Parts washing system

Abstract

Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom support grid, and filler are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed. The biological component within the cleaning fluid includes nonpathogenic microorganisms that break down the organic waste. The cleaning fluid is not toxic to the microorganisms. The pump and conduit assembly, in addition to aiding in the removal of organic waste, functions to aerate the cleaning fluid to maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms. A heater, thermostat, and level control assembly function to maintain:the cleaning fluid within a certain temperature range so as to aid in the removal of organic waste and maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of cleaning and more particularly to the field of parts washers. [0002] Parts washers are well known and are often employed in the cleaning of parts that are contaminated with organic waste products such as, for example and not limitation, hydrocarbons, oils, and greases. For background and understanding, the type of parts normally being discussed as washed in a parts washer are, for example, automotive parts such as valves, pistons; transmission parts, covers, and so forth. Most conventional parts washers include a basin mounted to the top of a tank. The tank is partially filled with a mineral spirits solvent that is pumped from the tank through a conduit that discharges into the basin where the parts are washed. The mineral spirits solvent drains from the basin back to the tank for reuse. A filter is sometimes interposed in the solvent flowpath to collect organic waste products and particulates...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to decrease the production of hazardous waste materials.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a parts washer that does not require frequent fluid replacement.

[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a parts washer will a readily accessible and replaceable filter.

[0018] Still another object of the present invention is to greatly reduce (or eliminate) the need for disposal of organic waste washed from parts.

[0020] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system that does not have a toxic-effect on users.

[0021] Still another object of the present invention, is to provide a parts washing system that does not employ a volatile and flammable cleaning fluid; whereby, contrary to that which is required for most, if not all, conventional parts washers, an automatically closing lid is not required on the parts washer of the present invention to isolate the cleaning fluid in the case of a shop fire.

Problems solved by technology

While mineral spirits are an effective cleaning solvent, there are many drawbacks to the employment of parts washers that utilize mineral spirits.

Further, mineral spirits that are not properly contained can have a negative impact on the environment, and it is not uncommon for workers to have dermatitis and respiratory problems exacerbated by unprotected use of mineral spirits.

Additionally, many users of mineral spirits find it necessary to dispose of used mineral spirits by having a waste disposal company pick up the used mineral spirits so that the used mineral spirits can be disposed of in compliance with the various governmental guidelines and regulations; such disposal can be expensive.

Thus, the filters eventually become saturated with the organic waste products and particulates and therefore need to be replaced.

The filters are often difficult to access and replace.

Furthermore, the filters, once they have absorbed the organic waste products, are often considered a hazardous material and are therefore difficult to dispose of.

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