Dual-Outlet Curd Tank Pumping for Uniform Cheese Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing curd processing apparatuses face challenges in achieving uniformity and consistency due to batchwise operation of curd tanks, leading to varying pump-out times and curd quality, which affects the cheese production process, particularly in the addition of salt and moisture content.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus is designed with multiple curd tanks equipped with two outlets each, allowing simultaneous pumping via two ring lines and multiple curd pumps to reduce pump-out time and ensure uniform curd supply without damaging the curd structure, utilizing a configuration that maintains standard valve and pipe dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the pumping capacity is increased to shorten pump-out time, then productivity is improved, but the curd structure is damaged due to excessive speed of movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump-out timeVSAvoidcurd structure damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The curd tank is divided into multiple outlet locations (first outlet and second outlet) with separate pumping means connected to each outlet, allowing simultaneous pumping operations to reduce total pump-out time without increasing individual pumping speed to damaging levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the pumping capacity is increased to increase processing capacity, then productivity is improved, but the speed of movement exceeds the limit causing curd structure damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidspeed of movement of curd in pipe system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple outlets with separate pumping means allow the system to handle larger total volumes by parallel processing rather than increasing single-line speed, thus increasing processing capacity while maintaining safe curd movement speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the pump-out time is extended to handle large volumes, then processing capacity is improved, but curd quality becomes inconsistent due to varying acidity and moisture content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidcurd quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple outlets enable parallel pumping operations that maintain consistent curd quality by preventing the degradation that occurs during extended single-outlet pump-out operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous and uniform curd supply to the processing apparatus through multiple simultaneous pumping operations, ensuring consistent curd characteristics throughout the pumping cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If large-diameter pipes are used to lower curd movement speed, then curd structure is protected, but valve availability and cost increase and cleaning requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurd structure damageVSAvoidvalve availability and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple smaller-diameter pipe lines with separate pumping means instead of a single large-diameter pipe, avoiding the valve availability and cost issues associated with large-diameter components while still protecting curd structure through controlled pumping speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration significantly reduces pump-out time, maintains curd quality by ensuring consistent pH and moisture levels, and increases processing capacity without the need for large-diameter pipes, which are costly and difficult to operate.

Implementation Method 1

the speed of movement of the curd in the pipe system must remain below a particular limit to prevent damage to the curd structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

The speed of movement of the curd in a particular plant can be lowered by choosing the diameter of the piping to be larger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow velocity:

Data Source

PatentUS7624677B2Apparatus for preparing curd and for feeding the prepared curd to a curd processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2009.12.01 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA

AI summary

An apparatus for preparing curd and feeding same to a curd processing apparatus, comprising a number of curd tanks and a pipe system connected with the curd tanks and provided with pumping means to feed curd from the curd tanks to the curd processing apparatus, wherein at least a number of curd tanks are provided with a first outlet and a second outlet, the pumping means being connected with the two outlets of said curd tanks, such that a curd tank can be pumped out via both outlets simultaneously.