Wire Container Washing With Dual-Sided Sprays and Air Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing technologies are inadequate for thoroughly cleaning and drying wire storage containers with internal liners, particularly those used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as they fail to address water accumulation and require labor-intensive manual washing.
Innovation Solution
A device with an enclosure divided into washing, rinsing, and drying chambers, equipped with external and internal spray systems and air blowing systems, controlled by an automated system to ensure thorough cleaning and drying of containers with internal liners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional washing stations are used to clean storage containers, then the washing process can be performed, but the wire structure on the outside and the full structure on the inside cannot be cleaned simultaneously and thoroughly
Solution Approach 1:
The washing station is divided into multiple independent washing zones (pre-washing zone, main washing zone, final washing zone), each with dedicated spray nozzles and washing parameters. This segmentation allows simultaneous cleaning of different container surfaces (outside wire structure, inside full structure) with appropriate washing intensity and liquid type for each zone, achieving thorough cleaning without requiring complete redesign of the washing station.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing station is designed to handle both wire containers and full containers using the same equipment infrastructure. By configuring spray nozzles to target different surfaces in different zones and adjusting washing parameters programmatically, the station performs multiple washing functions (external wire cleaning, internal structure cleaning, rinsing) without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each container type.
2Manufacturing precision
If internal liners are removed from containers for washing, then the liners can be cleaned, but the process becomes labour-intensive and requires additional washing station
Solution Approach 1:
The washing station combines the cleaning capability for both containers with internal liners and containers without liners into a single integrated system. The spray nozzle configuration and washing zone design allow simultaneous cleaning of containers whether liners are present or removed, eliminating the need for separate washing stations and manual liner removal operations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining cleaning quality.
3Productivity
If containers are washed and then stacked, then storage efficiency is improved, but water accumulates on the floor and facilitates corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The drying chamber is positioned immediately after the washing zones in the container processing sequence. Containers undergo drying treatment (removal of excess water) before being conveyed to the stacking area. This preliminary drying action prevents water from accumulating on containers during stacking, thereby eliminating the source of floor water accumulation and subsequent corrosion risks while maintaining efficient storage operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual washing using high-pressure washers is used, then cleaning quality requirements are met, but employment rate and working time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing station is equipped with automated spray nozzle systems that self-regulate washing liquid flow and pressure across multiple zones. The system automatically adjusts washing parameters for different container types and soiling levels, performing the cleaning function without manual high-pressure washer operation. This automation maintains the high cleaning quality required by food and pharmaceutical industries while dramatically reducing labor requirements and increasing washing operation efficiency.
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 device achieves high-quality cleaning and drying of containers with reduced labor and environmental impact, meeting industry standards by using ecological liquids and optimizing liquid and air flow to enhance efficiency and reduce cycle time.
Implementation Method 1
the spray system external in relation to a storage container and the spray system internal in relation to a storage container at the same time, the bottom of the container is washed
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary pump forcing out the water accumulated on the upper section of a container
Implementation Method 3
a process is conducted in the drying chamber of drying with air heated to the temp. of 60 to 80°C and supplied under pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
A device and method for washing storage containers, especially wire ones with internal lining, having an enclosure with a transport conveyor mounted inside, the enclosure being divided by bulkheads into at least one washing chamber, at least one rinsing chamber and a drying chamber, wherein the washing chamber and the rinsing chamber are fitted with a spray system external and internal in relation to a storage container, connected to a washing liquid tank or rinsing liquid tank respectively, the device being connected to an automated control system and being compatible with a device for feeding and receiving containers, characterised in that in each washing chamber (4) and in each rinsing chamber (5), the spray system external (7) in relation to a storage container is connected to a cylinder (8) from above and slidably attached in vertical guides (9) arranged on opposite walls of the washing chamber (4), and the spray system internal (10) in relation to a storage container is connected to a cylinder (11) from below, wherein in the upper section of each washing chamber (4) and each rinsing chamber (5) an assembly of blowing-off nozzles (12) is arranged facing against the direction of travel of a storage container, while in the lower section of each washing chamber (4) and each rinsing chamber (5), below the transport conveyor (2) a compressed air nozzle (13) is arranged facing upwards, while inside the drying chamber (6) a cold air blowing system external (27) and internal (28) in relation to a storage container, and a hot air blowing system (29) are slidably attached in the vertical direction. A method for washing storage container, especially wire ones with internal lining, using a washing station according to the invention.