PET Bottle Sterilization with Differential Temperature Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature sterilization of PET bottles with steam and disinfectant mixtures leads to significant deformation (shrinkage), as existing methods cannot effectively prevent this issue due to limited cooling effects from temperature differences between external and internal disinfection processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving simultaneous internal sterilization with a steam and disinfectant mixture at temperatures of at least 90°C and external cooling with a disinfectant agent at temperatures below 40°C, followed by external sterilization with the same agent at elevated temperatures, utilizing a heat exchanger to manage temperature changes, thereby minimizing container deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-temperature steam and disinfectant mixture is used for internal sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but container deformation (shrinkage) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different temperature conditions to different parts of the container simultaneously: the interior is exposed to high-temperature steam and disinfectant mixture (90-99°C) for effective sterilization, while the exterior is cooled with cold medium (below 40°C, preferably 20-30°C) to prevent deformation. This localized differential temperature treatment resolves the contradiction between sterilization effectiveness and container shape stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary cooling to the exterior of the container before and during the high-temperature internal sterilization process. By pre-cooling the exterior with cold medium, the container walls are prepared to resist the thermal expansion and shrinkage forces that would otherwise cause deformation during the high-temperature sterilization cycle.
2Reliability
If peracetic acid solution is heated to 40-60°C for external disinfection, then external sterilization is achieved, but cooling effect during internal sterilization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the peracetic acid solution based on the process stage: the solution is cooled to below 40°C (preferably 20-30°C) for application during internal sterilization to provide strong cooling effect, then heated to 40-60°C for subsequent external sterilization. This parameter change allows the same solution to serve dual purposes with optimal effectiveness at different temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic temperature control system for the peracetic acid solution, transitioning it from a cold state (below 40°C) during the internal sterilization phase to a warmer state (40-60°C) for external sterilization. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize performance at each stage of the sterilization process.
3Shape
If temperature difference between internal steam sterilization and external peracetic acid disinfection is increased, then cooling effect on container walls is strengthened, but external sterilization effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by sequentially applying the peracetic acid solution at different temperatures in distinct phases: first applying it at below 40°C during internal sterilization to provide cooling, then heating it to 40-60°C for external sterilization. This periodic temperature variation allows the system to achieve both shrinkage prevention and effective external sterilization without compromising either function.
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
Effectively sterilizes PET bottles without significant shrinkage, even at high steam and disinfectant mixture temperatures, by controlling temperature differences and using recycled rinse water for cooling, thus maintaining container integrity.
Implementation Method 1
cooling can take place in a heat exchanger, to which rinse water collected after cleaning is supplied as the cooling medium
Implementation Method 2
The agent is cooled in a heat exchanger using the collected water as a cooling medium at a temperature below 40°C
Implementation Method 3
a vapor mixture of water vapor and peracetic acid can be introduced into the interior of the packaging container with the aid of a two-component nozzle, where it condenses on the inner walls
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for sterilizing packaging containers comprising the steps of exposing the inside of a packaging container to a mixture of steam and a disinfectant at a temperature of at least 90 °C, in particular at least 95 °C, and simultaneously exposing the outside of the packaging container to an agent at a temperature below 40 °C, in particular at a temperature between 20 °C and 30 °C.