FR2807762A1 - Dye of specific color made by diluting base solutions and combining these in proportion to give a final solution, colors of diluted and final solutions each checked and corrected if necessary - Google Patents

Abstract

A concentrated dye solution is made up to a specified color by diluting base solutions to form secondary solutions, checking the color of these solutions and correcting their dilution if necessary. The secondary solutions are combined in controlled proportions to form a final solution of the specified color. The color of the final solution is checked and the proportions of the secondary solutions corrected if necessary An Independent claim is included for an apparatus having primary tanks for the base solutions connected to secondary tanks for the secondary solutions and dosing pumps connecting them to a mixing tank for making up the final solution. Control valves admit dilution water to the secondary tanks. The secondary and mixing tanks have chambers for checking the color of a sample. A unit controls the valves and dosing pumps. Preferred Features: The base solutions may correspond to the three primary colors. The primary, secondary and mixing tanks all have agitators. The final solution is transferred to a storage tank. A spectro-colorimeter is used to check to color. The control unit is a microcomputer.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a coloring solution of predetermined color.

The manufacture of coloring solutions is usually carried out in a single operation, mixing dye solutions base. By varying the proportions and the dilution of each of the basic solutions, it is possible to obtain coloring solutions having an infinity of colorimetric shades.

Obtaining coloring solutions whose colorimetric characteristics, namely hue (green, magenta, etc.), clarity (light or dark color) and saturation (bright or dull color), conform to the characteristics of a predetermined color, present numerous difficulties . In particular, it is difficult to control the parameters of proportion and dilution of the basic colors.

The methods and devices for producing known coloring solutions thus appear unsatisfactory in terms of the quality and conformity of the final color of the coloring solution with the desired color. The object of the invention is to provide a method for preparing a coloring solution of predetermined color from basic solutions, with excellent accuracy resulting from perfect control of all parameters.

For this purpose, the invention provides a method for producing a coloring solution from at least two concentrated dye base solutions comprising the steps of: - preparing, from each solution of base solution by controlled dilution basic solutions; - check the color of each secondary solution; - if necessary, make a correction to the dilution of each secondary solution; - combine the secondary solutions in controlled proportions to obtain a final solution of determined color; - check the color of the final solution; - if necessary, to correct the proportions of each secondary solution entering the final solution. This method therefore makes it possible to produce a coloring solution of excellent colorimetric quality for two reasons. On the one hand, the dilution steps of the basic dye solutions and the mixtures of the solutions thus obtained are dissociated from one another, which makes it possible to carry out each step of the manufacturing process with an optimal precision. On the other hand, controls are performed after each step of the manufacturing process which allows to immediately make a correction on a single parameter namely the dilution of the secondary solutions or the proportion of the final solution.

Advantageously, the basic dye solutions are three in number, corresponding to the three primary colors.

The three primary colors make it possible, by dilution and combination of each, to obtain all the colors of the chromatic spectrum.

The invention further proposes a device according to the method described above.

This device for producing a predetermined color solution from at least two concentrated dye base solutions comprises - at least two base tanks for receiving each of the basic solutions; at least two secondary tanks each intended to receive a determined quantity of a base solution transferred from their respective base tanks by metering pumps; each of the secondary tanks being provided with a fluid inlet controlled by a solenoid valve for effecting the dilution of the base solution and of a sampling tap making it possible to control the color of each of the secondary solutions; a mixing tank in which the secondary solutions are transferred from each secondary tank by means of dosing pumps to form a final solution, the mixing tank being provided with a sampling valve enabling the control of the secondary solution; color of the final solution; a calculation unit which determines, according to the color to be obtained, the volume of fluid necessary for the dilution of each base color to prepare each secondary color and the set value to be assigned to the metering pumps in order to carry out the transfers of solution between the vats.

The manufacture of a predetermined color solution made with the device according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a solution of high quality as to its colorimetry.

Advantageously, the base tanks, the secondary tanks and the mixing tank are equipped with stirrers.

The agitators make it possible to homogenize the solutions contained in each of the tanks.

Preferably, the fluid carrying out the dilution of the secondary solution is water.

Preferably, the computing unit a microcomputer. Advantageously, the final solution is transferred from the mixing tank to a storage tank waiting for subsequent conditioning operations.

Advantageously, the colorimetric controls of the secondary solutions and of the final solution are carried out by a spectrocolorimeter.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended drawing, the single figure of which is a block diagram of the solution manufacturing device according to the invention.

