WO2019199963A1

WO2019199963A1 - Systems and methods for flushing a tool

Info

Publication number: WO2019199963A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/026778
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffry J. GRANA; William C II PAETOW
Original assignee: Nordson Corporation
Priority date: 2018-04-11
Filing date: 2019-04-10
Publication date: 2019-10-17

Abstract

Systems and methods for flushing a tool include a supply line (126) to supply at least one of a gas and a fluid to an interior of the tool (112) to flush the interior of the tool. The flush system also includes a first supply (122) to supply the fluid to the supply line and a second supply (124) to supply the gas to the supply line. The flush system further includes a return line (152) to receive the at least one of the gas and the fluid from the interior of the tool and to return the at least one of the gas and the fluid to the first supply. The flush system includes a pump (160) to pump the fluid such that the fluid circulates between the first supply, the supply line, the interior of the tool, and the return line.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FLUSHING A TOOL

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No.

62/656,108, filed April 11, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for flushing a tool, and more particularly to system and method for flushing a tool using a fluid and a gas.

Background

[0003] Tools used in many industrial applications require cleaning before, during, and/or after use. Typically, tools may be cleaned by flushing with a solvent. It is desirable to flush with environmentally-friendly solvents, which for example may be non-toxic and/or biodegradable, to limit any adverse impact of tool cleaning on the environment.

[0004] Though environmentally-friendly solvents limit adverse impact on the environment, existing systems and methods that utilize these solvents have been shown to be less effective at removing difficult-to-remove materials from tools than more caustic solvents that have greater adverse environmental impacts. These difficult-to-remove materials may include, for example, adhesives or other fluids that are cohesive to internal surfaces of the tool or that may cure within the interior of the tool.

[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for improved systems and methods for flushing a tool that address the above-note problems.

Summary

[0006] Disclosed herein are systems and methods for flushing a tool. In one

embodiment, a flush system for flushing a tool having an interior with a first opening and a second opening includes a supply line that is connected to the first opening of the interior of the tool and that is configured to supply at least one of a gas and a fluid to the first opening of the interior of the tool to flush the interior of the tool. The flush system further includes a first supply that is connected to the supply line and that is configured to supply the fluid to the supply line and a second supply that is connected to the supply line and that is configured to supply the gas to the supply line. The flush system also includes a return line that is configured to be connected to the second opening of the interior of the tool and that is configured to be connected to the first supply. The return line being configured to receive the at least one of the gas and the fluid from the interior of the tool and to return the at least one of the gas and the fluid to the first supply.

The flush system further including a pump that is connected to the first supply via the supply line. The pump being configured to pump the fluid such that the fluid circulates between the first supply, the supply line, the interior of the tool, and the return line.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method of flushing a tool having an interior, includes pumping a fluid from a first supply. The method further includes inducing a state of turbulent flow of the fluid by supplying the fluid with a pressurized gas. The method also includes supplying the interior of the tool with the fluid in the state of turbulent flow and returning the fluid and the gas from the interior of the tool to the first supply.

[0008] Various additional features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] The following detailed description is better understood when read in

conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, examples are shown in the drawings; however, the subject matter is not limited to the specific elements and

instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a flush system in accordance with aspects of the invention; and

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with aspects of the invention.

Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a flush system 100 in accordance with aspects of the invention. The flush system 100 may flush a tool 110 having an interior 112 with a first opening 114 and a second opening 116. The tool 110 may, for example, be a dispenser. [0013] The flush system 100 may include a supply line 120 that may be connected to the first opening 114 of the interior 112 of the tool 110. The term“connected to,” as used herein to describe a direct or indirect fluid connection, in which two or more structures (e.g., the supply line 120 and the first opening 114 of the interior 112 of the tool 110) may encompass

embodiments in which the two or more structures are directly connected, or embodiments in which the two or more structures are indirectly connected via intervening structures. The supply line 120 may supply a gas and/or a fluid to the first opening 114 of the interior 112 of the tool 110. In embodiments, the fluid may be an environmentally-friendly solvent that may be non toxic and/or biodegradable. The fluid may be supplied to the first opening 114 of the interior 112 of the tool 110 at an elevated pressure, such as up to 2,000 psi. For example, the fluid may be a dibasic ester. The gas may, for example, be compressed air. In embodiments, the gas and the fluid may be supplied to the first opening 114 of the interior 112 of the tool 110 at a pressure between 5 and 100 psi, or higher.

