Abstract
The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, in which a substance is preferably heated, cooked, dried, disinfected and/or pasteurized, sterilized. The present invention further relates to a method to treat a substance with radio-frequency waves.
Claims
1. Processing apparatus, in which a substance is heated, dried, disinfected, pasteurized and/or sterilized, wherein the processing apparatus comprises at least one solid-state radio frequency source.
2. Processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the solid-state radio frequency source is provided in an array of n columns and m rows, wherein n is an integer >1 and m is an integer >1.
3. Processing apparatus according to claims 1, wherein the solid-state radio frequency source is provided equidistantly around a circumference of a product chamber.
4. Processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus comprises an inlet and an outlet, which are spaced apparat from each other.
5. Processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus comprises means to transport the substance past the solid-state radio frequency source.
6. Processing apparatus according, to claim 1, wherein the substance is provided as a batch, which is placed in the vicinity of the solid-state radio frequency source.
7. Processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus comprises a control system to control the solid-state radio frequency source.
8. Processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus comprises a sensor that measures at least one property of an edible mass and/or one property of radiation reflected from the edible mass, wherein a signal of the sensor is utilized by the control system.
9. Processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus is part of a food production line.
10. Processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus is provided downstream from a hopper.
11. Processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus is provided together with a former and/or a batter.
12. Processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus is at least partially be isolated by one or more valves.
13. Method to treat a substance with radio-frequency waves, wherein the radio-frequency waves are provided with one or more solid-state radio frequency source(s).
14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the substance is transported from an inlet to an exit which are spaced apart.
15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the substance is transported continuously and or intermittently.
16. Method according to one of claim 13, wherein one or more sensor of the solid-state radio frequency source(s) is/are provided which measure(s) one or more properties of the substance and/or radiation reflected from the substance.
17. Method according to claims 16, wherein the signal of the sensors is utilized to control the solid-state radio frequency source(s).
18. Method according to claim 13, wherein the substance is heated, dried, disinfected and/or pasteurized, sterilized and/or killed.
19. Method according to claim 18, the substance comprises at least parts of an insect or a mixture of insects.
Description
[0029] The inventions are now explained according to the Figures. The explanations apply for all embodiments of the present invention likewise.
[0030] FIGS. 1a-d show a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIGS. 2a and 2b show a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIGS. 3a and 3b show a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 4a and 4b shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIGS. 5a-d show a line with a hopper and the inventive apparatus.
[0035] FIGS. 6a-d show the inventive apparatus with one or more valves.
[0036] FIGS. 7a-c show the inventive apparatus in combination with a conveyor.
[0037] A first embodiment of a solid-state RF energized microwave apparatus is depicted in FIG. 1a, which comprises one, but preferably multiple solid-state RF sources 2 which among other things each comprises a waveguide 16 and/or an antenna 17. In the present case, the inventive apparatus comprises a multitude of solid-state RF sources 2, which are provided at the circumference of a product chamber 14 and preferably, equidistantly. The number of sources 2 in circumferential direction can depend on the efficiency, of the microwaves to heat up product 11 evenly, measured for example the temperature rise per unit of time. In this embodiment, the chamber 15 in which the solid-state RF sources 2 are located and the product chamber 14, in which the product to be treated/heated is provided are one and the same chamber and are defined by housing 8. The housing can be similar to a Faraday cage to prevent electromagnetic waves coming out of the housing. At least inner wall 9 but preferably the entire housing 8 can be made of steel, for instance stainless steel. Conveyor means 10 for instance a conveyor belt is positioned within housing 8 and conveys product 11, e.g. a formed food product, through housing 8. However, it is also possible to place a batch product into the product chamber, treat it with RF-radiation and remove it, once the treatment is terminated. The placement of the batch can be executed by motor means. FIG. 1b depicts a square design of housing 8. FIG. 1c is an embodiment of FIG. 1a and FIG. 1d is an embodiment of FIG. 1b and both are provided with preferably microwave transparent insert 12 in order to prevent that particles from product 11 will come in contact with the solid-state RF energy sources. In this embodiment the shielding means are designed circular and co-radial with inner wall 9 of housing 8. The design of the shielding means is not limited to this design, for instance flat shielding means is also possible but due to hygienic reasons not preferable. Other than that, the explanations regarding FIG. 1a also apply to FIG. 1b.
