Foam Skimming Device for Batch-Off Cleaning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing batch-off systems require manual intervention and shutdown for cleaning, especially in areas like the coating device, leading to inefficiencies and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with a foam skimming device that allows for automated section-by-section cleaning of batch-off systems, including a collecting container with a foam sloping device to separate and transport foam components, enabling continuous operation without interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed in the coating device area, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the batch-off system must be stopped and operational continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple independent collecting containers (first collecting container below coating device, second collecting container below drip zone) that can operate independently. Each container handles specific cleaning tasks, allowing the batch-off system to continue operating while cleaning occurs in parallel without requiring complete system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a foam skimming device as an intermediary mechanism between the contaminated solution and the cleaning process. This device automatically removes foam and contaminants from the surface of the anti-adhesion agent solution, enabling continuous cleaning without manual intervention and without interrupting batch-off operations.
2Reliability
If the batch-off system is shut down for cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be performed, but downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates continuously in parallel with batch-off operations. The foam skimming device runs continuously to remove foam and contaminants from the anti-adhesion agent solution, and the collecting containers continuously collect and separate contaminants. This eliminates the need to stop production for cleaning, maintaining continuous useful action in both cleaning and production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by continuously removing foam and contaminants as they form on the surface of the anti-adhesion agent solution during normal operation. This prevents accumulation of contaminants that would require extensive cleaning later, maintaining cleaning quality without production interruption.
3Reliability
If complete cleaning of the batch-off system is performed, then all contaminants are removed, but resource consumption (water, anti-adhesion agent) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system selectively discards only the foam components and solid contaminants that are separated by the foam skimming device and collecting containers. The liquid anti-adhesion agent solution, after foam removal, is recovered and reused in the coating device. This selective discarding and recovering approach maintains cleaning effectiveness while minimizing resource consumption by reusing the valuable liquid anti-adhesion agent.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam skimming device changes the physical state and composition of the contaminated solution by separating foam components from liquid components. This parameter change (from homogeneous contaminated solution to separated foam and liquid phases) enables selective recovery of the liquid anti-adhesion agent for reuse, reducing the need for complete replacement and minimizing resource consumption.
4Productivity
If automated cleaning systems are implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cleaning system is segmented into multiple independent collecting containers with specific functions (first container for foam collection below coating device, second container for liquid collection below drip zone). This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific cleaning task automatically, achieving operational efficiency through automation while keeping each individual component relatively simple and manageable.
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 allows for efficient, automated cleaning of batch-off systems, reducing resource consumption, minimizing downtime, and enabling the reuse of non-laminating solutions, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the foam skimming device is designed to separate foam components of the mixture from liquid components of the mixture and transport the foam components to a foam collection container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning system (10) for the section-by-section cleaning of a batch-off system (100), wherein the cleaning system (10) has at least one collection container (20a, 20b) for a mixture (G) to be collected, which contains at least anti-stick agent residues, wherein the at least one collection container (20a, 20b) has at least one foam skimming device (30), wherein the foam skimming device (30) is configured to separate foam components (S) of the mixture (G) from liquid components (F) of the mixture (G) and to transport the foam components (S) to at least one foam collection container (40).