Patent
1986-12-12
1988-03-22
Abercrombie, Willie G.
A22B 508
Patent
active
047319089
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the scalding of carcasses comprising a heat insulated cabin for the carcasses and fans with appertaining air ducts for the circulation of hot, humid air past the carcasses which are conveyed through the cabin.
In bacon factories the carcasses are exposed to hot water or a hot, humid air current for a suitable period until dead surface layers and bristles have loosened. The parts can then be removed in a machine by means of rotary beating straps.
When scalded by a hot air current, the carcasses are conveyed through a cabin in which a vertical air current with a high humidity and a temperature of 60.degree.-70.degree. C. is provided. The aqueous vapour in the air is condensed as water droplets on the rind surface of the carcasses, and heat is thus supplied to the rind. After 6-10 minutes of treatment the surface layer and bristles of the carcass have loosened sufficiently to be removed in a machine.
In order to ensure uniform scalding of the rind surface it is necessary to maintain the temperature and humidity of the circulating air.
In a prior art apparatus steam is blown into the circulating air, and immediately thereafter the air is passed along cooling elements whereby the surplus humidity in the air is condensated into floating water droplets. The carcasses are thus scalded in a mist of hot water particles. The apparatus requires much energy because large amounts of heat are lost through the cooling elements.
Another prior art apparatus uses electric heaters together with steam to maintain a fixed temperature and air humidity, e.g. 85-95% relative humidity. A humidity sensor and a temperature sensor control the electric heaters and the steam supply. The steam consumption is thus reduced but at the same time electric power is required which normally is more expensive than fuel used in steam generators.
Owing to the fact that the loading of the cabin is constantly changing it has also appeared to be difficult to obtain a satisfactory joint control of both temperature and humidity.
The present invention provides a scalding apparatus without the abovementioned disadvantages. The apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises burners and water atomizers opening directly into air ducts, and one or more air discharge ducts for the air supplied to the cabin by the burners.
The apparatus according to the invention is advantageous in that only one heat source is used which supplies the necessary amount of heat directly, neither more nor less. The heat is utilized directly for production of vapour and heating of the circulating air, which means that the heat source is very cheap in operation.
By adjusting the burner output it is also possible to keep both temperature and air humidity constant which results in a very simple control.
In compliance with the invention, temperature sensors may thus be placed in the circulating air having connected control units for direct regulation of the burner output maintaining a constant condition in the cabin.
According to the invention the water atomizers may comprise atomizing nozzles and water pumps connected hereto, particularly with a constant output.
In order to collect and re-use surplus water from the water atomizers according to the invention a basin may be placed under the atomizing nozzles in the air ducts, and the suction side of the water pumps may be connected to this basin.
The air discharge ducts of the apparatus according to the invention may be equipped with air/water heat exchangers, the water outlets of which are connected to the suction side of the water pumps. In this way the heat in the discharge gas may be used for preheating of the water which is supplied to the pumps.
The apparatus according to the invention may be supplied with one or more belt conveyor systems conveying lying carcasses through the cabin. This embodiment has the advantage of not discolouring the rind as is the case with scalding of suspended carcasses.
In order to produce a uniform scalding the belts of the sy
REFERENCES:
patent: 3115671 (1963-12-01), Wilcox
patent: 3320632 (1967-05-01), Oehring
patent: 3343477 (1967-09-01), Ekstam
patent: 3520011 (1970-07-01), Lehman et al.
patent: 3703021 (1972-11-01), Sharp
Abercrombie Willie G.
Slagteriernes Forskningsinstitut
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