Flow Balance in a Food Processor Cleaning System

Abstract

The present application relates to a device, comprising: a first bypass line having a first interface configured to connect to a first food flow path of a food processor and receive a solution from the first food flow path into the first bypass line; a second bypass line having a second interface configured to connect to a second food flow path of the food processor and receive a solution from the second food flow path into the second bypass line; and a main flow blocker having a main flow blocker inlet and a main flow blocker outlet, the main flow blocker inlet being in fluid communication with the first bypass line and the second bypass line for regulating the pressure in the first bypass line and the second bypass line.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201680072254.1, which is the Chinese national phase entry of the PCT application PCT / US2016 / 065982 filed on December 9, 2016 (Applicant: Taylor Commercial Foodservice, Inc.; Invention Title: Flow Balance in a Food Processor Cleaning System). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to food processors, and more particularly to selectively cleaning a food flow path in a food processor, and even more particularly to methods and apparatus for providing substantially equal pressure within a food flow path during passage of a solution through the food flow path due to a common source pressure. Background Art

[0003] It is generally understood that fluid distribution systems having fluid lines that transport fluid to a point of use need to be cleaned from time to time to ensure that no deposits or microorganisms accumulate in the fluid lines. For example, beverage distribution systems use beverage lines to transport beverages from beverage containers or tanks to a dispensing unit that dispenses the beverage into a drinking container. If, for some reason, these beverage lines are not regularly cleaned, then bacteria and deposits that accumulate therein may contaminate the beverage, making it unsafe for consumption. In addition, in a commercial restaurant environment, food and health regulations actually require regular cleaning of beverage distribution systems.

[0004] Similarly, food processors having a food flow path need to be periodically rinsed, cleaned, and / or sanitized.

[0005] It is well known to use portable chemical dispenser systems to clean beverage lines and other components of beverage distribution systems. With these portable systems, users have become very effective in meeting the various requirements set forth by food and sanitation regulations. However, these prior art methods are very time consuming and require at least one person's attention to manually move the chemical dispenser system between each of the various beverage lines in a particular beverage distribution system that needs to be cleaned. Even more frustratingly, compared to the types of beverages offered in the past few years, more and more restaurants are offering a greater variety of beverages, thus making a very time consuming process even more time consuming.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a system that helps to predictably expose a food flow path to a known solution, such as a cleaning solution, a sanitizing solution, a disinfecting solution, or a rinsing solution. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one configuration, the present disclosure provides a food processor having a first food flow path extending from a first upstream portion to a first downstream portion; a second food flow path extending from a second upstream portion to a second downstream portion; a first bypass line configured to connect to the first food flow path; a second bypass line configured to connect to the second food flow; and a first pressure regulating valve having a pressure regulating valve inlet and a pressure regulating valve outlet, wherein the pressure regulating valve inlet is in fluid communication with the first bypass line and the second bypass line.

[0008] Another configuration includes an apparatus having a first bypass line having a first interface configured to connect to a first food flow path of a food processor; a second bypass line having a second interface configured to connect to a second food flow path of the food processor; and a pressure regulating valve having a pressure regulating valve inlet and a pressure regulating valve outlet, the pressure regulating valve inlet being in fluid communication with the first bypass line and the second bypass line for regulating the pressure in the first bypass line and the second bypass line.

[0009] A method is disclosed that includes fluidly connecting bypass lines to each of a plurality of food flow paths in a food processor, each bypass line being in fluid communication with (i) any remaining bypass lines and (ii) an inlet of a pressure regulating valve; and passing a solution through a portion of each of the plurality of food flow paths, through the pressure regulating valve.

[0010] Another method includes providing a bypass line configured to be fluidly connected to a food flow path of a food processor; and fluidly connecting a pressure regulating valve to the bypass line to provide pressure regulation of the flow of solution in the food flow path.

[0011] In an alternative configuration, the present disclosure provides a food processor including a first food flow path extending from a first upstream portion to a first downstream portion; a second food flow path extending from a second upstream portion to a second downstream portion; a first bypass line connected to the first upstream portion; a second bypass line connected to the second upstream portion; and a first pressure regulating valve in at least one of the first bypass line and the second bypass line.

