Pulsation Damper Parallel Channels CIP Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the food processing industry, particularly in homogenizers, pressure peaks in pipe systems due to flow variations hinder effective cleaning during the Cleaning In Place (CIP) process, as increasing the cross-sectional area to reduce pressure peaks results in insufficient fluid velocity for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A pulsation damper device with multiple parallel flow channels and valves that switch between a production mode with all channels open to neutralize pressure peaks and a cleaning mode where channels are closed in sequence to increase fluid velocity for effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the cross-sectional area of the pipes is increased to reduce pressure peaks, then the pressure peaks are reduced, but the fluid velocity becomes too low for effective cleaning during CIP
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsation damper device dynamically adjusts its cross-sectional area by switching between multiple flow channels using controllable valves. During production, all channels are open to maximize area and reduce pressure peaks. During CIP, channels are closed sequentially to minimize area and maximize fluid velocity for effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the flow path into multiple parallel flow channels (first, second, third flow channels) with individual valve control. This segmentation allows independent control of each channel's contribution to the total cross-sectional area, enabling precise adjustment of both pressure peak reduction and cleaning velocity requirements.
2Stress or pressure
If the pulsation damper device uses traditional air cushion dampers, then pressure peaks can be reduced, but the cost and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses fluid-based pressure equalization through multiple flow channels instead of traditional air cushion mechanisms. The cleaning fluid itself serves as the medium for pressure management, eliminating the need for separate pneumatic systems and reducing both cost and safety concerns associated with air cushion dampers.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulsation damper device performs multiple functions: it reduces pressure peaks during production mode and enables effective CIP cleaning by adjusting flow channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate air cushion dampers and dedicated cleaning systems, reducing overall system cost and complexity.
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 pulsation damper device effectively reduces pressure peaks during production while ensuring high fluid velocity for efficient cleaning by adjusting the cross-sectional area, providing a cost-effective and safe solution compared to traditional air cushion dampers.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow channel, and a second flow channel arranged in parallel with the first flow channel. The first flow channel and the second flow channel extend between the inlet and the outlet
Implementation Method 2
one of the first and the second valves are closed at the time so that the fluid flow is forced through one flow channel at the time, thereby decreasing the overall cross-sectional fluid area through the device. As a consequence, the fluid velocity through the device is increased
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a pulsation damper device (1). The device (1) comprises a main inlet (2) for receiving a fluid flow, and a main outlet (3) for outputting the fluid low. The device (1) further comprises a first flow channel (4), and a second flow (5) channel arranged in parallel with the first flow channel (4). The first flow channel (4) and the second flow channel (5) extend between the main inlet (2) and the main outlet (3). A first valve (6) is arranged in the first flow channel (4), and a second valve (7) is arranged in the second flow channel (5). The pulsation damper device (1) has a production mode in which both the first valve (6) and the second valve (7) are open, and a cleaning mode in which one of the first valve (6) and the second valve (7) are closed.