[0014] The flush system 100 may also include a first supply 130, which may be connected with the supply line 120 and may supply the fluid to the supply line 120, and a second supply 140, which may also be connected with the supply line 120 and may supply the gas to the supply line 120. The flush system 100 may further include a return line 150 that may be connected with the second opening 116 of the interior 112 of the tool 110. The return line 150 may receive gas and/or fluid from the interior 112 of the tool 110 and may return the gas and/or the fluid to the first supply 130. The first supply 130 may include a vent (not shown) to vent gas received from the return line 150. The supply line 120 and the return line 150 may, for example, comprise hoses, pipes, or functional equivalents capable conveying the fluid and/or the gas under pressure.

[0015] The flush system 100 may include a pump 160 that may be connected to the first supply 130 via the supply line 120. The pump 160 may for example, be pneumatic or driven by a motor. The pump 160 may pump the fluid from the first supply 130 such that the fluid circulates on a loop between the first supply 130, the supply line 120, the interior 112 of the tool 110, the return line 150, and back to the first supply 130. According to aspects of embodiments of the invention, by flushing the interior 112 of the tool 110 with both the gas and the fluid, turbulent flow of the fluid may be increased. The increased turbulent flow of the fluid may increase the efficacy of dissolution of a given solvent (e.g., an environmentally-friendly solvent) and may improve cleaning of the interior 112 of the tool 110 as compared to a flush with the given solvent without the increased turbulent flow. In addition, a total system flush time may be decreased relative to existing systems and methods.

[0016] The supply line 120 may include a first branch 122. As shown in the FIG. 1, the first branch 122 may include a plurality of segments l22a, l22b, l22c, l22d. The first branch 122 may include a first end (e.g., segment l22a) that is connected to the pump 160 and a second end (e.g., segment l22d). For example, the pump 160 may be interposed between and connected to segment l22a and segment l22b of the first branch 122.

[0017] The first branch 122 may include a one-way valve 170 interposed between the first end and the second end of the first branch 122. For example, the one-way valve 170 may be interposed between and connected to segment l22c and segment l22d of the first branch 122.

The one-way valve 170 may permit the flow of the fluid in a direction from the first end to the second end of the first branch 122 and may prevent the flow of the fluid in a direction from the second end to the first end of the first branch 122. The one-way valve 170 may be disposed downstream from the pump 160. Accordingly, the one-way valve 170 may prevent backflow of the pressurized gas and fluid into the pump 160.

[0018] The first branch 122 may also include a filter 172 interposed between the first end and the second end of the first branch 122. For example, the filter 172 may be interposed between and connected to segment l22b and segment l22c of the first branch 122. The filter 172 may filter materials from the fluid. The filter 172 may be disposed downstream from the pump 160. Accordingly, as the fluid circulates through the flush system 100, solid materials (e.g., cured adhesive) that may have been removed from the tool 110 may be filtered out of the fluid at the filter 172 on an outlet-side of the pump 160.

[0019] The supply line 120 may also include a second branch 124. As shown in FIG. 1, the second branch 124 may include a plurality of segments l24a, l24b, l24c, and l24d. The second branch 124 may have a first end (e.g., segment l24a) that is connected to the second supply 140 and a second end (e.g., segment l24d). The second branch 124 may include a one- way valve 174 interposed between the first end and the second end of the second branch 124. For example, the one-way valve 174 may be interposed between and connected to segment l24c and segment l24d of the second branch 124. The one-way valve 174 may permit the flow of the gas in a direction from the first end to the second end of the second branch 124. The one-way valve 174 may prevent the flow of the gas and/or the fluid in a direction from the second end to the first end of the second branch 124. Accordingly, the one-way valve 174 may prevent backflow of the gas and/or the fluid.

[0020] The second branch 124 may also include a pressure regulator 176 interposed between the first end and the second end of the second branch 124. For example, the pressure regulator 176 may be disposed upstream from the one-way valve 174. The pressure regulator 176 may regulate a pressure of the gas supplied to a third branch 126 of the supply line 120, discussed below.

[0021] The second branch 124 may further include a valve 178 interposed between the pressure regulator and a second supply 140. For example, the valve 178 may be interposed between and connected to segment l24a and segment l24b of the second branch 124. The valve 178 may be opened and closed to selectively permit or prevent flow of the gas between the first end and the second end of the second branch 124. The valve 178 may, for example, be a ball valve.

