Segmented Pasteurizing Tunnel with Independent Air Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for pasteurizing and cooling food products, such as stuffed pasta and gnocchi, are inefficient in preventing air contamination and require complex maintenance, with limited flexibility in processing different food products and poor accessibility for washing and servicing.
Innovation Solution
A pasteurizing and cooling apparatus featuring a pasteurizing tunnel with two thermally independent sections, a transfer unit, and a cooling tunnel, equipped with advanced air processing units and a mechanical design that includes stainless steel components for easy washing and servicing, along with a control system adaptable to food product characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pasteurizing and cooling apparatus is used, then basic pasteurization and cooling functions are provided, but air contamination cannot be effectively prevented and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a pasteurizing chamber with steam injection system, a cooling chamber with independent air processing, and a transfer mechanism. Each module has dedicated air processing units that operate independently, allowing localized maintenance without shutting down the entire system. The segmentation enables separate cleaning and servicing of each section, reducing overall maintenance complexity while maintaining air contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate transfer unit with sealed enclosure and independent air processing is introduced between the pasteurizing and cooling chambers. This intermediary component prevents direct air exchange between chambers while allowing product transfer, effectively blocking contamination pathways. The transfer unit acts as a buffer zone with controlled atmosphere, maintaining reliability without requiring complex integration of all functions into a single difficult-to-maintain system.
2Reliability
If the apparatus is designed with comprehensive air processing systems, then air contamination is prevented, but the apparatus occupies more space and becomes harder to service
Solution Approach 1:
Air processing units are segmented and distributed to specific chambers rather than using one large centralized system. Each chamber has its own compact air processing unit with clear access points positioned for easy washing and servicing. The modular design allows technicians to service individual air processing units without disassembling the entire apparatus, improving accessibility while maintaining comprehensive air contamination prevention across all sections.
3Volume of moving object
If the apparatus uses integrated thermal processing, then space is occupied efficiently, but flexibility in processing different food products is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components including variable steam injection rates, adjustable cooling chamber parameters, and flexible transfer mechanisms. These dynamic elements allow the same compact apparatus to adapt to different food product types, sizes, and thermal requirements without requiring additional space or permanent modifications. The control system can be preset for different products while maintaining the same physical footprint.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical parts are used to achieve precise control, then operational flexibility is improved, but washing and servicing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Complex control mechanisms are segmented into modular units with standardized interfaces. Each module can be independently removed, washed, and serviced without affecting other parts. The segmentation allows precise control functionality to be maintained while enabling easy access to individual components for cleaning and repair, as each module can be handled separately.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical parts are designed with universal features that allow the same components to serve multiple functions while maintaining ease of servicing. For example, transfer mechanism components are designed to work with different product types and can be quickly cleaned between uses. The standardized designs allow a single component type to be used throughout the apparatus, simplifying inventory and repair procedures while maintaining operational flexibility.
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 apparatus efficiently pasteurizes and cools food products while preventing air contamination, ensuring high product quality and safety, with improved operational flexibility and ease of maintenance, occupying minimal space and maintaining product sterility.
Implementation Method 1
pasteurizing is a thermal processing method performed at a high temperature for destroying microorganisms harmful to food products
Implementation Method 2
cooling of products such as stuffed pasta, super-fine pasta, gnocchi
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for pasteurizing and cooling food products comprises a pasteurizing tunnel, a first air processing unit associated with the pasteurizing tunnel, and a transfer unit for transferring the food products from the pasteurizing tunnel to a cooling tunnel comprising a second air processing unit, the pasteurizing tunnel comprising two thermally independent in-line sections consisting of a steam pasteurizing section and a pre-packaging section.