ES2651300T3 - A dispensing system for dispensing a solid substance that is conductive in solution and a corresponding method - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispensing system for dispensing a soluble, but solid substance, the conductive substance being in solution, comprising: at least a first container (12) and a second container (14) for maintaining a solid substance (20), a solution tank (36) to contain a solution (34), at least one spray pipe (24, 26) assigned to each of the containers (12, 14) connected to a water supply, at least one spray means (22) assigned to each of the containers (12, 14), where the spray means (22) are connected to the corresponding spray pipe (24, 26), to bring the water from the water supply (28) into contact with the solid substance (20) that is inside the first container (12) and the second container (14), so that a quantity of the solid substance (20) dissolves and the resulting solution (34) thus flows towards the solution tank (36), means, preferred Use at least one level sensor (38) to measure the filling height in the solution tank (36), measuring means (40) to measure the conductivity of the solution (34) inside the solution tank ( 36), at least a first discharge pipe (42) through which the solution tank (36) can be connected to a first tank (44), at least a first supply pump (46) to move the solution (34) from the solution tank (36) through the first discharge pipe (42) and an electronic main control unit (66) to control the operation of the dispensing system (10), characterized in that the dispensing system ( 10) further comprises a circulation pipe (62) connected to the solution tank (36) and a circulation pump (64) to circulate the solution (34) through the circulation pipe (62).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

A dispensing system for dispensing a solid substance that is conductive in solution and a corresponding method

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a dispensing system for dispensing a soluble but solid substance, the conductive substance being in solution, and a method for dispensing a soluble but solid substance using said dispensing system.

Background of the invention

A solid substance concentrate that can be carried in solution, for example for cleaning purposes in multiple professional or similar dishwashers, compared to the corresponding liquid substance concentrates, has the advantage that normally the concentration of the active components is much higher than the concentration of said active components in a corresponding liquid substance, since the amount of solvent is reduced or the solvent can even be avoided at all. This has the advantage that the solid substance, that is, a solid detergent substance, saves volume and weight with respect to storage and transport capacities. In addition, remote solvent dosing from a central dispensing system has the advantage of keeping the solid substance concentrate and dispensing system separate from the point of use where the solution is needed, e.g. Eg a kitchen. Therefore, health risks can be avoided due to the concentration of potentially dangerous solid substances.

However, solid substances of this type need to be brought to solution in order to use them, for example, in a cleaning process. Devices and methods for generating liquid detergent concentrates from solid detergent substances are well known in the state of the art.

WO 2008/077437 A1, for example, describes a dosing apparatus for dosing a soluble, but solid composition, and a corresponding dosing method, the dosing apparatus comprises at least one box, preferably a capsule, for maintaining the solid composition. , a solution reservoir for maintaining the solution of the composition, at least one spray means for contacting the solution of the composition with the solid composition found in the box, so that a quantity of the solid composition dissolves and the resulting solution flows into the solution reservoir, a supply line comprising a liquid connection to supply a liquid, preferably water, to the solution reservoir, a discharge line comprising a discharge to discharge the composition solution, a spray pipe to feed the spray media with the solution of composition that comes from the solution tank, a circulation pipe that comes from the solution tank and ends in the solution tank to circulate a solution of the composition, means, preferably two level meters to measure the filling height in the solution tank, measuring means to measure the conductivity of the composition solution and at least one motorized feed pump to move the composition solution. According to WO 2008/077437 A1, the solid composition inside the capsules is dissolved by spraying it with the solution into the solution tank, the composition solution. Therefore, by spraying the solid composition with the composition solution, a certain mainly constant concentration of the composition solution is maintained inside the solution reservoir.

International patent application WO 2006/037354 describes a dispensing system for dispensing a soluble, but solid substance, the conductive substance being in solution, comprising:

at least a first container and a second container to maintain a solid substance,

a solution repository to contain a solution,

at least one spray pipe assigned to each of the containers connected to a water supply,

at least one spray medium assigned to each of the containers,

wherein the spray means are connected to the corresponding spray pipe, to bring the water from the water supply into contact with the solid substance that is inside the first container and the second container, so that an amount of the solid substance dissolves and the resulting solution thus flows into the solution tank,

means, preferably at least one level sensor for measuring the filling height in the solution tank,

Measuring means for measuring the conductivity of the solution inside the solution tank,

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at least a first discharge pipe through which the solution tank can be connected to a first tank,

at least a first supply pump to move the solution from the solution tank through the first discharge pipe and an electronic main control unit to control the operation of the dispensing system.

However, the dispensing system described in WO 2006/037354 implies the disadvantage that it does not provide a balanced concentration or mixture of the solution in the solution tank. In addition, the solution in the solution tank has a different quality over time.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing system for dispensing a solution that has a balanced concentration or mixture and wherein the quality of the solution in the solution reservoir remains stable.

Summary of the invention

This object is resolved by the following:

(1) A dispensing system for dispensing a soluble, but solid substance, the conductive substance being in solution, comprising: at least a first container and a second container for maintaining a solid substance, a solution tank for containing a solution, at at least one spray pipe assigned to each of the containers connected to a water supply, at least one spray means assigned to each of the containers, wherein the spray means are connected to the corresponding spray pipe, to put the water from the water supply is in contact with the solid substance that is inside the first container and the second container, so that an amount of the solid substance dissolves and the resulting solution flows into the solution tank, means, preferably at least one level sensor, for measuring the filling height in the solution tank, measured Measurement to measure the conductivity of the solution inside the solution tank, at least a first discharge pipe through which the solution tank can be connected to a first tank, at least a first supply pump for moving the solution from the solution tank through the first discharge pipe and an electronic main control unit to control the operation of the dispensing system, characterized in that the dispensing system further comprises a circulation pipe connected to the solution tank and a circulation pump to circulate the solution through the circulation pipe.

