AU2020223670A1

AU2020223670A1 - Desiccant product mounting for electrical installations

Info

Publication number: AU2020223670A1
Application number: AU2020223670A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Joseph Kent Guinea
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-08-26
Filing date: 2020-08-25
Publication date: 2021-03-18
Also published as: AU2020101981A4

Abstract

The invention relates to a desiccant mounting device for IP Rated electrical installations. The desiccant mounting device includes a chamber for containing desiccant, an opening in the chamber, and an attachment means, for attaching the chamber at a suitable predetermined location, within or about the electrical installation suitable to expose the desiccant to moisture to be removed. The desiccant mounting device substantially facilitates the installation and replacement of the desiccant within or about of the electrical installation and the electrical installation and desiccant mounting device maintain the IP Rating, once installed. The invention also relates to variants thereon, and methods of use. 2/4 22 14 21 0 10 1,2 28 18 16 24 26 FIGURE 2

Description

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PATENTSACT 1990 Section 29

Standard Patent

Applicant: Joseph Kent Guinea 22 Norton Court Moranbah Queensland 4744 Australia

Inventor: Joseph Kent Guinea 22 Norton Court Moranbah Queensland 4744 Australia

Priority claimed:

Provisional Patent Application No. 2019903114, filed 26 August 2019

Title of Invention:

DESICCANT PRODUCT MOUNTING FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us:

DESICCANT PRODUCT MOUNTING FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

[0001] The present invention relates to a desiccant product mounting device for electrical installations.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] It is well known that water and electricity do not mix. Wet electrical devices short, and can lead to electrocution and damage to the devices. What is less well known is the significant potential damage of ambient moisture entering or being trapped within electrical installations. The moisture and often dust and particulates can potentially lead to shorts across electrical circuits leading to partial or complete failure of the electrical device. Moisture build up in areas of significant temperature change can lead to condensation within the electrical installation which can be significant enough to cause failure to the device due to the water droplets forming inside. In areas where there are hot humid days, and cooler nights this problem of condensation forming can be a significant and serious problem leading to damage to the electrical installation. Clearly, any small short caused by the moisture problem can lead to the entire electrical installation failing, and needing repair. Where the electrical installation is used commercially or industrially the failure can lead to lost production time and loss of revenue.

[0003] Where the electrical installations are mining equipment or are underground installations themselves, the problem of condensation and potential moisture on or in the electrical installation can be a very serious problem. IP (Ingress Protection) Rated electrical devices are used in such situations, so that the rating of protection against ingress of dirt and moisture can be ensured. For example, where an IP68 electrical device is used, the rating indicates by the first digit "6" indicating that dust is prevented from entering, to keep out potential shorting material. The second digit "8" is the highest water resistance, indicating protection against ingress of water of the electrical device when underwater, even at some pressure, and for some time of immersion. The invention is directed at use for IP68 Rated electrical devices, in particular. However, this useful invention is applicable in any suitable situation where it may be desired to readily install and replace desiccant for an electrical device without undue interference to the device itself.

[0004] Control panels underground can often have issue of condensation build up overnight due to the high moisture levels in the air, and the drops in temperature below the dew point, covering the panels and electrical equipment in a layer of moisture. The risk is this moisture will enter the electrical devices and leading again to an electrical short across any exposed circuits.

[0005] The problem of unwanted moisture build-up for electrical devices attempted to be addressed by use of desiccant, typically silica balls, usually in sachets. The desiccant absorbs moisture in the air and retains the moisture in the balls out of the air. For domestic usage a silica ball sachet may be introduced into any area where it is desired to remove excess moisture, such as inside an electrical device. For larger electrical installations the same solution is used, with larger sachets of silica balls put at suitable locations to absorb the excess moisture.

[0006] There are significant problems with the current solution for larger electrical installations, including the important need to replace the silica on a strict schedule, when the silica is saturated and no longer removing the moisture. If the replacement schedule is not followed then there is an immediate risk of electrical shorting through conduction through the condensation and moisture exposure. The desiccant itself, once saturated provides a risk of conduction and so it is essential that the schedule is followed strictly. There is also the difficulty in knowing when the desiccant is saturated, and making sure that the schedule is getting the desiccant swopped out at the right time. The differences in atmospheric moisture and condensation mean that the time between swopping out the desiccant to prevent potential shorts and damage to the electrical installation. Some products can be seen to be saturated or include a colour change with increased moisture so that visual inspection will allow the person to know if the silica does need replacing, or not.

