Automated chemical storage and chemical feed system

• US 5,126,729 A
• Filed: 07/21/1989
• Issued: 06/30/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/1988
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ecolab USA Incorporated (Ecolab, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company (Ecolab, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ata, Ali D., Wierzba, Robert B., McKinney, John M., Flowers, William F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yusko, Donald J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Magistre, Dervis
• Application Number:
  US07/385,989
• Time in Patent Office: 1,075 Days
• Field of Search: 137/3, 137/4, 137/5, 137/6, 137/7, 137/88, 137/91, 137/92, 137/93, 340/825.06, 340/825.07, 340/870.16, 364/138, 364/188, 364/480, 364/481
• US Class Current: 340/450
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/02 for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/0238 utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on liquids in storage containers for dispensing beverages on draught B67D1/04
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 9/12 characterised by the use of electric means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2499 Mixture condition maintaining or sensing

Abstract

An automated chemical storage and chemical feed system for a use station to chemically treat and monitor a process at a use station where the process is being run, including one or more base chemical supply tanks at the use station storing chemicals and intermittently or continuously feeding the chemicals to the process. A level sensor is provided in each base tank to determine the chemical level and to deliver a signal to a control and processing unit. Sensors may be provided on the process for providing chemical condition information to the control and processing unit. A telemetry system receives the information from the control and processing unit and transmits it to a supply station where the information is recorded and read out to monitor the chemical supply in the base tank and to monitor the chemical condition of the process so that the chemical feed may be adjusted as needed and so that further chemical may be delivered to the use station to be introduced into the base tank and maintain an adequate supply to prevent interruption of the process. Refill tanks are shipped from the supply station to the use station, transported to the base tank, and emptied into the base tank. Thereafter, the refill tanks are returned to the supply station to be refilled.

Claims

1. Apparatus for remotely monitoring and maintaining a chemical supply for a process, said apparatus comprising, a base tank for the chemical at a use station at an on-site location, said base tank having an outlet adapted to be connected to the process to feed chemical to the process, means sensing the level of chemical in the tank and producing an electrical signal related to said level, telemetry means at the use station receiving the signal and transmitting it to a remotely located supply station at an off-site location, means at the supply station receiving the signal and converting it to a readout of the tank level and quantity, and means at the supply station for replenishing the supply, said means for replenishing the supply including a portable refill tank filled with the chemical to be transported to the use station for replenishing the chemical supply in the base tank, and said refill tank having a dished bottom and a bottom discharge, and a gas supply for pressure unloading to completely empty the contents, whereby the quantity data from the receiving means may be evaluated so that a replenishing chemical supply can be delivered when needed to avoid exhaustion of the chemical supply at the use station.