Packaging Sterilization Station for Dew-Point Temperature Variations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines fail to ensure uniform disinfection/sterilization of ready-to-fill packages when temperature variations occur, particularly around recently sealed ends, risking insufficient disinfection due to elevated temperatures exceeding the dew point of the sterilizing agent.
Innovation Solution
A packaging machine with a disinfection/sterilization station that includes a supply section for gaseous sterilizing agent, a gas holding section, and multiple venting and drying sections to manage temperature variations by condensing and evaporating the sterilizing agent effectively, ensuring thorough disinfection/sterilization of both low and high-temperature areas within the packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If condensation method is used for disinfection/sterilization, then disinfection efficiency is improved, but temperature control requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection station is divided into multiple sections (first section for condensation, second section for gas phase treatment, third section for venting) to handle different temperature zones separately. This allows the condensation method to be applied where temperatures are suitable while gas phase treatment covers elevated temperature areas, resolving the contradiction between disinfection efficiency and temperature control requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different disinfection methods are applied to different local areas of the package based on temperature distribution. The first section targets areas with temperatures below the dew point for condensation, while the second section addresses areas with temperatures above the dew point using gas phase treatment. This local differentiation ensures effective disinfection across all temperature zones.
2Reliability
If gaseous sterilizing agent is supplied continuously, then complete coverage is improved, but condensation on cooler areas is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gaseous sterilizing agent is supplied in periodic pulses rather than continuously. During the first pulse, the agent condenses on cooler areas. During the second pulse, the agent treats elevated temperature areas. This periodic action allows complete coverage of all temperature zones while maintaining the condensation condition on cooler surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfection process maintains continuous useful action through multiple phases: condensation phase on cooler areas, gas phase treatment phase on elevated temperature areas, and venting phase. This continuous multi-phase action ensures complete coverage without compromising condensation on cooler surfaces.
3Reliability
If elevated temperature areas are treated with gaseous sterilizing agent, then disinfection coverage is improved, but condensation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The process is segmented into distinct phases: first supplying the gaseous sterilizing agent for condensation on cooler areas, then supplying it again for gas phase treatment on elevated temperature areas, and finally venting. This segmentation allows targeted treatment of different temperature zones without requiring overly complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits changes in the physical state of the sterilizing agent (gas to liquid condensation) based on temperature parameters. By controlling the timing and location of gas supply, the system achieves both condensation on cooler surfaces and gas phase treatment on elevated temperature areas, improving coverage without excessive complexity.
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
Ensures complete disinfection/sterilization of ready-to-fill packages by utilizing a combination of condensed and gas phase disinfection processes, addressing temperature non-uniformity issues and maintaining effective sterilization even at elevated temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the dew point of the H2O2 gas needs to be high in order to secure condensation of the H2O2 on the entire inside surface of the ready-to-fill package
Implementation Method 2
the gaseous sterilizing agent will treat areas of the ready-to-fill packaging container having a temperature above the dew point of the sterilizing agent
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging machine configured to form, fill, and seal individual packages is provided. The packaging machine includes a disinfection/sterilization station configured to treat ready-to-fill packaging containers passing through said disinfection station. The disinfection/sterilization station includes a supply section configured to provide gaseous sterilizing agent into open ends of the ready-to-fill packaging containers passing the supply section, and a holding section arranged downstream the supply section. The packaging machine is configured to keep the ready-to-fill packaging containers at the supply section such that the sterilizing agent will condense on areas of the ready-to-fill packaging container having a temperature below the dew point of the sterilizing agent, and the packaging machine is configured to keep the ready-to-fill packaging containers at the holding section such that the gaseous sterilizing agent will treat areas of the ready-to-fill packaging container having a temperature above the dew point of the sterilizing agent.