(2) The dispensing system according to (1), wherein the dispensing system further comprises a second discharge pipe connectable to a second tank and a second supply pump.

(3) The dispensing system according to (1) or (2), wherein the level sensor may be submerged in the solution and / or flooded by the solution.

(4) The dispensing system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the at least one first supply pump is controllable by an external control unit.

(5) The dispensing system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first container and the second container are each capable of containing a capsule containing a solid substance, so that the spraying means are capable of contacting water with the solid substance and where the resulting solution can flow into the solution tank.

(6) A method for dispensing a soluble, but solid substance, comprising the steps of:

disposing the solid substance or a capsule containing the solid substance in a first container and a second container of the dispensing system according to any of (1) to (5),

- Spray the first container and / or the second container with water from a water supply so that a quantity of the solid substance dissolves and a resulting solution flows into a solution tank;

measure the conductivity of the solution inside the solution tank,

continuously or discontinuously spray the first container and / or the second container and measure the conductivity of the solution inside the solution tank,

discharge at least part of the solution through at least a first discharge pipe,

replace the solid substance or capsule containing the solid substance in the first container and / or the second container after the solid substance has completely dissolved in the first container and / or the second container,

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characterized in that the solution inside the solution tank is circulated continuously or discontinuously by means of a circulation pump through a circulation pipe.

(7) The method according to (6) in which a container, the first container or the second container, is sprayed first until the solid substance in the first container or the second container has completely dissolved, and then spray the other container, the second container or the first container.

(8) The method according to (6) or (7), in which a container, the first container or the second container, is sprayed first until the conductivity of the solution in the solution tank reaches a pre-set value defined, then both containers, the first container and the second container, are sprayed simultaneously until the solid substance has completely dissolved inside the first sprayed container.

(9) The method according to any of (6) to (8), in which the spraying, preferably the moment of spraying, of the first container and / or the second container, the work of the level sensor and / or the measuring means, the moment of the circulation of the solution through the circulation pipe, the quantity of solution discharged through the at least one first discharge pipe is controlled by the main control unit.

(10) The method according to any of (6) to (9), wherein the amount of solution discharged through the at least one first discharge line is controlled by an external control unit.

(11) The method according to any of (6) to (10), in which the solid substance, which is conductive in solution, comprises at least one or more of the components selected from the group comprising alkaline source, surfactant component , non-ionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, chelator, polyethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitor, threshold inhibitor / crystal modifier, sequestering agent, solvents, bleaching agent, hydrotropic component, organic carboxylic acid, salts, additives .

(12) The method according to (11), in which the conductivity of the solution in the solution reservoir is of

about 5 mS / cm to about 250 mS / cm, preferably from about 10 mS / cm to about 200 mS / cm, more preferably from about 15 mS / cm to about 150 mS / cm, even more preferably from about 20 mS / cm at about 120 mS / cm and most preferably from about 30 mS / cm to about 100 mS / cm, if the solution has a

concentration of about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, preferably of

approximately 7% by weight in water.

(13) The method according to any of (11) to (12), in which the dissolution rate of the solid substance at

spraying it with water is about 5 g / l or about 200 g / l, preferably of

about 6 g / l about 175 g / l, more preferably about 8 g / l

about 150 g / l, even more preferably about 9 g / l about 125 g / l and what

more preferably from about 10 g / l to about 100 g / l, at a temperature of about 10 ° C to about 60 ° C, preferably from about 20 ° C to about 50 ° C and most preferably, from about 30 ° C to approximately 40 ° C.

(14) The method according to any of (11) to (13) in which the dissolution rate of the solid substance at

spraying it with water is about 5 g / l or about 200 g / l, preferably of

about 6 g / l about 175 g / l, more preferably about 8 g / l

about 150 g / l, even more preferably about 9 g / l about 125 g / l and what

more preferably about 10 g / l or about 100 g / l, and the conductivity is

about 5 mS / cm to about 250 mS / cm, preferably from about 10 mS / cm to about 200 mS / cm, more preferably from about 15 mS / cm to about 150 mS / cm, even more preferably from about 20 mS / cm at about 120 mS / cm and most preferably from about 30 mS / cm to about 100 mS / cm, at a temperature of about 10 ° C to about 60 ° C, preferably from about 20 ° C to about 50 ° C and more preferably, from about 30 ° C to about 40 ° C.

The dispensing system of the present invention is particularly characterized in that it comprises a circulation line connected to the solution tank and a circulation pump for circulating the solution through the circulation line. Therefore, the solution in the solution tank can be circulated, for example, each time after a container and / or capsule has been sprayed, thereby providing a balanced concentration or mixture of the solution in the solution tank. Also, by circulating the solution, the quality of the solution in the solution tank can be kept stable. The solution can be circulated at intervals or continuously or at predetermined times. The circulation time can be adjusted, for example, depending on the solid substance used with the dispensing system.

Solid substance within the meaning of the present invention means any substance, pure or composed of several components, which is not liquid or flowing, but has a firm or solid constitution, a constant or variable homogeneous concentration that includes, for example, powders or blocks formed of the substance in any

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type of shape, preferably with few or no hollow spaces within the block. Also included are pastes or gels that have a viscosity above 20,000 mPas.

