JP2009013211A - Automatic concentration control apparatus for cleaning liquid and method for using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus that easily prepares a cleaning liquid, automatically controls the concentration of a cleaning liquid to prepare a cleaning liquid and smoothly functions the whole system and a method for using the apparatus in a pipe conduit cleaning apparatus using a powder detergent. <P>SOLUTION: In a plant having a pipe conduit for mixing and processing a liquid, when the inside of the pipe conduit is cleaned by using a cleaning liquid composed of the powder detergent A in order to clean the pipe conduit, an apparatus for a cleaning liquid production process is installed separately from a plant main body and the process is divided into a high-concentration cleaning liquid preparation process and a diluted cleaning liquid C preparation process. Consequently, the detergent is uniformly dispersed, the concentration is easily adjusted and a plurality of powders are readily mixed and prepared. The automatic concentration control apparatus for a cleaning liquid is composed of a sensor such as a conductivity meter 5 etc., to be instantly and continuously used and a computer controller. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic concentration management apparatus for cleaning liquid and a method for using the same, and more particularly, an automatic concentration management apparatus for automatically adjusting the concentration of a cleaning liquid obtained by dissolving one or more powder cleaning agents and a method for using the automatic concentration management apparatus. It is about.

Conventionally, many solution concentration management methods and apparatuses are known. In addition, various methods and apparatuses for dissolving the powder to control the concentration have been constructed. For example, a kidnapping apparatus (for example, a patented device) provided with a powder supply means provided with a drive means for rotating the opening surface downward and a melting tank located therebelow when a hopper is used to introduce a body from the top. Document 1), a melting apparatus (for example, Patent Document 2) has been proposed that has a measuring means for powder supplied from a storage hopper to a melting tank and a computer that controls the amount of water supply based on the amount of powder.

In a food production factory (particularly liquid food such as drinking water and milk), there are COP (Cleaning Out Place) and CIP (Cleaning In Place) as cleaning methods for manufacturing facilities.
COP is a method of disassembling machines and parts and washing them with a detergent solution (brushing) or circulating detergent. It is used for cleaning equipment and parts with complex structures, and for cleaning floors, walls, ceilings, and tank outer surfaces.
CIP refers to a method in which a cleaning function is built into a facility configuration without disassembling equipment and parts, and cleaning is performed using chemical energy, thermal energy, and kinetic energy of a detergent solution. It is used for pipes and other cleaning facilities that are not complicated.
The drugs used should be handled carefully and stored in a clearly labeled container to distinguish them from food to avoid the risk of contaminating the food.

CIP cleaning generally includes cleaning with an alkaline cleaning agent and cleaning with an acidic cleaning agent, and has a cleaning liquid storage tank (both alkaline and acidic) of about 1000 to 2000 L.
CIP cleaning is performed in the order of alkali cleaning → water cleaning → acid cleaning → water cleaning after use of the equipment. Since the cleaning liquid concentration in the tank decreases due to deterioration of the cleaning liquid or mixing of cleaning water, It was necessary to replenish the powder regularly (the replenishment time may be controlled by the conductivity of the cleaning solution).
JP-A-10-232 JP-A-6-226068

  In an apparatus for cleaning by introducing a conventional detergent solution from the top, the powder supply device and the dissolution device are integrated, and the feeder feeder is also fixed, and one type is determined. Applicable only to powder or similar powders (salt, salt) (Patent Document 1) and dye (Patent Document 2). Therefore, it is difficult to cope with those having various characteristics, and high accuracy and speed There was no device having a function of controlling concentration.

For example, there are many types and shapes of powder surfactants and powder detergents, and the properties such as particle diameter and hygroscopicity are different. There wasn't.
Further, even when the height and positional relationship between the supply device and the melting device differ depending on the use conditions, it is troublesome. The object of the present invention is to quickly and accurately provide a cleaning liquid composed of various types of powder cleaning agents that can easily cope with changes in the characteristics of the powder cleaning agent (A) and the positional relationship between the powder supply device and the dissolving device. It is to provide a method capable of automatic concentration management.

