Centrifugal Milk Pump System with Integrated Sanitizing Wash
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current milk transfer systems from bulk storage tanks to transport vehicles are inefficient, requiring significant time and labor, especially as dairy farms produce larger volumes of milk, and existing systems are not adaptable for sanitizing operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a permanently positioned centrifugal pump with a motor, air-purge system, and a sanitizing wash system to efficiently transfer milk between bulk tanks and transport vehicles, reducing transfer time and integrating sanitizing processes without significant modifications to existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a positive-displacement pump on the transport truck is used to transfer milk from the bulk tank, then the milk transfer can be completed, but the transfer time is excessive (about 35 minutes) and the system is not adaptable for sanitizing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the milk transfer pump and the bulk tank washer into a single integrated system. The pump can operate in two modes: transferring milk from the bulk tank to the truck, and circulating wash solution through the bulk tank for cleaning. This eliminates the need for separate equipment and reduces total process time by allowing seamless transition between transfer and sanitizing operations without disconnection or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transfer milk from the bulk tank to the transport truck, and it can also circulate wash solution through the bulk tank for sanitizing operations. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated pump unit that can operate in different modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function and significantly reducing the overall time required for both transfer and cleaning operations.
2Reliability
If the bulk tank washer is started after milk transfer, then sanitizing can be performed, but this sequential operation increases the total time required
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pump system allows continuous operation without interruption between milk transfer and sanitizing modes. After completing the milk transfer, the pump can immediately switch to circulate wash solution through the bulk tank for cleaning, eliminating the downtime and disconnection required in traditional sequential systems. This continuous operation maintains sanitizing effectiveness while significantly reducing total process time.
3Reliability
If separate wash pumps and wash tanks are used for sanitizing operations, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transfer milk from the bulk tank to the transport truck, and it can also circulate wash solution through the bulk tank for sanitizing operations. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated pump unit that can operate in different modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function and significantly reducing the overall time required for both transfer and cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the milk transfer pump and the bulk tank washer into a single integrated system. The pump can operate in two modes: transferring milk from the bulk tank to the truck, and circulating wash solution through the bulk tank for cleaning. This eliminates the need for separate equipment and reduces total process time by allowing seamless transition between transfer and sanitizing operations without disconnection or reconfiguration.
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 significantly reduces the time required for milk transfer and sanitizing operations, improving efficiency and adaptability for larger milk volumes, while eliminating the need for secondary wash pumps and separate wash tanks.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal pump permanently positioned proximal to the bulk tank for inducing milk to travel from the bulk tank to the reservoir tank
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for transferring a liquid consumable product, such as milk, from a bulk storage tank to a transport vehicle receiving tank or from one bulk tank to another whether stationary or mobile. The system increases the efficiency with which the milk is transferred from the bulk tank to the transport vehicle by providing a centrifugal pump permanently positioned on the milk producer's premises proximal the bulk tank. The system includes an air-purge system for removing any residual milk from the pump and transfer lines once pumping has ceased, as well as a wash system for cleaning the pump system components after use. In addition to transferring milk from the bulk tank to the transport truck, the centrifugal pump is conveniently adaptable for use in the washing operations, thereby adding to the efficiency of the overall system.