JPH11141713A - Sterile valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterile valve assembly for flowing a liquid food or the like to a packaging machine so as not to deteriorate the food or the like, and do not include a retention area of a poor discharge such as a branch region. Provided is a miniaturized valve assembly. An integrated valve assembly having a valve body defining at least two valves includes, for example, a sterile product supply container,
Used at the interface between the product dispensing machine and the clean fluid supply container. The valve body can be made in one piece by casting and machining a suitable block of metal, such as stainless steel. All inner surfaces of the valve body
When the valve body is in the normal position and the required valve is open, it forms a non-retentive surface that self-discharges through at least one of the first, second, and third openings. The second surface of the second weir joins the surface defining the second passage. Valve branches and discontinuities where unwanted accumulations accumulate are minimized,
The size and weight of the valve assembly are reduced, and the respective position of the integrated valve is determined such that the valve operates and discharges properly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a valve assembly used for flowing a fluid through a piping system. In particular, it relates to a sterile valve assembly for sending a liquid food product to a packaging machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Prior Art Aseptic packaging of liquid foods such as milk and juice, or other products, requires that the product be first sterilized, such as by pasteurization, or otherwise processed. In doing so, the product must be kept sterile during the packaging operation. Care must be taken to ensure that the product is not contaminated by cleaning fluids, lubricants, ambient air, or non-sterile materials. If the product is not sterile (e.g., properly processed, conventionally pasteurized milk is not sterile), it is fed to a packaging machine and the machine splits, depressions, corners, or mechanisms Once inside, microorganisms grow on the product, forming unpleasant clumps and particles, which require strict measures. Thus, packaging machines must be designed so that mechanisms that may degrade and trap the product and expose the product to contamination can be easily checked on a regular basis.

[0003] A shut-off valve assembly, also known as a "leak detection" valve, is used during normal operation when two process streams, such as sanitary products and clean fluid, alternate in the same pipe. Or to ensure that one valve does not mix with each other due to leaks or other failures. Two valves are provided in series within the shut-off valve. The inlet valve is located at the inlet of the valve chamber and is normally closed to stop one of the fluids from flowing into the valve chamber. The outlet valve is located at the outlet of the valve chamber and is normally closed to stop the other of the fluid from flowing into the valve chamber (usually an unintended backflow). An outlet located in the valve chamber and valved normally open facilitates leak detection. For example, the discharge pipe extending from the valve is made transparent so that an operator can visually observe the leakage to the discharge pipe.

In a conventional shut-off valve, two or more separate valve bodies are connected between the outlets of each valve body by a T
Welded tubing is assembled into a complete valve assembly.
The piping and valve outlet passages of the assembly thus obtained form "dead legs" which are too long. The branch and the poorly-discharged valve inner surface provide a place for undesirably stagnant products or chemicals.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the problems associated with branches and poor discharge areas within a valve assembly. The present invention solves this problem by providing a unique valve assembly with a unique surface so as to reduce or eliminate stagnation areas, such as branch areas. An integrated diaphragm valve body defining at least two independent valves is disclosed. The valve assembly has a normal position that defines whether a particular surface is horizontal or upward. A horizontal or concave upward surface is more likely to allow fluid retention, while a downward, generally convex or non-horizontal surface does not retain fluid. For the purposes of the present invention, a downward surface and an upward surface that is neither horizontal nor concave, and more generally a surface that does not allow fluid to stagnate, are defined as "non-retentive" surfaces.

The valve body has a first opening, a second opening and a third opening.
It has a surface that defines an opening. The other surface of the valve body is the first
A weir and a second weir are defined. The first weir separates the first opening from the second opening. The first weir has a first surface and a second surface. First
The surface is located on the same side of the first weir as the first opening. The first side,
The surface defining the first opening defines a first passage. First
The second surface of the weir is located on the same side as the second opening of the first weir. The second surface of the first weir and the surface defining the second opening define a second passage in the valve body.

The second weir separates the second opening from the third opening. The second weir has a first surface on the same side as the third opening. Second
The first surface of the weir and the surface defining the third opening define a third passage. The second weir has a second surface that defines a second passage. The second surface of the second weir is a non-retentive surface and self-discharges through one of the openings when the valve body is in a normal position.
Many variations and specific features are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

The valve body is one-piece and can be made by casting and machining a block of a suitable metal, such as stainless steel. All inner surfaces of the valve body
When the valve body is in the normal position and the required valve is opened,
A self-exhausting surface is formed on at least one of the first, second, and third openings for a non-retaining surface. For example, the second surface of the first weir is a non-retaining surface that self-discharges through the third opening when the valve body is in the normal position.

