US 12,420,312 B2
Methods and systems for detecting and controlling the dosage and residual concentration of hard surface cleaners and rinse aids in an automotive parts washer
David W. Scheimann, Saint Paul, MN (US); Paul Balent, Saint Paul, MN (US); Benjamin Riley, Saint Paul, MN (US); and Ashly Wagner, Saint Paul, MN (US)
Assigned to ECOLAB USA INC., Saint Paul, MN (US)
Filed by ECOLAB USA INC., Saint Paul, MN (US)
Filed on Jul. 14, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/352,529.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/368,544, filed on Jul. 15, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0017298 A1, Jan. 18, 2024
Int. Cl. B08B 3/02 (2006.01); B08B 3/14 (2006.01); G01N 21/33 (2006.01)
CPC B08B 3/022 (2013.01) [B08B 3/14 (2013.01); G01N 21/33 (2013.01); B08B 2203/0217 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of cleaning plastic car parts and/or fascia comprising:
placing plastic car parts and/or fascia on a conveyor;
activating the conveyor through one or more washing stages of a washing system;
spraying the plastic car parts and/or fascia with a wash water in one or more washing stages of the washing system; wherein the wash water comprises a detergent; wherein the detergent comprises a surfactant;
collecting the wash water from the one or more washing stages after spraying;
sensing the UV transmission or absorbance of the surfactant in the collected wash water via a UV meter;
comparing, via a controller, the UV transmission or absorbance of the collected wash water and a set point on a calibration plot stored via the controller;
dosing water or the detergent to the collected wash water based on a difference between the UV transmission or absorbance measured and the set point on the calibration plot;
recirculating the collected wash water, which has been dosed with water or the detergent, into the washing system.