Unitary system for connecting to an aseptic homogenizer

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a unitary system connectable to a homogenizer and the system reduces and controls the temperature of sterilized water supplied to the homogenizer. The unitary system can include a condenser including a steam inlet connected to a steam reservoir and a coolant inlet connected to a coolant reservoir, the condenser configured to condense steam from the steam reservoir into liquid water, a conduit fluidly connecting an outlet of the condenser to an inlet of the homogenizer, wherein liquid water passed to the homogenizer is maintained at a temperature in a range from 215 to 235 °F, and a tower fluidly connected to an outlet of the homogenizer at a first inlet, and wherein the tower is configured to hold liquid water and create backpressure throughout the system. The unitary system reduces the size and complexity of connecting multiple systems to the homogenizer.

Description

UNITARY SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING TO AN ASEPTIC HOMOGENIZERCross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application is being filed on March 12, 2025, as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 571,182, filed on March 28. 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Background

[0002] Homogenizers are often used in the processing of dairy products. In order to repeatedly use a homogenizer, the homogenizer often must be able to receive steam to run through many cycles of sterilization. Piston packings within the homogenizer may be subject to degradation when subjected to hot steam. Systems necessary for generating steam to operate the homogenizer are positioned at many different locations and can create complex configurations for operating the homogenizer.Summary

[0003] One aspect of the present disclose relates to a system for supplying sterile water to a homogenizer. The system may include a condenser having a steam inlet connected to a steam reservoir and a coolant inlet connected to a coolant reservoir. The condenser is configured to condense steam from the steam reservoir into liquid water. A conduit fluidly connects an outlet of the condenser to an inlet of the homogenizer and liquid water may be passed to the homogenizer to maintain the pistons and piston packings at a temperature in a range from 215 to 235 °F. Additionally, the system may include a tower fluidly connected to an outlet of the homogenizer at a first inlet of the tower. The tower may be configured to hold liquid water at a suitable height to create sufficient backpressure throughout the system.

[0004] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system connectable to a homogenizer. The system may include a frame including a base with a plurality' of posts connected by at least one set of transverse supports and at least one set of longitudinal supports, and an upper body coupled to the base, and each of a cabinet, an instrument system, a water system, a tower system, a steam system and at least one condenser mounted to the frame. The at least one condenser is connectable to the homogenizer. The tower system includes a tower with two inlets fluidly connectable to an outlet of the homogenizer, and the tower is configured to hold water and create backpressure. The water system includes a water inlet and a water conduit fluidlyconnected to the condenser, and the condenser receives cooling water from the water conduit within an interior tube of the condenser. The steam system is fluidly connected to the condenser, the condenser receiving steam within a container surrounding the interior tube, and the condenser is fluidly connectable to an inlet of the homogenizer. Cooling water received by the condenser condenses the steam into liquid water within the container and the liquid water within the container is discharged to piston packings of the homogenizer. The instrument system includes a conductivity meter display and a sensor configured to measure conductivity and temperature, and the conductivity meter display is configured to monitor and display a detected temperature and a detected conductivity. The cabinet includes a controller configured to control the water system, the steam system, and a plurality’ of actuators.

[0005] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system connectable to a homogenizer. The system may include a frame including a base defining a top end, a bottom end, a front side, a back side, a first side and a second side and an upper body joined to the base at the side, the base including a plurality of posts connected by at least one set of transverse supports and at least one set of longitudinal supports the longitudinal supports extending between the first and second sides, the transverse supports extending between the front and back sides; the upper body including two posts connected by a pair of horizontal beams; a set of diagonal supports, each diagonal support coupling the top side of the base to one of the two posts of the upper body; a tower system mounted to the upper body; a cabinet coupled to one of the front, back, first, or second sides of the base; an instrument system coupled to one of the front, back, first, or second sides of the base; a water system coupled to one of the longitudinal supports within an interior of the frame; a steam system coupled within a transverse support within an interior of the frame; and a condenser positioned within the interior of the frame, the condenser configured to condense steam to liquid water; wherein the cabinet includes a controller configured to operate the water system, steam system, and an alarm monitoring the homogenizer.

[0006] A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary' and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0001] Fig. 1 is a schematic of a first system of the present disclosure;

[0002] Fig. 2 is a schematic of a second system of the present disclosure;

[0003] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the second system connectable to a homogenizer;

[0004] Fig. 4 is a front view of the second system;

[0005] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a steam system of the second system;

[0006] Fig. 6 is a side view of the steam system of Fig. 5;

[0007] Fig. 7 is a top view of the steam system of Fig. 6;

[0008] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a water system of the second system;

[0009] Fig. 9 is a second perspective view of the water system of Fig. 8;

[0010] Fig. 10 is a side view of the water system of Fig. 8;

[0011] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a tower system of the second system;

[0012] Fig. 12 is a side view of the tower system within a frame of Fig. 11;

[0013] Fig. 13 is a second side view of the tower system;

[0014] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a frame of the second system;

[0015] Fig. 15 is a side view of a base of the frame of Fig. 14;

[0016] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an upper body of the frame of Fig. 14;

[0017] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of conductivity meter modules of the second system;

[0018] Fig. 18 is a front view of a mounting plate for the conductivity meter modules of Fig. 17.Detailed Description

[0019] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system having features for reducing the temperature of steam supplied to a homogenizer. In the depicted example, the system is for an aseptic homogenizer; however, the system is applicable to any ty pe of homogenizer. It will be appreciated that by reducing the temperature of the steam, the lifespan of piston packings within the homogenizer may be extended. It may also be appreciated that the disclosed system can operate at lower temperatures without affecting the processing of dairy' product. As such, an alarm may be used to warn of the system temperature being below a lower temperature threshold, which may be a lower threshold than a conventional homogenizer system, such as 212 °F.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to providing a system connectable to a homogenizer. It will be appreciated that the system will provide a unitarysystem creating a compact unit for operating a homogenizer, providing a unitary control system, and reducing the number of sensors required.

