Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6463611
-
Patent Number
6,463,611
-
Date Filed
Friday, April 2, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 15, 200221 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 134 57 R
- 068 17 R
- 068 235
- 068 207
- 068 234
- 068 236
- 068 1218
- 222 255
- 222 1445
- 222 129
- 222 132
- 222 135
- 222 138
- 222 252
- 222 253
- 222 254
- 222 271
- 222 274
- 222 278
- 222 283
- 222 330
- 222 331
- 008 158
- 366 138
- 137 565
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
An apparatus that prevents an undesirable chemical reaction between different liquid chemical streams in a dispenser comprising a dispenser having a common manifold leading to a use locus. The common manifold has a pumping station directed to the common manifold and the pumping station has at least two chemical input lines. The dispenser is controlled by an electromechanical controller that prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams in sequence without an intervening water flush and prevents pumping two liquid chemical streams simultaneously. The liquid inputs to the pumping station are keyed such that the inputs can be connected only to containers that fit the keyed inputs.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to dispenser equipment specifically adapted for serially dispensing incompatible chemicals. Incompatible chemicals are defined as liquid chemicals that when mixed can result in creation of an undesirable reaction by-product. The dispenser combines safety features that ensure that the appropriate chemicals are attached to the appropriate input directed to a pumping station and that the dispenser cannot simultaneously dispense incompatible liquid streams and that after the pumping of a liquid stream is complete, the pump is not used again until the pump and manifold are flushed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Automatic dispensers that provide a liquid or fluid chemical solution to a use locus with little or no supervision have been common in the art. Such chemical dispensers are used in warewashing, laundry, hard surface cleaning, textile processing including the processing of thread and yarn, etc. Many such dispenser apparatus deliver chemical compositions to a use locus in a series of process treatment steps, wherein each treatment step requires a different kind of chemical. Such chemicals can include organic surfactants, nonionic rinse aids, acid compositions, alkaline compositions, chlorine bleach compositions, alkaline materials and a variety of other cleaning or treating materials. Often such materials have substantial functionality when used appropriately in a use locus, however, if mixed with another incompatible chemical, such a mixture can result in the production of an undesirable reaction by-product that can interfere either with the operation of the use locus, the operation of the dispenser or can interfere with or ruin the substrate present in the machine such as ware, laundry, textile or other materials. Further, some chemicals if mixed can be explosive or toxic. Mixing acid and a source of chlorine can result in the release of chlorine gas. Blending certain chemicals can also result in the release of hydrogen gas which can also have explosive consequences.
A number of such chemical systems are known in the art. For example, Kirschmann et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,850, show a chemical dispensing system that involves liquid tote containers that are directly connected through tube-like inputs to a manifold for distribution to a use locus. Bird et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,457, show a plurality of distribution manifolds connected to apparatus that can dilute product and distribute the product in an appropriate manifold. Copeland et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,965, show a method to convert a solid product into a liquid concentrate for delivery to a use locus. Similarly, Lehn, U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,449, shows an apparatus that can provide a liquid concentrate from a solid block detergent dispensed from a dispenser unit. Turner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,211, show a dispenser apparatus controlled within an electronic controller that draws chemical from a source through a series of pumps, a single conduit, a selected locus from a set of use loci. Proudman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,026, similarly shows dispensing three or more liquid chemicals through dedicated pumps to a common dilution manifold under the direction of a system controller. Beldham, U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,385, shows an electronically controlled pumping system that can dispense a liquid chemical to a use locus under the control of a preprogrammed sequence. Lastly, Livingston et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,618, dispenses chemicals from a drum source using individual pumps to separate manifolds directed to a use locus such as a laundry machine.
The prior art generally dispenses a liquid chemical from a source reservoir through a line to a pump which is then directed to either a common or a separate manifold that ends in a use locus. Connecting an inappropriate source of chemical to an incorrect line can result in contacting reactive liquids in the dispenser or use locus with the production of an undesirable reaction by-product that can be damaging or hazardous.
