Claims:1. An apparatus (10) for dispensing slurry material comprising:
one or more slurry kettles (20) configured to store the slurry material, wherein each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) comprises:
at least three inlet ports (30), wherein each of the at least three inlet ports (30) are located at a corresponding side of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles (20), and
an outlet port (40) located at a bottom of each of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles (20),
an agitator (60) comprising a plurality of blades (70), wherein the agitator (60) is configured to rotate along a central axis of the agitator (60), wherein the central axis of the agitator (60) is inclined at a pre-defined angle with respect to a central axis of the one or more slurry kettles (20).
a seasoning drum (200) operatively coupled to one of the one or more slurry kettles (20), and configured for mixing of the slurry material with an edible to be seasoned upon dispensing of the slurry material through a plurality of nozzles (210).
2. The apparatus (10) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the one or more slurry kettles (20) further comprises of a water jacket unit (100) fabricated on an outer surface of each of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles (20) to circulate hot water to control and maintain a pre-defined temperature of the slurry material.
3. The apparatus (10) as claimed in the claim 1, further comprises one or more pumps (220) operatively coupled to each of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles (20), and configured to perform at least one of recirculation, transmission and dispensation of the slurry material depending upon a pre-defined slurry level in each of the one or more slurry kettles (20).
4. The apparatus (10) as claimed in the claim 1, further comprises of one or more load cells (250) operatively coupled to each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) and a weighing feeder (260), wherein the one or more load cells (250) is configured to:
monitor weight of the slurry material stored in each of the one or more slurry kettles (20), and
monitor weight of the edible present on the weighing feeder (260).
5. The apparatus (10) as claimed in the claim 4, further comprises:
a processor (180);
a flow rate measurement subsystem (270) operable by the processor (180), and configured to:
compute real time slurry material flow rate upon receiving monitored weight of the slurry material at every first pre-defined time interval;
compute an edible flow rate upon receiving monitored weight of the edible at every second pre-defined time interval to compute expected slurry material flow rate;
a speed controlling subsystem (280) operable by the processor (180), and configured to control rotation speed of the one or more pumps (220) based on the real time slurry material flow rate and the expected slurry material flow rate;
6. The apparatus (10) as claimed in the claim 5, wherein the processor (180) is configured to perform error rectification operation by implementing proportional integral derivative (PID) controlling method.
7. The apparatus (10) as claimed in the claim 1, further comprises:
a screw conveyer unit (160) operatively coupled to a first inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30), and configured to feed seasoning material of a pre-defined proportion to one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) upon receiving a pre-defined instruction,
an oil tank (190) operatively coupled to a second inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30), and configured to feed oil of a pre-defined proportion to the one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) upon receiving the pre-defined instruction, wherein the slurry material is prepared upon mixing of the seasoning material and the oil using the agitator (60);
8. The apparatus (10) as claimed in the claim 1, further comprises one or more solenoid valves (240),
wherein, a first solenoid valve of the one or more solenoid valves (240) is operatively coupled between the at least three inlet ports (30) of one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) and the outlet port (40) of the corresponding adjacent one or more slurry kettles (20), and configured to support transfer of the slurry material between the one or more slurry kettles (20) depending upon the pre-defined slurry level in each of the one or more slurry kettles (20),
wherein a second solenoid valve of the one or more solenoid valves (240) is operatively coupled between the at least three inlet ports (30) of one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) and an input valve of the seasoning drum (200), and configured to support the transfer of the slurry material from one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) to the seasoning drum (200).
9. The apparatus (10) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the plurality of blades (70) is helical in shape.
Dated this 21st day of January 2020

Vidya Bhaskar Singh Nandiyal
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2912)
Agent for the Applicant
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
Embodiments of a present invention relate to dispensing of slurry material, and more particularly to an apparatus for dispensing the slurry material in seasoning applications of snacks.
BACKGROUND
Slurry material is defined as a suspension of powder in a liquid such as powder in oil, species in oil, starch in water or the like. Technique used for dispensing the slurry material onto another material is of major importance in a plurality of applications as the slurry material is highly viscous and dense. One of the plurality of applications includes seasoning of an edible. In such application, the slurry material is a mixture of seasoning material and oil, wherein the dispensing of the slurry material requires measurement of flow rate of the slurry material. There are a plurality of approaches in order to measure the flow rate of the slurry material.
