Filler Element Protective Space for CIP Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filler elements for containers face challenges in cleaning and sterilization of the fill level-determining element during the filling process, as the protective space is not available for gas flow and the ring seal is exposed to damage, limiting the ability to concurrently clean and sterilize the fill level-determining element during filling operations.
Innovation Solution
A filler element design that includes a protective space within the housing, which opens axially to accommodate the fill-level-determining element's adjustment range, allowing for a separate gas channel and sealing mechanism that moves independently, enabling effective cleaning and sterilization by exposing the space to pressurized inert gas and treatment media during filling and CIP procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the protective space is formed by the internal space of a pipe projecting out of the filler-element housing, then the fill level-determining element can be adjusted axially, but the annular space is used as protective space and not available as gas channel, requiring additional fluid paths
Solution Approach 1:
The protective space is segmented from the pipe's internal space and positioned adjacent to the housing opening area, while the pipe's annular space is designated as the gas channel. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without requiring additional fluid paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe structure is designed to serve multiple functions: its annular space functions as the gas channel, while the protective space (formed separately adjacent to the housing opening) provides protection for the fill level-determining element during axial adjustment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated fluid paths.
2Reliability
If the ring seal separates the protective space from the process side, then the protective space is sealed during filling, but the ring seal is exposed to damage from glass splinters
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the ring seal and transferred to a movable sealing element that travels with the fill level-determining element. This movable seal is positioned inside the protective space, removing it from the hazard zone where glass splinters could cause damage, while still maintaining sealing reliability during filling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable sealing element acts as an intermediary between the protective space and the process side, performing the sealing function without being exposed to harmful factors. This intermediary seal protects the system by isolating the process side from the protective space while avoiding direct exposure to glass splinters.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fill level-determining element is moved back into the filler element housing during cleaning, then the protective space is open for cleaning, but the part of the element extending into the protective space during filling cannot be cleaned concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to move dynamically with the fill level-determining element during both filling and cleaning operations. During filling, the seal moves with the element to maintain sealing; during cleaning, the seal retracts to allow cleaning media to access the entire surface of the fill level-determining element, including the portion that extends into the protective space during filling. This dynamic sealing enables concurrent cleaning without compromising sealing integrity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective space is sealed during filling operations, then contamination is prevented, but cleaning and sterilization media cannot reach the fill level-determining element in the protective space
Solution Approach 1:
The protective space transitions from a sealed state during filling to an open state during cleaning and sterilization. The movable sealing element enables this dynamic transition: it seals the protective space during filling to prevent contamination, then retracts during cleaning operations to allow cleaning and sterilization media to reach all surfaces of the fill level-determining element, including those within the protective space.
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 design ensures high operating reliability and optimal cleaning and sterilization of the fill level-determining element, preventing contamination and damage while maintaining the gas flow path, thus enhancing the overall filling process efficiency and equipment longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the protective space opens by an axial opening lift of the fill-level-determining element into a space formed in the filler-element housing
Data Source
AI summary
A filler element for filling containers with liquid includes a housing, a housing opening area, a protective space, a channel formed therein, a liquid valve in the channel, a dispensing opening downstream from the valve, and a fill-level-determining element comprising first and second ends. The fill-level-determining element is routed through the housing and extends by the first end into the dispensing opening during filling and is routed out of the housing by the second end at a housing opening area in a sealed manner with a protective space directly adjacent to it. The protective space holds a length of the fill-level-determining element that corresponds to an axial adjustment lift. The protective space opens by an axial opening lift of the fill-level-determining element that differs from its axial adjustment lift. The protective space opens by the axial opening lift of the fill-level-determining element into a space formed in the housing.