WO1998058218A1 - Apparatus for cooling food products - Google Patents
Apparatus for cooling food products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1998058218A1 WO1998058218A1 PCT/US1997/013232 US9713232W WO9858218A1 WO 1998058218 A1 WO1998058218 A1 WO 1998058218A1 US 9713232 W US9713232 W US 9713232W WO 9858218 A1 WO9858218 A1 WO 9858218A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- carbon dioxide
- container
- supplying
- nozzles
- liquid carbon
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D3/10—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using liquefied gases, e.g. liquid air
- F25D3/105—Movable containers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus for cooling food products for example in rail cars, containers, vessels, trucks, etc.
- an apparatus for cool food products which comprises means for
- products has a container for accommodating cooled products, means for supplying liquid carbon dioxide into the container, means for discharging
- liquid carbon dioxide in the container so as to produce carbon dioxide snow
- jets of liquid carbon dioxide ejected by the nozzles extend substantially along
- cooling food products in a container which comprises means for supplying
- liquid carbon dioxide into a container, at least two nozzles connected with the
- FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an apparatus for cooling food products in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing a section of an element which is used for transferring of cold of carbon dioxide vapors to liquid carbon dioxide;
- FIGS. 3a and 3b are a side view and a plan view of an apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 4a and 4b are views showing connection of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention with a container for storing food
- FIG. 5 is a view showing a further modification of the apparatus in
- FIGS. 6a and 6b are a front view and a side view of a heat
- FIGS. 7a and 7 bare a side view and a front view of the heat
- FIG. 8 is a view showing a still further modification of the heat
- FIG.9 is a schematic view showing another apparatus for cooling food
- FIG. 10 is a view showing an element in which cold of carbon dioxide
- FIG. 11 is a view showing a further modification of the element of FIG.
- FIG. 12a and 12b are perspective views of a container with the above
- FIGS. 13a and 13b are views showing a heat exchange element
- FIGS. 14a, 14b, and 14c are a plan view, a side view and a fragment
- FIGS. 15a an d15b are an end view and a side view of a distribution
- FIG. 16 is a view showing a further apparatus for cooling food
- FIG. 17 is a view showing a modification of the apparatus of FIG. 16;
- FIG. 18 is a view showing still a further approach for cooling food
- FIG. 19 a and 19 b are a plain view, a side view showing main positions of the equipment at the charging terminal with stationary dispenser
- FIGs. 20 a, and 20 b. are two main positions of the equipment for
- FIG. 21 a, 21 b and 21 c are views showing charging with retractable
- FIG. 21 a - split unit FIG. 21 b - coupling for
- FIG. 21 c design of retractable telescopic bar - dispenser; and FIG. 22 - shows variants of places for docking and coupling of the
- FIG. 1 An apparatus in accordance with the present invention shown in FIG. 1
- the apparatus has an inner tube 1
- An outertube 4 surrounds the inner tube 1 at a radial distance therefrom which
- the passage 2 can be defined by the fins 3 and forms an outer passage 5.
- the passage 2 can be defined by the fins 3 and forms an outer passage 5.
- the of the inner tube 1 can be characterized as a high pressure passage while
- the passage 5 of the outer tube 4 can be characterized as a low pressure
- Both tubes have two portions 1' and 1", and 4' and 4" which extend substantially perpendicularly relative to one another and are
- tube 1 in the drawing is connected through a connector 6 with a hose 7
- a part of the portion 1" of the inner tube 1 can be
- a horn 13 can extend from the right
- liquid carbon dioxide is supplied through the interior of the inner tube 1. It is charged with throttling through the nozzle 9 and produced carbon dioxide snow in the interior of the container so as to
- the inner tube 1 with the fins 3 can be formed as an extruded aluminum structure. As shown in FIG. 2, the fins can be formed by a plurality
- An apparatus shown in FIGS 3a and 3b includes a plurality of extrusion aluminum tubes 21 provided with a plurality of fins and extending
- the package of the tubes is
- An outer tube 24 is connectable by a flange
- the apparatus further has a supporting frame 30 provided with a plurality of wheels 31.
- a fan 32
- Liquid carbon dioxide is
- the apparatus is self-explanatory.
- the apparatus is moved toward the container 1 and its
- flange 27 is connected with the container C or more particularly with its outer
- Liquid carbon dioxide is discharged through the nozzle 29 into the interior of the container so as to form carbon dioxide
- the vapors can be liquefied and supplied through a passage 23 further into
- the fan 23 can be used for intensification of movement of
- nozzles 39 can be arranged on a dispenser 40 located
- the apparatus can be provided
- arms 35 having lateral cross rods 36 which connect the free ends of the
- the heat exchanger block is displaced upwardly in guides G of the frame 30, then the apparatus is moved toward the container C until the
- cross rod 36 is positioned about the slot 38, and the block B is lowered to
- a low pressure channel 55 is formed between an outer casing and the coil
- the element 42, 43, 44 is mounted in an inner opening of the wall 2 of the container 1 by a mounting flange 46.
- the apparatus is provided with
- a nozzle 48 is arranged on the end of the tube 41 and
- the nozzle is fixed inside the horn, while the
- element 42, 43, 44 provides for a possibility to adjust the position of the nozzle 48 before supplying a liquid carbon dioxide, or to change the position
- the heat exchanging element shown here has a pipe 51 for supplying liquid carbon dioxide, which is finned with a metal wire net
- the net or mesh 52 In installed position, the net or mesh 52 is arranged transverse
- the net or mesh 52 is formed so that
- heat exchanging element has a pipe 53 with a plurality of longitudinally
- Wire nets are soldered or welded to support edges of the fins 54 to provide a reliable mechanical connection and a low contact thermal
- the heat exchanging element can also be provided with
- FIG. 8 shows another heat exchanging element with separation of
- Heat exchanging elements 57 are
- Screens-deflectors 59 of the vapor flow are installed on the opening 60 in the
- casing 58 to separate parts of dry ice which move with a high speed with the
- reference numeral 101 utilized for storing food products 102 in a
- apparatus has an isothermal tank 103 with liquid carbon dioxide.
- carbon dioxide is supplied through a meandering line 104 into the inner space of the container 101 and discharged into the interior of the container through a plurality of nozzles 105 so as to form carbon dioxide snow 106
- identified with reference numeral 107 are directed so as to bring them into contact with the supply line 104 for supplying liquid carbon dioxide so that
- the cold of the carbon dioxide vapors is utilized for cooling the liquid carbon dioxide.
- FIG. 9 shows several embodiments of an element which provides the
- the liquid carbon dioxide is supplied from a tank 101 toward the
- carbon dioxide vapors are supplied in an opposite direction from the container 101 inside the pipe 108 over the portion 104a of the liquid carbon
- Another heat exchanging element is formed in an inlet opening of the
- a further heat exchanging element is formed in a space between
- Liquid carbon dioxide passes through a finned portion 104c
- Still another heat exchanging element is formed in the area which is
- exchanging element can be also located in the area of a floor 117 of the container 101. Here again the liquid carbon dioxide flows through a portion
- the carbon dioxide vapors are preferably evacuated from
- FIG. 10 shows one of the heat exchanging elements in accordance
- a casing 126 surrounds the extrusion pipes 123 and is mounted on the wall 1143 of
- the upper end of the casing 126 is open into the interior
- liquid carbon dioxide moving in opposite directions provide for conditions for efficient cooling of liquid carbon dioxide by carbon dioxide vapors.
