WO2001007178A1 - A vessel cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

A vessel cleaning apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001007178A1
WO2001007178A1 PCT/IB2000/001029 IB0001029W WO0107178A1 WO 2001007178 A1 WO2001007178 A1 WO 2001007178A1 IB 0001029 W IB0001029 W IB 0001029W WO 0107178 A1 WO0107178 A1 WO 0107178A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cleaning
vessel
liquid
evacuation
pressurized
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2000/001029
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Charles Montague Copping
John Zylstra
Herman Botha
Stefan Straub
Original Assignee
Charles Montague Copping
John Zylstra
Herman Botha
Stefan Straub
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Charles Montague Copping, John Zylstra, Herman Botha, Stefan Straub filed Critical Charles Montague Copping
Priority to AU58395/00A priority Critical patent/AU5839500A/en
Publication of WO2001007178A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001007178A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/093—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by the force of jets or sprays

Definitions

  • THIS invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning a closed vessel, and in particular for cleaning a barrel.
  • Wooden wine and liquor barrels are traditionally cleaned by removing them from their upright storage position and taking them to a separate cleaning area.
  • a high pressure water lance is inserted through the bung hole and is manually manipulated to spray jets of water over the internal surfaces of the barrel to loosen wine residue, tartrates and the like.
  • the barrel is then inverted to drain the detritus.
  • the barrel is washed by inverting it over a cleaning head which is inserted through the bung hole and fed with high pressure water or steam.
  • Both of the above methods are labour intensive and time consuming, and involve the removal of the barrels to a separate cleaning site.
  • a method of cleaning a closed vessel having a restricted top opening including the steps of inserting into the opening a cleaning assembly including a omnidirectional cleaning head coupled to a pressurized source of cleaning liquid and an evacuation conduit extending to the base of the interior of the vessel, cleaning the inner surface of the vessel by spraying it with cleaning liquid from the cleaning head, and evacuating the cleaning liquid and detritus from the vessel via the evacuation conduit by creating a positive pressure differential between the interior of the vessel and the interior of the evacuation conduit.
  • the positive pressure differential is created by increasing the pressure within the vessel to above atmospheric pressure using a pressurized air source.
  • the pressure within the conduit is decreased to below atmospheric pressure using a vacuum source to cause liquid to be sucked through the conduit.
  • the cleaning head and the evacuation conduit are operated simultaneously for at least part of a cleaning cycle.
  • the method includes the steps of enabling the pressurized source of cleaning liquid, enabling the pressurized air source, disabling the pressurized source of cleaning liquid after a first time period, and disabling the pressurized air source after a second time period which is greater than the first time period by a period sufficient to evacuate liquid and detritus from the vessel.
  • the step of enabling the pressurized source of cleaning liquid includes the steps of energizing a pressure pump and opening a first valve in a pressurized liquid input line communicating between the pump and the cleaning head
  • the step of enabling a pressurized air source includes the step of energizing a blower unit communicating with a pressurized air line extending from the blower unit to the cleaning assembly within the vessel
  • the disabling steps include the steps of de-energizing the pressure pump, shutting off the first valve and de-energizing the blower.
  • the method may include the further step of dosing the pressurized liquid input line with a cleaning agent.
  • the method may include the still further step of heating the liquid in the pressurized liquid input line to a predetermined temperature.
  • the above steps may be automated by a controller, such as a programmable logic controller.
  • the closed vessel is typically a liquor barrel and the top opening is a bung hole.
  • apparatus for cleaning a closed vessel having a restricted top opening including a cleaning assembly having an omni-directional cleaning head and an evacuation conduit which are insertable into the vessel via the restricted top opening, pressure generating means for providing a pressurized source of cleaning liquid in communication with the cleaning head, and means for generating a positive pressure differential between the interior of the vessel and the interior of the evacuation conduit for evacuating liquid and detritus from the vessel
  • the evacuation conduit comprises a flexible hose, which extends in use to a base of the vessel so as to communicate with the liquid and detritus which has pooled at the base of the vessel
  • the means for generating the positive pressure differential includes a pressurized air source which comprises a pressurized air line communicating in use with the interior of the vessel
  • Dosing means may be provided for dosing the cleaning liquid for the cleaning agent, and a liquid heater may also be provided for heating the cleaning liquid to a predetermined temperature
  • the controller typically includes first timing means for timing a wash and evacuation cycle and second timing means for timing an evacuation cycle, the first and second timing means being arranged to allow the evacuation cycle to continue for a period after completion of the wash and evacuation cycle
  • the controller includes a plurality of programs providing a plurality of wash, rinse and evacuation cycles, and selector means for enabling selection of a predetermined cycle, and for enabling the selection of manual or automatic modes of operation
  • the cleaning assembly comprises a bung pipe which is msertable into the restricted top opening of the vessel in a sealing engagement therewith, the bung pipe forming part of the pressurized air line, and carrying the evacuation conduit and the cleaning head.
