Container Filling Valve Control for Stable Cleaning Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning operations for filling apparatuses are manually set, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from pressure surges, and do not ensure adequate cleaning of both filling material and gas paths.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using flow meters to measure cleaning medium flow rates through filling material paths, adjusting valve actuation parameters to maintain a constant total flow rate, and setting optimal valve openings to prevent pressure surges and ensure thorough cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual setting of cleaning operation is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but cleaning adequacy and system reliability deteriorate due to errors and pressure surges
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment of valve actuation parameters using flow meters and automated control logic, eliminating the need for manual setting while ensuring reliable and error-free cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
Flow meters continuously measure cleaning medium flow rates, and this feedback is used to automatically adjust valve actuation parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal cleaning conditions without manual intervention
2Productivity
If multiple filling material paths are cleaned simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but pressure surges increase causing damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts valve actuation parameters based on real-time flow rate measurements, enabling multiple paths to be cleaned simultaneously while automatically preventing pressure surges that could damage bellows and other components
Solution Approach 2:
Valve actuation parameters are automatically adjusted based on measured flow rates, changing operational parameters in real-time to maintain safe pressure levels while maximizing cleaning productivity
3Reliability
If automated flow rate measurement and adjustment is implemented, then cleaning reliability and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Existing flow meters originally designed for filling operations are repurposed to measure cleaning medium flow rates as well, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
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 method ensures a consistent cleaning medium flow rate, reduces pressure surges, and identifies errors, providing a cost-effective and efficient cleaning operation.
Implementation Method 1
a flow meter arranged to measure a flow rate through the corresponding filling material path
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a method for setting a cleaning operation of an apparatus for filling containers with a filling material. The apparatus has several filling stations, each having a filling material path, a filling material path valve arranged in the corresponding filling material path, and a flow meter arranged to measure a flow rate through the corresponding filling material path. A cleaning medium is passed through at least some of the filling material paths by releasing at least some of the filling material paths by opening the corresponding filling material path valves. Cleaning medium flow rates through the released filling material paths are measured by the corresponding flow meters. At least one valve actuation parameter of the cleaning operation of the apparatus is set depending on the measured cleaning medium flow rates.