Cleaning device for a container, in particular a bulk container

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (10) for a container (120), in particular a bulk material container, with a feed pipe (20) having a feed pipe longitudinal axis (ZA), a first end (21) and a second end (22) as well as a wall (23) through which a cleaning medium can be guided, wherein at least two distributor pipes (30) are arranged on the feed pipe (20), each having a distributor pipe longitudinal axis (VA), a first end (31) and a second end (32) as well as a distributor pipe length (VL) with its first end (31), wherein an outlet nozzle (37) is arranged at the second end (32) of each distributor pipe (30) and wherein each distributor pipe (30) is arranged to be movable relative to the feed pipe (20) between a folded-in position and an unfolded position by means of an adjustment mechanism (40).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device for a container, in particular a bulk material container.

[0002] Containers for storing and transporting liquid or free-flowing materials are well-known and typically feature an inlet opening in the top. Bulk containers are regularly designed with an integrated discharge funnel, at the tapered end of which is an outlet with a discharge opening. The discharge funnel is usually oriented vertically downwards, allowing bulk material to flow out of the container through the discharge opening when it is open.

[0003] Basically, the problem of cleaning containers or bulk material containers arises when material has become stuck to the inner wall of the container.

[0004] It is known that a rotating nozzle on a rod is inserted through the inlet opening. A cleaning agent can then be sprayed onto the inner wall of the container through the nozzle. However, a problem arises: depending on the container's shape, the inner wall cannot be cleaned evenly across its entire surface. In particular, while the side walls of a circular cylindrical container can be cleaned with a uniform application of the cleaning agent, the bottom or lid walls are difficult to access. With rectangular containers, the problem is that the corners are not reliably cleaned due to the greater distance to the rotating nozzle.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a cleaning device with which improved cleaning of the inner wall of a container can be enabled.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a cleaning device for containers with the features of claim 1.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] The cleaning device according to the invention for a container, in particular a bulk material container, comprises a feed pipe having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end through which a cleaning medium can be guided. At least two distributor pipes, each having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end, and a length, are arranged on the feed pipe, each with its first end. An outlet nozzle is arranged at the second end of each distributor pipe, and each distributor pipe is movable relative to the feed pipe between a folded-in position and an unfolded position by means of an adjustment mechanism. The movement of the distributor pipes between the folded-in and unfolded positions makes it possible to insert the cleaning device into the container with the distributor pipes folded in and to unfold the distributor pipes only inside the container.The cleaning medium is conveyed through the feed pipe and subsequent distribution pipes to the outlet nozzles, through which it emerges and can be sprayed at the appropriate speed and / or pressure. In the extended position, the outlet nozzles located at the ends of the distribution pipes can be positioned closer to the inner wall of the container, thus improving the cleaning effect. The use of at least two, preferably more, distribution pipes allows the cleaning medium to be sprayed in different directions.

[0009] Preferably, in the folded position, the distributor pipe is arranged essentially in contact with the wall of the feed pipe. This allows for the smallest possible outer diameter of the cleaning device, so that the cleaning device can be easily inserted through an inlet opening into the interior of the container.

[0010] Preferably, in the extended position, the longitudinal axis of the distributor pipe is arranged at an angle between 10° and 180° to the longitudinal axis of the feed pipe. This allows, on the one hand, the outlet nozzle of the distributor pipe to be positioned at a desired distance from the inner wall of the container. On the other hand, angles between 10° and 30° enable cleaning of the inside of the container's top surface, and angles between 150° and 180° enable cleaning of the container's bottom wall, in particular also the cleaning of an outlet funnel located in the container's bottom wall.

[0011] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, several distribution pipes, preferably four to forty distribution pipes, more preferably eight to forty distribution pipes, more preferably sixteen to forty distribution pipes, for example twenty-four distribution pipes, are arranged on the feed pipe. Such a number of distribution pipes enables thorough cleaning over the entire inner circumference of the container, in particular without requiring rotation of the cleaning device about the longitudinal axis of the feed pipe.

