BE1026105B1 - TORREFACTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for roasting particulate matter comprising: a transport system configured to transport a layer of particulate matter through a treatment compartment formed of a first zone, one or more intermediate zones, and a last zone; a first fluid generating unit configured to generate a first flow of gas and / or vapor through the first zone, one or more intermediate fluid generating units configured to generate one or more intermediate gas and / or vapor streams through the intermediate zone (s), and a last fluid generating unit configured to generate a last stream of gas and / or vapor through the last zone; a control system configured to control each fluid generating unit, such that the particulate matter layer is preheated in the first zone, roasted in the intermediate zone (s), and cooled in the last zone.

Description

TORREFACTION APPARATUS AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for roasting particulate matter, such as coffee or cocoa beans, beans, malt.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although the roasting of particulate matter, such as cocoa beans or coffee, is used in large industrial plants, it remains an extremely delicate operation, requiring special know-how. The chemical composition of the material changes during roasting: its appearance, as well as the development of aromas and taste qualities, evolve during this operation. In addition, on contact with heat certain elements disappear, while others combine.

According to solutions known in the industry, the roasting takes place in a circular or cylindrical roaster, called a roaster. It is a device provided with a drum in permanent rotation so that the material, always in movement, is roasted in a uniform way and without being burnt. The heat source must be regulated because the reactions evolve during roasting. At the end of the operation, the material must be cooled quickly to interrupt the chemical processes.

During roasting, the particulate matter must reach a uniform temperature within it, in order to obtain the best possible quality. Several techniques are distinguished by their duration and the amount of heat used. The traditional method operates at low temperature for a long time, involving a small amount of production but obtaining the best quality. On the other hand, industrial processes allowing faster production speeds are generally carried out at higher temperatures, with the consequence that part of the material will be burned, releasing less refined aromas.

The techniques set out above are typically carried out according to the so-called batch or discontinuous method, producing batches of roasted material at regular intervals.

ABSTRACT

The objective of the embodiments of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for roasting particulate material in order to obtain a better quality roasted material. More

BE2018 / 5152 in particular, the object of the embodiments of the invention is to propose an apparatus and a method for roasting of particulate matter capable of being industrially implemented and of operating at low temperature, with low energy consumption, and at high production rates.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for roasting particulate matter, such as coffee or cocoa beans, beans, malt, said apparatus comprising: a transport system configured to transport a layer particulate matter through a treatment compartment comprising a first zone, one or more intermediate zones and a last zone, such that the particulate material passes consecutively through the first zone, the intermediate zones, and the last zone;

a first fluid generation unit configured to generate a first flow of gas and / or vapor through the first zone;

one or more intermediate fluid generation units configured to generate one or more intermediate gas and / or vapor flows through the intermediate zone (s);

a last fluid generation unit configured to generate a last flow of gas and / or vapor through the last zone;

a control system configured to control said first fluid generation unit, said intermediate fluid generation unit (s), and said last fluid generation unit, such that the layer of particulate material is preheated in the first zone, roasted in the intermediate zone or zones, and cooled in the last zone.

Existing solutions for roasting particulate matter is the use of the batch or batch method, in which the particulate matter is shaken in a drum while hot air is blown through it. A disadvantage of this process is that it requires providing significant mechanical energy to keep the coffee beans moving in the drum for the entire duration of the batch. Another disadvantage of this process is that it requires working at high temperatures if one wants to obtain high production rates, giving rise to the obtaining of lower qualities.

These problems are solved according to embodiments of the invention by providing a system in which the particulate material is transported in layers, making it possible to work continuously.

Ue present apparatus is divided into different zones, where each zone has a different temperature in order to reach in each zone a certain predetermined temperature within the particulate matter, the heating being ensured by gas and / or steam. The advantages of transporting a layer of particulate material through a processing compartment comprising several zones are the reduction in the amount of mechanical energy to be supplied during roasting as well as

BE2018 / 5152 the possibility of working at lower temperatures which can be adjusted in order to obtain an optimal roasting, resulting in the obtaining of a better roasted material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transport system of the apparatus described above comprises supply means configured to supply the particulate material so that the layer has a thickness comprising no more than 10 particles of particulate material, such as beans, preferably no more than 3 particles, and more preferably no more than 2 particles.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the supply means is configured to supply the particulate material so that the layer has a thickness of less than 100 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, more preferably less than 15 mm.

In this way, the determination of the maximum height of the layer of particulate matter, that is to say the number of particles which can be superimposed without these particles adhering to each other, ensures a uniform temperature. within all the particles. By providing a thin layer, it is easier to make the temperature within the particles more uniform.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transport system comprises a conveyor belt with a substantially planar surface which supports the layer of particulate material. The conveyor belt passes through the first zone, the intermediate zone or zones and the last zone, and is configured to allow the first gas and / or vapor flow, the intermediate gas and / or vapor flows or last flow of gas and / or vapor to pass through the layer of particulate matter which it supports.