One such approach is using at least one of the plurality of measuring devices such as flow meter, pressure gauge, pitot’s tube and the like in order to measure the flow rate of the slurry material. In such approach, the slurry material tends to choke the plurality of measuring devices by settling down. Thus, making such approach less reliable.
On such another approach is usage of measuring devices, wherein the measuring devices prevent the slurry material from settling down. In such approach, in order to prevent the slurry material from settling down, the slurry material is kept in constant turbulent flow. However, such measuring devices fail to measure appropriate flow rate as such measuring devices separate the seasoning material from the oil creating different layers in the flow of the slurry material. Thus, making such approach less efficient.
Hence, there is a need for an improved apparatus for dispensing slurry material which addresses the aforementioned issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus for dispensing slurry material is provided. The apparatus includes one or more slurry kettles. The one or more slurry kettles are configured to store the slurry material, wherein each of the one or more slurry kettles includes at least three inlet ports. Here, each of the at least three inlet ports are located at a corresponding side of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles. Further, each of the one or more slurry kettles also includes an outlet port located at a bottom of each of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles.
Further, each of the one or more slurry kettles also includes an agitator wherein, the agitator includes a plurality of blades. The agitator is configured to rotate along a central axis of the agitator, wherein the central axis of the agitator is inclined at a pre-defined angle with respect to a central axis of the one or more slurry kettles.
Moreover, the apparatus also includes a seasoning drum operatively coupled to one of the one or more slurry kettles. The seasoning drum is configured for mixing of the slurry material with an edible to be seasoned upon dispensing of the slurry material through a plurality of nozzles.
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for dispensing slurry material in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a slurry kettle of the apparatus for dispensing the slurry material of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system to perform dispensing operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for dispensing slurry material. The apparatus includes one or more slurry kettles. The one or more slurry kettles are configured to store the slurry material, wherein each of the one or more slurry kettles includes at least three inlet ports. Here, each of the at least three inlet ports are located at a corresponding side of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles. Further, each of the one or more slurry kettles also includes an outlet port located at a bottom of each of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles.
Further, each of the one or more slurry kettles also includes an agitator wherein, the agitator includes a plurality of blades. The agitator is configured to rotate along a central axis of the agitator, wherein the central axis of the agitator is inclined at a pre-defined angle with respect to a central axis of the one or more slurry kettles.
Moreover, the apparatus also includes a seasoning drum operatively coupled to one of the one or more slurry kettles. The seasoning drum is configured for mixing of the slurry material with an edible to be seasoned upon dispensing of the slurry material through a plurality of nozzles.
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus (10) for dispensing slurry material in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus (10) includes one or more slurry kettles (20). The one or more slurry kettles (20) are configured to store the slurry material, wherein each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) includes at least three inlet ports (30). Here, each of the at least three inlet ports (30) are located at a corresponding side of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles (20).
Further, each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) also includes an outlet port (40) located at a bottom of each of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles (20). In one embodiment, the outlet port (40) may be operatively coupled with a three-way valve (50) (as shown in FIG. 2). As used herein, the term “three-way valve” (50) is defined as a type of valve used to perform one of blocking, mixing and separating fluid flow between a first pipe, a second pipe and a third pipe, wherein the first pipe, the second pipe and the third pipe are operatively coupled to the three-way valve.
In one embodiment, the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be available in a plurality of shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, body of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be made up of stainless steel. In one embodiment, the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be widely used to mix varied ingredients such as seasoning material and oil together to make the slurry material. In such embodiment, the slurry material may be mainly used to coat a plurality of snacks such as chips, puffs, and the like. In one embodiment, the slurry material may be defined as a suspension of powder in a liquid such as powder in oil, species in oil, starch in water or the like.
In one embodiment, number of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be three, wherein a first slurry kettle of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be a preparatory kettle (20a), a second slurry kettle of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be a storage kettle (20b) and a third slurry kettle of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be a dispensing kettle (20c). In such embodiment, the preparatory kettle (20a) may be configured to prepare the slurry material. Further, the storage kettle (20b) may be configured to store the slurry material as a buffer. Further, the dispensing kettle (20c) may be configured to dispense the slurry material onto an edible to achieve appropriate seasoning of the edible.
