EP2194774A2 - Equipment for transferring milk from a milking machine to a storage tank - Google Patents

Equipment for transferring milk from a milking machine to a storage tank

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Publication number
EP2194774A2
EP2194774A2 EP08829572A EP08829572A EP2194774A2 EP 2194774 A2 EP2194774 A2 EP 2194774A2 EP 08829572 A EP08829572 A EP 08829572A EP 08829572 A EP08829572 A EP 08829572A EP 2194774 A2 EP2194774 A2 EP 2194774A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
milk
heat exchanger
storage tank
transfer
upstream
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08829572A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jacques Charriau
Yves Charriau
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ets J&y Charriau
Original Assignee
Ets J&y Charriau
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ets J&y Charriau filed Critical Ets J&y Charriau
Publication of EP2194774A2 publication Critical patent/EP2194774A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01J—MANUFACTURE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS
    • A01J5/00—Milking machines or devices
    • A01J5/04—Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
    • A01J5/044—Milk lines or coupling devices for milk conduits
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01J—MANUFACTURE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS
    • A01J9/00—Milk receptacles
    • A01J9/04—Milk receptacles with cooling arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to installations for transferring milk from a milking machine to a storage tank, and in particular to the installations comprising a milk collection tank associated with a transfer pump, followed by a piping system ( s) equipped with a heat exchanger for cooling or at least pre-cooling the milk transferred.
  • facilities for milk collection include, from upstream to downstream along the direction of milk flow, the following main functional elements:
  • a facility for the transfer of milk consisting of a milk collection tank (or milk chamber) associated with its transfer pump, followed by a piping system (s), and - a tank or tank, serving storage of milk pending recovery by the dairy.
  • the transfer pump ensures the flow of the milk along the transfer lines to the storage tank; for this purpose, it is controlled, during milking, from the information provided by a milk level sensor disposed in the harvesting tank.
  • This pump can also be used to inject pressurized water into the transfer lines, for their cleaning; it works in this case continuously.
  • the transfer pump preferably has a high flow rate (for example of the order of 200 L / minute).
  • this transfer pump runs for a short time (a few minutes) and in successive short cycles (often of a few seconds) for the transfer of the milk, this with regard to the total duration of the treats (which is usually of the order of 1 hour).
  • the preservation of the organoleptic and physico-chemical qualities of the milk requires, in particular, its rapid cooling after harvest.
  • GB-1 465 516 concerns in this case a facility for the collection of milk, the pipe system (s) is equipped with a heat exchanger for cooling the milk passing through.
  • This installation also comprises a recirculation pump arranged, on the one hand, to collect the milk within the storage tank, and on the other hand, to transfer this milk within the pipeline system (s), upstream of the aforementioned heat exchanger.
  • This installation thus ensures the cooling of the milk during two successive operations: a first cooling, during the first passage of the milk within the pipeline system (s), from the harvesting tank to the storage tank,
  • the recirculation pump reinjects the milk from the storage tank into the pipe system (s), in order to reach and maintain the desired temperature. More traditionally, the collected milk is cooled within the storage tank which is refrigerated.
  • the piping system (s) of the transfer installation may comprise a heat exchanger ensuring the cooling of the milk during its transfer, or at least its pre-cooling, even before reaching the storage tank.
  • the action time of the heat exchanger is very short compared to the overall milking time (about 1/10 of the milking time); and efficiency cooling or pre-cooling on the milk before it flows into the storage tank is thus relatively limited.
  • the Applicant has developed a new transfer installation structure to optimize the action of the heat exchanger on the milk during its transfer, and therefore before it flows into the storage tank.
  • This new structure also makes it possible to improve the energy balance of the installation, in particular by limiting the energy consumption of the storage tank.
  • the transfer installation comprises a pipe system (s) provided with a heat exchanger, and means that allow a loop circulation of at least a portion of the milk to the breast / through said heat exchanger, this upstream of the storage tank.
  • This recycling of the milk during transfer allows its passage several times within the heat exchanger, and thus increases its circulation time or passage in this exchanger. This provides an effective and optimal heat exchange between the milk being transferred and the coolant, throughout the milking period if necessary and before its final flow into the storage tank.
  • the cooling of the milk at the level of the heat exchanger is obtained with a lower energy consumption compared to that required at the milk tank, thus improving the energy balance of the installation.
  • the means which allow the loop circulation of the milk in the exchanger are in the form of at least one circulator, suitable for withdrawing the milk downstream and transferring it upstream.
  • upstream and downstream refer to the meaning of milk flow within the pipeline system (s), from the transfer pump to the storage tank.
  • the circulator (s) ensure a loop circulation of the milk over the entire surface of the exchanger. This uses all the cooling capacity of the exchanger.
  • the volume capacity of the heat exchanger is at least equal to the volume of milk transferred during a cycle of the milk pump.
  • the heat exchanger is of the tubular type. It advantageously comprises at least one module consisting of at least one rectilinear central tube for the circulation of milk, housed concentrically within a rectilinear peripheral tube for the countercurrent flow of a refrigerant fluid.
  • the central and peripheral tubes are advantageously inclined downwards, from upstream to downstream.
  • This particular structure allows a natural flow of milk and refrigerant by gravity, useful especially for emptying and cleaning operations.
  • the module or at least one of the modules (see all the modules), consists of two central tubes each housed in a peripheral tube and connected by a junction elbow, the first top tube starting from the side of the circulator and the second lower return tube returning from the side of the same circulator.
  • These forward and return sections are inclined downwards, from upstream to downstream, thus forming a Ve of substantially horizontal axis.
  • This particular structure of V-module (s) has the advantage of combining a compact appearance, with cooling efficiency and ease of cleaning.
  • the peripheral tubes advantageously terminate at the junction bend, and they are connected to this side by an external pipe. This structure makes it possible in particular to reduce the costs of production and to facilitate its dismantling.
  • the heat exchanger comprises several modules, arranged in parallel and / or in series.
  • at least some of the successive modules are provided with their own means for loop circulation and are powered by separate coolants; the temperature of the refrigerant circulating within a module is then advantageously greater than the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the module located downstream.
  • the present invention also relates to the heat exchanger for the piping system (s) of the milk transfer installation, this heat exchanger comprising at least one circulator adapted to collect and transfer the milk from the downstream to the upstream, with respect to the direction of travel of the latter, to generate its loop circulation.
  • the milk is taken at the outlet of the exchanger, to be transferred at its inlet.
  • the invention also relates to the method of operation of the transfer installation presented above, this method consisting in ensuring the loop circulation of the milk in the heat exchanger by putting into operation the circulator or circulators at least between some of the cycles of the transfer pump and during at least part of this inter-cycle time, or even during the entire milking period.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a dairy plant part, comprising a milk transfer facility connecting a harvest tank and a storage tank, and whose heat exchanger comprises a single Vee module;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the tubes forming the heat exchanger
  • FIG. 3 shows, seen from above and very schematically, a particularly advantageous structure of heat exchanger composed of three V e exchanger modules, mounted in parallel, and intended to equip a transfer facility of the type of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a milk installation part constituting a variant of FIG. 1, the milk transfer installation of which comprises a heat exchanger here formed of two series-connected V e modules, each equipped with his own circulator;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a dairy installation part of the type of Figure 4, the pair of modules in series Vee is here equipped with a single and common circulator.
  • the transfer facility 1 connects - a tank 2 (also called “receiver” or “milk chamber”) for the collection of milk from a milking machine (not shown), and - A refrigerated storage tank 3 (still commonly called “milk tank”).
  • This transfer installation 1 comprises a pipe system 5, adapted for the circulation of milk, which is associated along its length with different functional elements detailed below.
  • the pipe 5 Upstream, the pipe 5 consists of a rectilinear vertical section 5a, called a "milk cane", connected to the tank 2 by means of a transfer pump 6 associated with at least one maximum level sensor (not shown) disposed in said harvesting tank; as developed subsequently, the information provided by this sensor ensures operation in successive cycles of the transfer pump 6, during milking.
  • the upstream end of this milk can 5a is connected to the transfer pump 6 via a non-return valve 7; its downstream end is connected to the rest of the pipe 5, through an air intake 8 for purging these pipes.
  • the pipe system 5 continues with an intermediate section 5b forming part of a heat exchanger.
  • This intermediate section 5b can be set up in the milking parlor, above the working pit.
  • the advantage of the heat exchanger 10 will be to ensure cooling (or at least pre-cooling) of the milk transferred before it flows into the storage tank 3.
  • the pipe system 5 terminates in a downstream section 5c_, extending to the milk tank 3.
  • the heat exchanger is of the tubular type.
  • It comprises a set of tubes which form here a single exchanger module 1 1 consisting of the intermediate pipe section 5b, associated along its length with peripheral tubes 12 adapted for the flow against a refrigerant or refrigerating fluid.
  • the intermediate section 5b of this exchanger module 1 1 here consists of two straight stainless steel tubes, one upper 5b 'and the other lower 5b "connected to each other by a connecting bend 5b'" of semicircular general shape.
  • the rectilinear aspect of the stainless steel tubes 5b 'and 5b "facilitates in particular the cleaning and the control of the phenomena of expansion.
  • the stainless steel tubes 5b may have a generally helical shape; they can also consist of a plurality of tubings longitudinal, extending parallel to each other within the peripheral tubes 12.
  • the upper tube 5b ' forming the forward tube of the module 11, extends from the downstream end of the milk can 5a to the connecting bend 5b 1 ".
  • the second tube 5b corresponding to the lower return tube, extends from the junction bend 5b '"and ends at the terminal section 5c_.
  • These stainless tubes go 5b 'and 5b "return are each inclined downwardly, from upstream to downstream, according to inverted slopes with respect to each other.They together form a kind of inclined V on the side, and substantially horizontal axis or plane of symmetry (this axis or plane still corresponds to the bisector of the Vé module).
  • This particular Vee shape has the advantage of optimizing the compactness of the exchanger and its emptying.
  • the stainless steel tubes 5b 'and 5b " are each housed, concentrically and for a significant portion of their respective length, within one of the tubes rectilinear peripheral 12, respectively 12 'and 12 ".
  • peripheral tubes 12 stop just at the ends of the associated stainless tubes 5b 'and 5b' and they do not cover the joining bend 5b '".
  • peripheral tubes 12 are advantageously made of PVC material, for reasons of cost, insulation and pressure drop.
  • the annular space 13 delimited between the outer surface of the stainless steel tube 5b and the inner surface of the associated peripheral tube 12 is adapted to allow the flow of the liquid or refrigerant fluid.
  • This annular space 13 is advantageously narrow relative to the diameter of the central stainless steel tube 5b, so as to ensure its self-cleaning and to limit its thermal inertia due to fouling.
  • the inner diameter of the central tube 5b is between 23 and 38 mm.
  • the thickness of the annular space 13 is of the order of 1 to 5 mm.
  • Bosses 14, forming spacers are prominently formed and regularly around the periphery of the stainless steel tube 5b so as to maintain its concentric position relative to the associated peripheral tube 12 ( Figure 2).
  • the spacers can also be in the form of welded stainless rods longitudinally to the surface of the stainless steel tubes 5b 'and 5b ", these rods bearing against the inner surface of the associated PVC 12 peripheral tube.
  • the counter-flow of the cooling fluid within the peripheral spaces 13 is obtained by a connection adapted to fluid input and output channels.
  • the channel 15a of cooling fluid supply "cold" is connected to one of the ends of the peripheral tube 12 "associated with the stainless steel tube back
  • a connecting channel 15b is provided between the opposite ends of the peripheral tubes 12' and 12 "on the side of the elbow 5b ''.