[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates a first system 10 for supplying sterile water to a homogenizer 180 in accordance with the principals of the present disclosure. The first system 10 includes a condenser 160 having a steam inlet 166 connected to a steam system 200 and a water inlet 305 connected to a water system 300. The steam system 200 includes a steam reservoir 202 generated from heated water. In some instances, the steam may be generated from water received from a water reservoir of the water system 300. The condenser 160 is configured to condense steam from the steam system 200 into liquid water. The condenser 160 may be a shell-tube heat exchanger, having a cylindrical container 162 with a straight interior tube 164 receiving water running through a length of the container 162. The container 162 defines an outer portion circumferentially surrounding the interior tube 164 and containing the steam. The container 162 includes the steam inlet 166 which receives steam to be cooled and a sterilized water outlet 170. Preferably, the coolant is water and is passed from the water system 300 to the water inlet 305 through the straight interior tube 164 to condense the steam. The interior tube 164 acts as a heat exchanger to cool the steam. As such, the steam changes phase to sterilized water which may be used by the homogenizer 180. A conduit 171 fluidly connects the sterilized water outlet 170 of the condenser 160 to an inlet 182 of the homogenizer 180 and liquid water passed to the homogenizer 180 is maintained at a temperature in a range from 215 to 235 °F. The water system 300 may further include a sprayer 312 which directly sprays pistons 189 of the homogenizer 180. The sterilized water is passed to piston packings 186 of the homogenizer 180. Advantageously, sterilized water is produced for both production and sterilization processes of the homogenizer 180. Further benefits of the first system 10 include, for instance, the temperature of the sterilized water being reduced compared to conventional systems. The reduced temperature improves the lifetime of piston packings 186 of the homogenizer 180 which are contacted by the heated sterilized water. Additionally, the first system 10 includes a tower 410 is fluidly connected to an outlet 188 of the homogenizer 180 at a first steam inlet 412. The tower 410 is also configured to hold liquid water and create backpressure throughout the first system 10. The backpressure improves the creation of a sterile condensate. The tower may have different heights depending on the homogenizer. The tower may have a height of at least 3 ft, at least 5 ft. at least 7 ft, at least 10 ft, at least 12 ft, or at least 15 ft. Generally, the tower height is less than or equal to 20 ft, less than or equal to 25 ft, orless than or equal to 30 ft. For instance, the tower height can be in a range from 3 to 30 ft, and more often, from 7 to 25 ft, from 10 to 20 ft. from 10 to 15 ft, or from 10 to 12 ft (e.g., approximately 11 ft).

[0022] The tower 410 may further include a first water inlet 4 (shown in Fig. 11) allowing water used within the condenser 160 to fill the tower for creating backpressure. The tower is filled with liquid water to a height sufficient to create the backpressure of at least 2 psig, at least 3 psig. at least 5 psig, or at least 8 psig. The backpressure generally is less than or equal to 20 psig, less than or equal to 15 psig, less than or equal to 12 psig, or less than or equal to 10 psig. For instance, the backpressure can be in a range from 2 to 20 psig, and more often, from 3 to 15 psig, from 5 to 12 psig, from 3 to 10 psig, or from 3 to 8 psig (e.g., approximately 5 psig). The backpressure created often is based on the height difference between the first steam inlet 412 and an overflow pipe 430. The tower 410 is a pipe defining a first end 416 and a second end 418. The tower 410 has an air vent (shown in Fig. 11) at the first end for preventing air lock and the overflow pipe 430 extending radially outward from the first end and extending parallel to the length of the tower. The overflow pipe 430 allows fluid to drain from the tower 410. The tower 410 may also include a dump valve at the second end.

[0023] The first system 10 further includes a conductivity meter module 520 configured to receive a measurement of conductivity and temperature from a conductivity meter 72 and a temperature sensor 74, respectively. A controller 610 is in communication with the conductivity' meter 72, the water system 300, and the steam system 200. The controller 610 may be configured to control actuators and / or valves for controlling the water system 300 and the steam system 200. The conductivity meter 72 and the temperature sensor 74 may each be positioned separately on the outlet 188 from the homogenizer 180 to measure steam temperature and conductivity leaving the homogenizer 180. The conductivity meter module 520 may also include a conductivity meter display 522 (shown in Fig. 17) which provides information to a user about the detected temperature and conductivity. In some embodiments, the controller 610 is a single controller. In some examples, the controller 610 may be configured to actuate the supply of water and steam to the homogenizer 180. The controller 610 is configured to monitor data received from the conductivity meter module 520. The controller 610 is further configured to alarm if a detected temperature of liquid water exiting the homogenizer 180 falls below a predetermined threshold of less than or equal to 212 °F,less than or equal to 205 °F, less than or equal to 200 °F, less than or equal to 190 °F, or less than or equal to 180 °F.