[0022] As mentioned above, the supply line 120 may also include a third branch 126 having a first end that is connected to the second end of the first branch 122. The first end of the third branch 126 may also be connected to the second end of the second branch 124. For example, the flush system 100 may include a pressure gauge 180 (e.g., a pressure transducer) provided at the first end of the third branch 126. The pressure gauge may provide a T-connection that connects the second ends of the first branch 122 and the second branch 124 to the first end of the third branch 126. The third branch 126 may also include a second end that is connected to the first opening 114 of the interior 112 of the tool 110.

[0023] The flush system 100 may also include a pump drive line 162. As shown in FIG. 1, the pump drive line 162 may include a plurality of segments l62a, l62b, and l62c. The pump drive line 162 may include a first end (e.g., segment l62a) that may be connected to the second supply 140 and a second end (e.g., segment l62c) that may be connected to the pump 160. The pump drive line 162 may supply gas from the second supply 140 to the pump 160 to drive the pump 160. The pump drive line 162 may include a pressure regulator 164 interposed between the first end and the second end of the pump drive line 162. For example, the pressure regulator 164 may be interposed between and connected to segment l62b and segment l62c of the pump drive line 162. The pressure regulator 164 may regulate a pressure of the gas supplied to the pump 160 to control operation of the pump 160.

[0024] The pump drive line 162 may also include a valve 166 interposed between the pressure regulator 164 and the second supply 140. For example, the valve 166 may be interposed between and connected to segment l62a and segment l62b of the pump drive line 162. The valve 166 may be opened and closed to selectively permit or prevent flow of the gas between the first end and the second end of the pump drive line 162 to initiate or terminate pumping of the pump 160. The valve 166 may, for example, be a ball valve.

[0025] The first supply 130 may include a heater 132 that my heat the fluid, which may increase the dissolution efficacy of the fluid. The second supply 140 may be a source of pressurized gas, such as an air tank or air compressor. The second supply 140 may supply the gas at pressures up to 60 psi, or higher.

[0026] In addition to flushing the tool 110 (i.e., a first tool), the flush system 100 may flush a second (i.e., a second tool 110’) or more tools. For example, the first tool 110 and the second tool 110’ may be arranged in series or in parallel (as shown in FIG. 1) in the flush system 100 and may together be flushed by the flush system 100. The supply line 120 may be connected to a first opening 114’ of an interior 112’ of the second tool 110’ to supply a gas and/or a fluid to the first opening 114’ of the interior 112’ of the second tool 110’. For example, the supply line 120 may include a fourth branch 128 that branches off of the third branch 126. The fourth branch 128 may include a first end that is connected to the third branch 126 and a second end that is connected to the first opening 114’ of the interior 112’ of the second tool 110’. The first end of the fourth branch 128 may be connected to the third branch 126 at a T-connection. The second end of the fourth branch 128 may be connected to the first opening 114’ of the interior 112’ of the second tool 110’. In embodiments, the return line 150 may similarly be connected to a second opening 116’ of the interior 112’ of the second tool 110’. For example, the return line 150 may include a first branch 152 having a first end that is connected to the second opening 116 of the interior 112 of the first tool 110 and a second end that is connected to the first supply 130. The return line 150 may further include a second branch 154 that is connected to the second opening 116’ of the interior 112’ of the second tool 110’. The second branch 154 may be connected to the first branch 152 via a T-connection. [0027] The flush system 100 may also include a controller 190. The controller may be operatively connected (e.g., via wired and/or wireless connections) to components of the flush system 100 to automatically control various functions of the flush system 100. For example, the controller 190 may be operatively connected to the first tool 110 and/or the second tool 110’ to automatically control actuation of valves (not shown) of the first tool 110 and/or the second tool 110’ during flush routines, discussed below. In addition, the controller 190 may be operatively connected to the pressure regulator 176 and/or the valve 178 of the first branch 122 of the supply line 120 to automatically control supply of the gas to the third branch 126. Further, the controller 190 may be operatively connected to the pressure regulator 164 and/or the valve 166 of the pump drive line 162 to automatically control operation of the pump 160. The controller 190 may be operatively connected to the first supply 130 and may automatically control operation of the heater 132. Further, the controller may be operatively connected to the second supply 140 and may automatically control the pressure of the gas disposed therein. In addition, the controller 190 may be operatively connected to the pressure gauge 180 and may automatically shut down the flush system 100 (e.g., by terminating supply of at least one of the fluid and the gas) if the pressure gauge 180 measures a system pressure that exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure.

