AU2021203664A1

AU2021203664A1 - Chemical Handling System

Info

Publication number: AU2021203664A1
Application number: AU2021203664A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Daniel George Firth
Original assignee: RAPID SPRAY Pty Ltd
Current assignee: RAPID SPRAY Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-05
Filing date: 2021-06-04
Publication date: 2021-12-23

Abstract

C:\Usrs\cag\AppData\Roaming\iManage\Work\Rec nt\35560401AUChemical andlingSystie \Abstract(21583933.1).docx-3/06/202 Abstract A chemical transfer system is disclosed, which includes a tank configured to hold a carrier liquid and a pump configured to transfer the carrier liquid to a delivery device. A concentrate chamber is provided with an upper outlet and a lower outlet each in fluid communication with the tank, and an inlet for receiving a concentrate liquid into the chamber. A manifold is connected to the inlet and is configured to selectively draw the concentrate liquid from one of a plurality of concentrate supplies and provide the concentrate liquid to the inlet. The concentrate chamber also has an opening with a cover, so that the cover can be removed to allow a solid concentrate to be inserted and the cover replaced to close the opening. The system is substantially closed, so that drawing from the upper outlet causes the concentrate liquid to be transferred into the concentrate chamber, and subsequently drawing from the lower outlet causes the concentrate liquid to be transferred to the tank.

Description

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CHEMICAL HANDLING SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to closed chemical measurement and transfer systems.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Chemical measurement and handling systems are known for use in conjunction with tractor and utility vehicle mounted agricultural spraying devices. In their basic form, agricultural chemical spray systems typically include a tank that contains a diluted liquid chemical mixture and a pump that draws the liquid from the tank. The pump transfers the liquid to a suitable spray device, such an operator-held hose fitted with a nozzle to direct the fluid to the desired target, or a boom device pipe fitted with multiple dispensing nozzles mounted on the sprayer vehicle to direct the fluid in a curtain like pattern while the vehicle moves along.

[0003] The chemical mixture will typically be a combination of one or more concentrated substances mixed with a carrier fluid, such as water or a hydrocarbon liquid like diesel fuel. There may be two or more liquids or dissolvable granular or powder substances added to the carrier fluid to provide the desired mixture. Often a concentrated tracing dye will also be added to enable the operator to confirm what targets have been treated.

[0004] To produce this chemical mixture, an operator is generally required to perform the following steps: i) climb up onto the spraying vehicle to remove a cover from an opening on the top of the sprayer tank, as this can rarely be reached while standing on the ground; ii) insert and activate a hose to deliver the carrier fluid through the tank opening until a predetermined tank level or volume is reached;

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iii) decant the various chemical concentrates from large containers (often necessitating the lifting of weights up to 25kg) into a measuring device like a calibrated laboratory jug; iv) climb back up onto the vehicle with the open container of chemical concentrate, and pour the contents through the tank opening to allow it to mix with the carrier fluid; and v) use the hose that delivers the carrier fluid to rinse the chemical concentrate measuring container while holding it inverted over the tank opening.

[0005] There have been attempts to overcome the need for personnel to mount the sprayer vehicle. One example is to position the fill point cover on the tank close to the side of the vehicle, however this can result in an undesirable centre of gravity of the filled tank. Another example is to extend a ducted auxiliary fill point to the side of the vehicle. These compromises still necessitate the conveying of open containers of hazardous chemicals, and those being held at operator head height during transfer. Any of these fill points must be above the full fill level of the mixture tank.

[00061 One method for transferring chemical concentrates to the mixture tank from a lower height utilises a hopper mounted lower on the sprayer vehicle. The measured chemicals are poured into the hopper, drawn out via a hose and pump, and deposited into the top of the tank. This method, however, still requires contact with the often-hazardous chemicals and messy staining dyes, as well as the lifting to pour of heavy chemical containers.

[00071 Closed and semi-closed transfer systems are known, but are bulky, difficult to operate, and mostly suited to large sprayer tanks. These cannot be fitted to smaller sprayers due to their size and inaccuracy for smaller batching. Such systems are also costly, complex, and require separate chambers for powder or granular concentrates than for liquid concentrates.

[00081 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or

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information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention is suitable for use in conjunction with tractor and utility vehicle mounted agricultural spraying devices, but is equally applicable to other industrial chemical measuring and transfer applications.

