EP0146833B1 - Apparatus for electropolishing the inner surfaces of hollow cylindrical objects - Google Patents

Apparatus for electropolishing the inner surfaces of hollow cylindrical objects Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0146833B1
EP0146833B1 EP84114684A EP84114684A EP0146833B1 EP 0146833 B1 EP0146833 B1 EP 0146833B1 EP 84114684 A EP84114684 A EP 84114684A EP 84114684 A EP84114684 A EP 84114684A EP 0146833 B1 EP0146833 B1 EP 0146833B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
chassis
sponge
hollow cylindrical
cylindrical body
electrode
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP84114684A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0146833A3 (en
EP0146833A2 (en
Inventor
Hermann Dipl.-Ing. Operschall
Klaus-Alfred Steiner
Ludwig Dipl.-Ing. Voggenthaler (Fh)
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP0146833A2 publication Critical patent/EP0146833A2/en
Publication of EP0146833A3 publication Critical patent/EP0146833A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0146833B1 publication Critical patent/EP0146833B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25F—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC REMOVAL OF MATERIALS FROM OBJECTS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25F7/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic removal of material from objects; Servicing or operating
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F9/00—Treating radioactively contaminated material; Decontamination arrangements therefor
    • G21F9/001—Decontamination of contaminated objects, apparatus, clothes, food; Preventing contamination thereof
    • G21F9/002—Decontamination of the surface of objects with chemical or electrochemical processes
    • G21F9/004—Decontamination of the surface of objects with chemical or electrochemical processes of metallic surfaces

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for electropolishing the inner surface of hollow cylindrical bodies, with at least one sponge electrode guided along the inner surface thereof, and with devices for guiding and supplying the sponge electrode with electrolyte, the sponge electrode being able to be pressed against the inner surface and rotating about its axis of curvature .
  • US-A-4 330 381 discloses a method for electropolishing the inner surface of hollow cylinders, in which a sponge-like material for receiving the electrolyte is introduced between the surface to be polished and the cathode.
  • the sponge-like material is arranged in a base frame.
  • This unit consisting of the frame and the sponge-like material and the actual electrode, is connected via arms to a shaft rotatably arranged in the cylinder axis by means of a divided sleeve.
  • the electrode is pressed against the surface to be treated using springs.
  • an annular part of the inner surface of the cylinder can be polished.
  • the sleeve In order to treat a subsequent annular part of the inner surface, the sleeve must be axially displaced on the shaft.
  • the invention brings an advantageous improvement to a device of the type mentioned according to the invention in that the sponge electrode is arranged in a housing and is surrounded by an annular seal which rests with its one edge on the housing and with its other edge on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body and that the sponge electrode is supported on a chassis which is supported on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body and is displaceable along its axis of curvature.
  • the electropolishing power can be increased considerably if several sponge electrodes are held on the chassis in a plane oriented perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the chassis, offset by the same pitch angle.
  • the simultaneously electropolished surface can be multiplied without: having to use excessively large sponge electrodes.
  • the latter would limit the use of the device to hollow cylindrical bodies of certain closely adjacent radii of curvature.
  • this measure creates the precondition for rotating the sponge electrodes about the axis of symmetry of the chassis only a little more than their pitch angle according to a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention. This in turn simplifies the construction of the actuator required for this.
  • the apparatus 1 for electropolishing according to the invention also includes devices for supplying, discharging and processing the electrolyte liquid, and a power supply device.
  • Fig. 1 the chassis 3 is shown in a position in which it has just been inserted by the feed device 6 by means of the push rod 5 - here a rack - from the rerailing device 4 into the pipe socket 2 to be electropolished, cut open.
  • Fig. 1 one can see in connection with the Fig. 2u.3, the section along the lines 11-11 and III-III of Fig. 1 show that the chassis 3 from a support cylinder 7 aligned axially to the hollow cylindrical body to be cleaned. 7 exists, which is supported at its two ends on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body 2 by three support legs 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 pivoted by 120 ° relative to one another about the axis of symmetry 8 of the support cylinder.
  • the three support legs 9 to 14 are each provided with an impeller 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. .
  • an impeller 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 To adapt to different pipe diameters are two of the arranged on every one side of the supporting cylinder 7 three Laufrader, namely the wheels 16, 17, 19, 20 as shown in FIG 1 indicates, at different radial distances from the Tragzy-: relieving 7 on the support legs 10, 11, 13, 14 screwable.
  • the impeller 15, 18 of the respective third support leg 9, 12 can be pressed against the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical body by means of a pressure piston 23, 24 which can be adjusted in a pressure cylinder 21, 22 which can be acted upon from two sides.
  • a ring 25 is rotatably mounted, on which four sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29 are attached.
  • the sponge electrodes are coupled to the spring-loaded piston rod 30, 31, 32 each of a working cylinder 34, 35, 36, 37 which can be loaded on one side and can be pressed via its piston rod against the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body 2 to be electropolished and can be lifted via the internals of the same.
  • a support plate 38 is mounted on the support cylinder 7 of the chassis 3. It projects beyond the rotatable ring 25 on opposite sides.
  • a hydraulic cylinder 39, 40 which can be acted upon on one side is mounted on this support plate 38 on opposite sides of the rotatable ring 25.
  • a small chain wheel 43, 44 is mounted on the piston rods 41, 42 of these two hydraulic cylinders.
  • the ring 25 rotatable about the support cylinder of the chassis 3 also has a sprocket-like toothing 45 on its outer periphery.
  • the two ends of a finite chain 46 are fastened on opposite sides of the rotatable ring. This chain 46 is, as shown in FIG.
  • the rerailing device 4 consists essentially of a tube 47 with the same inner diameter as the pipe socket 2 to be electroplated.
  • This pipe 47 of the rerailing device is closed on its side facing away from the pipe socket 2 to be electropolished by a flanged cover 48 .
  • the rerailing device On its open side facing the pipe socket to be electropolished, the rerailing device is provided with guide angles 49 (only one shown) and tensioning devices 50 (only one shown).
  • the tube of the rerailing device carries two eyelets 51, 52. This tube 47 of the rerailing device 4 is so long that it can completely accommodate the chassis 3 after completion of the work.
  • the feed device 6 is suspended in a manner not shown here, centered on the cover 48 of the rerailing device 4 and gimballed on it.
  • the feed device has an electric motor 53, the toothed pinion (not shown) of which is in engagement with the toothed rack 5, which is guided through the feed device 6 approximately axially to the tube 47 of the rerailing device 4.
  • the pinion can be disengaged.
  • the rack 5 can also be moved manually via a handle 54.
  • the rack is articulated to the support cylinder 7 of the chassis 3.
  • a feed-through 56 for the various hydraulic hoses 57, 58, 59, 60 and for the feed hose 61 and drain hose 62 for the electrolyte liquid are provided on the cover 48 of the rerailing device 4, in addition to the feed-through 55 for the rack 5, a feed-through 56 for the various hydraulic hoses 57, 58, 59, 60 and for the feed hose 61 and drain hose 62 for the electrolyte liquid are provided.
  • an exhaust port 63 for aerosol is attached.
  • the rerailing device 4 is at the lower end of the tube 47 Drain pipe 64 attached for leaked electrolyte liquid.
  • chassis 3 carries on its front side in a pushing direction a bulkhead 92 which closes the lower part of the hollow cylindrical body 2 in a liquid-tight manner.
  • the bulkhead 93 can be tensioned separately from the chassis 3 in the hollow cylindrical body.
  • Fig. 4 shows a plan view of one of the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29. It can be seen here that the sponge electrode 26, which has a circular disk-shaped outline, with its side facing away from the surface to be cleaned of the inner wall 65 of the pipe socket 2 on one side cross-shaped guide frame 66 is screwed. 5, a ball joint 67 is mounted, which can be screwed onto the piston rod 30, 31, 32, 33 of one of the working cylinders 34, 35, 36, 37 attached to the rotating ring 25 and screwed onto the piston rod 30 is. A ball roller cage 68, 69, 70, 71 is attached to the four ends of the guide frame. When the sponge electrode 26 is in contact with the inner wall 65 of a hollow cylindrical body 2, it comes to rest.
  • the outer edge of a further annular rubber seal 74 is clamped on the side of the housing ring facing the guide frame . Its inner edge is tightly clamped on the edge of a pot-shaped pressure plate 75.
  • This pot-shaped pressure plate 75 carries a sponge body 76 in the bottom area, on its side facing the surface to be electropolished.
  • the pot-shaped pressure plate 75 is held centered by the ring-shaped rubber seal 74 relative to the housing ring 72.
  • electrolyte inlet pipe connections 77, 78, 79, 80 which are guided so as to be longitudinally displaceable through one of the four arms 81, 82, 83, 84 of the cruciform guide frame 66.
  • a pressure spring 85 (only one shown) is placed over each of these four electrolyte inlet pipe connections 77, 78, 79, 80, which are supported on one side on the guide frame 66 and on the other side on the cup-shaped pressure plate 75 and thereby the latter against the Press the electropolishing inner wall 65.
  • the electrolyte feed line connecting pieces 77, 78, 79, 80 are led through the bottom area of the pot-shaped pressure plate 75 into the sponge body 76.
  • a hollow cylindrical body 2 for example a pipe section or pipe socket, is to be electropolished or decontaminated by electropolishing, the device 1 according to the invention can be used for electropolishing, i.e.
  • the rerailing device 4 with the undercarriage 3 located in the rerailing device and the gimbal-mounted feed device 6 on the cover 48 of the rerailing device are transported by means of the lifting eyes 51, 52 by a crane in front of the pipe socket 2 to be electropolished.
  • the rerailing device 4 is centered on the pipe socket 2 to be electropolished by means of the guide angles 49 and clamping means 50 and brought into contact.
  • the hoses 61, 62 led out of the cover 48 of the rerailing device for the electrolyte supply and suction as well as the hydraulic hoses 57, 58, 59, 60 for pressing the running wheels 15 to 20 of the chassis 3, as well as the working cylinders 34, 35, 36 , 37 for pressing the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29 to the supply devices not shown here.
  • the chassis 3 with the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29 can now be inserted via the electric motor 53 or also manually via the handle 54 by axially displacing the rack 5 in the feed device 6 into the pipe socket 2 to be electropolished.
  • the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28; 29 are located inside the pipe socket, they can be pressed against the inner surface of the pipe socket via the piston rods 30, 31, 32, 33 of the working cylinders 34, 35, 36, 37.
  • the sponge electrodes will fit snugly against the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body even if the chassis 3 is not centered in the axis of curvature of the hollow cylindrical body or if its radius of curvature changes in the circumferential direction.
  • the respective working cylinder 34, 35, 36, 37 can only press the individual sponge electrode against the inner surface 65 of the hollow cylindrical body until the rollers of the ball roller cages 68, 69, 70, 71 rest on the inner surface.
  • the sponge body 76 of the sponge electrode 26 already lies against the inner surface and is pressed back somewhat in the direction of the guide frame 66 by the inner surface against the force of the pressure springs 85 placed over the electrolyte feed pipe connections 77, 78, 79, 80 .
  • the electrolyte liquid wets the sponge body 76 and connects it conductively to the pot-like pressure plate 75.
  • This is in turn conductive with the electrolyte feed line Connection 77, 78, 79, 80 connected, which is present via a terminal contact 90 on the negative pole of the power supply (not shown).
  • the removed surface material is taken up in the sponge body 76.
  • the excess electrolyte liquid that runs out of the sponge body remains in the cavity, which is stretched between the housing ring 42 and the rim of the pot-like pressure plate 75 by the inner wall 65 of the workpiece to be electropolished, the annular seal 73 lying against it and the annular disk-shaped rubber seal 74.
  • the excess electrolyte liquid is sucked back into the treatment device via the electrolyte suction line connection piece 86, 87, 88, 89 and the discharge hose 62 connected to it.
  • the suction pressure can be set so that air is also sucked in under the annular seal 73 which bears against the inner wall to be electropolished. This reliably prevents electrolyte liquid from escaping in significant quantities.
  • the extracted electrolyte-air mixture is then separated from one another in the treatment device in a manner not shown here.
  • the rotatable ring 25 with the sponge electrodes 26 to 29 arranged on its circumference is rotated back and forth at a uniform speed around the support cylinder 7 of the chassis 3.
  • the rotation takes place at a somewhat larger angle than the pitch angle between the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29.
  • the rotatable ring 25 is rotated back and forth by a little more than 90 °.
  • the electrolyte liquid emerging from the sponge body 76 and flowing out under the annular seal 73 of the sponge electrodes 26 collects at the lower end of the pipe socket 2 to be decontaminated. It can be withdrawn from there via the outlet connection 64 for the electrolyte liquid on the tube 47 of the rerailing device 4.
  • a pipe plug or a liquid barrier is placed behind the area to be electropolished.
  • Such a liquid-like barrier 93 which is designed in segment-like fashion and is attached to the chassis 3, has been indicated by dashed lines in FIG.
  • the pinion can be disengaged in a manner not shown here, and the rack can either be turned by the pinion by means of the handle 54 or via a ratchet (not shown) coupled to the handle, which acts directly on the rack , move back and forth together with the chassis.
  • the present device can also be used for larger closed containers.
  • the rerailing device must be dispensed with and the chassis with the support leg rollers, support cylinders and sponge electrodes must be installed in the pressure vessel after these components have been passed through the manhole.
  • the feed of this device is then expediently carried out manually by means of a push rod which is led out through the manhole.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Vorrichtung zum Elektropolieren der Innenoberfläche von hohlzylindrischen Körpern, mit mindestens einer an deren Innenoberfläche entlanggeführten Schwammelektrode, sowie mit Einrichtungen zur Führung und zur Versorgung der Schwammelektrode mit Elektrolyt, wobei die Schwammelektrode gegen die Innenoberfläche drückbar und um deren Krümmungsachse drehbar ist.The invention relates to a device for electropolishing the inner surface of hollow cylindrical bodies, with at least one sponge electrode guided along the inner surface thereof, and with devices for guiding and supplying the sponge electrode with electrolyte, the sponge electrode being able to be pressed against the inner surface and rotating about its axis of curvature .