Further, each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) also includes an agitator (60) wherein, the agitator (60) includes a plurality of blades (70). In one embodiment, the plurality of blades (70) may be helical in shape. The agitator (60) is configured to rotate along a central axis of the agitator (60) with a constant speed. In one embodiment, the agitator (60) may rotate with help of an agitator motor (80) (as shown in FIG. 2) operatively coupled to the agitator (60) via an agitator gear box (90) (as shown in FIG. 2). In such embodiment, the agitator gear box (90) may be configured to alter torque and rotation speed of one or more shafts between the agitator motor (80) and the agitator (60).
In one embodiment, the agitator (60) may be used for keeping the slurry material in motion to avoid settling down of the seasoning material present in the slurry material. In one embodiment, the central axis of the agitator (60) may be inclined at a pre-defined angle with respect to a central axis of the one or more slurry kettles (20). In such embodiment, the pre-defined angle may be varying between 10degree -20degree.
In one embodiment, each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may further include a water jacket unit (100) (as shown in FIG. 2) fabricated on an outer surface of each of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles (20) to circulate hot water to control and maintain a pre-defined temperature of the slurry material. In one embodiment, the pre-defined temperature may depend upon type of the slurry material. In one embodiment, the pre-defined temperature may be varying between 40 degree Celsius - 80 degree Celsius.
In one embodiment, the body of each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be termed as a kettle tank (110) (as shown in FIG. 2) wherein, the outer surface of the kettle tank (110) may be fabricated with the water jacket unit (100).
Further, in one embodiment, each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may include a jacketing water pipe (120) (as shown in FIG. 2) operatively coupled to the water jacket unit (100). In such embodiment, the jacketing water pipe (120) may be configured to supply water to the water jacket unit (100).
Further, in one embodiment, each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may also include a jacketing water heater inlet (130) (as shown in FIG. 2) operatively coupled to the water jacket unit (100). In such embodiment, the jacketing water heater inlet (130) may be configured to connect a water heater. In such embodiment, the water heater may be configured to heat the water supplied by the jacketing water pipe (110) to the pre-defined temperature which in turn heats the slurry material present inside each of the one or more slurry kettles (20).
Further, in one embodiment, each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may also include a jacketing water temperature sensor inlet (140) (as shown in FIG. 2) operatively coupled to the water jacket unit (100). In such embodiment, the jacketing water temperature sensor inlet (140) may be configured to connect a temperature sensor. In such embodiment, the temperature sensor may be configured to sense temperature of the hot water.
In one embodiment, each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be mounted on a kettle stand (150) (as shown in FIG. 2).
In one embodiment, the apparatus (10) may further include a screw conveyer unit (160) operatively coupled to a first inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30). In one embodiment, the screw conveyer unit (160) may be operatively coupled to the first inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the preparatory kettle (20a). In one embodiment, the screw conveyer unit (160) may be operatively coupled to the first inlet via a knife gate valve (170). As used herein, the term “knife gate valve” (170) is defined as a valve designed mainly for on-off and isolation services in systems with high content of suspended solids.
In one embodiment, the screw conveyer unit (160) may be configured to feed the seasoning material of a pre-defined proportion to one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) upon receiving a pre-defined instruction. In such embodiment, the one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be the preparatory kettle (20a). As used herein the term “screw conveyer” is defined as a mechanism that uses a rotating helical screw blade called as flighting, usually within a tube, to move liquid or granular particles. In one specific embodiment, the pre-defined instruction may be generated by a processor (180) (as shown in FIG. 3). In such embodiment, the processor (180) may be operatively coupled to the apparatus (10).
In one embodiment, the apparatus (10) may further include an oil tank (190) operatively coupled to a second inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30). In one embodiment, the oil tank (190) may be operatively coupled to the second inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the preparatory kettle (20a). In such embodiment, the oil tank (190) may be configured to feed oil of a pre-defined proportion to the one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) upon receiving the pre-defined instruction. In such embodiment, the one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be the preparatory kettle (20a). In one embodiment, the oil tank (190) may further include a butterfly valve. In such embodiment, as used herein, the term “butterfly valve” may be defined as a valve that isolates or regulates flow of a fluid, wherein closing mechanism is a disk that rotates.