  • At least one pressurized air exit aperture is defined in the bung pipe, and the pressurized air line includes an outer hose which jackets an evacuation hose which communicates with the evacuation conduit and a pressurized cleaning liquid hose which communicates with the cleaning head.
  • the cleaning apparatus is used to clean liquor barrels in situ.
  • Figure 1 shows a process and instrumentation diagram of a barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a detailed partly cross-sectional side view of a cleaning head and evacuation hose in position within a barrel
  • Figure 3 shows a flowchart indicating the broad operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention in both manual and automatic modes
  • Figure 4A shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention in manual mode
  • Figure 4B shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention in automatic mode in accordance with a first operating program
  • Figure 4C shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention in automatic mode in accordance with a second operating program
  • Figure 4D shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention in automatic mode in accordance with a third operating program
  • a barrel cleaning apparatus 10 includes a pressurized water source in the form of a high pressure pump 12 having an inlet connected to a mains water supply via a solenoid valve 14 and a pressure switch 16.
  • the pump is capable of operating at 7500 kPa, and is able to deliver 1 260 litres per hour.
  • the outlet of the pump is fed to a heater in the form of a diesel burner 18 via a pressure indicator 20.
  • the diesel burner 18 is in turn fed with diesel from a diesel tank 22 via a diesel pump 24.
  • the diesel burner 18, diesel tank 22 and diesel pump 24 in combination define a heating assembly 25. Heated water from the diesel burner 18 is fed to a venturi injector 26.
  • the temperature of the water is measured by means of a temperature indicator 28, and is typically in the region of 40°C to 80°C.
  • the venturi injector 26 is provided with a stehlant input line fed from a sterilant reservoir 30 containing hydrogen peroxide via a sterilant solenoid valve 31.
  • the venturi injector 26, sterilant reservoir 30 and solenoid valve 31 together comprise a sterilant dosing assembly 32.
  • the heated water and sterilant is fed at high pressure through a high pressure feed line 33 into a cleaning head 34 known as the "Gamajet Barrel Blaster" which is manufactured by Gamajet Cleaning Systems, Inc, USA.
  • the cleaning head 34 extends into a wine barrel 36 via a bung hole 38, and is arranged to spray high omni-directional pressure jets through 360° in both planes so as to clean the entire inner surface of the barrel 36
  • a bung 40 is fitted sealingiy into the bung hole, and the cleaning head extends through the bung, as does a hose assembly 41
  • a flexible evacuation hose 42 extends from the hose assembly 41 to the base of the barrel
  • the hose assembly 41 includes a water outlet line 44 which is coupled to the evacuation hose for evacuating water from the barrel 36, the high pressure feed line 33, as well as a pressurized air inlet line 45
  • the pressurized air inlet line 45 is fed from an air inlet line 46 via a blower unit 48 and a heater 50 for blowing heated air into the interior of the barrel
  • the blower unit serves to create a positive pressure differential between the interior of the barrel and the interior of the evacuation hose 42 so as to force water through the evacuation hose
  • the air inlet line also feeds a second blower unit 52 which creates a positive pressure within the diesel burner 18 to assist in evacuating exhaust fumes from the diesel burner via an exhaust pipe 54
  • the cleaning head 34 and hose assembly 41 are illustrated in more detail in Figure 2
  • the evacuation hose 42 is relatively flexible, and is formed with a weighted section of tube 56 to keep the inlet 58 of the hose at the base of the barrel 36
  • the bung 40 is in the form of a bung pipe which is welded to the end of a stainless steel elbow pipe connector 59
  • the elbow connector 59 forms part of the pressurized air line in conjunction with an outer flexible hose 60 which is connected to the opposite end of the elbow connector 59 by means of a hose clamp 62
  • the bung pipe 40 is coated with rubber to effect an airtight seal within the bung hole 38, and is also provided with a series of outlet apertures 64 for enabling pressurized air to be pumped into the interior of the barrel 36
  • the outer flexible hose 60 serves as a jacket or sheath for a flexible inner water inlet hose 66 forming part of the high pressure water feed line 33.
  • the inner high pressure water hose 66 is connected to the cleaner head 34 via a stainless steel elbow pipe connector 70 which extends through the bung pipe 40.
