CA2412432C - Ultrasonic cleaning tank - Google Patents
Ultrasonic cleaning tank Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2412432C CA2412432C CA002412432A CA2412432A CA2412432C CA 2412432 C CA2412432 C CA 2412432C CA 002412432 A CA002412432 A CA 002412432A CA 2412432 A CA2412432 A CA 2412432A CA 2412432 C CA2412432 C CA 2412432C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- enclosure
- ultrasonic
- ultrasonic transducers
- cleaning tank
- ultrasonic cleaning
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
- B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
- B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
- B08B3/12—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
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- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
- External Artificial Organs (AREA)
Abstract
An ultrasonic cleaning tank includes a liquid retaining enclosure having a bottom, peripheral sidewall and a minimum liquid level indicator. Ultrasonic transducers secured to the peripheral sidewall and adapted to direct ultrasonic energy into the enclosure below the minimum liquid level indicator. A closed loop filtration system is provided which includes a filter housing having an inlet, an outlet and at least one filter disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A contaminated liquid feed conduit extends from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure to the inlet of the filter housing. A filtered liquid return conduit extends from the outlet of the filter housing to below the minimum liquid level indicator. Means are provided for circulating liquid from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure, through the filter housing and back into the enclosure. The filtration system prevents translocation of contaminants, without causing cavitation.
Description
t CA 02412432 2002-11-20 TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning tank for use in cleaning industrial equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A number of problems are encountered with ultrasonic cleaning of industrial equipment, such as heat exchanger tube bundles, filters, and scaffolding. A primary problem which must be solved before any cleaning can take place is that of translocation of contaminants. With translocation, contaminants are merely moved around, and not removed or dissolved.
StJI~ARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an ultrasonic cleaning tank which addresses the problem of translocation of contaminants.
According to the present invention there is provided an ultrasonic cleaning tank which includes a liquid retaining enclosure having a bottom, peripheral sidewall and a minimum liquid level indicator. Ultrasonic transducers are secured to the peripheral sidewall and adapted to direct ultrasonic energy into the enclosure below the minimum liquid level indicator. A closed loop filtration system is provided which includes a filter housing having an inlet, an outlet and at least one filter disposed between the inlet and the outlet.
A contaminated liquid feed conduit extends from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure to the inlet of the filter housing. A filtered liquid return conduit extends from the outlet of the filter housing to below the minimum liquid level indicator. Means are provided for circulating liquid from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure, through the
Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning tank for use in cleaning industrial equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A number of problems are encountered with ultrasonic cleaning of industrial equipment, such as heat exchanger tube bundles, filters, and scaffolding. A primary problem which must be solved before any cleaning can take place is that of translocation of contaminants. With translocation, contaminants are merely moved around, and not removed or dissolved.
StJI~ARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an ultrasonic cleaning tank which addresses the problem of translocation of contaminants.
According to the present invention there is provided an ultrasonic cleaning tank which includes a liquid retaining enclosure having a bottom, peripheral sidewall and a minimum liquid level indicator. Ultrasonic transducers are secured to the peripheral sidewall and adapted to direct ultrasonic energy into the enclosure below the minimum liquid level indicator. A closed loop filtration system is provided which includes a filter housing having an inlet, an outlet and at least one filter disposed between the inlet and the outlet.
A contaminated liquid feed conduit extends from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure to the inlet of the filter housing. A filtered liquid return conduit extends from the outlet of the filter housing to below the minimum liquid level indicator. Means are provided for circulating liquid from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure, through the
2 filter housing and back into the enclosure. The filtered liquid return conduit returning liquids below the minimum liquid level thereby avoiding aeration of the liquid which would otherwise cause cavitation.
The ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, has an associated closed loop filtration system. This closed loop filtration system addresses the translocation problem, by continually refreshing liquid in the enclosure to remove contaminants which would otherwise translocate.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, the liquid used will normally be a water based surfactant with chemical additives. The nature of the chemical additives will vary depending upon the nature of the contaminant. As objects are cleaned chemical additives will be consumed.
Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when a chemical dialysis machine is provided. The chemical dialysis machine has an inlet tube, an outlet tube, with one or more membrane filter modules positioned between the inlet tube and the outlet tube. A chemical analysis module is provided which is adapted to analyse chemicals as they leave the membrane filter module. There is also provided a chemical reservoir and a controller. The controller receives data from the chemical analysis module and adds chemicals from the chemical reservoir to maintain chemicals in predetermined proportions.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, a further problem involved with ultrasonic cleaning in industrial applications is the proper use of heat. It is well known that hot water works better as a solvent to remove a contaminant than does cold water. It is, therefore,
The ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, has an associated closed loop filtration system. This closed loop filtration system addresses the translocation problem, by continually refreshing liquid in the enclosure to remove contaminants which would otherwise translocate.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, the liquid used will normally be a water based surfactant with chemical additives. The nature of the chemical additives will vary depending upon the nature of the contaminant. As objects are cleaned chemical additives will be consumed.
Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when a chemical dialysis machine is provided. The chemical dialysis machine has an inlet tube, an outlet tube, with one or more membrane filter modules positioned between the inlet tube and the outlet tube. A chemical analysis module is provided which is adapted to analyse chemicals as they leave the membrane filter module. There is also provided a chemical reservoir and a controller. The controller receives data from the chemical analysis module and adds chemicals from the chemical reservoir to maintain chemicals in predetermined proportions.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, a further problem involved with ultrasonic cleaning in industrial applications is the proper use of heat. It is well known that hot water works better as a solvent to remove a contaminant than does cold water. It is, therefore,
3 customary to heat liquid in the tank to an operating level at which the water based surfactant works best. However, if the temperature gets too hot, rises sharply or falls sharply, the contaminants will tend to form an even firmer bond with the surface of the object to be cleaned. This creates a serious problem as the ultrasonic transducers invariably generate heat which causes the temperature of liquid within the enclosure to rise. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when a heat exchanger is in communication with the enclosure. Means are provided to circulate a lower temperature fluid through the heat exchanger in order to counteract increases in heat caused by operation of the ultrasonic transducers and maintain the enclosure at a predetermined substantially constant operating temperature. The use of the heat exchanger, as described above, enables a thermostatically controlled constant operating temperature to be maintained.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, ultrasonic waves travel in substantially straight lines.
This means the more complex the structure of the object to be cleaned, the more difficult it is for a thorough cleaning to be performed. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when means are provided to alter the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers, such that the ultrasonic transducers may be aimed to direct ultrasonic energy at a desired target location. This enables, the ultrasonic wave pattern to be adjusted to suit the shape and configuration of the object to be cleaned. One means for altering the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers is to provide ball joint mountings for the ultrasonic transducers which provide omni-directional adjustment for directing ultrasonic energy at a desired target location.
ro . CA 02412432 2002-11-20
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, ultrasonic waves travel in substantially straight lines.
This means the more complex the structure of the object to be cleaned, the more difficult it is for a thorough cleaning to be performed. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when means are provided to alter the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers, such that the ultrasonic transducers may be aimed to direct ultrasonic energy at a desired target location. This enables, the ultrasonic wave pattern to be adjusted to suit the shape and configuration of the object to be cleaned. One means for altering the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers is to provide ball joint mountings for the ultrasonic transducers which provide omni-directional adjustment for directing ultrasonic energy at a desired target location.
ro . CA 02412432 2002-11-20
4 Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, the farther the ultrasonic transducers are positioned from the object to be cleaned, the less effective the ultrasonic waves will be in cleaning the object. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when means are provided for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from an object to be cleaned that is positioned in the enclosure.
One means for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from the object to be cleaned consists of repositionable mounting rails which extend between opposed peripheral sidewalls of the enclosure: The ultrasonic transducers are mounted to, the repositionable mounting rails. The repositionable mounting rails are selectively repositionable along the peripheral sidewalls, thereby enabling the ultrasonic transducers to be positioned immediately adjacent to the object to be cleaned: Even more precise positioning may be achieved when the ultrasonic transducers are movable axially along the repositionable mounting rails.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, with complex objects it is difficult to position the ultrasonic transducers to clean every surface ridge and valley. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when means are provided for rotating an object to be cleaned within the cleaning tank. This results in the surface of the object being slowly moved past the ultrasonic transducers.
