Washing system

Abstract

To provide an efficient washing system.SOLUTION: A washing system 1 which uses water as washing medium comprises a boiler 100, a washing unit 10, a boiler water line 102 with one end connected to the boiler 100 and another end connected to the washing unit 10, through which boiler water flows from the boiler 100 to the washing unit 10, and a control unit that controls the amount of boiler water supplied to the washing unit 10 from the boiler 100 through the boiler water line 102, based on at least one of the state of the boiler 100 and the state of the washing unit 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system that uses boiler water for cleaning. [Background technology]

[0002] Hot water cleaning using steam generated in boilers is widely practiced. Patent Document 1 proposes a hot water cleaning technology that effectively utilizes not only the steam generated in boilers but also the steam drain generated in finishing roll mills and dryers in order to save energy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-198038 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, steam generated in a boiler is used as a heat source to create hot water, which is then used for cleaning. A method that has advanced energy conservation is to effectively utilize steam drain in addition to steam. However, boiler water contains thermal energy, and no technology has been proposed to directly utilize this thermal energy. Note that "boiler water" refers to boiler water in a boiler, and includes boiler concentrated boiler water, which is concentrated boiler water in a boiler, and blowdown wastewater discharged when boiler water is concentrated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system that actively utilizes components such as heat and alkali contained in boiler water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The cleaning system of the present invention is a cleaning system that uses water as a cleaning medium and includes a boiler, a cleaning device, a boiler water line connected to the boiler at one end and the cleaning device at the other end, for flowing boiler water from the boiler to the cleaning device, and a control unit that controls the amount of boiler water flowing through the boiler water line from the boiler to the cleaning device based on at least one of the conditions of the boiler and the cleaning device. This allows the use of components such as heat and alkali contained in the boiler water. Furthermore, the amount of boiler water flowing from the boiler to the cleaning device can be controlled depending on the conditions of the boiler or the cleaning device. (2) In the cleaning system, the control unit may adjust the amount of boiler water flowing from the boiler to the cleaning device depending on the concentration state inside the boiler. This makes it possible to maintain the boiler in an appropriate state and utilize the boiler water at the same time. (3) The cleaning system further includes a recovery tank that stores at least a portion of the boiler water flowing through the boiler water line, a first recovery tank line that flows boiler water from the boiler water line to the recovery tank, a second recovery tank line that flows boiler water from the recovery tank to the boiler water line, a distribution means that can supply boiler water to the cleaning device side and / or the recovery tank side, and a tank pump provided on the second recovery tank line, and the control unit flows boiler water from the boiler to the cleaning device, flows boiler water from the boiler to the recovery tank, or flows boiler water from the recovery tank to the cleaning device based on at least one of a water supply request from the cleaning device and a concentration state of the boiler. This allows the boiler to be blown out into the recovery tank when it is desired to blow out the boiler but it is not time for the cleaning device to be cleaned. (4) The cleaning system may further include a water quality inspection unit provided in the boiler water line to inspect the quality of the boiler water. (5) The cleaning system may further include a water quality inspection unit that is provided in at least one of the first recovery tank line, the second recovery tank line, and the recovery tank and inspects the quality of the boiler water. (6) In the cleaning system, the test items of the water quality test unit may be pH and / or electrical conductivity. By testing the boiler water quality, information can be obtained that can be used as a criterion for determining whether to change the amount of detergent added and whether to purify the boiler water depending on the water quality. (7) In the cleaning system, the control unit may control the amount of cleaning agent to be supplied to the cleaning device based on the amount of the boiler water supplied to the cleaning device and / or the test results of the water quality. This can reduce the amount of cleaning agent used. (8) The cleaning system may further include a water purification device provided at least at one location on the boiler water line to purify the boiler water. This allows the range of items that can be washed with the boiler water to be expanded. For example, if the items to be washed are laundry, the boiler water can be used even when the laundry is white. (9) The cleaning system may further include a cleaning water line having one end connected to the cleaning device or the boiler water line, capable of diluting the boiler water with cleaning water and supplying the diluted boiler water to the cleaning device. This allows the cleaning device to continue operating by dilution without using a water purification device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an energy-saving cleaning system by actively utilizing components such as alkali contained in boiler water and also by utilizing the heat of the boiler water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning system 1 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Cleaning System) A cleaning system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the cleaning system 1. The cleaning system 1 is a system that uses water as a cleaning medium and an alkaline detergent, and heats the cleaning liquid to clean an object to be cleaned.