[0010] In one form, the invention seeks to provide a compact and economical closed chemical measuring and transfer system that addresses one or more of the drawbacks of the prior art, such as: * potential contact with hazardous chemical concentrates when pouring into measuring jug or induction hopper; • inhalation of hazardous chemical vapours, when pouring into measuring jug or induction hopper; * multiple lifting operations to pour chemicals into measuring jug or induction hopper; * the need to climb up onto a sprayer to add chemicals to mixture tank; * the requirement to raise an open jug of chemical concentrate and reach above head height to pour into tank or extension duct; * the need of manually rinsing measuring equipment; * the need to have separate systems to transfer liquid or granular and powder concentrates; and * the need to have a dedicated pump to transfer the chemicals to a sprayer tank.

[0011] According to a broad form of the invention, there is provided a chemical transfer system, including: a tank configured to hold a carrier liquid; a pump configured to transfer the carrier liquid to a delivery device; a concentrate chamber with an upper outlet and a lower outlet each in fluid communication with the tank, and an inlet for receiving a concentrate liquid into the concentrate chamber; and a manifold connected to the inlet, the manifold configured to selectively draw the concentrate liquid from one of a plurality of concentrate supplies and provide the concentrate liquid to the inlet; wherein the system is

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substantially closed, such that drawing from the upper outlet causes the concentrate liquid to be transferred into the concentrate chamber, and subsequently drawing from the lower outlet causes the concentrate liquid to be transferred to the tank.

[0012] In an embodiment, the concentrate chamber includes an opening with a cover, such that the cover can be removed to allow a solid concentrate to be inserted and the cover replaced to close the opening.

[00131 In an embodiment, a mesh is provided in the concentrate chamber between the opening and the lower outlet.

[0014] In an embodiment, the manifold further includes a fluid connection to the tank, such that the carrier liquid can selectively be drawn from the tank to the manifold.

[0015] In an embodiment, the fluid connection between the manifold and the tank enters the manifold at a location further removed from the concentrate chamber inlet than locations where the concentrate supplies enter the manifold.

[00161 In an embodiment, the manifold further comprises a second fluid connection to the tank, such that air and/or vapour can selectively be drawn from an upper portion of the tank to the manifold.

[00171 In an embodiment, the upper outlet and the lower outlet are connected to a selector valve, with the selector valve being connected to the tank.

[00181 In an embodiment, the selector valve is connected to the tank via a vacuum generator to draw fluid from the selector valve into the tank.

[0019] In an embodiment, the vacuum generator is a venturi device, and wherein the pump circulates carrier fluid through the venturi device.

[0020] In an embodiment, the chemical handling system further includes a rinsing system wherein the pump can selectively supply carrier liquid to the concentrate chamber in a manner that flushes concentrate liquid from the concentrate chamber.

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[00211 In an embodiment, the concentrate chamber comprises markings to allow a volume of the concentrate liquid in the concentrate chamber to be visually determined.

[0022] In an embodiment, the concentrate chamber comprises a sight tube to allow a volume of the concentrate liquid in the concentrate chamber to be visually determined.

[00231 In an embodiment, the rinsing system supplies carrier liquid to flush the sight tube.

[0024] In an embodiment, the chemical transfer system further comprises a container rinsing system wherein the pump can selectively supply carrier liquid to a concentrate supply container in a manner that flushes concentrate liquid from the concentrate supply container.

[0025] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided a concentrate chamber configured for use as part of a chemical transfer system that is substantially as defined herein.

[0026] According to another broad form of the invention, there is provided apparatus comprising a concentrate chamber and a manifold configured to be connected to the concentrate chamber, wherein the apparatus is suitable for use as part of a chemical transfer system that is substantially as defined herein.

[00271 It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that features of the method can be performed using the system or apparatus and that features of the system or apparatus can be implemented using the method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0028] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figure, wherein:

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[00291 Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a chemical handling system according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00301 The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0031] An example of a chemical transfer system according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described.

[0032] The chemical transfer system includes a tank configured to hold a carrier liquid and a pump configured to transfer the carrier liquid to a delivery device. The delivery device may be any suitable known apparatus, such as an operator-held hose fitted with a nozzle to direct the fluid to the desired target, or a boom device pipe fitted with multiple dispensing nozzles mounted on the sprayer vehicle to direct the fluid in a curtain like pattern while the vehicle moves along. The delivery device can also incorporate a valve to control or stop the flow of liquid if desired.