[0007] At present the silica sachets are placed within or around the electrical installation, but not in any fixed location. When the swop out schedule determines that the silica be replaced the operator will need to open up the relevant area of the electrical installation and look around and find where in the installation the silica has been put, before swopping it out with replacement desiccant. The opening up of the electrical installation, accessing and replacing of the silica can itself risk damage to the electrical installation, just when trying to service the silica, a very unfortunate outcome. Any damage, no matter how small to the electrical installation can cause the electrical installation to fail, touching of wires, disturbing components, or damage to seals or component covers may be examples. Any adverse impact to the electrical installation can have a serious and costly result, as if the device fails linked devices cannot operate until the electrical installation is back up and running. Therefore, the addressing of the moisture in the electrical installation is an essential part of the upkeep of the electrical installation to ensure it keeps running, and yet replacement of the desiccant can itself lead to avoidable damage of the electrical installation.

[0008] Where the electrical devices have an IP Rating, by definition these electrical devices or apparatus must be kept sealed against the ingress of dust or moisture, if the IP Rating is to be maintained. Clearly, interference with the electrical device, opening up or trying to access inside is not going to be compliant with prevention of ingress of dust and moisture, and so would invalidate the rating and compromise the electrical device, as discussed elsewhere.

[0009] The problem has been around for a long time, how to prevent avoidable damage to the electrical installations due to moisture through use of desiccant and the need to access inside the installation to maintain the moisture removal. Further, with the want to maintain IP Rating compliant apparatus, the electrical apparatus must not be compromised in any way, and generally will not be opened or accessed at all. But there must be a means to allow the removal of the unwanted moisture, while maintaining the seal again ingress of dust and moisture. The surprisingly clever new invention herein described, enables IP Rating compliant apparatus and others to be kept supplied with desiccant and this desiccant replaced on a schedule, removing the potentially damaging moisture. In this way the electrical apparatus is suitably serviced, while maintaining the IP Rating and seal against problematic dust or moisture, a key advance in the industry.

[0010] Therefore, the present disclosure outlines a new product and method, that the inventor has developed as an improved means to remove the moisture from IP (Ingress Protection) Rated electrical installations. The invention is easier to swop out than current desiccant mountings, and reduces the risk of saturated silica causing conduction. Further, use of the present invention also makes the actual swop out easier, reducing risk of damage to the electrical installation due to getting access to the silica itself, making it easier to follow the recommended schedule. Further, the nature of the mounting allows IP Rated electrical devices to have the desiccant mounting and still maintain the IP Rating compliance.

[0011] The subject clever new invention uses a device into which the silica can be installed, which can still act on the ambient air of the electrical enclosure, but is fixed in a suitable location. Further, the invention can either be refilled with silica in situ, or the entire device replaced, as suitable for the particular application, regulation and schedule. The replacement schedule can be adjusted in response to the saturation levels of the silica at the time of the swop out. The silica can be viewed readily without needing to access directly, and so where there is a visual indication of the saturation this can be easily seen from outside of the device. Use of the device which may be accessible without the need to open up the electrical installation will dramatically reduce the potential damage to the electrical installation that usually can occurwhen looking for and replacing the silica sachets, according to the schedule. The proposed low cost solution of the subject invention improves safety and reduces risk of damage to the electrical installation either through the moisture or through the process of replacing the silica, and allows the product and method to be used for IP Rated devices. It is likely that the invention will become the safety standard, once known about, as it reduces risk of moisture damage, or of damage through the replacement process, whereby damage to the electrical installation and down time is minimised.

[0012] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to use of silica as a desiccant, as a useful example. Any suitable desiccant may be used instead and it is not intended to limit use of the invention to silica desiccant, other than is limited by the claims. The invention is multi-faceted and can also be used for other materials that it may be of interest to use to expose to the air in the electrical installation, not limited to silica or desiccant, other than as defined in the claims. The invention is of particular use for IP Rated electrical devices, including IP68 Rated devices. Other than as limited in the claims, it is anticipated that the invention may be used for other devices, not limited to IP Rated devices.

[0013] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a desiccant mounting device for electrical installations, that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is further and separate object of the present invention to provide a desiccant mounting device for IP Rated electrical installations, that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further and separate object of the present invention to provide a method of use of a desiccant mounting device for electrical installations, that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Accordingly, the present invention provides a desiccant mounting device for electrical installations, the desiccant mounting device including: a chamber for containing desiccant; an opening in the chamber; and an attachment means, for attaching the chamber at a suitable predetermined location, within or about the electrical installation suitable to expose the desiccant to moisture to be removed, wherein the desiccant mounting device substantially facilitates the installation and replacement of the desiccant within or about of the electrical installation, without undue interference with the integrity of the electrical device.

