Steam Sterilizer Valve Control for Pressure and Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam sterilizers face challenges in reducing sterilization operation time while maintaining appropriate temperature distribution, as increasing pipe diameters to speed up steam supply and discharge can lead to uneven temperature distribution.
Innovation Solution
A steam sterilizer with a steam-supplying pipe of increased diameter to achieve a pressure-increase rate of 100 kPa/min or more, controlled by a valve system that adjusts steam flow based on temperature sensors to ensure appropriate temperature distribution within the sterilization tank, and a condensing device to expedite gas discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the diameter of the steam-supplying pipe is increased to reduce steam-supply time, then the sterilization operation time is reduced, but the temperature distribution becomes uneven and cannot be appropriately controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The steam-supplying pipe valve is controlled dynamically in two distinct modes: fully opened during conditioning process to maximize steam supply speed, and precisely controlled to supply predetermined amount of steam during sterilization process. This dynamic adjustment of valve opening degree allows the system to achieve both fast steam supply and appropriate temperature distribution at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the steam-supplying pipe valve based on the process stage. During conditioning process, the valve is fully opened to allow maximum steam flow for rapid pressurization. During sterilization process, the valve is controlled to supply a predetermined amount of steam to maintain appropriate temperature distribution. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between speed and temperature control.
2Loss of time
If the diameter of the steam discharge pipe is increased to reduce steam-discharge time, then the sterilization operation time is reduced, but the temperature distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The steam discharge process is controlled dynamically by adjusting the discharge timing and duration based on process stage. During conditioning process, steam is discharged rapidly to achieve quick vacuum state. During sterilization process, discharge is controlled to maintain appropriate temperature distribution. This dynamic control allows fast discharge without compromising temperature uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the discharge parameters (timing, duration, rate) based on the process stage. During conditioning process, the discharge parameters are set for maximum speed to quickly remove steam. During sterilization process, the parameters are adjusted to maintain appropriate temperature distribution. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between discharge speed and temperature control.
3Temperature
If the steam supply speed is slowed down to achieve preferable temperature distribution, then the temperature uniformity is improved, but the sterilization operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization operation is segmented into two distinct processes: conditioning process and sterilization process. During conditioning process, steam is supplied rapidly with the valve fully opened to minimize time. During sterilization process, steam is supplied at a controlled rate to maintain appropriate temperature distribution. This segmentation allows each process to be optimized independently, achieving both speed and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The conditioning process is performed as a preliminary action before the actual sterilization process. During this preliminary stage, steam is supplied rapidly to achieve quick pressurization and temperature equalization throughout the chamber. This preliminary action prepares the system for the subsequent sterilization process, allowing the main sterilization to proceed efficiently with appropriate temperature distribution.
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 configuration allows for reduced sterilization operation time while maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature distribution, preventing overheating and ensuring effective sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a steam-supplying pipe valve configured to control an amount of steam flow flowing through the steam-supplying pipe
Implementation Method 2
a condensing device to expedite gas discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A steam sterilizer includes a sterilization tank configured to house an object to be sterilized and perform sterilization on the object to be sterilized by maintaining supplied steam at a predetermined temperature and under a predetermined pressure; a steam-supplying pipe configured to supply the steam into the sterilization tank; a steam-supplying pipe valve configured to control an amount of steam flow flowing through the steam-supplying pipe, wherein the steam-supplying pipe is provided so as to have a diameter that allows a pressure-increase rate of 100 kPa/min or more in the sterilization tank; and a control unit configured to control the steam-supplying pipe valve to be fully opened, in a conditioning process for repeatedly performing introduction and discharge of the steam in and from the sterilization tank and to control the steam-supplying pipe valve so as to supply a predetermined amount of steam, in a sterilization process after the conditioning process.