System and method for packaging and storing dry ice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dry ice production systems fail to effectively minimize moisture content and control the environment during the transfer of dry ice from the palletizer to the container, leading to potential degradation and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a dry ice generator connected to a container via a sealed passage with one-way escape valves, a dehumidifier, and a flexible container with a conical lid, allowing controlled air exchange to prevent moisture ingress and facilitate efficient filling and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a loose shroud system is used to transfer dry ice from palletizer to container, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but moisture content increases and environmental control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealed passage system that creates a controlled environment during dry ice transfer. The passage is connected to a vacuum source that removes air and moisture from the passage before dry ice transfer, and maintains negative pressure during transfer to prevent ambient humid air from entering. This inert/controlled atmosphere approach directly addresses the moisture problem while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed passage acts as an intermediary between the palletizer outlet and container inlet. Instead of direct open transfer or complex enclosed systems, the passage serves as a controlled intermediate channel that can be evacuated and sealed, providing moisture protection during transfer while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed passage system with dehumidifier is used to minimize moisture, then moisture content is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passage serves multiple functions: it acts as a transfer channel, a sealed enclosure for vacuum evacuation, and a pressure-controlled barrier. The vacuum source both evacuates the passage before transfer and maintains negative pressure during transfer. The one-way valve both allows filling and prevents backflow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing vacuum infrastructure at the dry ice facility to evacuate and maintain the passage. The dehumidifier integrates with the existing container filling operation, using the same timing and control sequence. The one-way valve automatically controls air flow direction without additional actuators or control systems.
3Device complexity
If conventional open transfer system is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced due to moisture-related quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The passage is evacuated and sealed before dry ice transfer begins. This preliminary preparation ensures the passage is ready to receive dry ice without moisture contamination, preventing quality issues that would require rework or rejection of affected product, thereby maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dry ice transfer through the sealed passage is performed quickly while the passage is under negative pressure, minimizing the time for any potential moisture ingress. The entire transfer process is rushed through before pressure equalization occurs, ensuring productivity is maintained.
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
The system significantly reduces moisture contact with dry ice, enhances filling efficiency, and improves the integrity and density of dry ice, while enabling gas recovery for improved conversion rates and environmental control.
Implementation Method 1
allowing sublimated CO2 gas to escape out of the container
Implementation Method 2
a dehumidifier connected to the container for reducing moisture or humidity in the container
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for filling containers with dry ice, where a dry ice generator and a container are configured to be connected via a passage that connects the outlet of the generator and the inlet of the container such that during a transfer of the dry ice from the generator into the container, the passage prevents humidity or moisture from entering the container during the transfer, while, for example by means of at least one one-way escape valve, air, gas, humidity, or moisture are allowed to exit the container.