[0016] Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a variant, a desiccant mounting device for IP Rated electrical installations, the desiccant mounting device including: a chamber for containing desiccant; an opening in the chamber; and an attachment means, for attaching the chamber at a suitable predetermined location, within or about the electrical installation suitable to expose the desiccant to moisture to be removed,

wherein the desiccant mounting device substantially facilitates the installation and replacement of the desiccant within or about of the electrical installation and the electrical installation and desiccant mounting device maintain the IP Rating, once installed.

[0017] Accordingly, the present invention provides a desiccant mounting device for electrical installations enabling visual inspection, the desiccant mounting device including: a chamber for containing desiccant; an opening in the chamber; and an attachment means, for attaching the chamber at a suitable predetermined location, within or about the electrical installation suitable to expose the desiccant to moisture to be removed,

wherein the desiccant mounting device substantially facilitates the installation and replacement of the desiccant within or about of the electrical installation, without undue interference with the integrity of the electrical device and the status of the desiccant may be inspected visually without opening or entering the electrical device.

[0018] The desiccant may be any suitable material for removal of moisture. The desiccant may be any suitable material to remove moisture from the surrounding environment or air. The desiccant may be silica. The desiccant may be silica balls. The desiccant may be provided in any suitable manner for use in the device. The desiccant could be replaced with any suitable material useful to be installed through the mounting.

[0019] Preferably, the desiccant is provided in a readily replaceable manner. Preferably, the desiccant is provided in a replaceable tube, container, canister or cartridge, for example. The desiccant may be in the form of a replaceable container, replaceable within the chamber to provide new desiccant when the existing desiccant becomes saturated. Preferably, desiccant is provided in predetermined volumes to provide moisture removal for a predictable time period for a particular application. Most preferably, the desiccant is provided in a container of a similar size and shape as the chamber, and can be easily removed and replaced. The container may have a cross-sectional shape chosen from circular; rectangular including square; triangular; rhomboid; and irregular. Preferably, the container is a cylindrical tube shape and fits within a corresponding cylindrical chamber of the device.

[0020] Preferably, the desiccant is provided in a suitable volume for the particular application. The volume may be adapted for the particular application. A substantially 15 grams supply of silica may be a suitable desiccant amount. Different installations, locations and sizes of area to remove moisture will require different weights of desiccant, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0021] Preferably, the container is adapted to maintain the desiccant inside in an easy to handle manner and also be exposed to the air so as to remove moisture therefrom. The container may include a covering or mesh to maintain the desiccant inside and enable exposure to the air. The covering may be an air and moisture permeable covering. There may be a fine mesh which maintains the desiccant within the container but allows the desiccant to act on the surrounding air to remove moisture. Preferably, the desiccant can be replaced very easily in the mounting without the need to find the desiccant or to handle the material directly.

[0022] Preferably, the mounting is such that the device is at a predetermined location in or about the electrical installation so that the device may be located, without the need to disturb other parts of the electrical installation. Preferably, nothing is disturbed by use of the mounting that could potential damage the electrical device or lead to ingress of dust or moisture. There may be several locations and a quick inspection can find where the device is mounted of the choice of locations. Preferably, a reciprocating part is installed within the electrical installation to which the chamber is attached to mount the desiccant. Preferably, the device may be fitted with a screw fit to a mounting point within the electrical installation. Most preferably, there is one or more fixed spot for location of the mounting of the device. There may be one or more mounting point included in or about the electrical installation. The or each mounting point may enable the ready attachment of the rest of the device. The rest of the device may be screwed in place through use of a threaded end. One or more nuts may be used. One or more washer may be used to act against wear.

[0023] Preferably, the fit of the mounting is such that once mounted the electrical device will be rated with substantially the same IP Rating as before the mounting. Preferably, the mounting is an IP Rated seal. Preferably, the mounting does not cause or encourage the entry of dust or moisture into the electrical apparatus. Preferably, the mounting and or component parts are substantially sealed once installed. Preferably, a seal means is included. Preferably, one or more washers, seals or similar are included at one or more parts of the mounting, whereby use of the one or more washers, seals or similar acts against ingress of dust or moisture once the mounting is in place. Preferably, more than one washer, seal or similar is used at each appropriate junction to seal the connection. The seal may be an 0- ring. The seal may be a pair of O-rings. The O-rings may be include towards the top of the chamber. Preferably, each potential point of ingress of the mounting includes a seal means. Preferably, each potential point of ingress of the mounting includes a seal means, to act against the ingress of dirt and moisture thereby enabling the IP Rating to be maintained. Preferably, one or more seal means is included to enable IP68 Rating to be maintained once mounted for the electrical apparatus or device.

[0024] One or more washer may be used to ensure IP Rating compliance. Preferably, a fibre washer is included. Preferably, the fibre washer is IP Rating compliant. Preferably, the fibre washer is IP68 Rating compliant. Any suitable seal may be used. Any suitable washer may be used.

