CA2987215A1 - An apparatus and process for warming encased food - Google Patents
An apparatus and process for warming encased food Download PDFInfo
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- CA2987215A1 CA2987215A1 CA2987215A CA2987215A CA2987215A1 CA 2987215 A1 CA2987215 A1 CA 2987215A1 CA 2987215 A CA2987215 A CA 2987215A CA 2987215 A CA2987215 A CA 2987215A CA 2987215 A1 CA2987215 A1 CA 2987215A1
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- Prior art keywords
- casing
- electrodes
- electrode
- current
- current source
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L5/00—Preparation or treatment of foods or foodstuffs, in general; Food or foodstuffs obtained thereby; Materials therefor
- A23L5/10—General methods of cooking foods, e.g. by roasting or frying
- A23L5/15—General methods of cooking foods, e.g. by roasting or frying using wave energy, irradiation, electrical means or magnetic fields, e.g. oven cooking or roasting using radiant dry heat
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
- A23B4/00—General methods for preserving meat, sausages, fish or fish products
- A23B4/015—Preserving by irradiation or electric treatment without heating effect
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L13/00—Meat products; Meat meal; Preparation or treatment thereof
- A23L13/60—Comminuted or emulsified meat products, e.g. sausages; Reformed meat from comminuted meat product
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L13/00—Meat products; Meat meal; Preparation or treatment thereof
- A23L13/60—Comminuted or emulsified meat products, e.g. sausages; Reformed meat from comminuted meat product
- A23L13/65—Sausages
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
- H05B6/46—Dielectric heating
- H05B6/54—Electrodes
- H05B6/56—Rolling electrodes
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
- H05B6/46—Dielectric heating
- H05B6/62—Apparatus for specific applications
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for heating foodstuffs that are encased in a sheath, comprising at least two axially-parallel cylindrical electrodes that are spaced apart, can rotate in the same direction, and make contact with the connections of opposite polarity of an electrical source of power. The cylindrical electrodes comprise an electrically-conductive peripheral surface, and said power source is configured accordingly to produce an alternating current which is preferably pulsed, and particularly has a frequency of at least 2 kHz.
Description
An apparatus and process for warming encased food The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process feasible with the apparatus for warming encased food, especially meat and sausage products encased in a casing. The apparatus allows rapid warming of the encased food stuff by consistently applying electric current, which generates heat within the food stuff. Preferably, the encased food stuff is a meat or sausage product encased in a cylindrical casing.
State of the art DE 10 2010 028 780 Al describes the warming of meat and sausage products contained in an electrically conducting casing in a chamber by alternating or impulse voltage.
DE 3214861 describes a mold with electrodes being displaceable against each other, between which a food mass encased in a perforated packaging film is arranged, the film being soaked with salt water for current passage.
WO 02/45516 A2 describes the warming of food between two parallel conveyor belts, behind each of which an electrode is arranged , wherein the introduction of current into the food stuff is supposed to be carried out contactless at radio frequency.
Problem of the invention The problem underlying the invention is to provide an alternative apparatus and an alternative process for warming food encased in a casing.
Description of the invention -.. The invention solves the problem by the features of the claims and provides an apparatus for warming food, especially for its cooking, wherein the food stuff is encased in a casing. The apparatus has at least two cylindrical electrodes, which are spaced, axially parallel and rotatable in the same direction, which electrodes are in contact with connections of opposed polarity of an electric current source and are in electric contact with the casing, while the electrodes are rotating at the casing. The casing preferably has a longitudinal axis arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axes of the electrodes, so that the at least two electrodes are rotating paraxially to the casing, the casing with a rotational direction opposite the electrodes. The electrodes preferably are rotary driven.
The cylindrical electrodes have an electrically conducting circumferential surface and the current source accordingly is adapted to generate alternating current, which preferably is pulsed and especially has a frequency of at least 2 kHz, preferably at least 3 kHz or at least 4 kHz, e.g. from 8 to 50 kHz or up to 30 kHz or up to 20 kHz or up to 10 kHz.
Alternatively, especially when the casing is not electrically conducting, for example, the casing essentially is not electrically conducting at a frequency of from 2 to 50 kHz or up to 20 kHz, the current source is adapted to generate current at radio frequency, for example a radio frequency of 3-300 MHz, especially 40.68 to 27.120 MHz, e.g., 13.56 MHz. The reason behind is that current of radio frequency is able to pass a surface insulating layer in the form of the casing on the food stuff and enter a food stuff arranged on the electrodes.
Especially when the current source is adapted to generate alternating current of at least 2 kHz, the casing preferably has a conductivity in the range of from 0.1 mS/cm to 100 mS/cm, especially in the range of from 1 to 50 mS/cm, e.g. from 2 to 10 mS/cm.
The rotational axes of the electrodes are oriented, for example, horizontally.
State of the art DE 10 2010 028 780 Al describes the warming of meat and sausage products contained in an electrically conducting casing in a chamber by alternating or impulse voltage.
DE 3214861 describes a mold with electrodes being displaceable against each other, between which a food mass encased in a perforated packaging film is arranged, the film being soaked with salt water for current passage.
WO 02/45516 A2 describes the warming of food between two parallel conveyor belts, behind each of which an electrode is arranged , wherein the introduction of current into the food stuff is supposed to be carried out contactless at radio frequency.
Problem of the invention The problem underlying the invention is to provide an alternative apparatus and an alternative process for warming food encased in a casing.
Description of the invention -.. The invention solves the problem by the features of the claims and provides an apparatus for warming food, especially for its cooking, wherein the food stuff is encased in a casing. The apparatus has at least two cylindrical electrodes, which are spaced, axially parallel and rotatable in the same direction, which electrodes are in contact with connections of opposed polarity of an electric current source and are in electric contact with the casing, while the electrodes are rotating at the casing. The casing preferably has a longitudinal axis arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axes of the electrodes, so that the at least two electrodes are rotating paraxially to the casing, the casing with a rotational direction opposite the electrodes. The electrodes preferably are rotary driven.
The cylindrical electrodes have an electrically conducting circumferential surface and the current source accordingly is adapted to generate alternating current, which preferably is pulsed and especially has a frequency of at least 2 kHz, preferably at least 3 kHz or at least 4 kHz, e.g. from 8 to 50 kHz or up to 30 kHz or up to 20 kHz or up to 10 kHz.
Alternatively, especially when the casing is not electrically conducting, for example, the casing essentially is not electrically conducting at a frequency of from 2 to 50 kHz or up to 20 kHz, the current source is adapted to generate current at radio frequency, for example a radio frequency of 3-300 MHz, especially 40.68 to 27.120 MHz, e.g., 13.56 MHz. The reason behind is that current of radio frequency is able to pass a surface insulating layer in the form of the casing on the food stuff and enter a food stuff arranged on the electrodes.
Especially when the current source is adapted to generate alternating current of at least 2 kHz, the casing preferably has a conductivity in the range of from 0.1 mS/cm to 100 mS/cm, especially in the range of from 1 to 50 mS/cm, e.g. from 2 to 10 mS/cm.