[0033] The chemical transfer system also includes a concentrate chamber with an upper outlet and a lower outlet each in fluid communication with the tank, and an inlet for receiving a concentrate liquid into the concentrate chamber. The upper outlet will typically be above the level of any liquid in the concentrate chamber, so that it will draw air from the chamber rather than liquid. As such, the upper outlet can be used to evacuate the concentrate chamber, which in turn causes fluid to be drawn into the concentrate chamber from the inlet. In contrast, the lower outlet will typically be below the level of any liquid in the concentrate chamber, so that it will draw the liquid from the chamber so that it can be transferred to the tank.

[0034] A manifold is connected to the inlet, which is configured to selectively draw the concentrate liquid from one of a plurality of concentrate supplies. That is, the manifold has a plurality of separate connections to different concentrate supplies, such as containers of concentrated chemical, dye, surfactant, or any other compound or product as may be

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desired. The concentrate liquid can then flow from the manifold to the inlet of the concentrate chamber.

[00351 The system is substantially closed, so that drawing from the upper outlet causes the concentrate liquid to be transferred into the concentrate chamber. Subsequently drawing from the lower outlet then causes the concentrate liquid to be transferred to the tank.

[00361 The system is advantageous because it allows for the required mixing processes to occur without exposure to any open containers, without requiring the operator to climb to any heights, and potentially even without requiring any containers to be lifted. In particular, the potential contact with hazardous chemical concentrates when pouring into measuring jugs or induction hopper, as was the case in the prior art, has now been eliminated.

[00371 Additionally, the invention can remove the risk of inhalation of hazardous chemical vapours, as the system is completely closed. The need of manually rinsing measuring equipment is also removed.

[00381 Throughout the specification a range of valves are described and are to be interpreted in a broad sense to encompass any known or available type of valve that is suitable for the application. For example, options may include ball valves, gate valves, solenoid valves, or any other suitable type. Different valves may be used in different parts of the system, and some or all of the valves may be automated and/or actuated by a control system.

[00391 Further example embodiments of a chemical transfer system will now be described.

[0040] The concentrate chamber may have an opening with a cover, such that the cover can be removed to allow a solid concentrate to be inserted and the cover replaced to close the opening. The solid concentrate may be a powder, granular substance, or some other solid form. The solid concentrate may mix with carrier liquid or some other fluid in

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the concentrate chamber, before being transferred to the tank in a manner similar to that described above.

[0041] In such an example system, a mesh may also be provided in the concentrate chamber between the opening and the lower outlet. This mesh can be used to ensure that the solid concentrate isn't transferred to the tank until it is suspended or dissolved in the carrier liquid or other fluid in the concentrate chamber.

[0042] These embodiments are advantageous, because they remove the need for separate systems to deal with liquid and solid concentrates. It is common to use both forms of concentrate for a single application, so reducing the required equipment in this way is particularly beneficial.

[00431 The manifold can be provided with a fluid connection to the tank. In this way, the carrier liquid can selectively be drawn from the tank to the manifold. This may be useful when adding a solid concentrate as described above, or for flushing concentrate from the manifold and/or the concentrate chamber.

[0044] In one specific example, the fluid connection between the manifold and the tank may enter the manifold at a location further removed from the concentrate chamber inlet than locations where the concentrate supplies enter the manifold. This ensures that the carrier liquid flows past the locations where the concentrate enters the manifold, thereby ensuring the best chance that all of the concentrate will be flushed from the manifold.

[0045] In another example, the manifold may also have a second fluid connection to the tank, so that air and/or vapour can selectively be drawn from an upper portion of the tank to the manifold. This can ensure that the chamber can be completely emptied without drawing in additional liquids.

[00461 To control the operation of the outlets, the upper outlet and the lower outlet may be connected to a selector valve, with the selector valve being connected to the tank. This means that fluid can be drawn into the tank from a single fluid line, with the selector valve being used to control whether the fluid is being drawn from the upper or lower outlet

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of the concentrate chamber. Such a system allows for simplified operation and minimal connection components.

[00471 In one example embodiment, the selector valve may be connected to the tank via a vacuum generator to draw fluid from the selector valve into the tank. In a more specific example, the vacuum generator could be a venturi device, with the pump circulating carrier fluid through the venturi device. That is, the circulation of the carrier fluid through the venturi device creates the vacuum that draws fluid from the selector valve, and ultimately from one of the upper or lower outlets. Such a design is advantageous because it makes use of the existing pump, rather than requiring one or more additional separate means for drawing the fluid from the concentrate chamber.

