Automated clean-in-place apparatus and method
A food processor having a food flow path extending from a food flow path input to a food flow path output. Food product passes in a first direction along the food flow path from an upstream portion of the food flow path to a downstream portion of the food flow path. The food flow path has a freezer chamber, with the freezer chamber having an inlet and an outlet. A solution transfer line is connected to a source of pressurized solution, the solution transfer line includes an interface port translatable between a transferring position fluidly connected to the food flow path and a storage position fluidly independent of the food flow path.
1 . A food processor comprising:
(a) a food flow path extending from a food flow path input to a food flow path output, wherein food product passes in a first direction along the food flow path from a first portion of the food flow path to a second portion of the food flow path, the food flow path having a freezer chamber, the freezer chamber having an inlet and an outlet;
(b) a solution transfer line connected to a source of pressurized solution, the solution transfer line including an interface port translatable between a transferring position fluidly connected to the food flow path and a storage position fluidly independent of the food flow path; and
(c) a valve located outside of the food flow path and fluidly intermediate the source of pressurized solution and the interface port, the valve moveable between a closed position inhibiting flow through the valve and an open position permitting flow of the pressurized solution through the valve to the interface port.
2 . The food processor of claim 1 , further comprising a first controller operably connected to at least one of the interface port and the valve, the first controller configured to dispose the valve in the open position and the interface port in the storage position.
3 . The food processor of claim 2 , wherein the first controller is operably connected to both the interface port and the valve.
4 . The food processor of claim 1 , further comprising a) a first controller operably connected to the interface port, the first controller configured to dispose the interface port in at least one of the transferring position and the storage position, and b) a second controller operably connected to the valve, the second controller configured to selectively dispose the valve in at least one of the open position and the closed position.
5 . The food processor of claim 1 , wherein the valve is located in the solution transfer line.
6 . The food processor of claim 1 , wherein a controller includes a driver connected to the interface port to selectively translate the interface port to one of the transferring position and the storage position.
7 . The food processor of claim 1 , further comprising a driver connected to the solution transfer line to move the interface port to the transferring position.
8 . The food processor of claim 1 , wherein a pressurized solution from the source of pressurized solution flows in either the first direction or in a second direction opposite the first direction.
9 . The food processor of claim 1 , further comprising a dispensing valve in the food flow path, the dispensing valve configured to selectively permit the food product to pass from the food flow path.
10 . The food processor of claim 9 , wherein the dispensing valve is selected from the group consisting of a draw valve, a ball valve, a spigot, a plunger, and a cock valve.
11 . The food processor of claim 10 , wherein the food processor defines a food product dispensing area beneath the dispensing valve, and wherein the food processor further includes a shroud movable between a dispensing position wherein the dispensing valve is accessible to dispense the food product and a cleaning position wherein the shroud encompasses the dispensing valve and a portion of the pressurized solution is configured to wash the dispensing valve.
12 . The food processor of claim 11 , wherein the food processor further includes a drip tray located below the dispensing valve and the shroud, wherein the drip tray is configured to receive waste food product from the dispensing valve when the shroud is in the dispensing position, and the portion of the pressurized solution when the shroud is in the cleaning position.
13 . The food processor of claim 12 , wherein the food processor further includes a drip tray drain line wherein the drip tray drain line is configured to be flushed by the portion of the pressurized solution.
14 . The food processor of claim 1 , further comprising a pressure sensor in the food flow path.
15 . The food processor of claim 1 , further comprising a prime plug, the prime plug moveable to a first position exposing a portion of the food flow path to an atmospheric pressure, a second position isolating the food flow path from the atmospheric pressure, and a third position locating a portion of the prime plug external to the food flow path.
16 . The food processor of claim 15 , further comprising a driver connect to the prime plug to move the prime plug between the first position, the second position, and the third position.
17 . The food processor of claim 16 , wherein the driver is a longitudinal gear rack.
18 . The food processor of claim 15 , wherein the dispensing valve includes a priming orifice configured to selectively operate as the prime plug.
19 . The food processor of claim 1 , further comprising an active drain line selectively connectable to the food flow path and a passive drain line selectively connectable to the food flow path, the active drain line connected to a pressure source, wherein the active drain line and the passive drain line are configured for simultaneous and independent flow through.
20 . The food processor of claim 19 , wherein the pressure source is a higher than an ambient/atmospheric pressure source.
21 . The food processor of claim 19 , further comprising a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature in one of the active drain line and the passive drain line.
22 . The food processor of claim 1 , further comprising a controller operably connected to the solution transfer line and configured (i) to impart flow in the solution transfer line with the interface port in the transferring position and (ii) to impart fluid pressure within the solution transfer line with the interface port in the storage position.
23 . A food processor comprising:
(a) a food flow path extending from a food flow path input to a food flow path output, wherein food product passes in a first direction along the food flow path from an upstream portion of the food flow path to a downstream portion of the food flow path, the food flow path having a freezer chamber, the freezer chamber having an inlet and an outlet;
(b) a source of pressurized solution;
(c) a solution transfer line connected to the source of pressurized solution, the solution transfer line including an interface port moveable between a transferring position wherein the solution transfer line is fluidly connected to the food flow path and a storage position wherein the solution transfer line is fluidly independent of the food flow path;
(d) a valve located outside of the food flow path and coupled to the solution transfer line intermediate the source of pressurized solution and the interface port, the valve moveable between a closed position inhibiting flow of the pressurized solution through the valve and an open position permitting the flow of the pressurized solution through the valve;
(e) a driver connected to the interface port to selectively translate/move the interface port to the transferring position wherein the solution transfer line is fluidly connected to the food flow path; and
(f) a controller connected to i) the valve, and ii) at least one of the driver and the interface port, wherein the controller is configured to position the valve in the open position and the interface port in each of the transferring position and the storage position.