Food Processor CIP Manifold for Automated Reverse-Flow Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning food processors are time-consuming and require significant operator input, especially in commercial settings with diverse beverage offerings, necessitating a more efficient and automated solution for rinsing, cleaning, and sanitizing food flow paths.
Innovation Solution
A clean-in-place (CIP) system that uses a counter-current flow of pressurized cleaning solution through the food processor's flow path, controlled by a manifold assembly and valve system, allowing for automated regulation and reduced operator intervention, with options for specific cleaning agents and enhanced monitoring and reporting capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual portable chemical dispenser systems are used to clean beverage lines, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but operator time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service cleaning through the automated dispenser system that performs cleaning cycles without requiring manual operation. The system autonomously dispenses cleaning solutions, controls flow rates, and manages the cleaning process, eliminating the need for operators to manually move and operate portable chemical dispensers while maintaining effective cleaning of beverage lines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated electronic control system. The automated dispenser system uses electronic controllers, sensors, and programmable logic to manage the cleaning process, substituting human operators and manual mechanical systems with automated mechanical and electronic systems that reduce operator time while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual cleaning methods are used for diverse beverage offerings, then all beverage lines can be cleaned, but the process becomes extremely time demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dispenser system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse beverage lines. The system can selectively dispense different cleaning solutions to different beverage lines based on programmed parameters, allowing it to adapt to various beverage types and line configurations. This universal design enables the system to clean multiple beverage lines efficiently without requiring separate manual cleaning processes for each line
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow it to adapt its cleaning parameters based on the specific beverage lines being cleaned. The automated controller can adjust flow rates, cleaning solution concentrations, and timing parameters dynamically to optimize cleaning effectiveness for different beverage types while maintaining high productivity across diverse beverage offerings
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 significantly reduces operator time and effort while ensuring thorough cleaning and sanitizing of food processors, enhancing compliance with health regulations and maintaining food safety through automated cycles and efficient use of cleaning solutions.
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
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.