In such embodiment, the slurry material may be prepared upon mixing of the seasoning material and the oil using the agitator (60). In one embodiment, the pre-defined proportion of the seasoning material and the pre-defined proportion of the oil fed to the one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may dependent upon consistency of the slurry material needed for appropriate seasoning of the edible.
In one embodiment, a third inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be configured to perform recirculation operation. In one embodiment, a first inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the storage kettle (20b) may be configured to receive the slurry material from the preparatory kettle (20a). In one embodiment, a first inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the dispensing kettle (20c) may be configured to receive the slurry material from the storage kettle (20b). In one embodiment, a second inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the storage kettle (20b) and a second inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the dispensing kettle (20c) may configured to perform the recirculation operation. Moreover, the apparatus (10) also includes a seasoning drum (200) operatively coupled to the one of the one or more slurry kettles (20). The seasoning drum (200) is configured for mixing of the slurry material with the edible to be seasoned upon the dispensing of the slurry material through a plurality of nozzles (210). In one embodiment, the one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be the dispensing kettle (20c). In one embodiment, body of the seasoning drum (200) may be made up the stainless steel. In one embodiment, the seasoning drum (200) may be available in a plurality of sizes. In one embodiment, the mixing of the slurry material with the edible may be carried out by constant circular motion of the seasoning drum (200).
In one embodiment, the apparatus (10) may further include one or more pumps (220) operatively coupled to each of the corresponding one or more slurry kettles (20). In such embodiment, the one or more pumps (220) may be configured to perform at least one of recirculation, transmission and dispensation of the slurry material depending upon a pre-defined slurry level in each of the one or more slurry kettles (20).
In one embodiment, the one or more pumps (220) may have linear flow characteristics. In one embodiment, the one or more pumps may include centrifugal pump, peristaltic pump, screw pump and the like. In such embodiment, the linear flow characteristics may be defined as the flow rate of the one or more pumps being a linear function of frequency at which the corresponding one or more pumps may be operated. In such embodiment, usage of such pumps may increase accuracy of the apparatus (10).
In one embodiment, each of the one or more pumps (220) may be mounted with a Y junction (230). In such embodiment, the Y junction (230) may be configured to divert and separate flow of the slurry material between the adjacent one or more slurry kettles (20). In such embodiment, the Y junction (230) may also be configured to divert and separate flow of the slurry material between the one or more slurry kettles (20) and the seasoning drum (200).
In one embodiment, the Y junction (230) may include three branches making a pre-defined angle with each other. In such embodiment, the pre-defined angle may be based on the properties of the slurry material such as density, viscosity and the like. In one embodiment, the pre-defined angle may be 120-degree. Further, in one embodiment, the three branches may be a combination of one or more inlet pipes and one or more outlet pipes.
In one embodiment, size of the one or more inlet pipes and the size of the one or more outlet pipes forming the Y junction (230) may be such that mass of inflow of the slurry material is equal to the mass of outflow of the slurry material.
In one embodiment, when one of the branches of the Y junction (230) may be closed, the angle and pipe size creates swirls and loops of the slurry material to avoid slurry accumulation.
In one embodiment, the pre-defined slurry level in each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) may be one of low level and high level. In one embodiment, constant recirculation operation may be carried out for each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) to avoid the settling down of the seasoning material present in the slurry material through the corresponding Y junction (230).
In one embodiment, the slurry material may be transferred between the one or more slurry kettles (20) when slurry level inside a receiving one or more slurry kettles (20) may be at the low level. In such embodiment, such transferring process may be termed as a batch transfer process. In such embodiment, the batch transfer process continuous till the slurry level in the receiving one or more slurry kettles (20) may reach the high level. In one embodiment, the receiving one or more slurry kettles (20) may be one of the storage kettle (20b) and the dispensing kettle (20c).
In one embodiment, the apparatus (10) may further include one or more solenoid valves (240). In such embodiment, a first solenoid valve of the one or more solenoid valves (240) may be operatively coupled between the at least three inlet ports (30) of one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) and the outlet port (40) of the corresponding adjacent one or more slurry kettles (20). In such embodiment, the first solenoid valve may be configured to support transfer of the slurry material between the one or more slurry kettles (20) depending upon the pre-defined slurry level in each of the one or more slurry kettles (20),
Further, in one embodiment, a second solenoid valve of the one or more solenoid valves (240) may be operatively coupled between the at least three inlet ports (30) of one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) and an input valve of the seasoning drum (200). In such embodiment, the second solenoid valve may be configured to support the transfer of the slurry material from one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) to the seasoning drum (200).