  • the outlet channel 15c extends from the other end of the peripheral tube 12 'associated with the first stainless steel tube 5b', that is to say the end opposite the elbow 5b '".
  • the cooling fluid may be water or any other suitable refrigerant fluid.
  • its path is implemented by a suitable water pump system, suitable for operation, or by its own pressure if the fluid comes from a distribution network.
  • means 16 are provided to allow circulation in a loop (in other words, recycling or recirculation), at least part of the milk in the breast (or in other words "through ”) Of the heat exchanger 10.
  • the means 16 in question are in the form of a circulator connected to the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchanger 10, that is to say respectively on the side of the upstream end of the first stainless steel tube 5b 'and the side of the downstream end of the second stainless steel tube 5b ".
  • the upstream end of the first stainless steel tube 5b 'and the downstream end of the second stainless steel tube 5b are located on the circulator side 16, the elbow 5b' 'is arranged at a distance from this same circulator 16.
  • This circulator 16 is well known to those skilled in the art, and advantageously consists of a similar material to that conventionally used in central heating installations.
  • This pump is oriented and configured to ensure a withdrawal of the milk at the outlet of the heat exchanger 10 and upstream of the storage tank 3; the return of the sampled milk is effected upstream, at the inlet, of this same heat exchanger 10.
  • the flow rate and the power of the circulator 16 are lower than those of the transfer pump 6.
  • the flow rate of this circulator 16 may be of the order of 1500 to 3000 l / h, while the flow rate of the transfer pump is of the order of 8000 to 14000 l / h. This flow rate is such that the speed of the milk is advantageously less than 2.5 m / s.
  • the power of the circulator is for example of the order of 70 to 120 W, compared to that of the transfer pump of the order of 736 to 1100 W; the power of this circulator advantageously corresponds to that of a small agitator tank milk.
  • the volume capacity of the heat exchanger 10, and more precisely of its intermediate stainless steel section 5b is equal to, or at least approximately equal to, the volume of milk transferred during a cycle of the transfer pump. 6 (usually 10 I to 30 I). This characteristic ensures the recycling in the exchanger of the total volume of milk transferred by a pump cycle, and its heat treatment during the period between two cycles.
  • the volume of milk transferred by a cycle of the transfer pump 6 is in particular a function of the average rate of milking.
  • the transfer pump 6 and the circulator 16 are controlled in operation by suitable control means. These control means are for example electronic and / or computer means, in particular of the industrial programmable logic controller type or electrical circuit.
  • This transfer pump 6 and this circulator 16 will preferably operate in cycles, the duration of which is controlled.
  • the duration of the operating cycles of the circulator 16 is advantageously adjusted according to the desired cooling rate for the milk (that is to say still the desired temperature for the milk before it flows into the storage tank); this duration is advantageously independent with respect to the duration of the operating cycles of the transfer pump 6.
  • the milk collected by the milking machine is recovered continuously in the tank 2.
  • the transfer pump 6 will operate for a predetermined time, for the discharge of a suitable volume of milk, in particular that of the associated exchanger 10.
  • This operating time is for example obtained by means of an adjustable delay device (for example between 2 and 10 seconds) associated with an activation / deactivation switch of the pump 6.
  • the circulator 16 is turned on; and the coolant is circulated within the exchanger 10.
  • the circulator 16 is advantageously also associated with an adjustable delay device (for example between 10 and 60 seconds), associated with an activation / deactivation switch of the circulator 16.
  • the operating time of the circulator 16, in particular determining the active heat exchange rate, is advantageously distinct / independent from that of the transfer pump 6.
  • This heat exchange time is adapted as a function of the characteristics of the exchanger 10 (in particular the flow rate of cooling liquid), and the final temperature of the milk to be released into the storage tank.
  • the sensor of the collector 2 is reactivated. A new milk transfer and pre-cooling cycle can then restart.
  • this transfer pump 6 operates in a succession of "short cycles", and ultimately for a “short” overall period; "short” means a significantly lower time than the overall milking period.
  • the average duration of milking is about one hour; the operation of the transfer pump generally consists of 90 to 120 successive cycles of the order of 3 to 4 seconds each, ie 5 to 6 minutes of activity.
  • the circulator 16 operates according to its own cycle.
  • the milk present in the exchanger 10 then circulates in a loop, and travels, continuously and repeatedly, within the upper stainless steel tube 5b 'and then the lower stainless steel tube 5b "(that is to say also within or through the exchanger 10, and upstream of the storage tank), for some applications, these stainless steel tubes 5b are kept under vacuum during recycling.
  • the refrigerant fluid also continues to circulate within the heat exchanger 10 and ensures a gradual cooling of the recycled milk.
  • the action of the coolant is optimized because of its path in the opposite direction to that of the milk, that is to say from the lower peripheral tube 12 "to the upper peripheral tube 12 '.
  • the continuous flow of refrigerant throughout the milking also has the advantage of reducing its flow in the exchanger, and adapt accordingly the section of PVC peripheral tubes.
  • the milk cooled in the exchanger is pushed to the storage tank 3, and it is replaced by an equivalent volume of new milk, the latter being intended to undergo in turn the desired cooling.
  • an increase in the flow rate of coolant allows a decrease in the operating time of the circulator 16; the volume of the exchanger 10 can then be reduced, and the time between two cycles of operation of the transfer pump 6 shortened.
  • the draining of the transfer lines 5 is obtained by virtue of a simple gravity flow, in particular following the opening - of the air intake 8 for the milk and - of a three-way valve 15a ' equipping the inlet channel 15a for the refrigerant. Due to this continuous flow of milk between two cycles of operation of the transfer pump 6, the heat exchange is implemented over a significant and optimal period, independent of the operating time of this transfer pump.
  • the milk output of the heat exchanger 10 thus has an optimum temperature, corresponding to that sought by the operator (or at least close to it). This removes most of the disadvantages due to current heat exchangers, operating only concomitantly with the transfer pump 6.
  • the circulator 16 can also operate continuously when the washing operations of the transfer lines 5 are implemented, so as to ensure a complete cleaning of the transfer facility.
  • FIG. 3 represents an embodiment deriving from the heat exchanger equipping the transfer installation of FIG. 1, and which is distinguished by the presence of several heat exchanger modules V e 1 1, connected in parallel.
  • the peripheral tubes 12 are not shown to simplify the description.
  • line 5 for the circulation of milk is found: an upstream section 5a and a terminal section 5c, between which extends the intermediate section 5b forming part of the heat exchanger 10.
  • the heat exchanger 10 consists here of three exchanger modules 1 1, connected in parallel to a common circulator 16 and the upstream sections 5a and 5c downstream.
  • Each module 1 1 is of the type described above in connection with FIG.
  • the total volume capacity of the exchangers 1 1 advantageously corresponds to the volume of milk delivered by a cycle of the transfer pump 6.
  • the operation of the circulator 16 causes a recycling of the milk within the three exchanger modules 11, this in a manner as described above in relation to Figure 1.
  • This heat exchanger structure 10 is particularly interesting for the treatment of milk volumes from a transfer pump having a high flow rate; this configuration also makes it possible to optimize the efficiency of the thermal cooling by distributing the volume of milk to be treated in three juxtaposed modules.
  • the transfer facility shown in FIG. 4 still consists of a variant of that described previously with reference to FIG.
  • This transfer installation is distinguished by the fact that it comprises a heat exchanger 10 provided with a set of two V e exchanger modules 11 connected in series, one upstream 11a and the other downstream 1 1b.
  • each heat exchanger module 1 1 comprises two stainless steel tubes 5b 'and 5b', arranged according to a V e horizontal axis, each associated with a peripheral tube 12 in which circulates the coolant.
  • the downstream end of the second stainless steel tube 5b "of the first module 1 1a is thus connected, via an intermediate bend 17, to the upstream end of the first stainless steel tube 5b 'of the second module 1 1b.
  • Each module 11 is associated with its own circulator 16, which takes the milk at the outlet of the same module 1 1 (upstream of the storage tank 3) and to reinject it at its input; the milk circulates in a loop within its own heat exchanger module 1 1 (upstream of the storage tank 3).
  • heat exchanger modules 11 are each associated with their own refrigerant circuit.
  • the refrigerant circulating within the upstream heat exchanger module 1 1 has then a temperature greater than that of the refrigerant circulating within the heat exchanger module downstream 1 1 b .
  • the water circulating within the upstream exchanger module 11a is cold (for example water supply network or a well), that is to say between 10 and 15 0 C; the water circulating in the downstream heat exchanger module 1 1 b is for its part frozen (from for example a refrigeration plant), with a temperature between 1 and 2 0 C.
  • each heat exchanger module 11 is here equal to the volume of milk transferred during a cycle of the transfer pump 6. This structural feature allows a residence and a heat treatment of the milk, successively and for an identical time within of each of the two modules, before its transfer to the milk tank. The final temperature of the milk is then particularly close to that of the milk already stored in the tank (ie generally about 40).
  • the refrigerant fluid at the level of the downstream exchanger module 11b can be used to supply an ice-water plant used for the refrigeration of the tank. milk and / or for the refrigerant supply of the same downstream module 1 1b.
  • FIG. 5 represents, schematically, an alternative embodiment of the transfer installation described with reference to FIG. 4.
  • This transfer installation is similar to that described above in that it comprises a heat exchanger 10 having two heat exchanger modules 1 1, connected in series.
  • This heat exchanger 10 is distinguished only by the fact that the circulator 16 and the refrigerant circuit are common to the two heat exchanger modules 11a and 11b.
  • the refrigerant enters the exchanger 10 at a channel 15a on the side of the downstream module 1 1b, flows to the upstream module 1 1 a via a central connecting channel 15d, to stand out at the level of the lane 15c on the side of said upstream module 11a.
  • this circulator 16 will take the milk at the outlet of the downstream exchanger module January 1 (upstream of the storage tank 3) to transfer it to the input of the upstream exchanger module 11a.
  • the loop circulation phenomenon thus generated is common to the two chiller modules and is carried out upstream of the storage tank 3.
  • the heat exchanger 10 of the transfer systems shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may consist of pairs of heat exchanger modules 11 which are connected in parallel, as described previously with reference to FIG.
  • the structure of the heat exchanger (number of modules mounted in series and / or in parallel) has the advantage of being able to be easily adapted, in particular according to the general structure of the dairy plant, the flow rate of the pump of transfer, the volume of milk transferred by each cycle of the transfer pump and the desired final temperature for the milk.
  • the overall section of the milk pipes 5b of the heat exchanger 10 is at least equal to the section of the discharge pipe of the transfer pump.
  • This particular size allows the transfer pump 6 to operate optimally without applying excessive pressure on the transferred milk. This also makes it possible to limit the pressure losses and to keep the flow rate of the transfer pump during the washing phases of the installation.
  • the tubes of the transfer system are advantageously oriented and arranged so that the liquids can flow naturally, by simple gravity phenomenon, at the end of the milk harvest but also during operations. of cleaning.
  • the circulator (s) may each be associated with a thermal sensor (differential thermostat) of the bi-probe type: one at the level of the milk at the outlet of the heat exchanger (or module) and the other at the level of the refrigerant fluid. This type of sensor will allow a shutdown of the circulator and the coolant between two cycles of the transfer pump, when the temperature differential between the transferred milk and the coolant is zero or reaches a predefined value; it also allows their restarts after a pump cycle.
  • peripheral tubes of the exchanger can be associated with a system of multiple input / output channels in refrigerant fluid, to create a circuit in the wrong direction specific to each peripheral tube or several separate circuits along the length of the same tube.
