Container Rinsing Water Recirculation With Ultrafiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container cleaning devices in beverage bottling plants consume large amounts of fresh water, leading to significant wastewater generation.
Innovation Solution
A recirculating water system with ultrafiltration modules is implemented to collect and filter process water from cleaned containers, allowing its reuse in the cleaning process, reducing fresh water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a conventional water rinsing system is used to clean containers, then the cleaning function is achieved, but large amounts of fresh water are consumed and significant wastewater is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a water collection system that captures runoff water from the cleaning process and redirects it through filtration modules. The filtered water is then reused in the cleaning process, transforming waste water into a valuable resource. This recovering principle directly addresses the fresh water consumption issue by creating a closed-loop water system that minimizes discharge of clean water while maintaining effective cleaning capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the quality and quantity of collected runoff water are monitored and fed back into the cleaning system through filtration. The system continuously adjusts water usage based on the state of the collected water, optimizing both water conservation and cleaning effectiveness. This feedback loop ensures that the cleaning capacity is maintained while progressively reducing fresh water consumption.
2Loss of substance
If water is collected and filtered for reuse, then fresh water consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional filtration modules and water management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water management system into distinct functional modules: collection systems, filtration modules, and redistribution systems. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently designed, maintained, and replaced. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by making each component simpler and more manageable, while collectively achieving the goal of fresh water conservation through integrated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the water management system to serve multiple functions: collecting runoff water, filtering it through various modules, storing it in tanks, and redistributing it to cleaning nozzles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive water reuse capability.
3Loss of substance
If a recirculating water system with filtration is implemented, then water can be reused for multiple uses, but the system requires continuous operation with minimal interruption for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple filtration modules arranged in series, where each module handles a specific portion of the filtration load. This segmentation allows for staggered maintenance operations where one module can be serviced while others continue to operate, ensuring continuous cleaning capability. The modular design also enables easy replacement of filters without shutting down the entire water management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary filtration stages that prevent contaminants from reaching later filtration modules, reducing the frequency and intensity of maintenance requirements. By addressing filtration needs proactively through pre-treatment and continuous monitoring, the system maintains reliable operation with minimal interruption for maintenance activities.
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
Significantly reduces fresh water usage by recycling and purifying water for multiple uses, ensuring continuous operation with minimal interruption.
Implementation Method 1
The invention features a recirculating water system with ultrafiltration modules. The process water exiting the cleaned containers is collected and fed to ultrafiltration modules for filtration before being reused in the cleaning process.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cleaning containers (100), in particular cans in a beverage filling plant, with a transport device for transporting the containers along a treatment section (10) in which the containers (100) can be transported with an opening facing downwards, wherein the treatment section (10) has at least a first treatment zone (11) with an arrangement of a plurality of nozzles (14) directed towards the opening of the containers (100) for injecting water into the containers (100), wherein the device has a water collector (15) for collecting the process water exiting the cleaned containers (100), and wherein the device has at least one process water tank (20) for receiving the process water from the water collector (15), wherein the device has at least one filtration module (30) which is connected downstream of the process water tank (20), and wherein the device has at least one clean water tank (40).which is connected downstream of the filtration module (30) and at least one line (44) is arranged from the clean water tank (40) to a distributor (13) that supplies the nozzles (14) of the first treatment zone (11). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cleaning containers, in particular a method for operating such a device.