A substantial need exists for a dispenser apparatus that can prevent inappropriate contact between incompatible chemicals, thereby preventing the concomitant production of a harmful by-product. Such a dispenser will prevent the simultaneous dispensing of two incompatible chemicals, will prevent dispensing a liquid chemical through a manifold contaminated by an incompatible chemical and will prevent the inappropriate connection of a reservoir of a chemical to a manifold intended for an incompatible chemical. The prior art as a whole fails to provide such a dispensing device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the invention is found in a dispenser apparatus that can provide two or more liquid chemical streams to a use locus, said chemical streams comprising incompatible streams such that upon mixing of the streams can result in the production of an undesirable reaction by-product in the mixed stream, the dispenser comprising a common manifold equipped with a fluid inlet, said manifold leading to an outlet connected to a container or use locus; a pumping station in liquid communication with the fluid inlet; at least two liquid inputs to the pumping station, each input having a coupling that can fit only a reservoir for an appropriate liquid chemical for that inlet; and an electromechanical controller that prevents the dispenser from pumping simultaneously different chemical streams to the manifold and also prevents pumping a liquid chemical into the manifold without an intermediate liquid or aqueous flush to remove residue of an incompatible liquid chemical. For the purposes of this disclosure the term incompatible chemical indicates a chemical, with reference to another chemical in a system, that produces an undesirable by-product, when mixed and as a result loses some substantial degree of function. Minor physical and chemical changes in the chemical that do not result in loss of function is not an indicia of incompatibility. Such incompatibility is shown in systems that form a precipitate that has no activity in the use locus; in systems that form a harmful gas such as chlorine (Cl
2
), hydrogen (H
2
), etc.; in systems that destroy the activity of a useful component such as a surfactant, an enzyme, a bleach, etc. or cause an undesirable phase separation in a chemical formulation. Such incompatibility results in a chemical or composition of the chemical that has reduced activity in a use locus. Conventional effects common in the use of chemicals in the use locus such as dissolution, dilution, ionization, mere color change without more, do not constitute chemical incompatibility.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1
is a schematic showing the overall plumbing scheme of the invention.
FIG. 2
shows an embodiment in which two liquid chemical supply barrels are attached to the dispenser of the invention.
FIG. 3
is a schematic of the inner probe portion of the coupling used in the invention.
FIG. 4
is a schematic of the outer probe portion of the coupling used in the invention.
FIG. 5
is a schematic showing a combined inner probe and outer probe, which is seen in a fully closed position.
FIG. 6
is a schematic showing a combined inner probe and outer probe, which is seen in a fully open position.
FIG. 7
is a schematic of the bung cup which is complementary to the coupling used in the invention; specifically, the combined inner and outer probes.
FIG. 8
is a perspective view of the bung cup of
FIG. 7
, showing part of the lockout geometry present in the bung cup.
FIG. 9
is a schematic showing an embodiment of the circuitry used to create an exclusive OR gate as used in the dispenser of the invention.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION
The dispenser of the invention can dispense two or more liquid chemical streams to a use locus such as a warewashing machine or laundry machine. The liquid chemicals are typically incompatible, in other words, contacting the incompatible chemicals can result in the production of an undesirable reaction by-product that can be harmful to the dispenser, harmful to the use locus, harmful to the substrate being treated in the use locus or harmful to personnel involved in the operation of the dispenser or use locus. In the assembly of the dispenser, the reservoirs for the liquid chemical are connected to a pumping station in the dispenser. The connectors that join the reservoirs to the input tubing or conduit of the dispenser leading to the pumping station are keyed such that the keyed input ends can be connected in liquid communication to the correct liquid reservoir. In other words, the hardware or (lock and key concept) place of connection between the input tubing and the reservoir has a unique coupling that will mate only with the appropriate reservoir. The tubing leads to a pumping station that can comprise a single pump or a pump dedicated to each fluid input. The pumps then lead to a common manifold which provides a conduit to the appropriate use locus. The dispenser is controlled with an electromechanical controller that selects the appropriate chemical for the appropriate stage of the treatment locus. The controller also ensures the appropriate operation of the dispenser such that when one liquid chemical is being dispensed, all other liquid chemicals are locked out of operation. Second, the controller operates the dispenser such that the manifold cannot be contacted with the liquid chemical unless a flush of the manifold occurs to remove all interfering amounts of a incompatible liquid chemical in the manifold. The preferred liquid chemical materials for use in the invention are aqueous liquid chemicals that are blended for commonly available warewashing and laundry equipment.
