Water metering and dosing device with self-cleaning and quick switching function

Abstract

This utility model discloses a water metering and dispensing device with self-rinsing and rapid switching functions, including multiple storage tanks, a rinsing agent tank, a multi-channel integrated valve, a flow sensor, a dispensing tank, and a PLC electrical control system. This utility model can achieve high-precision and high-efficiency water medium metering and dispensing, and can achieve rapid switching between different formulas or batches. It abandons the traditional method of multiple independent valves connected in series and parallel, and adopts a rotary multi-channel integrated valve as the core switching unit. Its valve core is equipped with a lifting-rotating sealing mechanism, so that during switching, a seal is formed by lifting the valve core, and then rotating it. This allows for switching of any raw material without passing through adjacent channels. This mechanism can be used to switch products with different formulas / ratios that require a specific order of addition. It has an automatic cleaning function; during cleaning, the valve internal channels and main pipeline are cleaned first, and then the dispensing tank is cleaned, preventing cross-contamination and reducing downtime.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a dispensing device, and more particularly to a water metering and dispensing device with self-rinsing and rapid switching functions. Background Technology

[0002] In industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals, the metering and batching of multiple raw materials in aqueous or liquid media is a critical process. Traditional batching devices typically consist of multiple independent storage tanks, metering pumps, solenoid valves, and pipelines. Each raw material is pumped sequentially into the batching tank through its dedicated pipeline and valves via a shared main pipe.

[0003] Traditional series or parallel valve assembly structures require the system to switch multiple independent valves in a specific sequence when switching between different formulations or batches. This series of sequential actions is time-consuming, severely limiting production efficiency and equipment utilization, and failing to meet the demands of modern continuous and efficient production. To prevent cross-contamination, the entire piping system must be thoroughly cleaned after each batch is completed or formulation is changed. Traditional methods typically require disassembling the piping or extensive manual operations and solvent rinsing. This process is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also requires prolonged downtime, resulting in waste of water and chemical cleaning agents and significantly increasing operating costs.

[0004] Furthermore, traditional valve control logic struggles to achieve arbitrary and rapid switching of raw material addition order. For example, if it is necessary to switch from raw material in channel one to a non-adjacent channel four, the valve assembly must pass through the intermediate channels in sequence, which to some extent limits the flexibility of complex formulation production and the realization of optimal process flow. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a water metering and dispensing device with self-rinsing and rapid switching functions, which can achieve rapid and accurate switching, no cross-contamination, and has a high degree of automated cleaning capability, thus overcoming many bottlenecks of the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A water metering and dispensing device with self-rinsing and rapid switching functions includes multiple storage tanks, a flushing agent tank, a multi-channel integrated valve, a flow sensor, a dispensing tank, and a PLC electrical control system. The storage tanks and flushing agent tanks are connected to the inlet of the multi-channel integrated valve via delivery pipes. A flow sensor is installed at the outlet of the multi-channel integrated valve and connected to the top of the dispensing tank via a main pipeline. Metering pumps are installed at the outlets of the storage tanks, and a pressure pump and a pulse valve are sequentially installed at the outlet of the flushing agent tank. A flushing bypass is branched off from the outlet of the pulse valve via an electromagnetic three-way reversing valve and connected to the flushing system inlet of the dispensing tank. The valve core of the multi-channel integrated valve is equipped with a lifting-rotating sealing mechanism, which allows the valve core to be lifted to form a seal during switching, and then rotated to switch the valve core to a non-adjacent channel. The PLC electrical control system is used to adjust and control the various electrical components.

