DEVICE FOR CLEANING TEXTILE MICROFIBERS IN WATER

Abstract

A device for cleaning textile microfibers (2) in water, comprising a housing (3) with at least one inlet (31) configured to be coupled to a water evacuation conduit (11) of a washing machine (1), a first outlet (32) configured to be coupled to a drain (12), and an inner cavity (4) for the passage of water between the inlet (31) and the first outlet (32), characterized in that it comprises a brush (5) rotatably locked in the inner cavity (4), wherein the brush (5) comprises on its surface (51b) a plurality of barbs (52), wherein the inner cavity (4) comprises a scraper (6) attached to the brush (5), wherein the scraper (6) comprises a plurality of prongs (61) configured to interfere with the plurality of barbs (52) of the brush (5), wherein the housing (3) comprises a second outlet (33) configured to generate a Venturi suction effect.

Description

DEVICE FOR CLEANING TEXTILE MICROFIBERS IN WATER OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention falls within the field of domestic and environmental engineering, specifically the sector of washing machine wastewater treatment devices, aimed at retaining plastic or textile fibers in domestic effluent. The invention relates to a device for capturing and self-cleaning textile microfibers from domestic washing machines using a tangle brush and Venturi suction with an accumulation cartridge. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is a well-known problem that, during washing in domestic washing machines, clothes release microscopic microfibers (plastic or natural) that are carried by the water flow into the drainage system. Recent studies estimate that a washing machine can release between 700,000 and 1,500,000 microfibers per cycle, many of which end up in aquatic ecosystems. A liquid filter is also known, as described in document GB1091390, where a moving belt of filter medium, such as paper, felted viscose fibers, or synthetic fabric, travels around an internal flow drum in a tank containing the liquid to be filtered. The belt is washed with water sprayers after leaving the tank and then wound onto a reel. A signal can be emitted when the fabric on the feed reel is nearing its end, and the motors stop automatically. The drive speeds are controlled by a float system that responds to the tank level. The sprayers can be positioned above the belt, rather than below, to wash it by reverse flow. Since the filter belts are washed as they leave the drum, the apparatus can operate with only two belts, which are used alternately. The feed reel has a brake, and a pump supplies the wash water to the sprayers.The drum comprises coaxial walls with the intermediate space divided by axial partitions into chambers, each connected by a pipe to a rotary distribution valve comprising two perforated plates that connect the appropriate chambers to the vacuum. A textile treatment apparatus is also known, as described in document GB1046513. In a wool washing machine, a pair of endless belts move in opposite directions, transporting the wool between them from the inside to the outside of a washing tank, through pairs of pressure rollers. In this way, the wool between the belts is alternately compressed and released as it passes through the tank. It then passes through a rinsing tank after leaving the washing tank, and the wool discharged from the belts is compressed by a pressure drying system as it passes through a settling tank, where the liquid squeezed from the wool is collected. The bottom of the tank is sloped towards at least one of its sides, where the means for sludge discharge are located. The rinsing tank is preferably arranged around the washing tank. The latter has a sloping bottom and also has means for sludge discharge.The settling tank is preferably located below the pressure drying equipment and has a sloping bottom leading to an opening for sludge discharge. A mesh screen, positioned below the pressure drying system, collects the fibers, etc., released from the wool. Fresh water is supplied from the pipe to the tank chamber, either to the belt for cleaning via the spray system or to the wool loaded onto the belt. However, existing solutions have several limitations, such as requiring fine mesh screens that clog easily. They are also not easily adaptable to existing washing machines, require auxiliary power or motors for self-cleaning, and do not offer either active mechanical capture based on physical entanglement or a completely passive system with no electricity consumption. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an in-line device intended for installation in the drain circuit of domestic or industrial washing machines. This device captures microfibers and microplastics released during washing, preventing their release into the environment. Unlike conventional systems based on filters or mesh screens, this device utilizes a helical brush-type capture medium with micro-barbs that entangle the fibers present in the water. It also incorporates a hydraulic self-cleaning system based on a Venturi suction and a detangling comb that sweeps the fibers toward a removable collection cartridge. Furthermore, the proposed device is an external, universal module that can be connected between the washing machine's water outlet and the domestic drain. It operates passively using hydraulic power and requires no additional electrical energy. Specifically, the wash water passes through a brush cartridge with helical bristles or micro-barbs that create controlled turbulence and entangle the microfibers, retaining them on its surface. At the end of the wash cycle, a Venturi effect generated by a hydraulic restriction in the main flow creates a vacuum that activates the self-cleaning mode. In this mode, a scraper comb pulls the retained fibers from the brush and directs them, via suction, to a removable collection cartridge, where they are stored. The complete operating sequence could be stated as follows: i) Initial capture in which the flow of fiber-laden water enters from the washing machine and passes through the brush, where the micro-beards retain most of the fibers; ii) Detachment and suction, where the comb removes the fibers from the brush and the Venturi creates a depression that draws them downwards; iii) Accumulation, the phase in which the fibers are carried to the collector where they are retained; iv) Secondary filtration, where the water passes through the micro-cyclone, where the fine particles are separated by centrifugal force; v) Final evacuation, the phase in which the clean water is discharged to the drain. More specifically, the device for cleaning textile microfibers in water comprises a housing with at least one inlet configured to be coupled to a washing machine's water drain pipe, a first outlet configured to be coupled to a drain, and an internal cavity for water passage between the inlet and the first outlet. It comprises a brush rotatably mounted in the internal cavity, the brush having a plurality of bristles on its surface. The internal cavity includes a scraper attached to the brush, the scraper having a plurality of prongs configured to interfere with the plurality of bristles on the brush. The housing includes a second outlet configured to generate a Venturi suction effect. Thus, the bristling brush effectively captures the microfibers by mechanical entanglement during water flow. The pronged scraper continuously cleans the brush, preventing saturation and maintaining a stable flow.The second Venturi effect outlet generates a suction or hydraulic depression that directs the detached fibers towards the collection zone without additional energy. Optionally, the inner cavity of the housing has a tubular shape, which promotes a stable water flow without excessive turbulence, thus improving uniform contact with the brush. It also reduces pressure loss and facilitates in-line installation by mimicking the typical geometry of drain pipes. Additionally, the rotary brush is a cylindrical drum, oriented parallel to the tubular inner cavity, which rotates slightly by hydraulic action. This configuration of the brush as a cylindrical drum parallel to the tubular cavity maximizes the contact surface with the flow and improves entanglement capture. It also ensures stable and centered rotation, reducing vibrations and maintaining uniform fiber separation during self-cleaning. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the barbs are arranged helically on the cylindrical surface of the drum, configured in this way to entangle textile microfibers present in the effluent water, thereby inducing a progressive drag of the microfibers along the drum, increasing contact time and capture efficiency. It also facilitates the orderly evacuation of the trapped material to the scraping and collection zone without causing blockages. Ideally, the barbs are arranged at an angle of 15-45° relative to the drum axis. This optimizes microfiber entanglement by providing an effective angle of attack against the flow, increasing capture without slowing the flow rate. At the same time, it facilitates the helical movement of the fibers towards the scraper, improving self-cleaning and preventing buildup. More specifically, the bristles have a height between 200 and 800 µm, providing sufficient flexibility to entangle fine microfibers without stiffening the brush or obstructing the flow. At the same time, it ensures adequate capture volume and effective interaction with the scraper to remove the retained material without damaging it. Additionally, the barbs have a density of 5-20 barbs / mm², thus offering an optimal balance between capture surface area and low hydraulic resistance, allowing fibers to be intercepted without causing blockages. This density also ensures effective interaction with the scraper to detach the debris without compacting it. It should be noted that the scraper tines are positioned tangentially to the brush at an angle of 10-20°, specifically tangentially to the cylindrical surface of the drum. This allows for efficient contact with the brush tines, ensuring the continuous removal of trapped fibers without slowing the drum's rotation or interrupting the flow. It also improves self-cleaning and maintains consistent capture efficiency. According to another aspect of the invention, the second outlet is connected to a collection cartridge for the textile microfibers, which allows the separated microfibers to be directed towards a safe deposit, preventing them from being poured down the drain and facilitating the