AU2018101198A4 - A material removal apparatus and method - Google Patents
A material removal apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2018101198A4 AU2018101198A4 AU2018101198A AU2018101198A AU2018101198A4 AU 2018101198 A4 AU2018101198 A4 AU 2018101198A4 AU 2018101198 A AU2018101198 A AU 2018101198A AU 2018101198 A AU2018101198 A AU 2018101198A AU 2018101198 A4 AU2018101198 A4 AU 2018101198A4
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- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- elongate structure
- jet nozzle
- enclosure
- primary
- high pressure
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Abstract
Abstract A material removal apparatus is disclosed that includes a primary enclosure that houses a primary track having a plurality of rollers configured for holding an elongate structure having a longitudinal axis, a jet nozzle configured to produce a high pressure water spray for removing attached material from an outside surface of the elongate structure, and a rotational movement mechanism configured to rotate the elongate structure about the longitudinal axis. The apparatus is configured to cause a relative translational motion to occur between the elongate structure and the jet nozzle such that, as a result of the translational motion and the rotation, all, or substantially all, of the outer surface of the elongate structure is exposed to the high pressure water spray. 10567206_1 (GHMatters) P106575.AU.1 17/08/18
Description
A MATERIAL REMOVAL APPARATUS AND METHOD
Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to material removal, in particular for removal of material from a surface of an elongate structure such as a pipe surface.
Background to the Invention
In some circumstances pipes, such as water pipes, have material such as asbestos or bitumen attached to the outside of the pipe. When the pipe is removed from use, it may be desirable to remove such material.
Summary of the Invention
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a material removal apparatus, the apparatus including a primary enclosure that houses: a primary track having a plurality of rollers configured for holding an elongate structure having a longitudinal axis; a jet nozzle configured to produce a high pressure water spray for removing attached material from an outside surface of the elongate structure; and a rotational movement mechanism configured to rotate the elongate structure about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the apparatus is configured to cause a relative translational motion to occur between the elongate structure and the jet nozzle such that, as a result of the translational motion and the rotation, all, or substantially all, of the outer surface of the elongate structure is exposed to the high pressure water spray.
The elongate structure is preferably a pipe, such as a water pipe. The material typically comprises one or both of asbestos and bitumen. The primary enclosure may comprise a shipping container. Typically, the primary enclosure has a width substantially less than its length.
The enclosure may include a first opening at a first end of the enclosure and optionally a second opening at a second end of the enclosure.
Preferably, the primary track is elevated.
The rollers may be paired, such that the pairs include a first roller and a second roller. Optionally, the, or each, first roller is motorised such that a motion of the first rollers causes the rotation of the elongate structure, in another option, a motorised actuator is provided separate to the rollers configured to cause the rotation of the elongate structure, and the first and second rollers are freely rotatable. Optionally, the, or each, roller is motorised such that a motion of the rollers causes a translational motion of the elongate structure with respect to the enclosure. The first and/or second rollers may be spiral rollers, in another option, a winch is provided located outside of the primary enclosure, wherein the winch is configured to couple to the elongate structure and, during operation, causes a translational motion of the elongate structure with respect to the enclosure.
Optionally, during an operation of the jet spray: the elongate structure does not undergo translational motion with respect to the primary enclosure; and the jet spray undergoes a translational motion with respect to the primary enclosure, such that the high pressure water spray is applied across the length of the elongate structure. In an alternative, during an operation of the jet spray: the jet spray does not undergo a translational motion with respect to the primary enclosure; and the elongate structure undergoes translational motion with respect to the primary enclosure, such that the high pressure water spray is applied across the length of the elongate structure.
The apparatus may further include a shroud device disposed over the jet nozzle, the shroud device configured to reduce the presence of water mist and/or airborne particulate material produced by the jet nozzle.
The apparatus may further include a misting spray configured to produce a mist of water droplets having a size configured to reduce the presence of water mist and/or airborne particulate material produced by the jet spray.