[0008] Furthermore, the multi-channel integrated valve includes a valve body with a vertically oriented valve cavity inside. A valve core is installed inside the valve cavity, and the circumferential surface of the valve core is sealed to the valve cavity. The top of the valve cavity is higher than the valve core, and the bottom of the valve core is connected to a lifting mechanism via a bearing, allowing the valve core to slide within the valve cavity. A polygonal slot is formed at the top of the valve core, and a rotating mechanism is installed at the top of the valve body. The rotating shaft of the rotating mechanism is machined into a polygon and inserted into the polygonal slot, with a reserved sliding space within the polygonal slot. A flow channel is formed on the lower circumferential wall of the valve core, connecting to several water outlet holes on the upper circumferential wall. Several liquid inlet channels are provided at the same angle as the inlet height of the flow channel of the valve core, connecting to the circumferential wall of the valve body. The liquid inlet channels are connected to the outside of the liquid inlet connectors. An annular groove is formed around the water outlet hole of the valve core in the valve cavity. The annular groove communicates with the drain channel, and the drain channel is connected to the outside of the drain connector.

[0009] Furthermore, the flow sensor is an electromagnetic flow meter or a mass flow meter, used to provide feedback data to the PLC electronic control system and fine-tune the metering pump.

[0010] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism uses a servo motor or stepper motor, and the rotation angle is controlled by a PLC control system according to the recipe. The lifting mechanism uses a pneumatic or electric actuator, and the lifting and resetting are controlled by a PLC control system before and after each valve core switching.

[0011] Furthermore, there are multiple flushing agent tanks, each containing different cleaning media, which are connected to the inlet of the pressure pump via a multi-way solenoid valve.

[0012] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0013] This invention enables high-precision and high-efficiency water medium metering and dispensing, and allows for rapid switching between different formulations or batches. It abandons the traditional method of multiple independent valves connected in series and parallel, employing a single rotary multi-channel integrated valve as the core switching unit. The valve core is equipped with a lifting-rotating sealing mechanism, which allows for sealing by lifting the valve core during switching, followed by rotation to switch the valve core to a non-adjacent channel. This eliminates the need to pass through adjacent channels, enabling switching of any raw material. This mechanism can be used to switch products with different formulations / ratios that require a specific order of addition. Furthermore, it features an automatic cleaning function, cleaning the valve channels and main pipelines first, followed by cleaning the dispensing tank, preventing cross-contamination and reducing downtime. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a multi-channel integrated valve;

[0016] Figure 3 Cross-section of a multi-channel integrated valve Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 4 Cross-section of a multi-channel integrated valve Figure 2 .

[0018] In the diagram: 1-Mixing tank, 11-Main pipeline, 12-Flush bypass, 2-Multi-channel integrated valve, 21-Valve body, 22-Valve cavity, 221-Annular groove, 23-Valve core, 231-Flow channel, 232-Outlet hole, 233-Polygonal slot, 24-Bearing, 25-Lifting mechanism, 26-Inlet channel, 261-Inlet connector, 27-Drain channel, 271-Drain connector, 28-Rotating mechanism, 3-Storage tank, 4-Metering pump, 5-Flushing agent tank, 6-Multi-way solenoid valve, 7-Pressure pump, 8-Pulse valve, 9-Solenoid three-way directional valve. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these descriptions are for the purpose of aiding understanding of this utility model, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0020] like Figure 1-4 As shown:

[0021] A water metering and dispensing device with self-rinsing and rapid switching functions includes multiple storage tanks 3, a flushing agent tank 5, a multi-channel integrated valve 2, a flow sensor, a dispensing tank 1, and a PLC electrical control system. The storage tanks 3 and flushing agent tank 5 are connected to the inlet connector 261 of the multi-channel integrated valve 2 via delivery pipes. A flow sensor is installed on the outlet connector 271 of the multi-channel integrated valve 2 and connected to the top of the dispensing tank 1 via a main pipeline 11. Metering pumps 4 are installed at the outlets of the storage tanks 3. A pressure pump 7 and a pulse valve 8 are sequentially installed at the outlet of the flushing agent tank 5. A flushing bypass 12 is branched off from the outlet side of the pulse valve 8 via an electromagnetic three-way reversing valve 9 and connected to the flushing system inlet of the dispensing tank 1. The PLC electrical control system is used to adjust and control the various electrical components.

[0022] The advantages of this invention are that it can achieve high-precision and high-efficiency water medium metering and dispensing, and can quickly switch between different formulas or batches. It also has an automatic cleaning function to prevent cross-contamination and reduce downtime.

