BE1031565A1 - FLAVOR SOLUTION DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for dissolving flavors comprising a tank (2) intended to be filled with the desired quantity of a solvent, connected with a set of pipes (4, 4', 5, 7, 8) coupled to a pump (3) and to a system (5) for introducing flavors in powder form, coupled to a static mixer (6), to a heating system (4, 4') comprising a plate exchanger (10), and to a filtration system (7), being arranged in parallel under the control of a system of valves (12, 13, 14, 15), and use of this device for dissolving flavors.

Description

FLAVOR SOLUTION DEVICE

Technical field

The present invention relates to a portable device for dissolving powders, such as flavors, and the method of using this device.

Prior art

Dissolving powders in a solvent is well known and is not, generally, associated with difficulties.

Such systems typically include a tank that contains the solvent, a heating system, a mixing system, and a filtration system.

For example, US6779539 describes a powder dissolving device equipped with a recirculation system with heating element.

WO 01/136078 describes the contacting of particles with a solvent.

However, these systems are generally heavy, bulky or immovable.

Furthermore, depending on the operating conditions, particularly for less bulky systems, and depending on the type of powder to be solubilized, the inventors have noted operational problems, particularly the risk of thermal degradation or the clogging of elements.

The use of space-saving systems such as mechanical stirrers has the disadvantage of foam formation, especially when dissolving powders with surfactant properties.

Brief summary of the invention

A first aspect of the present invention relates to an integrated and portable device (1) comprising: - a tank (2) intended to be filled with the desired quantity of a solvent, connected with - a pump (3) for the passage of a solvent in a piping assembly (4, 4' 5, 7, 8) comprising: a circulation conduit (5) for the introduction of aromas in powder form (9), coupled to a static mixer (6), a circulation conduit (4, 4') coupled to a plate exchanger (10), a circulation conduit (7) coupled to a filtration system (11), said circulation conduits (4, 4', 5, 7) coupled to the plate exchanger (10), for the introduction of aromas, and to the filtration system (11) being arranged in parallel under the control of a system of valves (12, 14) which makes it possible to direct said solvent only towards said circulation conduit (4, 4') coupled to said plate exchanger (10), then only directing the heated solvent only to said circulation conduit (5) for introducing aromas coupled to said static mixer (6), and, finally, only to said circulation conduit (7) coupled to said filtration system (11), and in which the piping assembly (8, ) coupled to the circulation conduit (4, 4') and to the circulation conduit (5) coupled to the static mixer (6) allows the recirculation of the solvent.

Preferably this valve system (12, 14) comprises at least two 3-way valves (12, 14), preferably said 3-way valve (12) allowing exclusive opening towards the circulation duct (4) or exclusive opening towards said circulation duct (5', 5) and/or said 3-way valve (14) allowing exclusive opening of the circulation duct (5) or exclusive opening towards said circulation duct (7).

Advantageously, the piping of these conduits (4, 4', 5', 5, 7, 8) and/or the tank and/or the static mixer (6) is made of stainless steel, preferably the tank having a volume of between 50 liters (I) and 1000 liters.

Preferably the static mixer (6) is configured to cause a Venturi effect and/or the pump (3) is positive displacement.

Preferably the filter (11) is a cartridge filter.

Preferably, a second pump (16) allows the circulation of a heat liquid in a heating circuit (10, 17, 18).

Advantageously, a non-return valve (13) and/or a non-return device (15) is (are) inserted.

A related aspect of the present invention relates to a method for dissolving a powder via a device (1), comprising: - filling a tank (2) with the desired quantity of solvent; - circulating said solvent in a circulation conduit (4, 4') being a pipe connected to a plate heat exchanger (10), so that this solvent reaches a predetermined temperature;

- closing this circulation conduit (4, 4') of the solvent towards the plate heat exchanger (10); - placing this powder (9) in a receptacle coupled to a circulation conduit (5) equipped with a device comprising a static mixer (6) and passing all of the solvent brought to temperature in this circulation conduit (5) and through this static mixer (6), so as to contact this powder (9) with this solvent, then to recirculate the powder and the solvent in this piping system (8, 5) comprising this static mixer (6) so as to substantially solubilize all of the powder; - closing this circulation conduit (5); - passing the solution comprising the substantially solubilized powder into a circulation conduit (7) coupled to a filtration system (11), so as to obtain a solution (comprising the solvent and the solubilized powder) free of aggregates.