In a general aspect of the invention, the dispensing system for dispensing a soluble but solid substance, the conductive substance being in solution, comprises at least a first container and a second container for maintaining a solid substance, a solution reservoir for containing a solution. , in at least one spray pipe assigned to each of the containers connected to a water supply, at least spray means assigned to each of the containers, wherein the spray means are connected to the corresponding spray pipe, to bring water from the water supply into contact with the solid substance that is inside the first container and the second container so that an amount of the solid substance dissolves and the resulting solution flows into the solution tank, means, preferably to the minus a level sensor, to measure the filling height in the solution tank n, measuring means for measuring the conductivity of the solution within the solution reservoir, at least a first discharge pipe through which the solution reservoir can be connected to a first tank, at least a first supply pump to move the solution from the solution tank through the first discharge pipe and an electronic main control unit to control the operation of the dispensing system.

The first container and the second container can also be considered as a first pair of containers containing the same solid substance. The first container and the second container may also contain different solid substances, which are both soluble, and form, after dissolution, a solution within the solution reservoir of a desired concentration. This allows separate storage of solid substances that, for example, may be too difficult or too dangerous to be stored together in a single solid substance previously mixed. The dispensing system described above according to the invention can also be used, for example, with a third additional container and a fourth container, forming a second pair of containers, where, for example, the third container and the fourth container may contain The same or different solid substances. The water supply, the spray pipes to which they are connected, can be pressurized, for example, by a water pump. This allows to use, e.g. eg, a high pressure in order to dissolve the solid substance inside the containers. The flow of water from the water supply through the spray pipe and the spray media assigned to each of the containers, e.g. For example, inside the container, it can be controlled by a valve, preferably a solenoid valve, located within each spray pipe. This allows controlled use, e.g. eg, the dissolution of the solid substance within the container, of each of the containers separately and independently of each other. The means for measuring the filling height in the solution tank can be designed as a level sensor, which preferably measures a maximum level of the solution in the solution tank. The measuring means for measuring the conductivity of the solution within the solution reservoir can be designed to measure a predefined conductivity, preferably a minimum conductivity, of the solution, wherein the conductivity of the solution corresponds to a certain concentration, e.g. eg, of the solid substance in solution, of the solution. The measuring means for measuring the conductivity and / or the concentration of the solution can be based on an inductive conductivity technology. The first tank, to which the first discharge pipe can be connected, for example, can be part of a remote washer and can be provided with sensor means for measuring the conductivity of a solution within that first tank. The main control unit for controlling the operation of the dispensing system can, for example, control the spraying of the containers, preferably by controlling the valves located within the spray pipes, monitor the conductivity of the solution in the solution tank by reading the data of the measuring means that measure the conductivity of the solution inside the solution tank, control the supply pump to supply the solution from the solution tank to, for example, the first tank. The main control unit can also receive data from the sensing means to measure the conductivity of a solution within the first tank. The dispensing system can not only be used for remote dispensing or dosing, central solid substances, preferably dissolved with water, for multiple professional dishwashers, but also for remote dispensing, central solid substances, e.g. eg, for soil care. bottle washer, instrument cleaning, car washer, tunnel washer and / or wash extractors.

The dispensing system according to the present invention has some advantages over devices according to the state of the art. For example, one advantage is that the dispensing system uses water, for example fresh or potable water or quality drinking water, to spray the containers and thus dissolve the solid substances. This allows the dispensing system to rinse or spray the containers with water until all the solid substance has dissolved, leaving the container reliably free of solid substance and solution free. Before unloading, the inside of the containers has only been in contact with fresh or potable water, therefore the emptied container can be disposed of efficiently and profitably as a common plastic, thus avoiding a high cost for disposal and also preventing A person who disposes of the container comes into contact with the solid substance, or its potentially dangerous solution.

Another advantage of the dispensing system according to the invention is that by measuring the conductivity of the solution within the solution reservoir, the dispensing system can detect an empty container by a change in the conductivity of the solution. Therefore, a signal can be provided, which indicates the empty container and, thus, allows an exchange of the container in due time.

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An additional important advantage of the present dispensing system is that by measuring the conductivity of the solution in the solution tank and using at least two containers with a solid substance, it is possible to use a first container, with at least a second container waiting, in where the second container is sprayed after the first container has been emptied, or the second container can be used, at least in part, at the same time as the first container in order to maintain the conductivity of the solution inside the container of solution at a predetermined conductivity, preferably above a predetermined minimum conductivity, while allowing the first container to be emptied without leaving residues. The measured conductivity of the solution in the solution reservoir can be used as an indicator for an empty container and / or as an indicator to activate the spraying of an additional container, that is, the second. Therefore, the solution reservoir is always filled with a usable solution, preferably of minimal conductivity.

In addition, this allows replacing or refilling, for example, the first container after it has been emptied, while at the same time the second container is sprayed to dissolve the solid substance within the second container. Therefore, continuous, uninterrupted operation of the dispensing system is provided with a continuous supply of solid substance.

