Cleaning Device for Barrel Pumps With Rotating Nozzle Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for barrel and container pumps only partially clean the outside of the pump lance, as it is exposed to cleaning nozzles for a short time, limiting the effectiveness of external cleaning, while internal cleaning is more thorough.

Innovation Solution

The integration of cleaning nozzles within the immersion tank, connected to a nozzle support structure that radiates around the pump lance, combined with an auxiliary pump for enhanced pressure and a bypass circuit, allows for simultaneous internal and external cleaning, with the cleaning agent being circulated and filtered to maintain effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pump lance is cleaned by immersion in cleaning agent with brief mechanical cleaning during insertion, then the cleaning device is simple to operate, but the external cleaning effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pump lance itself serves as the cleaning tool by pumping cleaning agent through its own interior and exterior, enabling self-cleaning without requiring separate cleaning equipment or manual intervention. The pump lance circulates cleaning agent through its internal passages and delivers it to external nozzles for surface cleaning, making the object being cleaned perform the cleaning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pump lance performs multiple functions: it pumps material during normal operation, circulates cleaning agent through its interior passages during cleaning, and delivers cleaning agent to external nozzles for external surface cleaning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate internal and external cleaning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If cleaning nozzles are positioned to spray during insertion only, then the device structure is simple, but the cleaning coverage is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcleaning coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system transitions from a static nozzle arrangement to a dynamic one where the pump lance itself moves and rotates during operation. This motion dynamically exposes different portions of the pump lance surface to the cleaning agent spray, increasing cleaning coverage without requiring multiple fixed nozzles or complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the pump lance is exposed to cleaning nozzles for extended periods, then external cleaning effectiveness improves, but the cleaning process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning process utilizes the periodic motion of the pump lance during its normal pumping operation. As the pump lance inserts and withdraws from the container, different surfaces are periodically exposed to the cleaning agent spray, achieving thorough cleaning through repeated cycles rather than requiring continuous static exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution enables intensive external cleaning of the pump lance while maintaining effective internal cleaning, with the circulation and filtration of the cleaning agent ensuring thoroughness and preventing nozzle clogging, and the use of an auxiliary pump supports pressure for mechanical cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

With the appropriate pressure, a mechanical cleaning effect is achieved in addition to the action of the cleaning agent.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3763450B1Cleaning device for barrel and container pumps
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 LUTZ PUMPEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3763450B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3763450B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A device for cleaning drum and container pumps is already known in which the pump to be cleaned is placed in an immersion tank and circulates cleaning agents in a closed cleaning circuit. It is also known to arrange cleaning nozzles in the area of ​​an insertion sleeve, which effect external cleaning of the pump lance inserted through them. To enable more intensive external cleaning, a modification of such a device is proposed in which, for example, a rotating nozzle assembly is provided in the immersion tank, which enables intensive external cleaning of the pump lance, while the pump lance simultaneously cleans itself internally by being pumped through with the cleaning agent.