[0038] FIGS. 2a and 2b depict a second embodiment of the inventive apparatus, wherein in contrast to the embodiments according to FIGS. 1a and 1b microwave tube 12 is provided. The explanations given regarding the embodiment according to FIGS. 1a and 1b also apply to this embodiment. The microwave tube 12 separates the product chamber 14 from the chamber 15, in which the solid-state RF sources 2 are located. The tube material is preferably transparent for microwaves supplied by the solid-state RF sources 2 and more preferably do not absorb microwave energy and will therefore not be heated up by the microwave energy but, if any, only heated up by the warmed-up product. To effectively convert the microwave energy into increased temperature of the edible product to be heated, the material of the tube 12 is not be metal, but certain plastic materials are suitable. Product 11 is located within the product chamber 14 and will be treated, preferably heated by one preferably multiple solid-state sources 2 located in chamber 15. This embodiment is, for example, preferred in case cleaning agents used to clean product chamber 14 may not be come in contact with the solid-state sources 2. The tube 12 can also be used to direct the product past the solid-state RF sources 2. In this case, the product touches the inner circumference of tube at least locally. This embodiment of a solid-state RF energized microwave apparatus is depicted in FIGS. 3 a and 3b. One, but preferably multiple solid-state RF sources 2 are positioned around microwave tube 12 through which an edible mass 4, for instance minced meat.
[0039] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b (with microwave transparent insert 12) depicts an embodiment related to FIG. 1a but will also apply to the embodiments according to FIGS. 1b-3b wherein a cooling chamber 18 is provided which is connected to a cooling circuit for instance a water cooling or a gas-, preferably air cooling circuit. The cooling chamber 18 surrounds the apparatus as depicted in one of FIGS. 1a-3b. While applying solid-state RF energy sources, microwave energy will be transmitted to a certain spot of the product to be treated only when needed. Despite this efficient energy management additional cooling of the waveguides and connected antennas may be desirable in case of high energy output, for example during a long period of time. In another not depicted embodiment also the solid-state RF energy source will be cooled as well as the power supply. This can be done per RF energy source as needed. The cooling of the RF energy source(s) is preferably controlled by a temperature measurement, which measures the temperature of one or more of the RF energy source and based on this reading controls a fluid flow of the cooling agent and/or its temperature.
[0040] FIGS. 5a-5d depicts a first application of the solid-state RF energized microwave apparatus in a line. A mass supply system 3 such as a grinder, hopper or a stuffer, for example comprising a positive displacement pump which forces the cold edible mass 4, preferably through a supply section 5, to a microwave section part 6 of the inventive apparatus 1 to inline heat the pumpable substance and from there the heated mass 4 is discharged via discharge section 7. A further process step can be extraction of fats and other usable ingredients. The food mass for instance ground pork belly or vegetarian food can be transported continuously or intermittently/batch wise. The flow can be controlled depending on the residence time needed to achieve a certain temperature rise in the food product. The tube via which the food mass is pumped may comprise means to mix the product, for example a static- and/or dynamic mixers. There may be a or multiple sensor(s) provided to measure, for example, the temperature rise. FIG. 5b depicts the arrangement of the solid-state RF heat sources 2, here in four rows A, B, C and D. Each row comprises a multitude of, preferably equidistantly, arranged solid-state radio frequency sources, wherein here, the rows are staggered relative to each other. A cross-sectional view of row B of the microwave section 6 is depicted in FIG. 5c and can be similar as depicted in the embodiment according to FIG. 3a. In FIG. 5d microwave transparent inserts 12 are used to prevent that the solid-state RF energy sources 2 will come into contact with the mass. In order to further optimize the heat distribution to the mass flow and to prevent both cold-spots and hot-spots, the number of cylindrical solid-state radio frequency source arrangements, here rings, can be increased in number, from here four to >four.
[0041] A second application of the solid-state RF energized microwave apparatus is related to the heating and/or killing of insects. The insects are utilized as substance. Currently insects will be immersed in a bath of boiling water and after the insects are killed they will be conveyed for the next process step. In an embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 6a insects 4 will be supplied to mass supply system 3, here a hopper or a trough. The valve 19 downstream from the microwave section is closed and valve 19, upstream from the microwave section is open to receive the insects within microwave section 6 of microwave apparatus 1. The microwave apparatus will be started and after the insects are killed the downstream valve 19 will be opened and insects can be conveyed via for instance a conveyor to a further processing station. A cross view of row B in microwave section 6 is depicted in FIG. 6b and FIG. 6c.
