Thermal valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems face challenges in maintaining a consistent concentration of solutions formed by dissolving solid products in liquids, as temperature and pressure variations affect the erosion rate and concentration, leading to difficulties in accurately adding make-up fluid to achieve the desired concentration.
Innovation Solution
A thermal valve assembly is integrated into the dispenser to automatically and continuously adjust the flow rate of diluting liquid based on the temperature of the liquid, independent of pressure, ensuring a steady concentration of the solution by varying the amount of diluting liquid added to the collection zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the temperature of the liquid is increased to improve dissolution rate, then the erosion rate of solid product chemistry increases, but the concentration of the solution becomes higher than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a temperature sensor to detect liquid temperature and a control valve to automatically adjust the flow rate of make-up liquid based on temperature readings. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for concentration changes caused by temperature variations, maintaining consistent solution concentration despite improved dissolution rates at higher temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of make-up liquid dynamically based on temperature conditions. When temperature increases causing higher erosion rates and concentration, the system increases make-up liquid flow rate to dilute the solution back to the desired concentration level.
2Speed
If the pressure of the make-up liquid is increased to improve flow rate, then more liquid is introduced to the solution, but the concentration of the solution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors solution concentration and temperature, then adjusts the make-up liquid flow rate accordingly. This feedback control prevents over-dilution that would occur with simple pressure-based flow control, maintaining accurate concentration despite variations in liquid pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple pressure-driven flow control with a controlled valve mechanism that responds to temperature and concentration feedback. This substitution of mechanical pressure control with a controlled valve system allows precise regulation of make-up liquid addition based on actual solution conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a spray nozzle system is used to dissolve solid product, then the dissolution process can be controlled, but additional space is required for the spray pattern to develop
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the spray nozzle dissolution mechanism and replaces it with a direct liquid addition system using a control valve. This removes the need for spray pattern development space while maintaining control over the dissolution process through regulated make-up liquid flow based on temperature feedback.
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 maintains a consistent concentration of the solution by automatically adjusting the diluting liquid flow rate in response to temperature changes, thereby controlling the concentration independently of pressure fluctuations, ensuring effective sanitizing and cleaning characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal valve assembly (70) that will provide a continuously variable amount of liquid that is adjusted automatically to account for a change in temperature of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for obtaining a solution from a solid product in contact with a liquid is provided. A solid product is housed within a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into contact with the solid product. The solution formed between the solid product and the liquid is collected, and a makeup liquid can be added thereto to further dilute or control the concentration of the formed solution. The amount of makeup liquid added to the solution can be controlled based on the temperature of the liquid to provide an automatic, continuously variable amount of liquid added to the solution. In addition, a method of providing a pressure independent control of the makeup liquid is also provided.