Abstract:
A system for dispensing solvents removes the need for storing solvents in multitudes of small containers or containers which are not suitable for storing the solvents for a long duration. The system minimizes laboratory space requirements for the storage and handling of solvents. The system minimizes waste generation. With the system for dispensing solvents, the solvents are stored properly and are able to be dispensed in small quantities for use as needed. The system for dispensing solvents also includes leak detection, a spill tray, a fume hood and other precautionary measures to ensure a safe handling environment.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of dispensing solvents. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of dispensing flammable, toxic and other hazardous solvents more safely and accurately while utilizing less space in laboratories and manufacturing facilities. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Solvent distribution in most labs remains a holdover from the 1950&#39;s where solvents are carried in, in four-liter glass containers and then manually poured into flasks, beakers and other laboratory glassware for their intended use. Waste solvents are similarly collected in small containers at the bench and then carried out of the lab where they are lab-packed or consolidated for hazardous waste disposal. Unfortunately, current large scale laboratory practices can no longer tolerate this archaic, inefficient method of solvent handling. Solvent use in today&#39;s labs is increasing significantly and competing for ever more critical lab space. Furthermore, when solvent is stored in bottles for long periods of time, much of it is wasted or expires before it is able to be used. On top of the cost of the wasted solvent, there is also the additional cost associated with proper disposal of the solvent. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An accurate, safe system for automatically dispensing solvents eliminates the need for handling and storing solvents in numerous containers spread throughout the lab. With the system for dispensing solvents, the solvents are stored properly in twenty-liter or larger bulk containers and are able to be dispensed in precise quantities for use as needed thereby reducing waste generated. The system for dispensing solvents also includes numerous safety controls and interlocks such as leak detection, spill containment, local fume capture and exhaust and other precautionary measures to ensure safe handling of these hazardous materials. 
     In one aspect, a system for dispensing hazardous solvents comprises a body, one or more solvent dispensers coupled to the body, the one or more solvent dispensers for dispensing the solvents and a control system operably coupled to the one or more solvent dispensers, the control system for controlling the one or more solvent dispensers. The system further comprises a fume hood for removing fumes. The system further comprises a spill tray for containing solvent spills. The system further comprises a waste drain for draining solvent. The body is bench top mounted. The system further comprises a leak detection component. The system further comprises a lower explosive limit detector. The system further comprises an audible alarm for alerting a user when a fault occurs. The control system includes a touch screen, keypad or other input device. The system further comprises an emergency shut off mechanism. 
     In another aspect, a system for storing and dispensing solvents comprises a dispensing system for dispensing the solvents, the dispensing system including a control system for controlling the dispensing of the solvents, a delivery system coupled to the dispensing system, the delivery system for storing the solvents and delivering the solvents to the dispensing system. The solvents are stored remotely. The system further comprises a remote controller coupled to the dispensing system for remote monitoring and controlling. The solvents are at least one of flammable and hazardous. The dispensing system further comprises a fume hood for removing fumes. The dispensing system further comprises a waste drain for draining solvent. At least one of the dispensing system and the delivery system further comprises a leak detection component. The dispensing system further comprises a lower explosive limit detector. At least one of the dispensing system and the delivery system further comprises an audible alarm for alerting a user when a fault occurs. The system further comprises an emergency shut off mechanism. 
     In yet another aspect, a system for dispensing hazardous solvents comprises a body, a fume hood coupled to the body, the fume hood for removing fumes, a spill tray coupled to the body, the spill tray for containing solvent spills, one or more solvent dispensers coupled to the body, the one or more solvent dispensers for dispensing the solvents and a control system operatively coupled to the one or more solvent dispensers, the control system for controlling the solvent dispensers. The system further comprises a delivery system coupled to the one or more solvent dispensers, the delivery system for storing the solvents and delivering the solvents to the one or more solvent dispensers. 
     In another aspect, a method of storing and dispensing hazardous solvents comprises storing one or more solvents in one or more containers and dispensing a solvent of the one or more solvents utilizing a control system operatively coupled to one or more solvent dispensers. A fume hood removes fumes of the one or more solvents as the one or more solvents are dispensed. The one or more containers are within a delivery system coupled to the one or more solvent dispensers, the delivery system delivers the solvents to the one or more solvent dispensers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of internal components of a dispensing system in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a dispensing system in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of a dispensing system, a chemical delivery system and a remote controller in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a flow chart of a method of storing and dispensing solvents using a dispensing system in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a diagram view of the dispensing system and delivery system in operation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A dispensing system enables users to dispense solvents safely without requiring a large amount of space. The dispensing system complies with proper good laboratory practices and other industry standards, as well as federal, state and local codes and regulations. The dispensing system is able to be coupled to solvent supply containers ranging from 20 liters to 1250 liters, or more, for bulk distribution, or laboratory containers containing 20 liters or less. Using the dispensing system solvents, a user is able to dispense high purity solvents for experimental use or for use in High Pressure Liquid Chromatographs (HPLC&#39;s) and similar analytical equipment. 
