Blasted Holder Cell Surface Anchors Protein Deposits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UHT plants face significant downtime due to protein fouling in the holder cell, which requires frequent washing, limiting production time to around 40 hours as the protein-rich deposit can detach and cause blockages downstream.
Innovation Solution
The inner surface of the holder cell for protein stabilization is blasted to a Ra value of 1.5-2.3 to prevent protein-rich deposits from detaching, allowing them to remain until the plant is washed, thereby extending production time beyond 40 hours without stopping the plant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the holder cell for protein stabilization is used in conventional UHT plants, then protein stabilization is achieved, but the inner surface accumulates protein-rich deposits that detach and cause blockages, requiring frequent washing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the holder cell surface by blasting it to create a rough surface with Ra value of 1.5-2.3 µm. This parameter change transforms the smooth surface into a rough surface that mechanically anchors protein deposits, preventing their detachment while maintaining the holder cell's protein stabilization function, thereby extending production time beyond 40 hours without washing
2Reliability
If the holder cell is washed frequently to remove protein deposits, then blockages are prevented, but production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by blasting the holder cell surface before operation begins. This pre-treatment creates a rough surface structure that permanently anchors protein deposits throughout the production cycle, eliminating the need for intermediate washing operations and preventing production downtime for 40+ hours
3Ease of manufacture
If the inner surface of the holder cell is smooth, then cleaning is easier, but protein deposits detach and cause downstream blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality change by modifying only the inner surface of the holder cell through blasting to create a rough texture (Ra 1.5-2.3 µm), while the rest of the system remains unchanged. This localized surface modification specifically addresses protein deposit detachment at the holder cell without affecting other components
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 blasting of the holder cell's inner surface effectively detains protein-rich deposits, allowing UHT plants to operate for extended periods without the need for immediate washing, thereby increasing production time and maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the holder cell for protein stabilization has an inside surface which is blasted
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for use in heat-treatment of a liquid food product. The device comprises a heat exchanger (2) having a plurality of sections for heating and cooling of the product. The device also comprises a holder cell (7) for the heattreated product and a holder cell (5) for protein stabilization. The holder cell (5) has an inside surface which is blasted.