JP2003164825A - Apparatus and method for washing tank - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To clean a tank by bringing out the performance of a washing liquid to be used satisfactorily while saving the running cost without exerting a bad influence on the environment. <P>SOLUTION: This washing apparatus 20 is provided with a plurality of housing parts 22, 23 for housing the washing liquid, a circulation route 30 through which a fluid is circulated between the tank 9 to be washed and any of the parts 22, 23 and a housing part selecting means 26 for allowing the tank 9 to communicate with one of the parts 22, 23 alternatively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method for a tank containing foods, medicines, etc., and more particularly, to store foods etc. in a tank and transport the foods to a predetermined place to deliver the foods etc. The present invention relates to a cleaning device and a cleaning method for a tank used in a system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it has been generally practiced to supply a cleaning liquid to the inside of a tank containing liquid foods, chemicals, etc., and to clean the inside of the tank with the supplied cleaning liquid.
Conventionally, the cleaning liquid used for cleaning is usually discarded as it is after being discharged from the tank. On the other hand, in consideration of environmental measures, it has been practiced to provide a cleaning device with a filtering device and filter the used cleaning liquid for reuse.

[0003]

However, if the cleaning liquid used for cleaning is discarded each time, a large amount of cleaning liquid is discarded, which may cause environmental pollution. In addition, the cleaning liquid that has been used to clean the inside of the tank often still has the ability to sufficiently clean the inside of the tank even after cleaning. Disposing of the cleaning liquid in this state also wastes the cleaning liquid. Connect On the other hand, if the cleaning device is provided with the filtering device, the cost of the cleaning device increases.

Therefore, in the present invention, the cost is kept low,
(EN) Provided are a tank cleaning device and a tank cleaning method, which do not have an adverse effect on the environment and can sufficiently bring out the performance of a cleaning liquid to be used.

[0005]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a plurality of storage parts (2) for storing a cleaning liquid are provided.
2, 23, 24), and a circulation path (30) provided so that the fluid flowing inside circulates between the tank (9) to be cleaned and the accommodating portion (22, 23, 24). A storage section selecting means (26) for selectively communicating the tank (9) with one of the plurality of storage sections (22, 23, 24) via the circulation path (30) is provided. The tank cleaning device (20) is used.

According to the present invention, it is possible to clean the tank (9) with a plurality of kinds of cleaning liquids such as selecting and cleaning the cleaning liquid according to the degree of contamination inside the tank (9). It should be noted that one of the plurality of cleaning liquids (22, 23,
24), and the selected accommodation unit (22, 23, 2)
In the case of a large tank (9) that is difficult to move when communicating between 4) and the tank (9), the tank (9) is fixed at a fixed position, and the fixed tank (9) is fixed.
It is possible to maintain economical efficiency and reliability by configuring the selected accommodation units (22, 23, 24) to communicate with each other. However, the positions of the accommodating parts (22, 23, 24) are fixed as they are, and the tank (9) is selected as the accommodating part (22, 23, 2).
You may employ | adopt the structure which moves to the position of 4).

In the tank cleaning device (20), if the circuit is arranged in the circulation passage (30) so that the liquid flowing inside the circulation passage (30) flows into the plurality of accommodating portions (22, 23) in a predetermined order, Depending on the number of times the tank (9) has been cleaned, the cleaning liquid can be stored in the storage portions (22, 23) in order. As a result, it is possible to easily adopt a configuration in which the tank (9) is cleaned by sequentially using the cleaning liquid having a high degree of contamination. By adopting such a configuration, the cleaning ability of the cleaning liquid can be sufficiently exerted. Furthermore, not only the absolute amount of the cleaning liquid used can be saved and the cost can be reduced, but also the adverse effect on the environment can be suppressed.

In the present invention, the tank cleaning device (2
In 0), the accommodation section selecting means (26) is a switching valve (26), and the switching valve (26) is attached to the circulation path (30).

According to the present invention, one accommodating portion (22, 23) is selectively selected from a plurality of accommodating portions (22, 23) without moving the tank (9) and is selected. The container (22, 23) and the tank (9) can communicate with each other. When means for moving the tank (9) is provided,
The size of the device becomes large, and not only the manufacturing cost but also the running cost will be incurred. However, the structure of the device is provided by providing the switching valve (26) and switching the valve (26) as in the present invention. Can be simplified and the cost can be suppressed.

