CA1312712C - Method and apparatus for washing carcasses - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for washing carcassesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1312712C CA1312712C CA000580265A CA580265A CA1312712C CA 1312712 C CA1312712 C CA 1312712C CA 000580265 A CA000580265 A CA 000580265A CA 580265 A CA580265 A CA 580265A CA 1312712 C CA1312712 C CA 1312712C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- carcass
- water
- washing
- zone
- carcasses
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 49
- 210000001124 body fluid Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000013505 freshwater Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 230000004087 circulation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004380 ashing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010839 body fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003749 cleanliness Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 101100352755 Drosophila melanogaster pnt gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000282887 Suidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000193803 Therea Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000010868 animal carcass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002844 continuous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007598 dipping method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002674 ointment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003307 slaughter Methods 0.000 description 1
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A22—BUTCHERING; MEAT TREATMENT; PROCESSING POULTRY OR FISH
- A22B—SLAUGHTERING
- A22B5/00—Accessories for use during or after slaughtering
- A22B5/08—Scalding; Scraping; Dehairing; Singeing
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Carcass processing apparatus having an overhead carrier for suspension of carcasses, a carcass conveyor located below the carrier with an angled support surface, the conveyor moving in unison with the carcass along the carrier, and water deluge apparatus for directing a deluge flow of water onto each carcass.
Also disclosed is a method of processing carcasses by supporting the carcasses on a moving conveyor located at an angle, for drainage of bodily fluids, and subjecting the carcasses to a continuous deluge flow of water for washing.
Carcass processing apparatus having an overhead carrier for suspension of carcasses, a carcass conveyor located below the carrier with an angled support surface, the conveyor moving in unison with the carcass along the carrier, and water deluge apparatus for directing a deluge flow of water onto each carcass.
Also disclosed is a method of processing carcasses by supporting the carcasses on a moving conveyor located at an angle, for drainage of bodily fluids, and subjecting the carcasses to a continuous deluge flow of water for washing.
Description
:1312 7 ~
The inYen-tion rela-tes to the processing of arlimal carcasses with wat0r and, in parti¢ular, to the Hangi.llg, washing, and scalding o~ animal carcasses.
B~GICGROUND OF THE INVENTION
~ nimal carcasses, such as for example hog carcasses and the like, soon aftqr slaugh-ter, axe hung -to allow bodily fluids -to drain, are also washed for cleanliness, and are surface scalded to assist removal of body hair. In th~ case of hogs in par-ticular, -the washing step includes -the washing of the carcass wlth hot; water, follow~d by a process known as scalding. The purpose of surface scalding is generally to soften -the hair on the carcass so that it may be more readily removed.
In the past, -these operations have been carried ou-t usually ~y first of all hangin~ the carcass ver-tically by one leg from a hanging rail for drainage. ~he carcasses were -then taken off the rail and were washed and scalded br simply dipping them in a tank of water.
lhese somewhat rudimentary processing steps are time consuming, relati~ely inefficient, and do not lend themselves to increased cleanliness. In addition, they also produce some harmful side effects on -the carcass, in whlch the quali-ty of some of the meat may be reduced, at least bacteriologicallr.
Hangin~ the carcass by on0 le~ for any length o time is found to result in distortion of the muscle, fa-t or joint in that leg. I-t is also found that due to the -tension on the muscle in -that leg, the draining of body fluids from that muscle is sometimes incomple-te. It is felt dssirable that the leg muscles of -the carcass should .
~L2~ 2 be relaxed at some time during this draining s-tage.
The washing and scalding step, when it is carried out in a tank of water~ i5 no-t cornple-tely sa-tisfactory. In addition, the tank must be emp-tied and fluslled out and refilled regularly, which is expensive, energy inefficien-t, and labou:r consuming.
The use of large open tanks of hot water results in substantial energy losses due to heat loss and evaporation, and uneven scalding of th~ carcasses, and may cause loss o ~ea-t product.
It is, therefore, desirable as far as possible -that carcasses should be washed in such a manner tllat all the dirt from each carcass be flushed away, and -the surface of the carcass should -then be scalded, free of dirt.
In addition, it is desirable to provide for an improYed method of hanging -the carcasses for drainage, which results in complete drainage, with minimum retention of fluids in -the muscles.
It is also clearly desirable that the various steps of hanging, wa.shing, etc., shall be carried out without the requirement for unnecessary handling o~ each carcass.
In -the par-ticular case of the scalding of carcasses, it is desirable for best results that the water shall be at a fairly high temperature in the range of between 55 to 65 degrees.