[0012] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the distributor pipe lengths of at least two of the distributor pipes are different. This makes it possible to position the outlet nozzles at substantially the same distance from the inner wall, even if the container has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. For example, if a container with a square or rectangular cross-section is to be cleaned, the distributor pipes oriented towards the longitudinal edges of the container can be longer than the distributor pipes oriented perpendicular to the side surfaces of the container. In particular, by appropriately selecting the distributor pipe lengths, it can be achieved that, in the extended position of the distributor pipes, the outlet nozzles of the distributor pipes are arranged on the circumference of an imaginary square or rectangle.This makes it possible to position the outlet nozzles of the distribution pipes at essentially the same distance from the inner wall of the container, so that even a container with a non-circular cross-section can be cleaned evenly over the entire inner wall.

[0013] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism is designed in the manner of an umbrella frame, which allows for a structurally simple design.

[0014] Advantageously, the adjustment mechanism comprises a slide arranged to be longitudinally displaceable on the feed pipe, to which a first end of a strut is pivotally attached, with a second end of the strut being displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the distributor pipe. Such a design allows for the simple pivoting of the distributor pipes. In particular, it makes it possible to arrange the struts of all distributor pipes on a single slide, which, for example, is arranged around the feed pipe, thus enabling all distributor pipes to be moved simultaneously in a simple manner.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet nozzle is arranged to be movable relative to the distributor pipe. This makes it possible, in particular, to align the outlet nozzle as effectively as possible, for example, as perpendicularly as possible, with the wall to be cleaned, even at different angles of the distributor pipe relative to the wall being cleaned, in order to further improve the cleaning effect. The movement of the outlet nozzle can, for example, be controlled electromechanically and, in particular, by a control unit of the cleaning device.

[0016] The cleaning medium is preferably a gas, particularly air, or a liquid, particularly water. The appropriate cleaning medium can be selected depending on the material to be cleaned, and of course, suitable cleaning additives are also conceivable, especially when using water as the cleaning medium. It is also conceivable that a first cleaning medium could be used in a first cleaning step and a second cleaning medium in a second cleaning step.

[0017] Advantageously, the cleaning device includes a temperature control unit for maintaining the temperature of the cleaning medium, thus enabling cleaning with hot cleaning media, particularly hot water. It is also conceivable, for example, that a first cleaning step could involve cleaning with hot or cold water, followed by a second cleaning step involving drying with hot air.

[0018] Preferably, the cleaning medium is dispensed in pulses through the outlet nozzles of the distribution pipes. This allows for a higher force to be achieved when the cleaning medium impacts the container wall, thus increasing the cleaning effect. At the same time, the consumption of cleaning medium can be reduced.

[0019] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that each distribution pipe has a valve, which is in particular electromechanically controllable. The distribution pipe can be opened or closed by means of the valve, thus enabling or preventing the supply of cleaning medium, and thereby allowing, in particular with appropriate opening and closing times, a pulsed delivery of cleaning medium.

[0020] Preferably, the cleaning device comprises a control unit by which the valves can be actuated such that at any given time some of the valves are open and others are closed, in particular by alternating between opening and closing the valves. If only some of the valves, for example four out of twenty-four or eight out of forty, are open at any one time, while the remaining valves are closed, the cleaning medium can exit the few open distribution pipes at a higher pressure or velocity than if all valves were open simultaneously. The alternating opening of the valves, however, allows for cleaning over the entire circumference of the container. Suppose the cleaning device comprises twenty-four distribution pipes, numbered 1 to 24, each with a valve.A control system such that, for example, in a first period the distribution pipes with the numbers 1, 7, 13 and 19 are open and all other distribution pipes are closed, in a subsequent second period the distribution pipes with the numbers 2, 8, 14 and 20 are open and all other distribution pipes are closed, in a subsequent third period the distribution pipes with the numbers 3, 9, 15 and 21 are open and all other distribution pipes are closed, and so on, can enable a kind of continuous pulsed cleaning with a high cleaning effect.