Durch die DE-OS 31 36187 ist es bekannt, Rohre von kerntechnischen Anlagen dadurch zu dekontaminieren, daß Elektrolytflüssigkeit mit Hilfe einer Hochdruckpumpe durch Düsen gegen die Innenwand dieser Rohre geschleudert wird. Die Elektrolytflüssigkeit wird über einen in der Achse des Rohres verlaufenden Schlauch zugeführt. Ein wendelförmig um den Schlauch geführter Draht dient als Elektrode. Es ist eine Eigenart dieses Verfahrens, daß hierbei erhebliche Mengen an Elektrolytflüssigkeit benötigt werden.From DE-OS 31 36187 it is known to decontaminate pipes from nuclear plants by throwing electrolyte liquid through nozzles against the inner wall of these pipes with the aid of a high-pressure pump. The electrolyte liquid is supplied via a hose running in the axis of the tube. A helical wire around the hose serves as the electrode. It is a peculiarity of this process that considerable amounts of electrolyte liquid are required.

Es ist auch bereits vorgeschlagen worden, metallische Komponenten von kerntechnischen Anlagen durch Elektropolieren zu dekontaminieren und dabei eine von Elektrolytflüssigkeit getränkte schwammartige Elektrode auf der Oberfläche des zu dekontaminierenden Teiles hin- und herzubewegen. Bei dieser Einrichtung, die recht sparsam mit dem Elektrolyten umgehen dürfte, bleibt jedoch das Problem ungelöst, wie die die Schwammelektrode auf der Werkstückoberfläche entlang wischende Arbeitskraft vor allzu großer Strahlenbelastung geschützt werden kann.It has also already been proposed to decontaminate metallic components of nuclear plants by electropolishing and to move a sponge-like electrode impregnated with electrolyte liquid back and forth on the surface of the part to be decontaminated. With this device, which should be very economical with the electrolyte, the problem remains unresolved, however, of how the worker wiping the sponge electrode along the workpiece surface can be protected from excessive radiation exposure.