[0010] (Cleaning section) The cleaning system 1 includes a cleaning device 10. The cleaning device 10 includes a cleaning unit 12 that cleans an object to be cleaned, and if the cleaning device is a packaged device, the cleaning device itself includes a cleaning device level sensor 128 and a cleaning device temperature sensor 130, and also includes a cleaning device control unit 126 that controls the water supply to send boiler water 110 and water 114 to the cleaning unit and performs temperature control using steam 124. In this embodiment, an example of a packaged cleaning device has been described.

[0011] (Steam supply section) The cleaning system 1 further includes a steam supply unit 40 and a steam line 70. The steam supply unit 40 supplies steam to the cleaning unit 12. One end of the steam line 70 is connected to the steam supply unit 40. The other end of the steam line 70 is connected to the cleaning unit 12. The steam supplied from the steam supply unit 40 flows from the steam supply unit 40 to the cleaning unit 12 through the steam line 70. The cleaning device 10 further includes a steam valve 14. Alternatively, a boiler 100 may be a supply source of steam for the steam supply unit 40.

[0012] (Water supply section) The washing system 1 further includes a water supply unit 41, a water line 72, a water line flow meter 74 (FM), and a water line flow adjustment valve 61. The water supply unit 41 supplies water for diluting the wash water and water for rinsing to the washing unit 12. Examples of water used in this water supply unit include clean water (tap water), groundwater, filtered industrial water, groundwater (poor quality water), and recycled water. One end of the water line 72 is connected to the water supply unit 41. The other end of the water line 72 is connected to the washing unit 12. The water supplied from the water supply unit 41 flows from the water supply unit 41 to the washing unit 12 through the water line 72. The water line flow meter 74 is provided on the water line 72. Arrow 114 indicates the flow of water (cold water; however, cold water here means water at room temperature, not low temperature water. In other words, cold water means not hot water) in the water line 72. The washing device 10 further includes a cold water valve 16 .

[0013] 1 illustrates a configuration in which the other end of the water line 72 is connected to the cleaning device 10. The other end of the water line 72 may be connected to the recovery tank 30 or the boiler water line 102. By connecting one end of the water line 72 to the cleaning device 10, the recovery tank 30, or the boiler water line 102, the water line 72 can dilute the boiler water and supply it to the cleaning device 10.

[0014] (Drainage line) The cleaning system 1 further includes a drain line 20. One end of the drain line 20 is connected to the cleaning section 12. Wastewater from the cleaning section 12 flows through the drain line 20 and is discharged outside the cleaning device 10. Arrows 116 indicate the flow of the wastewater.

[0015] (Boiler water line) The cleaning system 1 includes a boiler water line 102. One end of the boiler water line 102 is connected to the boiler 100. The other end of the boiler water line 102 is connected to the cleaning section 12. Boiler water 110 supplied from the boiler 100 flows through the boiler water line 102 from the boiler 100 to the cleaning section 12. The cleaning device 10 further includes a hot water valve 18. The boiler water line 102 is a line that supplies water for the "washing" process, not the "rinsing" process, to the cleaning section 12.

[0016] The cleaning system 1 further includes an electrical conductivity meter 56 (EC (electrical conductivity) sensor 56) and a boiler water line flow control valve 62. The electrical conductivity meter 56 and the boiler water line flow control valve 62 are provided in the boiler water line 102. The electrical conductivity meter 56 is one form of a water quality testing unit. The water quality testing unit may be a pH meter. The pH meter may be provided in addition to or instead of the electrical conductivity meter 56. The water quality testing unit may be provided in at least one of the boiler water line 102 and the recovery tank 30. Arrow 110 indicates the flow of boiler water (hot water) in the boiler water line 102. The boiler water is used as water for the "washing" process in the cleaning device 10. The boiler water line flow control valve 62 is a valve for adjusting the flow rate of the boiler water.