In another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing system further comprises a second discharge line connectable to a second tank and a second supply pump. The second tank can be, for example, part of a second washer located remotely. This allows the use of a second tank that can be supplied with solution from the solution tank independently of the first tank.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the level sensor can be submerged in the solution and / or flooded by the solution. The level sensor can be designed in such a way that, after a predetermined upper level or maximum level of the solution has been detected inside the solution tank and has caused a stop, preferably delayed in a predetermined time, in the spraying, the amount of solution that enters the solution tank after the maximum level measurement is large enough to cover the level sensor so that it is completely submerged in the solution. The level sensor can also be designed in such a way that the solution that enters the solution tank, that is, from the spray and / or the circulation, floods the level sensor. Therefore, the level sensor is cleaned periodically or continuously by means of the solution inside the solution tank, avoiding, for example, an erroneous reading due to dirt in the level sensor.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one first supply pump is controllable by an external control unit. The use of an external control unit, which can be located, for example, directly on the first washing machine comprising the first tank and not next to the central dispensing system, increases the ease of use of the dispensing system, since an operator can choose, for example, the desired concentration of a use solution directly in the corresponding washing machine. The external control unit assigned to the first washing machine comprising the first tank can control, for example, the first supply pump and measure the conductivity of the first use solution within the first tank. This makes it possible to provide a use solution for direct use within a washing machine, for example, independently of another tank. It is possible to mix an individual use solution within each tank, for example, a first use solution within the first tank, with an individual concentration of the use solution. The concentration of the use solution for each of the tanks can be predetermined for each of the tanks independently and separately. Depending on the desired concentration of the use solution and the conductivity of the solution within the solution tank, the amount of solution that needs to be pumped from the solution tank to the corresponding tank can be determined.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the first container and the second container are each capable of containing a capsule containing a solid substance so that the spraying means is capable of bringing water into contact with the solid substance and that The resulting solution can flow into the solution tank. The use of a capsule containing the solid substance increases the ease of handling the solid substance and also increases the safety of people handling the capsules and / or the containers, since it is not necessary to handle the loose solid substance. Only sealed capsules that are free of residues of solid substances and / or solution should be handled after use.

A further aspect of the present invention is a method for dispensing a soluble but solid substance, comprising the steps of placing the solid substance or a capsule containing the solid substance in a first container and a second container of the dispensing system described above, spraying the first container and / or the second container with water from a water supply such that a quantity of the solid substance dissolves and a resulting solution flows into a solution tank, measure the conductivity of the solution within the solution tank, continuously or discontinuously spray the first container and / or the second container and measure the conductivity of the solution inside the solution tank, discharge at least a part of the solution through at least one first discharge pipe , replace the solid substance or the capsule containing the solid substance in the first container te and / or the second container after the solid substance in the first container and / or the second container has completely dissolved.

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After placing the solid substances or capsules containing the solid substances in the first container and the second container of the dispensing system, the main control unit may choose a container to be sprayed first. This may be based on the assumption that a container and / or capsule replaced and / or filled is completely filled with the solid substance. To spray the first container and / or the second container, a water valve can be opened, allowing water to flow from the water supply through the first spray pipe and / or the second spray pipe to the spray means assigned to the containers. Water is sprayed by means of spraying on the solid substance, dissolving the solid substance. The solution, thus resulting, flows to the solution tank, from where it can be pumped, for example, by the first supply pump through the first discharge pipe to the first tank, where a use solution of a predetermined concentration can be established. . The solution discharged from the solution reservoir is refilled by spraying and dissolving more solid substance. Since the containers and / or capsules are sprayed with fresh or potable water only, their replacement and / or disposal does not require any special safety measures.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, a container, the first container or the second container, is first sprayed until the solid substance in the first container or the second container is completely dissolved, and then the other container, the second container, is sprayed or the first container. This allows a residue-free spray of the first individual container, for example the first container and / or the first capsule, thus allowing the removal, for example, of the first empty capsule without the need to take special safety precautions due to the solution. dangerous that remains in the capsule, for example. In addition, the use of at least two containers and / or capsules makes it possible to change from spraying the first container and / or the first capsule to spray the second container and / or the second capsule when the first container and / or the first capsule are empty, thus allowing continuous operation of the dispensing system. In addition, the second container may be sprayed first before the first container, for example, directly after the second container has been replaced and, therefore, is completely filled with the solid substance.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, a container, the first container or the second container, is sprayed first, until the conductivity of the solution in the solution tank reaches a predefined value, then both containers, the first container and the second container, are sprayed simultaneously, until the solid substance inside the sprayed container first dissolves completely. The second capsule and / or the second capsule can be sprayed as soon as the conductivity and, therefore, the concentration of the solution in the solution tank reaches a predetermined value, preferably minimal. For example, after detecting a first container and / or the first empty and almost empty capsule, both containers and / or capsules can be sprayed, for example ten times, simultaneously to ensure thorough cleaning of the first container and / or capsule while that at the same time the conductivity of the solution is maintained above a desired level. This allows continuous operation of the dispensing system while maintaining the conductivity and, therefore, the concentration of the solution in the solution tank above a predetermined level and at the same time containers and / or capsules free of waste that can be filled and / or exchanged and disposed of without any health risk due to the remaining solution. In addition, the second container can be sprayed first, before the first container, for example, directly after the second container has been replaced and, therefore, is completely filled with the solid substance.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the solution within the solution reservoir is circulated continuously or discontinuously by a circulation pump through a circulation pipe. The solution can be circulated when a solution is not discarded in order to maintain the quality, for example the homogeneity, of the solution constant. The solution can also be circulated after each spray of the solid substance in order to provide a homogeneous solution with a uniform concentration.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the spraying, preferably the moment of spraying, of the first container and / or the second container, the work of the level sensor and / or the measuring means, the time of circulation of the solution to Through the circulation pipe, the amount of solution discharged through the at least one first discharge pipe is controlled by the main control unit. This allows an automatic operation to dispense the soluble but solid substance, where a person performing the method, for example, simply needs to decide what conductivity and, therefore, what concentration the solution should have in the solution reservoir. In addition, the replacement of the solid substance in the containers and / or the replacement of the empty capsules can be performed during the performance of the method.

