Automated Container Tightness Testing and Inertisation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for tightness testing and inertisation of containers do not allow for separate and automated execution of these processes, leading to potential gas leakage and contamination risks due to inadequate prior leakage verification and inert gas supply.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that combines automated tightness testing and inertisation, allowing independent execution of these processes, with leakage verification and inertisation using inert gas to maintain a desired oxygen concentration, ensuring the integrity and cleanliness of containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tightness testing and inertisation are performed separately with different devices, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall process complexity increases and automation integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tightness testing and inertisation functions into a single integrated device. The testing unit with pressure control and the inertisation unit with gas supply are merged into one system that can perform both functions sequentially on the same container, eliminating the need for separate devices and manual transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a multi-functional system where a single apparatus can perform both tightness testing (through pressure application and monitoring) and inertisation (through inert gas supply). The system includes universal components like the container holder, pressure sensors, and control unit that serve both functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the dual functionality.
2Reliability
If tightness testing is not performed before inertisation, then the process is simpler and faster, but inert gas may leak from containers with poor tightness, reducing inertisation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs tightness testing as a preliminary step before inertisation. The automated sequence first applies pressure to test container tightness, evaluates the results, and only then proceeds to inertisation if the container passes the test. This preliminary verification ensures that subsequent inertisation will be effective without significantly extending total processing time due to automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where pressure sensors monitor tightness test results in real-time, and the control unit automatically decides whether to proceed to inertisation based on predefined criteria. This automated feedback loop ensures reliability while maintaining productivity by eliminating manual intervention and decision-making delays.
3Extent of automation
If automated tightness testing and inertisation are implemented, then labor requirements are reduced and consistency is improved, but the device complexity and initial setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient with automated sequence control. The control unit automatically manages the entire process from container placement, through tightness testing with automated pressure application and monitoring, to inertisation with automated gas supply. The system self-regulates based on sensor feedback without requiring external intervention, achieving high automation with a unified control architecture that manages complexity internally.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device permanently attaches to containers to monitor oxygen concentration and supply inert gas, then continuous monitoring is improved, but the device cannot be used for tightness testing and the versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic, non-permanent attachment mechanisms. Containers are temporarily held and sealed during testing and inertisation operations, but the connection is not permanent. The system can adapt its configuration based on the operational phase - whether performing tightness testing or inertisation - allowing full functional versatility while maintaining reliable monitoring and gas supply during the actual operations through proper sealing mechanisms.
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
Ensures reliable tightness testing and inertisation of containers, preventing gas leakage and contamination, thereby reducing explosion hazards and maintaining product quality.
Implementation Method 1
The tightness of a receptacle is controlled by measuring the change in the preset pressure present within the controlled space controlled by the device.
Implementation Method 2
inertisation of receptacles is carried out by inert gas flushing to reach the desired preset oxygen content measured at the receptacle's outlet.
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the invention is a device and method for automated tightness testing and inertisation of containers or similar receptacles having a cover and/or valve, which allows for an automated tightness testing of containers or other similar receptacles having a cover and/or valve (hereinafter receptacles) to underpressure or overpressure, and inertisation of same, wherein the object of tightness testing is the cover and/or valve arranged on the receptacle. For the purpose of performing an automated tightness test and inertisation of containers or similar receptacles having a cover and/or valves, the device of the invention is provided with a bottom cap (2) equipped with a seal (13) arranged between the bottom cap (2) and the receptacle (0), and an upper cap (5) is equipped with a seal (21) arranged between the upper cap (5) and the receptacle (0), wherein the tightness of the valve (11) is provided for by a seal (12) and the tightness of the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) is provided by a seal (20).