Connection Head Cleaning Layout for Aseptic Tank Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining hygienic and aseptic conditions during the transportation and handling of sensitive goods, such as food products, is challenging due to the risk of germ contamination when connecting and disconnecting valve devices on tank containers.
Innovation Solution
A connection head with a cleaning device that includes a jet cleaner and a spray ball, allowing for thorough sterilization and reduced germ introduction, along with a valve manifold that ensures aseptic conditions by providing a flexible and hygienic interface between tank containers and process plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve device is used for filling and emptying tank containers, then the transport of liquid intermediate products is enabled, but germ contamination can occur during connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is activated before the actual filling or emptying operation to pre-clean the connection head interior and container connection, preventing germ contamination from the outset. The jet cleaner sprays cleaning agent through the container connection to clean surfaces before product contact.
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the product and potential contaminants. The cleaning agent (e.g., hot steam or chemical solution) mediates the cleaning process by contacting surfaces that will subsequently contact the product, transferring cleaning action without direct product involvement.
2Reliability
If the connection head is cleaned thoroughly, then hygiene is improved, but the cleaning process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device integrates multiple functions into a single system: the jet cleaner serves both to spray cleaning agent onto surfaces and to flush cleaning agent and contaminants through the container connection. The first and second valves work together to control both product flow and cleaning agent flow through different paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device uses its own internal resources to perform cleaning. The cleaning agent is introduced through the container connection and uses the existing valve and piping structure to distribute itself throughout the connection head interior, enabling self-cleaning without external intervention.
3Reliability
If the cleaning device is positioned inside the interior for thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but it obstructs product flow during filling and emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to be dynamically positioned - moved into the interior only when cleaning is required, and retracted or positioned away from the flow path during filling and emptying operations. The first valve controls product flow while the second valve controls cleaning agent flow, allowing temporal separation of cleaning and product handling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is performed periodically between filling/emptying cycles rather than continuously. The connection head alternates between product handling mode (with cleaning device retracted) and cleaning mode (with cleaning device positioned inside), ensuring both thorough cleaning and uninterrupted product flow during operational cycles.
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
Significantly reduces germ contamination and ensures efficient cleaning, maintaining aseptic conditions during the filling and emptying of tank containers, thereby improving the hygiene and safety of food product transport.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning device includes a jet cleaner. The cleaning agent, which impacts a surface in a jet, has an additional mechanical component that enhances the cleaning effect.
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning process can advantageously include sterilizing the interior of the connection head, for example, by selecting a suitable fluid introduced via the cleaning device. Such a fluid could be, for example, hot steam.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection head (12) comprising: an internal space (40); a container connection (13) that is fluidically connected to the internal space (40) and can be connected in a fluid-guiding manner to a valve device (10) attached to the container (9) for a filling or emptying of a container (9) with a fluid; a product connection (14) fluidically connected to the internal space (40); and an outlet (33) fluidically connected to the internal space (40). In order to permit the filling or emptying of a container to be carried out under improved hygiene conditions, according to the invention, the connection head (12) comprises a first valve (29) with which the product connection (14) can be blocked relative to the internal space (40), a second valve (34) with which the outlet (33) can be blocked relative to the internal space (40), and a cleaning device (38) which is designed and arranged for cleaning the internal space (40) and the container connection (13). The invention also relates to a valve manifold.