Abstract
A filtration unit for processing a liquid, that includes an inlet, an outlet, a filter, and a disinfection means, the inlet and the outlet are each connected to a food processing machine, the disinfection means includes an ultraviolet-radiation source, the disinfection means is configured to irradiate ultraviolet-radiation onto a filtration surface, the filtration surface has a length and a width that is overflown by the liquid during filtration, the length of the filtration surface extends parallel to a liquid flow direction and the width extends perpendicular to the liquid flow direction, the filter has openings and a number of the openings increase with progressing length of the filter.
Claims
1. A filtration unit for processing a liquid, wherein the filtration unit comprises an inlet, an outlet, a filter, and a disinfection means, wherein the inlet and the outlet are each connected to a food processing machine, the disinfection means comprises an ultraviolet-radiation source, wherein the disinfection means is configured to irradiate ultraviolet-radiation onto a filtration surface, wherein the filtration surface has a length and a width that is overflown by the liquid during filtration, wherein the length of the filtration surface extends parallel to a liquid flow direction and the width extends perpendicular to the liquid flow direction, wherein the filter has openings and a number of the openings increase with progressing length of the filter.
2. The filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection means comprises a plurality of ultraviolet-radiation.
3. The filtration unit according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of ultraviolet-radiation sources are arranged along the length of the filter.
4. The filtration unit according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of ultraviolet-radiation sources are configured to emit different and/or the same intensities and/or different and/or the same wavelengths of ultraviolet-radiation.
5. The filtration unit according to claim 2, wherein at least one further ultraviolet-radiation source is arranged on an opposing side of the filter to the ultraviolet-radiation source.
6. The filtration unit according to claim 5, wherein the at least one further ultraviolet-radiation source irradiates a further surface of the filter.
7. The filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is a marinade, saline solution, or brine.
8. The filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of sections, wherein the number of openings and/or a diameter of the openings of the filter vary between the sections.
9. The filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein the filter comprises flow chicanes, wherein the flow chicanes are arranged in the surface of the filter at an angular range of 0-90 to the liquid flow direction along the filter.
10. The filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein the filtration unit comprises a collecting tank to collect exiting liquid.
11. The filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein the filtration unit comprises a weir and a regulatory valve to control liquid flow over the weir.
12. The filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection means comprises an ozone inlet, wherein the ozone inlet is configured to inject ozone in either gaseous form or dissolved in water into the filtration unit.
13. The filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein the filtration unit comprises a cooling means between the food processing machine and the outlet.
14. The filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein the filtration unit comprises a protective layer located between the filter and the ultraviolet-radiation source, wherein the protective layer allows the ultraviolet-radiation to pass through.
15. A method for processing the liquid via the filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is filtered and simultaneously irradiated by the ultraviolet-radiation.
16. A method for processing the liquid via the filtration unit according to claim 1, wherein in a first step, a liquid exiting the food processing machine is collected within a collecting tank, and in a second step, the liquid within the collecting tank flows to the filtration unit.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the exiting liquid is collected within a tank located between the outlet and the food processing machine.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the exiting liquid is directed directly into the food processing machine.
19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the exiting liquid is cooled directly after exiting the filtration unit.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] The invention is now explained according to the Figures. These explanations do not limit the scope of protection.
[0056] FIG. 1 shows the inventive filtration unit.
[0057] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the filtration unit.
[0058] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the filtration unit.
[0059] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the filtration unit.
[0060] FIG. 5 shows a cooling means in combination with the inventive filtration unit.
[0061] FIGS. 6a, 6b show exemplary embodiments of a filter used within the filtration unit.
[0062] FIGS. 7a, 7b show exemplary embodiments of a filter used within the filtration unit.
[0063] FIGS. 8a, 8b show exemplary embodiments of a filter used within the filtration unit.
[0064] FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the filtration unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0065] FIG. 1 shows the inventive filtration unit 1. The filtration unit 1 comprises an inlet 2, an outlet 3, a filter 7 and a disinfection means 10. Via the inlet 2 a liquid 12 that ought to be processed enters the filtration unit 1. The liquid 12 can be any liquid that has to be processed, coming from any food processing machine. Especially, the entering liquid 12 can be a marinade or a saline solution, wherein the saline solution is preferably brine. The entering liquid 12 can be collected within a reservoir 4, wherein the height of the weir 5 defines the amount of collected liquid. After the liquid reaches a maximum threshold within the reservoir 4, a liquid flow over the weir 15 flows onto the filter 7. The liquid can spread out over the full width of the filter 7 and progresses along the length of the filter x. The disinfection means 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises an ultraviolet-radiation source 10. This source irradiates a filtration surface 7 with ultraviolet-radiation 100, while simultaneously being overflown by the liquid to be disinfected. Further, the filtration unit 1 comprises a sloped bottom 8, wherein the liquid flow through the filter 17 flows along the sloped bottom 8 via gravitational forces. The filtered and disinfected liquid exits the filtration unit 1 via the outlet 3. Even further, FIG. 1 shows a residue basin 9, which collects the residue 9 from the filter 7. Grease, fats and particles that are filtered out of the liquid, flow via gravity into the residue basin 9. The filter 7 can be inclined at an angle a relative to the vertical plane in order to exert higher forces on the liquid and residue via pressure and gravity. To control the flow rate on the filter 7 and to protect the disinfection means 10, the system can comprise a regulatory valve 6. The regulatory valve 6 is regulated by controlling the distance to the filter 7 and thereby, opening a smaller or larger area for the liquid to flow through. Preferably, for highly contaminated liquids the regulatory valve 6 is regulated to enable a smaller flow rate in order to disinfect the liquid accordingly.