[0025] The electrical installation may be chosen from the group: DAC's; other underground communication apparatus; communication marshalling boxes; or belt wander switches. The mounting points for the device may be through an existing hole. The mounting may be external or internal. The mounting may be through an attachment to a fixing into which the device may be attached. Preferably, the electrical installation has a suitable Ingress Protection ("IP") rating, or equivalent. Preferably, the electrical installation has an IP68 Rating. The IP Rating may be any suitable IP Rating. Preferably, the IP Rating of the electrical device is suitable for the particular use of the device, and situation. Preferably, the electrical device and its components are suitably IP Rating compliant. Preferably, the electrical device and its components are fully IP68 Rating compliant. Preferably, the components of the electrical device are IP68 Rating compliant.

[0026] Preferably, the desiccant mounting device is IP Rating compliant. Preferably, the desiccant mounting device is IP68 Rating compliant. Preferably, the combination of the mounting device and electrical device maintain the IP Rating compliance, after installation.

[0027] The chamber may take any suitable form for containing the desiccant. Most preferably, the chamber is adapted to be readily viewed, used and replaced without compromise of the inner electrical apparatus. The chamber may be in the form of a hollow tube. In one preferred form of the invention, the chamber is a substantially cylindrical tube, suitable to receive a substantially cylindrical container of desiccant during replacement. The chamber may be any shape or form suitable for the particular application. The chamber may be a tube of any suitable cross-section; rectangular including square; rhomboid; triangular; circle; or irregular. Preferably, the chamber is made of PERSPEX (Trade Mark). Preferably, the chamber remains attached to the outer steel chamber in use. The chamber may be mounted using existing fittings of the electrical apparatus. Of a fitting may be installed, to enable the chamber to be mounted. Preferably, the mounting is maintained at a suitable IP Rating compliance, once the mounting has taken place.

[0028] Preferably, the chamber is adapted to be strong and protective of the contained silica to not interfere with the electrical installation. Preferably, the chamber is made of stainless steel. Preferably, the device is substantially made of stainless steel. The device may be made of any suitable material including non conductive materials, such as strong plastics, or a combination of strong materials.

[0029] Most preferably, the device is arranged for a very easy swop and replacement of a container of desiccant of a predetermined weight suitable to reduce moisture in the electrical installation.

[0030] The opening may take any suitable shape or form. The opening may be a plurality of openings. The opening may a plurality of slots around the chamber. The slots may be angled from towards the base to a mid-section of the chamber. The slots may be angled from towards the base to a mid-section of the chamber to enable visual inspection of the desiccant at different positions within the chamber. The or each opening may take any suitable form, including chosen from: slot; grid; holes or mesh. Four sloping slots around the body of the chamber may be preferred.

[0031] The visual inspection may take any suitable form. The visual inspection may be from inside the electrical installation. The visual inspection may be possible through a viewing means in the electrical installation allowing the desiccant device to be seen and the state of the desiccant viewed through the viewing means. Most preferably, the degree of saturation of the desiccant may be substantially viewed through by visual inspection. Preferably, visual inspection of the desiccant at a plurality of locations within the chamber may be viewed. Preferably, the area of desiccant towards the end may be viewed to indication saturation levels. Preferably, a slot is included in the chamber to allow viewing of a strip of the desiccant contained within. Preferably, a plurality of slots are included. Preferably, the plurality of slots enables visual indication of a number of locations of the contained desiccant and across a strip. The invention therefore allows an area of the desiccant to be viewed not simply the top or a single spot, which is advantageous where the saturation of the desiccant is not complete or uniform. It would be usual for some parts closer to the air to saturate first, for example.

[0032] Most preferably, the need to replace the desiccant is may be visually ascertained without the need to open the electrical device or remove the mounting. Once the need to replace the desiccant is found, the invention enables the replacement in a quick and easy fashion, with minimal risk of ingress of dirt or dust.

[0033] The visual inspection may take place from outside of the electrical installation whereby on opening up the person need not disturb more than the access, as it can be seen that the desiccant is still dry and does not need replacing. Or the device may indicate that it needs replacing or must be done so according to a schedule in which case the device may be changed by a direct route from the access point to where the device may be mounted without the need to unnecessarily disturb inside the electrical installation. Ideally, the visual inspection can be from a distance, so that the state of the desiccant can be visually inspected from outside of the electrical installation, even if it is a large machine or installation, and the device mounted at a distance. Preferably, the visual inspection enables the state of the desiccant to be viewed from a comfortable distance. Preferably, the visual inspection enables the state of the desiccant to be viewed without the need to be up close to the device. A colour change or other feature of the desiccant may be used to facilitate the visual indication of the desiccant through use of the device.