[0012] In another configuration, a diverter fluidly connects the first bypass line to the second bypass line upstream of the pressure regulating valve.

[0013] In the alternative configuration, it is contemplated that the first pressure regulating valve is located in the first bypass line and a first anti-siphon valve is located in one of the first food flow path and the first bypass line. Additionally, a second anti-siphon valve may be located in one of the second food flow path and the second bypass line.

[0014] In addition, in the replaceable configuration, the first pressure regulating valve and the second pressure regulating valve may have substantially equal opening pressures. Alternatively, the first pressure regulating valve may have a greater opening pressure than the second pressure regulating valve. Additionally, the first pressure regulating valve may have a smaller opening pressure than the second pressure regulating valve. It should be understood that the pressure regulating valve may have one of a predetermined, fixed, and adjustable opening pressure. In one configuration, the first anti-siphon valve is located intermediate the first upstream portion and the pressure regulating valve.

[0015] A replaceable method is also provided that includes fluidly connecting a bypass line to each of a plurality of food flow paths in a food processor, each bypass line including a pressure regulating valve; passing a solution through the plurality of food flow paths and each respective pressure regulating valve; and delivering the solution from each respective pressure regulating valve.

[0016] In the replaceable method, at least one bypass line includes an anti-siphon valve and each pressure regulating valve has a predetermined opening pressure.

[0017] A variety of methods contemplate passing the solution forward or backward through at least a portion of each food flow path.

[0018] Another replaceable device is provided that has a first bypass line having a first interface for connection to a first food flow path of a food processor; a first bypass line having a first pressure regulating valve; a second bypass line having a second interface for connection to a second food flow path of the food processor; a second bypass line having a second pressure regulating valve; wherein the first pressure regulating valve and the second pressure regulating valve are selected to provide a predetermined solution pressure at the first pressure regulating valve and the second pressure regulating valve in response to a common solution pressure spaced apart from the first pressure regulating valve and the second pressure regulating valve. The device may further include an anti-siphon valve in at least one of the first bypass line and the second bypass line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a representative food processor and a portion of one configuration of the system.

[0020] Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a representative food flow path in the food processor, showing reverse flow contemplated in the system.

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a single bypass line having a pressure regulating valve.

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of bypass lines having a discharge manifold connecting the plurality of bypass lines to the pressure regulating valves.

[0023] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a schematic view of an alternative construction of the structure of Detailed implementation mode

[0024] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 shows a representative food processor 10. The food processor 10 can be any of a variety of configurations, including but not limited to, frozen or refrigerated food products, which include but are not limited to beverages (such as soda, beer or wine) and cooked and / or extruded food products.

[0025] Food processor

[0026] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , in one configuration, the food processor 10 includes a first food flow path 20 and a second food flow path 20', which extend from an input or upstream portion or end 22 (such as a reservoir, supply pipe, line inlet or funnel 32) to an output or downstream portion or end 24 (such as a dispensing interface 26 through which the food product exits the food processor).

[0027] Although the food processor 10 is described in terms of a first food flow path and a second food flow path, it should be understood that additional multiple flow paths can be used, such as three, four, five or more. As described below, the present disclosure can be readily extended to accommodate additional flow paths.

[0028] The food product is transferred from the input end 22 to the output end 24 along each food flow path 20 in a normal or forward direction. Thus, with respect to the normal or forward flow direction along each food flow path 20, each path includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion.

[0029] In certain configurations, the dispensing interface 26 includes at least one dispensing valve 28 for selectively passing or allowing the processed food product from the food processor 10 to pass through. In certain configurations, the dispensing interface 26 includes multiple dispensing valves 28, such as but not limited to one, two, three or more. It is contemplated that each food flow path 20 can include a dispensing valve 28, or multiple food flow paths can terminate at a given dispensing valve.

