Brine Filter Cleaning System Using Self-Service Nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brine filtering systems in meat processing require frequent cleaning, which is time-consuming and uses significant amounts of water, necessitating treatment or disposal.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a brine injector unit, a primary filter system, and a secondary filter system, where the primary filter system uses nozzles to spray clean brine to remove particulates, and the secondary filter system further filters the brine from the primary filter system using similar nozzles, with the brine used for cleaning also being filtered and reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods (scrapers or water spraying) are used to clean filters, then particulate removal is achieved, but cleaning time increases and water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system cleans itself using the brine flow and gravity. The spent brine naturally flows over the filter media, carrying away particulate matter without requiring external cleaning equipment or manual intervention. This self-cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for scrapers or water spraying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously discards filtered particulate matter through the spent brine flow while recovering the filtered brine for reuse. The filter media captures particulates from the brine, and the spent brine carrying the removed particulates is discharged, maintaining continuous filtration operation without stopping for cleaning.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used, then filter maintenance is performed, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system uses the existing brine flow to perform its own cleaning function. The spent brine that naturally flows through the system serves as the cleaning medium, eliminating the need for additional water for cleaning purposes. This self-maintaining approach reduces overall water consumption significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses the brine after filtration, minimizing water loss. The spent brine that carries removed particulates is discharged, while the filtered brine is recovered and returned to the injection system, creating a sustainable water utilization cycle that reduces net water consumption.
3Reliability
If filters are cleaned frequently, then filtration effectiveness is maintained, but processing continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system operates continuously without interruption to the brine injection process. The self-cleaning mechanism works concurrently with the filtration process, allowing the filter media to maintain its effectiveness while the brine flow continues uninterrupted through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleans itself during normal operation without requiring shutdown or maintenance interruptions. The spent brine flow continuously removes particulate from the filter media surface, maintaining filtration effectiveness throughout the processing operation and eliminating downtime for cleaning activities.
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 system efficiently filters brine with reduced need for manual cleaning and water usage, allowing for continuous operation and effective reuse of brine, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The primary filter system includes nozzles receiving clean brine and spraying the clean brine at the primary filter system to remove the particulate filtered from the used brine
Data Source
AI summary
The residual brine remaining from a brine injection process is collected and filtered by a primary filter system. Thereafter, the filtered brine is routed to a saddle tank from where the brine is routed, as needed, to a secondary filter remove particulates from the brine sufficient to enable the brine then to be routed to an injection head for reuse for injection into the work product. Clean brine is used to clean the primary and secondary filter systems. Thereafter, the spent brine from cleaning the primary and secondary filters is routed to the primary filter system to undergo primary filtration in the same manner as the brine collected after being expelled by the injection process. After this primary filtration, the brine is routed to the saddle tank.