[0034] The attachment means may take any suitable form to attach or mount the chamber to a location. Preferably, the attachment is a readily removable attachment. The attachment may be through the use of one or more fixing. There may be a part of the device attached to something, to which the remainder of the device is removably attached. Preferably, the attachment is a sealed attachment. Preferably, the attachment substantially prevents the ingress of dirt or moisture, once installed. One or more seal may be included in the attachment means to assist the sealing of the mounting.

[0035] In a preferred form of the invention a part of the device may be preinstalled at a suitable location to mount the device. The part can then be welded on, or otherwise very firmly secured. The rest of the device may then be removably attached to the fixed point. For example, a threaded part may be installed into which the mounting may be screwed. A reducer may be used to ensure that any aperture is closed and sealed once the mounting has taken place. A reducer may be used at any suitable location to assist in sealing of the mounting.

[0036] The attachment may be through use of a screw fit. The attachment may be use of any one or more of: nut; bolt; screws; clips; clasps; or nuts. Most preferably, the fit is a screw fit for secure but easily removable attachment. One or more washer may be included as suitable to prevent wear of the parts. Preferably, the fit is a tight, sealed fit. Preferably, the fit is IP Rating compliant suitable for the electrical device. Preferably, the fit is IP68 Rating compliant. The IP Rating may be any suitable IP Rating for the use of the device.

[0037] A threaded part of the device may fit with a screw fit to a fixed part on or about the electrical installation at any suitable location. There may be a plurality of locations for mounting in some form of the inventions.

[0038] The attachment may be any suitable part of the electrical installation or near to the electrical installation suitable to remove moisture as desired. Preferably, the attachment is to the electrical installation. Preferably, in one use of the invention the attachment is to a mounting point. Preferably, the mounting point is one of one or more mounting points at suitable locations on or about the electrical installation. Preferably, suitable locations are predetermined as positions for where the devices are to be located. In this way the user need not look around for the desiccant and device, they are in a known location to make them easy to find and easy to replace without the need to more electrical parts, which would risk unintentional damage.

[0039] Attachment is through a direct hole into the enclosure, using threaded reducers as required to maintain IP Rating. The reducer is useful to seal or close the aperture suitably, to prevent ingress. More than one reducer may be used in some circumstances. Depending on the particular electrical apparatus or enclosure, a 90 degree threaded attachment may be included to enable the device to be mounted within the apparatus. For example, where the access point is close to a wall or internal components, mounting at an angle will assist to prevent unwanted contact. The mounting may include any suitable angle to enable mounting at a suitable location of the electrical device. A 90 degree or other similar bend mounting may be useful. The bend or angle of the mounting may be any suitable angle. The mounting may be at an angle to the horizontal chosen from the following group: 45 degrees; 90 degrees; or 120 degrees.

[0040] Preferably, the desiccant is supplied in a replaceable container that will fit within the chamber and allow the desiccant to act on the surrounding air, and the device holds the container in place to enable ready inspection and replacement as required.

[0041] Preferably, and end cap or similar is included. Preferably, the container of desiccant may be placed in the chamber when the end cap is removed and when the end cap is replaced the container is held in place. The end cap may fit to the chamber in any suitable manner. The end cap may fit with a push fit to the chamber. The end cap, may in another form, screw to the chamber to hold the container of desiccant in place. Preferably, the end cap fits tightly to the chamber. On or more seal or O-ring may be include at any part to improve the seal. The end tap may include one or more seal or O-ring.

[0042] The invention also relates to a method of use of a desiccant mounting device for electrical installations, the desiccant mounting device including a chamber for containing desiccant, an opening and an attachment means to attach at a predetermined location in or about the electrical installation, the method including the following steps:

a) installing a mounting point in or about the electrical installation at a suitable location for the desiccant to act; b) putting a container of desiccant in the chamber; c) attaching the attachment means to the mounting point; d) visually inspecting the container of desiccant material from time to time or via a replacement schedule and replacing as required.

[0043] Preferably, the opening also enables visual inspection of the desiccant therethrough. Preferably, step d) includes visual inspection of the desiccant through the opening to determine the state of saturation. The desiccant mounting device of the method may be the desiccant mounting device of the invention in any of its forms or variants.

[0044] Preferably, the mounting and electrical device are IP Rating compliant. Preferably, the mounting and electrical device are IP68 Rating compliant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 is an exploded front view of a product device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0047] Figure 2 is a perspective view from below of the product device of Figure 1;

[0048] Figure 3 is a front view of the product device of Figures 1 and 2 with the end in place; and

[0049] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the product device of Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INCLUDING A BEST METHOD

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where product mounting assembly 1 incudes tube 10 as is illustrated for installing in an electrical installation (not shown throughout) being an underground communication units (Digital Access Carrier System "DACs"). The invention can be used with any IP Rating electrical device or apparatus, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art including belt wander switches, communication marshalling boxes, and in fact any electrical enclosure with the requirement of being moisture free, while maintaining its original Ingress Protection rating. Preferably, the electrical apparatus is an IP68 rated installation.

