AU2007202681A1 - Cleaning system and method for fluid containers - Google Patents

Description

12.Jun. 2007 16:51 Jc tO 16u Ata t e I P G r oup NoP93 P No. 3983 P. 4 0 CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLUID CONTAINERS

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Field of hnvention The present invention relates to cleaning of fluid containers. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and a method for cleaning and sterilizing fluid tanks.

00 Background Water tanks are used for storing and supplying water to buildings, for example, highrise buildings. These water tanks are typically located on top of the buildings to allow o 10 gravity-assisted delivery of water in these water tanks at sufficient pressure to Cl occupants of the buildings. To ensure that these water tanks are clean and free of' sediments, debris and algae, these water tanks require regular maintenance. Regular maintenance of the water tanks therefore helps to ensure that the water delivered to the occupants for purposes such as drinking or bathing is of acceptable quality.

A common problem associated with cleaning and sterilizing water tanks is the wastage of water arising from cleaning water tank walls. A conventional water tank wall cleaning process, as shown in the steps of FIG. 1, requires draining of potable water from water tanks through draining pipes of the water tank until the water in the water tank reaches a level of 15 to 20 cm from the bottom of the water tank. To prevent sludge or any debris from entering the draining pipes and other pipes connected to the water tank, a strainer is affixed to the openings of each of the draining pipes while the openings of all the other pipes connected to the water tank are covered in a step 100 before draining commences. Debris and sludge are then manually cleared from the inside surfaces of' walls of the water tank in a step 102.

The inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank are cleaned -using soft cleaning implements, preferably soft plastic tools or soft brushes, in a step 104, to ensure that the inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank are not scratched. The inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank are then thoroughly washed and flushed using water in a step 106 to substantially remove any remaining foreign particles that may compromise the quality of water; This process is repeated in a step 108 if necessary COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. Jun. 2007 16:51 Atae I ru o 93 P A c t u a t e I P G r o u P No. 3983 P. 2 0 until the water tank is free from any foreign particles. However, water that is used for flushing anid washing the water tank during the water tank wall cleaning process is suabsequently drained off as polluted water and therefore wasted.

Another common problem associated with cleaning and strilizing water tanks is the elaborate procedures required during sterilization of water tanks thereby leading to 00 INO unnecessary wastage of water. FIG. 2 shows a conventional water tank sterilization o process wherein the water tank is again filled with water in a step 200. Sterilizing chemicals containing chlorine are then gradually introduced into the water tank in a step 202 while the water tank is being filled with water in the step 200 to ensure thorough mixing thereof with the water in the water tank.

The general guideline for the amount of chemical to add to the water is preferably about 50 mg of free chlorine for each litre of water. Alternatively, ordinary bleaching powder of 35% chlorine concentration with a proportion of preferably about 150 gmn per 1000 litres of water may be used. Sodium hypochiorite with an equivalent concentration is also another alternative to the chlorine additive. In a step 204, the water tank is then filled to a predetermnined overflow level with water containing the sterilizing chemicals. The water containing the sterilizing chemicals is then kept in the water tank for a predetermined duration for sterilization of the water tank. The predetermined duration depends on the containment capacity of the water tank but is typically 24 hours.

During this period, the openings to all pipes connecting to or leading out from the water tank are blocked to prevent the sterilizing chemicals contained in the water from entering the pipes leading to households as the mixture of sterilizing chemical and water may be unsafe for human consumption. After the predetermined duration, the mixture of water and sterilizing chemicals in the water tank is completely drained off. The water tank is then refilled with potable water in a step 206. In a step 208, water samples are then drawn from the water contained in the water tank at a point of preferably 450 mm below the surface of the water in the water tank. The water COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12.JEn. 2007 16:51 Atae I ru c 93 P Actuate IP Group No. 3983 P. 6 3 0 samples are then sent to an authorized laboratory for bacteriological and chemical analysis.

CA Depending on the results from the bacteriological and chemical analysis, different courses of action are available and taken in a step 210. If the results are satisfactory, the entire water tank is completely drained and refilled with potable water. However 00 if the results arc unsatisfactory, the entire water tank is still drained off completely but with the water tank sterilization process being again repeated thereafter. An indication of how wastefuil the water tank sterilization process is given by the fact that o 10 for each time the water tank is completely drained, 500-&n of water is discharged and ci therefore wasted. In addition, after each repetition of the water tank sterilization process, the water tank is again drained and refilled with potable water. Theo water tank sterilization process may be repeated a few times. Each building typically has six water tanks. Thus to service all the water tanks of each building, 9000 m 3 of water is wasted even if the water tank sterilization process is repeated only twice.

