Multi-Stream Liquid Deaeration System with Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deaeration systems for beverage products are inefficient and lack consistency, requiring additional equipment and increasing costs and footprint, while also failing to maintain controlled deaeration results.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for continuous feedback-based control of deaeration gas injection into multiple liquid streams, allowing for precise target ratios of deaeration gas to liquid, ensuring consistent deaeration across multiple streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deaeration systems are used with additional tanks and pumps, then deaeration capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple deaeration functions into a single integrated system that processes multiple liquid streams simultaneously through a common deaeration chamber, eliminating the need for separate tanks and pumps for each stream while maintaining effective deaeration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The deaeration system is designed to handle multiple liquid streams with different compositions and flow rates through a universal processing chamber, allowing the same equipment to serve multiple functions and product types without requiring separate dedicated systems for each
2Reliability
If traditional deaeration systems are used, then deaeration function is provided, but system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple deaeration operations into a single compact chamber that processes multiple liquid streams simultaneously, dramatically reducing the total space required compared to separate deaeration tanks and equipment for each stream
3Ease of operation
If un-metered deaeration gas sources are used, then deaeration process is simplified, but deaeration consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flow meters and control systems that continuously monitor and adjust deaeration gas flow rates to maintain precise target ratios, ensuring consistent deaeration results while the system automatically compensates for variations in liquid flow and product composition
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts gas flow rates in real-time based on actual liquid flow conditions and dissolved oxygen measurements, transitioning from static un-metered delivery to dynamic controlled injection that adapts to changing process conditions to maintain consistency
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple liquid streams are processed separately, then each stream can be optimized, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple liquid streams into a single deaeration chamber where they are processed simultaneously, allowing each stream to receive optimized deaeration treatment while sharing common equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost
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 consistent deaeration results by maintaining precise target ratios of deaeration gas to liquid, reducing excess foaming, improving product taste, and extending shelf life, while minimizing equipment and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
deaeration gas flow paths intersecting the liquid stream flow paths for flowing the deaeration gases along the liquid streams
Implementation Method 2
continuous feedback based control of deaeration gas into multiple flowing liquid streams is used to provide target ratios of deaeration gas to liquid for each of the liquids, enabling consistent deaeration to be achieved
Data Source
AI summary
A system for deaeration of constituents of a liquid product blend includes a first liquid stream supply system and a second liquid stream supply system. A control system is configured to: (i) monitor flow of the first liquid and responsively/automatically control flow of the first deaeration gas in order to achieve a first target ratio of first deaeration gas to first liquid; and/or (ii) monitor flow of the second liquid and responsively/automatically control flow of the second deaeration gas in order to achieve a second target ratio of second deaeration gas to second liquid; and/or (iii) monitor a dissolved oxygen level of (a) the first liquid, at a location downstream of injection of the first deaeration gas, and (b) a combined liquid formed by mixing the first liquid and the second liquid, and to adjust the system based upon the dissolved oxygen level of the combined liquid.