CA1139908A - Aqualung/air vessel cleaner - Google Patents
Aqualung/air vessel cleanerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1139908A CA1139908A CA000367289A CA367289A CA1139908A CA 1139908 A CA1139908 A CA 1139908A CA 000367289 A CA000367289 A CA 000367289A CA 367289 A CA367289 A CA 367289A CA 1139908 A CA1139908 A CA 1139908A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bottle
- lance
- cleaning
- carriage
- spine
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
- B24C3/00—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants
- B24C3/32—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks
- B24C3/325—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks for internal surfaces, e.g. of tubes
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
An apparatus for cleaning the interior of an open topped bottle, tanks and the like, includes a frame and spine, a bottle stand on the spine, and carriage means which carry a cleaning head and lance for movement enabling the lance to penetrate the interior of the bottle. The carriage means are supported for movement on a track to enable insertion/
withdrawl of the lance into and from the bottle. The bottle stand is adapted to support the open end of the bottle, preferably rotatably.
The cleaning head is similarly adapted to enable the lance preferably to be rotated thus improving the effectiveness of cleaning. The lance is connectible to a conventional source of a cleaning material. The cleaning head includes an adapter assembly connectible to a source of vacuum such that vacuum blast cleaning of the interior of the bottle is effected.
An apparatus for cleaning the interior of an open topped bottle, tanks and the like, includes a frame and spine, a bottle stand on the spine, and carriage means which carry a cleaning head and lance for movement enabling the lance to penetrate the interior of the bottle. The carriage means are supported for movement on a track to enable insertion/
withdrawl of the lance into and from the bottle. The bottle stand is adapted to support the open end of the bottle, preferably rotatably.
The cleaning head is similarly adapted to enable the lance preferably to be rotated thus improving the effectiveness of cleaning. The lance is connectible to a conventional source of a cleaning material. The cleaning head includes an adapter assembly connectible to a source of vacuum such that vacuum blast cleaning of the interior of the bottle is effected.
Description
~3~
This invellL;on relates to a cleaning apparatus, and more particularly Lo a c]eclning apparatus of the type used for cleaning an open-toppe~l bo~L]e or tank ~or compressed gas, or the Like. The apparatus and metllod embo(lyillg this invention provide for effective and reliable cleaning action. Morcover, considerable savings in time are effecteà by the cleaning process.
In the past, one method of cleaning divers~ aqualung bottles required filling the bottle with shot and then'turning them (tumbling) end for end for periods o~ time up to eight hours. Such a process, however, had a lligh rate of rejection for inadequately cleaned bottles. In addition the procedure was very time consuming. It is also to be recognized that bot~les or tanks which were not cleaned to the degree required simply had to be discardcd. Since these bottles cost many tens of dollars each, dis-carding bottles incurred a substantial replacement cost, as well as tying up a cleaning head or position for periods of time, in vain.
Pressure vessels in the form of open ended bottles, tanks and the like are used widely. To wit, clean and cleanable bottles or tanks are used for al] sizes of air and oxygen containers used by divers, fire-men, and in equipment in chemical and nuclear plants. Thus, there is a need to clean such pressure vessels quickly, and effectively, i.e., with low rates o~ rejection.
The present invention is believed to overcome many of the shortcomings of prior art cleaning techniques and devices. This invention encompasses apparatus which is flexible in use, and is reliable. Accordingly, the present invention broadly envisages an apparatus for interiorly cleaning open topped bottles, tanks and the like, comprising a frame, including a supporting spine adapted to be mo~mted on a supporting surface the support-ing spine having an associated track fixedly secured to the same, a bottle stand secured to the supporting spine and including a support ring configured to support a bottle by the open top thereof, carriage means carried by and moveab]e reLative to the supporting spine and track, the carriage means MR/
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inc]uding a bracket cLeme1lt attached t1~ereto, and, a cleaning head and lance su1)porLcd Ç1^0m tl1c bracket element in a manner providing movement of the lance relativc to tlle bottle, the head and bottle being in alignment , with thc bottle stand, the cleaning heand and lance being adapted to be connected to a supply o a cleaning material and a source of vacuum, with movement Or the carriage means enabling the lance to penetrate the open topped bott]e, the bottle stand further including an adapter assembly having a bushing therein for closely receiving the lance, the adapter assembly also having inlet and outlet conduit means coacting with the supporting ring to cnable connection to both the supply of cleaning material and the vacuum source so as to erfect vacuum blast cleaning of an open-topped bottle mounted on the bottle stand.
