Bottle Pasteurizer Spray Flow Control for Faster Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container pasteurization methods are inefficient and require complex equipment, as they often rely on countercurrent flow of heat transfer fluids, leading to prolonged heating times and increased costs due to the need for multiple heating zones and extensive piping.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that spray a hot heat transfer fluid onto containers with an initial high flow rate, which decreases as the container temperature increases, using strategically spaced and sized nozzles to maintain efficient heating and minimize equipment costs, with the heat transfer fluid being reused and reheated for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If countercurrent flow of heat transfer fluid is used in multiple heating zones, then heating efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple pumps, controls, and complicated piping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex countercurrent flow system with multiple pumps and controls, replacing it with a simple single-direction spray system that achieves comparable or superior heating efficiency without the associated equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using countercurrent flow where the heat transfer fluid moves opposite to the container flow, the patent inverts the approach by using co-current spray where hot fluid is sprayed directly onto containers in the direction of their movement, simplifying the entire system architecture
2Reliability
If multiple heating zones with different temperature heat transfer fluids are used, then pasteurization effectiveness is improved, but heating time increases and equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the heat transfer fluid dynamically - using initially high temperature for rapid heating, then reducing temperature as containers approach target temperature, achieving effective pasteurization in less time than multi-zone systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies periodic spraying cycles with varying intensity and temperature, adjusting the heat transfer fluid parameters over time to match the heating requirements at different stages of the pasteurization process
3Speed
If high flow rate of heat transfer fluid is maintained throughout the heating process, then heating speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the heat transfer fluid flow rate dynamic rather than static - starting with high flow rate for rapid initial heating when containers are cold, then progressively reducing flow rate as containers approach pasteurization temperature, optimizing both heating speed and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of the heat transfer fluid over time, adjusting it to match the heating demand at different stages of the process, thereby maintaining high heating speed initially while reducing energy consumption as the process progresses
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
This approach allows for rapid and efficient pasteurization of containers, reducing the necessary equipment and operational costs while maintaining effective temperature control, ensuring that the container contents are heated quickly and uniformly to pasteurization temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
spraying a hot heat transfer fluid onto the containers
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method and apparatus for pasteurizing filled food containers having contents to be pasteurized includes spraying a heat transfer fluid onto the containers. As the contents increase in temperature, the flow rate of heat transfer fluid is decreased. The heat transfer fluid is at least about 20° F. hotter than the initial average temperature of the contents. In one embodiment, the temperature of the spent heat transfer fluid typically does not vary more than about 6° F. to 9° F.