IE832997L

IE832997L - Liquid storage apparatus

Info

Publication number: IE832997L
Application number: IE299783A
Authority: IE
Original assignee: Cranlawn Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 1983-12-20
Filing date: 1983-12-20
Publication date: 1985-06-20
Also published as: IE56132B1; GB2151801B; BE901325A; GB8431995D0; GB2151801A

Description

5b | is , - 1 - The present invention relates to e liquid collecting station for gathering together batches of liquid from a pluraliry of different users and storing it pending 5 removal by a bulk carrier, and to a method of operation of such apparatus, and which is particularly although not exclusively applicable to the collection and storage of milk.

According to the present invention a liquid collecting 10 station for gathering together batches of liquid from a plurality of different users and storing it pending removal by a bulk carrier comprises a main liquid storage tank from which liquid can be delivered to a built carrier, means for receiving liquid in discrete batches 15 of different weights from a plurality of different users and delivering it to a liquid receiving tank, means for individually weighinc and measuring one or more parameters of each of said discrete batches of lic-jia when piaced in said receiving tank, mear.s for coir.rarinc 20 the parameter or parameters with a present acceptable value or values of tr.e parameters, and cor.troi nesr.j responsive to the pai&rr.eter cr parameters rr.easurcadi being at acceptable levels wnich operate tc trar.srer said ws:cr. ec fcfitchea of different weights to said stcr=ce i-' tar.ic a;ter weighing. -2- Preferably, the weighing means is provided by load cells on which the receiving tank is mounted.

Advantageously, the receiving tank is mounted above the main storage tank and the transfer means for transferring 5 the liquid from the receiving tank to the main storage tank is provided by a pipe extending between the receiving tank and the main storage tank, a valve being provided in the pipe, and control means being provided to control the valve. 10 Preferably, the PH, temperature and conductivity of each batch is measured and means can be included to deliver a reject batch of liquids to waste from the receiving tank.

In a further embodiment of the invention, sampling means is provided to receive a sample of liquid from each batch 15 and to discreetly store the sample for further analysis.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, chiller means is provided to chill the liquid in the main storage tank.

Advantageously, washing means are provided to wash the -air. storagv tank and the receivinc tank.

The invention also includes a method for gatherir.c -3- together batches of liquid from a plurality of different users and storing it using the collecting station, comprising the step of delivering a batch of liquid to the liquid receiving tank, weighing and measuring one or 5 more parameters of the batch in the liquid receiving tank, comparing the measured parameter or parameters with a preset acceptable value or values of the parameters, and delivering the batch to the main storage tank if acceptable. 10 Preferably, the method also includes the step of delivering a rejected batch to waste and the method may also include the step of washing the apparatus after the stored liquid has been collected.

Preferably, the method and apparatus is for storing milk. 15 The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid collecting 20 station according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of Figure 1; Fig. 3 is an enc view of the apparatus of Figure 1; -4- Fig. 4 is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

As shown in the drawings, a liquid collecting station 5 according to the invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. In this case, the apparatus is specifically provided for storing batches of milk for subsequent collection by, for example, a creamery tanker. It is envisaged that the apparatus will be used by many 10 relatively small farmers, each of which would bring their own batch to the station where it would be stored for subsequent collection.

The station 1 comprises a housing 2, which houses all the components of the apparatus. A 10,000 litre main milk 15 storage tank 3 is mounted in the housing 2 on supports 4, which stand in a chilling means, in this case a bank of ice 6 which is envisaged will store a minimum of 700 kg of ice. Refrigeration means, which will be described below, produces the ice. A plurality of jets 8 on a 20 pipeline 12, spray chilled water onto the storage tank 3 to retain the milk in the storage tank under 4°C. A pump 14, see Fig. 2, pumps chilled water from the ice bank 6 through a pipeline 15 to the jets 8. An agitator 16 inur.ersed in the main storage tank 3 is " 5 " driven by an electric motor 17 to gently agitate the milk in the storage tank 3. An outlet 13 from the main storage tank 3 is connected through an sir operated waive 18 into a pipeline 80 into a sump 81 , which will 5 be described belo». A coupling device (not shown) is provided at the end of the pipe 80 in the sump 81 for connection to a mobile road tanker for subsequent collection of the milk in the storage tank 3.

