Sterile Fluid Distribution Annular Chamber for Filling Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for filling liquid foodstuffs into containers face challenges in maintaining a sterile atmosphere due to unsterile hot air backflow from the sterilizing region into the filling zone, inadequate mass flow and flow distribution of sterile fluid, and noise pollution during the introduction of sterile fluid.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a varying cross-sectional area in the annular chamber to maintain constant pressure and flow velocity of sterile fluid, with a linear variation of the internal line diameter and the use of rotatable perforated plates to ensure uniform distribution and reduce backflow, and a flow body to increase static pressure and prevent turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sterile fluid is introduced into the working chamber through an external line with openings, then the sterile atmosphere is maintained, but unsterile hot air from the sterilizing region flows back into the external line due to ejector effect
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional area of the annular chamber is varied along the longitudinal direction, creating a tapering geometry that reduces the area towards the filling region. This geometric parameter change modifies the flow characteristics of the sterile fluid, increasing its velocity and reducing static pressure in a controlled manner to prevent backflow of unsterile air while maintaining sterile fluid distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The invention addresses the backflow problem by transitioning from a uniform cross-section design to a variable cross-section design along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional variation creates a pressure gradient that counteracts the ejector effect, preventing hot air from entering the external line while maintaining effective sterile fluid distribution
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cross-sectional area of the annular chamber is reduced to maintain constant pressure, then backflow is reduced, but the mass flow and flow distribution of sterile fluid becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional area of the annular chamber is progressively reduced along the longitudinal direction, creating a tapering effect. This parameter change increases the velocity of sterile fluid while maintaining constant pressure, preventing backflow. The reduced cross-section compensates for the decreased mass flow by increasing flow velocity, ensuring adequate distribution of sterile fluid to all openings along the external line
3Reliability
If sterile fluid is introduced at high velocity to maintain sterile atmosphere, then contamination is prevented, but noise pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable cross-sectional area design allows the sterile fluid to maintain constant pressure while increasing velocity in a controlled manner. This reduces turbulence and chaotic flow patterns that generate noise, while still preventing backflow and maintaining sterile atmosphere. The gradual area reduction creates laminar flow conditions that are quieter than abrupt high-velocity injection
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 solution effectively maintains a sterile atmosphere in the filling region by reducing backflow and noise, ensuring a uniform and laminar flow of sterile fluid, thereby enhancing the cleanliness and operational efficiency of the filling process.
Implementation Method 1
The cross-sectional area of the annular chamber varies in the longitudinal direction at least in sections such that a substantially constant pressure distribution along the length of the outer line and thereby an even distribution of sterile air emerging from the openings
Implementation Method 2
The external line surrounding the internal line is automatically cleaned after completion of the filling during the cleaning operation of the working chamber when the cleaning medium emerging from the nozzles of the internal line under pressure impinges upon the inner surface of the external line
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for filling product into containers includes a working chamber through which the containers pass and the containers are acted upon by a sterile fluid to avoid contamination. An external line extends through the working chamber having a plurality of gas openings for the introduction of sterile air into the working chamber and that an internal line extends into the external line having a plurality of openings for spraying a cleaning medium. An annular chamber extends in a longitudinal direction between the internal and the external line. The cross-sectional area of the annular chamber varies in the longitudinal direction so that an even distribution of sterile air emerging from the gas openings into the working chamber is achieved.