Patent Grant
10161079
Not applicable
Not applicable
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to continuous batch washers or tunnel washers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method of washing textiles or fabric articles (e.g., clothing, linen) in a continuous batch multiple module tunnel washer wherein the textiles are moved sequentially from one module to the next module. A counter flowing rinse is boosted (e.g., using pumps) to elevate and/or maintain a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washer using an improved flow arrangement wherein the pressure head is boosted at selected modules of the multiple modules of the continuous batch tunnel washer using one or more booster pumps that maintain substantially constant pressure of the rinse liquid that is counter flowed. Multiple dual use modules can be employed which provide faster rinsing with high velocity counterflow, more through put with less water usage by recycling water. After a final module, fabric articles can be transferred to a liquid extraction device (e.g., press or centrifuge) that removes excess water.
2. General Background of the Invention
Currently, washing in a commercial environment is conducted with a continuous batch tunnel washer. Such continuous batch tunnel washers are known (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,237) and are commercially available (www.milnor.com). Continuous batch washers have multiple sectors, zones, stages, or modules including pre-wash, wash, rinse and finishing zone.
Commercial continuous batch washing machines in some cases utilize a constant counterflow of liquor. Such machines are followed by a centrifugal extractor or mechanical press for removing most of the liquor from the goods before the goods are dried. Some machines carry the liquor with the goods throughout the particular zone or zones.
When a counterflow is used in the prior art, there is counterflow during the entire time that the fabric articles or textiles are in the main wash module zone. This practice dilutes the washing chemical and reduces its effectiveness.
A final rinse with a continuous batch washer has been performed using a centrifugal extractor or mechanical press. In prior art systems, if a centrifugal extractor is used, it is typically necessary to rotate the extractor at a first low speed that is designed to remove soil laden water before a final extract.
Patents have issued that are directed to batch washers or tunnel washers. The following table provides examples of such patented tunnel washers, each listed patent of the table being hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention provides an improved method of washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washer. The method includes providing a continuous batch tunnel washer having an interior, an intake, a discharge, a plurality of modules, and a volume of liquid.
The method of the present invention provides a counterflow (or counter flow) of liquid in the washer interior during rinsing including some interrupted counterflow. The counterflow is along a path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. Booster pumps can be placed at intervals to increase the pressure and/or velocity of counter flowing rinse water. For example, in a twelve (12) module continuous batch washer there can be booster pumps placed at the fourth and eighth modules.
At a final module, the fabric articles are transferred via the discharge to a water extraction device or extractor (e.g., press or centrifuge). The extractor is used to remove excess water from the fabric articles after they have been discharged from the continuous batch tunnel washer.
For the greatest part of each cycle, processing without counterflow creates standing baths so that chemicals are allowed to do their job without being diluted. Then, for a very short portion of each cycle, high-velocity counterflow is applied thus providing the first part of the required dilution effect. A second stage of dilution ensures the goods move into far cleaner water every time. Dedicated rinse modules are not required, meaning more production from fewer modules.
The counterflow is stopped for about the first 65-75% of each transfer cycle. The entire amount of counterflow water is then pumped at a very fast rate in the final 25-35% of the time remaining. The pumps are preferably high-volume, variable speed inverter-driven so that both flow rate and duration of the counter-flowing water can be fully varied based on goods being processed. The high speed flow gives better rinsing action and uses far less water.
Washers of the present invention achieve very low fresh water consumption. For light soil linen, the water consumption is about 0.3 G/lb—(2.5 l/kg) of linen processed. For most heavy soil linen, the expected water consumption is about 0.5 G/lb (4 l/kg).
The method and apparatus of the present invention saves water with these features:
1) Interrupted Counterflow—Water only flows for rinsing which is about the last 25-35% of each cycle;
2) Controlled Flow—Water is delivered by high-volume inverter pumps with vigorous flow that removes suspended soil and used chemistry faster, with less water;
3) Dual-Use Modules—Each module is used for both standing bath washing and counterflow rinsing; and
4) Full Water Availability—Fresh water and recycled press water are collected in a single tank mounted within the washer frame (e.g., under the load scoop). No external tanks are required.