Chemicals Dispensed
The dispensed solutions can contain, for example, solid, powdered and liquid detergents; thickened aqueous detergent dispersions, viscous aqueous detergents, strippers, degreasers, souring agents, alkali meta-silicates, alkali metal hydroxides, sequestering agents, enzyme compositions (lipolytic, proteolytic, etc.), threshold agents, dye, optical brightener, nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, fragrance, alkali carbonates, iron control agents, defoamers, solvents, cosolvents, hydrotropes, rinse aids, bleach, and/or fabric softeners. More specifically, in a laundry environment, detergent, bleach, souring agent, bluing agent, and fabric softener can be utilized sequentially. The souring agent is generally incompatible with the other products (e.g., the detergent is alkaline, the souring agent is acidic and the bleach is typically sodium hypochlorite). The ingredients in other cleaning processes can also be incompatible. For example, changing the operable pH can occur or chemicals can react, thereby reducing or destroying cleaning properties.
Broad examples of incompatible chemicals include anions and cations which form insoluble precipitates upon contact. Another example includes reducing agents and oxidizing agents which can participate in oxidation-reduction, or redox, reactions.
There are a number of examples which could be given of pairs of mutually incompatible chemicals. A common example is one in which one liquid chemical comprises chlorine bleach and a second incompatible liquid chemical comprises an aqueous acid. Another example is one in which one liquid chemical comprises an acid chemical and a second incompatible liquid which comprises an aqueous alkaline material. A third common example is a situation in which a first liquid chemical comprises a chemical comprising an anion that when combined with a second incompatible liquid chemical comprising a cation results in the production of a relatively insoluble precipitate.
Various materials can be dispensed using the dispenser of the invention. These materials are water soluble ionic components from the group consisting of strong acids and strong bases, builder components, bleaches, and surfactants. While these materials may be compatible individually with other single materials, often the total composition contains at least one material which is incompatible with another in the composition. Basic groupings of incompatible chemicals include phosphates with alkalinity, chlorine with organics, chlorine in high ionic strength (highly alkaline) cleaners, and surfactants in highly alkaline cleaners. Preparation of unit doses (the amount required for an immediate cleaning task) immediately prior to use avoids problems often associated with such incompatibility.
The acids may be any acid generally used in any cleaning composition. Preferably, the acid used is either phosphoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. More preferably, it is phosphoric, nitric or sulfuric acid.
The caustic used may be any caustic compound useful in cleaning compositions, preferably sodium or potassium hydroxide. These are commercially available as aqueous caustic solutions in typical concentrations such as 40-50%.
The builders contemplated by the invention include both phosphate and non-phosphate builder materials. Such materials and their uses are well known. For instance, the builders may be polyphosphates such as sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate or other complex polyphosphates. “Complex polyphosphate” means any phosphate with three or more phosphate groups or which forms complexes with metal ions to sequester them. The non-phosphate builders include NTA, EDTA, polyacrylates, copolymers, organic phosphonates and phosphinates.
The surfactants contemplated by the invention include both anionics and nonionics. Anionic surfactants or high foaming surfactants used in the invention include any surfactant which is high foaming surfactants. Numerous high foaming surfactants are known, e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, alpha olefin sulfonate, sodium alkane sulfonate, linear alkane sulfonate and alkyl benzene sulfonate. Preferably, the anionic surfactant or high foaming surfactant, linear alkane sulfonate, a laurelate, or mixtures thereof.
Numerous nonionic surfactants can be used depending on the cleaning formulation desired and are well known to those skilled in the art. Such nonionic surfactants include PLURONIC™ L62, PLURONIC™ L64, Reverse PLURONICS™, alcohols, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymers, ethoxylates, etc. Nonionic surfactants are preferably ethylene oxide-propylene oxide [(EO) (PO)] block polymers or an ethylene oxide polymer of the formula
R—(EO)
n
—OCH
2
—
wherein in R is alkyl, acyl, aryl, aliphatic or aromatic and are used with caustic solutions and n is an integer from about 8 to 24. More preferably, the nonionic surfactant is an ethylene oxide polymer of the formula:
R—(EO)
n
—OCH
2
—
wherein R is alkyl, acyl, aryl, aliphatic or aromatic and n is about 12.