The rotational axes of the electrodes are oriented, for example, horizontally.
2 _ The electrodes are arranged with a spacing relative to each other, so that a direct voltage transfer between the electrodes is not possible and the food stuff in the casing to be warmed is simultaneously contacted by the electrodes. For that purpose, the food stuff in the casing may be arranged such that its longitudinal axis is parallel to the axes of the electrodes and is adjacent to them.
The electrodes may be arranged beneath the food stuff in the casing.
Alternatively, the food stuff may be arranged in a rotatable manner on an electrode and at least one pinch roller of insulator, and the other cylindrical electrode may be in contact with the food stuff in the casing at a circumferential section lying above the other electrode and/or above the pinch roller, furthermore alternatively, the food stuff may be rotatably supported on two paraxial pinch rollers, and the arrangement with at least two paraxial cylindrical electrodes may be arranged above the pinch rollers and paraxially to them, wherein the pinch rollers and the electrodes delimit a space in which the food stuff in the casing is to be arranged. A pinch roller arranged beneath the casing also functions as a carrier roller. At least two electrodes delimit a space in which the food stuff in the casing is to be arranged, wherein, optionally, the space may additionally be delimited by pinch rollers, one or two of which optionally being arranged above or beneath the encased food stuff. The encased food stuff thus is arranged in an area spanned by at least two electrodes, wherein the food stuff may rest on one electrode and one pinch roller, or on two pinch rollers, and is carried by the same. Generally, a pinch roller may have a surface of insulator or consist of insulator or have a conducting surface, for example consist of stainless steel and be mounted electrically insulated, especially run on bearings electrically insulated against the electrodes.
Optionally, the space in which the food stuff in the casing is to be arranged is spanned by four electrodes, adjacent electrodes of which each are connected to the contacts of the current source, for example to contacts of opposed or equal polarity. The cylindrical
The electrodes may be arranged beneath the food stuff in the casing.
Alternatively, the food stuff may be arranged in a rotatable manner on an electrode and at least one pinch roller of insulator, and the other cylindrical electrode may be in contact with the food stuff in the casing at a circumferential section lying above the other electrode and/or above the pinch roller, furthermore alternatively, the food stuff may be rotatably supported on two paraxial pinch rollers, and the arrangement with at least two paraxial cylindrical electrodes may be arranged above the pinch rollers and paraxially to them, wherein the pinch rollers and the electrodes delimit a space in which the food stuff in the casing is to be arranged. A pinch roller arranged beneath the casing also functions as a carrier roller. At least two electrodes delimit a space in which the food stuff in the casing is to be arranged, wherein, optionally, the space may additionally be delimited by pinch rollers, one or two of which optionally being arranged above or beneath the encased food stuff. The encased food stuff thus is arranged in an area spanned by at least two electrodes, wherein the food stuff may rest on one electrode and one pinch roller, or on two pinch rollers, and is carried by the same. Generally, a pinch roller may have a surface of insulator or consist of insulator or have a conducting surface, for example consist of stainless steel and be mounted electrically insulated, especially run on bearings electrically insulated against the electrodes.
Optionally, the space in which the food stuff in the casing is to be arranged is spanned by four electrodes, adjacent electrodes of which each are connected to the contacts of the current source, for example to contacts of opposed or equal polarity. The cylindrical
3 electrodes preferably are of the same length and along their rotational axis preferably have the length as the food stuff in the casing.
Optionally, at least one electrode, optionally both electrodes, may be divided into axial sections insulated against each other, wherein each electrode section is in contact with the electric current source by means of a line and is individually connectable to the current source. In this embodiment current can be applied to individual insulated sections of at least one electrode in order to introduce in a controlled manner electric current into individual sections into the food stuff adjacent to the electrodes. In this embodiment it is furthermore preferred that a temperature sensor is arranged with a spacing from the area adjacent to an electrode, in which the food stuff enclosed by the casing is arranged, in order to determine the surface temperature of the food stuff s casing.
Preferably, the temperature sensor is adapted to determine the temperature in sections along the longitudinal axis of the electrodes or of the food stuff in the casing, and the current source is adapted to apply a higher current power to the section of one or of both electrodes which is adjacent to the axial section for which for the casing a temperature beneath a predetermined limit, or the lowest temperature is determined.
It turned out that the process for warming a food stuff encased in a casing being in contact with at least two spaced, parallel to the axis cylindrical electrodes under rotation of the electrodes leads to a consistent warming of the food stuff in the casing when current is applied to the electrodes. It is assumed that the warming of the food stuff starts from the axial area of the casing, which connects the two electrodes of opposed polarity.
In this process, the rotation of the electrodes and thus the rotation of the food stuff with the casing along the electrodes leads to a spreading of the warmed sections of the food stuff, so that, taken as a whole, in case of a strong local current flow between two electrodes also results in a consistent warming of the food stuff in the casing.
Optionally, at least one electrode, optionally both electrodes, may be divided into axial sections insulated against each other, wherein each electrode section is in contact with the electric current source by means of a line and is individually connectable to the current source. In this embodiment current can be applied to individual insulated sections of at least one electrode in order to introduce in a controlled manner electric current into individual sections into the food stuff adjacent to the electrodes. In this embodiment it is furthermore preferred that a temperature sensor is arranged with a spacing from the area adjacent to an electrode, in which the food stuff enclosed by the casing is arranged, in order to determine the surface temperature of the food stuff s casing.
Preferably, the temperature sensor is adapted to determine the temperature in sections along the longitudinal axis of the electrodes or of the food stuff in the casing, and the current source is adapted to apply a higher current power to the section of one or of both electrodes which is adjacent to the axial section for which for the casing a temperature beneath a predetermined limit, or the lowest temperature is determined.
It turned out that the process for warming a food stuff encased in a casing being in contact with at least two spaced, parallel to the axis cylindrical electrodes under rotation of the electrodes leads to a consistent warming of the food stuff in the casing when current is applied to the electrodes. It is assumed that the warming of the food stuff starts from the axial area of the casing, which connects the two electrodes of opposed polarity.
In this process, the rotation of the electrodes and thus the rotation of the food stuff with the casing along the electrodes leads to a spreading of the warmed sections of the food stuff, so that, taken as a whole, in case of a strong local current flow between two electrodes also results in a consistent warming of the food stuff in the casing.
4 -The electrodes have an electrically conducting surface, for example a surface of stainless steel. The current source is adapted especially for the generation of alternating current, preferably pulsed, preferably wherein the casing encasing the food stuff is electrically conducting. An electrically conducting casing may, for example, contain water, preferably having a salt content, for example a casing on the basis of cellulose, e.g. a paper casing or fiber casing of cotton, or a polymer swellable in water, or on the basis of a polymer, e.g. polyamide containing electrically conducting particles, e.g.
of aluminum, graphite or carbon black. For a water containing casing it is preferred to humidify the casing from the outside during the application of current, for example by dripping or spraying of water optionally containing salt. The humidifying may be carried out continuously or intermittently. Accordingly, the apparatus optionally has a humidifying device for the casing, for example a drip device or spraying device for water which optionally may contain salt. The humidifying device is, for example, directed to the area in which the casing is to be arranged, especially to an area above two cylindrical electrodes which are spaced, parallel in the axis and rotatable in the same direction. In those embodiments in which the current source is adapted to apply current of radio frequency to electrodes and the electrodes may have a surface layer of insulator, the casing encasing the food stuff may be weakly electrically conducting or non-conducting.
