Superheated Steam Sterile Packing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packing food products in containers often fail to achieve sterile conditions reliably, requiring complex and costly apparatus to minimize germ presence and prevent spoilage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a gaseous atmosphere of superheated steam, with a steam content of at least 50% by weight, to create a sterile environment for packing, where the material is exposed to the steam before being filled into a container, which is then sealed, ensuring minimal germ contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inert gas or bactericidal radiation is used to create sterile conditions, then germ presence is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the atmosphere by using superheated steam (temperature above 100°C at atmospheric pressure) instead of inert gases or radiation methods. This parameter change achieves sterilization through thermal effects while maintaining simpler equipment requirements compared to radiation or complex inert gas systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition properties of water to generate superheated steam atmosphere. By heating water beyond its normal boiling point at atmospheric pressure, the system creates a sterile environment without requiring complex pressurization equipment or alternative gas supply systems.
2Device complexity
If superheated steam atmosphere is used for packing, then sterile conditions are achieved with simpler apparatus, but temperature control becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary drying of the material in the superheated steam atmosphere before packing. This pre-treatment step ensures that the material is adequately dried and sterilized before being sealed in the container, preventing moisture-related issues during storage while maintaining the benefits of the simpler steam-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous circulation of the superheated steam atmosphere throughout the packing process. This continuous action ensures uniform temperature distribution and consistent sterilization effects without requiring complex temperature control interruptions or adjustments during the packing operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If material is dried in superheated steam atmosphere before packing, then storage time is extended, but process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drying process and the sterilization process into a single integrated step by exposing the material to superheated steam atmosphere simultaneously. This merging of functions achieves both moisture removal and germ elimination in one operation, extending storage life without proportionally increasing process time.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying in superheated steam atmosphere serves as a preliminary action that prepares the material for packing by removing moisture and reducing microbial load. This pre-treatment reduces the need for additional post-packing preservation measures, effectively extending storage time while keeping the overall process efficient.
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 approach effectively achieves sterile packing with reduced design and process engineering effort, maintaining product freshness by eliminating microorganisms and extending storage time without the need for extensive technical apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
providing a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam in a housing, supplying a material to the gaseous atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam
Implementation Method 3
the material is dried for a certain time before packing by dwelling in the gaseous atmosphere for a predetermined period of time
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for packing a material in a packing container. The method includes the steps of providing a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam in a housing; supplying a material to the gaseous atmosphere and delivering a packing container to the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, the material is filled into the packing container, the packing container is sealed inside the gaseous atmosphere, and filled packing container is moved out of the gaseous atmosphere.