In one embodiment, the first solenoid valve may be operatively coupled between the first inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the storage kettle (20b) and the outlet port (40) of the preparatory kettle (20a). In such embodiment, the first solenoid valve may be configured to support transfer of the slurry material from the preparatory kettle (20a) to the storage kettle (20b) depending upon the pre-defined slurry level in the storage kettle (20b).
In another embodiment, the first solenoid valve may be operatively coupled between the first inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the dispensing kettle (20c) and the outlet port (40) of the storage kettle (20b). In such embodiment, the second solenoid valve may be configured to support transfer of the slurry material from the storage kettle (20b) to the dispensing kettle (20c) depending upon the pre-defined slurry level in the dispensing kettle (20c).
In one embodiment, the second solenoid valve may be operatively coupled between the third inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the dispensing kettle (20c) and an inlet valve of the seasoning drum (200). In such embodiment, the second solenoid valve may be configured to support the transfer of the slurry material from the dispensing kettle (20c) to the seasoning drum (200).
In one embodiment, the input valve of the seasoning drum (200) may be operatively coupled to the plurality of nozzles (210), wherein the plurality of nozzles (210) may perform the dispensation operation in form of a spray. In one embodiment, dispensing pump of the one or more pumps (220) may be configured to perform the dispensation operation of the slurry material by controlling slurry material flow rate at the plurality of nozzles (210). In such embodiment, any change in an outlet flow rate of the slurry material at an outlet of the dispensing pump may be reflected at the plurality of nozzles (210) only when pipe length between the outlet of the dispensing pump and the inlet valve of the seasoning drum (200) may be minimum.
In one embodiment, when pipe cross section at each of the plurality of nozzles (210) may be smaller may result in getting a proper cone for the spray. In such embodiment, such result may be obtained because of increase in velocity of the slurry material, because of which dynamic pressure of the slurry material within each of the plurality of nozzles (210) may increase.
In one embodiment, the apparatus (10) may further include one or more load cells (250) operatively coupled to each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) and a weighing feeder (260). In one embodiment, the one or more load cells (250) may be configured to monitor weight of the slurry material stored in each of the one or more slurry kettles (20). In such embodiment, the weight of the slurry material may be an important parameter used to compute a real time slurry material flow rate.
In one embodiment, the one or more load cells (250) may be further configured to monitor weight of the edible present on the weighing feeder (260). In such embodiment, the weight of the edible may be an important parameter used to compute an edible flow rate.
As used herein, the term “weighing feeder” (260) is defined as a custom engineered equipment comprising one of a belt feeder, vibratory feeder and the like that enables a continuous and controlled product flow.
In continuation to the above described processor (180), the apparatus (10) may further include the processor (180).In one embodiment, the apparatus (10) may also include a flow rate measurement subsystem (270) (as shown in FIG. 3) operable by the processor (180).In one embodiment, the flow rate measurement subsystem (270) may be configured to compute the real time slurry material flow rate upon receiving monitored weight of the slurry material at every first pre-defined time interval.
Further, in one embodiment, the flow rate measurement subsystem (270) may be configured the compute the edible flow rate upon receiving monitored weight of the edible at every second pre-defined time interval to compute expected slurry material flow rate. In such embodiment, the edible flow rate may be calculated by division of weight of the edible present on the weighing feeder (260) by time taken by the weighing feeder (260) to feed the edible to the seasoning drum (200).
