GB2383393A

GB2383393A - Automatic programmed dosing of cleaning agents into pipe and like systems

Info

Publication number: GB2383393A
Application number: GB0130653A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Richardson; John Strauss
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-12-21
Filing date: 2001-12-21
Publication date: 2003-06-25
Also published as: GB0130653D0

Abstract

A system especially for de-greasing the grease traps of kitchen sinks, and for drain pipes and the like in general, comprises a bag-in-box type container of cleaning agent such as a bacterial and/or enzymatic agent, connected to the desired area via a fully portable battery powered, microchip controlled, programmable flow control valve. The valve can thus be set up to dose desired amounts of the agent into the system at desired intervals, eg during the night when the sink etc is not in use. The container is set up so that the liquid contents are delivered under gravity. The system obviates the need for the use of electric pumps and the need for the presence of mains electricity outlets which might have otherwise needed to have been installed.

Description

A DEVICE & SYSTEM OF PROGRAMMABLE PERIODIC DELIVERY AND DOSING OF LIQUIDS WTHOUT THE USE OF PUMPS AND MAINS ELECTRICITY.

BACKGROUND The accumulation of grease and fat deposits in grease traps of kitchens and other food processing and preparation areas has long been a maintenance problem which causes re-occurring plumbing problems. Previously, periodic pumping out of the coagulated grease and fats was the only way to solve the problem. However, during the last 40 years or so both chemical and biological treatment products have been developed which when added to the drains lines can liquefy the deposits and keep the drains free flowing.

Although, these products can be added manually to the drain lines leading to the grease trap, they are most effective when added to the drain lines when the flow it at its lowest level usually late at night, after closing hours when employees have gone home. If this is to be accomplished, some form of automatic dosing system must be employed. This usually takes the form of a peristaltic pump requiring the availability of electricity. These pumps are expensive and if electricity is not readily available it must be wired in. All this adds costly expense to a rather simple inexpensive maintenance treatment.

THE DEVICE To overcome these disadvantages, the following device has been invented as part of a newly developed system which completely eliminates the need for electrical connections and costly pumps.

The system incorporates a carton box containing a plastic bag capable of holding a chemical solution or liquid suspension of bacteria and/or enzymes and uses the principle of gravity and a siphon to discharge flow through a tube which passes from the box through a special programmable battery powered micro-chip controlled valve which can be set to open and close at specific intervals to provide controlled dosing system of the liquid at any given time into the grease trap or drain leading to the grease trap or any other area requiring treatment. Example lift stations, wet wells, head of treatment works. (SEE EXHIBITS #1 & 2) This type of liquid packaging already exist using a plastic container bag in a cardboard box with an external tap or faucet to control the on/off flow of liquid and is already in use in both the wine and milk industry today. To date such packaging has not been used in manner indicated nor in the specific area of application.

By positioning such a carton together with the flow control device as described above the drain, grease trap or other area to be treated, the system can be pre-programmed on the spot to dose the proper quantities required at prescribed intervals to provide effective treatments of grease and fat deposits and other requirements the same as with electric pumps at a faction of the cost of installation and maintenance.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A system for the treatment of drain lines, grease traps and any other areas requiring and kind of treatment which is not manually operated and does not use electric or battery operated pumps.
2. A system as indicated in Claim 1, which incorporates a package containing a chemical solution or liquid suspension of bacteria and/or enzymes capable of using the principle of gravity and a siphon to produce flow through a tube.
3. A system as indicated in Claims 1 and 2, whose flow can be regulated through the use a special programmable micro-chip controlled valve powered by a small battery.
4. A system as indicated in Claims 1,2 and 3, whose programmable micro-chip controlled valve can be pre-programmed or programmed on site at the time of installation.
5. A system as indicated in Claims 1,2, 3 and 4, which can operate independently on the same battery power source for a minimum of 9 months without a battery change.
6. A system as indicated in Claims 1, 2,3, 4 and 5 which incorporates a low battery alarm with sounder.
7. A system as indicated in claims 1,2, 3,4, 5, which is connected to the packaging via quick release coupling or valve.
8. A system as indicated in claims 1,2, 3,4, 5,6, 7. which incorporates a 24 hrs or 7 day digital time clock