Multilayer Food Container Compression Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-pressure processing (HPP) systems are limited in achieving elevated temperatures necessary for sterilization, as they require heating the high-pressure vessel or internal heaters, leading to temperature gradients and inefficiencies in food processing, and there is a need for a more efficient and controllable system for commercial-scale processing.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer container with an inner layer for compression heating and outer layers with lower thermal conductivity, using a pressure transmission liquid, allows for uniform high-pressure and temperature treatment without the need for specialized equipment, by preheating the container and contents before applying pressure, maintaining temperature through compression heating and thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heated high pressure vessel or internal heater is used to achieve elevated temperatures during HPP, then the required temperature for sterilization is achieved, but temperature gradients develop and thermal load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container and pressure transmission liquid are preheated to the target temperature before high pressure is applied. This preliminary heating action eliminates the need for continuous heating during the pressure hold phase, preventing temperature gradients and reducing overall thermal load while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes compression heating during pressure application to automatically maintain temperature during the pressure hold phase. The pressure transmission liquid and container generate their own heat through adiabatic compression, eliminating the need for external heating sources and reducing temperature gradients
2Temperature
If purpose-designed high pressure machines with heating capability are used, then elevated temperature processing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the high pressure machine and transferred to the container system. The container and pressure transmission liquid perform the heating function through preheating and compression heating, allowing standard non-heating HPP machines to be used while achieving elevated temperature processing
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure transmission liquid serves multiple functions: it transmits pressure uniformly to the product, provides thermal insulation through the container wall, and generates heat through compression heating. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating systems and reduces overall device complexity
3Reliability
If conventional thermal processing is used to ensure adequate heat treatment, then microbial inactivation is achieved, but processing time is extended and food quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical parameters by applying high pressure (100-1000 MPa) in combination with elevated temperature (40-150°C). This parameter combination creates synergistic microbial inactivation that achieves the same or better sterilization effect in shorter times compared to conventional thermal processing alone, while better preserving food quality
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 efficient regulation of temperature during high-pressure processing, reducing processing time and thermal load, preserving food quality by maintaining uniform temperatures and minimizing heat loss, thus allowing for effective pasteurization or sterilization without the need for additional heating.
Implementation Method 1
the increase of temperature in the processed material caused by pressurisation of the food material during pressure come up
Implementation Method 2
at least one further layer which has a lower thermal conductivity than the inner layer
Implementation Method 3
fast decompression cooling (i.e., the reverse of compression heating) during pressure release
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer container for elevated temperature, high pressure processing of a material within the container, using a pressure transmission liquid within the container, the multilayer container having a container wall having an inner layer formed of a plastic for containing the liquid in contact with the inner side thereof and at least one further layer outboard of the inner layer and formed of different plastic from the inner layer, wherein the inner layer has a compression heating coefficient at least as high as the compression heating coefficient of the pressure transmission liquid in contact with the inner side thereof and the at least one further layer has a lower thermal conductivity at ambient pressure and temperature than the inner layer.