In the tank cleaning device (20), a cleaning liquid supply section (21) for supplying an unused new cleaning liquid.
Is connected to the circulation path (30), and the switching valve (26) stores the new cleaning liquid for cleaning the tank (9) in a plurality of storage parts (22, 23). The new cleaning liquid, which is guided to (22) and guided to the certain accommodation part (22), is completely washed by the switching valve (26) after the cleaning of the tank (9) is completed. 22) and is guided to the tank (9) for a predetermined time.
It is characterized in that it circulates between the fixed accommodation part (22).

According to the present invention, the tank (9) is washed as it is after introducing the unused new washing liquid into the circulation path (30) without storing the new washing liquid, and the new washing liquid obtained by washing the tank (9) is stored in a constant accommodating portion. It is housed in (22). Further, since this cleaning liquid is circulated, it is not necessary to provide a storage portion for storing the new cleaning liquid, and the number of storage portions (22, 23) can be reduced. This simplifies the structure of the device,
Manufacturing cost can be reduced.

According to the present invention, in the tank cleaning device (20), a water source (6) for supplying rinsing water for rinsing the inside of the tank (9) after cleaning with the cleaning liquid.
0) is connected to the circulation path (30), and the rinse water that has finished rinsing the tank (9) is stored in the plurality of storage parts (2).
2, 23, 24) is guided to a predetermined accommodating portion (24).

According to the present invention, the cleaning liquid remaining in the tank (9) can be rinsed off by rinsing water, and the cleaning liquid can be removed from the inside of the tank (9). It is particularly effective in the tank (9) filled with food and drink.

In the present invention, the tank cleaning device (2
In 0), the circulation path (30) is characterized in that an air supply source (40) for supplying air for removing the liquid remaining inside is connected to the circulation path (30). Each time the cleaning liquid or rinsing water to be circulated is changed, air can be supplied to the circulation passage (30) to remove the cleaning liquid or rinsing water used in the previous step from the circulation passage (30). This reliably prevents the washing water or rinsing water used in the previous step and the washing liquid or rinsing water used in the present step from mixing.

Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that an air supply source (41) for supplying air is provided in the tank (9), and the pressure in the tank (9) can be adjusted to a predetermined pressure. Therefore, after the cleaning with the cleaning liquid and the rinsing with the rinsing water, the water inside the tank (9) can be drained efficiently. In this case, since the pump is not used, the residual liquid is not generated, and the cleaning liquid or the like can be completely collected in the containing portion.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a method for cleaning a tank (9) by supplying a cleaning liquid to the tank (9) to clean the inside of the tank (9). The cleaning solution is divided into predetermined storage parts (22, 23) according to the number of times of cleaning, and the cleaning solution having the largest number of cleanings is sequentially supplied to the tank (9) from the classified cleaning solutions. ), The inside of the tank (9) is washed with these washing liquids, and then the unused washing liquid is supplied to the tank (9) to wash the inside of the tank (9).

According to the present invention, the cleaning liquid having a high degree of contamination is reused in order to clean the tank (9), so that the cleaning performance of the cleaning liquid can be sufficiently exhibited without waste. As a result, the tank (9) can be effectively cleaned with a small amount of cleaning liquid.

Further, after the tank (9) is washed with the unused cleaning liquid, rinsing water is supplied into the tank (9) to rinse the inside of the tank (9), whereby the tank (9) is washed.
The cleaning liquid can be reliably removed from the inside. The present invention is extremely effective for the tank (9) filled with food and drink. The rinsing water is also divided into predetermined storage parts (24) according to the number of times the tank (9) is rinsed, and the rinsing water is supplied to the tank (9) in order from the rinsing water having the largest rinsing frequency. By rinsing the tank (9), the capacity of the rinsing water can be exhibited without waste, and the tank (9) can be rinsed with a small amount of rinsing water.

According to the present invention, in the method for cleaning the tank (9), the tank (9) is stopped at a predetermined position, and the tank (9) and the accommodating parts (22, 23, 2).
4) The cleaning liquid or the rinsing water is circulated through the circulation path (30), and the divided cleaning solution is connected to a predetermined switching means (26) provided in the circulation path (30). It is characterized in that it is switched and introduced into the tank (9). By adopting such a method, a plurality of storage parts (22, 23, 2) in which cleaning liquid or rinsing water is stored.
It is extremely easy to selectively communicate one accommodation part (22, 23, 24) from 4). That is, the tank (9) is moved so that each storage unit (22, 23, 24)
When the tank and the tank (9) are communicated with each other, the device becomes large-scale. In addition, the cost to operate is high. In the configuration adopted by the present invention, for example, a switching valve (26) is provided in the circulation path (30), and the switching valve (26) is simply switched to select from the plurality of accommodating portions (22, 23, 24). The desired storage portions (22, 23, 24) and the tank (9) can be communicated with each other. As a result, a device having a simple structure can be realized, and the tank (9) can be economically cleaned.

