Retort Heating Pot Pressurization for Uniform Steam Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retort sterilization devices face issues with heating non-uniformity and high energy costs due to the use of high-temperature, high-pressure vapor, leading to incomplete sterilization and potential spoilage of food, as well as the generation of retort odors and discoloration.
Innovation Solution
A retort sterilization device utilizing a water steam generation system with a heat exchanger and a liquid container to create a pressurized state within the heating pot, using minute-pressure saturated water vapor to achieve uniform heating and reduce energy consumption, while minimizing air presence to prevent heat insolation and odor generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high-temperature, high-pressure vapor is used for retort sterilization, then sterilization temperature exceeds 100°C, but heating becomes non-uniform and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating pot is divided into multiple heating zones with independent temperature control. Each zone can be adjusted to maintain uniform temperature distribution across the entire pot, preventing the non-uniform heating that occurs with conventional single-zone high-temperature vapor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter distribution within the heating pot by implementing multi-zone control with different temperature settings in different regions. This allows the sterilization process to maintain uniform heating across all zones while still achieving temperatures above 100°C necessary for retort sterilization.
2Temperature
If high-temperature, high-pressure vapor is used for retort sterilization, then sterilization temperature exceeds 100°C, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the temperature in different heating zones based on real-time feedback from temperature sensors. This dynamic control prevents energy waste by maintaining temperatures only where and when needed, rather than continuously applying high-temperature vapor throughout the entire heating pot.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes energy consumption by changing temperature parameters in different zones according to the specific sterilization requirements of products in each zone. This allows efficient energy utilization while achieving the necessary sterilization temperatures.
3Reliability
If conventional vapor sterilization is used, then sterilization is performed, but retort odors and discoloration occur
Solution Approach 1:
Different heating zones are assigned different temperature qualities suitable for different product types. This localized temperature control prevents excessive heating that causes retort odors and discoloration while ensuring adequate sterilization for each specific product zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors to monitor and copy the actual temperature distribution, then adjusts heating parameters to match ideal sterilization conditions. This feedback control prevents temperature excursions that would cause harmful effects like odors and discoloration.
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 provides high energy efficiency and uniform heating, ensuring complete sterilization without retort odors or discoloration, thereby improving the quality and taste of the food products.
Implementation Method 1
the water steam generation device has a liquid path and a vapor path independent from each other, and includes a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between liquid flowing in the liquid path and heating vapor flowing in the vapor path
Implementation Method 2
create a pressurized state within the heating pot, using minute-pressure saturated water vapor to achieve uniform heating
Implementation Method 3
The internal area of the heating pot is put into a pressurized state by continuously introducing the water steam
Data Source
AI summary
A retort sterilization device includes a water steam generation device for generating water steam and a heating pot, connected to the water steam generation device, for accommodating retort food. The water steam generation device includes a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between liquid flowing in a liquid path and heating vapor flowing in the vapor path. A top end of the liquid path of the heat exchanger is connected via a water steam supply pipe to a water steam ejection section located in an internal area of the heating pot. The heat exchanger is connected to a liquid container. A bottom end of the liquid path of the heat exchanger is connected to the liquid container via a communicating tube. The liquid container is coupled to the heating pot.