In a more preferred form of this invention there is provided an apparatus for interiorly cleaning open topped vessels such as gas bottles, tanks and the like, comprising; a base adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface; a spine fixedly secured to the base in a predetermined orientation, tlle spine including track-means supported by the same; a bottle stand supported from the spine and in proximity to the track means, tlle bottle stand including a support ring and an adapter assembly coupled thereto, the support ring being configured to support the bottle by the open top thereof; carriage means supported on the track means for movement relative thereto, the carriage means including a first supporting bracket attaci~ed to the same; a cleaning head and lance mounted on the first support-ing~ bracket 90 as to be in alignment with the bottle stand and support ring thereof, the cleaning head and lance being adapted to be connected to a supply of a cleaning material, with movement of the carriage means per-mitting the lance to penetrate interiorly of the bottle; and drive means connecte(1 Lo both ti1e carriage means and one of the base and spine, the clrive means being ol)erative to cause movement of the carriage means along tl-e track means, the adapter assembly hsving a bushing therein for closely rccciving t1~c lancc to position the same during penetration of the bottle, MR/
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thc adal)ter assembly also including in]et and outlet conduit means, the latter heing connectible to a vacuum source so as to enable the cleanlng ll(ad flncl ]flnce to coact ancl effect vacuum blast cleaning of the bottle. r'~
Various [eatures and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the cletailed description below. That description should be read in conjuncLion w;t~ the accompanying drawings.
In those clrawings:
FIGURE l is a perspective view to show schematically one form of cleaning apparatlls envisaged by this invention;
FIGUR~ 2 is a perspective view to show schematically one form of carriage means used in the apparatus of Figure l;
FICURE 3 is a side elevation view of an adapter assembly as used in the apparatus of Figure l;
FIGUR~ 4 is a perspective view showing schematical~y another form of cleaning apparatus embodied by this invention;
I:IGURES 5A, 5B and 5C are electrical circuit diagrams showing schematically the operating and control circuitry for the apparatus of Figure 4; and FIGUREs 6A and 6B are schematic drawings of a terminal block and control console for the apparatus of Figure 4.
Turning to Figure 1, a cleaning apparatus that embodies the present invention is shown overall at 10. This includes a frame 12, and supporting spine 14, both adapted to be mounted on a supporting surfaee.
The spine 14 is typically positioned so as to be generally upright, i.e., vertical, for reasons to become apparent below. The spine 14 and frame 12 are normally in the form of I-beams, U-channels or the like, made preferably of a metal s~lch as ~teel or aluminum. A bottle stand 16 is secured to the spine 14, and includes adjustably positionable support arms 18 which carry a support ring 20 and adapter assembly 22. (See Figure 3). A pair of 3() bottle clamps 24 comp1ement the bottle stand 16. The support ring 20 is annular, being aclal~ecl to support an open topped bottle on its open end, and preferably rotatabLy.
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Ihe cleaning apparatus lO further includes a cleaning head 26 and lance 28, supp0rted oll a first bracket assembly 30. The cleaning llead 26 and lance 28 are of conventional design, being commercially available as off-the~shelr items. The bracket assembly 30 is generally L-shaped, and is fixedly attached to a moveable carriage shown overall at 32. As seen from I)OLT1 Figures ] an~l 2 the carriage 32 includes a generally U-shaped base 34.
Ihe base 34 has a bottom and sides 36, 38 which surround a similarly V-shaped track or channel 40. The channel 40 has~ a length considerably longer thaTl that of the carriage~s base 34. This enables a predetermined amount of travel of carriage 32 over that channel or track 40. Channel 40 is fixed to the spine 14, as by welding or a bolted connection. The carriage 32 is moveable by virtue of rollers 42 and 44. See Figure 2. Rollers 42 are supported on axles carried by sides 38, and contact the bottom of channel 4(). Tlle rollers 44 engage the sides of channel 40 and are also mounted on sides 38 of the carriage~s base 34.
The carriage 32 includes second bracket assemblies shown at 46. Each assembly 46 is attached to an associated side 38 of carriage 32.
Driving means to move the carriage 32 are shown in Figure 1 at 48. In this instance the driving means are in the form of a piston and cyLinder combina-tion 50 actuated hydraulically. Alternatively a chain and sproket, or belt and pulley arrangement could be used, driven by an electric motor.
One moveable part of the driving means ~8 is connected to the bracket assembly 46 and hence to the carriage 32. A fixed part of the driving means 48 is secured to the framc 12. These parts could be reversed, since it is relative movement of the parts of the driving means 48 which causes the carriage 32 to be moved. ~ series of limit switches, not shown, are mounted on one of the spine 14 or channe] 40 to restrict the carriage 32 to a pre-determined amount of motion.
Turning to Figure 3, the adapter assembly 22 mentioned above is seen to include a T-couT~ling 60 whlch serves to mount a base 61 (Figure 1) an(l ~hc su~ orL ring 20. These are constructed so as to inc]ude bearing Ml~/
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me.lrl~ wl~ich provide ror rotational movelnerlt of one relative to the other, thereby enabling rotation of a bottle carried on the support ring 20. The T-coupling 6n has-inlet ports 62 and 64 and an outlet port 660 The inlet port 62 is provided with a reducer 68 and inlet reducing elbow 70 wllich coact to proviAe a venturi effect. The inlet port 64 is closed by a plug 72 having a centra1 opening and sleeve 74. This sleeve 74 iB of a size to closely receive tlle cleaning lance 28. It is noted that the inside of the T-coupling 60 surrounding sleeve 74 is built up with a ready mix "steel"
76 available commercially under the trade name "D~VCON". This built up region 76 provides a smoothened interior of coupling 60, thus inhibiting cavitation.
