U.S. patent application number 12/400497 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-22 for continuous batch tunnel washer and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to PELLERIN MILNOR CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Russell H. Poy, Karl Schubert.
Application Number | 20090260162 12/400497 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41199858 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090260162 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poy; Russell H. ; et
al. |
October 22, 2009 |
CONTINUOUS BATCH TUNNEL WASHER AND METHOD
Abstract
A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes
moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the
discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a
pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in
the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the
direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are
transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to
the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced
or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a
period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds)
counter flow is resumed or increased. In the wash zone, this is
considered an intermediate rinse. After the wash zone(s), the
increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to a
pre-rinse. This pre-rinse ensures that the fabric articles are
substantially free of soil or the majority of any soil and
substantially free of chemicals when they are transferred to an
extractor for final removal of excess water. A final rinse (second
rinse) is conducted during extraction of excess water.
Inventors: |
Poy; Russell H.; (New
Orleans, LA) ; Schubert; Karl; (US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARVEY SMITH NEHRBASS & NORTH, LLC
LAKEWAY 3, SUITE 3290, 3838 NORTH CAUSEWAY BLVD.
METAIRIE
LA
70002
US
|
Assignee: |
PELLERIN MILNOR CORPORATION
Kenner
LA
|
Family ID: |
41199858 |
Appl. No.: |
12/400497 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61046118 |
Apr 18, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/115.6 ;
8/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 31/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/115.6 ;
8/137 |
International
Class: |
D06F 31/00 20060101
D06F031/00; D06M 15/11 20060101 D06M015/11 |
Claims
1. A method of washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel
washer, comprising the steps of: a) providing a continuous batch
tunnel washer having an interior, an intake, a discharge, and a
plurality of modules that divide the interior into a plurality of
zones that include pre-wash, main wash and rinse zones; b) moving
the fabric articles from the intake to one or more modules that are
a pre-wash zone; c) counter flowing liquid in the washer interior
along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of
travel of the fabric articles in step "b"; d) transferring the
fabric articles to a main wash zone; e) adding a washing chemical
to the main wash zone; f) reducing counter flow during step "e"; g)
increasing counter flow after step "f" to define a first rinse in a
rinse zone; h) using an extractor to remove excess water after step
"g"; and i) during step "h" rinsing the fabric articles to define a
second rinse.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising spraying the rinse
water into the extractor in step "i".
3. The method of claim 1 wherein in step "f" counter flow is
substantially stopped.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the extractor has a rotary drum
with a side wall and an end wall, and wherein the spray has a spray
pattern that extends across the drum sidewall.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein the rinse fluid of step "i" is
sprayed from a position outside the drum.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of heating the
main wash zone before step "g".
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising transferring heat to
the main wash zone in step "f".
8. The method of claim 1 wherein counter flow is reduced in step
"f" for a time period that is less than about five minutes.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein counter flow is reduced in step
"f" for a time period that is less than about three minutes.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein counter flow is reduced in step
"f" for a time period that is less than about two minutes.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the counter flow is reduced in
step "f" for a time period of between about twenty and one hundred
twenty (20-120) seconds.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein in step "f" the added washing
chemical is heated to a temperature of between about 140 and 190
degrees Fahrenheit.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the counter flow in step "g" the
counter flow extends through multiple of the modules.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein the main wash zone includes
multiple modules.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein the rinse zone includes multiple
modules.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the main wash zone and rinse zone
each include multiple modules.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the main wash zone and rinse zone
include the same modules.