Preferably, the apparatus has in each case a warming device at a first axial end of the electrodes, preferably at both axial ends of the electrodes, for example a hot air blower, an infrared heater, a steam outlet, which are directed each towards a plane arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the electrodes, in order to warm end sections of the food stuff in the casing arranged in this plane. Alternatively, or additionally, the warming device may have a warmed plate, preferably rotatable, which is to be loaded towards a plane being perpendicular to the axis of the electrodes, especially to be loaded towards the casing of the food stuff, which closes up the terminal area of the food stuff. Such a plate preferably is arranged in a rotatable manner and may be, for example, electrically or steam heated. Such a plate may be arranged towards the plane being perpendicular to the
of aluminum, graphite or carbon black. For a water containing casing it is preferred to humidify the casing from the outside during the application of current, for example by dripping or spraying of water optionally containing salt. The humidifying may be carried out continuously or intermittently. Accordingly, the apparatus optionally has a humidifying device for the casing, for example a drip device or spraying device for water which optionally may contain salt. The humidifying device is, for example, directed to the area in which the casing is to be arranged, especially to an area above two cylindrical electrodes which are spaced, parallel in the axis and rotatable in the same direction. In those embodiments in which the current source is adapted to apply current of radio frequency to electrodes and the electrodes may have a surface layer of insulator, the casing encasing the food stuff may be weakly electrically conducting or non-conducting.
Preferably, the apparatus has in each case a warming device at a first axial end of the electrodes, preferably at both axial ends of the electrodes, for example a hot air blower, an infrared heater, a steam outlet, which are directed each towards a plane arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the electrodes, in order to warm end sections of the food stuff in the casing arranged in this plane. Alternatively, or additionally, the warming device may have a warmed plate, preferably rotatable, which is to be loaded towards a plane being perpendicular to the axis of the electrodes, especially to be loaded towards the casing of the food stuff, which closes up the terminal area of the food stuff. Such a plate preferably is arranged in a rotatable manner and may be, for example, electrically or steam heated. Such a plate may be arranged towards the plane being perpendicular to the
5 axis of the electrodes, for example by means of a servomotor, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a weight or a spring, so that the same may be loaded towards the end of a casing. Such a rotatable plate may have a ring-shaped surface facing the casing, the central recess of which being capable of receiving a closure of the casing, e.g. a clip. A
warming device in the form of a plate being rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the casing or around a rotational axis lying in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the electrode has a surface which is arranged approximately in perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrode or the casing, wherein the surface is loaded towards the terminal surface section of the casing. The plate may be heated and/or applied with current, so that current may flow from this plate to an electrode of opposed polarity.
A rotatable plate which is loadable towards a plane being perpendicular to the axis of the electrodes and towards a food stuff in a casing arranged at the electrodes also has the advantage to form the terminal sections of the food stuff in the casing at least partially in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrodes and, accordingly, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the food stuff in the casing. This allows the forming of the food stuff in the casing over a larger cylindrical area, since due to the terminal loading of the casing perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the casing the proportion of the terminal sections, which are not cylindrical anymore, is reduced.
In a further embodiment the apparatus has at least three cylindrical electrodes and/or pinch rollers, which are in parallel to the axis and spaced, wherein in each case two adjacent of which span an area each carrying a food stuff in the casing .Therein, the area is arranged beneath the casing. Adjacent electrodes each are in contact with connections of opposed polarity of an electric current source. At least three of these at least three electrodes and/or pinch rollers are arranged in approximately one plane or with displacement, so that two adjacent electrodes or pinch rollers each are adjacent to an area in which a food stuff in a casing may be arranged, so that in the process two food stuffs encased in a casing each are in contact with a shared electrode or pinch roller and with at
warming device in the form of a plate being rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the casing or around a rotational axis lying in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the electrode has a surface which is arranged approximately in perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrode or the casing, wherein the surface is loaded towards the terminal surface section of the casing. The plate may be heated and/or applied with current, so that current may flow from this plate to an electrode of opposed polarity.
A rotatable plate which is loadable towards a plane being perpendicular to the axis of the electrodes and towards a food stuff in a casing arranged at the electrodes also has the advantage to form the terminal sections of the food stuff in the casing at least partially in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrodes and, accordingly, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the food stuff in the casing. This allows the forming of the food stuff in the casing over a larger cylindrical area, since due to the terminal loading of the casing perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the casing the proportion of the terminal sections, which are not cylindrical anymore, is reduced.
In a further embodiment the apparatus has at least three cylindrical electrodes and/or pinch rollers, which are in parallel to the axis and spaced, wherein in each case two adjacent of which span an area each carrying a food stuff in the casing .Therein, the area is arranged beneath the casing. Adjacent electrodes each are in contact with connections of opposed polarity of an electric current source. At least three of these at least three electrodes and/or pinch rollers are arranged in approximately one plane or with displacement, so that two adjacent electrodes or pinch rollers each are adjacent to an area in which a food stuff in a casing may be arranged, so that in the process two food stuffs encased in a casing each are in contact with a shared electrode or pinch roller and with at
6 -least one electrode each, preferably at least two electrodes, which is spaced from the shared electrode. In this embodiment the electric energy which is applied to the adjacent electrodes may optionally be the same or increase or decrease along the arrangement of paraxial electrodes. In the case of at least three electrodes and/or pinch rollers which preferably are arranged in approximately one plane, wherein two adjacent electrodes and/or pinch rollers each span between one another an area, in which a casing may be arranged, wherein the casing preferably rests on in each case two adjacent electrodes and/or pinch rollers, differing electric power can be applied to the electrodes. For example, electric power can be applied which in each case is higher or lower to electrodes being in contact with casings arranged in adjacent areas, so that the food stuff in the casings in adjacent areas is warmed with higher or lower power, respectively.
In the embodiment having at least three cylindrical electrodes or pinch rollers, which between them span at least two areas carrying one encased food stuff each, the apparatus preferably has a lifting device by which a food stuff encased in a casing may be moved from a first position adjacent to two electrodes to a spaced second position, in which the casing is contacted by at least one other electrode, so that in the second position the casing is contacted by an electrode as in the first position and by a further electrode. A
lifting device may have, for example, a driven rocker lever, which is pivoted, for example, to a center of rotation beneath or beside the electrodes and/or pinch rollers, which span areas in which the food stuff in the casing rests. Such a rocker lever may be driven, for example, by a servomotor, a hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder in order to move a section of the rocker lever spaced from a center of rotation from a first to a second position. The section of the rocker lever spaced from the center of rotation in a first position is arranged beneath the area between the electrodes and/or pinch rollers, into which the encased food stuff projects, and in a second position spaced therefrom the rocker lever is arranged in that area in which it is loaded against the encased food stuff and moves the encased food stuff over one of the electrodes or pinch rollers on which the encased food stuff rests.