[0021] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the cleaning device has a housing and that the feed pipe with the distribution pipes arranged thereon is slidably arranged relative to the housing. The housing can, for example, be placed on the container and attached to it, thereby enabling a defined positioning of the feed pipe and the distribution pipes after they have been inserted into the interior of the container.

[0022] In order to be able to clean the cleaning device after the container has been cleaned, the cleaning device can have at least one, for example two, cleaning nozzles.

[0023] A cleaning station according to the invention comprises a container mounted on a frame, having an inlet opening and an integrated outlet funnel, at the tapered end of which an outlet with a discharge opening is arranged, and includes a cleaning device according to the invention which can be arranged at the inlet opening. This allows for a defined positioning of the feed pipe and the distribution pipes after they have been inserted into the interior of the container.

[0024] Preferably, the frame is equipped with at least one mechanism for generating vibrations of the frame and / or at least one mechanism for generating impacts on the frame and / or the container. Such mechanisms can further improve the removal of contaminants from the inner wall of the container.

[0025] Advantageously, during a cleaning process, a suction device is arranged at the open outlet opening, which can improve the removal of the cleaning medium and the removed contaminants.

[0026] An embodiment of the invention is explained in detail with reference to the following figures. They show Fig. 1 a side view of an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention with several distribution pipes for containers, which is arranged on a container that is partially shown in section, wherein the distribution pipes are arranged in a folded position, Fig. 2 a detail enlargement from Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 the representation according to Fig. 2 , wherein the distribution pipes are arranged in an unfolded position, Fig. 4 a view from below of the cleaning device according to Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 the representation according to Fig. 4, in which the outlet cones of a cleaning medium are schematically depicted, Fig. 6 a detail enlargement from Fig. 1 , wherein the cleaning device is further retracted into the container and the distribution pipes are arranged in a further unfolded position, Fig. 7 a perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning station with a container and a cleaning device according to Fig. 1 , wherein the cleaning device is arranged above the container, and with a frame and a suction device, Fig. 8 a side view of the cleaning station according to Fig. 7 , Fig. 9 a front view of the cleaning station according to Fig. 7 , with the cleaning device mounted on the container.

[0027] The Figures 1 to 9 show various views of an embodiment of a cleaning device 10 according to the invention for cleaning the interior of a container 100, wherein in the Figures 7 to 9 Additionally, a cleaning station 100 with the container 120, a frame 140 and a suction device 160 is shown, and in the Figures 1 to 6 Additionally, container 120 is shown.

[0028] The container 120 can have at least one receptacle 121 with a side wall 121a, a lid wall 121b and a bottom wall 121c, wherein an inlet opening 123 is arranged in the lid wall 121b. If the container 120 is designed as a bulk material container, an outlet funnel 124 with an outlet opening 125 can be arranged in the bottom wall 121c.

[0029] The cleaning device 10 comprises a feed pipe 20, having a longitudinal axis ZA, a first end 21, a second end 22, and a wall 23. The feed pipe 20 can, for example, be made of metal. At least two distribution pipes 30, each having a longitudinal axis VA, a first end 31, a second end 32, and a distribution pipe length VL, are arranged on the feed pipe 20, each with its first end 31. The distribution pipes 30 are arranged, in particular, near the second end 22 of the feed pipe 20, for example, in two circumferential rows. The distribution pipes 30 are, in particular, sealed at their first end 31, but are movably arranged on the feed pipe 20.Several distribution pipes 30, preferably four to forty, more preferably eight to forty, and more preferably sixteen to forty, can be arranged on the feed pipe 20, particularly distributed evenly around the circumference of the feed pipe 20. In the present embodiment, twenty-four distribution pipes 30 are arranged on the feed pipe 20. Fig. 5 The individual distribution pipes 30 are identifiable by their consecutive numbering: 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, ... 30-24, in order to differentiate between individual distribution pipes 30 in the following text. For the sake of clarity, when all distribution pipes 30 are referred to generally below, only the reference number 30 will be used.

[0030] An outlet nozzle 37 is arranged at the second end 32 of each distribution pipe 30. This can be rigidly arranged relative to the distribution pipe 30 or alternatively movably arranged relative to the distribution pipe 30.

