Blow Molding Machine Sterilization via Liquid Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning in place (CIP) systems and methods for sterilizing blow molding machines require large-scale apparatuses, fail to sterilize holding members, and involve lengthy and energy-intensive drying processes, reducing machine availability and requiring additional structural modifications for sanitation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a liquid sterilizer, such as hydrogen peroxide or ethanol, to sterilize the blow molding machine by guiding it through the valve block and blowing air into the preform to diffuse the sterilizer, allowing continuous molding without disassembly and ensuring the sterilization of the holding member and molding die.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional CIP system is used to sterilize the blow molding machine, then the interior can be sterilized without disassembly, but a large-scale apparatus is required and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sterilization function from a complex CIP system and implements it through a simple liquid sterilizer supplying device that injects sterilizer liquid directly into the preform. This eliminates the need for large-scale circulation apparatus while achieving effective sterilization of the interior components.
Solution Approach 2:
The blow molding machine performs its own sterilization using the liquid sterilizer supplying device integrated into the existing structure. The sterilizer liquid is supplied through the valve block and extension rod, allowing the machine to sterilize itself without external CIP systems or disassembly.
2Ease of repair
If the blow molding machine is opened for maintenance, then inspection and repair can be performed, but microorganisms enter and adhere to components, requiring additional sterilization steps
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid sterilizer supplying device is positioned to supply sterilizer liquid into the preform before the preform enters the heating part. This preliminary sterilization action ensures that components are sterilized before any potential contamination during maintenance, and the sterilizer liquid reaches the interior surfaces through the blowing process.
3Reliability
If a cleaner is injected into the die from an extension rod, then the die interior can be cleaned, but the holding member cannot be sterilized and additional drying is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic action (blow air) to expand the preform and diffuse the liquid sterilizer throughout the interior. The sterilizer liquid is supplied hydraulically through the extension rod, and the pneumatic expansion ensures complete distribution and penetration into all interior surfaces, eliminating the need for separate drying steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the sterilizer liquid through heating during the blow molding process. The liquid sterilizer is vaporized or transformed into a gaseous state through heating, allowing it to penetrate and sterilize the holding member and interior surfaces effectively, eliminating the need for separate drying operations.
4Ease of manufacture
If the blow molding machine is modified for sanitary structure, then cleaning becomes easier, but the device complexity increases and additional sealing structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid sterilizer supplying device serves multiple functions: it supplies sterilizer liquid for sterilization, and its structure (valve block and extension rod) is already integral to the blow molding process. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sealing structures or complex sanitary modifications while achieving effective sterilization.
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
Enables efficient sterilization of the blow molding machine without the need for conventional CIP systems or extension rod cleaners, allowing for continuous operation while effectively sterilizing the interior and holding members, reducing energy consumption and maintaining aseptic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
blowing air into the preform to diffuse the sterilizer
Implementation Method 2
a heating part (3) in which the preform (1) is heated to a blow molding temperature
Implementation Method 3
blow air is blown into the preform (1) from the valve block (14) to expand the preform (1) into the container (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3
AI summary
A blow molding machine is simply sterilized. The blow molding machine is sterilized by filling a preform (1) with a liquid sterilizer (P) containing an ethanol constituent or both an ethanol constituent and a hydrogen peroxide constituent, and blasting blow air into the preform (1) in a state where the liquid sterilizer (P) remains in the preform (1) to diffuse the liquid sterilizer (P).