[00481 In some embodiments, the chemical transfer system may include a rinsing system. For example, the pump can selectively supply carrier liquid to the concentrate chamber in a manner that flushes concentrate liquid from the concentrate chamber, such as by being sprayed onto the inner surfaces or by entering the chamber at one or more upper locations and flowing down inside surfaces.

[0049] In yet other embodiments, the concentrate chamber may have markings to allow a volume of the concentrate liquid in the concentrate chamber to be visually determined. For example, at least part of the chamber may be made from a transparent material with lines or similar markings to indicate the volume, so that the level of the liquid can be easily seen and the volume determined.

[0050] Alternatively, the concentrate chamber may have a sight tube to allow the volume to be determined. In such an embodiment where there is also a rinsing system, the rinsing system may be configured to supply carrier liquid to flush the sight tube. Rinsing of the sight tube may be particularly important, to ensure that it does not become blocked and to ensure it remains clear. For example, if a dye is measured and then a clear concentrate is subsequently provided to the chamber, it would be important to ensure the dye is cleared from the sight tube so that the volume of the clear concentrate can be determined.

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[0051] In some embodiments, the chemical transfer system may include a container rinsing system wherein the pump can selectively supply carrier liquid to a concentrate supply container in a manner that flushes concentrate liquid from the concentrate supply container. For example, a carrier liquid may be supplied to a hose with a trigger valve and spray nozzle, so that the carrier liquid can be sprayed onto the inner surfaces of the concentrate supply container, before having the rinsate extracted in the usual manner via the manifold and the chamber.

[0052] An example embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0053] A chemical transfer system 10 is shown that includes a tank 12 with a sump 13 from which fluid can be drawn to a pump 14. A valve 15 and delivery device 16 are connected to the pump 14, so that opening the valve 15 allows fluid to be transferred from the tank 12 to the delivery device 16. A return line 17 with valve 18 are also provided to prevent damage to the pump 14 when the valve 15 and all other valves are also closed.

[0054] A further fluid line 20 with valve 21 also leads away from the pump 14 to a venturi device 22 in the tank 12. The venturi device 22 has a pipe 23 to the bottom of the tank 12 with a foot valve 24 to reduce splash and foaming as the fluid exits. As fluid flows through the venturi device 22, a vacuum is created to draw fluid in from a fluid line 25.

[0055] A concentrate chamber 30 has an upper outlet 31 and a lower outlet 32 that each connect to a selector valve 33. The selector valve 33 is connected to the fluid line 25, so that the vacuum created in this line 25 selectively draws from either the upper outlet 31 or the lower outlet 32.

[0056] The concentrate chamber 30 is chemically resistant and rigid enough to be able to withstand a partial vacuum. The chamber 30 has a large opening 35 with lid 36 that can be readily removed. This allows solids, such as chemical concentrates in the form of wettable powder or dissolvable granules, to be poured into the chamber 30, before being sealed again with the lid 36.

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[00571 A mesh 37 is provided towards the bottom of the chamber 30 to ensure that these solids cannot then be drawn through the lower outlet 32 before first being dissolved in a liquid. The chamber 30 also has a calibrated site gauge 38 to visually indicate the amount of liquid within the chamber 30.

[00581 A manifold 40 is connected to an inlet 41 of the concentrate chamber 30. A number of manifold inlets 42 are provided, each with a corresponding valve 43. Some of the inlets 42 are connected to concentrate containers 45, each of which is sealed but having a one-way valve 46 to allow air to enter but to prevent any liquid or vapour escaping to the atmosphere. A tube 47 extends from the bottom of the container 45, out through the top of the container 45 and ultimately to the inlet 42 via the valve 43.

[0059] The general operation of the system 10 for liquid concentrates involves operating the pump 14 once there is already a quantity of carrier fluid in the tank 12. All valves are initially closed, before then opening valve 21 so that carrier fluid flows to the venturi device 22. The selector valve 33 is positioned to connect the upper outlet 31 to the fluid line 25, so that the lower outlet 32 is shut off.

[0060] Next, one of the manifold valves 42 is opened to draw concentrate from one of the concentrate containers 45. The connection of the upper outlet 31 to the chamber 30 creates a vacuum in the chamber 30, in turn causing the suction that draws in the concentrate. As concentrate is drawn up the connected tube 47, it passes into the manifold and into the concentrate chamber 30. The manifold 40 can be sloped towards the chamber 30 to assist the transfer.

[00611 This process is allowed to continue until concentrate has filled to the desired level in the chamber 30 as indicated by the calibrated scale 38 on the side of the translucent chamber 30. In an alternative embodiment, however, an externally mounted sight tube may be provided on the chamber 30 adjacent the calibrated scale.

