Dual Probe Filling Device for Beverage Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage filling plants face challenges in reliably and efficiently determining the filling product level during filling operations and the cleaning fluid level during cleaning operations, particularly with high-viscosity products and low-viscous cleaning liquids, due to limitations in current fill level probes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first fill level probe for determining the filling product level using float-free measuring systems like inductive, resistive, capacitive, or ultrasonic systems during filling mode, and a second fill level probe with a float for reliable cleaning fluid level determination during cleaning mode, ensuring efficient and reliable operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fill level probe is used for both filling product level determination and cleaning fluid level determination, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to incompatible measurement principles for different fluid viscosities
Solution Approach 1:
The single fill level probe is segmented into two separate probes: a first fill level probe for measuring filling product level during filling mode, and a second fill level probe for measuring cleaning fluid level during cleaning mode. Each probe is optimized for its specific measurement task, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different fill level probes based on the operational mode. The control device activates the first fill level probe during filling operations and the second fill level probe during cleaning operations, allowing each probe to operate in its optimal performance range while maintaining overall system efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If a float-based fill level probe is used for cleaning fluid level determination, then the measurement precision for low-viscous cleaning liquids is improved, but the probe is vulnerable to short-circuits from spray mist or jets during cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented between two probes: the float-based second fill level probe is dedicated exclusively to cleaning fluid level measurement during cleaning mode, while the first fill level probe handles filling product level measurement. This segmentation protects the float probe from spray mist exposure while maintaining its high measurement precision for low-viscous fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that manages probe activation based on operational mode. It ensures the float-based probe is only active during cleaning mode when spray mist is present, preventing direct exposure and short-circuit risks while allowing the probe to function optimally for its intended purpose.
3Reliability
If float-free measuring systems are used for filling product level determination, then the reliability for high-viscosity products is improved, but the measurement precision for low-viscous cleaning liquids deteriorates when used during cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into two specialized probes: the float-free first fill level probe is dedicated to filling product level measurement during filling mode, where it provides reliable operation with high-viscosity products. The float-based second fill level probe is dedicated to cleaning fluid level measurement during cleaning mode, where it provides superior precision for low-viscous liquids. Each probe operates in its optimal performance range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate probe based on operational mode. During filling operations, the float-free probe is activated for reliable high-viscosity product measurement. During cleaning operations, the float-based probe is activated for precise low-viscosity fluid measurement. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing each probe to excel in its designated function.
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
Enables efficient and reliable filling and cleaning operations by accurately measuring filling product levels and cleaning fluid levels, addressing issues with high-viscosity products and low-viscous cleaning liquids, and preventing probe short-circuits from spray mist or jets.
Implementation Method 1
a first fill level probe for determining the filling product level in the filling product reservoir during a filling mode
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive sensor separate therefrom for ascertaining further features and in particular the fluid quality of the filling product
Implementation Method 3
a second fill level probe for determining a cleaning fluid level in the filling product reservoir during a cleaning mode
Data Source
AI summary
A device for filling a container with a filling product, preferably for filling a beverage container in a beverage filling plant, comprising a filling product reservoir for accommodating the filling product to be filled and a first fill level probe for determining the filling product level in the filling product reservoir during a filling mode, wherein a second fill level probe is provided for determining a cleaning fluid level in the filling product reservoir during a cleaning mode.