In addition, in the conventional technology in which the detergent solution is introduced from the upper part, when the tank of the cleaning agent reaches 5000 L or more, the height of the tank increases, and it takes much time to supply the cleaning agent. If the cleaning agent is liquid, it can be easily done by piping and transporting it with a pump. However, the liquid cleaning agent is an active ingredient for the powder cleaning agent (alkaline detergent is mainly sodium hydroxide, surfactant, Chelating agents. Acid detergents mainly contain urea nitrate, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, chelating agents, and surfactants.) The concentration is low (about 1/3), and costs are low due to problems such as fluidity, handling, and storage location. Disadvantageously, if the concentration of the liquid detergent is increased, there is a problem that the viscosity increases and the flow rate decreases, and the liquid does not become uniform and separation occurs.

In the case of powder detergent, it is usually subdivided into 5Kg bags, but the work of climbing the tank with the bag and replenishing it is very troublesome, and the detergent contains deleterious substances such as sodium hydroxide. Must be handled at high altitude, and it was very dangerous when dropped or scattered.

In addition, when trying to transfer from the bottom of the cleaning liquid tank using a powder transfer device to the tank hopper, a very expensive transfer device such as trangie is required. In this case, it is difficult to obtain a space for installation, and there is a problem that the detergent remaining in the transfer device is deliquescent due to moisture and clogging due to the use of highly deliquescent chemicals such as sodium hydroxide. .

In order to solve the above problems structurally, a high-concentration liquid preparation device (dissolution tank) is provided below the powder supply device, a dilution cleaning device (dilution tank) and a conductivity meter for diluting the high-concentration liquid are provided, By providing means for controlling the supply amount of high-concentration liquid and the amount of water supply based on the conductivity, a method for managing the concentration quickly and accurately using this device was established.
Specifically, the present invention solves the problem from the cleaning liquid concentration adjusting and supplying apparatus provided with the above-described cleaning liquid automatic concentration management apparatus and the operation method of the entire system.

As a specific system configuration, a powder stirrer (1a) and a hopper (1b) are provided, and a powder supply device (1) and a liquid stirrer (2a) are provided to supply a powder cleaning agent (A). High-concentration liquid preparation device (2); water supply device (3); liquid transfer pipe (4) for transferring the high-concentration liquid, composed of a dissolution tank (2b) and provided below the hopper (1b); On the basis of the dielectric constant measured by the conductivity meter (5); and the diluted washing liquid preparation device (6) comprising a dilution tank (6b) equipped with a liquid stirrer (6a); It is comprised from the control apparatus (7) which gives a supply instruction | indication to a liquid transfer pipe line (4) or a water supply apparatus (3), ie, an automatic density | concentration management apparatus.

As the flow of operation, an automatic concentration management device for the cleaning liquid of the powder cleaning agent (A) and an automatic concentration management device are operated to start the powder agitator (1a), and the powder supply device (1). In addition to charging the powder cleaning agent (A) from the hopper (1b) to the dissolution tank, water from the water supply device (3) or diluted cleaning liquid from the dilution tank (6b) is charged to the dissolution tank (2b), Water from the water supply device (3) or diluted cleaning liquid from the dilution tank (6b) is charged into the dissolution tank (2b), the liquid agitator (2a) is started, and the powder cleaning agent (A) is added to water or diluted cleaning liquid. A high concentration liquid (B) dissolved in 5 to 30% is prepared, and the high concentration liquid (B) is introduced into the dilution tank (6b) from the liquid transfer pipe (4) and the water supply device (3) Water is added to the liquid, and the liquid stirrer (6a) is started so that the high-concentration solution (B) Is diluted to 0.5 to 3% (hereinafter, the concentration of the solute in the present application represents the mass percent concentration with respect to a commonly used solution). In (5), the conductivity of the diluted cleaning liquid (C) is measured, and a water supply instruction is issued from the control device (7) to the liquid transfer line (4) or the supply device (3) based on the measured conductivity. By automatically adjusting the concentration of the diluted cleaning liquid (C) of the powder cleaning agent (A), the automatic concentration management device for the cleaning liquid can be effectively used.

