Milk Flow Line Cleaning with Sequential Alkaline and Acidic Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning milk-carrying flow line systems in beverage dispensers are inefficient, requiring extensive energy and time due to the need for frequent and intensive rinsing with alkaline or acidic cleaning agents, which either fail to completely remove protein or limescale deposits or lead to resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sequential use of alkaline and acidic cleaning agents, where the alkaline agent dissolves proteins and fats, followed by automatic decalcification with an acidic agent, allowing for efficient removal of all deposits in a few process steps, with optional neutral rinsing to conserve agents and reduce time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alkaline cleaning agents are used to remove protein deposits, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but resource consumption increases due to frequent refilling and intensive rinsing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the cleaning agent by using a two-stage process: first alkaline (pH > 7) to remove proteins, then acidic (pH < 7) to remove limescale. This parameter change allows complete removal of all deposit types without requiring intensive rinsing, as the final acidic stage leaves no alkaline residues that would require removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by designing a cleaning process where the acidic second stage automatically follows the alkaline first stage, converting what would be waste (alkaline residues) into a useful intermediate state that prepares the surface for acidic cleaning. This continuous process eliminates idle rinsing time and maximizes cleaning efficiency.
2Reliability
If intensive rinsing processes are performed to remove cleaning agent residues, then hygiene standards are improved, but time consumption and energy use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of alkaline residues (which would require time-consuming rinsing) into a beneficial intermediate state. The alkaline cleaning stage leaves residues that are specifically designed to be removed by the subsequent acidic stage, transforming what would be a problem into a useful preparatory step for the next cleaning phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cleaning process into distinct functional stages: alkaline cleaning for proteins, followed by acidic cleaning for limescale. Each stage is optimized for its specific function, and the segmentation allows complete cleaning without requiring additional rinsing stages, as each stage's residues are targeted by the next stage.
3Reliability
If multiple separate cleaning processes are performed sequentially, then complete cleaning is achieved, but process complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate cleaning processes (alkaline and acidic) into a single integrated cleaning cycle. The controller automatically sequences the alkaline and acidic agents through the same flow line system without requiring separate equipment or manual intervention, combining the benefits of comprehensive cleaning with operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both alkaline and acidic cleaning agents through the same infrastructure (pumps, flow lines, spray nozzles). This universal design allows the system to perform multiple cleaning functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each cleaning type, reducing overall 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
This approach enables a hygienic, efficient, and user-friendly cleaning process that optimally removes all deposits from the flow line system, reducing the need for frequent agent refills and energy consumption while ensuring high hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
a first cleaning agent with a pH value > 7.0 is fed at least into the milk-carrying sections... which are capable of dissolving proteins and fats
Implementation Method 2
a second cleaning agent with a pH value < 7.0 is fed at least into the milk-carrying sections... for the purpose of decalcification
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cleaning a milk-carrying flow line system of a drinks machine, which is characterized in that, in a first cleaning step, a cleaning agent (2) with a pH value> 7.0 and then, in a further cleaning step, a second cleaning agent (3) with a pH value <7.0 is passed at least through the same sections of the flow line system. In addition, a drinks machine for carrying out the method is presented, which has at least one water source (6), flow lines (7, 8, 9, 10, 11), a pump (12), a milk storage container and extraction devices (13, 14, 15). and characterized in that for each cleaning agent (2, 3) there is at least one reservoir (20, 21) which can be controlled by at least one valve (16, 17, 18, 19).