DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a fully automated rotary assembly for preparation of paneer. The present invention further relates to an automated method of preparation of paneer by employing the automated rotary assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Paneer is a popular edible item in Indian Subcontinent, particularly in India. Traditionally, paneer is coagulated manually by transferring heated, curdled Milk in vat and allowing it to set for required time. Accordingly, a Paneer manufacturing technician coagulates milk by pouring diluted acid in the milk, while closely observing the coagulation process manually. If needed the technician adds extra acid to ensure coagulation is complete. During idling, the coagulation mass is kept undisturbed for 5-6 minutes to settle down the curd at the bottom. Subsequently, whey is separated and paneer is extracted through manual scooping and taken into cloth for pressing.

In its traditional form, this paneer preparation method is manual or semi-manual. Due to the manual nature of this process, human errors may play a role in impairing entire paneer making process. Further, the time required for this process may be substantial. In order to prepare paneer in bulk quantities with minimal error, there is a need to introduce machinery that will automatically carry out entire process, with increased productivity and uniform quantity of the product.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION:
Therefore, the present invention discloses an automated rotary assembly for the preparation of paneer. The said assembly comprises plurality of vats / containers having various sizes & capacities to load Milk/Mixture of milk & whey, at least one auto-control module for controlling flow of pre-heated milk or a mixture of milk & whey loaded into vat/container, at least two auto-controlled agitators for vertical movement for agitating said milk or a mixture of milk & whey, plurality of sensors to measure various parameters such as temperature and pH/Conductivity/Turbidity, related to coagulation of milk or a mixture of milk & whey, an acid buffer tank required to store the diluted acid, an acid dosing pump for the addition of acid to milk or a mixture of milk & whey and a processor to automate and control all the processes involved. In this preferred embodiment, the assembly includes six or four (depends on capacity of machine) identical vats/containers in which processes take place.

The present invention further discloses an automated process for preparation of paneer using the automated rotary assembly. The process comprises the steps:
a) Introduction of heated milk or the mixture of milk & whey in said vat/container in controlled quantity by an auto-control module,
b) agitation of the milk or the said mixture by means of agitator/s with simultaneous measurement of parameters such as temperature and pH/Conductivity/Turbidity of the milk / mixture by various sensors,
c) coagulating the said milk/ mixture by addition of diluted acid through spray mechanism in specified quantity
d) keeping idle the Coagulated mass for a specific time for formation of Paneer Curd
e) drawing out Excess whey from vat for specified quantity before de-vat
f) Automatic de-vating/unloading of the completely coagulated mass gradually into a micro-perforated mould.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the fully automated rotary assembly, which includes six vats/containers

Figure 2 illustrates top view the fully automated rotary assembly, which includes six vats/containers

Figure 3 illustrates left side view fully automated rotary assembly, which includes six vats/containers

Figure 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the fully automated rotary assembly, which includes four vats/containers

Figure 5 illustrates top view of the automated rotary assembly, which includes four vats/containers

Figure 6 illustrates the assembly alongwith auto control module (70)

Figure 7 illustrates the moulds (80) of the invention.

The drawings herein are for demonstration and are not limiting the scope of the invention.

Definitions:
The following terms, which are frequently used in the description, are defined herein

Paneer – A subcontinental variance of cheese prepared by curdling the milk by the addition of diluted acid

Curd – A traditional product in Indian subcontinent prepared by fermenting milk, typically cow, buffalo or goat milk,

Whey – liquid remnant after milk has been curdled,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION:
Unlike conventional and traditional manual processes and varying sizes of vats, the present invention provides uniform quantities and quality of paneer in an automatic and continuous output.

