Self cleaning flow control valve in clean in place system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processing systems require manual and time-consuming cleaning processes, especially in commercial settings, which are inefficient and do not meet the demands of increasingly diverse beverage offerings.
Innovation Solution
A food processor with integrated solution input lines and flow control valves allows for automated cleaning, sanitizing, and rinsing of food flow paths, including a method to isolate and drain food products while introducing cleaning solutions without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but operator time and labor are extremely time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by automatically circulating cleaning solutions through the food flow path components without requiring manual disassembly or manual cleaning operations. The automated circulation system performs cleaning functions independently, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the actual cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated fluid circulation system. Instead of manual scrubbing or disassembly, the system uses pumped cleaning solutions circulating through the flow path to perform cleaning functions, substituting mechanical human labor with an automated hydraulic system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable chemical dispenser systems are used, then cleaning can be performed, but operator attention is required to manually move systems between lines
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cleaning system serves multiple flow path lines simultaneously through a single automated circulation system. The clean-in-place system can treat multiple beverage or food flow lines without requiring separate portable dispensers for each line, providing universal cleaning capability across the entire processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple cleaning functions and multiple flow path treatments into a single integrated circulation system. Instead of using separate portable chemical dispensers for each line, the system combines all cleaning operations into one unified automated system that circulates cleaning solutions through multiple lines concurrently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more beverage varieties are offered, then product diversity increases, but cleaning process becomes even more time demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The automated clean-in-place system enables continuous cleaning operation without interruption or manual reconfiguration. The system maintains continuous circulation of cleaning solutions through all flow paths, allowing cleaning to proceed uninterrupted regardless of the number of beverage varieties, thereby maintaining high productivity even as product diversity increases.
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.