AU2011221342A1 - A cleaning system - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning system 200 for cleaning a centrifuge 100. The cleaning system 200 includes a 5 cleaning device 210 that includes a cleaning arm 215 at least partially positioned within the centrifuge 100, the cleaning arm 215 being moveable in horizontal and vertical directions, thereby allowing removal of matter 150 from within the centrifuge 100 by the cleaning arm 215. For example, centrifuge 100 includes a spinning bowl 115 in which cleaning arm 215 is at least partially positioned and is moveable. Anti-wave device 250 can also be provided to 0 stabilise matter 150 when centrifuge 100 is in operation. [FIG. 2A] - H 210~ F-T 220 I- *f'z ~ I *

Description

Australian Patents Act 1990 - Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title A cleaning system The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: P/00/011 5102 A CLEANING SYSTEM Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cleaning system, and in particular, a cleaning system for a centrifuge, or the like. According to one particular example, the centrifuge is used for the 5 separation of solids and liquids. Description of the Background Art The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from o it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Presently, in the core drilling and/or mining industries, a centrifuge may be used for the removal or separation of quartz, clay, stone or earth matter found in core drilling mud (fluid used in core drilling). Similarly, a centrifuge may be used in the bio-fuels industry, for 5 example in the removal of algae from water solution. In this example, the algae can be removed from the water for further processing into oil and later bio-fuel. Similar processes may also be used in other industries such as, for example, the food processing, concrete cutting/ concrete processing, precious metals reclamation, such as gold or silver, waste water generation from particular processes, and the like. 20 However, a difficulty in the centrifuge process typically arises from the inability and/or difficulty in removing matter from the centrifuge system. In one particular example, it is often difficult to remove non-gelatinous solid matter from a vertical basket centrifuge bowl, on a continual operation. In this particular example, continual separation is typically required when the total volume of 25 solids required to be cleaned is large enough such that it is no longer reasonable to manually remove the collected solids from the centrifuge by hand (operated labour), or if the operator -2 simply wants the centrifuge to operate without him/ her cleaning it by hand. Furthermore, a system does not exist which is able to clean the centrifuge system, which is relatively inexpensive and is simple to maintain. Thus, the present invention seeks to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or 5 more disadvantages of existing arrangements, or to provide alternatives to existing arrangements. Summary of the Present Invention This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject 0 matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. In one aspect there is provided a cleaning system for cleaning a centrifuge, the cleaning system including a cleaning device, the cleaning device including a cleaning arm at least partially positioned within the centrifuge, the cleaning arm being moveable in an up and/or a down direction with respect to a side of a bowl of the centrifuge, thereby allowing removal of 15 matter by the cleaning arm and from within the centrifuge when in use. Preferably, the up and the down direction is away from and towards a base of the bowl, respectively, of the centrifuge. In another aspect, the cleaning arm is moveable towards and away from the side of the bowl of the centrifuge. 20 In yet another aspect, the cleaning arm includes an elongate tube with an opening at one end of the tube, the opening being positioned within the centrifuge, so that in use the matter moves into the opening allowing for removal of the matter. According to an example form, the elongate tube includes a bend. According to another example form, the bend is formed at approximately a right angle. 25 Optionally, the matter includes non-gelatinous solids and/or gelatinous solids.

-3 Also optionally, the cleaning system is used for a vertical basket or bowl centrifuge. According to another example form, the cleaning arm is connected to or forms part of a substantially vertically oriented tube. According to another example form, there is included a vertical movement means connected 5 to the substantially vertically oriented tube to move the substantially vertically oriented tube in a vertical direction. According to another example form, there is included a further vertical movement means connected via a gear box to the substantially vertically oriented tube to move the substantially vertically oriented tube in a rotational direction. o Optionally, the gear box is a differential. In a further example aspect, there is also provided an anti-wave device, the anti-wave device being configured to reduce the effect of waves in the matter produced by the cleaning device or the centrifuge. In another example aspect, the anti-wave device includes a body, and at least one protruding 15 ridge extending from the body, the at least one protruding ridge acting to stabilise matter within the centrifuge. Optionally, the anti-wave device includes a plurality of ridges extending from the body and facing towards a side of a bowl of the centrifuge. Also optionally, the plurality of ridges are spaced-apart forming channels there between. 20 In another example aspect, movement of the cleaning arm is controlled by a control unit. It will be appreciated that the various forms, examples and aspects of the invention may be used individually or in combination.