[0030] The food processor 10 can include any kind of device, including but not limited to soft ice cream machines, batch freezers, smoothie freezers, shake freezers, hybrid ice makers, or food processors for extruding food products including fluids, grains, or meats, as well as liquid dispensers for beverages including soft drinks, dairy beverages, or alcoholic beverages such as fermented or distilled spirits. Thus, the food product can be any corresponding consumer product, where the food product can undergo processing including temperature control, food product mixing, blending, altering, processing, or extrusion via the food processor 10.

[0031] In certain configurations as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 each food flow path 20 includes a plurality of processing stations 30 between an upstream end 22 (such as a funnel) and a downstream end 24 (such as a dispensing valve 28). For example, the processing stations 30 can include a mixing chamber and a temperature control chamber along the food flow path 20. The mixing chamber includes a chamber for mixing the ingredients provided in the fluid stream as well as ingredients from different inputs, such that the mixing chamber is a volume of the initial combination of different ingredients.

[0032] In a further configuration, the processing chamber 30, such as Figure 2 the mixing chamber and / or the temperature control chamber, can include a blade or agitator assembly 36 for agitating the food product inside the chamber, such as by rotation inside the chamber.

[0033] Alternatively, each food flow path 20 can primarily function as a conduit from the input end 22 to the dispensing interface 26. In these configurations, it should be understood that the food processor 10 can be used only for selectively dispensing food products, or can provide alterations or adjustments to the food products, such as temperature changes, carbonation, and mixing (synthesis). Examples of food processors 10 having these food flow paths 20 include dispensing devices such as automatic soda dispensers, beer, and wine dispensers.

[0034] It should further be understood that depending on the intended operating function of the food processor 10, each food flow path 20 can include a plurality of inputs 22, corresponding to a lesser or greater number of outputs 24.

[0035] Figure 2 A representative food flow path 20 through the food processor is shown in

[0036] Although the input or upstream end 22 of the food flow path 20 is in Figure 2is shown as being located above the output or downstream end, it is to be understood that the input can be located below the output, where the food product is pumped upward from a feeder, hopper or reservoir and pumped along the food flow path to exit at the dispensing interface 26.

[0037] In some cases of cleaning or maintaining the food processor 10, a solution is passed through at least a portion of the food flow path.

[0038] The term solution is intended to include cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, sanitizing or sterilizing solutions and combinations or mixtures. For purposes of description, the system is described in terms of using a solution, but it is to be understood that the term solution includes cleaning agents as well as water (or other liquids), such as rinse aids that can be used. The term 20 solution also includes gases or vapors, such as water vapor and other disinfecting gases. It is understood that the system can use any of a variety of cleaning, rinsing, purifying, disinfecting, sanitizing or sterilizing solution materials (including liquids, gases and combinations thereof). The solution can be formed at least in part by adding an acidic or alkaline wash concentrate to common water. Exemplary acidic detergents of the solution include at least one of citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, acetic acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, glutaric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric 25 acid, succinic acid, propionic acid, aconitic acid, sorbic acid, gluconic acid, ascorbic acid and / or humic acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0039] The solution can flow through a portion of the food flow path 20 in a forward, normal or reverse direction. Normal or forward flow begins at the input 22, or at least at an upstream location spaced apart from the dispensing interface 26, and ends at the output 24, or at least at a downstream location 30 closer to the dispensing interface. Reverse flow begins at the output end 24, or at least at a downstream location (relative to forward flow), and ends at the input end 22, or at least at an upstream location (relative to forward flow).

[0040] In those configurations where an inlet manifold (not shown) is used to divert the solution into the flow path 20, the flow of the solution through each food flow path may not have equal flow rates, velocities or pressures. The inlet manifold is configured to receive a generally single-line solution supply and output the solution to a plurality of outlets for introducing separate solution streams into respective food flow paths 20. The inlet manifold can include or be fluidly connected to a pressure regulating valve for restricting the pressure of the solution introduced into the food flow path. In cases where the solution stream is introduced into the food flow path 20 to clean, rinse, disinfect, sanitize or sterilize the food flow path, weakened flow due to different flow resistances of one of the food flow paths 20 can result in the food flow path not being sufficiently exposed to the solution. Insufficient exposure can result in insufficient treatment of the food flow path 20.

