Inclined Nozzle Sterilization for Preform Inner Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing preforms before blow molding are inefficient, with issues such as uncontrolled escape of sterilizing agents, incomplete surface coverage, and high mechanical engineering effort, making reliable and effective sterilization at high throughput rates challenging.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizing agent is discharged from a nozzle with a central outlet direction inclined relative to the preform's longitudinal axis, promoting turbulent flow and intensive contact with the inner surface, and the preforms are conveyed past a stationary sterilization device, optimizing the sterilization process with a simple structural design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterilizing agent is introduced into the preform using conventional methods, then sterilization is achieved, but the sterilizing agent escapes uncontrolled from the preform inside the heater
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizing agent is introduced into the preform before heating, allowing the agent to be distributed throughout the preform structure in advance. This preliminary introduction ensures that when heating occurs, the sterilizing agent is already positioned to effectively sterilize the inner surface without escaping uncontrolled, as the preform structure itself acts as a containment framework.
2Reliability
If separate treatment stations are used for heating and sterilization, then complete sterilization is achieved, but the mechanical engineering effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device and sterilization device are merged into a single integrated unit. The heating device contains both heating elements and sterilization agent introduction systems, allowing both heating and sterilization to occur simultaneously in one location. This integration eliminates the need for separate treatment stations while maintaining complete sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a heating element and as a sterilization system. It can introduce sterilizing agents, heat the preform, and contain the sterilization process all within the same device structure, making it a universal treatment station that performs multiple functions simultaneously.
3Temperature
If the preform is heated before sterilization, then the sterilizing agent activates better, but the sterilizing agent evaporates and escapes from the preform inside the heater
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizing agent is introduced into the preform before heating occurs. This preliminary introduction allows the agent to be distributed throughout the preform structure in advance, creating a reservoir that releases the agent controlledly during heating rather than evaporating uncontrolled. The preform structure acts as a containment framework that manages the agent's release.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of the sterilizing agent into the preform structure changes the physical parameters of the system. The agent is trapped within the preform's structural framework, which modifies its evaporation behavior. This structural containment changes the phase transition parameters, allowing controlled release during heating rather than uncontrolled evaporation and escape.
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
This approach ensures reliable and efficient sterilization of preforms with reduced mechanical effort, achieving effective contact of the sterilizing agent with the inner surface, thereby improving the production of sterile containers.
Implementation Method 1
discharged from a nozzle with a central outlet direction inclined relative to the preform's longitudinal axis, promoting turbulent flow and intensive contact
Implementation Method 2
the preforms are heated before they are blow-moulded
Implementation Method 3
activating the sterilizing agent, it is proposed that the temperature of the preform in the area of an inner surface be at least 80° C. while the sterilization is being carried out
Data Source
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AI summary
The method and the device according to the invention are used to sterilize preforms (1) made of a thermoplastic material that are intended for producing blow-molded containers. During the sterilization, a sterilizing agent is introduced into the area of the preform (1). The sterilizing agent is discharged at least partially from at least one nozzle (44) in the direction of the preform (1). An average direction (45) of the escape of the sterilizing agent from the nozzle (44) is provided with an angle of inclination (46) from a longitudinal axis (47) of the preform (1).