Small-Container Filling Valve Venting via Reverse Bypass Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional venting technologies are ineffective in small container filling valves and small line diameters, leading to gas bubbles that impair the filling process and result in poor filling quality, especially in high-quality spirits production.
Innovation Solution
A rotary apparatus with a bypass line that reverses the filling material flow to vent gas bubbles back to the reservoir, utilizing a bypass line connected to the filling line and a control device to manage valve operations for efficient venting, especially in small flow cross-sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional venting technology with buffer tank is used, then gas bubbles can be vented in large line diameters, but it becomes ineffective in small container filling valves with small flow cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional venting approach by using reverse filling to push gas bubbles back toward the reservoir instead of relying on natural rise or siphon effects. The bypass line enables filling material to flow backward through the filling element, creating a reverse flow that actively conveys gas bubbles to the reservoir for venting, which is particularly effective in small flow cross-sections where conventional methods fail
2Productivity
If filling valve is closed after filling, then container filling is completed, but gas bubbles are drawn into filling element and impair filling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a venting phase immediately after the filling phase. The control device activates the bypass valve and opens the filling valve to allow reverse filling and gas bubble removal before the next filling operation begins. This preliminary venting action prevents gas bubbles from accumulating and impairing subsequent filling operations, thereby maintaining high filling quality and productivity
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
Effectively vents gas bubbles within seconds, maintaining filling quality by preventing foam formation and improving standard deviation in filling parameters, particularly suitable for small container filling elements.
Implementation Method 1
supplying the filling material from the supply line via the bypass line to the further line to the filling line to the filling material reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The gas bubbles can be conveyed in the direction of the filling material reservoir
Implementation Method 3
the filling element and the filling material reservoir are filled with the filling material in reverse, so to speak, i.e., opposite the normal flow direction in the filling line when filling the containers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to an apparatus for filling containers with a filling material. The apparatus has a filling material reservoir and a supply line which is connected to the filling material reservoir. The apparatus further has a filling element with a filling valve and a filling line which connects the filling material reservoir and the filling valve. The apparatus further has a further line which is connected to the filling line for media discharge and/or media supply, and a bypass line which connects the filling material supply line and the further line to one another.