Releasable Shell Pressure Vessel for Aseptic Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aseptic filling of non-carbonated beverages in beverage dispensing systems requires complex and expensive machinery, as existing Bag-In-Container (BIC) systems necessitate sterilization of both the inner and outer containers, making the process cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vessel with two releasable shell parts that can accommodate a compressible beverage container, allowing for easier aseptic filling by separating the inner container from the outer container, enabling reuse of the outer container with multiple inner containers and simplifying the filling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Bag-In-Container (BIC) system is used for aseptic filling of non-carbonated beverages, then the beverage can be stored and dispensed effectively, but the filling process requires complex and expensive machinery to sterilize both inner and outer containers
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the inner container (beverage container) from the outer container (pressure vessel), allowing them to be sterilized independently. The inner container can be sterilized during the filling process while the outer container is sterilized separately, eliminating the need for complex integrated sterilization machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is sterilized before filling with the beverage, and the outer container is sterilized before use. This preliminary sterilization approach simplifies the filling machinery by removing the need for complex in-line sterilization systems, while still achieving aseptic conditions.
2Reliability
If both inner and outer containers are sterilized in the BIC system, then aseptic conditions are maintained, but the process becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization process is segmented into separate steps for the inner container and outer container. The inner container is sterilized independently (e.g., through steam or chemical sterilization) before filling, while the outer container is sterilized separately, allowing each to be optimized for its specific sterilization requirements without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is designed to be self-sterilizable through its material properties or structure, allowing it to undergo sterilization treatment during or before the filling process without requiring external sterilization equipment, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Strength
If the inner container is surrounded by the outer container during filling, then structural support is provided, but the aseptic filling process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of the inner container (holding beverage) and outer container ( providing structural support and pressure containment). This segmentation allows the inner container to be filled independently without the complexity of coordinating both containers during the filling process, while still maintaining structural integrity through the outer container.
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 reduces the complexity and cost of aseptic filling by allowing for easier sterilization of the inner container and enabling the reuse of the outer container, making the process more efficient and hygienic.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurised gas is supplied to a space between the outer container and the inner container. By virtue of the pressurised gas, the inner container may be compressed and beverage may be dispensed out of the outflow opening
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure vessel assembly is provided for use in a beverage dispensing assembly. The assembly comprises a pressure vessel comprising a housing provided by at least two shell parts, the housing comprising, a gas inlet for receiving a gas in the pressure vessel and a beverage dispensing passage, wherein the at least two shell parts are releasably connectable for forming the housing and for receiving a compressible beverage container assembly filled with a substantially non-carbonated beverage in the housing. The assembly further comprises a compressible beverage container assembly, comprising a flexible bag defining a beverage storage volume, a filling gland, connected to the flexible bag providing a gland beverage passage to the beverage storage volume, and female adapter part, connectable to the filling gland, arranged to receive at least part of a male adapter part of a dispensing line, wherein a sealing member is provided in the gland beverage passage.