GB2297901A - Portable vehicle washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for washing a vehicle comprises a portable platform on which are mounted two containers 1,2 both having inlets 10,15 and outlets 11,16, one housing anionic exchange material and the other housing cationic exchange material. There are a water inlet 3 for receiving water under pressure, piping connected to the inlet and to a control valve 4. This valve is capable of directing water either through an outlet of the valve and to the outlet of the apparatus or to piping 7 connected to the inlet of one of the containers. There is also piping connecting the outlet of this container to the inlet of the other container. The outlet of this other container is connected by piping to an outlet from the apparatus eg via valve 6.

Description

PORTABLE VEHICLE WASHING APPARATUS This invention concerns an apparatus suitable for washing surfaces, e.g. those of vehicles, especially motor vehicles.

In motor car showrooms and forecourts there is a constant need for cleaning and washing motor cars on display for sale and according to the invention an apparatus is provided whereby such cars can be cleaned efficiently and more quickly than by the conventional method of washing by detergent solution followed by rinsing and polishing with a chamois leather.

According to this invention a movable apparatus suitable for washing a surface, e.g. a vehicle, comprises a movable platform on which are mounted a container suitable for housing ion exchange material, the container having an inlet and an outlet, a water inlet for receiving water under pressure, piping connected to the water inlet and to the water inlet of the container. To the outlet of this container is connected piping which is also connected to an outlet from the apparatus.

Although the apparatus can have only one container in which case it is filled with a mixture of anionic and cationic material, because of recharging problems wherein the container should be run to exhaustion, then opened and emptied of old resin and replaced with new resin, it is much preferred to have two containers, one of which can be filled with an anionic exchange material and the other of which is filled with a cationic exchange material. In this manner recharging can take place without emptying the containers.

Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment of this invention an apparatus suitable for washing a surface comprises a movable platform on which are mounted two containers (A) and (B), both having inlets and outlets, one container for housing anionic exchange material and the other container for housing cationic exchange material.

There are a water inlet for receiving water under pressure, piping connected to the water inlet and to the inlet of one of the containers. There is also piping connecting the outlet of this container to the inlet of the other container. The outlet of this other container is connected by piping to an outlet from the apparatus. There are also inlets to enable regenerant fluids to enter the containers.

The movable platform and hence apparatus can be portable or preferably mobile. Mobility is preferably achieved by having at least three rotatable wheels. In the preferred embodiment there is one front wheel and two rear wheels.

However any number of rotatable wheels and/or method of achieving mobility e.g. rollers, hovercraft, etc. may be used. Preferably there is also a removable cover.

Typically the overall dimensions of an apparatus with cover is about 1 metre long, 1.15 metres high and 0.7 metres wide.

It is preferred that the inlets of containers A and B are in the lower region of the containers, e.g. in the bottom walls and the outlets of containers A and B are in the upper regions of the containers, e.g. in the top walls.

Any suitable anionic and cationic exchange material may be used, e.g. natural zeolites. However, it is preferred to use ion exchange resins, such as Amberlite IRA 420 anion exchange resin and Amberlite IR 120 cation exchange resin.

It is immaterial as to which order the water passes through the container, i.e. cationic followed by anionic or anionic followed by cationic.

When using the apparatus, it is preferred that before the surface is washed with demineralised water, it is washed with ordinary water. Accordingly it is preferred that the apparatus also includes a three-way control valve which is in the piping connecting the water inlet for water under pressure with the inlet to the container or with the inlet of one of the containers A and B. Also connected to this three-way control valve is piping connected to the outlet of the apparatus. By adjusting this control valve water entering the apparatus can either flow direct to the outlet of the apparatus when it can be used for giving an ordinary water wash to the surface or it can be directed to enter the inlet of the container or one of the containers A and B whence eventually it will leave the apparatus through its outlet as demineralised water for washing the surface.

It is also preferable if the apparatus includes a water meter. This water meter is preferably upstream of and near the outlet of the apparatus.

Although the apparatus may be provided merely with an outlet in which case flexible piping e.g. hose, will almost inevitably have to be connected to the outlet, the other end of which will have a nozzle or something similar so as to direct water onto the vehicle, it is preferred that the apparatus itself includes a hose reel on which is wound hose.

Accordingly in a preferred embodiment of the invention the apparatus includes a hose reel mounted on the platform or located in the apparatus. This hose reel will have a long length of hose, e.g. about 8 metres, and will preferably be provided with a nozzle at its downstream end.

This nozzle which will usually be valved will preferably be adjustable so that the water emerging can be adjusted in intensity and spread.

When using the apparatus there should be a non-return valve downstream of the water mains supply. Preferably therefore a non-return valve is included in the apparatus of the invention. This is preferably located in the piping connecting the water inlet for receiving water under pressure with the inlet to the container or to one of the ion exchange containers, or if present, connected with the inlet to the control valve.

