Solid Chemistry Dispensing with Recirculation for Consistent CIP Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in reliably and accurately dispensing and dosing solid chemistries, particularly in clean-in-place (CIP) systems, due to difficulties in dissolving and delivering consistent quality cleaning and sanitizing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A solid chemistry dispensing system comprising a solids dispenser, concentrate tank, and recirculation circuit that recirculates water to dissolve solid chemistries, ensuring at least 95-100% dissolution, and allows for controlled concentration and distribution of the concentrate for cleaning and sanitizing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If solid chemistries are used to replace liquid compositions, then plastic waste is reduced and storage footprint is minimized, but reliable and repeated dissolving and dispensing becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-dissolving solid chemistries in a dissolution tank before dispensing. The recirculation circuit continuously circulates water through the dissolution tank to ensure complete dissolving of solid chemistries ahead of time, making the actual dispensing process reliable and consistent without the variability of dissolving solids on-demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary dissolution tank as a mediator between the solid chemistry storage and the dispensing system. This intermediate stage allows solids to be converted into a liquid concentrate form, which then can be reliably metered and dispensed, bridging the gap between solid storage benefits and liquid dispensing reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If solid chemistries are dissolved in water, then consistent quality cleaning solutions can be delivered, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic recirculation of water through the dissolution tank to dissolve solid chemistries. The recirculation pump operates in cycles, continuously circulating water to ensure complete dissolving, then allowing the system to transition to dispensing mode. This periodic action ensures consistent concentrate quality while controlling water usage through efficient recirculation rather than continuous flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter by creating a concentrated solution in the dissolution tank first. By dissolving solids to create a high-concentration concentrate that is then metered and diluted at the point of use, the system reduces overall water consumption while maintaining consistent cleaning solution quality. The concentrate can be stored and dispensed as needed, optimizing water usage.
3Productivity
If recirculation is used to dissolve solid chemistries, then dissolution efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation circuit serves multiple functions: it dissolves solid chemistries in the dissolution tank, mixes the concentrate to ensure uniformity, and can also be used to flush the dispensing lines. This multi-functionality improves dissolution efficiency while justifying the added complexity through versatile operation that benefits multiple system aspects.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation system enables the dissolution tank to be self-sufficient in maintaining a ready supply of concentrate. The continuous recirculation automatically ensures complete dissolving and uniform mixing without requiring external intervention, making the system self-regulating and efficient while the complexity is managed through automated control.
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 provides a reliable and efficient method for dispensing and dosing solid chemistries, ensuring consistent quality cleaning and sanitizing solutions, reducing plastic waste, and enhancing safety and efficiency in CIP systems.
Implementation Method 1
the tank is filled with a preselected volume of water. Said water is recirculated through the solids dispenser to dissolve the solid cleaning composition resulting in a concentrate of a cleaning composition in the tank
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and equipment configured for dosing and dispensing solid cleaning compositions. The solid chemistry dispensing systems comprise a solids dispenser wherein a solid cleaning composition is stored and a tank connected to the solids dispenser. For dispensing and dosing, the tank is filled with a preselected volume of water. Said water is recirculated through the solids dispenser to dissolve the solid cleaning composition resulting in a concentrate of a cleaning composition in the tank.