In the embodiment having at least three cylindrical electrodes or pinch rollers, which between them span at least two areas carrying one encased food stuff each, the apparatus preferably has a lifting device by which a food stuff encased in a casing may be moved from a first position adjacent to two electrodes to a spaced second position, in which the casing is contacted by at least one other electrode, so that in the second position the casing is contacted by an electrode as in the first position and by a further electrode. A
lifting device may have, for example, a driven rocker lever, which is pivoted, for example, to a center of rotation beneath or beside the electrodes and/or pinch rollers, which span areas in which the food stuff in the casing rests. Such a rocker lever may be driven, for example, by a servomotor, a hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder in order to move a section of the rocker lever spaced from a center of rotation from a first to a second position. The section of the rocker lever spaced from the center of rotation in a first position is arranged beneath the area between the electrodes and/or pinch rollers, into which the encased food stuff projects, and in a second position spaced therefrom the rocker lever is arranged in that area in which it is loaded against the encased food stuff and moves the encased food stuff over one of the electrodes or pinch rollers on which the encased food stuff rests.
7 _ The lifting device preferably is adapted to move the encased food stuff in a direction along the apparatus, for example in the embodiment as a rocker lever such that the rocker lever in the second position is in each case arranged on the same side in a displaced manner relative to the center of mass of the food stuff in the casing and loads the casing with displacement relative to the center of mass.
Between in each case two electrodes and/or pinch rollers spanning an area in which the food stuff in the casing rests, a lifting device each is preferably arranged in order to move the encased food stuff from one area between two electrodes and/or pinch rollers carrying an encased food stuff to the adjacent area and, finally, at a terminal electrode or pinch roller, to move the encased food stuff away from the apparatus, for example onto a storage area or a transport equipment.
In the embodiment having at least three cylindrical electrodes and/or pinch rollers the same may be arranged in approximately one area, wherein the area optionally is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal. Optionally, these electrodes and/or pinch rollers that span the areas against which the encased food stuff lies against, can be inclined towards the horizontal with an angle of their rotational axes, for example at an angle of up to 60 , especially when a rotatable plate, which preferably is a warmed plate, is arranged at the lower end of the electrodes and/or pinch rollers, with the surface of the plate lying approximately perpendicularly to the rotational axis.
The embodiment having at least three cylindrical electrodes of which in each case two span adjacent areas, in which the encased food stuff rests, and in which the encased food stuff preferably is moved from one area to the adjacent area by means of a lifting device, is advantageous in that this embodiment provides warmed encased food stuffs in shorter distances of time than, for example, an embodiment which is capable of receiving 1 encased food stuff only, for example with only 2 electrodes. Accordingly, the
Between in each case two electrodes and/or pinch rollers spanning an area in which the food stuff in the casing rests, a lifting device each is preferably arranged in order to move the encased food stuff from one area between two electrodes and/or pinch rollers carrying an encased food stuff to the adjacent area and, finally, at a terminal electrode or pinch roller, to move the encased food stuff away from the apparatus, for example onto a storage area or a transport equipment.
In the embodiment having at least three cylindrical electrodes and/or pinch rollers the same may be arranged in approximately one area, wherein the area optionally is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal. Optionally, these electrodes and/or pinch rollers that span the areas against which the encased food stuff lies against, can be inclined towards the horizontal with an angle of their rotational axes, for example at an angle of up to 60 , especially when a rotatable plate, which preferably is a warmed plate, is arranged at the lower end of the electrodes and/or pinch rollers, with the surface of the plate lying approximately perpendicularly to the rotational axis.
The embodiment having at least three cylindrical electrodes of which in each case two span adjacent areas, in which the encased food stuff rests, and in which the encased food stuff preferably is moved from one area to the adjacent area by means of a lifting device, is advantageous in that this embodiment provides warmed encased food stuffs in shorter distances of time than, for example, an embodiment which is capable of receiving 1 encased food stuff only, for example with only 2 electrodes. Accordingly, the
8 embodiment having at least three, preferably 5 to at least 8 cylindrical electrodes, of which in each case two span adjacent areas, in which the encased food stuff rests, and having a lifting device is preferred, with an adjoining arrangement of an equipment for further processing, especially a cutting device.
In embodiments having at least three cylindrical electrodes, of which in each case two span adjacent areas, in which the encased food stuff rests, it is preferred that the same electric power is applied to all electrodes and these preferably are connected to a shared generator, which generates the total electric power.
Furthermore preferably, the apparatus has a filling device for filling casings with the food stuff, as well as a device for arranging a casing with food stuff adjacent to a first pair of electrodes and a lifting device for transporting the food stuff in the casing from the electrodes subsequent to the warming, for example onto a storage area or to a transport equipment. Preferably, the food stuff is sausage meat, which is cooked during the process in the casing by applying electric current.
Optionally, the apparatus has a cutting device, also termed slicer, by which the food stuff being in a warmed state yet, for example at a temperature of above 50 C, e.g.
above 60 C, above 65 C, e.g. at a temperature of up to 85 C, up to 80 C or up to 75 C, is cut into slices. It namely turned out that the cutting of the warmed food is feasible at elevated temperatures when the slices are immediately deposited in the form of a stack or with displacement in a shingled manner, and are directly cooled, for example in a cold room.
Therein it has been found that the cutting of a food stuff at an elevated temperature, for example of sausage, with deposit of the slices with displacement and subsequent cooling of the cut slices in a packing does not lead to overly sticking together of the slices, for example only to an adhesion of the slices to each other which essentially corresponds to that adhesion occurring when the food stuff is cooled prior to cutting, for example to a
In embodiments having at least three cylindrical electrodes, of which in each case two span adjacent areas, in which the encased food stuff rests, it is preferred that the same electric power is applied to all electrodes and these preferably are connected to a shared generator, which generates the total electric power.
Furthermore preferably, the apparatus has a filling device for filling casings with the food stuff, as well as a device for arranging a casing with food stuff adjacent to a first pair of electrodes and a lifting device for transporting the food stuff in the casing from the electrodes subsequent to the warming, for example onto a storage area or to a transport equipment. Preferably, the food stuff is sausage meat, which is cooked during the process in the casing by applying electric current.
Optionally, the apparatus has a cutting device, also termed slicer, by which the food stuff being in a warmed state yet, for example at a temperature of above 50 C, e.g.
above 60 C, above 65 C, e.g. at a temperature of up to 85 C, up to 80 C or up to 75 C, is cut into slices. It namely turned out that the cutting of the warmed food is feasible at elevated temperatures when the slices are immediately deposited in the form of a stack or with displacement in a shingled manner, and are directly cooled, for example in a cold room.
Therein it has been found that the cutting of a food stuff at an elevated temperature, for example of sausage, with deposit of the slices with displacement and subsequent cooling of the cut slices in a packing does not lead to overly sticking together of the slices, for example only to an adhesion of the slices to each other which essentially corresponds to that adhesion occurring when the food stuff is cooled prior to cutting, for example to a
9 -temperature in the range of from 30 to 10 C. Preferably, the casing is removed from the food stuff prior to cutting.