[0066] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. In addition to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 comprises a protective layer 40 and a food processing machine 30. A contaminated liquid exits the food processing machine 30 and can enter the filtration unit 1 via inlet 2. The disinfected and filtered liquid exits the filtration unit 1 through outlet 3 and can either directly flow back into the food processing machine 30 or be passed to a collecting tank or other processing machinery or the combination of any of the previously named. The protective layer 40 shown in FIG. 2 allows ultraviolet-radiation 100 to pass through but prevents any liquid splashing on the ultraviolet-radiation source 10. The protective layer 40 can be made up of glass or plastics or material that fulfills the above-named features. As the ultraviolet-radiation source 10 can be adjusted in height, the protective layer 40 can also be adjusted in height. When the ultraviolet-radiation source 10 is placed further away from the filter, the protective layer can also be placed further away. The protective layer 40 is removable, as for a low flow rate it might be unnecessary to protect the ultraviolet-radiation source 10 and accept any losses of efficiency via a dirty protective layer 40. The protective layer 40 might further be advantageous, when an embodiment of the present invention comprises an ozone inlet. The ozone inlet can inject ozone in gaseous form or spray the ozone dissolved in water onto the filter, wherein the nozzles of said inlet ought to be clean and be prevented from clogging up.
[0067] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plurality of ultraviolet-radiation sources 10 are shown. Further, the embodiment shows the filter 7 inclined at a very high angle in relation to the vertical plane. This embodiment does not show a residue basin 9 for the collection of residue. The residue cannot flow through the filter 7 and thus, is held on the filter 7. It is a positive side effect of the present invention, that the residue is simultaneously disinfected to the liquid. This would allow for the residue to be stored longer before having to be disposed. Further, the residue basin 9 and any collecting buckets for the residue have a lower risk of having microbes inside after being exposed to the residue. Preferably, when the functioning of the filter 7 is limited by the residue on top of the filter 7, the filter 7 can be removed and the residue can be disposed in a basin. Further preferably, a cleaning machine in form of a vacuum cleaner or any pump, can be placed on the filter 7 and extract the residue from the surface of the filter 7. As no microbes are left within the residue, the especially difficult to clean machinery used in combination with residue also faces lower risks of contamination.
[0068] The plurality of ultraviolet-radiation sources 10 can be arranged along the length of the filter x. The height of the ultraviolet-radiation sources 10 can be adjusted manually or by electric motors, wherein sensor data containing the flow rate of the liquid and the contamination of the liquid are brought into a processing unit, which can control the electric motors. Further, the intensity of the sources 10 can be adjusted and varied between the plurality of sources 10. In regions of high contamination, usually at the beginning of the filter (x=0), the intensity can be higher. With progressing length of the filter x, the intensity of the plurality of filters might decrease in a linear or non-linear relationship. It can be assumed that the contamination of the liquid also decreases with the increasing time of exposure to the ultraviolet-radiation 100 and thereby, allowing for a reduced intensity of ultraviolet-radiation 100 at the end of the filter 7. In a preferred embodiment the ultraviolet-radiation sources 10 can be suspended from a top half of the filtration unit. The top half of the filtration unit 1 can be detachable and when removed, the cleaning of the filter 7 and the filtration unit 1 is easier.
[0069] The outlet 3 shown in FIG. 3 can be, unlike shown in the other embodiments, arranged on the opposite said of the inlet. The sloped bottom 8 is inclined towards the outlet 3, wherein this is caused by the relatively shallow embodiment. The outlet 3 can be placed on any side of the filtration unit 1, if the sloped bottom 8 can be sloped towards the outlet 3.
[0070] FIG. 4 shows another preferred embodiment comprising a further ultraviolet-radiation source 10, wherein this source 10 is located on the opposite side of the filter 7 to the ultraviolet-radiation sources 10. The further ultraviolet-radiation source 10 can be arranged in the liquid flow through the filter 17, wherein any microbes left within the liquid flow through the filter 17 can be disinfected by the further ultraviolet-radiation source 10. In a further preferred embodiment, a plurality of further ultraviolet-radiation sources 10 can be arranged within the liquid flow through the filter 17. The ultraviolet-radiation source 10 irradiates a further surface of the filter 7, wherein the further surface of the filter 7 is on the opposite side of the filter to the surface of the filter 7. The placement of the further ultraviolet-radiation source 10 within the liquid flow through the filter 17 can lead to more cleaning steps of said sources 10. Any dried-up liquid on the sources may lead to efficiency losses of the sources 10 or 10.
