Apparatus to control reaction of peroxide and alkaline

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus designed to control the application of the previously uncontrollable reaction of a peroxide composition and an alkaline composition, and accurately maintain the desired composition ratios for removal of and destruction of microbiological and organic contamination on a surface safely and without waste of the materials. The apparatus may also be used to maintain the highest demulsifying and antimicrobial activity of an organic acid composition blended with a peroxide composition by limiting contact time and the level of degradation of the components of the organic acid composition. A method of using the apparatus is provided for removing biofilm, bacteria, fungal cells, spores, fragments, and hyphae, microbiological slime, and organic contaminants from porous and non-porous surfaces, maintaining the integrity and life expectancy of the substrates, and increasing their resistance to new biofilm formation and microbiological deposition.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supplying a peroxide composition and an alkaline composition simultaneously for removal and destruction of microbiological and organic contamination on a surface comprising: a motor; a pump connected to the motor; a pump intake line, wherein one end of the pump intake line is connected to the pump and the other end is connected to at least one pump check valve system, wherein each pump check valve system further comprises: a pump check valve, wherein the check valve is connected to the pump intake line, a composition pick up tube, wherein the composition pick up tube is connected to the pump check valve and an intake check valve, and the intake check valve is connected to a filter screen, wherein the intake check valve and filter screen are within a reservoir, wherein the reservoir of at least one pump valve system contains hydrogen peroxide; a pump discharge line connected to the pump; an injector connected to the pump discharge line; an injector intake system, wherein the injector intake system is independent of the pump intake line and the at least one pump check valve system, and the injector intake system further comprises: an injector input line, comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the injector and the second end is attached to an injector cap check valve, at least one injector check valve, wherein each injector check valve is connected to the injector input line in between the first and second end of the injector input line, an injector reservoir, wherein the injector reservoir contains an alkaline composition and comprises a reservoir check valve that is connected to the injector cap check valve; an output line, wherein the output line is connected to the injector and a trigger check valve, and the trigger check valve is attached to the output line upstream of a handheld spray nozzle; and a pressure switch, wherein the pressure switch is connected to the output line by a pressure line in between the injector and the trigger check valve.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a pulsation dampener is connected to the pump discharge line.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a pump output check valve is connected to the pump discharge line in between the pump and the injector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention where a peroxide composition, an alkaline composition and a third composition are used.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein a peroxide composition and an alkaline composition are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(3) The preferred embodiment of apparatus 32 of FIG. 1 comprises a power module 27, which powers a positive displacement pump 1, as well as solenoid valves 11, 12, and 13. In a preferred embodiment, the solenoid valves 11, 12, and 13 are stainless steel, 24 volt DC and 20 watt. However, alternative solenoid valves may be used. The apparatus further comprises an alkaline input line 30, a hydrogen peroxide input line 29, an additional chemical line 28, and an output line 31.

(4) The alkaline input line 30, further comprises chemical pick up tube 24 and composition intake line 15. The suction end of chemical pick up tube 24 further comprises an input check valve 5 with a filter screen 33. Chemical pick up tube 24 is attached to composition intake line 15, which is then attached to solenoid valve 11. Solenoid valve 11 is then attached to injector 2 by injector intake line 18. In a preferred embodiment, the injector is a Hydra-Flex Chem-Flex injector, U.S. Pat. No. 8,807,158, that is a downstream injector designed for 0.5 gallons per minute and operates on differential pressure. It is understood that alkaline input line 30 would be placed within intake reservoir 36 of the desired alkaline composition 97 such that suction of that composition could be achieved. Preferably the intake reservoir 36 and alkaline input line 30 are color coordinated to avoid confusion. Alternatively, intake reservoir 36 may comprise an organic acid.

(5) The hydrogen peroxide input line 29, further comprises chemical pick up tube 25 and composition intake line 16. The suction end of chemical pick up tube 25 further comprises an input check valve 6 with a filter screen 34. Chemical pick up tube 25 is attached to composition intake line 16, which is then attached to solenoid valve 12. Solenoid valve 12 is then attached to pump check valve 8 by check valve line 19. It is understood that hydrogen peroxide input line 29 would be placed within a pump reservoir 45 of the desired hydrogen peroxide composition 96 such that suction of that composition could be achieved. Preferably the pump reservoir 45 and hydrogen peroxide input line 29 are color coordinated to avoid confusion.

