Self-Shielding Accelerator for PET Bottle Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chemical sterilization methods for PET bottles result in residue contamination, environmental impact, and require significant water and infrastructure, while existing electron accelerators are too large for integration into production lines, limiting the adoption of radiation sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A self-shielding accelerator with a fully horizontal structure, integrating key components like the acceleration tube and high-voltage power supply into a single steel cylinder, allowing seamless integration into a PET plastic bottle production line and enhancing radiation protection and maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chemical sterilization method is used, then sterilization effect is achieved, but residue contamination occurs and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical sterilization method with an electron beam radiation sterilization method. The electron accelerator generates high-energy electron beams that directly sterilize PET bottles through radiation, eliminating the need for chemical agents and their associated residues and environmental impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from chemical concentration to radiation dose. By controlling the electron beam energy and exposure time, the system achieves effective sterilization without introducing harmful chemical residues, transforming the sterilization process from chemical to physical parameters.
2Reliability
If conventional electron accelerator is used, then radiation sterilization is achieved, but device size is too large for production line integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electron accelerator into modular components: a compact electron gun, a focused acceleration tube, and integrated shielding. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled down to fit production line constraints while maintaining sterilization effectiveness through optimized beam parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the acceleration tube is positioned within the shielding housing, and the entire accelerator assembly is integrated into the production line framework. This nesting approach minimizes the overall footprint while ensuring radiation containment and operational effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If self-shielding structure is adopted, then radiation protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding function with the structural housing of the accelerator. The shielding material is integrated into the housing design rather than being a separate component, and the horizontal structure combines beam transmission and radiation containment functions in a unified design, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the shielding structure to serve multiple functions: radiation containment, structural support, and heat dissipation pathways. The horizontal configuration also facilitates both beam transmission and maintenance access, making the structure multi-functional and reducing the need for additional specialized components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If horizontal self-shielding structure is used, then production line integration is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable and modular components within the horizontal structure, allowing the accelerator to be adapted to different production line configurations. The modular design enables flexible assembly and disassembly, facilitating integration into existing production lines while simplifying manufacturing through standardized interfaces.
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
Enables online radiation processing with improved safety, reduced radiation leakage, simplified operation, and enhanced maintenance, promoting energy conservation and environmental protection by replacing chemical sterilization with a pollution-free electron beam sterilization method.
Implementation Method 1
electron beams, X-rays or y-rays act on the microorganisms, and directly or indirectly destroy ribonucleic acids, proteins and enzymes of the microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
radiation sterilization method is an effective method in which microorganisms in most substances are killed using electromagnetic waves generated by electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
a cooling system assembly fixed to the shielding steel cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A self-shielding accelerator is provided, which includes an accelerator assembly, a high-frequency electrode plate, a rectification and voltage multiplication assembly, a solenoid-type transformer assembly, a cooling system assembly and a shielding steel cylinder. The self-shielding accelerator further includes a steel cylinder base connected to the shielding steel cylinder. The accelerator assembly is horizontally fixed to the steel cylinder base. The rectification and voltage multiplication assembly is fixed to the steel cylinder base by a support plate. The high-frequency electrode plate and the solenoid-type transformer assembly are connected to the steel cylinder base through multiple horizontally arranged support columns. The cooling system assembly is fixed to the shielding steel cylinder. The self-shielding accelerator adopts a fully horizontal self-shielding structure, and can be seamlessly joined to the filling production line, which makes online radiation processing possible. A PET plastic bottle production line utilizing the accelerator is also provided.