[0023] Instead of the traditional method of connecting multiple independent valves in series and parallel, a single rotary multi-channel integrated valve 2 is used as the core switching unit. One common outlet of this valve is connected to a flow sensor, while multiple inlets are connected to different raw material liquids and rinsing water. Multiple formulas can be pre-stored in the control system. When the operator selects the next formula on the PLC, the system calculates and pre-positions the switching valve, adjusting the output of the metering pump 4. The valve core 23 of the multi-channel integrated valve 2 in this invention is equipped with a lifting-rotating sealing mechanism. During switching, a seal is formed by lifting the valve core 23, and then it is rotated to switch the valve core 23 to a non-adjacent channel. This allows for switching of any raw material without passing through adjacent channels. This mechanism can be used to switch products with different formulas / ratios that require a specific order of addition.

[0024] As a specific embodiment, the multi-channel integrated valve 2 includes a valve body 21, with a valve cavity 22 vertically formed within the valve body 21. A valve core 23 is installed within the valve cavity 22. The valve core 23 is a rotatable plunger, the core of which is a precision-ground cylinder. The valve cavity 22 is also precision-machined to ensure a sealing fit between the circumferential surface of the valve core 23 and the valve cavity 22. The top height of the valve cavity 22 is greater than that of the valve core 23. The bottom of the valve core 23 is connected to a lifting mechanism 25 via a bearing 24, allowing the valve core 23 to slide within the valve cavity 22. A polygonal slot 233 is formed at the top of the valve core 23. A rotating mechanism 28 is installed at the top of the valve body 21. The rotating shaft of the valve core 23 is machined into a polygon and inserted into a polygonal slot 233, with a reserved sliding space in the polygonal slot 233; a flow channel 231 is opened on the lower peripheral wall of the valve core 23 and connected to several water outlet holes 232 on the upper peripheral wall; several liquid inlet channels 26 are set at the same angle as the inlet height of the flow channel 231 of the valve core 23 and connected to the peripheral wall of the valve body 21; the liquid inlet channel 26 is externally connected to the liquid inlet connector 261; an annular groove 221 is opened on the periphery of the water outlet hole 232 of the valve core 23, the annular groove 221 is connected to the drain channel 27, and the drain channel 27 is externally connected to the drain connector 271.

[0025] In actual operation, when it is necessary to switch to another raw material, the metering pump 4 of the previous raw material stops. Before the valve core 23 is switched, the PLC control system (pneumatic or electric actuator) lifts the valve core 23, sealing the inlet of the flow channel 231 of the valve core 23. Then, the PLC control system controls the rotation angle of the rotating mechanism 28 (servo motor or stepper motor) according to the formula, driving the valve core 23 to rotate to the liquid inlet channel 26 of the corresponding raw material. After the valve core 23 is switched, the lifting mechanism 25 resets the valve core 23. The valve core 23 is lowered until the height of the liquid inlet channel 26 is aligned. Then the corresponding metering pump 4 starts. During the process, the flow sensor provides feedback data to the PLC control system to fine-tune the metering pump 4 to ensure accurate metering. The flow sensor can be an electromagnetic flow meter or a mass flow meter.

[0026] When a batch of products is completed, it enters the cleaning process. During cleaning, the multi-channel integrated valve 2 rotates to the flushing agent tank 5 to flush the valve core 23 of the multi-channel integrated valve 2, as well as the internal channels and main pipeline 11. Then, the electromagnetic three-way reversing valve 9 switches to connect to the flushing bypass 12 to supply water to the flushing system of the mixing tank 1. The internal flushing system of the mixing tank 1 adopts existing technology, such as three-dimensional high-speed rotating spray ball, which is not within the scope of improvement of this utility model.

[0027] Considering the complex raw materials or properties, there are multiple rinse tanks 5 to hold different cleaning media. They are connected to the inlet of the pressure pump 7 via a multi-way solenoid valve 6. The following are the reference cleaning steps.