Accordingly, the present invention describes a fully automated rotary assembly of vats for preparation of paneer. The said assembly is demonstrated in the figures provided with the description. It is to be understood that the figures represent preferred embodiment as well as alternate embodiments, referring to which the invention may be best understood. However, figures provided herein do not restrict the scope of the invention. For example, while the said rotary assembly preferably includes six containers for automated preparation of paneer, in alternate embodiment, the said rotary assembly may be of four containers. The number of containers may be determined based on the manufacturing needs and other necessities. While the present invention is demonstrated as per needs of small / medium clients, in a large industrial dairy output environment, the number and capacities of containers may vary as required by the user industry.

Figure 1, 2 & 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the automated rotary assembly (1) for the preparation of paneer. The said assembly plurality of vats / containers (10) having various sizes & capacities to load Milk/Mixture of milk & whey, at least one auto-control module (70) for controlling flow of pre-heated milk or a mixture of milk & whey loaded into vat/container, at least two auto-controlled agitators (30) for vertical movement for agitating said milk or a mixture of milk & whey, plurality of sensors to measure various parameters such as temperature and pH, related to coagulation of milk or a mixture of milk & whey, an acid buffer tank required to store the diluted acid, an acid dosing pump for the addition of acid to milk or a mixture of milk & whey and a processor (60) to automate and control all the processes involved. In this preferred embodiment, the assembly includes six identical vats/containers in which processes take place.

Further, said assembly includes at least one auto-control module (70) is introduced for controlling the flow of heated milk or a mixture of milk & whey into said vat/container (10). Preferably, two agitators (20) are used for mixing milk or the mixture of milk & whey into said vat/container (10). The acid buffer tank is used to store the diluted acid for the purpose of dosing it into said milk or the mixture of milk & whey. Optionally, the assembly comprises at least one spray nozzle for brining purposes.

The process of preparation of paneer using this assembly is described herein.

First stage:
Heated milk or a mixture of milk & whey is introduced in the vat (10) by the pre-process module. This introduction of heated milk or the mixture of milk & whey is done in controlled quantity by an auto-control module (70). The auto-control module (70) comprises of a flow transmitter device and an auto shut-off valve located at a loading station of the assembly. The option of introducing heated milk or the mixture of milk & whey is chosen as per the requirement of the customer. After this introduction of milk or the said mixture of milk & whey into the vat (10), an agitator (30) is automatically brought down and inserted into the mixture for agitating purpose. This action is pre-timed by the processor (60). The process of agitation is considerably slow, during which the temperature and pH of the milk / mixture is measured by various sensors, such as temperature sensors and pH sensors. With respect to the measured value of temperature and pH, a diluted acid is automatically mixed/sprayed into the milk/mixture gently for coagulation by an acid dosing pump. The acid is pre-stored in an acid buffer tank. The acid mixing is carried out in multiple steps using an adjustable delay timer. The container (10) is automatically moved to the next stage/location within the assembly.
Second stage (Optional):
The process of brining takes place at the second stage, wherein brine is added in a pre-defined manner through at least one spray nozzle. On the completion of brining process, the container (10) is moved to the next stage / location. Brining stage is optional as per customer needs and/or regulatory norms.

Third stage & Fourth stage:
At the Third & Fourth stages, the liquid mixture is kept undisturbed to complete coagulation process which provides enough time for coagulated mass to settle down at the bottom of the container (10). These stages are pre-timed by the processor (60).

Fifth stage:
At fifth stage, the process of de-vating / unloading is automatically executed by the processor (60). In de-vating, or unloading the vat / container (10) is gradually tilted for transferring coagulated mass along with whey into a micro-perforated mould (80).

Sixth Stage:
At this stage, the empty vat (10) is inspected for next loading, which is the introduction of new batch of milk or mixture.

The present invention also discloses a process of preparation of Paneer using the automated rotary assembly (1). The process comprises the steps:
a) Introduction of heated milk or the mixture of milk & whey in said vat/container (10) in controlled quantity by an auto-control module (70),
b) agitation of the milk or the said mixture by means of plurality of agitator/s (30) with simultaneous measurement of parameters such as temperature and pH of the milk / mixture by various sensors,
c) coagulating the said milk/ mixture by addition of diluted acid by means of an acid dosing pump, and
d) Automatic de-vating/unloading of the completely coagulated mass gradually into a micro-perforated mould (80).

