Cooling Channel Stabilizers for Uniform Cryogenic Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food freezing devices using liquid nitrogen suffer from non-uniform cooling and deformation issues due to channel flexion, leading to inconsistent freezing conditions and operational disruptions during startup and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A device with cross-sectional stabilizers to maintain channel stiffness and prevent flexion, allowing for uniform coolant flow and easy cleaning, featuring a channel design with a first coolant stream for freezing and a secondary cooling conduit for additional stabilization and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If channels are made flexible to allow cleaning access, then ease of operation for cleaning is improved, but channel stability and uniform cooling are worsened due to flexion during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into multiple segments by introducing cross-sectional stabilizers at intervals along the channel length. These stabilizers segment the channel structure into stable sections while maintaining overall flexibility for cleaning access. The stabilizers are positioned to provide structural support without creating continuous rigid constraints along the entire channel.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the channel structure are given different properties: the channel walls maintain flexibility for cleaning, while localized cross-sectional stabilizers provide rigidity where needed. The stabilizers are strategically placed to ensure uniform cooling in critical sections while allowing flexibility in other areas for maintenance operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If channels are stabilized to prevent flexion, then manufacturing precision of cooling conditions is improved, but ease of operation for cleaning is worsened due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization is segmented rather than continuous, with cross-sectional stabilizers placed at specific intervals. This segmentation provides sufficient structural support to prevent flexion and ensure uniform cooling conditions, while leaving gaps between stabilizers that allow cleaning tools and personnel to access the channel for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing full stabilization along the entire channel length, cross-sectional stabilizers are placed at critical sections where uniform cooling is most important. This partial stabilization achieves the necessary manufacturing precision for cooling conditions while minimizing interference with cleaning operations in other sections.
3Reliability
If precooling is performed during startup, then reliability of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended startup duration
Solution Approach 1:
The channels are pre-cooled during manufacturing or installation before entering service, so that when the device starts up, the channels are already at the required temperature for reliable operation. This preliminary cooling action eliminates the need for extended precooling periods during each startup, reducing time loss while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure is designed with thermal mass and insulation properties that maintain stable temperatures during operation. This beforehand cushioning effect reduces temperature fluctuations during startup, allowing faster commissioning while ensuring reliable operation from the start without requiring prolonged precooling periods.
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 uniform cooling and freezing conditions by minimizing channel deformation, maintaining flow properties, and enabling continuous operation with reduced downtime for cleaning and startup, ensuring consistent product quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first stream (4) of a first coolant can flow through the channel (2)... thermal contact between the articles (5) and the coolant in the first stream (4)
Implementation Method 2
a first stream (4) of a first coolant can flow through the channel (2)... articles (5) to be cooled being introducible into the stream
Implementation Method 3
at least one cross-sectional stabilizer (24) for stabilizing the cross section of the at least one channel (2) is formed... keeping the cross section of the channel essentially constant and preventing a flexion of the channel
Implementation Method 4
a cooling conduit through which a second stream (21) of a coolant can flow... further cooling of the channel
Data Source
AI summary
The device according to the invention for the cooling of articles, comprising at least one channel which can be connected to a first coolant source such that a first stream of a first coolant can flow through the channel, the articles to be cooled being introducible into the stream, is distinguished in that at least one cross-sectional stabilizer for stabilizing the cross section of the at least one channel is formed. The device according to the invention advantageously allows the defined cooling of articles, in particular the freezing of drops of a liquid or pasty material, in particular of liquid or pasty foods. In particular, a deformation, such as warping, of the channels on account of pronounced temperature gradients and/or temperature transients is effectively reduced. Thus, even after cooling-down operations, uniform cooling conditions can be ensured.