It is, however, generally considered tha-t if the carca.~s is subJected -to this temperatuxe immediately, or is subjec-ted to this temperature for too great a 1 31~ 1 ~ 2 leng-th oe time, tha-t cer-tain undesirable effects can r~sult, causing loss Oe quality in the carcass and lower grades of cer-tain cuts. On the ot'her hand, i~ the surfacing scalding is not carried out for a sufficientlY
lon~ period of time, -then the hair i5 not fully treated, and hair removal will not be completely satisfac-tory.
It is -therefore desirable to find some means whereby these two somewha-t conflicting obJectives can 'be satisfied namely, achieving adequa-te scaldlng o~ the carcass so as -to ensure satisfac-tory hair removal, without loss of meat ~uality.
BRIEF SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
With a vi.ew -to achieving these general objectives, the invention comprises a carcass washing and scalding apparatus of the type comprising an overhead carrying rail, means for a-ttaching carcas.ses for suspension from said rail, carcass conveyor means located below said rail, said conveyor means defining an angled conveyor surface adapted to support each carcass a-t an angle, and means for movin~ said conveyor in unison with movement of said carcasses along said rall, and water deluge means arranged for a wa-ter deluge onto each carcass in turn.
More particularly, it i5 an ob~ective of the invention to provide-a carcass washing and scalding apparatus having the oregoing ad~antages wherein the carcass conveyor means is adapted -to support a carcass on a first side, for a first predetermined leng-th of said conveyor means, and on a second said side for a second predetermined length of said conveyor means.
~3~2'~
More par-ticularly, i-t ls a~ objective o:f the :invcn-tioll to provide a carcass washing and scalding apparatus having the fore~oing advan-tages, including first and second carcass conveyor means, which further includes carcass turning means, located be-tween said irs-t and second carcass conveyor means.
More particularly, it is an ob~ective of -~he inventiorl to provide such a washing and scaling apparatus having a plurality of wa-ter treatment zones along said rail, with water flow systems for each said zone, whereby water can..be flowed downwardly o~er said carcasses in each said ~one, and -tempera-ture control means for each said system in each said zone, wherebY water tempera-tures can be maintained at di~ferent levels in different said zones, such heating of the water being accomplished efficiently since the entire appara-tus is enclosed in an insulated metal cabinet, thus eliminating evaporatioll losses to the surroundings as is commonly found curren-tly in dip tank systems employed.
It is a further and related objective o~ the invention to proYide a method of washing and scalding carcasses comprising the s~eps of supporting said carcasses on moYing conveyor means, with said carcasses being located at a predetermined angle, for drainage of bodily fluids, and subjecting said carcasses to a continuous downward flow of water.
More particularlY, it is an objective of the invention to provid~ a method having the foregoing advantages, wherein said method includes the step of supporting said carcasses a prede-termined first angle, for 1 ~ L27:1~
a firs-t processing time, and therea~ter supporting said carcasses at a prede-termined second angle, ~or a second pxede-termined processin~ time.
The various features o~ novelty which characterize the inven-tion are poin-ted out wi-th more particularity in -the claims an.nexed -to and forming a part o~ -this dlsclosure. For a be-tter understAnding o~ -the invention, its operating advantages and speci~ic objec-ts attained by its use, reference should be had -to the accompanying drawings and descriptive mat-ter in which there are illustrated and described pre~erred embodimen-ts o~ the inYen-tion.
IN THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schema-tic side eleva-tio~al view of a washing and-scalding line in accordance with the i~lvention, partially cu-t away to reYeal its interior;
Figure 2 15 a schematic top plan view of the processing line of Figure 1 partially cut away;
Figure 3 is a schematic section along the line 3-.3 o~ Figure 1; and, Figure 4 is a schematic illustration o~ an alternative processing line.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
As explained above, the invention sets out to perform three basic ~unc-ti~ns on the carcass, namely the hanging of ~he carcass to draln bodilY fluids, the washing of the caxcass and scalding o~ the carcass. It will be appreciated that these three steps may be carried out in se~uence one a~ter the other, or alternatively may be carried out together simultaneously.
--F,--~ 3 ~
For the purposes cf the present explana-tion -the invention is described primarily in -the form of a processing line fox carrying out both drainage, ~ashing and scalding s-teps in a sin~le chamber.
Xeferring firs-t of all to Figures 1 to .~, the invention is illust.rated in -the form of a processin~ llne consisting of an elongated chamber 10, o generally rec-tangular cross-sectlon, and o~ regular shape along its leng-th.
The chamber 10 is is shown here as open a~ l~s ups-tream end 12 and its downstream end 14, but will u.sually be provided with some form of closures such as doors (not shown), air cur-tain.s or the like such as are well known in the art which are omi-tted here for the sake of clarity.
In order to -transport the carcasses indicated generally as C through the chamber 10, a single overhead carrying rail 16 extends through the chamber. Trolleys 18 running on the rail may be moved or example by a chain ~not shown) driven by motor 20. Trolleys 18 are provided with some form of carcass engagement means such as shackles or hooks h.