In the present invention, in the method for cleaning the tank (9), the tank (9) and the accommodating portions (22, 2) are changed every time the cleaning liquid supplied to the tank (9) is changed.
3, 24) and a circulation path (3) for circulating the cleaning liquid.
0) is supplied with air to remove the cleaning liquid remaining in the circulation path (30) used in the previous step.

The order of changing the cleaning liquid is from a cleaning liquid having a high degree of contamination to a cleaning liquid having a low degree of contamination. For this reason, if the degree of contamination used in the previous step is high but remains in the circulation path (30), if the degree of contamination is lower in the next step, the cleaning liquid used in the previous step will be mixed and the cleaning power will be reduced. It may decrease. In the present invention, the circulation path (30) is changed every time the cleaning liquid is changed.
Since the cleaning liquid used in the previous step is removed by supplying air to the device, the cleaning effect can be maintained high.

Each time the cleaning liquid or rinsing water supplied to the tank (9) is changed, the cleaning liquid or rinsing water is circulated between the tank (9) and the accommodating parts (22, 23). By supplying air to the circulation path (30) and removing the cleaning liquid or rinsing water used in the previous step remaining in the circulation path (30), not only the cleaning liquid but also rinsing water can have a high rinsing effect. Obtainable.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a tank cleaning device 2 according to the present invention.
0 shows an overview of a liquid delivery system in which 0 is used. This liquid delivery system is a system in which a liquid food is stored in a tank 9 and the tank 9 is transported to a predetermined place by a carrier 10 to deliver the liquid food. In this embodiment, a tank cleaning device 20 is used to clean the tank 9 used in such a liquid delivery system.

First, an outline of a liquid delivery system in which the present tank cleaning device 20 is used will be described.

In the liquid delivery system shown in FIG. 1, a tank storage area 1 in which an empty tank 9 is stored, a mixer attachment / detachment area 2 in which a mixer 11 for agitating the liquid supplied to the inside of the tank 9 is attached / detached, A tank 9 is provided with an injection area 4 for injecting liquid foods and additives, and a receiving area 5 for receiving the food-injected tank 9 and filling predetermined containers 14 ... 14 with this food. . Furthermore, this liquid delivery system is designed so that the tank 9 can be transferred from the mixer attachment / detachment area 2 to the injection area 4 while the tank 9 is being conveyed.
Is provided with a hot water cleaning area 3 for cleaning the inside of the container with hot water, and after filling the containers 14 ... 14 with the food in the tank 9,
A cleaning area 6 for cleaning the inside of the tank 9 is provided.
The tank 9 to be cleaned is transported by a carrier 10 between these areas.

In the tank storage area 1, a plurality of tanks 9 that have been cleaned and have no residue inside are stored.

In the mixer attachment / detachment area 2, a plurality of cleaning tanks 8 ... 8 for cleaning the mixer 11 mounted on the tank 9 are installed. A mixer 11 is housed inside each of the cleaning tanks 8 ... 8 to clean the mixer 11 waiting in the mixer attachment / detachment area 2.
Further, in the mixer attachment / detachment area 2, a hand lifter 7 for holding the mixer 11 and moving between the tank 9 and the cleaning tanks 8 ... 8 is installed. By using this hand lifter 7, the mixer 11 can be moved flexibly and easily.

In the mixer attachment / detachment area 2, the washing tank 8
8 is installed in the tank 9, and the tank 9 in which the mixer 11 is installed is sent to the hot water washing area 3 in the next step. On the other hand, in the tank 9 in which the containers 14 ... 14 have been filled with the food in the tank 9, the mixer 11 is removed in the mixer attachment / detachment area 2. The removed mixer 11 is housed in the cleaning tanks 8 ... 8 again, and while being cleaned, stands by until it is mounted in the tank 9 next time.

In the hot water washing area 3, hot water is sprayed inside the tank 9, and the tank 9 is washed together with the mixer 11 attached to the tank 9. The washed tank 9 is transported to the injection area 4 by the transport vehicle 10.

In the injection area 4, liquid foods and additives are injected. Liquid foods and additives to be delivered are prepared in advance in the injection area 4, and the prepared foods and additives are injected into the tank 9. A power source (not shown) for driving the mixer 11 mounted on the tank 9 is provided in the injection area 4, and the mixer 11 is driven in the injection area 4. Like this, mixer 1
1 is driven to stir the food and additives injected into the tank 9.