Preferably, the tank (2) and/or all the pipes (4, 4' 5, 7, 8) and/or the static mixer (6) used in this process is (are) made of stainless steel.

Advantageously, the solvent is ethanol, water, glycerin, atriacetin, a vegetable oil, or a mixture (single phase) of these.

This method is particularly advantageous when the powder comprises a flavouring or a mixture of flavourings and/or when the powder comprises compounds which are unstable at temperatures above 50°C and/or when the powder has a particle size d90 of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

Preferably, in this process, the solvent is heated to a temperature between 25 and 45°C, preferably between 30 and 44°C.

Preferably, in this process, the solvent is brought up to temperature via recirculation in the conduit (4, 4’), and the plate exchanger (10), preferably via the conduits (5, 8).

A related aspect of the present invention relates to an assembly comprising: - a diaphragm pump connected to a piping system comprising a "pulsation dampener" intended to reduce the pressure variations induced by the diaphragm pump, and leading to - a cartridge filter.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a sectional view of the device according to the invention.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

The inventors noted that using a device for dissolving powders was tricky, especially if the device was portable. Indeed, powders that were not yet completely dissolved risk clogging various components, such as the heat exchanger or the filter. In addition, precise temperature control is often a difficulty, as is the implementation of powders with surfactant properties.

To solve these difficulties, the inventors designed an integrated and portable device 1 comprising: - a tank 2 intended to be filled with the desired quantity of a solvent, connected with

- a piping assembly 4, 4', 5, 7, 8 coupled to a pump 3, this piping assembly comprising a powder introduction system 9, comprising a circulation duct 5 coupled to a static mixer 6, a heating system comprising a circulation duct 4, 4' connected to a plate exchanger 10, the temperature of which is advantageously regulated by means of a heat transfer fluid circulating by means of a pump 16 through a closed circuit 18 and an electrical resistor 17, a filtration system comprising a circulation duct 7 connected to a filter 11, these circulation ducts 4, 4' 5, 7 connected to the heating, powder introduction and filtration systems being arranged under the control of a valve system, 12, 14, preferably 3-way valves, which make it possible to direct said solvent (exclusively) towards this circulation duct 4, 4' connected to the ... plates 10, then only (or exclusively) to this circulation conduit 5 connected to the powder introduction system 9 and to the static mixer 6 and, finally, only (or exclusively) to this circulation conduit 7 connected to the filter 11, and in which the piping assembly 8 coupled to the circulation conduit 5 connected to the static mixer 6 allows the recirculation of the solvent.

Preferably, the heating system comprises the circulation duct 4, 4' and the plate heat exchanger 10, the temperature of which is advantageously regulated by a heat liquid circulating through a recirculation circuit 18 and an electrical resistance 17 via a pump 16.

This simplifies the temperature control of the solvent.

Advantageously, the solvent (not yet brought into contact with the powder), leaving the plate exchanger 10 and the conduit 4’, is subject to recirculation via the conduit 8 in the tank 2.

This ensures the desired temperature of the solvent.

Thus, it is possible that the same conduits 5 and/or 8 are used for both the heating system and the solution system, or even conduit 8 for recirculation during filtration.

However, these conduits 5, 8 are arranged so that the solution brought into contact with the powder is not in contact with the plate exchanger, nor is it brought into premature contact with the filter 11.

The inventors noticed that, thanks to this integrated device, there is no need to use double-walled heating tanks.

Additionally, this prevents the solution containing the powder from passing into the heat exchanger.

Preferably the valve system comprises two three-way valves 12, 14. Advantageously the three-way valve 12 allows opening exclusively towards the circulation duct 4, 4' (towards the heating system) or exclusively towards the circulation duct 5 (or 5') (towards the powder introduction system) and/or preferably the valve 14 allows passage exclusively towards the circulation duct 5 or exclusively towards the circulation duct 7.

Preferably, or additionally, the valve system is coupled to non-return valves 13, 15. This makes it possible to prevent the solution brought into contact with the powder from reaching the heat exchanger 10 (for example from the conduit 5; e.g. solvent and the added powder), or from being brought into contact with the filter 11 prematurely (for example from the conduit 6; e.g. solvent alone or solvent and powder added, but not yet homogenized, or in the opposite direction).

In addition, this integrated device allows precise control of the parameters of the different stages of the manufacturing process.

