Rotating Sterilizing Apparatus Condensate Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sterilization methods for post-consumer absorbent sanitary products face challenges due to the impermeable outer plastic layer, which hinders effective sterilization and material recovery, and inefficient heat transfer in autoclave systems, leading to prolonged sterilization cycles.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizing apparatus with a cylindrical container that uses a hollow helical blade and condensate collection system to optimize thermal energy transfer, where non-contact steam is directed through the helical blade and gap, preventing condensate accumulation and maintaining a clear heat exchange surface, while contact steam is directly applied to the products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If non-contact steam is supplied to heat the autoclave wall, then the sterilization temperature is achieved, but condensed steam deposits in the lower part of the autoclave causing reduction in heat exchange surface
Solution Approach 1:
The autoclave is rotated about its longitudinal axis during the sterilization cycle. This rotation dynamically changes the position of condensed steam deposits, preventing permanent accumulation in the lower part and maintaining effective heat exchange surface area throughout the sterilization process
Solution Approach 2:
The condensed steam is periodically discharged from the autoclave during rotation. By opening the door at specific rotational positions, the accumulated condensate is removed from the system, restoring the heat exchange surface between the steam and autoclave wall
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heat exchange between the autoclave wall and products is not optimal, then thermal energy transfer time increases, but the sterilization cycle time becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
Rotation of the autoclave creates dynamic heat exchange conditions, ensuring that all areas of the autoclave wall periodically come into optimal contact with both the steam and the products. This prevents stagnant zones and maintains high thermal energy transfer efficiency throughout the cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation speed and timing of door opening are optimized parameters that control the sterilization process. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains optimal heat exchange conditions while minimizing the overall sterilization cycle time
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 enhances the efficiency of thermal energy transfer, reducing the sterilization time and maintaining a clear steam exchange surface, thereby optimizing the sterilization process for absorbent sanitary products.
Implementation Method 1
The non-contact steam that condenses in the autoclave wall tends to deposit in the lower part of the autoclave
Implementation Method 2
The heat required for reaching the temperature for sterilizing the products contained in the autoclave comes mostly from the heat energy transferred through the inner wall of the autoclave
Implementation Method 3
contact steam is supplied in direct contact with the absorbent sanitary products contained in the autoclave
Implementation Method 4
rotating the autoclave about a longitudinal axis thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
A sterilizing apparatus, in particular for sterilizing post-consumer absorbent sanitary products, comprising: - a container (12) rotatable about a horizontal axis (A) and having a hollow wall (26) including an inner wall (28), an outer wall (30), and a gap (32) defined between the inner wall (28) and the outer wall (30), - a rotary joint (34) coaxial to said horizontal axis and having a steam inlet chamber (48) and a condensate discharge chamber (50), wherein the steam inlet chamber (48) and the condensate discharge chamber (54) of said rotary joint (34) are in communication with respective zones of said gap (32) via a steam supply tube (52) and a condensate collection tube (54), wherein the condensate collection tube (54) has an end (84) attached to the outer wall (30) of the container (26) and in communication with the gap (32), and - a condensate collection container (86) located in the gap (32) adjacent to the inner wall (28), wherein the condensate collection container (86) has an outlet end (88) closed around said end (84) of the condensate collection tube (54) and a lip (90) open in the gap (32) and facing a cylindrical portion (92) of the outer wall (30).