[0028] The controller 190 may be a programmable logic controller (PLC), a microprocessor based controller, personal computer, or another conventional control device capable of carrying out the functions described herein as understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the controller 190 may perform the various flush routines described in detail below. A human machine interface (HMI) device (not shown) may be operatively connected to the controller 190 in a known manner. The HMI device may include input devices and controls, such as a keypad, pushbuttons, control knobs, a touch screen, etc., and output devices, such as displays and other visual indicators, that may be used by an operator to control the operation of the controller 190 and, thereby, control the operation of the flush system 100. The HMI device may further include an audio output device, such as a speaker, by which an audio alert may be communicated to an operator.

[0029] FIG. 2 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary flush routine process 200 for flushing the tool 110 according to aspects of the invention. The process 200 may include, in a first step 202, pumping the fluid from the first supply 130. In embodiments, prior to pumping the fluid from the first supply 130, the process 200 may include positioning the tool 110 over or connecting the tool to a waste receptacle 195 and supplying the interior 112 of the tool 110 with pressurized gas. For example, the return line 150 may be temporarily disconnected from the first supply 130 and positioned over or connected to the waste receptacle 195. Alternatively, the tool 110 may be directly positioned over the waste receptacle 195. Accordingly, materials within the interior 112 of the tool 110 may be flushed from the tool 110 and removed from the flush system 100 to minimize the amount of material deposited in the first supply 130.

[0030] In a second step 204, process 200 may include inducing a state of turbulent flow of the fluid by supplying the fluid with the pressurized gas from, for example, the second supply 140. The pressurized gas may be supplied to the fluid at a constant flow rate. Alternatively, the pressurized gas may be supplied to the fluid in pulses while the fluid is pumped at a constant flow rate, which may result in localized increases of the turbulent flow of the fluid. In addition, inducing the state of turbulent flow may include alternating between pumping of the fluid from the first supply 130 and supplying the pressurized gas from the second supply 140.

[0031] In a third step 206, the process 200 may include supplying the interior 112 of the tool 110 with the fluid in the state of turbulent flow. In embodiments, the process 200 may also include actuating (e.g., automatically via the controller 190) fluid control valves of the tool 110 concurrently with the supplying of the interior 112 of the tool 110 with the state of turbulent flow to increase efficacy of the flush. Further, in embodiments the fluid may be heated (e.g., by the heater 132) prior to supplying of the interior of the tool with the fluid. The process 200 may include supplying the second tool 110’, arranged in parallel or in series with the first tool 110, with the fluid in the state of turbulent flow.

[0032] Upon completion of the flush routine process 200, at a fourth step 208, the fluid and the gas may be returned from the interior 112 of the tool 110 to the first supply 130. Further, in embodiments the fluid may be purged from the interior 112 of the tool 110 by terminating the pumping of the fluid from the first supply 130 while continuing the supply of the pressurized gas to the interior 112 of the tool 110. Aspects of the process 200 may be iterative. For example, steps 202-208 may be repeated such that the fluid circulates between the first supply 130 and the interior 112 of the tool 110.

[0033] According to aspects of embodiments of the invention, by flushing the interior 112 of the tool 110 with both the gas and the fluid in accordance with the flush routine process 200, turbulent flow of the fluid may be increased. The increased turbulent flow of the fluid may increase the efficacy of dissolution of a given solvent (e.g., an environmentally-friendly solvent) and may improve cleaning of the interior 112 of the tool 110 as compared to a flush with the given solvent without the increased turbulent flow. In addition, a total system flush time may be decreased relative to existing systems and methods.

[0034] While the disclosure has been described in connection with the various embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments. Therefore, the methods and systems as described herein should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A flush system for flushing a tool having an interior with a first opening and a second opening, the flush system comprising:

a supply line that is connected to the first opening of the interior of the tool and that is configured to supply at least one of a gas and a fluid to the first opening of the interior of the tool to flush the interior of the tool;

a first supply that is connected to the supply line and that is configured to supply the fluid to the supply line;

a second supply that is connected to the supply line and that is configured to supply the gas to the supply line;

a return line that is configured to be connected to the second opening of the interior of the tool and that is configured to be connected to the first supply, the return line being configured to receive the at least one of the gas and the fluid from the interior of the tool and to return the at least one of the gas and the fluid to the first supply; and

a pump that is connected to the first supply via the supply line, the pump being configured to pump the fluid such that the fluid circulates between the first supply, the supply line, the interior of the tool, and the return line.