  • the circuit of the cooling fluid in the heat exchanger is adapted to optimize the progressive cooling of the milk throughout its recycling.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Dairy Products (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to equipment for transferring milk from a milking machine to a storage tank (3), wherein said equipment comprises a milk collecting tank (2) combined with a pump (6) for transferring the milk up to the storage tank (3) via a piping system (5) provided with at least one heat exchanger (10) for cooling or at least pre-cooling the transferred milk, said milk transfer pump (6) being driven according to cycles from information provided by a milk-level sensor arranged in said collecting tank. According to the invention, the equipment further includes a means (16), advantageously in the form of at least one circulator, for the closed loop circulation of at least a portion of the milk upstream from the storage tank (3) within the heat exchanger (10).

Description

INSTALLATION DE TRANSFERT DE LAIT DEPUIS UNE MACHINE A TRAIRE JUSQU'A UNE CUVE DE STOCKAGE MILK TRANSFER FACILITY FROM A TRAINING MACHINE UNTIL A STORAGE TANK
La présente invention concerne les installations de transfert de lait depuis une machine à traire jusqu'à une cuve de stockage, et en particulier les installations comprenant un réservoir de récolte du lait associé à une pompe de transfert, suivi d'un système de canalisation(s) équipé d'un échangeur thermique assurant le refroidissement ou au moins le pré-refroidissement du lait transféré.The present invention relates to installations for transferring milk from a milking machine to a storage tank, and in particular to the installations comprising a milk collection tank associated with a transfer pump, followed by a piping system ( s) equipped with a heat exchanger for cooling or at least pre-cooling the milk transferred.
Au sein des exploitations laitières, les installations pour la collecte de lait comprennent, de l'amont vers l'aval selon le sens de cheminement du lait, les principaux éléments fonctionnels suivants :On dairy farms, facilities for milk collection include, from upstream to downstream along the direction of milk flow, the following main functional elements:
- une machine à traire, avec sa pompe à vide et ses canalisations,- a milking machine, with its vacuum pump and its pipes,
- une installation pour le transfert du lait, composée d'un réservoir de récolte du lait (ou chambre à lait) associé à sa pompe de transfert, suivi d'un système de canalisation(s), et - une cuve ou tank, servant au stockage du lait en attendant sa récupération par la laiterie.- a facility for the transfer of milk, consisting of a milk collection tank (or milk chamber) associated with its transfer pump, followed by a piping system (s), and - a tank or tank, serving storage of milk pending recovery by the dairy.
La pompe de transfert assure le cheminement du lait le long des canalisations de transfert, jusqu'à la cuve de stockage ; elle est pour cela pilotée, pendant la traite, à partir des informations fournies par un capteur de niveau de lait disposé dans le réservoir de récolte.The transfer pump ensures the flow of the milk along the transfer lines to the storage tank; for this purpose, it is controlled, during milking, from the information provided by a milk level sensor disposed in the harvesting tank.
Cette pompe peut également servir à l'injection d'eau sous pression dans les canalisations de transfert, pour leur nettoyage ; elle fonctionne dans ce cas en continu. Pour assurer correctement ces deux fonctions, et en particulier celle de nettoyage, la pompe de transfert a de préférence un débit élevé (par exemple de l'ordre de 200 L/minute).This pump can also be used to inject pressurized water into the transfer lines, for their cleaning; it works in this case continuously. To ensure these two functions properly, and in particular that of cleaning, the transfer pump preferably has a high flow rate (for example of the order of 200 L / minute).
Du fait de ce fort débit, pendant la traite, cette pompe de transfert fonctionne peu de temps (quelques minutes) et selon des cycles courts successifs (souvent de quelques secondes) pour le transfert du lait, cela au regard de la durée totale de la traite (qui est généralement de l'ordre de 1 heure). Par ailleurs, dans cette installation de collecte, la préservation des qualités organoleptiques et physico-chimiques du lait exige, notamment, son refroidissement rapide après récolte.Due to this high flow rate, during milking, this transfer pump runs for a short time (a few minutes) and in successive short cycles (often of a few seconds) for the transfer of the milk, this with regard to the total duration of the treats (which is usually of the order of 1 hour). Moreover, in this collection facility, the preservation of the organoleptic and physico-chemical qualities of the milk requires, in particular, its rapid cooling after harvest.
Cette opération de refroidissement précoce évite la destruction des graisses alimentaires (par des phénomènes d'oxydation ou de lipolyse) et freine la prolifération des germes. Une solution possible pour le refroidissement du lait est par exemple décrite dans le document GB-1 465 516.This early cooling operation avoids the destruction of dietary fat (by oxidation or lipolysis) and slows down the proliferation of germs. A possible solution for cooling milk is for example described in GB-1 465 516.
Ce document GB-1 465 516 concerne en l'espèce une installation pour la collecte du lait, dont le système de canalisation(s) est équipé d'un échangeur thermique assurant le refroidissement du lait qui le traverse. Cette installation comporte encore une pompe de recirculation agencée, d'une part, pour prélever le lait au sein de la cuve de stockage, et d'autre part, pour transférer ce lait au sein du système de canalisation(s), en amont de l'échangeur thermique précité.This document GB-1 465 516 concerns in this case a facility for the collection of milk, the pipe system (s) is equipped with a heat exchanger for cooling the milk passing through. This installation also comprises a recirculation pump arranged, on the one hand, to collect the milk within the storage tank, and on the other hand, to transfer this milk within the pipeline system (s), upstream of the aforementioned heat exchanger.
Cette installation assure ainsi le refroidissement du lait au cours de deux opérations successives : - un premier refroidissement, lors du premier passage du lait au sein du système de canalisation(s), depuis le réservoir de récolte jusqu'à la cuve de stockage,This installation thus ensures the cooling of the milk during two successive operations: a first cooling, during the first passage of the milk within the pipeline system (s), from the harvesting tank to the storage tank,
- puis un refroidissement complémentaire, au cours duquel la pompe de recirculation réinjecte le lait de la cuve de stockage dans le système de canalisation(s), pour atteindre et maintenir la température souhaitée. Plus traditionnellement, le lait récolté est refroidi au sein de la cuve de stockage qui est réfrigérée.and then additional cooling, during which the recirculation pump reinjects the milk from the storage tank into the pipe system (s), in order to reach and maintain the desired temperature. More traditionally, the collected milk is cooled within the storage tank which is refrigerated.
En complément de cette réfrigération finale, le système de canalisation(s) de l'installation de transfert peut comporter un échangeur thermique assurant le refroidissement du lait au cours de son transfert, ou au moins son pré-refroidissement, avant même d'atteindre la cuve de stockage.In addition to this final refrigeration, the piping system (s) of the transfer installation may comprise a heat exchanger ensuring the cooling of the milk during its transfer, or at least its pre-cooling, even before reaching the storage tank.
Ce refroidissement permet de supprimer, ou au moins de réduire, les chocs thermiques et les cycles de réchauffage/refroidissement subis par le lait déjà stocké dans la cuve réfrigérée ; ces phénomènes surviennent habituellement à chaque apport dans la cuve de stockage, de lait « neuf » venant d'être collecté. Les échangeurs thermiques communément employés à cet effet, peuvent être classés selon deux grandes catégories :This cooling makes it possible to eliminate, or at least reduce, the thermal shocks and heating / cooling cycles experienced by the milk already stored in the refrigerated tank; these phenomena usually occur at each intake in the storage tank, of "new" milk just collected. Heat exchangers commonly used for this purpose, can be classified into two broad categories:
- les échangeurs dits « à plaques », performants sur le plan du refroidissement mais difficiles à nettoyer, qui comprennent une série de plaques en acier inoxydable réfrigérantes entre lesquelles circule le lait à refroidir ; et - les échangeurs dits « tubulaires » qui, à l'inverse des échangeurs à plaques, sont faciles à nettoyer mais présentent des performances de refroidissement aléatoires, et consistent en un tube spirale pour la circulation du lait inclus dans un tube périphérique dans lequel chemine, à contre-courant, un liquide ou fluide de refroidissement.- Exchangers known as "plate", cooling performance but difficult to clean, which comprise a series of refrigerating stainless steel plates between which circulates the milk to be cooled; and - the so-called "tubular" exchangers which, unlike plate exchangers, are easy to clean but have random cooling performance, and consist of a spiral tube for the circulation of the milk included in a peripheral tube in which against the current, a liquid or cooling fluid.
Cependant, à ce jour, le temps d'action de l'échangeur thermique est très court par rapport au temps global de la traite (environ 1/10 du temps de traite) ; et l'efficacité du refroidissement ou du pré-refroidissement sur le lait, avant son écoulement dans la cuve de stockage, est ainsi relativement limitée.However, to date, the action time of the heat exchanger is very short compared to the overall milking time (about 1/10 of the milking time); and efficiency cooling or pre-cooling on the milk before it flows into the storage tank is thus relatively limited.
Cet inconvénient s'explique par le fait que le lait est mis en circulation dans l'installation de transfert, et refroidit le long de l'échangeur thermique, uniquement pendant les cycles courts de fonctionnement de la pompe de transfert.This disadvantage is explained by the fact that the milk is circulated in the transfer installation, and cools along the heat exchanger, only during the short cycles of operation of the transfer pump.
Or, entre deux de ces cycles, le lait reste stationnaire dans le système de canalisation(s) et dans l'échangeur thermique, ce qui aboutie à la création d'un phénomène de stratification thermique, puis à l'augmentation rapide de la résistance thermique alors que la conductivité thermique chute significativement, nuisant au refroidissement du lait du fait de la quasi nullité des échanges.However, between two of these cycles, the milk remains stationary in the pipe system (s) and in the heat exchanger, which leads to the creation of a phenomenon of thermal stratification, then to the rapid increase of the resistance thermal conductivity drops significantly, affecting the cooling of milk due to the virtual nullity of trade.
Pour cette raison, la circulation du fluide de refroidissement est, très généralement, coordonnée avec le fonctionnement de la pompe de transfert.For this reason, the circulation of the cooling fluid is, very generally, coordinated with the operation of the transfer pump.
Pour remédier à cet inconvénient, la demanderesse a développé une nouvelle structure d'installation de transfert visant à optimiser l'action de l'échangeur thermique sur le lait au cours de son transfert, et par conséquent avant son écoulement dans la cuve de stockage. Cette nouvelle structure permet également d'améliorer le bilan énergétique de l'installation, notamment en limitant la consommation énergétique de la cuve de stockage.To remedy this drawback, the Applicant has developed a new transfer installation structure to optimize the action of the heat exchanger on the milk during its transfer, and therefore before it flows into the storage tank. This new structure also makes it possible to improve the energy balance of the installation, in particular by limiting the energy consumption of the storage tank.
A cet effet, conformément à l'invention, l'installation de transfert comprend un système de canalisation(s) muni d'un échangeur thermique, et des moyens qui permettent une circulation en boucle d'au moins une partie du lait au sein/au travers dudit échangeur thermique, cela en amont de la cuve de stockage.For this purpose, in accordance with the invention, the transfer installation comprises a pipe system (s) provided with a heat exchanger, and means that allow a loop circulation of at least a portion of the milk to the breast / through said heat exchanger, this upstream of the storage tank.
Ce recyclage du lait en cours de transfert permet son passage à plusieurs reprises au sein de l'échangeur thermique, et augmente ainsi son temps de circulation ou de passage dans cet échangeur. On obtient ainsi un échange thermique efficace et optimal entre le lait en cours de transfert et le liquide de refroidissement, ceci pendant toute la durée de la traite si nécessaire et avant son écoulement final dans la cuve de stockage.This recycling of the milk during transfer allows its passage several times within the heat exchanger, and thus increases its circulation time or passage in this exchanger. This provides an effective and optimal heat exchange between the milk being transferred and the coolant, throughout the milking period if necessary and before its final flow into the storage tank.
