Sterile tank feed valve wrecker cavity cleaning device
By introducing two angle valves and a controller into the cleaning device for the shielded cavity of the aseptic tank feed valve, intermittent cleaning is achieved, which solves the problems of cleaning fluid waste and condensate corrosion, extends the life of the condensate, reduces production costs, and improves production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WANDASHAN MILK IND HEILONGJIANG
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
The existing cleaning device for the obstruction cavity of the feed valve of the aseptic tank results in serious waste of cleaning fluid, easy corrosion of the condensate trap and short service life, which affects production efficiency and cost.
The intermittent cleaning mode employs a design with two angle valves and a controller. The controller precisely controls the flow direction and time of the cleaning fluid, while the stainless steel angle valves reduce the contact time between the acid and alkali solutions and the steam trap, thus protecting the steam trap and making rational use of the steam.
It extends the service life of the steam trap, reduces the waste of cleaning fluid and steam, lowers equipment maintenance and energy consumption costs, and improves production efficiency and product quality and safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN224157462U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a cleaning device for the obstruction cavity of the feed valve of an aseptic tank, belonging to the field of aseptic tank cleaning technology. Background Technology
[0002] In dairy production enterprises, aseptic tanks are key equipment to ensure product quality and safety. The cleaning process of the aseptic tank feed valve shielding condensate also directly affects production costs. Therefore, it is very necessary to make technical improvements to the cleaning process of the feed valve shielding cavity.
[0003] Existing technologies for cleaning aseptic tank feed valves have significant drawbacks: during cleaning, the aseptic tank feed valve condensate trap is continuously flushed by acidic or alkaline cleaning solutions, leading to substantial waste of cleaning solutions and increased production costs; long-term corrosion of the condensate trap by acidic or alkaline solutions reduces its lifespan, resulting in energy waste; frequent condensate trap replacements also increase equipment maintenance costs and downtime; the condensate trap is a key device in steam systems used to automatically remove condensate, air, and other non-condensable gases while preventing steam leakage. Its core function is to improve the thermal efficiency of the steam system, ensure full utilization of heat energy, and protect the safe operation of equipment. The structure of the steam trap also affects the drainage method and corrosion resistance. Dairy companies often use high-temperature, strong acid and alkali solutions for prolonged rinsing, which greatly reduces the service life of the steam trap. Frequent replacement of the steam trap not only increases equipment maintenance costs but also leads to increased downtime during production, affecting production efficiency. However, under the existing cleaning device, the average service life of the steam trap is relatively short, causing significant economic losses to dairy companies with continuous production. Therefore, the existing aseptic tank feed valve cleaning device has obvious shortcomings in terms of cleaning solution waste, steam trap corrosion, and production efficiency, and urgently needs to be redesigned.
[0004] In summary, there is a need for a cleaning device for the obstruction cavity of the aseptic tank feed valve that can improve production efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0005] A brief overview of the present invention is given below to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects thereof. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of the present invention. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.
[0006] In view of this, in order to solve the problems of cleaning fluid waste, easy corrosion of condensate traps and short service life caused by traditional cleaning devices for the feed valve cover cavity of aseptic tanks in the prior art, this utility model provides a cleaning device for the cover cavity of the feed valve of aseptic tanks.
[0007] The technical solution is as follows: A cleaning device for the obstruction cavity of the feed valve of an aseptic tank, including a steam trap, an angle valve, a steam pipeline, a steam bypass pipe, a connecting nut, a flange, an air pipe, and a controller;
[0008] The angle valve includes a first angle valve and a second angle valve, which are respectively connected to the controller. The air pipe includes a first air pipe and a second air pipe, with the first angle valve connected to the first air pipe and the second angle valve connected to the second air pipe.
[0009] The branch pipe of the steam pipeline is connected to the first angle valve, and a steam trap is installed below the first angle valve. The branch pipe of the steam pipeline is connected to the steam bypass pipe, and the steam bypass pipe is connected to the second angle valve through a connecting nut and a flange. A discharge port is installed below the second angle valve.
[0010] Furthermore, the angle valve is a stainless steel angle valve.
[0011] Furthermore, a sterile tank feed valve shielding cavity cleaning device also includes a human-machine interface, which is connected to the controller.
