Self-Cleaning Flow Control Valve for Automated CIP in Food Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing systems require manual and time-consuming cleaning and sanitizing of food flow paths, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially with the increasing variety of beverages offered in commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
A food processor with integrated reservoirs, freezer chambers, and solution input lines allows for automated cleaning and sanitizing through controlled flow and temperature manipulation, including reverse flow and use of self-cleaning valves, enabling efficient treatment of food flow paths without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning methods are used for food flow paths, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is extremely time consuming and requires continuous operator attention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by automatically circulating cleaning solutions through the food flow paths without requiring continuous operator intervention. The automated circulation system allows the equipment to clean itself, eliminating the need for manual movement of chemical dispensers between lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous circulation of cleaning solutions through the food flow paths, maintaining constant cleaning action rather than intermittent manual cleaning. This continuous flow ensures thorough cleaning while reducing total time required compared to manual methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual cleaning systems are used, then cleaning can be performed on various beverage lines, but operator attention and labor are required for each line
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides universal cleaning capability across multiple beverage lines through a centralized automated circulation system. A single system can service multiple lines simultaneously or sequentially without requiring separate manual cleaning operations for each line, enhancing versatility while reducing operator burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated circulation system performs self-service cleaning across all beverage lines, eliminating the need for operators to manually move and operate chemical dispensers at each line. The system autonomously distributes cleaning solutions throughout the entire beverage distribution system.
3Productivity
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then beverage lines can be cleaned, but the process becomes increasingly demanding as beverage variety increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated circulation system maintains continuous cleaning action throughout the beverage distribution system, ensuring that increased beverage variety does not compromise cleaning effectiveness. The system adapts to serve multiple product lines without requiring proportional increases in manual labor or procedural complexity.
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 system reduces operator input and time required for cleaning and sanitizing, ensuring enhanced efficacy and compliance with health regulations while minimizing water consumption.
Implementation Method 1
passing the flowable media through a portion of the food flow path to scrub the portion of the food flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained food processor is provided for treating a food flow path in the food processor with a solution. The food flow path can be treated without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor and without requiring direct operator input. The food processor includes a controller for directing passage of a solution through at least portions of the food flow path without requiring constant operator oversight. The food processor can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through the food flow path in the food processor.