- the casing 126' is connected with the opening 13 in the wall 14 of the
- Another advantage of this embodiment is that the opposite direction of speed
- FIGS. 12a and 12b show a food container with the floor 18 provided
- the T-beams are provided with a plurality of passages 128 which
- liquid carbon dioxide is supplied into the passages 128 from another portion of the liquid carbon dioxide supply line 104.
- FIGS. 13a and 13b show a further modification of a heat exchanging
- the heat exchanging element has bent plain or finned tubes
- the collector 133 is arranged near the opening 113 of the container 101.
- the package of the coils-panels is placed in a casing 135.
- the coils are connected to the collectors at different distances. Therefore
- the distance between the panels increases from the opening in the wall
- reference numeral 136 identifies a feeding pipe
- numeral 137 identifies a pipe connector to a dispensing pipe with nozzles
- reference numeral 138 identifies a frame of the package of coils.
- the heat exchanging element shown in FIGS. 14a-14c is designed
- exchanging element has a plurality of tubular channels identified with 141
- the channels 141 communicate with one another and ultimately with an inlet tube 143 and an
- FIG. 15 shows a distribution part of the liquid carbon dioxide supply
- the interior of the internal tube 145 communicates with the interior of
- the internal tube 145 is provided with a plurality of
- the external tube 147 is provided with a plurality of perforations 148.
- liquid carbon dioxide is supplied through the interior of the internal tube 145 and is throttled through the nozzles 105 into the interior of the container, it
- FIG. 16 An apparatus shown in FIG. 16 is used for cooling food products
- the apparatus includes a supply pipe 152 having one end
- the supply pipe 152 extends into the interior of the container 151 and is connected with a distributor pipe 153.
- a plurality of nozzles 154 are mounted on the distributor pipe 153 at opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the distributor pipe.
- Each nozzle 154 has a first inlet tubular portion 155 which communicates with the interior of the distributor pipe 153.
- one group of the nozzles 154 is
- group of the nozzles 154 is located on the other side of the longitudinal axis
- the inlet portions 155 of the nozzle 154 extend substantially perpendicular to the distributor pipe 153, while the outlet portion
- neighboring nozzles 154 are arranged so that they face one another.
- nozzles 154 are directed substantially parallel to the distributor pipe 153 and
- the apparatus is less material consuming since the number of pipes is reduced. It concentrates cold in the areas
- each end of the nozzles several discharge openings 157 as shown in FIG. 17.
- the outlet portions of the nozzles must not extend parallel to the
- distributor pipe but can be inclined at certain angles relative to it.
- FIG. 18 An apparatus shown in FIG. 18 is used for cooling food products accommodated in a container 161 and for uniform distribution of dry ice
- the apparatus has a tank 162 with
- liquid carbon dioxide which is supplied through lines 163 and 163' and inner
- a tray 170 is mounted by supports 171 on the ceiling
- the adjusting means include a control device which is identified as a whole with reference numeral 172.
- control device 172 is connected with adjustable
- valves 173 and 173' provided in the lines 163 and 163'.
- control device 172 adjusts the supply of liquid carbon dioxide to the
- the supply of the liquid carbon dioxide to one nozzle can be different from the supply of liquid carbon dioxide to the
- control device 172 provides signals to the nozzles 165 and 165' through
- the colliding point is displaced toward the nozzle with
- control device 172 is connected with executing devices 175 and 175' with oscillate the nozzles 165 and 165' in a horizontal plane.
- the colliding point oscillates over the food product and uniformly covers its
- control device 172 is connected with executing devices 176 and 176' which
- the jets are subdivided into portions of higher and lower density and higher and lower specific kinetic energy. It also provides adjustment of the jets and therefore uniform distribution of carbon dioxide snow over the
- control device 162 with the
- the apparatus shown in figure Fig. 19 a and 19 b is for supplying liquid carbon dioxide from external tank, 1 into movable container. 2 through
- charger - dispenser 3 is installed on the stand 4 at the level of the opening
- the withdrawing means for removing the exhaust vapor during the charging duct 7 is also installed on the stand, 4.
- Charging unit 8 combines unit dispenser 3, withdraw duct 7, and stand 4.
- Container 2 and charging unit 8 are split apart before the charging process
- the charging unit 8 is maintained on the way of the
- container 2 or rail car.
- For charging container 2 is moving onto the charger
- Dispenser 3 inserts into the opening 5 and with withdrawing means 7
- FIG.20a and 20b are for supplying of liquid carbon dioxide for external tank 1 into stationary container 2.
- External charging unit 8 is active, movable.
- Dispenser 3 is installed on movable wheel rail truck 9.
- Rails 10 are installed on the upper level of the
- the tubular horizontal console bar-dispenser liquid
- carbon dioxide supplying means passes through the rear wall of the duct 7
- container 2 is equal to the internal end 12 of the dispenser 3 is connected to storage of liquid C02, through system of pipes 13 and flexible hose 14.
- Rolls 15 installed under the ceiling of the container 2 provide support of the
- Figs. 21a, 21b and 21c show another embodiment of charging
- External tubular part 21 is a casing of the dispenser 3, stationary installed with another major part of the charging unit - withdrawing duct, 7.
- tubular part 22 installed inside the external casing 21 has are installed
- dispenser to provide the best relative sliding between the surfaces of the tubular parts of telescopic bar for extending and for retracting to compact
- Collar bushes 25 are installed on the ends of the parts of the telescopic bar-dispenser to provide limitations of the travel during
- Axial pressure force is equal to 100-500 kg.
- liquid C02 passes from tank 1 through the supplying line 13 through the external tubular part 21 to the internal tubes 22 of the dispenser 3, further through the hole 23, in the walls of the dispenser
- Retractable dispenser can contain one or few internal movable tubular parts 23. Design with one movable part 23 is the most simple, but requires large
- Extending of the dispenser can be provided mainly by means
- Retracting can be provided by means of extended springs 28 inserted inside the tubular space of the telescopic canal
- the described means provide quick
- Fig. 22 shows variants of installation of external means for charging
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
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- Carbon And Carbon Compounds (AREA)
Abstract
For cooling food products in a container, an apparatus is provided which includes a supply structure (1) for supplying liquid carbon dioxide into the interior of the container and discharging liquid carbon dioxide in the interior to form a carbon dioxide flow, and also has a withdrawing structure (4) for withdrawing carbon dioxide vapors generated in the container and moving them in the vicinity of the supplying structure (1) so that cold of the carbon dioxide vapors is transferred to liquid carbon dioxide supplied by the supplying structure (1). The carbon dioxide vapors generated during the discharge can move in the vicinity of the supplied liquid carbon dioxide so that the cold of the carbon dioxide vapors is transferred to liquid carbon dioxide.
Description
Description
APPARATUS FOR COOLING FOOD PRODUCTS
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus for cooling food products for example in rail cars, containers, vessels, trucks, etc.
