Improving the reactor for thickening organic plant-based polycomponent semi-finished products with high degree of readiness

Abstract

The object of this study is the process of thickening organic polycomponent compositions based on Jerusalem artichoke, apples, pumpkin, cranberry, and dogwood to produce high-level semi-finished products employing the proposed equipment and technological solutions implemented in a unified reactor. Conventional thickening devices have a steam heat supply system, which leads to overheating of certain layers of raw materials and prevents the mobile properties of the apparatus under the conditions of significant execution of organic properties of raw materials. The introduction of apratur-technological solutions could provide the competitive advantage of the reactors by heating the film-like emitting electric heater using a mixing device with a heating surface. Increasing the total area of heat exchange to 1.24 m2 (prototype – 0.98 m2). There is a decrease in specific heat consumption by 20 %, specific metal capacity by 47 %, and the duration of the process by 30 %. We have determined rheological properties in the thickening of the organic polycomponent composition of the paste at a temperature of 55 °C and a shift rate within 3.0…4.5 s-1, effective viscosity is in the range of 22...3.5 Pa·s. In this case, the kinetics of boiling in an improved reactor are by 27 % smaller than that in the basic structure R-P-150m. According to organoleptic indicators, the composition "B" has a pleasant harmonious taste of all components. The results of the studies are relevant for practical implementation in the temperature range from 35 °C to 55 °C. The hardware and technological solutions form the competitiveness of mobile reactors for the thickening of plant semi-finished products under conditions of elimination of the steam component and an increase in the surface of the heat exchange of the mixing device. Providing preference in operating duration with the simultaneous use of Peltier elements to convert secondary heat to the autonomous work of exhaust fans in the motor compartment