-4 Brief Description of the Drawings Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure IA is a schematic diagram of an example of a side cross-sectional view of a 5 centrifuge; Figure lB is a schematic diagram of an example of a top view of a centrifuge; Figure IC is a schematic diagram of an example of a side view of a centrifuge; Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an example of a side cross-sectional view of a cleaning system for a centrifuge; 0 Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of an example of a top view of the system of Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of another example of a top view of a cleaning system for a centrifuge; Figure 2D is a schematic diagram of another example of a side cross-sectional view of a cleaning system for a centrifuge; 5 Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of an example of a top view of an anti-wave device which can form a part of the cleaning system; Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of an example of a side view of the anti-wave device of Figure 3A; Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of an example of a cleaning device; 20 Figure 4B is a photographic diagram of an example of a centrifuge; Figure 4C a photographic diagram of an example of a cleaning device; Figures 4D to 4F are photographic diagrams of an example of a cleaning device and system; Figures 4G and 4H are photographic diagrams of an example of a cleaning system and centrifuge; and, 25 Figures 5A and 5B are photographic diagrams of an example of an anti-wave device. Modes For Carrying Out The Invention The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

- 5 Figures 1 A to 1 C show an example of a centrifuge 100. In these Figures, the centrifuge 100 includes a centrifuge body 110, which incorporates a spinning bowl 115. The spinning bowl 115 typically includes a centrifuge lid 120, which in turn includes a supply inlet 125. Figure IA in particular shows an example of clean liquid 130 overflowing the spinning bowl 115, and flowing through an outlet 135. The spinning function of the centrifuge can be powered by a motor 140, inside the base or base portion 145 of the centrifuge 100. Figure IA in particular shows that the spinning bowl 115 can have disposed therein collected solids 150 around the bowl 115. Importantly, it should be noted that reference herein to a bowl should be read as a reference to any other type or configuration of bucket, basket, o container, etc., that is suitable for use in such a centrifuge. Thus, a cleaning system can be provided for cleaning the centrifuge 100, and in particular, for removing matter (typically unwanted) from the centrifuge 100. An example cleaning system 200 is shown in Figures 2A to 2D. In this particular example, the cleaning system 200 includes a cleaning device 210 which includes a cleaning arm 215 1s component or section. The arm 215 is moveable towards and away from the side or wall of the spinning bowl 115 and towards and/or away from a base of the spinning bowl 115 or the base or base portion 145 of the centrifuge 100, i.e. the cleaning arm is moveable in an up and/or a down direction with respect to a side of the bowl of the centrifuge, where the movement can cause removal of matter from the centrifuge 100 by the arm 215. In other 20 words, the cleaning arm 215 is moveable away from and towards a centre axis of the centrifuge. Notably, this movement can occur when the centrifuge is operational, that is, during the spinning function. According to one particular example, movement of the cleaning device 210 is substantially vertical or up and down the centrifuge 100. Furthermore, the arm 215 can move in and out 25 from a centre of the centrifuge 100. However, it will be appreciated that movement can occur in any direction or at any angle. Thus, in the examples shown, the arm 215 is connected to, integrated with, or otherwise forms part of an elongate tube 220 with an opening 225 at one end of the arm 215, the -6 opening 225 being placed within the centrifuge 100, where matter can move into the opening 225 for removal. In this particular example, the opening 225 is formed at an end of the arm 215 which is formed substantially perpendicular to the tube 220. In a particular example, the cleaning arm includes an elongate tube with an opening at one end of the tube, the opening 5 being positioned within the centrifuge, so that in use the matter moves into the opening allowing for removal of the matter. The elongate tube includes at least one bend, which is preferably, though not necessarily is formed at approximately a right angle (i.e. about 90 degrees). Thus, the cleaning system 200 is able to remove matter including non-gelatinous solids, and 0 can be used for a vertical basket centrifuge 100. The cleaning system 200 can also include an anti-wave device 250. An example of the anti wave device 250 is shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The anti-wave device 250 is typically configured to reduce the effect of waves produced by the cleaning device 210 and/or centrifuge 100. 5 According to one example, the anti-wave device 250 includes a body 255, and at least one protruding ridge 260 extending from the body 255, the ridge 260 acting to stabilise substance (for example, substance that is being spun) within the centrifuge 100. In the examples shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the anti-wave device 250 includes a plurality of staggered ridges 260 extending from the body 255. Thus, the plurality of ridges 260 can be spaced-apart, and form 20 v-shaped channels 265 there between. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the anti-wave device 250 can act as a dampening device to stabilise the substance within the centrifuge 100. The anti-wave device 250 can guide the flow of the substance through the channels 265 and act to limit the formation of waves from the movement of the spinning substance. 25 Notably, the anti-wave device 250 can also include circular grooves 262, for drainage purposes. Further examples of the cleaning system 200 are described below.