(6) The additional chemical input line 28, further comprises chemical pick up tube 26 and composition input line 17. The suction end of chemical pick up tube 26 further comprises an input check valve 7 with a filter screen 35. Chemical pick up tube 26 is attached to composition intake line 17, which is then attached to solenoid valve 13. Solenoid valve 13 is then attached to pump check valve 9 by check valve line 20. It is understood that additional chemical input line 28 would be placed within pump reservoir 46 of the desired additional composition 95 such that suction of that composition could be achieved. Preferably the pump reservoir 46 and additional chemical input line 28 are color coordinated to avoid confusion. In a preferred embodiment, the additional composition 95 comprises any additional chemical needed for the desired result, including, but not limited to tile and grout cleaner or a degreaser.

(7) Pump check valves 8 and 9 are attached to pump intake line 10, which is attached to pump 1. Pump intake line 10 is preferably stainless steel. Check valves 8 and 9 prevent any back up into the check valve lines 19 and 20. Pump 1 is further attached to injector 2 by pump discharge line 21. Output line 31 comprises injector output line 22, which is attached to injector 2, and spray line 23, which is attached to output line 22. The end of spray line 23 comprises one way check valve 3 and nozzle 4. In a preferred embodiment, nozzle 4 is a stainless steel spray nozzle. Additionally, spray line 23 may comprise a wand for easier application.

(8) Pump check valves 8 and 9 are plastic one way check valves with a crack pressure of 3 pounds. However, it is understood that alternative check valves may be used. Input check valves 5, 6 and 7 are preferably one way foot/check valves that are plastic, however other materials may be used. Check valve 3 is preferably a stainless steel one way check valve with a hastelloy spring with a crack pressure of 3 pounds. Chemical pick up tubes 24, 25, and 26, as well as lines 15-23, pump discharge line 21, and injector intake line 18 are preferably made from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, however, it is understood that alternative material may be used.

(9) The preferred pump output of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is 0.67 gallons per minute which through injector 2 creates a pressure of 275 to 300 psi. The injector 2 is designed to operate with a 70% pressure loss across the injector 2, which when used with an appropriately sized nozzle creates an application pressure of 75 to 90 psi. A pressure gauge and voltmeter may be used to monitor the pump.

(10) In the preferred embodiment, the power module 27 further comprises a DC power supply, terminal strips and a radio receiver. However, it is understood that any electrical equipment may be used as needed. The power module 27 is connected to a power switch (not shown) that allows the user manually start power to the apparatus and to select for the use of alkaline input line 30, hydrogen peroxide input line 29, and/or additional chemical input line 28. It is understood that any or all of the input lines may be selected based upon need. The power module 27 may be controlled from a remote transmitter 14, wherein transmitter 14 controls when power is supplied to open solenoid valves 11, 12, and 13. Transmitter 14 and/or the power switch should contain an emergency stop. Additionally, transmitter 14 may control the power switch, input selection and all other electronic components.

(11) In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a singular feed of hydrogen peroxide may be selected by the operator. Once the power is turned on from a power switch (not shown) controlling the power module 27, the operator selects only the hydrogen peroxide feed, which controls solenoid valve 12. The selection may be made from the power switch on the apparatus 32 or the transmitter 14. Once solenoid valve 12 is open, the pump motor 1 will start. The hydrogen peroxide, 96, then flows from pump reservoir 45, through chemical pick up tube 25, through composition intake line 16, through check valve line 19, through pump check valve 8 to pump 1. The feed then travels to injector 2 at 250 to 300 psi pressure that creates a pressure drop across the injector 2 and creates suction on the downstream side of the injector 39 to injector output line 22. The flow then moves to check valve 3 to nozzle 4. Check valve 3 operates to prevent further flow once the apparatus has been turned off. The check valve 3, with a crack pressure of 3 pounds, also acts as a safety release for when the pressure in the hose and/or wand exceeds 3 pounds.

