Dual-Loop Effluent Refurbishing System for Food Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water reuse systems in food processing are inefficient due to their complexity, high space requirements, and inability to effectively remove smaller suspended particles and dissolved materials, which can compromise food safety and quality.
Innovation Solution
A dual-loop system with circulation, filtration, and antimicrobial treatment processes, including the use of balance tanks and optional ultraviolet irradiation, to refurbish effluent water by removing suspended solids and inactivating microorganisms, with the ability to adjust chemical and fresh water injection based on production rate and effluent quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filtration and treatment process is used to reclaim and recondition spent water, then water reuse is achieved, but the system requires a large amount of space and complex operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water treatment process into two separate loops: a first loop handling initial filtration and a second loop handling advanced treatment and redistribution. This segmentation allows each loop to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive water reuse effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The second loop serves multiple functions: it treats effluent water from the first loop, redistributes treated water back to the first loop, and maintains water quality through continuous circulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each treatment stage
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional filtration systems are used to remove suspended particles, then large particles are filtered, but smaller suspended particles and dissolved materials cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary treatment process in the second loop that uses antimicrobial solutions and advanced filtration to remove smaller suspended particles and dissolved materials that escape the first loop's conventional filtration. This intermediary step bridges the gap between basic and advanced treatment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces purely mechanical filtration with a combination of chemical treatment (antimicrobial solutions) and physical treatment (UV irradiation) to remove particles and contaminants that mechanical filtration alone cannot effectively remove
3Loss of substance
If water is reused after conventional treatment, then water consumption is reduced, but food safety and quality may be compromised due to inadequate removal of contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies multiple treatment stages and antimicrobial solutions before water is reused in food processing, creating protective barriers against contaminants. This prior cushioning ensures that potential harmful factors are eliminated before the water contacts food products
Solution Approach 2:
The second loop maintains continuous circulation and treatment of water, ensuring constant quality control and ongoing removal of contaminants. This continuous action prevents accumulation of harmful substances and maintains water safety for food processing reuse
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 system reduces water consumption and labor costs while ensuring the refurbished water meets safety and quality standards for reuse in food processing, with enhanced efficacy in destroying microorganisms when combined with UV treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second circulation system, a first and a second balance tank... The first circulation system circulates water through the first food processing loop and the second circulation system circulates water through the second food processing loop
Implementation Method 2
During the filtration and treatment process, large and small suspended particles are first filtered from the water
Implementation Method 3
The filtered water is then treated with antimicrobial solution to destroy microorganisms present in the water
Implementation Method 4
with the ability to adjust chemical and fresh water injection based on production rate and effluent quality... optional ultraviolet irradiation, to refurbish effluent water by removing suspended solids and inactivating microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
A food processing effluent refurbishing system of the present invention refurbishes effluent water in a first and a second food processing loop. The system includes first and second circulation systems, first and second balance tanks, and a side stream. The first circulation system circulates water through the first food processing loop. The first balance tank connected to the first circulation system refurbishes effluent water circulating through the first food processing loop. The second circulation system circulates water through the second food processing loop. The second balance tank connected to the second circulation system refurbishes effluent water circulating through the second food processing loop. The side stream connects the first and second circulation systems.