De plus, le refroidissement du lait au niveau de l'échangeur thermique s'obtient avec une consommation énergétique moindre par rapport à celle nécessaire au niveau du tank à lait, améliorant ainsi le bilan énergétique de l'installation.In addition, the cooling of the milk at the level of the heat exchanger is obtained with a lower energy consumption compared to that required at the milk tank, thus improving the energy balance of the installation.
Selon une forme de réalisation particulièrement intéressante, les moyens qui permettent la circulation en boucle du lait dans l'échangeur se présentent sous la forme d'au moins un circulateur, apte à prélever le lait en aval et à le transférer vers l'amont. Ces termes « amont » et « aval » s'entendent par rapport au sens de cheminement du lait au sein du système de canalisation(s), depuis la pompe de transfert jusqu'à la cuve de stockage.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the means which allow the loop circulation of the milk in the exchanger are in the form of at least one circulator, suitable for withdrawing the milk downstream and transferring it upstream. These terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the meaning of milk flow within the pipeline system (s), from the transfer pump to the storage tank.
De préférence, le ou les circulateurs assurent une circulation en boucle du lait sur toute la surface de l'échangeur. On utilise ainsi l'ensemble de la capacité de refroidissement de l'échangeur.Preferably, the circulator (s) ensure a loop circulation of the milk over the entire surface of the exchanger. This uses all the cooling capacity of the exchanger.
Selon une caractéristique de réalisation, la capacité volumique de l'échangeur thermique est au moins égale au volume de lait transféré lors d'un cycle de la pompe à lait.According to an embodiment characteristic, the volume capacity of the heat exchanger is at least equal to the volume of milk transferred during a cycle of the milk pump.
Selon encore une autre caractéristique, l'échangeur thermique est du type tubulaire. Il comprend avantageusement au moins un module constitué d'au moins un tube central rectiligne pour la circulation du lait, logé de manière concentrique au sein d'un tube périphérique rectiligne pour le cheminement à contre-courant d'un fluide réfrigérant.According to yet another characteristic, the heat exchanger is of the tubular type. It advantageously comprises at least one module consisting of at least one rectilinear central tube for the circulation of milk, housed concentrically within a rectilinear peripheral tube for the countercurrent flow of a refrigerant fluid.
Dans ce cas, les tubes centraux et périphériques sont avantageusement inclinés vers le bas, de l'amont vers l'aval. Cette structure particulière permet un écoulement naturel du lait et du fluide réfrigérant par simple gravité, utile notamment pour les opérations de vidange et de nettoyage.In this case, the central and peripheral tubes are advantageously inclined downwards, from upstream to downstream. This particular structure allows a natural flow of milk and refrigerant by gravity, useful especially for emptying and cleaning operations.
Toujours dans ce cas, le module, ou l'un au moins des modules (voir tous les modules), est constitué de deux tubes centraux logés chacun dans un tube périphérique et reliés par un coude de jonction, le premier tube aller supérieur partant du côté du circulateur et le second tube retour inférieur revenant du côté du même circulateur. Ces tronçons aller et retour sont inclinés vers le bas, de l'amont vers l'aval, formant ainsi un Vé d'axe sensiblement horizontal. Cette structure particulière de module(s) en Vé présente l'intérêt de combiner un aspect compact, avec une efficacité de refroidissement et une facilité de nettoyage.Still in this case, the module, or at least one of the modules (see all the modules), consists of two central tubes each housed in a peripheral tube and connected by a junction elbow, the first top tube starting from the side of the circulator and the second lower return tube returning from the side of the same circulator. These forward and return sections are inclined downwards, from upstream to downstream, thus forming a Ve of substantially horizontal axis. This particular structure of V-module (s) has the advantage of combining a compact appearance, with cooling efficiency and ease of cleaning.
Les tubes périphériques se terminent avantageusement au niveau du coude de jonction, et ils sont raccordés de ce côté par une conduite extérieure. Cette structure permet en particulier de réduire les coûts de revient et de faciliter son démontage.The peripheral tubes advantageously terminate at the junction bend, and they are connected to this side by an external pipe. This structure makes it possible in particular to reduce the costs of production and to facilitate its dismantling.
Selon encore une autre particularité, l'échangeur thermique comprend plusieurs modules, disposés en parallèle et/ou en série. Dans cette dernière forme de réalisation, certains au moins des modules successifs sont munis de moyens propres pour la circulation en boucle et sont alimentés par des fluides réfrigérants distincts ; la température du fluide réfrigérant circulant au sein d'un module est alors avantageusement supérieure à la température du fluide réfrigérant circulant au sein du module situé en aval. La présente invention porte également sur l'échangeur thermique pour le système de canalisation(s) de l'installation de transfert de lait, cet échangeur thermique comportant au moins un circulateur apte à prélever et à transférer le lait de l'aval vers l'amont, par rapport au sens de cheminement de ce dernier, pour générer sa circulation en boucle.According to yet another particularity, the heat exchanger comprises several modules, arranged in parallel and / or in series. In this latter embodiment, at least some of the successive modules are provided with their own means for loop circulation and are powered by separate coolants; the temperature of the refrigerant circulating within a module is then advantageously greater than the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the module located downstream. The present invention also relates to the heat exchanger for the piping system (s) of the milk transfer installation, this heat exchanger comprising at least one circulator adapted to collect and transfer the milk from the downstream to the upstream, with respect to the direction of travel of the latter, to generate its loop circulation.
De préférence, le lait est prélevé à la sortie de l'échangeur, pour être transféré au niveau de son entrée.Preferably, the milk is taken at the outlet of the exchanger, to be transferred at its inlet.
L'invention concerne encore le procédé de fonctionnement de l'installation de transfert présentée ci-dessus, ce procédé consistant à assurer la circulation en boucle du lait dans l'échangeur thermique par la mise en fonctionnement du ou des circulateurs au moins entre certains des cycles de la pompe de transfert et pendant au moins une partie de ce temps inter-cycles, voire pendant toute la durée de la traite.The invention also relates to the method of operation of the transfer installation presented above, this method consisting in ensuring the loop circulation of the milk in the heat exchanger by putting into operation the circulator or circulators at least between some of the cycles of the transfer pump and during at least part of this inter-cycle time, or even during the entire milking period.
L'invention sera encore illustrée, sans être aucunement limitée, par la description suivante de différentes formes de réalisations, représentées sur les différents dessins annexés dans lesquels :The invention will be further illustrated, without being limited in any way, by the following description of various embodiments, shown in the various appended drawings in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'une partie d'installation laitière, comprenant une installation de transfert du lait reliant un réservoir de récolte et une cuve de stockage, et dont l'échangeur thermique comporte un unique module en Vé ;- Figure 1 is a schematic view of a dairy plant part, comprising a milk transfer facility connecting a harvest tank and a storage tank, and whose heat exchanger comprises a single Vee module;
- la figure 2 est une vue en coupe, schématique, des tubes formant l'échangeur thermique ;- Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the tubes forming the heat exchanger;
- la figure 3 montre, vue par dessus et très schématiquement, une structure particulièrement intéressante d'échangeur thermique composé de trois modules échangeurs en Vé, montés en parallèle, et destiné à équiper une installation de transfert du type de la figure 1 ; - la figure 4 est une vue schématique d'une partie d'installation laitière constituant une variante de la figure 1 , dont l'installation de transfert du lait comprend un échangeur thermique ici formé de deux modules en Vé montés en série, chacun équipé de son propre circulateur ;- Figure 3 shows, seen from above and very schematically, a particularly advantageous structure of heat exchanger composed of three V e exchanger modules, mounted in parallel, and intended to equip a transfer facility of the type of Figure 1; FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a milk installation part constituting a variant of FIG. 1, the milk transfer installation of which comprises a heat exchanger here formed of two series-connected V e modules, each equipped with his own circulator;
- la figure 5 est une vue schématique d'une partie d'installation laitière du type de la figure 4, dont la paire de modules en Vé en série est ici équipée d'un circulateur unique et commun.- Figure 5 is a schematic view of a dairy installation part of the type of Figure 4, the pair of modules in series Vee is here equipped with a single and common circulator.
Tel que représenté sur la figure 1 , l'installation de transfert 1 relie - un réservoir 2 (appelé encore « récepteur » ou « chambre à lait ») pour la récolte du lait provenant d'une machine à traire (non représentée), et - une cuve de stockage réfrigérée 3 (encore communément appelée « tank à lait »). Cette installation de transfert 1 comporte un système de canalisations 5, adapté pour la circulation du lait, qui est associé sur sa longueur à différents éléments fonctionnels détaillés ci-après.As shown in Figure 1, the transfer facility 1 connects - a tank 2 (also called "receiver" or "milk chamber") for the collection of milk from a milking machine (not shown), and - A refrigerated storage tank 3 (still commonly called "milk tank"). This transfer installation 1 comprises a pipe system 5, adapted for the circulation of milk, which is associated along its length with different functional elements detailed below.
En amont, la canalisation 5 consiste en un tronçon vertical rectiligne 5a, dit « canne à lait », connecté au réservoir 2 par le biais d'une pompe de transfert 6 associée à au moins un capteur de niveau maximal (non représenté) disposé dans ledit réservoir de récolte ; comme développé par la suite, les informations fournies par ce capteur assurent un fonctionnement par cycles successifs de la pompe de transfert 6, lors de la traite. L'extrémité amont de cette canne à lait 5a est reliée à la pompe de transfert 6 par l'intermédiaire d'un clapet anti-retour 7 ; son extrémité aval est quant à elle raccordée au reste de la canalisation 5, par l'intermédiaire d'une prise d'air 8 servant à la purge de ces canalisations.Upstream, the pipe 5 consists of a rectilinear vertical section 5a, called a "milk cane", connected to the tank 2 by means of a transfer pump 6 associated with at least one maximum level sensor (not shown) disposed in said harvesting tank; as developed subsequently, the information provided by this sensor ensures operation in successive cycles of the transfer pump 6, during milking. The upstream end of this milk can 5a is connected to the transfer pump 6 via a non-return valve 7; its downstream end is connected to the rest of the pipe 5, through an air intake 8 for purging these pipes.
Le système de canalisations 5 se poursuit par un tronçon intermédiaire 5b, formant partie d'un échangeur thermique. Ce tronçon intermédiaire 5b peut être mis en place dans la salle de traite, au-dessus de la fosse de travail.The pipe system 5 continues with an intermediate section 5b forming part of a heat exchanger. This intermediate section 5b can be set up in the milking parlor, above the working pit.
Comme détaillé par la suite, l'intérêt de l'échangeur thermique 10 va être d'assurer le refroidissement (ou au moins le pré-refroidissement) du lait transféré avant son écoulement dans la cuve de stockage 3. A la suite de l'échangeur thermique, le système de canalisations 5 se termine par un tronçon aval 5ç_, s'étendant jusqu'au tank à lait 3.As detailed below, the advantage of the heat exchanger 10 will be to ensure cooling (or at least pre-cooling) of the milk transferred before it flows into the storage tank 3. Following the heat exchanger, the pipe system 5 terminates in a downstream section 5c_, extending to the milk tank 3.
L'échangeur thermique, signalé généralement par le repère 10 sur la figure 1 , est du type tubulaire.The heat exchanger, generally indicated by the reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1, is of the tubular type.
Il comprend un ensemble de tubes qui forment ici un module échangeur unique 1 1 se composant du tronçon intermédiaire de canalisations 5b, associé sur sa longueur à des tubes périphériques 12 adaptés pour la circulation à contresens d'un fluide réfrigérant ou frigorifique.It comprises a set of tubes which form here a single exchanger module 1 1 consisting of the intermediate pipe section 5b, associated along its length with peripheral tubes 12 adapted for the flow against a refrigerant or refrigerating fluid.