[0017] (recovery tank) The cleaning system 1 further includes a recovery tank 30. The recovery tank 30 is a tank that stores boiler water. The boiler water is water supplied from a boiler 100. Here, the boiler 100 does not need to be provided solely for the cleaning system 1, and may be an existing boiler. An example capacity of the recovery tank 30 is 300 L. However, the capacity varies considerably depending on the size of the factory where cleaning is performed and whether or not other waste hot water is recovered in the recovery tank 30.

[0018] The cleaning system 1 of this embodiment further includes a blow destination switching valve 311 as an example of a distribution means, a first collection tank line 301, a second collection tank line 302, and a pump outlet valve 312 as an example of a distribution means.

[0019] (First recovery tank line) The blow-off destination switching valve 311 is provided in the boiler water line 102. One end of the first recovery tank line 301 is connected to the blow-off destination switching valve 311. The first recovery tank line 301 branches off from the boiler water line 102 at the blow-off destination switching valve 311. The blow-off destination switching valve 311 is a valve that switches whether the boiler water 110 from the boiler 100 is to flow directly into the boiler water line 102 or into the first recovery tank line 301. The other end of the first recovery tank line 301 is connected to the recovery tank 30. The configuration of the blow-off destination switching valve 311 is not particularly limited. The blow-off destination switching valve 311 can be, for example, a three-way valve or a distribution means using multiple two-way valves.

[0020] (Second recovery tank line) One end of the second recovery tank line 302 is connected to the recovery tank 30. The other end of the second recovery tank line 302 is connected to the boiler water line 102.

[0021] The cleaning system 1 of this embodiment further includes a pump 52 and a pump outlet valve 312 provided in the second collection tank line 302. The pump outlet valve 312 is a valve for switching whether or not to allow the boiler water 110 that flows out of the collection tank 30 and joins the boiler water line 102 to flow. In other words, the pump outlet valve 312 is a valve for switching between opening and closing the second collection tank line 302.

[0022] The recovery tank 30 is equipped with a level sensor 32 (LS) and an overflow line 34. The level sensor 32 (LS) is a sensor that prevents the pump 52 from running idly. The boiler water is discharged when the boiler wants to drain it. If an abnormality occurs in the equipment downstream of the recovery tank and the boiler water cannot be sent downstream, it is expected that the recovery tank 30 will overflow, so an overflow line 34 is installed to ensure a discharge destination for the boiler water in an emergency.

[0023] (Control unit) The cleaning system 1 further includes a control panel 90. The control panel 90 may be a system control panel or the like. In the case of a packaged cleaning apparatus 10, a cleaning apparatus level sensor 128, a cleaning apparatus temperature sensor 130, and a cleaning apparatus control unit 126 are provided within the cleaning apparatus, and water supply control and temperature control for the cleaning unit 12 are often performed by the cleaning apparatus 10. In this case, the control unit for the cleaning system is located both in the control panel and in the control unit of the cleaning apparatus 10 (in the case of a plant-like cleaning apparatus, water supply control and temperature control for the cleaning unit 12 are often not performed by the cleaning apparatus 10, but by the control panel 90). Methods for controlling the amount of boiler water flowing into the cleaning apparatus include not only directly measuring the amount of water, but also indirectly calculating the amount of water, such as measuring the water level or the time the boiler water has been supplied.

[0024] An example of the operation of the cleaning system 1 is as follows. Water supply control during the washing process The cleaning system 1 supplies both boiler water 110 and water 114 to the cleaning section 12 during the washing process. Two water levels are set: one at which both the cold water valve 16 and the hot water valve 18 are opened to supply water (L1), and the other at which only the cold water valve 16 is opened to supply water (L2). When the hot water valve is opened, a signal is sent from the cleaning device to the control panel 90, which then starts the washing process. When the washing process begins, both the hot water valve 18 and the cold water valve 16 are opened at first, and the boiler water 110 is supplied while being diluted with water 114. When the water level in the cleaning section rises and reaches L1, the hot water valve 18 is closed, and thereafter water is supplied from the cold water valve 16 to supply water up to L2, at which point the cold water valve 16 is closed. This allows the amount of boiler water supplied to the cleaning section 12 to be controlled, thereby controlling the dilution. Also, even if there is no boiler water in the recovery tank 30, water 114 is supplied up to a predetermined water level, so that cleaning can be started without stagnation. Water supply control during rinsing The washing system 1 supplies water 114 to the washing section 12 during the rinse stroke. A water level (L3) is set for the rinse stroke. When the rinse stroke begins, the cold water valve 16 is opened, water is supplied until the water level reaches L3, and the cold water valve 16 is closed.

