Container Sterilization Electron Beam Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container sterilization methods using chemicals or radiation require complex setups and often necessitate rinsing or external shielding, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing electron beams for sterilization, with a movable treatment head and shielding to irradiate both inner and outer container surfaces, combined with a blow-out unit to remove ozone and nitrogen oxides, and a compact electron beam unit for efficient internal sterilization, allowing for continuous operation and simultaneous internal and external sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical sterilization methods are used, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but additional rinsing steps are required which increase process complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical sterilization methods with physical electron beam irradiation. The electron beam sterilization device uses high-energy electron beams to sterilize containers without requiring chemical agents, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent rinsing operations and reducing overall process complexity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
2Reliability
If electron beam sterilization is applied to both inner and outer surfaces, then comprehensive sterilization is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple radiation sources and positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sterilization function into two independent modules: a first radiation source for internal sterilization and a second radiation source for external sterilization. Each module can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing comprehensive sterilization while managing device complexity through functional segmentation and independent operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the complexity of sterilizing both inner and outer surfaces by operating in different spatial dimensions - the first radiation source operates inside the container (internal dimension) while the second radiation source operates outside the container (external dimension). This dimensional separation allows simultaneous or sequential sterilization of all surfaces without requiring complex multi-positioning mechanisms
3Productivity
If continuous operation is implemented, then productivity increases, but heat management becomes more difficult due to continuous electron beam generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cooling devices that are pre-positioned adjacent to the electron beam radiation sources. These cooling systems are activated in advance and continuously remove heat during operation, preventing thermal accumulation before it becomes problematic. The cooling devices may use liquid circulation or gas flow to dissipate heat generated during continuous electron beam 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
Enables efficient sterilization of both inner and outer container surfaces with electron beams, reducing the need for chemical rinsing and providing effective shielding against radiation, achieving high throughput and ensuring container sterility for beverage manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
A device for sterilizing containers by means of electron beams
Implementation Method 2
a shielding device which at least partially shields the sterilizing radiation or the radiation resulting from this sterilizing radiation from the environment
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a transportation unit (2) transporting containers (10) along a predetermined transportation path. A sterilization unit (3) and another sterilization unit sterilize inner walls and outer walls of the containers, respectively. The former sterilization units comprise a bar-like sterilization element (4) i.e. radiation element, that is extended in a longitudinal direction vertically to the transportation path, where the sterilization units comprise a radiation generation device (6) that generates sterilizing radiation i.e. electron radiation. An independent claim is also included for a method for sterilizing containers.