Rotating Nozzle Head for Clog-Free Tank Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank cleaning devices struggle to effectively utilize cleaning fluids containing coarse impurities, such as granulated sugar, which can clog the system and limit the reuse of cleaning fluid in industrial processes like chocolate and confectionery production.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a rotatable nozzle head and a distributing device that uses a guide element to impart a swirling motion to the cleaning fluid, creating centrifugal forces to dislodge impurities and a driver element with vanes to enhance rotation and distribution, allowing for efficient coverage and reuse of cleaning fluid without clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If cleaning fluid is reused in cyclical through-flow, then cleaning fluid quantity is reduced, but coarse impurities like granulated sugar accumulate and cause clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of coarse impurities (which would normally cause clogging) into a beneficial centrifugal separation process. The swirling motion generated by the nozzle design causes heavier impurities to move outward along the wall, while cleaner fluid remains in the center and is recirculated. This transforms the clogging problem into an effective separation mechanism that enables fluid reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles to create a swirling flow pattern through the nozzle's geometric design. The nozzle shape and angle are specifically configured to generate centrifugal forces that separate impurities from the cleaning fluid without requiring mechanical moving parts, filters, or external separation devices.
2Ease of operation
If electrically operated drive elements are used for nozzle rotation, then precise control is improved, but device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is designed to rotate itself automatically through the momentum and pressure of the cleaning fluid passing through it. The geometric design of the nozzle creates an uneven pressure distribution that generates rotational motion, eliminating the need for external motors, bearings, or electrical components. The system uses the cleaning fluid's own energy to drive the rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical/mechanical drive systems with a purely hydraulic self-rotation mechanism. Instead of using motors and mechanical linkages to rotate the nozzle, the design relies on fluid dynamics and pressure differentials created by the nozzle's geometric configuration to generate automatic rotational motion.
3Productivity
If cleaning fluid pressure is increased to prevent clogging, then fluid flow is improved, but energy consumption and system stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure distribution parameters within the system by using lower overall pressure combined with a swirling flow pattern. The geometric design of the nozzle creates localized pressure differentials that maintain effective cleaning flow without requiring high system pressure, thereby reducing pump energy consumption and stress on system components.
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 device ensures effective distribution of cleaning fluid over a wide area, reduces impurity size, and allows for repeated use of cleaning fluid, enhancing cleaning efficiency and reducing the total quantity of cleaning fluid required, while avoiding the need for electrically operated drive elements.
Implementation Method 1
a guide element which brings about a rotary motion of the cleaning fluid, in particular which imparts a swirling motion to the cleaning fluid or brings about a vortex formation of the cleaning fluid
Implementation Method 2
creating centrifugal forces to dislodge impurities
Implementation Method 3
a driver element with vanes to enhance rotation and distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device including a housing which can be arranged on a feed line for cleaning fluid is disclosed. The housing includes an exit opening for the cleaning fluid, wherein a nozzle head rotatable about a first rotary axis is arranged in the region of the exit opening. A distributing device rotating about a second rotary axis different from the first rotary axis and having at least one blade element or at least one pendulum element is arranged on the rotatable nozzle head. The invention also describes a product-processing plant with at least one cleaning device for cleaning a product tank.