Back to results
US 2017/0254603 A1Published application
Aseptic high temperature heat exchanger inspection system
OwnerHerve' X. Bronnertinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An inspection system for a heat exchanger having a vision system to obtain an image of an inner surface of the at least one tube.
Claims20
An inspection system for an aseptic heat exchanger having at least one tube comprising:
- a camera being positioned at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger tube configured to obtain an image of an inner surface of the tube.
An apparatus comprising:
- a heat exchanger having a single or plurality of inner tubes located within an outer tube having a defining a longitudinal axis;
- a housing adjacent the heat exchanger including a transparent member, the housing including a view port having a view port longitudinal axis that is non-parallel and non-coincident with the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger;
- the view port longitudinal axis intersecting an internal surface of the at least one inner tube;
- and
- a light source illuminating the internal surface.
2 more elements
A method of inspecting a heat inner exchanger tubes comprising:
- providing a tubular heat exchanger having at least one inner tube for transporting a food material;
- providing hot water extending through the heat exchanger adjacent to the at least one inner tube;
- pumping the food material through the inner tube or tubes;
- cleaning the at least one inner tube or tubes with CIP and water until the water is clear and clean;
- providing a transparent member adjacent the heat exchanger;
- providing a view port having a sight line through the transparent member wherein the sight line defines a longitudinal axis that is non-parallel and not-coincident with a longitudinal axis of the inner tube;
- examining an inner surface of the inner tube for a food deposit.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.