Fluid Conduit Cleaning With Magnetic Field and Powder Chemistry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid conduits, particularly those used in food and drink applications, are prone to contamination by bacteria, biofilms, and mineral deposits such as calcium oxalate, which affect the quality and taste of beverages and require frequent cleaning, often involving fluid waste and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a coil and a powder composition is used to generate a varying magnetic field and a disinfecting cleaning solution to reduce microorganism and calcium oxalate formation, using sodium percarbonate, sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate, and EDTA, with a controller to supply a pulsed DC electrical signal for effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning methods are used to remove contaminants from fluid conduits, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fluid wastage and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning methods (which require draining and refilling) with an electromagnetic field-based cleaning system. The coil generates electromagnetic fields that activate the cleaning solution to remove contaminants in place, eliminating the need to drain and waste the fluid in the conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning solution, when activated by the electromagnetic field, performs the cleaning function autonomously within the conduit. The system allows the fluid to remain in the conduit while the electromagnetic activation enables self-cleaning without requiring external mechanical intervention or fluid replacement.
2Reliability
If conventional cleaning methods are used to remove contaminants from fluid conduits, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic cleaning system allows cleaning to occur continuously while the conduit remains in service. The coil can be activated periodically or continuously to maintain cleanliness without interrupting the overall operation, unlike conventional methods that require complete shutdown and draining.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical draining and refilling operations with electromagnetic field activation, the system eliminates the time required for complete drainage and refilling cycles, significantly reducing downtime while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic field strength is increased to improve contaminant removal, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the electromagnetic field parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse duration) to achieve effective contaminant removal at minimal energy consumption. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the coil removes contaminants efficiently without requiring excessive energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than applying continuously high electromagnetic field strength, the system uses periodic or pulsed activation at optimized levels. This partial action approach achieves sufficient contaminant removal over time while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-power operation.
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 solution effectively reduces biofilm and mineral buildup, maintaining conduit cleanliness and beverage quality over extended periods without frequent downtime, using eco-friendly chemicals and electromagnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
a coil configured to be positioned around the fluid conduit; and a controller in electrical connection with the coil, wherein the controller is configured to, in use, supply a varying electrical signal to the coil to generate a corresponding varying strength magnetic field within the fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
a powder composition comprising sodium percarbonate, sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), the powder composition configured to form a disinfecting and water softening cleaning solution when dissolved in a liquid within the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A kit of parts and a method for cleaning a fluid conduit. The kit of parts comprises a device comprising: a coil configured to be positioned around the fluid conduit; and a controller in electrical connection with the coil. The kit of parts also comprises a powder composition comprising sodium percarbonate, sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), the powder composition configured to form a disinfecting and water softening cleaning solution when dissolved in a liquid within the conduit. The controller is configured to, in use, supply a varying electrical signal to the coil to generate a corresponding varying strength magnetic field within the fluid conduit having a solution of the powder composition therein for causing cleaning of the fluid conduit.