[0041] Similarly, in the case of using an introduction manifold to introduce a reverse-flowing solution into the flow path, the reverse flow through each food flow path may not have equal flow rates, velocities, or pressures. In the case where the reverse-flowing solution is used to clean, rinse, disinfect, sterilize, or sanitize the food flow path 20, the weakened flow due to the different flow resistances of one of the food flow paths 20 can result in the food flow path not being sufficiently exposed to the solution. Insufficient exposure can lead to insufficient treatment of the food flow path 20.

[0042] When the food flow path is connected to the bypass line 60 to allow the solution from the food flow path to pass through, the system provides for the solution to flow substantially equally through each food flow path 20 or a portion of the food flow path.

[0043] The bypass line 60 is used to enable the solution to flow through the food flow path 20. The bypass line 60 includes a bypass line inlet or interface 62, which may be releasably connected to each food flow path 20 or integrally connected to the food flow path, and a bypass valve (not shown) is used to selectively expose the bypass line to each food flow path. The bypass line 60 can be connected to the food flow path 20 by any of a variety of commercially available connectors, such as but not limited to quick-connect fittings, snap-fit fittings, threaded fittings, or even friction fittings.

[0044] The bypass line 60 includes a bypass line outlet or interface 64. Depending on the construction of the food processor 10, the bypass line outlet 64 can be merely an open end of the line or can be any of a variety of commercially available connectors, such as but not limited to quick-connect fittings, snap-fit fittings, threaded fittings, or even friction fittings, for connection to another part of the system, as described herein.

[0045] In one configuration, the system provides a bypass line 60 for each food flow path 20. Thus, for a single food flow path 20, a single bypass line 60 is used, and for a food processor 10 having multiple food flow paths 20, a corresponding plurality of bypass lines 60 are used.

[0046] The bypass line 60 includes or is in fluid communication with a pressure regulating valve 80 such that flow through the bypass line or bypass lines is subject to a common pressure due to the pressure regulating valve. That is, the pressure regulating valve 80 blocks the passage of the solution when exposed to a certain pressure and allows the solution to pass in response to a greater pressure. Specifically, in those configurations of a single food flow path 20 and thus a single bypass line 60, the pressure regulating valve 80 can be located within the bypass line. In those configurations having multiple food flow paths 20 and thus corresponding multiple bypass lines 60, the flow in each bypass line is pressure regulated by a single pressure regulating valve 80.

[0047] The pressure regulating valve can be any of a variety of commercially available pressure regulating valves, including but not limited to predetermined, fixed, dynamic, self-regulating, and adjustable opening pressures. Alternatively, the pressure regulating valve 80 can be configured as part of the bypass line 60, such as a trap, including but not limited to a "U", "S", or "J" shaped trap that provides a primary flow obstruction.

[0048] The system provides for substantially equal flow of the solution through each bypass line 60 (and thus the food flow path 20) by providing substantially equal pressure at a given location within each connected bypass line. Generally, a primary flow obstruction is provided in the flow of the bypass line 60 (or in fluid communication therewith). The primary flow obstruction is selected to dominate all other fluid resistances in the food flow path 20 and the bypass line 60. That is, the primary flow obstruction is sufficient to determine whether there is flow through each food flow path 20.

[0049] In one configuration, the primary flow obstruction is a pressure regulating valve 80, such as a pressure regulating check valve. Pressure regulating valves 80 are known in the art and are configured to block the passage of fluid when below a certain pressure and allow the passage of fluid when above a given pressure. The pressure regulating valve 80 includes a pressure regulating valve inlet 82 and a pressure regulating valve outlet 84, with a pressure regulating mechanism located between the pressure regulating valve inlet and the pressure regulating valve outlet.

[0050] Generally, each bypass line 60 is in fluid communication with the pressure regulating valve 80 at the pressure regulating valve inlet 82. As the primary flow obstruction, the pressure regulating valve 80 is selected to dominate all other fluid resistances in the food flow path 20 and the bypass line 60.