In der US-A-4 330 381 ist ein Verfahren zum Elektropolieren der Innenoberfläche von Hohlzylindern angegeben, bei dem zwischen der zu polierenden Oberfläche und der Kathode ein schwammähnliches Material zur Aufnahme des Elektrolyten eingebracht wird. Dabei ist das schwammähnliche Material in einem Grundrahmen angeordnet. Diese aus dem Rahmen und dem schwammartigen Material sowie der eigentlichen Elektrode bestehende Einheit ist über Arme mit einer in der Zylinderachse drehbar angeordneten Welle mittels einer geteilten Manschette verbunden. Die Elektrode wird mit Hilfe von Federn gegen die zu behandelnde Oberfläche gepreßt. Durch Drehen der Welle kann ein ringförmiger Teil der Zylinder-Innenoberfläche poliert werden. Um einen anschließenden ringförmigen Teil der Innenoberfläche zu behandeln, muß die Manschette auf der Welle axial verschoben werden. Dieser Vorgang wird wiederholt, bis nach und nach die gesamte Zylinderinnenwand behandelt ist. Mittel zum Festhalten der Manschette auf der Welle und zum Verschieben sind in der genannten Patentschrift nicht angegeben. Zur Bearbeitung unebener Flächen sind auch Anordnungen vorgesehen, bei denen mehrere Federn die Einheit so gegen diese Flächen pressen, daß eine gleichmäßige Abtragung ermöglicht wird. Mit dieser bekannten Ausführung können nur kurze, gerade Hohlzylinder elektropoliert werden. Dabei ist es erforderlich, daß zusätzliche Einrichtungen für das Lösen, Umsetzen und wieder in Eingriffbringen der Manschette mit der Welle vorgesehen werden.US-A-4 330 381 discloses a method for electropolishing the inner surface of hollow cylinders, in which a sponge-like material for receiving the electrolyte is introduced between the surface to be polished and the cathode. The sponge-like material is arranged in a base frame. This unit, consisting of the frame and the sponge-like material and the actual electrode, is connected via arms to a shaft rotatably arranged in the cylinder axis by means of a divided sleeve. The electrode is pressed against the surface to be treated using springs. By rotating the shaft, an annular part of the inner surface of the cylinder can be polished. In order to treat a subsequent annular part of the inner surface, the sleeve must be axially displaced on the shaft. This process is repeated until the entire inner wall of the cylinder is gradually treated. Means for holding the sleeve on the shaft and for moving are not specified in the cited patent. Arrangements are also provided for machining uneven surfaces, in which several springs press the unit against these surfaces in such a way that uniform removal is made possible. With this known design, only short, straight hollow cylinders can be electropolished. It is necessary to provide additional means for releasing, moving and re-engaging the sleeve with the shaft.

Die Erfindung bringt eine vorteilhafte Verbesserung an einer Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art erfindungsgemäß dadurch, daß die Schwammelektrode in einem Gehäuse angeordnet und von einer ringförmigen Dichtung umgeben ist, die mit ihrem einen Rand am Gehäuse und mit ihrem anderen Rand an der Innenoberfläche des hohlzylindrischen Körpers anliegt und daß die Schwammelektrode an einem sich an der Innenoberfläche des hohlzylindrischen Körpers abstützenden, längs deren Krümmungsachse verschiebbaren Fahrgestell gehaltert ist.The invention brings an advantageous improvement to a device of the type mentioned according to the invention in that the sponge electrode is arranged in a housing and is surrounded by an annular seal which rests with its one edge on the housing and with its other edge on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body and that the sponge electrode is supported on a chassis which is supported on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body and is displaceable along its axis of curvature.

Auf diese Weise können nicht nur Rohre und größere Behälter, sondern auch Krümmer und lange Rohrabschnitte dekontaminiert bzw. elektropoliert werden, ohne allzu viel Elektrolyt zu benötigen und ohne das Bedienungspersonal übermäßigen Strahlenbelastungen auszusetzen. Im Gegensatz zu der Ausführung gemäß der US-A-4 330 381 wird eine gleichmäßige Anpressung der Schwammelektrode an die zu reinigende Innenoberfläche unabhängig von der Länge eines Hohlzylinders, insbesondere Rohrleitungsabschnitts gewährleistet. Dabei kann auch bei langen Rohrabschnitten der Verbrauch von Elektrolytflüssigkeit in Grenzen gehalten werden. Dies ist in Verbindung mit der Entsorgung der Elektrolytflüssigkeit von großer Wichtigkeit. Der gesamte Umfang des hohlzylindrischen Körpers kann in allen Lagen unabhängig von der Richtung der Schwerkraft gereinigt werden. Dadurch brauchen hierzu keine Drehmomente über lange Wegstrekken übertragen zu werden.In this way, not only pipes and larger containers, but also elbows and long pipe sections can be decontaminated or electropolished without using too much electrolyte and without exposing the operator to excessive radiation exposure. In contrast to the embodiment according to US-A-4 330 381, a uniform pressure of the sponge electrode on the inner surface to be cleaned is ensured regardless of the length of a hollow cylinder, in particular a pipe section. The consumption of electrolyte liquid can be kept within limits even with long pipe sections. This is of great importance in connection with the disposal of the electrolyte liquid. The entire circumference of the hollow cylindrical body can be cleaned in all positions regardless of the direction of gravity. This means that no torques need to be transmitted over long distances.

Die Elektropolierleistung läßt sich beträchtlich steigern, wenn am Fahrgestell in eine senkrecht zur Symmetrieachse des Fahrgestells ausgerichteten Ebene mehrere um jeweils gleiche Teilungswinkel gegeneinander versetzt te Schwammelektroden gehaltert sind. Hierdurch läßt sich die gleichzeitig elektropolierte Oberfläche vervielfachen ohne: allzu großflächige Schwammelektroden verwenden zu müssen. Denn letztere würden den Einsatz der Vorrichtung auf hohlzylindrische Körper bestjmmter eng benachbarter Krümmungsradien beschränken. Zugleich wird durch diese Maßnahme die Voraussetzung geschaffen, um gemäß einer weiteren besonders vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung die Schwammelektroden nur um ein geringes mehr als ihren Teilungswinkel um die Symmetrieachse des Fahrgestells zu drehen. Dies wiederum vereinfacht die Konstruktion des hierfür erforderlichen Stelltriebs. Es ermöglicht es, einfache korrosionsbeständig hersteI|bare hydraulische oder pneumatische Stel,ltriebe für die -begrenzte Drehung der Schwammelektroden um einen begrenzten Winkel um die Symmetrieachse des Fahrgestells einzusetzen. So wären bei vier Schwammelektroden Schwenkwinkel um 90° und bei acht Schwammkelektroden Schwenkwinkel um 45° ausreichend. Letztere ließen sich allein schon mit einem auf einen Hebel wirkenden Hydraulikkolben erzeugen.The electropolishing power can be increased considerably if several sponge electrodes are held on the chassis in a plane oriented perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the chassis, offset by the same pitch angle. As a result, the simultaneously electropolished surface can be multiplied without: having to use excessively large sponge electrodes. The latter would limit the use of the device to hollow cylindrical bodies of certain closely adjacent radii of curvature. At the same time, this measure creates the precondition for rotating the sponge electrodes about the axis of symmetry of the chassis only a little more than their pitch angle according to a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention. This in turn simplifies the construction of the actuator required for this. It makes it possible to use simple, corrosion-resistant hydraulic or pneumatic actuators for the limited rotation of the sponge electrodes by a limited angle around the axis of symmetry of the chassis. A swivel angle of 90 ° for four sponge electrodes and a swivel angle of 45 ° for eight sponge electrodes would be sufficient. The latter could be done with one alone generate a hydraulic piston acting as a lever.

Weitere Einzelheiten der Erfindung werden anhand eines in den Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels erläutert. Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 eine Schnittdarstellung durch eine in ein Rohrstück eingesetzte Vorrichtung zum Elektropolieren der Innenoberfläche nebst der zugehörigen Aufgleißvorrichtung und der Vorschubeinrichtung,
  • Fig. 2 einen Schnitt längs der Linie 11-11 der Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 einen Schnitt längs der Linie III-III der Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 4 eine Schwammelektrode in Aufsicht und
  • Fig. 5 ein Schnitt längs der Linie V-V der Fig. 4.
Further details of the invention are explained with reference to an embodiment shown in the figures. Show it:
  • 1 is a sectional view through a device for electropolishing the inner surface inserted in a piece of pipe, together with the associated rerailing device and the feed device,
  • 2 shows a section along the line 11-11 of FIG. 1,
  • 3 shows a section along the line III-III of FIG. 1,
  • Fig. 4 is a sponge electrode in supervision and
  • 5 shows a section along the line VV of FIG. 4th

Die Fig. 1 gibt einen Überblick über die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 1 zum Elektropolieren. Sie besteht aus einem in den hohlzylindrischen Körper 2 - im Ausführungsbeispiel ein Rohrstutzen - einführbaren Fahrgestell 3, einer an dem hohlzylindrischen Körper anschließbaren Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 für das Fahrgestell, einer Schubstange 5 für das Fahrgestell 3 und einer an der Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 kardanisch kippbar gelagerten Vorschubeinrichtung 6 für die Schubstange 5. Außerdem gehörenzur erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 1 zum Elektropolieren hier nicht weiter dargestellte Einrichtungen zur Zuführung, Ableitung und Aufbereitung der Elektrolytflüssigkeit sowie eine Stromversorgungseinrichtung.1 gives an overview of the device 1 for electropolishing according to the invention. It consists of a chassis 3 which can be inserted into the hollow cylindrical body 2 - in the exemplary embodiment a pipe socket -, a rerailing device 4 for the chassis which can be connected to the hollow cylindrical body, a push rod 5 for the chassis 3 and a feed device 6 which is gimbal-mounted on the rerailing device 4 the push rod 5. The apparatus 1 for electropolishing according to the invention also includes devices for supplying, discharging and processing the electrolyte liquid, and a power supply device.