[0024] Figs. 2-4 illustrate a second system 100 connectable to a homogenizer 180. It should be understood that many of the parts described within the first system 10 may be similarly included in the second system 100. The second system 100 may comprise a frame 110 (shown in Fig. 4) including a base 120 with a plurality of posts 134 connected by at least one set of transverse supports 136 and at least one set of longitudinal supports 138, and an upper body 140 coupled to the base 120. The second system 100 further includes each of a cabinet 600, an instrument system 500, a water system 300, a tower system 400, a steam system 200, and at least one condenser 160 fluidly connectable to the homogenizer 180, mounted to the frame 110. The tower system 400 includes a tower 410 with two steam inlets 412a, 412b (shown in Fig. 11) fluidly connectable to an outlet 188 of the homogenizer 180. The tower 410 is configured to hold water and create backpressure. The water system 300 includes a water inlet 305 (shown in Fig. 8) and a water conduit 310 fluidly connected to the condenser 160. The condenser 160 defines a container 162 with an interior tube 164 and receives cooling water from the water conduit 310 (shown in Fig. 8) within the interior tube 164. The system 100 can be a unitary system. Advantageously, the frame 110 j oins the systems at a single location. By locating all the systems a single location, the systems are organized, space is saved, and the frame allows a user to monitor the multiple systems at a single location.

[0025] Additionally, the steam system 200 is fluidly connected to the condenser 160. The condenser 160 receives steam within the container 1 2 surrounding the interior tube 164. The condenser 160 is fluidly connectable to an inlet 182 (shown in Fig. 2) of the homogenizer 180. The cooling water received by the condenser 160 condenses the steam into liquid w ater within the container 162 and the liquid water within the container 162 is discharged to piston packings 186 of the homogenizer 180. Steam can be supplied to the condenser at any suitable temperature, but steam at a temperature in a range of from approximately 240 to 300 °F or from approximately 260 to 275 °F is typical.

[0026] The instrument system 500 includes a conductivity meter module 520 (shown best in Fig. 17) and a sensor 530 (shown in Fig. 2) configured to measure conductivity and temperature of steam entering the tow er 410. The conductivity meter module 520 is configured to monitor and display a detected temperature and a detected conductivity. The cabinet 600 includes a controller 610 configured to control the supply of water and steam to the water and steam systems 300, 200. The homogenizer mayinclude 3 or more pistons or 5 or more pistons. In some instances, the second system 100 (and the first system 10) may be utilized in a dairy processing system with an aseptic homogenizer.

[0027] Figs. 5-7 illustrates the steam system 200 coupled to frame 110 and connecting to the condenser 160. The steam system 200 may be mounted or welded to the frame 110. The steam system 200 includes a steam inlet 205 providing steam to a first conduit path 210 leading to a steam trap 212 and a second conduit path 220 leading to a steam inlet 166 of the condenser 160. Steam may be provided through the steam system 200 to the condenser 160 by pressure from the steam reservoir. The steam trap 212 is configured to receive steam that has begun to condense within the steam system 200. The steam trap 212 may be vented to release the condensate from the steam system 200. The second conduit path 220 provides steam to the condenser 160 for the generation of sterilized water. The condenser 160 contains the container 162 with the interior tube 164 extending the through a longitudinal length of the condenser. The interior tube 164 passing through the center of the condenser 160. In some instances, the condenser 160 is a shell-tube heat exchanger. Additionally, the second system 100 may comprise two or more condensers 160. Each condenser 160 may be separately capable of generating sterilized water and supplying the water to spray the pistons 189 of the homogenizer. The second conduit path 220 may have branches which connect to the two or more condensers 160. Each condenser 160 receives the steam from the steam inlet 205 at respective first inlets 166. The steam is held within the container 162 to be cooled by water from the water system 200. Once cooled, the steam within the container 162 changes phases to sterilized water which may be passed to the homogenizer 180. In some examples, the steam system 200 can include regulators to control the steam supplied to the condenser.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 8-11, the water system 300 includes a water inlet 305 receiving water from an exterior water reservoir 302. In some examples, the water reservoir could be city water. The water system 300 may be mounted or welded to the frame 110. Water may be provided through the water system 300 to the condenser 160 by pressure from the water reservoir. In some examples, a pump may supply water from the water reservoir 302 to the condenser 160. Water from the water inlet 305 may be passed to at least two different water conduit paths. A first water conduit path 310 extends to a second inlet 168 of each condenser 160. Water entering the second inlet 168 of the condenser 160 is passed through the interior tube 164 and cools the steam to change phase to sterilized water. Water supplied to the condenser can be supplied at any suitabletemperature, although a temperature in a range of from 50 to 75 °F is representative. The second conduit path 320 extends to a sprayer 312. The sprayer 312 (shown in Fig. 2) is configured to spray water on the pistons 189 of the homogenizer 180. As such, the sprayer 312 cools the pistons during operation. In some examples, the water system 300 can include needle valves to control the flow of water to the condenser.