The port opposite to inlet port 64 is adapted to mount the base 61 and ~ul)port ring 20, of ~igure 1. Appropriate tubing connects the lance 28 and sleeved opening 74 to the supply side of a conventional vacuum blast cleaning machine which thereby supplies cleaning material to the lance.
The port 66 is similarly connected to a vacuum source provided in such a machine. One machine available commercially is manufactured and sold by the VACU-BLAST COMPANY INC. of California, U.S.A. The operation and accessories of such a machine will be known to persons skilled in this art, and need not be described here for an understanding of the present invention~
In operating the apparatus 10, an open topped bottle is placed onto the botlle ~tand l6, the open end being supported on ring 20. The clamps 24 are closed to ensure that the bottle is adequately supported.
TZ-le vacuum blast machine with which apparatus 10 is used, s~pplies a clean-ing material, suc11 as aluminum oxide through lance 28. That material and all residue cleaned from within the bottle are carried to the machine by a vacuum connected to the outlet port 66 of adaptor assembly 22. Conventional electrical control circuits are associated with the cleaning apparatus lO, and would be activated to cause the carriage 32 to be moved. Thus, the cleaning lance 28 i9 caused to advance a predetermined amount into the bott]e l)eillg cleli-ed, an(l thell backed o~f, i.e., extracted. The mode of Ml~/
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ol)eratioll or t.lle vaclluln b].ast machine i.n known. Suffice it to say here that carriage 32 is advallce(i and retracted (along with lance 28) a number of times, over a sll0rt l~eric)(l of tilne. This i9 about 15 to 30 minutes. The interior is usually well clcaned in that time. Experience will dictate approx;mately . 1.
how mucl~ cleaning time can be expectecl to be required, since this will depend C~ll fc)ctor~ SUCII as Ll~c cleaning material, just what residue is to be cleaned and removecl and so on.
In turning now to Figure 4, another form of cleaning apparatus embodying the present invention is shown overall at 100. ~lere again the 1.() apparatus 100 includes a frame., supporting wall or like support 102, by whi.ch there i.s supported a spine 104. A bottle stand 106 is supported from tlle spi.ne 1.()4 by means of brackets or arms 108, on which a base plate 110 is carried. A stand 112 is carried on the plate 110, and has secured to it a support rin~ 114 whose outer su-rEace is in the form of a worm gear. The support ring 114 is adapted to support an open ended bottle or tank by its opel) end, and in a manner enabling rotation of that bottle. Thus, the worm gcar on ring 114 is engaged and driven by a worm 116 adapted in this instance to be powered by a chain and sprocket arrangement connected to a driving motor 118. Aclditional support means 117 in the form of rollers~ bearings or the like serve to rotatably mount a plug 119 which engages the other end of the bottle.
It is notecl here that ring 114 closely receives a cleaning lance 120 which is connected by sui.table piping and/or tubing 122 to a sup;)ly c~f clean;np m~ltcrial~ sucll as alumillum oxide or the like. Such material is cleliverecl from the supply side of a conventional vacuum blast cleaning machine. The lance 120 is supported from an arm 124 oE carriage 126 tllat is itsel.f moveably supported frorn the spine 104. The carriage 126 is provlcled with suitable ro].lers, wheel means or the like, not shown here, that engage the flallgcs or web oE spine 104. Carriage 126 is generally ~-shclped in cro~s,-secti.on, to closely embrace the spine 104. It will be C'ViCIell~ tllat Tll(' whee1 means thereon may be supported from either the base M~¦
3~ 13 or arrns of the U. An arrangement such as that sho~m in Figure 2 could be ~Iscd.
Movërnent of the carriage 126 is provided by a chain and sproclce~t comBillation ]2~ including a pair of idler ~sprokets 129 mountcd on the spine lO4 in an area adjacent one extremity of the path of travel of the carriage. These are driven from a motor 130. As in the apparatus 10 of Figure 1, appropriately positioned limit switches are mounted on one of tlle spine 104 or carriage 126 to coact with stops on the other, to restrict travel of the carriage to a path of predetermined length. That length will be variable to accommodate the lance 120 penetrating and with-drawing from bottles of different lengths.
