System, method and process for disinfection of internal surfaces in aseptic tanks and pipelines by flooding with sanitizing fog

US20170173199A1Inactive Publication Date: 2017-06-22AURRA SERVICOS ESPECIALIZADOS LTDA
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2017-06-22
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A system, method and process for disinfection of internal surfaces in aseptic tanks and pipelines by flooding with sanitizing fog in facilities designed to store liquids in general, the system having an external equipment with means to generate sanitizing fog, controlling means of gases flow rate, in-line detectors and draining means of gases inside the tank, input means of fog carrying means comprising inert gases. A disinfection process includes introduction of a sanitizing fog with droplets having a maximum size of 10 μm, and 5 μm in some embodiments, simultaneously with removal of gases enclosed inside the tanks and pipelines, maintaining a positive pressure inside the tanks and pipelines. The method providing reduction of oxygen concentration inside the tanks in two steps, the first step having reduction to near 10% and the second a reduction to a value below 1%, filling the tank with a sanitizing fog during the second step.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This present invention refers to a system, a method and a process of flooding by a sanitizing solution fog and disinfection of closed spaces such as storage tanks and associated pipelines thereto and, more particularly, internal surfaces of tanks and pipelines used in processing of liquids in general. Such liquids include, but are not limited to, vegetable juices, milk and its derivatives, beverages in general, alcoholic or not, products for household use and treated water.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There is an increasing concern of customers related to health foods and fruit's juice has been revealed an important component of a healthy diet. Sector of industrialized juices is demonstrating a strong potential for increase, allowing the entrance of several companies into this market.

[0003] Juices for human consumption can be classified into five categories: I) natural juices: made directly from processing the fruit itself, squeezing or crushing it; II) powde...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0102]As already mentioned herein, the flooding procedure is the final step of cleaning and disinfection process of NFC juices aseptic tanks. The system of the present invention eliminate the need to perform said flooding with a liquid sanitizing solution, therefore saving time, chemical products, water, energy and reduction of effluents.

[0103]In the known flooding procedure, i.e., using a sanitizing solution in liquid state, an iodoform solution must be transferred to NFC juice aseptic tank with pumps. Said sanitizing solution enters the aseptic tank by means of a bottom valve 52 situated in base of aseptic tank 50 (see FIG. 2). As soon as the sanitizing solution begins to fill the tank, the atmospheric air within is expelled by a relief valve 46 situated on top of the aseptic tank. The cost of providing a iodoform solution for a 6 million liters aseptic tank is about US$120,000.00. The time to fill the whole aseptic tank and expel all atmospheric air is from 2 to 4 days and will d...