WO2005007310A1 - An apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning - Google Patents
An apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2005007310A1 WO2005007310A1 PCT/AU2004/000960 AU2004000960W WO2005007310A1 WO 2005007310 A1 WO2005007310 A1 WO 2005007310A1 AU 2004000960 W AU2004000960 W AU 2004000960W WO 2005007310 A1 WO2005007310 A1 WO 2005007310A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- ultrasonic
- shaft
- processor
- container
- barrel
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
- B08B9/0804—Cleaning containers having tubular shape, e.g. casks, barrels, drums
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
- B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
- B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
- B08B3/12—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
Definitions
- An alternate method that is used involves inverting the barrel over a cleaning nozzle that sprays high-pressure water or steam over the interior surface of the barrel.
- the advantage of using steam or high-pressure water to clean the residue from the interior surface is that it also sterilises the surface.
- Both of the methods using steam or water are however limited because the method requires the application to occur directly onto the inner surface of the barrel. This poses problems, especially around the bunghole, as it is difficult to rotate the nozzle to a position where the surface is directly contacted by the steam or water. Furthermore these methods often require a large amount of water and power, as the water needs to be heated to boiling.
- an ultrasonic processor for ultrasonic cleaning characterized in that it includes: at least one shaft of a diameter less than the diameter of the bung hole of a wine barrel; an ultrasonic generator; and at least one ultrasonic transducer associated with said shaft.
- each ultrasonic transducer associated with said shaft is connected to a single ultrasonic generator.
- the ultrasonic processor includes a plurality of shafts in which each shaft has a respective ultrasonic generator associated therewith.
- the ultrasonic generator is located within a handle of the ultrasonic processor.
- the ultrasonic processor includes at least one sensor which monitors ultrasonic activity.
- the shaft may be made from titanium and may be of a linear configuration or a curvilinear configuration.
- the shaft of the ultrasonic processor is constructed with nodules along its length, said nodules serving to act as wave guide and help to amplify the resonance of the ultrasonics waves generated by the generator.
- the shaft of the ultrasonic processor incorporates a series of sensors along its length.
- a method for ultrasonic cleaning of a container which has restricted access characterized in that includes the steps of the steps of: introducing at least one ultrasonic processor through the opening of the container, said ultrasonic processor including a shaft of a diameter less than the diameter of the bung hole of a wine barrel; an ultrasonic generator; and at least one ultrasonic transducer associated with said shaft;; using said ultrasonic transducer to induce ultrasonic waves within said container to clean the interior surface container; and removing the detritus through the restricted opening of the container.
- the container contains water that can be agitated.
- the ultrasonic transducer is vertically placed within the container and located in the opening with an intermediate flange.
- multiple ultrasonic processors are introduced into a single container and wherein a respective ultrasonic transducer associated with each shaft of each ultrasonic processor is connected to a single ultrasonic generator.
- the container is able to rotate on at least one axis during the cleaning processor shaft of a diameter less than the diameter of the bung hole of a wine barrel; BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wine barrel with an ultrasonic processor in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the barrel of figure 1 partially filled with water illustrating how the ultrasonic processor can rotate;
- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the barrel of figure 1 partially filled with water illustrating an ultrasonic processor with a linear shaft
- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a barrel partially filled with water illustrating an ultrasonic processor in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a barrel partially filled with water illustrating an ultrasonic processor in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a barrel partially filled with water illustrating an ultrasonic processor in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a barrel partially filled with water illustrating an ultrasonic processor in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention
- an ultrasonic processor 10 including a shaft 12 a handle 14 an intermediate flange 16 and an ultrasonic generator 18. At least one ultrasonic transducer (not shown) is associated with the said shaft 12. The total diameter of the shaft is less than the diameter of the bunghole 20 of a wine barrel 22 comprising a series of staves 24 and metal rings 26. The shaft may be fixed in a single position or able to pivot 28 as illustrated in Figure 1.
- the said shaft 12 is preferably made from titanium however the reader should understand that the invention is not limited to an ultrasonic processor 10 with titanium shaft 12.
- an intermediate flange 16 locates the ultrasonic processor 10 in place once the shaft 12 has been inserted through the bunghole 20.
- the said intermediate flange 16 does not have to produce a perfect seal as the cleaning is only a short-term process and little water will be lost.
- the flange 16 however must be secure enough that when the barrel 22 is rotated or moved the ultrasonic processor 10 in not dislodged from the bunghole 20.
- the average diameter of the bunghole of wine barrels is between 49-50mm at the outside surface of the barrel and 47-48mm at the interior surface. Therefore the shaft 12 of the ultrasonic processor 10 must be less than the smallest diameter of the bunghole 20.
