Automated Beer Line Cleaning Apparatus with Pulsed Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning beer lines are prone to human error due to manual mixing and handling of sodium hydroxide solutions, leading to inadequate cleaning and potential contamination, and do not efficiently account for varying line lengths and configurations.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus with solenoid valves and peristaltic pumps creates a pulsing flow of cleaning solution to enhance yeast and sediment removal, allowing for precise control of fluid mixing and flow rates, and includes a configurable system for different cleaning requirements, reducing water and detergent wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual mixing and handling of sodium hydroxide solutions is used, then the cleaning process can be performed, but human error increases leading to inadequate cleaning and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically mixes the cleaning solution by drawing concentrated sodium hydroxide through a metering pump and diluting it with water from a tank, eliminating the need for manual mixing. The system self-regulates the mixing process through automated valves and pumps, ensuring consistent concentration without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated control system that uses solenoid valves, metering pumps, and microprocessor control to manage the cleaning solution preparation and delivery. This substitution of manual operations with automated mechanical and electronic systems eliminates human error in measurement and handling.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning solution mixing and soak periods are not precise, then the process is simpler, but proper cleaning cannot be ensured and cleaning agent removal cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates timing circuits and microprocessor control that precisely regulate the duration of cleaning solution circulation and soak periods. The controller monitors and adjusts the timing of valve operations and pump cycles to ensure optimal cleaning contact time, providing precise control over the cleaning process parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic cycling of solenoid valves to create pulsed flow patterns during the cleaning process. The valves open and close in controlled sequences, creating periodic action that enhances cleaning effectiveness while maintaining precise timing control over each phase of the cleaning cycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beer lines of varying lengths and configurations are cleaned, then comprehensive cleaning coverage is achieved, but water and detergent wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cleaning process based on line configuration by using flow sensors and timed circulation cycles. The metering pump and control system adapt the cleaning solution delivery rate and circulation duration to match the specific line length and configuration, optimizing cleaning coverage while minimizing excess solution usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as pump speed, valve timing, and solution flow rate to optimize cleaning for different line configurations. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves effective cleaning of varying line lengths without proportionally increasing water and detergent consumption.
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 apparatus significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of beer line cleaning, reducing human error and wastage while allowing for frequent and effective cleaning of beer lines of varying lengths and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump for causing flow of the cleaning solution through the conduit
Implementation Method 2
The solenoid valves may be cycled alternately between open and closed positions so as to create a pulsing flow pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Conduit can connect a beverage line in fluid communication with a supply of first fluid. A pump operates to allow a second fluid to enter the conduit in a predetermined proportion relative to the first fluid. A primary first fluid control means and a secondary first fluid control means are selectively and independently movable between respective open positions in which the first fluid can flow into the conduit and respective closed positions in which flow of the first fluid into the conduit is substantially prevented. In use, the primary first fluid control means is in the open position, and the secondary first fluid control means selectively alternates between the open position and the closed position so as to create a pulsed secondary flow of the first fluid into the conduit for enhanced cleaning.