18. A method of washing fabric articles in a continuous batch
tunnel washer, comprising the steps of: a) providing a continuous
batch tunnel washer having an interior, an intake, a discharge, and
a plurality of modules that divide the interior into a plurality of
zones that include pre-wash, main wash and rinse zones; b) moving
the fabric articles from the intake to one or more modules that are
a pre-wash zone; c) counter flowing liquid in the washer interior
along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of
travel of the fabric articles in step "b"; d) transferring the
fabric articles to a main wash zone; e) adding a washing chemical
to the main wash zone; f) after the washing chemical reaches
chemical equilibrium, resuming counter flow and wherein counter
flow does not substantially dilute the washing chemical in step "e"
until after a selected time interval; g) increasing counter flow
after step "f" to define a first rinse in a rinse zone; h) using an
extractor to remove excess water after step "g"; and i) during step
"h" rinsing the fabric articles to define a second rinse.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising spraying the rinse
water into the extractor in step "i".
20. The method of claim 18 wherein in step "f" counter flow is
substantially stopped.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the extractor has a rotary drum
with a side wall and an end wall, and wherein the spray has a spray
pattern that extends across the drum sidewall.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein the rinse fluid of step "i" is
sprayed from a position outside the drum.
23. The method of claim 18 wherein the rinse fluid of step "i" is
sprayed from a position outside of the drum.
24. The method of claim 18 further comprising adding starch to the
fabric articles during step "h".
25. The method of claim 18 further comprising adding starch to the
fabric articles after step "h".
26. The method of claim 24 wherein the starch is sprayed.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein the starch is sprayed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/046,118, filed Apr. 18, 2008, incorporated herein by reference,
is hereby claimed.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to continuous batch washers or
tunnel washers. More particularly, the present invention relates to
an improved method of washing textiles or fabric articles (e.g.
clothing, linen, etc.) in a continuous batch tunnel washer wherein
the textiles are moved sequentially from one module or zone to the
next module or zone including initial pre-wash zones, a plurality
of main wash and pre-rinse zones, and then transferred to an
extractor that removes water. More particularly, the present
invention relates to an improved method of washing textiles in a
continuous batch tunnel washer wherein a counter flow of wash
liquor from one module or zone to the next module or zone is
stopped, allowing for a standing bath. Chemicals are then added to
separate soil from the goods and suspend the soil in the wash
liquor. After a period of time, counter flow is commenced again to
remove the suspended soil. The pre-rinsed goods are spray rinsed
during extraction of excess water so that soil is not redeposited
eliminated graying of the goods.
[0006] 2. General Background of the Invention
[0007] Currently, washing in a commercial environment is conducted
with a continuous batch tunnel washer. Such continuous batch tunnel
washers are known (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,237) and are
commercially available (www.milnor.com). Continuous batch washers
have multiple sectors, zones, stages, or modules including
pre-wash, wash, rinse and finishing zone. Commercial continuous
batch washing machines utilize a constant counter flow of liquor
and a centrifugal extractor or mechanical press for removing most
of the liquor from the goods before the goods are dried. Some
machines carry the liquid with the goods throughout the particular
zone or zones.
[0008] Currently, a counter flow is used during the entire time
that the fabric articles or textiles are in the main wash module
zone. This practice dilutes the washing chemical and reduces its
effectiveness. Additionally, while the bath liquor is being heated,
this thermal energy is partially carried away by the counter flow
thus wasting energy while a desired temperature value is
achieved.
[0009] A final rinse with a continuous batch washer has been
performed using a centrifugal extractor or mechanical press. In
prior art systems, if a centrifugal extractor is used, it is
typically necessary to rotate the extractor at a first low speed
that is designed to remove soil laden water before a final
extract.
[0010] Patents have issued that are directed to batch washers or
tunnel washers. The following table provides examples.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE PATENT NO. TITLE ISSUE DATE 4,236,393
Continuous tunnel batch washer Dec. 02, 1980 4,485,509 Continuous
batch type washing Dec. 04, 1984 machine and method for operating
same 4,522,046 Continuous batch laundry system Jun. 11, 1985
5,211,039 Continuous batch type washing May 18, 1993 machine
5,454,237 Continuous batch type washing Oct. 03, 1995 machine
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention improves the current art by reducing
water consumption, improving rinsing capability, reducing the
number of components required to perform the function of laundering
fabric articles or textiles, and saving valuable floor space in the
laundry.