[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model improves the cleaning method of the aseptic tank feed valve shielding cavity by adding two angle valves and combining them with a cleaning program. First, it is significantly effective in extending the service life of the steam trap. Before the improvement, the prolonged flushing of the steam trap with acid and alkali solutions resulted in an average service life of only two months. After the improvement, the steam trap has been used continuously for six months without leakage. This is mainly due to the intermittent cleaning mode achieved by controlling the opening and closing of the angle valves, which reduces the contact time between the acid and alkali solutions and the steam trap, thus reducing the degree of corrosion. The extended service life of the steam trap not only reduces the equipment purchase cost caused by frequent replacement of the steam trap, but also... This improvement not only avoids production downtime caused by replacing steam traps, thus improving production efficiency and reducing indirect economic losses, but also saves steam. Previously, the original cleaning system suffered from severe steam overflow due to steam trap corrosion, resulting in significant steam waste. The improved system ensures the steam traps function properly, effectively preventing steam overflow and allowing for efficient steam utilization. This not only reduces energy costs but also guarantees the stability and continuity of the production process. Furthermore, the problem of cleaning fluid waste is effectively solved. The improved system uses a controller to rationally allocate the flow and timing of the cleaning fluid, preventing over-cleaning of the steam traps. During each cleaning process, the amount of cleaning fluid used can be precisely controlled, significantly reducing waste while ensuring cleaning effectiveness. This not only lowers production costs but also reduces environmental pollution caused by cleaning fluid discharge. Furthermore, the cleaning effect, verified by disassembly and inspection, is satisfactory for cleaning the obstruction cavity. This indicates that by setting the controller's appropriate time and coordinating with the angle valve to control the cleaning fluid flow, the obstruction cavity of the aseptic tank's feed valve can be thoroughly and effectively cleaned, ensuring the quality and safety of the products inside the aseptic tank. The improvements of this invention have significant positive implications in terms of equipment maintenance costs, energy conservation, environmental protection, and product quality assurance, generating substantial economic benefits. Attached Figure Description
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cleaning device for the obstruction cavity of a sterile tank feed valve.
[0015] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the cleaning process.
[0016] Reference numerals: 1. Steam trap; 21. First angle valve; 22. Second angle valve; 3. Steam pipeline; 4. Steam bypass pipe; 5. Connecting nut; 6. Flange; 7. Drain outlet; 81. First gas pipe; 82. Second gas pipe; 9. Controller; 10. Human-machine interface. Detailed Implementation
[0017] To make the embodiments and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not an exhaustive list of all embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.
[0018] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two electrical components or the interaction between two electrical components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0019] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment describes a cleaning device for the obstruction cavity of a sterile tank feed valve, comprising a steam trap 1, an angle valve, a steam pipeline 3, a steam bypass pipe 4, a connecting nut 5, a flange 6, an air pipe, and a controller 9.
[0020] The angle valve includes a first angle valve 21 and a second angle valve 22, which are respectively connected to the controller 9. The air pipe includes a first air pipe 81 and a second air pipe 82, with the first angle valve 21 connected to the first air pipe 81 and the second angle valve 22 connected to the second air pipe 82.
[0021] The branch pipe of the steam pipeline 3 is connected to the first angle valve 21. A steam trap 1 is provided below the first angle valve 21. The branch pipe of the steam pipeline 3 is connected to the steam bypass pipe 4. The steam bypass pipe 4 is connected to the second angle valve 22 through the connecting nut 5 and the flange 6. A discharge port 7 is provided below the second angle valve 22.
[0022] For details, please refer to Figure 2The first timer T11 (S_PEXT, extended pulse timer) is set to start when the first normally open contact M0.0 is closed and M0.2 is open, with a preset time SST#10S (10 seconds). When the timer expires, the output Q of the first timer T11 is set to 1, driving the first normally closed contact M0.4. The R terminal is the reset terminal. When the second normally closed contact M0.2 is 1, the timer is reset. The second timer T10 (S_PULSE, pulse timer) is set to start when the first normally closed contact M0.4 is turned on, with a preset time SST#2M (2 minutes). During the timer period, as long as the condition is met, its output Q is set to 1, driving the second normally closed contact M0.2, so as to control the output point Q7.7 through the pulse time (stop for two minutes and start for 10 seconds), thereby controlling the setting and resetting of the angle valve.
[0023] The cleaning program is linked to the ultra-high temperature (UHT) cleaning program. When the UHT cleaning is initiated, the intermittent cleaning program of the aseptic tank feed valve shielding chamber is simultaneously activated. When the aseptic tank feed valve AV01b (coded format) actuates, the following cleaning process begins:
[0024] The feed valve is opened for 15 seconds. During these 15 seconds, the cleaning fluid first flows through the pipe to the steam trap 1 and flows out of the steam trap 1 for 2 seconds. The 2-second cleaning time can initially rinse the dirt inside the steam trap 1. Due to the short time, it will not cause excessive corrosion to the steam trap 1.
[0025] Two seconds later, the controller 9 issues a command to close the first angle valve 21 above the steam trap 1 and open the bypass angle valve, i.e., the second angle valve 22. The cleaning fluid flows out from the steam bypass pipe 4. At this time, the manual valve of the sterilization system of the aseptic tank opens to control the flow rate of the cleaning fluid. The outflow time is 13 seconds. During these 13 seconds, the cleaning fluid continues to clean other parts of the shielding cavity through the steam bypass pipe 4 to ensure the thoroughness of the cleaning.
[0026] After 13 seconds, the second angle valve 22 closes, the aseptic tank feed valve AV01b closes, and the entire system enters a stop state for 2 minutes. During these 2 minutes, the system is in a waiting state to allow the internal pressure and liquid flow of the equipment to return to a stable state.
