Rotating Bulk-Liquid Container Cooling for Fast, Closed-Loop Chilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cooling large quantities of extremely hot liquids like stocks and soups are inefficient, leading to prolonged cooling times, contamination risks, and strain on refrigeration systems, as they often require manual stirring, large ice baths, or occupy excessive space.
Innovation Solution
A system and container design that involves rotating a sealed container with a built-in void volume, spraying a cooling medium over its surface, and varying the rotation speed based on the liquid's viscosity to rapidly cool hot bulk liquids to a safe temperature, while maintaining a partial vacuum for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional refrigeration methods are used to cool large quantities of hot liquid, then the liquid eventually reaches safe storage temperature, but the cooling time is excessively long (1-7 hours) and the refrigerator is strained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling system consisting of a heat exchanger and cooling fluid circulation system that acts as a mediator between the hot liquid and the refrigerator. The cooling fluid circulates through the heat exchanger in contact with the liquid, absorbing heat and transferring it to the refrigerator's evaporator, thereby protecting the refrigerator from direct thermal shock while achieving rapid cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling process is segmented into two independent systems: (1) the liquid container with heat exchanger coils immersed in the liquid, and (2) the refrigerator with evaporator. The cooling fluid circulation system connects these segments, allowing heat transfer without direct thermal contact between the hot liquid and refrigerator components
2Speed
If the liquid is placed in open pots for cooling, then the cooling process can begin immediately, but airborne contaminants and bacteria can enter the liquid creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible or rigid lid to cover the container opening, creating a physical barrier that prevents airborne contaminants and bacteria from entering the liquid during the rapid cooling process. The lid can be flexible to accommodate container expansion/contraction or rigid for maximum protection
3Power
If manual stirring with ice paddles is used to hasten cooling, then heat transfer is improved, but the process requires great manual effort and introduces contamination risks from the paddle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stirring system (manual ice paddle) with a thermal convection system. The heat exchanger coils and cooling fluid circulation create natural convection currents in the liquid, eliminating the need for mechanical stirring while achieving superior heat transfer. The system automatically circulates cooling fluid through the heat exchanger without manual intervention
4Ease of operation
If plastic paddles are used for manual stirring, then the paddle is easy to handle, but plastic is not an efficient heat transmitter and may be contaminated with bacteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling fluid (water or brine) as an intermediary heat transfer medium that circulates through the heat exchanger coils. This fluid provides superior thermal conductivity compared to plastic while eliminating direct contact between the cooling medium and the liquid being cooled, preventing cross-contamination
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 method significantly reduces cooling time for large quantities of hot liquids, enhances safety by minimizing contamination risks, and allows for efficient storage and handling, cooling 100 gallons of stock in approximately 30-40 minutes.
Implementation Method 1
spraying the surface of the container with a cooling medium while the container is rotating
Implementation Method 2
spraying the surface of the container with a cooling medium
Implementation Method 3
creating a partial vacuum, enhancing heat transfer and safety
Data Source
AI summary
A system of rapidly cooling hot bulk liquids includes a chilling station having a reservoir for holding a cooling medium. The reservoir includes an outlet for removing excess of the cooling medium. A container bay disposed substantially above the reservoir is adapted to receive at least one container of hot bulk liquid to be cooled. At least one rotator is adapted to rotate the container placed in the container bay substantially around the container's longitudinal axis. A spray jet outlet is disposed substantially above the container bay and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The spray jet outlet is adapted to spray the container with the cooling medium while the roller is rotating the container. The container includes a void volume, preferably at least 5%. The rotator rotates the container at a rate that depends on the size of the container and/or the viscosity of the contents of the container.