HEPA-Air Inlet Layout for Laminar Flow in Filling Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machines face challenges with turbulence and backflow of HEPA-air, leading to inconsistent flow and contamination risks, particularly in the working chamber, which complicates the maintenance and design of the machine.
Innovation Solution
The filling machine employs a design with convex fluid inlets and supply conduits that equalize air pressure, ensuring a laminar and uniform flow of HEPA-air, reducing the risk of contamination and allowing for a more compact machine design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plenum with multiple through holes is used to supply HEPA-air, then the working chamber can be provided with clean air, but turbulence and backflow occur causing inconsistent flow and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The plenum is divided into multiple segmented channels, each supplying HEPA-air to a specific region through dedicated openings. This segmentation prevents turbulence and backflow by isolating flow paths, ensuring consistent laminar flow across different working regions while maintaining reliable clean atmosphere.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the working chamber are supplied with HEPA-air through locally optimized openings positioned at specific heights and angles. Each opening is designed with tailored dimensions and orientation to provide uniform flow distribution across the container tops, eliminating backflow and turbulence while maintaining contamination-free environment.
2Manufacturing precision
If a large plenum is used to equalize HEPA-air pressure, then uniform flow can be achieved, but the filling machine becomes voluminous and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The large plenum is segmented into multiple smaller channels with individual pressure equalization features. Each channel supplies a specific region through dedicated openings, achieving uniform flow distribution across the working chamber while reducing the overall volume and simplifying the structure for easier cleaning and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a large horizontal plenum, the design transitions to vertical supply conduits with integrated pressure equalization openings. This dimensional change achieves uniform HEPA-air distribution while significantly reducing the horizontal footprint and making the structure more compact and easier to clean.
3Reliability
If sterile fluid is supplied through an external line, then clean atmosphere can be maintained, but backflow of un-sterile hot air occurs and mass flow is not suitable for all operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile fluid supply system with integrated flow control mechanisms is introduced as an intermediary between the HEPA-air source and the working chamber. This system includes regulated openings and flow distributors that maintain positive pressure and prevent backflow of hot air, ensuring sterile atmosphere under all operating conditions while providing adaptable mass flow control.
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 a clean and uniform HEPA-air flow, minimizing contamination risks and enabling easier cleaning, thus maintaining the quality and shelf life of filled containers.
Implementation Method 1
each fluid inlet comprises a convex fluid inlet surface facing the working chamber and displaying a plurality of through openings configured to supply the working chamber with a fluid for creating a clean zone
Implementation Method 2
ensuring a laminar and uniform flow of HEPA-air, reducing the risk of contamination
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filling machine and a method for filling product into containers, in particular liquid foodstuff. The filling machine provides a working chamber with a clean zone for filling containers while the containers are conveyed through the working chamber. The clean zone is provided by introducing HEPA-filtered air into the working chamber through fluid inlets.