Insulated Electrode Leak Detection in High-Pressure Processing Bags
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure processing devices face issues with bag breakages during filling, depressurization, and emptying due to uncontrolled liquid introduction and pressure differences, leading to unreliable leak detection and prolonged cycle times.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures electrical parameters such as resistance, capacitance, or current intensity between the pressurization water and the product inside the bag, using an elongated electrode insulated from the plug and pressurization water, to detect bag breakages without contaminating the product or prolonging cycle times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air pressure is applied to the exterior of the bag to detect breakages after emptying, then breakage detection is performed, but the detection is unreliable due to sealed holes from creases or pressure against the vessel wall
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical resistance measurement is performed during the pressurization phase while the bag is still pressurized and before emptying occurs. This preliminary detection avoids the problem of hole sealing that occurs after emptying when the bag collapses against the vessel wall or creates creases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical resistance as an intermediary parameter to detect bag integrity. Instead of directly measuring pressure changes or visual inspection, the system measures electrical resistance between two points on the bag, which changes when the bag is compromised. This provides a more reliable and precise measurement than direct pressure methods.
2Reliability
If the bag is fully emptied to verify integrity, then complete product evacuation is achieved, but cycle time is prolonged due to slower evacuation of the last litres
Solution Approach 1:
The integrity verification is performed preliminarily during the pressurization phase before the emptying step. By measuring electrical resistance while the bag is still pressurized and full, the system eliminates the need to completely empty the bag for verification, thus avoiding the time-consuming slow evacuation of the last litres.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the traditional emptying-then-verify sequence by performing verification during pressurization. This allows the process to rush through the detection phase without waiting for complete emptying, significantly reducing cycle time while maintaining verification reliability.
3Stress or pressure
If discharge valves are opened for depressurization, then pressure is relieved, but the pumpable substance can drag the bag along the discharge path causing breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs integrity verification before depressurization occurs. By measuring electrical resistance during the pressurized state, the system can detect potential bag weaknesses before the harmful depressurization forces act on the bag, allowing preventive measures to be taken.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical resistance measurement provides real-time feedback on bag integrity during pressurization. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect bag compromises before depressurization begins, preventing the harmful effect of substances dragging the bag during pressure relief.
4Productivity
If the number of litres introduced during filling is not well controlled, then filling is completed, but the bag breaks due to pumping pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical resistance measurement is performed during or immediately after filling while the bag is still pressurized. This preliminary integrity check detects overfilling or filling defects before the bag is subjected to subsequent processing stresses, preventing breakages that would occur with uncontrolled filling volumes.
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
Enables reliable detection of bag integrity issues during processing, preventing contamination and reducing cycle times, while being compatible with existing systems and easy to install.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an electrical parameter (resistance, capacitance or intensity of the current) between the pressurization water around the bag and the product inside
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Device for detecting breakages in high-pressure processing bags, wherein an elongated electrode (1) partially extends through the inside of one of the plugs (5a, 5b) of the device in its proximal part and, in its distal part, extends into the bag (6) of the product to be processed, the electrode being electrically insulated by an insulator (2) along its entire length, except in the part that is located inside the bag (6) and which is in contact with the product, wherein the proximal part of the electrode (1), which extends out of the plug, is connected to a power source and a device for measuring the electrical current, the resistance or the capacitance of a circuit, wherein said device is electrically connected by closing the circuit between the electrode and the pressurization water if the bag breaks.