Inversion Sequence Prevents Particle Agglomeration in Hot-Fill Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hot-fill sterilization methods often result in agglomeration of solid inclusions in container closures, preventing complete sterilization of the interior surfaces during the process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that subject containers to a controlled inversion sequence, inverting the container up to 180 degrees and back to less than 90 degrees over a specific time period to prevent agglomeration and ensure the hot liquid contacts all interior surfaces for sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional inversion methods (laydown method or camel hump inverter) are used to sterilize container closures, then sterilization time is reduced, but solid inclusions agglomerate in the neck and cap preventing complete sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a multi-phase inversion sequence that dynamically changes the container's orientation over time. The sequence includes initial inversion to allow liquid flow, holding phase for sterilization contact, and return inversion to prevent agglomeration. This dynamic approach ensures complete sterilization while preventing inclusion aggregation in the closure area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through a repeated inversion sequence consisting of multiple phases: inverting to a first angle, holding for a specified time, inverting to a second angle, and holding again. This periodic manipulation of the container ensures that hot liquid continuously contacts all interior surfaces including the closure, preventing inclusion agglomeration while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
2Productivity
If the container is inverted quickly to improve productivity, then processing speed increases, but inclusions agglomerate and sterilization becomes incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a dynamic inversion sequence with controlled timing at each phase. The sequence includes rapid inversion phases for productivity followed by controlled holding phases that ensure proper liquid distribution and prevent agglomeration. This dynamic control maintains both speed and sterilization uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an initial inversion phase before the main sterilization holding phase. This preliminary inversion ensures that the hot liquid is properly distributed throughout the container, including the closure area, before the main sterilization contact begins. This prevents inclusion agglomeration from occurring during the sterilization process.
3Reliability
If the container is held at inverted position for sufficient sterilization time, then sterilization completeness improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the sterilization process into multiple holding phases separated by inversion phases. The sequence includes: initial inversion, first holding phase for sterilization contact, second inversion to different angle, and second holding phase. This periodic structure ensures complete sterilization of all surfaces including closure while optimizing total processing time by preventing inclusion agglomeration that would require reprocessing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to optimize the time-sterilization tradeoff by implementing a multi-phase inversion sequence with controlled holding times at different angles. The dynamic manipulation ensures maximum hot liquid contact with all interior surfaces during brief holding phases, while rapid transitions between phases prevent agglomeration and maintain processing efficiency.
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
Prevents agglomeration of inclusions in container closures, ensuring complete sterilization of the interior surfaces and maintaining product sterility.
Implementation Method 1
heating a liquid to a temperature of at least about 85 degrees Celsius to destroy any microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the hot-filled container to an inversion sequence... allows the hot-fill liquid to contact the closure
Data Source
Figure 1~2G
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for hot-fill or cold fill sterilization of a container containing both a liquid and solid inclusions. The method and apparatus each prevent the inclusions from agglomerating in any area of the container, such as the container closure, thus allowing the liquid to contact the interior surfaces of the container for a time sufficient to achieve sterilization of the entire container. The filled container is subjected to an inversion sequence typically including alternating between inverting the container to an angle of about 60 degrees from vertical and an angle of about 140 degrees from vertical, over a time period of at least 30 seconds. The apparatus includes a means for conveying containers, configured to subject the containers to a series of angles as the containers are conveyed, as well as an enclosure for preventing the containers from falling off of the conveying means.