US Patent:
20070289905, Dec 20, 2007
Inventors:
Sidney D. Sondag - Eden Prairie MN, US
International Classification:
B08B 3/00
C02F 1/00
US Classification:
210 97, 134 58 R, 134111, 134110, 21016701
Abstract:
A system is useful for reconstituting cleaning solution of the type comprising a solution of a cleaning agent and water intended for cleaning fermentation tanks in an ethanol production facility. The cleaning solution is pumped into a fermentation tank after the fermentation liquids resulting from completion of a fermentation stage are removed, and before a new fermentation stage begins. The system comprises a tank for holding cleaning solution. The tank has a cleaning solution inlet port and an outlet port. A pump has an inlet port and an outlet port, with the inlet port in fluid communication with the tank's outlet port. A filter has an inlet port in fluid communication with the pump's outlet port, and an outlet port in fluid communication with the tank's cleaning solution inlet port. A sensor element is in fluid communication with the filter's outlet port. The sensor providing a condition signal indicating the concentration of the cleaning agent in the cleaning solution at the filter's outlet port. When the pump operates, the cleaning solution circulates through the filter to remove contaminants that affect the performance of the cleaning solution. This system can be configured with a controller that receives the condition signal and controls a valve that regulates flow of concentrated cleaning agent to the tank based on the condition signal.
