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    • 专利摘要:
    DISPOSABLE SET FOR A FOAM FOOD PRODUCT, AND, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A FOOD FOOD PRODUCT. A disposable set (1), a system and method for preparing a foamed food product. A disposable set (1) contains a concentrating liquid food product and comprises an eductor (4) and a microfiltration device (11). A water inlet (6) on the eductor (4) is configured to connect to an external water source (37). A gas inlet (16) of the microfiltration device (11) is configured to connect to an external gas source and an outlet (15) of the microfiltration device is configured to discharge a foamed food product created by the microfiltration device from disposable set. A system for preparing a foamed food product comprises a product preparation apparatus (36) for preparing said foamed food product, and said disposable assembly (1). The apparatus comprises a water source (37), a water heater (39) and a water pressurization means (38) configured for detachable connection to the eductor (4) of the disposable set (1). The apparatus further comprises a pressurized gas source (42) and a gas pressurization means (46) configured to supply pressurized gas to the microfiltration device (11). In a method for preparing a foamed food product, (...)
    公开号:BR112015009562B1
    申请号:R112015009562-3
    申请日:2013-10-29
    公开日:2020-10-27
    发明作者:Wiebe Nicolaas Van Druten；Maarten Joannes Botman
    申请人:Friesland Brands B.V.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [001] The invention relates to a disposable set for a liquid food product, for example, a product of milk, milk, foam, cream or aerated dessert, or a different product.
    [002] Such a disposable set is known from W0-A1- 2011/028117. According to WO-A1-2011 / 028117 this disposable set, for example, containing a product, such as milk, is operatively connected with an operating apparatus for, for example, producing and discharging foam or milk foam. The disposable assembly comprises a retainer provided with a fluid inlet to supply fluid, which comes from a fluid supply means of the operating apparatus, to an internal space surrounded by the retainer. The fluid supplied by the operating apparatus to the retainer can retain the internal space at a desired pressure (in particular a pressure that expels product, superatmospheric), under the influence of the pressure at which the milk can be dispensed, through the discharge medium. The discharge means comprises a microfiltration device for frothing milk by introducing a gas, such as air, through the microfiltration device for milk flowing through the microfiltration device. The operating apparatus comprises a cooling means to cool the milk in the disposable set to prevent potential degradation of the milk. In addition, to dispense a hot product, the operating apparatus may comprise a steam generator or hot water supply connected with a valve device positioned between the retainer and the microfiltration device for heating milk expelled from the retainer. In addition, the valve device can be defined as to only pass steam to clean the microfiltration device and optional devices downstream of the microfiltration device.
    [003] Although quite user friendly, such a disposable set, especially when containing a perishable liquid food product such as milk, requires cooling during transportation and still requires a cooling device in the operating apparatus, which requires a relatively large amount of energy big. In addition, in the event that a hot foamed product is to be dispensed with, the operating appliance requires a steam generator to heat the milk, which not only consumes a relatively large amount of energy, but also requires mechanical construction that can withstand high temperatures. pressures that come with the production of steam, as a result of which the operating apparatus needs to be mechanically robust and thus will be relatively costly. In addition, the hot foam product produced from the milk contained within the disposable set has a so-called “boiled milk taste” that most consumers find less appealing than the common milk taste. In addition, as milk is very perishable, additional measures are necessary with regard to hygiene and as described in W0-A1- 2011/028117 frequent cleaning is therefore necessary. This frequent cleaning is costly not only in view of, for example, the energy used to produce the steam for cleaning, but also in view of the idle time of the operating apparatus during such cleaning. In addition, the operating apparatus is required to have a fluid supply means to create excess pressure within the retainer to expel liquid food product, such as milk, from it. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [004] Therefore it is an objective of the present invention to provide a disposable set for a liquid food product, with which in particular a foamed product without a cooking taste can be obtained in a particularly efficient way, with relatively cheap and durable means using only a relatively small amount of energy, with which in particular a high standard of hygiene can be achieved with at least a substantial reduction in cleanliness.
    [005] For this purpose, the invention provides a disposable assembly for a liquid food product, said disposable assembly comprising a retainer containing said liquid food product in concentrated form; an eductor; a microfiltration device; a transfer tube that connects an outlet of said eductor with an inlet of said microfiltration device; a tube of concentrated liquid food product that connects said retainer to a concentrated liquid food inlet of said eductor; a water inlet tube that connects a water inlet of said eductor with a water connection of the disposable set, said water connection that is configured for connection to an external source of water under pressure, said liquid food inlet said eductor which is positioned between said water inlet and said outlet of said eductor; a gas inlet tube that connects said microfiltration device to a gas connection of said disposable assembly, said gas connection which is configured for connection to an external pressure gas source; and a foamed food product outlet tube that connects an outlet of the microfiltration device to an outlet connection of the disposable assembly to dispose of a foamed food product, preferably a foamed liquid food product, created by the microfiltration device from the disposable assembly. Using a disposable set for a concentrated liquid food product, it is possible to store the disposable set for an extended period of time at room temperatures, that is, without refrigeration, without degradation of the concentrated liquid food product. In particular the use of an eductor makes it possible on the one hand to add such an amount of water to the concentrated liquid food product that after mixing with water a foamed food product with a substantially normal amount of dry matter, or normal amount of liquid content , also called a liquid content not concentrated here, is obtained. This provides the possibility to prepare a foamed food product having a particularly pleasant taste sensation. On the other hand, the eductor can be used to draw concentrated liquid food product out of the retainer by the suction provided by the water flowing through the eductor, so that no additional device is necessary to expel the concentrated liquid food product from the assembly. In this way, it is possible that a product preparation apparatus or operating apparatus in which the disposable assembly is to be used can be manufactured relatively compactly and relatively inexpensively. In addition, such a disposable assembly may contain the concentrated liquid food product in a very hygienic manner, for example, if the assembly is aseptically filled with the concentrated liquid food product.
    [006] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a disposable set according to the invention, said eductor comprises a housing containing a converging nozzle that is in direct communication with said water inlet of said eductor, a mixing chamber and a low pressure (for example, formed by a diffuser or Venturi) that is in direct communication with the said outlet of said eductor. In this way a very efficient and reproducible mixing of the concentrated liquid food product with water can be carried out, leading to a reproducible and stable foamed food product that is prepared.
    [007] In an additional embodiment of a disposable set according to the invention the microfiltration device is made of a hydrophobic material. In this way, the microfiltration device repels water and possible contamination contained therein, which allows the disposable set to be used in a more hygienic way. In a further embodiment of a disposable set according to the invention the microfiltration device comprises a medium with a microfiltration surface having transmissive gas pores, said microfiltration surface having a product inlet and a product outlet. In this way, when the disposable assembly is operatively connected with a product preparation apparatus, liquid product flows through the medium from the inlet to the outlet side in order to be supplied with gas in a sterile manner.
    [008] In a preferred embodiment the microfiltration device comprises a microfiltration device with a tubular microfiltration wall having transmissive gas pores, said microfiltration device comprising an inlet and an outlet opening, said microfiltration device comprising additionally a housing surrounding said tubular microfiltration wall to form a gas supply space between the tubular microfiltration wall and the housing, wherein said housing comprises a gas opening in communication with said gas inlet tube, said tubular microfiltration wall which is made of a hydrophobic material. In this way, when the disposable set is operatively connected with a product preparation apparatus, the liquid product is supplied to the microfiltration device, so as to be supplied with gas in a sterile manner, since the microfiltration device of the Hydrophobic material acts as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, leading to a very hygienic way of preparing the foamed food product. In particular when preparing a milk foam product the use of the microfiltration device of the invention to add gas to the product can provide a highly stable attractive foam, in particular of constant quality, in a relatively simple way. With several products that can be foamed, in addition, a particularly high "surplus" (sometimes called "degree of aeration") can be obtained. In this sense, it is observed that the increase in volume of a product after foaming is usually denoted with the term "surplus" or "percentage surplus". The excess percentage provides the increase in volume of product P after foaming with respect to the volume of a non-foamed product and can be represented as: W -W Surplus = - -x 100% where Wp represents the mass of a fixed volume of product not foamed and Ws the mass of the same volume of foamed product (including any product drained from it). Thus, a surplus percentage of 100% means that a volume of 100 ml after dispensing has increased to 200 ml.
