An automatic or semi-automatic clean-in-place system and method of using same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cleaning draught beer dispensing lines require hazardous chemicals, involve significant human intervention, and can be unsafe, inefficient, and environmentally unfriendly, leading to suboptimal cleaning and potential beer quality issues due to mineral deposits and microbial growth.
Innovation Solution
An automatic or semi-automatic Clean-In-Place system utilizing ozonated water, which dissolves ozone in water for disinfection, reducing the need for chemical storage and handling, and allowing for automated, efficient, and environmentally friendly cleaning and disinfection of dispensing lines without harsh chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chemical cleaning methods are used, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but safety hazards and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ozone, a strong oxidant, to clean dispensing lines by oxidizing organic deposits, biofilm, and microorganisms. The ozone is generated on-site and dissolved in water to create ozonated water for the cleaning process, eliminating the need for hazardous chemical storage and handling while maintaining effective cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of storing and handling hazardous cleaning chemicals with an on-site ozone generation system. The ozone generator converts oxygen from air into ozone, which is then dissolved in water and delivered through the dispensing lines, substituting the need for chemical storage facilities and manual handling procedures
2Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but labor requirements and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning where the dispensing lines clean themselves by circulating ozonated water through the lines. The automated control system manages the cleaning process without requiring manual disassembly or intensive human intervention, as ozone and water automatically flow through the dispensing lines to remove deposits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ozonated water as an intermediary cleaning medium that circulates through the dispensing lines to remove deposits and microorganisms. This intermediary substance enables automated cleaning by chemically interacting with contaminants while being safely delivered through the existing water supply infrastructure
3Reliability
If frequent cleaning is performed to maintain beer quality, then microbial growth and mineral buildup are controlled, but operational downtime and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous or near-continuous cleaning operations by using ozonated water that can be generated on-demand and circulated through the dispensing lines without requiring system shutdown. The automated control allows cleaning to occur during low-demand periods or even during operation, minimizing disruption to beer dispensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning medium by using ozonated water with specific ozone concentrations and contact times. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves effective cleaning with shorter contact times compared to conventional chemicals, reducing the time required for cleaning cycles while maintaining beer quality standards
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively removes biofilm, yeast, mold, and mineral deposits, ensuring the quality of beer by reducing microbial growth and mineral buildup, while minimizing human exposure to hazards and environmental impact, and can be easily scaled for various dispensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
ozonated water, which dissolves ozone in water for disinfection
Implementation Method 2
The system effectively removes biofilm, yeast, mold, and mineral deposits, ensuring the quality of beer by reducing microbial growth and mineral buildup
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic or semi-automatic Clean-In-Place system and method of using same. An automatic or semi-automatic Clean-In-Place system (1;1a;1b) serves for cleaning at least one dispensing line (6a,6b,6c,6d,6e,6f;6a′,6b′,6c′;6a″,6b″,6c″) between a take-off station (2) and a dispensing station (3) with dispensers (5a,5b,5c,5d,5e,5f) at the end of dispensing lines (6a,6b,6c,6d,6e,6f;6a′,6b′,6c′;6a″,6b″,6c″) and is operated by an electronic control system (17). A source of ozonated water (10) provides ozonated water through ozonated water conduit (12) via an ozonated water valve (OWV), and cleaning water (CW) is provide through water conduit (15) via a water valve (WV). A main conduit (14) in turns receives water from the water conduit (15) and ozonated water from the ozonated water conduit (12). The main conduit (14) extends into serially arranged flow distribution units (13;13.2;13.2;13′,13.1′,13.2′;13″,13.1,13.2″), each comprising serially arranged branch conduits (C1,C2;C1.1,C2.1;C1.2;C2.2) on the main conduit (14). A second coupler (16a,16b;16c,16d;16e,16f) is adapted to couple in fluid communication with a first coupler (8a,8b;8c,8d;8e,8f;9a,9b;8a′,8a″,8b′,8b″,8c′,8c″) at the end of a dispensing line (6a,6b,6c,6d,6e,6f;6a′,6b′,6c′; 6a″,6b″,6c″).