In one embodiment, the expected slurry material flow rate may be computed by using a concept, wherein the expected slurry material flow rate may be dependent upon the edible flow rate. In such embodiment, the edible flow rate (I) may be first computed by using following formula:
I=W/T*3600 kilogram/ hour (kg/hr)
In such embodiment, ‘W’ may be the weight of the edible on the weighing feeder (260), ‘T’ may be the time taken by the weighing feeder (260) to feed the edible to the seasoning drum (200). Further, in such embodiment, the expected slurry material flow rate may be X% of the edible flow rate and hence, the expected slurry material flow rate may be computed by using following formula:
0.01*X*I=Y kg/hr
In one embodiment, the real time slurry material flow rate may be computed by applying concept of loss in weight (LIW) method. In such embodiment, the weight of the slurry material may be obtained by monitoring weight of the one or more slurry kettles (20). In one embodiment, the real time slurry material flow rate may be computed by the flow rate measurement subsystem (270) by using following formula:
Z kg/hr=(W_1-W_2)/(t_2-t_1 )*3600 kg/hr
In such embodiment, ‘W1’ may be the weight of the one or more slurry kettles (20) at time ‘t1’ and ‘W2’ may be the weight of the one or more slurry kettles (20) at the time ‘t2’. In one embodiment, t_2-t_1 may be the first pre-defined time interval.
In one embodiment, the apparatus (10) may further include a speed controlling subsystem (280) (as shown in FIG. 3) operable by the processor (180). In such embodiment, the speed controlling subsystem (280) may be operatively coupled to the flow rate measurement subsystem (270). Further, in such embodiment, the speed controlling subsystem (280) may be configured to control rotation speed of one of the one or more pumps (220) based on the real time slurry material flow rate and the expected slurry material flow rate. In such embodiment, the one of the one or more pumps (220) may be the dispensing pump.
In one embodiment, the speed controlling subsystem (280) may be a variable frequency drive (VFD), wherein the VFD has a range of 0Hz to 50Hz. As used herein, the term “variable frequency drive” is defined as a type of adjustable speed drive used in electro-mechanical drive system to control AC motor speed and torque by varying motor input frequency and voltage.
In one embodiment, the rotation speed of the dispensing pump may vary linearly with respect to the slurry material flow rate. In such embodiment, linear variation may be represented by following equation:
Y=(m*X)+c
In such embodiment, ‘Y’ may represent throughput of the one or more pumps (220), wherein the throughput of the one or more pumps (220) may be equivalent to the slurry material flow rate. Further, ‘X’ may be frequency set by the VFD. In such embodiment the frequency may be equivalent to the rotation speed of the dispensing pump.
In one embodiment, error obtained may be represented by following equation:
Error=|Y-Z|
In such embodiment, ‘Y’ may be the expected slurry material flow rate and ‘Z’ may be the real time slurry material flow rate obtained by using the LIW method. Further, in such embodiment, fraction error (e) may be computed by using following equation:
e=|Y-Z|/Y
In one embodiment, the frequency to be set for operation of the VFD to obtain the slurry material flow rate of ‘Z’ may be f=Z/m. In such embodiment, correction factor may be ‘c’. Further, in such embodiment, final frequency after change may be? X?^1=f±(c*e).
In one embodiment, the processor (180) may be configured to perform error rectification operation by implementing PID controlling method. As used herein, the term “PID controlling method” may be defined as a method in which an error value is continuously measured as a difference between desired value for a parameter being measured and expected value of the corresponding parameter and applies a correction based on proportional, integral and derivative terms in the form of a feedback to the control system (290).
In one embodiment, the processor (180) may implement the PID controlling method by measuring error value, wherein the error value may be measured by taking the real time slurry material flow rate and the expected slurry material rate as input and rectifies error through feedback. In such embodiment, for rectification of the error, the rotation speed of the dispensing pump may be varied by the speed controlling subsystem (280) to match the real time slurry material flow rate with the expected slurry material flow rate.
In one embodiment, the rotation speed of the dispensing pump may remain constant along with the other one or more pumps (220) during the batch transfer process. In such embodiment, the rotation speed of the dispensing pump may be varied upon completion of the batch transfer process by the speed controlling subsystem (280).