There is therefore a need for a method and a system for cleaning water tanks that reduce water wastage compared to the conventional methods and systems for water tanks cleaning.

Summary The present embodiment of the invention disclosed herein provides a system and a method for cleaning fluid containers, or specifically, for cleaning water tanks for containing water. Through the combined application of filtration and ozonation processes, a water tank and water contained within the water tank are substantially cleaned without excessive water wastage.

In accordance wit a first aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a cleaning system for fluid containers. The cleaning system comprises a processing channel being configurable for fluid communicating with a container to theitby form a flow path along the processing channel and a container. The container is used for containing fluid. The cleaning system further comprises a drive assembly being integral with the COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: lime 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. Jun. 2007 16:52 Acut Gr pN.393 P 7 A c t u a t e I P G r o u P No. 3983 P. 7 04 0 processing channel for transporting fluid through at least a portion of the flow path and a filtration assembly being integral with the processing channel for substantially filtering fluid being transported along at least a portion of the flow path. Additionally, the cleaning system comprises a stenilization assembly for cooperating with the processing channel for interacting with and thereby substantially sterilising fluid. The fluid is transported along at least a portion of the flow path.

00 o In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a cleaning method for fluid containers. The cleaning method comprises the steps of preparing a o 10 container for cleaning the container. The step of preparing the contaner comprises the step of configuring a processing channel for fluid communicating with the container to thereby form a flow path along the processing channel and the container.

The container is used for containing fluid. The cleaning method further comprises the step of cleaning at least one of the container and fluid contained in the container. The step of cleaning at least one of the container and fluid contained in the container ffither comprises the steps of transporting fluid through at least a portion of' the flow path by a drive assembly being integral with the processing channel and substantially filtering fluid being transported along at least a portion of the flow path by a filtration, assembly being integral with the processing channel. Additionally, the step of cleaning at least one of the container and fluid contained in the container tixrther comprises the step of substantially sterilising fluid transported along at least a portion of the flow path by a sterilization assembly interacting with at least a portion of the flow path.

Brief Description Of The Drawings Embodiments of the invention are disclosed hereinafter with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG. I shows a flowchart of a water tank wall cleaning process in a conventional water tank cleaning method; COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. En. 2007 16:52 AtaeI ru o 93 P A c t u a t e I P G r o u P ,No. 3983 P. 8 0 FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a: water tank sterilization process following from the water tank wall cleaning process of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a system configuration of components of a cleaning system for water tanks for containing water according to an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning system being coupled to a water tank; 00 o FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a cleaning process for water tanks for containing water using the cleaning system of FIG. 3; 01 Ci FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of sub-steps of a water tank wall cleaning step in the cleaning method of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 shows a system configuration of the components of the cleaning system of FIG. 3 with a cleaning person in the water tank; FIG. 7 shows a system configuration of the components of the cleaning system of FIG. 3 with the water tank being filled with water when being sterilised; and FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the sub-steps of a water tank sterilization step of the cleaning process of FIG, 4.

Detailed Description A cleaning method and a system therefor are described hereinafter for addressing the foregoing problems. Through the combined application of filtration and ozonation, an embodiment of the invention provides a system and a method for fluid containers, for example water tanks, to reduce water wastage through the reuse of water during cleaning of the fluid containers, Embodiments of the invention described hereinafter are in accordance wit Figs. 1 to 8 of the drawings, in which like elements are numbered with like reference numerals.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. En. 2007 16:52 Actuate IP Group No. 3983 P. 9 6 0 A cleaning system 300, according to an embodiment of the invention, for cleaning a water tank 302 for containing water therein is described wit reference to FIG 3. The water tank 302 typically has removable covers and is constructed from reinforced concrete or mild steel.

The cleaning system 300 comprises a primary pump 304, a secondary pump 306, a 00 sterilization assembly and a filtration assembly. The sterilization assembly comprises an ozone generator 308 for generating ozone The sterilization assembly further comprises a venturi 309 for drawing ozone from the ozone generator 308 into fluid flowing through the venturi 309. The ozone generator 308 is preferably a food-grade Cl ozonator.