In der Fig. 1 ist das Fahrgestell 3 in einer Position gezeigt, in der es gerade von der Vorschubeinrichtung 6 mittels der Schubstange 5 - hier einer Zahnstange - aus der Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 in den zu elektropolierenden, aufgeschnitten dargestellten, Rohrstutzen 2 eingeschoben worden ist. In der Fig. 1 erkennt man in Verbindung mit den Fig. 2u.3, die Schnittelängs der Linien 11-11 u.III-III der Fig. 1 zeigen daß das Fahrgestell 3 aus einem axial zum zu reinigenden hohlzylindrischen Körper 2 ausgerichteten Tragzylinder 7 besteht, der sich an seinen beiden Enden über je drei um 120° gegeneinander um die Symmetrieachse 8 des Tragzylinders verschwenkte Stützbeine 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, an der Innenoberfläche des hohlzylindrischen Körpers 2 abstützt. Die drei Stützbeine 9 bis 14 sind mit je einem Laufrad 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 versehen. Zur Anpassung an unterschiedliche Rohrweiten sind jeweils zwei der auf ieder Seite des Tragzylinders 7 angeordneten drei Laufrader, und zwar die Laufräder 16, 17, 19, 20 wie die Fig. 1 andeutet, in unterschiedlichem radialen Abstand vom Tragzy- : linder 7 an den Stützbeinen 10, 11, 13, 14 anschraubbar. Außerdem ist das Laufrad 15, 18, des jeweils dritten Stützbeines 9, 12 mittels eines in einem zweiseitig beaufschlagbaren Anpreßzylinder 21, 22 verstellbaren Anpreßkolben 23,24 an die Innenwand des hohlzylindrischen Körpers anpreßbar. Um den Tragzylinder 7 ist ein Ring 25 drehbar gelagert, an dem vier Schwammelektroden 26, 27, 28, 29 befestigt sind. Die Schwammelektroden sind mit der federbelasteten Kolbenstange 30, 31, 32 je eines einseitig beaufschlagbaren Arbeitszylinders 34, 35, 36, 37 gekuppelt und über dessen Kolbenstange an die Innenoberfläche des zu elektropolierenden hohlzylindrischen Körpers 2 andrückbar und über die Einbauten desselben anhebbar.In Fig. 1, the chassis 3 is shown in a position in which it has just been inserted by the feed device 6 by means of the push rod 5 - here a rack - from the rerailing device 4 into the pipe socket 2 to be electropolished, cut open. In Fig. 1 one can see in connection with the Fig. 2u.3, the section along the lines 11-11 and III-III of Fig. 1 show that the chassis 3 from a support cylinder 7 aligned axially to the hollow cylindrical body to be cleaned. 7 exists, which is supported at its two ends on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body 2 by three support legs 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 pivoted by 120 ° relative to one another about the axis of symmetry 8 of the support cylinder. The three support legs 9 to 14 are each provided with an impeller 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. . To adapt to different pipe diameters are two of the arranged on every one side of the supporting cylinder 7 three Laufrader, namely the wheels 16, 17, 19, 20 as shown in FIG 1 indicates, at different radial distances from the Tragzy-: relieving 7 on the support legs 10, 11, 13, 14 screwable. In addition, the impeller 15, 18 of the respective third support leg 9, 12 can be pressed against the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical body by means of a pressure piston 23, 24 which can be adjusted in a pressure cylinder 21, 22 which can be acted upon from two sides. Around the support cylinder 7, a ring 25 is rotatably mounted, on which four sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29 are attached. The sponge electrodes are coupled to the spring-loaded piston rod 30, 31, 32 each of a working cylinder 34, 35, 36, 37 which can be loaded on one side and can be pressed via its piston rod against the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body 2 to be electropolished and can be lifted via the internals of the same.

An dem Tragzylinder 7 des Fahrgestells 3 ist eine Tragplatte 38 montiert. Sie überragt den drehbaren Ring 25 auf einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten. An dieser Tragplatte 38 ist auf einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten des drehbaren Ringes 25 je ein einseitig beaufschlagbarer Hydraulikzylinder 39, 40 montiert. An den Kolbenstangen 41, 42 dieser beiden Hydraulikzylinder ist je ein kleines Kettenrad 43, 44 gelagert. Auch der um den Tragzylinder des Fahrgestells 3 drehbare Ring 25 trägt an seinem Außenumfang eine kettenradähnliche Verzahnung 45. Auf einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten des drehbaren Ringes sind die beiden Enden einer endlichen Kette 46 befestigt. Diese Kette 46 ist, wie die Fig. 3 zeigt, zunächst um das eine an der Kolbenstange 41 drehbar gelagerte Kettenrad 43, sodann um den halben Umfang des drehbaren Ringes 25 über dessen kettenradähnliche Verzahnung 25 und sodann auf der anderen Seite des drehbaren Ringes um das Kettenrad 44 an der Kolbenstange 42 des dortigen Hydraulikzylinders 40 geführt.A support plate 38 is mounted on the support cylinder 7 of the chassis 3. It projects beyond the rotatable ring 25 on opposite sides. A hydraulic cylinder 39, 40 which can be acted upon on one side is mounted on this support plate 38 on opposite sides of the rotatable ring 25. A small chain wheel 43, 44 is mounted on the piston rods 41, 42 of these two hydraulic cylinders. The ring 25 rotatable about the support cylinder of the chassis 3 also has a sprocket-like toothing 45 on its outer periphery. The two ends of a finite chain 46 are fastened on opposite sides of the rotatable ring. This chain 46 is, as shown in FIG. 3, first around a sprocket 43 rotatably mounted on the piston rod 41, then around half the circumference of the rotatable ring 25 via its sprocket-like toothing 25 and then on the other side of the rotatable ring around it Sprocket 44 guided on the piston rod 42 of the hydraulic cylinder 40 there.

Die Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 besteht, wie die Fig. 1 zeigt, im wesentlichen aus einem Rohr 47 mit dem gleichen Innendurchmesser wie der zu elektroplierende Rohrstutzen 2. Dieses Rohr 47 der Aufgleisvorrichtung ist auf seiner dem zu elektropolierenden Rohrstutzen 2 abgewandten Seite durch einen angeflanschten Deckel 48 verschlossen. An seiner dem zu elektropolierenden Rohrstutzen zugewandten, offenen Seite ist die Aufgleisvorrichtung mit Führungswinkeln 49 (nur einer dargestellt) und Spannvorrichtungen 50 (nur eine dargestellt) versehen. Außerdem trägt das Rohr der Aufgleisvorrichtung zwei Tragösen 51, 52. Dieses'Rohr 47 der Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 ist so lang, daß es das Fahrgestell 3 nach Beendigung der Arbeiten vollständig aufnehmen kann. Die Vorschubeinrichtung 6 ist in hier nicht weiter dargellter Weise zentrisch zum Deckel 48 der Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 und kardanisch an diesem aufgehängt. Die Vorschubeinrichtung besitzt einen Elektromotor 53, dessen Zahnritzel (nicht dargestellt) sich mit der durch die Vorschubeinrichtung 6 annähernd axial zum Rohr 47 der Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 hindurchgeführten Zahnstange 5 in Eingriff befindet. Das Ritzel ist entkuppelbar. Die Zahnstange 5 ist außerdem über einen Handgriff 54 manuell verschiebbar. Die Zahnstange ist am Tragzylinder 7 des Fahrgestells 3 gelenkig befestigbar. Am Deckel 48 der Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 ind außer der Durchführung 55 für die Zahnstange 5 eine Durchführung 56 für die diversen Hydraulikschläuche 57, 58, 59, 60 sowie für den Zuleitungsschlauch 61 und Ableitungsschlauch 62 für die Elektrolytflüssigkeit vorgesehen. Außerdem ist ein Absaugstutzen 63 für Aerosol angebracht. Schließlich ist am unteren Ende des Rohres 47 der Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 ein Ablaufstutzen 64 für ausgelaufene Elektrolytflüssigkeit angebracht.As shown in FIG. 1, the rerailing device 4 consists essentially of a tube 47 with the same inner diameter as the pipe socket 2 to be electroplated. This pipe 47 of the rerailing device is closed on its side facing away from the pipe socket 2 to be electropolished by a flanged cover 48 . On its open side facing the pipe socket to be electropolished, the rerailing device is provided with guide angles 49 (only one shown) and tensioning devices 50 (only one shown). In addition, the tube of the rerailing device carries two eyelets 51, 52. This tube 47 of the rerailing device 4 is so long that it can completely accommodate the chassis 3 after completion of the work. The feed device 6 is suspended in a manner not shown here, centered on the cover 48 of the rerailing device 4 and gimballed on it. The feed device has an electric motor 53, the toothed pinion (not shown) of which is in engagement with the toothed rack 5, which is guided through the feed device 6 approximately axially to the tube 47 of the rerailing device 4. The pinion can be disengaged. The rack 5 can also be moved manually via a handle 54. The rack is articulated to the support cylinder 7 of the chassis 3. On the cover 48 of the rerailing device 4, in addition to the feed-through 55 for the rack 5, a feed-through 56 for the various hydraulic hoses 57, 58, 59, 60 and for the feed hose 61 and drain hose 62 for the electrolyte liquid are provided. In addition, an exhaust port 63 for aerosol is attached. Finally, the rerailing device 4 is at the lower end of the tube 47 Drain pipe 64 attached for leaked electrolyte liquid.

