Food Processor CIP Manifold for Counter-Current Line Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning food processors are time-consuming and require significant operator input, especially in systems with multiple beverage lines, making it difficult to maintain hygiene and compliance with health regulations.
Innovation Solution
A clean-in-place system that uses a counter-current flow of pressurized cleaning solution through the food flow path, controlled by a manifold assembly and dispensing valve, allowing for efficient cleaning and sanitizing without direct contact with food products, and incorporating features like a bypass line and ultrasonic generator for enhanced cleaning action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual portable chemical dispenser systems are used to clean beverage lines, then cleaning effectiveness can be achieved, but operator time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service cleaning through the CIP machine that automatically dispenses cleaning solutions, circulates them through the beverage lines, and drains them without requiring manual operator intervention for each cleaning cycle, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while dramatically reducing operator time and effort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical dispensing system with an automated electronic control system that uses programmable logic controllers to manage the cleaning solution circulation, timing, and flow rates, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated mechanical and electronic systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If more beverage varieties are offered, then product variety increases, but the number of beverage lines requiring cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CIP machine is designed as a universal cleaning system capable of cleaning multiple different beverage lines simultaneously or sequentially through automated control, allowing the same cleaning apparatus to handle diverse beverage varieties without requiring separate manual cleaning procedures for each line
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the cleaning process in real-time, automatically adjusting flow rates, solution concentrations, and circulation patterns based on detected conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying line configurations and contamination levels without manual intervention
3Ease of operation
If manual cleaning procedures are used, then flexibility in cleaning approach is maintained, but consistency and compliance monitoring become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The automated CIP system incorporates sensors, flow meters, and control systems that continuously monitor cleaning parameters such as solution flow rate, temperature, pressure, and circulation time, providing real-time feedback to ensure consistent compliance with hygiene standards and automatically adjusting operations to maintain predetermined cleaning effectiveness thresholds
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains cleaning flexibility through programmable control that allows adjustment of various cleaning parameters including solution concentration, flow rate, temperature, and cycle duration, enabling customization of cleaning protocols while ensuring consistent execution and automatic monitoring of compliance through electronic measurement and control systems
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 reduces operator time and effort, ensures thorough cleaning, and provides enhanced reporting and monitoring capabilities, improving hygiene and compliance with health regulations in food processing environments.
Implementation Method 1
passing a pressurized cleaning solution from the engaged manifold assembly through the dispensing port to pass the cleaning solution along a portion of the food flow path in a reverse flow direction from the dispensing port toward the upstream end
Implementation Method 2
incorporating features like a bypass line and ultrasonic generator for enhanced cleaning action
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.