Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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- Method of Processing Fresh Meat
., , D a s c r i ~~ t i o n
The invention relates to a method f or tha processing of
w fxesh meat, in particular gor the maturation and
conservation of fresh beef, pork, veal, lamb, game, poultry,
.... fish, raw sausage and ham, wherein the fresh meat is
subjected to intermediate Storage for a predeterminable time
in a chamber closable in an air--tight manner in a gas
atmosphere different from the external atmosphere.
Furthermore the invention is directed to an apparatus for
carrying this method.
A method for tha tr~atment of meat is known from
DEEP 4 274 334 T1 which, serves to make the meat tender
and/or to improve its sheJ.C life and its appearance when
conserved. For this purpo,e the meat is placed into a closed
container in which a vacuum is generated. Thereafter a
compressed preferably sterile gas is introduced into this
container in order to generate a pressure in the container
which is higher than the atmosphcri.c pressure. The container
is intended to rotate about itself during the low pxessura /
high pressure cyalas, preferably i.n the manner of a butter
barrel. This method of treatment is intended to be used
during the thawing phase of frozen meat but also prior to
the freezing of the meat and also after the freezing of the
...; meat .
_...;
The object of the present invention is to develop the
initially named method in such a way that the tenderness of
the fresh meat is substantially increased in the course of
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the maturation process, that the flavour is improved, that
the total number of germs is decisively reduced and thus the
shelf life considerab~.y increased and that a durable fresh
state. is achieved which manifests itself in an intensive red
colour of the meat which in the free state of the meat is
retained fox several days and under vacuum for several
w weeks.
This object is satisfied in accordance with the invention
essentially in that after extracting the gases corresponding
to the environmental atmosphere an oxygen atmosphere with a
pressure above the atmospheric pressure is built up in the
chamber which can be closed o~f in air-tight manner; and in
that the pressure in the closed off chamber is maintained at
a pressure above atmospheric pressure for the full further
time of intermeditxte storage.
During this the oxygen atmosphere provided in the chamber
should advantageously have a degree of purity of at least
50%, in particular more than ~O% and preferably of at least
93%.
Through the high oxygen concentration provided in accordance
w with the invention an extremely pronounced maturation and
conservation effect is achieved. This stands in association
with a binding and extraction of carbon dioxide and nitrogen
and with a significant increase of the oxygen concentration
in the meat brought about by diffusion from the pure oxygen
atmosphere into the fresh meat.
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It has turned out to be of advantage to retain the pressure
which has once been built up .i.n the closed ofi= chamber
during the entire further intermediate storage period. The
permanent high pressure thereby clearly has the consequence
that the c~,enching of the Fibers present in the meat is
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released, the fibers become more mobile relative to one
another and thus the meat becomes more accessible for the
entry of oxygen which is aimed at.
After the period of intermediate storage in the specially
provided oxygen atmosphere which can last for typically
about 3 days for pork and about one week for beef, the fresh
meat attains a pH value which is frequently somewhat higher
than in the received state. Since the pH value is a
criterion for the state of quality of the meat it is clear,
as a result of this characteristic value, that unexpected
freshness values can be achieved with the method of the
invention. For meat these freshness values manifest
themselves in a pronounced intensive red colour which is in
turn retained for a long time in a manner typical for the
invention.
A further substantial advantage of the method of the
invention is that the loss of juice which occurs during
maturation is very low and for example only amounts to about
1% for beef and only approximately 2% for pork. These
quoted values naturally only represent examples and are in
no way to be understood restrictively.
The surprising maturation result also permits the transport
of larger pieces of meat without the use of vacuum sleeves
without the dark colouring of the fresh meat arising which
is otherwise usual. A shelf-life of the meat of one week
after the period of intermediate storage is
straightforwardly possible without additional measures.
This behaviour of the fresh meat matured in accordance with
the method of the invention makes it possible to enclose
fresh meat in reusable containers, in particular in glass
CA 02152493 2004-02-11
containers and in this manner to avoid the plastic foil
packages which are customary nowadays and thus to contribute
to a reduction of the environmental burden. An oxygen
atmosphere can be provided in the closable container, if
required with a low overpressure.
It is also advantageous that as a result of the high oxygen
concentration in the meat present after the oxygen treatment
no oxygen from the environmental atmosphere, or only an
unimportant portion of oxygen from the environmental
atmosphere needs to act on the meat in order to long
maintain the fresh state. Large containers which hold a
corresponding quantity of oxygen are thus not necessary for
the storage and transport of the meat.
The method of the invention can also be particularly
advantageously carried out with the build up of the oxygen
atmosphere within the closed chamber taking place up to a
pressure of 6 to 11 bars.