  • the outlet hose 68 is similarly connected to the evacuation hose 42 via a stainless steel elbow pipe connector 72. Both of the elbow pipe connectors 70 and 72 extend through and are welded to the bung pipe 40.
  • the opposite end of the inner inlet hose 66 terminates in a first steel through- pipe 74 which extends through and is welded to a stainless steel elbow pipe connector 76 forming part of the pressurized air inlet line 45.
  • a second stainless steel through-pipe 78 is similarly connected to the opposite end of the inner outlet hose 68, and extends through and is welded to the elbow pipe connector 76.
  • the barrel cleaning apparatus can be operated both in manual and automatic modes. In both modes of operation, the barrel remains in its normal storage position and the operator inserts the cleaning assembly 41 in situ into the barrel 36, including the cleaning head 34 and the evacuation hose 42.
  • the high pressure pump 12 and the first and second blower units 48 and 52 are then started, and the sterilant solenoid valve 32 is actuated to commence a cleaning cycle.
  • High pressure omni-directional jets of water 80 from the rotary cleaning head 34 clean the interior of the barrel.
  • Water 82 and detritus 83 pools at the base of the barrel, submerging the end 58 of the evacuation conduit 42.
  • Positive pressure within the interior of the barrel from the pressurized air line 45 via the openings 64 causes the water 82 and detritus 83 to be forced up through the evacuation hose 42.
  • the high pressure feed pump 12 is turned off, and all of the water and detritus within the barrel is evacuated via the water outlet line 44. The barrel is now clean and can be refilled.
  • a programmable logic controller (PLC) 84 is provided in the automated version of the barrel cleaning device.
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • the PLC 84 is arranged automatically to control the operation of the high pressure pump 12, the water solenoid 14, the diesel pump 24, the sterilant solenoid 32, the first blower unit 48 and the second blower unit 52. Signals are conveyed to the above controllable components via a wiring harness 90.
  • the PLC 84 is provided with a control panel 92 having manual and auto select buttons 94 and 96 respectively for enabling an operator to select manual or automatic mode, as is shown in the flowchart of Figure 3.
  • the operator has a further choice of various cleaning programs which are selectable via programming buttons P1 , P2, P3 and P4 respectively on the control panel 92.
  • the various programs which may be selected include the following:
  • P1 Flush/rinse with cold water and empty P2 Flush/rinse with hot water and empty.
  • Figures 4B to 4D are flowcharts illustrating in detail the operating sequence in respect of programs P1 to P3 respectively.
  • Figure 4A shows a flowchart illustrating the P4 program being carried out in manual mode. The steps illustrated in Figure 4A can be automated in the form of program P4.
  • the blower 48 is started, the mains water valve 14 opens, the pressure switch 16 detects the mains water pressure, and the high pressure pump 12 is started.
  • the sterilant valve 32 is opened, the sterilant cycle is timed out, after which the sterilant valve 32 is closed.
  • the high pressure pump 12 is then stopped, the mains water valve 14 is closed, and the blower 48 is timed out and stopped once all the water and detritus has been evacuated.
  • a hot flush cycle After the high pressure pump is started, the diesel burner 18 is started, and the sterilant valve is not operated, so as to ensure that the barrel is rinsed with hot water.
  • a cold flush cycle is identical to a hot flush cycle, save that the diesel burner is not operated.
  • both the water heating assembly 85 and the sterilant dosing assembly 32 are not essential to the invention, and may be excluded in a more rudimentary embodiment. In this embodiment, only the first cold flush, rinse and empty program P1 is available, together with the option for manual or automatic modes of operation. Although the automated version of the barrel cleaning device is preferred, it will also appreciated that manual operation is contemplated and falls within the scope of the invention.
  • a major advantage of the invention is that it provides for the in situ cleaning of wine and other liquor barrels without having to remove them from the cellar. This results in savings in labour and time, and avoids the possibility of the barrels being damaged.
  • the entire unit is mounted on a wheeled chassis, which allows it to be wheeled around the cellar.
  • a WAP ® -type cleaning lance may be fitted to the high pressure water feed line for manual external cleaning operations.

Abstract

A barrel cleaning apparatus (10) includes a high pressure pump (12) having an inlet connected to a mains water supply. The outlet of the pump may be fed to a heating assembly (25). Heated water is then fed to a sterilant dosing assembly (32) and via a high pressure feed line (33) into an omni-directional cleaning head (34). The cleaning head extends into a wine barrel (36) via a bung hole (38). A bung pipe (40) seats sealingly within the bung hole, and carries a hose assembly (41) including the cleaning head (34), a flexible evacuation hose (42) and a pressurized air inlet line (45). A blower unit (48) and a heater (50) blow heated air into the interior of the barrel, thereby creating a positive pressure differential between the interior of the barrel and the interior of the evacuation hose (42) so as to force water and detritus through the evacuation hose at the same time that the omni-directional cleaning head is operating. The apparatus provides for the in situ cleaning of wine and other liquor barrels without having to remove them from a cellar.