In a more preferred embodiment of the method, the amount of solution discharged through the at least one first discharge line is controlled by an external control unit. The external control unit may be assigned, for example, to the first tank inside a first washing machine at a remote site. Therefore, the amount of solution needed in order to provide a solution of use of a certain conductivity in the first tank can be controlled from the remote site.

In another aspect of the present invention, the solid substance that is used together with the dispensing system described above and the corresponding method for dispensing a solid substance, which is conductive in solution,

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It comprises at least one or more of the components selected from the group comprising alkali source, surfactant component, non-ionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, chelator, polyethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitor, threshold inhibitor / crystal modifier , sequestering agent, solvents, bleaching agent, hydrotrope component, organic carboxylic acid, salts, additives.

An exemplary source of alkalinity includes alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal salts, phosphates, amines and mixtures thereof. The surfactant component can be used to reduce surface tension and moisten dirt particles to allow penetration of the use solution and dirt separation.

The surfactant component may include anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, but other than (a) non-ionic lower alkoxylated alcohol surfactant and (b) above-mentioned nonionic higher alkoxylated alcohol surfactant, amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof.

Exemplary non-ionic surfactants that can be used in the composition of the first component of the invention are alkyl esters of alkoxylated fatty acids, preferably ethoxylated or ethoxylated and propoxylated, preferably containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, more particularly fatty acid methyl esters.

Exemplary anionic surfactants that can be used include organic carboxylates, organic sulphonates, organic sulfates, organic phosphates and the like, particularly linear alkyl arylsulfonates such as alkylaryl carboxylates, alkylarylsulfonates, alkylaryl phosphates and the like. These classes of anionic surfactants are known within the art of surfactants such as linear alkylbenzyl sulphonates (LABS), alpha-olefin sulfonates (AOS), alkyl sulfates and secondary alkanesulfonates.

Suitable cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium compounds having the formula of RR'R "R" 'N + X-, wherein R, R', R "and R" 'are each an alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl C1- group C24 which may optionally contain one or more heteroatoms P, O, S or N, and X is F, Cl, Br, I or an alkyl sulfate. Additional preferred cationic surfactants include ethoxylated and / or propoxylated alkylamines, diamines or triamines. Examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants include capriloanphopropionate, disodium lauryl B-iminodipropionate and cocoanfocarboxypropionate and disodium octylimino-dipropionate. Exemplary chelators that can be used in accordance with the invention include phosphonates, sodium gluconate, pentanedic salt of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (available under the name Versenex 80), sodium glucoheptonate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salts, acid hydroxyethylethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (HEDTA), salts of hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, sodium salt of dietanolglycine (DEG), disodium salt of ethanoldiglycine (EDG), N, N-bis (carboxy tetodotide) (GLDA) and mixtures thereof. Exemplary ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salts include disodium salts, tetrasodium salts, diamonium salts and trisodium salts. An exemplary salt of hydroxyethylene ethyl diaminetriacetic acid is the trisodium salt.

A polyethylene glycol suitable for use in the present invention may have a molecular weight (MW) in the range of about> 4000 to about <12000, preferably from about> 6000 to about <10,000 and more preferred from about> 7,000 to about <8,000.

The corrosion inhibitor may be selected from the group comprising silicate, calcium acetate, calcium chloride, calcium gluconate, calcium phosphate, calcium borate, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium sulfate, Calcium tartrate, benzotriazole, 1,2,3-benzotriazole and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the corrosion inhibitor is a heterocyclic compound, a triazole derivative such as a benzotriazole or 1,2,3-benzotriazole, and mixtures thereof.

The threshold inhibitor / crystal modifier may be selected from the group comprising salts of phosphonocarboxylic acids, phosphonates, salts of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), salts of acid substituted polymers and mixtures thereof. Preferably salts of polymers substituted with acid from acrylate, methacrylate monomers, salts of polytaconic acid, salts of polymaleic acid and mixtures thereof. In particular, salts of polyacrylic acid are preferred. The solid alkaline composition according to the present invention may comprise at least one sequestering agent. The sequestering agent may be selected from the group of sodium gluconate, pentasodium salt of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, sodium glucoheptonate, salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, salts of hydroxyethyl-ethylenediamine-triacetic, salts of hydroxyethyl-triamine-diacetic-triamine-diacetic-triamine-ethylenediamine salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, sodium salt of dietanolglycine, salts of compounds of hydroxymethylcarboxylic acids, salts of compounds of hydroxydicarboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids containing amine, N, N-bis (carboxymethyl) -L-glutamate (GDLA) and mixtures of the same.

Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to water, alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, esters and the like, or combinations thereof. Suitable alcohols include, but are not limited to ethanol, isopropanol (propan-2-ol), 2-butoxy-ethanol (butylglycol), 1-decanol, benzyl alcohol, glycerol, monoethanolamine (MeA), and the like, or combinations thereof. same.

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The bleaching composition may include at least one agent or agents that provide bleaching properties, an agent or agents that provide antimicrobial properties and agents that provide both bleaching and antimicrobial properties. The bleaching composition may comprise H2O2 and / or an acetic acid peroxyacid, hydroxyethylene diphosphonic acid, sulphonated oleic acid, octanoic acid.

It should be understood that the hydrotrope component is optional and can be omitted if it is not necessary to stabilize the surfactant component. In many cases, the hydrotropic component is expected to be present to help stabilize the surfactant component. Examples of the hydrotropes include the sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkylene ammonium salts of xylene, toluene, ethylbenzoate, isopropylbenzene, naphthalene, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, alkoxylated alkylphenol phosphate esters, alkoxylated alkyl phosphate esters, polygluc-alkyl short-chain polyglucid alkyl (C8 or less), sodium, potassium and ammonium salts of alcilium sarcosinates, cumene sulphonate salts, aminopropionates, diphenyl oxides and disulfonates. Organic carboxylic acids may be present in their salt form, preferably as sodium salt.