The oxygen may be generated and stored in an oxygen tank
outside of the closed space at an overpressure, preferably
with 6 bars of overpressure relative to the atmosphere; and
that at least the initial build up of the oxygen atmosphere
in the closed chamber is carried in accelerated manner by
means of the stored oxygen until a pressure equalization
between 0 to 0.6 bars takes place between the closed off
chamber and the oxygen tank, whereupon the connection
between the oxygen tank and the closed off chamber is
interrupted and oxygen is directly supplied from an oxygen
source to the closed off chamber for the further build up of
the overpressure.
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A further embodiment of the method of the invention is
characterized in that during the period of intermediate
storage a continuous or discontinuous supplementation of the
oxygen atmosphere in the closed off chamber is effected,
with oxygen being preferably continuously introduced into
the closed off chamber at a pressure which is higher than a
presettable discharge-pressure, so that a continuous through
flow sets in as a result of the pressure difference.
Through this preferably continuous supplementation of the
oxygen in the closed off chamber the original oxygen-content
in the chamber can be maintained during the entire period of
intermediate storage so that a particularly good maturation
and conservation effect sets in.
Depending on the nature of the fresh meat different
embodiments of the invention are particularly advantageous.
Thus particularly good results are achieved with beef, veal,
lamb, game, poultry meat and fish when the closed chamber is
kept at a cold room temperature during the period of
intermediate storage and the oxygen is supplied to the
closed chamber at a temperature of -3°C to +3°C. With raw
sausage and ham which are also intended to fall under the
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collective term "fresh meat" it can however be advantageous to keep the
temperature within the closed space at a higher temperature, for example
+20°C during the period of intermediate storage.
For the carrying out of the method of the invention an apparatus is
preferably used which has a housing with a housing body in which there are
provided an opening which can be closed in air-tight manner for the
introduction / removal of the fresh meat, an inlet opening which can be
connected to at least one oxygen source and which opens in particular at
least at the ceiling side and at least one discharge opening which ensures a
defined flow out of the inner chamber of the housing, with the discharge
opening preferably being arranged beneath the inlet opening, in particular at
the floor or in the vicinity of the floor of the housing, wherein a housing
enlargement element belongs to the housing which can be connected to a
side wall of the housing and preferably to the side wall opposite to the
opening for the introduction / removal of the fresh meat, wherein, in the
connected state, a connection opening of the side wall of the housing body
and a connection opening provided in a side wall of the housing enlargement
element associated with the connection opening of the housing body lie
opposite to one another, and wherein the connection opening in the side
wall of the housing body can be closed by a cover when no housing
enlargement element is attached to the housing body.
Through the arrangement of the inlet and extraction openings at opposite
points of the housing it is ensured that the entire inner chamber is
substantially uniformly filled with oxygen. The capacity of the apparatus
can be enlarged in advantageous manner if a housing enlargement element is
attached to the housing body. In this arrangement the
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w housing enlargement element is advantageously attached to
the side wall of the housing body which lies apposite to the
w- opening for the introduction / removal of the fresh meat, so
that the inner chamber of the apparatus extends in a
.. straight lane in elongate manner.
By providing a connection opening corresponding to the
connection opening at the side of the housing enlargement
element opposite to the connecaion opening the plant can be
enlarged as desired by housing enlargement elements. The
further connection opening in the last housing enlargement
element is then closed by a cover.
' Since, in accordance with the present invention, very high
pressures are generated in the closed off chamber formed by
the hauling, the connections between the housing body and
. the housing enlargement elements and also the cover must be
correspondingly designed. This takes place in advantageous
w manner by connection flanges which are appropriately
pravidad around the connection openings and/or at the oover.
Such flange connections are known from high pressure
w technology and do not therefore require any further
.... explanation here.
Zn accordance with a further embr~diment the same inlet and
outlet open~.ngs are respectively provided in the housing
enlargements as in the housing body in order to ensure, with
a relatively large apparatus, an adequately rapid auction
process and an adequately rapid pressure build up and also a
good circulation of the flowing oxygen during the period of
intermediate storage.
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In order to be able to close the housing door in air- and
pressure-tight manner a pneumatic seal is provided in
accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the invention
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around the opening, with the diameter of the hose being
z~esiliently enlargeable by the supply of a fluid. The afr-
." and pressure--tight closing can also take place by a bayonet
connection.
In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the
invention an oxygen tank for the storage of oxygen is
arranged outside of the housing and is connected via a
branch-line closable by a solenoid valve with both the
oxygen generator and also with the inlet opening. With the
aid of this oxygen tank it is possible to store with
e7.evated pressure oxygen supplied during the suction phase
from an oxygen source, so that after termination of the
suction phase the oxygen stoxed in the oxygen tank can be
very rapidly introduced into the closed space.