    [009] Preferably, the microfiltration wall comprises transmissive gas pores having a pore size in the range of 0.05 to 10 microns, in particular a pore size of at least 0.1 micron and less than 2 micron, more particularly a pore size of at least 0.2 microns and less than 1.5 microns.
    [0010] The liquid food product contained within the disposable set may be (fruit) juice / beverage, a beverage containing alcohol or beverage base, for example, beer or wine, a dairy product or dairy-based beverage, for example, a permeate-based wheat drink or drink, milk shake, chocolate drink, yogurt (drinkable), sauce, ice cream or dessert, juice, the invention in particular is advantageous when the concentrated liquid food product is a concentrate based on milk. The product may additionally comprise, for example, vegetable or animal fat or oil, a thickener, sugar, sweeteners, flavorings, colors and / or the like, and / or various other ingredients. The product may even comprise, for example, a product that cannot be consumed, a body care product, a hair care agent, or the like. Preferably, concentrated milk comprises 20% by weight of dry matter to 30% by weight of dry matter, preferably 23 to 27% by weight of dry matter, while non-concentrated milk, ie milk with a normal liquid content, comprises 10% by weight of dry matter.
    [0011] In an additional embodiment of a disposable set according to the invention, the retainer for containing said liquid food product in concentrated form comprises a connection of concentrated liquid food product which is configured for connection with said food product tube concentrated liquid, wherein said eductor, said microfiltration device, said transfer tube, said concentrated liquid food product tube, said water inlet tube, said water connection, said water inlet tube gas, said gas connection, said foamed food product outlet tube and said outlet connection are assembled as a unit which is detachably connected by said concentrated liquid food product tube with said liquid food product connection concentrate, said unit which is preferably made of a hydrophobic material. In this way a disposable set can be made in a relatively low cost reproducible manner, while preventing contamination of the contents of the set. The unit, for example, can be detachably connected to the retainer and can be discarded, recycled or otherwise disposed of later, with or without the retainer. Alternatively, the unit can be a separate part and, for example, it can be separated from a used retainer to be adjusted to a next retainer. In the latter case, the unit is preferably sterilized, for example, using a microwave oven, before reuse.
    [0012] In an additional embodiment of a disposable set according to the invention, hygiene can be improved further by closing at least one connection, and preferably all, connections by an aseptic seal.
    [0013] A disposable set according to one embodiment of the invention, for example, in the case of concentrated milk as a concentrated liquid food product, can be used in professional businesses, such as restaurants, at room temperature, that is, at room temperature up to 40 ° C for a week without deteriorating milk quality. Additionally, such a disposable set does not need to be replaced in a system that prepares milk foam in average numbers of portions, commonly between 100 and 150 portions, when it contains a quantity of 2 to 5 liters, preferably 3 to 4 liters of said milk in the form concentrated. For domestic use, a disposable set according to the invention preferably contains an amount of 0.5 to 1 liter of said milk in concentrated form. The same is true for other concentrated liquid food products.
    [0014] In a preferred embodiment of a disposable assembly according to the invention, the disposable assembly comprises means for providing a constant gas flow to the microfiltration device, said means which is preferably formed by a reducing valve. In use these means can guarantee a correct work of the microfiltration device regardless of how the gas under pressure is supplied in the gas connection of the disposable set.
    [0015] In yet another additional embodiment of a disposable set according to the invention, the water inlet tube of the disposable set comprises an injector valve to allow the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the inlet of concentrated liquid food from the said eductor and disable the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the inlet of concentrated liquid food of said eductor, respectively. In this way it is possible to close the eductor from the entrance of concentrated liquid food of said eductor so that the contamination of the disposable set through the water connection can be reduced at least by the fact that contact between water and the concentrated liquid food product can be avoided when the connection of the eductor water inlet to the concentrated liquid food inlet of said eductor is disabled. Preferably, the injector valve is a rotary injector valve that can result in a compact and mechanically simple disposable assembly. In particular, it is advantageous when the injector valve is polarized to disable the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the inlet of concentrated liquid food of said eductor. In this way the connection is disabled in the event that no external force is exerted on the injector valve as a result of which contamination of the concentrated liquid food product can be avoided. The polarization of the injector valve, for example, can be performed by elastic means, such as springs, or any other known means of polarization.
    [0016] An improved prevention of contamination can then be obtained when the injector valve is arranged to allow the connection of the retainer with the outlet of the liquid food product from said eductor when the injector valve is allowing the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the water connection of the disposable set and to disable the connection of the retainer with the foamed food product leaving said eductor, when the injector valve is allowing the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the water connection of the disposable set , respectively. In this way the discharge of the eductor and microfiltration device is possible.
    [0017] A more compact embodiment of a disposable set according to the present invention can be obtained when the converging nozzle is configured as the injector valve.
    [0018] The invention further relates to a system for preparing a foamed food product, said system comprising a product preparation apparatus for preparing said foamed food product and a disposable assembly according to the invention, said preparation apparatus product comprising a water source, a heater for heating water, means for pressurizing water, said means which are configured for the detachable connection with the water connection of the disposable assembly to supply water to the water inlet of the eductor of the disposable assembly , a source of pressurized gas, said source of pressurized gas which are configured for the detachable connection with the gas connection of said disposable assembly to supply pressurized gas to the gas inlet of the microfiltration device. The water source of the product preparation apparatus, for example, can be a water reservoir or it can be formed by a connection with a water medium. This system is a particularly user friendly system because the operative connection of the disposable set with the product preparation device can be performed quickly and reproducibly and in addition the system can be easily designed to dispense the product in a hygienic manner trustworthy.
    [0019] In a particular embodiment of the system for preparing a foamed food product according to the invention, said water heater is configured to heat water to a temperature in the range of 60 ° C to 110 ° C, preferably 90 ° C at 98 ° C, more preferred 95 ° C to 98 ° C. In contrast to steam injected into the liquid product before it enters the microfiltration device as described in W0-A1- 2011/028117, the heater according to this modality requires significantly less energy to heat the water, while still being able to produce efficiently. reproducible a foamed food product at an elevated temperature. In comparison to the use of steam a foamed food product can be obtained without a cooking taste, which seems to be quite appealing to at least some of the consumers. In addition, according to an additional embodiment of the invention, it is possible to obtain a foamed food product correctly using means for pressurizing water that is configured to pressurize water in a range between 0.1 to 0.2 MPa. In comparison with existing product preparation devices, this pressure is relatively low and can be carried out at relatively low costs.