Description

A VESSEL CLEANING APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
THIS invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning a closed vessel, and in particular for cleaning a barrel.
Wooden wine and liquor barrels are traditionally cleaned by removing them from their upright storage position and taking them to a separate cleaning area. A high pressure water lance is inserted through the bung hole and is manually manipulated to spray jets of water over the internal surfaces of the barrel to loosen wine residue, tartrates and the like. The barrel is then inverted to drain the detritus.
In another currently used cleaning method, the barrel is washed by inverting it over a cleaning head which is inserted through the bung hole and fed with high pressure water or steam.
Both of the above methods are labour intensive and time consuming, and involve the removal of the barrels to a separate cleaning site.
CONFIRMATION COPT It is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for cleaning liquor barrels in situ without having to remove them from the cellar
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of cleaning a closed vessel having a restricted top opening, the method including the steps of inserting into the opening a cleaning assembly including a omnidirectional cleaning head coupled to a pressurized source of cleaning liquid and an evacuation conduit extending to the base of the interior of the vessel, cleaning the inner surface of the vessel by spraying it with cleaning liquid from the cleaning head, and evacuating the cleaning liquid and detritus from the vessel via the evacuation conduit by creating a positive pressure differential between the interior of the vessel and the interior of the evacuation conduit.
In a preferred form of the invention the positive pressure differential is created by increasing the pressure within the vessel to above atmospheric pressure using a pressurized air source.
Alternatively, the pressure within the conduit is decreased to below atmospheric pressure using a vacuum source to cause liquid to be sucked through the conduit.
Conveniently, the cleaning head and the evacuation conduit are operated simultaneously for at least part of a cleaning cycle.
Advantageously, the method includes the steps of enabling the pressurized source of cleaning liquid, enabling the pressurized air source, disabling the pressurized source of cleaning liquid after a first time period, and disabling the pressurized air source after a second time period which is greater than the first time period by a period sufficient to evacuate liquid and detritus from the vessel.
Typically, the step of enabling the pressurized source of cleaning liquid includes the steps of energizing a pressure pump and opening a first valve in a pressurized liquid input line communicating between the pump and the cleaning head, the step of enabling a pressurized air source includes the step of energizing a blower unit communicating with a pressurized air line extending from the blower unit to the cleaning assembly within the vessel, and the disabling steps include the steps of de-energizing the pressure pump, shutting off the first valve and de-energizing the blower.
The method may include the further step of dosing the pressurized liquid input line with a cleaning agent.
The method may include the still further step of heating the liquid in the pressurized liquid input line to a predetermined temperature.
The above steps may be automated by a controller, such as a programmable logic controller.
The closed vessel is typically a liquor barrel and the top opening is a bung hole.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for cleaning a closed vessel having a restricted top opening, the apparatus including a cleaning assembly having an omni-directional cleaning head and an evacuation conduit which are insertable into the vessel via the restricted top opening, pressure generating means for providing a pressurized source of cleaning liquid in communication with the cleaning head, and means for generating a positive pressure differential between the interior of the vessel and the interior of the evacuation conduit for evacuating liquid and detritus from the vessel
Preferably, the evacuation conduit comprises a flexible hose, which extends in use to a base of the vessel so as to communicate with the liquid and detritus which has pooled at the base of the vessel
Conveniently the means for generating the positive pressure differential includes a pressurized air source which comprises a pressurized air line communicating in use with the interior of the vessel
Dosing means may be provided for dosing the cleaning liquid for the cleaning agent, and a liquid heater may also be provided for heating the cleaning liquid to a predetermined temperature
The apparatus advantageously includes a controller for automatically controlling the operation thereof
The controller typically includes first timing means for timing a wash and evacuation cycle and second timing means for timing an evacuation cycle, the first and second timing means being arranged to allow the evacuation cycle to continue for a period after completion of the wash and evacuation cycle
Advantageously, the controller includes a plurality of programs providing a plurality of wash, rinse and evacuation cycles, and selector means for enabling selection of a predetermined cycle, and for enabling the selection of manual or automatic modes of operation
Typically, the cleaning assembly comprises a bung pipe which is msertable into the restricted top opening of the vessel in a sealing engagement therewith, the bung pipe forming part of the pressurized air line, and carrying the evacuation conduit and the cleaning head.
