Self-Switching Preload Valve for Inert Gas Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for introducing inert gas into oxygen-sensitive containers in beverage bottling plants face high gas consumption and pressure issues due to simultaneous flushing and preloading processes, requiring complex piping and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with a gas inlet divided into a flushing line and a preload line, where the preload valve self-switches between open and closed positions based on pressure differences, allowing for gentle flushing with low gas consumption and rapid preloading without additional control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common flushing and preload valve is used for both flushing and preloading, then device complexity is reduced, but gas consumption increases due to pressure buildup impeding gas inflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas inlet into two separate lines: a flushing line with a flushing valve and a preload line with a preload valve. This segmentation allows independent control of gas flow during flushing and preloading operations, preventing pressure buildup from impeding gas inflow during flushing, thereby reducing inert gas consumption while maintaining simple device structure.
2Loss of time
If flushing and preloading are performed simultaneously through the same valve, then operation time is reduced, but flushing effectiveness decreases due to pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic valve control where the flushing valve and preload valve are operated at different times according to the process requirements. During flushing, only the flushing valve is open allowing efficient gas flow. During preloading, the preload valve is opened. This dynamic operation ensures optimal flushing effectiveness while maintaining efficient process timing.
3Device complexity
If the flushing valve is dimensioned for subsequent preloading, then device complexity is reduced, but flushing performance deteriorates due to excessive pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates separate flushing and preload lines with dedicated valves for each function. The flushing line is optimized for high-flow flushing operations, while the preload line is optimized for pressure-controlled preloading. This segmentation allows each valve to be dimensioned appropriately for its specific function, preventing excessive pressure buildup during flushing while maintaining simple overall device configuration.
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
The solution reduces gas consumption and pressure buildup during flushing, enabling efficient and gentle container flushing while allowing for quick preloading, all with a simplified structure and no need for complex control systems.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of a pressure difference between the upstream pressure present in the preload line upstream of the preload valve and the downstream pressure present downstream of the preload valve switches itself between an open position and a closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for introducing a gas into a container (8) to be filled with a product, preferably for introducing an inert gas into a container (8) to be filled with an oxygen-sensitive product in a beverage bottling plant, comprising a gas inlet (2) switchable via an inlet valve (20) for supplying the gas to a gas outlet (3) opening into the container (8) to be filled, wherein the gas inlet (2) is divided between the inlet valve (20) and the gas outlet (3) into a purge line (4) for purging the container (8) and a pre-pressurization line (5) for pre-pressurizing the container (8), wherein the pre-pressurization line (5) has a self-switching pre-pressurization valve (6) for opening and closing the pre-pressurization line (5).wherein the pre-tensioning valve (6) switches between an open position and a closed position based on the pressure ratio of the upstream pressure (p1) present in the pre-tensioning line (5) upstream of the pre-tensioning valve (6) and the downstream pressure (p2) present downstream of the pre-tensioning valve (6).