[0012] The present invention reduces and/or combines zones,
sectors, or modules and improves the method of processing the
textiles. Rinsing is done in two zones, first in the continuous
batch washer itself in an intermediate rinse zone after each main
wash zone(s) and a pre-rinse in the last zone(s). A final rinse is
then done in a mechanical water removal machine such as a
centrifugal extractor or mechanical press.
[0013] When the goods are initially transferred into the main wash
modules, the counter flow of wash liquor into the modules is
stopped allowing for a standing bath. Chemicals are added to
separate the soil from the goods and suspend the soil in the wash
liquor. If needed, the wash liquor to the separate module bath is
raised in temperature to facilitate the release of soil from the
goods and activate the chemicals.
[0014] Once the soil has been released from the textiles, there is
no more work for the chemicals to perform. At this time, the
process can be described as "chemical equilibrium". At this point,
water by counter flow is commenced to remove the suspended soil.
This rinsing is termed "intermediate rinse" in the wash zone(s) and
a pre-rinse after the last wash zone. A final rinse can be
performed in a centrifugal extractor or mechanical press.
[0015] The process of the present invention uses fresh water that
can be supplied through an atomizing nozzle while the goods are
being extracted. Because the free soil has already been removed in
the pre-rinse zone, the spray rinse while extracting will not
re-deposit soil on the linen thereby reducing or eliminating
graying of the goods. It is not necessary to centrifuge (and drain
at a low speed) the soil laden water before the final extract. With
the present invention the process time is reduced. The amount of
fresh water required compared with conventional processes is
reduced.
[0016] The method of the present invention uses less water than in
current art because the counter flow is stopped for part of the
cycle. The spray rinse in the centrifugal extractor or mechanical
press is more effective than the current practice of draining the
free water from the linen and then refilling.
[0017] The method of the present invention preserves the washing
effectiveness of current counter flow washers to wash heavy soil
classifications because the amount of soil dilution is the same
even though there are less zones, stages, or modules. The present
invention provides a higher effective rinsing provided by the spray
rinse in the centrifugal extractor because of the pre-rinse.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and
advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the
following detailed description, read in conjunction with the
following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like
elements and wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the alternate embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the alternate
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the alternate
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the
starch dispensing nozzle tube;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the alternate
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the
starch dispensing nozzle tube; and
[0028] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the alternate
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the
starch dispensing nozzle tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] FIGS. 1-3 shows a schematic diagram of the textile washing
apparatus of the present invention, designated generally by the
numeral 10. Textile washing apparatus 10 provides a tunnel washer
11 having an inlet end portion 12 and an outlet end portion 13. In
FIG. 1, tunnel washer 11 provides a number of modules 14-18. These
modules 14-18 can include a first module 14 and a second module 15
which can be pre-wash modules. The plurality of modules 14-18 can
also include modules 16, 17 and 18 which are main wash and
pre-rinse modules.
[0030] The total number of modules 14-18 can be more or less than
the five (5) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows an alternate arrangement
that employs a tunnel washer 11 having eight (8) modules 14-18 and
35-37. FIG. 3 shows an alternate arrangement that employs a tunnel
washer 11 having ten (10) modules 14-18 and 35-39. In FIG. 2, the
modules 14, 15 can be pre-wash modules. In FIG. 3, modules 14, 15,
16 can be pre-wash modules. In FIG. 2, the modules 16, 17, 18 and
35, 36, 37 can be main wash and pre-rinse modules. In FIG. 3, the
modules 17, 18 and 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 can be main wash and
pre-rinse modules. Instead of a two (2) or three (3) module
pre-wash section (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3), a single module 14 could be
provided as an alternate option for the pre-wash section.
[0031] Inlet end portion 12 can provide a hopper 19 that enables
the intake of textiles or fabric articles to be washed. Such fabric
articles, textiles, goods to be washed can include clothing,
linens, towels, and the like. An extractor 20 is positioned next to
the outlet end portion 13 of tunnel washer 11. Flow lines 21, 25,
26, 27, 27 A are provided for adding water and/or chemicals to
tunnel washer 11 as will be described more fully hereinafter.