[0029] Referring back to Fig. 2, the condenser 160 of the second system 100 similarly includes a sterilized water outlet 170. The sterilized water is passed to the piston packings 186 of the homogenizer. The water is maintained at a temperature of 215-235 °F. In some instances, a temperature sensor may be positioned at the condenser (e.g., at the outlet of the condenser) to measure temperature of the water. Advantageously, sterilized water is produced, and the temperature of the sterilized water may be reduced compared to conventional systems. The reduced temperature improves the lifetime of piston packings 186 of the homogenizer 180. The steam then exits an outlet 188 of the homogenizer 180. It should be understood that sterilized water sprayed on the pistons and passed to the piston packings may change phase to steam.

[0030] Referring to Figs. 11-13. the tower system 400 is joined to the frame 110 by being mounted or welded to the frame 110. The tower 410 includes at least one steam inlet 412 receiving the steam exiting the outlet 188 of the homogenizer 180; however, the tower 410 preferably includes a first and second steam inlet 412a, 412b. The tower 410 further includes at least one water inlet 414 which receives water passed through the at least one condenser; however, the tower 410 preferably includes a first and second water inlet 414a, 414b. The water received at the first and second water inlet 414a, 414b fills the tower 410 to create backpressure for the homogenizer 180 but additionally provides cooling to the tower 410 which may increase in temperature based on the steam received from the homogenizer. The tower 410 defines a first end 416 including a vent 420 which prevents air lock within the tower 410, and a second end 418 as the base of the tower 410. The second end 418 may include a water drain valve 424 to release water to the floor. The tower system 400 may further include an overflow pipe 430 fluidly connected to the first end 416 of the tower 410. The overflow pipe 430 extending radially outward from the first end 416 of the tower 410 and then parallel to a longitudinal axis Al of the tower 410. As the tower 410 is filled, excess water may flow through the overflow pipe 430 to the floor. As described previously, the tower 410 generates backpressure. The amount of backpressure is determined by a length LI of the tower between the steam inlets 412a, 412b, and the overflow pipe 430. Often, the backpressureis around 5 psig; however, depending on the desired conditions, the back pressure could be 3, 5. 7, or 9 psig. The back pressure can be less than 30 psig. less than 20 psig, or less than 15 psig. The length LI between the first steam inlet 412 is typically around 10 ft; however, the length LI may be at least 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 feet. The length or the height of the tower often is less than 20 feet, or less than 25 feet, or less than 30 feet. The tower further does not require the use of a needle valve. Advantageously, the tower allows particulates to flow in and out of the tower without clogging a needle valve.

[0031] Referring to Figs. 14-16, the frame 110 holds the second system 100 as unitary' system. The frame 110 may include a base 120 defining a top side 122, a bottom side 124, a front side 126, a back side 128, a first side 130 and a second side 132. The top side 122 is opposite the bottom side 124. The front side 126 is opposite the back side 128. The first side is opposite the second side 132. The frame defines an exterior 150 and interior 152. An interior region 152 is defined between the first, second, front, back, top and bottom sides. The frame 110 further includes an upper body 140 joined to the base 120 at the top side 122. The base 120 includes a plurality’ of posts 134 connected by at least one set of transverse supports 136 and at least one set of longitudinal supports 138. The longitudinal supports 138 can extend between the first and second sides 130, 132. The transverse supports 136 extend between the front and back sides 126, 128. The transverse supports 136 join to the posts 134 positioned at both the first and second sides. In some examples, a transverse support 136 can join at each end to different longitudinal supports 138 at the top side of the frame 110. The upper body 140 includes two posts 142 connected by a pair of horizontal beams 144. The horizontal beams 144 extend horizontally from the first side 130 to the second side 132 above the base 120. The upper body 140 may be joined to a first transverse support 136a adjacent the top side 122 and back side 128. A set of diagonal supports 146 provide structure between the upper body 140 and the base 120. Each diagonal support 146 couples to the top side 122 of the base 120 at the transverse supports 136 to a respective one of the two posts 142 of the upper body 140. The diagonal support 146 may join to the transverse support 136a extending between longitudinal supports 138 at the top side. The upper body 140 may have a width less than the width between the first side 130 and second side 132. The upper body 140 may be positioned at the top of the base 120 such that the width of the upper body is not equidistance between the first side and second side. The tower system 400 may be mounted to the upper body 140. The cabinet 600 may be coupled to any side of the base 120. Preferably, the cabinet 600 is coupled to a first or second side 130, 132 of the base120. The cabinet can be joined to both the posts 134 and / or transverse supports 136. The instrument system 500 may be coupled to any side of the base 120 but is preferably coupled to the front side 126 of the base 120. The water system 300 (shown in Fig. 8) is coupled to at least one of the longitudinal supports 138 within an interior 152 of the frame 110; however, in other examples, the steam system 200 (shown in Fig. 3) may be coupled on an exterior 150 of the frame 110. The steam system 200 is coupled on at least one the transverse support 136 within the interior 152 of the frame 110, however, in other examples, the steam system 200 may be coupled on an exterior 150 of the frame 110. Additionally, the condenser 160 may be positioned within the interior 152 of the frame 110; however, in other examples, the condenser 160 may be coupled on an exterior 150 of the frame.