Preferably, the apparatus has a cooling device by which means a cooling medium is flowed along the packings and which has carriers on which the packings are arranged such that they are spaced from one another, so that the packings containing the slices which have been cut in a warmed state are arranged such that they are spaced from one another and are flowed by cooling medium. The cooling device is intended to rapidly cool the slices in the packing in order to reduce or avoid the adherence of the slices to each other. The cooling device may be, for example, a cooling tunnel, through which the packings are conveyed.
The cooling medium may be cooling gas, e.g. air, or a cooling liquid, e.g.
water and/or alcohol or an aqueous and/or alcoholic salt solution. The carriers of the cooling equipment may be conveyor belts, which optionally are perforated, e.g. of plastic, of metal or of metal fabric or threads on or between which the packings can be arranged.
The invention will now be described in more detail by means of examples and having reference to the figures, which schematically show in - Figure 1 a top view to an apparatus according to the invention seen along the axis of the electrodes;
- Figure 2 a top view to an apparatus according to the invention from a vertical view to the axis of the electrodes;
- Figure 3 an embodiment of the apparatus having four electrodes per casing;
- Figure 4 an embodiment with segmented electrodes;
- Figure 5 an embodiment with at least three electrodes arranged in one plane; and in - Figure 6 an embodiment with a lifting device.
Figure 1 shows two cylindrical electrodes 1, which are paraxially rotatable in the same direction, and which are arranged at a spacing from one another and are adjacent to the casing 2 comprising a food stuff. The casing 2 of the food stuff touches at least two electrodes 1 each along a contact area 3 for transferring the electric energy.
The electrodes 1 are connected to the connections of opposed polarity of an electric current source 4, for example by means of one line 5 each. The contacting of the electrode 1 by the line 5 may be realized, for example, by means of a slip ring transmitter.
At least one of the electrodes 1 is rotary driven by motor for rotation, preferably both.
Furthermore, Figure 1 shows a pinch roller 9 consisting of insulating material or of metal, which is run on bearings electrically insulated against the electrodes, and which is adapted to load the casing 2 towards the electrodes 1. For rotation of the electrodes 1 at least one electrode 1 is rotary driven, alternatively at least one pinch roller 9. It is generally preferred that all electrodes 1 are rotary driven, in each case to the same circumferential speed, in order to allow a consistent transfer of the electric energy to the casing 2 and to avoid an adhesion of the casing 2 to the electrodes 1. Optionally, also the pinch roller 9 is rotary driven to the same circumferential speed. The electrodes 1 and/or the pinch roller 9 span an area between one another, in which the casing 2 is to be arranged, so that the casing 2 is carried by two electrodes 1, an electrode 1 and a pinch roller 9 or, alternatively, by two spaced pinch rollers. Accordingly, two of pinch roller 9 and electrodes 1 are arranged beneath the casing 1, preferably two electrodes 1 beneath the casing 2, wherein optionally no pinch roller 9 is present, but the casing 2 containing the food stuff is loaded against two electrodes 1 solely by its weight force.
Figure 1 shows an optional humidifying device 22 formed in the form of a spraying device, which is directed to the casing 2. Water 23 applied to the casing 2 by the humidifying device 22 preferably contains salt, for example in the concentration at which the sausage meat arranged in the casing 2 contains salt.
Figure 2 shows an apparatus with cylindrical paraxial electrodes 1, which are rotary driven, wherein the casing 2 of a food stuff is implied, which is adjacent to the area between two adjacent electrodes 1 and is carried by them. The apparatus has a rotatably mounted heating plate 7, which is directed to a plane standing perpendicularly to the axis la of the electrodes 1. Therefore, the heating plate 7 may be loaded towards a terminal section of the casing 2, which forms the front surface of the casing 2. As an alternative to the heating plate 7 the heating device for the front-end surfaces of the casing 2 may be, for example, an infrared heater or a hot air blower 8 directed to the plane which is oriented perpendicularly to the axis la of the electrodes 1 and at a spacing from of the electrodes 1 in order to warm the front-end surface of the casing 2.
As shown in Figure 2, adjacent electrodes 1 each are connected to connections of opposed polarity of the electric current source 4.
Figure 3 shows an apparatus, in which four electrodes 1 each encompass an area in which the casing 2 is to be arranged. In this embodiment adjacent electrodes 1 each are connected to connections of opposed polarity of the current source 4, so that two adjacent electrodes 1 each can apply current to sections of the circumference of the casing 2.
Using the example of the electrodes 1, the optional segmentation of the electrodes 1 into adjacent electrode sections 10 being electrically insulated against each other is shown in Figure 4, the electrode sections each being separately in contact with the electric current source 4 and being individually connectable to the current source 4, so that current can be applied to the electrode sections 10 individually in a controlled manner.
Preferably, two adjacent electrodes 1 are divided into adjacent electrode sections 10 being electrically insulated against each other, which are each separately connected to the current source 4, with the current source 4 being adapted to apply current to each two electrode sections 10 of adjacent parallel electrodes 1, la, lb, which extend over the same axial segment.
Preferably, this axial section is that for which a temperature sensor 11 determines a temperature of the casing 2, which lies below a predetermined temperature, or the lowest temperature determined for an axial section of the casing 2.
Furthermore, Figure 4 shows an arrangement of temperature sensors 11 each of which is directed to an area in parallel to an electrode section 10, more preferably wherein, depending on a signal of the temperature sensor 11, the current source is adapted and controlled to apply current to the electrode sections 10 for example those parallel axial electrode sections 10 of two adjacent electrodes 1 for which at the casing 2 a temperature below the predetermined temperature or the relative lowest temperature is measured. The temperature sensor 11 may be, for example, an IR temperature sensor. The arrangement of temperature sensors 11 may be mounted, for example, above the area in which the casing 2 (not shown) is to be arranged.
For this embodiment it is schematically shown by the control lines 12 that one temperature sensor 11 each may be connected in relation to the lines 5 to a controlled current source 4, wherein the lines 5 are connected to electrode sections 10 each, which in adjacent electrodes 1 are each in contact with an electrode section 10, which occupies the same axial section of only one electrode 1 or of two adjacent electrodes 1. In accordance with the invention current of the current source 4 can be applied to each axial section 10 of the electrodes 1 in a controlled manner, depending on a signal of a temperature sensor 11 directed to the casing 1 in the axial section 10.
Figure 5 shows an apparatus having six paraxial cylindrical electrodes 1, which are arranged in approximately one plane, wherein each two adjacent electrodes 1 span an area, in which a casing 2 is arranged. Each two adjacent electrodes 1 span an area in which a casing 2 is arranged and carried by the electrodes 1. The adjacent electrodes 1 are each connected to the connections of the current source 4 of opposed polarity. As an alternative to the electrodes 1 at least one pinch roller may be provided as a carrier roller and the electrode 1 be arranged above the casing 2. For arranging the food stuff in the casing 2 in that area which is spanned by two electrodes 1 and in a position adjacent to two electrodes 1, Figure 5 shows a pivot lever 17 which may be swiveled around a pivot bearing 18 and be moved towards a casing 2 by means of a drive 19 in order to move the same on a support 20 over an electrode 1.