[0009] The second surface of the second weir merges with the surface defining the second passage. Merging the second surface with these surfaces means that the second surface is continuous with at least one of these surfaces without discontinuities or sudden changes forming a boundary. Although the present invention has been briefly described above, the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. .

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION All terms are to be interpreted most broadly unless otherwise defined. Unless otherwise defined, the term "sanitary" is used broadly for sanitary, nearly sterile, or sterile. The term "food" is used as one non-exclusive example of something prepared and packaged under hygienic conditions. The device is also suitable for dispensing peroral or parenteral drugs and those that are perishable which, if accumulated in the device, would make it difficult to treat, or which would allow bacterial growth. US Patent Application No. 08/810
613 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the entire disclosure of which specification and drawings are incorporated herein.

FIG. 1 shows a suitable environment for the valve assembly of the present invention, ie, the interface 150 between the process line 33, the packaging machine 35, and the clean fluid and steam supplies 45,53. The illustrated interface 150 is denoted by reference numeral 8
It has ten valves, numbered 0-98. Valves 80, 8
Reference numerals 2, 84, 86, 88 and 90 are self-drain type diaphragm shut-off valves for passing and storing food fluids and cleaning fluids and for storing at least steam at a sterilizing pressure and temperature. Valves 92 and 96 are steam inlet valves,
Valves 94 and 98 are steam / condensate discharge valves that restrict steam flow at the outlet and discharge condensate.

The terms "inlet" and "outlet" as used herein, and particularly with respect to valves 80-90, are not literally because fluid flows in both directions through many of the valves in various cases. Defined in a broad sense. For convenience, the side of valves 80, 82, 84, 86 where normal food enters from process line 33 is often defined as the inlet of the valve, and the side of valves 88 and 90 where clean fluid from normal source 45 enters is often the valve. Is defined as the entrance. Similarly,
“Upstream” and “downstream” are always defined for a particular fluid flow. Different fluids, or the same fluid at different times, flow in different directions. Further, a structure "adapted to" or "communicated with" another structure is used herein and in the claims to refer to the other structure when the valve between those structures is opened. It is defined as a structure that can communicate.

[0013] The insertion of additional valves, vessels, tanks, etc. between the two structures impedes being "adapted" or "for communication" as defined herein. is not. Further, this specification has identified "at least one" of many structures, only one of which is shown in the embodiments described in the specification and drawings. However, arrangements in which two, three, four or more of these structures are arranged in series or in parallel are envisioned as alternative embodiments.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the materials to be packaged, such as food,
It is introduced from the plant process line 33 to the interface 150 through the valve 80. The valve 82 is a product supply valve 8
There is at least one discharge valve that communicates between the outlet 0 and the discharge section 112, here through a discharge line 114. The valve 84 is another discharge line valve arranged in series with the valve 82 and communicating between the discharge line 114 and the discharge unit 112. An isolation space is defined between the valves 82,84.

The valve 86 is connected to the outlet 104 of the product supply valve 80.
And at least one outlet 122 in communication with the product dispensing machine outlet 106.
At least one isolation valve having: T member 12
4 defines an open common space between the valves 80, 82, 86. The arms of the T-member 124 are inclined toward the joint enough to allow the entire contents of the valves 82, 84 to open when the valves 82, 84 are opened, so that the T-member 124 is completely out of use when not in use. The contents are to be discharged. For miniaturization, the T-member may be crushed so that there is little separation space between the valves 80, 82 and 86.

The elbow 126 has a first runway 128 extending obliquely from the outlet 122 and a second runway 130 communicating with the first runway 128 and the product distribution machine outlet 106. This is also a self-discharge structure. The second runway 130 supplies the cleaning fluid from the source 45 to the interface 15.
0 and, in this embodiment, a cleaning fluid inlet or branch 132 for supply to the packaging machine 35. By providing another structure, the cleaning fluid can be separately supplied to the interface 150 and the packaging machine 35. Branch 132 has an outlet defined by an outlet of at least one first clean fluid supply valve 88 for communicating with product dispensing machine outlet 106.

The branch 132 also has at least one second cleaning fluid supply valve 90 for communicating between the cleaning fluid source 45 and the first cleaning fluid supply valve 88. Valves 92, 96
Is a steam inlet valve connected to the steam source 53 by suitable piping. The valves 92 and 96 communicate with the discharge line 114 and the branch line 132, respectively. The valves 94 and 98 communicate with the condensed water discharge part 149. The entire fork 132 is vertical and connected to a substantially horizontal first travel path.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the structure of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in more practical detail. FIG. 2 shows the partial integration of several valve bodies. This construction not only saves volume and weight, but also improves drainage from the interior of the valve and is often a "waste branch" because of the area of material flow stagnation.
This reduces the length of the passage between the valves, called In this embodiment, in particular, the valves 80 and 82, 84 and 94, and 86, 88 and 98 are integrated. Valves 80, 82
Alternatively, by tilting the bodies of the valves 86, 88 relative to each other, each valve is in a properly ejected position, minimizing branch phenomena. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing a fully assembled valve including actuator 152 of valve 80. The valve actuator may be of the conventional type.

