Closed System for Washing Leafy Vegetables with Ozone Dispersion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for washing leafy vegetables, particularly in the production of pre-washed 4th range products, face challenges such as ozone dispersion in the work environment and reduced washing effectiveness due to open systems, posing health risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A closed system device with a collection tank and transport tube for leafy vegetables, utilizing ozonised water and additional filtration and disinfection methods like ultrasound and UV rays, along with ozone removal systems to minimize ozone dispersion and enhance washing efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an open hopper and channel system is used for washing vegetables, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but ozone disperses into the work environment causing health risks and the washing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cover that can be positioned over the hopper to create a closed system during operation. This flexible barrier prevents ozone dispersion into the work environment while maintaining ease of operation, as the cover can be easily placed and removed when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful ozone gas from the work environment by introducing it directly into the washing water through an injector. This prevents ozone dispersion while maintaining washing effectiveness, as the ozone is contained within the washing system rather than releasing into the surrounding air.
2Device complexity
If an open system is used for washing vegetables, then the device structure is simple, but the mixing of ozone into water is insufficient and washing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device - an injector - that facilitates the mixing of ozone into water. This intermediary component enables effective ozone dissolution without requiring complex mixing machinery, thus improving washing effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by introducing ozone directly into the water flow through an injector. This pneumatic-hydraulic approach leverages the existing water flow to distribute and mix ozone effectively, achieving good washing results without complex mechanical mixing devices.
3Reliability
If ozone is added to open washing water, then disinfection is provided, but ozone concentrations in the work environment exceed safety limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful ozone gas into a beneficial disinfectant by introducing it directly into the washing water. The ozone that would otherwise disperse and create health risks is instead contained and utilized for disinfection, transforming a harmful factor into a useful one.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cover acts as a barrier that contains ozone within the washing area, preventing it from dispersing into the broader work environment. This maintains disinfection effectiveness while protecting operators from excessive ozone exposure.
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 closed system maximizes ozone mixing and contact with vegetables, ensuring effective disinfection and a healthier work environment while reducing ozone exposure, thereby improving the quality and safety of pre-washed products.
Implementation Method 1
a mixing tank (10) within which ozone is added to the washing liquid before being poured into the washing and transport channel (4)
Implementation Method 2
additional filtration and disinfection methods like ultrasound and UV rays
Implementation Method 3
additional filtration and disinfection methods like ultrasound and UV rays
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for washing leafy vegetables comprises a washing and transport channel (4) for vegetables to be washed and dispensing means (9) for dispensing a washing liquid into said channel (4). The device further comprises a mixing tank (10) hydraulically connected to the means (9) for dispensing the washing liquid, inside which ozone is added to the washing liquid before it is poured back into the washing and transport channel (4); a first filter (20) positioned upstream of the mixing tank (10) to filter the washing liquid immediately prior to its inlet into the tank (10); a second filter (21 ) positioned downstream of the washing and transport channel (4) to filter the washing liquid straight after the separation from the washed vegetables. The washing and transport channel (4) comprises a tube (6) inside which the vegetables are washed and transported from a vegetable loading station (2) to an unloading station (3).