Thc e1ectrical control circuit shown in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C governs operation of the apparatus 100. The limit switches to which reference was made just above are shown at items 4, 5 and 6 on Figure 5B, adjacent motor 130. The actual contacts for these switches are seen at LSl and LS2 in Figure 5A. The circuitry of Figures 5~, 5B and 5C is con-nected to a terminal lack and control console whose layouts are shown schematically in Figures 6A and 6B. Circuit elements are commercially available items and will be familiar to those knowledgeable in the art of control circuits. Similarly, the exact operation of the control circuit oE Figures 5A, 5B and SC will be evident to such persons. The following explanation for its operation is therefore expected to suffice:
OP~RAl`ION
When a bottle arrives for internal cleaning it is measured for lengtll and the control console is set up for that bottle. The control console is set up as described below The 30 amp disconnect is switched on.
The "start" button is pushed on. This sets the board and opens the air sur)ply solenoid, "sol".
The maximum height is set up by jogging the transverse nnotor to the desiretl heigllt and a pin is set in the resolver controlled disc for this heigllL, shown in the celltre of the console of Figure 6B.
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Tlle rmi~ TIum encl is set ul) by jogging the transverse motor to tlle desired Jower postioll and a pill i9 set in the resolver controlled disc ror this lower p0siLion.
The ~up~ push button is then pushed and the distance travelled is checked to ensure that the lance will not strike the bottom of the bottl e. The Lallce will then au~orrlatically reverse direction and travel dowll and rcv(rse again as determined by the pins set in tlle resolver con-trolled disc.
The bottle is then mounLed on the unit and the bottle rotating 1() motor activated. The cleaning is tllen carried out for a predetermined time.
The unit is then stopped and the bottle is examined inside.
If, ul)on examination, there is a section not cleaned the bottle is replaced and this section can be cleaned by "jogging forward"
and "jogging reverse" concentrating on this section until it is cleaned.
If during blasting some problem arises, e.g. the hose breaks, the "Emergency Stop" buttoll is pushed and the control console is shut down an(l tlle air ~sui)lJly is shut off througtl Lhe normally closed solenoid valve, "sol".
The ul~l)er and lower limit switclles will be located on the beam spine to stop the traverse motor from going into overtravel.
The foregoing has described two embodiments of apparatus en-visaged by this invention, as well as indicating the cleaning technique.
Modifications to tl~ese will be apparent to those skilled in this art. It is intended herein to encompass all such variations as would fall within the scope of the claims below.
MR/
. _ . _ . ~ . . . . . . . , . . . _ .. . _ _
This invellL;on relates to a cleaning apparatus, and more particularly Lo a c]eclning apparatus of the type used for cleaning an open-toppe~l bo~L]e or tank ~or compressed gas, or the Like. The apparatus and metllod embo(lyillg this invention provide for effective and reliable cleaning action. Morcover, considerable savings in time are effecteà by the cleaning process.
In the past, one method of cleaning divers~ aqualung bottles required filling the bottle with shot and then'turning them (tumbling) end for end for periods o~ time up to eight hours. Such a process, however, had a lligh rate of rejection for inadequately cleaned bottles. In addition the procedure was very time consuming. It is also to be recognized that bot~les or tanks which were not cleaned to the degree required simply had to be discardcd. Since these bottles cost many tens of dollars each, dis-carding bottles incurred a substantial replacement cost, as well as tying up a cleaning head or position for periods of time, in vain.
Pressure vessels in the form of open ended bottles, tanks and the like are used widely. To wit, clean and cleanable bottles or tanks are used for al] sizes of air and oxygen containers used by divers, fire-men, and in equipment in chemical and nuclear plants. Thus, there is a need to clean such pressure vessels quickly, and effectively, i.e., with low rates o~ rejection.
The present invention is believed to overcome many of the shortcomings of prior art cleaning techniques and devices. This invention encompasses apparatus which is flexible in use, and is reliable. Accordingly, the present invention broadly envisages an apparatus for interiorly cleaning open topped bottles, tanks and the like, comprising a frame, including a supporting spine adapted to be mo~mted on a supporting surface the support-ing spine having an associated track fixedly secured to the same, a bottle stand secured to the supporting spine and including a support ring configured to support a bottle by the open top thereof, carriage means carried by and moveab]e reLative to the supporting spine and track, the carriage means MR/
_ _ ~ _ _ ~3~
inc]uding a bracket cLeme1lt attached t1~ereto, and, a cleaning head and lance su1)porLcd Ç1^0m tl1c bracket element in a manner providing movement of the lance relativc to tlle bottle, the head and bottle being in alignment , with thc bottle stand, the cleaning heand and lance being adapted to be connected to a supply o a cleaning material and a source of vacuum, with movement Or the carriage means enabling the lance to penetrate the open topped bott]e, the bottle stand further including an adapter assembly having a bushing therein for closely receiving the lance, the adapter assembly also having inlet and outlet conduit means coacting with the supporting ring to cnable connection to both the supply of cleaning material and the vacuum source so as to erfect vacuum blast cleaning of an open-topped bottle mounted on the bottle stand.