Conveniently, at least one pressurized air exit aperture is defined in the bung pipe, and the pressurized air line includes an outer hose which jackets an evacuation hose which communicates with the evacuation conduit and a pressurized cleaning liquid hose which communicates with the cleaning head.
Typically, the cleaning apparatus is used to clean liquor barrels in situ.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a process and instrumentation diagram of a barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a detailed partly cross-sectional side view of a cleaning head and evacuation hose in position within a barrel;
Figure 3 shows a flowchart indicating the broad operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention in both manual and automatic modes;
Figure 4A shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention in manual mode;
Figure 4B shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention in automatic mode in accordance with a first operating program; Figure 4C shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention in automatic mode in accordance with a second operating program;
Figure 4D shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention in automatic mode in accordance with a third operating program;
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to Figure 1 , a barrel cleaning apparatus 10 includes a pressurized water source in the form of a high pressure pump 12 having an inlet connected to a mains water supply via a solenoid valve 14 and a pressure switch 16. The pump is capable of operating at 7500 kPa, and is able to deliver 1 260 litres per hour. The outlet of the pump is fed to a heater in the form of a diesel burner 18 via a pressure indicator 20. The diesel burner 18 is in turn fed with diesel from a diesel tank 22 via a diesel pump 24. The diesel burner 18, diesel tank 22 and diesel pump 24 in combination define a heating assembly 25. Heated water from the diesel burner 18 is fed to a venturi injector 26. The temperature of the water is measured by means of a temperature indicator 28, and is typically in the region of 40°C to 80°C. The venturi injector 26 is provided with a stehlant input line fed from a sterilant reservoir 30 containing hydrogen peroxide via a sterilant solenoid valve 31. The venturi injector 26, sterilant reservoir 30 and solenoid valve 31 together comprise a sterilant dosing assembly 32.
The heated water and sterilant is fed at high pressure through a high pressure feed line 33 into a cleaning head 34 known as the "Gamajet Barrel Blaster" which is manufactured by Gamajet Cleaning Systems, Inc, USA. The cleaning head 34 extends into a wine barrel 36 via a bung hole 38, and is arranged to spray high omni-directional pressure jets through 360° in both planes so as to clean the entire inner surface of the barrel 36 A bung 40 is fitted sealingiy into the bung hole, and the cleaning head extends through the bung, as does a hose assembly 41 A flexible evacuation hose 42 extends from the hose assembly 41 to the base of the barrel The hose assembly 41 includes a water outlet line 44 which is coupled to the evacuation hose for evacuating water from the barrel 36, the high pressure feed line 33, as well as a pressurized air inlet line 45
The pressurized air inlet line 45 is fed from an air inlet line 46 via a blower unit 48 and a heater 50 for blowing heated air into the interior of the barrel The blower unit serves to create a positive pressure differential between the interior of the barrel and the interior of the evacuation hose 42 so as to force water through the evacuation hose The air inlet line also feeds a second blower unit 52 which creates a positive pressure within the diesel burner 18 to assist in evacuating exhaust fumes from the diesel burner via an exhaust pipe 54
The cleaning head 34 and hose assembly 41 are illustrated in more detail in Figure 2 The evacuation hose 42 is relatively flexible, and is formed with a weighted section of tube 56 to keep the inlet 58 of the hose at the base of the barrel 36 The bung 40 is in the form of a bung pipe which is welded to the end of a stainless steel elbow pipe connector 59 The elbow connector 59 forms part of the pressurized air line in conjunction with an outer flexible hose 60 which is connected to the opposite end of the elbow connector 59 by means of a hose clamp 62 The bung pipe 40 is coated with rubber to effect an airtight seal within the bung hole 38, and is also provided with a series of outlet apertures 64 for enabling pressurized air to be pumped into the interior of the barrel 36 The outer flexible hose 60 serves as a jacket or sheath for a flexible inner water inlet hose 66 forming part of the high pressure water feed line 33. A flexible inner outlet hose 68 forming part of the water outlet line 44 is similarly jacketed within the outer flexible hose 60.
The inner high pressure water hose 66 is connected to the cleaner head 34 via a stainless steel elbow pipe connector 70 which extends through the bung pipe 40. The outlet hose 68 is similarly connected to the evacuation hose 42 via a stainless steel elbow pipe connector 72. Both of the elbow pipe connectors 70 and 72 extend through and are welded to the bung pipe 40.