Thus, the translational movement provided by the conveyor belt makes it possible to dispense with the mechanical work necessary in the batch method to shake the particulate matter in a drum in rotary movement, which leads to a reduction in the mechanical energy supplied by the roasting machine.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transport system comprises two substantially parallel faces between which the particulate material is transported, configured to allow the first flow of gas and / or vapor, the intermediate gas and / or vapor flow (s) and the last flow of gas and / or vapor to pass through it.

BE2018 / 5152

This embodiment offers the same advantage as the use of a conveyor belt, while generalizing the way in which the particulate matter is transported. In the case of a conveyor belt as in that of two parallel faces, the porosity of these elements allows the gas and / or vapor flows to circulate uniformly in each zone of the device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transport system is configured to move the layer of particulate matter at a substantially constant speed through the first zone, the intermediate zone or zones and the last zone.

Thus, the apparatus can be operated continuously to obtain a more or less constant rate of production of roasted material.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the substantially constant speed is between 1 mm / s and 1 m / s.

The adjustment of this speed offers the device a degree of freedom, and therefore a modular character. It makes it possible to obtain different production rates of roasted particulate matter, until production rates on the order of those of so-called rapid roasting methods are reached.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first fluid generation unit of the apparatus is configured to generate the first flow of gas and / or vapor through the first zone, substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate matter. Likewise, the intermediate fluid generation unit (s) are configured to generate the intermediate gas and / or vapor stream (s) through the intermediate zone (s), substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate matter. Finally, the last fluid generation unit is configured to generate the last flow of gas and / or vapor through the last zone, substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate matter.

Thus, the perpendicularity of the gas and / or vapor flows with respect to the layer of particulate material ensures that the particles of the layer of particulate material remain substantially immobile with respect to the support of the layer, since no longitudinal work is involved. is applied.

According to a preferred embodiment, the treatment compartment, the first, the intermediate (s), as well as the last fluid generation unit and the control system form a substantially closed system, so that there is substantially no energy leak from the substantially closed system.

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Thus, designing a closed system makes it possible to reduce both the consumption of thermal energy and the level of emissions of gas and / or roasting steam to the outside of the appliance. Indeed, a difference between the batch method and the embodiments of the present invention lies in the level of gas and / or vapor emissions, not varying significantly in the continuous method, thus avoiding peaks in pollutant emissions. observed with the discontinuous method. Emission treatment facilities can thus be optimally tuned and operate at lower power levels, which provides excellent performance while respecting the environment.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control system of the appliance is configured to use at least part of the gas and / or vapor flow which has passed through one of the zones to generate the gas and / or steam from another zone, preferably from another zone upstream of said zone.

This heat recovery and recirculation system makes it possible to reduce both the consumption of thermal energy and the level of gas and / or vapor emissions to the outside. The use of at least part of the gas and / or vapor flow which has passed through an area downstream of the area which recovers this flow has the advantage that the latter is at a higher temperature. Thus, the amount of heat recovered is greater.

According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate zone or zones of the treatment compartment comprise at least a first intermediate zone and a second intermediate zone downstream from the first intermediate zone. The control system is configured to use at least a portion of the second intermediate gas and / or vapor stream which has passed through the second intermediate zone to generate the first gas and / or vapor stream and / or the first stream gas and / or intermediate vapor, and vice versa.

This embodiment particularizes the heat recovery and recirculation system at the intermediate zones of the treatment compartment. The present invention provides that recirculation can occur from an intermediate zone to intermediate zones both upstream and downstream of the latter, not necessarily adjacent to the latter. Indeed, depending on whether the process within the intermediate zone concerned is exothermic or endothermic, one or the other solution will be preferred.

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According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate zone or zones comprise a first intermediate zone and a second intermediate zone, and the intermediate fluid generation unit or units comprise:

a first intermediate fluid generating unit configured to send a first flow of intermediate gas and / or vapor through the first intermediate zone in a first direction which is substantially perpendicular and through the layer of particulate matter, and a second unit of generation of intermediate fluid configured to send a second flow of gas and / or intermediate vapor through the second intermediate zone in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

This arrangement for alternating circulation of the gas and / or vapor flows from one intermediate zone to the other facilitates the work of recovery and recirculation of these flows described by the previous embodiment, and can ensure a substantially homogeneous roasting of the different layers of particulate matter.

According to a preferred embodiment, the treatment compartment of the device has an even number of intermediate zones.

This characteristic is a direct consequence of the content of the two previous embodiments. Indeed, for optimal operation of recovery and recirculation of gas and / or vapor flows, it is necessary that there are as many intermediate zones in which the flow circulates in one direction as there are intermediate zones in which the flow flows in the opposite direction. In addition, in this way the layer of particulate material is subjected to an upward flow as long as a downward flow, which guarantees a substantially homogeneous roasting, in an embodiment where the zones have the same length.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the processing compartment of the device has at least two intermediate zones, preferably four intermediate zones, and more preferably six intermediate zones.