The present invention is able to achieve maximum chemical performance with standing bath washing and high-velocity counterflow rinsing. High-speed water recirculation within the first module allows fast sluicing and wet-down, causing the chemistry to instantly penetrate the soiled linen.
After the transfer of the goods, the counterflow is interrupted creating a standing bath with no water flow so that chemistry is not diluted. Chemicals work at full concentration from the start of each bath. Chemicals work faster because of the large cylinder volume and fast intermixing with the goods.
Programmable high-volume pumps create a vigorous flow to remove exhausted chemistry and suspended soil effectively. Fixed partitions between each module prevent chemical mixing and leakage. No seals are required between modules.
Flow is paused at the start of each cycle to create standing baths without dilution so chemicals work faster. Counterflow water is pumped at high volume for the very last portion of the cycle. Vigorous flow removes contaminants much more quickly, thus reducing overall cleaning time. All wash modules are used for two functions, standing bath and high-speed counterflow for faster, better rinsing. Because of the dual-use modules fewer modules are required. Rinsing occurs immediately after chemical action in each wash module. No separate rinse modules are required. Water and chemistry recirculate at high-velocity within the first module. Goods are sluiced faster and more completely into the machine. Wet-down is almost instantaneous. Chemistry penetrates the linen instantly which is important for protein stains. The first module can thus be a working module.
The present invention requires fewer modules because of faster rinsing with high-velocity counterflow, more throughput with dual-use modules, and less water usage by recycling water.
The present invention includes a method of washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washer, comprising the steps of providing a continuous batch tunnel washer having an interior, an intake, a discharge, a plurality of modules, and a volume of liquid, moving the fabric articles from the intake to the modules and then to the discharge in sequence, wherein, in the step of moving the fabric articles, multiple of the modules define a dual use zone having modules that function as both wash and rinse modules, adding a washing chemical to the volume of liquid in the dual use zone, after a selected time period, counter flowing a rinsing liquid in the dual use zone along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles in prior steps, and, during the step of counter flowing, boosting pressure of the counter flowing rinsing liquid with a pump at one or more positions spaced in between the intake and the discharge.
Preferably, in the step of boosting pressure, multiple booster pumps are provided, each pump boosting counter flowing rinsing liquid flow rate at a different one of said modules.
Optionally, during the step of counter flowing, the counter flow is at a flow rate of between about 20 and 300 gallons (76-1,136 liters) per minute.
Optionally, during the step of counter flowing, the counter flow is at a flow rate of between about 25 and 220 gallons (95-833 liters) per minute.
Optionally, during the step of counter flowing, the counter flow is at a flow rate of between about 35 and 105 gallons (132-397 liters) per minute.
Preferably, the booster pumps are spaced apart by more than one module.
Optionally, the booster pump discharges liquid into a module that is a dual use module wherein textile articles are both washed and rinsed.
Optionally, the booster pumps each discharge liquid into a module that is a dual use module wherein textile articles are both washed and rinsed.
Optionally, liquid flow in the dual use module is substantially halted for a time period that is less than about five minutes.
Optionally, liquid flow in the dual use zone is substantially halted for a time period that is less than about three minutes.
Optionally, liquid flow in the dual use zone is substantially halted for a time period that is less than about two minutes.
Optionally, liquid flow in the dual use zone is substantially halted for a time period that is between about twenty and one hundred twenty (20-120) seconds.
Preferably, a volume of liquid in a plurality of the modules is heated to a temperature of between about 100 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit (38-88 degrees Celsius).
Preferably, the counter flow during the step of counter flowing extends through multiple of the modules.
Preferably, the dual use zone includes multiple modules.
Preferably, each booster pump discharges counter flowing fluid into a module that is not a module closest to the discharge.
The present invention includes a method of washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washer, comprising the steps of providing a continuous batch tunnel washer having an interior, an intake, a discharge, and a plurality of modules that segment the interior, wherein multiple of the modules define a dual use zone having modules that each function as both wash and rinse modules, moving the fabric articles from the intake to the discharge, adding a washing chemical to the dual use zone wherein modules in the dual use zone wash the fabric articles with a combination of water and said washing chemical, after a selected time interval and after the step of adding a washing chemical, counter flowing liquid in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles in the step of moving the articles, and counter flowing water through the modules of said dual use zone to effect a rinse of the fabric articles.
