CA2106284A1 - Recyclomate - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
It is known that every liquid has a unique specific gravity in comparison to water. This invention utilizes this fact to clean and separate painting solvents from any contaminants which become suspended in them when they are used to clean oil paints from brushes, and other painting tools. The overall design of the container, accurate control of the level of water inside, and relative placement of the attached pump effectively allow for the reclamation and recycling of various contaminated solvents.

Description

SPECIFICATION:
~ This invention relates to a custornized container which by ~' design allows gravita~ional separation of liquids and contaminants by specific gravity. The strategic placement of a manually oper3ted purnp allows these cleaned solvents to be drawn off for recycling from th'e original suspension of water and contaminates. ~ ~
Because of a difference in specific gravity between paint ~ I
soivents and water, when they are mixed the solvent rises to the top ' and lays on ~he water. Also the nature of dried oil paint residue is to , respond to the forces of gravity and when suspended in water these particles coagula~e and settle to the bottom of the container over a period of time. '-' ~ This ir.~,vention utilizes these physical principles to facilitate ~-the cleansing of used solvents. The design and structure of ~he container allow for simple e~fective removal of the cleaned solvent from the contaminants and water. This invention facilitates the reclamation and re-use of many solvents which will save the user money and ultimately minimize the impact from solvent disposal on the environment. , .

In a drawing Figure 1, "Separator & Reclarnation Uni~" which ;
illustrates the embodiments of the invention, Item 1 is the physical container, Item 2 is the plunger pump and item 3 is the flanged filler tube.
Figure 2 shows an alternate construction of a container wi~h the same capabilities. In this diagram the~filler tube and the plunger pump have separate locations in ~he same vessel.

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Initially unscrew the plunger pump (item #2) and expose ~he container neck. Pour ordinary water into the con~ainer through the container opening until the level reaehes the indicated mark etched -~
on the side of the semi-transparent container. (In the case shown ~his is approximately 5 cm. from the container bottom) . Once the water level is established, insert the flanged filler ~ube (~3) into the open neck of the container. Using the filler tube as a funnel, contaminated fluid may then be poured in~o the container. The flanged filler ~ube serves as a conduit which transports the contaminated fluid through the liquid layers in the con~ainer and ultimately cleposits the contamina~ed liquids below the water line in the container. The contaminated fluid enters the container below the water line to limit undue turbulence of ~he fluids already separated in ~he container, and ~o maximize contact of the water and the contaminated fluid. Additional batches of used solvent may be added to the container at anytime during the cycle using the filler tube. After delivery of the recent contaminated fluid remove the filler tube from the container. Replace the plunger pump in ~he filler tube neck and tighten the threaded top onto the container. This threaded top seals the contents of the container against the atmosphere. This prevents evaporation of the solvent contents and susequent contamination of the atmosphere.
The solvent level in the container will build as batches of contaminated fluid are added. Since the contaminants have grea~er specific gravity than either the water or the solvent, they tend to coagulate and settle, by the forces of gravity, to the bottom of the container. Since the container is translucent the clarified solvent level may be observed at any time as the level builds. When sufficient reclaimed solvent covers the pump suction, as much cleaned solvent as required may be withdrawn with a gentle pumping action.
When it is noticeable that the contaminants or water level has built up to within 10 to 20 cm of the pump suction, the available cleansed solvents should be pumped off to another container for reuse, and the trapped contaminants wi~h the water should be disposed of in a manner which adheres to the ecological code and bylaws of the local municipality and government regulations.
With the addition of fresh water, as per the above instructions, the cleaning/recycling process may be repeated.

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Claims (4)

1. A plastic container of any size capable of holding cleaning solvents and water equipped with a manually operated pump system whose strategic suction height allows separation of the solvents from the suspension of water and contaminants which will occur due to the forces of gravity and the differentiation in specific gravity of liquids.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which the container is of metal, glass, cardboard with a liner, or other suitable material.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the pump may be mechanized or electrified.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, in which any spout, drain, valve or draining device is used from any side or bottom of the container which accesses the cleaned solvent area.