The bleaches contemplated by the invention may be hypochlorite, peroxy or oxygen bleaching materials. Preferably they are hypochlorite (HClO) based bleaches, and most preferably, sodium hypochlorite. Typical concentrations include aqueous 5-15% sodium hypochlorite.
Use Locus
While the dispenser of the invention could be used in a variety of use locales, it is preferred that the use locus comprises one or more laundry machines. For example, the use locus could comprise a tunnel washer.
Electromechanical Control
FIG. 9
shows a schematic of a circuit which functions as an exclusive OR gate. The circuit uses a plurality of relays. Essentially, this gate prevents simultaneous dispensation of two streams. The signal created by dispensation of one stream prevents dispensation of a second stream until after the first stream has ceased and a rinsing step has occurred. This not only prevents simultaneous dispensation of two incompatible streams, it also prevents a second stream from reacting with residue remaining from a previous stream.
Plumbing and Pumps
The pumping station is in fluid communication with both the manifold and a plurality of individual chemical reservoirs. While a single pump can be used for multiple chemical streams, it is preferred that the pump station comprises a pump for each liquid input. While this represents an increase in expense, it simplifies the plumbing arrangements substantially by reducing the number of controllable valves needed. Suitable pumps can include gear pumps, air diaphragm pumps, peristaltic pumps and others. Preferably, the pumping station comprises a plurality of peristaltic pumps.
Connectors
The dispenser of the invention includes a plurality of couplings wherein each coupling is attached to a particular liquid input and can fit only a reservoir for an appropriate liquid chemical for that inlet. To accomplish this, each coupling comprises a pair of mutually compatible geometric lockouts parts A and B. Part A, or the probe, is the male part of the coupling, whereas part B, the bung cup, is the female part of the coupling. The lockout comprises of a pair of indentations on part A and a pair of matching protrusions on part B. These indentations and protrusions can be rotated around the vertical axis, thereby providing multiple lockouts. Preferably, the indentations and protrusions are rotated around the vertical axis at 30° intervals. Preferably, each indentation and each protrusion are 180° opposed to the other indentation and protrusion, respectively.
Detailed Description of the Figures
FIG. 1
shows generally a schematic
100
of the dispenser of the invention in use. This particular schematic shows the use of four distinct chemical reservoirs, but the invention is not limited to this. The invention is useful with as few as two distinct chemical streams, and with as many streams as could possibly be needed at a single use locus. Seen in this Figure are chemical reservoirs
102
,
104
,
106
and
108
, which could be of virtually any size, ranging from small concentrate containers to large containers such as 55 gallon drums. Each reservoir
102
,
104
,
106
and
108
is connected via inlet lines
102
a,
104
a,
106
a
and
108
a
to pumping station
110
, which is shown in greater detail in FIG.
2
. Not seen in this Figure are the unique couplings between each reservoir
102
,
104
,
106
and
108
and each inlet line
102
a,
104
a,
106
a
and
108
a.
These couplings are instead shown in detail in
FIGS. 4-6
. Also seen entering pumping station
110
is water line
114
, which serves to provide water for the flushing step which takes place after each chemical is dispensed.
Shown exiting pumping station
110
are outlet lines
102
b,
104
b,
106
b
and
108
b.
The particular embodiment shown assumes a pumping station
110
which comprises a separate pump for each chemical. If, however, a single pump was used for all chemicals, only a single outlet line (not seen) would be needed. The outlet line (or lines
102
b,
104
b,
106
b
and
108
b
) pass from pumping station
110
to manifold
112
, where each chemical in turn is diluted by incoming water stream
114
a.
Alternatively, if dilution was not desired, an air push (not shown) could be used in place of water stream
114
a.
Two streams
116
and
120
exit manifold
112
. Stream
116
carries the desired diluted chemical to use locus
118
while stream
120
carries dirtied flushing water away to waste (not shown). As described above, use locus
118
preferably comprises one or more laundry machines.
FIG. 2
shows a particular embodiment of the invention in which two sources of liquid chemicals are seen operatively attached to the dispenser of the invention. In this Figure, dispenser
210
is shown in black box fashion. Actually, the dispenser comprises pumping station
110
and manifold
112
seen in FIG.
1
.
