Dual Flexible Bladder High Pressure Fluid Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing edible fluids, such as high temperature processing, often result in flavor and nutritional degradation, while High Pressure Processing (HPP) is effective but lacks a continuous and efficient method for microbial reduction.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing dual flexible bladders within a high pressure housing, where one bladder is filled and the other drained alternately under high pressure, allowing for continuous treatment and retention of fluid quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature processing is used to sterilize edible fluids, then microbial content is reduced, but flavor and nutritional quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from temperature to pressure. Instead of using high temperature (thermal energy) to kill microbes, the system uses high pressure (mechanical energy) to inactivate microorganisms while preserving the sensory and nutritional properties of the fluid. This parameter substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving microbial reduction without the harmful thermal effects.
2Reliability
If High Pressure Processing is used to treat fluids, then microbial content is reduced and fluid quality is maintained, but continuous processing efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single pressure chamber into two separate bladders (first and second bladders) that can be filled and drained alternately. This segmentation allows one bladder to be pressurized while the other is being drained, enabling continuous processing without interruption. The fluid processed through the first bladder can be simultaneously replaced by fluid in the second bladder, doubling the effective throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous processing by ensuring that while one bladder is undergoing pressure treatment, the other bladder is being filled and prepared. The system transitions from batch processing to continuous processing by maintaining overlapping cycles of pressurization and draining across the two bladders, eliminating idle time and maintaining constant productive action.
3Device complexity
If single bladder HPP system is used, then device complexity is low, but processing is intermittent and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single bladder system into two bladders within the same pressure chamber. This segmentation allows for overlapping operational cycles where one bladder is being pressurized while the other is drained, effectively doubling the processing capacity without requiring two separate pressure chambers or complex multi-chamber systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two bladders within a single pressure chamber housing, sharing common structural elements, sealing mechanisms, and control systems. This merging approach achieves continuous processing capabilities while avoiding the full complexity of two independent HPP systems, as the bladders share the pressure transmission medium and control infrastructure.
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
This method effectively reduces microbial content in edible fluids without degrading their quality, extending shelf life while maintaining flavor and nutritional integrity.
Implementation Method 1
High Pressure Processing (HPP), or Ultra High Pressure (UHP) is a method that has been developed wherein fluids are subjected to elevated pressures, i.e. from about 30,000 psi to 150,000 psi, for a period of time with or without being heated, to minimize, kill or inactivate microbial organisms
Implementation Method 2
The chamber is pressurized by a pump raising the pressure of the pressure-transmitting or hydraulic fluid, typically water. The pressure is transmitted uniformly to the product being treated.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating edible fluids under high pressure to reduce microorganisms. The system comprises a high pressure housing having an interior chamber containing two parallel flexible bladders adapted to hold the fluid to be treated under high pressure within the confines of the chamber. A pressurizing fluid fills the interior chamber outside the bladders. When one bladder is filled the other bladder is collapsed. In operation pressure is exerted throughout the interior chamber by means of the pressurizing fluid for a period sufficient to reduce microorganisms in the fluid within the filled bladder. Pressure will be released and the collapsed bladder will then be filled with an edible fluid causing treated fluid to be removed from the first bladder due to expansion caused by the filling of the second bladder such that the first bladder is collapsed. The process can then be repeated.