Counter-Current Double-Flow Pasteurizer Using Controlled Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pasteurizers for pourable products face challenges with high mechanical complexity, energy inefficiency, and limited versatility due to the need for hydraulic connections between conditioning liquid collectors and dispensers, and inability to switch between pasteurization and cooling modes.
Innovation Solution
A counter-current double-flow pasteurizer design with recirculation devices that allow for simultaneous pasteurization of two container flows, reducing mechanical complexity by decoupling hydraulic connections and enabling rapid mode switching between pasteurization and cooling, while achieving uniform heat treatment and energy savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If hydraulic connections are implemented between collectors and dispensers for recirculation, then energy efficiency improves through heat exchange, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the recirculation paths into two independent loops: one loop recirculates liquid from the cooling section collector to the preheating section dispenser, and the other loop recirculates liquid from the preheating section collector to the cooling section dispenser. This segmentation allows independent control and simplifies the hydraulic architecture while maintaining energy exchange efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary recirculation devices (pumps and control valves) that mediate the heat exchange process between conditioning liquid and container flows. These intermediaries enable controlled recirculation without requiring direct hydraulic connections between collectors and dispensers, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while preserving energy efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pasteurizer is designed with fixed hydraulic connections for recirculation, then heat treatment uniformity improves, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamically controllable recirculation devices with adjustable flow rates and switchable operational modes. The recirculation pumps and control valves can be programmed to adjust liquid flow characteristics based on operational requirements, enabling the pasteurizer to switch between pasteurization mode (with recirculation) and cooling mode (without recirculation) while maintaining heat treatment uniformity through controlled parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation devices are designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: they enable heat exchange recirculation during pasteurization operations and can be deactivated or bypassed during cooling operations. This universal design allows the same hardware infrastructure to support multiple operational modes, enhancing adaptability without compromising heat treatment uniformity when recirculation is active.
3Use of energy by moving object
If recirculation flow rate is reduced to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but temperature difference between flows increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the temperature difference between the upper and lower flows and dynamically adjust the recirculation flow rate. When temperature difference exceeds acceptable thresholds, the control system increases recirculation to restore thermal balance. This feedback loop enables the system to operate at lower energy consumption levels while maintaining temperature uniformity through real-time adjustments rather than continuous high-flow recirculation.
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 design achieves improved heat treatment uniformity, reduced mechanical complexity, energy savings, and cost-effectiveness, with the ability to switch modes without structural modifications, enhancing the integration of pasteurizers into packaging apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the heating effect that the containers have on the conditioning liquid of the cooling section may be used to heat the liquid that is to be dispensed by the dispenser of the preheating section. Additionally, the cooling effect that the containers have on the conditioning liquid of the preheating section may be used to cool the liquid that is to be dispensed by the dispenser of the cooling section
Data Source
AI summary
A palletizing device of container packs, being of a sliding table type, including a structure and a loading surface of the packs with side-by-side parallel rollers mounted on mobile frames with a freely rotation, with two side parts movable from a closed position to an opened position, and reversely, wherein when a locking system of the rollers with a locking means with a cart with a locker mobile from a folded position to an unfolded position, and reversely, is in the unfolded position, the locker is blocking the freely rotation of the rollers, and the locking system has a fixed locking actuator cooperating with the locking actuator to move the locker from the folded position to the unfolded position to lock the rollers of the two sides parts during the movement from the closed to the opened position.