METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING CONVEY LINES
First Claim
1. A sanitization system for sanitizing a convey line including a first end and a second end, the sanitizing system comprising:
- an air source configured to generate a stream of air and release the stream of air into the first end of the convey line; and
an ozone generation and delivery module configured to inject ozone into the air stream such that the ozone kills and/or removes contaminants from the convey line.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A sanitization system for sanitizing a convey line broadly includes an ozone generation and delivery module, a compressed air source, and an air flow control system, and an ozone measurement and destruction module. The ozone generation and delivery module includes ozone generator, an ozone flow meter, a first ozone analyzer, a humidifier, and a humidity sensor and introduces a measured ozone gas stream into the convey line so that the ozone disinfects the inner surfaces of the convey line. The humidifier introduces moisture into the convey line to increase the effectiveness of the ozone as a disinfection agent. The ozone measurement and destruction module includes a second ozone analyzer, an ozone destructor, and an ozone monitor and removes ozone from the gas stream. The ozone measurement and destruction module also ensures that a desired amount of ozone reaches the end of the convey line.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A sanitization system for sanitizing a convey line including a first end and a second end, the sanitizing system comprising:
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an air source configured to generate a stream of air and release the stream of air into the first end of the convey line; and an ozone generation and delivery module configured to inject ozone into the air stream such that the ozone kills and/or removes contaminants from the convey line. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of sanitizing a convey line having an inner surface, a first end, and a second end, the method comprising the steps of:
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releasing an air stream into the first end of the convey line; injecting ozone into the air stream such that the ozone kills and/or removes contaminants from the convey line; and removing ozone remaining in the air stream from the second end of the convey line. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of sanitizing a convey line having a first end and a second end, the method comprising the steps of:
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disconnecting the convey line from a hopper and/or surge bin; cleaning the convey line by removing residual build-up of particulate matter in the convey line; providing ozone via an ozone generation and delivery module; injecting a stream of compressed gas into the first end of the convey line; injecting the ozone into the gas stream at approximately 1800 ppm of ozone and approximately 50 fpm into the first end of the convey line for approximately 6 hours such that the ozone kills and/or removes contaminants from the convey line; controlling the dwell time of the ozone in the convey line; regulating a concentration of the ozone in the convey line by controlling an amount and pressure of compressed gas being injected into the first end of the convey line; injecting water vapor into the gas stream at 85% or greater humidity so as to increase the sanitizing effects of the ozone; removing ozone remaining in the gas stream at the second end of the convey line via an ozone destructor; reconnecting the convey line to the hopper and/or surge bin.
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Specification