extraction and disposal of the retained material without interrupting the operation of the device. Additionally, the collector cartridge includes a removable reservoir with a non-return valve, so that the accumulated microfibers can be removed easily and cleanly, preventing the contents from returning to the water flow and maintaining continuous capture efficiency without risk of contaminating the drain. In more detail, the non-return valve comprises a ball supported on a conical seat, which ensures a reliable airtight seal that prevents the backflow of microfibers into the flow, guaranteeing that the captured material remains in the cartridge and maintaining constant separation efficiency. Additionally, the collection cartridge includes an inspection window to show the amount of accumulated textile microfibers, providing a visual indicator of saturation and the microfibers accumulated in the removable collection cartridge or reservoir. This facilitates timely maintenance and prevents over-saturation that could reduce capture efficiency without needing to disassemble the device. Additionally, the first outlet is connected to a centrifugal separator, which allows finer particles to be removed from the water by centrifugal force, reducing the load on the brush and cartridge and improving the overall efficiency of microfiber separation. Optionally, the centrifugal separator is a micro-cyclone, or conical body in which the densest textile microfibers are thrown against the wall by centrifugal force. These particles fall to the lower tip of the cone, where they accumulate or are purged. This optimizes microfiber capture and reduces maintenance. It should be noted that the centrifugal separator is a mesh with a 100-300 µm opening, which acts as a pre-filter that retains relatively large particles, protecting the brush and cartridge from blockages and ensuring a more uniform flow to improve the capture of fine microfibers downstream. The accompanying drawings show, by way of non-limiting example, a microfiber textile cleaning device in water, constructed according to the invention. Other features and advantages of said microfiber textile cleaning device in water, the subject of the present invention, will become apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1- Overview of the textile microfiber cleaning device in water, according to the present invention; Figure 2- View of the assembly and mode of interaction of the housing with the brush and the scraper, according to the present invention; Figure 3- Detailed view of the drum and its arrangement of barbs, according to the present invention; Figure 4 - Detailed view of the housing and its arrangement, according to the present invention; Figure 5- View of the assembly and mode of interaction of the housing with the collector cartridge, according to the present invention; Figure 6 - Detailed view of the centrifugal separator and its arrangement, according to the present invention; DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In view of the aforementioned figures and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be observed, comprising the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below. Figure 1A shows an overview of the textile microfiber cleaning device (2) in water, with a washing machine (1) and its discharge pipe (11) leading to a drain (12). The cleaning device comprises a housing (3) with an inlet (31) and a first outlet (32) and a second outlet (33). Its internal cavity (4) contains a drum-shaped brush (51). Optionally, it can be connected to a centrifugal separator (8) that includes a micro-cyclone (81) and a mesh screen (82). Figure 2 shows a view of the assembly and interaction of the housing (3) with the brush (5) and the scraper (6). Specifically, the housing (3) has an inlet (31), a first outlet (32), and a second outlet (33), all opening from an internal cavity (4). This cavity houses a drum-shaped brush (51) with a shaft (51a) and a plurality of bristles (52). The scraper (6) has at least one prong (61) that interacts with these bristles (52). Water flows through the housing (3), causing the textile microfibers (2) to become entangled in the bristles (52). The scraper (6) then dislodges the microfibers, and the Venturi channel, with its narrowing and downward branch, creates a suction that directs them to the collection cartridge (7). Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the drum-shaped brush (5) (51) and its arrangement of barbs (52) on the surface (51b). The helical pattern of barbs (52) generates turbulence and efficient retention of textile microfibers (2) without creating obstruction. Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the housing (3) and its arrangement, with an inlet (31), a first outlet (32), and a second outlet (33), in relation to an internal cavity (4). The Venturi channel is clearly visible, with a horizontal tube that narrows in the center, with a downward branch where the vacuum is created. A non-return valve, with a ball, prevents backflow into the internal cavity (4). Figure 5 shows a view of the assembly and interaction of the housing (3) with the collector cartridge (7), where the housing (3) has an inlet (31), a first outlet (32), and a second outlet (33) with respect to an internal cavity (4), which houses the drum-shaped brush (51), which has a shaft (51a) to interact with the scraper (6) as it rotates. The second outlet (33) leads to the collector cartridge (7), which has a removable reservoir (71), a non-return valve (72) with a ball (72a) on a conical seat (72b), and an inspection window (73). Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the centrifugal separator (8) and its continuous arrangement within the casing (3) and its first outlet (32), for additional filtration, as an optional second stage, of the textile microfibers (2). It optionally includes a micro-cyclone (81) and a screen (82), designed to remove the smallest textile microfibers (2) or debris not drawn in by the Venturi suction effect. In a preferred embodiment, the housing (3) is made of fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene, with universal connections of Ø 21–25 mm. The brush (5) is made of hydrophobic TPU with a hardness of 90 ShA, a diameter of 90 mm, and a length of 180 mm. The bristles (52) have a height of 400 µm, a density of 10 bristles / mm², and an angle of 30°. The Venturi channel in the second outlet (33) has a constriction of Ø 2.2 mm and generates an average vacuum of 20 kPa. The collection cartridge (7) has a usable volume of 120 ml and is emptied every thirty washes. Laboratory tests show an 87% reduction in the concentration of textile microfibers (2) (> 5 µm), with a pressure drop of less than 4 kPa. More particularly, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the microfiber textile cleaning device (2) in water comprises a housing (3) with at least one inlet (31) configured to be coupled to a water evacuation conduit (11) of a washing machine (1), a first outlet (32) configured to be coupled to a drain (12), and an inner cavity (4) for the passage of water between the inlet (31) and the first outlet (32), and a brush (5) rotatably locked in the inner cavity (4), wherein the brush (5) comprises on its surface (51b) a plurality of barbs (52), wherein the inner cavity (4) comprises a scraper (6) attached to the brush (5), wherein the scraper (6) comprises a plurality of prongs (61) configured to interfere with the plurality of barbs (52) of the brush (5), wherein the housing (3) comprises a second outlet (33) configured to generate a Venturi suction effect.Optionally, the second outlet (33) has a diameter of 1.8-2.4 mm, and is configured to produce a depression of 10-35 kPa at a flow rate of 6-10 L / min. Additionally, as can be seen in figures 2 and 4, the inner cavity (4) of the housing (3) has a tubular shape. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the rotating brush (5) is a drum (51) with a cylindrical surface (51b), oriented parallel to the tubular inner cavity (4). Optionally, the material of the rotating brush (5) is a hydrophobic or triboelectrically active polymer, selected from PP, PE, TPU, or TPE. It should be noted that, as can be seen in Figure 3, the barbs (52) are arranged helically on the cylindrical surface (51b) of the drum (51). In more detail, as can be seen in figures 2 and 4, the barbs (52) are arranged at an angle of inclination of 15-45° with respect to the axis (51a) of the drum (51), and their material is a flexible TPU or PP polymer. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the barbs (52) have a height between 200 and 800 µm, and a density of 5-20 barbs (52) / mm². More specifically, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 4, the prongs (61) of the scraper (6) are located tangentially to the brush (5) at an angle of 10-20°, the scraper (6) being made of PEEK or POM. Optionally, as shown in Figure 5, the second outlet (33) is connected to a collection cartridge (7) for the textile microfibers (2). Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 7, the collector cartridge (7) comprises a removable reservoir (71) with a non-return valve (72), and has a usable volume between 80-150 ml. It should be noted that, as can be seen in Figure 7, the non-return valve (72) comprises a ball (72a) supported on a conical seat (72b). Additionally, as shown in Figure 7, the collector cartridge (7) comprises an inspection window (73) for the amount of accumulated textile microfibers (2). According to another embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 8, the first outlet (32) is connected to a centrifugal separator (8). Optionally, as shown in Figure 8, the centrifugal separator (8) is a microcyclone (81). Alternatively, as shown in Figures 1 and 8, the centrifugal separator (8) is a mesh (82) with a passage size of 100-300 µm. The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the components used in the textile microfiber cleaning device (2) in water, may be conveniently replaced by others that are technically equivalent, and do not depart from the essence of the invention or the scope defined by the claims included below the following list. List of numerical references: 1 washing machine 11 evacuation duct 12 drain 2 textile microfibers 3 casing 31st entry 32 first exit 33 second exit 4 inner cavity 5 brush 51 drum 51st axis 51b surface 52 beard 6 scratchers 61 barb 7 collector cartridge 71 removable tank 72 non-return valve 72nd ball 72b conical seat 73 inspection window 8 centrifugal separator 81 micro-cyclone 82 mesh