[0071] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention in combination with a cooling means 20. Said cooling means 20 is placed between the outlet 3 and the food processing machine 30. Further, a collecting tank can be placed between the cooling means 20 and the food processing machine 30. As it may be advantageous to collect the exiting liquid 13, when it is cooled in order to stop the propagation of microbes within. The cooling means 20 can comprise a pump in order to pump the cooled liquid back into the food processing machine 30. Preferably, the cooling means 20 can cool the liquid down to 2-4 C. The collecting tank and the cooling means can each comprise a pump, wherein one pump is especially used for cooling purposes and one pump is especially used for circulation purposes.
[0072] FIGS. 6a, 6b and FIGS. 7a, 7b show exemplary embodiments of filter 7 within the filtration unit 1. FIG. 6a shows an embodiment of the filter 7. In the present case, the filter 7 is at least locally curved and is proved at least locally inclined relative to a horizontal plane. The unfiltered liquid flows along the filter 7 as depicted by the arrow x. The area that is in contact with the liquid is the filter area 72. In this area at least one, preferably a multitude, here four, slots 71 are provided. The slots 71 preferably extend parallel to the flow-direction of the liquid. Each slot has a main extension direction, which is preferably parallel to the flow-direction X of the liquid. The slots are provided preferably equidistantly and more preferably have all the same width w and/or length. The width is preferably 0.4-3.0 mm. The length of the filter 7 is preferably 500-2000 mm. All slots cover preferably 10-60% of the filter area 72. In FIG. 6b the slots are interrupted due to strength and stiffness reasons. In another preferred embodiments the slots on the filter 7 can be openings with a circular cross-section or any different form. The area of the cross-section may vary in dependency of the contamination of the liquid. The contamination status of the liquid can be test before allowing the liquid to enter the filtration unit, wherein on basis of said results the intensity and height of the ultraviolet-radiation sources 10, 10 can be chosen and the filter 7 and the openings. FIG. 6b further shows different sections 73 on the filter, wherein every section can comprise a different form or quantity of openings. Along the length of the filter x the number of openings can increase, due to less needed exposure time of the liquid to the ultraviolet-radiation 100. Flow chicanes 74 on the filter 7 can increase the exposure time to the ultraviolet-radiation 100, by decreasing flow speeds of the liquid. The chicanes 74 are arranged at an angle to the liquid flow and the form of the objects functioning as chicanes 74 can vary.
[0073] FIG. 7a shows an embodiment of the filter 7 wherein the filter 7 is straight and not curved. The filter 7 can comprise out of multiple straight elements connected to each other wherein the relative angle between the multiple elements varies. In FIG. 7b the slots are interrupted and the filter comprises flow chicanes.
[0074] A not shown embodiment comprises a combination of a curved filter element(s) connected to straight filter element(s) in order to direct the flow-direction X of the liquid as desired.
[0075] In all shown embodiments the slots extending parallel to the flow-direction X of the liquid however slots directed with a slightly different angle preferably between 0 and 90 degrees compare to flow-direction X will also be disclosed by the invention.
[0076] FIGS. 8a and 8b show a further embodiment of the filter 7, wherein the openings 71 (slots) for filtration purposes only begin at a given length x along the filter. The filter shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b are both curved, but this feature can also be used with any form of a filter, wherein the openings 71 only start at a given length x along the filter. Advantageously, this feature allows for better disinfection of the desired liquid, as no openings 71 are located at the start of the filter, the liquid cannot flow through said openings and gains increased time of exposure to ultraviolet-radiation 100.
[0077] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Reference is made to the disclosure in FIGS. 1-3. In the present case, the length extension of the ultraviolet-radiation sources, the disinfection means, extends in substantially parallel to the flow of the liquid and/or the length of the filtration surface. Preferably, the disinfection means comprises a plurality of ultraviolet-radiation sources (not depicted). The plurality of ultraviolet-radiation sources can radiate different ultraviolet-radiation intensities and/or different wave-length or the same. The plurality of ultraviolet-radiation sources can be arranged substantially in parallel to the flow of the liquid and/or the length of the filtration surface. Each source can be controlled individually in terms of amplitude and/or wave-length.
REFERENCE SIGNS
[0078] 1Filtration Unit [0079] 2inlet [0080] 3outlet [0081] 4reservoir [0082] 5weir [0083] 6regulatory valve [0084] 7filter [0085] 7filtration surface exposed to ultraviolet-radiation [0086] 7further surface exposed to ultraviolet-radiation [0087] 8sloped bottom [0088] 9residue basin [0089] 10disinfection means [0090] 10ultraviolet-radiation source [0091] 10further ultraviolet-radiation source [0092] 12entering liquid [0093] 13exiting liquid [0094] 15flow of liquid over weir [0095] 17liquid flow through filter [0096] 19residue [0097] 20cooling means [0098] 30food processing machine [0099] 40protective layer [0100] 71opening [0101] 72filter area [0102] 73filter sections [0103] 74flow chicanes [0104] 100ultraviolet-radiation [0105] X flow direction of the liquid, flow length, main extension direction [0106] angle of inclination, relative to a vertical plane