The opposite end of the inner inlet hose 66 terminates in a first steel through- pipe 74 which extends through and is welded to a stainless steel elbow pipe connector 76 forming part of the pressurized air inlet line 45. A second stainless steel through-pipe 78 is similarly connected to the opposite end of the inner outlet hose 68, and extends through and is welded to the elbow pipe connector 76.
The barrel cleaning apparatus can be operated both in manual and automatic modes. In both modes of operation, the barrel remains in its normal storage position and the operator inserts the cleaning assembly 41 in situ into the barrel 36, including the cleaning head 34 and the evacuation hose 42. The high pressure pump 12 and the first and second blower units 48 and 52 are then started, and the sterilant solenoid valve 32 is actuated to commence a cleaning cycle. High pressure omni-directional jets of water 80 from the rotary cleaning head 34 clean the interior of the barrel. Water 82 and detritus 83 pools at the base of the barrel, submerging the end 58 of the evacuation conduit 42. Positive pressure within the interior of the barrel from the pressurized air line 45 via the openings 64 causes the water 82 and detritus 83 to be forced up through the evacuation hose 42. The high pressure feed pump 12 is turned off, and all of the water and detritus within the barrel is evacuated via the water outlet line 44. The barrel is now clean and can be refilled.
In the automated version of the barrel cleaning device a programmable logic controller (PLC) 84 is provided. This includes first and second timers 86 and 88 which may be implemented in timing software. The PLC 84 is arranged automatically to control the operation of the high pressure pump 12, the water solenoid 14, the diesel pump 24, the sterilant solenoid 32, the first blower unit 48 and the second blower unit 52. Signals are conveyed to the above controllable components via a wiring harness 90.
Referring now to Figure 3, a flowchart indicating the broad operation of the barrel cleaning apparatus of the invention is shown. The PLC 84 is provided with a control panel 92 having manual and auto select buttons 94 and 96 respectively for enabling an operator to select manual or automatic mode, as is shown in the flowchart of Figure 3. In the event of the automatic mode being selected, the operator has a further choice of various cleaning programs which are selectable via programming buttons P1 , P2, P3 and P4 respectively on the control panel 92. The various programs which may be selected include the following:
P1 Flush/rinse with cold water and empty. P2 Flush/rinse with hot water and empty. P3 Flush/rinse with cold water and inject sterilant for sanitizing. P4 Flush/rinse with hot water and inject sterilant for sanitizing.
Figures 4B to 4D are flowcharts illustrating in detail the operating sequence in respect of programs P1 to P3 respectively. Figure 4A shows a flowchart illustrating the P4 program being carried out in manual mode. The steps illustrated in Figure 4A can be automated in the form of program P4. During a sterilant cycle, the blower 48 is started, the mains water valve 14 opens, the pressure switch 16 detects the mains water pressure, and the high pressure pump 12 is started. The sterilant valve 32 is opened, the sterilant cycle is timed out, after which the sterilant valve 32 is closed. The high pressure pump 12 is then stopped, the mains water valve 14 is closed, and the blower 48 is timed out and stopped once all the water and detritus has been evacuated.
In a hot flush cycle, after the high pressure pump is started, the diesel burner 18 is started, and the sterilant valve is not operated, so as to ensure that the barrel is rinsed with hot water. A cold flush cycle is identical to a hot flush cycle, save that the diesel burner is not operated.
It will be appreciated that both the water heating assembly 85 and the sterilant dosing assembly 32 are not essential to the invention, and may be excluded in a more rudimentary embodiment. In this embodiment, only the first cold flush, rinse and empty program P1 is available, together with the option for manual or automatic modes of operation. Although the automated version of the barrel cleaning device is preferred, it will also appreciated that manual operation is contemplated and falls within the scope of the invention.
A major advantage of the invention is that it provides for the in situ cleaning of wine and other liquor barrels without having to remove them from the cellar. This results in savings in labour and time, and avoids the possibility of the barrels being damaged. Typically, the entire unit is mounted on a wheeled chassis, which allows it to be wheeled around the cellar. Conveniently, a WAP®-type cleaning lance may be fitted to the high pressure water feed line for manual external cleaning operations.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A method of cleaning a closed vessel having a restricted top opening, the method including the steps of inserting into the opening a cleaning assembly including a omni-directional cleaning head coupled to a pressurized source of cleaning liquid and an evacuation conduit extending to the base of the interior of the vessel, cleaning the inner surface of the vessel by spraying it with cleaning liquid from the cleaning head, and evacuating the cleaning liquid and detritus from the vessel via the evacuation conduit by creating a positive pressure differential between the interior of the vessel and the interior of the evacuation conduit.