The chamber may be notionally considered as having a plurality of zones, in this casc three such zones indicated as Z1, Z2 and ~3. It will be appreciated ho~ever -that there may be a greater or lesser number of 20nes, depending upon varlation.s in the processing of particular c:arcasses, and depending upon user requirements.
The presen-t embodiment of the invention is L3~27~,~
designed bo-th for draining bodily fluids, and washing -the carcass, and scalding the carcass. For this purpose, it is consider~d desirable that the high temperature water required shall ~e applied in stages at di-~erell-t ternperature leYels, in this case three different -temperature levels. Accordingly, in this form of the invention, the chamber 10 is provided with three separate ~ater circula-tion systems.
Each wa-ter circulation system consists o~ a header -tank 22, provided wi-th a large number o~ aper-tures or openings 24 through which water may stream downwardly in a deluge through chamber lQ.
Each water circulation system further comprises a water supply pipe 26, and a heat exchanger 28. A bypass 30 is provided on pipe 26, and one or more flow control Yalves 32 and 34 control flow either through the heat exchanger 2~ or up the bypass ~0.
A pump 36 is connected so as to draw water from the sloping floor 38 of the chamber, and force it up through -the piPe 26.
Fresh water i5 admitted ~ia in-take pipe 40, into zone Z3. Nater flows from zone Z3 to Z2, and from Z2 to Z1, via transfer pipe5 42 and 44. Water is discharged via ` waste pipe ~6, from zone Zl. Pumps or flow control ~alves (not shown) may ~e provi~ed as needed.
In -this way a continuous circulation of water wi-thin each zone of the chamber is maintained. The temperature of the water in the particular zone is controlled by means of the heat exchangers and -the con-trol valves, and a -temperature sensor 47.
~3~.27~2 In order -to con-trol -th~se -functions, all o~ -the valves and sensors are connec-ted -to a central processing unit 48 which is, in turn, provided wi-th the usual key da-ta cntry sy.s-tem 50, which w.i:Ll incorpora-te num0rical displays~ or a monitox (not shown). The pumps, heat eY~changers, piping, and header tank are designed -to be cleaned in place.
In accordance with a fur-ther feature of the invention, some of the weight of -the earcass is supported by some means in addition simply -to the rail and -trolley.
Accordingly, in order to achieve this the invention provides a pair of conveyor belts 52 and 54.
Conveyor belts 52 and 54 are til-ted at an angle indieated generally as A and -the belts face towards sides o~ the chamber. Each of the conveyors 52 and 54, in this particular emhodiment, consists of a typical belt conveyor, opera-ted by a mo-tor 56 (shown in figure 3 ~nly for -the sake of clarity).
20 The conveyors are shown as located in zone ZZ.
In this way the earcass weight is partly suppor-ted in zone Z2, but hang free in zones Z1 and Z3.
The -two conveyors are so located, in relation to the trolleys on the o~erhead rail, that the carcass, when one leg is attached -to the trolley, lies at an oblique angle on the eonveyor.
The conveyors and the trolleys ~ill move a-t the same speed. Motors 20 and 56 are connected to the central processin~ unit for synchronous movement, for thls purpose ~3~ 2~
Between the -two eonYeyors 5Z and 64, there is a prede-termilled spacing allowed, for the carcass to hang free and rotate before it iB lifted onto corlveyor 54.
In order -to oontrol -the rotation of the carcass, a con-trol rail 58 is provi.ded bet,ween conveyors 52-54.
I~ operation, the carcass o-~ a freshly killed animal is a-ttached by one h~nd leg on a ~haokle or hook hanging fro~ a -trolley on the overhead rail. The trolley, and carcass will then move into zone Z1. In -this zone -the carcass hangs vertically, and bodlly -fluids drain. l'he carcass is also ~ubject to deluge ~low ~f wa~er for washing The washing water will be at an elevated temperature but not at the high scalding temperature.
This removes dirt, and soaks the hair.
The trolley, and carcass than enter zone ~2. The .~
movement of the trolley along the overhead rail will cause the carcass to be drawn agalns~ the conveyor 52, and, movement o~ the trolley, together with the movemen-t of the con.veyor, will gradually lift the carcass onto the conveyor9 and cause the carcass to rise into the oblique angle shown, with one side of the carcass lying on the conveyor 52.
In this way, a por-tion of -the weight of the carcass is taken of~ the leg muscles, leaving them in a better condition.
As the carcass moves through zone Z2, it is subjected to a con-tinuous deluge o~ wa-ter at a higher .scalding temperature, flowing downwardly over the length of the carcass.
