Food Processor Cleaning Manifold for Counter-Current Line Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning food processors are time-consuming and require significant operator input, especially in systems with multiple beverage lines, making it difficult to maintain hygiene and compliance with health regulations.
Innovation Solution
A clean-in-place system that uses a counter-current flow of pressurized cleaning solution through the food flow path, controlled by a manifold assembly and dispensing valve, allowing for automated cleaning and sanitizing without manual intervention, and includes features like a wash barrel, bypass line, and ultrasonic generator to enhance cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable chemical dispenser systems are used to clean beverage lines, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but operator time and manual effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated cleaning operations where the cleaning system serves itself by automatically moving the dispensing unit through multiple beverage lines, eliminating the need for continuous manual operator intervention while maintaining thorough cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the dispensing unit with cleaning chemicals and automatically sequences the cleaning process across multiple beverage lines, performing preparatory actions before operator intervention is needed and reducing manual effort during the actual cleaning operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If more beverage varieties are offered, then product variety increases, but the number of beverage lines increases making cleaning more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dispensing unit is designed to clean multiple types of beverage lines with different configurations and requirements using a single multi-functional system that can adapt to various line arrangements, maintaining cleaning effectiveness across diverse beverage service offerings without proportionally increasing cleaning time
3Device complexity
If manual cleaning methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but operator attention and manual effort are required continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic navigation and positioning mechanisms that enable the dispensing unit to move through beverage lines autonomously without continuous manual guidance, reducing operator effort while maintaining reasonable system complexity through automated control features
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 reduces operator time and effort, ensures thorough cleaning, and provides enhanced monitoring and reporting capabilities, improving hygiene and compliance with health regulations by automating the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
passing a pressurized cleaning solution from the engaged manifold assembly through the dispensing port to pass the cleaning solution along a portion of the food flow path in a reverse flow direction from the dispensing port toward the upstream end
Implementation Method 2
the manifold assembly including distribution manifold having a wash barrel sized to be received within the food processor and move the dispensing valve to the open position
Implementation Method 3
locating a bypass line at a forward flow outlet of a hopper to pass the cleaning solution along the food flow path in the reverse direction without contacting food product in the hopper
Implementation Method 4
locating a pressure cover having a drain port to cover a hopper and sufficiently seal the hopper so that pressure of the cleaning solution entering the hopper is sufficient to force material through the drain port in the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.