Various types of valves can be used within the scope of the present invention. The valve shown is a diaphragm valve suitable for dairy piping. The details of each valve 80-96 are best shown in FIG. Valve body 154
Is a block of stainless steel or other suitable material, machined, cast, or otherwise formed. The valve body 154 has a first opening 155 defined by a wall of the inlet passage or first passage 156 and a second opening or outlet 1
Outlet passage 157 ending at 58 and diaphragm opening 1
59. In this embodiment, the entrance 156
And outlet 158 are at least approximately aligned, but need not be. The inlet 156 and the outlet 158 are connected to a weir 16 having a seat 162 facing the diaphragm opening 159.
Separated by 0. The weir 160 further has a first surface 163 on the same side as the first opening 155, and a second surface 164 on the same side as the second opening 158. A diaphragm made of an elastomeric polymer covers and seals the opening 159 and supports the integral valve body. The diaphragm is deflected perpendicular to the plane by the valve actuator to engage and disengage the valve body with the seat 162 to selectively open and close the valve 80.

FIGS. 4 to 7 further show the product valves 80, 8
2 and the integration of the steam inlet valve 92. FIG.
Illustrates the flow of product from the process line 33 to the packaging machine 35 and the valve 82 controls access to an exhaust line 114 through which waste fluid and recirculated cleaning fluid flow. Steam inlet valve 92 is connected to exhaust line 114 and valve 80.
Supply steam downstream of 4 to 7, the valve 82 shares the valve body 154 with the valves 80 and 92. Valve 82 has an inlet passage 157 that is also the outlet passage of valve 80. Valve 82 is connected to outlet passage 17 terminating at third outlet 172.
0, a diaphragm opening 174, and a weir 176 with a seat 178. The diaphragm and valve body of the valve 82 are not shown in FIGS.

As best shown in FIG. 7, weir 176
Has a first surface 177 on the same side as the third opening 172 of the second weir. Weir 176 also has a second surface 180 on the same side as opening 174. This second surface also defines a portion of the outlet passage 157. The inlet face, when the valve 82 is opened,
It is shaped and arranged to self-drain past the seat 178 of the weir 176. The valve 80 and the valve 82 are arranged orthogonal to each other, and are easily integrated as a self-discharge unit without forming a branch. The outlet 172 communicates with the discharge line 114 as described above in connection with FIG.

FIG. 7 also shows a steam inlet valve 92, which is a diaphragm valve formed in the valve body 154. Valve 92 introduces steam into the third passage. Valve 92 includes inlet passage 182, weir 18 corresponding to those of valves 80 and 82.
4, having a seat 186, a diaphragm opening 188 and an outlet passage 190. The inlet passage 182 is the steam source 53 (FIG. 2)
It is connected to. The outlet passage 190 communicates with the outlet passage 170 of the valve 82. The exit passage 190 is the exit passage 17
It is molded and arranged to self-discharge to zero. Valve 9
The diaphragm and valve element of valve 2 are identical to those of valve 80 except that the sterilizing fluid must be resistant to heat and chemicals if the sterilizing fluid is a fluid such as high temperature or pressure steam.
It is similar to that of The required diaphragm materials are well known to those skilled in the art and will be readily available.

FIGS. 8-11 show the integration of valves 86, 88, 98 into a single valve body, here formed in one block of stainless steel. The arrangement of the steam valve is different. Corresponding components in FIGS. 8 to 11 have the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 4 to 7. 8 to 11 show the first opening 155, the second opening 158, and the third opening 1.
72 shows an integrated diaphragm valve body 154 having the same.
A first weir 160 separates the first opening 155 from the second opening 158. The first weir 160 has a first surface 163 on the same side as the first opening 155. The first surface 163 and the first opening 1
The surface defining 55 defines a first passage 156. The first weir 160 has a second surface 164 on the same side as the second opening 158. The second surface 164 and the surface defining the second opening 158 define a second passage 157. A second weir 176 separates the third opening 172 from the second opening 158. The second weir 176 is located on the same side as the third opening 172.
It has a surface 177. The first surface 177 of the second weir 176 and the surface defining the third opening 172 define a third passage 170. The second weir 176 further has a second surface 180 that defines a second passage 157.