When the carcass reaches the space between _g_ 1 3 ~
conveyors 52 and 54, it, will momentarily swing ver-tical., af-ter which it will be partly rotated, by engaging the ra:il 58. I'he carcass wil]. then be gradually drawn up on -to -the second conveyor 54, where i-t will lie on its other side a-t a second obll~ue angle, corresponding to the angle of the ~irs-t conveyor but directed in -the opposite direc-tion, and the carcass is then fur-ther sub~ec-ted to the scalding water deluge.
Due to the relaxi~lg of the leg muscles further minor drainage o~ body fluid~s -takes place in zone Z2, and the hair is scalded, by -the higher temperature water.
The trolley and carcass then move ln-tc zone Z3.
The carcass again hangs verticalln zone 23 and is subjected to further deluge o~ water, a-t a somewhat lower eleva-ted -te~perature, for a final wash.
After exiting zone Z3 the carcass is -then moved along a rail (not shown) to further processing in the plant, or may be removed from the rail for fur-ther processing.
To achieve -the desired scalding treatment, typically being re~uired for removal o~ hair from hog or other carcasses, the wa-ter temperature in the three 20nes may be carefully controlled and ~raduated. Thus typlcally the zone temperatures would be as follows:
Zone Z1 -. 45 to 60 degrees C
Zone Z2 55 to 65 Zone Z3 50 to 60 As noted above, while the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 is shown as comprising both the drainage ~unction and the washing and scalding function ln a single , installa-tion, it will be understood th~t in some cases the I;wo basic functions, namely drainage and washing, could be separa-ted.
Thus as sho~n in Flgu.re 41 it would be possible to arrange an overhead rail 60 located in a first location over a collector 62 for drainage. The rail would then carry the carcasse.s to a chamber 64 a-t a second location wherein there are two anglsd con~eyor bel-ts 66 -68, and water dsluge systems(not shown). ~ashing and scalding and.residual drainage would take place in the chamber 64.
Collector 62 would have a sloping floor, and a drain 70 would be connected to a valve 72, for direc-ting flow of blood for further processing, or for directing flow to waste, ~or cleaning.
The foregoing i~ a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the speci-fic fea-tures as described, but comprehends all such varia-tions thereof as come wi-thin -the scope of the appended claims.
The inYen-tion rela-tes to the processing of arlimal carcasses with wat0r and, in parti¢ular, to the Hangi.llg, washing, and scalding o~ animal carcasses.
B~GICGROUND OF THE INVENTION
~ nimal carcasses, such as for example hog carcasses and the like, soon aftqr slaugh-ter, axe hung -to allow bodily fluids -to drain, are also washed for cleanliness, and are surface scalded to assist removal of body hair. In th~ case of hogs in par-ticular, -the washing step includes -the washing of the carcass wlth hot; water, follow~d by a process known as scalding. The purpose of surface scalding is generally to soften -the hair on the carcass so that it may be more readily removed.
In the past, -these operations have been carried ou-t usually ~y first of all hangin~ the carcass ver-tically by one leg from a hanging rail for drainage. ~he carcasses were -then taken off the rail and were washed and scalded br simply dipping them in a tank of water.
lhese somewhat rudimentary processing steps are time consuming, relati~ely inefficient, and do not lend themselves to increased cleanliness. In addition, they also produce some harmful side effects on -the carcass, in whlch the quali-ty of some of the meat may be reduced, at least bacteriologicallr.
Hangin~ the carcass by on0 le~ for any length o time is found to result in distortion of the muscle, fa-t or joint in that leg. I-t is also found that due to the -tension on the muscle in -that leg, the draining of body fluids from that muscle is sometimes incomple-te. It is felt dssirable that the leg muscles of -the carcass should .
~L2~ 2 be relaxed at some time during this draining s-tage.
The washing and scalding step, when it is carried out in a tank of water~ i5 no-t cornple-tely sa-tisfactory. In addition, the tank must be emp-tied and fluslled out and refilled regularly, which is expensive, energy inefficien-t, and labou:r consuming.
The use of large open tanks of hot water results in substantial energy losses due to heat loss and evaporation, and uneven scalding of th~ carcasses, and may cause loss o ~ea-t product.
It is, therefore, desirable as far as possible -that carcasses should be washed in such a manner tllat all the dirt from each carcass be flushed away, and -the surface of the carcass should -then be scalded, free of dirt.
In addition, it is desirable to provide for an improYed method of hanging -the carcasses for drainage, which results in complete drainage, with minimum retention of fluids in -the muscles.
It is also clearly desirable that the various steps of hanging, wa.shing, etc., shall be carried out without the requirement for unnecessary handling o~ each carcass.
In -the par-ticular case of the scalding of carcasses, it is desirable for best results that the water shall be at a fairly high temperature in the range of between 55 to 65 degrees.