[0032] Referring to Figs. 17-18, the instrument system 500 includes a conductivity meter module 520 that is configured to provide a user with information on the temperature and conductivity of steam exiting the homogenizer and entering the tower. The conductivity meter module 520 includes a display 522 displaying information provided to the conductivity meter module 520. The conductivity meter module 520 is attached to the frame 110 by being mounted to a mounting plate 540 which is joined to the frame 110. In some instances, the tw o conductivity modules 520 may be part of the instrument system. The mounting plate 540 includes openings 542 for receiving fasteners 544 for securing the conductivity meter modules 520 to the mounting plate 540. The mounting plate 540 may be welded or mounted to the frame 1 10. The sensor 530 (shown in Fig. 2) may be positioned on either the outlets 188 of the homogenizer or the steam inlets 412. In some examples, the sensor 530 (shown in Fig. 2) is positioned on at least one of the steam inlets 412a, 412b leading to the tower 410. Typically, each steam inlet 412a and 412b will have a respective sensor 530. Each sensor 530 may be a combined temperature and conductivity sensor in communication with a respective conductivity meter module 520. In other examples, the conductivity meter module 520 may receive readings from a separate conductivity sensor and a temperature sensor. In some examples, a conductivity sensor 530 can detect conductivity and / or resistivity. Beneficially, the conductivity sensor 530 measures the temperature and conductivity of w ater exiting the homogenizer through the outlet 188. Conductivity may be determined through a relationship to a resistivity reading, such as an inverse relationship. Additionally, the conductivity meter module 520 is in communication with the controller 610. The controller 610 monitors or receives a detected temperature using the sensor 530.The monitored temperature from the conductivity meter module 520 is communicated to the controller 610. The controller 610 compares the detected temperature to a lower temperature threshold. The controller 610 may trigger an alarm when temperature of the homogenizer 180, indicated by the sensor 530, drops below a temperature limit. Conventional systems require the system to be maintained at a range of 215-235 degrees Fahrenheit and the alarm would trigger if the temperature dropped below 212 degrees. As explained previously, by providing water to the homogenizer piston packings 186. the homogenizer 180 may be maintained at a greater range of temperature without affecting the processing of the daily' product. As such, the controller 610 may trigger an alarm at a lower temperature than conventional systems without compromising the process of the homogenizer 180. The temperature limit may be less than or equal to 212 °F, less than or equal to 205 °F, less than or equal to 200 °F, less than or equal to 190 °F, or less than or equal to 180 °F. As such, the lower limit temperature for an alarm is reduced from conventional systems (i.e. , an alarm occurring if the system dropped below 212 °F).

[0033] The various examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the examples and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.Aspects

[0034] The invention is described herein with reference to numerous aspects and specific examples. Many variations will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art in light of the detailed description. All such obvious variations are within the full intended scope of the appended claims. Other aspects of the invention can include, but are not limited to, the following (aspects are described as '‘comprising” but, alternatively, can “consist essentially of’ or '‘consist of’):

[0035] Aspect 1. A sy stem for supplying sterile water to a homogenizer, the system comprising (a) a condenser including a steam inlet connected to a steam reservoir and a coolant inlet connected to a coolant reservoir, the condenser configured to condense steam from the steam reservoir into liquid water; (b) a conduit fluidly connecting an outlet of the condenser to an inlet of the homogenizer, wherein liquid w ater passed to the homogenizer is maintained at a temperature in a range from 215 to 235 °F; and (c) a tower fluidly connected to an outlet of the homogenizer at a first inlet, and wherein the tower is configured to hold liquid water and create backpressure throughout the system.

[0036] Aspect 2. The system of aspect 1, wherein a coolant is passed to the condenser from the coolant reservoir to condense the steam to liquid water at a temperature of 215 to 235 °F at the outlet of the condenser.

[0037] Aspect 3. The system of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the tower is filled with liquid water to a height sufficient to create a backpressure of at least 2 psig, at least 3 psig, at least 5 psig, or at least 8 psig, and less than or equal to 20 psig, less than or equal to 15 psig, less than or equal to 12 psig. or less than or equal to 10 psig.

[0038] Aspect 4. The system of any one of aspects 1-3, wherein the condenser is a container receiving the steam, the container defining a straight interior tube configured to receive a coolant through a length of the condenser.

[0039] Aspect 5. The system of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the condenser is a shell-tube heat exchanger.

[0040] Aspect 6. The system of any one of aspects 1-5, wherein a coolant is pumped from the coolant reservoir to the coolant inlet and through the straight interior tube to condense the steam within an outer portion of the condenser.

[0041] Aspect 7. The system of any one of aspects 1-6. wherein the tower has a height of at least 3 ft, at least 5 ft, at least 7 ft, at least 10 ft, at least 12 ft, or at least 15 ft, and the height is less than or equal to 20 ft, less than or equal to 25 ft, or less than or equal to 30 ft.

[0042] Aspect 8. The system of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein the system further comprises one or more conductivity meter modules receiving a measurement of conductivity from a conductivity7sensor and one or more temperature sensors detecting a temperature of the liquid water exiting the homogenizer.

[0043] Aspect 9. The system of any one of aspects 1-8, wherein the system further comprises a controller configured to alarm if a detected temperature of liquid water exiting the homogenizer falls below a predetermined threshold of less than or equal to 212, less than or equal to 205, less than or equal to 200, less than or equal to 190, or less than or equal to 180 °F.