[0051] When connecting one or more bypass lines 60 to each food flow path 20, the flow of the solution within each food flow path is subject to the same back pressure generated by the pressure regulating valve 80. The equal pressure within the bypass lines 60 balances the otherwise different flow rates in the multiple bypass lines, thereby improving the balance of the solution flowing through each connected food flow path 20. Accordingly, the pressure or flow of the solution within each food flow path is sufficiently equal to provide the intended treatment of the portion of the food flow path exposed to the solution.

[0052] Exposing the multiple bypass lines 60 to the pressure regulating valve 80 can be achieved by means of a discharge manifold 90 having a plurality of discharge manifold inlets 92 sufficient to be fluidly connected to the multiple bypass lines 60 (and indirectly to the food flow paths 20). The number of discharge manifold inlets 90 can be as many as required to be in fluid communication with each bypass line 60, such as two, three, or twenty or more inlets. Accordingly, the discharge manifold 90 exposes each bypass line 60 (and thus the food flow path 20) to the pressure regulation of the pressure regulating valve 80.

[0053] In those systems having a single food flow path 20, the pressure regulating valve 80 can be located inside the bypass line 60, or at the inlet or outlet of the bypass line 60. In those systems having multiple food flow paths 20, a discharge manifold 90 can be used to fluidly connect each bypass line 60 to an inlet 92 of the manifold, where the outlet 94 of the manifold is exposed to or fluidly connected to the pressure regulating valve 80 at the pressure regulating valve inlet 82. In this configuration, the combined flow of the solution exits the pressure regulating valve 80 along a common discharge, conveyance, discharge, or recirculation line.

[0054] The length of the bypass line 60 from the food flow path 20 to the pressure regulating valve 80 can be determined by the operating and cleaning parameters of the food processor 10. Accordingly, the bypass line 60 includes piping that positions the pressure regulating valve 80 adjacent to or near the food flow path 20, or separates the pressure regulating valve from the food flow path by a certain length.

[0055] Typically, each bypass line 60 is exposed to and in fluid communication with the pressure regulating valve 80, where the pressure regulating valve is selected to dominate all other fluid resistances in the food flow path as well as in each bypass line. That is, the pressure regulating valve 80 is sufficient to determine the presence of solution flowing through each bypass line 60 and thus through the food flow path 20. The pressure regulating valve 80 provides a substantially equal flow pressure at a given location, such as at the pressure regulating valve.

[0056] Each bypass line 60 may be in direct fluid communication with the pressure regulating valve 80 in the configuration of a single food flow path 20 and a single bypass line; may be through a discharge manifold 90; or may be through at least one diverter 130.

[0057] The diverter 130 may fluidly connect one bypass line 60 to a second bypass line upstream of the flow of the solution reaching the pressure regulating valve 80. The diverter 130 may function in place of the discharge manifold or may function in cooperation with the discharge manifold depending on the configuration of the food processor. The diverter 130 may be used by fluidly connecting one bypass line 60 to a second bypass line upstream of the pressure regulating valve 80 or the discharge manifold.

[0058] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the bypass line 60 may also include an inlet port 100 such as T102, where one port of the T serves as an inlet, the second port serves as an outlet, and the third port serves as an inlet port. A removable plug 104 may be used to selectively open / close the inlet port 100. The removable plug 104 may also be an anti-siphon valve or a hybrid type, such as a removable anti-siphon valve. For purposes of description, the removable plug 104 is described as a removable plug or an anti-siphon valve (ASV), but it should be understood to separately include the plug or the ASV as well as hybrid configurations. When the inlet port 100 is open, a mechanical or supplementary cleaning tool (such as a brush) may be operably inserted into a portion of the bypass line 60 to assist in cleaning the line. Additionally, the plug 104 may be removed to reduce or break any vacuum generated during the cleaning process.

[0059] In Figure 3 it is shown a bypass line 60 of a single food flow path 20, where the pressure regulating valve 80 is located at the distal end of the connection of the bypass line to the food flow path. The output of the pressure regulating valve 80 is then passed to a conduit 95, which may be a drain, delivery, discharge, or recirculation line.

[0060] In Figure 4 it is shown two bypass lines 60 connected to a discharge manifold 90, where the discharge manifold passes the combined flow to the pressure regulating valve 80. As in the single bypass line configuration, the output of the pressure regulating valve 80 is then passed to a conduit 95, which may be a drain, delivery, discharge, or recirculation line.