It is, however, generally considered tha-t if the carca.~s is subJected -to this temperatuxe immediately, or is subjec-ted to this temperature for too great a 1 31~ 1 ~ 2 leng-th oe time, tha-t cer-tain undesirable effects can r~sult, causing loss Oe quality in the carcass and lower grades of cer-tain cuts. On the ot'her hand, i~ the surfacing scalding is not carried out for a sufficientlY
lon~ period of time, -then the hair i5 not fully treated, and hair removal will not be completely satisfac-tory.
It is -therefore desirable to find some means whereby these two somewha-t conflicting obJectives can 'be satisfied namely, achieving adequa-te scaldlng o~ the carcass so as -to ensure satisfac-tory hair removal, without loss of meat ~uality.
BRIEF SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
With a vi.ew -to achieving these general objectives, the invention comprises a carcass washing and scalding apparatus of the type comprising an overhead carrying rail, means for a-ttaching carcas.ses for suspension from said rail, carcass conveyor means located below said rail, said conveyor means defining an angled conveyor surface adapted to support each carcass a-t an angle, and means for movin~ said conveyor in unison with movement of said carcasses along said rall, and water deluge means arranged for a wa-ter deluge onto each carcass in turn.
More particularly, it i5 an ob~ective of the invention to provide-a carcass washing and scalding apparatus having the oregoing ad~antages wherein the carcass conveyor means is adapted -to support a carcass on a first side, for a first predetermined leng-th of said conveyor means, and on a second said side for a second predetermined length of said conveyor means.
~3~2'~
More par-ticularly, i-t ls a~ objective o:f the :invcn-tioll to provide a carcass washing and scalding apparatus having the fore~oing advan-tages, including first and second carcass conveyor means, which further includes carcass turning means, located be-tween said irs-t and second carcass conveyor means.
More particularly, it is an ob~ective of -~he inventiorl to provide such a washing and scaling apparatus having a plurality of wa-ter treatment zones along said rail, with water flow systems for each said zone, whereby water can..be flowed downwardly o~er said carcasses in each said ~one, and -tempera-ture control means for each said system in each said zone, wherebY water tempera-tures can be maintained at di~ferent levels in different said zones, such heating of the water being accomplished efficiently since the entire appara-tus is enclosed in an insulated metal cabinet, thus eliminating evaporatioll losses to the surroundings as is commonly found curren-tly in dip tank systems employed.
It is a further and related objective o~ the invention to proYide a method of washing and scalding carcasses comprising the s~eps of supporting said carcasses on moYing conveyor means, with said carcasses being located at a predetermined angle, for drainage of bodily fluids, and subjecting said carcasses to a continuous downward flow of water.
More particularlY, it is an objective of the invention to provid~ a method having the foregoing advantages, wherein said method includes the step of supporting said carcasses a prede-termined first angle, for 1 ~ L27:1~
a firs-t processing time, and therea~ter supporting said carcasses at a prede-termined second angle, ~or a second pxede-termined processin~ time.
The various features o~ novelty which characterize the inven-tion are poin-ted out wi-th more particularity in -the claims an.nexed -to and forming a part o~ -this dlsclosure. For a be-tter understAnding o~ -the invention, its operating advantages and speci~ic objec-ts attained by its use, reference should be had -to the accompanying drawings and descriptive mat-ter in which there are illustrated and described pre~erred embodimen-ts o~ the inYen-tion.
IN THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schema-tic side eleva-tio~al view of a washing and-scalding line in accordance with the i~lvention, partially cu-t away to reYeal its interior;
Figure 2 15 a schematic top plan view of the processing line of Figure 1 partially cut away;
Figure 3 is a schematic section along the line 3-.3 o~ Figure 1; and, Figure 4 is a schematic illustration o~ an alternative processing line.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
As explained above, the invention sets out to perform three basic ~unc-ti~ns on the carcass, namely the hanging of ~he carcass to draln bodilY fluids, the washing of the caxcass and scalding o~ the carcass. It will be appreciated that these three steps may be carried out in se~uence one a~ter the other, or alternatively may be carried out together simultaneously.
--F,--~ 3 ~
For the purposes cf the present explana-tion -the invention is described primarily in -the form of a processing line fox carrying out both drainage, ~ashing and scalding s-teps in a sin~le chamber.
Xeferring firs-t of all to Figures 1 to .~, the invention is illust.rated in -the form of a processin~ llne consisting of an elongated chamber 10, o generally rec-tangular cross-sectlon, and o~ regular shape along its leng-th.
The chamber 10 is is shown here as open a~ l~s ups-tream end 12 and its downstream end 14, but will u.sually be provided with some form of closures such as doors (not shown), air cur-tain.s or the like such as are well known in the art which are omi-tted here for the sake of clarity.