Thus, by increasing the number of intermediate zones, the roasting process can be optimized, and the quality of the roasted particulate matter will be improved. In fact, the temperature gradient from one intermediate zone to another adjacent to the latter can be reduced if the number of intermediate zones is increased.

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According to a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to control the temperature and / or the composition and / or the speed of the first gas and / or vapor stream, of the intermediate gas and / or steam stream (s) and the last gas and / or vapor stream.

The adjustment of these parameters offers the device several degrees of freedom, and therefore a modular character. Thus, the quality of the roasted particulate matter can be more easily controlled, this quality depending directly on the value of these three parameters.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to control the temperature of the first flow of gas and / or vapor so that it is between 45 ° C and 150 ° C.

In this way, the first zone of the treatment compartment fulfills its role correctly, namely the preheating as well as the drying of the particulate material to be roasted.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to control the temperature of the intermediate gas and / or vapor stream (s), and / or the temperature of the last gas and / or steam stream, so that they are between 150 ° C and 350 ° C.

In this way, the intermediate zone or zones of the treatment compartment correctly fulfills its role, namely the roasting of the particulate material. This temperature range corresponds to that of traditional roasting methods, with the advantage of a production rate which can reach that of rapid methods, as described above.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to control the temperature of the last flow of gas and / or vapor, so that it is between 10 ° C and 100 ° C.

In this way, the last zone of the treatment compartment fulfills its role correctly, namely the cooling of the roasted particulate matter.

According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate gas and / or vapor stream (s) comprise steam, and the control system is configured to control the relative humidity of the intermediate gas and / or steam stream (s).

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one intermediate fluid generation unit is configured to generate a flow of saturated vapor through at least one intermediate zone, so as to carry out sterilization and / or pasteurization of the particulate material.

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Indeed, the advantage of steam over gas for roasting particulate matter is that the use of saturated steam allows sterilization and / or pasteurization of the particulate matter.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the above technical considerations and advantages relating to embodiments of the roasting apparatus also apply to the embodiments of the corresponding method described below, mutatis mutandis.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for roasting particulate matter, such as coffee or cocoa beans, grains, malt, said method comprising: the transport, preferably continuous, of a layer of particulate matter consecutively through a first zone, one or more intermediate zones and a last zone;

generating a first flow of gas and / or vapor through the first zone;

the generation of one or more intermediate gas and / or vapor flows through the intermediate zone or zones;

generating a last flow of gas and / or vapor through the last zone;

controlling said first gas and / or vapor flow, said intermediate gas and / or vapor flow (s), and said last gas and / or vapor flow, so that the layer of particulate matter is preheated in the first zone, roasted in the intermediate zone or zones, and cooled in the last zone.

According to a preferred embodiment, the layer has a thickness comprising not more than 10 particles of particulate material, such as beans, preferably not more than 3 particles, more preferably not more than 2 particles.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the layer has a thickness of less than 100 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, more preferably less than 15 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment, the layer of particulate material is transported at a substantially constant speed through the first zone, the intermediate zone or zones and the last zone.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the substantially constant speed is between 1 mm / s and 1 m / s.

BE2018 / 5152

According to a preferred embodiment, the first flow of gas and / or vapor is generated substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate material; the intermediate gas and / or vapor stream (s) are generated substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate matter; and the last stream of gas and / or vapor is generated substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate matter.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control comprises the use of at least part of the gas and / or vapor flow which has passed through one of the zones to generate the gas and / or vapor flow of a another zone, preferably from another zone upstream of said zone.

According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate zone or zones comprise at least a first intermediate zone and a second intermediate zone downstream from the first intermediate zone. At least part of the second intermediate gas and / or vapor stream which has passed through the second intermediate zone is used to generate the first gas and / or vapor stream and / or the first gas and / or vapor stream intermediate steam, and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate zone or zones comprise a first intermediate zone and a second intermediate zone. A first intermediate gas flow is sent through the first intermediate zone in a first direction and a second intermediate gas flow is sent through the second intermediate zone in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the number of intermediate zones is even.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the number of intermediate zones is at least two, preferably four, and more preferably six.

According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature and / or the composition and / or the speed of the first gas and / or vapor stream, of the intermediate gas and / or steam stream (s), and of the last gas stream and / or steam is controlled.

According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature of the first flow of gas and / or vapor is controlled so that it is between 45 ° C and 150 ° C.

According to a preferred embodiment, the temperatures of the intermediate gas and / or vapor flow (s) are controlled so that they are between 150 ° C. and 350 ° C.

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According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature of the last gas and / or vapor flow is controlled so that it is between 10 ° C and 100 ° C.

According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate gas and / or vapor flux (s) comprise vapor, and the relative humidity of the intermediate gas and / or vapor flux (s) is controlled.