[0032] When the fabric articles, goods, linens are initially
transferred into the main wash modules 16, 17, 18, a counter flow
of wash liquor into these modules 16, 17, 18 is reduced, preferably
stopped allowing for a standing bath. Chemicals are then added as
indicated by arrows 26, 27 to the modules 16, 17 and/or 18. In FIG.
2, chemicals are added as indicated by arrows 26, 27, 27 A to the
modules 16, 17, 18, 35, 36 and/or 37. In FIG. 3, chemicals are
added to the modules 16-18 and 35-39 as indicated by the arrows 26,
27, 27 A. In FIGS. 1-3, these chemicals separate the soil from the
goods, linens, textiles and suspend the soil in the wash liquor.
During this step of the method of the present invention, the wash
liquor temperature can be elevated if needed to facilitate the
release of soil from the goods, fabric articles or linens and
activate the chemicals.
[0033] Once the maximum soil has been released from the textiles or
fabric articles, there is no more work for the chemicals to
perform. At this time, the process can be described as chemical
equilibrium. The flow of water is stopped for a time period
sufficient to release soil from the goods such as for example
between about 20 seconds and one hundred twenty (120) seconds.
However, this time interval can be between about ten (10) and three
hundred (300) seconds.
[0034] After this time interval of having no counter flow, water by
counter flow is commenced to remove the suspended soil. This
rinsing can be termed pre-rinse. A final rinse is then performed in
a centrifugal extractor or mechanical press 20. The process of the
present invention uses fresh water that can be supplied through an
atomizing nozzle for example while the goods are being extracted
using the extractor 20. The process of the present invention uses
fresh water in the extractor that can be supplied through an
atomizing nozzle for example while the goods are being extracted at
high speed (e.g. between about 200 and 1,000 g's) using the
extractor 20.
[0035] Flow line 21 transmits water to hopper 19 as indicated by
arrow 22. Flow line 21 also carries water to pre-wash module 15 as
indicated by arrow 23. Arrow 24 indicates a flow of water from
module 14 to module 15 as part of the pre-wash.
[0036] In FIG. 1, flow line 25 adds water for counter flow
pre-rinse to module 18. Such water added via flow line 25 to module
18 flows in counter flow fashion from module 18 to module 17 to
module 16 (see arrow 25A). Arrows 26 and 27 indicate chemical
addition to modules 16 and 17 respectively. Chemicals to be added
to modules 16 and 17 can include for example detergent, alkalaii,
and/or oxidizing agents.
[0037] In FIG. 2, flow line 25 adds water for counter flow
pre-rinse to module 37. Such water added via flow line 25 to module
37 flows in counter flow fashion from module 38 to module 37, then
36, then 35, then 18, then to module 17 (see arrow 25B).
[0038] In FIG. 3, flow line 25 adds water for counter flow
pre-rinse to module 38. Such water added via flow line 25 to module
38 flows in counter flow fashion from module 38 to module 37,
module 36, module 35, module 18, and module 17 (see arrow 25C).
[0039] In FIG. 1, textiles or fabric articles that are pre-washed,
washed, and then pre-rinsed in tunnel washer 11 are transferred
from module 18 to extractor 20 as indicated schematically by arrow
28. In FIG. 2, the textiles or fabric articles that are pre-washed,
washed, and then pre-rinsed in tunnel washer 11 are transferred
from module 37 to extractor 20 as indicated schematically by arrow
28. In FIG. 3, textiles or fabric articles that are pre-washed,
washed, intermediately rinsed and then pre-rinsed in tunnel washer
11 are transferred from module 39 to extractor 20 as indicated
schematically by arrow 28.