With this system operation method, especially in CIP cleaning, the cleaning liquid is poured along the pipeline of the production line after use of the equipment without disassembling the equipment and parts. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the feedback density by the automatic measurement result of the following concentration so that the concentration of the cleaning solution does not become too thin.

When a signal with a concentration below the lower limit value from the conductivity comes, weigh a certain amount of cleaning agent in the dissolution tank and bring it to a concentration (50% or less, preferably 25% or less) that can be pumped. After diluting with, it is stirred and transferred by piping to the cleaning liquid tank.
After transferring the high-concentration liquid, send water to the dissolution tank and rinse the dissolution tank, pump, and piping.
The concentration of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank is adjusted to an arbitrary concentration (usually 3 to 1%) by pouring water, or an upper limit (usually 5 to 5) at which the concentration in the cleaning liquid tank is allowed after the high concentration cleaning liquid is poured. 3%) or less, it will fall to the specified concentration over time due to deterioration of CIP water and cleaning solution. In any case, the high-concentration solution is automatically replenished when the value falls below the lower limit (about 0.8% or less).

  A low-cost powder cleaning agent can be safely put into the cleaning liquid tank without much effort.

  Since the high-concentration cleaning liquid is stirred in the dissolution tank immediately before the transfer and the entire amount is transferred, even a liquid that separates the high-concentration cleaning liquid can be transferred to the cleaning tank without fluctuation in the component ratio.

Since the dissolution tank and pump piping are rinsed with water after transferring the high-concentration cleaning solution, the pump and piping can be corroded and clogged by detergent residues in addition to the advantage that the liquid that separates the layers can be sent without fluctuation in the component ratio. There is also an advantage to be eliminated.

  Since only the necessary amount of detergent (usually 5 kg) to be transported is dissolved and transported, the dissolution tank, the stirring equipment, etc. can be made very small and low-cost.

Concentrations of powders with very different types of properties, such as powder detergents that have hygroscopicity and deliquescence and are prone to block king, unmixed bulk residue, and undissolved residue, can be quickly and accurately adjusted. Can be produced. In particular, sodium hydroxide is a highly deliquescent powerful drug that is difficult to handle as described above. However, there has been a high demand for washing from the past. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) treatment standards designated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the use of about 2.8 percent sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is obligatory. In particular, in CIP cleaning, the cleaning liquid is indispensable for initial cleaning.

  There is no need to use the means to complete the dissolution of the undissolved powder (pushing the undissolved powder back into the dissolution tank, spray nozzle or circulation line), so that it does not take time and effort to dissolve the undissolved powder. Can be.

  Rather than supplying the cleaning liquid directly from the top of the production line with a hopper, the plant configuration can be installed in accordance with the shape of the site and the form of the manufacturing line by separating the stirring manufacturing of the cleaning liquid. In addition, operation and maintenance are easy, and cost can be reduced.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing one embodiment (automatic concentration management apparatus after cleaning) of the present invention.
This automatic concentration management device comprises a powder supply device (1), a high concentration liquid preparation device (2), a water supply device (3), a liquid transfer line (4), a conductivity type (5), a diluted solution preparation device ( 6) and a control device (7). The size and shape of each device are not particularly limited.

The powder supply apparatus (1) includes a powder agitator (1a) and a hopper (1b) having a bridge prevention function as necessary.
The powder stirrer (1a) is preferably provided with a stirring blade having a function of preventing powder bridging installed in the vertical direction from the inlet of the hopper, for example, a screw type, a ribbon type, or a mixer type. is there.

The hopper (1b) drops the powder cleaning agent into the dissolution tank (2b) below the hopper (1b), and is not particularly limited as long as it has an outer shape suitable for the charging, but it is preferably a smooth shape. In addition, it is desirable that at least the inner wall surface of the hopper be subjected to a low friction and low adhesion treatment such as fluorine resin processing. In addition, it is possible to adopt a method in which vibration is applied to the hopper so that the powder easily falls.
The hopper also has a structure in which moisture is blocked, for example, a structure as described in Patent Document 1, that is, a side surface is covered with an enclosure (13) so that foreign matter does not enter from the outside, and an upper surface is an open / close lid ( 14) A sealed structure covered with 14), a structure without an opening on the lower side of the hopper (1), an enclosure so that the powder does not absorb and solidify under the influence of moisture from the lower dissolution tank (2b) A filter (15) may be provided on a part of the side surface of (13) to exhaust internal moisture to the outside and prevent external foreign matter from entering.

