Cooled Manifold Head to Prevent Caking in Steam Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributor heads for vapor infusion systems used in heating liquid food products, such as milk and juice, suffer from rapid product caking due to steam heating, leading to frequent cleaning needs and reduced operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A distributor head with integrated cooling channels, designed to cool the head during operation, preventing product caking and extending the operational time by effectively managing steam contact and deposit formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the distributor head is heated by steam from the steam infusion system, then the product can be heated effectively, but the product cakes on the distributor head quickly requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor head incorporates cooling channels in specific regions where product caking is most problematic, creating localized temperature differences. The cooling channels are positioned to cool the product-contact surfaces while maintaining overall heating functionality, allowing different parts of the distributor head to have different thermal characteristics to prevent caking in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the thermal parameters of the distributor head by introducing cooling channels that can actively reduce the temperature of the distributor head surface. This parameter change prevents the temperature from remaining in the range that causes rapid product caking, thereby extending the operational lifespan between cleaning cycles.
2Reliability
If the distributor head is cooled during operation, then product caking is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the distributor head structure itself, merging the cooling function with the existing product distribution component. This eliminates the need for separate cooling devices or attachments, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the anti-caking benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor head's own structure is utilized to provide cooling through integrated channels that circulate coolant directly at the product-contact surfaces. The distributor head serves both its primary function of product distribution and the secondary function of self-cooling, eliminating the need for external cooling systems.
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 cooling channels in the distributor head significantly reduce product caking and extend the operational lifespan by maintaining effective cooling, thereby increasing the time between cleaning cycles.
Implementation Method 1
the distributor head comprising at least one cooling channel for cooling the distributor head
Implementation Method 2
heated directly by steam, in particular by steam infusion in a steam infusion container with excess pressure
Implementation Method 3
the product is heated through direct contact or heat exchange with steam
Data Source
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AI summary
Distributor head for introducing a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, into a steam infusion container, comprising at least one opening for introducing the product into the steam infusion container in the form of a product jet, in particular composed of partial jets, wherein the distributor head comprises at least one cooling channel for cooling the distributor head.