As shown in the figure, the device according to the invention comprises three base tanks (1 a, 1 b, 1 c). Each of them receives a water inlet duct, the flow of which is controlled by a solenoid valve (2a, 2b, 2c). These three tanks are each equipped with an agitator (3a, 3b, 3c), a capacitive level measuring probe (4a, 4b, 4c), and a duct connected to the sewer network, provided with a manual drain valve (5a, 5b, 5c). The upper face of each of the base tanks is equipped with a inspection hatch (6a, 6b, 6c).

Each of the base tanks 1b, 1c) is connected to a secondary tank (10a, 10b, 10c) via conduits, on each of which is disposed a metering pump 1a, 1 1b, 1 1c).

The secondary tanks (10a,, 10c) are each equipped with sampling valves (12a, 12b, 12c) and a water inlet pipe, the flow of which is controlled by a solenoid valve ( 13a, 13b, 13c). Each of the secondary tanks is also equipped with a manual drain valve (15a, 15b, 15c) connected to the sewer network, as well as an agitator (16a, 16b, 16c). The level of solution present in the secondary tanks is measured by hydrostatic measurement probes (17a, 17b, 17c).

The secondary tanks are connected to a mixing tank (20) via conduits on which dosing pumps (21a, 21b, 21c) are arranged.

The mixing tank (20) is provided with an agitator (22) and a temperature sensor (23) connected to a heating resistor (24). The mixing tank (20) is connected to a water inlet pipe whose flow is controlled by a solenoid valve (27).

The tank (20) is equipped with a sampling valve (25) and is connected to a storage tank (36) by a conduit on which a centrifugal transfer pump (28) is arranged. The tank (20) is provided with a duct connected to the sewer system on which is disposed a manual drain valve (29).

A microcomputer (30) defines the setpoint values to be applied to the metering pumps (1 1a, 11b, 11c, 21a, 21b, 21c) and to the solenoid valves (13a, 13b, 13c) as a function of the desired color for the final solution.

Prior to launching a manufacture of a coloring solution of predetermined color, basic solutions (31) are developed in the base tanks. Dyes representing the three primary colors are introduced through the inspection hatches (6a, 6b, 6c) and are diluted in standard proportions, for example 0.05% for the red dye, <B> 0.01% </ B > for the blue dye and 0.005% for the yellow dye.

When an order to manufacture a dye solution of defined characteristics is started, the microcomputer (30) transmits to each of the metering pumps (1 1a, 1 1b, 1 1 c) a signal indicating the number of hits. pump for transferring a volume of one or more base solution (s) (31a, 31b, 31c). The microcomputer then transmits a signal to each of the solenoid valves (13a, 13b, 13c) indicating the volume of water required to dilute each base solution to form each secondary solution (32a, 32b, 32c). The agitators (16a, 16b, 16c), each of which is equipped with secondary tanks, ensure the homogenization of each of the secondary solutions.

A sample of each of the secondary solutions is then taken from the sample taps (12a, 12b, 12c) for colorimetric analysis. These analyzes are performed by a spectrocolor meter not shown in the figure.

In case of divergence between the measured color and the desired color, corrective action is performed, under the control of the microcomputer (30), by an operator to correct the dilution of each secondary solution. This emits a corrective action of two types. Either it acts on one or more solenoid (s) (13a, 13b, 13c), controlling the arrival of water, so as to increase the dilution; or it acts on one or more dosing pumps <B> (11 </ B> a, 1 1 b, 1 1 c), in order to increase the concentration of basic solution.

The secondary solutions (32a, 32b, 32c) are then transferred to the mixing tank (20). This transfer is performed by the metering pumps (21a, 21b, 21c) whose set values are set by the microcomputer (30). Each of the metering pumps transfers a volume of each of the secondary solutions necessary to obtain a final solution (35) of the desired color.

An agitator (22), whose mixing tank is equipped, ensures the homogenization of the final solution. Moreover, for a good homogeneity of the final solution, the temperature of the tank is kept constant by a heating resistor (24) whose setpoint is corrected by the temperature measurements made by the probe (23).

sample of the final solution (35) is taken at the tap (25) of the tank (20).

This sample undergoes a colorimetric analysis performed by a spectrocolorimeter not shown in the figure.