During this the oxygen source can be an oxygen generator or
an oxygen store, and in particular fox smaller plants the
use of an oxygen bottle is advantageous.
y In other xespects the oxygen can be supplied in liquid or
gaseous form.
An excess pressure valve is advantageously associated with
the extraction opening which responds at a predeterminable
pressure in the closed off chamber of the housing. It is
hereby possible to build up the oxygen atmosphere in the
closed chamber up to the opening pressure of the excess
pressure valve and to subsequently maintain a continuous
oxygen flow while retaining this pxessure.
...
Further advantageous developments of the invention are
evident from the subordinate claims.
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The invention will now be explained in more detail in the
following with reference to the dxawing by way of examp>~e in
which are shown:
Fig. 1 a schematic sideview of an apparatus for carrying
out the method of the invention,
Fig. 2 a schematic view of a carrier frame which can bs
introduced into the apparatus of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 a schematic illustration to make clear the manner of
operation of the apparatus for carrying out the
method of the invention, and
Fig. 4 a schematic side view of an apparatus enlarged by a
housing enlargement eJ,ement.
Fig. 1 shows an apparatus in accordance with the invention
with a housing 1 of closed shape consisting of a welded
construction with a loading side opening 3 which can be
sealingly closed by means of a housing door 8.
A run up ramp b which is preferabJ.y suspendably designed is
hingedly connected to the housing 1 in the door region. This
run up ramp 6 can be sa designed that it can be pivated into
the interior chamber of the housing 1 and stored there, so
that it is available at any time when required but doeB not
enter disturbingly into appearance when the housing is
closed. An oxygen generator 9, evacuation pump 10 and also
an oxygen tank 11 and an electronic control unit 12 are
attached to the housing 1 at the outside. Fig. 2 shows a
carrier frame 1 consisting of a welded construction with a
plurality of hanging devices ! for. the fresh meat.
By the suspension or small area ~upport of the fresh meat it
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'.. is ensured that the fresh meat is accessible from all sides
to the purest oxygen present in the interior space of the
w housing 1 and accordingly the oxygen can diffuse into the
entire volume of meat unhind~:red.
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The carrier frame 2 is of mobile design and is moved in the
loaded state via the run up xamp s znto the interior space
of the housing 1. After the run up ramp 5 has been swung
upwardly the door 8 of the housing 1 can be closed and the
oxygen treatment process can be commenced.
. The housing 1 has further, as schematically shown in fig. 3,
an evacuation opening 13 and an oxygen inlet opening 4 at
the ceiling side and also an oxygen discharge opening 5 at
the floor side.
._ The evacuation pump 10 is connected via a tubular duct
closable by means of a solenoid valve 14 or via a hose 15 to
the evacuation opening 13. from the tubular duct 15 a
tubular duct or a hose 1G branches off between the solenoid
valve ~.4 and the evacuation vpenzng 13, opens into the
environmental atmosphere and is likewise closable by means
of a solenoid valve 7.7.
At the end of the tubular duct 15 lying inside the. housing 1
there are provided two horizontal, parallel, plate-like
elements 18 with the lower plate-like element covering over
the open end of the tubular duct 15. In this manner a
.,.; ring-like gap arises between the two plate~like elements 18
which promotes a large area sucking in of the air or of the
oxygen from the housing and a uniform evacuation effect.
.' The oxygen generator 9 is connected via a tube duct or a
h4se i9 to the inlet opening 4 and the sucking in end of the
.' tubular duct 15 is closable by means of a solenoid valve 20.
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Between the oxygen generator 9 and the inlet opening 4 there
is furthermore provided a heat exchanger 27 in the form of a
Peltier element. Here the temperature of the oxygen is
measured and the oxygen cooled down to ca. 0°C. The cooling
,: of the oxygen contributes si,gni,ficantly to the freshness of
the meat.
Between the oxygen generator 9 or the heat exchanger 27 and
the inlet opening 4 there is furthermore provided a solenoid
valve 21.
A further tubular duct or a hose 22 branches off from the
tubular duct 19 between the solenoid valve 21 and the heat
exchanger 27,. is closable by a solenoid valve z3 and leads
to the oxygen tank 11.
The tubular duct 19 ends wi.th.i.n the housing 1 in an oxygen
distribution device which conszsts of tube elements 24
arranged in star-like manner, i.c. of tube elements 24 which
are directed outwardly in star-like manner from the end of
w the tubular duct 19. These tube elements 24 serve for the
uniform distribution of the oxygen supplied over the entire
inner space of the housing 1.
