Grocery Misting Line Biocide Dosing During Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Misting systems in grocery stores face contamination issues due to biofilm buildup and bacterial growth in misting lines, exacerbated by proximity to bright lights and residual water, which can lead to the development of unwanted organisms on produce and other products.
Innovation Solution
A system that injects a biocidal solution into the misting line during the pressurization phase, using a solution valve controlled by a timer/valve unit, ensuring the biocidal solution mixes with water and is sprayed through nozzles, effectively killing pathogens and spoilage organisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocidal solution is continuously injected into the misting line, then contamination prevention is improved, but water and biocide waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic injection of biocidal solution synchronized with the misting cycle phases. The controller activates the biocidal solution injection during specific phases (pressurization or purge) rather than continuously, ensuring contamination prevention while minimizing waste of water and biocidal chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system injects biocidal solution in advance during the pressurization phase before the misting operation begins, or during the purge phase to prepare the system for the next cycle. This preliminary action ensures the misting line is treated with biocidal solution before potential contamination can occur, improving reliability while controlling substance usage.
2Reliability
If biocidal solution is injected during pressurization phase, then pathogen elimination is improved, but injection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the biocidal solution injection mechanism with the existing misting line infrastructure. The injection pump, solution reservoir, and control logic are integrated into the current misting system architecture, allowing pathogen elimination during pressurization without requiring entirely separate equipment or complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the water pump, biocidal solution injection pump, and misting nozzles. It manages the timing and dosage of biocidal solution injection during the pressurization phase, simplifying the overall control architecture while achieving effective pathogen elimination.
3Reliability
If biocidal solution concentration is increased, then pathogen killing effectiveness is improved, but risk of product contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the concentration and dosage parameters of biocidal solution based on the misting cycle phase and operational conditions. During pressurization and purge phases when products are not directly exposed, higher concentrations can be used for effective pathogen killing. During misting phases, the system controls the concentration to remain below thresholds that would harm produce, achieving pathogen elimination without product contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different biocidal solution concentrations to different parts of the misting system at different times. High concentrations are injected into the misting line during pressurization and purge phases when no misting occurs, allowing thorough pathogen elimination. During active misting, the concentration is controlled to provide protection without contaminating the produce, creating local quality variations in concentration based on system state and location.
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 prevents contamination by ensuring a biocidal solution is consistently mixed with misting water, enhancing the freshness and safety of perishable products by eliminating harmful pathogens and promoting a cleaner misting environment.
Implementation Method 1
the biocidal solution mixes with the water in the misting line
Implementation Method 2
When the water moves through the doser, a percentage of biocide is drawn in, mixed with water
Implementation Method 3
increasing the pressure in the misting line; spraying the mixture under pressure through the nozzles
Implementation Method 4
spraying the mixture under pressure through the nozzles
Implementation Method 5
biocidal solution is consistently mixed with misting water, enhancing the freshness and safety of perishable products by eliminating harmful pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of providing a mist in a grocery display that injects biocidal solution into a misting line of water during a phase of the misting cycle.