2. A method according to claim 1 in which the positive pressure differential is created by increasing the pressure within the vessel to above atmospheric pressure using a pressurized air source.
3. A method according to claim 1 in which the pressure within the conduit is decreased to below atmospheric pressure using a vacuum source to cause liquid to be sucked through the conduit.
4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3 in which the cleaning head and the evacuation conduit are operated simultaneously for at least part of a cleaning cycle.
5. A method according to claim 2 which includes the steps of enabling the pressurized source of cleaning liquid, enabling the pressurized air source, disabling the pressurized source of cleaning liquid after a first time period, and disabling the pressurized air source after a second time period which is greater than the first time period by a period sufficient to evacuate liquid and detritus from the vessel. A method according to claim 5 in which the step of enabling the pressurized source of cleaning liquid includes the steps of energising a pressure pump and opening a first valve in a pressurized liquid input line communicating between the pump and the cleaning head, the step of enabling a pressurized air source includes the step of energising a blower unit communicating with a pressurized air line extending from the blower unit to the cleaning assembly within the vessel, and the disabling steps include the steps of de-energising the pressure pump, shutting off the first valve and de-energizing the blower
A method according to claim 6 which includes the step of dosing the pressurized liquid input line with a cleaning agent
A method according to either claim 6 or claim 7 which includes the step of heating the liquid in the pressurized liquid input line to a predetermined temperature
A method according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 9 in which the claimed steps are automated by a controller
A method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 in which the closed vessel is a liquor barrel and the top opening is a bung hole
Apparatus for cleaning a closed vessel having a restricted top opening, the apparatus including a cleaning assembly having an omni-directional cleaning head and an evacuation conduit which are insertable into the vessel via the restricted top opening, pressure generating means for providing a pressurized source of cleaning liquid in communication with the cleaning head, and means for generating a positive pressure differential between the interior of the vessel and the interior of the evacuation conduit for evacuating liquid and detritus from the vessel Apparatus for cleaning a vessel according to claim 1 1 in which the evacuation conduit comprises a flexible hose which extends in use to a base of the vessel so as to communicate with the liquid and detritus which has pooled at the base of the vessel
Apparatus for cleaning a vessel according to either one of the preceding claims 11 or 12 in which the means for generating the positive pressure differential includes a pressurized air source which comprises a pressurized air line communicating in use with the interior of the vessel
Apparatus for cleaning a vessel according to any one of claims 11 to 13 in which dosing means are provided for dosing the cleaning liquid with a cleaning agent
Apparatus for cleaning a vessel according to any one of claims 11 to 14 in which a liquid heater is provided for heating the cleaning liquid to a predetermined temperature
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 1 to 15 which includes a controller for automatically controlling the operation of the cleaning apparatus
Apparatus according to claim 16 in which the controller includes first timing means for timing a wash and evacuation cycle and second timing means for timing an evacuation cycle
Apparatus according to claim 17 in which the first and second timing means are arranged to allow the evacuation cycle to continue for a period after completion of the wash and evacuation cycle Apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18 in which the controller includes a plurality of programs providing a plurality of wash, rinse and evacuation cycles, and selector means for enabling selection of a predetermined cycle, and for enabling the selection of manual or automatic modes of operation
Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the cleaning assembly comprises a bung pipe which is insertable into the restricted top opening of the vessel in a sealing engagement therewith, the bung pipe forming part of the pressurized air line, and carrying the evacuation conduit and the cleaning head
Apparatus according to claim 20 in which at least one pressurized air exit aperature is defined in the bung pipe, and the pressurized air line includes an outer hose which jackets an evacuation hose which communicates with the evacuation conduit and a pressurized cleaning liquid hose which communicates with the cleaning head
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 21 in which the closed vessel is a liquor barrel and the top opening is a bung hole