[0040] The method of the present invention thus conducts rinsing in
two zones. Rinsing is first conducted in the tunnel washer 11 in a
pre-rinse zone which occurs after the main wash. In FIG. 1,
pre-wash zones can be 14, 5. The pre-rinse zone and main wash zone
can be modules 16, 17, 18. In FIG. 2, the pre-wash zone can be
modules 14 and 15 while the main wash and pre-rinse zones can be
modules 16, 17, 18, 35, 36 and 37. In FIG. 3, the pre-wash zone can
be modules 14 and 15 while the main wash and pre-rinse zones can be
modules 16, 17, 18, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39. The second rinse zone is
the final rinse, which is conducted in the extractor 20 or other
mechanical water removal machine such as a mechanical press.
[0041] Because the free soil has already been removed in the
pre-rinse zone at modules 16, 17, 18 of FIG. 1 (or 16-18, 35-37 of
FIG. 2 or 16-18, 35-39 of FIG. 3) as part of the method of the
present invention, the spray rinse while extracting will not
redeposit soil on the linen thereby reducing or eliminating graying
of the goods. With the present invention it is not necessary to
centrifuge (and drain at a low speed) the soil laden water before
the final extract at 20. With the present invention, the process
time is thus reduced. The amount of fresh water required compared
with conventional processes is reduced. The spray rinse and the
centrifugal extractor 20 or mechanical press is more effective than
the current practice of draining the free water from the linen and
then refilling the extractor 20.
[0042] An additional benefit of the pre-rinse concept of the
present invention is to permit the mechanical press or extractor to
have more time extracting the free water. This result follows
because the effect of the pre-rinse is to remove most of the
suspended soil. The amount of fresh water required for final rinse
is thus greatly reduced. The time for rinsing is reduced, allowing
this saved cycle time for water removal.
[0043] The method of the present invention preserves the washing
effectiveness of current counter flow washers 11 to wash heavy soil
classifications because the amount of soil dilution is the same
even though there are fewer zones or stages or modules.
[0044] The present invention provides a higher effective rinsing
provided by the spray rinse 30 and the centrifugal extractor 20
because of the pre-rinse that is conducted in the modules 16, 17,
18 as discussed above.
[0045] FIGS. 4-10 show an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention, designated generally by the numeral 40. The
textile washing apparatus 40 of the alternate embodiment can
provide the same tunnel washer 11 of the preferred embodiment
having the modules 14-18, 35-39 provided in any one of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 or 3. FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG.
1 having a specially configured starch spray arrangement.
[0046] In FIG. 4, a starch tank 41 contains starch that is to be
injected into the linen, fabric articles, or clothing contained in
extractor 20. Starch for the table linen, clothing, fabric articles
is pumped in the first phase of the cycle through a spray nozzle 60
(see FIGS. 8-10). Controlled flow metering can be achieved for
example using an inverter controlled flow metering device. The
precise amount of starch is thus injected into the linen, fabric
articles, clothing or the like while in extractor 20. Excess starch
can be removed in a separate tank indicated as starch recovery tank
52 in FIG. 4. Flow line 53 enables recovered starch in tank 52 to
be transferred to starch tank 41.
[0047] Starch tank 41 contains starch that is to be pumped via flow
line 42 to nozzle 60 and then to extractor 20. Fresh water tank 43
can also be used to pipe fresh water to extractor 20, flowing
through valve 45 to nozzle 60. Valves 44, 45 and 46 are provided
for controlling the flow of either starch or fresh water or a
combination thereof to nozzle 60 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0048] Flow line 49 is a flow line that carries extracted water to
tank 51 as it is purged from the fabric articles, clothing or
linens contained in extractor 20. Starch can be recovered via flow
lines 49, 50 to starch recovery tank 52. Valves 44, 47 are provided
for valving the flow of starch from tank 41 to extractor 20 via
flow line 42. Valve 48 enables tank 41 to be emptied for cleaning
or adding new starch.
[0049] In FIGS. 8-10, starch spray nozzle 60 is shown in more
detail. The spray nozzle 60 can provide an elongated section of
conduit or pipe 61. Spray nozzle 60 has an influent end 62 and a
discharge end portion 63. Conduit 61 provides an open ended bore 64
for conveying starch from flow line 42 to nozzle 60. Influent end
62 provides a connection 80 for attaching conduit 61 to flow line
42.