One means for rotating the object to be cleaned includes providing a roller bed with a plurality of rollers and a drive motor for driving several of the rollers of the roller bed. The roller bed may be extend lengthwise in the enclosure or may extend from side to side. The orientation is not critical to the operation of the rollers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are
One means for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from the object to be cleaned consists of repositionable mounting rails which extend between opposed peripheral sidewalls of the enclosure: The ultrasonic transducers are mounted to, the repositionable mounting rails. The repositionable mounting rails are selectively repositionable along the peripheral sidewalls, thereby enabling the ultrasonic transducers to be positioned immediately adjacent to the object to be cleaned: Even more precise positioning may be achieved when the ultrasonic transducers are movable axially along the repositionable mounting rails.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the ultrasonic cleaning tank, as described above, with complex objects it is difficult to position the ultrasonic transducers to clean every surface ridge and valley. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when means are provided for rotating an object to be cleaned within the cleaning tank. This results in the surface of the object being slowly moved past the ultrasonic transducers.
One means for rotating the object to be cleaned includes providing a roller bed with a plurality of rollers and a drive motor for driving several of the rollers of the roller bed. The roller bed may be extend lengthwise in the enclosure or may extend from side to side. The orientation is not critical to the operation of the rollers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are
5 for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view in section of an ultrasonic cleaning tank in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a top elevation view of one possible rail and roller configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning tank illustrated in FIGURE 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED E1~ODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, an ultrasonic cleaning tank generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 2.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIGURE 1. ultrasonic cleaning tank 10 has a liquid retaining enclosure l2 having a bottom 14 and a peripheral sidewall 16. Peripheral sidewall 16 has a minimum liquid level indicator 18 and repositional mounting rails 20, Several ultrasonic transducers 22 are mounted on repositional mounting rails 20 by omnidirectional ball joint mountings 24.
A closed loop filtration system 26 is provided having a filter housing 28; an inlet 30, an outlet 32 and at least one filter 34 disposed between inlet 30 and outlet 32. Inlet 30 is in fluid connection with a contaminated liquid feed conduit 36. Outlet 32 is in fluid connection with a filtered liquid return conduit 38. In the illustrated embodiment, a pump 40 circulates liquid within closed loop filtration system 26 from adjacent to bottom l4 to a location adjacent to but below minimum liquid level indicator 18. Ultrasonic " ~ CA 02412432 2002-11-20
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view in section of an ultrasonic cleaning tank in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a top elevation view of one possible rail and roller configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning tank illustrated in FIGURE 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED E1~ODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, an ultrasonic cleaning tank generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 2.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIGURE 1. ultrasonic cleaning tank 10 has a liquid retaining enclosure l2 having a bottom 14 and a peripheral sidewall 16. Peripheral sidewall 16 has a minimum liquid level indicator 18 and repositional mounting rails 20, Several ultrasonic transducers 22 are mounted on repositional mounting rails 20 by omnidirectional ball joint mountings 24.
A closed loop filtration system 26 is provided having a filter housing 28; an inlet 30, an outlet 32 and at least one filter 34 disposed between inlet 30 and outlet 32. Inlet 30 is in fluid connection with a contaminated liquid feed conduit 36. Outlet 32 is in fluid connection with a filtered liquid return conduit 38. In the illustrated embodiment, a pump 40 circulates liquid within closed loop filtration system 26 from adjacent to bottom l4 to a location adjacent to but below minimum liquid level indicator 18. Ultrasonic " ~ CA 02412432 2002-11-20
6 cleaning tank 10 is further provided with a chemical dialysis machine 42. Chemical dialysis machine 44:has an inlet tube 44, an outlet tube 46, and a membrane filter module 48 positioned between the inlet tube and the outlet tube. A
chemical analysis module 49 is provided which is adapted to analyse chemicals as they leave membrane filter module 48. A
chemical reservoir 51 and a controller 53 are also provided.