Preferably, the present invention further comprises boosting the flow rate in the step of counter flowing so that it is maintained at a desired value.
Preferably, wherein multiple booster pumps are employed in order to boost the flow rate.
Preferably, wherein there are a plurality of modules in between the booster pumps.
The present invention includes a method of washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washer, comprising the steps of providing a continuous batch tunnel washer having an interior, an intake, a discharge, a plurality of modules that segment the interior, and wherein a plurality of said modules define a dual use zone, moving the fabric articles from the intake to the discharge and through the modules in sequence, the fabric articles traversing the dual use zone during the step of moving the fabric articles from the intake to the discharge, adding a washing chemical to the dual use zone, and rinsing the fabric articles in the dual use zone by counter flowing liquid in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles in prior steps.
Preferably, the present invention further comprises extracting excess fluid from the fabric articles after the step of rinsing the fabric articles.
Preferably, there is substantially no counterflow during the step of adding a washing chemical to the dual use zone and for a time period after this step.
Preferably, the time period is less than about five minutes.
The present invention includes a method of washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washer, comprising the steps of providing a continuous batch tunnel washer having an interior, an intake, a discharge, and a plurality of modules that segment the interior, the interior including at least one dual use zone that includes multiple of said modules that each function as both a wash module and a rinse module, moving the fabric articles and a volume of liquid in a first direction of travel from the intake to the discharge and through the dual use zone, washing the fabric articles with a chemical bath in the dual use zone, and rinsing the fabric articles by counter flowing a rinse liquid in the dual use zone along a second flow path that is generally opposite the first direction of travel of the fabric articles in the step of moving the fabric articles.
Preferably, the present invention further comprises the step of boosting the flow pressure head of the counter flowing liquid in the step of rinsing the fabric articles by counter flowing at one or more modules.
Preferably, in the step of rinsing the fabric articles by counter flowing, the counter flow has a duration of between about 2 and 6 minutes.
Optionally, the counter flow is at a flow rate of between about 20 and 300 gallons (76-1,136 liters) per minute.
Optionally, the counter flow is at a flow rate of between about 25 and 220 gallons (95-833 liters) per minute.
Optionally, the counter flow is at a flow rate of between about 35 and 105 gallons (132-397 liters) per minute.
For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:
The total number of modules 14-25 can be more or less than the number of modules shown in
Inlet end portion 12 can provide a hopper 26 that enables the intake of textiles or fabric articles to be washed. Such fabric articles, textiles, and goods to be washed can include clothing, linens, towels, and the like. An extractor 30 can be positioned next to the outlet end portion 13 of tunnel washer 11. Flow lines are provided for adding water and/or chemicals (e.g., cleaning chemicals, detergent, etc.) to tunnel washer 11.
When the fabric articles, goods, and linens are initially transferred into the modules 14-25, an interrupted counterflow for a part of the batch transfer time is used. By using this interrupted counterflow for part (e.g., between about fifty and ninety percent (50-90%), preferably about seventy-five percent (75%)) of the batch transfer time, each module 14-25 performs as a separate batch. Batch transfer time can be defined as the time that the fabric articles/linens remain in a module before transfer to the next successive module.
By halting counterflow when some of the modules are functioning as main wash modules, this creates essentially a standing bath for the washing process and allows the cleaning chemicals to perform their function fully without any dilution from a counterflow of fluid within the tunnel washer 11. Counterflow returns for the last part (e.g., last 25%) of the transfer time and is pumped at a higher rate (e.g., between about three hundred and four hundred percent (300%-400%) of the normal rate, see
In
The modules 14-25 in
An extracted water tank 33 can be positioned to receive extracted water from an extraction device 30. Flow line 34 is a flow line that transfers water from extraction device 30 to tank 33. Water contained in tank 33 can be recycled via flow lines 35 or 36. A sour or finishing solution can be injected at module 25 via inflow tank 37. Freshwater can be added to tank 33 via freshwater inflow line 38. Flow line 35 is a recirculation line that transfers extracted water from tank 33 to hopper 26. Another recirculation flow line is flow line 36. The flow line 36 transfers extracted water from tank 33 to flow line 28 and then interior 31 of tunnel washer 11, beginning at final module 24 and then by counterflow to modules 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15 in sequence.