  Since the hopper (1b) drops the powder cleaning agent into the dissolution tank (2b) below it, a slide gate valve (SGB) is provided at the lower part of the hopper (1b) as a powder charging valve used for the charging. It is preferable to provide, thereby controlling the powder feeding (adjustment of the timing, speed and amount of feeding) (that is, normally performed, the first time, fully opened and large charging (about 3 to 4 kg)). In the second and subsequent times, a preferable method in which small input is repeated by half-opening or slightly opening is possible. Further, in place of the powder injection valve, other supply means, for example, a powder supply means having an opening on the top surface and a drive means for moving the opening surface downward as described in Patent Document 1 It is also possible to control the charging of powder using

  Powder supply device (1) Powder stirrer (1a) Powder input valve (SGB) or other input control means, in conjunction with the control device (7), automatically turns on / off stirring and stirring speed It is possible to control and automatically supply a desired amount of the powder cleaning agent (A).

The high-concentration liquid preparation device (2) is composed of a dissolution tank (2b) equipped with a liquid stirrer (2a). A conventionally well-known thing can be used as a liquid stirrer (2a) and a dissolution tank (2b).
As the liquid stirrer (2a), those usually used for mixing and stirring powder into a liquid can be used, and those using a stirring blade are typical, and those using a three-propeller are preferable.
There is no limit to the number of liquid stirrers (2a) used, and the installation position is not limited. However, since the detergent is introduced from the top, stirring is preferably performed from the bottom.

As the dissolution tank (2b), those usually used for powder dissolution can be used. The shape is not particularly limited, and may be a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may have a structure in which an inclined portion is provided on the bottom surface and the powder easily collects in the stirring portion (portion close to the stirrer). The material is not particularly limited, and those made of stainless steel can be suitably used. Moreover, the capacity | capacitance of a dissolution tank (2b) can be set according to a use. Usually, it is 10-50L, Preferably it is 20-30L.

The dissolution tank (2b) is disposed in the hopper (1b) so that the powder cleaning agent is charged from the hopper (1b) via a powder charging valve or other means (preferably a powder charging valve). On the other hand, piping is provided so that water is supplied from the water supply device (3). If necessary, in addition to (or instead of) the water supply from the water supply device (3), the powder supply device (1) installed above the dilution tank (2b) [powder stirrer (1a) and The hopper (1b)] may be one or plural.

The dissolution tank (2b) is provided with a liquid level sensor (2c) if necessary. In addition, other measuring devices (such as thermometers) are inserted. These are connected to the control device (7), and based on the measured values, instructions such as supply by the control device (7) can be performed.
The high-concentration liquid preparation device (2) [liquid stirrer (2a), liquid level sensor (2c)] also communicates with the control device (7) to turn on / off the stirring and stirring speed, as well as powder detergent and water (or The supply of the diluent is controlled automatically by computer control with fine setting conditions.

  The water supply device (3) is not particularly limited as long as the water supply can be controlled. Even if the control valve (water supply valve) is provided at or near the tip of the pipe to the dissolution tank (2b), A control valve may be connected to the water supply source itself. The water supply device (3) is connected to the control device (7) so that the water supply can be controlled automatically. The water supply device (3) includes one that supplies water to the dissolution tank (2b) and one that supplies water to the dilution tank (6b), and each water supply valve automatically supplies water according to the instructions of the control device (7). To be able to control.

The liquid transfer pipe (4) is a line for transferring the adjusted high concentration liquid (B) to the diluted cleaning liquid preparation apparatus (6) [dilution tank (6b)] by the high concentration control apparatus (2). The pipe (4) is constituted by a liquid pipe provided with a high concentration liquid charging valve (4a) and a discharge pump (4b).
The high-concentration liquid input valve (4a) and the discharge pump (4b) can be connected to the control device (7) to automatically control the supply of the high-concentration liquid. In the middle of the pipe (4) or at the outlet of the high-concentration liquid preparation device (2) [dissolution tank (2b)], if necessary, means for filtering out undissolved powder washing (strainer, filter, A screen or the like) may be provided.