    [0020] In one embodiment of the system for preparing a foamed food product according to the invention, the system comprises means for providing a constant gas flow to the microfiltration device, said means which is preferably formed by a reducing valve. These means can be part of the product preparation apparatus and / or be a part of the disposable assembly. In an additional embodiment of a system for preparing a foamed food product according to the invention, the source of pressurized gas is configured to supply pressurized gas at a slight excess of pressure, the excess pressure which is preferably in the range between 0.101 to 0 , 15 MPa, wherein the pressurized gas source comprises a gas retainer with a continuous gas pump or a compressor to provide a gas flow of 0.05 to 1.2 Nlitros / min, preferably 0.05 to 0, 4 liters / min, more preferred 0.15 to 0.4 liters / min, even more preferred 0.2 to 0.3 liters / min, and a reducing valve. In this way, a sufficient gas flow rate can be obtained to introduce gas through the microfiltration device into the product using relatively low cost means using a relatively small amount of energy. Preferably the reduction valve comprises an orifice having a diameter in a range between 0.03 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably between 0.05 and 0.1 mm so that a constant gas flow rate can be generated.
    [0021] In yet another embodiment of the system for preparing a foamed food product according to the invention, the product preparation apparatus comprises an operating device for controlling the operation of the pressurized gas source, a sensor for detecting the connection and disconnecting, respectively, the pressurized gas source with the gas connection of said disposable assembly, and to provide a signal indicative of said connection and said disconnection, respectively, for the operating device, said operating device which is configured to continuously activate said source of pressurized gas between said connection detected for and said disconnection detected from said gas connection of said disposable assembly. In this way, not only a sterile gas can be supplied to the product via the microfiltration device when preparing a foamed food product, but also a sterile gas is constantly supplied to keep the system under constant (slight) excess sterile pressure. This significantly reduces the risk of microorganism growth which can result in a concentrated liquid food product that will maintain its sterility over extended periods of time, even under ambient conditions.
    [0022] Alternatively or additionally the risk of growth of microorganisms can be significantly reduced in one embodiment of the system for preparing a foamed food product according to the invention comprising a disposable assembly having an injector valve, in which the means for pressurizing water of the product preparation apparatus comprises an injector valve actuator, said injector valve actuator which is arranged to engage the injector valve when the means for pressurizing water are connected with the water connection of the disposable assembly, said actuator injector valve which is operable to position the injector valve in a enable position to allow the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the water connection of the disposable assembly and to position the injector valve and a disable position for disable the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the water connection of the disposable set, res pectively. So it is particularly advantageous from a point of view of avoiding contamination of the liquid food product concentrated in the disposable assembly when an injector valve actuator is operatively connected with the operating device. In this way it is possible to disable and enable the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the water connection of the disposable set, respectively, after means to pressurize water from the product preparation apparatus to be connected with the water connection of the disposable set to supply water to the water inlet of the disposable set eductor.
    [0023] In an additional embodiment of the system for preparing a foamed food product according to the present invention, the operating device is arranged to control the operation of the heater to heat water and the means to pressurize water, said operating device which it is arranged to operate an injector valve actuator to position the injector valve in the enable position a predetermined period of time after the operating device has controlled the heater to heat water and has controlled the means for pressurizing water to pressurize the water. In this way it is possible - in use - to supply only heated or hot water to the eductor of the disposable set that prevents or reduces the presence or growth of microorganisms. The predetermined time limit is defined in such a way that sufficient heating of the water is obtained and is among other things dependent on the particular type of heater used and the amount of water to be heated.
    [0024] In order to be able to prevent relatively cold water from coming into contact with the eductor after a service of the foamed food product has been prepared from the system, cold water which can lead to undesirable contamination in a system modality to prepare a foamed food product according to the invention, the operating device is arranged to operate an injector valve actuator to position the injector valve in the disable position a predetermined period of time before the operating device deactivates the heater and the means to pressurize water. In this way it can be realized that the injector valve closes the connection while the water supplied to the injector valve is still heated or hot.
    [0025] Preferably the product preparation apparatus is free of any cooling devices for the disposable assembly. Since excess pressure is a slight excess of pressure, it can be produced by devices of relatively low cost and with a relatively small amount of energy. If the sterile excess pressure is maintained only for part of the total period of time in which the disposable set is connected with the product preparation apparatus, the period of time within which the concentrated liquid food product maintains its sterilization capacity will reduce but may still be higher than compared to the situation where no sterile excess pressure is used. In comparison to the energy consumption of a system disclosed in WO-Al-2011/028117, the energy consumption of the present inventive system is significantly reduced, while at the same time a product with a more appealing taste can be provided at a frequency of strongly reduced cleanliness.
    [0026] The invention is particularly advantageous in the case of a system for preparing a foamed food product in which the product preparation apparatus is configured to prepare a foamed food product, such as foam or milk foam having a temperature in a range in general between 50 ° C to 85 ° C, more preferred between 60 ° C and 70 ° C, even more preferred in a range between 65 ° C to 68 ° C.
    [0027] The invention also relates to a method for preparing a foamed food product using a system according to the invention, wherein said method comprises the step of connecting said disposable assembly with said product preparation apparatus, to step of heating and pressurizing water and step of providing said heated water to the water inlet of said eductor to drag concentrated liquid food product out of the retainer and to mix said concentrated liquid food product with the heated water. In this way the eductor is used to draw concentrated liquid food product out of the retainer by the suction provided by the water flowing through the eductor, so that no additional device is needed to expel the concentrated liquid food product from the assembly.
    [0028] In one embodiment of a method for preparing a foamed food product according to the invention in which the risk of growth of microorganisms can be significantly reduced, the method comprises the step of allowing the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the water connection of the disposable set between the stage of heating and pressurizing water and the stage of supplying said heated water.
    [0029] In a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention, the method comprises the step of heating water to such a temperature and providing said water heated in such pressure to the water inlet of said eductor that the concentrated liquid food product it is dragged out of the retainer in such an amount that after mixing with the heated water a liquid food product with a substantially normal amount of dry matter, or normal amount of liquid content is obtained. In this way, it is possible to obtain a liquid food product with a normal liquid content from a concentrated liquid food product just by adjusting the temperature and pressure of the water supply. In this particularly advantageous use the eductor makes it possible to add such an amount of water to the concentrated liquid food product that after mixing with water a liquid food product with a substantially normal liquid content, also called an un-concentrated liquid content here, is obtained. This provides the possibility to prepare a foamed food product having a particularly pleasant taste sensation.
    [0030] When, as a concentrated liquid food product, concentrated milk is used having 20% by weight of dry matter to 30% by weight of dry matter, preferably 23 to 27% by weight of dry matter, it is particularly advantageous to use a method according to the invention in which water is heated to a temperature in the range of 60 ° C to 110 ° C, preferably 90 ° C to 98 ° C, more preferred 95 ° C to 98 ° C and in which the heated water is pressurized to a range between 0.11 and 2.5 MPa, preferably between 0.2 and 0.4 MPa and is then supplied to the eductor water inlet. In this way, with a relatively small amount of energy, a heated milk product having a temperature in the range of 60 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably in the range of 65 ° C to 68 ° C, can be produced without the “taste of cooked milk ”.
    [0031] In another embodiment of a method according to the invention, the method comprises the step of maintaining said disposable set at room temperature. Using a disposable set for a concentrated liquid food product, it is possible to store the disposable set during transport and use for an extended period of time at room temperatures, that is, without refrigeration, without degradation of the concentrated liquid food product.
    [0032] In an additional embodiment of a method according to the invention, wherein the method comprises the step of supplying gas to the microfiltration device under a pressure of 0.101 to 0.15 MPa and with a gas flow of 0, 05 to 1.2 Nlitros / min, preferably 0.05 to 0.4 Nlitros / min, more preferred 0.15 to 0.4 Nlitros / min, even more preferred 0.2 to 0.3 Nlitros / min, a product stable foam can be prepared using a relatively small amount of energy. A very reproducible stable foamed product can preferably be obtained when the step of supplying said gas under pressure to the microfiltration device comprises the step of supplying gas at a constant rate to the microfiltration device. Preferably gas is supplied through a small orifice. In addition, in this way the generation of a foamed food product has proven to be less dependent on fluctuations in the product flow through or over the microfiltration device. The generation of a foamed food product has proven even more independent of fluctuations in the product flow through or over the microfiltration device when the orifice diameter is such as to create a (near) supersonic gas flow through the orifice, and / or the orifice diameter is such that depending on the morphology and dimensions of the microfiltration device an effective pressure required on the filtration surface of the filtration device to obtain a foamed product is obtained.
    [0033] Preferably the gas is an inert gas, for example, containing air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
    [0034] The risk of microorganism growth can be additionally significantly reduced in a method according to the invention when the method comprises the step of turning off water heating and turning off water pressurization and when the method additionally comprises the step of turning off the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the water connection of the disposable set before the step of deactivating the heating and deactivating the water pressurization.
    [0035] In yet another additional embodiment of a method according to the invention, the method comprises the dialing step connects the gas source from said disposable assembly and in which the step of providing said gas under pressure is carried out continuous way between the moment of connection of the gas source with the disposable assembly and the moment of disconnection of the gas source from said disposable assembly. In this way, a constant sterile excess pressure is maintained which significantly reduces the risk of microorganism growth. This can result in a concentrated liquid food product that maintains its sterility for extended periods of time, even under ambient conditions. Consequently, a very hygienic preparation of foamed food products can be carried out. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0036] The invention will be further explained with reference to the Figures, in which non-limiting example modalities of a disposable set and a system for preparing a foamed food product according to the invention are shown. In the drawings:
    [0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a disposable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
    [0038] Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the system for preparing a foamed food product according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
    [0039] Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the system for preparing a foamed food product according to the invention in which the disposable assembly comprises an injector valve;
    [0040] Fig. 4 shows a detail of Figure 3 on an enlarged scale;
    [0041] Fig. 5A shows the injector valve in the disable position, disabling the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the water connection of the disposable set; and
    [0042] Both Figs. 5B and 5C show the injector valve in the enable position, enabling the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the water connection of the disposable set, the injector valve in Fig. 5B which is in an enabling position enabling the connection of the retainer with the outlet of the liquid food product from said eductor, and the injector valve in Fig. 5C which is in a disabling position disabling the connection of the retainer to the outlet of the liquid food product from said eductor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE MODALITIES
    [0043] In Fig. 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a disposable assembly 1 according to an example embodiment of the invention is shown. The disposable set 1 comprises a retainer 2 which in this Example is designed to contain a maximum amount of 4 liters of milk 3 in concentrated form. This concentrated milk comprises 20% by weight of dry matter to 30% by weight of dry matter, preferably 23 to 27% by weight of dry matter, while milk with a normal water content, which is later also called non-concentrated milk here, it comprises 10% by weight of dry matter. It should be noted that, although the invention is explained with respect to milk as a liquid (concentrated) food product, the invention can also be applied to other concentrated liquid food products, for example, juice / fruit drink, a beverage containing alcohol or drink base, for example, beer or wine, a dairy product or dairy based drink, for example, a wheat drink or permeate based drink, (milk) shake, chocolate drink, yogurt (drinkable) , sauce, ice cream, dessert, or other products, but in particular it is intended to provide a milk food product. The product may additionally comprise, for example, vegetable or animal fat or oil, a thickener, sugar, sweeteners, flavorings, colors and / or the like, and / or various other ingredients. The product may even comprise, for example, a product that cannot be consumed, a body care product, a hair care agent, or the like. In addition, the maximum amount of milk contained in the retainer can in other embodiments of the invention accumulate up to 2 to 5 liters for professional use and 0.5 to 1 liter for domestic use and concentrated milk can in other embodiments comprise 20% in dry matter weight to 30% by weight of dry matter, preferably 23 to 27% by weight of dry matter.
    [0044] In the sequence, air is discussed as the gas to be supplied to the microfiltration device, however, according to an alternative embodiment, the gas may comprise, for example, an inert gas or another gas or gas mixture, for example, containing nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
    [0045] The disposable set 1 additionally comprises an eductor 4 having a housing 5 with a water inlet 6, a concentrated liquid food inlet 7 and an outlet liquid food product 8. The concentrated liquid food inlet 7 of the eductor 4 is positioned between the water inlet 6 and the liquid food product outlet 8. Inside the housing 5 of the eductor 4 a converging nozzle 9 is present which is in direct communication with the water inlet 6 and a mixing chamber and a low pressure zone 10 that are in direct communication with the outlet of the liquid food product 8 from the eductor 4.
    [0046] The disposable set 1 in addition is provided with a microfiltration device 11 comprising a microfiltration (tubular) wall 12 having air transmission pores and a housing 13 surrounding the tubular microfiltration wall 12. In the embodiment shown, housing 13 and the tubular microfiltration wall 12 are positioned relative to each other and an air supply space 17 is formed between the tubular microfiltration wall 12 and the housing 13. The microfiltration device 11 comprises a product inlet opening 14 and , in the embodiment shown in the drawings, an outlet opening 15 opposite the product inlet opening 14. It should be noted that in other embodiments the inlet and outlet may be positioned differently from each other. Additionally, an air opening 16 is in communication with the air supply space 17. In the embodiment shown, the air transmission pores 18 have a pore size of 0.6 microns, but in alternative embodiments the pore size may be in the range of 0.05 to 10 microns, in particular in the range of 0.1 micron to 2 micron, more particularly in the range of 0.2 micron to 1.5 micron. In the present embodiment, the tubular microfiltration wall 12 is made of a hydrophobic material, such as polypropylene (PP), which in combination with the air transmission pores 18 of the mentioned dimensions ensures that the tubular microfiltration wall 12 functions as an air filter. HEPA. The use of hydrophobic material ensures that no water or moisture, possibly with microorganisms incorporated in it, is attached to the wall 12, which leads to improved hygiene during transport and use. In the embodiments shown, the eductor 4 and the housing 13 are also made of a hydrophobic material, but it will be clear that in other embodiments other materials can be used. It should be noted that in the example mode, the product feed channel is surrounded by the microfiltration wall and the air supply space is outside the microfiltration wall. In an alternative embodiment, the product feed channel can be positioned outside the microfiltration wall, while the air supply space is formed by the space surrounded by this wall. In addition, the microfiltration device can be designed in several other ways.
    [0047] In the disposable set 1 a transfer tube 19 connects the outlet 8 of the eductor 4 with the product inlet opening 14 of the microfiltration device 11. Additionally, a tube of concentrated liquid food product 20 connects the retainer 2 with the inlet concentrated liquid food 7 from the eductor 4 and a water inlet tube 21 connects the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 with a water connection 22 of the disposable assembly 1. This water connection 22 is configured for connection to an external source of water, preferably a source of hot water under pressure. It should be noted that with “external water source” an external water source in relation to the set is desired. An air inlet tube 23 connects the microfiltration device 11 with an air connection 24 of the disposable assembly 1, air connection 24 which is configured for connection to an external air source, preferably an external air source under ( mild) excess pressure. As shown in Figure 1, a foamed food product outlet tube 25 connects the outlet opening 15 of the microfiltration device 11 to an outlet connection 26 of the disposable assembly 1 to discard a foamed food product created by the microfiltration device 11 from the disposable set 1. In the shown mode the outlet connection 26 is provided with an optional discharge nozzle 27, and all tubes and connections are made of hydrophobic material. Connections 22, 24 and nozzle 27 (or connection 26) are closed by an aseptic seal 28, 29 and 30, respectively. These aseptic seals are designed to be opened by any means known in the art.
    [0048] In the modality shown in Figure 1, the eductor 4, the microfiltration device 11, the transfer tube 19, the concentrated liquid food product tube 20, the water inlet tube 6, the water connection 22, the air inlet tube 16, air connection 24, foamed food product outlet tube 25 and outlet port 26 (and optionally nozzle 27) are mounted as a unit 31. This unit 31 is by said tube concentrated liquid food product 20 connected with a concentrated liquid food product connection 32, liquid food product connection 32 which is detachably connected by an intermediate piece 33 with an outlet connection 34 of the retainer 2. From the outlet connection 34 a delivery tube 35 extends downwards to the concentrated milk 3. It should be noted that in an embodiment not shown of the invention this unit can also form an integral part of the product preparation unit.
    [0049] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the unit 31 and the retainer 2 can be integrated in one piece, in which - when compared to Figure 1 - the tube of concentrated liquid food product 20 also forms the supply tube 35 and the connections 32, 34 and part 33 need not be present. In addition, the present invention also relates to a disposable assembly as described above and as described in the appended claims without the concentrated liquid food product being present, as this product can be introduced into retainer 2, for example, via the outlet connection 34.
    [0050] In Fig. 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of the system for preparing a foamed food product according to an example embodiment of the invention is shown. The system comprises a product preparation apparatus 36 for preparing a foamed food product and a disposable assembly 1 according to the invention.
    [0051] In the product preparation apparatus 36 a water reservoir 37 is provided as well as a pump 38 as a means for pressurizing water. From a water reservoir 37 a water line 41 runs through the product preparation apparatus 36 and, in this Example, it has an extension 41A that is configured for the detachable connection with the water connection 22 of the disposable assembly 1 to supply water to the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 of the disposable assembly 1. A water line 41 flows through an optional particle filter 54, a heater 39 to optionally heat water and passes an optional flow meter 40 to measure the flow of the water that comes from the reservoir 37.
    [0052] It should be noted that in other modalities the water source can be provided by a connection with a water medium.
    [0053] In the product preparation apparatus 36 also an air source 42, in this case an opening in the product preparation apparatus 36 for the ambient atmosphere, is provided in which the opening is closed by a grid 43 to prevent larger particles pass the opening. From the air source 42 an air line 44 runs through the product preparation apparatus 36 and, in this example, it has an extension 44A that is configured for the detachable connection with the air connection 24 of the disposable assembly 1 to supply air for the air inlet 16 of the microfiltration device 11 of the disposable assembly 1. The air line 44 passes through an optional particle filter 45 to filter the air and through an air compressor 46 as a means to pressurize air to a slight excess pressure. In this embodiment, air from the air compressor is buffered in an air buffer tank 47, which is through a ventilation line 48, a relief valve 49 and a silencer 50 connected to the ambient atmosphere. In another embodiment instead of an air compressor and a buffer tank, a continuous air pump can be used to supply air to the microfiltration device.
    [0054] In the air line a reduction valve 51 is provided comprising an orifice having, in this embodiment, a diameter of 0.07 mm to generate a constant air flow. It should be noted that in other embodiments the hole diameter can be within a range between 0.03 mm and 0.3 mm.
    [0055] The product preparation apparatus 36 as shown in Figure 2 can be free of any cooling devices for the disposable assembly 1, which is supported inside the product preparation apparatus 36 on a platform 52.
    [0056] The product preparation apparatus 36 further comprises an operating device 53, for example, a microprocessor, to control the operation of the product preparation apparatus 36 (for this, the operating device 53 is connected via lines with the air compressor 46 to control its operation); the air buffer tank 47 to recover the air pressure inside the air buffer tank; a water reservoir 37 for recovering the water level within the reservoir; a water pump 38 and heater 39 to control its operation; and flow meter 40 to retrieve information about a water flow. In addition, the operating device 53 is connected with a sensor 55 to detect the connection and disconnection, respectively, of the air extension 44A with the air connection 24 of the disposable assembly 1. This sensor 55 is designed to provide a signal indicating the said connection and said disconnection, respectively, for the operating device 53.
    [0057] In order to be able to carry out the method of the invention, which must be described later, the operating device 53 is configured to activate (continuously) the air compressor 46 between a connection detected for and a disconnection detected at from the air connection 24 of the disposable assembly 1, as detected by sensor 55. The heater 39 used in the apparatus 36 is configured to heat water to a temperature in the range of 60 ° C to 110 ° C, preferably 90 ° C to 98 ° C, more preferred 95 ° C to 98 ° C. In addition, a water pump 38 is configured to pressurize water in a range between 0.1 to 0.2 MPa. It should be noted that this is in a relatively slight excess of pressure which can in an alternative mode also be provided by means of connecting water alone. The air compressor 46 is configured to pressurize air to a slight excess pressure, preferably in a range between 0.101 to 0.15 MPa and to provide an air flow of 0.05 to 1.2 Nlitros / min, preferably 0, 05 to 0.4 NL / min, more preferred 0.15 to 0.4 NL / min, even more preferred 0.2 to 0.3 NL / min. In this way, the product preparation apparatus 36 can be appropriately configured to prepare a foamed food product, such as foam or milk foam having a temperature in the range of 60 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably in a range between 65 ° C to 68 ° C.
    [0058] Now an embodiment of an inventive method for preparing a foamed food product using the system as shown in Figure 2 will be described. In an initial step the disposable set 1 containing concentrated milk having 20% by weight of dry matter to 30% by weight of dry matter, preferably 23 to 27% by weight of dry matter is connected with the product preparation apparatus 36, in that a water extension 41A is connected with the water connection 22 and the air extension 44A is connected with the air connection 24, during the connection in which the aseptic seals are drilled. The sensor 55 detects this connection and sends an appropriate signal indicating this connection with the operating device 53, which activates the air compressor 46 to supply air (continuously) in a slight excess of pressure to the air supply space 17 around the tubular microfiltration wall 12. The operating device 53 operates for the product preparation apparatus 36 to supply air through orifice 51 to the microfiltration device 11 under a pressure of 0.101 to 0.15 MPa and with a air flow from 0.05 to 1.2 Nlitros / min, preferably 00.5 to 0.4 Nlitros / min, more preferred 0.15 to 0.4 Nlitros / min, even more preferred 0.2 to 0.3 Nitros / min This slight excess of pressure creates a so-called sterile air stream that significantly reduces the risk of growth of microorganisms within the disposable set which significantly results in a foamed food product that will maintain its sterility for extended periods of time, even under ambient conditions. Since excess pressure is a slight excess of pressure, it can be produced by devices of relatively low cost and with a relatively small amount of energy. Consequently, a very hygienic preparation of foamed food products can be carried out. The air flow to be used for good results is dependent on the diameter of the tubular microfiltration wall and the desired flow rate of the prepared product.
    [0059] If a consumer wants to obtain a milk froth service, or other product in other modalities, he pushes an activation button (not shown in Figure 2) in which the operating device 53 activates the heating of the water to a temperature 95 ° C to 98 ° C and pressurizes the water to a pressure of 0.3 MPa by activating pump 38 and heater 39, respectively. When the water is sufficiently heated then the operating device 36 operates the product preparation apparatus 36 to supply the heated water to the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4. When the water emerges from the converging nozzle 9 it creates suction to draw concentrated milk out of the retainer 2 and the heated water and concentrated milk are mixed in the mixing chamber 10. Using such a water temperature and water pressure, concentrated milk is dragged out of the retainer 2 in such an amount that after mixing with heated water a liquid food product with a substantially normal amount of dry matter, or normal amount of liquid content is obtained. The disposable set 1 is kept at room temperature and does not require any refrigeration. In addition, in other embodiments, water pressurization can be performed up to a pressure in the range of 0.11 to 2.5 MPa.
    [0060] The air present in the air supply space 17 has a pressure that is greater than the pressure of the milk flowing from the product inlet opening 14 to the outlet opening 15. The air present in the supply space of air 17 enters the milk evenly through the pores so that fine air bubbles are introduced homogeneously into the milk for the purpose of foaming. Finally, the milk foam produced is discharged through the spout 27. In this way, when the milk is supplied to the microfiltration device, it is possible to inject air into the milk in a sterile manner, since the microfiltration device 11 with such pores of transmission and in particular when manufactured from hydrophobic material, such as PP functions as a HEPA filter, leading to a very hygienic way of preparing milk froth. In addition, adding air to milk in this way can provide a highly stable attractive foam, in particular of a constant quality, in a relatively simple way for a desired period of time. With several products that can be foamed, in addition, a particularly high surplus (degree of aeration) can be obtained.
    [0061] After the milk froth service is discharged, the operating device closes the injector valve, deactivates the water heater and a water pump, but still keeps the air compressor 46 activated to continuously supply air under excess pressure to the microfiltration device. This excess pressure air expels possible debris from the nozzle 27 and prevents microorganisms from entering the side of the disposable assembly 1. Only when the disposable assembly 1 is empty and the sensor 55 detects the disconnection of the 44A air extension from the connection then the operating device 53 deactivates the air compressor 46.
    [0062] In this way a single disposable set 1 that is aseptically filled with a content of 4 liters of concentrated milk can be used to distribute a quantity of portions of milk foam to a regular restaurant for seven days, while it is not refrigerated, this is kept at room temperatures and without any necessary cleaning during this period. Thus the method of the invention and the system can provide a preparation of foamed food product with a minimum of energy consumption, a minimum of handling for the user (refilling and cleaning) and a maximum of operating time.
    [0063] In Figures 3 and 4 other modalities of the system for preparing a foamed food product according to the invention are shown schematically in the cross section, in which the product preparation apparatus 36 comprises an injector valve actuator 56, and wherein the disposable assembly 1 comprises an injector valve 57.
    [0064] The disposable set 1 comprises a retainer 2 which in these Examples is designed to contain a maximum amount of 4 liters of milk 3 in concentrated form. The disposable set 1 additionally comprises an eductor 4, a water inlet 6, a concentrated liquid food inlet 7 and a liquid food product outlet 8. A converging nozzle 9 is present which is in direct communication with the water inlet 6 and a mixing chamber and a low pressure zone (for example, formed by a diffuser or Venturi) 10 that are in direct communication with the liquid food product 8 outlet from the eductor 4.
    [0065] The disposable set 1 is provided in addition with a microfiltration device 11 with an air opening 16.
    [0066] In the disposable set 1 a transfer tube 19 connects the outlet 8 of the eductor 4 with the product inlet opening of the microfiltration device 11. Additionally, a tube of concentrated liquid food product 20 connects the retainer 2 with the inlet concentrated liquid food 7 from the eductor 4 and a water inlet tube 21 connects the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 with a water connection 22 of the disposable assembly 1. This water connection 22 is configured for connection to an external source of water 37 via a water line 41.
    [0067] The air opening 16 of the disposable assembly 1 is configured for connection to an external air source through an air line 44 in which an air compressor 46 is incorporated.
    [0068] In the product preparation apparatus 36 a water reservoir 37 is provided as well as the pump 38 as a means for pressurizing water. From a water reservoir 37 a water line 41 runs through the product preparation apparatus 36 and is configured for the detachable connection with the water connection 22 of the disposable assembly 1 to supply water to the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 of the disposable set 1.
    [0069] In the product preparation apparatus 36 also the air source 42, in this case an opening in the product preparation apparatus 36 for the ambient atmosphere, is provided in which the opening is closed by a grid to prevent larger particles from passing through the opening. From the air source 42 the air line 44 flows through the product preparation apparatus 36 and is configured for the detachable connection with the air inlet or opening 16 of the disposable assembly 1 to supply air to the air inlet 16 of the microfiltration device 11 of the disposable assembly 1.
    [0070] The product preparation apparatus 36 further comprises an operating device 53, for example, a microprocessor, to control the operation of the product preparation apparatus 36. For this purpose, the operating device 53 is connected via lines with relevant devices or device components 36.
    [0071] An injector valve actuator 56 is part of the means for pressurizing water from the product preparation apparatus 36 and is arranged to - after connecting the disposable assembly 1 with the product preparation apparatus 36 - engage the injector valve 57, that is, when the means for pressurizing water are connected to the water connection of the disposable assembly. An injector valve actuator 56 is operatively connected via an actuator 58 and the lines to the operating device 53, and an injector valve actuator 56 in this mode is rotatable under control of the operating device 53.
    [0072] An injector valve actuator 56 - after connecting the disposable assembly to the product preparation apparatus - is in engagement with the injector valve 57 and can be operated under control of the operating device 53 to position the valve injector 57 both in a enable position to allow the connection of the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 to the concentrated milk connection of the disposable assembly 1 (as shown in Figs. 5B) and to position the injector valve 57 and a position of disabling (as shown in Figs. 5A and 5C) to disable the connection of the water inlet of said eductor with the concentrated milk connection of the disposable set.
    [0073] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the injector valve 57 is a rotary injector valve and is configured in addition, for example, through the provision of properly positioned openings, as well as to allow the connection of the retainer 2 with the outlet of the liquid food product 8 from the eductor 4 when the injector valve 57 is enabling the connection of the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 with the water connection 22 of the disposable set 1 (as shown in Fig. 5B) and to disable the connection of the retainer 2 to the liquid food product 8 outlet of the eductor 4 (as shown in Fig. 5C) when the injector valve 57 is enabling the connection of the water inlet 6 of the eductor 4 with the water connection 22 of the assembly disposable 1, respectively. In the position as shown in Figure 5C, it is possible to discharge without concentrated liquid food product being dragged out of the retainer. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the injector valve 57 is also configured to be convergent.
    [0074] During the operation of the system for preparing a foamed food product, the operating device 53 first controls the operation of the heater 39 to heat water and the means for pressurizing water, in particular the pump 38, such that the water can be heated to a desired temperature. A predetermined period of time after the operating device 53 has activated the heater 38 and the pump 38 the operating device 53 activates an injector valve actuator 56 for rotation so that the injector valve 57, which is biased in position of disabling, be turned to the enable position by engaging with a 56 injector valve actuator. Then the heated water, which has already been pressurized, is passed to the eductor 4 and allowing the connection with the retainer, the concentrated liquid food product 3 is dragged out of the retainer. Next, the same process that occurs is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. After serving a portion of the foamed food product, that is, in this case, milk foam has been dispensed, the operating device 53 controls an actuator. injector valve 56 to rotate injector valve 57 in the disable position first, and a predetermined period of time thereafter, for example, a period of time between 2 to 10 seconds, deactivates heater 39 and pump 38, and optionally the air compressor 46.
    [0075] The invention can prepare foams that can be poured hot, for example, cappuccino, latte macchiato and other drinks with hot milk, with or without flavor additions. In a further elaboration, for this purpose, the product is foamed to a minimum surplus of 10% and obtains / possesses immediately after dispensing a temperature between 50 and 85 ° C, preferably between 60 and 70 ° C and even more preferably between 65 and 68 ° C. The product can, for example, be predominantly poured (for example, with a surplus less than 100%).
    Alternatively, the invention can prepare cold and very cold drinks, for example, milk drink, milk shake, lunch drink, etc. In this case, the product can have, for example, a minimum surplus of 10% and a temperature less than 20 ° C, preferably a temperature between -5 and 10 ° C. The cold dispensed product can be predominantly poured and, for example, it can comprise a sweet, reciprocally salted product, a fermented milk product.
    [0077] The invention is particularly well suited for preparing ice cream or a (milk) shake. The ice cream or whipped (milk) product may have a surplus in the range of 10% to 200% and a temperature of 0 ° C or less (preferably a temperature in the range of -10 ° C to -2 ° C).
    [0078] The invention can be used, for example, such that a mentioned product goes through a surplus that is greater than 100% (in particular 150% or more, and more particularly 200% or more), using a relatively low pressure (in particular an air pressure supplied to the aforementioned air supply space), for example, a pressure less than 0.2 MPa. The invention can be used, for example, such that a product mentioned goes through a surplus that is greater than 100% (in particular 150% or more, and more particularly 200% or more), while the product dispensed has a relatively high temperature. low, for example, a temperature of 0 ° C or lower.
    权利要求:
    Claims (37)
    [0001]
    1. Disposable set (1) for a foamed food product, said disposable set (1) comprising: - a support (2) containing said liquid food product in concentrated form, characterized by the fact that the disposable set (1) still comprises ; - an eductor (4); - a microfiltration device (11); - a transfer tube (19) connecting an outlet (8) of said eductor (4) with a product inlet (14) of said microfiltration device (11); - a concentrated liquid food product tube (20) that connects said support (2) to a concentrated liquid food product inlet (7) of said eductor (4); - a water inlet tube (21) that connects a water inlet (6) of said eductor (4) with a water connection (22) of the disposable assembly (1), said water connection (22) being configured to connection to an external source of water under pressure, said concentrated liquid food inlet (7) of said eductor (4) being positioned between said water inlet (6) and said outlet (8) of said eductor (4); - a gas inlet tube (23) that connects said microfiltration device (11) to a gas connection (24) of said disposable assembly (1), said gas connection (24) being configured for connection to an external source pressure gas; and - a foam food product outlet tube (25) that connects an outlet of the microfiltration device (11) to an outlet connection (26) of the disposable assembly (1) to discharge a foam food product created by the foam device microfiltration (11) of the disposable set (1).
    [0002]
    2. Disposable set (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said eductor (4) comprises a housing (5) containing a converging nozzle (9) being in direct communication with said water inlet (6) said eductor (4), a mixing chamber and a low pressure zone (10) being in direct communication with said outlet (8) of said eductor (4).
    [0003]
    Disposable set (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the microfiltration device (11) is made of a hydrophobic material.
    [0004]
    Disposable set (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that the microfiltration device (11) comprises a medium with a microfiltration surface that has gas transmitting pores (18), said microfiltration device (11) having a product inlet (14) and a product outlet (15).
    [0005]
    5. Disposable set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the microfiltration device (11) comprises a tubular microfiltration wall (12) that has gas transmitting pores (18), said microfiltration device (11) comprising a product inlet opening (14) and an outlet opening (15), said microfiltration device (11) further comprising a housing (13) that surrounds said tubular microfiltration wall (12) to form a space gas supply (17) between the tubular microfiltration wall (12) and the housing (13), wherein said housing (13) comprises a gas opening (16) in communication with said gas inlet tube (23) , said tubular microfiltration wall (12) being made of hydrophobic material.
    [0006]
    Disposable set (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the tubular microfiltration wall (12) comprises gas transmitting pores (18) having a pore size in the range of 0.05 to 10 microns, in a pore size of at least 0.1 micron and less than 2 microns, more particularly a pore size of at least 0.2 micron and less than 1.5 microns.
    [0007]
    7. Disposable set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the concentrated liquid food product is a milk-based concentrate.
    [0008]
    Disposable set (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the concentrated milk comprises 20% by weight of dry matter to 30% by weight of dry matter, preferably 23 to 27% by weight of dry matter.
    [0009]
    Disposable set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the support (2) for containing said liquid food product in concentrated form comprises a connection of concentrated liquid food product (32) being configured for connection to said tube of concentrated liquid food product (20), wherein said eductor (4), said microfiltration device (11), said transfer tube (19), said tube of concentrated liquid food product (20), said inlet tube water (21), said water connection (22), said gas inlet tube (23), said gas connection (24), said foam food product outlet tube (25) and said outlet connection ( 26) are mounted as a unit (31) which is detachably connected by said tube of concentrated liquid food product (20) to said connection of concentrated liquid food product (32), said unit (31) being preferably made of hydrophobic material .
    [0010]
    10. Disposable set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one connection (22, 24, 26) is closed by an aseptic seal (28, 29, 30).
    [0011]
    11. Disposable set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said support (2) containing liquid food product in concentrated form contains 0.5 to 1 liter, or 2 to 5 liters, preferably 3 to 4 liters of said liquid food product in concentrated form.
    [0012]
    Disposable set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the disposable set (1) comprises a means for providing a constant gas flow to the microfiltration device (11), said means preferably being formed by a reducing valve (51).
    [0013]
    13. Disposable set (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the water inlet tube (21) of the disposable set (1) comprises an injection valve (57) to enable connection of the water inlet ( 6) of said eductor (4) with the water connection (22) of the disposable set (1) and disable connection of the water inlet (6) of said eductor (4) with the water connection (22) of the disposable set ( 1), respectively.
    [0014]
    Disposable assembly (1) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the injection valve (57) is a rotary injection valve.
    [0015]
    15. Disposable set (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by the fact that the injection valve (57) is arranged to enable connection of the support (2) to the outlet of liquid food product (8) from said eductor (4 ) when the injection valve (57) is enabling connection of the water inlet (6) of said eductor (4) with the water connection (22) of the disposable assembly (1) and to disable connection of the support (2) to the outlet of liquid food product (8) of said eductor (4) when the injection valve (57) is enabling connection of the water inlet (6) of said eductor (4) with the water connection (22) of the disposable assembly (1), respectively.
    [0016]
    Disposable assembly (1) according to claim 2 and any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized by the fact that the converging nozzle (9) is configured as the injection valve (57).
    [0017]
    17. Disposable set (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized by the fact that the injection valve (57) is requested to disable connection of the water inlet (6) of said eductor (4) with the connection of water (22) from the disposable set (1).
    [0018]
    18. System for preparing a foamed food product, said system characterized by the fact that it comprises a product preparation apparatus (36) for preparing said foamed food product and a disposable assembly (1) as defined in any of the preceding claims, said product preparation apparatus (36) comprising a water source, a heater (39) for heating water, a means for pressurizing water (38), said means for pressurizing water being configured for detachable connection to the water connection (22) of the disposable set (1) to supply water to the water inlet (6) of the eductor (4) of the disposable set (1), a source of pressurized gas, said source of pressurized gas being configured for detachable connection to the gas connection (24 ) of said disposable assembly (1) for supplying pressurized gas to the gas inlet (16) of the microfiltration device (11).
    [0019]
    System for preparing a foamed food product according to claim 18, characterized in that said heater (39) for heating water is configured to heat water to a temperature in the range of 60 ° C to 110 ° C, preferably 90 ° C to 98 ° C, more preferably 95 ° Ca98 ° C.
    [0020]
    20. System for preparing a foamed food product according to claims 18 or 19, characterized in that said means for pressurizing water (38) is configured to pressurize water in a range between 0.1 to 0.2 mPa.
    [0021]
    21. System for preparing a foamed food product according to any of claims 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that the system comprises a means for providing a constant gas flow to the microfiltration device (11), said means preferably being formed by a reducing valve (51).
    [0022]
    22. System for preparing a foamed food product according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the source of pressurized gas is configured to supply pressurized gas at a slight overpressure, the overpressure preferably being in the range between 0.101 at 0.15 mPa and where the pressurized gas source comprises a gas support with a continuous gas pump or a compressor (46) to provide a gas flow of 0.05 to 1.2 Nlitros / min, preferably 0 , 05 to 0.4 Nlitros / min, more preferably 0.15 to 0.4 Nlitros / min, even more preferably 0.2 to 0.3 Nlitros / min and a reducing valve (51).
    [0023]
    23. System for preparing a foamed food product according to claim 22, characterized in that the reducing valve (51) comprises an orifice having a diameter in a range between 0.03 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably between 0 , 05 and 0.1 mm to generate a constant gas flow.
    [0024]
    24. System for preparing a foamed food product according to either of claims 18 or 23, characterized in that the product preparation apparatus (36) comprises an operating device (53) for controlling the operation of the gas source pressurized, a sensor (55) to detect connection and disconnection, respectively, from the pressurized gas source to the gas connection (24) of said disposable assembly (1) and to provide a signal indicating said connection and disconnection, respectively, to the device of operation (53), said operation device (53) being configured to (continuously) activate said source of pressurized gas between said detected connection and said detected disconnection of said gas connection (24) of said disposable assembly (1).
    [0025]
    A system for preparing a foamed food product according to either of claims 18 or 23, comprising a disposable assembly (1) as defined in any of claims 13 to 17, characterized by the fact that the means for pressurizing water (38 ) of the product preparation apparatus (36) comprises an injector valve actuator (56), said injection valve actuator (56) being arranged to engage the injector valve (57) when the means for pressurizing water (38) is connected to the water connection (22) of the disposable set (1), said injection valve actuator (56) being operable to position the injection valve (57) in a enabling position to enable connection of the water inlet (6) of said eductor ( 4) with the water connection (22) of the disposable set (1) and to position the injection valve (57) in a disabling position to disable connection of the water inlet (6) of said eductor (4) with the water connection water (22) from the disposable set (1), respectively.
    [0026]
    26. System for preparing a foamed food product according to claims 24 and 25, characterized in that the injector valve actuator (56) is operatively connected to the operating device (53).
    [0027]
    27. System for preparing a foamed food product according to claim 26, characterized in that the operating device (53) is arranged to control the operation of the heater (39) to heat water and the medium to pressurize water ( 38), said operating device (53) being arranged to operate the injection valve actuator (56) to position the injection valve (57) in the enable position within a predetermined period of time after the operating device (53) has controlled the heater (39) for heating water and having controlled the means for pressurizing water (38) for pressurizing water.
    [0028]
    28. System for preparing a foamed food product according to claim 27, characterized in that the operating device (53) is arranged to operate the injection valve actuator (56) to position the injection valve (57) in the disable position in a predetermined period of time after the operating device (53) deactivates the heater and the means for pressurizing water (38).
    [0029]
    29. System for preparing a foamed food product according to any one of claims 18 to 28, characterized in that the product preparation apparatus (36) is free of any cooling devices for the disposable assembly (1).
    [0030]
    30. System for preparing a foamed food product according to any one of claims 18 to 29, characterized in that the product preparation apparatus (36) is configured to prepare a foamed food product having a temperature in a range between 60 ° C and 70 ° C, preferably in a range between 65 ° C and 68 ° C.
    [0031]
    31. Method for preparing a foamed food product using a system as defined in any one of claims 18 to 30, said method characterized by the fact that said method comprises the step of connecting said disposable assembly (1) to said product preparation apparatus (36), the step of heating and pressurizing water and the step of providing said heated water to the water inlet (6) of said eductor (4) to drive the concentrated liquid food product out of the support (2) and to mix said liquid food product concentrated with heated water.
    [0032]
    32. Method for preparing a foamed food product according to claim 31 using a system as defined in any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized by the fact that the method comprises the step of enabling water inlet connection (6) of the said eductor (4) with the water connection (22) of the disposable assembly (1) between the step of heating and pressurizing water and the step of providing said heated water.
    [0033]
    33. The method of claim 31 or 32, characterized by the fact that the method comprises the step of heating water to such a temperature and providing said heated water to such a pressure at the water inlet (6) of said eductor (4) that the concentrated liquid food product is carried out of the support (2) in such an amount that, after mixing with the heated water, a liquid food product with a substantially normal amount of dry matter is obtained.
    [0034]
    34. The method of claim 33, characterized in that the step of heating water heats water to a temperature in the range of 60 ° C to 110 ° C, preferably 90 ° C to 98 ° C, more preferably 95 ° C to 98 ° C, where heated water having a pressure in the range between 0.11 and 2.5 mPa, preferably between 0.2 and 0.4 3 mPa is supplied to the water inlet (6) of the eductor (4 ) and in which concentrated liquid food product is used concentrated milk having 20 to 30% by weight of dry matter, preferably 23 to 27% by weight of dry matter.
    [0035]
    35. The method of any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized by the fact that the method comprises the step of maintaining said disposable assembly (1) at room temperature.
    [0036]
    36. Method according to any one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that the method comprises the step of supplying gas to the microfiltration device (11) under an overpressure of 0.101 to 0.15 mPa, and with a gas flow from 0.05 to 1.2 Nlitros / min, preferably 0.05 to 0.4 Nlitros / min, more preferably 0.15 to 0.4 Nlitros / min, even more preferably 0.2 to 0.3 Nlitros / min .
    [0037]
    37. Method according to any of claims 31 to 36, characterized by the fact that the method comprises the step of disabling water heating and disabling water pressurization, wherein the method additionally comprises the step of disabling the inlet connection of water (6) from said eductor (4) with the water connection (22) of the disposable assembly (1) before the step of deactivating the heating and deactivating the water pressurization.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    MX2015005383A|2015-08-05|
    AU2013338753B2|2017-09-28|
    JP6297051B2|2018-03-20|
    CN104853655A|2015-08-19|
    ES2610083T3|2017-04-25|
    HUE031599T2|2017-08-28|
    NL2009712C2|2014-05-01|
    US20150289710A1|2015-10-15|
    JP2015536708A|2015-12-24|
    AU2013338753A1|2015-05-14|
    SG11201503341YA|2015-06-29|
    RU2015116339A|2016-12-20|
    EP2911559B1|2016-12-07|
    BR112015009562A2|2017-07-04|
    RU2641492C2|2018-01-17|
    CA2889325A1|2014-05-08|
    WO2014069993A1|2014-05-08|
    US10327578B2|2019-06-25|
    HK1210395A1|2016-04-22|
    MX353657B|2018-01-22|
    CA2889325C|2020-05-05|
    CN104853655B|2017-12-15|
    EP2911559A1|2015-09-02|
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    法律状态:
    2018-11-21| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-12-10| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-09-01| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-10-27| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 29/10/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    NL2009712|2012-10-29|
    NL2009712A|NL2009712C2|2012-10-29|2012-10-29|A disposable assembly, a system and method for preparing a liquid food product.|
    PCT/NL2013/050759|WO2014069993A1|2012-10-29|2013-10-29|A disposable assembly, a system and method for preparing a foamed food product|
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