[0062] Once the desired volume of concentrate is reached, the valve 43 is closed. The level can be allowed to stabilise in chamber 30, and more concentrate added if required. At this point, the previous steps can be repeated for other concentrate containers 45, summing

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each measured quantity to the previous one before proceeding. Alternatively, the following steps can first be performed to empty the chamber 30 before adding the next concentrate.

[0063] To empty the chamber 30, the selector valve 33 is moved to connect vacuum line 25 to the lower outlet 32. A valve 43 can also be opened to a fluid line 48 that connects to an upper part of the tank 12. This creates a circuit so that air from the top of the tank 12 can flow via line 48 to the chamber 30 as the concentrate in the chamber flows out via the lower outlet 32, through the line 25 and into the tank 12.

[0064] The valve 43 on line 48 may be closed and a different valve 43 on a fluid line 49 from a lower part of the tank may be opened, thereby drawing carrier liquid from the tank 12 rather than air. This in turn can flush any concentrate from the manifold 40. Alternatively, the fluid line 49 could be connected to a clean water supply or other flushing fluid instead of the tank 12.

[00651 It is noted that the fluid line 49 is connected to the manifold 40 at the most upstream position in the manifold 40, thereby ensuring the manifold 40 is rinsed. The introduced fluid helps extract residual concentrate from the chamber 30 and clean the inside of the chamber 30.

[00661 The above steps can be repeated for subsequent concentrate containers 45 as required.

[00671 For an optional improved cleaning process, a designated rinsing line 50 is also provided. The rinsing line is connected from the pump 14 via a valve 51 to the chamber 30. By opening the valve 51, carrier fluid is pumped through the rinsing line 50. The end of the rinsing line 50 is fitted with a specially designed rinsing jet 52 located inside the chamber that introduces streams of carrier fluid over the inside walls of the chamber 30 to complete the rinse.

[00681 In alternative embodiments where a sight tube is fitted, a dedicated stream from the rinsing line 50 may be directed to the inside of the externally mounted sight tube to separately rinse it. Alternatively, the rinsing fluid from the rinsing line 50 may be introduced into the bottom of the optional sight tube so this fluid flows up the sight tube

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and enters the top of the chamber 30 via the special rinsing jet. In this case, no extra dedicated stream needs to be directed to the sight tube. This alternative requires a method of directing the fluid up the sight tube instead of into the bottom of the chamber, while still allowing chemical concentrate to enter the bottom of the tube when not being rinsed. This may be achieved by either a one-way valve or a calculated orifice that only allows a limited amount of fluid to enter the bottom of the tank during rinsing.

[00691 Any introduced fluid descends to the bottom of the chamber 30 and is extracted in the same manner as concentrate as described previously. Finally, the valve 43 connected to the upper line 48 can be opened to allow air to be drawn through the chamber 30 to remove final traces of liquid from chamber 30.

[00701 An optional system may also be provided to allow any empty concentrate containers 45 to be rinsed. This system includes a hose 60 with a trigger valve 61, short rigid tube 62, and a rinsing head nozzle 63, such as a rotating type or any other suitable form. The hose 60 is connected to the fluid line 20 so that it is only available when the valve 21 is open.

[00711 To rinse an empty concentrate container 45, a cap 65 is removed from the container 45, but the tube 47 remains inserted to the lowest point in the container 45. The rinsing head nozzle 63 is inserted through the container opening where the cap 65 has been removed and the trigger valve 61 is actuated. Meanwhile, the appropriate valve 43 is also in the open position to extract the rinsate from the concentrate container 45 via the chamber 30.

[0072] If a powder or granular concentrate is to be used, the lid 36 on the top of the concentrate chamber 30 can be removed and a pre-measured quantity of powder or granular chemical concentrate deposited inside the chamber 30 through the opening 35. The concentrate can fall to the sieve or mesh 37 located close to the bottom of the chamber , which prevents undissolved concentrate from entering the lower outlet 32 and vacuum line 25. The lid 36 is then replaced on the opening 35 to reseal the chamber 30.

[00731 Next, the valve 43 on the fluid line 49 to the bottom of the tank 12 can be opened while the selector valve is directed to the lower outlet 32, thus drawing carrier fluid

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from the tank 12, through the fluid line 49 and into the chamber 30. Carrier fluid will enter via the manifold 40 and flow over the powder or granules deposited on the top of the mesh 37 at the base of the chamber 30. The carrier fluid will dissolve the powder or granules, thus enabling them to pass through the mesh 37 and be transferred via the lower outlet 32 and vacuum line 25 to the tank 12. This process can continue until all powder or granules are removed from the chamber 30 and the chamber 30 has been rinsed.

