Apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing chemical concentrates at point of use

A method for forming chemical compositions, the method comprising:

• (a) selecting a liquid composition prepared from selected liquid components to be produced using a microprocessor controller;
• (b) opening a liquid component supply valve while energizing a positive displacement pump to draw a liquid component through the manifold;
• (c) measuring the flow of the liquid component delivered;
• (d) measuring the delivery time of the liquid component;
• (e) reporting the liquid component flow and time measurements to the microprocessor controller;
• (f) closing the liquid component supply valve after a predetermined quantity of the liquid as measured by the flow detection device;
• (g) insuring the closure of the liquid component supply valve after a predetermined time;
• (h) directing the predetermined quantity of the liquid component into a container at a filling station;
• and
• (i) repeating steps (b)-(h) for each component in the liquid composition.

An apparatus for preparing chemical compositions, the apparatus having upstream and downstream ends comprising:

• (a) a manifold having first and second ends, a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends, the manifold defining a bore extending longitudinally through the first and second ends and having a plurality radial inlet ports extending radially inward to the longitudinal bore, the inlet ports being arranged and configured in an equidistant manner with respect to the second end of the longitudinal bore whereby the radial inlet ports and axial manifold provide an essentially constant geometry for components delivered through the radial inlet ports;
• (b) valve means operatively connected to the inlet ports;
• (c) components supply means operatively connected to the valve means wherein liquid components are transported from liquid component supply containers to the manifold;
• (d) pump means in fluid communication with the manifold to draw liquid components into and through the manifold;
• (e) microprocessor means in communication with the valve means and pump means;
• (f) a flow measurement device in communication with the microprocessor means downstream of the manifold;
• and
• (g) three-way valve means in fluid communication with the pump means and having two outlet conduits.