Retort Center Outlet for Uniform Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retort systems for in-container food preservation are inefficient in terms of throughput and quality of temperature treatment, leading to longer processing times and potential uneven heat distribution, which hinders the development of high-speed packaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A retort system with a rack configuration and an omnidirectional outlet for temperature treatment medium distribution from the center to the periphery, allowing for even and efficient propagation of the medium, reducing treatment time and improving quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional retort systems use traditional heating methods, then the sterilization function is achieved, but the processing time is long and throughput is low
Solution Approach 1:
The retort chamber is divided into multiple heating zones with independent heating elements positioned at different locations (top, bottom, sides). This segmentation allows simultaneous heating of multiple containers in parallel, increasing throughput while reducing individual processing time through optimized heat distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-directional heating by positioning heating elements in three-dimensional space around the container rack (upper, lower, lateral sides). This transforms traditional single-source heating into omnidirectional heat application, significantly improving heat penetration efficiency and reducing processing time while maintaining sterilization quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional retort systems use single-source heating, then the system is simple, but heat distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating zones with separate control mechanisms. Each zone can be independently adjusted to compensate for heat loss in different areas, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across all containers while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different heating elements are positioned at specific locations (top, bottom, sides) to address local heat distribution needs. Each heating zone can be independently controlled to provide appropriate heat intensity for its specific region, ensuring uniform overall heat distribution while avoiding overheating in any single area.
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 configuration enhances the efficiency and quality of the heat treatment process, enabling faster processing and increased throughput while ensuring uniform exposure of packaging containers to the treatment medium.
Implementation Method 1
an outlet (102) for a temperature treatment medium, wherein the outlet (102) is arranged adjacent a center position (103) of the rack (101) whereby the temperature treatment medium can propagate from the outlet (102) towards a periphery (104) of the rack (101)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A retort for temperature treatment of packaging containers is disclosed. The retort comprises a rack configured for receiving packaging containers for a stacked arrangement thereof, and an outlet for a temperature treatment medium. The outlet is arranged adjacent a center position of the rack whereby the temperature treatment medium can propagate from the outlet towards a periphery of the rack. A method for temperature treatment of packaging containers stacked in a rack is also disclosed.