Can Internal Sterilization Using Hydrogen Peroxide and CO2 Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pasteurization methods for beverage cans are energy-intensive, can damage valuable ingredients like vitamins, and require additional hygienic measures to prevent microbiological contamination.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the internal sterilization of cans using a sterilization medium, such as hydrogen peroxide, supplied through a sterilization apparatus, followed by flushing with a gas like carbon dioxide to remove the medium before filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pasteurization is used to ensure microbiological safety, then consumer protection and shelf life extension are improved, but energy consumption increases significantly and valuable ingredients like vitamins are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of sterilization from thermal (heat-based) to chemical (hydrogen peroxide-based). This allows achieving the same microbiological safety outcome without the high energy input required for pasteurization, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal pasteurization system with a chemical sterilization system using hydrogen peroxide. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature thermal processing, reducing energy consumption while maintaining microbiological safety
2Reliability
If conventional pasteurization is used to ensure microbiological safety, then consumer protection and shelf life extension are improved, but valuable ingredients such as vitamins are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from high temperature (thermal) to chemical action (hydrogen peroxide), thereby achieving microbiological safety without subjecting the filling material to thermal stress that damages vitamins and other sensitive ingredients
3Reliability
If a separate step to remove sterilization medium is added to ensure complete sterilization, then microbiological safety is improved, but process time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sterilization medium removal step with the existing flushing operation that uses carbon dioxide. This combination eliminates the need for a separate removal step, reducing process time while ensuring complete sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing gas (carbon dioxide) serves multiple functions: it removes oxygen from the can headspace and simultaneously flushes out the sterilization medium. This multi-functionality achieves complete sterilization without adding extra time or complexity
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 method reduces energy consumption, minimizes damage to ingredients, and enhances microbiological safety by extending the exposure time of the sterilization medium, allowing for a more efficient and effective processing of cans.
Implementation Method 1
The can is internally sterilized by the supplied sterilization medium
Implementation Method 2
The can is flushed with a flushing gas, preferably carbon dioxide, as a result of which the sterilization medium is flushed out of the can
Data Source
AI summary
A can processing installation and associated method for processing cans in a can processing installation. The method comprises supplying a sterilization medium into a can via a sterilization apparatus and internally sterilizing the can by the supplied sterilization medium, while the can is transported to a filling station. The method further comprises flushing the can in the filling station with a flushing gas, as a result of which the sterilization medium is flushed out of the can, and filling the flushed can in the filling station with a filling material.