The primary pump 304, the secondary piump 306, the sterilization assembly, an intake conduit 310, an exhaust conduit 316 and the filtration assembly are inter-connected for forming a proces sing channel. The processing channel controls and processes fluids flowing through it.

The cleaning system 300 further comprises the intake conduit 3 10 having a first end 312a and a second end 312b, and a particle strainer 314 fitted to the first end 312a of the intake conduit 310. The second end 31 2b of the intake conduit 3 10 is coupled to an inlet of the primary pump 306. Each of the primary pump 304 and the secondary pump 306 is preferably a centrifugal pump or a displacement pump.

The intake conduit 310 is preferably decouplable from the primary pump 304 for portability and stowability.

The particle strainer 314 prevents particles larger than a predetermined size from entering the intake conduit 310 from the water tank 302 as this may damage the primary pump 304 and the secondary pump 306. The primary pump 304 and the secondary pump 306 form a drive assembly for transporting fluid through the processing channel. Each of the primary pump 304 and the secondary pump 306 is COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12.Jun. 2007 16:52 Jun 2t0 165 Atat e I G r o u p N.3. 1 No. 3983 P. 07 0 preferably constructed from glass-reinforced thermoplastic, able to be self-primed and operable on an alternating current (AC) power supply.

N_ The cleaning system 300 also firther comprises the exhaust conduit 316 having a first end 318Ba coupled to an outlet of the venturi 309 of the sterilization assembly and a second end 318Sb coupled to a sprinkler manifold 322.

00 o Together, the intake conduit 3 10 and the exhaust conduit 316 form two extremities of the processing channel, with each being structurally flexible. Once the processing channel is in fluid communication with the water tank 302, a flow pat 323 is formed Cl through the processing channel and the water tank 302 for fluid flow along the processing channel.

The filtration assembly preferably comprises a filtration system 324 having an inlet coupled using a conduit to an outlet of the primary pump 304. The filtration system 324 is preferably portable and has removable filters to facilitate filter replacement.

The filtration system 324 substantially filters debris or any form of sediment from fluid passing therethrough.

An outlet of the filtration system 324 is further coupled using a conduit to an inlet of the secondary pump 306, which functions as a booster pump to ensure sufficient fluid pressure is maintained within the processing channel. An outlet of the secondary pump 306 is in turn coupled to the ozone generator 308 via an inlet of the venturi 309.

The venturi 309 also positionally couples the secondary pump 306 and the exhaust conduit 316.

The venturi 309 is shaped and dimensioned to draw a predetermined amount of ozone (03) generated by the ozone generator 308 and inject the ozone into the fluid flowing through the feed of the venturi 309 to thereby provide sterilized water at the outlet of the venturi 309, which is coupled to the exhaust conduit. The sterilized water then flows through the exhaust conduit 316 and is discharged into the water tank 302 via the sprinkler manifold 322.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. Jun. 2007 16:53 Acut IPGopN.38 P. 1 Actuate IP Group No. 3983 P. I I 17- 8 ci The sprinkler manifold 322 enables the sterilized water to be dispersed substantially evenly throughout the water tank 302. This facilitates even mixing of the sterilized water with and improved oxidation of water already contained in the water tank 302.

With reference to FIG 4, which shows a flowchart of a water tank cleaning method 400 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, water supply valves (not 00 INO shown) for controlling water supply to the water tank 302 are turned off in a step 402 o to stop the supply of water to the water tank 302.

The water tank 302 is then drained to a level of 15 to 20 cm from the bottom of the water tank 302 to allow workers safe access into the water tank 302. As the water tank 302 is substantially covered, the only access into the water tank 302 is through an opening that is covered by water tank covers (not shown). Therefore, the water tank covers are unbolted and opened up in a step 404.

With the water tank covers opened, a visual inspection is performed on the water tank 302 to assess additional repair work that is required prior to cleaning thereof. Any defective water installations and fittings in the water tank 302 are replaced in a step 406 if they are found to be faulty. Water installations and fittings include overflow pipes, washout pipes, distribution mains, gate valves, sluice valves, ball valves and floats, leaking joints of mains/water tanks and other de-vices typically used with water tanks.

