Rotating Press Container Central Spray Cleaning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press cleaning systems for squeezing liquid-containing substances, such as grapes, are complex, expensive, and require manual intervention, with risks associated with operator entry into the press container, and are not efficiently automated or retrofittable for CIP technology.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a central spray device with a rotary feedthrough and adjustable spray nozzle, capable of rotating with the press container, which employs water jet spraying and membrane relaxation for efficient cleaning, allowing for automated operation and easy retrofitting, minimizing operator intervention and water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning by operator entry into the press container is used, then cleaning access is improved, but operator safety and automation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The press container performs self-cleaning through automated CIP technology with spray nozzles that clean surfaces without operator entry, and the drainage elements are designed to be easily removable and reassemblable for external cleaning, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical cleaning by operators is replaced with automated CIP spray systems that use water jets and cleaning agents delivered through spray nozzles, substituting human labor with automated mechanical cleaning mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If multiple spray nozzles arranged on the container circumference are used, then cleaning coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into two functional parts: a minimal number of spray nozzles for cleaning the container interior and membrane surfaces, and a separate membrane relaxation mechanism. This segmentation reduces the number of spray nozzles needed while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The spray nozzles are designed to serve multiple functions: cleaning the container interior surfaces and cleaning the press membrane surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of nozzles required compared to dedicated nozzles for each surface type
3Ease of operation
If water supply lines pass through the press container wall, then cleaning liquid delivery is improved, but container tightness and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply lines are extracted from passing through the press container wall and are instead routed externally to connect to the spray nozzles. This extraction eliminates the penetration points that would compromise container tightness while maintaining the ability to deliver cleaning liquid to all necessary surfaces
4Ease of operation
If drainage elements are dismantled for external cleaning, then cleaning access is improved, but cleaning time and complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage elements are pre-designed with quick-release connections and simplified assembly structures that enable rapid dismantling and reassembly. This preliminary design of easy-connection features reduces the time and complexity of dismantling operations compared to traditional permanently fixed drainage elements
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage elements incorporate dynamic, movable connection features that allow quick transition between assembled and disassembled states. This dynamic design enables fast dismantling for cleaning and quick reassembly, minimizing the time loss associated with accessing drainage elements for cleaning
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
Achieves optimal cleaning results with reduced water usage and operator risk, enabling efficient and automated daily cleaning of press interiors without dismantling components, ensuring high mechanical and chemical cleaning effectiveness and hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
a spray nozzle (4) arranged in the area of the central longitudinal axis (68) of the press container (60), which can be applied through the stub axle (7) with cleaning liquid
Implementation Method 2
the press container (60) is set in rotation one or more times during or after the application of cleaning liquid
Implementation Method 3
which can be applied through the stub axle (7) with cleaning liquid, and in which the spray width of the jet of liquid emitted by the cleaning nozzle (4)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A device for cleaning the interior of a press (10) for pressing liquid-containing substances, comprising a press container (60) whose interior (65) is divided by at least one press membrane (61a, 61b) into a pressure medium chamber (62) and a pressing medium chamber (63), wherein at least one drainage element (66) for removing liquid juice from the pressing medium chamber (63) is arranged in the pressing medium chamber (63), wherein the press container (60) has at least one axle (7) attached to the side of the container (60), over which the press container (60) is rotatably mounted about a central longitudinal axis (68) in bearings (56), is characterized in that a central spray device (40) is arranged in the interior of the axle (7), which comprises a spray nozzle (4) arranged in the region of the central longitudinal axis (68) of the press container (60), which is extended by the axle (7). through which cleaning fluid can be applied.The invention further relates to a method for cleaning a previously mentioned press.