Compressed Air Ejector for Container Vacuum Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container treatment plants face high energy requirements due to the use of vacuum pumps for evacuating containers, especially when filling oxygen-sensitive products like beer and wine, which contributes significantly to the overall energy consumption of the filling device.
Innovation Solution
A container treatment system that utilizes a compressed air-powered ejector to reduce the energy requirement for vacuum operations, potentially eliminating or assisting the need for a separate vacuum pump by using compressed air to create a vacuum, thereby reducing the energy consumption and size of the vacuum pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum pump is used to evacuate containers, then the containers can be evacuated to required residual oxygen levels, but the energy requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum generation function with the compressed air supply system by using a compressed air-powered ejector. The ejector utilizes the compressed air already available in the system to create vacuum, merging two functions (compressed air supply and vacuum generation) into a single integrated system, thereby eliminating the need for a separate vacuum pump and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a compressed air-powered ejector that operates on the basis of compressed air flow. The ejector converts compressed air energy into vacuum pressure through pneumatic expansion and pressure differential mechanisms, replacing the mechanical vacuum pump system with a pneumatic-based solution that leverages the existing compressed air infrastructure.
2Reliability
If a large vacuum pump is used for triple evacuation, then the required residual oxygen content can be achieved, but the device size and power requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum generation function with the compressed air supply system by using a compressed air-powered ejector. The ejector utilizes the compressed air already available in the system to create vacuum, merging two functions (compressed air supply and vacuum generation) into a single integrated system, thereby eliminating the need for a separate vacuum pump and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a compressed air-powered ejector that operates on the basis of compressed air flow. The ejector converts compressed air energy into vacuum pressure through pneumatic expansion and pressure differential mechanisms, replacing the mechanical vacuum pump system with a pneumatic-based solution that leverages the existing compressed air infrastructure.
3Reliability
If a vacuum pump operates permanently against back pressure, then continuous vacuum is maintained, but the power consumption and cooling energy requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a compressed air-powered ejector that operates on the basis of compressed air flow. The ejector converts compressed air energy into vacuum pressure through pneumatic expansion and pressure differential mechanisms, replacing the mechanical vacuum pump system with a pneumatic-based solution that leverages the existing compressed air infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the vacuum generation system by switching from a mechanical vacuum pump operating against back pressure to a compressed air-powered ejector that operates with varying compressed air supply parameters. The ejector can modulate its vacuum output by adjusting compressed air flow rate and pressure, allowing for energy-efficient operation that adapts to the actual vacuum requirements rather than maintaining constant high-power operation.
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 achieves improved energy efficiency by utilizing compressed air to operate the vacuum-operated device, reducing the power requirement of the vacuum pump and the necessary cooling energy, while also allowing for a more compact and cost-effective design, thus lowering the total energy consumption of the filling device.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector (18) which is connected to the compressed air-operated device (14) for receiving compressed air (36) and to the vacuum-operated device (16) for sucking in air (38)
Implementation Method 2
the ejector can also allow a vacuum pump to be assisted for the vacuum operated device... the ejector can make it possible for the vacuum pump for the vacuum-operated device to require less energy to operate, since it has to work permanently against a lower back pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a container treatment system (10) for treating containers, comprising a compressed air source (12), a compressed air-operated device (14), a vacuum-operated device (16), and an ejector (18) which is connected to the compressed air-operated device (14) for receiving compressed air and to the vacuum-operated device (16) for drawing air in. Advantageously, the use of the ejector (18) can increase the energy efficiency of the container treatment system (10).