Suitable organic carboxylic acids are, but are not limited to, organic C3 to C9 carboxylic acids selected from the group comprising gluconic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid , butanedioic acid, isoascorbic acid, ascorbic acid and tartaric acid. Suitable organic carboxylates are, but are not limited to, organic C3 to C9 carboxylates selected from the group comprising gluconate, lactate, citrate, glycolate, acetate, propionate, succinate, glutarate, adipate, butanedioate, isoascorbate, ascorbate and sodium tartrate and preferably sodium salts thereof. The most preferred is gluconic acid and / or gluconate. Preferably, gluconate is present as sodium gluconate.

However, salts may be added to the cleaning composition of the invention. Components that can be added to the cleaning composition, the concentrated solution and / or the ready-to-use solution include salts provided in water soluble form. Salt can function as an analytical tracer. Salts selected from the group of lithium chloride, lithium iodide, sodium chloride, sodium iodide, potassium chloride, potassium iodide, sodium sulfate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, sodium nitrate, phosphate of phosphate are preferred. sodium and mixtures thereof.

Additives may include, but are not limited to colorants, color transfer inhibitors, solvents. Additional exemplary agents include anti-redeposition agents, optical brighteners, sequestrants, detergency builders, water conditioning agents, oil and water repellent agents, color fastness agents, starch / sizing agents, fabric softening agents , acidifying agents, iron controlling agents, antimicrobials, fungicides, UV absorbers and / or fragrances, and the like.

Solid compositions that can be used in the apparatus of the present invention can be obtained from ECOLAB.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conductivity of the solution in the solution reservoir is from about 5 mS / cm to about 250 mS / cm, preferably from about 10 mS / cm to about 200 mS / cm, more preferably from about 15 mS / cm at about 150 mS / cm, even more preferably from about 20 mS / cm to about 120 mS / cm, and most preferably from about 30 mS / cm to about 100 mS / cm, if the solution has a concentration from about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, preferably from about 7% by weight in water.

In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dissolution rate of the solid substance by spraying with water is from about 5 g / l to about 200 g / l, preferably from

about 6 g / l about 175 g / l, more preferably from about 8 g / l to about 150 g / l, even more preferably from about 9 g / l to about 125 g / l, and most preferably about 10 g / l to about 100 g / l, at a temperature of about 10 ° C to about 60 ° C, preferably from about 20 ° C to about 50 ° C, and most preferably from about 30 ° C to about 40 ° C.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the dissolution rate of the solid substance by spraying with water is from about 5 g / l to about 200 g / l, preferably from

about 6 g / l to about 175 g / l, more preferably about 8 g / l at

about 150 g / l, even more preferably from about 9 g / l to about 125 g / l, and most preferably from about 10 g / l to about 100 g / l, and the conductivity is

about 5 mS / cm to about 250 mS / cm, preferably from about 10 mS / cm to about 200 mS / cm, more preferably from about 15 mS / cm to about 150 mS / cm, even more preferably from about 20 mS / cm at about 120 mS / cm, and most preferably from about 30 mS / cm to about 100 mS / cm, at a temperature of about 10 ° C to about 60 ° C, preferably from about 20 ° C to about 50 ° C, and most preferably from about 30 ° C to about 40 ° C.

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The above-mentioned components, as well as the claimed components and the components to be used in accordance with the invention in the described embodiments, are not subject to any special exceptions regarding their size, shape, material selection and technical concept, of so that the selection criteria known in the corresponding field can be applied without limitation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Additional details, features, characteristics and advantages of the object of the invention are described in the figures and in the following description of the respective figures, which - by way of example - show an embodiment and an example of a dispensing system according to the invention. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a dispensing system according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a real embodiment of the dispensing system according to the present invention.

The illustration in Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1 a central solid dispensing system 10 is shown, comprising a first container 12 and a second container 14 for containing a first capsule 16 and a second capsule 18. The first capsule 16 and the second capsule 18 are filled with a solid substance 20. Within the first container 12 and the second container 14 are located spray means 22 in such a way that they can spray the inside of the first capsule 16 and the second capsule 18 and, therefore, the solid substance 20. The spray means 22 are connected to a first spray pipe 24, corresponding to the first container 12, and a second spray pipe 26, corresponding to the second container 14. The spray pipes 24, 26 are connected to a water supply 28, supplying fresh or potable water, which can be pressurized, e.g. eg, by a water pump (not shown). Each of the spray pipes 24, 26 comprises a water valve 30, preferably a solenoid valve, a flow restrictor 32 and, in order to protect the water supply 28, a safety device (not shown), which may be located between the spray pipe 24,26 between the water valve 30 and the spray means 22. As an additional safety device, a capsule switch (not shown) can be provided within the solid substance 20. The opening the water valve of the first spray pipe 24 and / or the second spray pipe 26 allows water to flow from the water supply 28 through the respective spray pipe 24.26 to the spray means 22 located inside the first container 12 and the second container 14.

The spraying means 22 are arranged in such a way that they reach the first capsule 16 and the second capsule 18, allowing the water to be sprayed directly onto the solid substance 20. The solid substance 20 dissolves at least partially, and the resulting solution 34 flows to a solution tank 36. Inside the solution tank 36 there are means for measuring the height of filling of the solution 34 in the form of a level 38 sensor. The level sensor 38 can be designed such that it is completely submerged in solution 34 and / or it can be flooded by solution 34.