Le tronçon intermédiaire 5b de ce module échangeur 1 1 se compose ici de deux tubes inox rectilignes, l'un supérieur 5b' et l'autre inférieur 5b", reliés l'un à l'autre par un coude de jonction 5b'" de forme générale demi-circulaire.The intermediate section 5b of this exchanger module 1 1 here consists of two straight stainless steel tubes, one upper 5b 'and the other lower 5b "connected to each other by a connecting bend 5b'" of semicircular general shape.
L'aspect rectiligne des tubes inox 5b' et 5b" facilite notamment le nettoyage et la maîtrise des phénomènes de dilatation.The rectilinear aspect of the stainless steel tubes 5b 'and 5b "facilitates in particular the cleaning and the control of the phenomena of expansion.
De manière alternative, les tubes inox 5b peuvent présenter une forme générale hélicoïdale ; ils peuvent également consister en une pluralité de tubulures longitudinales, s'étendant parallèlement les unes par rapport aux autres au sein des tubes périphériques 12.Alternatively, the stainless steel tubes 5b may have a generally helical shape; they can also consist of a plurality of tubings longitudinal, extending parallel to each other within the peripheral tubes 12.
Le tube supérieur 5b', formant le tube aller du module 11 , s'étend à partir de l'extrémité aval de la canne à lait 5a, cela jusqu'au coude de jonction 5b1". Le second tube 5b", correspondant au tube retour inférieur, s'étend à partir du coude de jonction 5b'" et aboutit au niveau du tronçon terminal 5ç_.The upper tube 5b ', forming the forward tube of the module 11, extends from the downstream end of the milk can 5a to the connecting bend 5b 1 ".The second tube 5b", corresponding to the lower return tube, extends from the junction bend 5b '"and ends at the terminal section 5c_.
Ces tubes inox aller 5b' et retour 5b" sont inclinés chacun vers le bas, de l'amont vers l'aval, selon des pentes inversées l'une par rapport à l'autre. Ils forment ensemble une sorte de Vé incliné sur le côté, et d'axe ou plan de symétrie sensiblement horizontal (cet axe ou plan correspond encore à la bissectrice du module en Vé).These stainless tubes go 5b 'and 5b "return are each inclined downwardly, from upstream to downstream, according to inverted slopes with respect to each other.They together form a kind of inclined V on the side, and substantially horizontal axis or plane of symmetry (this axis or plane still corresponds to the bisector of the Vé module).
Cette forme particulière en Vé a pour intérêt d'optimiser la compacité de l'échangeur et sa vidange.This particular Vee shape has the advantage of optimizing the compactness of the exchanger and its emptying.
Comme représenté généralement sur la figure 1 et en détail sur la figure 2, les tubes inox aller 5b' et retour 5b" sont chacun logés, de manière concentrique et pour une portion significative de leur longueur respective, au sein de l'un des tubes rectilignes périphériques 12, respectivement 12' et 12".As generally shown in FIG. 1 and in detail in FIG. 2, the stainless steel tubes 5b 'and 5b "are each housed, concentrically and for a significant portion of their respective length, within one of the tubes rectilinear peripheral 12, respectively 12 'and 12 ".
Plus précisément, ces tubes périphériques 12 s'arrêtent juste au niveau des extrémités des tubes inox 5b' et 5b" associés ; et ils ne recouvrent pas le coude de jonction 5b'".More precisely, these peripheral tubes 12 stop just at the ends of the associated stainless tubes 5b 'and 5b' and they do not cover the joining bend 5b '".
Ces tubes périphériques 12 sont avantageusement réalisés en matériau PVC, pour des questions de coût, d'isolation et de perte de charge.These peripheral tubes 12 are advantageously made of PVC material, for reasons of cost, insulation and pressure drop.
L'espace annulaire 13, délimité entre la surface externe du tube inox 5b et la surface interne du tube périphérique 12 associé, est adapté pour permettre le cheminement du liquide ou fluide réfrigérant.The annular space 13 delimited between the outer surface of the stainless steel tube 5b and the inner surface of the associated peripheral tube 12 is adapted to allow the flow of the liquid or refrigerant fluid.
Cet espace annulaire 13 est avantageusement étroit par rapport au diamètre du tube inox central 5b, de manière à assurer son auto-nettoyage et à limiter son inertie thermique due à l'encrassement.This annular space 13 is advantageously narrow relative to the diameter of the central stainless steel tube 5b, so as to ensure its self-cleaning and to limit its thermal inertia due to fouling.
A titre indicatif, le diamètre interne du tube central 5b est compris entre 23 et 38 mm. L'épaisseur de l'espace annulaire 13 est de l'ordre de 1 à 5 mm.As an indication, the inner diameter of the central tube 5b is between 23 and 38 mm. The thickness of the annular space 13 is of the order of 1 to 5 mm.
Des bossages 14, formant entretoises, sont ménagés saillants et régulièrement sur le pourtour du tube inox 5b de manière à maintenir sa position concentrique par rapport au tube périphérique 12 associé (figure 2).Bosses 14, forming spacers are prominently formed and regularly around the periphery of the stainless steel tube 5b so as to maintain its concentric position relative to the associated peripheral tube 12 (Figure 2).
De manière alternative, toujours pour maintenir cet aspect concentrique, les entretoises peuvent également se présenter sous la forme de tiges inox soudées longitudinalement à la surface des tubes inox 5b' et 5b", ces tiges venant en appui contre la surface interne du tube périphérique PVC 12 associé.Alternatively, always to maintain this concentric appearance, the spacers can also be in the form of welded stainless rods longitudinally to the surface of the stainless steel tubes 5b 'and 5b ", these rods bearing against the inner surface of the associated PVC 12 peripheral tube.
La circulation à contresens du fluide de refroidissement au sein des espaces périphériques 13, est obtenue par un raccordement adapté à des voies 15 d'entrée et de sortie en fluide.The counter-flow of the cooling fluid within the peripheral spaces 13 is obtained by a connection adapted to fluid input and output channels.
En l'occurrence, la voie 15a d'apport en fluide de refroidissement « froid » est raccordée à l'une des extrémités du tube périphérique 12" associé au tube inox retourIn this case, the channel 15a of cooling fluid supply "cold" is connected to one of the ends of the peripheral tube 12 "associated with the stainless steel tube back
5b", c'est-à-dire l'extrémité située du côté aval dudit second tube 5b" et à l'opposé du coude 5b'". Une voie de jonction 15b est prévue entre les extrémités en regard des tubes périphériques 12' et 12", du côté du coude 5b'". La voie de sortie 15ç s'étend quant à elle à partir de l'autre extrémité du tube périphérique 12' associé au premier tube inox 5b', c'est-à-dire l'extrémité opposée au coude 5b'".5b ", that is to say the end located on the downstream side of said second tube 5b" and opposite the elbow 5b '". A connecting channel 15b is provided between the opposite ends of the peripheral tubes 12' and 12 "on the side of the elbow 5b ''. The outlet channel 15c extends from the other end of the peripheral tube 12 'associated with the first stainless steel tube 5b', that is to say the end opposite the elbow 5b '".
De manière générale, le fluide de refroidissement peut être de l'eau ou tout autre fluide frigoporteur adapté. Dans le cas de l'emploi d'eau, son cheminement est mis en œuvre par un système de pompe à eau adapté, propre à l'exploitation, ou par sa pression propre si ce fluide provient d'un réseau de distribution.In general, the cooling fluid may be water or any other suitable refrigerant fluid. In the case of the use of water, its path is implemented by a suitable water pump system, suitable for operation, or by its own pressure if the fluid comes from a distribution network.
Afin d'optimiser l'action de refroidissement, des moyens 16 sont prévus pour permettre une circulation en boucle (autrement dit encore, un recyclage ou une recirculation), d'au moins une partie du lait au sein (ou autrement dit « au travers ») de l'échangeur thermique 10.In order to optimize the cooling action, means 16 are provided to allow circulation in a loop (in other words, recycling or recirculation), at least part of the milk in the breast (or in other words "through ") Of the heat exchanger 10.
Cette recirculation s'effectue avantageusement en amont de la cuve de stockage 3, c'est-à-dire avant l'écoulement final du lait refroidit dans cette cuve 3 et sans passage/circulation au travers de cette dernière. Comme représenté sur la figure 1 , les moyens 16 en question se présentent sous la forme d'un circulateur connecté à l'entrée et à la sortie de l'échangeur thermique 10, c'est-à-dire respectivement du côté de l'extrémité amont du premier tube inox 5b' et du côté de l'extrémité aval du second tube inox 5b".This recirculation is advantageously carried out upstream of the storage tank 3, that is to say before the final flow of the cooled milk in this tank 3 and without passage / circulation through the latter. As shown in FIG. 1, the means 16 in question are in the form of a circulator connected to the inlet and the outlet of the heat exchanger 10, that is to say respectively on the side of the upstream end of the first stainless steel tube 5b 'and the side of the downstream end of the second stainless steel tube 5b ".
Ainsi, l'extrémité amont du premier tube inox 5b' et l'extrémité aval du second tube inox 5b" se situent du côté circulateur 16 ; le coude 5b'" est disposé à distance de ce même circulateur 16.Thus, the upstream end of the first stainless steel tube 5b 'and the downstream end of the second stainless steel tube 5b "are located on the circulator side 16, the elbow 5b' 'is arranged at a distance from this same circulator 16.
Ce circulateur 16 est bien connu de l'homme du métier, et consiste avantageusement en un matériel similaire à celui utilisé classiquement dans les installations de chauffage central. Cette pompe est orientée et configurée de sorte à assurer un prélèvement du lait à la sortie de l'échangeur thermique 10 et en amont de la cuve de stockage 3 ; le retour du lait prélevé s'effectue en amont, au niveau de l'entrée, de ce même échangeur thermique 10. De préférence, le débit et la puissance du circulateur 16 sont inférieurs à ceux de la pompe de transfert 6.This circulator 16 is well known to those skilled in the art, and advantageously consists of a similar material to that conventionally used in central heating installations. This pump is oriented and configured to ensure a withdrawal of the milk at the outlet of the heat exchanger 10 and upstream of the storage tank 3; the return of the sampled milk is effected upstream, at the inlet, of this same heat exchanger 10. Preferably, the flow rate and the power of the circulator 16 are lower than those of the transfer pump 6.
Cette particularité permet d'optimiser les échanges thermiques, de réduire la consommation énergétique, et de limiter les atteintes mécaniques sur le lait (par éclatement des membranes de globules gras). A titre d'exemple, le débit de ce circulateur 16 peut être de l'ordre de 1500 à 3000 l/h, alors que le débit de la pompe de transfert est de l'ordre de 8000 à 14000 l/h. Ce débit est notamment tel que la vitesse du lait soit avantageusement inférieure à 2,5 m/s. De même, la puissance du circulateur est par exemple de l'ordre de 70 à 120 W, par rapport à celle de la pompe de transfert de l'ordre de 736 à 1100 W ; la puissance de ce circulateur correspond avantageusement à celle d'un petit agitateur de tank à lait.This particularity makes it possible to optimize heat exchange, to reduce energy consumption, and to limit mechanical damage to milk (by bursting fat globule membranes). For example, the flow rate of this circulator 16 may be of the order of 1500 to 3000 l / h, while the flow rate of the transfer pump is of the order of 8000 to 14000 l / h. This flow rate is such that the speed of the milk is advantageously less than 2.5 m / s. Similarly, the power of the circulator is for example of the order of 70 to 120 W, compared to that of the transfer pump of the order of 736 to 1100 W; the power of this circulator advantageously corresponds to that of a small agitator tank milk.