When the repair work is completed in the step 406, the inside surfaces of the wails of *the water tank 302 are cleaned in a step 40$. However, before cleaning, the inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank 302, openings of pipes connected to the water tank 302 must be properly plugged with preferably rubber plugs and covered up with cloth in a step 500 with reference to the flowchart of FIG 5, to prevent scrap or washed sediments from being deposited in the pipes.

Next, the cleaning system 300 is coupled to the-water tank 302 in a step 407. When coupling the cleaning system 300 to the water tank 302, the first end 31 2a of the COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. Jun. 2007 16:53 Acut IPGopN.38 P. 1 A c t u a t e I P G r o u P No. 3983 P. 12 9 0 intake coniduit 310, with the particle strainer 3 14 attached, is inserted into the water tank 302 and disposed in substantial proximity to the bottom of the water tank 302.

The exhaust conduit 316 is also inserted into the water tank 302 but with the sprinkler manifold 322 being disposed in substantial proximity to the top of the water tank 302.

It is preferred that the particle strainer 314 and the sprinkler manifold 322 be spaced substantially apart. The coupling of the cleaning system 300 to the water tank 302 00 enables the flow path 323 to be formed along the processing channel and the water tank 302, o) 10 With reference to PIG 6, the inside surfaces of the walls of tbhe water tank 302 axe ci washed and cleaned by spraying the inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank 302 with a pressurized water jet from a fluid-jet cleaning gun 602 in a step 502. The fluidjet cleaning gun 602 is preferably operated by a cleaning person 604 who has been self-disposed within the water tank 302.

During cleaning of the inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank 302 in the step 408, a circulating pump (not shown) is positioned inside the water tank 302 to substantially remove debris and anty other form of sediments by vacuum suction.

Simultaneously, the water in the water tank 302, which has previously been drained to a pre-determined level to allow the cleaning person 604 safe access into the water tank 302, is drawn into the cleaning system 300 to undergo filtration and sterilization when being passed through the processing channel of the cleaning system 300 in a step 504. This is repeated when the water flowing along the flow pat 323, undergoes circulation through the processing channel of the cleaning system 300. Tis ensures that the water in the water tank 302 is maintained substantially clean during cleaning of the inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank 302 in the step 408 through water reuse and which therefore leads to substantially reduced water wastage. Once the inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank 302 are substantially cleaned in a step 506, circulation of the water through the processing channel of the cleaning system 300 stops.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. Jun. 2007 16:53 Acut IPGopN.3 3 P. 1 Actuate IP Group No. 3983 P. 13 ciIf painting of the inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank is required after cleaning, the inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank 302 are dried preferably using a cloth before painting thereof commences in a step 410.

After the inside surfaces of the walls of the water tank 302 have been cleaned in the step 408, and painted if necessary in the step 410, the water tank 302 undergoes a INC sterilization step 412. With reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the water tank 302 is fully o filled with water in a step 800. Once the water tank 302 has been filled with water, the water in the water tank 302 undergoes circulation through the processing channel ofthe cleaning system 300 along the flow path 323.

When processed by flowing through the processing channel of the cleaning system 300, the water undergoes filtration by the filtration assembly in a step 804, followed by sterilization by the sterilization assembly in a step 806. Depending on the capacity of the water tank 302, the water in the water tank 302 is circulated preferably four times through the processing channel of the cleaning system 300 before stopping in a step 8 10. The water that has been substantially ozonated by the sterilization assembly when being circulated through the processing channel of the cleaning system 300 is subsequently discharged from the processing channel of the cleaning system 300 into the water tank 302 to substantially sterilise the water tank 302 when coming into contact therewith.

Water samples (not shown) are then taken from the water tank 302 in a step 812 for bacteriological and chemical analysis by an approved water pathology center. If the bacteriological and chemical shows that the water samples do not meet a predetermined standard, the sterilization step 412 is repeated and water samples again taken thereafter for reanalysis. Following the sterilization step 412, the cleaning system 300, specifically the intake conduit 310 and the exhaust conduit 316 are decoupled from the water tank 302 before the tank covers of the water tank 302 are closed in a step 414.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. Jjn. 2007 16:54 Actuate IP Group No. 3983 P. 14 11 o In the foregoing manner, a cleaning system and a cleaning method for water tanks for containing liquids generator are disclosed for addressing the foregoing disadvantages of conventional water tank cleaning approaches. Although a number of embodiments of the invention are disclosed, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and/or modification can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

