Oxyhydrogen Burner Sterilising System for Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sterilizing systems for containers, particularly those using electric heating elements, face high operating costs and safety concerns due to high voltage requirements, necessitating a more cost-effective and safer solution.

Innovation Solution

A sterilizing system utilizing an oxyhydrogen burner for heating, combined with an absorption refrigeration circuit and a heat sink made of aluminum, which reduces energy costs and eliminates the need for high-voltage heating, while ensuring safe operation by using non-toxic water vapor as a byproduct of combustion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electric heating elements are used for sterilisation, then sterilisation effectiveness is ensured, but operating costs increase due to high energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilisation effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the heating method from direct electric resistance heating to indirect heating via heat exchange with hot air generated by a gas burner. This parameter change in the heating mechanism reduces energy consumption while maintaining sterilisation effectiveness through controlled thermal exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the electric heating system with a gas-based heating system using a burner and heat exchange mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for high-voltage electric elements while achieving the same thermal processing objectives for sterilisation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If high voltage heating elements are used, then heating power is sufficient, but operator safety deteriorates due to high voltage risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating powerVSAvoidoperator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces high-voltage electric heating elements with a low-voltage gas burner system. The burner generates hot air that is circulated through the sterilisation chamber, providing sufficient heating power without the safety hazards associated with high-voltage electricity, thereby improving operator safety during operation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces hot air as an intermediary medium between the heat source (gas burner) and the containers to be sterilised. This indirect heating approach through heat exchange eliminates direct contact with high-voltage elements while maintaining effective heating power through controlled thermal transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If electric heating elements are used, then temperature control is precise, but maintenance complexity increases due to high voltage safety requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex high-voltage electric heating elements with a simpler gas burner system. The burner is connected to a gas supply line and requires no high-voltage electrical connections, significantly simplifying maintenance procedures while allowing precise temperature control through gas flow regulation and heat exchange management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 significant cost savings and enhanced operator safety by leveraging lower-cost oxyhydrogen production and eliminating toxic combustion residues, with efficient heat exchange and cooling mechanisms to maintain product integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The heating means (21) comprise an oxyhydrogen burner (211)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

a heat sink (212); said heat sink (212) being heated by said burner (211) and being in thermal communication with said positioning zone (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

an absorption refrigeration circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption refrigeration: Adsorption Refrigerator

Data Source

PatentEP2981297B1Sterilising system
Publication Date: 2017.05.03 GF SRL
  • EP2981297B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A system for sterilising containers, comprising: -a sterilising chamber (2) comprising a positioning zone (20) for the positioning of the containers; -heating means (21) for heating a first fluid flow that envelops the containers placed in said positioning zone (20) so as to sterilise them; -supply means (210) for supplying oxyhydrogen; the heating means (21) comprising an oxyhydrogen burner (211) located downstream of the supply means (210).