Pour un échange thermique optimal, la capacité volumique de l'échangeur thermique 10, et plus précisément de son tronçon inox intermédiaire 5b, est égale, ou au moins approximativement égale, au volume de lait transféré lors d'un cycle de la pompe de transfert 6 (généralement 10 I à 30 I). Cette caractéristique assure le recyclage dans l'échangeur du volume total de lait transféré par un cycle de pompe, et son traitement thermique pendant la période s'écoulant entre deux cycles.For optimal heat exchange, the volume capacity of the heat exchanger 10, and more precisely of its intermediate stainless steel section 5b, is equal to, or at least approximately equal to, the volume of milk transferred during a cycle of the transfer pump. 6 (usually 10 I to 30 I). This characteristic ensures the recycling in the exchanger of the total volume of milk transferred by a pump cycle, and its heat treatment during the period between two cycles.
De manière générale, le volume de lait transféré par un cycle de la pompe de transfert 6 est notamment fonction du débit moyen de la traite. La pompe de transfert 6 et le circulateur 16 sont pilotés en fonctionnement par des moyens de commande adaptés. Ces moyens de commande sont par exemple des moyens électroniques et/ou informatiques, notamment du genre automate programmable industriel ou circuit électrique. Cette pompe de transfert 6 et ce circulateur 16 vont fonctionner de préférence par cycles, dont la durée est contrôlée. La durée des cycles de fonctionnement du circulateur 16 est ajustée avantageusement en fonction du taux de refroidissement recherché pour le lait (c'est-à-dire encore la température souhaitée pour le lait avant son écoulement dans la cuve de stockage) ; cette durée est avantageusement indépendante par rapport à la durée des cycles de fonctionnement de la pompe de transfert 6. En pratique, le lait récolté par la machine à traire, est récupéré en continu dans le réservoir 2.In general, the volume of milk transferred by a cycle of the transfer pump 6 is in particular a function of the average rate of milking. The transfer pump 6 and the circulator 16 are controlled in operation by suitable control means. These control means are for example electronic and / or computer means, in particular of the industrial programmable logic controller type or electrical circuit. This transfer pump 6 and this circulator 16 will preferably operate in cycles, the duration of which is controlled. The duration of the operating cycles of the circulator 16 is advantageously adjusted according to the desired cooling rate for the milk (that is to say still the desired temperature for the milk before it flows into the storage tank); this duration is advantageously independent with respect to the duration of the operating cycles of the transfer pump 6. In practice, the milk collected by the milking machine is recovered continuously in the tank 2.
Lorsque le lait atteint un certain niveau maximal dans le réservoir 2 (détecté par le capteur dédié), ce lait est mis en circulation par la pompe de transfert 6, cela au sein du système de canalisations 5, et par conséquent au sein de l'échangeur thermique 10. Dans le même temps, le capteur de lait situé dans le collecteur 2 est inactivé.When the milk reaches a certain maximum level in the tank 2 (detected by the dedicated sensor), this milk is circulated by the transfer pump 6, this within the pipe system 5, and therefore within the heat exchanger 10. At the same time, the milk sensor located in the collector 2 is inactivated.
La pompe de transfert 6 va fonctionner pendant un temps prédéterminé, pour le refoulement d'un volume adapté de lait, fonction notamment de celui de l'échangeur 10 associé. Ce temps de fonctionnement est par exemple obtenu au moyen d'un dispositif de temporisation réglable (par exemple entre 2 et 10 secondes), associé à un contacteur d'activation/inactivation de la pompe 6.The transfer pump 6 will operate for a predetermined time, for the discharge of a suitable volume of milk, in particular that of the associated exchanger 10. This operating time is for example obtained by means of an adjustable delay device (for example between 2 and 10 seconds) associated with an activation / deactivation switch of the pump 6.
En parallèle de la pompe de transfert 6, le circulateur 16 est mis en marche ; et le fluide réfrigérant est mis en circulation au sein de l'échangeur 10. Le circulateur 16 est avantageusement associé également à un dispositif de temporisation réglable (par exemple entre 10 et 60 secondes), associé à un contacteur d'activation/inactivation du circulateur 16.In parallel with the transfer pump 6, the circulator 16 is turned on; and the coolant is circulated within the exchanger 10. The circulator 16 is advantageously also associated with an adjustable delay device (for example between 10 and 60 seconds), associated with an activation / deactivation switch of the circulator 16.
Le temps de fonctionnement du circulateur 16, notamment déterminant le taux d'échange thermique actif, est avantageusement distinct/indépendant de celui de la pompe de transfert 6. Ce temps d'échange thermique est adapté en fonction des caractéristiques de l'échangeur 10 (notamment du débit en liquide de refroidissement), et de la température finale du lait à libérer dans la cuve de stockage.The operating time of the circulator 16, in particular determining the active heat exchange rate, is advantageously distinct / independent from that of the transfer pump 6. This heat exchange time is adapted as a function of the characteristics of the exchanger 10 ( in particular the flow rate of cooling liquid), and the final temperature of the milk to be released into the storage tank.
Lorsque le circulateur 16 s'arrête (c'est-à-dire lorsque la température souhaitée du lait a été obtenue), le capteur du collecteur 2 est réactivé. Un nouveau cycle de transfert et de pré-refroidissement du lait peut alors redémarrer.When the circulator 16 stops (that is to say when the desired temperature of the milk has been obtained), the sensor of the collector 2 is reactivated. A new milk transfer and pre-cooling cycle can then restart.
De manière générale, du fait de son débit élevé, cette pompe de transfert 6 fonctionne selon une succession de « cycles courts », et au final pendant une « courte » période globale ; par « court », on entend un temps significativement inférieur par rapport à la période globale de traite des animaux. De manière générale, la durée moyenne de la traite est d'environ une heure ; le fonctionnement de la pompe de transfert consiste généralement en 90 à 120 cycles successifs de l'ordre de 3 à 4 secondes chacun, soit 5 à 6 minutes d'activité.In general, because of its high flow rate, this transfer pump 6 operates in a succession of "short cycles", and ultimately for a "short" overall period; "short" means a significantly lower time than the overall milking period. In general, the average duration of milking is about one hour; the operation of the transfer pump generally consists of 90 to 120 successive cycles of the order of 3 to 4 seconds each, ie 5 to 6 minutes of activity.
Entre deux cycles de la pompe de transfert 6, le circulateur 16 fonctionne selon son cycle propre. Le lait présent au sein de l'échangeur 10 circule alors en boucle, et chemine, de manière continue et à plusieurs reprises, au sein du tube inox supérieur 5b' puis du tube inox inférieur 5b" (c'est-à-dire également au sein ou au travers de l'échangeur 10, et en amont de la cuve de stockage) ; pour certaines applications, ces tubes inox 5b sont maintenus sous vide pendant le recyclage.Between two cycles of the transfer pump 6, the circulator 16 operates according to its own cycle. The milk present in the exchanger 10 then circulates in a loop, and travels, continuously and repeatedly, within the upper stainless steel tube 5b 'and then the lower stainless steel tube 5b "(that is to say also within or through the exchanger 10, and upstream of the storage tank), for some applications, these stainless steel tubes 5b are kept under vacuum during recycling.
Pendant ce recyclage, le fluide réfrigérant continue également à circuler au sein de l'échangeur thermique 10 et assure un refroidissement progressif du lait recyclé. L'action du fluide réfrigérant est optimisée du fait de son cheminement en sens inverse par rapport à celui du lait, c'est-à-dire depuis le tube périphérique inférieur 12" vers le tube périphérique supérieur 12'.During this recycling, the refrigerant fluid also continues to circulate within the heat exchanger 10 and ensures a gradual cooling of the recycled milk. The action of the coolant is optimized because of its path in the opposite direction to that of the milk, that is to say from the lower peripheral tube 12 "to the upper peripheral tube 12 '.
Le cheminement en continu du fluide réfrigérant, tout au long de la traite, a également l'avantage de réduire son débit dans l'échangeur, et d'adapter en conséquence la section des tubes périphériques PVC.The continuous flow of refrigerant throughout the milking, also has the advantage of reducing its flow in the exchanger, and adapt accordingly the section of PVC peripheral tubes.
A chaque nouveau cycle, le lait refroidi au sein de l'échangeur est poussé vers la cuve de stockage 3, et il est remplacé par un volume équivalent de lait neuf, ce dernier étant destiné à subir à son tour le refroidissement recherché.At each new cycle, the milk cooled in the exchanger is pushed to the storage tank 3, and it is replaced by an equivalent volume of new milk, the latter being intended to undergo in turn the desired cooling.
A titre indicatif, une augmentation du débit en liquide de refroidissement permet une diminution du temps de fonctionnement du circulateur 16 ; le volume de l'échangeur 10 peut alors être réduit, et le temps entre deux cycles de fonctionnement de la pompe de transfert 6 raccourci.As an indication, an increase in the flow rate of coolant allows a decrease in the operating time of the circulator 16; the volume of the exchanger 10 can then be reduced, and the time between two cycles of operation of the transfer pump 6 shortened.
Les cycles de la pompe de transfert 6 et les opérations de refroidissement se poursuivent jusqu'à la fin de la traite.The cycles of the transfer pump 6 and the cooling operations continue until the end of milking.
La vidange des canalisations de transfert 5 s'obtient du fait d'un écoulement par simple phénomène de gravité, en particulier suite à l'ouverture - de la prise d'air 8 pour le lait et - d'une vanne trois voies 15a' équipant la voie d'entrée 15a pour le fluide réfrigérant. Du fait de cette circulation en continu du lait entre deux cycles de fonctionnement de la pompe de transfert 6, les échanges thermiques sont mis en œuvre sur une période importante et optimale, indépendante du temps de fonctionnement de cette pompe de transfert. Le lait en sortie d'échangeur thermique 10 présente ainsi une température optimale, correspondant à celle recherchée par l'opérateur (ou au moins proche de celle-ci). On supprime ainsi la plupart des inconvénients dus aux échangeurs thermiques actuels, fonctionnant uniquement en concomitance avec la pompe de transfert 6. Pour être complet, le circulateur 16 peut également fonctionner en continu lorsque les opérations de lavage des canalisations de transfert 5 sont mises en œuvre, de manière à assurer un nettoyage complet de l'installation de transfert.The draining of the transfer lines 5 is obtained by virtue of a simple gravity flow, in particular following the opening - of the air intake 8 for the milk and - of a three-way valve 15a ' equipping the inlet channel 15a for the refrigerant. Due to this continuous flow of milk between two cycles of operation of the transfer pump 6, the heat exchange is implemented over a significant and optimal period, independent of the operating time of this transfer pump. The milk output of the heat exchanger 10 thus has an optimum temperature, corresponding to that sought by the operator (or at least close to it). This removes most of the disadvantages due to current heat exchangers, operating only concomitantly with the transfer pump 6. To be complete, the circulator 16 can also operate continuously when the washing operations of the transfer lines 5 are implemented, so as to ensure a complete cleaning of the transfer facility.
La figure 3 représente une forme de réalisation dérivant de l'échangeur thermique équipant l'installation de transfert de la figure 1 , et qui s'en distingue par la présence de plusieurs modules échangeurs en Vé 1 1 , montés en parallèle. Les tubes périphériques 12 ne sont pas représentés pour simplifier la description.FIG. 3 represents an embodiment deriving from the heat exchanger equipping the transfer installation of FIG. 1, and which is distinguished by the presence of several heat exchanger modules V e 1 1, connected in parallel. The peripheral tubes 12 are not shown to simplify the description.
