Steam Infusion Distributor Head for Uniform Product Jet Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor infusion systems for heating liquid products, such as milk or juice, face issues with product jet spreading and uneven heating, leading to undesirable deposits, frequent cleaning needs, and energy inefficiencies due to insufficient steam distribution within the product jet.
Innovation Solution
A distributor head design featuring opening-free areas allows steam to enter the product jet perpendicular to its direction, ensuring uniform heating by enabling steam to penetrate the center of the product jet, reducing the need for increased steam temperature and minimizing product contact with container walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the product jet is surrounded and exposed to steam from the outside, then the product can be heated, but the product jet spreads radially outwards causing deposits and fouling on the cylindrical wall sections
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor head is divided into multiple distributor elements arranged around the central axis, each with its own opening-free area. This segmentation allows steam to penetrate through multiple discrete paths into the product jet, achieving uniform heating while maintaining jet coherence and preventing radial spreading that causes fouling.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of heating the product jet from the outside (radial direction), the invention introduces steam through opening-free areas that allow steam to enter the product jet from the lateral direction perpendicular to the jet flow. This dimensional change in steam introduction approach enables internal heating without radial spreading.
2Temperature
If the product jet is surrounded and exposed to steam from the outside, then heating can occur, but less steam is available in the center of the product jet for heating the product internally
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple distributor elements with opening-free areas are distributed around the central axis, creating multiple steam penetration paths that collectively deliver sufficient steam quantity to the center and all regions of the product jet, ensuring uniform internal heating.
Solution Approach 2:
Steam is introduced through the walls of the product jet via opening-free areas rather than from the outside, changing the dimension of steam approach. This allows steam to reach the central regions of the product jet effectively, increasing steam availability where it is most needed for internal heating.
3Productivity
If the steam temperature is increased to achieve adequate heating, then heating efficiency improves, but product quality particularly taste is negatively affected and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the dimension of steam introduction from external radial heating to internal heating through opening-free areas, the invention achieves effective heating at lower steam temperatures. Steam penetrates directly into the product jet from the lateral direction, providing sufficient heat transfer without requiring high temperatures that would degrade product quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical arrangement parameter of steam introduction (from external to internal through opening-free areas), which improves heat transfer efficiency. This parameter change allows using lower steam temperatures while maintaining adequate heating, thus preserving product quality and reducing energy consumption.
4Temperature
If a distributor head directs the product stream in an annular pattern with steam introduced into the interior, then heating can be improved, but the product heats up as it passes through the distributor necessitating intensive cooling and frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of introducing steam from above through the distributor body (which causes premature heating), the invention introduces steam through the walls of the product jet via opening-free areas on the distributor elements. This inverted approach allows steam to enter the product jet after it has been formed and is traveling downward, preventing premature heating and eliminating the need for intensive cooling.
5Quantity of substance
If separate steam connections are required for steam supply, then steam can be introduced into the interior of the product stream, but the steam supply is limited due to the unguided steam flow and the small cross-sectional area
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor head serves multiple functions: it distributes the product stream through multiple distributor elements and simultaneously introduces steam through opening-free areas on these same elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate steam connections while providing adequate steam supply through the distributed opening-free areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple distributor elements with opening-free areas are distributed around the central axis, creating multiple steam introduction paths. This segmentation provides sufficient total steam supply area while maintaining a compact structure, eliminating the need for separate steam connections and unguided steam flow.
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 heating uniformity, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes product quality degradation by maintaining steam distribution within the product jet, thereby preventing undesirable deposits and extending the operational life of the infusion container.
Implementation Method 1
the product is heated directly by steam... the product is heated through direct contact or heat exchange with the steam
Implementation Method 2
steam infusion in a pressurized steam infusion vessel, where the product is heated directly by steam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Distributor head for introducing a liquid product, in particular a liquid food product, into a steam infusion vessel, comprising one or more openings (18) for introducing the product into a steam infusion vessel in the form of a product jet, in particular composed of partial jets, wherein the distributor head in the area of the one or more openings comprises at least one opening-free area which is arranged and/or designed in such a way that a product jet is formed which allows steam to enter the interior of the product jet perpendicular to the direction of movement of the product jet.