The portability of the system has various advantages in terms of simplicity and cleaning quality and also in terms of flexibility because it can be used in different production lines.

The use of a plate exchanger is delicate because the risk of clogging is high. However, the inventors have favored this type of heat exchanger because of its smaller size, which ensures the portability of the system.

The inventors noted that the system of valves 12 and 14 made it possible to ensure that the solvent was brought to temperature before it came into contact with the powder to be dissolved. This prevents the plate heat exchanger from being obstructed.

Likewise, this system of valves 12, 14 makes it possible to recirculate the solvent brought into contact with the powder for the time necessary until substantially all of the powder has been dissolved.

Finally, even if this element is not essential, the valve system advantageously allows the recirculation of the solution after the filter 11, towards the tank 2, for example via the conduit 8.

This makes it easier to collect the filtered solution.

However, according to another alternative, the solution is collected after filter 11, without recirculation to tank 2.

As described above, this partitioning firstly prevents the heat exchanger from becoming blocked. Then, this partitioning ensures the lowest possible residual powder content before contact with the filter: this allows for maximum efficiency while protecting the filter from premature fouling. In addition, the system allows for the adaptation of times, especially at the mixing level, depending on the powder to be dissolved.

Advantageously, the piping 4, 4’ 5, 7, 8, the static mixer 6 and/or the tank 2 of this device 1 is made of stainless steel.

The inventors noticed that this ensured better cleaning of the device.

Preferably, the internal diameter of the piping 4, 4’ 5, 7, 8 (excluding Venturi device and/or static mixer) is of the order of a few tens of millimeters (e.g. from 10 to 100 mm). An internal diameter of approximately 50 millimeters has been successfully tested.

Preferably the tank 2 has a volume of between 50 | and 4000 liters, preferably between 100 | and 10001, such as between 150 | and 500 |.

In the context of the present invention, the term "static mixer" preferably means any mechanical element stably grafted to the piping 5 and causing localized turbulence, such as fins, baffles and/or diameter modifications.

Preferably, the static mixer 6 is configured to cause a Venturi effect.

The inventors noticed that this type of Venturi effect static mixer 6 allowed very good solution formation and facilitated maintenance of the installation, including cleaning.

Furthermore, this system allows the powder to be sucked up, advantageously placed in a funnel, so that it is not necessary to place the powder to be solubilized at the top of the integrated device to allow gravity flow. In practice, the powder introduction system 9 is advantageously placed at a height simplifying the handling work.

Preferably, a valve 20 allows the passage of the powder 9 and can be closed when the desired quantity of the powder 9 has been brought into contact with the solvent.

Advantageously, the pump 3 is of the volumetric type (positive displacement). This makes it possible to compensate for the pressure losses encountered in the circulation pipe 4 connected to the plate exchanger and in the static mixer 6, in particular when it is a Venturi effect pump. Preferably, among the positive displacement pumps, a screw pump allows operation with a wide viscosity range. A lobe pump, just like a membrane pump, can also be used.

An alternative is the use of a mixing pump, also called an in-line mixer or in-line homogenizer.

However, the combination of a positive displacement pump and a static mixer, especially allowing a Venturi effect, is preferred, in order to ensure the portability of the equipment.

A cartridge filter 11 is preferred. However, this cartridge filter cannot be combined directly with a diaphragm pump (it can be used directly with other positive displacement pumps such as the screw pump). The inventors have however achieved such a combination via a "damper" or also called "pulsation dampener", which is grafted onto the piping, downstream of the pump and which absorbs the overpressures. Preferably, this damper comprises an internal diaphragm system exposed on one side to pressurized air and, on the other side, to the fluid flowing in the piping, so that the position of this diaphragm is moved according to the pressure in the piping, thus minimizing the pulsations induced by the diaphragm pump.

Advantageously, a drain system 19 is placed at the bottom of the device 1.

Preferably the powder 9 comprises a flavor or a mixture of flavors.

Advantageously, the device of the present invention allows the dissolution of powders comprising surfactant substances.

Among the powders containing surfactants, there are powders of natural extracts, such as coffee, tea, caramel or liquorice extracts.