In a more preferred form of this invention there is provided an apparatus for interiorly cleaning open topped vessels such as gas bottles, tanks and the like, comprising; a base adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface; a spine fixedly secured to the base in a predetermined orientation, tlle spine including track-means supported by the same; a bottle stand supported from the spine and in proximity to the track means, tlle bottle stand including a support ring and an adapter assembly coupled thereto, the support ring being configured to support the bottle by the open top thereof; carriage means supported on the track means for movement relative thereto, the carriage means including a first supporting bracket attaci~ed to the same; a cleaning head and lance mounted on the first support-ing~ bracket 90 as to be in alignment with the bottle stand and support ring thereof, the cleaning head and lance being adapted to be connected to a supply of a cleaning material, with movement of the carriage means per-mitting the lance to penetrate interiorly of the bottle; and drive means connecte(1 Lo both ti1e carriage means and one of the base and spine, the clrive means being ol)erative to cause movement of the carriage means along tl-e track means, the adapter assembly hsving a bushing therein for closely rccciving t1~c lancc to position the same during penetration of the bottle, MR/
~ 3~
thc adal)ter assembly also including in]et and outlet conduit means, the latter heing connectible to a vacuum source so as to enable the cleanlng ll(ad flncl ]flnce to coact ancl effect vacuum blast cleaning of the bottle. r'~
Various [eatures and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the cletailed description below. That description should be read in conjuncLion w;t~ the accompanying drawings.
In those clrawings:
FIGURE l is a perspective view to show schematically one form of cleaning apparatlls envisaged by this invention;
FIGUR~ 2 is a perspective view to show schematically one form of carriage means used in the apparatus of Figure l;
FICURE 3 is a side elevation view of an adapter assembly as used in the apparatus of Figure l;
FIGUR~ 4 is a perspective view showing schematical~y another form of cleaning apparatus embodied by this invention;
I:IGURES 5A, 5B and 5C are electrical circuit diagrams showing schematically the operating and control circuitry for the apparatus of Figure 4; and FIGUREs 6A and 6B are schematic drawings of a terminal block and control console for the apparatus of Figure 4.
Turning to Figure 1, a cleaning apparatus that embodies the present invention is shown overall at 10. This includes a frame 12, and supporting spine 14, both adapted to be mounted on a supporting surfaee.
The spine 14 is typically positioned so as to be generally upright, i.e., vertical, for reasons to become apparent below. The spine 14 and frame 12 are normally in the form of I-beams, U-channels or the like, made preferably of a metal s~lch as ~teel or aluminum. A bottle stand 16 is secured to the spine 14, and includes adjustably positionable support arms 18 which carry a support ring 20 and adapter assembly 22. (See Figure 3). A pair of 3() bottle clamps 24 comp1ement the bottle stand 16. The support ring 20 is annular, being aclal~ecl to support an open topped bottle on its open end, and preferably rotatabLy.
MR/
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Ihe cleaning apparatus lO further includes a cleaning head 26 and lance 28, supp0rted oll a first bracket assembly 30. The cleaning llead 26 and lance 28 are of conventional design, being commercially available as off-the~shelr items. The bracket assembly 30 is generally L-shaped, and is fixedly attached to a moveable carriage shown overall at 32. As seen from I)OLT1 Figures ] an~l 2 the carriage 32 includes a generally U-shaped base 34.
Ihe base 34 has a bottom and sides 36, 38 which surround a similarly V-shaped track or channel 40. The channel 40 has~ a length considerably longer thaTl that of the carriage~s base 34. This enables a predetermined amount of travel of carriage 32 over that channel or track 40. Channel 40 is fixed to the spine 14, as by welding or a bolted connection. The carriage 32 is moveable by virtue of rollers 42 and 44. See Figure 2. Rollers 42 are supported on axles carried by sides 38, and contact the bottom of channel 4(). Tlle rollers 44 engage the sides of channel 40 and are also mounted on sides 38 of the carriage~s base 34.
The carriage 32 includes second bracket assemblies shown at 46. Each assembly 46 is attached to an associated side 38 of carriage 32.
Driving means to move the carriage 32 are shown in Figure 1 at 48. In this instance the driving means are in the form of a piston and cyLinder combina-tion 50 actuated hydraulically. Alternatively a chain and sproket, or belt and pulley arrangement could be used, driven by an electric motor.
One moveable part of the driving means ~8 is connected to the bracket assembly 46 and hence to the carriage 32. A fixed part of the driving means 48 is secured to the framc 12. These parts could be reversed, since it is relative movement of the parts of the driving means 48 which causes the carriage 32 to be moved. ~ series of limit switches, not shown, are mounted on one of the spine 14 or channe] 40 to restrict the carriage 32 to a pre-determined amount of motion.
