Food Processor Manifold Cleaning With Countercurrent Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning food processors are time-consuming and require significant operator input, especially in systems with multiple beverage lines, making it challenging 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 incorporating a bypass line to isolate the cleaning solution from food products in the hopper.
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 self-service cleaning through the CIP machine that automatically dispenses cleaning solutions, circulates them through the beverage lines, and drains waste without requiring manual operator intervention for each cleaning operation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of moving portable dispensers is replaced with an automated fluid circulation system that uses pumps, valves, and controlled flow to deliver cleaning solutions through the beverage lines
2Adaptability or versatility
If more beverage varieties are offered, then product versatility is improved, but cleaning complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CIP machine is designed as a universal cleaning system that can handle multiple beverage line configurations and types through programmable cleaning cycles, allowing it to adapt to various beverage varieties without requiring different cleaning equipment or procedures
3Device complexity
If manual cleaning methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but cleaning thoroughness and hygiene compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic principles to circulate cleaning solutions under controlled pressure through the beverage lines, ensuring thorough penetration and contact with all internal surfaces for effective cleaning and hygiene compliance
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, enhances cleaning efficiency, and provides improved monitoring and reporting capabilities, ensuring effective sanitation of food processors while minimizing contact with food products.
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 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.