According to a preferred embodiment, the generation of one or more flows of gas and / or intermediate vapor through the intermediate zone or zones comprises the generation of a flow of saturated vapor, so as to carry out sterilization and / or pasteurization of the particulate matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

This and other aspects of the present invention will be described below in further detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating a currently preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers correspond to the same or like characteristics.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a continuous particulate matter roasting apparatus according to the invention;

Figures 2, 3 and 4 schematically illustrate other examples of embodiments of an apparatus for continuous roasting of particulate material according to the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of a more detailed example of an embodiment of a continuous particulate matter roasting apparatus according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a continuous particulate matter roasting apparatus according to the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the continuous roasting apparatus comprises a processing compartment 100, a transport system 200, a first fluid generation unit 310, two intermediate fluid generation units 320 , 330, a last fluid generation unit 340, as well as a control system 400. The treatment compartment 100 is composed of a first zone Z1, two intermediate zones Zi1, Zi2, and a last zone Zd . The transport system 200 is configured to transport an L layer

BE2018 / 5152 of particulate material P through the treatment compartment 100, so that the particulate material P passes consecutively through the first zone Z1, the two intermediate zones Zil, Zi2, and the last zone Zd. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number and length of each area may vary. Thus, each zone can have its own length, and the treatment compartment 100 can comprise more than two intermediate zones.

The transport system 200 comprises supply means 210 configured to supply the particulate material P, without introducing air from the environment, so that the layer L has a thickness comprising no more than 10 particles of particulate material , such as coffee or cocoa beans, beans, malt, either a thickness less than 100 mm, preferably not more than 3 particles, or a thickness less than 20 mm, and more preferably not more than 2 particles, or a thickness less than 15 mm.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Ligure 1, the transport system 200 comprises a conveyor belt 220 with a substantially planar surface which supports the layer L of particulate material P. The conveyor belt 220 passes through the first zone Z1 , the two intermediate zones Zil, Zi2, and the last zone Zd. The transport system 200 is also configured to move the layer L of particulate material P at a substantially constant speed v, for example between 1 mm / s and 1 m / s, through the first zone Z1, the two intermediate zones Zil , Zi2, and the last zone Zd.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Ligure 1, the first fluid generation unit 310 is configured to generate a first flow of gas and / or vapor L1 through the first zone Z1, the two generation units of intermediate fluids 320, 330 are configured to generate two flows of intermediate gas and / or vapor Wire, Li2 through the intermediate zones Zil, Zi2, and the last fluid generation unit 340 is configured to generate a last flow of gas and / or steam Ld through the last zone Zd. The conveyor belt 220 is configured to allow the first stream of gas and / or steam F1, the two intermediate streams of gas and / or steam Fil, Li2 and the last stream of gas and / or steam Ld to pass through the layer L of particulate material P which it supports, preferably substantially perpendicularly through the layer L of particulate material P. For example, the conveyor belt 220 may include openings in the manner of a perforated belt, or may be made of porous material, thus allowing gas and / or vapor flows to pass.

The treatment compartment 100, the first, the two intermediates, as well as the last fluid generation unit 310, 320, 330, 340 and the control system 400 form a substantially closed system, so that there is no substantially no energy leakage from the substantially closed system. The control system 400 is configured to use at least part of the gas and / or vapor flow which has passed through one of the zones Zl, Zil, Zi2, Zd to generate

BE2018 / 5152 the gas and / or vapor flow from another zone Z1, Zi1, Zi2, Zd, preferably from another zone upstream of said zone.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the first intermediate gas generation unit 310 is configured to send a first flow of intermediate gas Fi1 through the first intermediate zone Zi1 in a first direction Di1 which is substantially perpendicular and through the layer L of particulate matter P. In addition, the second intermediate gas generation unit 320 is configured to send the second intermediate gas flow Fi2 through the second intermediate zone Zi2 in a second direction Di2 opposite to the first direction Di1, and so on. This configuration allows optimal recovery and recirculation of gas and / or vapor flows, because there are as many intermediate zones in which the flow flows in one direction as there are intermediate zones in which the flow flows in the opposite direction . In addition, in this way the layer L of particulate material P is subjected to an upward flow as long as a downward flow, which guarantees a substantially homogeneous roasting, in the case where the zones have the same length. In other embodiments, the transport compartment 100 can include a multitude of intermediate zones, and alternating adjacent zones can be provided in which a flow of gas and / or vapor flows in one direction, and adjacent areas in which a flow of gas and / or vapor flows in the opposite direction.

