Electron Beam Sterilization of Containers Using Dynamic Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing plastic containers, such as those used in the beverages manufacturing industry, face challenges in precisely controlling the radiation dose to ensure effective sterilization without damaging the containers, particularly when using electron beams.
Innovation Solution
A method and device where a treatment head emits radiation inside the container while moving relative to it, with the speed of movement controlled based on the container's internal profile to adapt to different sections and ensure uniform dose distribution, using a predetermined travel profile and potentially varying the radiation power to optimize sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a treatment head emits electron beams inside a container for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the risk of container damage increases due to excessive radiation dose
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment head moves dynamically inside the container during electron beam emission, following a predetermined travel profile that adapts to the container's internal geometry. This movement ensures uniform radiation distribution and prevents localized overheating or excessive dosing that could damage the container while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the relative movement speed of the treatment head as a function of the container's internal profile. By adjusting the speed parameter dynamically based on the container geometry, the radiation dose is precisely controlled to achieve homogeneous distribution without exceeding damage thresholds in any area.
2Ease of operation
If the treatment head moves at constant speed during sterilization, then the process is simple to control, but homogeneous dose distribution cannot be achieved on containers with varying internal profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The relative movement speed of the treatment head is varied as a function of the container's internal profile. The control system adjusts the speed parameter dynamically based on pre-stored geometric data, ensuring that areas requiring more radiation exposure receive appropriate doses while maintaining automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal profile of the container is stored in advance in a database before the sterilization process. This preliminary preparation of geometric data allows the control system to automatically determine the optimal travel profile and speed variations without real-time complex calculations, balancing precision with operational simplicity.
3Device complexity
If the treatment head is stationary and the container moves, then the treatment head positioning is simple, but adaptability to different container profiles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a stationary treatment head to a dynamic configuration where the treatment head moves relative to the container. This movement, controlled by a predetermined travel profile based on the container's internal geometry, enables adaptation to various container shapes while maintaining relatively simple positioning through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment head is designed to perform multiple functions: it can move along a predetermined path, adjust its speed based on the container profile, and emit electron beams for sterilization. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle various container types effectively.
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 approach allows for more precise and efficient sterilization of containers by ensuring the right dose of radiation is applied to all areas, minimizing damage and achieving homogeneous dose distribution, even on complex shapes, while reducing chemical usage.
Implementation Method 1
a treatment head is guided into the interior of the container and the treatment head emits radiation inside the container
Implementation Method 2
for the purpose of sterilization, the container is held relative to this beam finger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A method for sterilizing containers (10), wherein a treatment head (5) is guided into the interior of a container (10) to be sterilized, and the treatment head (5) emits radiation at least intermittently inside the container (10) during a predetermined period (dT), wherein the container (5) is moved relative to the treatment head (5) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the container (10) at least intermittently at a relative speed (v) during the predetermined period (dT). According to the invention, this relative speed (v) of the treatment head (5) located inside the container (10) is varied during the predetermined period and controlled as a function of an internal profile (10a) of the container (10).