[0044] Aspect 10. The system of any one of aspects 1-9. wherein the tower is a pipe defining a first end and a second end, the pipe having an air vent at the first end and an overflow pipe extending radially outward from the first end and extending parallel to the length of the tower.

[0045] Aspect 11. The system of aspect 10, wherein the overflow pipe allows fluid to drain from the tower.

[0046] Aspect 12. The system of aspect 10 or 11, wherein the tower comprises a dump valve at the second end.

[0047] Aspect 13. The system of any one of aspects 1-12, wherein the tower is fluidly connected to the condenser and creates the backpressure by receiving coolant from the condenser.

[0048] Aspect 14. The system of any one of aspects 1-13, wherein the tower receives steam from the outlet of the homogenizer and is cooled by the water received from the condenser.

[0049] Aspect 15. The system of any one of aspects 10-14, wherein the air vent is positioned above the overflow pipe.

[0050] Aspect 16. The system of any one of aspects 10-15, wherein the backpressure created is based on the height between the first inlet and the overflow pipe.

[0051] Aspect 17. A system connectable to a homogenizer, the system comprising (i) a frame including a base with a plurality of posts connected by at least one set of transverse supports and at least one set of longitudinal supports, and an upper body coupled to the base; (li) each of a cabinet, an instrument system, a water system, a tower system, a steam system and at least one condenser mounted to the frame, the at least one condenser connectable to the homogenizer; (iii) the tower system including a tower with two inlets fluidly connectable to an outlet of the homogenizer, and wherein the tower is configured to hold water and create backpressure; (iv) the water system including a water inlet and a water conduit fluidly connected to the condenser, the condenser receiving cooling water from the water conduit within an interior tube of the condenser; (v) the steam system fluidly connected to the condenser, the condenser receiving steam within a container surrounding the interior tube, the condenser fluidly connectable to an inlet of the homogenizer, wherein the cooling water received by the condenser condenses the steam into liquid water within the container and the liquid w ater within the container is discharged to piston packings of the homogenizer; (vi) the instrument system including a conductivity meter display and a sensor configured to measure conductivity and temperature, the conductivity meter display configured to monitor and display a detected temperature and a detected conductivity; and (vii) the cabinet including a controller configured to control the w ater system, the steam system, and a plurality of actuators.

[0052] Aspect 18. The system of aspect 17, wherein the condenser is configured to supply sterile water to the homogenizer.

[0053] Aspect 19. The system of aspect 17 or 18, wherein the detected temperature is maintained in a range from 215 to 235 °F.

[0054] Aspect 20. The system of any one of aspects 17-19, wherein the tower assembly further comprises an overflow pipe extending radially outward from a first end of the tower and extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tower.

[0055] Aspect 21. The system of aspect 20, wherein the overflow pipe allows fluid to drain from the tower.

[0056] Aspect 22. The system of any one of aspects 17-21, wherein the tower comprises a dump valve at a second end.

[0057] Aspect 23. The system of any one of aspects 17-22, wherein the tower system is fluidly connected to the condenser.

[0058] Aspect 24. The system of any one of aspects 17-23, wherein the tower has a height of at least 3 ft, at least 5 ft, at least 7 ft, at least 10 ft, at least 12 ft, or at least 15 ft, and the height is less than or equal to 20 ft, less than or equal to 25 ft, or less than or equal to 30 ft.

[0059] Aspect 25. The system of any one of aspects 17-24, wherein the instrument system includes at least two conductivity meter displays.

[0060] Aspect 26. The system of any one of aspects 17-25, wherein each conductivity meter display is joined to a plate welded to the frame.

[0061] Aspect 27. The system of any one of aspects 17-26. wherein each conductivity meter display receives information from a respective sensor positioned at one of the two inlets of the tower.

[0062] Aspect 28. The system of any one of aspects 17-27, wherein the conductivity meter display is configured to provide the temperature data to the controller, the controller is configured to alarm when a temperature of the liquid water provided to the homogenizer or exiting the homogenizer falls below a temperature limit.

[0063] Aspect 29. The system of aspect 28, wherein the temperature limit is less than or equal to 212, less than or equal to 205, less than or equal to 200, less than or equal to 190. or less than or equal to 180 °F.

[0064] Aspect 30. The system of any one of aspects 17-29, wh erein the water system comprises two condensers connectable to the homogenizer.

[0065] Aspect 31. The system of any one of aspects 17-30, wherein the steam system includes a first conduit path, a second conduit path, the first conduit extendingfrom the steam inlet to a steam trap, the second conduit leading to a steam inlet of the condenser.

[0066] Aspect 32. The system of any one of aspects 17-31, wherein the upper body has a height in a range from 2 to 8 ft, from 3 to 7 ft, from 4 to 6 ft, or from 4.5 to 5.5 ft.

[0067] Aspect 33. The system of any one of aspects 17-32, wherein the base has a height in a range from 2 to 8 ft, from 3 to 7 ft. from 4 to 6 ft, or from 4.5 to 5.5 ft.

[0068] Aspect 34. The system of any one of aspects 17-33, wherein the height of the base is greater than the height of the upper body.

[0069] Aspect 35. The system of any one of aspects 17-34, wherein the tower system extends above the height of the upper body.