The apparatus may further include a decontamination shower configured to provide initial decontamination of the elongate structure.
The apparatus may further include a preparation enclosure having an opening at a first end, wherein the preparation enclosure is arranged with its first end facing the first end of the primary enclosure, the preparation enclosure including: a preparation track configured to hold the elongate structure at the same height as the track such that the elongate structure can move from the preparation track to the track via a translational motion. The preparation track may include a plurality of rollers allowing for translational movement of the elongate structure with respect to the preparation enclosure.
The apparatus optionally further includes a first external track located outside the enclosure arranged such as to align with the track and configured to hold the elongate structure before it enters the enclosure. The apparatus optionally further includes a second external track located outside the enclosure arranged such as to align with the track and configured to hold the elongate structure after it exits the enclosure.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of removing material from a surface of an elongate structure, the method including the steps of: moving the elongate structure into an enclosure; providing a jet nozzle in the enclosure, the jet nozzle configured to produce a high pressure water spray for removing attached material from an outside surface of the elongate structure; operating the jet nozzle to direct the high pressure water spray onto the elongate structure; causing relative translational movement to occur between the jet nozzle and the elongate structure; causing rotation of the elongate structure during operation of the jet nozzle; and moving the elongate structure out of the enclosure after the completion of the operation of the jet nozzle.
As used herein, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 shows a material removal apparatus including a primary enclosure and a preparation enclosure according to an embodiment;
Figure 2 shows a perspective cut-away view of a primary enclosure according to an embodiment;
Figure 3 shows side and end cross-sectional views of a primary enclosure of the material removal apparatus shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows a side view of the primary enclosure shown in Figure 3; and
Figure 5 shows a process diagram illustrating a process according to a method for removing a material from a surface of an elongate structure.
Description of Embodiments
Figures 1-4 show a material removal apparatus 10 according to embodiments. The material removal apparatus 10 is configured for removing material from an elongate structure, for example a pipe 11 as shown. In an implementation, the material removal apparatus 10 is configured for removing material from a pipe 11 having a diameter between 200 and 800 mm and a maximum length of 9 metres. In this example, the pipe 11 has attached asbestos and/or bitumen material that is desired to be removed.
The material removal apparatus 10 in this example includes a primary enclosure 12, which may be formed from an existing container such as a standard 40ft shipping container or may be of custom construction. The primary enclosure 12 has a length greater than the maximum pipe length, and in this example the length of the primary enclosure 12 is 12-13 metres. The primary enclosure 12 may have a width substantially less than its length such that the primary enclosure 12 elongate. In a preferred embodiment, the width is sufficient to enable one or more workers to operate around a pipe 11 when the pipe 11 is located within the primary enclosure 12. The primary enclosure 12 includes a first opening 13a located at a first end of the primary enclosure 12. The primary enclosure 12 typically includes a second opening 13b located at a second opposite end of the primary enclosure 12, which enables the pipe 11 to enter the primary enclosure 12 through the first opening 13a and to exit the enclosure through the second opening 13b. The primary enclosure 12 can include one or more windows 21, as shown in Figure 4, to allow for viewing of the internal area of the primary enclosure 12. In an implementation, either or both of the first and second openings 13 a, 13b are closable, for example by providing opening 13a, 13b with a door. A primary track 14 is located within the primary enclosure 12. The primary track 14 is typically elevated as shown, in this example using supports 15. As shown in Figure 3, the primary track 14 has a plurality of support roller holders 16 affixed at different locations. The roller holders 16 typically have a first roller 17a spaced apart from a second roller 17b. The first rollers 17a of the plurality of support roller holders 16 are aligned with respect to the length of the primary track 14. Similarly, the second rollers 17b of the plurality of support roller holders 16 are aligned with respect to the length of the primary track 14. The support roller holders 16 are configured to carry the pipe 11 such that the centre of the pipe 11 is located between the first and second rollers 17a, 17b.