Figure 6 shows an apparatus according to Figure 5 which, in addition to the areas spanned by two adjacent electrodes 1, has lifting devices by which means the food stuff in the casing 2 may be moved over an electrode 1 to the adjacent area. The exemplary conveyor device has levers 13 which are hinged on a center of rotation 14. By means of a drive 16 an end 15 remote from the center of rotation 14 of each lever may be loaded towards the casing 2 in that area which is spanned by adjacent electrodes 1.
Since the end is displaced opposite to the direction (in Figure 6 to the left) of the movement of the casing 2 from the center of the area spanned between two adjacent electrodes, the swiveling of the lever 13 allows a movement of the casing 2 in each case in the same 15 direction over the electrodes 1. For a better overview the electric lines 5 are not depicted in Figure 6. Adjacent to the arrangement of electrodes a support 21 is arranged at one of their ends, onto which the food stuff warmed in the casing 2 may be moved.
Example: Warming of sausage meat in a casing Sausage meat for mortadella made of pork after bowl cutting was filled into a casing of an electrically conducting material having a diameter of from 60 to 22 mm over a length of 160 cm, and the casing was closed at its ends using clips. This cylindrical casing filled with sausage meat firstly was placed on two parallel, horizontally arranged cylindrical electrodes 1, to which a first electric energy was applied, and subsequently lifted over one of the electrodes by means of a pivot lever and arranged on this one electrode and on a further adjacent electrode in order to apply a higher electric energy to this adjacent pair of electrodes, as is also described with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6. The electrodes la had an outer diameter of 150 mm and a spacing of 30 mm, were rotatably run on bearings and driven by a motor in the same direction by means of a circumferential chain or a driving belt. The circumferential speed amounted to approximately 10 to 100 cm/s.
The electrodes 1 had a metal cylinder with an electrically conducting surface.
The metal cylinder of each electrode 1 was connected via a slip ring contact to the connections of opposed polarity of a current source 4. A current of 8 A, 500 V at a frequency of 20 kHz was applied to each of the pairs of adjacent electrodes 1, on which a casing filled with food was arranged. . In doing so, current of 8A from a shared current source was applied to each pair of adjacent electrodes 1 on which a casing was arranged. In Figure 6 this amounts to a total of 5 x 8 A = 40 A of current. Thus, this apparatus may provide a warmed casing filled with food after 1/5 of the time that is in total required for the warming of a casing.
The warming of the sausage meat in the casing 2 was carried out from an initial 5 C to at least 68 C, in each case determined as the surface temperature of the casing 2. The core temperature of the sausage meat measured with a probe thermometer reached 68 C.
Immediately after the warming for cooking the casing 2 was removed from the sausage and, using a conventional slicer, the sausage having a temperature of from 60 to 65 C
was cut into slices, which were deposited in deep-drawn bowls of plastic film with a displacement of approximately 30 to 50 % of their diameter and covered with a lid film.
These packings were cooled in a cooling chamber having a cold air blower. It turned out that after the cooling to approximately 5 to 8 C the sausage slices showed an adherence to each other that allowed an easy removal of the slices by lifting or pulling off.
Reference signs:
1 electrode la rotational axis of the electrode 2 casing 3 contact area 4 electric current source electric lead 6 insulating layer 7 heating plate 8 radiant heater, hot air blower, steam blower 9 pinch roller axial electrode section 11 temperature sensor 12 control line 13 lever 14 center of rotation end 16 drive 17 pivot lever 18 pivot bearing 19 drive support 21 support 22 humidifying device 23 water
Preferably, the apparatus has a cooling device by which means a cooling medium is flowed along the packings and which has carriers on which the packings are arranged such that they are spaced from one another, so that the packings containing the slices which have been cut in a warmed state are arranged such that they are spaced from one another and are flowed by cooling medium. The cooling device is intended to rapidly cool the slices in the packing in order to reduce or avoid the adherence of the slices to each other. The cooling device may be, for example, a cooling tunnel, through which the packings are conveyed.
The cooling medium may be cooling gas, e.g. air, or a cooling liquid, e.g.
water and/or alcohol or an aqueous and/or alcoholic salt solution. The carriers of the cooling equipment may be conveyor belts, which optionally are perforated, e.g. of plastic, of metal or of metal fabric or threads on or between which the packings can be arranged.
The invention will now be described in more detail by means of examples and having reference to the figures, which schematically show in - Figure 1 a top view to an apparatus according to the invention seen along the axis of the electrodes;
- Figure 2 a top view to an apparatus according to the invention from a vertical view to the axis of the electrodes;
- Figure 3 an embodiment of the apparatus having four electrodes per casing;
- Figure 4 an embodiment with segmented electrodes;
- Figure 5 an embodiment with at least three electrodes arranged in one plane; and in - Figure 6 an embodiment with a lifting device.
Figure 1 shows two cylindrical electrodes 1, which are paraxially rotatable in the same direction, and which are arranged at a spacing from one another and are adjacent to the casing 2 comprising a food stuff. The casing 2 of the food stuff touches at least two electrodes 1 each along a contact area 3 for transferring the electric energy.
The electrodes 1 are connected to the connections of opposed polarity of an electric current source 4, for example by means of one line 5 each. The contacting of the electrode 1 by the line 5 may be realized, for example, by means of a slip ring transmitter.
At least one of the electrodes 1 is rotary driven by motor for rotation, preferably both.
Furthermore, Figure 1 shows a pinch roller 9 consisting of insulating material or of metal, which is run on bearings electrically insulated against the electrodes, and which is adapted to load the casing 2 towards the electrodes 1. For rotation of the electrodes 1 at least one electrode 1 is rotary driven, alternatively at least one pinch roller 9. It is generally preferred that all electrodes 1 are rotary driven, in each case to the same circumferential speed, in order to allow a consistent transfer of the electric energy to the casing 2 and to avoid an adhesion of the casing 2 to the electrodes 1. Optionally, also the pinch roller 9 is rotary driven to the same circumferential speed. The electrodes 1 and/or the pinch roller 9 span an area between one another, in which the casing 2 is to be arranged, so that the casing 2 is carried by two electrodes 1, an electrode 1 and a pinch roller 9 or, alternatively, by two spaced pinch rollers. Accordingly, two of pinch roller 9 and electrodes 1 are arranged beneath the casing 1, preferably two electrodes 1 beneath the casing 2, wherein optionally no pinch roller 9 is present, but the casing 2 containing the food stuff is loaded against two electrodes 1 solely by its weight force.
Figure 1 shows an optional humidifying device 22 formed in the form of a spraying device, which is directed to the casing 2. Water 23 applied to the casing 2 by the humidifying device 22 preferably contains salt, for example in the concentration at which the sausage meat arranged in the casing 2 contains salt.