     The dispensing system incorporates an integral fume exhaust system, eliminating the need or expense of a separate fume hood, while saving valuable lab bench space. The dispensing system also provides safe supply and storage of dangerous materials. The dispensing system is able to be combined with a solvent waste drain and collection system to handle waste in a safe and efficient manner. While minimizing the dispensing system footprint is an important feature, safety is paramount to the design and operation of the system. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of internal components of a dispensing system  100  in accordance with the present invention. The dispensing system  100  includes a casing or body  102 . The dispensing system  100  further includes operating components  104  such as tubing and electronic components for supplying solvents, removing fumes, purging vapors, monitoring the dispensing system  100 , controlling the dispensing system  100  and performing related operations. In some embodiments, the body  102  is sized to sit atop a workbench or table. In some embodiments, the body  102  is approximately 2 feet wide×3 feet deep×3 feet tall. In some embodiments, the body  102  is slightly larger or smaller. In some embodiments, the body is remotely coupled to the dispense mechanism. In some embodiments, the body  102  comprises stainless steel. In some embodiments, the body  102  comprises another material such as a solvent-resistant polymer. In some embodiments, the plumbing and liquid delivery components of the operating components  104  is Teflon®, Kynar®, stainless steel or another appropriate material. In some embodiments, the plumbing is equipped with redundant actuated valves and visual position indicators. The body  102  includes an exhaust duct  116  with a connecting collar on the top of the body  102 . A vapor sensor  120  detects vapor quantities to determine if there is a dangerous amount. The exhaust ventilation airflow is interlocked. In some embodiments, solvent couplings are inside the body  102 , and lines passing through the body are sealed with a grommet or Swagelok® bulkhead connector. A gas sensor for a Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) alarm is positioned within/coupled to the body  102 . A front panel of the body  102  opens for access to the operating components  104 . In some embodiments, the body is equipped with flow sensors to monitor the dispensing specified volumes or dispense accurate mixtures. 
     A spill tray  106  prevents spilled solvents from dispersing out onto the bench top. In some embodiments, a Lexan® splashguard is used. In some embodiments, the spill tray  106  includes a leak detector. In some embodiments, the spill tray  106  is able to be coupled to a drain. 
     A fume hood  108  is included within/coupled to the body to capture any fumes from the solvents. A leak detector  122  is able detect leaks, and in some embodiments, trigger an alarm  118 . 
     A control panel  110  provides easy user operation of the dispensing system  100 . In some embodiments, the control panel  110  is coupled to the front of the body  102 . In some embodiments, the control panel  110  implements a touch screen. In some embodiments, flow status is displayed on the control panel  110 . The control panel  110  includes a reset button. In some embodiments, reservoir level status is indicated on the control panel  110 . In some embodiments, indicator lights are displayed next to each valve to indicate level status of each reservoir on the control panel  110 . The lights display status including: normal, warning, fault, alarm and/or other status. In some embodiments, an audible alarm indicates a fault condition (e.g. ventilation or leak) on the control panel  110  and/or a remote alarm module. The control panel  110  also includes an alarm-reset button. The control panel  110  controls one or more dispensers  114 . Using the touch screen, keypad or other input device of the control panel  110 , solvents are able to be dispensed. In some embodiments, the one or more dispensers  114  are controlled by a device or mechanism instead of or in addition to the control panel  110 . In some embodiments, there are up to six or more modular dispensers  114 . Appropriate airflow inlets are located in the dispensing area (area below the dispensers  114 ). In some embodiments, the dispensing area accommodates up to a standard 4-liter jug. In some embodiments, solvent mixtures are able to be dispensed. 
     An emergency stop mechanism  112  such as a switch or button allows a user to immediately shut down the dispensing system  100  in case of an emergency, for example, a leak. The emergency stop button  112  shuts off/disables delivery of the solvents. An alarm  118  alerts a user if there is a dangerous condition present. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a dispensing system  100  in accordance with the present invention. The dispensing system  100  includes a body  102 , which contains operating components  104  ( FIG. 1 ), a spill tray  106 , a fume hood  108 , a control panel  110  and an emergency stop mechanism  112 , amongst other components. As described above, the dispensing system  100  has a small form factor, thus does not take up much valuable laboratory space. The dispensing system  100  is able to dispense solvents to proper containers as well as monitor the remotely stored solvents while the solvents are waiting to be dispensed. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of a dispensing system  100 , a chemical delivery system  200  and a remote controller  300  in accordance with the present invention. The chemical delivery system  200  includes sources  202  of the chemicals dispensed by the dispensing system  100 . Each source  202  has additional components for monitoring and controlling the source  202 . A leak sensor  204  detects any leak of the source  202 . An optical flow sensor  206  monitors the flow of the solvent from the source  202 . A shut off valve  208  used to control flow from the source  202  if necessary. Status light(s)  210  show the status of the container such as system normal, leak or other statuses. An audible alarm  212  is included to alert a user of any fault/error in the system. A controller  214  enables the source  202  to communicate with the remote controller  300  and the dispensing system  100 . For example, signals to begin dispensing a solvent are communicated from the dispensing system  100  to the controller  214 , which controls the valve components to release the solvent to the dispensing system  100 . Furthermore, each of the leak sensor  204 , optical flow sensor  206 , pneumatic shut off valve  208 , remote status light(s)  210  and alarm  212  is able to be controlled and/or monitored by the dispensing system  100 . The chemical delivery system  200  is able to be located in another room than the dispensing system  100 . 
