Abstract: A titration system is disclosed for determining content of an analyte in a sample. The titration system comprises: a controller; a reaction vessel; a titration vessel and an indicator vessel in fluid communication with the reaction vessel; a spectroscopy unit; a sensor for outputting a signal to the controller based on a force exerted by the reaction vessel on the sensor. The controller executes a stored program to: (i) perform titration by delivering to the reaction vessel a first mass of a first fluid comprising the sample, a second mass of a second fluid comprising indicator, and a third mass of a third fluid comprising titrant; (ii) detect color change in the mixture in the reaction vessel based on a signal from the spectroscopy unit and stop titration; and (iii) calculate content of the analyte in the sample based on the first mass, the second mass, and the third mass.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a roller system including a drive roller and one or more guide rollers configured to receive an elongated article to be cleaned. Each guide roller and the drive roller form a serpentine path for the article. The cleaning apparatus further includes a frame for supporting each guide roller and the drive roller; and a fluid delivery system for directing fluid at top and bottom faces of the article. The fluid delivery system includes one or more conduits. Each conduit is in fluid communication with a plurality of nozzles to direct fluid to the top and the bottom faces of the article. The cleaning apparatus further includes an actuator to linearly displace at least one of conduits back and forth during operation. The drive roller may be a sprocket for engaging and transporting the article. The article may be a conveyor belt.

Abstract: A system and method combine a first reactant with a second reactant to create a reaction product. A first pump is in fluid communication with a reaction vessel and a source of the first reactant. A second pump is in fluid communication with the reaction vessel and a source of the second reactant. A gas sparger is located in the reaction vessel, and the gas sparger is in fluid communication with a gas source for providing gas to the reaction vessel. A controller is configured to execute a program stored in the controller to: (i) receive a sensor signal based on a force exerted by the reaction vessel in a direction toward the sensor, and (ii) operate the first pump and the second pump to deliver to the reaction vessel the first reactant and the second reactant thereby causing a reaction that creates the reaction product.

Abstract: A titration system is disclosed for determining content of an analyte in a sample. The titration system comprises: a controller; a reaction vessel; a titration vessel and an indicator vessel in fluid communication with the reaction vessel; a spectroscopy unit; a sensor for outputting a signal to the controller based on a force exerted by the reaction vessel on the sensor. The controller executes a stored program to: (i) perform titration by delivering to the reaction vessel a first mass of a first fluid comprising the sample, a second mass of a second fluid comprising indicator, and a third mass of a third fluid comprising titrant; (ii) detect color change in the mixture in the reaction vessel based on a signal from the spectroscopy unit and stop titration; and (iii) calculate content of the analyte in the sample based on the first mass, the second mass, and the third mass.

Abstract: A system and method combine a first reactant with a second reactant to create a reaction product. A first pump is in fluid communication with a reaction vessel and a source of the first reactant. A second pump is in fluid communication with the reaction vessel and a source of the second reactant. A gas sparger is located in the reaction vessel, and the gas sparger is in fluid communication with a gas source for providing gas to the reaction vessel. A controller is configured to execute a program stored in the controller to: (i) receive a sensor signal based on a force exerted by the reaction vessel in a direction toward the sensor, and (ii) operate the first pump and the second pump to deliver to the reaction vessel the first reactant and the second reactant thereby causing a reaction that creates the reaction product.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a roller system including a drive roller and one or more guide rollers configured to receive an elongated article to be cleaned. Each guide roller and the drive roller form a serpentine path for the article. The cleaning apparatus further includes a frame for supporting each guide roller and the drive roller; and a fluid delivery system for directing fluid at top and bottom faces of the article. The fluid delivery system includes one or more conduits. Each conduit is in fluid communication with a plurality of nozzles to direct fluid to the top and the bottom faces of the article. The cleaning apparatus further includes an actuator to linearly displace at least one of conduits back and forth during operation. The drive roller may be a sprocket for engaging and transporting the article. The article may be a conveyor belt.

Abstract: A system for mixing a first fluid with one or more additional fluids to create a mixed fluid and for dispensing the mixed fluid is disclosed. The dispensing system includes a mixing tank; a first pump for the first fluid; a second pump for a second fluid; and a sensor positioned adjacent the mixing tank wherein the sensor outputs a signal based on a force exerted by the mixing tank in a direction toward the sensor. A controller of the system execute a program to: (i) receive the signal from the sensor, and (ii) operate the first pump for a first time period and operate the second pump for a second time period based on the signal from the sensor such that the first fluid and the second fluid are delivered to the mixing tank before being delivered to a storage tank for dispensing the mixed fluids.

