Flow Distribution Unit for Automated Ozonated Water CIP Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning and disinfecting draught beer dispensing lines are hazardous, require significant human intervention, and are prone to errors, with chemical exposure being a major concern.
Innovation Solution
An automatic or semi-automatic Clean-In-Place (CIP) system using ozonated water for cleaning and disinfecting dispensing lines, minimizing human interaction and chemical exposure, and utilizing an electronic control system to manage the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chemical cleaning methods are used, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but chemical exposure and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ozonated water as a strong oxidizing agent to clean and disinfect dispensing lines. Ozone (O3) is a powerful oxidant that effectively removes organic deposits, bacteria, and contaminants from the interior surfaces of dispensing lines, replacing hazardous chemical cleaners while maintaining cleaning effectiveness. The ozonated water is generated in-situ and circulated through the dispensing lines to achieve thorough cleaning without chemical exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical-based cleaning systems with an electrochemical system that generates ozonated water through electrolysis of water. This substitution eliminates the need to store and handle hazardous chemical cleaners, as ozone is generated on-demand through electrical energy conversion. The system uses an electrolytic cell to convert water into ozonated water, which then performs the cleaning function previously achieved by chemical agents.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but human intervention and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated Clean-In-Place system that performs cleaning operations without requiring manual disassembly or significant human intervention. The system automatically circulates ozonated water through the dispensing lines, maintains flow rates, controls treatment duration, and manages the cleaning process independently. The electronic control system monitors and regulates the cleaning parameters, enabling the system to service itself with minimal operator involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional cleaning system that can clean multiple dispensing lines simultaneously using a single integrated apparatus. The system incorporates flow distribution manifolds that divide ozonated water flow to multiple lines, and collection manifolds that aggregate waste flow. This universal design allows one system to perform cleaning operations across an entire dispensing network, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning procedures for each line.
3Reliability
If frequent cleaning is performed, then deposit buildup is prevented, but water and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous circulation of ozonated water through the dispensing lines during the cleaning process, maintaining constant flow to prevent dead zones where deposits could form. The system operates continuously for the duration of the cleaning cycle, ensuring all surfaces are repeatedly exposed to the cleaning agent. This continuous action is more effective than intermittent cleaning and prevents deposit buildup more reliably, justifying the time investment through superior cleaning efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the unique properties of ozonated water, including its oxidizing power, temperature effects, and flow characteristics, to enhance cleaning efficiency. By controlling parameters such as ozone concentration, water temperature, and flow rate, the system achieves effective cleaning in optimized timeframes. The electrochemical generation of ozone allows real-time adjustment of cleaning parameters to match the specific cleaning needs of different dispensing lines and deposit types.
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 system effectively cleans and disinfects dispensing lines with reduced human effort, minimal chemical residues, and safer waste disposal, ensuring a reliable and efficient cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolytic ozone generator configured to produce the ozonated water from water
Implementation Method 2
disinfecting, with ozonated water produced by an electrolytic ozone generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A flow distribution unit (13;13.1;13.2;13';13.1';13.2';13.1";13.2") comprising a plurality of m ≥ 2 serially arranged branch conduits (C1,C2;C1.1,C2.1;C1.2;C2.2) on a main conduit (14), at least one of the at least two branch conduits (C1,C2;C1.1,C2.1;C1.2,C2.2) has at least one flow control valve (CV1,CV2;CV2.1,CV1.2;CV1.2,CV2.2) disposed between a free branch end (C1a,C2a) and its junction (C1b,C2b;C1b',C2b';C1b",C2b") from the main conduit (14), and a second coupler (16a,16b;16c,16d;16e,16f) provided at the free branch end (C1a,C2a), which second coupler (16a,16b;16c,16d;16e,16f) is adapted to couple in fluid communication with the first coupler (8a,8b;8c,8d;8e,8f;9a,9b;8a',8a'';8b',8b'';8c',8c").