In the receiving area 5 where the tank 9 in which the food is injected in the injection area 4 is delivered, the food in the tank 9 is distributed to a plurality of containers 14 ... 14 prepared in the receiving area 5. In the receiving area 5 shown in FIG. 1, the first floor 5a is provided with a conveyor 13 for transporting the containers 14 ... 14, and the second floor 5b is provided with a tank 9 that has been transported by a transport vehicle 10. It is configured as a tank installation part. The receiving area 5 is provided with a filling machine 15 that connects the tank installation section on the second floor and the conveyor 13 installed on the first floor. The food in the tank 9 is distributed from the tank 9 to the containers 14 ... 14 by the filling machine 15.

The cleaning area 6 is provided with the tank cleaning device 20 of the present invention for cleaning the inside of the tank 9 which has been filled with food. The tank cleaning device 20 includes a spray nozzle 12 that is detachably attached to the tank 9. The spray nozzle 12 is attached so that the spray nozzle 12 is inserted into the inside from the attachment provided on the upper portion of the tank 9. The spray nozzle 12 sprays the cleaning liquid in the tank 9 while rotating the spraying part 12 a inserted in the tank 9. As a result, the inside of the tank 9 is thoroughly cleaned. The tank transported to this cleaning area 6 is
This is the case after the foods inside are filled in the containers 14 ... 14 in the receiving area 5 and then the mixer 11 is removed in the mixer attaching / detaching area 2.

FIG. 2 shows a circuit diagram of the tank cleaning device 20 installed in the cleaning area 6. The tank cleaning device 20 includes a cleaning liquid supply unit 21 that generates a new cleaning liquid and supplies the generated cleaning liquid to the circuit, and two cleaning liquid storage units 22 and 23 that store the cleaning liquid that has cleaned the tank 9. . One of the two cleaning liquid storage units 22 and 23 stores a cleaning liquid that has cleaned the inside of the tank 9 only once (hereinafter, this cleaning liquid is referred to as an old cleaning liquid).
On the other hand, a cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the tank 9 twice (hereinafter, this cleaning liquid is referred to as "second old cleaning liquid") is stored. In addition, the tank cleaning device 20 is installed in the tank 9 after cleaning with the cleaning liquid.
The inside of the tank 9 is rinsed, and a rinse water storage portion 24 for storing the rinse water that rinses the inside of the tank 9 is additionally provided. Further, the tank cleaning device 20 includes a waste liquid tank 25 that collects the cleaning liquid and the rinsing water at the end.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tank cleaning device 2
The circuit design of 0 is such that the cleaning liquid circulates between the tank 9 to be cleaned and the three accommodating portions. As for the cleaning liquid, a freshly generated cleaning liquid (hereinafter, referred to as a new cleaning liquid) supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit 21 to the tank 9 circulates in the circulation path 30 every time the tank 9 is cleaned,
First cleaning liquid container 22 and second cleaning liquid container 23
Then, the place to be housed will be changed in order.

The tank 9 to be cleaned includes two cleaning liquid storages 22, 23, a rinse water storage 24, and a circulation path 30.
Connected by. The circulation path 30 is provided with a pump 31 on the outlet side of the storage portions 22, 23, 24, and the pump 31 circulates the cleaning liquid or rinsing water in the circulation path 30. The cleaning liquid supply unit 21 is connected to the circulation passage 30 by a pipe 35 at the upstream portion of the pump 31, and supplies the generated new cleaning liquid to the circulation passage 30. A heat exchanger 32 is provided on the downstream side of the pump 31 and on the upstream side of the inlet to the tank 9.
The cleaning liquid flowing through the circulation path 30 is heated to a predetermined temperature and sent to the tank 9. This improves the cleaning power.

Further, a switching valve 26 is provided in the circulation path 30 (a part shown by a chain double-dashed line in FIG. 2) so that the liquid discharged from the tank 9 has two cleaning liquid storage portions 22,
23, the rinse water storage portion 24, or the waste liquid tank 25 is selectively introduced. In this way, the changeover valve 26 is sequentially changed over so that the two cleaning liquid storage portions 22, 2 are
3 or the rinsing water storage part 24 and the tank 9 are communicated with each other in order so that the liquid flowing through the circulation path 30 can be replaced with two old cleaning liquids.
1 Old cleaning solution, new cleaning solution, and rinsing water are circulated in this order.

Further, this circulation path 30 is provided with an air supply source 40.
Connected with. The air supply source 40 causes air to flow into the circulation passage 30 and removes the liquid remaining inside the circulation passage 30 by wind pressure. For example, after circulating two old cleaning liquids and cleaning the tank 9 with the two old cleaning liquids, one old cleaning liquid is circulated to clean the tank 9, but air is introduced during the process of changing the circulating cleaning liquid. . As a result, the two old cleaning liquids remaining in the circulation passage 30 are removed from the circulation passage 30, and the one old cleaning liquid is circulated after being removed. This prevents the first old cleaning liquid and the second old cleaning liquid from being mixed in the circulation path 30.