00

NO

o COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12

Claims (19)

12. Yin. 2007 16:54 Acut IPGopN.3 3 P. 1 Actuate IP Group No. 3983 P. 12 0 Claims 1. A cleaning system for cleaning fluid containers, the cleaning system comprising: a processing channel comprising: S an intake; an exhaust, at least one of the intake and the exhaust being 00 configurable with a container to thereby provide a flow path through the processing channel and the container, the container for containing fluid therein; o 10 a drive assembly for transporting fluid along at least a portion Cl at the flow path; a filtration Iassembly for substantially filtering fluid being transported along at least a portion of the flow path; and a sterilization assembly for interacting with and thereby substantially sterilising fluid being transported along at least a portion of the flow path. 2. The cleaning system as in claim 1, the intake being configurable for interacting with and receiving fluid contained in the container into the processing channel. 3. The cleaning system as in claim 2, the intake being a structurally manipulatable conduit being one of couplable to and insertable into the container for fluid comnmunicating therewith. 4. The cleaning system as in claim 2, the intake having a particle strainer being couplable thereto. The cleaning system as in claim 1, the exhaust being structurally manipulatable and configurable for discharging fluid transported through the processing channel into the container. 6. The clea ning system as in claim 5, the processing channel comprising: COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. Jun. 2007 16:54 Acut IPGopN.38 P. 1 Actuate IP Group No. 3983 P. 16 13 a sprinkler manifold couplabie to the exhaust for dispersing the fluid discharged therefrom into the container. 7. The cleaning systemn as in claim 1, the processing channel comprising: Cl at least one connector for interconnecting at least two of the drive S assembly, the sterilisation assembly and the filtration assembly. 008. The cleaning system as in claim 1, the drive assembly comprising: Cl at least one of a fluid pump, a drive pump and a centrifugal pump. 9. The cleaning system as in claim 1, the drive assembly being one manually Cl powered and motorised, The cleaning system as in claim 1, the sterilization assembly comprising: an ozonator for generating ozone (03) for delivery into the fluid flowing along the flow path. 11. The cleaning system as in claim 10, the sterilization assembly further comprising: a venturi for coupling the ozonator to the processing channel, wherein fluid flow through the venturi draws ozone generated by the ozonator thereinto for the substantial sterilization thereof. 12. The cleaning system as in claim 1, the filtration assembly comprising; at least one replaceable filter.

13. The cleaning system as in claim 1, the drive assembly comprising:, a first fluid pump, wherein the filtration assembly is positionally disposed between the first fluid pump and the sterilization assembly along the flow path.

14. The cleaning system as in claim 13, the drive assembly further comprising: a second fluid pump, COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. Jun. 2007 16:54 Acut IPGopN. 98 P. 1 A c t u a t e I P G r o u P No. 3983 P. 17 14

15.1 The cleaning system as in claim 1i, the container being a water tank for containing water. 00 16. Acleaning method for containers for containing fluids, the cleaning method Cl preparing a container for cleaning thereof comnprising the steps of-, providing a processing channel comprising an intake and an exhaust; and configuring at least one of the intake and exhaust with the container to thereby provide a flow path through the processing channel and the container, the container for containing fluid therein; and cleaning at least one of the container and fluid contained in the container comprising the steps of: transporting fluid along at least a portion of the flow path by a drive assembly being integral with the processing channel; substantially filtering fluid being transported along at least a portion of the flow path by a filtration assembly being integral with the processing channel; and substantially sterilising fluid being transported along at least a, portion of the flow path by a sterilization assembly being integral therewith.

17. The cleaning method as in claim 16, the step of preparing the container for cleaning thereof fbirther comprising the steps of:, removing at least a portion of fluid contained in the container, at least a portion of the container being formed by a plurality of walls; and cleaning at least one of the plurality of walls. COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12.Jun. 2007 16:55 Jun t% 165 Ata te I P G ro up Po 93 .1 No. 3983 P. 18

018. The cleaning method as in claim 17, the step of cleaning at least one of the plurality of walls comprising the step of: discharging at least a fluid stream onto at least one of the plurality of walls.