One or more of the inlets and outlets of the containers are provided with filters. This is to avoid losing ion exchange materials. The ion exchange material, e.g. resin, is contained within the containers and prevented from leaving them by the use for example of a rose, sintered plates, paper element filter or any other filtration mechanism capable of allowing the passage of water but preventing the exit of ion exchange material. Such filters are preferably slotted roses, but they could be perforated roses. Preferably, all the inlets and outlets of the containers are provided with filters.

Each piping leading to the inlets of containers (A) and (B) is preferably provided with T-junctions so that recharging fluid can be easily fed via a valve in the Tjunction into the inlet of each container and then pass through the bed of material in each container.

When using Amberlite IRA 420 as anionic exchange resin this can be regenerated by passing sodium hydroxide through the bed of resin and for a time preferably of about 0.5 to 2 bed volumes per minute. When using Amberlite IR 120 as cationic exchange resin this can be regenerated by passing hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid through the bed of resin, and for a time preferably of about 0.5 to 2 bed volumes per minute.

Most of the piping can be flexible hose or be rigid piping, e.g. made of metal. The piping conveying water under pressure to the water inlet of the apparatus is preferably flexible piping, e.g. hose. Also when a hose reel is incorporated in the apparatus, this piping should be flexible, e.g. hose. Piping conveying regeneration fluids should of course be resistant to chemical attack by these fluids.

To use the apparatus of the invention for cleaning a surface, for example a vehicle such as a car, one first preferably hand washes the vehicle with soap or detergent solution. This step can often be avoided if the vehicle is not very dirty.

The next step is to introduce water under pressure, e.g.

from the mains into water inlet of the apparatus, ensuring that it passes through a non-return valve, which will have to be external of the apparatus, if the apparatus is not provided with one. When provided, the control valve which receives the water under pressure is then adjusted so that this water flows out through the outlet from the apparatus, to which in the preferred embodiment is connected the hose reel on which is wound the hose. This hose has been previously extended so that the water under pressure emerging from the apparatus through this hose can be played onto the vehicle whereby soapy or detergent-containing water and residual dirt can be removed.

After this, the control valve is adjusted so that the water under pressure can flow through the container(s) and the outlet valve of the apparatus is adjusted to receive only water from the container(s). This water will be demineralised water and typically be of 0-50 microsiemens, preferably 10-20 microsiemens quality. When all the previously sprayed water has been removed by demineralised water, the spraying of the vehicle is stopped. It will be found that a vehicle with a high finish has been achieved by using the apparatus of the invention.

In accordance with this invention, a surface, e.g. a vehicle, is cleaned by the application of a washing of demineralised water, provided by the apparatus of this invention. Preferably this washing is preceded by a washing of the vehicle by the application of aqueous detergent or aqueous soap solution and then by a washing of ordinary water under pressure. This application of demineralised water does not have to be followed by frictional rubbing, e.g. by the use of chamois leather.

To regenerate the bed of resin in the container upstream of the water supply, regenerant fluid is passed into the valve of the T-junction upstream of the container with the supply water of water being closed (e.g. via the non-return valve) and the outlet (e.g. valved nozzle) closed. The outlet of the apparatus (e.g. valved nozzle) is then opened and the regenerant fluid pumped out through the outlet. The apparatus is then flushed through with water. To regenerate the bed of resin in the container downstream of the water supply, the regenerant fluid is passed into the valve of the T-junction downstream of the container with the valve of the T-junction upstream of this container closed. The outlet of the apparatus (e.g. valved nozzle) is opened and the regenerant fluid pumped through the container and out through the outlet.The apparatus is then flushed through with water to remove regenerant and the whole apparatus is ready to be reused.

If desired by making inlets and outlets of the two containers all three way valves regeneration of both containers (A) and (B) can be performed simultaneously.

Thus acid will enter the bed of cat ionic resin in one container and leave through this container's outlet whilst base enters the inlet of the other container and leaves through its outlet. After regenerating water can be pumped in through the inlets and then allowed to leave through the outlets. The regenerant fluids both for acid and alkaline regeneration can be introduced at about 0.001 to 100 bed volumes per minute, but preferably between 0.5 to 2 bed volumes per minute.

The considerable advantages of this invention compared with previous methods of washing cars include the following.

The finish on the vehicle is better than a chamois leather finish or hosing off with ordinary water. It is considerably faster, e.g. about 2 minutes compared with 10 to 15 minutes using chamois leather. It avoids dust being smeared onto the finished surface which often happens on a windy day. There are no moving mechanical parts.

The invention is described with reference to the drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows in part perspective the apparatus; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the filter system; Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the piping, valves and exchange resin containers; and Fig.4 and Fig. 5 show respectively perspective end and side views of the apparatus provided with a cover.

Referring to the drawings there are two exchange resin columns 1 and 2, column 1 housing cationic exchange resin and column 2 housing anionic exchange resin. An inlet hose 3 for mains water connects with a three-way control valve 4.

Connected to this three-way valve is piping 5 which in turn is connected to another three-valve 6. Also connected to three-way valve 4 is piping 7 which is also connected to Tjunction 8.

Piping 9 is connected at one end to T-junction 8 and at the other end to an inlet 10 in the bottom of column 1. An outlet 11 at the top of column 1 is connected to piping 12 which in turn is connected to T-junction 13. Also connected to T-junction valve 13 is piping 14.