[0070] Aspect 36. The system of any one of aspects 17-35, wherein the system is a unitary apparatus or unitary assembly.

[0071] Aspect 37. The system of any one of aspects 17-36, wherein the controller operates on a feedback loop.

[0072] Aspect 38. The system of any one of aspects 17-37, wherein the system has a single conductivity meter.

[0073] Aspect 39. The system of any one of aspects 17-38, wherein the water system includes a second conduit path, the second conduit path including a nozzle configured to supply water to the pistons of the homogenizer.

[0074] Aspect 40. The system of any one of aspects 17-39, wherein the second conduit path is upstream of the condenser or downstream of the condenser.

[0075] Aspect 41. The system of any one of aspects 17-40, wherein the controller is connected to an external system by wireless connectivity or wired connectivity’.

[0076] Aspect 42. The system of any one of aspects 31-41, wherein the steam trap is configured to capture and release condensate of the steam.

[0077] Aspect 43. The system of any one of aspects 17-42, wherein the conductivity meter is a single sensor measuring temperature and conductivity of the steam.

[0078] Aspect 44. The system of any one of aspects 17-43, wherein the tower includes a vent above the overflow pipe at the second end, the vent preventing air lock.

[0079] Aspect 45. The system of any one of aspects 17-44, wherein the homogenizer includes 3 or more pistons or 5 or more pistons, and water from the water system is sprayed on the pistons.

[0080] Aspect 46. The system of any one of aspects 17-45, wherein the backpressure created is defined by a length or height of the tower from the steam inlet of the homogenizers to the overflow pipe.

[0081] Aspect 47. The system of any one of aspects 17-46, wherein the tower does not include a needle valve.

[0082] Aspect 48. A dairy processing system comprising the system of any one of the preceding aspects and the homogenizer.

[0083] Aspect 49. The dairy processing system of aspect 48, wherein the homogenizer is an aseptic homogenizer.

[0084] Aspect 50. A system connectable to a homogenizer comprising (A) a frame including a base defining a top end, a bottom end, a front side, a back side, a first side and a second side and an upper body joined to the base at the side, the base including a plurality of posts connected by at least one set of transverse supports and at least one set of longitudinal supports the longitudinal supports extending between the first and second sides, the transverse supports extending between the front and back sides; (B) the upper body including two posts connected by a pair of horizontal beams; (C) a set of diagonal supports, each diagonal support coupling the top side of the base to one of the two posts of the upper body; (D) a tower system mounted to the upper body; (E) a cabinet coupled to one of the front, back, first, or second sides of the base; (F) an instrument system coupled to one of the front, back, first, or second sides of the base; (G) a water system coupled to one of the longitudinal supports within an interior of the frame; (H) a steam system coupled within a transverse support within an interior of the frame; and (I) a condenser positioned within the interior of the frame, the condenser configured to condense steam to liquid water; wherein the cabinet includes a controller configured to operate the water system, steam system, and an alarm monitoring the homogenizer.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A system for supplying sterile water to a homogenizer, the system comprising: a condenser including a steam inlet connected to a steam reservoir and a coolant inlet connected to a coolant reservoir, the condenser configured to condense steam from the steam reservoir into liquid water; a conduit fluidly connecting an outlet of the condenser to an inlet of the homogenizer, wherein liquid water passed to the homogenizer is maintained at a temperature in a range from 215 to 235 °F; and a tower fluidly connected to an outlet of the homogenizer at a first inlet, and wherein the tower is configured to hold liquid water and create backpressure throughout the system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the condenser is a container receiving the steam, the container defining a straight interior tube configured to receive a coolant through a length of the condenser, and wherein the condenser is a shelltube heat exchanger.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the system further comprises a controller configured to alarm if a detected temperature of liquid water exiting the homogenizer falls below a predetermined threshold of less than or equal to 212, less than or equal to 205. less than or equal to 200, less than or equal to 190, or less than or equal to 180 °F.

4. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein a coolant is passed to the condenser from the coolant reservoir to condense the steam to liquid water at a temperature of 215 to 235 °F at the outlet of the condenser.

5. The system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein: the tower is filled with liquid water to a height sufficient to create a backpressure of at least 2 psig, at least 3 psig, at least 5 psig, or at least 8 psig, and less than or equal to 20 psig. less than or equal to 15 psig, less than or equal to 12 psig, or less than or equal to 10 psig; and / or the tower has a height of at least 3 ft, at least 5 ft, at least 7 ft, at least 10 ft, at least 12 ft, or at least 15 ft, and the height is less than or equal to 20 ft, less than or equal to 25 ft, or less than or equal to 30 ft.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the system further comprises one or more conductivity meter modules receiving a measurement of conductivity from a conductivity sensor and one or more temperature sensors detecting a temperature of the liquid water exiting the homogenizer.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the one or more conductivity meter modules includes at least one conductivity’ meter, and wherein the at least one conductivity meter is a single sensor measuring the temperature and the conductivity.

8. The system of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the tower receives steam from the outlet of the homogenizer and is cooled by the water received from the condenser.