[0028] Step 1: Pre-rinse with clean water

[0029] Objective: To quickly and efficiently flush away most of the residual water-soluble materials in the tank.

[0030] Step 2: Hot alkaline solution circulation cleaning

[0031] Objective: Alkaline solutions effectively decompose organic residues such as proteins and fats, and also disinfect the environment. Circulating cleaning ensures full utilization of the chemicals and sufficient reaction time.

[0032] Step 3: Intermediate Rinse

[0033] Action: Switch back to clean water to thoroughly flush out the alkaline solution in the tank and main pipe 11 until the pH of the discharged water is neutral. This stage is the discharge mode, and the wastewater is discharged.

[0034] Step 4: Hot acid solution circulation cleaning (as needed)

[0035] Purpose: To dissolve mineral deposits (such as scale, stalactites, etc.).

[0036] Step 5: Final Rinse

[0037] The cleaning procedure is consistent: first, the multi-channel integrated valve 2 and the main pipeline 11 are cleaned, then the inside of the mixing tank 1 is cleaned, and different flushing agent tanks 5 are switched through the multi-way solenoid valve 6.

[0038] The embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this utility model is not limited to the described embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this utility model, and these variations still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water metering dispensing device with self-rinse and quick switch functions, characterized in that: The system includes multiple storage tanks, a flushing agent tank, a multi-channel integrated valve, a flow sensor, a mixing tank, and a PLC electrical control system. The storage tanks and flushing agent tanks are connected to the inlet of the multi-channel integrated valve via delivery pipes. A flow sensor is installed on the outlet of the multi-channel integrated valve and connected to the top of the mixing tank via a main pipeline. Metering pumps are installed at the outlets of the storage tanks, and a pressure pump and a pulse valve are sequentially installed at the outlet of the flushing agent tank. A flushing bypass is branched off from the outlet of the pulse valve via an electromagnetic three-way reversing valve and connected to the flushing system inlet of the mixing tank. The valve core of the multi-channel integrated valve is equipped with a lifting-rotating sealing mechanism, which allows the valve core to be lifted to form a seal during switching, and then rotated to switch the valve core to a non-adjacent channel. The PLC electrical control system is used to adjust and control various electrical components.

2. Water metering dosing device with self-rinse and quick changeover function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-channel integrated valve includes a valve body with a vertically formed valve cavity inside. A valve core is installed inside the valve cavity, and the circumference of the valve core is sealed to the valve cavity. The top of the valve cavity is higher than the valve core. The bottom of the valve core is connected to a lifting mechanism via a bearing, allowing the valve core to slide within the valve cavity. A polygonal slot is formed at the top of the valve core. A rotating mechanism is installed at the top of the valve body, and the rotating shaft of the rotating mechanism is machined into a polygonal shape and inserted into the polygonal slot, with a reserved sliding space inside the polygonal slot. A flow channel is formed on the lower circumferential wall of the valve core, connecting to several water outlets on the upper circumferential wall. Several liquid inlet channels are provided at the same angle as the inlet height of the flow channel of the valve core, connecting to the circumferential wall of the valve body. The liquid inlet channels are connected to the outside of the liquid inlet connectors. An annular groove is formed around the water outlet of the valve core in the valve cavity. The annular groove communicates with the drain channel, and the drain channel is connected to the outside of the drain connector.

3. The water metering and dispensing device with self-rinsing and rapid switching functions according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow sensor is an electromagnetic flow meter or a mass flow meter, used to provide data feedback to the PLC electronic control system and fine-tune the metering pump.

4. Water metering dosing device with self-rinse and quick switch function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism uses a servo motor or a stepper motor, and the rotation angle is controlled by a PLC control system according to the recipe. The lifting mechanism uses a pneumatic or electric actuator, and the lifting and resetting are controlled by a PLC control system before and after each valve core switching.

5. Water metering dosing device with self-rinse and quick changeover function according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The flushing agent tanks are multiple, each containing different cleaning media, and are connected to the inlet of the pressure pump via a multi-way solenoid valve.

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