Background Art
It is well known to cool food products with carbon dioxide. In known methods and apparatuses liquid carbon dioxide is supplied into the interior
of a container and discharged through a plurality of nozzles so that the liquid
carbon dioxide is chilled and forms snow which covers food products
accommodated in the container. While the existing methods and
apparatuses perform their intended functions in satisfactory manner, it is
always desirable to reduce liquid carbon dioxide consumption and to increase efficiency of the method and the system so as to either produce the
same amount of snow with lower liquid carbon dioxide consumption, or with
the same energy supply produce more snow.
Disclosure of the Invention
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus for cooling food products, which is a further improvement of the existing methods and apparatuses.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide such an
apparatus which allow producing of cold by supplying liquid carbon dioxide
from outside of a food container, in particular for example from outside terminals, into the food container which is not supplied with corresponding devices for producing carbon dioxide snow.
In keeping with these objects and with others which will become
apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides, briefly
stated in an apparatus for cool food products, which comprises means for
supplying liquid carbon dioxide into the interior of the container and
discharging liquid carbon dioxide in the interior so as to form carbon dioxide
snow in the container with simultaneous generation of carbon dioxide vapors,
and means for withdrawing the carbon dioxide vapors from the container and
moving the withdrawn carbon dioxide vapors in the vicinity of the supplying means so that cold from the withdrawn carbon dioxide vapors is transmitted
to liquid carbon dioxide supplied by the supplying means, the supplying
means and the withdrawing means being located outside of the container. In accordance with another feature an apparatus for cooling food
products has a container for accommodating cooled products, means for
supplying liquid carbon dioxide into the container, means for discharging
liquid carbon dioxide in the container so as to produce carbon dioxide snow
with simultaneous generation of carbon dioxide vapors, and means for
moving carbon dioxide vapors in the vicinity of the supplying means so that
cold of carbon dioxide is transferred to the supplied liquid carbon dioxide.
The energy consumption for producing of carbon dioxide snow to cool
the products is reached and the quantity of the snow produced with the
inventive solution is increased.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for cooling food products, which comprises a tubular pipe adapted to extend in
an interior of the container so as to supply liquid carbon dioxide, and a
plurality of nozzles arranged on the distributor pipe to discharge the liquid
carbon dioxide from the distributor pipe, the nozzles being arranged so that
jets of liquid carbon dioxide ejected by the nozzles extend substantially along
a longitudinal of the distributor pipe and against one another to collide
substantially between the nozzles.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus for
cooling food products in a container, which comprises means for supplying
liquid carbon dioxide into a container, at least two nozzles connected with the
supplying means and discharging liquid carbon dioxide in two jets directed toward one another so as to produce carbon dioxide snow, and means for
adjusting the jets of the nozzles so as to provide a uniform distribution of
carbon dioxide snow over a surface of the food products.
The novel features which are considered as characteristic for
the present invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The
invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of
operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when
read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an apparatus for cooling food products in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing a section of an element which is used for transferring of cold of carbon dioxide vapors to liquid carbon dioxide;
FIGS. 3a and 3b are a side view and a plan view of an apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 4a and 4b are views showing connection of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention with a container for storing food
products;
FIG. 5 is a view showing a further modification of the apparatus in
accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 6a and 6b are a front view and a side view of a heat
exchanging element of the inventive apparatus;
FIGS. 7a and 7bare a side view and a front view of the heat
exchanging element of the inventive apparatus in accordance with a further
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a view showing a still further modification of the heat
exchanging element of the inventive apparatus;
FIG.9 is a schematic view showing another apparatus for cooling food
products;
FIG. 10 is a view showing an element in which cold of carbon dioxide
vapors produced during formation of snow is utilized for cooling the supply
of the liquid carbon dioxide, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a view showing a further modification of the element of FIG.
10;
FIG. 12a and 12b are perspective views of a container with the above
mentioned element and the element itself in accordance with a further
modification of the present invention;
FIGS. 13a and 13b are views showing a heat exchange element; FIGS. 14a, 14b, and 14c are a plan view, a side view and a fragment
of another modification of the inventive element;
FIGS. 15a an d15b are an end view and a side view of a distribution
line with nozzles for discharging liquid carbon dioxide, provided with the
inventive element;
FIG. 16 is a view showing a further apparatus for cooling food
products;
FIG. 17 is a view showing a modification of the apparatus of FIG. 16;
and
FIG. 18 is a view showing still a further approach for cooling food
products;
FIG. 19 a and 19 b are a plain view, a side view showing main positions of the equipment at the charging terminal with stationary dispenser
and moving container,19 a - split units before coupling, 19 b - coupling and
charging;
FIGs. 20 a, and 20 b. are two main positions of the equipment for
suspended variant of movable supplying means with stationary container,
with 20 a - split before the coupling, and 20 b - during the coupling and
charging;
FIG. 21 a, 21 b and 21 c are views showing charging with retractable
telescopic bar-dispenser, with FIG. 21 a - split unit, FIG. 21 b - coupling for
charging, FIG. 21 c - design of retractable telescopic bar - dispenser; and FIG. 22 - shows variants of places for docking and coupling of the
chargers on a plain view.
Best Mode of Carrying out the Invention
An apparatus in accordance with the present invention shown in FIG.
1 is used for producing carbon dioxide snow in a container which is identified
with reference C and has a wall W. The apparatus has an inner tube 1
provided with an inner passage 2 and a plurality of longitudinal fins 3. An
outertube 4 surrounds the inner tube 1 at a radial distance therefrom which
can be defined by the fins 3 and forms an outer passage 5. The passage 2
of the inner tube 1 can be characterized as a high pressure passage while
the passage 5 of the outer tube 4 can be characterized as a low pressure
passage. Both tubes have two portions 1' and 1", and 4' and 4" which extend substantially perpendicularly relative to one another and are
connected with one another by a connector 5. The lower end of the inner
tube 1 in the drawing is connected through a connector 6 with a hose 7
extending from a supply tank for supplying liquid carbon dioxide. The
horizontal portion 4" of the outer tube 4 extends through an inner opening of the wall W of the container C and can be sealed there by seals 8. The
horizontal portion 1" of the inner tube 1 extends further into the interior of the
container and is provided at its end with a nozzle 9. This end can be
mounted in an opening of a mount 10 of the container with interposition of
the sealing ring 11. A part of the portion 1" of the inner tube 1 can be
provided with a guide cone 12. Finally, a horn 13 can extend from the right
end of the inner tube portion 1" into a bunker 13.
In order to produce carbon dioxide snow in the container 1 , the
apparatus is inserted through the opening of the wall W of the container C
as shown in the drawings, and liquid carbon dioxide is supplied through the interior of the inner tube 1. It is charged with throttling through the nozzle 9
and produced carbon dioxide snow in the interior of the container so as to
cool food products accommodated in the container. During this process,
carbon dioxide vapors are produced. As identified with arrows 14 carbon
dioxide vapors move in the low pressure passage 5 between the outer tube
4 and the inner tube 1 under the action of high pressure during discharge of
the liquid carbon dioxide through the nozzle. The carbon dioxide vapors move in counterflow relative to the flow of liquid carbon dioxide and, cold of carbon dioxide vapors is transferred through the inner tube 1 to the liquid
carbon dioxide supplied through the passage 2 of the inner tube 1.
This process is facilitated by a plurality of fins provided on the inner
tube 1.