On the other hand, in the tank 9 to be cleaned, in addition to the circulation path 30, an air supply device 41 for supplying air to the inside of the tank 9, and steam in a jacket formed on the outer peripheral portion of the tank 9. The steam supply device 42 for supplying is connected. The air supply device 41 supplies air to the tank 9 and adjusts the pressure by applying a slight pressure to the inside of the tank 9 when changing the circulating cleaning liquid from the second old cleaning liquid to the first old cleaning liquid, for example. As a result, the liquid in the tank 9 is drained in good balance. Also, the steam supply device 4
In No. 2, the high temperature steam is supplied to the jacket after cleaning the tank 9 to elevate the temperature inside the tank to evaporate the liquid remaining in the tank 9.

According to the tank cleaning device 20 having the above configuration, the inside of the tank 9 is cleaned as described below.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, the tank 9 set in the tank cleaning device 20 is cleaned with two old cleaning liquids. The second cleaning liquid storage unit 23 of the cleaning liquid storage units 22 and 23 stores the two old cleaning liquids, and the switching valve 26 provided in the circulation path 30 is switched to the second cleaning liquid storage unit 23. The circulation path 30 is formed so as to communicate with each other. It is the circulation path 30 in which the solid line shown in FIG. 3 is formed.

The second used cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage unit 23 is pump 3
It is discharged by 1 and heated by the heat exchanger 32, and then introduced into the tank 9. Since the temperature of the second used cleaning liquid is raised by the heat exchanger 32, the cleaning power of the second used cleaning liquid is improved. The two old cleaning liquids that have reached the tank 9 are evenly sprayed into the tank 9 by the above-mentioned spray nozzle 12 mounted on the tank 9. The spray nozzle 12 evenly sprays the two old cleaning liquids inside the tank 9, so that the inner wall of the tank 9 is cleaned without forming an uncleaned portion. At this time, the air having a predetermined pressure is simultaneously supplied to the tank 9. This air plays a role of stirring the cleaning liquid introduced in the tank 9 in the tank 9, and the cleaning liquid is spread to every corner of the tank 9.
(2) By stirring the old cleaning liquid in the tank 9, the cleaning action is improved.

The second used cleaning liquid that has cleaned the inside of the tank 9 is discharged from the discharge portion provided at the bottom of the tank 9 and circulates in the circulation path 30 again. As described above, since the switching valve 26 is switched so that the circulation path 30 communicates with the second cleaning liquid storage portion 23 in which the second used cleaning liquid is stored, the second used cleaning liquid after cleaning the tank 9 is Second cleaning liquid container 2
It is housed again in 3. By performing this operation for a predetermined time, the tank 9 is washed with two old washing liquids.

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the switching valve 26 is switched so that the circulation path 30 is connected to the waste liquid tank 2 as shown in FIG.
It is connected to 5. As a result, the second old cleaning liquid is discharged from the second cleaning liquid storage portion 23, and after cleaning the tank 9, it is guided to the waste liquid tank 25. This operation is performed until the second cleaning liquid storage section 23 becomes empty. Even in this step, air is supplied to the tank 9 to improve the cleaning action inside the tank 9.

After the second cleaning liquid container 23 is emptied, the switching valve 26 on the outlet side of the second cleaning liquid container 23 is closed. After that, air is supplied from the air supply source 40 to the circulation path 30, and all the two old cleaning liquids remaining inside the circulation path 30 and inside the tank 9 are removed to the waste liquid tank 25 (see FIG. 5).

As described above, after the cleaning process with the two old cleaning liquids is performed, the cleaning with one old cleaning liquid is performed. Figure 6
As shown in, the switching valve 26 on the outlet side of the first cleaning liquid storage portion 22 is opened, and the switching valve 26 provided between the tank 9 and the cleaning liquid storage portion is switched,
The circulation path 30 communicates with the first cleaning liquid storage section 22.
As a result, one old cleaning liquid is introduced into the tank 9. Then, as in the case of the two old cleaning liquids, one old cleaning liquid is circulated for a predetermined time and air is supplied into the tank 9, so that the inside of the tank 9 is cleaned with the one old cleaning liquid.

After the tank 9 has been cleaned for a predetermined time with one old cleaning solution, the switching valve 26 provided in the circulation path 30 is switched, and the circulation path 30 communicates with the second cleaning solution storage section 23 (FIG. 7). reference). As a result, the one old cleaning liquid discharged from the first cleaning liquid storage unit 22 is guided to the second cleaning liquid storage unit 23 after cleaning the tank 9.
This cleaning liquid is used as a second used cleaning liquid when cleaning the next tank 9.