[0074] Some powder type concentrates are disposed to float on fluid until they are suitably wet down. To address this, valve 51 may be opened to cause carrier fluid to enter the chamber via rinsing line 50 and the rinsing jet 52. This will cause a shower of carrier fluid to descend on the concentrate powder deposited on the top of the mesh 37 at the base of the chamber 30, aiding its mixture with the carrier fluid.

[00751 Some solid type concentrates may require a greater level of suspension within the carrier fluid before being transferred to the tank 12. To assist this, the valve 43 on the fluid line 49 to the bottom of the tank 12 can be opened while the selector valve is directed to the upper outlet 31. This will cause the chamber 30 to become partially filled with carrier fluid, which will mix with the concentrate powder and suspend it therein. When sufficient carrier fluid has been transferred into the chamber 30, selector valve 33 can then be directed to outlet 32, and the dissolved mixture transferred via outlet 32 and vacuum line 25 to the tank 12.

[00761 It is noted that if both granular and liquid concentrates are to be added to the same spray mix, as is common, then the granular or powder concentrates are typically added first and the liquid after.

[00771 In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above" and "below" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

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[00781 Whilst the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly described and as claimed below.

[00791 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. As used herein and unless otherwise stated, the term "approximately" means 20%.

Claims

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1. A chemical transfer system, comprising: a) a tank configured to hold a carrier liquid; b) a pump configured to transfer the carrier liquid to a delivery device; c) a concentrate chamber with an upper outlet and a lower outlet each in fluid communication with the tank, and an inlet for receiving a concentrate liquid into the concentrate chamber; d) a manifold connected to the inlet, the manifold configured to selectively draw the concentrate liquid from one of a plurality of concentrate supplies and provide the concentrate liquid to the inlet; wherein the system is substantially closed, such that drawing from the upper outlet causes the concentrate liquid to be transferred into the concentrate chamber, and subsequently drawing from the lower outlet causes the concentrate liquid to be transferred to the tank.

2. The chemical transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the concentrate chamber comprises an opening with a cover, such that the cover can be removed to allow a solid concentrate to be inserted and the cover replaced to close the opening.

3. The chemical transfer system according to claim 2, wherein a mesh is provided in the concentrate chamber between the opening and the lower outlet.

4. The chemical transfer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manifold further comprises a fluid connection to the tank, such that the carrier liquid can selectively be drawn from the tank to the manifold.

5. The chemical transfer system according to claim 4, wherein the fluid connection between the manifold and the tank enters the manifold at a location further removed from the concentrate chamber inlet than locations where the concentrate supplies enter the manifold.

6. The chemical transfer system according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the manifold further comprises a second fluid connection to the tank, such that air and/or vapour can selectively be drawn from an upper portion of the tank to the manifold.

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7. The chemical transfer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper outlet and the lower outlet are connected to a selector valve, with the selector valve being connected to the tank.

8. The chemical transfer system according to claim 7, wherein the selector valve is connected to the tank via a vacuum generator to draw fluid from the selector valve into the tank.

9. The chemical transfer system according to claim 8, wherein the vacuum generator is a venturi device, and wherein the pump circulates carrier fluid through the venturi device.

10. The chemical transfer system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a chamber rinsing system wherein the pump can selectively supply carrier liquid to the concentrate chamber in a manner that flushes concentrate liquid from the concentrate chamber.

11. The chemical transfer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrate chamber comprises markings to allow a volume of the concentrate liquid in the concentrate chamber to be visually determined.

12. The chemical transfer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrate chamber comprises a sight tube to allow a volume of the concentrate liquid in the concentrate chamber to be visually determined.

13. The chemical transfer system according to claim 12 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the rinsing system supplies carrier liquid to flush the sight tube.

14. The chemical transfer system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a container rinsing system wherein the pump can selectively supply carrier liquid to a concentrate supply container in a manner that flushes concentrate liquid from the concentrate supply container.

15. A concentrate chamber configured for use as part of a chemical transfer system that is defined according to any one of the preceding claims.

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16. Apparatus comprising a concentrate chamber and a manifold configured to be connected to the concentrate chamber, wherein the apparatus is suitable for use as part of a chemical transfer system that is defined according to any one of claims I to 14.

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