Container Pasteurization Control for Speed and Temperature Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for heating and cooling closed containers, particularly in pasteurization processes, face challenges in efficiently managing energy consumption and preventing overpasteurization due to temporary stoppages and fluctuations in product availability, leading to increased energy usage and suboptimal treatment results.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a transport device, a heating/cooling device, and a control device that adjusts the transport speed and temperature profile based on predicted system parameters, such as future throughput and accumulation levels, to optimize energy use and prevent overpasteurization by dynamically controlling the number of pasteurization zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transport speed is increased, then the productivity is improved, but the temperature treatment may become insufficient leading to inadequate pasteurization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the temperature profile based on the actual transport speed. The control device continuously monitors transport speed and modifies the temperature curve in real-time, transforming the static temperature profile into a dynamic one that adapts to varying productivity requirements while maintaining pasteurization quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameters of the treatment medium based on transport speed variations. When transport speed increases, the temperature is increased accordingly; when transport speed decreases, the temperature is reduced. This parameter coupling ensures that the product receives adequate thermal treatment regardless of productivity fluctuations.
2Reliability
If the temperature of the treatment medium is increased to ensure adequate product treatment during stoppages, then the pasteurization quality is improved, but the energy consumption increases and overpasteurization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control device continuously monitors the actual transport speed and adjusts the temperature profile accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents overpasteurization by reducing temperature when transport speed is low or during stoppages, while still ensuring adequate treatment when transport speed is nominal, thereby optimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial temperature increases only when necessary (during nominal operation) rather than maintaining high temperature continuously. During stoppages or low-speed operation, the temperature is reduced to the minimum required level, avoiding excessive energy consumption and overpasteurization while still maintaining product safety.
3Reliability
If the number of pasteurization zones is increased, then the pasteurization quality is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pasteurization process into multiple zones along the transport direction, each with independently controllable temperature. This segmentation allows precise temperature control in different sections, enabling adequate pasteurization without requiring excessive temperature in all zones, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and device 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 approach reduces energy consumption and prevents overpasteurization by accurately adjusting the temperature profile and transport speed according to predicted system conditions, ensuring efficient and cost-effective heat treatment of containers.
Implementation Method 1
a device (6) designed to heat and/or cool the containers (3) according to a temperature profile (7) along the transport direction (5)
Implementation Method 2
a device (6) designed to heat and/or cool the containers (3) according to a temperature profile (7) along the transport direction (5)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system for heating and/or cooling, in particular pasteurizing, closed containers filled with an in particular liquid filling material. The system comprises a transport device designed to transport the containers in a transport direction, a device designed to heat and/or cool the containers according to a temperature profile along the transport direction, and a control device designed to control a transport speed of the transport device and the temperature profile. The control device is designed to control the transport speed during the time change between a stop and a nominal transport speed and to control the temperature profile as a function of a predicted system parameter. The disclosure also relates to a method for heating and/or cooling the closed containers filled with an in particular liquid filling material by means of such a system.