The inner tube 1 with the fins 3 can be formed as an extruded aluminum structure. As shown in FIG. 2, the fins can be formed by a plurality
of elements 3' arranged in a star-like manner around the inner tube 1 and
provided with a plurality of branches 3" so as to increase the heat transfer
surface between carbon dioxide vapors and the fins.
An apparatus shown in FIGS 3a and 3b, includes a plurality of extrusion aluminum tubes 21 provided with a plurality of fins and extending
between two collectors 22 and 26. The package of the tubes is
accommodated in a casing 23. An outer tube 24 is connectable by a flange
27 with a wall W of a container C. The upper collector 22 is connected with
a pipe 28 provided with a nozzle 29 on its end. The apparatus further has a supporting frame 30 provided with a plurality of wheels 31. A fan 32
communicates with the interior of the casing 23. Liquid carbon dioxide is
supplied from a tank 25 into a lower collector 26 and then through the pipes
21 , the upper collector 22, the nozzle 29 into the container C.
It is believed that the operation of the apparatus of FIGS. 3a and 3b
is self-explanatory. The apparatus is moved toward the container 1 and its
flange 27 is connected with the container C or more particularly with its outer
flange 35 for example by bolts. Liquid carbon dioxide is discharged through the nozzle 29 into the interior of the container so as to form carbon dioxide
flow for cooling the food products. Carbon dioxide vapors move from the container into the interior of the outer pipe 24 under the action of the suction
of the fan 32 and pass between the aluminum tubes 21 and their fins so that
cold of carbon dioxide vapors is transferred to liquid carbon dioxide. Then
the vapors can be liquefied and supplied through a passage 23 further into
the tank 25. The fan 23 can be used for intensification of movement of
carbon dioxide vapors from the container with low excessive pressure inside.
As shown in FIG. 3c, nozzles 39 can be arranged on a dispenser 40 located
inside the container C. In this case the pipe is releasably connected with the
dispenser 40.
As can be seen from FIGS.4a and 4b, the apparatus can be provided
with arms 35 having lateral cross rods 36 which connect the free ends of the
arms, while matching arm brackets 37 with slots 38 can be provided on upper edges of the arms mounted on the container above its opening. For
installation, the heat exchanger block is displaced upwardly in guides G of the frame 30, then the apparatus is moved toward the container C until the
cross rod 36 is positioned about the slot 38, and the block B is lowered to
pivotally engage the rod 36 into the slot 38. The thusly suspended system
can turn under the action of its weight around the rod, and the flange of the system is tightly pressed against the flange of the container.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 a tube 41 for supplying liquid
carbon dioxide extends through a heat exchanging element 42 provided with
a plurality of coiled tubes 43 with fins spaced from one another by spaces 44.
A low pressure channel 55 is formed between an outer casing and the coil
tubes. The element 42, 43, 44 is mounted in an inner opening of the wall 2 of the container 1 by a mounting flange 46. The apparatus is provided with
a guide cone 47. A nozzle 48 is arranged on the end of the tube 41 and
associated with a horn 49. The nozzle is fixed inside the horn, while the
element 42, 43, 44 provides for a possibility to adjust the position of the nozzle 48 before supplying a liquid carbon dioxide, or to change the position
during the supply to provide uniform distribution of carbon dioxide snow in
the container, because the element 42, 43, 44 is arranged movably in its
axial direction in the opening of the wall 2 of the container.
In accordance with a further feature of the inventive apparatus, snow
flakes produced during the operation are filtered from carbon dioxide vapors
which are utilized for additional cooling of the supplied carbon dioxide. As
shown in FIG. 6a, 6b the heat exchanging element shown here has a pipe 51 for supplying liquid carbon dioxide, which is finned with a metal wire net
or mesh 52. In installed position, the net or mesh 52 is arranged transverse
to the flow of carbon dioxide vapors. The net or mesh 52 is formed so that
it is permeable for carbon dioxide vapors, but snow flakes of carbon dioxide are retained and precipitate on the net or mesh. Such a heat exchanging
element can be installed for example in the inlet opening 13 of the container
so that the net or mesh 52 overlaps the inlet opening. After the precipitation
the snow flakes are sublimated, returning the refrigeration to liquid carbon
dioxide through the high heat conductive mesh 52, so that the mesh
simultaneously performs the double function of being a filter element and an
efficient heat exchanger.
In accordance with another embodiment shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b the
heat exchanging element has a pipe 53 with a plurality of longitudinally
extending fins 54 arranged in a star-like manner. It is arranged in a casing
55. Wire nets are soldered or welded to support edges of the fins 54 to
provide a reliable mechanical connection and a low contact thermal
resistance of the connection between the supporting elements and main filtering elements. The heat exchanging element can also be provided with
an elastic sealant 56 of the vapor flow. FIG. 8 shows another heat exchanging element with separation of
snow flakes from the vapor stream. Heat exchanging elements 57 are
arranged in a casing 58 which is open at both ends to the vapor flow.
Screens-deflectors 59 of the vapor flow are installed on the opening 60 in the
casing 58 to separate parts of dry ice which move with a high speed with the
vapor stream, carrying out the snow flakes. Sharp change of the direction
of stream speed vector provides effective separation of solid particles having
high density from the stream. The best effect is obtained when the screens are arranged under angles 20° - 60° to the main direction of the stream
inside or outside of the container.
An apparatus shown in FIG. 9 in accordance with the present
invention has a heat insulated storage container which is identified with
reference numeral 101 and utilized for storing food products 102 in a
refrigerated condition for stationary storage or for transportation. The
apparatus has an isothermal tank 103 with liquid carbon dioxide. The liquid
carbon dioxide is supplied through a meandering line 104 into the inner space of the container 101 and discharged into the interior of the container
through a plurality of nozzles 105 so as to form carbon dioxide snow 106
which covers the food product 102 and to keep it refrigerated. At the same
time, carbon dioxide vapors are formed in the interior of the container 101.
In accordance with the present invention, the carbon dioxide vapors
identified with reference numeral 107 are directed so as to bring them into contact with the supply line 104 for supplying liquid carbon dioxide so that
the cold of the carbon dioxide vapors is utilized for cooling the liquid carbon dioxide.
FIG. 9 shows several embodiments of an element which provides the
utilization of cold of evacuating carbon dioxide vapors for overcooling of the
supplied liquid carbon dioxide. One of such elements is arranged in the
region between the tank 103 and the inner opening of the container 101. It
has an outer tube 108, and a portion 104a of the liquid carbon dioxide supply
line located in the outer tube 108 and preferably provided with a plurality of
ribs. The liquid carbon dioxide is supplied from a tank 101 toward the
container in the interior of the portion 104a of the supply line 104, while
carbon dioxide vapors are supplied in an opposite direction from the container 101 inside the pipe 108 over the portion 104a of the liquid carbon
dioxide supply line. Then the carbon dioxide vapors are withdrawn through
a line 109 into a gas vessel 110 and supplied by a compressor 111 into a
liquefying vessel 112 in which they are liquefied and the liquid carbon dioxide
is supplied to the tank 103.
