Cleaning-in-Place Suspension Using Solid-Phase Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning-in-place (CIP) methods are limited by the need to transport contaminated water to solid-phase particle vessels, restricting the use of solid-phase particles like activated carbon for effective decontamination within equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of a suspension containing solid-phase particles into a mechanical system, allowing the particles to contact and decontaminate surfaces within the system, and then purging the suspension, enabling effective decontamination without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional CIP methods use liquid-phase cleaning agents, then the cleaning process can be performed without disassembly, but the cleaning efficiency and ability to remove certain contaminants is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of cleaning agents from liquid-phase to solid-phase particles (such as activated carbon particles with sizes of 0.1-10 micrometers). This parameter change enables the use of highly effective solid-phase sorbents while maintaining CIP capability through suspension formulation and delivery systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic suspension delivery systems to transport solid-phase particles through equipment piping and onto contaminated surfaces. The suspension is pumped and circulated similarly to conventional liquid cleaning agents, enabling solid-phase particles to reach contaminated zones without disassembly
2Reliability
If solid-phase particles like activated carbon are used in conventional decontamination systems, then decontamination effectiveness improves, but the system requires transportation of contaminated water to particle vessels
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transporting contaminated water to solid-phase particle vessels, the patent inverts the approach by delivering solid-phase particles directly to the contaminated equipment in place. The particles are suspended and pumped through the equipment piping to the contaminated surfaces, reversing the conventional flow direction
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-phase particles perform self-service decontamination by adsorbing contaminants directly from the contaminated surfaces and water within the equipment as they circulate. The particles continuously remove contaminants during their circulation through the system, eliminating the need for separate treatment vessels
3Reliability
If solid-phase particles are used in CIP processes, then cleaning efficiency improves, but challenges arise in transporting and maintaining particles in suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses liquid suspending media as an intermediary to transport solid-phase particles through the equipment. The suspension medium keeps particles dispersed and prevents settling during transport, enabling easy delivery of particles to contaminated surfaces while maintaining particle stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic circulation and agitation of the particle suspension during the CIP process. The suspension is continuously pumped and circulated through the equipment, and agitation mechanisms prevent particle settling, maintaining particle availability for contaminant removal throughout the cleaning cycle
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 enhances cleaning efficiency, reduces energy and water consumption, and decreases waste volumes, making it suitable for decontaminating various types and degrees of contamination that conventional methods cannot address.
Implementation Method 1
activated carbon is often employed to remove organic chemicals from contaminated groundwater through the process of adsorption, whereby the chemicals of concern bind to sorption sites throughout the carbon particle
Implementation Method 2
Conventional CIP methods typically involve the process of flowing water through the equipment with laminar or turbulent flow at variable temperatures
Implementation Method 3
maintaining the suspension in contact with the at least one contaminated surface for a sufficient length of time to at least partially decontaminate the at least one contaminated surface, and purging the suspension from the mechanical system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of cleaning-in-place are contemplated whereby a suspension is introduced into a mechanical system containing contaminated surfaces. The solid-phase particles suspended within the suspension are functional to at least partially clean the contamination. Following the at least partial cleaning, the suspension may be purged from the mechanical system. In this way, it may be seen that modalities of decontamination may be achieved which may be operative to decontaminate many types and degrees of contamination.