A receiving tank 19 to receive and sample each batch 10 prior to it being delivered into the main storage tank 3, is mounted above the main storage tank 3 onto the framework (not shown) of the housing 2 by means of load cells 20. A pump 22 pumps the milk of each batch, for example, from a milk churn 23 from an inlet pipe 24, 15 which is immersed in the churn 23, to the receiving tank I"9. The inlet pipe 24 is connected by a flexible hose 25 through a pipeline 26 to the pump 22, and then irvto the receiving tank 19. A pair of outlets 27 and 28 are provided in the bottom of the receiving tank 19. The 20 outlet 27 is connected through a valve 29 and a pipe 30 to the main storage tank 3 for delivering the milk from the receiving tank 19 to th? main storage tank 3. The outlet 26 delivers rejected milft from the receiving tank 19 through a valve 31 and a pipeline 32 to waste. Both 26 valves 29 and 31 are controlled by a microcomputer 33 which will be briefly described below.

Means to measure the temperature, 8>H end conductivity of the milk in the receiving tank ere provided in the recel vi ng-tank . These means are not illustrated, at they will be readily known to those sfiilled in the art. The measuring means are connected into the microcomputer, and the monitored values ure compered with predetermined values. Once the batch of milk compares favourably the valve 29 is opened and the milk is delivered to the main storage tank 3. If the Monitored data do not compare favourably, then the milk is rejected through the waste pipe 32.

A sampling means to withdraw a sample from each batch and discreetly store it for subsequent analysis,, in this case is provided by sampling apparatus 35. The sampling apparatus 35 comprises a rotatable tray 36 around the periphery of mhich are stored twenty-six sampling bottles 37. The tray 36 is mounted on a shaft 38 which is rotatable in a mounting arrangement (not shown) on the top of the main storage tank 3. An electric motor 39 through pulleys &0 and belt 41, drives the tray 26 through the shaft 38. An outlet pipe <>4 from the receiving tank 19 delivers the sample to a bottle 37. A valve 45 in the outlet pipe 44 controls the size of the sample dispatched. The motor 39 moves the tray 36 in incremental steps to align the desired sample bottle 37 wi tn the Outlet Hi for taking the sample, this is described below.

The volume of ice on the ice bank 6 is controlled by en ice stat (not shown) which measures the thickness of ice build up. The ice bank 6 is connected to a condensing heat exchanger 47 through pipelines 48 end 51. The condensed gas is held in a receiver (not shown) and on demand from the ice bank 6, a solenoid valve 42 opens and passes the condensed gas through an expansion valve 90 thereby dropping the temperature of the ice as the liquid gasses off. An inline heat exchanger 46 is installed to avoid the possibility of liquid returning to the compressor (not shown) of the heat exchanger 47 by slight heat exchange to bring the suction gas above dew point. A temperature bulb 49 is provided in the -line 48. A solenoid valve 52, a sight glass 53, a drier 54, a gate valve 55 are provided in the line 51 between the heat exchangers 46 and 47. A second gate valve 56 is provided in the line 48 between the heat exchangers 46 and 47. The solenoid valve 52 is controlled by the microcomputer. A high pressure/low pressure switch S7 is provided in the heat exchanger 47. When the ice stat is covered by ice the solenoid valve 42 is closed and the compressor continues to pump until the suction pressure reduces to the low pressure switch 57 which stops the compressor. The high pressure switch is provided for safety. The hot discharge from the compressor (not shown) of the heat exchanger 47 is fed through a heat exchanger 53 to heat water in the lines 59 find 60 for heating water in a hot water tank 61 to preheat wash water for washing purposes. The preheating of the water in the tank 61 is supplemented by an electric heating element 64 in the tank 61. Tag computer controls the heater 64 and switches it on some hours before the cleaning cycle is due to commence.

Mashing apparatus is provided for washing out the receiving tank 19 and storage tank 3, and the milk lines of the apparatus. The washing apparatus comprises a cold water header tank 62 which receives cold water through a ball cock valve 63 from a source (not shown). This feeds the hot Mater tank 61 and an electrical immersion heating element 64 is provided in the hot water tank 61. Two storage tanks 65 and 66 store Nitric acid and caustic soda respectively. Valves 67 and 68 in outlet pipes 69 and 70, respectively deliver neasu-rad quantities of the acid and caustic soda into containers 71 and 72 respectively for washing purposes. The valves 67 and 68 ere controlled by the microcomputer. The measured quantities in the containers 71 and 72 are then dispensed into a washing circuit 75 as required, through valves 76 and 77, which are also controlled by the microcomputer. A circulating pump 78 in the washing circuit 75, delivers the washing and rinsing fluid through the circuit 75 into the main storage tank 3 through spray balls 79. The washing fluid is returned froir the main storage tank 3 through the three way valve 18 and a pipeline 80 into a sump 81 „ from which it is drawn back into the cashing circuit 75 by she pump 78. During the washing cycle,, the inlet pipe 24 is else immersed in the sump 81, and the pump 22 circulates the washing fluid from the sump 81 into the receiving tank 19 through a spray valve 83. This washing fluid is returned into the main storage tank 3 through the line 30. A compressor 85 is provided in the housing 2 for powering the various ait- operated valves.

