Retractable Probe Fitting Forced Flow Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable fittings for measuring probes in process containers fail to ensure complete cleaning and sterilization, leading to hygienic issues due to dead zones and bacterial contamination, particularly in the food industry.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve-like forced-flow body is integrated into the retractable fitting, creating a flow gap connected to a cleaning fluid distribution chamber and an annular gap, utilizing a pressure difference to ensure thorough cleaning of the probe tip and seal area, preventing bacterial contamination by forcing cleaning fluid into previously unreachable areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a normal rinsing flow is used in the calibration chamber, then the measuring probe can be cleaned, but dead zones and gaps remain uncovered leading to incomplete cleaning and bacterial contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The rinsing system is segmented into multiple flow paths: a free flow path for general rinsing and a forced flow path through the annular gap for targeted cleaning. The forced flow body divides the rinsing medium into different flow directions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all chamber surfaces including previously unreachable dead zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic principles are applied by using pressure differential to create forced flow through the annular gap. The rinsing medium is pressurized to flow radially outward through the gap between the forced flow body and chamber wall, ensuring high-velocity cleaning action in areas that would otherwise be dead zones.
2Reliability
If the retractable fitting is designed with simple structure, then manufacturing is easier, but dead zones form where bacteria can accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The forced flow body is positioned and structured in advance to pre-determine the flow paths of the rinsing medium. This preliminary design ensures that forced flow is automatically directed into the annular gap and other critical areas before contamination can occur, eliminating the need for complex post-manufacturing modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the calibration chamber receive different flow characteristics: the forced flow body creates high-velocity targeted flow in the annular gap and dead zone areas, while other areas receive normal rinsing flow. This localized quality enhancement ensures hygiene standards are met without requiring complex structures throughout the entire chamber.
3Ease of operation
If cleaning medium flows freely in the calibration chamber, then the structure remains simple, but corners and gaps are not cleaned effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The forced flow body acts as an intermediary element between the rinsing medium supply and the calibration chamber. It intercepts the rinsing medium and redirects it through the annular gap and dead zones, mediating the flow to ensure comprehensive coverage without requiring direct complex flow control mechanisms throughout the chamber.
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
This solution ensures comprehensive cleaning and sterilization of the retractable fitting, effectively eliminating dead zones and maintaining hygiene standards by using a forced flow to reach and clean all areas, including the seal region, thereby preventing bacterial accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
A part of the rinsing medium is thus fed back into the rinsing chamber in a forced flow through the annular gap
Data Source
AI summary
The fitting has a sleeve shaped forced flow body (16) arranged in a hollow cylindrical lower part (1). The sleeve shaped forced flow body forms a flow gap that is attached for producing the forced flow at a purification liquid distributor chamber (10). An annular gap (18) is formed between a sensor holder (4) and the forced flow body. The flow gap is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the forced flow body and an inner circumferential surface of the lower body.