Ainsi, comme représenté schématiquement sur cette figure 3, on retrouve la canalisation 5 pour la circulation du lait : un tronçon amont 5a et un tronçon terminal 5ç, entre lesquels s'étend le tronçon intermédiaire 5b formant partie de l'échangeur thermique 10.Thus, as shown diagrammatically in this FIG. 3, line 5 for the circulation of milk is found: an upstream section 5a and a terminal section 5c, between which extends the intermediate section 5b forming part of the heat exchanger 10.
L'échangeur thermique 10 se compose ici de trois modules échangeurs 1 1 , connectés en parallèle à un circulateur commun 16 et aux tronçons amont 5a et aval 5ç. Chaque module 1 1 est du type de celui décrit dessus en relation avec la figureThe heat exchanger 10 consists here of three exchanger modules 1 1, connected in parallel to a common circulator 16 and the upstream sections 5a and 5c downstream. Each module 1 1 is of the type described above in connection with FIG.
1 , c'est-à-dire comprenant deux tubes inox agencés en Vé horizontal et associés chacun à un tube périphérique (non représenté) pour la circulation du fluide réfrigérant en sens inverse.1, that is to say comprising two stainless tubes arranged horizontally Vee and each associated with a peripheral tube (not shown) for the circulation of the refrigerant in the opposite direction.
La capacité volumique totale des échangeurs 1 1 correspond avantageusement au volume de lait refoulé par un cycle de la pompe de transfert 6.The total volume capacity of the exchangers 1 1 advantageously corresponds to the volume of milk delivered by a cycle of the transfer pump 6.
En pratique, la mise en fonctionnement du circulateur 16 provoque un recyclage du lait au sein des trois modules échangeurs 11 , cela d'une manière telle que décrite dessus en relation avec la figure 1.In practice, the operation of the circulator 16 causes a recycling of the milk within the three exchanger modules 11, this in a manner as described above in relation to Figure 1.
Cette structure d'échangeur thermique 10 est en particulier intéressante pour le traitement de volumes de lait en provenance d'une pompe de transfert présentant un débit important ; cette configuration permet également d'optimiser l'efficacité du refroidissement thermique en répartissant le volume de lait à traiter dans trois modules juxtaposés.This heat exchanger structure 10 is particularly interesting for the treatment of milk volumes from a transfer pump having a high flow rate; this configuration also makes it possible to optimize the efficiency of the thermal cooling by distributing the volume of milk to be treated in three juxtaposed modules.
L'installation de transfert représentée sur la figure 4 consiste encore en une variante de celle décrite précédemment en relation avec la figure 1.The transfer facility shown in FIG. 4 still consists of a variant of that described previously with reference to FIG.
Cette installation de transfert se distingue par le fait qu'elle comporte un échangeur thermique 10 muni d'un ensemble de deux modules échangeurs en Vé 11 montés en série, l'un amont 11 a et l'autre aval 1 1 b.This transfer installation is distinguished by the fact that it comprises a heat exchanger 10 provided with a set of two V e exchanger modules 11 connected in series, one upstream 11a and the other downstream 1 1b.
Comme décrit précédemment en relation avec la figure 1 , chaque module échangeur thermique 1 1 comprend deux tubes inox 5b' et 5b", agencés selon un Vé d'axe horizontal, associés chacun à un tube périphérique 12 dans lequel circule le fluide réfrigérant.As described above with reference to FIG. 1, each heat exchanger module 1 1 comprises two stainless steel tubes 5b 'and 5b', arranged according to a V e horizontal axis, each associated with a peripheral tube 12 in which circulates the coolant.
L'extrémité aval du second tube inox 5b" du premier module 1 1a est ainsi raccordée, par le biais d'un coude intermédiaire 17, à l'extrémité amont du premier tube inox 5b' du second module 1 1 b.The downstream end of the second stainless steel tube 5b "of the first module 1 1a is thus connected, via an intermediate bend 17, to the upstream end of the first stainless steel tube 5b 'of the second module 1 1b.
Chaque module 11 est associé à son propre circulateur 16, qui assure le prélèvement du lait à la sortie de ce même module 1 1 (en amont de la cuve de stockage 3) et pour le réinjecter au niveau de son entrée ; le lait circule ainsi en boucle au sein de son propre module échangeur thermique 1 1 (en amont de la cuve de stockage 3).Each module 11 is associated with its own circulator 16, which takes the milk at the outlet of the same module 1 1 (upstream of the storage tank 3) and to reinject it at its input; the milk circulates in a loop within its own heat exchanger module 1 1 (upstream of the storage tank 3).
De même, ces modules échangeurs thermiques 11 sont associés chacun à leur propre circuit de fluide réfrigérant.Similarly, these heat exchanger modules 11 are each associated with their own refrigerant circuit.
Pour optimiser le bilan énergétique et éviter les chocs thermiques lors de la réfrigération, le fluide réfrigérant circulant au sein du module échangeur thermique amont 1 1 a présente alors une température supérieure à celle du fluide réfrigérant circulant au sein du module échangeur thermique aval 1 1 b.To optimize the energy balance and avoid thermal shocks during refrigeration, the refrigerant circulating within the upstream heat exchanger module 1 1 has then a temperature greater than that of the refrigerant circulating within the heat exchanger module downstream 1 1 b .
A titre d'exemple, l'eau circulant au sein du module échangeur amont 11 a est froide (par exemple de l'eau de réseau d'adduction ou d'un puits), c'est-à-dire comprise entre 10 et 150C ; l'eau circulant dans le module échangeur thermique aval 1 1 b est quant à elle glacée (provenant par exemple d'une centrale de réfrigération), avec une température comprise entre 1 et 20C.For example, the water circulating within the upstream exchanger module 11a is cold (for example water supply network or a well), that is to say between 10 and 15 0 C; the water circulating in the downstream heat exchanger module 1 1 b is for its part frozen (from for example a refrigeration plant), with a temperature between 1 and 2 0 C.
La capacité volumique de chaque module échangeur thermique 11 est ici égale au volume de lait transféré lors d'un cycle de la pompe de transfert 6. Cette particularité structurelle permet un séjour et un traitement thermique du lait, successivement et pendant un temps identique au sein de chacun des deux modules, avant son transfert jusqu'au tank à lait. La température finale du lait est alors particulièrement proche de celle du lait déjà stockée dans la cuve (à savoir généralement environ 4O).The volume capacity of each heat exchanger module 11 is here equal to the volume of milk transferred during a cycle of the transfer pump 6. This structural feature allows a residence and a heat treatment of the milk, successively and for an identical time within of each of the two modules, before its transfer to the milk tank. The final temperature of the milk is then particularly close to that of the milk already stored in the tank (ie generally about 40).
De manière générale, encore pour optimiser le rendement ou le bilan énergétique de cette installation de transfert, le fluide réfrigérant au niveau du module échangeur aval 11 b peut servir à l'alimentation d'une centrale d'eau glacée utilisée pour la réfrigération du tank à lait et/ou pour l'alimentation en fluide réfrigérant de ce même module aval 1 1b.Generally speaking, in order to optimize the efficiency or the energy balance of this transfer installation, the refrigerant fluid at the level of the downstream exchanger module 11b can be used to supply an ice-water plant used for the refrigeration of the tank. milk and / or for the refrigerant supply of the same downstream module 1 1b.
La figure 5 représente, schématiquement, une variante de réalisation de l'installation de transfert décrite en relation avec la figure 4. Cette installation de transfert est similaire à celle décrite précédemment en ce sens qu'elle comprend un échangeur thermique 10 présentant deux modules échangeurs 1 1 , montés en série.FIG. 5 represents, schematically, an alternative embodiment of the transfer installation described with reference to FIG. 4. This transfer installation is similar to that described above in that it comprises a heat exchanger 10 having two heat exchanger modules 1 1, connected in series.
Cet échangeur thermique 10 s'en distingue uniquement par le fait que le circulateur 16 et le circuit en fluide réfrigérant sont communs aux deux modules échangeurs thermiques 1 1 a et 1 1 b.This heat exchanger 10 is distinguished only by the fact that the circulator 16 and the refrigerant circuit are common to the two heat exchanger modules 11a and 11b.
Plus précisément, le fluide réfrigérant entre dans l'échangeur 10 au niveau d'une voie 15a du côté du module aval 1 1b, circule jusqu'au module amont 1 1 a via une voie de jonction centrale 15d, pour ressortir au niveau de la voie 15ç du côté dudit module amont 11 a.More specifically, the refrigerant enters the exchanger 10 at a channel 15a on the side of the downstream module 1 1b, flows to the upstream module 1 1 a via a central connecting channel 15d, to stand out at the level of the lane 15c on the side of said upstream module 11a.
Ainsi, en pratique, ce circulateur 16 va prélever le lait à la sortie du module échangeur aval 1 1 b (en amont de la cuve de stockage 3) pour le transférer au niveau de l'entrée du module échangeur amont 11 a. Le phénomène de circulation en boucle ainsi généré est commun aux deux modules refroidisseurs et s'effectue en amont de la cuve de stockage 3.Thus, in practice, this circulator 16 will take the milk at the outlet of the downstream exchanger module January 1 (upstream of the storage tank 3) to transfer it to the input of the upstream exchanger module 11a. The loop circulation phenomenon thus generated is common to the two chiller modules and is carried out upstream of the storage tank 3.
De manière générale, l'échangeur thermique 10 des installations de transfert représentées sur les figures 4 et 5, peut être constitué de couples de modules échangeurs 1 1 qui sont montés en parallèle, tel que décrit précédemment en relation avec la figure 3. Encore de manière générale, la structure de l'échangeur thermique (nombre de modules montés en série et/ou en parallèle) présente l'intérêt de pouvoir facilement être adaptée notamment en fonction de la structure générale de l'installation laitière, du débit de la pompe de transfert, du volume de lait transféré par chaque cycle de la pompe de transfert et de la température finale recherchée pour le lait. De même, la section globale des canalisations à lait 5b de l'échangeur thermique 10, est au moins égale à la section de la canalisation de refoulement de la pompe de transfert.In general, the heat exchanger 10 of the transfer systems shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may consist of pairs of heat exchanger modules 11 which are connected in parallel, as described previously with reference to FIG. In general, the structure of the heat exchanger (number of modules mounted in series and / or in parallel) has the advantage of being able to be easily adapted, in particular according to the general structure of the dairy plant, the flow rate of the pump of transfer, the volume of milk transferred by each cycle of the transfer pump and the desired final temperature for the milk. Similarly, the overall section of the milk pipes 5b of the heat exchanger 10, is at least equal to the section of the discharge pipe of the transfer pump.
Ce calibre particulier permet à la pompe de transfert 6 de fonctionner de manière optimale sans appliquer de pression excessive sur le lait transféré. Cela permet également de limiter les pertes de charges et de conserver le débit de la pompe de transfert lors des phases de lavage de l'installation.This particular size allows the transfer pump 6 to operate optimally without applying excessive pressure on the transferred milk. This also makes it possible to limit the pressure losses and to keep the flow rate of the transfer pump during the washing phases of the installation.