Turning to Figure 3, the adapter assembly 22 mentioned above is seen to include a T-couT~ling 60 whlch serves to mount a base 61 (Figure 1) an(l ~hc su~ orL ring 20. These are constructed so as to inc]ude bearing Ml~/
~3~
me.lrl~ wl~ich provide ror rotational movelnerlt of one relative to the other, thereby enabling rotation of a bottle carried on the support ring 20. The T-coupling 6n has-inlet ports 62 and 64 and an outlet port 660 The inlet port 62 is provided with a reducer 68 and inlet reducing elbow 70 wllich coact to proviAe a venturi effect. The inlet port 64 is closed by a plug 72 having a centra1 opening and sleeve 74. This sleeve 74 iB of a size to closely receive tlle cleaning lance 28. It is noted that the inside of the T-coupling 60 surrounding sleeve 74 is built up with a ready mix "steel"
76 available commercially under the trade name "D~VCON". This built up region 76 provides a smoothened interior of coupling 60, thus inhibiting cavitation.
The port opposite to inlet port 64 is adapted to mount the base 61 and ~ul)port ring 20, of ~igure 1. Appropriate tubing connects the lance 28 and sleeved opening 74 to the supply side of a conventional vacuum blast cleaning machine which thereby supplies cleaning material to the lance.
The port 66 is similarly connected to a vacuum source provided in such a machine. One machine available commercially is manufactured and sold by the VACU-BLAST COMPANY INC. of California, U.S.A. The operation and accessories of such a machine will be known to persons skilled in this art, and need not be described here for an understanding of the present invention~
In operating the apparatus 10, an open topped bottle is placed onto the botlle ~tand l6, the open end being supported on ring 20. The clamps 24 are closed to ensure that the bottle is adequately supported.
TZ-le vacuum blast machine with which apparatus 10 is used, s~pplies a clean-ing material, suc11 as aluminum oxide through lance 28. That material and all residue cleaned from within the bottle are carried to the machine by a vacuum connected to the outlet port 66 of adaptor assembly 22. Conventional electrical control circuits are associated with the cleaning apparatus lO, and would be activated to cause the carriage 32 to be moved. Thus, the cleaning lance 28 i9 caused to advance a predetermined amount into the bott]e l)eillg cleli-ed, an(l thell backed o~f, i.e., extracted. The mode of Ml~/
~3~
ol)eratioll or t.lle vaclluln b].ast machine i.n known. Suffice it to say here that carriage 32 is advallce(i and retracted (along with lance 28) a number of times, over a sll0rt l~eric)(l of tilne. This i9 about 15 to 30 minutes. The interior is usually well clcaned in that time. Experience will dictate approx;mately . 1.
how mucl~ cleaning time can be expectecl to be required, since this will depend C~ll fc)ctor~ SUCII as Ll~c cleaning material, just what residue is to be cleaned and removecl and so on.
In turning now to Figure 4, another form of cleaning apparatus embodying the present invention is shown overall at 100. ~lere again the 1.() apparatus 100 includes a frame., supporting wall or like support 102, by whi.ch there i.s supported a spine 104. A bottle stand 106 is supported from tlle spi.ne 1.()4 by means of brackets or arms 108, on which a base plate 110 is carried. A stand 112 is carried on the plate 110, and has secured to it a support rin~ 114 whose outer su-rEace is in the form of a worm gear. The support ring 114 is adapted to support an open ended bottle or tank by its opel) end, and in a manner enabling rotation of that bottle. Thus, the worm gcar on ring 114 is engaged and driven by a worm 116 adapted in this instance to be powered by a chain and sprocket arrangement connected to a driving motor 118. Aclditional support means 117 in the form of rollers~ bearings or the like serve to rotatably mount a plug 119 which engages the other end of the bottle.
It is notecl here that ring 114 closely receives a cleaning lance 120 which is connected by sui.table piping and/or tubing 122 to a sup;)ly c~f clean;np m~ltcrial~ sucll as alumillum oxide or the like. Such material is cleliverecl from the supply side of a conventional vacuum blast cleaning machine. The lance 120 is supported from an arm 124 oE carriage 126 tllat is itsel.f moveably supported frorn the spine 104. The carriage 126 is provlcled with suitable ro].lers, wheel means or the like, not shown here, that engage the flallgcs or web oE spine 104. Carriage 126 is generally ~-shclped in cro~s,-secti.on, to closely embrace the spine 104. It will be C'ViCIell~ tllat Tll(' whee1 means thereon may be supported from either the base M~¦
3~ 13 or arrns of the U. An arrangement such as that sho~m in Figure 2 could be ~Iscd.
Movërnent of the carriage 126 is provided by a chain and sproclce~t comBillation ]2~ including a pair of idler ~sprokets 129 mountcd on the spine lO4 in an area adjacent one extremity of the path of travel of the carriage. These are driven from a motor 130. As in the apparatus 10 of Figure 1, appropriately positioned limit switches are mounted on one of tlle spine 104 or carriage 126 to coact with stops on the other, to restrict travel of the carriage to a path of predetermined length. That length will be variable to accommodate the lance 120 penetrating and with-drawing from bottles of different lengths.