(12) The alkaline composition, 97, may be added to the hydrogen peroxide feed. In this embodiment, the operator selects the dual feed of alkaline, 97, and hydrogen peroxide, 96. The dual feed selection will open solenoid valve 12 as described above and will also open solenoid valve 11. The alkaline composition, 97, then flows from intake reservoir 36, through the chemical pick up tube 24, through composition intake line 15, through solenoid valve 11, through injector intake line 18 and to injector 2. The alkaline composition is metered into the flow of hydrogen peroxide by a metering orifice 40 installed at the connection of injector intake line 18 and injector 2. The ratio is typically 1:20 parts hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, when an organic acid composition is used in place of the alkaline composition 97, the organic acid composition is blended with the hydrogen peroxide composition in a ratio between 1:8 to 0.01:20.

(13) In a further embodiment, the additional chemical composition, preferably a degreaser or tile and grout cleaner may be used. In this embodiment, solenoid valves 11 and 12 closed and solenoid valve 13 will be opened. The additional composition, 95, flows from pump reservoir 46, through chemical pick up tube 26, through composition intake line 17, through check valve line 20, through pump check valve 9, to pump 1, through pump discharge line 21 to injector 2 and through output line 31.

(14) In a further embodiment, the apparatus 32 may be enclosed within a box 41 or panel preferably of non-corrosive metal. In such an embodiment, the power switch and selection capabilities would be placed on the exterior of the box 41. And chemical pick up tubes 24, 25, and 26, and spray line 23 would extend from the interior or the box to the exterior for ease of use.

(15) The apparatus 32 of FIG. 1 is designed to create the chemical reaction of the alkaline and hydrogen peroxide at the point of application. Waste and heat buildup are minimized by creating a reaction on when needed.

(16) The preferred embodiment of apparatus 50 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a motor 52 that powers pump 51, preferably a positive displacement pump. The apparatus further comprises an injector reservoir 75 containing an alkaline 88 and a pump reservoir 86 containing a hydrogen peroxide composition 87.

(17) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, there is one pump check valve system 90. Alternatively, there may be several pump check valve systems. Each pump check valve system consists of a pump reservoir 86, a pump intake check valve 53, and a composition pick up tube 54. The pump reservoir further consists of filter 56 and check valve 55, alternatively, filter 56 and check valve 55 may be one unit, or a foot valve. Alternatively, filter 56 and check valve 55 may be located on the outside or within pump reservoir 86. Check valve 55 is connected to composition pick up tube 54. Composition pick up tube 54 is connected to pump 51. In a preferred embodiment, a check valve 53 is placed on the composition pick up tube 54 prior to the hydrogen peroxide feed entering pump 51.

(18) The hydrogen peroxide composition 87 flows from pump 51 into pump discharge line 83. In a preferred embodiment, a pulsation dampener 58, to smooth the pulses of the pump, is connected to pump outlet line 83. The pulsation dampener 58 further consists of a plug 59. A pump output check valve 57 is located in between the pump 51 and the pulsation dampener 58. A waste bottle line 78 is connected to pump output line 83 and waste bottle 63. Waste bottle line 78 consists of a waste bottle check valve 61 and a T-connector 62. Downstream from the waste bottle line 78, a ball valve input line 77 is connected to pump output line 83 and ball valve 64. Ball valve output line 65 connects ball valve 64 with T-connector 62. Ball valve 64 may be used to back wash injector 69.

(19) Downstream from ball valve input line 77, pump output line 83 is connected to injector 69. Injector 69 is connected to alkaline input line 84 and output line 68.

(20) As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 50 contains at least one injector intake system 91. Each injector intake system 91 consists of an injector reservoir 75 that contains alkaline composition 88. Injector reservoir 75 is connected to injector input line 84 by injector cap 60. The injector cap 60 contains injector cap check valve 85, which may contain a filter (not shown). Injector reservoir 75 may contain a reservoir cap 80, which is where the reservoir attaches the injector cap check valve 85. The reservoir cap 80 may contain a reservoir check valve 94, wherein reservoir check valve 94 and/or reservoir cap 80, and injector cap check valve 85 can be screwed together or otherwise attached. Alternatively, reservoir check valve 94 may be placed directly in the injector reservoir 75. Downstream from injector reservoir 75, two injector check valves 72 are located on injector input line 84 in between the injector end 92 and the reservoir end 93.

(21) Pressure switch 73 is connected to output 68 at t-connection 67 by pressure connection 74. Downstream from t-connection 67, trigger check valve 89 is connected to output line 68. Trigger check valve 89 is then connected to nozzle 70.