The material removal apparatus 10 includes a rotating mechanism configured to cause the pipe 11 to rotate about its central axis. In an embodiment, the first and second rollers 17a, 17b are not motorised, and rotation of a pipe 11 is effected using a separate rotation mechanism, for example a pipe roller actuator 19 that in this embodiment is air driven. In this example, the pipe roller actuator 19 is disposed approximately midway along the primary enclosure 12.
In an alternative arrangement, the rollers 17 a, 17b are motorised. The motorisation of the first rollers 17a can be effected by providing for the first rollers 17a to be air-driven. In a variation, one or more, and typically all, of the second rollers 17b are also motorised. In another embodiment, a motor is provided for each first roller 17a, or alternatively the motorised first roller(s) 17a may be driven by a single motor.
The rotation mechanism can be configured for powered rotation in only a first rotational direction about the central longitudinal axis of the pipe 11. Alternatively, the rotation mechanism can be configured for powered rotation in either the first rotational direction or a second opposite rotational direction, the direction of rotation being selectable by an operator of the material removal apparatus 10.
As shown more particularly in Figure 3, the material removal apparatus 10 further includes a cleaning jet nozzle 18 configured to produce a high pressure fluid spray, in this example a high pressure water spray. The water spray is directed towards the pipe 11 when the pipe is disposed on the plurality of support roller holders 16. The cleaning jet nozzle 18 can be mounted to a support device 23 that in this example is mounted adjacent an upper wall of the primary enclosure 12. The support device 23 is configured to allow for the location of the cleaning jet nozzle 18 to be altered, for example by mounting the cleaning jet nozzle 18 on a rail such that the cleaning jet nozzle 18 is longitudinally and controllably movable on the rail. In this way, the position of the cleaning jet nozzle 18 relative to the outside surface of the pipe 11 can be adjusted.
Locating the cleaning jet nozzle 18 within the enclosure advantageously serves to contain the mist and particulate matter that is generated by the action of the high pressure water spray on the pipe 11 during removal of the attached material. Typically, the cleaning jet nozzle 18 is coupled to a high pressure pump configured to provide a high pressure water supply to the cleaning jet nozzle 18. The high pressure pump may be located within or outside the primary enclosure 12.
In an embodiment, the material removal apparatus 10 further includes a misting spray 20 configured to produce a mist of water droplets within the primary enclosure 12. The misting spray 20 may be configured to produce droplets of a suitable size to advantageously reduce the presence of small mist droplets caused by the action of the cleaning jet nozzle 18. Additionally, the misting spray 20 may advantageously reduce the concentration of airborne particulate matter within the primary enclosure 12.
In addition or alternatively, the apparatus 10 may include a shroud device (not shown) disposed over the jet nozzle, the shroud device configured to reduce the presence of water mist and/or airborne particulate material produced by the jet nozzle. The shroud device may be have a generally cylindrical shape and may be formed of resilient material, such as rubber.
In an embodiment, with reference to Figures 1 and 5, a preparation enclosure 30 is provided, with a first end 32a having an opening at the first end 32a, and a second opposite end 32b. The first end 32a of the preparation enclosure 30 is arranged facing the first opening 13a of the primary enclosure 12. The preparation enclosure 30 is typically elongate, and may have substantially the same dimensions as the primary enclosure 12. The preparation enclosure 30 is arranged such that its long axis is aligned with the long axis of the primary enclosure 12. A preparation track 33 is provided within the preparation enclosure 30. The preparation track 33 is configured to hold the pipe 11 at the same height as the primary track 14 of the primary enclosure 12. When the primary track 14 and preparation track 33 are aligned, the pipe 11 can efficiently be moved from the preparation enclosure 30 to the primary enclosure 12. The preparation enclosure 30 is provided with a decontamination shower 34 configured to provide an initial decontamination of a pipe 11 before it is moved to the primary enclosure 12. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the pipe 11 is first moved into the preparation enclosure 30 for initial decontamination, before being moved into the primary enclosure 12.
