Controller and method for administering and providing on-line correction of a batch sterilization process
First Claim
1. A batch sterilization system comprising:
- a batch sterilizer to perform a batch sterilization process on a batch of containers;
a sensor to sense actual retort temperatures in the batch sterilizer during the batch sterilization process; and
a controller to;
compile an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from the actual retort temperatures sensed by the sensor;
until a temperature deviation between the actual retort time-temperature profile and a scheduled time-temperature profile has begun, control the batch sterilizer so as to administer an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before the temperature deviation has begun according to the scheduled time-temperature profile;
in response to the temperature deviation, define a re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile for a remaining portion of the batch sterilization process that begins when the temperature deviation has cleared by simulating the batch sterilization process based on the actual retort time-temperature profile;
during the temperature deviation, control the batch sterilizer so as to administer corrections to clear the temperature deviation between the actual retort and re-scheduled remaining processing time-temperature profiles;
when the temperature deviation has cleared, administer the remaining portion of the batch sterilization process according to the re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile.
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Abstract
The present invention comprises a batch sterilization system, a controller for use in the batch sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller. The system, controller, and method are used to administer and provide on-line correction of a batch sterilization process performed on a batch of containers. The controller compiles an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from the actual retort temperatures sensed by a sensor. While this is occurring, the controller controls a batch sterilizer so as to administer an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before a temperature deviation has begun according to a scheduled time-temperature profile. This temperature deviation is between the actual retort time-temperature profile and the scheduled processing time-temperature profile. In response to the temperature deviation, the controller defines a re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile for a remaining portion of the batch sterilization process that begins when the temperature deviation clears. This is done by simulating the batch sterilization process based on the actual retort time-temperature profile. During the temperature deviation, the controller controls the batch sterilizer so as to administer corrections to clear the temperature deviation between the actual retort and re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profiles. When the temperature deviation has finally cleared, the controller controls the batch sterilizer so as to administer the remaining portion of the batch sterilization process according to the re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile.
30 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A batch sterilization system comprising:
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a batch sterilizer to perform a batch sterilization process on a batch of containers;
a sensor to sense actual retort temperatures in the batch sterilizer during the batch sterilization process; and
a controller to;
compile an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from the actual retort temperatures sensed by the sensor;
until a temperature deviation between the actual retort time-temperature profile and a scheduled time-temperature profile has begun, control the batch sterilizer so as to administer an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before the temperature deviation has begun according to the scheduled time-temperature profile;
in response to the temperature deviation, define a re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile for a remaining portion of the batch sterilization process that begins when the temperature deviation has cleared by simulating the batch sterilization process based on the actual retort time-temperature profile;
during the temperature deviation, control the batch sterilizer so as to administer corrections to clear the temperature deviation between the actual retort and re-scheduled remaining processing time-temperature profiles;
when the temperature deviation has cleared, administer the remaining portion of the batch sterilization process according to the re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of administering and providing on-line correction of a batch sterilization process performed on a batch of containers, the method comprising the steps of:
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compiling an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from actual retort temperatures sensed during the batch sterilization process;
until a temperature deviation between the actual retort temperature profile and a scheduled time-temperature profile has begun, administering an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before the temperature deviation has begun according to the scheduled time-temperature profile;
in response to the temperature deviation, defining a re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile for a remaining portion of the batch sterilization process that begins when the temperature deviation has cleared by simulating the batch sterilization process based on the actual retort time-temperature profile;
during the temperature deviation, administering corrections so that the temperature deviation will be cleared between the actual retort and re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profiles;
when the temperature deviation has cleared, administering the remaining portion of the batch sterilization process according to the re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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17. A controller for use in a batch sterilization system, the batch sterilization system including a batch sterilizer to perform a batch sterilization process on a batch of containers and a sensor to sense actual retort temperatures in the batch sterilizer during the batch sterilization process, the controller comprising:
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control circuitry to administer the batch sterilization process by controlling the batch sterilizer and measure the actual retort temperatures sensed by the sensor;
a memory to store a process control program and a temperature deviation program; and
a microprocessor coupled to the control circuitry and the memory to execute the process control and temperature deviation programs such that;
the process control program;
compiles an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from the actual retort temperatures measured by the control circuitry;
until a temperature deviation between the actual retort time-temperature and a scheduled time-temperature profile has begun, causes the control circuitry to administer an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before the temperature deviation has begun according to the scheduled time-temperature profile;
during the temperature deviation, causes the control circuitry to administer corrections to clear the temperature deviation between the actual retort time-temperature profile and a re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile for a remaining portion of the batch sterilization process that begins when the temperature deviation has cleared; and
when the temperature deviation has cleared, causes the control circuitry to administer the remaining portion of the batch sterilization process according to the re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile; and
the temperature deviation program, in response to the temperature deviation, defines the re-scheduled remaining time-temperature profile by simulating the batch sterilization process based on the actual retort time-temperature profile.
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Specification