[0051] There are a great many electrical installations where it may be useful to use the invention to conform to a strict schedule of desiccant replacement, for example. It is standard in underground coal mines that sachets are replaced at 3 monthly intervals, for most electrical installations. As the mine belts are inspected daily a visual indication outside the electrical enclosure may be carried out at the same time, and this action would prevent a lot of potential issues. High moisture areas such as the Longwall face and belt transfers would also require at least weekly inspections and most like require replacing at least monthly. The visual inspection aspect of the invention is useful as when other parts such as the belts are being checked a check of the desiccant status can also be made visually.

[0052] As illustrated, product mounting assembly 1 is installed underground in the DAC system, which is particularly useful. DAC's are installed at 200 metre intervals along every belt and 20 metre intervals along the longwall face (300 to 350 metres). There is usually a spare hole into the side or bottom of the enclosure which would be utilized to install the invention. If no hole is present, then a hole can be formed during installation. In some instances, it would be best to have the threaded section (as described further below) of product mounting assembly 1 on a 90 degree angle. The reason for this is so once installed product mounting assembly 1 sits flat beside the face of the DAC and not be prone to damage. The relative size of the arrangement, the number of devices used and the locations of installation are all able to be adapted to suit different electrical installations including proprietary installations, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0053] As illustrated product mounting assembly 1 is made of generally of stainless steel with the desiccant contained in an acrylic tube, as particularly useful for industrial applications. Other materials may be used, as suitable to the installation and the particular application.

[0054] Tube 10 of product mounting assembly 1 includes body 12, with top opening 14, and bottom 16, on either extremity of body 12. It is within body 12 that the desiccant will be contained as described below. As illustrated body 12 is formed of stainless steel, resistant to corrosion or to damage during installation or use. Tube is shown as a cylindrical tube with approximately 21 millimetre outer diameter, 16 millimetre inner diameter at the threaded end and 19 millimetre internal diameter at the opposite end (eg recess for PERSPEX Tube) and 100 millimetres long as this is a convenient shape for use, and to receive the desiccant tube, as described below. Clearly other shapes such as a square based tube, triangular or irregular could be used instead. The round edges of a tube are useful to prevent damage within the electrical installation and for convenient handling. A pair of 0 rings may be include at the top end where the PERSPEX tube is received.

[0055] Apertures 18 in body 12 allows physical and visual access to the product contained within and as shown are in the form of 4 slits around the circumference of body 12. The slits are useful to show a wide area of the contained desiccant and to expose the desiccant without having a large aperture of exposure. Other shapes and forms of aperture 18, however may be used instead.

[0056] To attach product mounting assembly 1 to the electrical installation, body 12 has threaded end 20, with threaded grooves adapted to thread into nut 22 to hold in place. It is envisaged that tube 10 may be passed through a hole or other space on the electrical installation and secured in place through use of nut 22 on grooves to secure in place. In another preferred form of the invention, nut 22 is secured to a welded or mounted spot within the electrical installation. The mounting of product mounting assembly 1, is through use of an existing opening in the selected electrical enclosure, and use of a threaded reducer with locknut on the inside of the enclosure, to provide a female threaded entry point into which the tube can be screwed.

[0057] Nut 22 is threaded on the male thread of the tube all the way to the bottom of the thread, which provides a flat face for fibre washer 28 to sit on so that when the tube is tightened into position the fibre washer meets Ingress Protection requirements.

[0058] The desiccant medium is provided in a sealed tube ready for quick replacement. In this way the old tube is removed completely and a new, full tube is installed instead. The tubes can also be refilled on site or taken away and refilled off site and supplied back full and ready for use. The illustrated assembly is fully IP Rated, and as shown IP68 Rated, a strong advantage over other means to tyr to prevent dust and moisture into the electrical apparatus. The high IP68 rating, prevention of ingress of dust and water, of assembly 1, is a very significant advantage, providing the desiccant and being IP68 Rating compliance. Desiccant container 24 contains the scheduled supply of silica balls, as shown 15 grams suitable for the scheduled time period. Each acrylic (PERSPEX Trade Mark) container enables a clear view of the content, while still maintaining IP Rating. Container 24 also has a metal mesh front to enable exposure of the silica to the surrounding air for removal in the usual manner. In this way the silica is contained and is not able to escape the container, and so is very convenient to handle, but also is readily contained in the exact correct volume, for the scheduled maintenance. Other forms of desiccant can be used instead as required by the particular use. The assembly for the desiccant tube is suitable to be compliant with IP Rating, whereby the desiccant can be changed through the hole at the threaded end as once assembled so that the tube can be maintained as integral, apart from the replacement of the desiccant. It is intended that the tube once assembled is never split apart again, so as to maintain the IP Rating.