[0050] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the spray pattern 76 that strikes the
wall of drum 57 of extractor 20 as emitted by nozzle 60. In FIGS. 6
and 7, extractor 20 provides a drum 57 that provides a chamber 55
having an inlet 56. Clothes, textiles, linens to be sprayed are
discharged from tunnel washer 11 via chute 79 into the chamber 55
of extractor 20. The extractor 20 is preferably movable between a
loading and discharging position. The loading position is shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6. In the loading position, clothes transfer from the
tunnel washer 11 to the chamber 55 via chute 79. Pumps 54 can be
used to aid in the transfer of water from tank 43 or starch from
tank 41 into chamber 55 via nozzle 60. The spray nozzle 60 produces
a spray pattern 76 that extends substantially across the
cylindrical wall 58 of drum 57 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Drum 57
thus provides an inlet 56 for enabling clothing, textiles, or other
fabric articles to be added to the drum 57 interior 55 and a rear
circular wall 59. Notice in FIGS. 6 and 7 that the spray pattern 76
extends generally from inlet 56 to circular wall 59, thus extending
substantially across cylindric wall 58 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
Arrow 77 in FIG. 7 illustrates the width of spray pattern 76 which
can be about 16 degrees as an example along cylindrical drum wall
58.
[0051] A mounting plate 65 can be provided having one or more
openings 66 for attaching (for example, bolting) spray nozzle 60 to
extractor 20 or to a frame that supports extractor 20.
[0052] The discharge end portion 63 of spray nozzle 60 provides a
nozzle tip 67. The nozzle tip 67 provides a nozzle outlet 70 formed
by side plates 71, 72, upper plate 73 and lower plate 74. Atomizing
water nozzle 68, 69 are provided next to nozzle outlet 70. The
atomizing water nozzle 68 is mounted to upper plate 73. The
atomizing water nozzle 69 is mounted to lower plate 74 as shown in
FIGS. 8-10. Spray nozzle 60 can be equipped with aerating or
atomizing nozzles 68, 69 to control the consistency of the starch
in the nozzle 60, thus preventing starch build-up which might
eventually plug of the nozzle 60.
[0053] As part of the method of the present invention, all starch
flow lines 42, 60 can be purged with hot water from fresh water
tank via flow line 75.
[0054] The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for
use in the present invention.
TABLE-US-00002 PARTS LIST Part Number Description 10 textile
washing apparatus 11 tunnel washer 12 inlet end portion 13 outlet
end portion 14 module 15 module 16 module 17 module 18 module 19
hopper 20 extractor 21 flow line 22 arrow 23 arrow 24 arrow 25 flow
line .sup. 25A arrow .sup. 25B arrow .sup. 25C arrow 26 arrow -
chemical addition 27 arrow - chemical addition .sup. 27A arrow -
chemical addition 28 arrow - textile transfer 29 spray rinse flow
line 30 arrow 31 extractor water 32 flow line 33 outlet valve 34
arrow 35 module 36 module 37 module 38 module 39 module 40 textile
washing apparatus 41 starch tank 42 flow line 43 fresh water tank
44 valve 45 valve 46 valve 47 valve 48 valve 49 flow line 50 flow
line 51 extracted water tank 52 starch recovery tank 53 flow line
54 pump 55 chamber 56 inlet 57 drum 58 cylindrical drum wall 59
circular drum wall 60 spray nozzle 61 conduit 62 influent end 63
discharge end 64 bore 65 mounting plate 66 opening 67 nozzle tip 68
atomizing water nozzle 69 atomizing water nozzle 70 nozzle outlet
71 side plate 72 side plate 73 upper plate 74 lower plate 75 flow
line 76 spray pattern 77 arrow 78 drum moving mechanism 79
chute
[0055] All measurements disclosed herein are at standard
temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated
otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human
being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.
[0056] The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example
only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by
the following claims.
* * * * *