Infusion Heater Inlet Nozzle and Air Vent Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion heating systems face inefficiencies due to air buildup, which reduces steam partial pressure and heat transfer, and issues with product atomization leading to burn-ons and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
The design of an infusion heater with a cup-shaped inlet nozzle that ensures constant product contact and controlled flow, reducing the risk of hotspots and burn-ons, along with an air vent in the lower half of the infusion chamber to effectively remove air and maintain temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If air vents are provided in the infusion chamber to remove air, then air removal is improved, but more steam than air is removed causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent is positioned specifically in the lower half of the infusion chamber where air accumulates, creating a localized air removal zone. This positioning allows air to be removed efficiently from its accumulation point without requiring steam to be vented from the entire chamber, thus reducing steam loss while maintaining effective air removal.
2Productivity
If product flow is increased to improve heating efficiency, then heat transfer is improved, but atomization and spraying increase leading to burn-ons
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the product flow rate through the infusion chamber, adjusting it to optimal levels that prevent atomization and spraying while maintaining sufficient heat transfer efficiency. The flow rate is regulated to ensure product moves through the chamber without breaking into droplets that could burn on chamber surfaces.
3Speed
If steam pressure is increased to improve heat transfer, then heating speed is improved, but air liberation from product increases
Solution Approach 1:
Air vents are positioned in the lower half of the infusion chamber to preemptively remove air as it is liberated from the product during heating. This preliminary air removal prevents air accumulation that would otherwise reduce steam partial pressure and heat transfer efficiency, allowing the system to maintain high steam pressure for fast heating while continuously managing the air liberation byproduct.
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 configuration enhances heat exchange efficiency, reduces the risk of burn-ons, and improves energy utilization by maintaining a stable and controlled heating process.
Implementation Method 1
As the product passes through the chamber it is heated by the saturated steam condensing into the product
Implementation Method 2
heated by the saturated steam condensing into the product, thereby elevating the temperature to the desired level
Implementation Method 3
In order to remove the undesired air buildup air vents have been provided in known infusions chambers
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion heater is for heating a liquid product. In operation, the liquid product enters an infusion chamber through an inlet nozzle and travels vertically through the infusion chamber in free fall along the infusion chamber and exits the infusion chamber through a product outlet. The infusion chamber further comprises at least one steam inlet arranged so that in operation steam enters the chamber between the product and the infusion chamber walls. The disclosed infusion heater facilitates that heat exchange between the product and the inner and outer body parts of the inlet nozzle can be better controlled as constant product contact can be established, which reduces the risk of hotspots and thereby burn-ons. In another aspect there is disclosed an air vent arranged in the lower half of the infusion chamber, which facilitates effective venting of air.