Ultrasonic cleaning tank 10 is further adapted with a heat exchanger 50. Heat exchanger 50 has an inlet 52, an outlet 54 and a thermostat 56. Spanning bottom 14 of liquid retaining enclosure 12 is provided a roller bed 58 having a plurality of rollers 60 engaged to drive 62. Object 64 is rotated while contaminants 66 are processed by associated closed loop filtration system 42. Referring to FIGURE 2, in the illustrated embodiment, ultrasonic transducers 22 are positioned in close proximity to object 64 by strategic placement of repositional mounting rails 20 and further adjustment by omnidirectional ball joint mountings 24.
Operation:
The use and operation of ultrasonic cleaning tank 10 in accordance with the teachings of the preferred embodiment, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 and 2.
Heterring to FIGURE 1, an operator, wishing to clean industrial equipment, places an object 64 into liquid retaining enclosure 12. Referring to FIGURE 2, depending upon the size and shape of object 64, repositional mounting rails 20 are selectively mounted to orient the necessary number of ultrasonic transducers 22. Each ultrasonic transducer 22 is adjusted to an optimum orientation by manipulating each omnidirectional ball joint mounting 24.
Referring to FIGURE 1. Liquid retaining enclosure 12 is filled with a water based surfactant and, depending upon the type of contaminant, selected chemical additives may be introduced into the water based surfactant. Depending on the
chemical analysis module 49 is provided which is adapted to analyse chemicals as they leave membrane filter module 48. A
chemical reservoir 51 and a controller 53 are also provided.
Ultrasonic cleaning tank 10 is further adapted with a heat exchanger 50. Heat exchanger 50 has an inlet 52, an outlet 54 and a thermostat 56. Spanning bottom 14 of liquid retaining enclosure 12 is provided a roller bed 58 having a plurality of rollers 60 engaged to drive 62. Object 64 is rotated while contaminants 66 are processed by associated closed loop filtration system 42. Referring to FIGURE 2, in the illustrated embodiment, ultrasonic transducers 22 are positioned in close proximity to object 64 by strategic placement of repositional mounting rails 20 and further adjustment by omnidirectional ball joint mountings 24.
Operation:
The use and operation of ultrasonic cleaning tank 10 in accordance with the teachings of the preferred embodiment, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 and 2.
Heterring to FIGURE 1, an operator, wishing to clean industrial equipment, places an object 64 into liquid retaining enclosure 12. Referring to FIGURE 2, depending upon the size and shape of object 64, repositional mounting rails 20 are selectively mounted to orient the necessary number of ultrasonic transducers 22. Each ultrasonic transducer 22 is adjusted to an optimum orientation by manipulating each omnidirectional ball joint mounting 24.
Referring to FIGURE 1. Liquid retaining enclosure 12 is filled with a water based surfactant and, depending upon the type of contaminant, selected chemical additives may be introduced into the water based surfactant. Depending on the
7 shape of object 64, it may be rotated by operating roller bed 58. As the cleaning process continues, the chemicals are filtered and refreshed by chemical dialysis machine 42.
Chemicals are drawn from immediately below liquid level indicator 18 by inlet tube 44 of chemical dialysis machine 42, passed through membrane filter module 48 and returned to ultrasonic cleaning tank 10 through outlet tube 46.
Controller 53 receives data from chemical analysis module 49 and adds chemicals from chemical reservoir 51 to maintain chemicals in predetermined proportions and at predetermined potency. Heat is regulated by heat exchanger 50 and thermostat 56. Further, closed loop filtration system 26 draws liquid containing contaminants from adjacent bottom 14 through contaminated liquid feed conduit 36 into filter housing 28 where the liquid is filtered and returned through filtered liquid return conduit 38. This removes contaminants from ultrasonic cleaning tank 10 that would otherwise be translocated.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article °'a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Chemicals are drawn from immediately below liquid level indicator 18 by inlet tube 44 of chemical dialysis machine 42, passed through membrane filter module 48 and returned to ultrasonic cleaning tank 10 through outlet tube 46.
