Sterilization Apparatus Drying Rollers Centrifugal Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization apparatuses for packaging machines used in forming packages of pourable food products are not efficient in removing chemical sterilization agents from the packaging material, particularly from cavities formed by opening devices.
Innovation Solution
The sterilization apparatus includes a drying portion with rollers and gas nozzles that work together to remove chemical sterilization agents from both the planar portions and cavities of the packaging material, utilizing centrifugal forces and gravitational forces to enhance the removal process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical sterilization is used to sterilize packaging material, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but residual chemical presence on the packaging material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by introducing a removal solution that chemically reacts with and removes residual sterilization agents from the packaging material surface. The solution contains agents like hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid that break down and extract harmful chemical residues, thereby reducing contamination while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements discarding and recovering by continuously circulating and regenerating the removal solution. The solution is discarded after use and replaced with fresh solution, ensuring consistent removal capability. This allows the system to maintain low residual chemical levels while achieving thorough sterilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If opening devices are molded onto packaging material, then package functionality is improved, but removal of chemical sterilization agents from cavities becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing airflow from below the packaging material surface. The air stream rises through the cavities formed by opening devices, reaching areas that liquid solutions alone cannot access. This multi-dimensional approach (liquid from above, gas from below) ensures thorough removal of chemical agents from complex cavity structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles by introducing pressurized air streams to penetrate and clean cavity structures. The air flow dynamically reaches into recesses and contours where liquid removal solution cannot effectively penetrate, thereby improving removal efficiency from complex geometries while maintaining package functionality.
3Productivity
If multiple removal methods are combined, then removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple removal mechanisms (liquid spray, air stream, heating) into a single coordinated system. The spray device, air generator, and heating element work together in sequence and in coordination, achieving high removal efficiency while minimizing the space and complexity required compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-functionality where a single integrated apparatus performs multiple removal functions. The same device structure handles liquid application, air streaming, and thermal processing, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity through combined actions.
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 significantly improves the efficiency of removing chemical sterilization agents from the packaging material, ensuring that packages are thoroughly sterilized and reducing residual chemical presence, particularly in cavities.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing centrifugal forces and gravitational forces to enhance the removal process
Implementation Method 2
utilizing centrifugal forces and gravitational forces to enhance the removal process
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a sterilization apparatus (9) for a packaging machine (1); the sterilization apparatus (9) comprises a sterilization device configured to expose a web of packaging material (5) to a chemical sterilization agent during advancement along a sterilization portion (P1) of an advancement path (P), and a plurality of rollers (30, 31, 32) defining a drying portion (P2) of the advancement path (P) being arranged downstream of the sterilization portion (P1) so that the chemical sterilization agent is removed from the web of packaging material (5) during advancement along the drying portion (P2); the plurality of rollers (30, 31, 32) is arranged such that the drying portion (P2) comprises a first section (P2a) and a second section (P2b); the plurality of rollers (30, 31, 32) comprises a first deflection roller (30) arranged at a deflection station at which the drying portion (P2) changes from the first section (P2a) to the second section (P2b) and such that centrifugal forces (F1) act on the web of packaging material (5) at the deflection station for removing residuals of the chemical agent from cavities (10) of the a web of packaging material (5) .