Retort Steam Heating Pot for Uniform Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retort sterilization devices face issues with heating non-uniformity and high energy costs due to air acting as a heat insulator, leading to incomplete sterilization and potential spoilage of food, especially when using high-temperature, high-pressure vapor or hydroheat with compressed air.
Innovation Solution
A retort sterilization device utilizing a water steam generation system with a heat exchanger and liquid container to create a sealed space, introducing saturated water vapor to maintain uniform pressure and temperature, reducing air presence and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high-temperature, high-pressure vapor or hydroheat with compressed air is used for retort sterilization, then sterilization temperature exceeds 100°C, but heating non-uniformity occurs due to air acting as a heat insulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes air from the sterilization chamber before introducing sterilization vapor. By creating a vacuum or displacing air with inert gas, the harmful insulating effect of air is eliminated, allowing uniform heat distribution throughout the chamber while maintaining high sterilization temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inert atmosphere (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) into the sterilization chamber before or instead of using compressed air. This inert gas does not interfere with heat transfer and allows uniform heating at high temperatures while preventing oxidation and maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
2Stress or pressure
If compressed air is used to pressurize the heating pot, then sterilization pressure is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to continuous compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid reservoir that automatically maintains pressure in the sterilization chamber through its own weight and hydrostatic pressure. The liquid level in the reservoir self-regulates the pressure, eliminating the need for continuous mechanical compression and significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining stable sterilization pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic system with a liquid reservoir connected to the sterilization chamber. The liquid column creates hydrostatic pressure that maintains the required sterilization pressure without requiring continuous operation of compressors, thereby reducing energy consumption while ensuring stable pressure conditions.
3Reliability
If heating time is extended to ensure complete sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness improves, but food quality deteriorates due to prolonged heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary removal of air and introduction of inert atmosphere before the sterilization heating process begins. This preparation eliminates heat insulating barriers, allowing heat to penetrate uniformly and rapidly into the food, achieving complete sterilization in shorter time and preventing quality degradation from prolonged exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the sterilization environment by removing air and introducing inert gas, which fundamentally alters heat transfer characteristics. This enables rapid and uniform heat penetration at optimized temperatures, achieving effective sterilization while minimizing heating time and preserving food quality.
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 achieves high energy efficiency and uniform heating, preventing spoilage and improving the taste and appearance of sterilized food by minimizing heating non-uniformity and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between liquid flowing in the liquid path and heating vapor flowing in the vapor path
Implementation Method 2
introducing saturated water vapor to maintain uniform pressure and temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A retort sterilization device includes a water steam generation device for generating water steam and a heating pot, connected to the water steam generation device, for accommodating retort food. The water steam generation device includes a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between liquid flowing in a liquid path and heating vapor flowing in the vapor path. A top end of the liquid path of the heat exchanger is connected via a water steam supply pipe to a water steam ejection section located in an internal area of the heating pot. The heat exchanger is connected to a liquid container. A bottom end of the liquid path of the heat exchanger is connected to the liquid container via a communicating tube. The liquid container is coupled to the heating pot.