[0061] As described above, the connection of the bypass line 60 to the food flow path 20 may be located at any position along the food flow path, such as at the input 22 (or upstream end), the output 24 (or downstream end), or in the middle of the input and output. Thus, the solution may flow through at least a portion of the food flow path 20 in a reverse or forward direction.

[0062] During the flow of the solution through the food flow path 20, it is also advantageous to control the pressure drop across the food flow path, and thus a configuration is designed to control the amount of head or "siphon" created by the system height difference.

[0063] In an alternative configuration, each bypass line 60 connected or connectable to each food flow path 20 includes a pressure regulating valve 80, such as a pressure regulating valve that regulates the pressure at the outlet / end of a system / fluid path having solution flow.

[0064] In certain configurations, the bypass line 60 also includes an air release valve as an ASV 104 to release any potential siphon created due to gravity and height changes brought about by reverse flow and the initiation of the bypass line, and thus the (ASV) is used in the system. One configuration of an ASV 104 includes a check valve (non-return valve) having an opening pressure of 0.1 to 1 psi and allowing air to enter the system at a flow rate of 0.01 to 10 CFM and discharge to ambient conditions.

[0065] In one configuration, the bypass line 60 is releasably engaged with the food flow path 20 typically at the upstream end (relative to the forward flow through the food flow path) or the downstream end. The engagement of the bypass line 60 with the food processor 10 can be achieved by any of a variety of commercially available connectors, such as but not limited to quick connect fittings, snap fits, threaded fits, or even friction fits.

[0066] The bypass line 60 can serve as a transition from the machine end (upstream end, downstream end, or intermediate position) of the food flow path to the pressure regulating valve 80. As Figure 4 shown, the pressure regulating valve 80 can be connected to a chamber or housing that also connects or houses the ASV 104 and is connected to a discharge, delivery, venting, or recirculation line 95. It is contemplated that each bypass line 60 is connected to a corresponding discharge, delivery, venting, or recirculation line, however it is understood that the first bypass line 60 can be connected to the second bypass line 60 through a diverter 130 located midway between the pressure regulating valve 80 and the ASV 104 in each bypass line. The diverter 130 directs the solution flow from one bypass line 60 to another bypass line, and depending on the number of food flow paths and diverters, the need for a discharge manifold 90 can be eliminated when the flow in all bypass lines is transferred to a single pressure regulating valve inlet.

[0067] In those configurations where the solution flows in reverse or forward through at least a portion of the food flow path 20, the ASV 104 is located between the food flow path 20 and the pressure regulating valve 80.

[0068] The interconnections of the bypass line 60, the ASV 104, and / or the pressure regulating valve 80 can be any of a variety of commercially available connectors, such as but not limited to quick-connect fittings, snap-fit fittings, threaded fittings, or even friction fittings.

[0069] The solution can be presented to the food processor 10 through internal or external interfaces. In those interfaces that use an introduction manifold or a distribution connection, where the solution pressure is substantially equal at each food flow path 20, the present system provides a balanced solution flow through each food flow path.

[0070] In operation, when the solution flows through the food flow path 20 and into the connected bypass line 60 and then contacts the pressure regulating valve 80, the pressure regulating valve begins to regulate the solution pressure in the bypass line 60 and thus the solution pressure in the food flow path to ensure a consistent pressure drop across the path; thereby allowing a uniform flow rate through each food flow path.

[0071] The position of the ASV 104 prevents the food flow path 20 in the food processor 10 from being cleared of solution flowing out of the bypass line or from having no solution.

[0072] When the desired solution passage through the food flow path 20 is complete, it is contemplated that, in order to properly drain the solution from the food flow path in the food processor 10, when the solution is drained from the food flow path, the bypass line 60 can be disconnected from the food processor, or the ASV 104 can be actuated to allow air to enter the food flow path.