[0031] A cleaning medium can be conveyed through the cleaning device 10, in particular through the feed pipe 10 and the subsequent distribution pipes, and exits, in particular, through the outlet nozzles 37. Depending on the pressure and velocity, the cleaning medium can impact the inner wall of the container 120 with considerable force to clean it. The cleaning medium exits the outlet nozzle 37, in particular, in an outlet cone 38. A gas, in particular air, or a liquid, in particular water, can be used as the cleaning medium. When using air, compressed air is particularly preferred. A storage container with cleaning medium and the corresponding device for conveying the cleaning medium through the cleaning device 10 can be connected to the first end of the feed pipe 20.The cleaning device 10 can include a temperature control device for temperature-controlling the cleaning medium, in order to be able to use, for example, cold or hot cleaning medium for cleaning, depending on the requirements.

[0032] Each distribution pipe 30 is positioned relative to the feed pipe 20 between a folded-in position by means of an adjustment mechanism 40 (see figure). Fig. 1 and 2 ) and an unfolded position (see Figs. 3 to 6 ) movably arranged. In the folded position, the distributor pipe 30 is essentially abutting the wall 23 of the feed pipe 20, or in other words, in the folded position, the longitudinal axis VA of the distributor pipe is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis ZA of the feed pipe (see Fig. 1 and 2 In the unfolded position, the distributor pipe longitudinal axis VA is arranged at an angle α between 10° and 180° to the feed pipe longitudinal axis ZA.

[0033] The cleaning device 10 can be easily inserted into the container 120 through the inlet opening 123 when the distribution pipes 30 are arranged in the folded position (see figure). Fig. 1 In particular, a housing 15 of the cleaning device 10 can be arranged at the inlet opening 123. The feed pipe 20 with the distribution pipes 30 arranged thereon can then be moved relative to the housing 15, in particular lowered, and thus inserted into the container 120. The cleaning device 10 can be attached to the frame 140, to which the container 120 is also fixed, by means of a retaining arm 142 and initially positioned above the container 120 (see Figure 1). Fig. 7 and 8 To perform cleaning, the cleaning device 10 can be lowered until, in particular, its housing 15 is positioned at the inlet opening 123 (see Figure 1). Fig. 9). After inserting the cleaning device 10 into the container 120, the distribution pipes 30 can be unfolded (see figure). Figs. 3 to 6 ).

[0034] The adjustment mechanism 40 can, for example, be designed in the manner of an umbrella frame. For example, the adjustment mechanism 40 can comprise a slide 41 arranged longitudinally displaceably on the feed pipe 20, on which a first end 42a of a strut 42 is pivotally arranged, wherein a second end 42b of the strut 42 is displaceably arranged on the distributor pipe 30 along the longitudinal axis VA of the distributor pipe (see in particular Fig. 3 and 6 ). The slide 41 can be moved electromechanically along the feed pipe 20 in order to bring the distribution pipes 30 into the different positions.

[0035] As especially in the Figures 4 and 5As can be seen, the distribution pipe lengths VL of at least two of the distribution pipes 30 can be different. For example, the distribution pipe length VL of the distribution pipe 30-1 oriented towards one of the corners of the container 120 can be greater than the distribution pipe length LV of the distribution pipe 30-21 oriented essentially perpendicular to the side wall of the container 120 (see figure). Fig. 5 By adjusting the distributor pipe lengths VL, the cleaning device 10 can be adapted to different cross-sectional shapes of the container 120 in order to achieve the best possible cleaning result for each type of container 120.

[0036] By adjusting the angle in the unfolded position, not only the side wall 121a of the container 120, but also the inside of the lid wall 121b and / or the bottom wall 121c can be cleaned more effectively. At relatively small angles α, for example in the range of 10° to 30°, the distribution pipes 30 are directed more towards the lid wall 121b after the cleaning device 10 is inserted into the container 120. If the distribution pipes 30 are unfolded further, the side wall 121a can be cleaned (see figure). Fig. 3 Furthermore, the cleaning device 10 can be lowered further into the container 120 to allow cleaning of the container 120 along its entire height. To clean the bottom wall 121c, the distribution pipes 30 are extended even further, for example, until the angle α is in the range of 150° to 180° (see figure). Fig. 6This ensures good cleaning of the bottom wall 121c, but especially also of the sloping side surfaces of the outlet funnel 124 (cf. Fig. 6 ) enables.

