摘要 |
An automated process for cleaning fruit bins, and particularly grape bins, deploys a conveyer system in which bins are simultaneously rinsed on the inside and outside in an inverted position. Two rinse cycles are rapidly completed with the conveyance of the inverted bins through a wash station. The wash station deploys a pivoting U-shaped spray rod inside the bin, below the conveyor track, while the outside is rinsed by a second surrounding inverted U-shaped spray bar that moves transverse to conveyor direction will the bin is stationary inside the wash station. A pivoting L-shaped arm with an integrated conveyor track move the bins on or off the central conveyor, while flipping them 90 degrees. Two such conveyors return the bins to an upright position for use and stacking. The water from a first rinse is optionally screens to remove solids and collected water is then locally treated before using it to rinse subsequent bins. The water used in a second or final rinse is ozonated to kill any bacteria and wild yeast. The accumulated rinse water is optionally ozonated before final discharge from the cleaning system. The system and method improves the quality and efficiency of cleaning fruit bins while minimizing water use. |