Access to the housing is provided through a hand door 87 and a main door 89. Only a person authorised by the creamery Hill have access to the housing through the main door 89. Those delivering batches of Biilk to the container will have access only through the hand door 67. This access is gained by inserting an identity card into a slot 90 in an inspection apparatus 91. The inspection apparatus 91 is controlled by the microcomputer. Once the computer is satisfied that the person presenting the card is a bona fide user, the hand door 87 is unlocked. The person can then withdraw the inlet pipe 24 and commence operation. On return„ the inlet pipe is replaced in the sump 81« which as can be seen in Fig. 1, is provided beneath the hand door 87. The main door 89 provides access to all the apparatus, and the person authorised by the creamery when collecting the milk will collect all records from the microcomputer as well as the - 10 - sample bottles 37. and will activate the cashing cycle.

A digital display 92 in the apparatus 91 displays the weight and temperature of the batch.

In use, each farmer on presenting his card in the slot 90, gains access to the apparatus through the hand door 87. He then removes the inlet pipe 24 and inserts it in the milk churn 23 or other container. He activates the pump 22 by a switch (not shown) inside the hand door 8.7 to pump the milk into the receiving tank 19. When the batch has been pumped into the receiving tank 19, the farmer deactivates the pump 22 and replaces the inlet pipe 24 in the sump 81. The monitoring and sampling of the batch in the receiving tank 19 commences. The results of the monitoring are displayed for the farmer ort the visual display 92. If the batch of milk is acceptable, the computer then activates the valve 29 and the batch is discharged into the main storage c c-nta i ner .

In the event of a batch failing to comply with the predetermined parameters, then the microcomputer opens the valve 31, and the batch is discharged to waste.

In carrying out sampling, the motor 39 moves rotates the tray 36 to a desired position designated by the card 11 - coding. This position is confirmed by electrical means (not shown) to ensure the appropriate sample bottle aligns with the outlet 44. Prior to each sample being taken, the outlet 44 is cleaned by opening the sample 5 valve 45 and flushing through with milk. This is done when the rotating table is in position 1„ and this permits the flushed milk to drain into the main storage tank. By virtue of the fact that the sampling apparatus permits a particular sampling bottle to be aligned for 10 each sample, a number of samples may be collected over, for example, a fourteen day period for each farmer's milk or, for example, butter fat determination,, or alternatively if desired, a single hygienic sample for quality purposes may be taken. 15 When it is desired to pump the stored milk from the main storage tank 3 into a mobile tanker, the creamery operative gains access to the apparatus through the door 87 by inserting his identity card into the slot 90. The flexible pipe of the tanker is connected to the pipe ZQ 80 by a coupling device (not shown) in the sump 81. The valve 18 is opened to connect the storage tank 3 to the tanker (not shown) through the pipe 80 and the contents of the storage tank 3 are then pumped into the tanker by the tanker's pumps. When the tank 3 is empty the flex-25 ible pipe of the tanker is disconnected and the door 87 closed. The valve 18 remains open for washing purposes. 12 - The creamery operative then activates the cleaning cycle, and the receiving tank 19„ the main storage tank 3 and the pipelines are thus washed.

The cleaning cycle comprises the following steps. Initially, the entire system is rinsed with hot nater,, a second hot prarinse. also of hot water, is then applied. The valves 67 and 76 are then opened and the system is washed with a miKXure of hot water and caustic soda. The valves 68 and 77 are similarly opened and an acid rinse is carried out, also with hot water. Between each wash and each rinse the system is drained. Two cold rinses are applied to the entire system. After each rinse the system is drained. The apparatus is then ready to receive the next batch of milft.

The operative then collects fell relevant data frora the microcomputer in relation to the ailk, and also collects the samples in the sample bottles 37. Heedless to say, it will be appreciated that at any time during the course of collection and washing, the creamery operative, by virtue of information on his identity card, may gain access to the apparatus through the door 89.

