Inclined Static Microdoser Nozzle to Reduce Additive Splashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static microdosers for introducing additives into containers face challenges in high-speed applications due to splashing and limited dosing precision, particularly when injecting larger quantities of additives at high flow rates, leading to variability in product quality and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A system with an automated conveyor and a static microdoser having a nozzle inclined relative to the vertical direction, configured to limit the specific kinetic energy of additive jets to reduce splashing by controlling the relative speed and impact area, allowing high-speed operation without splashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a static microdoser is used to introduce additive into containers at high speed, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to splashing and limited dosing time
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is made movable along the container trajectory, allowing it to dynamically track and follow the moving containers. This dynamic positioning enables the nozzle to maintain optimal alignment with each container opening throughout the dosing process, ensuring precise additive introduction even at high production speeds where static nozzles would fail due to limited dosing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional high-flow-rate mechanical injection systems with a low-flow-rate system that uses a movable nozzle to extend dosing time. By substituting the mechanical approach of forcing large volumes through high-flow nozzles with a tracked nozzle approach, the system achieves both high productivity and high precision without the splashing problems associated with high-flow-rate injection
2Quantity of substance
If high flow rate injection is used to introduce large quantities of additive, then quantity of substance is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to splashing and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The movable nozzle tracks the container motion dynamically, allowing the system to introduce larger quantities of additive through extended dosing time rather than through high flow rate. This dynamic tracking enables the nozzle to remain positioned over the container opening throughout the entire dosing process, preventing splashing while delivering the required additive quantity
Solution Approach 2:
The system fundamentally changes the flow rate parameter from high to low, and compensates by increasing dosing time through nozzle movement. This parameter transformation allows large quantities of additive to be introduced without the harmful splashing effects that characterize high-flow-rate injection systems
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 effectively reduces splashing and improves dosing precision, enabling high-speed additive introduction into containers with reduced variability and enhanced hygiene, suitable for industrial canning lines operating at speeds up to 100,000 cans per hour.
Implementation Method 1
the specific kinetic energy transferred at the impact of the jet or jets to the free surface of the main liquid material is less than 3000 mJ/m2
Implementation Method 2
A static microdoser is configured to generate a jet of additive when a container aperture passes under a nozzle of the microdoser
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for introducing an additive into a container (4) partially filled with a main liquid material. It comprises an automated conveyor for transporting the container (4) along a straight horizontal trajectory (T) at a substantially constant container speed (Vc). It further comprises a static microdoser (6) having a nozzle (9) from which at least one jet (8) of an additive issues upon passage of an opening (7) of the container (4). The system is configured to introduce a given mass of additive into the container. The nozzle of the microdoser (6) is inclined relative to a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the trajectory (T). The inclination of the nozzle, the number, the shape and the speed (Vj) of the at least one jet, the mass of additive, and the container speed (Vc) are configured such that the specific kinetic energy of the impact of the at least one jet on the free surface of the main liquid material is less than 3000 mJ/m2.