Sensor Fitting Cavity for Laminar Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor attachment devices for containers, particularly those with standard 25 mm welding sockets, suffer from inadequate flushing and calibration of sensors due to the distance of flushing connections from the reactor wall, leading to poor hygiene and inefficiency in the food and biotechnology sectors.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a cavity upstream of the flushing volume that directs flushing or calibration fluid in a laminar and evenly distributed manner, ensuring all areas of the flushing volume, including hard-to-reach corners and the sensor tip, are effectively cleaned, with fluid flow components that facilitate diagonal flushing to reach the bottom of the volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flushing connections are arranged in the sensor carrier for standard 25 mm welding sockets, then the sensor can be attached to standard process attachments, but the flushing connections are located at a large distance from the reactor wall, resulting in inadequate flushing of the sensor area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a cavity upstream of the flushing volume that directs flushing fluid in a laminar and evenly distributed manner. The fluid flow is designed to move diagonally downward, reaching areas close to the reactor wall that were previously inaccessible. This dimensional change in fluid flow path resolves the contradiction by enabling effective flushing while maintaining compatibility with standard 25 mm welding sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity acts as an intermediary structure between the flushing fluid inlet and the flushing volume. It distributes the flushing fluid in a controlled manner, ensuring that the fluid reaches all areas of the flushing volume including those near the reactor wall. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain standard socket compatibility while achieving reliable flushing.
2Device complexity
If flushing fluid is introduced directly into the flushing volume, then the structure is simple, but the fluid flows directly from inlet to outlet without reaching the bottom areas, resulting in poor hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity performs a preliminary action by distributing the flushing fluid in a laminar and evenly distributed manner before the fluid enters the main flushing volume. This preliminary distribution ensures that the fluid flows diagonally downward and reaches the bottom areas first, preventing contamination before it can accumulate. The added structural complexity of the cavity is justified by the elimination of residual contamination.
3Reliability
If the sensor carrier is positioned close to the reactor wall for effective flushing, then hygiene is improved, but the distance from standard welding sockets increases, requiring special attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the attachment structure into distinct functional parts: a sensor carrier portion that can be positioned close to the reactor wall for effective flushing, and a mounting interface that maintains compatibility with standard 25 mm welding sockets. The cavity structure further segments the fluid flow path, allowing the sensor carrier to be optimally positioned while maintaining standardized connections. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between hygiene compliance and manufacturing standardization.
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 rinsing and calibration efficiency, preventing residual contamination and allowing for thorough sterilization of the sensor and its surroundings, thereby improving hygiene and sensor stability.
Implementation Method 1
designed in such a way that the flushing or calibration fluid flows through it in a substantially laminar and evenly distributed manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A sensor fitting comprises that a sensor insertion tool (10) presents a sensor to a food industry liquid container, the container has an external tubular fitting (22) into which the sensor (16) is inserted, and the inserted tool is flushed from time to time through an inlet (50, 56) to a void (58) around the sensor feeding the rinsed volume (42). A sensor fitting comprises that a sensor insertion tool (10) presents a sensor to a food industry liquid container, the container has an external tubular fitting (22) into which the sensor (16) is inserted, and the inserted tool is flushed from time to time through an inlet (50, 56) to a void (58) around the sensor feeding the rinsed volume (42). The external tubular fitting (22) is e.g. a standard size welded nipple. The rinsed volume (42) is located within the sensor holder (12) and feeds fluid directly to the sensor (16). An O-ring seal (60) is located between the sensor carrier wall (38) and nipple (22). An elastic seal (32) is located between the sensor carrier (12) and the nipple (22) end, and closing off the hollow chamber (58) and the container exterior.