As the conductivity meter (5), one that is usually used for measuring the conductivity (conductivity) of liquid can be used, and the pH (hydrogen ion concentration) measurement can be used to adjust the concentration of various cleaning solutions. It is also possible to use one having multiple functions such as side by side.

The diluted cleaning liquid preparation device (6) is composed of a dilution tank (6b) equipped with a liquid stirrer (6a).
As the liquid agitator (6a), those usually used for mixing and agitating liquids can be used, and those having a stirring blade installed from the bottom as a propeller are preferable. One stirring blade or a plurality of stirring blades may be used.
A conventionally well-known thing can be used as a dilution tank (6b), The shape in particular is not restrict | limited, A cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape may be sufficient. The material is not particularly limited, and those made of stainless steel can be suitably used. The capacity of the dilution tank can be variously changed according to the use and usage amount of the cleaning liquid.
The dilution tank (6b) is supplied with a high-concentration liquid from the liquid transfer pipe (4) and supplied with water from the water supply device (3), and is also prepared in the dilution tank (6b). Is piped out from the discharge pump (6c) to the cleaning pipe.

The diluting tank (6b) is equipped with a conductivity meter (5). Particularly in CIP cleaning, it is particularly important for the concentration management of the cleaning solution, and at the same time, a liquid level sensor (6c) and a thermometer are equipped. It is preferable. These sensors are connected to the control device (7), and based on the measurement information, instructions such as supply by the control device (7) can be made.

Based on the conductivity measured by the conductivity meter (5), the control device (7) instructs the liquid transfer line (4) to supply a high-concentration liquid [high-concentration input valve (4a) and discharge pump ( 4b) ON / OFF instruction] or a water supply instruction to the water supply device (3) [that is, if the conductivity of the diluted solution is measured and the concentration is low, an instruction to supply a high concentration liquid is issued. If the concentration is high, the water supply device (3) is instructed to supply water.] In particular, in CIP cleaning, the concentration of the cleaning liquid tends to decrease with time. This controller is controlled using a computer controlled system. The control device (7) also includes a normal measurement function, but the conductivity measurement function (device) may be a separate device.

  Further, the control device (7) transfers the liquid based on the liquid amount measured by the liquid level sensor (6c) provided in the dilution tank (6b) and the conductivity measured by the conductivity meter (5). A supply instruction can be issued to the pipe (4) or the water supply device (3). The control device (7) issues an instruction to supply or supply high-concentration liquid and also to turn on / off the liquid agitator (6a). As described above, the powder agitator (1a), powder An instruction to turn on and off the body charging valve (SGC) and the liquid agitator (2a) is issued.

  For the diluted solution prepared by the diluted solution (6b) of the diluted cleaning solution preparation device (6), the conductivity is measured by the conductivity meter (5), and the conductivity within the specified range is determined according to the instruction by the control device (7). The density is adjusted until the value is reached. The diluted solution adjusted to have a conductivity within a predetermined range is sent from the discharge pump (6c) of the diluted cleaning solution preparation device (6) to the cleaning pipe and used for use (cleaning of the object).

  Next, a usage method (concentration management method) of the automatic concentration management apparatus for cleaning liquid according to the present invention will be described. The cleaning liquid is basically prepared by putting dissolving water from a water supply device into a dissolution tank, supplying a powder cleaning agent from a powder supply device and dissolving it, preparing a high concentration liquid, and then diluting the high concentration liquid. Then, the concentration of the cleaning solution is adjusted by adjusting the concentration of the cleaning solution (that is, while measuring the conductivity, water is automatically added to dilute to a predetermined conductivity). Of course, the same mechanism can be applied to a water washing process of multiple times (alkali washing → water washing → acid washing → water washing) associated with CIP cleaning.