Figure 2 shows an apparatus with cylindrical paraxial electrodes 1, which are rotary driven, wherein the casing 2 of a food stuff is implied, which is adjacent to the area between two adjacent electrodes 1 and is carried by them. The apparatus has a rotatably mounted heating plate 7, which is directed to a plane standing perpendicularly to the axis la of the electrodes 1. Therefore, the heating plate 7 may be loaded towards a terminal section of the casing 2, which forms the front surface of the casing 2. As an alternative to the heating plate 7 the heating device for the front-end surfaces of the casing 2 may be, for example, an infrared heater or a hot air blower 8 directed to the plane which is oriented perpendicularly to the axis la of the electrodes 1 and at a spacing from of the electrodes 1 in order to warm the front-end surface of the casing 2.
As shown in Figure 2, adjacent electrodes 1 each are connected to connections of opposed polarity of the electric current source 4.
Figure 3 shows an apparatus, in which four electrodes 1 each encompass an area in which the casing 2 is to be arranged. In this embodiment adjacent electrodes 1 each are connected to connections of opposed polarity of the current source 4, so that two adjacent electrodes 1 each can apply current to sections of the circumference of the casing 2.
Using the example of the electrodes 1, the optional segmentation of the electrodes 1 into adjacent electrode sections 10 being electrically insulated against each other is shown in Figure 4, the electrode sections each being separately in contact with the electric current source 4 and being individually connectable to the current source 4, so that current can be applied to the electrode sections 10 individually in a controlled manner.
Preferably, two adjacent electrodes 1 are divided into adjacent electrode sections 10 being electrically insulated against each other, which are each separately connected to the current source 4, with the current source 4 being adapted to apply current to each two electrode sections 10 of adjacent parallel electrodes 1, la, lb, which extend over the same axial segment.
Preferably, this axial section is that for which a temperature sensor 11 determines a temperature of the casing 2, which lies below a predetermined temperature, or the lowest temperature determined for an axial section of the casing 2.
Furthermore, Figure 4 shows an arrangement of temperature sensors 11 each of which is directed to an area in parallel to an electrode section 10, more preferably wherein, depending on a signal of the temperature sensor 11, the current source is adapted and controlled to apply current to the electrode sections 10 for example those parallel axial electrode sections 10 of two adjacent electrodes 1 for which at the casing 2 a temperature below the predetermined temperature or the relative lowest temperature is measured. The temperature sensor 11 may be, for example, an IR temperature sensor. The arrangement of temperature sensors 11 may be mounted, for example, above the area in which the casing 2 (not shown) is to be arranged.
For this embodiment it is schematically shown by the control lines 12 that one temperature sensor 11 each may be connected in relation to the lines 5 to a controlled current source 4, wherein the lines 5 are connected to electrode sections 10 each, which in adjacent electrodes 1 are each in contact with an electrode section 10, which occupies the same axial section of only one electrode 1 or of two adjacent electrodes 1. In accordance with the invention current of the current source 4 can be applied to each axial section 10 of the electrodes 1 in a controlled manner, depending on a signal of a temperature sensor 11 directed to the casing 1 in the axial section 10.
Figure 5 shows an apparatus having six paraxial cylindrical electrodes 1, which are arranged in approximately one plane, wherein each two adjacent electrodes 1 span an area, in which a casing 2 is arranged. Each two adjacent electrodes 1 span an area in which a casing 2 is arranged and carried by the electrodes 1. The adjacent electrodes 1 are each connected to the connections of the current source 4 of opposed polarity. As an alternative to the electrodes 1 at least one pinch roller may be provided as a carrier roller and the electrode 1 be arranged above the casing 2. For arranging the food stuff in the casing 2 in that area which is spanned by two electrodes 1 and in a position adjacent to two electrodes 1, Figure 5 shows a pivot lever 17 which may be swiveled around a pivot bearing 18 and be moved towards a casing 2 by means of a drive 19 in order to move the same on a support 20 over an electrode 1.
Figure 6 shows an apparatus according to Figure 5 which, in addition to the areas spanned by two adjacent electrodes 1, has lifting devices by which means the food stuff in the casing 2 may be moved over an electrode 1 to the adjacent area. The exemplary conveyor device has levers 13 which are hinged on a center of rotation 14. By means of a drive 16 an end 15 remote from the center of rotation 14 of each lever may be loaded towards the casing 2 in that area which is spanned by adjacent electrodes 1.
Since the end is displaced opposite to the direction (in Figure 6 to the left) of the movement of the casing 2 from the center of the area spanned between two adjacent electrodes, the swiveling of the lever 13 allows a movement of the casing 2 in each case in the same 15 direction over the electrodes 1. For a better overview the electric lines 5 are not depicted in Figure 6. Adjacent to the arrangement of electrodes a support 21 is arranged at one of their ends, onto which the food stuff warmed in the casing 2 may be moved.
Example: Warming of sausage meat in a casing Sausage meat for mortadella made of pork after bowl cutting was filled into a casing of an electrically conducting material having a diameter of from 60 to 22 mm over a length of 160 cm, and the casing was closed at its ends using clips. This cylindrical casing filled with sausage meat firstly was placed on two parallel, horizontally arranged cylindrical electrodes 1, to which a first electric energy was applied, and subsequently lifted over one of the electrodes by means of a pivot lever and arranged on this one electrode and on a further adjacent electrode in order to apply a higher electric energy to this adjacent pair of electrodes, as is also described with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6. The electrodes la had an outer diameter of 150 mm and a spacing of 30 mm, were rotatably run on bearings and driven by a motor in the same direction by means of a circumferential chain or a driving belt. The circumferential speed amounted to approximately 10 to 100 cm/s.
The electrodes 1 had a metal cylinder with an electrically conducting surface.
The metal cylinder of each electrode 1 was connected via a slip ring contact to the connections of opposed polarity of a current source 4. A current of 8 A, 500 V at a frequency of 20 kHz was applied to each of the pairs of adjacent electrodes 1, on which a casing filled with food was arranged. . In doing so, current of 8A from a shared current source was applied to each pair of adjacent electrodes 1 on which a casing was arranged. In Figure 6 this amounts to a total of 5 x 8 A = 40 A of current. Thus, this apparatus may provide a warmed casing filled with food after 1/5 of the time that is in total required for the warming of a casing.
The warming of the sausage meat in the casing 2 was carried out from an initial 5 C to at least 68 C, in each case determined as the surface temperature of the casing 2. The core temperature of the sausage meat measured with a probe thermometer reached 68 C.
Immediately after the warming for cooking the casing 2 was removed from the sausage and, using a conventional slicer, the sausage having a temperature of from 60 to 65 C
was cut into slices, which were deposited in deep-drawn bowls of plastic film with a displacement of approximately 30 to 50 % of their diameter and covered with a lid film.
These packings were cooled in a cooling chamber having a cold air blower. It turned out that after the cooling to approximately 5 to 8 C the sausage slices showed an adherence to each other that allowed an easy removal of the slices by lifting or pulling off.
