Cleaning Machine Thermal Sanitization Control Using Sump Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated cleaning machines face challenges in achieving thermal sanitization due to variations in wash time, rinse time, and rinse temperature, which can be influenced by factors like ware type, material, and load size, making it difficult to consistently deliver the required heat energy for effective sanitization.
Innovation Solution
The system monitors the sump temperature difference during the cleaning process and adjusts parameters such as wash time, rinse time, and rinse temperature to ensure thermal sanitization is achieved, using predictive equations based on experimental data to dynamically control the cleaning process and deliver the necessary heat unit equivalents (HUEs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If default cleaning process parameters are used, then the cleaning process can be executed efficiently, but thermal sanitization may not be achieved due to variations in wash time, rinse time, and rinse temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sump temperature during the cleaning process and uses this feedback to predict the number of heat unit equivalents (HUEs) that will be delivered. Based on this prediction, the system automatically adjusts cleaning process parameters to ensure thermal sanitization requirements are met, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual process conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines the sump temperature difference at the beginning of the cleaning process and predicts the total HUEs that will be delivered before the cleaning process completes. This preliminary assessment allows the system to proactively adjust parameters during the process rather than reacting after sanitization failure occurs
2Reliability
If cleaning process parameters are adjusted to ensure thermal sanitization, then sanitization reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts cleaning process parameters based on real-time sump temperature measurements and predictions. Rather than using fixed high-energy settings, the system adapts parameters such as wash time, rinse time, and rinse temperature to match actual process conditions, delivering only the necessary HUEs required for thermal sanitization without excess energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (wash time, rinse time, rinse temperature) based on the predicted HUEs and sump temperature difference. By dynamically modifying these parameters during the cleaning process, the system optimizes energy usage to meet exactly the thermal sanitization requirements without wasting energy on excessive heating or extended operation
3Reliability
If sump temperature is monitored and parameters are adjusted in real-time, then thermal sanitization is optimized, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring sump temperature, predicting HUEs, and modifying cleaning process parameters without external intervention. The controller autonomously makes decisions to ensure thermal sanitization, reducing the need for complex external control systems or manual adjustments
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 ensures consistent thermal sanitization independent of ware type and load size, optimizing energy and cost efficiency by tailoring cleaning process parameters to meet the minimum HUE requirements without excess, thereby enhancing the sanitization process in automated cleaning machines.
Implementation Method 1
determine a first temperature of the cleaning solution in the sump at a first predetermined time during execution of the cleaning process; determine a second temperature of the cleaning solution in the sump at a second predetermined time during execution of the cleaning process
Implementation Method 2
predict a number of heat unit equivalents (HUEs) that will be delivered during the cleaning process based on the sump temperature difference; achieve thermal sanitization of the wares
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and/or methods for the monitoring and/or control of thermal sanitization in automated cleaning machines are described. A cleaning machine controller may predict a number of heat unit equivalents that will be delivered during a cleaning process based on a sump temperature difference (i.e., a change in the temperature of the cleaning solution in the sump) experienced at or near the beginning of the cleaning process. One or more cleaning process parameters may be adjusted and/or controlled based on the sump temperature difference in order to ensure that a target number of heat unit equivalents are delivered in order to achieve thermal sanitization of the wares subjected to the cleaning process.