[0042] In another embodiment of the invention the insects 4 will be immersed in a mass supply system 3 provided with fluid, preferably water as depicted in FIG. 6d. From there on the fluid together with the immersed insects will be conveyed to microwave apparatus 1 comprising solid-state RF energy sources. Heating and killing of the insects will take place by subject the fluid and the immersed insects to microwave energy, either batch wise or in a continuous movement through the microwave apparatus. In case of a continuous process means should be applied to prevent the microwaves from escaping out of microwave section 6. This can be done by a valve, a gate or the like. It can also be done by a radiation which neutralized the radiation escaping from the inventive apparatus. A cross-sectional view of row B in microwave section 6 is depicted in FIGS. 6b and 6c. In a next process step the insects can be filtered from the fluid and/or separated in another way. The water can be recirculated.
[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention the insects 4 will be deposited on a conveyor as depicted in FIG. 7a and from there on conveyed to microwave apparatus 1. A cross view of row B in microwave section 6 is depicted in FIG. 7b and is similar to FIG. 1a. The embodiment of FIG. 7c is comparable to FIG. 1c. The person skilled in the art understands that the apparatus according to FIG. 7 can also be utilized to treat a formed substance like patties with microwaves. The products 4 then depict the patties. The valves in FIG. 7 are not mandatory.
[0044] All embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-7 can be carried out in an apparatus with solid-state RF energy technology designed for batch operation as well as designed for continuous operation. Batch operation demands an apparatus with at least one gate, for example a door, through which the mass 4 or product 11 to be treated can enter the treatment section 6. In case the apparatus comprises a second gate the mass or product can removed from the treatment session via this second gate.
[0045] An apparatus with solid-state RF energy technology designed for continuous operation is depicted in FIG. 5. At least treatment section 6 but also supply section 5 and discharge section 7 can be part of one and the same tunnel-like apparatus. If not needed, they can be omitted. Transportation of mass 4 or product 11 can take place via suitable conveying means. For all embodiments above the number of rows provided with solid-state RF energy sources 2 is not limited to four rows.
[0046] For all embodiments above the design of housing 8 is not limited to a circular design as for instance depicted in FIGS. 1a, 2a and 3a but can be shaped differently as depicted in FIGS. 1b, 2b and 3b. Important is that heat treatment of product 11 or mass 4 will not adversely affected by the bouncing microwaves via inner wall 9 of housing 8.
[0047] For all embodiments depicted above the design of microwave tube 12 is not limited to a circular design but can be shaped differently. Especially in case a mass 4 flows through a tube as for instance depicted in FIG. 3a the circular design is advantageous with respect to pressure distribution. Preferably inner wall 13 should be provided with smooth walls in order to reduce shear forces on the food mass and to facilitate cleaning. Microwave tube 12 is preferably a fixed part within the depicted assembly and is isolated with respect to housing 8 and solid-state RF energy sources 2 which would be advantageous with respect to hygiene. Cleaning of the microwave tube can be done manually but preferably by an integrated CIP system.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0048] 1 processing apparatus, industrial processing apparatus [0049] 2 solid-state RF energy source [0050] 3 mass supply system, hopper [0051] 4 mass, edible mass, food mass, insects [0052] 5 supply section, entrance [0053] 6 microwave section, treatment section [0054] 7 discharge section [0055] 8 housing. [0056] 9 inner wall housing 8 [0057] 10 conveyor means, belt [0058] 11 product, food product, substance, food substance [0059] 12 microwave chamber, microwave transparent tube, microwave transparent insert [0060] 13 inner wall microwave tube 12 [0061] 14 product chamber [0062] 15 solid-state source chamber [0063] 16 waveguide [0064] 17 antenna [0065] 18 cooling chamber [0066] 19 valve [0067] 20 exit [0068] 21 inlet [0069] 22 shielding means, movable shielding means [0070] 23 frame [0071] A solid-state RF energy source [0072] B solid-state RF energy source [0073] C solid-state RF energy source [0074] D solid-state RF energy source
