Aerosol Can Cleaning Line With Solvent Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual cleaning of paint drips from aerosol paint cans using flammable and toxic solvents is hazardous and inefficient, with few alternatives available that are cost-effective and safe.
Innovation Solution
An automated cleaning apparatus using a mixture of coalescing and hydrocarbon solvents, applied via counter-rotating brushes and high-pressure water, with recirculation systems to minimize waste and reduce hazardous exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning using traditional solvents is used, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but safety hazards increase due to flammability and toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning solution by using a mixture of coalescing solvent (30-70% by weight) and hydrocarbon solvent (30-70% by weight) to achieve both effective paint removal and improved safety profile with reduced flammability and toxicity compared to traditional solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite cleaning solution comprising two different solvent types (coalescing solvent and hydrocarbon solvent) working together to provide both effective cleaning performance and improved safety characteristics that neither solvent could achieve alone
2Productivity
If automated cleaning apparatus is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cleaning apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: conveyor system for article transport, brush assembly with counter-rotating brushes for cleaning, recirculation system for solution management, and filtration system for contaminant removal. This segmentation enables efficient automated operation while making the complex system manageable and maintainable
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning apparatus is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that combines transportation, cleaning, recirculation, and filtration functions in one automated unit, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and significantly improving productivity
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional solvents are used for cleaning, then cleaning performance is maintained, but environmental and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by replacing traditional high-toxicity solvents with a blend of coalescing and hydrocarbon solvents that maintain cleaning efficacy while reducing volatile organic compound emissions and toxic fume generation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus efficiently removes paint residue from aerosol cans while reducing the risk of fires and toxic exposure, using a safer, recyclable cleaning solution that is cost-effective and improves production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning composition may comprise a mixture of one or more glycol ethers, such as propylene glycol propyl ether, and an isoalkane solution, such as a mixture of C13-C16 isoalkanes
Implementation Method 2
An air knife may be used to blow air onto the cans at a sufficient pressure to force any solid paint particles or excess liquid off of the cans
Implementation Method 3
Filters are included to remove solid particles from the cleaning liquid and/or water before the liquids are applied to the cans
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, formulation and method for cleaning soils, such as paint drips or splashes, from the outside surface of filled aerosol paint cans and other articles is provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of reservoirs containing liquids for cleaning and rinsing articles. Articles to be cleaned travel on a conveyor system comprised of one or more mechanical conveyors. During the cleaning operation, one or more brushes apply cleaning solution to the articles, an air knife blows excess cleaning solution and/or solid soils off of the articles, and a jet spray rinses the articles. Another air knife may be used to dry the cleaned articles. The apparatus also includes a plurality of recirculation devices for removing solids from the cleaning and rinsing liquids so that these liquids may be reused in the cleaning operations. A cleaning formulation comprised of a glycol ether and hydrocarbon solvent is also provided.