The discharge of the oxygen from the inner chamber of the
housing 1 takes place from a speca.fic predeterminable
pressure onwards via a tubular duct or a hose 25 which is
closed by an excess pressure valve z6 below this
predeterminable pressuxe. The end of the tubular duct 25
arranged within the housing 1 xs led back in arcuate manner
to the floor of the housing 1 in order to prevent the entry
of water or contamination.
In Fig. 4 the housing 1 is formed i.n section-like manner and
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consists of a housing body 28 and also a housing enlargement
element 29. The housing enlargement element 29 is arranged
at the side wall 30 oP the housing body 28 which lies
opposite to the loading opening 3 oL the housing body 28. In
this arrangement connection openings 31, 32 of the housing
body 28 and of the enlargement element 29 which fill the
larger part of the surfaces of the corresponding side walls
lie in alignment against one another.
The enlargement element 29 ha, at its side wall opposite to
the connection 32 a further connection opening 35 in order
to be able to connect on a Further. housing enlargement
element. This connection opening 35 is in the present case
closed off in air-tight manner by a cover 3&.
In the illustrated embodiment t;annoction flanges 37, 38, 39,
40 are providQd around the connection ope~ni.ngs 31, 32, 35 of
the housing body 28 and of. the housing enlargement element
29 and also at the cover 35. In Fig. 4 it is indicated that
the connection flanges 37, 38, 39, ~0 have openings 41
uniformly distributed around their circumference through
which clamping screws can be inserted to connect the
connection flanges 37, 3a, 39, ~to. A sealing means is in
each case provided between the connection flanges 37, 38,
39, 40 in order to avoid the penetration of air in the
evacuation phase and the emergence of oxygen in the pressure
.phase.
This apparatus operates ~.n the following way when carrying
out the method of the invention:
After the loading of the housing 1 with fresh meat, which
for example takes place with the carrier frame 2 illustrated
in Fig. 2 the housing door a is closed and locked. The
' control unit now causes the filling of a non-illustrated
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pneumatic seal in the farm of a hose which is guided in a
' closed circuit around the opening 3 with six at high
pressure, whereby the diameter of the hose is increased in
order to seal off the door. 8 rolative to the housing body 28
in gas- and pressure-tight manner.
Tn this initial state the solenoid valves 14, 17, Z0, Z1 and
23 are clQSed.
subsequently the innQr space of the housing is evacuated
approximately one hour long, with the solenoid valve 14
being opened via the contr.o~ unit a,2. At the end of the one
hour evacuation period a vacuum has almost been achieved
within the housing 1, i..e, a depression of 50 to 100 mbars
.. prevails.
Approximately two hours before the start of the evacuation
of the housing the oxygen generation has already started via
the oxygen generator 9, with the solenoid valves 20 and 23
being opened, but with the solenoid valve 21 still remaining
closed.
The oxygen thus flows after corresponding cleaning via the
heat exchanger 20 and the tubular duct 22 into the oxygen
tank 11 in which an excess pressure of approximately 6 bars
prevails at the end of the one hour evacuation period.
After approximately one hour the evacuation of the internal
space of the housing is terminated and the solenoid valve 14
is closed. The solenoid valve 21 is now opened so that the
oxygen which stands under excess pressure can now flow out
of the oxygen tank 11. into the interior space of the housing
1. After approximately five minutes a pressure equa7.isation
takes place between the oxygen tank 11 and the internal
space of the housing 1 and Iie at about 0 to 0.6 bars
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After the oxygen atmosphere within the housing 1 has been
relatively rapidly built up via the storage tank 11 the
solenoid valve 23 closes with pressure equilibrium so that
the oxygen from the oxygen generator 9 is now led by the
direct path into the interior space of the housing.
After a several hour build up phase an oxygen pressuxe of
approximately 10 to 11 bars has been achieved in the
interior space of the housing at which the overpressure
valve 26 opens. From this t~mepoznt on the oxygen
continuously flows from thQ region of the. inlet opening 4 to
the discharge opening 5 so that the interior space of the
housing is continuously flooded with fresh oxygen. This
state is retained until the end of the intermediate storage
period which can last for two to five days for pork and give
to nine days for beef.
After termination of the desired period of intermediate
storage the oxygen generator 9 is switched off and the two
solenoid valves 20 and 21 are a3.osed. The solenoid valve 17
is opened for a few minutes in order to obtain a pressure
balance between the internal chamber of the housing and the
environmental atmosphere.
Prior to the opening of the housing door 8 the air is
necessarily let out of the pneumatic door seal via a
correspondingly controlled so~.enoid valve in order to avoid
the door seal being damaged by the lack of counter-pressure
on opening of the door.
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