The diluted acid used for the coagulation is selected from mild edible food grade acids. The mild edible food grade acids are selected from citric acid, lactic acid, or combination thereof. The acid is pre-stored in an acid buffer tank. In an optional embodiment, the said mixture is brined in a pre-defined manner through at least one spray nozzle.

Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrate an embodiment in which the said assembly includes four containers / vats (10). In the process of preparation of paneer using this embodiment, idling stages are cut down. The first stage is similar to the first stage described in explanation for figure 1. The second stage in this embodiment is reserved for idling, whereas the third stage is for auto vat unloading. The fourth stage is inspection purpose before next loading.

The vat/containers employed for the purpose of this invention may be of various sizes & capacities. The diluted acid used for the coagulation may, typically, be selected from mild edible food grade acids such as citric acid or lactic acid or combination of these or other acids. For the process automation, Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) or Human Machine Interface (HMI) device may be used.

Schematic representations of the invention:
These schematic presentations of the inventions are illustrated in nature and non-limiting the scope thereof.

SCHEMATIC 1

SCHEMATIC 2

,CLAIMS:1. An automated rotary assembly (1) for preparation of Paneer comprising:
a) plurality of vats/containers (10) having various sizes & capacities to load Milk/Mixture of milk & whey,
b) at least one auto-control module (70) for controlling flow of pre-heated milk or a mixture of milk & whey loaded into vat/container (10),
c) at least two auto-controlled agitators (30) for vertical movement for agitating said milk or a mixture of milk & whey,
d) plurality of sensors to measure various parameters such as temperature and pH, related to coagulation of milk or a mixture of milk & whey,
e) an acid buffer tank required to store the diluted acid,
f) an acid dosing pump for the addition of acid to milk or a mixture of milk & whey and
g) a processor (60) to automate and control all the processes involved.

2. The automated rotary assembly as claimed in claim 1; wherein at least one auto-control module (70) is introduced for controlling the flow of heated milk or a mixture of milk & whey into said vat/container.

3. The automated rotary assembly as claimed in claim 1; wherein preferably, two agitators (30) are used for mixing milk or the mixture of milk & whey into said vat/container (10).

4. The automated rotary assembly as claimed in claim 1; wherein the acid buffer tank (…) is used to store the diluted acid for the purpose of dosing it into said milk or the mixture of milk & whey.

5. The automated rotary assembly as claimed in claim 1; optionally comprising at least one spray nozzle for brining purposes.

6. A process of preparation of Paneer using the automated rotary assembly (1) as claimed in any one of above Claims comprising the steps:
a) Introduction of heated milk or the mixture of milk & whey in said vat/container (10) in controlled quantity by an auto-control module (70),
b) agitation of the milk or the said mixture by means plurality of agitator/s (30) with simultaneous measurement of parameters such as temperature and pH/Conductivity/Turbidity of the milk / mixture by various sensors,
c) coagulating the said milk/ mixture by addition of diluted acid through spray mechanism in specified quantity,
d) keeping idle the Coagulated mass for a specific time for formation of Paneer Curd;
e) drawing out Excess whey from vat for specified quantity before de-vat;
f) Automatic de-vating/unloading of the completely coagulated mass gradually into a micro-perforated mould (80).

7. The process, as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the diluted acid used for the coagulation is selected from mild edible food grade acids.

8. The process, as claimed in Claim 9, wherein mild edible food grade acids are selected from citric acid, lactic acid, or combination thereof.

9. The process of coagulating the said milk/ mixture by addition of diluted acid as claimed in claim 7 wherein; the acid is pre-stored in an acid buffer tank.

10. The process of preparation of Paneer, optionally brining the said mixture in a pre-defined manner through at least one spray nozzle.