Membrane Filtration for Food Process Liquid Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating food and containers using recirculated process liquids are inefficient in removing small particle contaminants and microorganisms, leading to contamination and frequent interruptions for cleaning, which results in production losses and environmental stress.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a membrane filtration system for continuous cleaning and sterilization of the process liquid, allowing for the removal of small particles and microorganisms, thereby reducing contamination and the need for frequent cleaning interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional filtration methods (mesh sieves, filter bands, sedimentation devices) are used to clean recirculated process liquid, then large particles like glass shards and sand can be removed, but small particle contaminants and microorganisms cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs membrane filtration systems with porous structures that have pore sizes specifically designed to trap small particle contaminants and microorganisms while allowing the process liquid to pass through. This resolves the contradiction by providing high particle removal efficiency for small particles without requiring complex mechanical filtration equipment, as the porous membrane itself performs the separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical filtration systems (mesh sieves, filter bands, sedimentation devices) with a membrane filtration system that operates on different physical principles. This substitution enables effective removal of small particles and microorganisms that cannot be captured by traditional mechanical methods, while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
2Loss of substance
If process liquid is recirculated to avoid liquid waste, then environmental impact is reduced and resource efficiency is improved, but contamination and microorganism growth increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous membrane filtration of the recirculated process liquid, ensuring that the cleaning action is ongoing rather than periodic. This continuous filtration maintains process liquid cleanliness throughout the recirculation process, preventing microorganism growth and contamination accumulation, while the recirculation itself continues without interruption to minimize waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane filtration system acts as an intermediary between the recirculated process liquid and the treatment zones. It continuously removes contaminants and microorganisms from the process liquid, enabling long-term recirculation without compromising cleanliness. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by allowing extensive recirculation (reducing waste) while maintaining high reliability (cleanliness).
3Productivity
If recirculated process liquid is used for extended periods to reduce cleaning frequency, then productivity is improved, but contamination accumulates and requires frequent cleaning interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous membrane filtration system operates throughout the production process, maintaining process liquid cleanliness without requiring periodic shutdowns for cleaning. This enables extended productive operation while continuously removing contaminants, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and preventing contamination accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane filtration system provides self-service cleaning of the process liquid during recirculation, continuously removing contaminants without external intervention or production interruptions. This self-maintaining capability allows the system to operate at high productivity for extended periods while automatically preventing contamination accumulation.
4Reliability
If membrane filtration system is implemented for continuous cleaning, then small particles and microorganisms are effectively removed, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous membrane materials that provide effective filtration of small particles and microorganisms through their inherent pore structure. This approach achieves high process liquid purity without complex mechanical filtration equipment, as the porous membrane itself performs the separation function in a relatively simple and compact manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical filtration systems with a membrane filtration system that operates on different physical principles. This substitution achieves superior particle and microorganism removal efficiency while maintaining relatively simple system architecture, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
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 membrane filtration system effectively removes impurities and microorganisms, reducing production losses, environmental impact, and extending the time between cleaning processes, while maintaining process liquid quality and minimizing chemical use.
Implementation Method 1
filtered using a membrane filtration system
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for treating food and/or containers for holding food treats the food and/or containers in at least one treatment zone by a process liquid, wherein the process liquid is at least partially recirculated into the treatment zone or the treatment zones after completed treatment of the food and/or the containers. During continuous treatment at least some or all of the process liquid is used per time unit to form at least one stream of the process liquid, the formed stream is filtered by at least one membrane filtration system, and a filtered stream is at least partially fed back into an element holding and/or conducting the process liquid and/or into a treatment zone.