[0059] End cap 26 is used to maintain desiccant container 24 within tube 10, through a strong push fit. End cap 26 is also made of stainless steel as illustrated and acts to protect the desiccant container while in the installation.

[0060] Fibre washer 28 (required to be IP68 Rating compliant) is used on threaded end 20 with nut 22 to prevent wear in the usual manner. Fibre washer 28 is made of acrylic as shown with a 20 millimetre diameter. Fibre washer 28 is suitable to comply with the IP Rating by ensuring dust and moisture is kept out.

[0061] Desiccant is provided to be swopped out according to a recommended time schedule which may be monthly or bimonthly, for example. At the appropriate time a person will be directed to the particular electrical installation where the maintenance is to take place and will be advised of the predetermined location where the product mounting assembly 1 is mounted. The person will make careful access to the electrical installation and will easily see product mounting assembly 1. The person will not need to search for the assembly it can be found in a fixed and predetermined location, which removes unnecessary contact with parts of the electrical installation which could lead to inadvertent damage. At the predetermined location product mounting assembly 1 can be viewed clearly, and in fact the silica inside can also be seen. Where there is a colour change or other visual indication that the silica is saturated the person is reassured that the silica does in fact need changing. Where the schedule for replacement is less rigid or only needs replacing rarely, the visual indication can be used to determine if the replacement is to be made without the need to touch the mounting or further disturb the installation, again minimising risk. Where the schedule does determine that a replacement be made, information can be gleaned from the visual indication of the silica to determine if the schedule may need to be adjusted, such as if the silica is regularly saturated or if the schedule could be lengthened, a useful result. Assuming the silica is to be replaced this may be by opening end 26 and removing spent desiccant container 24 for replacement with a fresh one. End cap 24 can then be resecured. The installation of fresh desiccant container 24 may take place with tube 10 mounted still, or the mounting may be rotated, and nut 22 removed to enable access to the whole device. In another form of the invention, the whole tube and intact desiccant container 24 with 15 grams of unused silica can be replaced to be the supplied who can themselves look at the data for scheduling or may simply supply new containers in tubes ready to install direct to the mounting in the electrical installation. All forms of the invention may be possible at a single installation and to some extent it will depend on the particular supplier (desiccant container 24 or tube 10 with desiccant container 24 installed) and many different options are available. Once replaced tube 10 is remounted to the inside of the electrical installation in the known location, through use of screwing the device to the secure mounting, and checked on the schedule as replaced.

[0062] A particular installation may have 1 or more mounting sites, into which tubes can be screwed to provide desiccant to the location, which may be maintained according to the schedule.

[0063] The invention provides a clever new way to ensure that electrical installations have suitable desiccant applied but minimising the risk of shorts or damage through use of the desiccant itself or through the process of maintenance disturbing connections. The owner of the installation may subscribe to a replacement schedule with confidence that in itself it will not lead to additional faults. The invention will fix the location of the desiccant and greatly facilitate the replacement as required to remove moisture.

[0064] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0065] The desiccant container may be manufactured industrially and supplied through wholesalers or retailers for use.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

1 Product Mounting Assembly

Tube

12 Body

14 Top opening

16 Bottom

18 Aperture

Threaded end

22 Nut

24 Desiccant container

26 End

28 Washer

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A desiccant mounting device for IP Rated electrical installations, the desiccant mounting device including: a chamber for containing desiccant; an opening in the chamber; and an attachment means, for attaching the chamber at a suitable predetermined location, within or about the electrical installation suitable to expose the desiccant to moisture to be removed,

2. The desiccant mounting device of claim 1, wherein the desiccant is provided in a replaceable tube, container, canister or cartridge replaceable within the chamber to provide new desiccant when the existing desiccant becomes saturated.

3. The desiccant mounting device of claim 1 or 2, wherein desiccant is provided in predetermined volumes to provide moisture removal for a predictable time period for a particular application.

4. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the desiccant is provided in a container of a similar size and shape as the chamber, and can be easily removed and replaced.

5. The desiccant mounting device of claim 4, wherein the container is adapted to maintain the desiccant inside in an easy to handle manner and also be exposed to the air so as to remove moisture therefrom.

6. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the container includes a covering or mesh to maintain the desiccant inside and enable exposure to the air.

7. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mounting is such that the device is at a predetermined location in or about the electrical installation so that the device may be located, without the need to disturb other parts of the electrical installation.

