Reconditioning Deposited Particulate Layers for Beverage Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid treatment methods, particularly in beverage stabilization, face challenges with pressure fluctuations causing particulate material layers to crack, leading to inconsistent fluid flow and premature replacement of cartridges, which is costly and wasteful, especially when using materials like PVPP that are difficult to handle.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the reconditioning of deposited particulate layers by heating to a sanitized temperature and carefully controlling the cooling process to redistribute and restructure the material, allowing extended use and reducing the risk of crack formation, thereby maintaining homogeneous treatment and optimizing the use of costly materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure fluctuations occur during fluid treatment, then the treatment process continues, but the deposited layer cracks and fluid flow becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The deposited layer is reconditioned in advance by heating and controlled cooling before cracks can form during normal operation. This preliminary treatment strengthens the layer structure and prevents crack formation under subsequent pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the deposited layer are changed through heating to a higher temperature and subsequent controlled cooling. This parameter change redistributes the particulate material and eliminates existing cracks, improving the layer's resistance to future pressure fluctuations
2Reliability
If the deposited layer is replaced frequently to maintain quality, then fluid treatment quality is ensured, but treatment capacity is wasted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the deposited layer when it shows signs of degradation, the layer is recovered and reconditioned through heating and controlled cooling. This restores the layer's integrity and treatment capacity, allowing continued use without wasting the particulate material
Solution Approach 2:
The reconditioning process allows the deposited layer to continue serving its useful function of fluid treatment without interruption or replacement. The layer is restored in place and continues to treat fluid, eliminating the need for frequent replacement and the associated material waste
3Reliability
If PVPP particles are used in dosing systems, then stabilization is achieved, but substantial loss of PVPP particles occurs
Solution Approach 1:
PVPP particles are pre-deposited in a controlled manner to form a stable layer in the cartridge before use. This preliminary deposition allows the particles to be retained and reused multiple times, preventing the substantial loss that occurs in dosing systems where particles are fed into fluid and then removed by filtration
Solution Approach 2:
The PVPP particles in the deposited layer continuously perform their stabilization function without being lost. The layer can be reconditioned and reused for extended periods (6-12 months), maintaining continuous stabilization capability while eliminating the repeated loss and replacement of particles that characterizes dosing systems
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 reconditioning process extends the operational life of particulate material in cartridges by 6 to 12 months, reduces waste, and allows for more efficient use of materials like PVPP, ensuring consistent fluid treatment quality and cost savings by minimizing the need for frequent cartridge replacements.
Implementation Method 1
heating the deposited layer to a second temperature
Implementation Method 2
cooling the deposited layer to a third temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a fluid is provided using a particulate material in the form of a deposited layer having an upstream side and a downstream side wherein a flow of the fluid is directed through the deposited layer from the upstream to the downstream side at a first temperature. The method includes reconditioning the deposited layer and then resuming treatment of the fluid, wherein reconditioning comprises heating the deposited layer to a second temperature; and cooling the deposited layer to a third temperature at an average cooling rate in the range of up to about 20° C./min.