[0037] Material, for example bulk material, that has adhered to the inner wall of the container 120 can be loosened by applying the cleaning medium and removed together with the cleaning medium through the outlet opening 125 of the container 120. For improved removal, the suction device 160 can be connected to the open outlet opening 125 of the container 120, allowing the material and cleaning medium to be extracted. The loosening of the material, and thus the effectiveness of the cleaning, can be further improved if at least one mechanism for generating vibrations of the frame 140 and / or at least one mechanism for generating impacts on the frame 140 and / or the container 120 is arranged on the frame 140 on which the container 120 is mounted.

[0038] It is possible to continuously dispense cleaning medium through each of the outlet nozzles 37 during the cleaning process. However, the required amount of cleaning medium and the energy required to operate the cleaning device 10 can be reduced if the cleaning medium can be dispensed in pulses through the outlet nozzles 37 of the distribution pipes 30.

[0039] Each distribution pipe 30 can have a valve 35, which is particularly electromechanically controllable. The valve 35 can, for example, be arranged at the first end 31 of the distribution pipe 30. By means of the valve 31, the distribution pipe 30 can be opened or closed, so that the supply of cleaning medium can be enabled or prevented, thereby enabling a pulsed discharge of cleaning medium, particularly with appropriate opening and closing times.

[0040] The cleaning device 10 has a control unit by means of which the valves 35 can be controlled in such a way that at one time a part of the valves 35 and thus a part of the distribution pipes 30 are open and another part of the valves 35 and thus another part of the distribution pipes 30 are closed, wherein in particular the valves 35 or the distribution pipes 30 are alternately opened and closed.For example, the control unit can be configured such that in a first period, distribution pipes 30-1, 30-7, 30-13 and 30-19 are open and all other distribution pipes 30-2 to 30-6, 30-8 to 30-12, 30-14 to 30-18 and 30-20 to 30-24 are closed; in a subsequent second period, distribution pipes 30-2, 30-8, 30-14 and 30-20 are open and all other distribution pipes 30-1, 30-3 to 30-7, 30-9 to 30-13, 30-15 to 30-19 and 30-21 to 30-24 are closed; and in a subsequent third period, distribution pipes 30-3, 30-9, 30-15 and 30-21 are closed. If one distribution pipe is open and all other distribution pipes 30-1, 30-2, 30-4 to 30-8, 30-10 to 30-14, 30-16 to 30-20 and 30-22 to 30-24 are closed, and so on, a type of continuous pulsed cleaning with a high cleaning effect can be achieved. The duration of the individual intervals can be, for example, only a few seconds or less, such as just one-tenth of a second.

[0041] The control unit can also be used to control the angle α at which the distribution pipes 30 are unfolded and how far the feed pipe 20 with the distribution pipes 30 arranged on it is extended from the housing 15 of the cleaning device 10 and thus how far it is inserted into the container 120, as well as, if necessary, the position in which the outlet nozzle 37 is arranged relative to the distribution pipe, in order to enable cleaning of as much of the inner wall of the container 120 as possible.