- the generator 18 then produces an ultrasonic signal that is emitted by the transducer associated with the said shaft 12, which is located within the barrel 22.
- the ultrasonic cleaning method works by the action of microscopic cavities collapsing and releasing shock waves.
- the microscopic cavities are formed by sending sound at high frequencies into a body of liquid that is in contact with the surface to be cleaned. In the present example the microscopic cavities form on the interior surface of the wooden staves 24 of the wine barrel 22.
- the shock waves produced by the collapse of the said cavities loosen the wine residue, tartrates and the like. This detritus can then be drained by the use of a pump or by inverting the barrel and allowing the said detritus to drain out through the bunghole 20.
- the water within the wine barrel 22 must be agitated. This can be accomplished by either agitating the water through the use of a pump (not shown) or by allowing the shaft 12 of the ultrasonic processor 10 to rotate 28. As illustrated in Figure 2 the shaft 12 of the ultrasonic processor 10 can rotate
- the wine barrel 22 does not need to be completely filled with liquid.
- the said barrel 22 is only half filled 32 with liquid 34. Reducing the amount of water used is a significant advantage, especially where there is restricted water access.
- the barrel 22 Since the wine barrel is only half filled 32 with liquid 34 the barrel 22 must be rotated on at least one axis, preferable the horizontal axis, so that all surfaces of the barrel come in contact with the liquid 34 and ultrasonic cavitations. Rollers that are commonly used in the wine industry to rotate barrels 22 would be sufficient for this task. It should however be understood that the invention is not limited to half filled barrels. The barrel may be completely filled with liquid that is then filtered and recycled for use in cleaning other barrels. It should however be understood by the reader that the present invention is not limited to ultrasonic processors that use a cooling means. Ultrasonic processors that produce high ultrasonic power densities, without the need for additional cooling media, can be used.
- FIG 3 illustrates an ultrasonic processor 10 with a shaft 12 of a linear configuration.
- the said shaft 12 can be can be fixed by the intermediate flange 16 where is passes through the bunghole 20 of the wine barrel 22 or it can rotate as previously described.
- the shaft 12 of the ultrasonic processor 10 can be curvilinear in shape.
- Figure 4 further illustrates that multiple transducers associated with shafts 12a and 12b can be inserted into the same wine barrel 22. When multiple shafts 12a and 12b are inserted into the same wine barrel 22 the transducer associated with each of the said shafts 12a and 12b are connected to the same generator 18, located in this example within the handle 14 of the ultrasonic processor 10.
- the shaft 12 of the ultrasonic processor 10 is constructed with nodules 36 along its length. These nodules 36 act as wave guide and help to amplify the resonance of the ultrasonics. The increased radial energy that is produced enhances the cleaning efficiency of the ultrasonics, especially on the interior surface of the end staves 24 of the barrel 22.
- a sensor 38 can be associated with the ultrasonic processor 10. This sensor 38 monitors 40 the ultrasonic activity within the cavity of the wine barrel 22. This so called “smart" technology enhances the efficiency of the cleaning as it monitors ultrasonic activity and enables the operator to make changes to the process where necessary.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate from of the invention where the shaft 12 of the ultrasonic processor 10 incorporates a series of sensors 42 along its length.
- a series of sensors 42 located at various points along the shaft 12 would enable better monitoring of ultrasonic activity within the barrel 22, than would a single sensor located at a fixed location within the wine barrel 22.
- the cables and pipes associated with the present invention are of a sufficient length to enable barrels to be cleaned in situ, even when the said barrels are at a distance from power or water sources.
- the ultrasonic processor can also be located on a boom to enable the user to manipulate the said processor with ease, even when the barrels a stacked or on rollers at a high above the ground.
- the present invention circumvents the need to dismantle the wine barrel.
- the ability of the ultrasonic process to sterilise the interior surface of the wine barrel stave also means that the chances of cross contamination from bacteria and yeast is reduced.