In case of divergence between the measured color and the desired color of the final solution, corrective action is performed by the operator under the control of the microcomputer (30). This action is intended to manually correct the proportions of secondary solutions used in the composition of the final solution. The operator acts on one or more metering pumps (21a, 21b, 21c) to modify the proportions of the final solution for the color obtained approximates the desired color.

The final solution (35) is then transferred to a storage tank (36) prior to bottling-type conditioning operations.

After the manufacture of the predetermined coloring solution, the secondary tanks (10a, 10b, 1cc) and the mixing tank (20) are drained.

The solenoid valves (13a, 13b, 13c), (29) are then opened to allow the introduction of rinsing water into the secondary tanks (10a, 10b, 10c) and the mixing tank (20). The metering pumps (21a, 21b, 21c) of the secondary tanks and the dosing pump (28) of the mixing tank are used to drain the tanks of the rinsing water. The rinsing water causes the residual traces of dye present in the secondary tanks (10a, 10b, 1cc), the mixing tank (20) and in the metering pumps (21a, 21b, 21c) and the pump. transfer (28).

The device manufacturing a coloring solution of predetermined color is then ready for a new manufacturing cycle. The invention thus provides a method and an industrial device for producing a predetermined color dye solution with a high quality.

This method and a device have, moreover, many parameters in terms of productivity, automation or quality management that make it a particularly didactic process and device. This method and this device therefore find a particularly interesting application in a production management educational facility that can be installed in educational institutions.

Claims (2)

A method of manufacturing a predetermined coloring solution of color from at least two concentrated base dye solutions (31a, 31b, 31c) comprising the steps of - preparing secondary solutions (31a, 32b) , 32c) by controlled dilution basic solutions; check the color of each of the secondary solutions; - if necessary, make a correction to the dilution of the secondary solution; - combining the secondary solutions in controlled proportions to obtain a final solution (35) of determined color; - check the color of the final solution; - if necessary, to correct the proportions of each of the secondary solutions (32a, 32b, 32c) entering the final solution (35). 2. A method of manufacturing a coloring solution according to claim 1 characterized in that the basic dye solutions are three in number corresponding to the three primary colors. Apparatus for producing a predetermined coloring solution for the implementation of a process according to one of claims 1 or 2 comprising - at least two base tanks (1 a, 1 b, 1 c) intended to receive each basic solutions (31a, 31b, 31c); at least two secondary tanks (10a, 10b, 1cc) each intended to receive a determined quantity of a base solution (31a, 31b, 31c) transferred from their respective base tanks a, 1b, 1c ) by metering pumps <B> (11 </ B> a, 1 1 b, 1 1 c); - each of the secondary tanks (16a, 16b, 16c) being provided with a fluid inlet controlled by a solenoid valve (1 13b, 13c) to perform the dilution of the base solution to form a secondary solution (32a, 32b, 32c ) and a sample valve (12a, 12b, 12c) for controlling the color of each of the secondary solutions; a mixing tank (20) in which the secondary solutions are transferred, by means of metering pumps (21a, 21b, 21c), to form a final solution (35), the mixing tank being provided with a sample tap (25) for controlling the color of the final solution - a calculation unit which determines, depending on the color obtain, the volume of fluid necessary for the dilution of each base color (31 a, 31 b, 31 c) to prepare each secondary color (32a, 32b, 32c) and the set value to be assigned to the metering pumps <B> (11 </ B> a, 1 1 b, 1 1 c, 21 a, 21 b, 21 c) to carry out the transfers of solution between the tanks. 4. Apparatus for producing a coloring solution of predetermined color according to claim 3, characterized in that the basic tanks (1a, 1b, 1c), the secondary tanks (10a, 10b, 1 Oc) and mixing tank (20) are equipped with stirrers (3a, 3b, 3c, 16a, 16b, 16c, 22). 5. Apparatus for producing a coloring solution of predetermined color according to one of claims 3 or 4 characterized in that the fluid carrying out the dilution of the base solutions (31a, 31b, 31c) to form the secondary solutions ( 32a, 32b, 32c) is water. 6. Apparatus for producing a coloring solution of predetermined color according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the computing unit is a microcomputer (30). Device for producing a coloring solution of predetermined color according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the final solution (35) is transferred from the mixing tank (20) to a storage tank (3E). ) awaiting subsequent conditioning operations. 8. Apparatus for producing a predetermined coloring solution according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the colorimetric controls of the secondary solutions (32a, 32b, 32c) and of the final solution (35) are carried out by a spectrocolori meter.