[0073] Thus, the present system provides that when the solution flows through the bypass line 60 and the pressure regulating valve 80, the regulation of the solution pressure at the pressure regulating valve provides at least substantially equal flow through each food flow path 20. In those configurations that use the ASV 104, if there is siphoning, the ASV prevents backflow by allowing air to enter the discharge line. With equal path resistance and total pressure drop, the solution flow through each path will be equal.

[0074] It is contemplated that the bypass line 60 can be configured as a kit with multiple bypass lines, where the interface for engaging the food processor 10, the opening pressure of the pressure regulating valve 80, the length, and including any anti-siphon components are specific to a given kit.

[0075] The present system can provide pressure-regulated solution flow in reverse flow from a common source such as an introduction manifold through the food flow path 20 to the bypass line 60 and the pressure regulating valve 80, as well as in forward solution flow through the food flow path with the bypass line disposed in the downstream portion.

[0076] The system has been described in detail with specific reference to presently preferred embodiments, but it should be understood that variations and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are thus considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is represented by the appended claims, and all variations falling within the meaning and scope of their equivalents are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A food processor cleaning device, comprising: (a) A first bypass line having a first interface configured to connect to a first food flow path of a food processor and receive a solution from the first food flow path into the first bypass line, and wherein the flow of the solution can travel in an opposite direction along the first food flow path; (b) A second bypass line having a second interface configured to connect to a second food flow path of a food processor and receive a solution from the second food flow path into the second bypass line, and wherein the flow of the solution can travel in an opposite direction along the second food flow path; and (c) A main flow blocker having a main flow blocker inlet and a main flow blocker outlet, the main flow blocker inlet being in fluid communication with the first bypass line and the second bypass line for regulating the pressure in the first bypass line and the second bypass line.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The main flow blocker is configured to dominate the fluid resistance in the first food flow path, the second food flow path, the first bypass line, and the second bypass line.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The main flow blocker is configured to allow or block the flow in the first food flow path and the second food flow path.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The main flow blocker is a pressure regulating valve having a pressure regulating valve inlet and a pressure regulating valve outlet.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The pressure regulating valve has one of a predetermined, fixed, dynamic, self-regulating, and adjustable opening pressure.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The main flow blocker is a trap having a trap inlet and a trap outlet.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The trap is configured in the shape of a "U", "S", or "J".

8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an introduction manifold between the first food flow path and the second food flow path, the introduction manifold being configured to be in fluid communication with the first food flow path and the second food flow path.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the main flow blocker is outside the food processor.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The first bypass line and the second bypass line are outside the food processor.

11. A food processor cleaning method, comprising: (a) Provide a first bypass line configured to be fluidly connected to a first food flow path of a food processor and receive a solution from the first food flow path, wherein the food processor is configured to convey food in a downstream direction along the food east path to dispense food from the food processor; (b) Fluidly connect the main flow blocker to the first bypass line to provide pressure regulation for the flow of the solution in the first food flow path in an upstream direction; (c) Provide a second bypass line configured to be fluidly connected to a second food flow path of a food processor and receive a solution from the second food flow path; and (d) Fluidly connect the main flow blocker to the second bypass line to provide pressure regulation for the flow of the solution in the second food flow path in an upstream direction.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The flow of the solution in the first food flow path and the flow of the solution in the second food flow path are in the upstream direction.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The main flow blocker is configured to dominate the fluid resistance in the first food flow path and the first bypass line.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The main flow blocker is configured to allow or block the flow in the first food flow path.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The main flow blocker is a pressure regulating valve having a pressure regulating valve inlet and a pressure regulating valve outlet.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The pressure regulating valve has one of a predetermined, fixed, dynamic, self-regulating, and adjustable opening pressure.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The dominant flow blocker is a trap having a trap inlet and a trap outlet.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein,The trap is configured in a shape of "U", "S" or "J".

19. The method according to claim 11, further comprising an introduction manifold intermediate the first food flow path, the introduction manifold being configured to be in fluid communication with the first food flow path.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first bypass line includes an inlet port having a plug to access or reduce a vacuum in an internal area of the first bypass line.

21. The method according to claim 11, wherein The dominant flow blocker is outside the food processor.

22. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first bypass line and the second bypass line are outside the food processor.

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