[0042] During a cleaning process, material and cleaning medium can be stirred up inside the container 120. This material is not only removed from the container 120 through the outlet opening 125, but can also settle on the cleaning device 10 itself. To enable the cleaning device 10 to be cleaned after the container 120 has been cleaned, the cleaning device 10 can have at least one, for example two, cleaning nozzles 17. These nozzles can be arranged, for example, on the feed pipe 20 or on the adjustment mechanism 40, for example on the slide 41 surrounding the feed pipe 20, and are directed, in particular, towards the distribution pipes 30. The cleaning nozzle 17 can, for example, be annular or segmental.The cleaning nozzles 17 can each also have a valve which can be controlled in particular by the control unit in order to be able to open and close the cleaning nozzles 17 in a targeted manner in order to carry out a cleaning of the cleaning device 10. Reference symbol list

[0043] 10 Cleaning device 15 Housing 17 Cleaning nozzle 20 Feed pipe 21 First end 22 Second end 23 Wall 30 Distributor pipe 31 First end 32 Second end 35 Valve 37 Outlet nozzle 38 Outlet cone 40 Adjustment mechanism 41 Slider 42 Strut 42a First end 42b Second end 100 Cleaning station 120 Container 121 Receptacle 121a Wall 121b Lid wall 121c Bottom wall 123 Inlet opening 124 Outlet funnel 125 Outlet opening 140 Frame 142 Holding arm 160 Suction device ZA Feed pipe longitudinal axis VA Distributor pipe longitudinal axis VL Distributor pipe length α Angle

Claims

1. Cleaning device (10) for a container (120), in particular a bulk material container, with a feed pipe (20) having a feed pipe longitudinal axis (ZA), a first end (21) and a second end (22) and a wall (23) through which a cleaning medium can be guided, wherein at least two distributor pipes (30) are arranged on the feed pipe (20), each having a distributor pipe longitudinal axis (VA), a first end (31) and a second end (32) and a distributor pipe length (VL) with its first end (31), wherein an outlet nozzle (37) is arranged at the second end (32) of each distributor pipe (30) and wherein each distributor pipe (30) is arranged to be movable relative to the feed pipe (20) between a folded-in position and an unfolded position by means of an adjustment mechanism (40).

2. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatIn the folded position, the distributor pipe (30) is essentially positioned against the wall (23) of the feed pipe (20).

3. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that In the unfolded position, the distributor pipe longitudinal axis (VA) is arranged at an angle (α) between 10° and 180° to the feed pipe longitudinal axis (ZA).

4. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, thereby characterized t, that several distribution pipes (30), preferably four to forty distribution pipes (30), particularly preferably eight to forty distribution pipes (30), particularly preferably sixteen to forty distribution pipes (30), for example twenty-four distribution pipes (30), are arranged on the feed pipe (20).

5. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the distribution pipe length (VL) of at least two of the distribution pipes (30) is different.

6. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the adjusting mechanism (40) comprises a slide (41) arranged longitudinally displaceable on the feed pipe (20), on which a first end (42a) of a strut (42) is pivotally arranged, wherein a second end (42b) of the strut (42) is displaceably arranged on the distributor pipe (30) along the longitudinal axis (VA) of the distributor pipe.

7. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the outlet nozzle (37) is arranged to be movable relative to the distributor pipe (30).

8. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the cleaning medium is a gas, especially air, or a liquid, especially water.

9. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The cleaning device includes a temperature control device for temperature control of the cleaning medium.

10. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The cleaning medium can be discharged in pulses through the outlet nozzles (37) of the distribution pipes (30).

11. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that Each distribution pipe (30) has a valve (35) which is particularly electromechanically controllable.

12. Cleaning device according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the cleaning device (10) comprises a control unit by means of which the valves (35) can be controlled such that at one time part of the valves (35) is open and another part of the valves (35) is closed, wherein in particular the valves (35) are alternately open and closed.

13. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe cleaning device (10) has a housing (15) and the feed pipe (20) with the distribution pipes (30) arranged thereon is arranged to be displaceable relative to the housing (15).

14. Cleaning station (100) with a container (120) mounted on a frame (140) having an inlet opening (123) and with an integrated outlet funnel (124), at the tapered end of which an outlet with an outlet opening (125) is arranged, wherein a cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims can be arranged at the inlet opening (123).

15. Cleaning station according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that at least one mechanism for generating vibrations of the frame (140) and / or at least one mechanism for generating impacts on the frame (140) and / or the container (120) is arranged on the frame (140).

16. Cleaning station according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by the fact thata suction device (160) is arranged at the open outlet opening (125) during a cleaning process.

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