RECYCLOMATE

RECYCLOMATE

English Abstract

ABSTRACT:
It is known that every liquid has a unique specific gravity in
comparison to water. This invention utilizes this fact to clean and
separate painting solvents from any contaminants which become
suspended in them when they are used to clean oil paints from
brushes, and other painting tools. The overall design of the
container, accurate control of the level of water inside, and relative
placement of the attached pump effectively allow for the
reclamation and recycling of various contaminated solvents.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive
property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A plastic container of any size capable of holding cleaning
solvents and water equipped with a manually operated pump system
whose strategic suction height allows separation of the solvents
from the suspension of water and contaminants which will occur due
to the forces of gravity and the differentiation in specific gravity of
liquids.
2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which the container is
of metal, glass, cardboard with a liner, or other suitable material.
3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the
pump may be mechanized or electrified.
4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, in
which any spout, drain, valve or draining device is used from any
side or bottom of the container which accesses the cleaned solvent
area.

Description

SPECIFICATION:
~ This invention relates to a custornized container which by ~'
design allows gravita~ional separation of liquids and contaminants
by specific gravity. The strategic placement of a manually oper3ted
purnp allows these cleaned solvents to be drawn off for recycling
from th'e original suspension of water and contaminates. ~ ~
Because of a difference in specific gravity between paint ~ I
soivents and water, when they are mixed the solvent rises to the top '
and lays on ~he water. Also the nature of dried oil paint residue is to ,
respond to the forces of gravity and when suspended in water these
particles coagula~e and settle to the bottom of the container over a
period of time. '-'
~ This ir.~,vention utilizes these physical principles to facilitate ~-
the cleansing of used solvents. The design and structure of ~he
container allow for simple e~fective removal of the cleaned solvent
from the contaminants and water. This invention facilitates the
reclamation and re-use of many solvents which will save the user
money and ultimately minimize the impact from solvent disposal on
the environment. ,
.
In a drawing Figure 1, "Separator & Reclarnation Uni~" which ;
illustrates the embodiments of the invention, Item 1 is the physical
container, Item 2 is the plunger pump and item 3 is the flanged filler
tube.
Figure 2 shows an alternate construction of a container wi~h
the same capabilities. In this diagram the~filler tube and the
plunger pump have separate locations in ~he same vessel.
~ . ~
~`

2 2~0~2~
Initially unscrew the plunger pump (item #2) and expose ~he
container neck. Pour ordinary water into the con~ainer through the
container opening until the level reaehes the indicated mark etched -~
on the side of the semi-transparent container. (In the case shown
~his is approximately 5 cm. from the container bottom) . Once the
water level is established, insert the flanged filler ~ube (~3) into
the open neck of the container. Using the filler tube as a funnel,
contaminated fluid may then be poured in~o the container. The
flanged filler ~ube serves as a conduit which transports the
contaminated fluid through the liquid layers in the con~ainer and
ultimately cleposits the contamina~ed liquids below the water line
in the container. The contaminated fluid enters the container below
the water line to limit undue turbulence of ~he fluids already
separated in ~he container, and ~o maximize contact of the water and
the contaminated fluid. Additional batches of used solvent may be
added to the container at anytime during the cycle using the filler
tube. After delivery of the recent contaminated fluid remove the
filler tube from the container. Replace the plunger pump in ~he
filler tube neck and tighten the threaded top onto the container. This
threaded top seals the contents of the container against the
atmosphere. This prevents evaporation of the solvent contents and
susequent contamination of the atmosphere.
The solvent level in the container will build as batches of
contaminated fluid are added. Since the contaminants have grea~er
specific gravity than either the water or the solvent, they tend to
coagulate and settle, by the forces of gravity, to the bottom of the
container. Since the container is translucent the clarified solvent
level may be observed at any time as the level builds. When
sufficient reclaimed solvent covers the pump suction, as much
cleaned solvent as required may be withdrawn with a gentle pumping
action.
When it is noticeable that the contaminants or water level has
built up to within 10 to 20 cm of the pump suction, the available
cleansed solvents should be pumped off to another container for
reuse, and the trapped contaminants wi~h the water should be
disposed of in a manner which adheres to the ecological code and
bylaws of the local municipality and government regulations.
With the addition of fresh water, as per the above
instructions, the cleaning/recycling process may be repeated.
~ ~j,"" ,, ,~

Representative Drawing