure according to the previous figures. Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a solid state RF excited microwave device in which a cooling chamber 18 is arranged, which is connected to a cooling circuit, such as a water cooling circuit and/or a gas cooling circuit, preferably an air cooling circuit. A shielding means 23 as shown in fig. 4 is preferably provided to protect the solid state element 2/antenna 17 from the cooling medium. Despite this effective energy management, additional cooling of the waveguide and connected antenna may be required in the case of high energy output, for example during long periods of operation. In another embodiment, not shown, the solid state RF energy source may be cooled and/or powered. This may be done on a per RF energy source 2 basis, if desired. The cooling of the solid state RF energy sources is preferably controlled by a temperature gauge that measures the temperature of one or more RF energy sources 2 and controls the fluid flow of the coolant and/or the temperature of the coolant based on the readings.

Fig. 6 depicts a first embodiment of the method of the present invention. The meat material is provided into the apparatus 5 through an inlet 21, wherein bone marrow of the bones of the meat structure is at least partially, preferably completely, coagulated by microwaves generated by a solid state RF energy source. Due to this coagulation, the staining of the meat due to bone marrow migration through the bone to the meat during the subsequent heat treatment step 7 is minimized. The heat treatment step may for example be frying, baking, smoking, cooking and/or heat treatment by subjecting the food substance to impingement of hot air and/or superheated steam. Subsequently, the meat product leaves the production line, as indicated by arrow 20, and is for example frozen and/or packaged. The skilled artisan understands that this heat treatment is optional.

Fig. 7 depicts a second embodiment of the method of the present invention. In the present example, freshly slaughtered meat material which has not yet been frozen is supplied through an inlet 21 into the apparatus 5, in which apparatus the bone marrow of the bones of the meat structure is at least partially, preferably completely, coagulated by means of microwaves generated by a solid-state RF energy source. Subsequently, the 3A meat material may be frozen in a freezer before the meat material is, for example, packaged.

Fig. 8 depicts a third embodiment of the method of the present invention. The meat mass is supplied through an inlet 21 to a thawer 4 for thawing the meat mass. Before, during and/or after thawing, but preferably during thawing, the bone marrow of the bone of the meat structure is at least partially, preferably completely, coagulated by microwaves generated by a solid state RF energy source in the same apparatus. Due to this coagulation, the staining of the meat due to bone marrow migration through the bone to the meat during the subsequent heat treatment step 7 is minimized. The heat treatment step may be, for example, frying, grilling, smoking, cooking and/or heat treating by subjecting the food substance to impingement of hot air and/or superheated steam. Subsequently, the meat product leaves the production line, as indicated by arrow 20, and is for example frozen and/or packaged. The skilled person understands that this heat treatment is optional.

Fig. 9 depicts a fourth embodiment of the method of the present invention. The meat material is first frozen 3B, preferably without freezing the bone structure and bone marrow. By freezing the meat material in the preferred range of 0 to-20 ℃, it will be highly transparent to microwaves. In a next step 5, microwave energy generated by a solid state RF energy source will be used to coagulate the bone marrow. The temperature of the meat around the skeletal structure should be raised to the desired temperature, preferably between 60 ℃ and 100 ℃ (reducing bacteria to safe levels). Due to the frozen meat matter, the meat will accumulate less microwave energy. Next step, the food product was finally frozen 3A.

This process is advantageous for the further processing of the product, since the meat mass needs to be heated later only to a temperature of e.g. 72 ℃, while the bone marrow/bone structure is already cooked to the required temperature, i.e. the bone does not need to be heated. This will reduce the residence time in the oven (shortening the treatment time), thereby reducing the evaporation of water from the food substance and reducing energy consumption.

Fig. 10 depicts a fifth embodiment of the method of the invention similar to fig. 9, except that after solidification 5, the mass in this embodiment will be subjected to a heat treatment step 7.

Fig. 11 depicts a sixth embodiment of the method of the present invention. The meat material, and preferably not the bone marrow/bone structure, will be simultaneously frozen 3B and heat treated with a solid RF energy source to coagulate the bone marrow 5. This method causes relatively small ice crystals, preventing them from destroying the skeletal structure. Freezing will be performed from the outside to the inside, while coagulation of the bone marrow will be performed inside. After this combination step 3B/5 and/or after coagulation 5 of the bone marrow is completed, freezing will continue until the entire food substance including the bone marrow is frozen 3A to a suitable temperature.

Fig. 12 depicts a seventh embodiment of the method of the invention similar to fig. 11 except that after freezing 3B/freezing 5, the material in this embodiment will be subjected to a heat treatment step 7.

All described embodiments relate to microwaves generated by a solid state RF energy source, however, the described embodiments may also apply microwaves generated by a magnetron.

Reference numerals

1 treating apparatus, microwave apparatus, heat treating apparatus

2 solid state RF energy source

3A freezing of meat material including bone marrow/bone structure

3B freezing meat material, and preferably not freezing bone marrow/bone structure

4 thawing

5 solid state RF energy source microwave bone marrow coagulation

7 further heat treatment

8 casing

9 inner wall of the housing 8

10 conveying device

11 products, food products, substances

13 solid state RF energy source microwave drying

14 product chamber, cooking chamber

16 waveguide

17 antenna

18 cooling chamber

20 outlet, exit port

21 inlet

23 microwave transparent shielding device