Spheroid Cleaning Device Tubular Nozzle Pressure Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for processing equipment in the food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries face challenges in providing consistent and uniform fluid streams to effectively clean internal areas, particularly at the top head portion of vessels with small openings, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A spheroid-shaped cleaning device with a tubular nozzle that mitigates fluctuations in pressure and flow velocity within the device, ensuring consistent and uniform fluid streams are directed to predefined target areas by maintaining a steady hydrostatic pressure and flow velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the L/D ratio of the holes or apertures in the static spray-ball is increased to improve stream directionality and integrity, then the stream directionality improves, but turbulence inside the spray-ball effects shear, pressure and current fluctuation around and over the orifice entrance, resulting in inconsistent flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
A flow conditioner is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the apertures. This flow conditioner mediates the fluid flow by reducing turbulence and stabilizing pressure and velocity profiles before the fluid reaches the apertures, thereby maintaining consistent flow rates while preserving improved stream directionality from higher L/D ratio apertures
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary spray device is used to improve cleaning coverage and hit critical target areas, then three-hundred and sixty (360°) internal coverage is achieved, but sensors are required to ensure operation within specification, maintenance for proper orientation is required, and intermittent cleaning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented into multiple fixed spray heads, each with apertures oriented to cover specific target areas. This segmentation eliminates the need for rotary mechanisms while achieving comprehensive coverage through strategically positioned, stationary spray outlets that continuously clean their respective zones
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the spray device to achieve coverage, the invention inverts the approach by fixing multiple spray heads in different orientations and positions. The coverage is achieved not by movement but by having multiple stationary outlets oriented toward different critical areas, eliminating mechanical complexity
3Device complexity
If a static spray-ball with pre-arranged pattern of orifices is used to clean internal areas, then the device structure is simple, but the fluid cleaning streams deteriorate, meander, or toggle back and forth, resulting in inconsistent cleaning of target areas
Solution Approach 1:
A flow conditioner is added as an intermediary component within the static spray-ball structure. This flow conditioner stabilizes the fluid flow by reducing turbulence and preventing meandering streams before the fluid reaches the apertures, thereby maintaining simple device structure while achieving consistent, steady cleaning streams
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 solution achieves consistent and uniform cleaning of target areas, reducing the need for redundant cleaning processes and minimizing contamination risks by stabilizing fluid streams exiting the apertures, thereby enhancing cleaning efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining a steady hydrostatic pressure and flow velocity
Implementation Method 2
mitigates fluctuation of one of the internal pressure and flow velocity of the cleaning fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid cleaning device includes a spheroid-shaped member defining an internal void. The spheroid-shaped member further includes a wall defining a plurality of apertures and at least partially surrounding the internal void and an inlet orifice that receives a cleaning fluid under pressure. A tubular nozzle projects from the inlet orifice and into the internal void to mitigate fluctuation of one of the internal pressure and flow velocity of the cleaning fluid within the spheroid-shaped member.