The control system 400 is configured to control the temperature T1 and / or the composition and / or the speed of the first gas and / or vapor flow F1, of the two intermediate gas and / or vapor flows Fi1, Fi2, and of the last gas and / or vapor flow Fd. The temperature T1 is controlled so that it is between 45 ° C and 150 ° C, the temperatures Ti1, Ti2 are controlled so that they are between 150 ° C and 350 ° C, and the temperature Td is controlled so that it figure between 10 ° C and 100 ° C. The relative humidity of the two intermediate gas and / or vapor streams Fi1, Fi2 is also controlled. Typically, the temperature Ti1 of the first intermediate zone Zi1 is higher than the temperature T1 of the first zone Z1, and the temperature of an intermediate zone downstream of a given intermediate zone is greater than that of said zone. In addition, typically the temperature Td of the last zone Zd is lower than the temperature T1 of the first zone Z1.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a continuous particulate matter roasting apparatus according to the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the treatment compartment is composed of a first zone Z1, four intermediate zones Zi1, Zi2, Zi3, Zi4, and a last zone Zd. The transport system 200 comprises two parallel plates, static or mobile, 221, 222 positioned vertically, between which the layer L of material

BE2018 / 5152 particulate P moves under the action of gravity or under the action of the movement of the two moving plates. The two parallel plates 221, 222 are configured to allow the first gas and / or steam flow F1 from the first zone Z1, to the four intermediate gas and / or vapor flows Fi1, Fi2, Fi3, Fi4 from the four intermediate zones Zi1, Zi2, Zi3, Zi4, and the last gas and / or vapor flow Fd from the last zone Zd to pass through. The gas and / or vapor flows pass through the layer L of particulate material P in two opposite directions within two adjacent zones.

FIG. 2 illustrates the possibility of using plates 221, 222, preferably parallel, forming part of the transport system 200. One can envisage plates 221, 222 flat or curved, describing open straight or sinuous lines like meanders, or closed lines such as circles. These plates 221, 222 can be located in a horizontal plane or in a vertical plane, the second choice having been illustrated in FIG. 2. Thus, under the action of gravity the particulate matter P can undergo an acceleration between the two plates 221, 222. It is possible to play with zones of different lengths and with materials inducing a friction force between the particulate matter and the plates. A solution such as the creation of zones downstream of the first zone Z1 of increasing length makes it possible to maintain similar contact times between the particulate matter P and the flow of gas and / or vapor within each zone . It is also possible to clamp the particulate material P between two vertically oriented conveyor belts. Those skilled in the art understand that there can be a plurality of embodiments offering different geometries, orientations and materials for producing the plates 221, 222.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a continuous particulate matter roasting apparatus according to the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the treatment compartment 100 is composed of a first zone Z1, four intermediate zones Zi1, Zi2, Zi3, Zi4, and a last zone Zd. The transport system 200 is made up of three distinct parts: a descending part 220a, a horizontal part 220b, and an ascending part 220c. Again, the gas and / or vapor flows pass through the layer L of particulate material P in two opposite directions within two adjacent zones. The difference with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 is located at the angle between the layer L of particulate material P and the various flows of gas and / or vapor. Indeed, while in the second intermediate zone Zi2 the flow of gas and / or intermediate vapor Fi2 crosses the layer L of particulate matter P substantially perpendicularly, the other flows of gas and / or vapor F1, Fi1, Fi3 , Fi4, Fd are oriented at an angle that is not substantially right with respect to the layer L of particulate matter P. Thus, the surface necessary for the installation of the device can be reduced.

BE2018 / 5152

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a fourth exemplary embodiment of a continuous particulate matter roasting apparatus according to the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the treatment compartment 100 is composed of a first zone Z1, eight intermediate zones Zi1, Zi2, etc., Zi8, and a last zone Zd. The difference with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 is at the level of the succession of the separate parts which make up the transport system 200. In fact, the latter comprises a first zone Z1 and a first intermediate zone Zi1 horizontal 220a , a second ascending intermediate zone Zi2 220b, three consecutive intermediate zones Zi3, Zi4, Zi5 horizontal 220c, two descending intermediate zones Zi6, Zi7 220d, and finally a last intermediate zone Zi8 and a last horizontal zone Zd 220e. The ascending part 220b can be produced for example by a conveyor screw. The upper part 220c allows a higher concentration of vapor to be obtained there, while the lower parts 220a, 220e contain a higher concentration of gas. The advantage of such an embodiment is that this device can be used under the condition of saturated steam. Since the vapor is lighter than the gas, the particulate matter is thus transported from the lower part 220a to the upper part 220c immersed in an atmosphere of saturated vapor, in which it is treated, sterilized and / or pasteurized, and is then transported from the upper part 220c towards the lower part 220e.