2. The flush system of claim 1, wherein the supply line comprises:

a first branch having a first end that is connected to the pump and a second end;

a second branch having a first end that is connected to the second supply and a second end; and

a third branch having a first end that is connected to the second end of the first branch and to the second end of the second branch, the third branch also having a second end that is connected to the first opening of the interior of the tool.

3. The flush system of claim 2, wherein the first branch includes a one-way valve interposed between the first end and the second end of the first branch, the one-way valve permitting flow of the fluid in a direction from the first end to the second end of the first branch and preventing flow of the fluid in a direction from the second end to the first end of the first branch.

4. The flush system of claim 2, wherein the first branch includes a filter interposed between the first end and the second end of the first branch, the filter being configured to filter materials from the fluid.

5. The flush system of claim 2, wherein the second branch includes a first valve interposed between the first end and the second end of the second branch, the first valve being a one-way valve that permits flow of the gas in a direction from the first end to the second end of the second branch and that prevents flow of at least one of the gas and the fluid in a direction from the second end to the first end of the second branch.

6. The flush system of claim 2, wherein the second branch includes a pressure regulator interposed between the first end and the second end of the second branch, the pressure regulator being configured to regulate a pressure of the gas supplied to the third branch.

7. The flush system of claim 6, wherein the second branch includes a second valve interposed between the pressure regulator and the second supply, the second valve being configured to open and close to selectively permit or prevent flow of the gas between the first end and the second end of the second branch.

8. The flush system of claim 7, further comprising a controller that is configured to automatically control operation of at least one of the pump, the second valve, and the pressure regulator of the second branch.

9. The flush system of claim 2, further comprising a pressure gauge provided at the first end of the third branch of the supply line.

10. The flush system of claim 9, further comprising a controller that is in operable communication with the pressure gauge, the controller being configured to automatically terminate supply of at least one of the gas and the fluid based upon an indication from the pressure gauge that a system pressure has exceeded a predetermined maximum pressure.

11. The flush system of claim 1, further comprising a pump drive line having a first end that is connected to the second supply and a second end that is connected to the pump, wherein the gas is configured to be supplied from the second supply to the pump via the pump drive line to drive the pump.

12. The flush system of claim 11, wherein the pump drive line includes a pressure regulator interposed between the first end and the second end of the pump drive line, the pressure regulator being configured to regulate pressure of the gas supplied to the pump via the pump drive line.

13. The flush system of claim 12, wherein the pump drive line includes a valve interposed between the pressure regulator and the second supply, the valve being configured to open and close to selectively permit or prevent flow of the gas between the first end and the second end of the pump drive line.

14. The flush system of claim 13, further comprising a controller that is configured to automatically control operation of at least one of the pressure regulator and the valve.

15. The flush system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a solvent.

16. The flush system of claim 1, further comprising a controller that is configured to selectively control the supply of at least one of the gas and the fluid to the supply line.

17. A method of flushing a tool having an interior, the method comprising:

pumping a fluid from a first supply;

inducing a state of turbulent flow of the fluid by supplying the fluid with a pressurized gas;

supplying the interior of the tool with the fluid in the state of turbulent flow; and returning the fluid and the pressurized gas from the interior of the tool to the first supply.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising circulating the fluid between the first supply and the interior of the tool.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein supplying of the fluid with the pressurized gas includes pulsing the pressurized gas.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein inducing of the state of turbulent flow of the fluid by supplying the fluid with the pressurized gas includes alternating pumping of the fluid from the first supply and supplying of the pressurized gas.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising purging the interior of the tool by terminating the pumping of the fluid from the first supply while supplying the pressurized gas to the interior of the tool.

22. The method of claim 17, further comprising actuating fluid control valves of the tool concurrently with the supplying of the interior of the tool with the fluid in the state of turbulent flow.

23. The method of claim 17, further comprising, prior to pumping the fluid from the first supply, positioning the tool over a waste receptacle and supplying the interior of the tool with pressurized gas.