Another heat exchanging element is formed in an inlet opening of the
container 101. In particular, a finned portion 104b of the liquid carbon
dioxide supply line 104 is located inside the inlet opening 113 and supplies the liquid carbon dioxide into the container while the carbon dioxide vapors
107 pass in an opposite direction between an inner wall of the inlet opening
113 and the outer surface of the portion 4b to thereafter flow into the pipe
108 again. A further heat exchanging element is formed in a space between
a side wall 114 of the container 101 and a partition 115 of the inner space of
the container. Liquid carbon dioxide passes through a finned portion 104c
ofthe liquid carbon dioxide supply line 104, while carbon dioxide vapors flow
in the space between the portion 104b on the one hand, and the side wall
114 and the partition 115 of the container 101 on the other hand, to further
flow through the opening 113 into the pipe 108.
Still another heat exchanging element is formed in the area which is
close to a ceiling 116 of the container 101. Liquid carbon dioxide flows
through a portion 104d ofthe liquid carbon dioxide supply line 4 while carbon
dioxide vapors 107 flow into a pipe 117 which surrounds the portion 104d
and further through the pipe 117 in the opposite direction. Finally, the heat
exchanging element can be also located in the area of a floor 117 of the
container 101. Here again the liquid carbon dioxide flows through a portion
104e of the liquid carbon dioxide supply line 104 while the carbon dioxide vapors flow around the portion 104a in an opposite direction in the region of
the floor 117, preferably through beams arranged on the floor. It is to be understood that in all embodiment of the heat exchanging elements which
include the portions 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e of the liquid carbon
dioxide supply line, the carbon dioxide vapors are preferably evacuated from
the container 101 and then liquefied so that the liquid carbon dioxide is
supplied again into the tank 103. It is also to be understood that it is not
necessary to provide the heat exchanging elements associated with all
portions 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e. It is possible to provide in the inventive apparatus only one or more heat exchanging elements from those
shown in the drawings and described hereinabove. Movement ofthe carbon
dioxide vapor flow is provided due to pressure difference generated inside
the container 1 during conversion of the liquid carbon dioxide due to its
throttling with high pressure inside the container. The flow of the carbon
dioxide vapors also carries snow flakes which additionally cool the supplied
liquid carbon dioxide.
FIG. 10 shows one of the heat exchanging elements in accordance
with the present invention. It has an upper collector 121 connected with a
dispensing portion 122 of the liquid carbon dioxide supply line provided with a plurality of nozzles. A plurality of extruded ribbed tubes 123 connect the
upper collector 121 with the lower connector 122, which in turn is connected
with an inlet portion 125 of liquid carbon dioxide supply line 104. A casing 126 surrounds the extrusion pipes 123 and is mounted on the wall 1143 of
the container 102. The upper end of the casing 126 is open into the interior
of the container 101 , while the lower end of the casing is open into the inlet
opening 113 of the container. The carbon dioxide vapors flow through the
inner space ofthe casing to cool the supplied liquid carbon dioxide and then leave the container through the opening 113. The carbon dioxide vapors and
the liquid carbon dioxide moving in opposite directions provide for conditions for efficient cooling of liquid carbon dioxide by carbon dioxide vapors.
In the embodiment of FIG. 11 in contrast to the embodiment of FIG.
10, the casing 126' is connected with the opening 13 in the wall 14 of the
container 101 through a middle part. Both ends of the casing 126' are open
into the interior of the container 101. Fins 127 of the extrusion pipes 123'
can be interrupted in the area of their connection to the opening 113 for
improved distribution vapor flow in this embodiment enters the heat exchanging element through both ends of the casing 126', and
corresponding halves of the full flow move toward each other to the center
of the element, and after uniting in the center leave through the opening 113
again with a full flow rate. Such a path provides the lowest hydraulic
pressure resistance to the vapor flow, and therefore the lowest level of
redundant pressure in the space of the container 101 during charging. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the opposite direction of speed
vectors of the vapor flow halves in the heat exchanging element helps to separate the snow flakes from the vapor flow due to sharp changes of the
speed so that precipitation is facilitated after colliding of the vapor streams.
FIGS. 12a and 12b show a food container with the floor 18 provided
with a plurality of extruded T-beam elements. As can be seen fro the
drawings, the T-beams are provided with a plurality of passages 128 which
form a portion 104e of the liquid carbon dioxide supply line. Liquid carbon
dioxide is supplied through the passages 128 at high pressure. It is not to
be understood that liquid carbon dioxide is supplied into the passages 128 from another portion of the liquid carbon dioxide supply line 104. Carbon
dioxide vapors flow between the T beams in an opposite direction so as to provide additional cooling of the liquid carbon dioxide. In this embodiment
the cold of the carbon dioxide vapors is utilized for cooling the liquid carbon
dioxide by means of the T-beam shaped floor which operates a heat
exchanger.
FIGS. 13a and 13b show a further modification of a heat exchanging
element with which the supplied liquid carbon dioxide is cooled by carbon
dioxide vapors. The heat exchanging element has bent plain or finned tubes
131 which form flat coil panels 132, which are connected with collectors 133
and 134. The collector 133 is arranged near the opening 113 of the container 101. The package of the coils-panels is placed in a casing 135.
The coils are connected to the collectors at different distances. Therefore
the distance between the panels increases from the opening in the wall
toward a free section which is open into the interior of the container. The
cross-section of the vapor flow reduces while moving from the container
between the coil panels toward the opening, and at the same time the speed
and heat transfer intensity increases. Such a design of the heat exchanging element and flow speed provides the maximum efficiency of the heat transfer
with the lowest specific hydraulic resistance to the vapor flow. In the shown
embodiment reference numeral 136 identifies a feeding pipe, reference
numeral 137 identifies a pipe connector to a dispensing pipe with nozzles
and reference numeral 138 identifies a frame of the package of coils.
The heat exchanging element shown in FIGS. 14a-14c is designed
substantially similarly, but is based on solid coil-panels which are formed as
hollow, stamped elements and then welded metal sheets. Each heat
exchanging element has a plurality of tubular channels identified with 141
connected with one another by a metal sheet support. The channels 141
communicate with one another and ultimately with an inlet tube 143 and an
outlet tube 144.
FIG. 15 shows a distribution part of the liquid carbon dioxide supply
line 104. It has an internal tube 145 through which liquid carbon dioxide
flows. The interior of the internal tube 145 communicates with the interior of
the relative nozzles 105. The internal tube 145 is provided with a plurality of
longitudinal fins 146 which simultaneously form spacers. The internal tube
145 with the fins 146 is surrounded by external tube 147. The external tube 147 is provided with a plurality of perforations 148. During the operation
liquid carbon dioxide is supplied through the interior of the internal tube 145 and is throttled through the nozzles 105 into the interior of the container, it
undergoes conversion, dry ice precipitates in the container, while carbon
dioxide vapors pass through the perforations 148 into a low pressure
passage 149 formed between the interior tube 145 and the exterior tube 147.
An apparatus shown in FIG. 16 is used for cooling food products
stored in a container which is identified as a whole with reference numeral
151 and for charging of the container with cold accumulated refrigerant (solid
carbon dioxide). The apparatus includes a supply pipe 152 having one end
connected with a not shown tank which accommodates liquid carbon dioxide.
The supply pipe 152 extends into the interior of the container 151 and is connected with a distributor pipe 153. A plurality of nozzles 154 are mounted
on the distributor pipe 153 at opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the distributor pipe.