-7 Further examples According to one particular example, the cleaning system is or includes a vertical cleaning device, i.e. a generally vertically oriented device, which is configured to move up and down 5 the centrifuge bowl. Thus, the cleaning device can be additionally used for solids which are non-gelatinous, where flow up the centrifuge bowl to the cleaning arm is minimal. In another example, the vertical cleaning device moves a cleaning tube into the moving / spinning solids within the centrifuge and travels down and up the inner wall, or near the inner wall, of the bowl, removing the solids and then returning to the centre of the centrifuge bowl, o completing the cycle. The cleaning system can also include an anti-wave device, which is preferably provided in addition to, but may be provided separately from, the cleaning device, which can aid the operation of the cleaning system to reduce/minimise vibrations within the centrifuge and/or cleaning device due to the vertical movements of the cleaning device. It will be appreciated 5 that waves may be typically formed within the centrifuge due to the vibrations, being amplified from harmonics or irregularities in the bowl, which can cause detrimental damage to the centrifuge. It will be appreciated that the vertical cleaning device including the anti-wave device can enable the bowl to spin without (or with minimal) vibrations caused from an amplified wave 20 or harmonic. Thus, the vertical cleaning device moves up and down the inside of the bowl removing the non-gelatinous solids and can enable continual operation of the centrifuge with no or minimal operator involvement. Furthermore, the use of the anti-wave device within the bowl can enable the vertical cleaning device to move freely within the bowl without causing damage. 25 It will further be appreciated that the cleaning system or device described herein can provide the ability to keep the centrifuge relatively simple and easily maintainable. Furthermore, the system or device can be provided in a small compact design, with the capability to process large volumes of solids on a relatively high frequency basis.

