Retractable Nozzle Insert for Wide-Angle Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning-in-place nozzles have limited spray angles, requiring multiple nozzles to cover the vessel and are prone to clogging, which affects cleaning efficiency and hygiene, especially in applications like dairy plants where strict hygiene is required.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring a movable nozzle insert with multiple parts that can adjust to form gaps, allowing for apertures to be exposed in a second position, enabling a wider spray angle up to 180° and maintaining a smooth surface in the first position, with optional rotational capability for 360° coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a nozzle insert with off-center apertures is used to enable rotation and wider spray coverage, then the spray angle is improved, but the nozzle becomes more prone to clogging and deposit formation
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle insert is divided into multiple separate segments that can move independently. Each segment contains apertures, and when segments are spaced apart, they create gaps that expose the apertures for spraying. This segmentation allows the nozzle to achieve wide spray coverage while maintaining a smooth outer surface that resists clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle insert segments are designed to be movable rather than fixed. The segments can dynamically adjust their positions - moving from a retracted position where they form a smooth surface to an advanced position where they create gaps for spraying. This dynamic capability enables the nozzle to adapt between cleaning mode and process mode.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple nozzles are installed to cover the vessel surface, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single nozzle insert with multiple movable segments can dynamically adjust its configuration to cover different areas of the vessel. By spacing the segments apart, the nozzle creates multiple spray paths and gaps that collectively cover a wide area, replacing the need for multiple fixed nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle insert serves multiple functions: it provides wide spray coverage, maintains a smooth process surface, enables rotational movement, and creates adjustable spray patterns through segment spacing. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate nozzle components into a single integrated unit.
3Productivity
If the nozzle insert is permanently located inside the vessel to enable continuous cleaning, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the nozzle is prone to deposit formation and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle insert segments are designed to be retractable, allowing them to move from an advanced position during cleaning to a retracted position during processing. When retracted, the segments form a smooth, continuous surface that prevents deposit formation and contamination, while still allowing the nozzle to be positioned inside the vessel for cleaning operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle insert parts are spaced apart to form gaps for spray distribution, then the spray angle is improved, but the structural stability and sealing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle insert is segmented into multiple independent parts that can be spaced apart to create spray gaps. Each segment is structurally sound on its own, and when spaced apart, they maintain stability while enabling wide-angle spray distribution through the created gaps.
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 design reduces the number of nozzles needed, enhances cleaning efficiency by allowing wider spray angles, and minimizes clogging risks through a smooth, rounded surface and internal aperture placement, ensuring thorough vessel cleaning while maintaining hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of apertures being exposed in said second position to allow distribution of a cleaning fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~10
Figure 11~17
AI summary
The nozzle (1) for cleaning-in-place of a vessel hasa nozzle body (2) adapted to be connected to a wall of the vessel and defining an opening (3), anozzle insert (10) is contained within the nozzle body(2) and is ableto assume at least two distinct positions relative to the nozzle body (2). Thus, in a first position, the nozzle insert (10) is retracted into the nozzle body (2) and a front end of the nozzle insert is substantially flush with a front end of the nozzle body (2) at the opening (3) thereof.In a second position, the nozzle insert (10) is advanced in theaxial direction relative to the nozzle body (2) and protrudes, in the mounted position, into the vessel. Aplurality of apertures (12) is exposed in the second positionto allow distribution of a cleaning fluid.The nozzle insert (10) comprises at least two nozzle insert parts(15, 25), and thenozzle insert parts(15, 25)are in mutual abutment in the first position and spaced from each other in a direction transverse to theaxial direction in the second position to form at least one gap (20) between adjacent nozzle insert parts, said apertures (12) being exposed in said gap(20). (Fig. 5)