Es ist günstig, wenn das Fahrgestell 3 an seiner in Ein schubrichtung vorderen Seite eine den tieferen Teil des hohlzylindrischen Körpers 2 flüssigkeitsdicht verschließende Schottwand 92 trägt. Dabei kann die Schottwand 93 separat vom Fahrgestell 3 im hohlzylindrischen Körper spannbar sein.It is advantageous if the chassis 3 carries on its front side in a pushing direction a bulkhead 92 which closes the lower part of the hollow cylindrical body 2 in a liquid-tight manner. The bulkhead 93 can be tensioned separately from the chassis 3 in the hollow cylindrical body.

Die Fig. 4 zeigt eine Aufsicht auf eine der Schwammelektroden 26, 27, 28, 29. Man erkennt hier, daß die Schwammelektrode 26, die einen kreischeibenförmischen Grundriß hat, mit ihrer der zu reinigenden Oberfläche der Innenwand 65 des Rohrstutzens 2 abgewandten Seite an einem kreuzförmigen Führungsrahmen 66 angeschraubt ist. Im Mittelpunkt des kreuzförmigen Führungsrahmens ist, wie die Schnittdarstellung der Fig. 5 verdeutlicht, ein Kugelgelenk 67 montiert, das an der Kolbenstange 30, 31, 32, 33 eines der am drehbaren Ring 25 befestigten doppelseitig beaufschlagbaren Arbeitszylinder 34, 35, 36, 37 anschraubbar ist. An den vier Enden des Führungsrahmens ist je ein Kugelrollenkäfig 68, 69, 70, 71 befestigt. Sie gelangen bei der Anlage der Schwammelektrode 26 an der Innenwand 65 eines hohlzylindrischen Körpers 2 zur Anlage. Der an dem kreuzförmigen Führungsrahmen 66 unmittelbar angeschraubte Gehäusering 72 der Schwammelektrode 26 trägt auf seiner der zu elektropolierenden Innenwand 65 des hohlzylindrischen Körpers 2 zugewandten Seite eine ringförmige Dichtung 73. Auf der dem Führungsrahmen zugewandten Seite des Gehäuseringes ist der äußere Rand einer weiteren ringförmigen Gummidichtung 74 eingespannt. Deren innerer Rand ist an dem Rand einer topfförmigen Andruckplatte 75 dichtend eingespannt. Diese topfförmige Andruckplatte 75 trägt im Bodenbereich, auf ihrer der zu elektropolierenden Oberfläche zugewandten Seite einen Schwammkörper 76. Die topfförmige Andruckplatte 75 wird durch die ringscheibenförmige Gummidichtung 74 zum Gehäusering 72 zentriert gehalten. Sie ist mit vier Elektrolytzulaufleitungsstutzen 77, 78, 79, 80 versehen, die durch je einen der vier Arme 81, 82, 83, 84 des kreuzförmigen Führungsrahmens 66 längs verschieblich hindurchgeführt sind. Über diese vier Elektrolytzulaufleitungsstutzen 77, 78, 79, 80 ist je eine Anpreßfeder 85 (nur eine dargestellt) gestülpt, die sich auf der einen Seite an dem Führungsrahmen 66 und auf ihrer anderen Seite an der topfförmigen Andruckplatte 75 abstützen und dabei letztere gegen die zu elektropolierende Innenwand 65 drücken. Die Elektrolytzulaufleitungsstutzen 77, 78, 79, 80 sind durch den Bodenbereich der topfförmigen Andruckplatte 75 hindurch bis in den Schwammkörper 76 hineingeführt. Der am Führungsrahmen 66 angeschraubte Gehäusering 72 der Schwammelektrode 26 trägt vier Elektrolytsaugleitungsstutzen 86, 87, 88, 89, die im Gehäusering der Schwammelektrode in jenen durch die beiden ringförmigen Dichtungen 73, 74 abgeschlossenen Raumbereich münden. Soll ein hohlzylindrischer Körper 2, etwa ein Rohrstück oder Rohrstutzen elektropoliert oder durch Elektropolieren dekontaminiert werden, so kann die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 1 zum Elektropolieren, d.h. die Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 mit dem in der Aufgleisvorrichtung befindlichen Fahrgestell 3 und der am Deckel 48 der Aufgleisvorrichtung kardanisch angelenkten Vorschubeinrichtung 6 mittels der Tragösen 51, 52 von einem Kran vor den zu elektropolierenden Rohrstutzen 2 transportiert werden. Dort wird die Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 mittels der Führungswinkel 49 und Spannmittel 50 an dem zu elektropolierenden Rohrstutzen 2 zentriert und zur Anlage gebracht. Hiermit wird bereits ein besonderer Vorteil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung wirksam. Denn durch das Ansetzen der Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 wird ein großer Teil der aus dem zu dekontaminierenden Rohrstutzen austretenden radioaktiven Strahlung abgeschirmt. Jetzt können die aus dem Deckel 48 der Aufgleisvorrichtung herausgeführten Schläuche 61, 62 für die Elektrolytzufuhr und Elektrolytabsaugung sowie die Hydraulikschläuche 57, 58, 59, 60 für die Anpressung der Laufräder 15 bis 20 des Fahrgestells 3, wie auch der Arbeitszylinder 34, 35, 36, 37 für die Anpressung der Schwammelektroden 26, 27, 28, 29 an die hier nicht weiter dargestellten Versorgungseinrichtungen angeschlossen werden.Fig. 4 shows a plan view of one of the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29. It can be seen here that the sponge electrode 26, which has a circular disk-shaped outline, with its side facing away from the surface to be cleaned of the inner wall 65 of the pipe socket 2 on one side cross-shaped guide frame 66 is screwed. 5, a ball joint 67 is mounted, which can be screwed onto the piston rod 30, 31, 32, 33 of one of the working cylinders 34, 35, 36, 37 attached to the rotating ring 25 and screwed onto the piston rod 30 is. A ball roller cage 68, 69, 70, 71 is attached to the four ends of the guide frame. When the sponge electrode 26 is in contact with the inner wall 65 of a hollow cylindrical body 2, it comes to rest. The housing ring 72 of the sponge electrode 26, which is screwed directly onto the cross-shaped guide frame 66, has an annular seal 73 on its side facing the inner wall 65 of the hollow cylindrical body 2 that is to be electropolished. The outer edge of a further annular rubber seal 74 is clamped on the side of the housing ring facing the guide frame . Its inner edge is tightly clamped on the edge of a pot-shaped pressure plate 75. This pot-shaped pressure plate 75 carries a sponge body 76 in the bottom area, on its side facing the surface to be electropolished. The pot-shaped pressure plate 75 is held centered by the ring-shaped rubber seal 74 relative to the housing ring 72. It is provided with four electrolyte inlet pipe connections 77, 78, 79, 80, which are guided so as to be longitudinally displaceable through one of the four arms 81, 82, 83, 84 of the cruciform guide frame 66. A pressure spring 85 (only one shown) is placed over each of these four electrolyte inlet pipe connections 77, 78, 79, 80, which are supported on one side on the guide frame 66 and on the other side on the cup-shaped pressure plate 75 and thereby the latter against the Press the electropolishing inner wall 65. The electrolyte feed line connecting pieces 77, 78, 79, 80 are led through the bottom area of the pot-shaped pressure plate 75 into the sponge body 76. The housing ring 72 of the sponge electrode 26, which is screwed onto the guide frame 66, carries four electrolyte suction pipe sockets 86, 87, 88, 89 which open in the housing ring of the sponge electrode into the space area closed off by the two annular seals 73, 74. If a hollow cylindrical body 2, for example a pipe section or pipe socket, is to be electropolished or decontaminated by electropolishing, the device 1 according to the invention can be used for electropolishing, i.e. the rerailing device 4 with the undercarriage 3 located in the rerailing device and the gimbal-mounted feed device 6 on the cover 48 of the rerailing device are transported by means of the lifting eyes 51, 52 by a crane in front of the pipe socket 2 to be electropolished. There, the rerailing device 4 is centered on the pipe socket 2 to be electropolished by means of the guide angles 49 and clamping means 50 and brought into contact. This is a particular advantage of the device according to the invention. Because by attaching the rerailing device 4, a large part of the radioactive radiation emerging from the pipe socket to be decontaminated is shielded. Now the hoses 61, 62 led out of the cover 48 of the rerailing device for the electrolyte supply and suction as well as the hydraulic hoses 57, 58, 59, 60 for pressing the running wheels 15 to 20 of the chassis 3, as well as the working cylinders 34, 35, 36 , 37 for pressing the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29 to the supply devices not shown here.

