Automated Pasteurizer Tank Washing via Agitator Splash

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual washing and sanitizing of pasteurizing machines for ice cream and custard production are time-consuming and costly, impacting operational efficiency and increasing water consumption.

Innovation Solution

An automated control method and system for pasteurizing machines that includes an electronic control unit to manage the heating, cooling, and water circulation, allowing for automated washing cycles with controlled temperature and rotation of agitators to efficiently clean the processing tank.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual washing and sanitizing is performed, then the processing tank can be cleaned, but the operation is time-consuming and increases operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing operationVSAvoidwashing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic washing and sanitizing of the processing tank through a control unit that coordinates the agitator, water feeding line, and heating/cooling means, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing washing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical washing operations with an automated control system that uses the existing agitator mechanism, water feeding line, and thermal processing capabilities to perform washing and sanitizing functions automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual washing is performed, then the tank can be sanitized, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesanitizationVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The automated control system optimizes water usage by precisely controlling the water feeding line and coordinating it with the agitator operation and thermal processing, ensuring efficient water consumption while achieving effective sanitization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temperature parameter of the washing water using the heating and cooling means to achieve sanitization, reducing the need for large volumes of water compared to cold washing methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated washing is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit leverages the existing multi-functional capabilities of the pasteurizing machine components (agitator, water feeding line, heating/cooling means) to perform washing and sanitizing functions, avoiding the need for entirely separate automated washing equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates the existing machine components to achieve automated washing, rather than requiring direct mechanical automation of the washing process itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Reduces the need for manual intervention during washing, minimizes water consumption, and decreases operational costs by automating the washing process while maintaining effective sanitation of the pasteurizing machine.

Implementation Method 1

with internal heating means which are capable of bringing and maintaining the processing tank and everything contained therein to/at a temperature ranging between +50°C and +100°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

with internal cooling means which are capable of bringing and maintaining the processing tank and everything contained therein to/at a temperature ranging between +0°C and +10°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

with a rotatable agitator member which is located in the centre of the processing tank, locally coaxial to the vertical axis of the tank, and is able to rotate about its longitudinal axis to mix the milk contained in the tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStirring: Stirring

Implementation Method 4

incorporate a water feeding line, which is manually controlled by the user and enables clean water to be poured directly into the processing tank to simplify the operations of washing and sanitising the tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3111776B1Control method of a pasteurizing machine and pasteurizing machine implementing such method

Publication Date: 2018.10.03 VALMAR GLOBAL VSE ZA SLADOLED D O O

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

A control method of a pasteurizing machine (1), which comprises, in sequence, the steps of actuating a water feeding line (17) so as to pour a predetermined amount of water, less than 50% of the nominal capacity of the processing tank (4), into the processing tank (4); and of actuating, for a predetermined washing time, comprised between 1 and 10 minutes, the motor assembly (13) so as to drive into rotation the rotatable member (12, 112) about the longitudinal axis of the tank (A) at a first predetermined angular speed, the value of which is higher than 75% of the maximum angular speed reached during the milk pasteurization process, so as to splash water onto the side walls of said processing tank (4).