Controller 53 receives data from chemical analysis module 49 and adds chemicals from chemical reservoir 51 to maintain chemicals in predetermined proportions and at predetermined potency. Heat is regulated by heat exchanger 50 and thermostat 56. Further, closed loop filtration system 26 draws liquid containing contaminants from adjacent bottom 14 through contaminated liquid feed conduit 36 into filter housing 28 where the liquid is filtered and returned through filtered liquid return conduit 38. This removes contaminants from ultrasonic cleaning tank 10 that would otherwise be translocated.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article °'a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims
THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An ultrasonic cleaning tank, comprising:
a liquid retaining enclosure having a bottom, peripheral sidewall and a minimum liquid level indicator;
ultrasonic transducers secured to an inner surface of the peripheral sidewall and adapted to direct ultrasonic energy into the enclosure below the minimum liquid level indicator; and means to alter the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers, such that the ultrasonic transducers may be aimed to direct ultrasonic energy at a desired target location.
2. The ultrasonic cleaning tank of claim 1, further comprising a closed loop filtration system, the closed loop filtration system comprising:
a filter housing having an inlet, an outlet and at least one filter disposed between the inlet and the outlet;
a contaminated liquid feed conduit extending from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure to the inlet of the filter housing;
a filtered liquid return conduit extending from the outlet of the filter housing to below the minimum liquid level indicator; and means for circulating liquid from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure, through the filter housing and back into the enclosure, the filtered liquid return conduit returning liquids below the minimum liquid level thereby avoiding aeration of the liquid which would otherwise cause cavitation.
3. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 1, wherein a heat exchanger is in communication with the enclosure, means being provided to circulate a lower temperature fluid through the heat exchanger in order to counteract increases in heat caused by operation of the ultrasonic transducers and maintain the enclosure at a predetermined substantially constant operating temperature.
2. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 1, wherein the means for altering the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers are ball joint mountings for the ultrasonic transducers which provide omni-directional adjustment for directing ultrasonic energy at a desired target location.
3. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 1, wherein means are provided for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from an object to be cleaned positioned in the enclosure.
4. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 5, wherein the means for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from the object to be cleaned consists of repositionable mounting rails which extend between opposed peripheral sidewalls of the enclosure, the ultrasonic transducers being mounted to the repositionable mounting rails, the repositionable mounting rails being selectively repositionable along the peripheral sidewalls, thereby enabling the ultrasonic transducers to be positioned immediately adjacent to the object to be cleaned.
5. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 6, wherein the ultrasonic transducers are movable axially along the repositionable mounting rails.
6. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 1, wherein means are provided for rotating an object to be cleaned within the enclosure.
7. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 8, wherein the means for rotating the object to be cleaned include a roller bed with a plurality of rollers and a drive motor for driving at least some of the rollers of the roller bed.
10. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 1, wherein a chemical dialysis machine is provided which has an inlet tube, an outlet tube, at least one filter module positioned between the inlet tube and the outlet tube, a chemical analysis module adapted to analyse chemicals as they leave the filter module, a chemical reservoir, and a controller, the controller receiving data from the chemical analysis module and adding chemicals from the chemical reservoir to maintain chemicals in predetermined proportions.
11. An ultrasonic cleaning tank, comprising:
a liquid retaining enclosure having a bottom, peripheral sidewall and a minimum liquid level indicator;
means for rotatably supporting an object to be cleaned within the enclosure;
ultrasonic transducers secured to an inner surface of the peripheral sidewall and adapted to direct ultrasonic energy into the enclosure below the minimum liquid level indicator, means being provided for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from the object to be cleaned positioned in the enclosure; means being provided to alter the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers, such that the ultrasonic transducers may be aimed to direct ultrasonic energy at a desired target location on the object to be cleaned within the enclosure;
a closed loop filtration system including:
a filter housing having an inlet, an outlet and at least one filter disposed between the inlet and the outlet;
a contaminated liquid feed conduit extending from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure to the inlet of the filter housing;
a filtered liquid return conduit extending from the outlet of the filter housing to below the minimum liquid level indicator; and means for circulating liquid from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure, through the filter housing and back into the enclosure, the filtered liquid return conduit returning liquids below the minimum liquid level thereby avoiding aeration of the liquid which would otherwise cause cavitation;
a chemical dialysis machine having an inlet tube, an outlet tube, at least one filter module positioned between the inlet tube and the outlet tube, a chemical analysis module adapted to analyse chemicals as they leave the filter module, a chemical reservoir, and a controller, the controller receiving data from the chemical analysis module and adding chemicals from the chemical reservoir to maintain chemicals in predetermined proportions; and a heat exchanger in communication with the enclosure, means being provided to circulate a lower temperature fluid through the heat exchanger in order to counteract increases in heat caused by operation of the ultrasonic transducers and maintain the enclosure at a predetermined substantially constant operating temperature.
12. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 11, wherein the means for altering the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers are ball joint mountings for the ultrasonic transducers which provide omni-directional adjustment for directing ultrasonic energy at a desired target location.
13. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 11, wherein the means for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from the object to be cleaned consists of repositionable mounting rails which extend between opposed peripheral sidewalls of the enclosure, the ultrasonic transducers being mounted to the repositionable mounting rails, the repositionable mounting rails being selectively repositionable along the peripheral sidewalls, thereby enabling the ultrasonic transducers to be positioned immediately adjacent to the object to be cleaned.
14. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 13, wherein the ultrasonic transducers are movable axially along the repositionable mounting rails.
15. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 11, wherein the means for rotatably supporting the object to be cleaned include a roller bed with a plurality of rollers and a drive motor for driving at least some of the rollers of the roller bed.
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An ultrasonic cleaning tank, comprising:
a liquid retaining enclosure having a bottom, peripheral sidewall and a minimum liquid level indicator;
ultrasonic transducers secured to an inner surface of the peripheral sidewall and adapted to direct ultrasonic energy into the enclosure below the minimum liquid level indicator; and means to alter the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers, such that the ultrasonic transducers may be aimed to direct ultrasonic energy at a desired target location.
2. The ultrasonic cleaning tank of claim 1, further comprising a closed loop filtration system, the closed loop filtration system comprising:
a filter housing having an inlet, an outlet and at least one filter disposed between the inlet and the outlet;
a contaminated liquid feed conduit extending from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure to the inlet of the filter housing;
a filtered liquid return conduit extending from the outlet of the filter housing to below the minimum liquid level indicator; and means for circulating liquid from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure, through the filter housing and back into the enclosure, the filtered liquid return conduit returning liquids below the minimum liquid level thereby avoiding aeration of the liquid which would otherwise cause cavitation.
3. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 1, wherein a heat exchanger is in communication with the enclosure, means being provided to circulate a lower temperature fluid through the heat exchanger in order to counteract increases in heat caused by operation of the ultrasonic transducers and maintain the enclosure at a predetermined substantially constant operating temperature.
2. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 1, wherein the means for altering the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers are ball joint mountings for the ultrasonic transducers which provide omni-directional adjustment for directing ultrasonic energy at a desired target location.
3. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 1, wherein means are provided for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from an object to be cleaned positioned in the enclosure.
4. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 5, wherein the means for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from the object to be cleaned consists of repositionable mounting rails which extend between opposed peripheral sidewalls of the enclosure, the ultrasonic transducers being mounted to the repositionable mounting rails, the repositionable mounting rails being selectively repositionable along the peripheral sidewalls, thereby enabling the ultrasonic transducers to be positioned immediately adjacent to the object to be cleaned.
5. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 6, wherein the ultrasonic transducers are movable axially along the repositionable mounting rails.
6. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 1, wherein means are provided for rotating an object to be cleaned within the enclosure.
7. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 8, wherein the means for rotating the object to be cleaned include a roller bed with a plurality of rollers and a drive motor for driving at least some of the rollers of the roller bed.
10. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 1, wherein a chemical dialysis machine is provided which has an inlet tube, an outlet tube, at least one filter module positioned between the inlet tube and the outlet tube, a chemical analysis module adapted to analyse chemicals as they leave the filter module, a chemical reservoir, and a controller, the controller receiving data from the chemical analysis module and adding chemicals from the chemical reservoir to maintain chemicals in predetermined proportions.