In this Figure, incompatible liquid chemicals of distinct identification are present in barrels
202
and
204
. Couplers
220
are seen generally here, but are described in greater detail in subsequent Figures. Each barrel
202
and
204
is seen to have its own coupler
220
attached to supply lines
202
a
and
204
a,
respectively. The Figure is shown with only two chemical supplies for ease of illustration only. The dispenser of the invention can also be used with a substantially greater number of distinct chemicals.
FIG. 3
shows inner probe
300
which comprises a portion of the coupler used in the invention. Inner probe
300
is seen as having wings
310
for ease of use, and to provide additional gripping and torque generating surface. Slider pegs
330
(only one seen) serves to moveably locate said inner probe
300
within an unseen outer probe. An O-ring groove
360
holds an unseen O-ring while windows
350
(only one seen) permits liquid to flow through.
FIG. 4
shows outer probe
400
. The outer probe
400
includes a slider track
410
which serve to movably locate said outer probe
400
on the inner probe
300
. Locking pegs
440
and indentations
420
serve to help provide the necessary lockout geometry, as described later. The outer probe
400
also has a pair of O-ring grooves
430
and
432
, respectively, which hold O-rings to seal against leaks.
FIG. 5
shows a combined inner probe
300
and outer probe
400
. In this view, the probe is seen in its fully closed position. As before, slider pegs
330
serve to moveably locate the inner probe
300
via slider tracks
410
within the outer probe
400
. Also visible in this view are O-ring grooves
430
and
432
. An important aspect of this Figure concerns the relationship between locking pegs
440
and indentations
420
(only one seen). In this particular drawing, these are shown in axial alignment with one another. It is this relationship, in cooperation with the placement of locking grooves and protrusions present in the bung cup, which provides the unique geometric lockout feature of the couplers used in the dispenser of the invention. The indentations
420
can be moved radially about the outer probe
400
to provide additional lockout geometries. Preferably, the indentations are located radially at multiples of 30° from the lockout pegs
440
.
FIG. 6
is similar to
FIG. 5
, but shows the combined probe in a fully open position. In this drawing, inner probe
300
has been rotated downward into outer probe
400
. This can be seen as slider peg
330
has moved downward in slider track
410
. In this position, windows
350
are opened, which will allow fluid to flow through the combined probe when fully inserted into an appropriate bung cup.
The male portion of the coupler comprises two parts: an inner probe
300
and an outer probe
400
. The two parts are made of thermoplastic material, but can also be made out of metal, using a die cast system. Preferably, the inner and outer probes are constructed from glass filled polypropylene. The assemblies of the two parts come together to function as a probe that can be open and shut to allow product to flow through.
The inner probe is constructed with two assembly pegs
330
, an O-ring groove
360
and two windows
350
(only one seen). Slider pegs
330
are snapped into slider track
410
of the outer probe
400
. Windows
350
allow fluid to flow through when the probe is opened. The O-ring groove
360
is for an O-ring to create a tight seal between the inner probe
300
and outer probe
400
. The outer probe
400
is constructed with a slider track
410
, locking pins
440
, two O-ring grooves
430
and
432
, and a pair of indentations
420
. Slider track
410
guides inner probe
300
to protrude a certain distance to open the windows
350
to allow product to flow through. Locking pegs
440
lock the combined probe into place during use. For assembly, an O-ring is placed on the inner probe
300
; the outer probe
400
is placed over the inner probe
300
, snapping the slider pegs
330
into the slider track
410
. A spring (not shown) may be used between the two parts to facilitate the opening and closing of the combined probe.
FIG. 7
shows the bung cup
700
, which is typically mounted in the top of a barrel or other container which holds a liquid chemical which can be dispensed by the dispenser of the invention. Typically, the bung cup
700
could be adhered to a drum bung (not seen) for ease of use. Drum bungs are often threaded for simple installation in a drum or other chemical containing container. The bung cup
700
can be glued to the drum bung, or could be attached via sonic welding.
Seen is a tubular body
710
and enlarged upper portion
720
, which serves to accept the male portion of the coupler, comprising inner probe
300
and outer probe
400
. Locking tracks
730
(only one seen in this view) serve to accept the locking pegs
440
present on the outer probe
400
. Lower portion
740
is sized to accept an appropriately sized dip tube. Preferably, lower portion
740
is threaded on the inner surface to facilitate a friction fit with a dip tube. However, the dip tube could also be secured by an appropriate adhesive. The size of the dip tube can be determined by the flow rates necessary.