In order to -transport the carcasses indicated generally as C through the chamber 10, a single overhead carrying rail 16 extends through the chamber. Trolleys 18 running on the rail may be moved or example by a chain ~not shown) driven by motor 20. Trolleys 18 are provided with some form of carcass engagement means such as shackles or hooks h.
The chamber may be notionally considered as having a plurality of zones, in this casc three such zones indicated as Z1, Z2 and ~3. It will be appreciated ho~ever -that there may be a greater or lesser number of 20nes, depending upon varlation.s in the processing of particular c:arcasses, and depending upon user requirements.
The presen-t embodiment of the invention is L3~27~,~
designed bo-th for draining bodily fluids, and washing -the carcass, and scalding the carcass. For this purpose, it is consider~d desirable that the high temperature water required shall ~e applied in stages at di-~erell-t ternperature leYels, in this case three different -temperature levels. Accordingly, in this form of the invention, the chamber 10 is provided with three separate ~ater circula-tion systems.
Each wa-ter circulation system consists o~ a header -tank 22, provided wi-th a large number o~ aper-tures or openings 24 through which water may stream downwardly in a deluge through chamber lQ.
Each water circulation system further comprises a water supply pipe 26, and a heat exchanger 28. A bypass 30 is provided on pipe 26, and one or more flow control Yalves 32 and 34 control flow either through the heat exchanger 2~ or up the bypass ~0.
A pump 36 is connected so as to draw water from the sloping floor 38 of the chamber, and force it up through -the piPe 26.
Fresh water i5 admitted ~ia in-take pipe 40, into zone Z3. Nater flows from zone Z3 to Z2, and from Z2 to Z1, via transfer pipe5 42 and 44. Water is discharged via ` waste pipe ~6, from zone Zl. Pumps or flow control ~alves (not shown) may ~e provi~ed as needed.
In -this way a continuous circulation of water wi-thin each zone of the chamber is maintained. The temperature of the water in the particular zone is controlled by means of the heat exchangers and -the con-trol valves, and a -temperature sensor 47.
~3~.27~2 In order -to con-trol -th~se -functions, all o~ -the valves and sensors are connec-ted -to a central processing unit 48 which is, in turn, provided wi-th the usual key da-ta cntry sy.s-tem 50, which w.i:Ll incorpora-te num0rical displays~ or a monitox (not shown). The pumps, heat eY~changers, piping, and header tank are designed -to be cleaned in place.
In accordance with a fur-ther feature of the invention, some of the weight of -the earcass is supported by some means in addition simply -to the rail and -trolley.
Accordingly, in order to achieve this the invention provides a pair of conveyor belts 52 and 54.
Conveyor belts 52 and 54 are til-ted at an angle indieated generally as A and -the belts face towards sides o~ the chamber. Each of the conveyors 52 and 54, in this particular emhodiment, consists of a typical belt conveyor, opera-ted by a mo-tor 56 (shown in figure 3 ~nly for -the sake of clarity).
20 The conveyors are shown as located in zone ZZ.
In this way the earcass weight is partly suppor-ted in zone Z2, but hang free in zones Z1 and Z3.
The -two conveyors are so located, in relation to the trolleys on the o~erhead rail, that the carcass, when one leg is attached -to the trolley, lies at an oblique angle on the eonveyor.
The conveyors and the trolleys ~ill move a-t the same speed. Motors 20 and 56 are connected to the central processin~ unit for synchronous movement, for thls purpose ~3~ 2~
Between the -two eonYeyors 5Z and 64, there is a prede-termilled spacing allowed, for the carcass to hang free and rotate before it iB lifted onto corlveyor 54.
In order -to oontrol -the rotation of the carcass, a con-trol rail 58 is provi.ded bet,ween conveyors 52-54.
I~ operation, the carcass o-~ a freshly killed animal is a-ttached by one h~nd leg on a ~haokle or hook hanging fro~ a -trolley on the overhead rail. The trolley, and carcass will then move into zone Z1. In -this zone -the carcass hangs vertically, and bodlly -fluids drain. l'he carcass is also ~ubject to deluge ~low ~f wa~er for washing The washing water will be at an elevated temperature but not at the high scalding temperature.
This removes dirt, and soaks the hair.
The trolley, and carcass than enter zone ~2. The .~
movement of the trolley along the overhead rail will cause the carcass to be drawn agalns~ the conveyor 52, and, movement o~ the trolley, together with the movemen-t of the con.veyor, will gradually lift the carcass onto the conveyor9 and cause the carcass to rise into the oblique angle shown, with one side of the carcass lying on the conveyor 52.
In this way, a por-tion of -the weight of the carcass is taken of~ the leg muscles, leaving them in a better condition.
As the carcass moves through zone Z2, it is subjected to a con-tinuous deluge o~ wa-ter at a higher .scalding temperature, flowing downwardly over the length of the carcass.