-8 Further details of an example vertical cleaning device and anti-wave device are described below. Vertical Cleaning Device 5 The vertical cleaning device can remove gelatinous and/or non-gelatinous solids from a vertical basket centrifuge. According to one particular example, the device includes a cleaning arm which can move to collect the solids and remove or discharge the solids from the bowl, rather than the solids moving towards the cleaning tube as per the standard cleaning function of the existing basket centrifuge system with gelatinous pasty solids. 0 As shown in Figure 4A, in this particular example, the vertical cleaning device 210 can include three base plates 305, 315, 320, in order to move a cleaning tube 215 in a horizontal travel direction across the centrifuge bowl 115, subsequently moving down and up vertically within the centrifuge bowl 115, and finally returning horizontally to its original start position. 5 It will be appreciated that in the example sequence of movement of the cleaning device 210, when the cleaning arm 215 is in a stationary position, the arm is generally kept out of the spinning liquid / solid, so that discharging of any liquid or solid only occurs when required. Thus, the first movement of the cleaning arm 215 can include moving the cleaning tube 215 horizontally into the path of the spinning liquid and solids, where removal of solids is 20 commenced. The second movement can include the vertical movement of the cleaning arm 215 down the inner-wall of the bowl 115, continuing to remove solids. The third movement can either be a further movement horizontally into the inner-wall of the bowl 115 or vertical movement up the inner wall of the bowl 115 continuing to remove solids. The final movement can include horizontal movement back to the stationary position. 25 In one particular example, a control unit/cabinet may be used to control movement of the vertical cleaning device. The control unit can incorporate a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) or electronic timers and can activate the vertical cleaning device on a pre-program -9 time cycle. The standard system is driven by pneumatic cylinders and solenoid valves. As an optional alternative the system can also be driven by hydraulic rams and valving. According to one particular example, the device can include a main base 305 to anchor to the centrifuge lid 320, an intermediate base 310 being in a fixed position for supporting the i vertical movement cylinder / ram 325 and also to enable a wet area 330 for the cleaning tube. The top of the device 210 has a vertical moving base 315 acting as a support for the gear box 335 and cylinder / ram 340 for the rotating horizontal function of the cleaning tube 215. The device includes four stainless steel supporting shafts 345 for rigid fixing of the main base 305 and intermediate base 310. The stainless steel supporting shafts 345 are also used for 0 slides or an axial guide when the top base moves vertically. The axial guides move within sintered bronze bushes for minimising friction and chatter when moving. In this example, the horizontal movement of the cleaning tube is carried out by a vertical movement of a cylinder / ram. The end of the cylinder / ram has a gear rack attached and rotates a spur gear mounted horizontally. The spur gear is typically fixed to a key on a shaft 5 and can rotate the shaft and turn a bevel gear. The bevel gear is typically meshed with a larger bevel gear which is attached to the vertically mounted cleaning tube, and thus can rotate the required distance. Thus, in one example the cleaning arm is connected to or forms part of a substantially vertically oriented tube as illustrated. There is included a vertical movement means (for 20 example the cylinder / ram 325) connected to the substantially vertically oriented tube to move the substantially vertically oriented tube in a vertical direction. There is also included a further vertical movement means (for example the cylinder / ram 340) connected via a gear box to the substantially vertically oriented tube to move the substantially vertically oriented tube in a rotational direction. Optionally, the gear box functions as or is a differential. In 25 various examples other types of differential can be used. According to one specific example, the cleaning tube is a 34 inch (19.05mm) specially bent tube with a tungsten carbide fitting for abrasion resistance. The tube is welded to a 30mm diameter tube approximately 620mm long and is mounted vertically up out of the centrifuge -10 lid and supported by the cleaning device bases. The 30mm stainless steel tube travels through a wiper seal at the lid base and then through an axial bearing. The whole shaft is typically located at the top base through a bronze bush and keyed bevel gear. The vertical cleaning device is configured to keep the cleaning arm in a rigid held position by 5 the use of the guided slides and through a compact design. It is preferred that the position be held tight and rigid, so as to limit the cleaning tube hitting the inner-wall of the moving bowl or the centre shaft, which can cause damage to the cleaning device and bowl. The vertical cleaning device also includes a wet area which is separated from the bearing slide surfaces. This is typically provided to limit jamming of the device from foreign 0 particulate, which could cause the cleaning device to fail to move up and down and complete the cleaning cycle. Notably, it will be appreciated that any system which can effect movement of the cleaning arm 215 can be used. Furthermore, photographs of the cleaning device 210 and components thereof are shown in 15 Figures 4C to 4H. The examples shown herein, show an elongate arm, where gussets 212, or the like, can be used to strengthen the arm 215 of the cleaning device 210. It will be appreciated that many advantages may be provided by the cleaning system described herein. According to one example, the anti-wave device can provide the elimination of a moving obstacle within the spinning bowl. Furthermore, the vertical 20 cleaning device can have the ability to travel the cleaning arm up and down the bowl in a controlled stable condition to remove non-gelatinous solids. In particular, the cleaning arm can move to the solids rather than the solids moving towards the cleaning arm, which can provide a more effective clean. It will further be appreciated that the vertical cleaning device may be implemented to work 25 independently, or with additional air or liquid to further assist in the removal of excessively dry solids, or the like.