It will be appreciated that while the apparatus has been described as having the receiving tank above the main storage tank, this is not necessary. In many cases, it is envisaged that the receiving tank may be below the main storage tank, in which case each batch of milk will be pumped from the receiving tank to the raain storage tank. Similarly, it will be appreciated that if it were a thing that the receiving tank was at a sufficiently low level, then each batch could be delivered directly into the receiving tank without the need for pumping. 13 It will also be appreciated that while the main storage tank has been described es being refrigerated, this 1s not necessary in all cases.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that many other means for transferring the milk into the receiving tank may be provided besides a pump means.

It will also be appreciated that in certain cases other refrigeration arrangements may be used, and similarly, it will be appreciated that while the apparatus has been described as being controlled by a microcomputer, this is not necessary, any other suitable controlling means could be used.

It Mill also be appreciated that in certain cases the compressor may be dispensed with. Additionally, it is envisaged that while the apparatus has been described for storing milk, it could be ussd for storing any other liquids.

It will also be appreciated in certain cases other parameters of the licuid besides those monitored, may be monitored. In fact, more or less parameters as desired, may be monitored. Similarly, in certain cases it is envisaged that the sampling apparatus may be dispensed witn, and in other cases it is envisaged that different . 14 - sampling apparatus may be provided.

It will of course be appreciated that while agitating means have been described as being provided in the wain storage tank, this is not necessary and may be dispensed with in certain embodiments of the invention.

It is also envisaged that in certain cases the microcomputer may have an interface to permit the creamery operative to interface a mobile computer into the microcomputer, thereby transferring the relevant data regarding each batch into the saobile computer for subsequent analysis of the creamery. It is also envisaged that the Microcomputer will have a facility to interface with a telephone link back to the creamery.

While a particular weighing means has been described for weighing each batch in the receiving tank, any other suitable weighing means could be provided. Additionally, other suitable washing and rinsing apparatus may bt used. In fact, in certain cases it is envisaged that tte washing apparatus may be dispensed with altogether.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that while the apparatus has been described as mounted in a particular type of housing, it could be mounted in any other suitable 1 ocati on . 15 - It will also be appreciated that where the ^mant-ity of milk to be delivered into th« apparatus exceeds the capacity of the receiving tank, then once the receiving tank has reached its capacity, it will operate as 5 already described, and the remainder of the batch Mill then be received separately. Furthers it will be appreciated that while specific sixes of tanks and capacity of refrigeration has been described, any other suitable sizes and capacities could be used. 10 It is also envisaged that while the sampling apparatus has been described as holding twenty-sin sample bottles» any number of sample bottles more or less than twenty-six could be provided. Needless to say» other suitable means for sampling could be provided. 15 It >*>ill also be appreciated that while nitric acid and caustic soda have been described for washing and rinsing purposes, any other suitable acids, detergents or the 1i He could be used .

-T6-

Claims

1. A liquid collecting station for gathering together batches of liquid from a plurality of different users and storing it pending removal by a bulk carrier, comprising 5 a main liquid storage tank from which liquid can be delivered to a bulk carrier, means for receiving liquid in discrete batches of different weights from a plurality of different users and delivering it to a liquid receiving tank, means for individually weighing^ and 10 measuring one or more parameters of^each of said discrete batches of liquid when placed in said receiving tank, means for comparing the parameter or parameters with a preset acceptable value or values of the parameters, and control means responsive to the parameter 15 or parameters measured being at acceptable levels which operate to transfer said weigh ed batches of different weights to said storage tank after weighing.

2. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 1, in which the weighing means is provided by load cells on 20 which the receiving tank is mounted.

3. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the receiving tank is mounted above trio main storage tank and the transfer means for transferring the liquid from the receiving tank to the irsin storage tank -17- is provided by a pipe extending between the receiving tank and the main storage tank, a valve being provided in the pipe, and control means being provided to control the valve. 5

4. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3 in which the measuring means measures the PH of each batch of liquid in the receiving tank.

5. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any the preceding claims in which the measuring means measures 10 the temperature of each batch of liquid in the receiving tank.

6. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the measuring means measures the conductivity of each batch in the receiving tank. 15

7. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which a visual display means is provided to display the monitored parameters of the fluid.

8. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of the 20 preceding claims in which means to deliver a reject batch of liquids to waste from the receiving tank, is provided.

9. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 8, in which the delivery means is provided by a waste outlet pipe from the receiving tank, and a valve is provided in the outlet pipe, control means being provided to control the valve.

10. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which sampling means is provided to receive a sample of liquid from each batch and to discreetly store the sample for further analysis.

11. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 10, in which the sampling means comprises means for directing each sample into a separate sample bottle.

12. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 11, in which the sampling means comprises a rotatable tray for holding a plurality of bottles on a substantially circular path, and means to rotate the tray, so that for each sample, a fresh sample bottle is presented beneath an outlet of the directing means.

13. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 12, ir which the rotatable tray is mounted beneath ti.e receiving tanit and the sample outlet extends from the receiving tans. -19-

14. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which chiller means is provided to chill the liquid in the main storage tank.

15. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 14, 5 in which the chiller means comprises a bank of ice and means for circulating chilled water over the main storage tank.

16. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 15, in which the bank of ice is mounted beneath the main 10 storage tank, and spray jets are provided above and/or at the side ot the storage tank for spraying the chilled water over the main storage tank.

17. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which washing means are provided to 15 wash the main storage tank and the receiving tank.

18. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 17, in which the washing means comprises a hot water source.

19. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claims 17 or 18, in which the washing means comprises a cold water 20 source. -20-

20. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, in which means to store a cleansing solution is provided.

21. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 20j 5 in which the storage means stores caustic soda.

22. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claims 20 or 21, in which the storage means stores a scouring acid.

23. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of claims 17 to 22, in which circulating means is provided 15 to circulate the water and cleansing solutions through the apparatus.

24. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of claims 17 to 23, in which spray jets for delivering the washing water and solution into the receiver tank and 20 main storage tank, are provided.

25. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which an outlet from the main storage tank is provided for delivering che liquid from the main storage tank. 25

26. A liquid collec-ing station as claimed in any of thi preceding claims, ir. which an inlet pipe is prcv:dea fcr -21- receiving the liquid, the inlet pipe being connected through a pump for pumping the liquid from the inlet pipe to the receiving tank.

27. .27. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 25, 5 in which the inlet pipe is flexibly connected to the pump, so that the inlet pipe may be immersed in a container adjacent the apparatus.

28. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which a microcomputer is provided to 10 control the apparatus and to control the various control means.

29. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 28, in which the microcomputer also monitors and compares th" parameters of the liquid. 15

30. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of preceding claims 26 to 29, in which the apparatus is housed in a housing, and access means are provided in the housing to the liquid receiving pipe.

31. A liquid collecting station as claimed in claim 30, 20 in whicn access to the housing is provided by a personal identification card. -22-

32. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which agitating means are provided in the main storage tank.

33. A liquid collecting station as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus is for storing milk.

34. A liquid collecting station substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

35. A method for gathering together batches of liquid from a plurality of different users and storing it using the liquid collecting station of claims 1 to 34 comprising the step of delivering a batch of liquid to the liquid receiving tank, weighing and measuring one or more parameters of the batch in the liquid receiving tank, comparing the measured parameter or parameters with a preset acceptable value or values of the parameters, and delivering the batch to the main storage tank if acceptable.

36. A method as claimed in claim 35, in whic!. the method also includes the step of delivering a rejected batch to

37. A method as claimed in claim 35 or 36, in which the PH of the liquid is measured.

38. A method as claimed in any of claims 35 to 37, in which the temperature of the liquid is measured.

39. A method as claimed in any of claims 35 to 38, in which the conductivity of the liquid is measured.

40. A method as claimed in any of claims 35 to 39, in which a sample is taken from the batch of liquid in the liquid receiving tank.

41. A method as claimed in any of claims 35 to 40, in which the method includes the step of pumping a batch of liquid to the liquid receiving tantt.

42. A method as claimed in any of claims 35 to 41, in which the method also includes the step of pumping the liquid from the main storage tank to another tank, for example, a mobile tanker.

43. A method as claimed in any of claims 35 to 42, in which the method also comprises the step of washing the apparatus. -24-

44. 34. A method as claimed in claim S3, in which the step of washing the apparatus comprises the following steps: rinsing the receiving tank end main storage tank with is hot rinse, rinsing both tanks with a hot pre-rinse, washing both tanks with hot caustic wash, cold rinsing each tank, end second cold rinsing each tank.

45. A method for collecting and storing batches of liquid substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 20th day of Oecenber 1933 CRU1CKSHANK & CO., Anents for the Applicant, 1, Holies Street, Dublin 2.