Each nozzle 154 has a first inlet tubular portion 155 which communicates with the interior of the distributor pipe 153. Each nozzle
further has a second tubular outlet portion 156 which communicates with the
interior of the first tubular portion 155 and is provided with two open ends 157. As can be seen from the drawings, one group of the nozzles 154 is
located at one longitudinal side of the distributor pipe 153, while the other
group of the nozzles 154 is located on the other side of the longitudinal axis
of the distributor pipe 153. The inlet portions 155 of the nozzle 154 extend substantially perpendicular to the distributor pipe 153, while the outlet portion
156 of the nozzle 154 extends substantially parallel to the distributor pipe
153.
As can be seen from the drawings, the outlet ends 157 of two
neighboring nozzles 154 are arranged so that they face one another.
Therefore the jets of liquid carbon dioxide ejected from two neighboring
nozzles 154 are directed substantially parallel to the distributor pipe 153 and
toward one another so as to collide substantially between the two neighboring nozzles 154. Thereby carbon dioxide snow is produced and
distributed over a food product stored in the container 151.
When the apparatus is designed in accordance with the present
invention with the nozzles arranged as shown in the drawings, it provides for
highly advantageous results. The apparatus is less material consuming since the number of pipes is reduced. It concentrates cold in the areas
where it is actually needed for cooling the food products.
In accordance with further embodiments it is possible to provide in
each end of the nozzles several discharge openings 157 as shown in FIG. 17. The outlet portions of the nozzles must not extend parallel to the
distributor pipe, but can be inclined at certain angles relative to it.
An apparatus shown in FIG. 18 is used for cooling food products accommodated in a container 161 and for uniform distribution of dry ice
during the charging of the container. The apparatus has a tank 162 with
liquid carbon dioxide which is supplied through lines 163 and 163' and inner
pipes 146 and 164' to two nozzles 165 and 165'. The nozzles are associated
with guide cones 166 and horns 167. Outer pipes 9 and 169' surround inner
pipes 164 and 164' and extend through corresponding openings in the walls
ofthe container 161. A tray 170 is mounted by supports 171 on the ceiling
of the container.
During the operation of the apparatus, carbon dioxide is supplied
through the lines 163, 163' and inner pipes 164 and 164' to the nozzles and
discharged through the nozzles 165 and 165' by jets directed toward one
another. As a result, carbon dioxide snow is produced for cooling the food
products accommodated in the container so as to refrigerate the food
products. Carbon dioxide vapors produced during this process move
through a space between the outer tubes 169, 169' and inner tubes 164 and 164' and give its cold to liquid carbon dioxide supplied through the inner
tubes 164, 164'. Then the carbon dioxide vapors are returned in liquefied state to the tank 162.
In accordance with the present invention, means are provided for
adjusting a distribution of carbon dioxide snow in the interior of the container relative to the food product. The adjusting means include a control device which is identified as a whole with reference numeral 172. In accordance
with one embodiment, the control device 172 is connected with adjustable
valves 173 and 173' provided in the lines 163 and 163'. In this construction
the control device 172 adjusts the supply of liquid carbon dioxide to the
nozzles 165 and 165. In particular, the supply of the liquid carbon dioxide to one nozzle can be different from the supply of liquid carbon dioxide to the
other nozzle. This can be achieved by changing the cross-section of a corresponding passages in the valve 173 and 173'. It is advisable to adjust
the supplies so that one of the nozzles discharges the maximum quantity of
carbon dioxide. At the same time the total supply of carbon dioxide through both nozzles can be constant. In this situation a point of colliding of the two
jets of carbon dioxide is offset toward the nozzle which has a lower jet speed,
maximum precipitation of carbon dioxide snow is provided in this area.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the
control device 172 provides signals to the nozzles 165 and 165' through
signal lines 174 and 174' so as to change a through flow cross-section of the
nozzles and therefore a cross-section of carbon dioxide jets discharged from the nozzles with corresponding change of their kinetic energies. The mass
flow of the carbon dioxide remains the same, and at the same time, similarly
to the first embodiment, the colliding point is displaced toward the nozzle with
lower jet speed.
In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention,
the control device 172 is connected with executing devices 175 and 175' with oscillate the nozzles 165 and 165' in a horizontal plane. The discharge flow
and speed can be the same for both nozzles. In this embodiment the colliding point oscillates over the food product and uniformly covers its
surface.
In accordance with still another feature of the present invention the
control device 172 is connected with executing devices 176 and 176' which
activate corresponding parts of the nozzles 165 and 165' so that the nozzles
impart oscillation to liquid carbon dioxide jets in direction of movement. In
other words, the jets are subdivided into portions of higher and lower density
and higher and lower specific kinetic energy. It also provides adjustment of the jets and therefore uniform distribution of carbon dioxide snow over the
surface of the food products.
Also, it is possible to connected the control device 162 with the
executing devices which provide rotatable oscillation of the nozzles around
a vertical axis.
The apparatus, shown in figure Fig. 19 a and 19 b is for supplying liquid carbon dioxide from external tank, 1 into movable container. 2 through
the static stationary charger - dispenser. 3 horizontal console bar of the
charger - dispenser 3 is installed on the stand 4 at the level of the opening
of the wall 6 of the container 2. The withdrawing means for removing the exhaust vapor during the charging duct 7 is also installed on the stand, 4.
Charging unit 8 combines unit dispenser 3, withdraw duct 7, and stand 4.
Container 2 and charging unit 8 are split apart before the charging process
( see Fig. 19 a.). The charging unit 8 is maintained on the way of the
container 2 or rail car. For charging container 2 is moving onto the charger
8. Dispenser 3 inserts into the opening 5 and with withdrawing means 7
provide docking, coupling to the container and seal ofthe temporary junction
container - charger, as shown in Fig. 19b. After these operations a supply
of liquid C02 and charging itself will start.
Apparatus shown in Figs.20a and 20b is for supplying of liquid carbon dioxide for external tank 1 into stationary container 2. Dispenser 3 of the
external charging unit 8 is active, movable. Dispenser 3 is installed on movable wheel rail truck 9. Rails 10 are installed on the upper level of the
container 2 to bring the horizontal charger-dispenser 3 and to insert it
through the opening 5 into the internal space of the container 2 and to
provide coupling of the means withdrawing exhaust vapor with the container 7 through the opening 5. The tubular horizontal console bar-dispenser (liquid
carbon dioxide supplying means) passes through the rear wall of the duct 7
(withdrawing means) through the seal 11 , preventing leakage of the vapor
into atmosphere. Limit of travel distance of the dispenser 3 inside the
container 2 is equal to the internal end 12 of the dispenser 3 is connected to storage of liquid C02, through system of pipes 13 and flexible hose 14.
Rolls 15 installed under the ceiling of the container 2 provide support of the
long console bar of the dispenser 3 in horizontal position with minimum
deflection during the charging.
Figs. 21a, 21b and 21c show another embodiment of charging
terminals with movable telescopic dispenser-bar. This system combines advantages of both described before systems with stationary container 2
(Figs. 20a and 20b) and with stationary dispenser 3 (Figs. 19a, 19b).