The second surface 180 of the second weir 176 is
Numeral 54 is a non-retaining surface that self-discharges through the third opening 172 when in a normal position. Referring again to FIGS. 8-11, all inner surfaces of the valve body 154
Is in a normal position, and the first opening 155, the second opening 158, and the third opening 172 are open when the valve for controlling discharge is open.
Is a non-retentive surface that self-discharges through at least one of the following. For example, the second surface 164 of the first weir 160 is a non-retaining surface that self-discharges through the third opening 172 when the valve body is in a normal position.

The second surface 180 of the second weir 176 merges with the surface defining the second passage 157 and defines a substantially continuous surface. Thus, a valve assembly having a number of desirable features has been described. In particular, the branches and discontinuities where unwanted accumulations accumulate are minimized, the size and weight of the valve assembly are reduced, and the respective position of the integrated valve ensures that the valve operates properly and discharges properly. It is determined to be.

From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will recognize the advantages of the present invention, and the present invention has been described only in terms of the preferred embodiments, but is to be limited except as by the appended claims. Without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention without departing, the alternative embodiments described in the accompanying drawings,
It will also be readily apparent that various changes, modifications, and equivalents may be made. The embodiments of the invention in which the exclusive characteristics or features are described are defined in the following claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an interface between a food plant process line, a packaging machine, a source of clean fluid, and a source of steam.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interface of FIG. 1 with the valve diaphragm, valve body and valve actuator removed to show the orientation of the valve body.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing the valve fully assembled.

FIG. 4 is an isolated front elevation view of the assembly of valves 80, 82, 92 similar to FIG. 2, but modified for further integration.
The internal structure is shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the assembly of FIG. 2; The internal structure is shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 4 of a second embodiment of the invention, showing the assembly of valves 86, 88, 98;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 33 Process line 35 Packaging machine 45 Clean fluid source 53 Steam source 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, Valve 90, 92, 96, 94, 98 150 Interface 112 Discharge unit 114 Discharge line 106 Product distribution machine outlet 124 T member 126 Elbow 128 1st runway 130 2nd runway 132 Branch 149 Condensed water discharge section 152 Operating device 154 Valve body 155 First opening 156 First passage 158 Second opening 160 First dam 176 Second dam 159, 174 Diaphragm opening 163, 177 First surface 164, 180 Second surface 162, 178 Seat 172 Third opening 170 Third passage

Claims (11)

[Claims] An integrated diaphragm valve body having a normal posture, a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a first weir that separates the first opening from the second opening. A first surface on the same side as the opening and a second surface on the same side as the second opening, wherein the first surface and a surface defining the first opening define a first passage; A first weir having a surface defining a second opening defining a second passage; and a second weir separating the third opening from the second opening, wherein the first surface is on the same side as the third opening. Wherein the first surface of the second weir and the surface defining the third opening define a third passage, and the surface defining a second weir having a second surface defining a second passage. An integrated diaphragm valve body having a second surface of a second weir with a non-retentive surface that self-discharges through at least one of said openings when the valve body is in a normal position. There is an integrated diaphragm valve body. 2. The valve body according to claim 1, wherein the valve body is made in one piece. 3. The valve body according to claim 2, wherein the valve body is made of metal. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein all of said surfaces are non-retentive surfaces that self-drain through at least one of the first, second, and third openings when the valve body is in a normal position. 2. The valve body according to 1. 5. The valve body according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the first weir is a non-retaining surface that self-discharges through the third opening when the valve body is in a normal position. 6. The valve body according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the second weir merges with the surface defining the second passage to form a substantially continuous surface. 7. A production source of forming, filling and hermetic packaging machines,
A valve assembly communicating with a source of disinfecting fluid and a discharge path, wherein the valve assembly is integrated into the machine, wherein a first valve is in communication with a source of product and a second valve is in communication with the discharge path and the first valve. A first valve having a position orthogonal to the second valve for self-discharge and reduced stagnant surfaces. 8. A third valve in communication with the disinfecting fluid,
8. A fourth valve in communication with the first and second valves, the third valve having a position orthogonal to the fourth valve for self-discharge and reduced stagnation surfaces. A valve assembly according to claim 1. 9. The valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein the fourth valve is in communication with a filling station for the packaging machine. 10. The valve assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a fifth valve juxtaposed between said second valve and said outlet. 11. A valve assembly integrated with a form, fill, and seal packaging machine having a product source and a discharge path in communication with the valve assembly, wherein said valve assembly is connected to a production source and a filling station on the packaging machine. A first valve communicating with the first valve, and a second valve communicating with the discharge path and the first valve, wherein the first valve has a posture orthogonal to the second valve for self-discharge and reduction of a stagnation surface. Valve assembly.