[0025] Temperature control during washing and rinsing When water is supplied to a predetermined level during the washing or rinsing process, the temperature is measured by the washer temperature sensor 130 in the washer 10, and if the temperature has not reached a preset temperature (e.g., 60°C), steam is supplied from the steam valve 14 to heat the water. When the predetermined temperature is reached, the steam valve is closed.

[0026] -Adjustment and control of detergent injection amount The control panel 90 may adjust the amount of detergent (alkaline agent) added based on the amount and quality of boiler water supplied to the cleaning section 12. An example of adjusting the amount of detergent added is as follows: The water line flow meter 74 measures the flow rate of groundwater or tap water supplied to the cleaning section 12 during the washing process. The control panel 90 adjusts the amount of detergent added to the cleaning section 12 based on the measured flow rate. If boiler water is reused, the flow rate of groundwater will be reduced. The control panel 90 injects detergent into the cleaning section 12 via the detergent injection section 19 in proportion to the flow rate of groundwater. The control panel 90 may gradually change the amount of detergent added to the cleaning section 12 depending on the flow rate of groundwater. Another example of control for adjusting the amount of detergent added is as follows: The electrical conductivity meter 56 checks whether the boiler water supplied to the cleaning section 12 during the washing process has a high EC. Only if the boiler water has a high EC, the control panel 90 reduces the amount of detergent added to the cleaning section 12. Another example of control for adjusting the amount of detergent added is as follows. The control panel 90 injects a chelating agent into the cleaning unit 12 according to the amount of boiler water supplied. The chelating agent forms a chelate complex with iron, aluminum, copper, and zinc contained in the boiler water. The formation of the complex prevents a reduction in cleaning effectiveness due to the presence of iron, aluminum, copper, or zinc in the cleaning medium.

[0027] An example of the cleaning system 1 when the object to be cleaned is related to dust control is as follows. Examples of objects to be cleaned for dust control include entrance mats and mop tufts. Objects to be cleaned for dust control are usually quite dirty. For example, the tufts of mops used in metal factories contain a lot of metal chips. When the object to be cleaned is related to dust control, the requirements for the washing water are not that high. When the object to be cleaned is related to dust control, a water purification unit (not shown) does not need to be installed. When the object to be cleaned is related to dust control, boiler water can be reused by simply diluting it without purification treatment.

[0028] An example of the washing system 1 when the items to be washed are white linen etc. is as follows. Examples of white linen items include, as the name suggests, white hotel pillowcases, sheets, and tablecloths. The requirement for white linen after washing is that it be white and free of yellowing. To meet this requirement, the iron concentration required for the cleaning medium is 0.1 mg / L or less. When the items to be washed are white linen, the water purification unit must reduce the iron in the boiler water. When the items to be washed are white linen, the cleaning system 1 may include a water purification unit installed in the boiler water line 102 to further purify the boiler water. Examples of parts that further purify the boiler water include microfiltration membranes (MF membranes), ultrafiltration membranes (UF membranes), and chelating resins. The preferred filtration accuracy of the filtration membrane is 0.2 μm or less. By using a chelating resin or adding a chelating agent to the boiler water, metal ions such as iron are captured by the chelating resin or chelating agent. The washing system 1 may further include a section that is provided in the boiler water line 102 and that adds sodium hypochlorite or the like to the boiler water before filtering it, or exposes it to air to precipitate and coarsen iron, thereby improving the iron removal rate. It is also possible to apply the system to white linen by increasing the dilution rate of the boiler water.

[0029] The cleaning system 1 takes into consideration the state of the boiler 100 and the state of the cleaning device 10, and enables the boiler water 110 to be discharged directly from the boiler 100 to the cleaning device 10. This reduces the loss of thermal energy in the recovery tank 30 and piping.

