Pasteurisation Apparatus Dwell Time Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pasteurization apparatuses lack efficient methods to monitor dwell times accurately and differentiate between product and purging fluid without interruptions, leading to potential inefficiencies and the need for manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A pasteurization apparatus equipped with conductivity sensors at the inlet and outlet of the holding tube, a controller, and a method to perform dwell time tests without interruptions, using conductivity sensing to differentiate between product and purging fluid, and integrate with diversion valve operations to ensure accurate dwell time monitoring and waste liquid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual monitoring methods are used for dwell time, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of dwell time monitoring deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual monitoring methods with automated electronic sensing systems. Conductivity sensors detect product passage through the holding tube, and a controller automatically calculates dwell time by comparing timestamps. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic systems achieves precise automated monitoring without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If continuous automated monitoring is implemented, then productivity and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductivity sensors serve multiple functions: they detect product passage for dwell time calculation, differentiate between product and purging fluid, and trigger diversion valve operations. The controller integrates multiple monitoring and control functions into a single automated system. This multi-functionality approach achieves continuous automated monitoring while minimizing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation through automated dwell time calculation and verification. The controller automatically compares measured dwell times against target values and triggers alerts or diversion actions without manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains high productivity and reliability while reducing the need for external monitoring systems.
3Measurement precision
If conductivity sensing is used to differentiate product and purging fluid, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical conductivity as a parameter to differentiate between product and purging fluid. Conductivity sensors measure the electrical properties of the fluid passing through the holding tube, and the controller identifies product versus water based on conductivity threshold values. This parameter-based differentiation achieves precise product identification using simple conductivity measurements without requiring complex sensing mechanisms.
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
Enables continuous, automated dwell time monitoring and waste liquid management, reducing the need for manual checks and enhancing operational efficiency by ensuring precise dwell times and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing being used by the controller to differentiate between water and the product. Preferably, at least one of the sensors is a conductivity sensor and the controller is configured to perform includes conductivity sensing.
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor at or downstream of an outlet of the dwell tube
Implementation Method 3
pumping a liquid product through the heater and then through the holding tube at an elevated temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method of pasteurising a milk product includes integrated line purging, dwell time testing, and final purging. It is carried out by an apparatus (1) with a heater (12), a pump (13), a temperature sensor (24), a holding tube (15), conductivity sensors (CD1, CS2) at the start and end of the holding tube (15). and a controller (20). The method includes performing a dwell time test by pumping the product through the heater and then through the holding tube at an elevated temperature for a target dwell time period. The controller performs the dwell time test without interruption between initial purging of the line with water and the start of pasteurizing the product, the sensing being used by the controller to differentiate between water and the product. Als, it performs the dwell time test without interruption between completion of product pasteurizing and purging of the line with water at the end of pasteurizing the product, the sensing being used by the controller to differentiate between water and the product.