After one old cleaning liquid is discharged until the first cleaning liquid container 22 is empty, the switching valve 26 on the outlet side of the first cleaning liquid container 22 is closed. After that, as shown in FIG. 8, air is supplied to the circulation passage 30 and the first old cleaning liquid remaining in the circulation passage 30 and the tank 9 is swept into the second cleaning liquid storage portion 23.

After being cleaned with the old cleaning liquid as described above, the tank 9 is cleaned with a new unused cleaning liquid. An undiluted solution of the cleaning solution is injected into the cleaning solution supply unit 21 and tap water is injected to generate a new cleaning solution having an appropriate concentration. The generated new cleaning liquid is supplied to the circulation path 30 via the pipe 35 (see FIG. 9). When this new cleaning liquid is also supplied to the circulation path 30, it is discharged by the pump 31 and moves in the circulation path 30, reaches the tank 9 after being raised in temperature by the heat exchanger 32 provided in the circulation path 30. .

Then, after air is supplied to the tank 9 and the tank 9 is cleaned while the new cleaning liquid is agitated by the air, the new cleaning liquid is guided to the first cleaning liquid accommodating portion 22 to accommodate the first cleaning liquid. It is accommodated in the section 22. As described above, the tank cleaning apparatus 20 does not particularly include a storage unit that requires a new cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid storage unit 22 that stores one old cleaning liquid is shared with the storage unit that stores the new cleaning liquid. As a result, the number of parts is reduced, the structure of the device is simplified, and the cost is reduced.

This action is performed until all the new cleaning liquid generated in the cleaning liquid supply unit 21 is used for cleaning the tank 9, and thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the outlet of the first cleaning liquid storage unit 22. The switching valve 26 on the side is opened, the new cleaning liquid is circulated between the tank 9 and the first cleaning liquid storage portion 22 for a predetermined time, and the tank 9 is continuously cleaned.

After cleaning the tank 9 for a predetermined time, the switching valve 26 on the outlet side of the first cleaning liquid container 22 is closed, and as shown in FIG.
0 is supplied with air, and all the cleaning liquid remaining in the circulation path 30 and the tank 9 is stored in the first cleaning liquid storage portion 22. The cleaning liquid stored in the first tank is used in the next tank 9
It is used as an old cleaning solution when cleaning

As described above, rinsing water is introduced into the tank 9 which has been washed from the two old washing liquids with the new washing liquid, and rinsing is performed.

First, as shown in FIG. 12, the tank 9 is rinsed with one old rinsing water. This 1 old rinse water is obtained by rinsing the tank 9 once, and the rinse water storage unit 2
It is housed in 4. The rinse water discharged from the rinse water container 24 is discharged by the pump 31 and introduced into the tank 9. The rinsing water is also introduced into the tank 9 after being heated by the heat exchanger 32 provided in the circulation path 30, and the rinsing power is improved by raising the temperature. One old rinse water used for rinsing is discharged from the tank 9 and then guided to the waste liquid tank 25. After all the old rinse water in the rinse water container 24 has been used for rinsing the tank 9, the switching valve 26 on the outlet side of the rinse water container 24 is closed, and then air is supplied to the circulation path 30. (Fig. 13
reference). As a result, all the one old rinse water remaining in the circulation path 30 and the tank 9 is removed, and the waste liquid tank 25
To be discarded.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14, unused rinsing water is supplied from the external water source 60 to the circulation path 30. The position where this rinse water is supplied is downstream of the heat exchanger 32, and naturally reaches the tank 9 without using the pump 31. The rinsing water that has reached the tank 9 is guided to the rinsing water storage unit 24 after rinsing the inside of the tank 9. The rinsing water stored in the rinsing water storage portion 24 is used as one old rinsing water when cleaning the next tank 9.

On the other hand, in this process, the waste liquid tank 25
The waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank 25 is moved from the waste liquid tank 25 to the waste water treatment plant 50. The waste liquid is temporarily discharged from the waste liquid tank 25 to the circulation path 30. The waste liquid discharged to the circulation path 30 is discharged by the pump 31 and guided to the waste liquid pipe 51 communicating with the circulation path 30 to generate the waste water treatment plant 5
Lead to zero.