8. The desiccant mounting device of claim 7, wherein there are several locations and a quick inspection can find where the device is mounted of the choice of locations.

9. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a reciprocating part is installed within the electrical installation to which the chamber is attached to mount the desiccant.

10. The desiccant mounting device of claim 9, wherein the device is fitted with a screw fit to a mounting point within the electrical installation.

11. The desiccant mounting device of claim 9 or 10, wherein one or more mounting point is included in or about the electrical installation and the or each mounting point enables the ready attachment of the rest of the device.

12. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the fit of the mounting is such that once mounted the electrical device will be rated with substantially the same IP Rating as before the mounting.

13. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the mounting is an IP Rated seal.

14. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein a seal means is included whereby use of the seal means acts against ingress of dust or moisture once the mounting is in place.

15. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the mounting may be external or internal.

16. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the mounting is through an attachment to a fixing into which the device may be attached.

17. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the electrical installation has an IP68 Rating.

18. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the desiccant mounting device is IP Rating compliant.

19. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the desiccant mounting device is IP68 Rating compliant.

20. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the combination of the mounting device and electrical device maintain the IP Rating compliance, after installation.

21. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the device is arranged for a very easy swop and replacement of a container of desiccant of a predetermined weight suitable to reduce moisture in the electrical installation.

22. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the opening may a plurality of slots around the chamber.

23. The desiccant mounting device of claim 22, wherein the slots are angled from towards the base to a mid-section of the chamber to enable visual inspection of the desiccant at different positions within the chamber.

24. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the attachment is a readily removable attachment.

25. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein a reducer is used to ensure that any aperture is closed and sealed once the mounting has taken place.

26. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the attachment is through use of a screw fit.

27. The desiccant mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein a threaded part of the device may fit with a screw fit to a fixed part on or about the electrical installation at any suitable location.

28. The desiccant mounting device of claim 27, wherein there are a plurality of locations for mounting the device.

29. The desiccant mounting device of according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein attachment of the device is through a direct hole into the enclosure.

30. The desiccant mounting device of claim 29, wherein attachment of the device is through a direct hole into the enclosure, using threaded reducers as required to maintain IP Rating and the reducer is useful to seal or close the aperture suitably, to prevent ingress.

31. The desiccant mounting device of according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein a 90 degree threaded attachment is included to enable the device to be mounted within the apparatus at 90 degrees as mounting at an angle will assist to prevent unwanted contact.

32. The desiccant mounting device of according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the mounting may include any suitable angle to enable mounting at a suitable location of the electrical device.

33. The desiccant mounting device of according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the desiccant is supplied in a replaceable container that will fit within the chamber and allow the desiccant to act on the surrounding air, and the device holds the container in place to enable ready inspection and replacement as required.

34. The desiccant mounting device of according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein an end cap is included and the container of desiccant may be placed in the chamber when the end cap is removed and when the end cap is replaced the container is held in place.

35. A desiccant mounting device for electrical installations enabling visual inspection, the desiccant mounting device including: a chamber for containing desiccant; an opening in the chamber; and an attachment means, for attaching the chamber at a suitable predetermined location, within or about the electrical installation suitable to expose the desiccant to moisture to be removed,

36. The desiccant mounting device of according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the degree of saturation of the desiccant may be substantially viewed by visual inspection.

37. The desiccant mounting device of according to any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein visual inspection of the desiccant at a plurality of locations within the chamber may be viewed including an indication saturation levels.

38. The desiccant mounting device of according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein a plurality of slots are included in the chamber to allow viewing of a strip of the desiccant contained within, at a number of locations.

39. A desiccant mounting device for electrical installations, the desiccant mounting device including: a chamber for containing desiccant; an opening in the chamber; and an attachment means, for attaching the chamber at a suitable predetermined location, within or about the electrical installation suitable to expose the desiccant to moisture to be removed,

wherein the desiccant mounting device substantially facilitates the installation and replacement of the desiccant within or about of the electrical installation, without undue interference with the integrity of the electrical device.

40. A method of use of a desiccant mounting device for electrical installations, the desiccant mounting device including a chamber for containing desiccant, an opening and an attachment means to attach at a predetermined location in or about the electrical installation, the method including the following steps:

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the opening also enables visual inspection of the desiccant therethrough and step d) includes visual inspection of the desiccant through the opening to determine the state of saturation.

42. The method of claims 40 or 41, wherein the desiccant container is the desiccant container of any one of claims 1 to 39. Dated this 25th day August 2020 Joseph Kent Guinea By his Patent Attorney TJIP Patents, Trade Marks & Designs Suite 4, 45-49 Bundock Street Belgian Gardens, Townsville, Queensland 4810