Measuring means 40 for measuring the conductivity of the solution 34 are also provided within the solution tank 36. By measuring the conductivity of the solution 34 it is possible to determine the concentration of the solution 34, for example, a high conductivity corresponds to a high concentration of the solid substance 20 dissolved in the solution 34. The solution 34 can be partially discharged from the solution tank 36 through a first discharge pipe 42 in a first tank 44 by a first supply pump 46. The first tank 44 It can be part of a first washing machine (not shown), which can be located at a remote site. A first use solution 48 may be provided within the first tank 44. The concentration of the first use solution 48 may be lower than the concentration of the solution 34 in the solution tank 36.

A first external control unit 50 is connected to the first supply pump 46 and the first tank 44 and, therefore, can control the amount of solution 34 to be pumped to the first tank 44. The first external control unit 50 can, for example, measure the level of the first use solution 48 within the first tank 44 of the first washing machine (not shown) and can also measure the conductivity of the first use solution 48. This allows the first unit external control 50 provide a first use solution 48 of a predetermined concentration by adding an appropriate amount of solution 34 through the first supply pump 46 to the first tank 44. Thus, a first use solution 48 can be provided. of a predetermined concentration, independently of a possibly variable concentration of solution 34 in solution reservoir 36.

In addition, a second discharge pipe 52, connected to a second tank 54, for example as part of a second washing machine (not shown) located at a remote site, is provided with a second supply pump 56 to pump solution 34 to the less partially in the second tank 54. A use solution 58 may be provided in the second tank 56 controlled by a second external control unit 60, which is designed analogously to the first external control unit 50. The second control unit external 60 is connected to the second supply pump 56 and the second tank 54 and, therefore, can control the amount of solution 34 to be pumped to the second tank 54. The second external control unit 60 allows the

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mixing a second use solution 58 with a concentration that is different and independent of the concentration of, for example, the first use solution 48.

In addition, a circulation pipe 62 connected to the solution reservoir 36 is provided to circulate the solution 34. The solution 34 is circulated through the circulation pipe 62 by a circulation pump 64. The central solids dispensing system 10 It is controlled by a main control unit 66. The main control unit 66 is at least connected to the level sensor 38, the measuring means 40 and the water valves 30 within the spray lines 24,26. This allows the main control unit 66 to operate the water valves 30 and, therefore, the spray means 22 independently and / or in accordance with the conductivity and the level of filling of the solution 34 inside the solution tank 36 The main control unit 66 can also communicate, for example to exchange data, with at least the first external control unit 50 and the second external control unit 60, for example of the first washing machine and the second washing machine ( both not shown).

The central solid dispensing system shown in Fig. 1 and described above can be operated according to the following example. The first capsule 16 can be sprayed with water, preferably fresh water, from the water supply 28 by the spraying means 22. When the level sensor 38 indicates the reach of the maximum level within the solution reservoir 36, the water valve 30 within the first spray pipe 24 can be closed after a predefined time. This ensures that the level 38 sensor will be flooded and submerged. This can be done periodically or continuously, so that the level 38 sensor will be cleaned periodically. The second capsule 18 is not sprayed and is used as a reserve capsule. The conductivity of the solution 34 in the solution tank 36 is measured by the measuring means 40 while the circulation pump 64 is running. When, for example, the first supply pump 46 is running, the level sensor 38 will indicate a drop level of the solution 34. The main control unit 66 will open the water valve 30 of the first spray pipe 24 with the In order to spray the solid substance 20 back into the first capsule 16. This will be repeated until the first capsule 16 is empty. The fact that the first capsule 16 is empty can be detected by the measuring means 40 and can be shown in the main control unit 66, when the measured conductivity of the solution 34 falls below a predefined value. Depending on the specific solid substance 20, the desired conductivity can be adjusted to a corresponding specific value. When the first capsule 16 is empty, the main control unit 66 will change to spray the second capsule 18 on hold, repeating the process described above until the second capsule 18 is empty. During the spraying of the second capsule 18, the first capsule 16 can be replaced, where the first empty capsule 16 is free of solid substance residues 20. When the first capsule 16 is not replaced and both capsules are empty and the desired concentration it is not reached within a certain time, an alarm may occur and information may appear to change the capsule. When the solution 34 inside the solution tank 36 has at least the minimum desired concentration, the solution 34 can be pumped, for example, into the first tank 44. To ensure that the product quality remains stable, the circulation pump 64 It can start to work every time after spraying the solid substance 20, where the circulation time can be adjusted depending on the solid substance 20 used.

In Fig. 2 a central solid dispensing system 10 is illustrated. The dispensing system 10 comprises a first container 12 and a second container 14 for receiving a first capsule 16 and a second capsule 18 (both not shown) containing the solid substance 20. Water is supplied from the water supply 28 to spray the first container 12 and the second container 16. The dissolved solid substance 20 (not shown) flows to the solution tank 36. Connected to the solution tank 36 is the circulation pipe 62 through which solution 34 (not shown) can circulate through the circulation pump 64. A first discharge pipe 42 is connected to the solution tank 36.

In the claims, the expression "comprising" does not exclude other elements or stages, and the indefinite article "a" or "a" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used as an advantage.

