Vacuum Pump Buffer-Zone Sterilization for Food Processing Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum pumps used in food processing and packaging installations face contamination risks due to the development of pathogenic microorganisms in connecting ducts between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, necessitating regular maintenance and shutdowns for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum pump design incorporating a sterilization element, such as ultraviolet light or a heating element, within a buffer zone that sanitizes gases before they enter the pumping chamber, preventing microbial contamination and ensuring continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If regular cleaning of connecting ducts is performed to prevent microbial contamination, then sanitary safety is improved, but maintenance intervention and temporary shutdowns are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization element performs preliminary sterilization of gases in the buffer zone before they can contaminate the vacuum chamber. This preventive action eliminates the need for subsequent cleaning operations and shutdowns, as contamination is stopped at its source in the connecting ducts
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer zone acts as an intermediary chamber between the connecting ducts and the vacuum chamber. The sterilization element within this intermediate zone neutralizes microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the vacuum chamber while allowing continuous operation
2Reliability
If sterilization devices are installed on connecting lines to prevent microbial development, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization element is merged with the buffer zone that is already part of the vacuum pump's internal structure. This integration combines the sterilization function with the existing gas flow path, avoiding the need for separate sterilization devices on connecting lines and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer zone serves multiple functions: it acts as a transition chamber for gas flow and simultaneously houses the sterilization element to eliminate microorganisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated sterilization devices, simplifying the system structure
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 buffer zone effectively destroys microorganisms and viruses, reducing the risk of contamination in the vacuum chamber and maintaining hygiene without the need for frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The sterilization element may be a single unit or one of several sterilization elements included in the vacuum pump. The sterilization element(s) may be positioned to sterilize a potential source of growth and spread of microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
A vacuum pump design incorporating a sterilization element, such as ultraviolet light or a heating element, within a buffer zone that sanitizes gases
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum pump (1) comprising a suction inlet (11), a delivery outlet (9) and an internal space designed in such a way that the pumping of the vacuum pump causes the entrained gases to flow therethrough from the suction inlet (11) to the delivery outlet (9). The vacuum pump comprises at least one sterilisation element (15) for sterilising at least one portion (18) of the internal space. The invention also relates to a facility for processing and/or packaging food products.