Milk Sterilization Using UV-C, Ultrasound, and Ohmic Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization methods for milk, such as pasteurization and ultra-high temperature treatment, consume significant energy, alter the molecular structure of milk, reduce antibody content, and are inefficient in eliminating bacteria without damaging essential ingredients.
Innovation Solution
A method combining UV-C irradiation, ohmic heating, and ultrasound treatment is used to sterilize milk, maintaining the integrity of proteins and antibodies by using a device with a spiral-shaped hose and electrodes to ensure even exposure to UV-C light and controlled heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pasteurization or ultra-high temperature treatment is used to sterilize milk, then bacteria are eliminated, but energy consumption increases and molecular structure is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three sterilization methods (UV-C irradiation, ohmic heating, and ultrasound treatment) into a single integrated system. The UV-C light source, electrodes for ohmic heating, and ultrasound transducer are positioned to simultaneously treat the milk in the treatment chamber, achieving synergistic sterilization效果 while reducing individual energy requirements compared to traditional high-temperature methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional thermal sterilization system (heating to 130°C or higher) with a non-thermal or low-thermal system using UV-C irradiation as the primary sterilization mechanism, supplemented by ohmic heating and ultrasound. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature equipment while achieving effective sterilization
2Reliability
If pasteurization or ultra-high temperature treatment is used to sterilize milk, then bacteria are eliminated, but antibody content is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal sterilization with UV-C irradiation as the primary sterilization mechanism. The UV-C light source emits ultraviolet radiation that destroys bacterial DNA without generating high temperatures, thereby preserving heat-sensitive substances like antibodies and proteins in the milk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UV-C radiation as an intermediary sterilization agent that acts directly on bacterial DNA without requiring thermal energy transfer. This intermediary mechanism allows sterilization to occur through photochemical reactions rather than thermal denaturation, protecting milk components from damage
3Reliability
If ultra-high temperature treatment is used to sterilize milk, then bacteria are eliminated, but molecular structure is altered and taste is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-temperature thermal processing with UV-C irradiation and low-level ohmic heating. This substitution prevents the denaturation of proteins and other molecular changes that occur during ultra-high temperature treatment, preserving the natural molecular structure and sensory properties of the milk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilization parameters from high temperature (130°C or higher) to UV-C wavelength (200-280 nm) radiation with controlled intensity and exposure time. This parameter change enables sterilization through a different physical mechanism that does not involve thermal denaturation of milk components
4Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods are used, then bacteria are reduced, but treatment time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sterilization where milk flows through the treatment chamber and is simultaneously exposed to UV-C irradiation, ohmic heating, and ultrasound treatment. This continuous multi-modal action achieves complete sterilization in a single pass without the extended time required for traditional pasteurization cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges three sterilization mechanisms into a single treatment stage, allowing synergistic action that achieves rapid and complete sterilization. The combination of UV-C, ohmic heating, and ultrasound creates multiple simultaneous attacks on bacterial cells, eliminating the need for prolonged exposure to a single method
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 method effectively sterilizes milk without high temperatures, preserving antibodies and molecular structure, while significantly reducing energy consumption and ensuring all milk parts are evenly irradiated, thus maintaining milk quality for consumption and further processing.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid is UV-C treated... by the other surface of the light translucent barrier is provided a light source, which emits light with a predetermined wavelength
Implementation Method 2
exposed to current through the fluid using ohmic heating... the liquid, during the treatment, is heated or cooled to a predetermined temperature range
Implementation Method 3
the liquid is previously homogenized, by use of ultrasound using at least one transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for sterilization of milk from livestock such as cows, sheep or goats. The distinctive of the invention is that the milk, prior to an irradiation with UV-C light through a light translucent barrier, is homogenised since the milk is exposed to ultrasound and that the milk simultaneously to or after the homogenization is exposed to an electrical field, preferably a field with changing polarity, where polarity change and field strength are chosen such that the milk in the electrical field is heated due to the milk's resistance.