[0027] Two minutes later, the aseptic tank feed valve AV01b is opened again, and the above cleaning process is repeated. This cycle continues until the entire ultra-high temperature cleaning procedure is completed.
[0028] To ensure the accuracy and stability of the cleaning process, the control system needs to have high-precision time control. In this embodiment, the controller 9 uses a programmable logic controller (PLC) to achieve precise control and time setting of each valve. The PLC receives signals from sensors, such as valve opening / closing status signals and cleaning fluid flow signals, to monitor the cleaning process in real time and make adjustments according to the preset program logic. For example, if an abnormal cleaning fluid flow is detected during the cleaning process, the PLC can issue an alarm in time and pause the cleaning program so that the operator can check and handle it.
[0029] Furthermore, the angle valve is a stainless steel angle valve.
[0030] Specifically, the angle valve is made of stainless steel with good resistance to acid and alkali corrosion, ensuring that it will not be corroded or damaged in long-term contact with acid and alkali cleaning solutions. The diameter of the angle valve should be reasonably selected according to the pipe diameter and cleaning solution flow rate of the original cleaning system to ensure that it will not have an excessive impact on the flow rate and pressure of the cleaning solution when opening and closing, thereby ensuring that the cleaning effect is not affected. The connection between the angle valve and the pipeline adopts a reliable sealing connection method, such as threaded connection with sealing gaskets, or welding connection, to prevent cleaning solution leakage. At the same time, in order to facilitate maintenance and repair, a certain amount of operating space should be reserved around the angle valve.
[0031] Furthermore, a sterile tank feed valve shielding cavity cleaning device also includes a human-machine interface 10, which is connected to the controller 9.
[0032] Specifically, to facilitate operators' monitoring and adjustment of the cleaning program, a human-machine interface (HMI) should be set up. The HMI can intuitively display the operating status of the cleaning program, such as the current stage of the cleaning process, the on / off status of each valve, and the flow rate of the cleaning fluid. Technicians can adjust the parameters of the cleaning program through the HMI, such as modifying the opening / closing time of the aseptic tank feed valve AV01b and the switching time of the angle valve, so as to adjust the production and equipment operation status as needed. After the program is set, the operator can perform the work tasks according to the original operation screen without adding any operation steps.
[0033] The working principle of a sterile tank feed valve shielding cavity cleaning device is as follows: Two angle valves are respectively installed on the branch pipes of the steam pipe 3 and the steam bypass pipe 4 of the steam trap 1. The installation position of the angle valves needs to be precisely designed. By combining the controller 9 to control the opening and closing at a time, it can be ensured that it can effectively control the flow direction of the cleaning liquid. The angle valves are connected to the air pipe. The first angle valve 21 is installed on the connecting pipe of the steam trap 1, close to the bottom of the steam trap 1, so as to quickly cut off or conduct the supply of cleaning liquid to the steam trap 1. The second angle valve 22 should correspond to the first angle valve 21 to ensure that the cleaning liquid can flow smoothly from the discharge port 7 of the steam bypass pipe 4 when switching. During operation, the steam trap 1 and the discharge port 7 on the other side are in an open state, which is conducive to the discharge of condensate during operation. The air pipe controls the operation of the angle valves through the overall pneumatic valve. The steam pipe is the branch pipe of the final steam discharge of the entire sterile tank sterilization system. The connecting nut 5 and flange 6 are used to fix the steam bypass pipe 4 to facilitate the timely blocking of steam in special circumstances, and can also be used as a backup pipe.
[0034] Although the present invention has been described with reference to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand from the foregoing description that other embodiments are conceivable within the scope of the present invention described herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used in this specification has been chosen primarily for readability and edibility purposes, and not for interpreting or limiting the subject matter of the invention. Therefore, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. Regarding the scope of the invention, the disclosure made is illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An aseptic can fill valve barrier chamber cleaning apparatus characterized by, Includes steam trap (1), angle valve, steam pipe (3), steam bypass pipe (4), connecting nut (5), flange (6), gas pipe and controller (9); The angle valve includes a first angle valve (21) and a second angle valve (22), which are respectively connected to the controller (9). The air pipe includes a first air pipe (81) and a second air pipe (82), with the first angle valve (21) connected to the first air pipe (81) and the second angle valve (22) connected to the second air pipe (82). The branch pipe of the steam pipeline (3) is connected to the first angle valve (21). A steam trap (1) is provided below the first angle valve (21). The branch pipe of the steam pipeline (3) is connected to the steam bypass pipe (4). The steam bypass pipe (4) is connected to the second angle valve (22) through the connecting nut (5) and the flange (6). A discharge port (7) is provided below the second angle valve (22).
2. Aseptic tank feed valve barrier cavity cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The angle valve is made of stainless steel.
3. Aseptic tank feed valve barrier cavity cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a human-computer interaction interface (10), which is connected to the controller (9).