Nunmehr kann das Fahrgestell 3 mit den Schwammelektroden 26, 27, 28, 29 über den Elektromotor 53 oder auch manuell über den Handgriff 54 durch axiales Verschieben der Zahnstange 5 in der Vorschubeinrichtung 6 in den zu elektropolierenden Rohrstutzen 2 eingeschoben werden. Sobald sich die Schwammelektroden 26, 27, 28; 29 im Inneren des Rohrstutzens befinden, können sie über die Kolbenstangen 30, 31, 32, 33 der Arbeitszylinder 34, 35, 36, 37 gegen die Innenoberfläche des Rohrstutzens gedrückt werden. Infolge der Befestigung der Kolbenstangen in einem Kugelgelenk 67 der Schwammelektroden wird ein sattes Anliegen der Schwammelektroden an der Innenoberfläche des hohlzylindrischen Körpers auch dann erreicht, wenn sich das Fahrgestell 3 nicht zentrisch in der Krümmungsachse des hohlzylindrischen Körpers befindet oder wenn sich dessen Krümmungsradius in Umfangsrichtung ändert. Der jeweilige Arbeitszylinder 34,35,36,37 kann die einzelne Schwammelektrode nur soweit gegen die Innenoberfläche 65 des hohlzylindrischen Körpers pressen, bis die Rollen der Kugelrollenkäfige 68, 69, 70, 71 an der Innenoberfläche anliegen. In dieser Position liegt jedoch bereits der Schwammkörper 76 der Schwammelektrode 26 an der Innenoberfläche an und wird durch die Innenoberfläche gegen die Kraft der über die Elektrolytzulaufleitungsstutzen 77, 78, 79, 80 gestülpten,Anpreßfedern 85 etwas in Richtung auf den Führ-ungsrahmen 66 zu zurückgedrückt.The chassis 3 with the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29 can now be inserted via the electric motor 53 or also manually via the handle 54 by axially displacing the rack 5 in the feed device 6 into the pipe socket 2 to be electropolished. As soon as the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28; 29 are located inside the pipe socket, they can be pressed against the inner surface of the pipe socket via the piston rods 30, 31, 32, 33 of the working cylinders 34, 35, 36, 37. As a result of the fastening of the piston rods in a ball joint 67 of the sponge electrodes, the sponge electrodes will fit snugly against the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body even if the chassis 3 is not centered in the axis of curvature of the hollow cylindrical body or if its radius of curvature changes in the circumferential direction. The respective working cylinder 34, 35, 36, 37 can only press the individual sponge electrode against the inner surface 65 of the hollow cylindrical body until the rollers of the ball roller cages 68, 69, 70, 71 rest on the inner surface. In this position, however, the sponge body 76 of the sponge electrode 26 already lies against the inner surface and is pressed back somewhat in the direction of the guide frame 66 by the inner surface against the force of the pressure springs 85 placed over the electrolyte feed pipe connections 77, 78, 79, 80 .

Beim Einschalten des Elektrolytzulaufes benetzt die Elektrolytflüssigkeit den Schwammkörper 76 und verbindet diesen leitend mit der topfartigen Andruckplatte 75. Diese ist aber ihrerseits wiederum leitend mit dem Elektrolytzulaufleitungsstutzen 77, 78, 79, 80 verbunden, der über einen Klemmkontakt 90 am negativen Pol der Stromversorgung (nicht dargestellt) anliegt. Das abgetragene Oberflächenmaterial wird im Schwammkörper 76 aufgenommen. Die überschüssige, aus dem Schwammkörper auslaufende Elektrolytflüssigkeit verbleibt in dem Hohlraum, der durch die zu elektropolierende Innenwand 65 des Werkstücks, die an dieser anliegenden ringförmigen Dichtung 73 und die ringscheibenförmige Gummidichtung 74 zwischen dem Gehäusering 42 und dem Rand der topfartigen Andruckplatte 75 gespannt ist. Aus diesem Raum wird die überschüssige Elektrolytflüssigkeit über die Elektrolytabsaugleitungsstutzen 86, 87, 88, 89 und den daran angeschlossenen Ableitungsschlauch 62 zurück in die Aufbereitungseinrichtung gesaugt. Hierbei läßt sich der Saugdruck so einstellen, daß Luft unter der ringförmigen an der zu elektropolierenden Innenwandung anliegenden Dichtung 73 mit angesaugt wird. Hierdurch wird zuverlässig verhindert, daß Elektrolytflüssigkeit in nennenswerten Mengen austreten kann. Das abgesaugte Elektrolytluftgemisch wird dann in der Aufbereitungseinrichtung in hier nicht dargestellter Weise voneinander getrennt.When the electrolyte feed is switched on, the electrolyte liquid wets the sponge body 76 and connects it conductively to the pot-like pressure plate 75. This, in turn, is in turn conductive with the electrolyte feed line Connection 77, 78, 79, 80 connected, which is present via a terminal contact 90 on the negative pole of the power supply (not shown). The removed surface material is taken up in the sponge body 76. The excess electrolyte liquid that runs out of the sponge body remains in the cavity, which is stretched between the housing ring 42 and the rim of the pot-like pressure plate 75 by the inner wall 65 of the workpiece to be electropolished, the annular seal 73 lying against it and the annular disk-shaped rubber seal 74. From this space, the excess electrolyte liquid is sucked back into the treatment device via the electrolyte suction line connection piece 86, 87, 88, 89 and the discharge hose 62 connected to it. Here, the suction pressure can be set so that air is also sucked in under the annular seal 73 which bears against the inner wall to be electropolished. This reliably prevents electrolyte liquid from escaping in significant quantities. The extracted electrolyte-air mixture is then separated from one another in the treatment device in a manner not shown here.