FIG. 8
is a perspective view which shows a portion of the interior of the bung cup
700
having an upper portion
720
, tubular body
710
and lower portion
740
. The important features of this Figure include protrusions
820
(only one seen) and their geometric relationship with the locking grooves
730
, which accept locking pegs
440
.
To operate, the combined probe slides into bung cup
700
, using locking pins
440
and bung cup locking groove
730
for guidance. The combined probe slides pass the lockout protrusions
820
, and is turned clockwise until it cannot turn anymore. As the combined probe is turned, inner probe
300
slides down sliding track
410
along slider pegs
330
and exposes windows
350
. Once windows
350
are exposed, the latter part of the turn locks the probe into place. The latter part of the turn also moves indentations
420
downward beyond the protrusions
820
, thereby sealing the probe to the bung cup.
FIG. 9
shows a schematic a circuit which functions as an exclusive OR gate. This exclusive OR gate only permits one chemical to be dispensed, as one signal locks the other one out. In the diagram, “Sig 1” represents a command from a washer, requesting dispensing of a chemical. “Sig 2” represents the signal sent from the control mechanism to the dispenser. When “Sig1” is received by the circuit, “Sig2” is sent to the dispenser and the desired chemical is dispensed. At the same time, however, any signals received which request dispensation of other chemicals are blocked out. No other signals are accepted until after a rinsing step has occurred.
Various products may be mixed using this process. Categories of compositions contemplated by the invention include polyphosphates in high pH solutions, chlorine with organics in solution, chlorine at high ionic strengths and physically incompatible or multi-phase compositions. The uses described below are those recognized by those skilled in the art.
Warewashing detergents that typically comprise a major proportion of a strongly alkaline material such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate can be combined with a sequestrant such as sodium tripolyphosphate, NTA, EDTA or other suitable chelating agents. The alkaline materials can be blended with defoaming agents, minor amounts of nonionic surfactants, peptizing agents, etc. Such warewashing agents typically rely on the cleaning capacity of the largely inorganic formulations for activity.
Laundry detergents typically comprise a relatively large amount of a nonionic or anionic surfactant material in combination with the alkaline source or builder. Laundry detergents also contain a variety of other materials including brighteners, antiredeposition agents, softeners, enzymes, perfumes, dyes, etc.
Clean-In-Place (CIP) system cleaners are used to clean plant equipment, and they may be produced using nonionic surfactants, builders, bleach components and caustic components. These materials are delivered to the filling station where they are diluted by adding a predetermined amount of water. The cleaning solution is then transported to the use point in a small container, and the surfaces to be cleaned are dosed with the cleaning solution.
Boil-out compositions may also be produced through this process. Boil-out compositions are used to remove soils and built up scale from process equipment. In these compositions a caustic solution containing sodium gluconate and a surfactant are incorporated into the boil-out composition. A bleach may also be incorporated. While generally the caustic and bleach components are incompatible at levels above about 15% caustic, i.e., loss of available chlorine over five days becomes appreciable in solutions above about 15% caustic, the short storage periods made possible by the invention allow these incompatible materials to be used. Additionally, since the cleaning solution is produced as a unit dose, there are no detrimental fluctuations in cleaning concentrations at the use point. Additionally, an acid cleaning solution may be used after the boil-out composition to fully remove any films which may result from, e.g., the use of hard water, greater than 100 ppm, and dissolved compounds.
Acid cleaning compositions may be needed in both CIP and boil-out compound compositions. These are required where the hardness of the water is such that there are over 100 parts per million dissolved heavy metal ions in the water. These acids are generally used to dissolve a calcium carbonate or other film remaining on the equipment after the traditional CIP caustic or boil-out compound dosing.
Chlorinated foaming cleaners can also be produced by our process. Again, a caustic component, bleach component, builder component, and surfactant are delivered to the filling station at which point they are diluted. The caustic component may be sodium hydroxide, the builder may be phosphate or non-phosphate, and the surfactant may be foaming surfactants.