The steps of the method according to the present invention will be specifically described. It is as follows.
[1] High concentration liquid preparation step (I-1) First, the start switch is manually turned on, the powder agitator (1a) is started, the powder injection valve (slide gate valve: SGB) is opened, and the powder From the hopper (1b) of the supply device (1), the powder cleaning agent (A) is charged into the dissolution tank (2b). When the amount of the powder cleaning agent (A) instructed by the control device (7) is charged, the powder agitator (1a) is stopped and the powder charging valve (SGB) is closed. The powder detergent (A) may be charged all at once or dividedly, but it is preferable to add it separately.

[I-2] Next, the water introduction valve is opened in the dissolution tank (2b), water is introduced from the water supply device (3), the liquid agitator (2a) is started, and the powder detergent (A) is diluted with water or diluted. Dissolve in a cleaning solution to prepare a high concentration solution (B). After stirring for the time specified by the control device (7), the liquid agitator (2a) is stopped and the water supply valve is closed.
Although the density | concentration of a high concentration liquid (B) can be changed according to the kind and use of a cleaning agent, it is 5-30% normally, Preferably, it is 10-20%.

(II) Diluted cleaning liquid preparation step (II-1) Subsequent to step (I), when the lower limit level signal is output from the conductivity meter, the liquid stirrer (6a) is started and the high concentration liquid injection valve ( 4a) is opened, the discharge pump (4b) is operated, the high-concentration liquid (B) is introduced into the dilution tank (6b) from the liquid transfer line (4), and the entire amount of the high-concentration liquid (B) is introduced. Then, the liquid agitator (6a) and the discharge pump (4a) are stopped, and the high-concentration liquid introduction valve (4a) is closed.
Open the water supply valve, supply a certain amount of water (about 2 kg) to the dissolution tank, operate the discharge pump again, and supply it to the diluent (rinse operation).

(II-2) The conductivity of the diluted cleaning solution (C) thus prepared is measured with a conductivity meter (5). If the electrical conductivity is within the range indicated by the control device (7), the diluted cleaning liquid preparation is completed. If the electrical conductivity is out of the range, the control device (7) is used based on the measured electrical conductivity. The liquid transfer pipe (4) or the water supply device (3) is instructed to supply, and when the electric conductivity within the above range is reached, the supply is stopped and the concentration of the diluted cleaning liquid (C) is automatically adjusted. .
Although the density | concentration of a dilution liquid washing | cleaning liquid (C) can be changed according to the kind and use of a cleaning agent, it is 0.5 to 3% normally, Preferably, it is 1 to%. The range of the conductivity of the diluted cleaning liquid (C) varies depending on the type and application of the cleaning agent, but is generally 10 to 100 mS / cm (milli Siemens per centimeter), preferably 30 to 60 mS / cm. is there.

Also, multiple sets (two sets or more) of cleaning liquid automatic concentration management devices according to the present invention are prepared, and two or more different cleaning liquids (diluted cleaning agents) (C), (C ′), etc. For example, an alkali cleaning liquid and an acid cleaning liquid are prepared, and these cleaning liquids are piped so as to be sent from the dilution tanks (6b), (6b ′) etc. to the cleaning pipes via the discharge pumps (6c), (6c ′), etc. Each cleaning liquid (C), (C ′), etc. can be used (cleaning of an object, for example, CIP cleaning). In the case of using a plurality of sets of automatic concentration management devices, the control device (7) may be individually provided in each device, but the cleaning liquid (C) using a single control device (7) common to each set. The whole automatic density management such as (C ′) can be performed.

The automatic concentration management apparatus for cleaning liquid according to the present invention detects the concentration by conductivity measurement in order to adjust the diluted cleaning liquid to a predetermined concentration so that these operations can be performed automatically and continuously. However, the principle of concentration detection by the conductivity meter used for the diluted cleaning solution concentration detection means is based on the fact that the conductivity varies depending on the concentration of the cleaning agent. Yes. As for the relationship between the conductivity and the concentration of the cleaning agent, the relationship between the concentration of the cleaning agent is obtained, and the concentration of the powder cleaning agent is obtained from the conductivity. This relationship is input to the control device, and the dielectric constant varies depending on the concentration of the cleaning liquid.
The higher the temperature of the cleaning solution, the greater the change in conductivity with respect to the concentration change. This indicates that the higher the cleaning temperature, the higher the sensitivity for detecting the concentration due to the conductivity, and the more easily the minute difference in concentration can be detected as a change in conductivity. This is a necessary condition for accurately adjusting the concentration of the cleaning agent.