De plus, les tubes de l'installation de transfert (tubes inox et périphériques) sont avantageusement orientés et agencés de sorte que les liquides puissent s'écouler naturellement, par simple phénomène de gravité, en fin de récolte du lait mais aussi lors des opérations de nettoyage. De manière générale et alternative, le ou les circulateurs peuvent être associés chacun à un capteur thermique (thermostat différentiel) du type bi-sondes : l'une au niveau du lait en sortie d'échangeur thermique (ou de module) et l'autre au niveau du fluide frigoporteur. Ce type de capteur va permettre un arrêt du circulateur et du fluide de refroidissement entre deux cycles de la pompe de transfert, lorsque le différentiel de température entre le lait transféré et le fluide frigoporteur est nul ou atteint une valeur prédéfinie ; il permet également leurs redémarrages suite à un cycle de pompe.In addition, the tubes of the transfer system (stainless and peripheral tubes) are advantageously oriented and arranged so that the liquids can flow naturally, by simple gravity phenomenon, at the end of the milk harvest but also during operations. of cleaning. Generally and alternatively, the circulator (s) may each be associated with a thermal sensor (differential thermostat) of the bi-probe type: one at the level of the milk at the outlet of the heat exchanger (or module) and the other at the level of the refrigerant fluid. This type of sensor will allow a shutdown of the circulator and the coolant between two cycles of the transfer pump, when the temperature differential between the transferred milk and the coolant is zero or reaches a predefined value; it also allows their restarts after a pump cycle.
Toujours de manière générale, les tubes périphériques de l'échangeur peuvent être associés à un système de voies entrée/sortie multiples en fluide réfrigérant, pour créer un circuit en contresens propre à chaque tube périphérique voire plusieurs circuits distincts sur la longueur d'un même tube.In a general manner, the peripheral tubes of the exchanger can be associated with a system of multiple input / output channels in refrigerant fluid, to create a circuit in the wrong direction specific to each peripheral tube or several separate circuits along the length of the same tube.
Dans tous les cas, le circuit du fluide de refroidissement dans l'échangeur thermique est adapté pour optimiser le refroidissement progressif du lait tout au long de son recyclage. In all cases, the circuit of the cooling fluid in the heat exchanger is adapted to optimize the progressive cooling of the milk throughout its recycling.

Claims

- REVENDICATIONS - - CLAIMS -
1.- Installation de transfert de lait depuis une machine à traire jusqu'à une cuve de stockage (3), laquelle installation comprend un réservoir de récolte du lait (2) associé à une pompe (6) assurant le transfert du lait jusqu'à ladite cuve de stockage (3), cela au travers d'un système de canalisation(s) (5) équipé d'au moins un échangeur thermique (10) assurant le refroidissement ou au moins le prérefroidissement du lait transféré, ladite pompe de transfert (6) étant pilotée par cycles à partir des informations fournies par un capteur de niveau de lait disposé dans ledit réservoir de récolte, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend des moyens (16) qui permettent une circulation en boucle d'au moins une partie du lait en amont de ladite cuve de stockage (3), au sein dudit échangeur thermique (10).1.- Installation for transferring milk from a milking machine to a storage tank (3), which installation comprises a milk collection tank (2) associated with a pump (6) for transferring the milk to a storage tank (3). to said storage tank (3), this through a pipeline system (5) equipped with at least one heat exchanger (10) for cooling or at least pre-cooling the transferred milk, said pump transfer (6) being cycle-controlled from information provided by a milk level sensor disposed in said harvesting tank, characterized in that it comprises means (16) which allow a loop circulation of at least one part of the milk upstream of said storage tank (3), within said heat exchanger (10).
2.- Installation selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que les moyens (16) qui permettent la circulation en boucle du lait se présentent sous la forme d'au moins un circulateur associé à l'échangeur thermique (10), apte d'une part, à prélever le lait du côté aval, en amont de la cuve de stockage (3), et d'autre part, à le transférer vers l'amont, par rapport au sens de cheminement du lait.2.- Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (16) which allow the circulation of the milk loop are in the form of at least one circulator associated with the heat exchanger (10), suitable for on the one hand, to take the milk on the downstream side, upstream of the storage tank (3), and on the other hand, to transfer it upstream, with respect to the direction of milk flow.
3.- Installation selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que le ou les circulateurs (16) assurent une circulation en boucle du lait sur toute la surface de l'échangeur (10). 3.- Installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the or circulators (16) provide a loop circulation of milk over the entire surface of the exchanger (10).
4.- Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que la capacité volumique de l'échangeur thermique (10) est au moins égale au volume de lait transféré lors d'un cycle de la pompe de transfert (6).4.- Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the volume capacity of the heat exchanger (10) is at least equal to the volume of milk transferred during a cycle of the transfer pump ( 6).
5.- Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce que l'échangeur thermique (10) comprend au moins un module (1 1) constitué d'au moins un tube central rectiligne (5b) pour la circulation du lait, formant un tronçon du système de canalisation(s) (5), logé de manière concentrique au sein d'un tube périphérique (12), également rectiligne, pour le cheminement à contre-courant d'un fluide réfrigérant.5.- Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the heat exchanger (10) comprises at least one module (1 1) consisting of at least one rectilinear central tube (5b) for circulation milk, forming a section of the pipeline system (5), housed concentrically within a peripheral tube (12), also rectilinear, for the countercurrent flow of a refrigerant.
6.- Installation selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que les tubes centraux (5b) et périphériques (12) sont inclinés vers le bas, de l'amont vers l'aval.6.- Installation according to claim 5, characterized in that the central tubes (5b) and peripheral (12) are inclined downwards, from upstream to downstream.
7.- Installation selon les revendications 2, 5 et 6 prises en combinaison, caractérisée en ce que le module (1 1 ), ou l'un au moins des modules (1 1 ), est constitué de deux tubes centraux (5b', 5b") logés chacun dans un tube périphérique et reliés par un coude de jonction (5b'"), le premier tube aller supérieur (5b') partant du côté du ou de l'un des circulateurs (16) et le second tube retour inférieur (5b") revenant du côté du même circulateur (16), lesquels tubes aller et retour (5b1, 5b") sont inclinés vers le bas, de l'amont vers l'aval, formant ainsi un Vé incliné d'axe sensiblement horizontal.7.- Installation according to claims 2, 5 and 6 taken in combination, characterized in that the module (1 1), or at least one of the modules (1 1), consists of two central tubes (5b ', 5b ") each accommodated in a peripheral tube and connected by a connecting bend (5b '"), the first upward top tube (5b') extending from the side of one or both of the circulators (16) and the second return tube lower (5b ") returning the side of the same circulator (16), which go and return tubes (5b 1, 5b ") are inclined downwardly from upstream to downstream, thus forming a V inclined substantially horizontal axis.
8.- Installation selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que les tubes périphériques (12) se terminent au niveau du coude de jonction (5b'"), et sont raccordées de ce côté par une conduite extérieure (15b).8.- Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the peripheral tubes (12) terminate at the junction bend (5b '"), and are connected on this side by an outer pipe (15b).
9.- Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 8, caractérisée en ce que l'échangeur thermique (10) comprend plusieurs modules (1 1), disposés en parallèle. 9.- Installation according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the heat exchanger (10) comprises a plurality of modules (1 1), arranged in parallel.
10.- Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 9, caractérisée en ce que l'échangeur thermique (10) comprend plusieurs modules (1 1) disposés en série.10.- Installation according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the heat exchanger (10) comprises a plurality of modules (1 1) arranged in series.
11 .- Installation selon la revendication 10, caractérisée en ce que certains au moins des modules (1 1 ) sont munis de moyens propres pour la circulation en boucle et sont alimentés en fluides réfrigérants distincts, la température du fluide réfrigérant circulant au sein de l'un desdits modules (11 ) étant supérieure à la température du fluide réfrigérant circulant au sein du module (1 1 ) suivant en aval.11 .- Installation according to claim 10, characterized in that at least some of the modules (1 1) are provided with own means for the loop circulation and are supplied with different refrigerants fluids, the temperature of the refrigerant circulating within the one of said modules (11) being greater than the temperature of the coolant circulating in the next module (1 1) downstream.
12.- Echangeur thermique pour le système de canalisation(s) (5) d'une installation de transfert de lait depuis une machine à traire jusqu'à une cuve de stockage (3), ledit echangeur (10) étant apte à assurer le refroidissement ou au moins le pré-refroidissement du lait transféré, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte au moins un circulateur (16) apte à prélever et à transférer le lait de l'aval vers l'amont, par rapport au sens de cheminement du lait, pour générer une circulation en boucle de ce lait dans ledit echangeur thermique (10). 12.- Heat exchanger for the piping system (5) of a milk transfer installation from a milking machine to a storage tank (3), said exchanger (10) being adapted to provide the cooling or at least the pre-cooling of the transferred milk, characterized in that it comprises at least one circulator (16) adapted to take and transfer the milk from the downstream upstream, with respect to the direction of travel of the milk, to generate a loop circulation of this milk in said heat exchanger (10).
13.- Procédé de fonctionnement d'une installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 1 1 , caractérisé en ce que le lait circule en boucle dans l'échangeur thermique (10), par mise en fonctionnement du ou des circulateurs (16), au moins entre certains des cycles de la pompe de transfert (6) et pendant au moins une partie du temps séparant deux desdits cycles. 13. A method of operation of an installation according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the milk circulates in a loop in the heat exchanger (10), by operating the circulator or circulators (16). ), at least between some of the cycles of the transfer pump (6) and for at least a portion of the time separating two of said cycles.
EP08829572A 2007-08-29 2008-08-28 Equipment for transferring milk from a milking machine to a storage tank Withdrawn EP2194774A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0706053A FR2920268B1 (en) 2007-08-29 2007-08-29 MILK TRANSFER FACILITY FROM A TRAINING MACHINE UNTIL A STORAGE TANK
PCT/FR2008/051537 WO2009030860A2 (en) 2007-08-29 2008-08-28 Equipment for transferring milk from a milking machine to a storage tank

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EP2194774A2 true EP2194774A2 (en) 2010-06-16

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WO (1) WO2009030860A2 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2955851B1 (en) * 2010-01-29 2012-03-23 J & Y Charriau Ets MILK TRANSFER FACILITY FROM A MILKING MACHINE UNTIL A STORAGE TANK EQUIPPED WITH AT LEAST ONE HEAT EXCHANGER
GB2509515B (en) * 2013-01-04 2018-10-17 Drilling And Pumping Supplies Ltd Milk cooling system
FR3002828B1 (en) * 2013-03-06 2015-03-13 Ets J & Y Charriau INSTALLATION FOR THE HARVEST OF MILK, EQUIPPED WITH AT LEAST ONE HEAT EXCHANGER
EP3179847B1 (en) 2014-08-11 2018-07-11 DeLaval Holding AB Cooling system for cooling a flow of milk, milk storage facility, milking system, and method for reconfiguring a cooling system
FR3049161B1 (en) * 2016-03-25 2018-03-16 Ets J. & Y. Charriau MILK TRANSFER FACILITY EQUIPPED WITH AT LEAST ONE THERMAL EXCHANGER FOR PARTIAL COOLING OF TRANSFERRED MILK
FR3066358B1 (en) * 2017-05-16 2019-07-05 Ets J. & Y. Charriau MILK TRANSFER FACILITY EQUIPPED WITH AT LEAST ONE THERMAL EXCHANGER FOR PARTIAL COOLING OF TRANSFERRED MILK

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1017099B (en) * 1973-07-14 1977-07-20 Alfa Laval Bergedorfer Eisen PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR COOLING APPE NA MUNTO MILK
DE29723985U1 (en) * 1996-03-29 1999-07-08 Maasland N.V., Maasland Device for milking animals
DE69908177T2 (en) * 1998-12-16 2004-01-29 Prolion Bv DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MILKING ANIMALS
SE9904647D0 (en) * 1999-12-16 1999-12-16 Alfa Laval Agri Ab A method for cooling milk and a milking arrangement with cooling means

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Title
See references of WO2009030860A3 *

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WO2009030860A3 (en) 2009-04-30
WO2009030860A2 (en) 2009-03-12
FR2920268B1 (en) 2012-10-19
FR2920268A1 (en) 2009-03-06

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