Finally, the cleaning products can be tailored to the hardness and pH of the service water at the use plant. Thus, cleaning compositions can be developed for use in hard, medium or soft water environments. The compositions used in the examples are shown in Table I below.
TABLE I
|
|
Ingredient
Description
|
|
Anionic Surfactant
75% (sodium salt of) dodecyl
|
benzene sulfonic acid
|
25% sodium xylene sulfonate
|
(40%)
|
Phosphate Builder
29% sodium hexametaphosphate
|
71% water
|
Non-Phosphate Builder
50% acrylic/itaconic
|
copolymer (50%)
|
28% sodium hydroxide (50%)
|
22% water
|
Chlorine Source
sodium hypochlorite (9.5%)
|
Caustic
95.8 sodium hydroxide (50%)
|
4.2% Sodium Gluconate
|
Nonionic Surfactant
85% ethoxylated alcohol
|
(U.S. Pat. No. 3,444,242)
|
15% water
|
|
EXAMPLE 1
CIP cleaners are made for varing supply water hardnesss according to the proportions indicated in Table II. Phosphate stability data are illustrated in Tables VII, VIII, and IX, and chlorine stability data are illustrated below in Table X. Formulas 1, 4, 7, and 10 are used with soft service water; Formulas 2, 5, 8, and 11 are 35 are used with medium service water, and Formulas 3, 6, 9, and 12 are used with hard service water.
TABLE II
|
|
CIP Cleaning Composition
|
FORMULA
|
INGREDIENT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
|
|
Anionic Surfactant
|
Phosphate Builder
2.6
12.0
20.0
2.6
12.0
20.0
2.6
12.0
20.0
2.6
12.0
20.0
|
Non-Phosphate Builder
|
Chlorine Source
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
|
Caustic
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
|
Nonionic Surfactant
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
|
Water
64.9
55.5
42.5
63.6
54.2
46.2
34.9
25.5
17.5
33.6
24.2
16.2
|
|
EXAMPLE 2
Chlorinated foaming cleaning compositions are made according to the proportions indicated in Table III. Phosphate stability data illustrated below in Tables VII, VIII and IX and chlorine stability data are illustrated below in Table X.
TABLE III
|
|
FORMULA
|
INGREDIENT
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
|
|
Anionic
11.4
11.4
11.4
11.4
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
|
Surfactant
|
Phosphate
27.6
27.6
27.6
27.6
|
Builder
|
Non-Phosphate
|
Builder
|
Chlorine
19.2
19.2
19.2
19.2
19.2
19.2
19.2
19.2
|
Source
|
Caustic
8.4
16.9
8.4
16.9
8.4
16.9
8.4
16.9
|
Nonionic
|
Surfactant
|
Water
61.0
52.5
33.4
24.9
66.4
57.9
38.9
30.3
|
|
EXAMPLE 3
Boil-out compositions are made according to the proportions indicated in Table IV.
TABLE IV
|
|
Boil-out Compositions
|
FORMULA
|
Ingredient
21
22
23
|
|
Anionic Surfactant
|
Phosphate Builder
|
Non-Phosphate Builder
|
Chlorine Source
6.5
6.5
|
Caustic
90.0
95.5
89.0
|
Nonionic Surfactant
1.0
1.0
|
Water
3.5
3.5
3.5
|
|
EXAMPLE 4
Non-phosphate CIP cleaning compositions are made according to the proportions indicated in Table V.
|
INGREDIENT
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
|
|
|
Anionic Surfactant
|
Phosphate Builder
|
Non-Phosphate Builder
2.6
7.7
12.8
2.6
7.7
12.8
2.6
7.7
12.8
2.6
7.7
12.8
|
Chlorine Source
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
30.0
|
Caustic
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
32.5
|
Nonionic Surfactant
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
|
Water
64.9
59.8
54.7
34.9
29.8
24.7
63.6
58.5
53.4
33.6
28.5
23.4
|
|
EXAMPLE 5
Non-phosphate chlorinated foaming cleaning compositions are made according to the proportions indicated in Table VI.
