Theory & Sequence of Operation: Filtration System

Theory of Operation

The filtration system on the Quantum Open Fryer is designed to prompt the user to perform a quick filter after every 36 cooks of either waffle fries or hashbrowns. This process ensures that crumb buildup at the bottom of the vat does not block the drain and allows the wash jets to effectively clean crumbs down the drain. If more than 36 cooks are performed without filtration, excessive crumbs may accumulate, necessitating manual cleaning.

Filtration is crucial for removing crumbs from the bottom of the vat, preventing them from touching the heaters, which could scorch the crumbs and transfer burnt flavor into the oil. Additionally, filtration removes debris from the oil, extending its life and improving the quality of the cooked product.

Component Overview

Drain Valve

Located at the bottom of each vat, the drain valve opens to drain oil into the filter pan beneath the fryer and closes to allow oil to pump back into the vat. It can open 100% for filtration or partially for other operations.

Main Temperature Probe

This probe monitors the oil temperature. The control system uses this probe to detect temperature changes when oil leaves or returns to the fryer.

Solenoid Valve

Each vat has a solenoid valve for the oil return plumbing from the filter pan or filter pump motor. This valve acts as a gate, allowing oil to pump back into the vat.

Filter Pump Motors

The fryer has two filter pump motors:

• Right Filter Pump Motor: Used for filtration, with an 8-gallon-per-minute pump.

• Left Dispose/ Backup Filter Pump Motor: Used for disposal, with a 5-gallon-per-minute pump. It can serve as a backup for filtration if enabled in tech mode.

Filter Envelope

The filter pump motor pumps oil through the filter envelope in the filter pan to remove impurities, ensuring cleaner oil for cooking.

Check Valves

Check valves prevent backflow into the filter pan and ensure oil flows correctly through the system.

Sequence of Operation

Quick Filter Example

1. Prompt for Quick Filter: After 36 cooks, the control board prompts the user to perform a quick filter.

2. Drain Valve Opens: Upon user acknowledgment, 24V DC is sent from the control board to the drain valve, which fully opens to drain the oil. The drain valve has a detection sensor to alert the control when it is fully open.

3. Oil Drains: The oil drains for 25 seconds, monitored by the main temperature probe, which should see a drop of around 10°F. This lets the control know that the drain valve is not clogged and the oil is flowing through the drain into the filter pan.

4. Detection of Drain Valve Blockage: If the temperature probe does not detect a drop, the control prompts the user with the message "Is vat empty?" If the vat is empty, the user can confirm and proceed with the filtration cycle; otherwise, they need to unclog the drain using a drain brush.

5. Solenoid Valve Opens: Once the oil is in the filter pan, the solenoid valve for the vat being filtered opens. The solenoid valve energizes with line voltage from the control board.

6. Filter Pump Motor Energizes: Three seconds later, the filter pump motor energizes, pulling oil through the filter media and removing impurities. The filter pump motor energizes with 12V DC from the control board to the filter pump motor relay on the I/O board, which then closes to allow line voltage to energize the filter pump motor.

7. Oil Returns to Vat: The oil is pumped back into the vat through check valves and the solenoid valve. At the same time, the drain valve is still open, rinsing and washing crumbs down the drain.

8. Drain Valve Closes: The drain valve closes, monitored by its sensor to ensure it is fully closed. The control reverses polarity to close the valve.

9. Vat Fills: The vat fills with oil, monitored by the main temperature probe, which should see a rise of 15°F. The control monitors the temperature probe to confirm the oil has filled.

10. Completion of Filtration Cycle: The filter pump motor turns off, the solenoid valve de-energizes, and the control system energizes the heat system by closing the heat contactor with 24V AC. The oil temperature rises, and once it gets within a few degrees of the set point temperature, the display returns to the cooking state, showing "WF" for waffle fries and "HB" for hashbrowns.