Während des kontinuierlichen, allmählichen Vorschiebens des Fahrgestells 3 in den zu reinigenden Rohrstutzen 2 mit Hilfe der Vorschubeinrichtung 6 wird zugleich der drehbare Ring 25 mit den an seinem Umfang angeordneten Schwammelektroden 26 bis 29 um den Tragzylinder 7 des Fahrgestells 3 mit gleichförmiger Geschwindigkeit vor und zurückgedreht. Die Drehung erfolgt um einen etwas größeren Winkel als dem Teilungswinkel zwischen den Schwammelektroden 26, 27, 28, 29. In unserem Fall mit vier um 90° gegeneinander versetzten Schwammelektroden wird der drehbare Ring 25 um etwas mehr als 90° hin- und hergedreht. Dazu drückt man abwechselnd Hydraulikflüssigkeit in den einen und später in den anderen der beiden Hydraulikzylinder 39, 40. Das hat zur Folge, daß die Kolbenstange 41,42 des Hydraulikzylinders in den gerade Hydraulikflüssigkeit hineingedrückt wird, herausgeschoben wird und das an dieser Kolbenstange befindliche Kettenrad 43, 44 die Kette 46 auf dieser Seite des drehbaren Ringes 25:cverlängert. Das wiederum hat zur Folge, daß sich die Kette auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite des drehbaren Ringes verkürzt, den drehbaren Ring 25 mitdreht und über das dort befindliche Kettenrad den Kolben in den dortigen Hydraulikzylinder herein und die Hydraulikflüssigkeit aus diesem Hydraulikzylinder herausdrückt. Die Geschwindigkeit der Drehung der Schwammelektroden 26, 27, 28, 29 um den Tragzylinder 7 des Fahrgestells 3 läßt sich durch bloße Querschnittsveränderung in einer der beiden Hydraulikleitungen über ein Ventil (nicht dargestellt)-exakt einstellen.During the continuous, gradual advancement of the chassis 3 into the pipe socket 2 to be cleaned with the aid of the feed device 6, the rotatable ring 25 with the sponge electrodes 26 to 29 arranged on its circumference is rotated back and forth at a uniform speed around the support cylinder 7 of the chassis 3. The rotation takes place at a somewhat larger angle than the pitch angle between the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29. In our case with four sponge electrodes offset by 90 ° relative to one another, the rotatable ring 25 is rotated back and forth by a little more than 90 °. For this purpose, one alternately presses hydraulic fluid into one and later into the other of the two hydraulic cylinders 39, 40. This has the result that the piston rod 41, 42 of the hydraulic cylinder is pressed into the straight hydraulic fluid, is pushed out and the chain wheel 43 located on this piston rod , 44 the chain 46 on this side of the rotatable ring 25: extended. This in turn has the consequence that the chain shortens on the opposite side of the rotatable ring, rotates the rotatable ring 25 and, via the sprocket located there, the piston into the hydraulic cylinder there and presses the hydraulic fluid out of this hydraulic cylinder. The speed of rotation of the sponge electrodes 26, 27, 28, 29 around the support cylinder 7 of the chassis 3 can be precisely adjusted by simply changing the cross section in one of the two hydraulic lines via a valve (not shown).

Wird die Elektrolytflüssigkeit gewollt oder infolge eines Defektes nicht abgesaugt, so sammelt sich die aus dem Schwammkörper 76 austretende und unter der ringförmigen Dichtung 73 der Schwammelektroden 26 auslaufende Elektrolytflüssigkeit am unteren Ende des zu dekontaminierenden Rohrstutzens 2 an. Sie kann von dort über den Ablaufstutzen 64 für die Elektrolytflüssigkeit am Rohr 47 der Aufgleisvorrichtung 4 abgezogen werden. In solch einem Fall ist es zweckmäßig, wenn vor in dem zu elektropolierenden hohlzylindrischen Körper hinter dem zu elektropolierenden Bereich, ein Rohrstopfen oder eine Flüssigkeitssperre gesetzt wird. Eine solche segmentartig ausgebildete, am Fahrgestell 3 befestigte Flüssigkeitssperre 93 ist in der Figur 1 gestrichelt angedeutet worden. Beim Ausfall des elektromotorischen Antriebes 53 der Vorschubeinrichtung 6 läßt sich das Zahnritzel in hier nicht weiter dargestellter Weise auskuppeln und die Zahnstange entweder durch Drehen des Ritzels mittels des Handgriffs 54 oder über eine mit dem Handgriff gekuppelte Ratsche (nicht dargestellt) die direkt auf die Zahnstange wirkt, mitsamt dem Fahrgestell vor- und zurückbewegen.If the electrolyte liquid is wanted or is not suctioned off due to a defect, the electrolyte liquid emerging from the sponge body 76 and flowing out under the annular seal 73 of the sponge electrodes 26 collects at the lower end of the pipe socket 2 to be decontaminated. It can be withdrawn from there via the outlet connection 64 for the electrolyte liquid on the tube 47 of the rerailing device 4. In such a case, it is expedient if, in the hollow cylindrical body to be electropolished, a pipe plug or a liquid barrier is placed behind the area to be electropolished. Such a liquid-like barrier 93, which is designed in segment-like fashion and is attached to the chassis 3, has been indicated by dashed lines in FIG. In the event of failure of the electric motor drive 53 of the feed device 6, the pinion can be disengaged in a manner not shown here, and the rack can either be turned by the pinion by means of the handle 54 or via a ratchet (not shown) coupled to the handle, which acts directly on the rack , move back and forth together with the chassis.

Die vorliegende Vorrichtung läßt sich auch bei größeren geschlossenen Behältern anwenden. In diesem Fall muß auf die Aufgleisvorrichtung verzichtet werden und muß das Fahrgestell mit den Stützbeinrollen, Tragzylinder und Schwammelektroden, nachdem diese Bauteile durch das Mannloch hereingereicht worden sind, im Druckbehälter montiert werden. Der Vorschub dieser Vorrichtung wird dann zweckmäßigerweise manuell mittels einer durch das Mannloch herausgeführten Schubstange erfolgen.The present device can also be used for larger closed containers. In this case, the rerailing device must be dispensed with and the chassis with the support leg rollers, support cylinders and sponge electrodes must be installed in the pressure vessel after these components have been passed through the manhole. The feed of this device is then expediently carried out manually by means of a push rod which is led out through the manhole.

Claims (22)

1. Device for electropolishing the inner surface of hollow cylindrical bodies, having at least one sponge electrode which is guided along its inner surface, and having devices for guiding and for supplying the sponge electrode with electrolyte, said sponge electrode being compressible against the inner surface and rotatable about its axis of curvature,
characterised in that the sponge electrode (26, 27, 28, 29) is arranged in a housing and surrounded by an annular seal (73) which rests with its one edge against the housing (72) and with its other edge against the inner surface (65) of the hollow cylindrical body (2), and in that the sponge electrode (26, 27, 28, 29) is supported on a chassis (3) with runners (15 to 20), said chassis being held against the inner surface (65) of the hollow cylindrical body (2) and being movable along the axis of curvature thereof.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the sponge electrode (26, 27, 28, 29) is rotatable, via an adjusting drive (39 to 46) arranged on the chassis (3), relative to the chassis (3) about the axis of curvature of the hollow cylindrical body (2) and about the axis of symmetry (8) of the chassis and parallel thereto.
3. Device according to Claim 1,
characterised in that with an arrangement with more than one sponge electrode each sponge electrode (26 to 29) is compressible against the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body via an adjusting element (30 to 37), in particular a hydraulic cylinder (34 to 37).
4. Device according to Claim 1,
characterised in that the sponge electrode (26 to 29) comprises a rigid housing (72) held against the wall of the tube with support elements (68 to 71).
5. Device according to Claim 4,
characterised in that the housing contains a sponge body (76) compressed with a pressure plate (75) against the inner surface (65) of the hollow cylindrical body (2).
6. Device according to Claim 5,
characterised in that the pressure plate (75) is spring loaded.
7. Device according to Claim 1,
characterised in that the pressure plate (75) is connected to a so-called upper seal (74) which together with the inner surface (65) of the hollow cylindrical body (2) to be electropolished and the adjacent annular seal (73), seals off the region of the housing in which the sponge body (76) is located.
8. Device according to Claim 5,
characterised in that a duct (77 to 80) for the electrolyte is attached to the pressure plate (75) of the sponge body (76), said duct being passed through the pressure plate (75).
9. Device according to Claim 7,
characterised in that a suction duct (62, 86 to 89) for the electrolyte is attached to the region of the housing (72) in which the sponge body (76) is located.
10. Device according to Claim 9,
characterised in that the underpressure in the suction duct (62, 86 to 89 is measured in such a way that air is also always sucked in under the annular seal (73) which rests against the inner wall (65) of the hollow cylindrical body (2) and surrounds the sponge body (76).
11. Device according to Claim 5,
characterised in that the adjusting element (30, 31, 32, 33) centrally engages the housing of the sponge electrode (26, 27, 28, 29) via a ball joint (67).
12. Device according to Claim 4,
characterised in that roller cages (68, 69, 70, 71) are used as support elements.
13. Device according to Claim 1,
characterised in that the sponge electrode (26, 27, 28, 29) is supported on a rotatable ring (25), said rotatable ring being arranged on a support cylinder (7) of the chassis (3).
14. Device according to Claim 4,
characterised in that the sponge electrode (26, 27, 28, 29) is displaceable about at least one pitch angle via at least one work piston displaceable in a working cylinder (34 to 37) by means of a pressurised medium.
15. Device according to Claim 1,
characterised in that the chassis (3) is displaceable via a push rod (5) by an adjusting drive (6) located outside the hollow cylindrical body (2) along the length thereof.
16. Device according to Claim 1,
characterised in that the runners (15 - 20) of the chassis can be brought into frictional engagement with the inner surface (65) of the hollow cylindrical body (2) via operation elements, in particular operation cylinders (21, 22).
17. Device according to Claim 1,
characterised in that the chassis (3) carries on its front side, seen in the direction of insertion, a bulkhead partition (92) which closes off, in fluid- tight manner, the lower part of the hollow cylindrical body (2).
18. Device according to Claim 17,
characterised in that the bulkhead partition (92) can be clamped in the hollow cylindrical body separately from the chassis (3).
19. Device according to Claim 1,
characterised in that, in the treatment of pipes, there can be added a tubular rerailing device (4) matched to the pipe stub of the respective pipe (2) containing the chassis (3) and partially closed off at its end facing away from the pipe to be cleaned.
20. Device according to Claim 19,
characterised in that the rerailing device (4) is provided with a discharge nozzle (64) for the excess electrolyte.
21. Device according to Claim 19,
characterised in that a feeding device (6) for the chassis (3) can be secured on the rerailing device (4).
22. Device according to Claim 15,
characterised in that the feeding device (6) is mounted on gimbals for travelling round pipe bends on the rerailing device (4) and the push rod (5) is mounted on gimbals on the chassis (3).
EP84114684A 1983-12-14 1984-12-03 Apparatus for electropolishing the inner surfaces of hollow cylindrical objects Expired - Lifetime EP0146833B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3345278 1983-12-14
DE19833345278 DE3345278A1 (en) 1983-12-14 1983-12-14 DEVICE FOR ELECTROPOLISHING THE INTERNAL SURFACE OF HOLLOW CYLINDRICAL BODIES