A related aspect of the present invention relates to a method for dissolving a powder 9 via a device 1, comprising filling a tank 2 with the desired quantity of solvent; - circulating this solvent in a circulation conduit 4, 4' connected to a plate heat exchanger 10, so that the solvent reaches a predetermined temperature, for example by actuating the (3-way) valve 12 (so as to open the passage to the piping 4); - closing the circulation conduit 4 of the solvent towards the heat exchanger 10 and/or actuating the (3-way) valve 12 (and/or 14), advantageously so as to close the passage to the circulation conduit 4 while allowing the passage to the circulation conduit 5, - placing the powder 9 in a receptacle coupled to a circulation conduit 5 equipped with a device comprising a static mixer

6 and pass all of the solvent brought to temperature into this circulation conduit 5, advantageously, by actuating the (3-way) valve 14, and through this static mixer 6, so as to contact the powder with the solvent, then to recirculate the powder and the solvent in said piping system 8 5, 6 so as to substantially solubilize all of this powder; - close this circulation conduit 5 and/or actuate the (3-way) valve 14, advantageously so as to close the passage to the circulation conduit 5 and to open the passage (only) to the

IO circulation conduit 7; - passing the solution comprising the substantially solubilized powder into a circulation conduit 7 coupled to a filtration system 11, so as to obtain a solution comprising the powder solubilized therein and free of aggregates.

Advantageously, in this process, the tank 2 and/or all of the pipes 4, 4’ 5, 7, 8 and/or the static mixer 6 is made of stainless steel.

A preferred solvent is ethanol, water, glycerin, triacetin, vegetable oil or a mixture thereof. Water may be

A juice or an extract, including a fruit juice.

The inventors noted that the system is robust and can operate over a wide range of viscosities, which provides a wide choice of solvents, and also of solutions incorporating the powder.

The incorporation of ethanol increases the microbiological stability of the solution, which allows to maintain a temperature typically below 50°C and to avoid a rapid deterioration of the properties of the preparation.

A preferred powder includes a flavor or blend of flavors.

The inventors noticed that the solution process was compatible with these delicate molecules, for example when the powder includes compounds unstable at temperatures above 50°C.

Likewise, this process is compatible with powders having surfactant (foaming) properties, such as powders of natural extracts, for example powders of coffee, tea, liquorice or caramel extract.

Preferably, the powder has a particle size d90 of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

By d90, in the context of the present invention, it is preferably understood that 90% of the particles have a (equivalent) diameter less than the value reported (e.g. 4 mm or 2 mm).

In this process, preferably, the solvent is heated to a temperature between 25 and 45°C, preferably between 30 and 44°C.

In particular the heating step is advantageous, especially when the solvent includes glycerin (glycerol).

The fact that the solvent is at temperature before contacting it with the powder is essential in the present invention. The above temperature ranges are advantageous particularly when the powder comprises a flavor or a mixture of flavors.

A purge valve 19 is advantageously placed below the device 1, which allows easy drainage of the entire piping 4, 4’, 5, 7, 8, for example when the device 1 is stopped or to recover the solution after filtration, if the filtration is coupled with recirculation via the piping 8 to the tank 2.

Recirculation of the solution after filtration is not mandatory, but reinforces the control of the absence of residual particles. In addition, for solutions almost free of inclusions, the recirculation system towards tank 2 is practical and avoids the addition of another tank downstream of filter 11, intended for the collection of the solution.

As an alternative, especially for solutions with a higher particle content, harvesting directly after filter 11, i.e. in a second tank, is preferred.

A preferred filter 11 is of the cartridge type.

Similarly, a preferred 3 pump is “screw” OR “diaphragm”. However, a diaphragm pump, coupled with a cartridge filter 11, requires the grafting of a “shock absorber” (in English

Dampener; see above).

A final composition has typically incorporated between 10 and 50% by weight of the powder, for example about 20% by weight.

The device is easily cleaned by the “Cleaning In

Place”, by circulating and recirculating a cleaning composition from tank 2 throughout the piping 4, 4’, 5, 7, 8.

Another aspect of the present patent application relates to a piping element associated with a diaphragm pump, this piping element also includes a "pulsation dampener" intended to reduce pressure variations, and ends in a cartridge filter.

In the context of the present invention, the term "pulsation dampener" is preferably understood to mean a "pulsation dampener" which is grafted onto the piping, downstream of the (diaphragm) pump and which absorbs the overpressures caused by the latter. Preferably, this pulsation dampener comprises an internal diaphragm system exposed on the one hand to pressurized air and, on the other hand, to the fluid flowing in the piping, so that the position of this diaphragm is moved according to the pressure in the piping, thus minimizing the pulsations (pressure variations) induced by the diaphragm pump.