After the waste liquid tank 25 is emptied, the tank 9
The switching valve 26 provided between each of the storage units 22, 23, and 24 is switched, and the rinse water supplied from the water source 60 rinses the tank 9, and then flows out to the general waste water system 55. (See FIG. 15). After that, the switching valve 26 is switched, and the rinsing water obtained by rinsing the tank 9 is directly discharged to the indoor waste water groove 56 in which the tank cleaning device 20 is installed (see FIG. 16). By performing these actions for a predetermined time, the cleaning liquid remaining in the tank 9 is completely rinsed out. Note that air is supplied into the tank 9 so that the rinsing water supplied into the tank 9 efficiently removes the cleaning liquid in both the steps shown in FIG. 15 and the step shown in FIG.

After that, as shown in FIG. 17, air is continuously supplied to the inside of the tank 9, and steam is supplied to the jacket formed on the outer peripheral portion of the tank 9. The steam supplied to the jacket serves to raise the temperature inside the tank 9.
This steam raises the temperature of the air supplied to the inside of the tank 9, evaporates the rinse water remaining inside the tank, and reliably prevents the rinse water from remaining inside the tank 9. .

Although the apparatus having two cleaning liquid storage units and one rinsing water storage unit has been described above as an example, the number of storage units is not limited to this. Ie different cleaning liquids,
If the device is configured to supply the rinse water to the tank sequentially, the number of these accommodating portions can obtain the operational effects of the tank cleaning device according to the present invention.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, the tank cleaning apparatus applied to the plant for storing the liquid food in the tank and delivering the liquid food by transporting the tank to a predetermined place has been described as an example. However, the target of application is not limited to this. For example, in a waste liquid treatment plant, when the waste liquid is delivered from a plurality of disposal units to the waste liquid treatment unit, the waste liquid may be stored in a tank and the tank may be transported to deliver the waste liquid. Further, the tank cleaning device and the cleaning method of the present invention can be applied to a tank provided simply for the purpose of storing a liquid.

Further, by installing the tank at a fixed position and switching the switching valve provided in the circulation path, the tank is placed in the tank in the order of 2 old cleaning liquid, 1 old cleaning liquid, new cleaning liquid, 1 old rinsing water, and new rinsing water. Although the embodiment in which these liquids are introduced has been described above, the liquids to be introduced may be switched by moving the tank. For example, the cleaning liquid is stored according to the number of times of cleaning, and the rinsing water is stored separately for each number of times of rinsing. An independent circulation path is provided for each of the separately stored cleaning liquid or rinsing water. And
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a moving means such as a conveyor is provided in the tank cleaning device, and the tank is moved by this moving means to connect to each circulation path in order.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, the cleaning solution used once is used to wash the tank a plurality of times, and the tank is rinsed with the rinsing water used to rinse the tank. It is possible to reduce the absolute amount of rinsing water and take environmental measures. Further, since the cleaning liquid or the rinsing water that has been washed or rinsed a large number of times is used in sequence, the cleaning ability of the cleaning liquid can be sufficiently exerted, and the rinsing ability of the rinsing water can be sufficiently exerted.

When the cleaning liquid or the rinsing water is used in the descending order of the number of times it has been used for cleaning, the valve provided in the circulation path connecting the tank to be cleaned and the accommodating portion is switched. . Further, each time the cleaning is repeated, the cleaning liquid or the rinsing water is stored separately from the used liquid in the previous step by switching the valve. Thus, by using the valve, the structure of the cleaning device can be simplified.

Each time the cleaning liquid is changed, air is supplied to the circulation path and the tank to remove the remaining liquid. Therefore, the cleaning liquid or rinsing water used in the previous step and the cleaning liquid or rinsing water used in the next step are used. Prevents and from mixing. Thereby, cleaning and rinsing can be performed efficiently.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall flow of a liquid delivery plant in which a tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention is used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a circuit arrangement according to an embodiment adopted by the tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a process of cleaning a tank with two old cleaning solutions.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a process in which two old cleaning liquids are discarded in a waste liquid tank.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a step of supplying air to the circulation path.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a process of cleaning the tank with one old cleaning liquid.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a process in which one old cleaning liquid that has finished cleaning the tank is guided to the second cleaning liquid storage portion.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a step of supplying air to the circulation path.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a step of supplying a freshly generated fresh cleaning liquid to a circulation path and cleaning the tank with this fresh cleaning liquid.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a process in which a new cleaning liquid is circulated between the first container and the tank, and the tank is cleaned with the circulating cleaning liquid.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a step of supplying air to the circulation path.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a step of rinsing a tank with old rinsing water.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process in which one old rinse water that has been rinsed from the tank is discarded into the waste liquid tank.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a step of rinsing the tank with fresh rinsing water supplied from a water source and discharging the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank to the waste water treatment plant.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a step of rinsing a tank with fresh rinsing water supplied from a water source, and then flowing the rinsing water into a general waste water system.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a process of rinsing a tank with fresh rinsing water supplied from a water source, and then directly rinsing the rinsing water into an indoor wastewater ditch.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a process of injecting steam into the tank jacket and drying the inside of the tank.