Reference signs:
1 electrode la rotational axis of the electrode 2 casing 3 contact area 4 electric current source electric lead 6 insulating layer 7 heating plate 8 radiant heater, hot air blower, steam blower 9 pinch roller axial electrode section 11 temperature sensor 12 control line 13 lever 14 center of rotation end 16 drive 17 pivot lever 18 pivot bearing 19 drive support 21 support 22 humidifying device 23 water
Claims (22)
1. A process for producing food contained in a cylindrical casing (2), comprising the step of warming by applying electric current, characterized in that the casing (2) is contacted by at least two electrodes (1), to which electric current of opposed polarity is applied, wherein the electrodes (1) are cylindrical, arranged in parallel to the axis, and run on bearings to rotate around their axes in the same direction.
2. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that a current source (4) applies alternating current having a frequency in the range of from 2 kHz to 300 MHz to the electrodes (1, 1 a).
3. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrodes (1) have an electrically conductive, cylindrical surface, the casing (2) is electrically conductive, and a current source (4) applies alternating current having a frequency of at least 2 kHz, preferably of from 3 to 50 kHz, to the electrodes (1, la).
4. The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (2) is consecutively arranged in at least two areas, each of which being spanned by two electrodes (1), an electrode (1) and a pinch roller (9), or two pinch rollers (9), and by which the casing (2) is carried.
5. The process according to claim 4, characterized in that the food stuff in the casing (2) is provided with a differing electric power in at least two of the areas.
6. The process according to any of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the food stuff in the casing (2) by means of a lifting device is moved from one area to an adjacent area.
7. The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface temperature of the casing (1) is measured by means of an arrangement of temperature sensors (11), each of which is directed to an axial section of the casing (2), and at least one electrode (1) is divided into axial electrode sections (10) insulated against each one another, each of which is individually and controlled connected to the current source (4) and to which current is applied depending on a signal from the arrangement of temperature sensors (11) for the surface temperature,.
8. The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the warming device (7, 8) is directed towards at least one terminal surface section of the casing (2).
9. The process according to claim 8, characterized in that the warming device (7, 8) is a plate being rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the casing (2) and having a surface, which is arranged approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (I a) of the electrode (1), wherein the surface is loaded against a terminal surface section of the casing (2), and which is heated and/or to which current is applied.
10. The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that subsequent to the warming the food stuff at a temperature of at least 50 °C is cut into slices and the slices are deposited with partial overlap in packings and subsequently cooled in the packings.
11. The process according to claim 10, characterized in that the packings are arranged such that they are spaced from one another and are cooled by overflowing with a cooling medium.
12. An apparatus for warming food encased in a casing (2), characterized by at least two cylindrical electrodes (1) being spaced, paraxial and rotatable in the same direction, which are to be arranged towards the casing (2) and are in contact with connections of an electric current source (4) of opposed polarity.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the current source (4) is adapted to apply current of a frequency of from 2 kHz to 300 MHz to the electrodes.
14. The apparatus according to any of the claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the electrodes (1) have an electrically conducting circumferential surface and the current source (4) is adapted to apply alternating current of a frequency of at least 2 kHz to the electrodes (1).
15. The apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the apparatus has at least two areas for carrying the casing (2), each of which being spanned by two electrodes (1), an electrode (1) and a pinch roller (9), or two pinch rollers (9).
16. The apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the electrodes (1) along with at least one paraxial pinch roller (9) surround an intervening space, in which the casing (2) can be arranged in contact with the electrodes (1) and the pinch roller (9).
17. The apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that at least one electrode (1) is divided into axial electrode sections (10) insulated against each other, which individually are in contact with the electric current source (4) and individually are connectable to the current source (4) in a controlled manner and to which current can be applied.
18. The apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the apparatus has an arrangement of temperature sensors (11), which, for measuring the surface temperature of the casing (2), are directed to at least two axial sections of the area in which the casing (2) is to be arranged, and the arrangement of temperature sensors (11) is connected to a control device adapted to control the current source (4) depending on the signal of the temperature sensors (11), especially, to apply current to electrode sections (10) of at least one electrode (1) in dependence on a signal of the temperature sensor (11).
19. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 18, characterized by at least one lifting device for each of the areas for carrying the casing (2), wherein the lifting device is adapted to move the food stuff in the casing (2) from one an area to an adjacent area.
20. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 19, characterized by at least one warming device (7, 8), which is adjustable towards at least one terminal surface section of the casing (2), wherein the warming device (7, 8) is a plate being rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the casing (2) and having a surface, which is arranged approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (1 a) of the electrode (1), wherein the surface is loadable against the terminal surface section of the casing (2), and which is heated and/or which current is applied to, or wherein the warming device (7, 8) is a hot air blower, an infrared heater or a steam outlet.
21. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 20, characterized by a humidifying device (22), which is adapted to apply water (23) to the area in which the casing (2) is to be arranged.
22. The apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the electrodes are connected to a shared current source, which is adapted to apply the same voltage, current and frequency to each pair of adjacent electrodes.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE102015206385.2 | 2015-04-09 | ||
| DE102015206385.2A DE102015206385B4 (en) | 2015-04-09 | 2015-04-09 | Device and method for heating coated food |
| DE102016105624 | 2016-03-24 | ||
| DE102016105624.3 | 2016-03-24 | ||
| PCT/EP2016/057932 WO2016162567A1 (en) | 2015-04-09 | 2016-04-11 | Device and method for heating wrapped foodstuffs |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2987215A1 true CA2987215A1 (en) | 2016-10-13 |
Family
ID=55860797
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2987215A Abandoned CA2987215A1 (en) | 2015-04-09 | 2016-04-11 | An apparatus and process for warming encased food |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3280266B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2987215A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2779582T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2016162567A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102021207153A1 (en) | 2021-07-07 | 2023-01-12 | DIL Deutsches Institut für Lebensmitteltechnik e.V. | Device and method for continuous ohmic heating of food |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FI59700C (en) * | 1976-10-18 | 1981-10-12 | Ilkka Ossi Tapio Vanhatalo | FOERFARANDE FOER UPPHETTNING OCH KOAGULERING AV LIVSMEDELSEMULSIONER GENOM ATT ANVAENDA STROEMLEDNINGSUPPHETTNING OCH YTUPPHETTNING |
| DE102011080860A1 (en) * | 2011-08-11 | 2013-02-14 | Deutsches Institut Für Lebensmitteltechnik E.V. | Apparatus and process for the production of food |
| JP2014150786A (en) * | 2013-02-13 | 2014-08-25 | Fron Tier Engineering Co Ltd | Food heating device |
| DE102014010166A1 (en) * | 2013-08-16 | 2015-02-19 | Deutsches Institut Für Lebensmitteltechnik E.V. | Method and device for treating a food by heating |
-
2016
- 2016-04-11 CA CA2987215A patent/CA2987215A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-04-11 ES ES16719247T patent/ES2779582T3/en active Active
- 2016-04-11 EP EP16719247.5A patent/EP3280266B1/en active Active
- 2016-04-11 WO PCT/EP2016/057932 patent/WO2016162567A1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP3280266A1 (en) | 2018-02-14 |
| EP3280266B1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
| WO2016162567A1 (en) | 2016-10-13 |
| ES2779582T3 (en) | 2020-08-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20210409 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20210409 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20230731 |