External tubular part 21 is a casing of the dispenser 3, stationary installed
with another major part of the charging unit - withdrawing duct, 7. These
parts are maintained on special supporting basis stand 4. In Fig.21c internal
tubular part 22 installed inside the external casing 21 has are installed
between the surfaces of the tubular parts 22 and 23 of the telescopic bar-
dispenser to provide the best relative sliding between the surfaces of the tubular parts of telescopic bar for extending and for retracting to compact
start position of the bar. Collar bushes 25 are installed on the ends of the parts of the telescopic bar-dispenser to provide limitations of the travel during
the extending of dispenser. During extending internal sliding bushes 24 rest again the collar bushes 25 and provide durable and rigid structure of telescopic bar-dispenser 3. The external tubular body 21 of the dispenser
3 is supplied with heat insulation 26 and is connected to the external supplier
of liquid C02. After the coupling between the withdrawing mean - duct 7 and
container 2 internal tubular parts 22 extend into the internal space of
container 2 under internal pressure of the supplied liquid C02 (pressure inside the dispenser 3 is 1-3 MPa). Internal tubing elements 22 work like
pistons, and power of pressure provides extending of the telescopic
dispenser 3. Axial pressure force is equal to 100-500 kg.
After the docking, coupling and extending of dispenser 3 into the
internal space of the container 2, liquid C02 passes from tank 1 through the supplying line 13 through the external tubular part 21 to the internal tubes 22
of the dispenser 3, further through the hole 23, in the walls of the dispenser
3, into the internal space of the container 2. Exhaust C02 vapor evacuate through the withdrawing duct 7 to the liquefaction unit 27. After the charging
all the operations passing in the reverse sequence: retract of the dispenser
3, uncoupling, split and removing of the container 2, and charging unit 8.
Retractable dispenser can contain one or few internal movable tubular parts 23. Design with one movable part 23 is the most simple, but requires large
working areas for installation and operations. Design with few movable
telescopic tubular parts gives possibility to make the retracted dispenser
more compact. Reduction of the length of the external tubular body also
reduces heating from surroundings, but design of the dispenser is more complicated. Extending of the dispenser can be provided mainly by means
of internal pressure of liquid C02. Retracting can be provided by means of extended springs 28 inserted inside the tubular space of the telescopic canal
of the dispenser 3 or by mechanical drawing links with additional moto-
operated drive outside the container. The described means provide quick
and easy cooling of container and charging with solid C02 and can be
utilized for other types of refrigerants, for example, for liquid nitrogen.
Fig. 22 shows variants of installation of external means for charging
of containers a,b - location at the ends of the container, inserting and travel
of dispensers along the containers; b,c,d - locations at the sides of the
containers, inserting of dispensers across the container. Selecting of a scheme can be adjusted to various circumstances: dimensions of container,
weight and distribution of solid carbon dioxide in the container, desirable optimum rate of charging, etc.
It is to be understood that the above specified several embodiments
can be combined, so that the adjustment of the distribution of the carbon
dioxide snow can be provided by two or more solutions or embodiments.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or
two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of
methods and constructions differing from the types described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied
in a method of and apparatus for cooling for products, it is not intended to be
limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural
changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the
present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe
present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the
standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic
or specific aspects of this invention.
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent
set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for cooling food products in a container having an opening,
the apparatus comprising means for supplying liquid carbon dioxide in the
interior of the container so as to form carbon dioxide snow in the container with simultaneous generation of carbon dioxide vapors; means for withdrawing the carbon dioxide vapors in the vicinity of said supplying means
so that cold from the withdrawn carbon dioxide vapors is transmitted to liquid
carbon dioxide supplied by said supplying means, said supplying and
withdrawing means being movable between an inoperative position in which said supplying and withdrawing means are located outside the opening ofthe
container and outside of the container and an operative position in which
said supplying and withdrawing means are arranged adjacent to the opening
of the container; and sealing means arranged so that when said supplying
and withdrawing means have reached said operative position, said sealing
means provide self-sealing of the opening of the container.
2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 ; and further comprising means for
connection of said supplying means and said withdrawing means to the
container so as to provide supplying of liquid carbon dioxide through said supplying means into the container and withdrawal of carbon dioxide vapors
form the container into and through the said withdrawing means.
3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein said supplying means is
displaceable relative to the container so as to adjust a position of a discharge
point of liquid carbon dioxide from said supplying means in the container and
therefore to adjust distribution of carbon dioxide snow in the interior of the
container.
4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 ; and further comprising means for
moving said supplying means relative to the container and including a frame
supporting said supplying means and provided with a plurality of wheels.
5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 ; and further comprising liquid dioxide
discharging means located inside the container, said liquid dioxide supplying
means being releasably connectable with said liquid carbon dioxide
discharging means.
6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 ; and further comprising means for
mounting said supplying means on the container releasably and pivotally around a horizontal axis so as to provide a tight abutment of said supplying
means against the container.
7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein said supplying means are
located inside said withdrawing means, said sealing means being arranged
on said withdrawing means.
8. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein supplying means and said withdrawing means are both insertable into the interior of the container
through the opening of the container.
9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein said supplying means are
arranged inside said withdrawing means and are longer than said
withdrawing means, so that in said operative position said supplying means
extend into the interior of the container while said withdrawing means is
located outside of the container in the region of the opening container.
10. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 ; and further comprising means for
moving carbon dioxide vapors in the vicinity of said supplying in said
container so that cold of carbon dioxide vapors is transferred to the supplied
liquid carbon dioxide in said container.
11. An apparatus as defined in claim 10; and further comprising means for
withdrawing carbon dioxide vapors from the container, liquefying the
withdrawn carbon dioxide vapors and introducing the liquefied carbon dioxide vapor into said supplying means of liquid carbon dioxide.
12. An apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said supplying means
include a source of liquid carbon dioxide, and an exterior supply line
extending from said source to said container, said moving means being arranged so that carbon dioxide vapors move near said exterior supply line
so as to transfer cold of carbon dioxide vapors to liquid carbon dioxide in said
exterior supply line.
13. An apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said container has an inlet
opening through which said supply means introduce liquid carbon dioxide
into the interior of the container, said moving means being formed so that
carbon dioxide vapors move in the said inlet opening so that cold of carbon
dioxide vapors is transferred to liquid carbon dioxide in said inlet opening of
said container.
14. An apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said container has a
plurality of walls, said supplying means being formed so that liquid carbon dioxide is moved in the vicinity of at least one of said walls, said moving means being formed so that carbon dioxide vapors move in the vicinity of
said at least one wall so that cold of carbon dioxide vapors is transferred to
liquid carbon dioxide in the vicinity of said at least one wall.
15. An apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said container has a floor
including a plurality of floor elements which are spaced from one another and
provided with channels, said supplying means being arranged sot hat liquid
carbon dioxide is supplied through said channels of said floor elements, said moving means being formed so that carbon dioxide vapors move between
said floor elements so that cold of carbon dioxide is transferred to liquid
carbon dioxide through said floor elements.
16. An apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said supplying means
include a plurality of pipes which form panels arranged so that said panels
are spaced from one another by smaller distances at one end and are
spaced from one another by greater distances at another end and liquid
carbon dioxide flows from said one end to said another end.
17. An apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said supplying means
include tubular means for supplying liquid carbon dioxide snow from carbon dioxide vapors during movement of carbon dioxide vapors and further
sublimating the separated carbon dioxide snow.
