Proportional Valve Drain System for Sterilization Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sterilization apparatuses face challenges in achieving faster process cycles without damaging the load or its packaging material, particularly due to rapid pressure changes during steam discharge, which can cause fluid boiling and loss, and require multiple valves to manage varying fluid flows, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization apparatus equipped with a proportional valve in the drain system, controlled by a unit that adjusts fluid flow according to a predefined sterilization scheme, allowing for continuous and precise fluid discharge, reducing the need for multiple valves and minimizing manufacturing costs while adhering to pressure change regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used to manage varying fluid flows, then the ability to control different discharged flows is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single proportional valve is designed to perform multiple functions that previously required separate valves: it can provide both the restricted flow path (first vent path) and the rapid escape path (second vent path) by adjusting its opening degree. The control unit enables this single valve to dynamically adapt to different process requirements, replacing multiple specialized valves with one multi-functional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The proportional valve changes its flow control parameters continuously by adjusting its opening degree based on control signals from the control unit. This allows the valve to provide variable flow rates ranging from restricted flow to rapid escape, replacing the need for multiple fixed-flow valves. The valve opening parameter is dynamically modified to match different discharged flow requirements throughout the sterilization process.
2Productivity
If steam is evacuated rapidly from the chamber, then the process cycle time is reduced, but pressure changes may damage the load or packaging material
Solution Approach 1:
The proportional valve provides dynamic control of the drain system by continuously adjusting its opening degree in response to control signals. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize the evacuation rate at different stages of the process, enabling faster overall cycle times while preventing damaging pressure changes through real-time adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback about the sterilization process state and adjusts the proportional valve opening accordingly. This feedback control enables the system to monitor pressure conditions and modulate the evacuation rate to prevent damaging pressure changes while maintaining efficient process cycling. The control unit coordinates the inlet flow control device and drain system to achieve controlled discharge.
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 enables faster and more controlled fluid discharge, reducing the risk of pressure-induced damage and fluid loss, while complying with pressure change standards, thus enhancing process efficiency and reducing costs by using fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
a proportional valve arranged along the first conduit, the proportional valve being controllable by the control unit to partly restrict fluid flow through the first conduit according to a predefined continuous relation between a control parameter and a valve opening of the proportional valve
Implementation Method 2
a drain outlet connected to a vacuum system for evacuating the chamber
Implementation Method 3
an inlet flow control device connected to the sterilization medium inlet for controlling a supply of a sterilization medium to the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A sterilization apparatus for sterilization of objects. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving the objects including a sterilization medium inlet and outlet; an inlet flow control device for controlling a supply of a sterilization medium to the chamber; a drain system for controllable discharge of fluid from the chamber; and a control unit configured to control the inlet flow control device and drain system. The drain system includes: a drain inlet connected to the sterilization medium outlet; a drain outlet connected to a vacuum system for evacuating the chamber; a first conduit connecting the drain inlet and outlet; and a proportional valve, arranged along the first conduit, controllable by the control unit to partly restrict fluid flow through the first conduit according. Drain valves may be controlled in response to the temperature of a flow of coolant, the coolant being used for cooling fluid via a heat exchanger.