Station for Purification of Tools Contaminated by Varnishes and Paints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for tools and system parts coated with water-based and solvent-based paints require complex and costly fire protection measures due to the use of flammable solvent-based liquids, leading to high operational and environmental hazards, as well as challenges in VOC emissions and waste disposal.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning station using a three-stage treatment process with a non-flammable, VOC-reduced aqueous cleaning liquid that causes paint components to flocculate, featuring a coarse filter, sedimentation tank, and fine filter, allowing for manual and automatic cleaning, recycling, and safe disposal of residues, without the need for electricity, and equipped with a compressed air diaphragm pump and ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solvent-based cleaning liquids are used to remove paint and varnish from tools, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fire protection costs and safety risks increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the cleaning liquid by using water-based formulations with specific surfactants and solvents that have high flash points, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while eliminating fire hazards associated with traditional solvent-based cleaners
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses biodegradable, environmentally friendly cleaning liquids that can be disposed of through standard wastewater treatment systems, replacing expensive fire-safe solvents that require special handling and disposal procedures
2Productivity
If solvent-based cleaning liquids are used, then paint removal capability is improved, but VOC emissions and environmental hazards worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical parameters of the cleaning liquid by formulating it with water as the primary solvent and using surfactants that enable effective paint removal at low concentrations, thereby reducing VOC emissions while maintaining cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the traditionally harmful role of strong solvents into a beneficial process by using mild, biodegradable surfactants that break down paint residues through emulsification rather than dissolution, eliminating VOC emissions while achieving effective paint removal
3Reliability
If complex fire protection measures are implemented, then safety is improved, but operational costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses inherently safe, water-based cleaning liquids that do not require fire protection infrastructure, allowing facilities to eliminate expensive fire suppression systems, special storage facilities, and complex safety monitoring equipment while maintaining adequate safety levels
4Productivity
If solvent-based cleaning liquids are used, then cleaning performance is improved, but waste disposal costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the waste disposal problem into a simple wastewater treatment issue by using biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning liquids that can be processed through standard municipal or industrial wastewater treatment systems, eliminating the need for specialized hazardous waste disposal facilities and procedures
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 solution provides a safe, efficient, and cost-effective cleaning process that extends the service life of the cleaning liquid, reduces occupational and environmental risks, and enables the reuse of the cleaning medium, while eliminating the need for expensive fire protection measures and complex distillation processes.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid used causes a flocculation of the paint components or lacquer components
Implementation Method 2
These are separated by a coarse filter in the form of a filter fleece from the cleaning area in the outlet area of the basin
Implementation Method 3
In a sedimentation tank, the liquid is calmed down in such a way that the particles can be sedimented out in the calmed liquid due to their gravity
Implementation Method 4
The liquid is then diverted via the overflow into a collection container, in which the pump then guides the pre-cleaned liquid through a fine filter
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A station (1) for cleaning tools such as rollers, brushes, guns, or system components such as filters, rollers, pipes, or hoses that are contaminated with water-based and/or solvent-based paints and varnishes. The station (1) comprises a cleaning area in the form of a basin (2) in which the tools or system components can be stored for cleaning, and in which the tools or system components are cleaned of paint or varnish by means of a recirculating liquid, and wherein a liquid treatment system (3) for reuse is provided below the cleaning area (2) of the station (1).