Continuous Ozone Treatment of Particulate Solids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ozone-based debacterization methods for divided solids, such as food products, often result in incomplete treatment due to discontinuous ozone exposure, leading to potential oxidation and deterioration of the products.
Innovation Solution
A continuous ozone treatment process where divided solids are conveyed through a serpentine enclosure under pressure, with ozone injection along part of the length and excess ozone extraction, combined with vibration to maintain continuous product motion and controlled ozone exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the product is placed in an ozonized atmosphere for several hours, then debacterization effectiveness is improved, but treatment time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous ozone treatment by conveying the product through an enclosure where ozone is continuously generated and maintained. The product moves continuously on a conveyor belt through the ozonized atmosphere, ensuring uninterrupted exposure to ozone throughout the treatment zone, thereby achieving both effective debacterization and high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the static immersion method with a dynamic conveyor-based system. Instead of keeping the product stationary in an ozonized chamber for extended periods, the product is continuously moved through the treatment zone, reducing residence time while maintaining treatment effectiveness through optimized ozone concentration and exposure geometry
2Reliability
If the product is subjected to repeated ozone treatment cycles, then debacterization is improved, but the risk of product oxidation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single continuous passage through the ozone treatment zone instead of multiple discrete treatment cycles. The product is conveyed once through the enclosure where it receives continuous ozone exposure, eliminating the repeated loading and unloading cycles that increase oxidation risk while maintaining effective debacterization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the conveyor speed and enclosure dimensions to ensure the product passes through the ozonized atmosphere quickly and efficiently. By controlling the residence time and ozone concentration, the treatment is completed in a single rapid passage, minimizing unnecessary exposure that would lead to oxidation
3Device complexity
If discontinuous ozone treatment is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but treatment effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a continuous ozone generation system within the enclosure that maintains a steady ozonized atmosphere throughout the treatment zone. The ozone generator operates continuously, and the product conveyor moves uninterrupted through the treatment area, ensuring consistent and effective debacterization without requiring complex multi-chamber systems or repeated treatment cycles
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 method ensures effective debacterization with reduced residence time, minimizing oxidation risks and simplifying the treatment process, allowing for better control over ozone action and faster treatment of delicate products like spices, herbs, and dried fruits.
Implementation Method 1
Due to its sterilizing properties, ozone is now commonly used in the field of debacterization of food products
Implementation Method 2
the product being conveyed in the enclosure by means of vibration causing the enclosure to vibrate
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the treatment of a product in the form of particulate solids, comprising the steps of: introducing the product into a chamber (1) with a pressurised ozone atmosphere; conveying the product through the chamber in a continuous movement such that the product is continuously in the ozone atmosphere as it is being conveyed through the chamber, the product being conveyed through the chamber by vibration means (3, 6) which vibrate the chamber; and ejecting the product from the chamber through the chamber outlet (7) after it has passed once through the chamber.