In operation, before the dispensing of the slurry material on the edible to be seasoned, the slurry material is prepared by mixing the seasoning material with the oil in the preparatory kettle (20a). Here, each of the one or more slurry kettles (20) is associated with the one or more load cells (250), wherein, each of the one or more load cells (250) is configured to monitor the weight of the slurry material. Here, the weight of the slurry material is monitored for measurement of the real time slurry material flow rate, wherein the measurement of the slurry material flow rate is done by the flow rate measurement subsystem (270). Here, computation of the real time slurry material flow rate is done by using loss in weight (LIW) method wherein, the real time slurry material flow rate is computed depending upon change in the monitored weight of the slurry material with time. Further, the mixing operation is done by using the agitator (60) wherein the agitator (60) rotates at a constant speed. Here, the seasoning material is fed to the preparatory kettle (20a) through the screw conveyer unit (160), wherein the screw conveyer unit (160) is operatively coupled to the first inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the preparatory kettle (20a). Here, the oil is fed to the preparatory kettle (20a) through the oil tank (190), wherein the oil tank (190) is operatively coupled to the second inlet of the at least three inlet ports (30) of the preparatory kettle (20a). Further, transferring of the slurry material between the one or more slurry kettles (20) and between the one of the one or more slurry kettles (20) and the seasoning drum (200) in done by using the one or more pumps (220). Here, such transferring process is termed as the batch transfer process. Here, the batch transfer process is carried out with support of the one or more solenoid valves (240). Here, the batch transfer process starts when the slurry level in the receiving one or more slurry kettles (20) is at the low level. Further, such process continuous till the slurry level reaches the high level. Further, the rotation speed of the dispensing pump is controlled by the speed controlling subsystem (280). Then, the dispensing of the slurry material on the edible is done in the seasoning drum (200) via the plurality of nozzles (210). Here, the edible is fed to the seasoning drum (200) via the weighing feeder (260), wherein the weighing feeder (260) operates at a constant speed. Here, the weighing feeder (260) is also associated with the one or more load cells (250), wherein, each of the one or more load cells (250) is configured to monitor the weight of the edible. Here, the weight of the edible is monitored for measurement of the edible flow rate, wherein the measurement of the edible flow rate is done by the flow rate measurement subsystem (270). The expected slurry material flow rate depends upon value of the edible flow rate and hence measured by the flow rate measurement subsystem (270). Further, the processor is configured to perform the error rectification operation by implementing the proportional integral derivative (PID) controlling method. Here, the processor (180) measures the error value by taking the real time slurry material flow rate and the expected slurry material flow rate as input and rectifies the error through the feedback. Further, the error may be rectified by varying the rotation speed of the dispensing pump to match the real time slurry material flow rate with the expected slurry material flow rate. Thus, the slurry material is dispensed onto the edible through the plurality of nozzles (210) in the form of the spray with an appropriate slurry material flow rate to complete the appropriate seasoning of the edible.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system (290) to perform dispensing operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The control system (290) includes a processor(180), memory (not shown in FIG. 3) coupled to bus (not shown in FIG. 3), slurry kettle-load cells (250) (as described in FIG. 1), weighing feeder-load cells (250) (as described in FIG. 1) and dispensing pump (220) (as described in FIG. 1).
The processor (180), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.
Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor (180).
The memory includes a plurality of subsystems and instructions to implement proportional integral derivative (PID) controlling method stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor (180) to perform method steps illustrated in FIG. 3. The memory has following subsystems: a flow rate measurement subsystem (270) and a speed controlling subsystem (280).
The flow rate measurement subsystem (270) is configured to compute real time slurry martial flow rate upon receiving monitored weight of a slurry material at every first pre-defined time interval. The flow rate measurement subsystem (270) is also configured to compute an edible flow rate upon receiving monitored weight of an edible at every second pre-defined time interval to compute expected slurry material flow rate.
The speed controlling subsystem (280) is configured to control rotation speed of one of one or more pumps (220), based on the real time slurry material flow rate and the expected slurry material flow rate.
Various embodiments of the apparatus for dispensing the slurry material enable measurement of the slurry material flow rate by using the loss in weight (LIW) method. Thus, providing an ease of use as the LIW method is independent of type and characteristics of a liquid whose flow is been measured. The apparatus also keeps the slurry material in turbulent flow with the help of the agitator hence, preventing settling down of the seasoning material thereby preventing choking of the apparatus. Further, type of piping used, recirculation operation and keeping the one or more pumps in continuous motion also helps in the preventing of the settling down of the seasoning material. Thus, making the apparatus more reliable and more efficient.
Further, the angle of inclination of the agitator prevents separation of the seasoning material from the oil which would either create different layers in the flow of the slurry material. Thus, making the apparatus more efficient. Further, the rotation speed of the dispensing pump is varied dynamically for the computed slurry material rate to match with the expected slurry material rate as PID controlling strategy along with the LIW method is used. Thus, improving accuracy and agility of the apparatus.
While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependant on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.