Vacuum System Sterilization via Gas Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum systems in the food industry are not adequately sterilized from the inside, allowing harmful bacteria and molds to survive and potentially contaminate food processes, leading to product recalls and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum system with a sterilization device connected between the main valve and the vacuum pump inlet, using a sterilization gas like ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and valves to control gas flow and retention, ensuring thorough interior sterilization without contaminating the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum system is used for food processing and packaging, then vacuum functionality is achieved, but harmful bacteria and molds can survive inside the system and contaminate the food process
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization device is integrated into the vacuum system to perform preliminary sterilization of the interior surfaces before food processing begins. The sterilization gas is introduced through the existing vacuum piping to eliminate harmful bacteria and molds in advance, preventing contamination during the vacuum process.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterilization gas is used as an intermediary substance to transfer the sterilization function through the vacuum system. The gas flows through the piping and contacts interior surfaces, eliminating harmful microorganisms without requiring direct physical intervention or disassembly of the vacuum system.
2Reliability
If the sterilization device is connected close to the main valve, then sterilization gas can reach almost all interior volumes, but the pipe length between main valve and connection point must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization device is positioned at a specific location (close to the main valve) to optimize sterilization gas distribution. This local placement ensures that the gas is introduced at a strategic point where it can effectively reach and sterilize almost all interior volumes of the vacuum system through the existing piping network.
3Ease of operation
If a sterilization valve is disposed between the sterilization device and the connection point, then the sterilization device can be separated during normal operation, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization valve serves multiple functions: it isolates the sterilization device during normal vacuum operations, controls gas flow during sterilization cycles, and allows the system to switch between operational modes. This multi-functionality justifies the added valve component by providing operational flexibility and control.
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 effectively sterilizes the interior of vacuum systems, preventing bacterial and mold contamination, ensuring food safety and reducing the risk of product recalls by using a controlled sterilization gas flow and retention mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
by operating of the vacuum pump the sterilization gas is conveyed from the sterilization device through the pipe connecting the main valve and the inlet of the vacuum pump, through the vacuum pump towards the outlet of the vacuum pump
Implementation Method 2
the sterilization device is configured to provide a sterilization gas. Thus, by operating of the vacuum pump the sterilization gas is conveyed... thereby sterilizing the interior of the vacuum system
Data Source
AI summary
Vacuum system, in particular for food processing, comprising: a main valve being connectable to a processing chamber, a vacuum pump having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected to the main valve to connect the vacuum pump with the processing chamber, and a sterilization device being connected at a point of connection between the main valve and the inlet, wherein the sterilization device is configured to provide a sterilization gas.