9. A system connectable to a homogenizer, the system comprising: a frame including a base with a plurality of posts connected by at least one set of transverse supports and at least one set of longitudinal supports, and an upper body coupled to the base; each of a cabinet, an instrument system, a water system, a tower system, a steam system and at least one condenser mounted to the frame, the at least one condenser connectable to the homogenizer; the tower system including a tower with two inlets fluidly connectable to an outlet of the homogenizer, and wherein the tower is configured to hold water and create backpressure; the water system including a water inlet and a water conduit fluidly connected to the condenser, the condenser receiving cooling water from the water conduit within an interior tube of the condenser; the steam system fluidly connected to the condenser, the condenser receiving steam within a container surrounding the interior tube, the condenser fluidly connectable to an inlet of the homogenizer, wherein the cooling water received by the condenser condenses the steam into liquid water within the container and the liquid water within the container is discharged to piston packings of the homogenizer; the instrument system including a conductivity meter display and a sensor configured to measure conductivity and temperature, the conductivity meter display configured to monitor and display a detected temperature and a detected conductivity; andthe cabinet including a controller configured to control the water system, the steam system, and a plurality of actuators.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to use the detected temperature to maintain a temperature of the liquid water in a range from 215 to 235 °F.

11. The system of claim 9 or 10. wherein the tower assembly further comprises an overflow pipe extending radially outward from a first end of the tower and extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tower.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the overflow pipe allows fluid to drain from the tower and wherein the tower comprises a dump valve at a second end, and a vent above the overflow pipe at the second end, the vent preventing air lock.

13. The system of any one of claims 9-12, wherein the tower system is fluidly connected to the condenser.

14. The system of any one of claims 9-13, wherein: the tower is filled with liquid water to a height sufficient to create a backpressure of at least 2 psig. at least 3 psig. at least 5 psig, or at least 8 psig, and less than or equal to 20 psig, less than or equal to 15 psig, less than or equal to 12 psig, or less than or equal to 10 psig; and / or the tower has a height of at least 3 ft, at least 5 ft, at least 7 ft, at least 10 ft, at least 12 ft, or at least 15 ft, and the height is less than or equal to 20 ft, less than or equal to 25 ft, or less than or equal to 30 ft.

15. The system of any one of claims 9-14, wherein the instrument system includes at least two conductivity meter displays, and each conductivity meter display is joined to a mounting plate of the frame and wherein each conductivity meter display receives information from a conductivity meter positioned at one of the two inlets of the tower.

16. The system of any one of claims 9-15, wherein the conductivity meter display includes at least one conductivity’ meter, and wherein the conductivity’ meter is a single sensor measuring temperature and conductivity of the steam.

17. The system of any one of claims 9-16, wherein the conductivity7meter display is configured to provide the temperature data to the controller, and the controller is configured to alarm when a temperature of the liquid water provided to the homogenizer or exiting the homogenizer falls below a temperature limit, wherein the temperature limit is less than or equal to 212 °F, less than or equalto 205 °F, less than or equal to 200 °F, less than or equal to 190°F, or less than or equal to 180 °F.

18. The system of any one of claims 9-17, wherein the homogenizer includes 3 or more pistons or 5 or more pistons, and water from the water system is sprayed on the pistons packings, and / or wherein the water system comprises two condensers connectable to the homogenizer, and / or the water system further comprises a second conduit path, the second conduit path including a nozzle configured to supply water to the pistons of the homogenizer and wherein the second conduit path is upstream of the condenser or downstream of the condenser.

19. The system of any one of claims 9-18. wherein the steam system includes a first conduit path, a second conduit path, the first conduit extending from the steam inlet to a steam trap, the second conduit leading to a steam inlet of the condenser, wherein the steam trap is configured to capture and release condensate of the steam.

20. The system of any one of claims 9-19. wherein the tower does not include a needle valve.

21. A system connectable to a homogenizer comprising: a frame including a base defining a top end, a bottom end. a front side, a back side, a first side and a second side and an upper body joined to the base at the side, the base including a plurality of posts connected by at least one set of transverse supports and at least one set of longitudinal supports the longitudinal supports extending between the first and second sides, the transverse supports extending between the front and back sides; the upper body including two posts connected by a pair of horizontal beams; a set of diagonal supports, each diagonal support coupling the top side of the base to one of the two posts of the upper body; a tower system mounted to the upper body; a cabinet coupled to one of the front, back, first, or second sides of the base; an instrument system coupled to one of the front, back, first, or second sides of the base;a water system coupled to one of the longitudinal supports within an interior of the frame; a steam system coupled within a transverse support within an interior of the frame; a condenser positioned within the interior of the frame, the condenser configured to condense steam to liquid water; and wherein the cabinet includes a controller configured to operate the water system, steam system, and an alarm monitoring the homogenizer.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the upper body has a height in a range from 2 to 8 ft, from 3 to 7 ft, from 4 to 6 ft, or from 4.5 to 5.5 ft, the base has a height in a range from 2 to 8 ft, from 3 to 7 ft, from 4 to 6 ft. or from 4.5 to 5.5 ft, and the height of the base is greater than the height of the upper body.

23. The system of any one of claims 9-22, wherein the tower system extends above the height of the upper body.

24. The system of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the system is a umlaiy apparatus or unitary assembly.

25. A daily7processing system comprising the system of any one of claims 1-24 connected to the homogenizer.

26. The dairy processing system of claim 25, wherein the homogenizer is an aseptic homogenizer.

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