19. The cleaning method as in claim 16, the step of preparing the container for cleaning thereof further comprising the steps of: 00 filling at least a portion of the container with fluid. The cleaning method as in claim 16, wherein the step of configuring at least one of the intake and the exhaust comprises: ci structurally configuring the intake for interacting with and receiving fluid contained in the container into the processing channel.

21. The cleaning method as in claim 20, the step of providing the processing channel with an intake comprising the step of:, providing the processing channel wit a structurally manipulatable conduit being one of couplable, to and insertable into the container for fluid communicating therewith.

22. The cleaning method as in claim 20, the step of providing the processing channel with an intake comprising the step of: coupling a particle stainer to the intake.

23. The cleaning method as in claim 16, wherein the step ofl configuring at least one of the intake and the exhaust comprises: configuring a structurally manipulatable exhaust for discharging fluid transported through the processing channel into the container.

24. The cleaning method as in claim 23, the step of providing the processing channel with a structurally manipulatable exhaust comprising the step of; providing the exhaust with a sprinkler manifold coupled thereto for dispersing tbe fluid discharged therefrom into the container. COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: lime 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. Jun. 2007 16:55 Atut IPGopo.93 P. 1 A c t u a t e I P G r o u P No. 3983 P. 19 16

025. The cleaning method as in claim 16, the step of configuring a processing channel for fluid communicating wit the container comprising the step of: providing at least one connector for interconnecting at least two of the drive assembly, the sterilisation assembly and the filtration assembly. The cleaning method as in claim 16, the step of transporting fluid along at 00 least a portion of the flaw path by a drive assembly comprising the step of: transporting fluid along at least a portion of the flow path by at least one of a fluid pump, a displacement pump and a centrifugal pump. 01 Cl27. The cleaning method as in claim 16, the step of transporting fluid along at least a portion of the flow path by a drive assembly comprising the step of: transporting fluid along at least a portion of the flow path by a drive assembly being one manually powered and motorised.

28. The cleaning method as in claim 16, the step of substantially sterilising fluid being transported along at least a portion of the flow path by a sterilization assembly comprising the step of: providing the sterilization assembly with an ozonator for generating ozone (03) for delivery into the fluid flowing along the flow path.

29. The cleaning method as in claim 16, the step of substantially sterilising fluid being transported along at least a portion of the flow path by a sterilization assembly further comprising the step of: providing a venturi for coupling the ozonator to the processing channel, wherein fluid flow through the venturi draws ozone generated by the ozonator thereinto for the substantial sterilization thereof.

30. The cleaning method as in claim 29, the step of substantially filtering fluid being transported along at least a portion of the flow path by a filtration assembly comprising the step of- COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. En. 2007 16:55 Acut IP ropN.38 P.2 A c t u a t e I P G r o u p No-3983 P. 17 0 providing the filtration assembly with at least one replaceable filter,

31. The cleaning method as in claim 16, the step of configuring a processing Cl channel far fluid communicating with the container comprising the steps of: providing the drive assembly with a first fluid pump; and positionally disposing the filtration assembly between the first fluid 00 pump and the sterilization assembly along the flow path.

32. The cleaning method as in claim 16, the step of configuring a processing channel for fluid communicating with the container further comprising the steps of, Cl providing the drive assembly with a second fluid pump; and positionally disposing the second fluid pump between the sterilization assembly and the filtration assembly along the flow path.

33. The cleaning method as in claim 16, ffurther comprising the step of: analysing at least one of the sterility and cleanliness of the fluid contained in the container at least one of in tandem with and following the stp of cleaning at least one of the container and fluid contained in the container.

34. The cleaning method as in claim 33, fur-ther comprising the step of: repeating the step of cleaning at least one of the container and fluid contained in the container. A cleaning system for cleaning fluid containers, the cleaning system comprising: a processing channel being structurally configurable for fluid communicating with a container to thereby provide a flow path through the processing channel and the container, the container for containing fluid therein, the processing channel comprising: a drive assembly for transporting fluid along at least a portion of the flow path; COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12 12. Jun. 2007 16:56 Actuate IP Group No. 3983 P. 21 18 0 Sa filtration assembly for substantially filtering fluid being transported along at least a portion of the flow path; and Sa sterilization assembly for interacting with and thereby C-1 substantially sterilising fluid being transported along at least a portion of the flow path. r-- 00 O 0 rcl COMS ID No: SBMI-07733585 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:58 Date 2007-06-12