System, method and process for disinfection of internal surfaces in aseptic tanks and pipelines by flooding with sanitizing fog

Abstract

A system, method and process for disinfection of internal surfaces in aseptic tanks and pipelines by flooding with sanitizing fog in facilities designed to store liquids in general, the system having an external equipment with means to generate sanitizing fog, controlling means of gases flow rate, in-line detectors and draining means of gases inside the tank, input means of fog carrying means comprising inert gases. A disinfection process includes introduction of a sanitizing fog with droplets having a maximum size of 10 μm, and 5 μm in some embodiments, simultaneously with removal of gases enclosed inside the tanks and pipelines, maintaining a positive pressure inside the tanks and pipelines. The method providing reduction of oxygen concentration inside the tanks in two steps, the first step having reduction to near 10% and the second a reduction to a value below 1%, filling the tank with a sanitizing fog during the second step.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This present invention refers to a system, a method and a process of flooding by a sanitizing solution fog and disinfection of closed spaces such as storage tanks and associated pipelines thereto and, more particularly, internal surfaces of tanks and pipelines used in processing of liquids in general. Such liquids include, but are not limited to, vegetable juices, milk and its derivatives, beverages in general, alcoholic or not, products for household use and treated water.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]There is an increasing concern of customers related to health foods and fruit's juice has been revealed an important component of a healthy diet. Sector of industrialized juices is demonstrating a strong potential for increase, allowing the entrance of several companies into this market.[0003]Juices for human consumption can be classified into five categories: I) natural juices: made directly from processing the fruit itself, squeezing or crushing it; II) powde...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention aims to achieve several technical effects. Firstly, it aims to eliminate the need for a flooding procedure with sanitizing solution in NFC juices aseptic tanks, which saves time and reduces costs. Secondly, it aims to reduce the amount of effluents produced during the floding procedure and disinfection processes, which minimizes environmental risks. Thirdly, it aims to reduce the consumption of chemical products, such as sanitizing products, which lowers additional costs. Fourthly, it aims to perform disinfection processes in tanks and reservoirs without the need for people to enter confined spaces, which reduces occupational risks. Fifthly, it aims to reduce energy consumption during the flooding procedure and disinfection processes of tanks and pipelines, which is a cost-effective measure.

Problems solved by technology

This process impaired the juice's quality, since it interfered negatively in taste, vitamins' concentration and scent.

The major challenge of NFC juices industry is to preserve the quality of their products.

Being a natural product, juice is a product very susceptible to contamination.

The maintenance of aseptic state in every surface involved is extremely important in NFC process, considering that a single failure in disinfection process throughout the chain may compromise the integrity of millions of liters of juice.

In fact, the contact of products with surfaces poorly sanitized may increase the incidence of microorganisms, spoiling its intrinsic quality.

In case of food products, lack of sanitization can lead to health problems, from a simple discomfort up to more severe consequences, such as intoxication or death.

Disinfection of NFC aseptic tanks is an expensive and time-consuming process.

The use of steam presents limited application due to high costs, slowness in process and reduced lifetime of some equipment.

The third step is the most time consuming and expensive in the process.

Due to high cost and its suitability to reuse, such solution in general is stored in a tank for a period of up to 1 year.

It is a very expensive solution and difficult to reuse due to instability of peracetic acid.

As can be noted, the flood step is the most time consuming, laborious and expensive of all cleaning and disinfection process of tanks.

As drawbacks of this step, the following aspects can me mentioned (for a tank of 6 million liters):High consumption of water: 6,000,000 litersHigh consumption of sanitizer solution: 11,000 litersHigh consumption of energy (in case of pasteurized water): 1000 Kw / hour×120 hs=120,000 Kw.High disposal cost: solution must be treated with neutralizer and anti-foaming.Loss of one storage tank.

There is a permanent challenge to establish a sanitization procedure that aims an increase of effectiveness and reduction of costs.

It means that there is a large consumption of water, sanitizer product, energy (pumps to provide circulation of solution) and effluents generation, that must be treated before being disposed to the environment.

Besides the drawbacks above mentioned, some disinfection processes in tanks and reservoirs are performed manually, where workers have to come inside confined spaces to proceed with application of sanitizer product.

It is considered a high-risk activity, due to confined ambient and exposal of these people to toxic gases arising from the evaporation of sanitizing products.

However, the use of steam presents limited application due to high costs, slowness in process and reduced lifetime of some equipment.

Equipment and method described within that document, however, are not applicable to sanitization of aseptic tanks and pipelines for liquid materials or the like.

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