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0146833A2 EP0146833A2 (en) 1985-07-03
EP0146833A3 EP0146833A3 (en) 1987-05-13
EP0146833B1 true EP0146833B1 (en) 1990-08-01

Family

ID=6216943

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP84114684A Expired - Lifetime EP0146833B1 (en) 1983-12-14 1984-12-03 Apparatus for electropolishing the inner surfaces of hollow cylindrical objects

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US4634511A (en)
EP (1) EP0146833B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS60146626A (en)
CA (1) CA1229067A (en)
DE (2) DE3345278A1 (en)
ES (1) ES8605873A1 (en)
SU (1) SU1491347A3 (en)
UA (1) UA5973A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4690737A (en) * 1986-06-10 1987-09-01 Cation Corporation Electrochemical rifling of gun barrels
FR2607421B1 (en) * 1986-12-01 1989-03-24 Electricite De France DEVICE FOR EXPLORING AND / OR TREATING A CURVED SMOOTH SURFACE
FR2610137B1 (en) * 1987-01-28 1993-09-24 Electricite De France DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM FOR PRIMARY PIPES AND WATER BOX OF A NUCLEAR POWER STATION GENERATOR
FR2610758B1 (en) * 1987-02-09 1992-01-03 Electricite De France DEVICE FOR EXPLORING AND / OR TREATING THE SURFACE OF A CYLINDRICAL SAS WITH LOW RADIUS OF CURVATURE
DE3735840A1 (en) * 1987-10-23 1989-05-03 Hoefer & Bechtel Gmbh Device for cleaning sealing surfaces of a reactor pressure container lid
DE58904254D1 (en) * 1988-07-28 1993-06-09 Siemens Ag ELECTROPOLISHING METHOD FOR THE PURPOSE OF DECONTAMINATION.
WO1990004053A1 (en) * 1988-10-10 1990-04-19 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Electric surface-polishing device
US5135632A (en) * 1988-10-10 1992-08-04 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for electropolishing surfaces
FR2641003B1 (en) * 1988-12-23 1991-04-05 Tech Milieu Ionisant
JPH0794090B2 (en) * 1989-11-01 1995-10-11 工業技術院長 Electro-abrasive grain super-mirror finishing method for inner surface of small diameter tube
DE4017998A1 (en) * 1990-06-05 1992-01-09 Siemens Ag METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DECONTAMINATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED SURFACES
US5409593A (en) * 1993-12-03 1995-04-25 Sifco Industries, Inc. Method and apparatus for selective electroplating using soluble anodes
GB2319259A (en) * 1996-11-15 1998-05-20 Babcock Rosyth Defence Limited reducing radionucleide contamination of a metallic component
US6217726B1 (en) * 1997-05-22 2001-04-17 Therma Corporation, Inc. Tube inner surface electropolishing device with electrolyte dam
US20190177872A1 (en) * 2016-06-21 2019-06-13 Extrude Hone Gmbh Electrolytic polishing method and device and method for producing a cathode
CN113878915B (en) * 2021-10-09 2023-12-08 安徽永正密封件有限公司 Processing technology of rubber sealing rubber ring for multi-angle socket connection of pipeline

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4001094A (en) * 1974-09-19 1977-01-04 Jumer John F Method for incremental electro-processing of large areas
JPS54153092U (en) * 1978-04-18 1979-10-24
US4330381A (en) * 1978-09-18 1982-05-18 Jumer John F Method for containerless portable electro-polishing
US4190513A (en) * 1978-09-18 1980-02-26 Jumer John F Apparatus for containerless portable electro-polishing
JPS5593447U (en) * 1978-12-22 1980-06-28
US4304654A (en) * 1980-10-24 1981-12-08 Sifco Industries, Inc. Apparatus for electroplating
DE3136187C2 (en) * 1981-09-12 1988-08-18 Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe Gmbh, 7500 Karlsruhe Method and device for cleaning the inner walls of metallic pipe systems by electropolishing with the aid of moving electrodes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3345278A1 (en) 1985-06-27
US4634511A (en) 1987-01-06
JPS60146626A (en) 1985-08-02
DE3482871D1 (en) 1990-09-06
UA5973A1 (en) 1994-12-29
ES8605873A1 (en) 1986-01-16
ES538635A0 (en) 1986-01-16
EP0146833A3 (en) 1987-05-13
JPH0547327B2 (en) 1993-07-16
CA1229067A (en) 1987-11-10
SU1491347A3 (en) 1989-06-30
EP0146833A2 (en) 1985-07-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0146833B1 (en) Apparatus for electropolishing the inner surfaces of hollow cylindrical objects
EP0162309B1 (en) Cleaning device of a radioactive contaminated tube bundle
DE3327726C2 (en) Method and device for replacing guide pins of a guide tube which is part of the upper interior equipment of a pressurized water reactor
EP0588196B1 (en) Working device feedable into a pipeline
DE1621561B2 (en) DEVICE FOR CLEANING MEMORY DISKS
DE3224498A1 (en) TUBE PIG
DE2541517C3 (en) Device for automatic lapping of a valve seat
DE2839153C2 (en) Device for removing residues and deposits on the inner surface of weapon barrels
DE3235297A1 (en) DEVICE FOR INSPECTING THE INSIDE OF A REACTOR CONTAINER
DE8003873U1 (en) DEVICE FOR CLEANING COLORED DIRTY ROLLING TOOLS, LAMPSKIN OR FIBERGLASS ROLLS, FOR EFFICIENT SURFACE COATING BY FAST DISTRIBUTION OF GLUE, DISPERSION, OIL OR LACQUER COLORS
DE3136187C2 (en) Method and device for cleaning the inner walls of metallic pipe systems by electropolishing with the aid of moving electrodes
EP0507294B1 (en) Arrangement for cleaning and degreasing of work pieces
DE2348265A1 (en) DEVICE FOR SCANNING A CURVED SURFACE
DE19509019A1 (en) Remote cleaner for reactor pressure vessel clamp bolt holes
DE19744435C2 (en) Device for increasing the surface strength of metallic components
EP0180892B1 (en) Apparatus for electropolishing the inner surfaces of tubes
DE4240856C2 (en) Submersible cleaning device
EP0436528B1 (en) Electric surface-polishing device
CH658496A5 (en) HOSE CRUSH PUMP.
DE3533608A1 (en) Cleaning system for steam generators
DE1627599A1 (en) Device for attaching and guiding a carriage on a sheet metal
DD280129A1 (en) DEVICE FOR DECONTAMINATING TUBULAR SURFACES
DE7912668U1 (en) DEVICE FOR CLEANING TANKS, AUTOCLAVES, ETC.
DE10159443B4 (en) Device for changing nozzles
EP0019204A1 (en) Method and device for rinsing flat panlike receptacles

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): BE CH DE FR GB IT LI SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): BE CH DE FR GB IT LI SE

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19871027

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19890508

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE CH DE FR GB IT LI SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3482871

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19900906

ET Fr: translation filed
GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)
ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: STUDIO JAUMANN

ITTA It: last paid annual fee
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19921119

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19931203

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19931203

EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 84114684.8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19960320

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 19961210

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 19961220

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19961223

Year of fee payment: 13

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19961231

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19961231

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19970218

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19971204

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19971231

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19971231

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: SIEMENS A.G.

Effective date: 19971231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980901

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 84114684.8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST