Microchannel Heat Exchanger for Energy-Efficient UHT Pasteurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultra-high temperature (UHT) pasteurization methods require substantial power, which can be a limitation in regions with energy constraints, and they often alter the flavor of milk and other food products due to intense heating.
Innovation Solution
A pasteurization system utilizing microchannel heat exchangers with counterflow configurations that heat liquids to high temperatures efficiently, minimizing energy consumption and maintaining flavor integrity by using microchannels with hydraulic diameters less than one millimeter, which facilitate laminar flow and enhance heat transfer without the need for turbulent flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UHT pasteurization methods are used, then microbial safety is ensured, but substantial power consumption occurs and flavor is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the heating process by using microchannel heat exchangers with hydraulic diameters less than one millimeter. This enables heating liquid to ultra-high temperatures (e.g., 135°C or higher) for very short durations (e.g., 0.1 seconds or less), achieving UHT pasteurization with significantly reduced energy input compared to conventional methods while maintaining microbial safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the heating process into extremely short time intervals by using microchannel flow paths. The liquid is divided into small streams flowing through numerous microchannels, allowing rapid heating and cooling cycles that reduce total energy consumption while ensuring thorough pasteurization of all microbial contaminants
2Reliability
If conventional UHT pasteurization methods are used, then microbial safety is ensured, but flavor integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the time parameter of the heating process by reducing it to extremely short durations (e.g., 0.1 seconds or less) in microchannel heat exchangers. This ultra-short exposure time at ultra-high temperatures achieves complete microbial destruction while minimizing thermal degradation of flavor compounds, thereby preserving the original taste and aroma of the liquid
3Use of energy by moving object
If microchannel heat exchangers are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the microchannel heat exchanger system to be self-contained and integrated, where the heating, cooling, and pasteurization functions are combined in a single compact unit. The system uses the kinetic energy of the flowing liquid itself to facilitate heat transfer through the microchannels, eliminating the need for additional pumps or complex control mechanisms, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the sophisticated microchannel structure
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 system achieves efficient UHT pasteurization with significantly reduced energy input, maintaining the quality and flavor of milk and other food products by achieving high temperatures for short durations, thereby extending shelf life and ensuring microbial safety without the need for excessive energy.
Implementation Method 1
a counterflow heat exchanger configured to heat the liquid to a predetermined temperature for at least a predetermined time and configured to exchange heat between a flow of liquid in a first direction in a first channel with the flow of liquid in a second direction opposite the first direction in a second channel
Implementation Method 2
A heating section that heats the liquid flow is integrated into the heat exchanger and heats at least a portion of the first channel or the second channel
Implementation Method 3
which facilitate laminar flow and enhance heat transfer without the need for turbulent flow
Data Source
AI summary
A pasteurization system includes a liquid inlet configured to receive a liquid to be pasteurized. The system also includes a pump coupled to the liquid inlet for pressurizing the liquid. Further, the system includes a counter flow heat exchanger coupled to the liquid inlet and the pump, the counterflow heat exchanger configured to heat the liquid to a predetermined temperature for at least a predetermined time and configured to exchange heat between a flow of liquid in a first direction in a first channel with the flow of liquid in a second direction opposite the first direction in a second channel. A heating section that heats the liquid flow is integrated into the heat exchanger and heats at least a portion of the first channel or the second channel.