11. An ultrasonic cleaning tank, comprising:
a liquid retaining enclosure having a bottom, peripheral sidewall and a minimum liquid level indicator;
means for rotatably supporting an object to be cleaned within the enclosure;
ultrasonic transducers secured to an inner surface of the peripheral sidewall and adapted to direct ultrasonic energy into the enclosure below the minimum liquid level indicator, means being provided for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from the object to be cleaned positioned in the enclosure; means being provided to alter the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers, such that the ultrasonic transducers may be aimed to direct ultrasonic energy at a desired target location on the object to be cleaned within the enclosure;
a closed loop filtration system including:
a filter housing having an inlet, an outlet and at least one filter disposed between the inlet and the outlet;
a contaminated liquid feed conduit extending from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure to the inlet of the filter housing;
a filtered liquid return conduit extending from the outlet of the filter housing to below the minimum liquid level indicator; and means for circulating liquid from adjacent to the bottom of the enclosure, through the filter housing and back into the enclosure, the filtered liquid return conduit returning liquids below the minimum liquid level thereby avoiding aeration of the liquid which would otherwise cause cavitation;
a chemical dialysis machine having an inlet tube, an outlet tube, at least one filter module positioned between the inlet tube and the outlet tube, a chemical analysis module adapted to analyse chemicals as they leave the filter module, a chemical reservoir, and a controller, the controller receiving data from the chemical analysis module and adding chemicals from the chemical reservoir to maintain chemicals in predetermined proportions; and a heat exchanger in communication with the enclosure, means being provided to circulate a lower temperature fluid through the heat exchanger in order to counteract increases in heat caused by operation of the ultrasonic transducers and maintain the enclosure at a predetermined substantially constant operating temperature.
12. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 11, wherein the means for altering the mounting angle of the ultrasonic transducers are ball joint mountings for the ultrasonic transducers which provide omni-directional adjustment for directing ultrasonic energy at a desired target location.
13. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 11, wherein the means for moving the ultrasonic transducers toward or away from the object to be cleaned consists of repositionable mounting rails which extend between opposed peripheral sidewalls of the enclosure, the ultrasonic transducers being mounted to the repositionable mounting rails, the repositionable mounting rails being selectively repositionable along the peripheral sidewalls, thereby enabling the ultrasonic transducers to be positioned immediately adjacent to the object to be cleaned.
14. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 13, wherein the ultrasonic transducers are movable axially along the repositionable mounting rails.
15. The ultrasonic cleaning tank as defined in Claim 11, wherein the means for rotatably supporting the object to be cleaned include a roller bed with a plurality of rollers and a drive motor for driving at least some of the rollers of the roller bed.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002412432A CA2412432C (en) | 2002-11-20 | 2002-11-20 | Ultrasonic cleaning tank |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002412432A CA2412432C (en) | 2002-11-20 | 2002-11-20 | Ultrasonic cleaning tank |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2412432A1 CA2412432A1 (en) | 2004-05-20 |
| CA2412432C true CA2412432C (en) | 2009-12-01 |
Family
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002412432A Expired - Lifetime CA2412432C (en) | 2002-11-20 | 2002-11-20 | Ultrasonic cleaning tank |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2412432C (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20110132575A1 (en) * | 2009-12-07 | 2011-06-09 | Goodson J Michael | Cleaning Industrial Heat Exchangers Through Utilization of Thicknenss Mode Ultrasonics |
| SG181886A1 (en) | 2009-12-22 | 2012-08-30 | William Lash Phillips | Apparatus and method for ultrasonically cleaning industrial components |
| US20150343498A1 (en) * | 2013-02-14 | 2015-12-03 | Acden Technologies Ltd. | A method and apparatus for cleaning a workpiece using ultrasonics |
| FR3087253B1 (en) * | 2018-10-11 | 2020-10-30 | Engie Home Services | CLEANING SYSTEM OF AT LEAST ONE THERMAL EXCHANGER AND ASSOCIATED PROCESS |
-
2002
- 2002-11-20 CA CA002412432A patent/CA2412432C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2412432A1 (en) | 2004-05-20 |
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