Ozone generating system for laundries

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an ozone generating system for laundries, and more particularly, to such a system where the concentration of dissolved ozone in the water can be regulated with accuracy and safety.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Ozone is an unstable gas with bleaching characteristics. In contrast with chemical bleachers, ozone is ecologically compatible. Also, in comparison with many applications where chemical bleaches are used, an ozone-based system also enjoys electrical and/or gas energy savings since it can operate at lower temperatures.

[0006] For ozone to be effective its concentration in water needs to be controlled. The problem with the patented inventions in their commercialization has been insufficient control over the concentration levels used in the laundry applications. Keeping the ozone concentration levels under control directly contributes to the maximization of the efficiency of the system. The present invention achieves a high degree of accuracy and consistent levels of dissolve ozone in the mixing tanks for subsequent delivery to the wash wheel during a linen washing process.

[0007] It is understood that the ozone laundry system is capable of achieving the reductions in laundry detergent, bleach (sodium hypochlorite), wash water temperature and overall water consumption through a number of mechanisms. Because ozone is a very strong oxidizer, it can break the long carbon chains that make up the hydrophobic oils in dirtied linens. when ozone breaks these insoluble carbon chains it leaves a polar end group that allows the carbon fragment to become more soluble in water, much liken to action of the surfactants in the laundry detergent. By this action the ozone can substantially reduce the work required by the laundry detergent in removing the soils and oils in the linens. Therefore, the amount of laundry detergent that is used can be reduced significantly. Also, the need for hot water is reduced or eliminated by the same action of the dissolved ozone.

[0008] Also, through the oxidizing activity of the dissolved ozone, the organic color bodies that make up the various stains can be decolorized or bleached, liken unto the action chlorine bleach. Unlike the chlorine, though, ozone does not leave behind toxic chlorination by products that can remain in the fabric of the linens. Therefore, in properly designed systems the use of chlorine bleach can be completely eliminated.

[0009] Concurrently, compared to the other available oxidizing chemicals, including chlorine, ozone is the most powerful disinfectant. Ozone's effective sterilizing capability is 100's of times greater than that of chlorine. Therefore, the application of ozone in the wash process will completely ensure that the linens are properly sterilized from all bacteria and viruses.

[0010] Given that the laundry detergent can be significantly reduced and the chlorine eliminated, then the amount of rinse water can also be reduced.

[0011] Applicant believes that the closest reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,493,743; 5,097,556; 5,181,399 and 5,241,720 assigned to Tri-O-Clean Laundry, Inc. However, they differ from the present invention because they lack the necessary controls to keep the concentration of ozone in water regulated within a predetermined and relatively narrow range for more effective utilization of ozone for particular purposes. Also, the amount of entrained ozone in these patented devices makes them very dangerous. The present invention utilizes a novel device for separating practically all of the entrained gas by forcing the water down a helicoidal path while permitting the entrained gas to exit through a perforated centrally disposed tubular member. The entrained gas typically shows in the water with a milky look that clears as the small bubbles of the entrained ozone go out to the atmosphere. It is dangerous to expose users to ozone constantly. Thus, the desirability of destroying the excess of ozone.

[0012] Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.

[0013] It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a device for accurately controlling the concentration of the ozone dissolved in the water of a continuous supply system.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that is safe to operate by effectively removing excess entrained ozone from the water.

[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device that can be safely operated to provide a source of enriched ozone water for laundry applications.

[0016] It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.

[0017] Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

[0018] With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is an schematic representation of one of the preferred embodiments for the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a partial view of the interior of the gas separator assembly.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the gas separator.

[0022] Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral 10, it can be seen that the present invention comprises contact or holding tank assembly 20 with inlet 21 connected to a tap water supply S, tank outlet 22 connects to inlet 23 through a bypass valve and Venturi assembly 90 for injecting ozone, and outlet 24 of holding tank 20 is connected through a magnetic water conditioner 120 to laundry devices (not shown) or any other application that requires using the ozone-enriched water. The concentration of ozone is monitored by computerized control unit 40 with several transducers or sensors in critical positions of the system. Suitable software programming incorporated to unit 40 provides the necessary output signals for controlling the flow of water as well as the generation and use of ozone to maintain accurate predetermined levels at outlet 24.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, it can be seen that a water assembly supply S is connected to water pressure regulator assembly 15 through conduit 11. In the preferred embodiment, assembly 15 is manually set to a predetermined pressure. Inlet pressure sensor assembly 12 is mounted just before water regulator assembly 15. Regulated pressure sensor assembly 13 is mounted after pressure regulator assembly 15 and connects to tank inlet 21.