Claims

1. A device for cleaning textile microfibers (2) in water, comprising a housing (3) with at least one inlet (31) configured to be coupled to a water evacuation conduit (11) of a washing machine (1), a first outlet (32) configured to be coupled to a drain (12), and an inner cavity (4) for the passage of water between the inlet (31) and the first outlet (32), characterized in that it comprises a brush (5) rotatably locked in the inner cavity (4), wherein the brush (5) comprises on its surface (51b) a plurality of barbs (52), wherein the inner cavity (4) comprises a scraper (6) attached to the brush (5), wherein the scraper (6) comprises a plurality of prongs (61) configured to interfere with the plurality of barbs (52) of the brush (5), wherein the housing (3) comprises a second outlet (33) configured to generate a Venturi suction effect. 2.A microfiber cleaning device (2) for use in water, according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner cavity (4) of the housing (3) has a tubular shape.

3. A microfiber cleaning device (2) for use in water, according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotating brush (5) is a drum (51) with a cylindrical surface (51b), oriented parallel to the tubular inner cavity (4).

4. A microfiber cleaning device (2) for use in water, according to claim 3, characterized in that the barbs (52) are helically arranged on the cylindrical surface (51b) of the drum (51).

5. A microfiber cleaning device (2) for use in water, according to any of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the barbs (52) are arranged at an angle of inclination of 15-45° with respect to the axis (51a) of the drum (51). 6.A cleaning device for textile microfibers (2) in water, according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the barbs (52) have a height between 200 and 800 μm.

7. A cleaning device for textile microfibers (2) in water, according to any of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the barbs (52) have a density of 5-20 barbs (52) / mm2.

8. A cleaning device for textile microfibers (2) in water, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prongs (61) of the scraper (6) are positioned tangentially to the brush (5) at an angle of 10-20°.

9. A cleaning device for textile microfibers (2) in water, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second outlet (33) is connected to a collection cartridge (7) for the textile microfibers (2). 10.A device for cleaning textile microfibers (2) in water, according to claim 9, characterized in that the collection cartridge (7) comprises a removable reservoir (71) with a non-return valve (72).

11. A device for cleaning textile microfibers (2) in water, according to claim 10, characterized in that the non-return valve (72) comprises a ball (72a) supported on a conical seat (72b).

12. A device for cleaning textile microfibers (2) in water, according to any of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the collection cartridge (7) comprises an inspection window (73) for the amount of accumulated textile microfibers (2).

13. A device for cleaning textile microfibers (2) in water, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first outlet (32) is connected to a centrifugal separator (8). 14.A textile microfiber cleaning device (2) in water, according to claim 13, characterized in that the centrifugal separator (8) is a micro-cyclone (81).

15. A textile microfiber cleaning device (2) in water, according to claim 13, characterized in that the centrifugal separator (8) is a mesh (82) with a pitch of 100-300 μm.