18. An apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein said supplying means
include tubular means for supplying liquid carbon dioxide inside said tubular
means, said separating means include net-like means arranged on said tubular means and formed so that carbon dioxide vapors can pass through
said net-like means while carbon dioxide snow is retained by said net-like means and be submitted by the supplied liquid carbon dioxide.
19. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein said supplying means include a tubular pipe adapted to extend in an interior of the container so as
to supply liquid carbon dioxide; and a plurality of nozzles arranged on said
distributor pipe to discharge the liquid carbon dioxide from the distributor
pipe, said nozzles being arranged so that jets of liquid carbon dioxide ejected
by said nozzles extend substantially along a longitudinal axis of said
distributor pipe and toward one another to collie substantially between said
nozzles, each of said nozzles having a first inlet portion arranged
substantially perpendicular to said distributor pipe and communicating with
an interior of said distributor pipe, and second outlet portion communicating
with an interior of said first portion and extending substantially parallel to said distributor pipe, said outlet portion having two open ends spaces from one
another in a longitudinal direction of said longitudinal pipes.
20. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein said nozzles include one
group of nozzles located on one of side of a longitudinal axis of said
distributor pipe and another group of nozzles arranged at another side of
said longitudinal axis of said distributor pipe.
21. An arrangement as defined in claim 19, wherein each of said nozzles
has a first inlet portion arranged substantially perpendicular to said distributor
pipe and communicating with an interior of said distributor pipe, and second outlet portion communicating with an interior of said first portion and
extending substantially parallel to said distributor pipe, said outlet portion
having two open ends spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction of
said longitudinal pipes.
22. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 ; and further comprising at least two
nozzles connected with said supplying means and discharging liquid carbon
dioxide in two jets directed toward and collide with one another so as to
produce carbon dioxide snow; and means for adjusting the jets of said nozzles so as to displace a point of colliding the jets with one another and to thereby to provide a uniform distribution of carbon dioxide snow in the container.
23. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein said adjusting means
include means for changing a supply liquid through one of said nozzles so
that a greater discharge of liquid carbon dioxide is provided, while through
the other of said nozzles a smaller discharge of Ii9quid carbon dioxide is
provided.
24. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein said adjusting means include means for changing a throughflow cross-section of said nozzles so
as to dispense the point of colliding of the jets discharged from said nozzles toward one of said nozzles having reduced speed and kinetic energy of the
jet.
25. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein said adjusting means
include means for rotatably oscillating said nozzles about a vertical axis.
26. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein said adjusting means
include means for discharging the jets from said nozzles with alternating
frequencies.
27. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein said adjusting means
include means for oscillating said nozzles in a horizontal plane.
28. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein said adjusting means
include with which said nozzles impart to the jets oscillation in a direction of
movement of the jets.
29. An apparatus as defined in claim 1; and further comprising means for docking said supplying means relative to the container and coupling said means to the container and including a suspension carrying said means with
possibility of movement and coupling with the container.
30. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 ; and further comprising means for
docking said supplying means relative to the container and including a
suspension carriage, said carriage is a wheel truck installed at an upper level
of the container with possibilities of moving the supplying means in direction of the container, coupling a charger to the opening ofthe container, docking,
coupling, sealing and locking of the charger to the container and after finishing the charging further in a reverse sequence split, unlocking,
unsealing and removing of the supplying means from the container.
31. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein said supplying means
include longitudinal tubing means with discharging openings, and connected
to storage of the cooling cryogen products.
32. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein supplying means are installed motionless, and the container can move relatively said supplying
means for docking, coupling of said supplying means and container for
charging and to provide uniform distribution of solid carbon dioxide.
33. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the container is installed
motionless and the supplying means have possibility of reciprocation for
charging.
34. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein dispenser is a telescopic
tubing bar extending during charging and telescopically retracting after the
charging.
35. An apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein an external tubular part of
telescopic dispenser is a pressure cylinder, connected to a source of high
pressure liquid C02, internal tubular parts are sequential pistons,
communicated with internal volume of container, said moving parts are connected by extend spring or by link with a mechanical drive for retracting
the dispenser between charging modes.
36. A method of cooling food products in a container having an opening, the
method comprising the steps of supplying liquid carbon dioxide in the interior
of the container so as to form carbon dioxide snow in the container with
simultaneous generation of carbon dioxide vapors; withdrawing the carbon
dioxide vapors from the container and moving the withdrawn carbon dioxide vapors in the vicinity of said supplying means so that cold from the withdrawn
carbon dioxide vapors is transmitted to liquid carbon dioxide supplied by the
supplying means; moving supplying and withdrawing means between an
inoperative position in which they are located outside the opening of the container and outside of the container and an operative position in which
they are arranged adjacent to the opening of the container; and sealing the
opening of the container when the supplying and withdrawing have reached
the operative position.
37. A method as defined in claim 29; and further comprising the steps of
discharging liquid carbon dioxide in the interior of the container by at least
two nozzles which are arranged so that jets of liquid carbon dioxide
discharge from the nozzles are directed toward and collide with one another; and periodically adjusting the jets relative to one another so as to displace
a point of colliding the jets with one another and to thereby provide a
substantial uniform distribution of carbon dioxide snow in the container.
38. A method as defined in claim 21 ; and further comprising discharging the
liquid carbon dioxide from a distributor pipe through a plurality of nozzles;
and arranging the nozzles on the distributor pipe so that jets of liquid carbon
dioxide ejected by the nozzles extend substantially along a longitudinal axis of the distributor pipe and toward one another to collide substantially
between two neighboring ones of the nozzles.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/013232 WO1998058218A1 (en) | 1997-06-16 | 1997-06-16 | Apparatus for cooling food products |
US09/446,172 US6761043B1 (en) | 1997-06-16 | 1997-06-16 | Apparatus for cooling food products |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/013232 WO1998058218A1 (en) | 1997-06-16 | 1997-06-16 | Apparatus for cooling food products |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1998058218A1 true WO1998058218A1 (en) | 1998-12-23 |
Family
ID=22261350
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/013232 WO1998058218A1 (en) | 1997-06-16 | 1997-06-16 | Apparatus for cooling food products |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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WO (1) | WO1998058218A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2657631A3 (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2017-12-27 | Messer Group GmbH | Method and device for cooling products |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1735094A (en) * | 1925-10-23 | 1929-11-12 | Thomas B Slate | Method and means for making carbon-dioxide snow |
US4137723A (en) * | 1977-09-07 | 1979-02-06 | Lewis Tyree Jr | Direct contact CO2 cooling |
US4704876A (en) * | 1986-08-12 | 1987-11-10 | Hill Ralph P | Cryogenic refrigeration system |
-
1997
- 1997-06-16 WO PCT/US1997/013232 patent/WO1998058218A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1735094A (en) * | 1925-10-23 | 1929-11-12 | Thomas B Slate | Method and means for making carbon-dioxide snow |
US4137723A (en) * | 1977-09-07 | 1979-02-06 | Lewis Tyree Jr | Direct contact CO2 cooling |
US4704876A (en) * | 1986-08-12 | 1987-11-10 | Hill Ralph P | Cryogenic refrigeration system |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2657631A3 (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2017-12-27 | Messer Group GmbH | Method and device for cooling products |
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