[0024] Computerized control unit 40 includes a microprocessor based device having several inputs with A/D (analog to digital) converters to provide suitable digital voltages from analog signals received from transducers. The electrical outputs A and B of sensor assemblies 12 and 13 are connected to inputs A′ and B′ of gauge panel assembly 50 where a user can view their magnitudes. Input H″ is connected to ozone in water analyzer 29 to monitor the concentration of ozone in the water thus providing an accurate measure of ozone concentration. Regulating the output of ozone generator 30 and the activation of bypass valve and Venturi assembly 90 allow a user to control the concentration of ozone. Gas separator assembly 100 is connected between the bypass valve and Venturi assembly 90 and the second inlet 23 to holding tank 20. Assembly 100 eradicates most of the ozone gas that has not been dissolved. The rest of undisolved ozone is taken away through off gas valve assembly 108′. The ozone-enriched water delivered by outlet 24 is processed in the preferred embodiment by water conditioner assembly 120 before it is used.

[0025] Contact or holding tank assembly 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape and stands upright. Inlet 21 is positioned, in the preferred embodiment, at the top, and not lower than 90% of the entire height of tank assembly 20. When the water is discharged inside assembly 20 initially, it does not have any significant amount of ozone and it will take some time to acquire it after being recirculated. Thus, this initial body of water will go out through outlet 22 when suctioned by recirculating pump 70 and through bypass valve and Venturi assembly 90. The temperature of pump 70 is sensed by temperature sensor 72 having output J connected to input J″ in computerized control unit 40. Outlet 22 is located between 30% and 40% of the height of tank assembly 20.

[0026] Assembly 90 includes bypass ball valve unit 92 running parallel and above Venturi unit 94. Units 92 and 94 have a common inlet and a common outlet 91 and 99, respectively. Venturi unit 94 is connected through pipe 95 to ozone generator 30, which can be implemented with model CA CAT 1200, AT-1220, manufactured by CATEC Corp., 7011D-301 Blvd, Sarasota, Fla. 34234-3267. To increase the output of ozone, an oxygen generator is used to feed ozone generator 30, permitting a user to achieve 5-7% wt. ozone. Temperature sensor 32 senses the temperature inside ozone generator 30 and its output E is connected to unit 40 for further processing. Venturi unit 94 draws the ozone in contact with the water that is not passing through bypass ball valve unit 92. Unit 92 is electrically controlled with input K connected to output K′ in computerized control unit 40. In this manner, the flow of water exposed to ozone passing through Venturi assembly 94 is regulated (selectively diverted).

[0027] Outlet 99 is connected to entrained gas separator assembly 100, which is more specifically shown in FIG. 2. Inlet 101 is positioned substantially at the top of assembly 100 forcing the water down through a helicoidal path defined by helicoidal wall 102. A perforated pipe 104 extends centrally in assembly 100 and perforations 105 allow the entrained gas (mostly ozone) in the helicoidal path to go through perforated pipe 104. Most of the entrained gas (not dissolved), approximately 85%, separates and is expelled through off gas valve 108 to ozone destroying assembly 140. Outlet 109 sends the water to inlet 23 of tank assembly 20. Inlet 23 is mounted preferably between 40% and 50% of the height of tank assembly 20. Elbow pipe 25 extends up about 15 cm. in the preferred embodiment to direct the water upwardly.

[0028] Tank assembly 20 includes outlet 24 located at the bottom part and not higher than 10% of the height of tank assembly 20. Ozone in water analyzer assembly 29 is mounted relatively close to outlet 24 to measure the ozone concentration being delivered.

[0029] Ozone analyzer assembly 60 can be implemented with model OA-1000 Ozone analyzer, manufactured by CATEC, 7011D-301 Blvd, Sarasota, Fla. 34243-3267.

[0030] Computerized control unit 40 includes a memory circuit for storing data and instructions. Unit 40 includes inputs A″, B″, C″, D″, E″, F″, G, H″ and I″ that are respectively connected in parallel with gauges A′, B′, C′, D′, E′, F′, G′, H′ and I′ in gauge panel assembly 50 to outputs A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I. A user can monitor the different parameters with a visual indication in assembly 50.

[0031] The electrical inputs and outputs of computer control unit 40 are

[0032] The software used in assembly 40 includes alarm data for detecting when the water pressure, water temperature, water ozone concentration and/or ozone in air exceed certain predetermined parameters. With respect to water pressure assemblies 12 and 13, a control signal is delivered to water pressure regulator assembly 15 depending on the output received. The objective being to keep a certain pressure at inlet 21. Regulator assembly 15 can also shut off completely the water supplied to inlet 15, if desired. The computerized control unit 40 receives the pertinent Regulator assembly 15 can also shut off completely the water supplied to inlet 15, if desired. The computerized control unit 40 receives the pertinent data from the pressure, vacuum, temperature and ozone concentration sensors and through specialized software program, alters the ozone generator's ozone production rate and modulates the proportional motorized ball valve, K and 92 to maximize the ozone mass transfer efficiency and accurately control the predetermined ozone concentration level in the contact or holding tank 20.

[0033] The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.