Abstract: A system for mixing a first fluid with one or more additional fluids to create a mixed fluid and for dispensing the mixed fluid is disclosed. The dispensing system includes a mixing tank; a first pump for the first fluid; a second pump for a second fluid; and a sensor positioned adjacent the mixing tank wherein the sensor outputs a signal based on a force exerted by the mixing tank in a direction toward the sensor. A controller of the system execute a program to: (i) receive the signal from the sensor, and (ii) operate the first pump for a first time period and operate the second pump for a second time period based on the signal from the sensor such that the first fluid and the second fluid are delivered to the mixing tank before being delivered to a storage tank for dispensing the mixed fluids.

Abstract: A controller and recorder is disclosed for controlling, monitoring, and recording concentrations, temperature, air flow, fluid flow, and valve position a cleaning system. The invention allows a user to monitor multiple outputs at one time to quickly and efficiently diagnose malfunctions in the cleaning system. The invention records and archives the outputs during operation of the cleaning system. The data may then be downloaded by a user and analyzed for malfunctions in the system. For example, the data may indicate malfunctioning valves or fouled sensors in the cleaning system.

Abstract: A chemical concentration controller and recorder is disclosed for controlling and recording chemical concentrations in a cleaning system. The invention allows a user to control the concentration of two or more chemicals in the cleaning system simultaneously using either concentration-based feed or timed feed. The invention records and archives chemical concentration data from sensors in the cleaning system tanks or the cleaning system fluid conduits during operation of the cleaning system. The data may then be downloaded by a user and analyzed for efficiency and cost control purposes. For example, the data may indicate the overfeeding of chemicals to the cleaning system or leaking valves in the cleaning system.

Abstract: A chemical concentration controller and recorder is disclosed for controlling and recording chemical concentrations in a cleaning system. The invention allows a user to control the concentration of two or more chemicals in the cleaning system simultaneously using either concentration-based feed or timed feed. The invention records and archives chemical concentration data from sensors in the cleaning system tanks or the cleaning system fluid conduits during operation of the cleaning system. The data may then be downloaded by a user and analyzed for efficiency and cost control purposes. For example, the data may indicate the overfeeding of chemicals to the cleaning system or leaking valves in the cleaning system.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an apparatus using a clean-in-place system is disclosed. The clean-in-place system is in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet of the apparatus. In the method, a cleaning composition having a measurable physical property (e.g., pH) is supplied from a cleaner tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a first period of time. A rinsing composition having the measurable physical property at a second measured value is then supplied from a rinse tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a second period of time. The measurable physical property is sensed versus time for fluids exiting the outlet of the apparatus, and a circulation time of the cleaning composition is determined. A closing time for a return valve of the cleaner tank is then determined for subsequent cleaning cycles such that minimal rinsing composition enters the cleaner tank during the subsequent cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an apparatus using a clean-in-place system is disclosed. The clean-in-place system is in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet of the apparatus. In the method, a cleaning composition having a measurable physical property (e.g., pH) is supplied from a cleaner tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a first period of time. A rinsing composition having the measurable physical property at a second measured value is then supplied from a rinse tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a second period of time. The measurable physical property is sensed versus time for fluids exiting the outlet of the apparatus, and a circulation time of the cleaning composition is determined. A closing time for a return valve of the cleaner tank is then determined for subsequent cleaning cycles such that minimal rinsing composition enters the cleaner tank during the subsequent cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an apparatus using a clean-in-place system is disclosed. The clean-in-place system is in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet of the apparatus. In the method, a cleaning composition having a measurable physical property (e.g., pH) is supplied from a cleaner tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a first period of time. A rinsing composition having the measurable physical property at a second measured value is then supplied from a rinse tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a second period of time. The measurable physical property is sensed versus time for fluids exiting the outlet of the apparatus, and a circulation time of the cleaning composition is determined. A closing time for a return valve of the cleaner tank is then determined for subsequent cleaning cycles such that minimal rinsing composition enters the cleaner tank during the subsequent cleaning cycle.