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of a more detailed example of an embodiment of a continuous particulate matter roasting apparatus according to the invention. All the operating characteristics described in the text relating to FIG. 1 remain valid for the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the treatment compartment 1100 is composed of a first zone Z1, six intermediate zones Zi1, Zi2, etc., Zi6, and a last zone Zd. The transport system 1200 comprises supply means 1210 configured to supply the particulate material P, without introduction of ambient air, as well as a conveyor belt 1220 with a substantially flat surface which supports the layer L of particulate material P. The conveyor belt 1220 passes through the first zone Z1, the six intermediate zones Zi1, Zi2, etc., Zi6 and the last zone Zd. The supply means 1210 may include an airlock 1211 of hermetic and unidirectional particulate material P, so as to guarantee that the treatment compartment 1100, the first, the six intermediates, as well as the last fluid generation unit 1310 , 1320, 1330, etc., 1380 and the control system 1400 form a substantially closed system, thereby avoiding energy leakage from the substantially closed system.

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The treatment compartment 1100 is formed by a box, for example a metal enclosure, comprising several wall sections: a first wall section 1110 surrounding the first zone Z1, six intermediate wall sections 1120, 1130, etc., 1170 surrounding the six intermediate zones Zi1, Zi2, etc., Zi6, and a last wall section 1180 surrounding the last zone Zd. Between two consecutive wall sections can be a thermal compensator 1115 used to compensate for the thermal expansion of the different materials used to design the box. Within each wall section, a plenum 1125, 1135 can be located above and / or below the conveyor belt 1220, which is partially delimited for example by a perforated plate and by the surface of said wall section. Such a device serves to increase the pressure as well as to homogenize the speed of the gas and / or vapor flows which cross the conveyor belt 1220. The presence preferably of two plena 1125, 1135 in each section of wall, on the part and on the other side of the conveyor belt 1220, makes it possible to provide a symmetrical modification of the direction of the flow of gas, for example air, and / or of vapor within said wall section, ascending or descending. At the end of the treatment compartment 1100, there may be a device 1230 for removing the roasted and cooled particulate matter P.

A first fluid generation unit 1310, six intermediate fluid generation units 1320, 1330, etc., 1370, and a last fluid generation unit 1380 are also schematically shown in Figure 5. The operation of each generation unit of fluid being similar, its description can be concentrated on the first unit 1310. The latter may include a separator 1311 of peels, coffee beans or cocoa for example, which are carried away by the flow of gas and / or steam and which fall into the fluid generation unit 1310. These peels are extracted from the stream by the separator 1311, the latter possibly being a cyclone for example. The fluid generation unit 1310 also comprises a fan 1312 making it possible to regulate the speed of the air in the first zone Z1, and a heat exchanger 1313 making it possible to regulate the temperature of the air and / or the steam. The first fluid generation unit 1310 also includes several valves for controlling the access of air and / or steam in the various circuits making up each fluid generation unit. In addition to the air inlet circuits Ai and steam Si, and the air outlet circuits Ao and steam So, a water circuit is schematically shown in Figure 5, the inlet Wi being supplied by example with demineralized water, and the Wo outlet for discharging the wastewater, containing waste from the treatment compartment 1100. Just downstream of the entry of the Wi circuit is a vacuum pump 1315 allowing circulation water in the circuit. This water circuit also makes it possible to regulate the humidity present in the air and / or the vapor.

The values of the quantities such as the temperature, the speed, the composition and the relative humidity of the air flow and / or of the vapor are regulated by a control system (not shown in Figure 5). A series of indicator sensors (PI) and transmitter sensors (PT, TT, FT)

BE2018 / 5152 measuring the temperature, pressure and flow are present on the different air, steam and water circuits. In addition, relative humidity (RH) sensors are present on the air circuit.

Finally, the fluid generation unit 1310 includes a Wheatstone bridge making it possible to select the upward or downward direction of the air and / or vapor flow. In this way, it can be ensured that the air and / or vapor flows circulating in two adjacent zones of the treatment compartment 1100 circulate in opposite directions.

In the particular case of coffee beans, the temperature of the first zone Z1 is preferably between 45 ° C and 150 ° C, and its length preferably between 0.5 m and 10 m. The temperature Ti1 of the first intermediate zone Zi1 is preferably between 55 ° C and 350 ° C, and its length preferably between 0.5 m and 10 m. The temperature Ti2 of the second intermediate zone Zi2 is preferably between 100 ° C and 350 ° C, and its length preferably between 0.5 m and 10 m. The temperature Ti3 of the third intermediate zone Zi3 is preferably between 150 ° C and 350 ° C, and its length preferably between 0.5 m and 10 m. The temperature Ti4 of the fourth intermediate zone Zi4 is preferably between 150 ° C and 350 ° C, and its length preferably between 0.5 m and 10 m. The temperature Ti5 of the fifth intermediate zone Zi5 is preferably between 150 ° C and 350 ° C, and its length preferably between 0.5 m and 10 m. The temperature Ti6 of the sixth intermediate zone Zi6 is preferably between 150 ° C and 350 ° C, and its length preferably between 0.5 m and 10 m. Finally, the temperature of the last zone Zd is preferably between 10 ° C and 100 ° C, and its length preferably between 0.5 m and 10 m.