When the carcass reaches the space between _g_ 1 3 ~
conveyors 52 and 54, it, will momentarily swing ver-tical., af-ter which it will be partly rotated, by engaging the ra:il 58. I'he carcass wil]. then be gradually drawn up on -to -the second conveyor 54, where i-t will lie on its other side a-t a second obll~ue angle, corresponding to the angle of the ~irs-t conveyor but directed in -the opposite direc-tion, and the carcass is then fur-ther sub~ec-ted to the scalding water deluge.
Due to the relaxi~lg of the leg muscles further minor drainage o~ body fluid~s -takes place in zone Z2, and the hair is scalded, by -the higher temperature water.
The trolley and carcass then move ln-tc zone Z3.
The carcass again hangs verticalln zone 23 and is subjected to further deluge o~ water, a-t a somewhat lower eleva-ted -te~perature, for a final wash.
After exiting zone Z3 the carcass is -then moved along a rail (not shown) to further processing in the plant, or may be removed from the rail for fur-ther processing.
To achieve -the desired scalding treatment, typically being re~uired for removal o~ hair from hog or other carcasses, the wa-ter temperature in the three 20nes may be carefully controlled and ~raduated. Thus typlcally the zone temperatures would be as follows:
Zone Z1 -. 45 to 60 degrees C
Zone Z2 55 to 65 Zone Z3 50 to 60 As noted above, while the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 is shown as comprising both the drainage ~unction and the washing and scalding function ln a single , installa-tion, it will be understood th~t in some cases the I;wo basic functions, namely drainage and washing, could be separa-ted.
Thus as sho~n in Flgu.re 41 it would be possible to arrange an overhead rail 60 located in a first location over a collector 62 for drainage. The rail would then carry the carcasse.s to a chamber 64 a-t a second location wherein there are two anglsd con~eyor bel-ts 66 -68, and water dsluge systems(not shown). ~ashing and scalding and.residual drainage would take place in the chamber 64.
Collector 62 would have a sloping floor, and a drain 70 would be connected to a valve 72, for direc-ting flow of blood for further processing, or for directing flow to waste, ~or cleaning.
The foregoing i~ a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the speci-fic fea-tures as described, but comprehends all such varia-tions thereof as come wi-thin -the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. Carcass washing and scalding apparatus comprising:
an overhead carrier, having moveable suspension means for suspension of carcasses from said carrier, for movement therealong;
carcass conveyor means located below said carrier, said conveyor means defining an angled support surface, adapted to support each carcass at an angle;
means for moving said conveyor means in unison with movement of said suspension means along said carrier; and, water deluge means arranged for directing streams of water onto each said carcass.
an overhead carrier, having moveable suspension means for suspension of carcasses from said carrier, for movement therealong;
carcass conveyor means located below said carrier, said conveyor means defining an angled support surface, adapted to support each carcass at an angle;
means for moving said conveyor means in unison with movement of said suspension means along said carrier; and, water deluge means arranged for directing streams of water onto each said carcass.
2. Carcass washing and scalding apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first portion of said carcass conveyor means is adapted to support a carcass on a first side and a second portion of said conveyor means supports said carcass on a second said side.
3. Carcass washing and scalding apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 which further includes carcass turning means, located between said first and second portions of said carcass conveyor means.
4. Carcass washing and scalding apparatus as claimed in claim 3 and wherein said conveyor means includes two moveable conveyor belts, said conveyor belts defining two conveying support surfaces oriented at two predetermined angles.
5. Carcass washing and scalding apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and including a plurality of water treatment zones, and recirculating water deluge systems for each said zone, whereby water can be flowed downwardly over said carcasses in each said zone and continuously recycled, and water temperature control means for each said zone, whereby water temperatures can be maintained at a predetermined level in each said zone.
6. Carcass washing and scalding apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 including a space between said two movable conveyor belts, wherein said carcass may hang vertical, and wherein said carcass turning means is located in said space, whereby to rotate said carcass between said first and second conveyor belts.
7. Carcass washing and scalding apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 wherein there is at least one upstream zone, and at least one downstream zone, through which said carcasses move in sequence, and including water collector means in each said zone, and water intake means in said downstream zone, and water transfer means for transferring water from said water collector means of said downstream zone to said water collector means of said upstream zone, and water discharge means in said upstream zone.
8. Carcass washing and scalding apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said carrier passes through at least three processing zones, and wherein said conveyor means is located in the second of said zones.
9. Carcass washing and scalding apparatus as claimed in claim 1 said carrier passes through a collector zone prior to said water deluge means, whereby a major portion of bodily fluids drain in said collector zone prior to reaching said water deluge means.