[0030] An example of the operation and control of the cleaning system 1 will now be described. When the boiler 100 requests blowing and the cleaning device 10 requests washing water, that is, cleaning water, the boiler water 110 is supplied directly from the boiler 100 to the cleaning device 10 . When the boiler 100 requires blowing and the cleaning device 10 does not require washing water, the boiler 100 supplies boiler water 110 to the recovery tank 30 . When the boiler 100 is in a state where it can be blown and the cleaning device 10 requires washing water, the boiler 10 supplies boiler water 110 directly to the cleaning device 10 . When the boiler 100 is in a state where it can be blown and the cleaning device 10 does not require washing water, the boiler water 110 is not discharged from the boiler 100. In other words, there is no particular movement. When the boiler 100 is in a state where blowing is not possible and the cleaning device 10 requires washing water, boiler water is supplied from the recovery tank 30 to the cleaning device 10. When the boiler 100 is in a state where blowing is not possible and there is no request for washing water, the cleaning device 10 does not discharge boiler water from the boiler 100. In other words, there is no particular movement.

[0031] The above-mentioned switching can be performed by switching the blow destination switching valve 311 and the pump outlet valve 312. In this way, in the cleaning system 1, the loss of thermal energy in the recovery tank 30 and piping can be reduced.

[0032] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment described above and that various modifications, variations, and combinations are possible.

[0033] In addition to laundry, the cleaning system 1 can also be used for degreasing metals and cleaning in place (CIP) using hot alkali for food-related applications.

[0034] The cleaning system 1 of this embodiment reuses boiler water, thereby utilizing heat that would previously have been wasted, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is significant for users who have used a lot of boiler blow-down water due to poor quality raw water from the boiler. The cleaning system 1 of this embodiment uses direct heat rather than indirect heat exchange. Heat loss in the cleaning system 1 of this embodiment is small. The cleaning system 1 of this embodiment allows for fuel reduction.

[0035] The cleaning system 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to almost completely eliminate boiler wastewater. The cleaning system 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to eliminate the need for neutralization equipment. Not performing neutralization makes it possible to reduce the costs that would have been spent on neutralization chemicals.

[0036] The cleaning system 1 of this embodiment effectively reuses the alkaline component and silica in the boiler water, and can reduce the amount of detergent used in washing.

[0037] [Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This disclosure includes matters that contribute to achieving Goal 7 of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), "Affordable and clean energy," and Goal 13, "Climate action." [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1 Cleaning System 10 Cleaning equipment 12 Cleaning section 102 Boiler water line

Claims

1. 1. A cleaning system utilizing water as a cleaning medium, comprising: A cleaning system comprising: a boiler; a cleaning device; a boiler water line having one end connected to the boiler and the other end connected to the cleaning device, for flowing boiler water from the boiler to the cleaning device; and a control unit that controls the amount of boiler water flowing through the boiler water line from the boiler to the cleaning device based on at least one of the status of the boiler and the status of the cleaning device.

2. The cleaning system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit adjusts the amount of boiler water flowing from the boiler to the cleaning device depending on the concentration state inside the boiler.

3. a recovery tank in which at least a portion of the boiler water flowing through the boiler water line is stored; a first recovery tank line for flowing boiler water from the boiler water line to the recovery tank; a second recovery tank line for flowing boiler water from the recovery tank to the boiler water line; a distribution means capable of supplying boiler water to the cleaning device side and / or the recovery tank side; a tank pump provided in the second recovery tank line, The control unit, based on at least one of a water supply request from the cleaning device and a concentration state of the boiler, flowing boiler water from the boiler to the cleaning device; flowing boiler water from the boiler to the recovery tank; or The cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein boiler water flows from the recovery tank to the cleaning device.

4. The cleaning system according to claim 1 , further comprising a water quality inspection unit provided in the boiler water line for inspecting the quality of the boiler water.

5. The cleaning system according to claim 3 , further comprising a water quality inspection unit provided in at least one of the first recovery tank line, the second recovery tank line, and the recovery tank, for inspecting the quality of the boiler water.

6. The cleaning system according to claim 4, wherein the water quality test unit tests pH and / or electrical conductivity.

7. The cleaning system according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls the amount of cleaning agent to be supplied to the cleaning device based on the amount of the boiler water supplied to the cleaning device and / or the test results of the water quality.

8. The cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a water purification device provided at least at one location on the boiler water line to purify the boiler water.

9. 3. The cleaning system according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning water line, one end of which is connected to the cleaning device or the boiler water line, for diluting boiler water with cleaning water and supplying the diluted boiler water to the cleaning device.

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