- Il Thus, it will be appreciated that the vertical cleaning device described herein can be used in a variety of applications, and in particular, for the use of centrifuges. In one example, the device may be used for cleaning drilling mud from solids and reused in the drilling process, where the solids in this example act as non-gelatinous particles being removed via the vertical 5 cleaning device and thus disposed of. The drilling mud solution can then be reused in the process and continues to pass through the centrifuge for cleaning. Furthermore, the device can be used in the separation of algae from water solution, where the algae collected in the centrifuge bowl typically doesn't move up the bowl, and thus can be cleaned by the movement of the vertical cleaning device. 0 Anti-wave device According to one particular example, the anti-wave device can change the surface tension of the spinning liquid within a vertical basket centrifuge and can prevent (or limit) the system from creating a wave or vibration. 5 The anti-wave device can be manufactured from stainless steel for corrosion resistance. According to one particular example, the anti-wave device is approximately 135mm long and is curved with an approximate 100mm radius. The body of the anti-wave device is 50mm high with two grooves along the 135mm axis. The grooves are shaped and tapered on the lead-in and lead-out of the anti-wave device. It will be appreciated that in this particular 20 example, the shape is designed to break the water tension and minimise splashing but overall eliminate waves or vibrations. Furthermore, the main body as described above can be supported by a 5mm thick stainless steel bracket, and can also be reinforced by gussets to prevent movement. It will be appreciated that although the anti-wave device can improve the performance of the 25 vertical cleaning device, the anti-wave device can be used without necessarily requiring use of the vertical cleaning device, and vice versa, and could prove beneficial for ease of manually cleaning the bowl with no obstructions, if required. Notably, photographs of an example anti-wave device 250, are shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

- 12 It will further be appreciated that although a particular shape of anti-wave device has been described, various shapes of the anti-wave device may also be used. Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the 5 parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. 0 Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that many modifications, changes, substitutions or alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (19)

1. A cleaning system for cleaning a centrifuge, the cleaning system including a cleaning device, the cleaning device including a cleaning arm at least partially positioned within the centrifuge, the cleaning arm being moveable in an up and/or a down direction with respect to 5 a side of a bowl of the centrifuge, thereby allowing removal of matter by the cleaning arm and from within the centrifuge when in use.

2. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the up and the down direction is away from and towards a base of the bowl, respectively, of the centrifuge. o

3. The cleaning system of either of claims I or 2, wherein the cleaning arm is also moveable towards and away from the side of the bowl of the centrifuge.

4. The cleaning system of any one of claims I to 3, wherein the cleaning arm includes an elongate tube with an opening at one end of the tube, the opening being positioned within the 15 centrifuge, so that in use the matter moves into the opening allowing for removal of the matter.

5. The cleaning system of claim 4, wherein the elongate tube includes a bend. 20

6. The cleaning system of claim 5, wherein the bend is formed at approximately a right angle.

7. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the matter includes non gelatinous solids and/or gelatinous solids. 25

8. The cleaning system of any one of claims I to 7, wherein the cleaning system is used for a vertical basket or bowl centrifuge. -14

9. The cleaning system of any one of claims I to 8, wherein the cleaning arm is connected to or forms part of a substantially vertically oriented tube.

10. The cleaning system of claim 9, including a vertical movement means connected to s the substantially vertically oriented tube to move the substantially vertically oriented tube in a vertical direction.

11. The cleaning system of claim 10, including a further vertical movement means connected via a gear box to the substantially vertically oriented tube to move the substantially 0 vertically oriented tube in a rotational direction.

12. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the gear box is a differential.

13. The cleaning system of any one of claims I to 12, also including an anti-wave device, 5 the anti-wave device being configured to reduce the effect of waves in the matter produced by the cleaning device or the centrifuge.

14. The cleaning system of claim 13, wherein the anti-wave device includes a body, and at least one protruding ridge extending from the body, the at least one protruding ridge acting 20 to stabilise matter within the centrifuge.

15. The cleaning system of claim 14, wherein the anti-wave device includes a plurality of ridges extending from the body and facing towards a side of a bowl of the centrifuge. 25

16. The cleaning system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of ridges are spaced-apart forming channels there between.

17. The cleaning system of any one of claims I to 16, wherein movement of the cleaning arm is controlled by a control unit. 30 - 15

18. A cleaning system or device, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.

19. A centrifuge including an anti-wave device, substantially as hereinbefore described 5 with reference to the accompanying figures.