In order to increase the temperature detection sensitivity of conductivity, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the cleaning solution. The temperature of the cleaning solution is set to an appropriate temperature range (preferably 20 to 20), such as heating the water for dissolution or heating the cleaning solution. 70 ° C). In this way, a means for detecting a minute difference in the temperature of the cleaning liquid is taken, and a cleaning liquid with a high concentration accuracy is prepared by controlling the supply amount of the powder cleaning agent and water so that the concentration of the predetermined cleaning agent is reached. be able to.

As a powder detergent (A) used by this invention, a conventionally well-known powder cleaning agent is used and should just be a powder at the time of cleaning liquid manufacture. As types, neutral, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants as well as materials having a wide range of detergency such as acidic and alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide and citric acid can be used.
In particular, it is preferable to use a mixed solution of a surfactant, a chelating agent, and an alkali builder such as sodium hydroxide.
The powder means powdery or granular, and the particle size is not particularly limited as long as it can be fed by a powder supply device. There is no particular limitation on the solubility.

Flowchart of Implementation The cleaning liquid automatic concentration management measuring device and its usage method according to the present invention will be elucidated by examples, but the present invention is not limited to this, and covers all possible operation methods as a system. It is.

Step 1
In accordance with the instruction of the control device (7), the powder agitator (1a) is started by the electric motor (M1), the powder charging valve (SGB) is opened, and the powder is fed from the hopper (1b) of the powder supply device (1). The body cleaning agent (A) is continuously charged into the dissolution tank (2b). When a predetermined amount (instructed by the control device (7)) of the powder cleaning agent (A) is charged, the powder agitator (1a) is stopped,
Close the powder injection valve (SGB).

Step 2
Next, in the high-concentration liquid preparation apparatus (2), a predetermined amount of water is introduced from the water supply apparatus (3) to the dissolution tank (2b) and the powder detergent (A) is dissolved in water. To prepare a high-concentration liquid (B).

Step 3
On the other hand, in the diluted cleaning liquid preparation apparatus (6), the liquid stirrer (6a) is started by the electric motor (M3), the high concentration liquid inlet valve (4a) is opened, and the discharge pump (4b) is operated to supply the liquid transfer line. From (4), the high-concentration liquid (B) is charged into the dilution tank (6b) to adjust the diluted cleaning liquid (C). After transferring the entire high-concentration liquid, the carry-out pump (4b) is stopped, and the high-concentration injection valve (4a) and the water injection valve are closed.

Step 4
If the conductivity of the adjusted diluted cleaning solution (C) is measured with a conductivity meter (5) and the conductivity is within a predetermined range [within the range specified by the control device (7)], the diluted cleaning solution is prepared. Is completed. When it is out of the range, based on the measured conductivity, the controller (7) issues a supply instruction to the liquid transfer pipe (4) or the water supply device (3), and the conductivity within the above range. Is reached, the supply is stopped, and the concentration of the diluted cleaning solution (C) is automatically adjusted.
The conductivity is assumed in (4) by the conductivity measuring device through a sensor placed in the dilution tank, a signal is sent to the control device (5), and the concentration is sensed. In this case, for example, the target cleaning liquid concentration adjustment is set to a slightly higher concentration (2.0%) than the target, and the adjustment by feedback that the target cleaning liquid concentration is adjusted to 1.5% of the target while replenishing water is supplied. It is valid.

Step 5
Using the thus-prepared alkali cleaning liquid (diluted cleaning liquid) (C) and powder cleaning liquid (A), the automatic concentration-controlled acid cleaning liquid (diluted cleaning liquid) (C) prepared in the same manner as described above. ') From the dilution tanks (6b) and (6b'), respectively, by starting the discharge pumps (6C) and (6C ') and continuously feeding them to the cleaning pipes, both cleaning liquids (C) and (C' ) Was used for its use (CIP cleaning), and the diluted cleaning liquids (C) and (C ′) were sent to the cleaning pipe, and the liquid level in the dilution tank (6b ′) was below a predetermined level (L). The control device (7) issues an instruction to supply the high-concentration liquid (B) and water, the operation of step 1 is repeated, and then the operation proceeds to step 2.

