Automated cleaning system for food processor and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning food processors are time-consuming and require significant operator input, especially in commercial settings with diverse beverage offerings, necessitating a more efficient and automated solution for rinsing, cleaning, and sanitizing food flow paths.
Innovation Solution
A clean-in-place (CIP) system that uses a counter-current flow of pressurized cleaning solution through the food processor's flow path, controlled by a manifold assembly and valve system, allowing for automated regulation and reduced operator intervention, with options for various cleaning agents and configurations to suit different food processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual portable chemical dispenser systems are used to clean beverage lines, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but operator time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service cleaning through the automated dispenser system that performs cleaning cycles without requiring manual operation. The system autonomously dispenses cleaning solutions, controls flow rates, and manages the cleaning process, eliminating the need for operators to manually move and operate portable chemical dispensers while maintaining effective cleaning of beverage lines
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated electronic control system. The automated dispenser system uses electronic controllers, sensors, and programmable logic to manage the cleaning process, substituting human operators and manual portable dispensers with an integrated automated system that reduces labor time while ensuring consistent cleaning effectiveness
2Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used for beverage lines, then cleaning can be performed, but the process becomes extremely time demanding especially with diverse beverage offerings
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dispenser system enables continuous cleaning operations without interruption. The system can perform cleaning cycles back-to-back without requiring manual repositioning or setup, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the cleaning process. This eliminates downtime between cleaning tasks and significantly improves overall cleaning efficiency compared to manual methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts cleaning parameters such as flow rate, solution concentration, and cycle duration based on the specific cleaning requirements. The automated dispenser can adapt to different beverage line configurations and contamination levels, optimizing the cleaning process for each situation while maintaining high productivity and eliminating the fixed, time-consuming nature of manual cleaning procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If more beverage varieties are offered, then customer selection increases, but the cleaning process becomes even more time demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dispenser system is designed with universal cleaning capabilities that can handle multiple beverage types and line configurations through a single integrated system. The system can switch between different cleaning protocols for various beverage varieties without requiring separate manual cleaning processes for each type, thereby maintaining adaptability to diverse beverage offerings while preventing cleaning time from increasing proportionally
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 CIP system significantly reduces operator time and effort, enhances reporting and monitoring, and ensures thorough cleaning of food processors, maintaining hygiene standards while accommodating diverse food products and increasing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
passing a pressurized cleaning solution from the engaged manifold assembly through the dispensing port to pass the cleaning solution along a portion of the food flow path in a reverse flow direction
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.