The inventors noticed that this combination was less expensive, but was very robust, while reducing working time.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be drawn from the non-limiting description which follows, and with reference to the drawings and examples.

Examples.

It is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and that many modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Example | :

Glycerin

Variline

Maltol

Methyl cyclopentenolone

Total 100%

Example 2:

Claims (16)

1. An integrated and portable device (1) comprising: - a tank (2) intended to be filled with the desired quantity of a solvent, connected with - a pump (3) for the passage of a solvent in a piping assembly (4, 4' 5, 7, 8) comprising: a circulation conduit (5', 5) for the introduction of flavors in powder form (9), coupled to a static mixer (6), a circulation conduit (4, 4') coupled to a plate exchanger (10), a circulation conduit (7) coupled to a filtration system (11), said circulation conduits (4, 4', 5', 5, 7) coupled to the plate exchanger (10), for the introduction of flavors, and to the filtration system (11) being arranged under the control of a valve system (12, 14) which makes it possible to direct said solvent towards said circulation conduit (4, 4') coupled to said plate exchanger (10), then directing the heated solvent only to said circulation conduit (5', 5) for introducing aromas coupled to said static mixer (6), and, finally, only to said circulation conduit (7) coupled to said filtration system (11), and in which the piping assembly (8) coupled to the circulation conduit (4, 4') and to the circulation conduit (5', 5) coupled to the static mixer (6) allows the recirculation of the solvent. 2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the valve system (12, 14) comprises at least two 3-way valves (12, 14), preferably said 3-way valve (12) allowing exclusive opening towards the circulation duct (4) or exclusive opening towards said circulation duct (5', 5) and/or said 3-way valve (14) allowing exclusive opening towards the circulation duct (5) or exclusive opening towards said circulation duct (7). 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2 in which the piping (4, 4', 5', 5, 7, 8) and/or the tank (2) and/or the static mixer (6) is made of stainless steel, preferably the tank (2) having a volume of between 50 | and 1000 liters. 4. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the static mixer (6) is configured to cause a Venturi effect. 5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the pump (3) is positive displacement, preferably a screw pump or a membrane pump, and/or the filter (11) is a cartridge filter, preferably when the pump (3) is membrane and the filter (11) is cartridge, said device further comprises a "pulsation dampener" intended to reduce pressure variations, downstream of the pump (3). 6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a second pump (16) allowing the circulation of a heat liquid in a heating circuit (10, 17, 18). 7. The device according to any preceding claim further comprising a non-return valve (13) and, preferably a second non-return valve (15). 8. A method of dissolving a powder via a device (1), comprising: - filling a tank (2) with the desired quantity of solvent; - circulating said solvent in a circulation conduit (4, 4') being a pipe connected to a plate heat exchanger (10), so that said solvent reaches a predetermined temperature; - closing said circulation conduit (4, 4') of the solvent towards the plate heat exchanger (10); - placing said powder (9) in a receptacle coupled to a circulation conduit (5) equipped with a device comprising a static mixer (6) and passing all of the solvent brought to temperature in said circulation conduit (5) and through said static mixer (6), so as to contact said powder (9) with said solvent, then to recirculate the powder and the solvent in said piping system (8, 5) comprising said static mixer (6) so as to substantially solubilize all of the powder; - closing said circulation conduit (5); - passing the solution comprising the substantially solubilized powder in a circulation conduit (7) coupled to a filtration system (11), so as to obtain a solution free of aggregates. 9. The method according to claim 8 in which the tank (2) and/or all of the pipes (4, 4’ 5, 7, 8) and/or the static mixer (6) is made of stainless steel. 10.The method of claim 8 or 9 wherein the solvent is ethanol, water, glycerin, triacetin, vegetable oil, or a mixture thereof. 11.The method according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 10 in which the powder comprises a flavor or a mixture of flavors. 12.The method according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 11 in which the powder comprises compounds unstable at temperatures above 50°C. 13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 12 in which the powder has a particle size d90 of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. 14.The process according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 13 in which the solvent is heated to a temperature between 25 and 45°C, preferably between 30 and 44°C. 15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 14 in which the solvent is brought up to temperature via recirculation in the conduit (4, 4'), and the plate exchanger (10), preferably via the conduits (5, 8). 16.A unit comprising a diaphragm pump connected to a piping system comprising a “pulsation dampener” intended to reduce pressure variations, and a cartridge filter.