Thc e1ectrical control circuit shown in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C governs operation of the apparatus 100. The limit switches to which reference was made just above are shown at items 4, 5 and 6 on Figure 5B, adjacent motor 130. The actual contacts for these switches are seen at LSl and LS2 in Figure 5A. The circuitry of Figures 5~, 5B and 5C is con-nected to a terminal lack and control console whose layouts are shown schematically in Figures 6A and 6B. Circuit elements are commercially available items and will be familiar to those knowledgeable in the art of control circuits. Similarly, the exact operation of the control circuit oE Figures 5A, 5B and SC will be evident to such persons. The following explanation for its operation is therefore expected to suffice:
OP~RAl`ION
When a bottle arrives for internal cleaning it is measured for lengtll and the control console is set up for that bottle. The control console is set up as described below The 30 amp disconnect is switched on.
The "start" button is pushed on. This sets the board and opens the air sur)ply solenoid, "sol".
The maximum height is set up by jogging the transverse nnotor to the desiretl heigllt and a pin is set in the resolver controlled disc for this heigllL, shown in the celltre of the console of Figure 6B.
Mi~/
~3~
Tlle rmi~ TIum encl is set ul) by jogging the transverse motor to tlle desired Jower postioll and a pill i9 set in the resolver controlled disc ror this lower p0siLion.
The ~up~ push button is then pushed and the distance travelled is checked to ensure that the lance will not strike the bottom of the bottl e. The Lallce will then au~orrlatically reverse direction and travel dowll and rcv(rse again as determined by the pins set in tlle resolver con-trolled disc.
The bottle is then mounLed on the unit and the bottle rotating 1() motor activated. The cleaning is tllen carried out for a predetermined time.
The unit is then stopped and the bottle is examined inside.
If, ul)on examination, there is a section not cleaned the bottle is replaced and this section can be cleaned by "jogging forward"
and "jogging reverse" concentrating on this section until it is cleaned.
If during blasting some problem arises, e.g. the hose breaks, the "Emergency Stop" buttoll is pushed and the control console is shut down an(l tlle air ~sui)lJly is shut off througtl Lhe normally closed solenoid valve, "sol".
The ul~l)er and lower limit switclles will be located on the beam spine to stop the traverse motor from going into overtravel.
The foregoing has described two embodiments of apparatus en-visaged by this invention, as well as indicating the cleaning technique.
Modifications to tl~ese will be apparent to those skilled in this art. It is intended herein to encompass all such variations as would fall within the scope of the claims below.
MR/
. _ . _ . ~ . . . . . . . , . . . _ .. . _ _
Claims (12)
IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An apparatus for interiorly cleaning open topped bottles, tanks and the like, comprising: (a) a frame, including a supporting spine adapted to be mounted on a supporting surface said supporting spine having an associated track fixedly secured to the same;
(b) a bottle stand secured to said supporting spine and includ-ing a support ring configured to support a bottle by the open top thereof;
(c) carriage means carried by and moveable relative to said supporting spine and track, said carriage means including a bracket element attached thereto; and (d) a cleaning head and lance supported from the bracket element in a manner providing movement of the lance relative to said bottle, said head and bottle being in alignment with said bottle stand, the cleaning head and lance being adapted to be connected to a supply of a cleaning material and a source of vacuum, with movement of said carriage means enabling said lance to penetrate said open-topped bottle; said bottle stand further including an adapter assembly having a bushing therein for closely receiving said lance, said adapter assembly also having inlet and outlet conduit means coacting with the supporting ring to enable connection to both the supply of cleaning material and the vacuum source so as to effect vacuum blast cleaning of an open-topped bottle mounted on the bottle stand.
(b) a bottle stand secured to said supporting spine and includ-ing a support ring configured to support a bottle by the open top thereof;
(c) carriage means carried by and moveable relative to said supporting spine and track, said carriage means including a bracket element attached thereto; and (d) a cleaning head and lance supported from the bracket element in a manner providing movement of the lance relative to said bottle, said head and bottle being in alignment with said bottle stand, the cleaning head and lance being adapted to be connected to a supply of a cleaning material and a source of vacuum, with movement of said carriage means enabling said lance to penetrate said open-topped bottle; said bottle stand further including an adapter assembly having a bushing therein for closely receiving said lance, said adapter assembly also having inlet and outlet conduit means coacting with the supporting ring to enable connection to both the supply of cleaning material and the vacuum source so as to effect vacuum blast cleaning of an open-topped bottle mounted on the bottle stand.
2. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said adapter assembly includes a t-connector, positioned in use such that the head of said t-connector is coupled to said support ring, with one arm of the t being connected to said inlet conduit means and the other arm being con-nected to said outlet conduit means, and with the base of the t being closed by plug means having an aperature therein to house said bushing.
3. The apparatus defined in claim 2, wherein said t-connector is supplied interiorly thereof with a material built up surrounding said bushing to form a configured surface that at least reduces cavitation in exhaust flow to said outlet conduit means.