10. A method of washing and scalding carcasses comprising the steps of:
attaching a said carcass to an overhead carrier means and supporting said carcass on moving conveyor means, with said carcass being located thereon at a predetermined angle, for drainage of bodily fluids; and, subjecting said carcass to a continuous washing by deluge flow of water.
attaching a said carcass to an overhead carrier means and supporting said carcass on moving conveyor means, with said carcass being located thereon at a predetermined angle, for drainage of bodily fluids; and, subjecting said carcass to a continuous washing by deluge flow of water.
11. A method of washing and scalding carcasses as claimed in Claim 10 including the step of supporting said carcass on a first side at a predetermined first angle, for a first processing time, and thereafter supporting said carcass on a second side at a predetermined second angle for a second processing time.
12. A method of washing and scalding carcasses as claimed in Claim 10, including the steps of hanging said carcass from overhead carrier means, for drainage of bodily fluids, and subsequently supporting said carcasses at a predetermined angle on moving conveyor means as aforesaid.
13. A method of washing and scalding carcasses as claimed in Claim 12 including the step of subjecting said carcasses to continuous washing deluge of water at a first predetermined elevated temperature, and thereafter subjecting said carcasses to scalding with a deluge of water at a second predetermined temperature, said second predetermined temperature being higher than said first predetermined temperature.
14. A method of washing and scalding carcasses as claimed in Claim 13 and further including the step of thereafter subjecting said carcasses to a further deluge washing step by downward flow of water at a third predetermined temperature, said third predetermined temperature being less than said second predetermined temperature.
15. A method of washing and scalding carcasses as claimed in Claim 10 including the step of supporting each said carcass on first moving conveyor means for a first predetermined time, on a first side of said carcass, thereafter permitting said carcass to hang free of said conveyor means, and rotating said carcass, and thereafter supporting said carcass on second moving conveyor means on a second said side of said carcass, for a second predetermined time.
16. A method of washing and scalding carcasses as claimed in Claim 15 wherein said continuous washing step takes place in at least two zones comprising a first zone and a second zone, and including the step of admitting fresh water to said second zone, transferring water from said second zone to said first zone, and discharging water from said first zone.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US184,669 | 1988-04-22 | ||
| US07/184,669 US4829637A (en) | 1988-04-22 | 1988-04-22 | Method and apparatus for washing carcasses |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1312712C true CA1312712C (en) | 1993-01-19 |
Family
ID=22677867
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000580265A Expired - Fee Related CA1312712C (en) | 1988-04-22 | 1988-10-14 | Method and apparatus for washing carcasses |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4829637A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1312712C (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DK165866C (en) * | 1989-01-31 | 1993-06-28 | Slagteriernes Forskningsinst | PROCEDURE FOR SHOULDING THE CARCASSES AND APPARATUS FOR EXERCISING THE PROCEDURE |
| DK0738109T3 (en) * | 1994-01-06 | 1999-02-15 | Ca Minister Agriculture & Food | Pasteurization of carcasses with directed cascades of heated water |
| US6129623A (en) * | 1998-02-23 | 2000-10-10 | Monfort, Inc. | Method and system for dehairing animals |
| US6291003B1 (en) | 1998-10-30 | 2001-09-18 | Excel Corporation | Method and apparatus for steam pasteurization of meat |
| US6569482B2 (en) | 1998-10-30 | 2003-05-27 | Excel Corporation | Method for surface treating animal tissue |
| US20030008605A1 (en) * | 2001-06-20 | 2003-01-09 | Hartford Gerald D. | Livestock processing facility |
| CA2497726C (en) * | 2002-09-06 | 2012-10-30 | Excel Corporation | Animal carcass microbial reduction method |
| US7955166B2 (en) * | 2008-09-23 | 2011-06-07 | Johnsonville Sausage, LLC | Method and apparatus for treating sausage casing |
| US8012002B2 (en) * | 2009-05-21 | 2011-09-06 | Cargill, Incorporated | Animal cleaning system |
| US9675085B2 (en) | 2014-03-19 | 2017-06-13 | Birko Corporation | Fluid distribution systems, cabinet assemblies including fluid distribution systems and related assemblies and methods |
| US9924727B2 (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2018-03-27 | Safe Foods Corporation | Closed loop recycling system and dip tank for antimicrobial compounds |
| MX2022011395A (en) * | 2020-03-17 | 2022-10-13 | John Bean Technologies Corp | Whole bird chiller clean in place. |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2423930A (en) * | 1945-06-22 | 1947-07-15 | Ind Patents Corp | Cut-down device |
| US3178763A (en) * | 1963-09-05 | 1965-04-20 | Hygrade Food Products Corp | Automatic carcass washer |
-
1988
- 1988-04-22 US US07/184,669 patent/US4829637A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-10-14 CA CA000580265A patent/CA1312712C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4829637A (en) | 1989-05-16 |
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