[Explanation of symbols]

9 tanks 12 spray nozzles 20 Cleaning device 21 Cleaning liquid supply unit 22, 23 Cleaning liquid storage part 24 Rinsing water storage 25 Waste liquid tank 26 Switching valve (container selection means) 30 circuit 31 pumps 32 heat exchanger 40 Air supply source 41 Air supply device 42 Steam feeder 60 water sources

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Takahiro Yoshimura             1-1, Shinurashima-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa             Address 25 Kirin Engineering Co., Ltd.             Within (72) Inventor Shigeru Tanaka             1-1, Shinurashima-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa             Address 25 Kirin Engineering Co., Ltd.             Within (72) Inventor Yujiro Imai             1-1, Shinurashima-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa             Address 25 Kirin Engineering Co., Ltd.             Within F-term (reference) 3B116 AA33 AB51 BB43 BB82 CC01                       CC03                 3B201 AA33 AB51 BB43 BB82 BB87                       BB92 BC00 CC01 CC12 CD01

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of accommodating parts for accommodating a cleaning liquid, a circulation path provided so that a fluid flowing inside circulates between a tank to be cleaned and the accommodating part, and the circulation path. The tank cleaning device is further provided with a housing selection unit that selectively communicates the tank with one of the plurality of housings. 2. The tank cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circulation path is arranged in a circuit so that the liquid flowing inside the circulation path flows in a predetermined order to the plurality of accommodating portions. 3. The tank cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the accommodation section selecting means is a switching valve, and the switching valve is attached to the circulation path. 4. A cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying an unused new cleaning liquid is connected to the circulation path, and the switching valve is configured to supply the new cleaning liquid for cleaning the tank from a plurality of accommodating units. After the cleaning of the tank is completed, the new cleaning liquid guided to the storage unit is guided to the constant storage unit again by the switching valve after the cleaning of the tank, and the tank and the constant storage unit are stored for a predetermined time. 4. It circulates between the accommodation part of the.
The tank cleaning device described. 5. A water source for supplying rinsing water for rinsing the inside of the tank after cleaning with the cleaning liquid is connected to the circulation path, and the rinsing water that has finished rinsing the tank is stored in the plurality of accommodating portions. 3. The tank cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the tank cleaning device is guided to a predetermined housing portion. 6. The tank according to claim 1, wherein an air supply source for supplying air for removing liquid remaining inside is connected to the circulation path. Cleaning device. 7. The tank cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an air supply source for supplying air into the tank. 8. A tank cleaning method for supplying a cleaning liquid to a tank to clean the inside of the tank, wherein the cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the tank is divided into a predetermined storage section for each cleaning frequency, and the divided cleaning liquid is divided. Characterized in that the cleaning liquid having a large number of cleaning times is sequentially supplied to the tank to clean the inside of the tank, and after the inside of the tank is cleaned with these cleaning liquids, an unused cleaning liquid is supplied to the tank to clean the inside of the tank. How to clean the tank. 9. The method of cleaning a tank according to claim 8, wherein after cleaning the tank with the unused cleaning liquid, rinsing water is supplied into the tank to rinse the inside of the tank. 10. The rinsing water is divided into predetermined storage units according to the number of times the tank is rinsed, and the rinsing water is supplied to the tank in descending order of rinsing frequency to rinse the tank. The method for cleaning a tank according to claim 9, wherein the method is for cleaning a tank. 11. The tank is stopped at a predetermined position,
The tank and the accommodating section are communicated with each other through a circulation path for circulating the cleaning liquid or the rinsing water, and the divided cleaning liquid is transferred to the tank by switching a predetermined switching means provided in the circulation path. The method for cleaning a tank according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the tank is cleaned. 12. Every time when the cleaning liquid supplied to the tank is changed, air is supplied to a circulation passage for circulating the cleaning liquid between the tank and the accommodating part, and the air is supplied to the circulation passage for use in a previous step. 9. The method for cleaning a tank according to claim 8, wherein the cleaned cleaning liquid is removed. 13. Every time the cleaning liquid or the rinsing water supplied to the tank is changed, air is supplied to a circulation path for circulating the cleaning liquid or the rinsing water between the tank and the accommodating section, and the circulation path is circulated. 10. The method for cleaning a tank according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning liquid or rinsing water used in the previous step remaining in the step 1 is removed.