TABLE VI
|
|
Non-Phosphate Chlorinated Foaming Cleaning Compositions
|
FORMULA
|
Ingredient
36
37
38
39
|
|
Anionic Surfactant
11.4
11.4
6.0
6.0
|
Phosphate Builder
|
Non-Phosphate Builder
19.1
19.1
19.1
19.1
|
Chlorine Source
19.2
19.2
19.2
19.2
|
Caustic
8.4
16.9
8.4
16.9
|
Nonionic Surfactant
|
Water
41.9
33.4
47.3
38.8
|
|
The foregoing description, examples and data are illustrative of the invention described herein, and they should not be used to unduly limit the scope of the invention or the claims. Since many embodiments and variations can be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides wholly in the claims hereinafter appended.
Claims
- 1. A dispenser apparatus that can provide two or more liquid chemical streams to a use locus, said chemical streams comprising incompatible streams such that upon mixing of the streams can result in the production of an undesirable reaction by-product, the dispenser comprising:(a) a common manifold equipped with a fluid inlet, said manifold leading to an outlet connected to a use locus; (b) a pumping station in liquid communication with the fluid inlet; (c) at least two liquid inputs to the pumping station, wherein: (i) the at least two liquid inputs each comprise a coupling that can fit only a reservoir for an appropriate liquid chemical for that liquid input; (ii) each coupling comprising an inner probe and an outer probe, wherein the inner probe and the outer probe are constructed to rotate relative to each other; and (d) an electromechanical controller that prevents the dispenser from simultaneously pumping different chemical streams to the manifold and prevents pumping a liquid chemical into the manifold without an intermediate liquid flush to remove residue of an incompatible liquid chemical.
- 2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the pump station comprises a pump for each liquid input.
- 3. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the pump station comprises a valve for each liquid input.
- 4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the liquid chemical comprises an aqueous liquid chemical.
- 5. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein the aqueous liquid chemical comprises a major proportion of water and a minor proportion of a compatible solvent.
- 6. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the use locus comprises one or more laundry machines.
- 7. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the laundry machine comprises a tunnel washer.
- 8. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein one liquid chemical comprises chlorine bleach and a second incompatible liquid chemical comprises an aqueous acid.
- 9. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein one liquid chemical comprises an acid chemical and a second incompatible liquid comprises an aqueous alkaline material.
- 10. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein a first liquid chemical comprises a chemical comprising an anion that when combined with a second incompatible liquid chemical comprising a cation results in the production of a relatively insoluble precipitate.
- 11. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein a first liquid chemical comprises a chemical comprising an electron donor and a second liquid chemical comprises a chemical comprising an electron acceptor.
- 12. A method of dispensing two or more liquid chemical streams to a use locus, said chemical streams comprising incompatible streams such that upon mixing of the streams can result in the production of an undesirable reaction by-product, the method comprising dispensing a first chemical stream from a pumping station in liquid communication with the fluid inlet, the pumping station comprising at least two liquid inputs to the pumping station, each input having a coupling that can fit only a reservoir for an appropriate liquid chemical for that inlet; said chemical stream dispensed into to a common manifold equipped with a fluid inlet, said manifold leading to an outlet connected to a use locus, wherein an electromechanical controller prevents both the simultaneous dispensing of a second and different chemical streams to the manifold and requires an intermediate liquid flush to remove residue of the first chemical stream before dispensing a second chemical stream.
- 13. A dispenser apparatus that can provide two or more liquid chemical streams to a use locus, the dispenser apparatus comprising:(a) a manifold in fluid communication with at least two inlet lines, wherein each inlet line is constructed for attachment to a separate container containing an appropriate liquid chemical for that inlet line; (b) at least two chemical containers, each chemical container comprising an opening and a bung cup provided in the opening; and (c) at least two couplings, each coupling connecting the at least two inlet lines to the at least two chemical containers, each coupling is constructed to fit within one of the bung cups, each coupling comprising an inner probe and an outer probe, wherein the inner probe and the outer probe are constructed to rotate relative to each other.
- 14. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising:(a) an exit stream from the manifold to a use locus.
- 15. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the manifold further comprises a water inlet and a dirtied flushing water outlet.
- 16. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising:(a) a pumping station provided between the manifold and the couplings for directing liquid chemical from the liquid chemical containers to the manifold.
- 17. A dispenser apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the pumping station comprises a water inlet.
US Referenced Citations (77)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
63-318997 |
Dec 1988 |
JP |