Step 6
In addition, when the liquid level of the dissolution tank (2b) transferred to the liquid transfer pipe (4) is less than or equal to a predetermined level (L), the high concentration liquid (B) is powdered by the control device (7). An instruction to supply the body cleaning agent (A) and water is issued, the operations in steps 1 and 2 are repeated, and the operations in step 3 and subsequent steps are taken over.

  The automatic concentration apparatus for cleaning liquid and the method for using the same according to the present invention are suitably used for cleaning various objects in any factory or laboratory that uses a cleaning liquid using a powder cleaning agent. The present invention is an application for cleaning an object through an automated (computer-controlled) cleaning pipe, particularly in CIP cleaning mainly in the food industry, from a high concentration solution (about 25%) of sodium hydroxide, The ability to automatically mix and prepare a diluted cleaning solution (0.5 to 3%) with other cleaning agents seems to greatly contribute to the improvement of productivity and reliability.

It is a flowchart which shows typically the Example of the automatic density | concentration management apparatus of the washing | cleaning liquid of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

(A) Powder detergent (B) High concentration liquid (C) Diluted cleaning liquid (1) Powder supply device (2) High concentration liquid preparation device (3) Water supply device (4) Liquid transfer line (5) Conductivity meter (6) Dilution cleaning liquid preparation device (7) Control device

Claims (4)

A hopper comprising a powder agitator (1a) and a hopper (1b), a powder supply device (1) for supplying a powder cleaning agent (A), and a dissolution tank (2) having a liquid agitator (2a). (1b), a high concentration liquid preparation device (2), a water supply device (3), a liquid transfer pipe (4) for transferring the high concentration liquid, a conductivity meter (5), a liquid stirrer (6a) ) And a liquid transfer line (4) or a water supply device (3) based on the conductivity measured by the conductivity meter. An automatic concentration management device for cleaning liquid, comprising a control device (7) for issuing a supply instruction. The diluted cleaning liquid preparation device (6) includes a flow meter (6c) including a liquid level sensor, and the control device (7) is measured by the liquid amount measured by the flow meter (6c) and the conductivity meter (5). The cleaning liquid automatic concentration management device according to claim 1, wherein a supply instruction is issued to the liquid transfer pipe (4) or the water supply device (3) based on the conductivity. The powder cleaning agent (A) is operated from the hopper (1b) of the powder supply device (1) by operating the powder agitator (1a) using the cleaning liquid automatic concentration management device according to claim 1 or 2. Is added to the dissolution tank (2b), and water from the water supply device (3) or diluted cleaning liquid from the dilution tank (6b) is added to the dissolution tank (2b), and the liquid agitator (6a) is started. A high concentration liquid (B) having a concentration of 30% by mass is prepared, the high concentration liquid (B) is diluted with water, and a diluted washing liquid (C) having a concentration of 0.5 to 3% by mass is prepared in two steps or a plurality of times. Or by mixing with other powder detergents, and measuring the conductivity of the diluted cleaning solution with a conductivity meter (5). Based on the measured conductivity, the liquid transfer line from the control device (7) (4) Or by giving a water supply instruction to the water supply device (3), the concentration of the diluted cleaning agent (C) is reduced. Incorporates the use of an automatic concentration control device for cleaning liquid, which is automatically adjusted by the back-back system, and alkali cleaning, water rinsing, acid rinsing, and water rinsing steps associated with CIP cleaning And a method for using the cleaning liquid automatic concentration control device. In claim 1, claim 2, and claim 3, the "conductivity meter (5)" constituting the feedback system is a pH measuring device, a specific gravity measuring device, a viscosity measuring device, a refractive index measuring device, a transparency measuring device, Claims replaced with "Liquid sensor (5)" such as a color measuring device, pressure gauge, etc., and "Measured conductivity" according to claim 2 and Claim 3 replaced with "Measured liquid sensor value" An automatic concentration management device for a cleaning liquid as defined in claim 1 and claim 2. And a method of using the automatic concentration management device as defined in claim 3.

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