- the ease with which the present invention can be used in conjunction with currently available equipment, such as barrel rollers increases the likelihood of this technique being used by wineries. Added to these advantages are the reduction in cleaning time and the fact that less water is required for the cleaning process.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ543159A NZ543159A (en) | 2003-07-16 | 2004-07-16 | Ultrasonic cleaning of the inside surface of wine barrels |
AU2004257355A AU2004257355A1 (en) | 2003-07-16 | 2004-07-16 | An apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2003903659A AU2003903659A0 (en) | 2003-07-16 | 2003-07-16 | An apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning |
AU2003903659 | 2003-07-16 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2005007310A1 true WO2005007310A1 (en) | 2005-01-27 |
Family
ID=31983291
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2004/000960 WO2005007310A1 (en) | 2003-07-16 | 2004-07-16 | An apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2003903659A0 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ543159A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005007310A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2006084308A1 (en) * | 2005-02-08 | 2006-08-17 | Cavitus Pty Ltd | An apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning and disinfection |
WO2008054707A2 (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2008-05-08 | Eugene Joseph Rogers | Methods for reconditioning barrels |
WO2010088714A1 (en) * | 2009-02-06 | 2010-08-12 | Cavitus Pty Ltd | Ultrasonic parabolic focusing device |
US7842249B2 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2010-11-30 | Bacoustics, Llc | Apparatus for vaccine development using ultrasound technology |
EP2285504A4 (en) * | 2008-05-08 | 2013-07-31 | Cavitus Pty Ltd | Methods and apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning |
WO2013144661A1 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2013-10-03 | Kvernadze Alexander | Methods of cleaning qvevri |
EP3261498A4 (en) * | 2015-02-24 | 2019-01-09 | Albrecht Holdings LLC | Reconditioned or infused fluid containers and related methods |
CN110404877A (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2019-11-05 | 江西农业大学 | Ultrasonic cleaning volumetric flask auxiliary device |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4344455A1 (en) * | 1993-12-23 | 1995-06-29 | Branson Ultraschall | Ultrasonic vibrations inducing appts. esp. for ultrasonic cleaning bath |
US6295999B1 (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 2001-10-02 | Verteq, Inc. | Wafer cleaning method |
EP0778393B1 (en) * | 1995-12-07 | 2002-09-25 | DÄHNE Brunnenbau Velten GmbH | Method and apparatus for maintaining the performance of new water wells and for cleaning and regeneration of excisting water wells by means of ultrasound |
US20030015216A1 (en) * | 2001-07-16 | 2003-01-23 | Tom Nicolosi | Megasonic cleaner probe system with gasified fluid |
-
2003
- 2003-07-16 AU AU2003903659A patent/AU2003903659A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
2004
- 2004-07-16 WO PCT/AU2004/000960 patent/WO2005007310A1/en active Application Filing
- 2004-07-16 NZ NZ543159A patent/NZ543159A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4344455A1 (en) * | 1993-12-23 | 1995-06-29 | Branson Ultraschall | Ultrasonic vibrations inducing appts. esp. for ultrasonic cleaning bath |
EP0778393B1 (en) * | 1995-12-07 | 2002-09-25 | DÄHNE Brunnenbau Velten GmbH | Method and apparatus for maintaining the performance of new water wells and for cleaning and regeneration of excisting water wells by means of ultrasound |
US6295999B1 (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 2001-10-02 | Verteq, Inc. | Wafer cleaning method |
US20030015216A1 (en) * | 2001-07-16 | 2003-01-23 | Tom Nicolosi | Megasonic cleaner probe system with gasified fluid |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2006084308A1 (en) * | 2005-02-08 | 2006-08-17 | Cavitus Pty Ltd | An apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning and disinfection |
US7799146B2 (en) | 2005-02-08 | 2010-09-21 | Cavitus Pty Ltd | Apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning and disinfection |
US7842249B2 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2010-11-30 | Bacoustics, Llc | Apparatus for vaccine development using ultrasound technology |
WO2008054707A2 (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2008-05-08 | Eugene Joseph Rogers | Methods for reconditioning barrels |
WO2008054707A3 (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2008-07-24 | Eugene Joseph Rogers | Methods for reconditioning barrels |
EP2285504A4 (en) * | 2008-05-08 | 2013-07-31 | Cavitus Pty Ltd | Methods and apparatus for ultrasonic cleaning |
WO2010088714A1 (en) * | 2009-02-06 | 2010-08-12 | Cavitus Pty Ltd | Ultrasonic parabolic focusing device |
WO2013144661A1 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2013-10-03 | Kvernadze Alexander | Methods of cleaning qvevri |
EP3261498A4 (en) * | 2015-02-24 | 2019-01-09 | Albrecht Holdings LLC | Reconditioned or infused fluid containers and related methods |
US11384324B2 (en) | 2015-02-24 | 2022-07-12 | Albrecht Holdings Llc | Reconditioned or infused fluid containers and related methods |
CN110404877A (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2019-11-05 | 江西农业大学 | Ultrasonic cleaning volumetric flask auxiliary device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NZ543159A (en) | 2009-10-30 |
AU2003903659A0 (en) | 2003-07-31 |
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