In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, one or both of first and second external tracks 40a, 40b are provided. The first external track 40a has a long axis aligned with the long axis of the preparation track 33 and with an end adjacent the first opening 13 a. Similarly, the second external track 40b has a long axis aligned with the long axis of the primary track 14.
The pipe 11 is moved through the primary enclosure 12 (and where applicable, the preparation enclosure 30) using a movement mechanism, typically such that it moves in turn through the first opening 13a, the primary enclosure 12, and the second opening 13b.
In an embodiment, referring to Figure 1, movement of the pipe may be effected by a winch 25 located outside of the primary enclosure 12. Typically, where applicable, the winch 25 is located adjacent an end of the second external track 40b, and a cable or other connection means is attached to the pipe 11. The winch 25 is then operated to pull the pipe 11 through the primary enclosure 12. Where applicable, the winch 25 also acts to pull the pipe 11 through the preparation enclosure 30. In this example, the winch 25 is air driven.
In an embodiment, a second winch, for example a second air driven winch (not shown) may be provided in the preparation enclosure 30 for drawing the pipe into and/or through the preparation enclosure 30.
In an embodiment, one or more of the first rollers 17a and/or one or more of the second rollers 17b are spiral rollers. Spiral rollers provide for both a rotational motion of the pipe 11 and a lateral movement along the primary track 14 (and, where applicable, the preparation track 33). In another embodiment, one or more of the first rollers 17a and/or one or more of the second rollers 17b are multidirectional rollers. Multi-directional rollers can be configured to provide lateral motion and rotational motion of the pipe 11 as required.
In an embodiment, the winch 25 is provided in conjunction with motorised rollers 17a, 17b configured to provide lateral movement of the pipe 11.
In an embodiment, the cleaning jet nozzle 18 is held stationary with respect to the long axis of the primary enclosure 12, and the pipe 11 is moved relative to the cleaning jet nozzle 18 through action of the movement mechanism. The pipe 11 is also rotated, and the speed of rotation and lateral movement is selected so as to provide all parts of the pipe 11 surface sufficient exposure to the cleaning jet nozzle 18 to provide for adequate removal of material.
In another embodiment, the cleaning jet nozzle 18 is configured for lateral movement with respect to the long axis of the primary enclosure 12. The pipe 11 is held stationary with respect to the long axis of the primary enclosure 12. The pipe 11 is rotated, and the speed of rotation of the pipe 11 and the rate of lateral movement of the cleaning jet nozzle 18 is selected so as to provide all parts of the pipe 11 surface sufficient exposure to the cleaning jet nozzle 18 to provide for adequate removal of material.
In an embodiment, the first opening 13a and/or second opening 13b include sealing means (such as a rubber flap) configured to reduce or eliminate material and/or water exiting the primary enclosure 12 as the pipe 11 is moved through the first opening 13a and/or second opening 13b.
In an embodiment, a final wash station 27 is provided near an end of the primary enclosure 12 (and within the primary enclosure 12) where the pipe 11 exits the primary enclosure 12. The final wash station 27 provides a water curtain for removing remaining loose material from the pipe 11.
As shown more particularly in Figures 3 and 5, the primary enclosure 12 includes a tapered floor 36, a sump 38 and a sump pump 39. The tapered floor 36 ensures that water in the primary enclosure is directed towards the sump 38 and removed from the primary enclosure by the sump pump 39.
The primary enclosure 12 may also include one or more window washers 31, shown in Figure 5, for washing an interior surface of the windows 21 and thereby improving visibility for an operator.
Referring to Figure 5, a process diagram 41 is shown that illustrates an example of a process that may be implemented to remove material from a surface of an elongate structure, in this example a pipe 11, using the apparatus 10. The process diagram 41 shows the primary enclosure 12 and the preparation enclosure 30 diagrammatically.