4. The apparatus defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said cleaning head includes a rotatable base adapted to be driven by a moving pressurized gas, said rotatable base enabling said lance to be rotated, thereby providing for more efficient cleaning of said bottle.
5. The apparatlls defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said carriage means includes rollers thereon adapted to engage said track and permit easy movement of said carriage means.
6. The apparatus defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a piston and cylinder are provided, the cylinder being connected to said base and the piston being connected to said carriage means to cause movement of the same.
7. The apparatus defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the support ring is adapted with bearing means to enable relative rotational movement between the bottle and the support ring.
8. An apparatus for interiorly cleaning open topped vessels such as gas bottles, tanks and the like, comprising:
(a) a base adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface;
(b) a spine fixedly secured to said base in a predetermined orientation, said spine including track means supported by the same;
(c) a bottle stand supported from said spine and in pro-ximity to said track means, said bottle stand including a support ring and an adapter assembly coupled thereto, the support ring being configured to support said bottle by the open top thereof;
(d) carriage means supported on said track means for move-ment relative thereto, said carriage means including a first supporting bracket attached to the same;
(e) a cleaning head and lance mounted on the first support-ing bracket so as to be in alignment with the bottle stand and support ring thereof, said cleaning head and lance being adapted to be connected to a supply or a cleaning material, with movement of the carriage means permitting said lance to penetrate interiorly of said bottle; and (f) drive means connected to both said carriage means and one of the base and spine, the drive means being operative to cause move-ment of the carriage means along said track means; said adapter assembly having a bushing therein for closely receiving said lance to position the same during penetration of said bottle, said adapter assembly also including inlet and outlet conduit means, the latter being connectible to a vacuum source so as to enable the cleaning head and lance to coact and effect vacuum blast cleaning of said bottle.
(a) a base adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface;
(b) a spine fixedly secured to said base in a predetermined orientation, said spine including track means supported by the same;
(c) a bottle stand supported from said spine and in pro-ximity to said track means, said bottle stand including a support ring and an adapter assembly coupled thereto, the support ring being configured to support said bottle by the open top thereof;
(d) carriage means supported on said track means for move-ment relative thereto, said carriage means including a first supporting bracket attached to the same;
(e) a cleaning head and lance mounted on the first support-ing bracket so as to be in alignment with the bottle stand and support ring thereof, said cleaning head and lance being adapted to be connected to a supply or a cleaning material, with movement of the carriage means permitting said lance to penetrate interiorly of said bottle; and (f) drive means connected to both said carriage means and one of the base and spine, the drive means being operative to cause move-ment of the carriage means along said track means; said adapter assembly having a bushing therein for closely receiving said lance to position the same during penetration of said bottle, said adapter assembly also including inlet and outlet conduit means, the latter being connectible to a vacuum source so as to enable the cleaning head and lance to coact and effect vacuum blast cleaning of said bottle.
9. The apparatus defined in claim 8, wherein said drive means comprises a piston and cylinder combination adapted to be driven by a pressurized fluid.
10. The apparatus defined in claim 8 or 9, wherein said carriage is provided with roller means, such roller means engaging said track means to provide for movement of the carriage means.
11. The apparatus defined in claim 1 or 7, wherein the support ring on the bottle stand is adapted to be rotated to cause rotation of the bottle carried thereon relative to said lance.
12. The apparatus defined in claim 1 or 7, wherein the support ring includes a ring gear secured thereto, and a worn gear is provided, being adapted to engage said ring gear and be driven from a driving means to cause rotation of the support ring and a bottle carried on the latter.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000367289A CA1139908A (en) | 1980-12-17 | 1980-12-17 | Aqualung/air vessel cleaner |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000367289A CA1139908A (en) | 1980-12-17 | 1980-12-17 | Aqualung/air vessel cleaner |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1139908A true CA1139908A (en) | 1983-01-25 |
Family
ID=4118750
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000367289A Expired CA1139908A (en) | 1980-12-17 | 1980-12-17 | Aqualung/air vessel cleaner |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1139908A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1992450A2 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2008-11-19 | Rosario Pappalardo | Cleaning-and-deoxidize machine the inside of tank by abrasion |
| WO2017032491A1 (en) * | 2015-08-25 | 2017-03-02 | Vacum Sol Montage ApS | Apparatus and method for cleaning containers for pressurized gas |
-
1980
- 1980-12-17 CA CA000367289A patent/CA1139908A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1992450A2 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2008-11-19 | Rosario Pappalardo | Cleaning-and-deoxidize machine the inside of tank by abrasion |
| EP1992450A3 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2009-02-18 | Rosario Pappalardo | Cleaning-and-deoxidize machine the inside of tank by abrasion |
| WO2017032491A1 (en) * | 2015-08-25 | 2017-03-02 | Vacum Sol Montage ApS | Apparatus and method for cleaning containers for pressurized gas |
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