For the continuous batch washing apparatus 10 of
In the example of
The flow lines 35 and 36 can be provided with pumps in order to boost pressure in those flow lines. The flow line 35 can provide pump 39 for transmitting water to hopper 26 via flow line 35. Pump 40 is provided in flow line 36 for transmitting water to tank 32 or flow line 28 for counterflow rinsing.
The flow line 36 splits at tee fitting 47 into flow line 28 and flow line 32. The flow line 32 is a flow line that carries re-circulated extracted water from tank 33 to tank 37. Inflow tank 37 can be used to supply sour or finishing chemicals via flow line 32 to the final module 25, which can be a finish module.
Flow line 28 is a re-circulation flow line that enters module 24 and then flows water in counterflow to modules 23, 22 in sequence. A booster pump 41 receives flow from flow line 28. The booster pump 41 then discharges its flow via flow line 43 to module 21. Flow then transfers from module 21 to module 20 then to module 19 and then to module 18 where it transfers via flow line 43 to booster pump 42. Booster pump 42 then discharges its counter flowing rinsing fluid via flow line 44 to module 17 and then to module 16 and then to module 15.
At module 15, the rinsing fluid can be discharged via discharge valve 45. A discharge valve 46 can also be provided for module 14.
The booster pumps 41, 42 ensure that counter flowing rinsing fluid is maintained at a selected flow rate, flow volume and flow pressure. The booster pumps 41, 42 ensure that a desired pressure head is maintained.
In the example of Table 1 below, a batch size can be between about fifty (50) and three hundred (300) pounds (23-136 kg) of textiles. Total water consumption could be about 0.62 gallons per pound (5.1 liters/kg) of cotton textile fabrics. Total water consumption could be about 0.64 gallons per pound (5.3 liters/kg) poly cotton. The modules 14-18 could have differing capacities.
Inlet end portion 12 provides hopper 26 for enabling fabric articles such as linen articles to be added to the interior 31 of tunnel washer 11A. A discharge 27 receives effluent from the last or final module 21 where it enters an extractor 30 (not shown). Fluid is then discharged via flow line 51 for collection and extracted water tank 33. Pump 50 receives flow from extracted water tank 33. Pump 50 then transfers fluids from extracted water tank 33 to pulse flow tank 54. A valve 53 can be provided in flow line 52. Pump 55 can be a variable speed pump that transfers fluid from pulse flow tank 54 to flow line 70 and then to module 20. Flow line 70 can be provided with valve 71, flow meter 72. Line 70 discharges at flow discharge 73 into module 20.
Pump 56 transmits fluid from pulse flow tank 54 to flow line 67 and then to final module 21. The flow line 67 can be provided with a tee fitting 87. Flow line 67 discharges at 69 into module 21. Flow line 67 can be provided with valve 68. Flow line 86 communicates with flow line 67 at tee fitting 87. Flow line 86 can be provided with valve 88 and flow meter 89. The flow line 86 discharges into hopper 26 as shown.
Pulse flow tank 54 can receive make up water from flow line 57. Flow line 57 can be valved with valve 58 to receive influent water from a user's water supply. Flow line 57 can be provided with flow meter 59. Flow line 57 can also be provided with a back flow preventer or check valve 60.
Pump 62 can be a variable speed pump. Pump 62 receives flow from module 18 through suction line 61. Pump 62 then transmits fluid through flow line 63 to module 17 at flow line discharge 66. Flow line 63 can be provided with valve 64 and flow meter 65.
A number of chemical injectors or chemical inlets 74-82 can be provided for transmitting a selected chemical into a selected module of the modules 14-21. Examples are shown in
Multiple steam inlets 83 can be provided as shown in
Table 1 show examples of water flow rates (in gallons per minute and liters per minute) for light soil and heavy soil for either embodiment (
The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention.
All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise.
The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.
Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/351,117, filed 3 Jun. 2010, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.
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