The process diagram 41 illustrates a process according to an example method of removing material. According to the process, a pipe 11 is first subjected to a decontamination shower 34 in the preparation enclosure 30 using fresh water 42. Contaminated water 44 from the decontamination shower 34 is pumped through a first filter device 45, in this example a 5 micron bag filter, to produce filtered water 46. The filtered water 46 is stored in a holding tank 48, and supplied to an ultra high pressure pump 49 that supplies the filtered water under very high pressure to the cleaning jet nozzle 18. Contaminated water 44 in the primary enclosure flows into the sump 38 and is pumped through the first filter device 45 by the sump pump 39.
Some filtered water 46 in the holding tank 48 is passed through a second filter device 50, in this example a 2-stage filter device that includes a 0.5 micron cartridge filter 52 and a carbon block cartridge filter 54, to produce processed water 56 that is stored in a processed water tank 58. The processed water 56 in the processed water tank 58 is used to feed the final wash station 27, the misting sprays 20 and the window washers 31. Fresh water 42 may also be directed to the second filter device 50 to supplement the filtered water 46 drawn from the holding tank 48 if required. In this example, in order to facilitate control of water flow, a plurality of valves 60 are provided.
Further modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification.
Claims (5)
- The claims defining the invention are as follows:1. A material removal apparatus, the apparatus including a primary enclosure that houses: a primary track having a plurality of rollers configured for holding an elongate structure having a longitudinal axis; a jet nozzle configured to produce a high pressure water spray for removing attached material from an outside surface of the elongate structure; and a rotational movement mechanism configured to rotate the elongate structure about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the apparatus is configured to cause a relative translational motion to occur between the elongate structure and the jet nozzle such that, as a result of the translational motion and the rotation, all, or substantially all, of the outer surface of the elongate structure is exposed to the high pressure water spray.
- 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: at least one roller is motorised such that a motion of the at least one roller causes rotation of the elongate structure and/or causes a translational motion of the elongate structure with respect to the primary enclosure; and/or the apparatus includes a motorised actuator separate to the rollers, the motorised actuator configured to cause the rotation of the elongate structure, wherein the first and second rollers are freely rotatable.
- 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, during an operation of the jet nozzle, the elongate structure does not undergo translational motion with respect to the primary enclosure, and the jet nozzle undergoes a translational motion with respect to the primary enclosure, such that the high pressure water spray is applied across the length of the elongate structure.
- 4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: a shroud device disposed over the jet nozzle, the shroud device configured to reduce the presence of water mist and/or airborne particulate material produced by the jet nozzle; and/or a misting spray configured to produce a mist of water droplets having a size configured to reduce the presence of water mist and/or airborne particulate material produced by the jet spray
- 5. A method of removing material from a surface of an elongate structure, the method including the steps of: moving the elongate structure into an enclosure; providing a jet nozzle in the enclosure, the jet nozzle configured to produce a high pressure water spray for removing attached material from an outside surface of the elongate structure; operating the jet nozzle to direct the high pressure water spray onto the elongate structure; causing relative translational movement to occur between the jet nozzle and the elongate structure; causing rotation of the elongate structure during operation of the jet nozzle; and moving the elongate structure out of the enclosure after the completion of the operation of the jet nozzle.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2017903321A AU2017903321A0 (en) | 2017-08-17 | A material removal apparatus and method | |
| AU2017903321 | 2017-08-17 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2018101198A4 true AU2018101198A4 (en) | 2018-09-20 |
Family
ID=63525957
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018101198A Ceased AU2018101198A4 (en) | 2017-08-17 | 2018-08-17 | A material removal apparatus and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2018101198A4 (en) |
-
2018
- 2018-08-17 AU AU2018101198A patent/AU2018101198A4/en not_active Ceased
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FGI | Letters patent sealed or granted (innovation patent) | ||
| MK22 | Patent ceased section 143a(d), or expired - non payment of renewal fee or expiry |