Two-Stage Vacuum Degassing System for Beverage Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing degassing systems face challenges in reducing media consumption and extending the service life of circulation pumps, while achieving efficient degassing processes in beverage production.

Innovation Solution

A degassing system with a control device and a degassing container featuring two spatial areas separated by a controllable pump, allowing for single-stage or two-stage vacuum degassing processes, along with the use of stripping gases and sensors for optimized degassing and pump operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a two-stage vacuum degassing process is used, then degassing efficiency is improved, but media consumption increases and pump service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegassing efficiencyVSAvoidmedia consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The degassing vessel is divided into two spatially separated chambers (first and second chambers), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to perform single-stage or two-stage degassing by activating only the necessary chamber(s), thereby improving degassing efficiency when needed while avoiding unnecessary media consumption and pump wear during single-stage operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a controllable pump that can be selectively activated or deactivated based on process requirements. The control device dynamically adjusts pump operation to transfer liquid between chambers only when two-stage degassing is required, thereby extending pump service life by reducing unnecessary operational cycles while maintaining the capability for efficient two-stage degassing when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If a two-stage vacuum degassing process is used, then degassing efficiency is improved, but pump service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegassing efficiencyVSAvoidpump service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The controllable pump is integrated with a control device that dynamically determines pump operation based on process requirements. The pump operates only when transferring liquid between chambers for two-stage degassing, reducing overall operational hours and extending service life, while still enabling efficient two-stage degassing when high precision is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system design allows the same pump to serve multiple functions: transferring liquid between chambers for two-stage degassing, and potentially draining chambers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional pumping components and optimizes pump utilization, extending service life while maintaining degassing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If spatial separation of chambers is implemented, then process flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The degassing vessel is segmented into two spatially separated chambers that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation provides process flexibility to select single-stage or two-stage degassing modes while using a unified vessel structure, avoiding the complexity of completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device merges the control logic for both chambers and the controllable pump into a single integrated system. This unified control approach manages the complexity of spatial separation by providing centralized coordination, simplifying operation while maintaining the flexibility of the two-chamber configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces media consumption and increases the service life of the circulation pump by enabling efficient degassing processes, achieving lower residual gas content and adaptable operation based on liquid requirements.

Implementation Method 1

Vacuum degassing relies on a vacuum atmosphere in the degassing tank. The water to be degassed is sprayed into the tank through nozzles, and the resulting vacuum forces the oxygen and nitrogen out of the water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

The principle of pressure degassing is based on removing the oxygen and nitrogen from the water by adding CO2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure degassing: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3560572B1Degassing system and method for carrying out a degasification process of a liquid and drinks treatment machine
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 KRONES AG
  • EP3560572B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3560572B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3560572B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

The invention relates to a degassing system (1, 23) with a control device (17, 36), a degassing vessel (2, 24) with a first chamber (3, 25) into which liquid can be introduced, and a second chamber (4, 26) into which the liquid from the first chamber can be introduced. The first and second chambers are partially separated from each other by a partition (5, 27). A controllable pump (15, 34) is provided, which, when the pump is operated for a two-stage vacuum degassing process, pumps liquid from the first chamber to the second chamber. The control device controls the pump such that the pump is not operated for a single-stage vacuum degassing process and is operated for a two-stage vacuum degassing process. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for carrying out a degassing process of a liquid using a degassing system according to the invention.Furthermore, the invention relates to a beverage treatment machine with the degassing system and a filling system downstream of the degassing system.