Optimization of Cleaning Methods After Coating of Nicorette® Chewing Gums
Abstract: The cleaning methods after the coating of Nicorette® gums has a few shortcomings. The build-up of residual titanium dioxide on the walls inside the mixer and holding tank is a longstanding issue that needs to be addressed. Another issue in the cleaning process is residual gums in the pan after emptying. These residual gums may interfere and cause a mix-up with the next batch. The current method of cleaning the mixer and holding tank between batches involves water and various detergents. This approach has shown to be ineffective in removing the titanium dioxide and new ways of eliminating these residues are warranted. It has been shown in other areas that ultrasonic cleaning methods can be an effective method in cleaning various surfaces. Ultrasonic cleaning methods have the added advantage of avoiding using other chemicals in the processes. This project evaluate whether ultrasonic cleaning could be used instead of detergents in removing titanium dioxide. Herein we show that ultrasonic cleaning removes titanium dioxide effectively. Furthermore, our experimental method also suggests that ultrasonic method may be a more time-efficient approach. To clear the pan from residual gums, a process of combining a manual and automated approach is used. This involves a warm and cold fluid phase using a spraying method. We hypothesized that introducing a soaking phase in the rotating pan may improve the clearing of residual gums. This was investigated by simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics and the simulation data obtained suggest that a soaking phase may improve the removal of the gums. However, this modification remains to be assessed in an experimental setting.
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