Claims (37)

1. An apparatus for roasting particulate matter, such as coffee or cocoa beans, grains, malt, said apparatus comprising: a transport system (200; 1200) configured to transport a layer (L) of particulate material (P) through a treatment compartment (100; 1100) comprising a first zone (Z1), one or more intermediate zones (Zi1, Zi2, etc.) and a last zone (Zd) such that the particulate matter passes consecutively through the first zone, the intermediate zones, and the last zone; a first fluid generation unit (310; 1310) configured to generate a first flow of gas and / or vapor (F1) through the first zone; one or more intermediate fluid generation units (320, 330; 1320, 1330, 1370) configured to generate one or more intermediate gas and / or vapor streams (Fi1, Fi2, etc.) through the intermediate zone (s) ; a last fluid generation unit (340; 1380) configured to generate a last flow of gas and / or vapor (Fd) through the last zone; a control system (400) configured to control said first fluid generation unit, said one or more intermediate fluid generation units, and said last fluid generation unit, such that the layer of particulate material is preheated in the first zone , roasted in the intermediate zone (s), and cooled in the last zone. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport system (200; 1200) comprises supply means (210; 1210) configured to supply the particulate matter so that the layer has a thickness comprising no more than of 10 particles of particulate matter, such as beans, preferably no more than 3 particles, more preferably no more than 2 particles. 3. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the supply means (210) is configured to supply the particulate material so that the layer has a thickness of less than 100 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, more preferably less at 15 mm. 4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the transport system (200; 1200) comprises a conveyor belt (220; 1220) with a substantially planar surface which supports the layer (L) of particulate material, wherein the conveyor belt (220; 1220) passes through the first zone, the zone or zones BE2018 / 5152 intermediates and the last zone, in which the conveyor belt is configured to allow the first gas and / or vapor flow, the intermediate gas and / or vapor flows or and the last gas and / or vapor to pass through the layer (L) of particulate matter supported by the conveyor belt (220; 1220). 5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport system (200; 1200) comprises two substantially parallel faces (221, 222) between which the particulate material is transported, wherein the two substantially parallel faces are configured to allow the first gas and / or vapor stream, the intermediate gas and / or vapor stream (s) and the last gas and / or steam stream to pass through. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport system (200; 1200) is configured to move the layer (L) of particulate material at a substantially constant speed (v) through the first area , the intermediate zone (s) and the last zone. 7. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the substantially constant speed (v) is between 1 mm / s and 1 m / s. 8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fluid generation unit (310; 1310) is configured to generate the first flow of gas and / or vapor through the first area, substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate matter; wherein the intermediate fluid generation unit (s) (320, 330; 1320, 1370) are configured to generate the intermediate gas and / or vapor stream (s) through the intermediate area (s), substantially perpendicularly through the layer particulate matter; and wherein the last fluid generating unit (380; 1380) is configured to generate the last flow of gas and / or vapor through the last zone, substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate matter. 9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the treatment compartment (100; 1100), the first, the intermediate (s), as well as the last fluid generation unit (310, 320, 330, 340; 1310, 1320, 1380) and the control system (400) form a substantially closed system, so that there is substantially no energy leakage from the substantially closed system. BE2018 / 5152 10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control system (400) is configured to use at least part of the flow of gas and / or vapor which has passed through one of the zones (Z1 , Zi1, Zi2, etc., Zd) to generate at least part of the gas and / or vapor flow from another zone (Z1, Zi1, Zi2, etc., Zd), preferably from another zone upstream of said zone. 11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the intermediate zone or zones comprise at least a first intermediate zone (Zi1) and a second intermediate zone (Zi2) downstream from the first intermediate zone; wherein the control system (400) is configured to use at least part of the second flow of gas and / or intermediate vapor which has passed through the second intermediate zone to generate at least part of the first flow of gas and / or steam and / or the first flow of gas and / or intermediate steam, and vice versa. 12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the intermediate zone or zones comprise a first intermediate zone (Zi1) and a second intermediate zone (Zi2), and in which the intermediate fluid generation unit or units include: a first intermediate fluid generation unit (310; 1310) configured to send a first flow of intermediate gas and / or vapor through the first intermediate zone in a first direction (Di1) which is substantially perpendicular and through the layer of particulate matter, and a second intermediate fluid generation unit (320; 1320) configured to send a second flow of gas and / or intermediate vapor through the second intermediate zone in a second direction (Di2) opposite the first direction. 13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the number of intermediate zones (Zi1, Zi2, etc.) is even. 14. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the number of intermediate zones (Zi1, Zi2, etc.) is at least two, preferably four, more preferably six. 15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control system (400) is configured to control the temperature and / or the composition and / or the speed of the first flow of gas and / or vapor ( F1), of the intermediate gas and / or vapor stream (s) (Fi1, Fi2, etc.), and of the last gas and / or steam stream (Fd). BE2018 / 5152 16. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control system (400) is configured to control the temperature (T1) of the first flow of gas and / or vapor so that it is between 45 ° C and 150 ° C. 17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control system (400) is configured to control the temperatures (Ti1, Ti2, etc.) of the intermediate gas and / or vapor stream (s), so that they are between 150 ° C and 350 ° C. 18. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control system (400) is configured to control the temperature (T1) of the last gas and / or vapor flow, so that it is between 10 ° C and 100 ° C. 19. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the intermediate gas and / or vapor flow (s) comprise vapor, and in which the control system (400) is configured to control humidity relative of the intermediate gas and / or vapor flow (s). 20. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one intermediate fluid generation unit is configured to generate a flow of saturated vapor through at least one intermediate zone, so as to carry out sterilization and / or pasteurization of particulate matter. 21. A process for roasting particulate matter, such as coffee or cocoa beans, grains, malt, said process comprising: transporting a layer (L) of particulate food material (P) consecutively through a first zone (Z1), one or more intermediate zones (Zi1, Zi2, etc.) and a last zone (Zd); generating a first flow of gas and / or vapor (F1) through the first zone; the generation of one or more intermediate gas and / or vapor flows (Fi1, Fi2, etc.) through the intermediate zone or zones; generating a last flow of gas and / or vapor (Fd) through the last zone; the control of said first gas and / or vapor flow (F1), said intermediate gas and / or vapor flow (s) (Fi1, Fi2, etc.), and said last gas and / or vapor flow (Fd ), so that the layer of particulate matter is preheated and dried in the first zone, roasted in the intermediate zone or zones, and cooled in the last zone. BE2018 / 5152 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the layer has a thickness comprising not more than 10 particles of particulate matter, such as beans, preferably not more than 3 particles, more preferably not more than 2 particles. 23. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the layer has a thickness of less than 100 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, more preferably less than 15 mm. 24. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, in which the layer (L) of particulate material is transported at a substantially constant speed (v) through the first zone, the intermediate zone or zones and the last zone . 25. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the substantially constant speed (v) is between 1 mm / s and 1 m / s. 26. The method according to any one of claims 20-24, wherein the first flow of gas and / or vapor is generated substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate matter; wherein the one or more intermediate gas and / or vapor streams are generated substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate matter; and wherein the last flow of gas and / or vapor is generated substantially perpendicularly through the layer of particulate matter. 27. The method according to any one of claims 20-25, wherein the control comprises the use of at least part of the flow of gas and / or vapor which has passed through one of the zones (Z1, Zi1 , Zi2, etc., Zd) to generate at least part of the gas and / or vapor flow from another zone (Z1, Zi1, Zi2, etc., Zd), preferably from another zone upstream of said area. 28. The method according to any one of claims 20-26, in which the intermediate zone or zones comprise at least a first intermediate zone (Zi1) and a second intermediate zone (Zi2) downstream from the first intermediate zone; wherein at least a portion of the second intermediate gas and / or vapor stream which has passed through the second intermediate region is used to generate at least a portion of the first gas and / or vapor stream and / or the first stream gas and / or intermediate vapor, and vice versa. 29. The method according to any one of claims 20-27, in which the intermediate zone or zones comprise a first intermediate zone (Zi1) and a second zone BE2018 / 5152 intermediate (Zi2), and in which a first flow of gas and / or intermediate vapor is sent through the first intermediate zone in a first direction (Di1) and a second flow of gas and / or intermediate vapor is sent through the second intermediate zone in a second direction (Di2) opposite to the first direction. 30. The method according to any one of claims 20-28, in which the number of intermediate zones (Zi1, Zi2, etc.) is even. 31. The method according to the preceding claim, in which the number of intermediate zones (Zi1, Zi2, etc.) is at least two, preferably four, more preferably six. 32. The method according to any one of claims 20-30, wherein the temperature and / or the composition and / or the speed of the first gas and / or vapor stream (F1), of the gas stream (s) and / or intermediate steam (Fi1, Fi2, etc.), and the last gas and / or steam flow (Fd) is checked. 33. The method according to any one of claims 20-31, in which the temperature (T1) of the first flow of gas and / or vapor is controlled so that it is between 45 ° C and 150 ° C. 34. The method according to any one of claims 20-32, in which the temperatures (Ti1, Ti2, etc.) of the intermediate gas and / or vapor stream (s) are controlled so that they are between 150 ° C and 350 ° C. 35. The method according to any one of claims 20-33, in which the temperature (Tl) of the last gas and / or vapor flow is controlled so that it is between 10 ° C and 100 ° C. 36. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the intermediate gas and / or vapor stream (s) comprise steam, and in which the relative humidity of the gas and / or steam stream (s) intermediaries is controlled. 37. The method according to the preceding claim, in which the generation of one or more flows of intermediate gas and / or vapor (Fi1, Fi2, etc.) through the intermediate zone or zones comprises the generation of a flow saturated steam, so as to achieve sterilization and / or pasteurization of the particulate matter.