Claims (14)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 1. A dispensing system for dispensing a soluble, but solid substance, the conductive substance being in solution, comprising: at least a first container (12) and a second container (14) for maintaining a solid substance (20), a reservoir of solution (36) to contain a solution (34), at least one spray pipe (24, 26) assigned to each of the containers (12, 14) connected to a water supply, at least one spray means ( 22) assigned to each of the containers (12, 14), wherein the spray means (22) are connected to the corresponding spray pipe (24, 26), to bring the water from the water supply into contact ( 28) with the solid substance (20) that is inside the first container (12) and the second container (14), so that an amount of the solid substance (20) dissolves and the solution (34) resulting from it form flows to the solution reservoir (36), means, prefer possibly at least one level sensor (38), to measure the filling height in the solution tank (36), measuring means (40) to measure the conductivity of the solution (34) inside the solution tank ( 36), at least a first discharge pipe (42) through which the solution tank (36) can be connected to a first tank (44), at least a first supply pump (46) to move the solution (34) from the solution tank (36) through the first discharge pipe (42) and an electronic main control unit (66) to control the operation of the dispensing system (10), characterized in that the dispensing system ( 10) further comprises a circulation pipe (62) connected to the solution tank (36) and a circulation pump (64) to circulate the solution (34) through the circulation pipe (62). 2. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing system (10) further comprises a second discharge pipe (52) connectable to a second tank (54) and a second supply pump (56). 3. The dispensing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the level sensor (38) may be submerged in the solution (34) and / or flooded by the solution (34). 4. The dispensing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first supply pump (46) is controllable by an external control unit (50). 5. The dispensing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first container (12) and the second container (14) are each capable of containing a capsule (16, 18) containing a solid substance (20) , so that the spray means (22) are capable of contacting water with the solid substance (20) and where the resulting solution (34) can flow into the solution tank (36). 6. A method for dispensing a soluble, but solid substance (20), comprising the steps of: - arranging the solid substance (20) or a capsule (16, 18) containing the solid substance (20) in a first container (12) and a second container (14) of the dispensing system (10) according to any of the claims 1 to 5, - spray the first container (12) and / or the second container (14) with water from a water supply (28) so that a quantity of the solid substance (20) dissolves and a solution (34) that results from it flows into a solution tank (36), - measure the conductivity of the solution (34) inside the solution tank (36), - continuously or discontinuously spray the first container (12) and / or the second container (14) and measure the conductivity of the solution (34) inside the solution tank (36), - discharge at least part of the solution (34) through at least one first discharge pipe (42), - replace the solid substance (20) or the capsule (16, 18) containing the solid substance (20) in the first container (12) and / or the second container (14) after the substance has completely dissolved solid (20) in the first container (12) and / or the second container (14), characterized in that the solution (34) inside the solution tank (36) is circulated continuously or discontinuously by means of a circulation pump (64) through a circulation pipe (62). 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein a container, the first container (12) or the second container (14), is first sprayed until the solid substance (20) in the first container (12) or the second container (14) has completely dissolved, and then the other container, the second container (14) or the first container (12) is sprayed. 8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a container, the first container (12) or the second container (14, is first sprayed until the conductivity of the solution (34) in the solution reservoir (36) reaches a pre-defined value, then both containers, the first container (12) and the second container (14), are sprayed simultaneously until the solid substance (20) has been completely dissolved inside the container ( 12, 14) sprayed first. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 9. The method according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the spraying, preferably the time of spraying, of the first container (12) and / or the second container (14), the level sensor work (38) and / or the measuring means (40), the moment of the circulation of the solution (34) through the circulation pipe (62), the amount of solution (34) discharged through the at least A first discharge pipe (42) is controlled by the main control unit (66). 10. The method according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the amount of solution (34) discharged through the at least one first discharge line (42) is controlled by a control unit (50) external 11. The method according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the solid substance (20), which is conductive in solution (34), comprises at least one or more of the components selected from the group comprising alkaline source , surfactant component, non-ionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, chelator, polyethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitor, threshold inhibitor / crystal modifier, sequestering agent, solvents, bleaching agent, hydrotropic component, organic carboxylic acid, salts, additives 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the conductivity of the solution (34) in the solution reservoir (36) is from about 5 mS / cm to about 250 mS / cm, preferably from about 10 mS / cm to about 200 mS / cm, more preferably from about 15 mS / cm to about 150 mS / cm, even more preferably from about 20 mS / cm to about 120 mS / cm and most preferably from about 30 mS / cm to about 100 mS / cm, if the solution (34) has a concentration of about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight, preferably about 7% by weight in water. 13. The method according to any of claims 11 to 12, wherein the dissolution rate of the solid substance (20) when sprayed with water is about 5 g / about 200 g / l, preferably about 6 g / l or about 175 g / l, more preferably about 8 g / l or about 150 g / l, even more preferably about 9 g / l or about 125 g / l and most preferably about 10 g / l or about 100 g / 1, at a temperature of about 10 ° C to about 60 ° C, preferably from about 20 ° C to about 50 ° C and most preferably, from about 30 ° C to about 40 ° C. 14. The method according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the dissolution rate of the solid substance (20) when sprayed with water is about 5 g / about 200 g / l, preferably about 6 g / l or about 175 g / l, more preferably about 8 g / l or about 150 g / l, even more preferably about 9 g / l or about 125 g / l and most preferably about 10 g / l or about 100 g / 1, and the conductivity is from about 5 mS / cm to about 250 mS / cm, preferably from about 10 mS / cm to about 200 mS / cm, more preferably from about 15 mS / cm to about 150 mS / cm, even more preferably from about 20 mS / cm to about 120 mS / cm and most preferably from about 30 mS / cm to about 100 mS / cm, at a temperature of about 10 ° C to about 60 ° C, preferably of about 20 ° C to about 50 ° C and most preferably, from about 30 ° C to about 40 ° C.