PCT/IB2000/001029 1999-07-26 2000-07-26 A vessel cleaning apparatus WO2001007178A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU58395/00A AU5839500A (en) 1999-07-26 2000-07-26 A vessel cleaning apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA994779 1999-07-26
ZA99/4779 1999-07-26

Publications (1)

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WO2001007178A1 true WO2001007178A1 (en) 2001-02-01

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AU (1) AU5839500A (en)
WO (1) WO2001007178A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003022464A2 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-03-20 Gunclean Toftejorg Ab Equipment and use of the equipment for cleaning a tank space or preparation of drilling mud
EP1511584A1 (en) * 2002-06-03 2005-03-09 Therma Corporation, Inc. Apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels
WO2008054707A2 (en) * 2006-10-30 2008-05-08 Eugene Joseph Rogers Methods for reconditioning barrels
WO2016138000A1 (en) * 2015-02-24 2016-09-01 Albrecht Holdings Llc Reconditioned or infused fluid containers and related methods
EP3192590A1 (en) * 2015-12-17 2017-07-19 General Electric Company System and method for in situ cleaning of internal components of a gas turbine engine and a related plug assembly
EP3240642A4 (en) * 2015-08-18 2018-08-15 Ariel-University Research and Development Company Ltd. System and method for cleaning wine and/or a barrel containing wine
US10758949B2 (en) 2016-08-26 2020-09-01 Ridel Pneumatic washing and drying machine

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US4941493A (en) * 1988-08-15 1990-07-17 Carry Companies Of Illinois Device for washing and drying the inside tank of a tanker truck
EP0724917A1 (en) * 1995-01-24 1996-08-07 Reiner Jakob Frank Device for cleaning the inner surfaces of a wine cask
US5866186A (en) * 1996-06-05 1999-02-02 Bazan; Alberto Method and apparatus for withdrawing and diluting fluid in a bag in a box container and for rinsing the bag

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US2845934A (en) * 1953-04-29 1958-08-05 Portland Company Apparatus for use in cleaning the interiors of barrels
US3916924A (en) * 1973-12-28 1975-11-04 Gowan Francis E Mc Apparatus for emptying and rinsing containers
US4941493A (en) * 1988-08-15 1990-07-17 Carry Companies Of Illinois Device for washing and drying the inside tank of a tanker truck
EP0724917A1 (en) * 1995-01-24 1996-08-07 Reiner Jakob Frank Device for cleaning the inner surfaces of a wine cask
US5866186A (en) * 1996-06-05 1999-02-02 Bazan; Alberto Method and apparatus for withdrawing and diluting fluid in a bag in a box container and for rinsing the bag

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003022464A2 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-03-20 Gunclean Toftejorg Ab Equipment and use of the equipment for cleaning a tank space or preparation of drilling mud
WO2003022464A3 (en) * 2001-09-07 2004-03-25 Gunclean Toftejorg Ab Equipment and use of the equipment for cleaning a tank space or preparation of drilling mud
US7507298B2 (en) 2001-09-07 2009-03-24 Alfa Laval Tank Equipment A/S Cleaning equipment and use thereof
EP1511584A1 (en) * 2002-06-03 2005-03-09 Therma Corporation, Inc. Apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels
EP1511584A4 (en) * 2002-06-03 2005-10-05 Therma Corp Inc Apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels
WO2008054707A2 (en) * 2006-10-30 2008-05-08 Eugene Joseph Rogers Methods for reconditioning barrels
WO2008054707A3 (en) * 2006-10-30 2008-07-24 Eugene Joseph Rogers Methods for reconditioning barrels
WO2016138000A1 (en) * 2015-02-24 2016-09-01 Albrecht Holdings Llc Reconditioned or infused fluid containers and related methods
US11384324B2 (en) 2015-02-24 2022-07-12 Albrecht Holdings Llc Reconditioned or infused fluid containers and related methods
CN111907878A (en) * 2015-02-24 2020-11-10 阿尔布雷克特控股有限责任公司 Container suitable for containing fluid
CN107529913A (en) * 2015-02-24 2018-01-02 阿尔布雷克特控股有限责任公司 Fluid container and correlation technique through renovating or injecting
CN107529913B (en) * 2015-02-24 2020-07-21 阿尔布雷克特控股有限责任公司 Refurbished or filled fluid containers and related methods
EP3240642A4 (en) * 2015-08-18 2018-08-15 Ariel-University Research and Development Company Ltd. System and method for cleaning wine and/or a barrel containing wine
US10717956B2 (en) 2015-08-18 2020-07-21 Ariel-University Research And Development Company Ltd. System and method for cleaning wine and/or a barrel containing wine
TWI695116B (en) 2015-12-17 2020-06-01 美商通用電機股份有限公司 Gas turbine engine and system and method for in situ cleaning of internal components of the gas turbine engine
US9951647B2 (en) 2015-12-17 2018-04-24 General Electric Company System and method for in situ cleaning of internal components of a gas turbine engine and a related plug assembly
CN107013500A (en) * 2015-12-17 2017-08-04 通用电气公司 System and method for the original place cleaning of the internals of gas-turbine unit
EP3192590A1 (en) * 2015-12-17 2017-07-19 General Electric Company System and method for in situ cleaning of internal components of a gas turbine engine and a related plug assembly
US10758949B2 (en) 2016-08-26 2020-09-01 Ridel Pneumatic washing and drying machine

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