     The chemical delivery system  200  is coupled to the dispensing system  100 . For clarity, the tubing or other mechanism that couples the chemical delivery system  200 , specifically, the sources  202  to the dispensing system  100  is not shown. The dispensing system  100  includes a spill tray  106 , a fume hood  108 , a control panel  110 , an emergency shut off  112 , and one or more dispensers  114 . As described above, the spill tray  106  ensures that any spilled solvents do not disperse beyond a limited range. In some embodiments, beneath the spill tray is a drain  124  for draining any spilled solvents. The fume hood  108  removes any fumes from the air before causing any potential hazard. The control panel  110  provides a user with the ability to monitor the dispensing system  100  as well as the chemical delivery system  200 . The control panel  110  also enables a user to control the dispensing system  100  such as pushing a touch screen button to dispense a solvent. The emergency shut off  112  enables a user to quickly shut down the dispensing system  100  in case of an error or hazardous condition such as a spill outside the containment. The one or more dispensers  114  are used to dispense the solvent into a container that the user has placed beneath the desired dispenser  114 . An exhaust duct  116  provides proper ventilation for the dispensing system  100 . In addition to the control panel  110  providing status information and the ability to monitor the dispensing system  100 , an alarm  118  is able to alert a user of a serious problem. A vapor sensor  120  is a way of detecting a lower explosive limit, which would set off the alarm  118 . Other sensors are able to be used as well such as a leak detector  122 . The dispensing system  100  also provides inert gas pressure to flow the solvent from a source to the dispensing system  100 . 
     The remote controller  300  is coupled to the dispensing system  100  for remote monitoring of the dispensing system  100  and the chemical delivery system  200 . The remote controller  300  also includes an alarm  302  for a remote alarm. In some embodiments, the remote controller  300  includes additional components  304 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a flow chart of a method of storing and dispensing solvents using a dispensing system in accordance with the present invention. In the step  400 , solvents are stored in appropriate storage containers coupled to the chemical delivery system  200  and coupled to the dispensing system  100 . In some embodiments, after the solvents are stored, the solvents are monitored to ensure there are no leaks or other issues with the stored solvents. As described above, the solvents are able to be monitored by sensors, such as gas sensors and/or leak sensors. The solvents are able to be monitored utilizing other mechanisms as well. Monitoring is able to occur at the chemical delivery system, the dispensing system or via a remote controller. In the step  402 , a solvent of the solvents is dispensed into a container that a user is utilizing for temporary storage of the solvent. In some embodiments, a user is able to select the quantity of solvent dispensed (e.g. 100 milliliters, or other fixed quantity) or the user is able to manually press and hold a button until the desired amount of solvent has been dispensed. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a diagram view of the dispensing system  100  and delivery system  200  in operation. Specifically, an inert gas is transferred from the operating components  102  contained within the body  102  to the supply container/source  202  of the delivery system to cause the solvent stored in the source  202  to be transferred to the operating components  104 . In some embodiments, other methods of transferring the solvent are implemented. Any toxic fumes are expelled by the exhaust, and any spilled solvent goes to the drain  124 . The solvent is properly dispensed via a dispenser  114  which receives the solvent from the operating components  104 . 
     To utilize the dispensing system, a user places a container such as a beaker below a desired solvent dispenser to receive a solvent. The user then utilizes the control panel with a touch screen, key pad or other input device to select the solvent dispenser to dispense the solvent. Once, the desired amount of solvent is dispensed, the user is able to remove the container and utilize the solvent as desired. To monitor the dispensing system including the chemical delivery system, the user has several options, the main one being through the control panel. With a remote controller, the user also is able to monitor the dispensing system. Both, the control panel and remote controller are operatively coupled to sensors/detectors and other components within the dispensing system, which provide information related to the system to the user. 
     In operation, the dispensing system stores solvents when not in use. However, the solvents are easily dispensed by a push of a screen or button on a control panel. For safety reasons, a spill tray and splashguard are implemented. Furthermore, a fume hood ensures any toxic or flammable fumes or vapors are properly captured and exhausted. Additional leak detection and safeguards are also implemented for safety purposes. The control panel is able to be used to inspect and monitor aspects of the dispensing system to ensure they are functioning properly. By storing the solvents properly in storage tanks and only releasing the desired solvents needed for use, waste is significantly minimized and safety is improved. 
     The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other various modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.