Piping 14 is also connected to an inlet 15 at the bottom of column 2. Connected to an outlet 16 at the top of column 2 is piping 17 which is also connected to a water meter 18.

Connected to meter 18 is piping 19 which is also connected to the three-way valve 6.

Piping 20 connects the three-way valve 6 with the inlet 21 to hose 22 wound on a hose reel 23. There is a valved nozzle 30 at the end of hose 22.

As shown in Fig. 3 there is also a non-return valve 24 upstream of the three-way valve 4.

T-junction 8 and 13 are also provided with inlets 25 and 26 to allow regeneration fluid to be introduced via piping 9 and piping 14 into the ion exchange resins in columns 1 and 2 respectively.

In Fig. 2 is shown in more detail the outlet 11 of column 1. There is a slotted rose 27 through which liquid must pass before leaving through piping 12. There are similar roses in outlet 16 of column 2 and in inlets 10 and 15 of respectively columns 1 and 2.

The general appearance of an apparatus of this invention provided with a cover can be seen from Fig. 4 and 5.

Typical dimensions (in mm) are also shown.

To use the apparatus for cleaning a car, the hose 22 is first extended to be near the car. Water from the mains is allowed to enter the apparatus through hose 3 and control valve 4 is adjusted so that the water flows through piping 5 into valve 6. This valve 6 is adjusted so that the water leaves via piping 20 to the inlet 21 of the hose 22. This water from the mains then flows through hose 22 and nozzle 30 when it can be directed to washing the car.

After this has been done control valve 4 is adjusted so that water entering via hose 3 passes through piping 7, Tjunction, column 1, piping 12, T-junction 13, piping 14, column 2, piping 17, water meter 18, valve 6 and out through hose 22 and nozzle 30. With the control valve having this setting, the car is then cleaned with a final washing of demineralised water. When this has been done, the supply of water is turned off and the car will be found to have a nonsmearing finish.

To regenerate the cation exchange resins, hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid is introduced through valve 25, is pumped or forced through piping 9, into column 1 and out through valve 26. As long as the nozzle 30 and non-return valve 24 are closed, the acid cannot go anywhere else. Once the regeneration is complete the apparatus is flushed with water to remove the regenerant acid.

To regenerate the anion exchange resin in column 2 caustic soda or any other base regenerant is introduced through valve 26, valve 25 being closed, nozzle 30 is opened and the regenerant pumped through piping 14 and into column 2 and out through nozzle 30. The apparatus is then flushed through with water to remove regenerant fluid and the entire apparatus is ready to be reused.

Claims (15)

1. A mobile apparatus suitable for washing a surface comprising a portable platform on which are mounted a container suitable for housing ion exchange material, the container having an inlet and an outlet, a water inlet for receiving water under pressure, piping connected to the water inlet and to the water inlet of the container and connected to the outlet of the container piping which is also connected to an outlet from the apparatus

2.A mobile apparatus suitable for washing a surface comprising a portable platform on which are mounted two containers (A) and (B) both having inlets and outlets, one container for housing anionic exchange material and the other container for housing cationic exchange material, a water inlet for receiving water under pressure, piping connected to the water inlet and to the inlet of one of the containers, said one of said containers having piping connecting the outlet of this container to the inlet of the other container and the outlet of this other container being connected by piping to an outlet from the apparatus, and inlets to enable regenerant fluids to enter the containers.

3. An apparatus according to either of claims 1 and 2 is located in the piping connecting the water inlet and the inlet to one of the containers (A) and (B), the control valve also connected by piping to the outlet of the apparatus, whereby water under pressure entering this control valve can either flow through the outlet of the apparatus or to the inlet of the container or said one of the containers (A) and (B).

4. An apparatus according to either of claims 2 and 3 wherein container (A) houses anion exchange resin and container (B) houses cation exchange resin.

5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims which is portable by virtue of having at least three rotatable wheels.

6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims includes a removable cover.

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims which includes a water meter, upstream of and near the outlet of the apparatus.

8. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims which includes a hose reel mounted on the platform or located in the apparatus.

9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims which includes a non-return valve downstream of the water mains supply.

10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all the inlets and outlets of the containers are provided with filters.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein piping leading to the inlets of containers (A) and (B) are provided with valves through which regenerant fluid can be fed into the inlet of each container.

12. A process for cleaning a surface, comprising introducing water under pressure into the water inlet of the apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 10, adjusting the control valve of the apparatus so that water under pressure flows out through the outlet from the apparatus, allowing water emerging from the apparatus to be played onto the surface, thereafter adjusting the control valve so that the water under pressure flows through the containers and flows out of the outlet of the apparatus as demineralised water and spraying the surface with demineralised water.

13. A process according to claim 12 wherein the surface is that of a vehicle.

14. The cleaning of a surface by washing it with demineralised water provided from a movable apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. The cleaning of claim 14 wherein the washing is preceded by washing the surface with aqueous detergent or aqueous soap solution.