EP0819198A1

EP0819198A1 - Floating skimmer

Info

Publication number: EP0819198A1
Application number: EP96908017A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans Georg Knittel
Original assignee: Heinze & Knittel Konstaplan-Anlagenbau GmbH
Current assignee: Heinze & Knittel Konstaplan-Anlagenbau GmbH
Priority date: 1995-04-01
Filing date: 1996-03-27
Publication date: 1998-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2016-03-27
Also published as: EP0819198B1; ATE195158T1; AU5142796A; DK0819198T3; DE59605679D1; WO1996031662A1; DE19512279A1; DE19512279C2

Abstract

A floating skimmer (3) which takes up the surface layer of a liquid medium in which it is floating has floats (12) and an outflow to discharge the medium taken up. In order to provide a simply constructed, automatically operating skimmer, a skimming trough (11) to take up the skimmed medium is fitted between at least two floats (12) at a fixed distance from each other to pivot through a limited angle about a spindle (14) between the floats (12).

Description

Self-floating skimmer

description

The invention relates to a self-floating skimmer, which picks up the upper layer of a liquid medium in which it floats, with associated floats and with a drain for transporting the absorbed medium.

Self-floating skimmers are already well known. A skimmer, also referred to as a skimmer, has a central tube into which liquid located above the tube flows. The tube is surrounded by a flange in which it is held by clamping screws. Floats connected by struts are still on the flange. At least three swimmers are required to stabilize the safe swimming position. If the clamping screws are not tightened correctly or due to corrosion, the pipe comes loose from the flange and sinks. As a result, liquid present in the depth is removed and not the medium floating on the surface. In addition, solids deposited on the floor can be absorbed, which leads to a contamination of the entire device or even destruction of device parts. The receiving cross section is only the cross section of the tube. It is therefore relatively small and therefore it takes a very long time for the medium floating on the surface to be absorbed. A faster absorption is achieved if the pipe cross section and the distance of the pipe from the liquid level are increased. However, too much unwanted liquid is taken up, and the drainage hoses become too thick, so that the skimmer no longer floats. To prevent this, the floats would have to be enlarged again. However, the skimmer would be too large overall.

The object of the invention is to create a self-floating skimmer of the type mentioned at the beginning, with which, with a simple construction, only a liquid medium present on the surface of a liquid is absorbed if possible.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that a skimmer pan pivoting at a limited angle about an axis between the floats is supported between at least two floats which are spaced apart from one another, the skimmer pan comprises a channel receiving the skimmed medium with an associated inlet edge, and the buoyancy force of the liquid medium acting on the skimming pan acts against the inlet edge and behind the axle.

As a result of this measure, the medium floating on the liquid surface is taken up over a large width, the floats not obstructing the direct inflow. The leading edge ensures the inflow of the medium to be skimmed from only one direction into the gutter of the skim. When the skimmer pan is empty, the buoyancy of the liquid medium acting on it is so great that the skimmer pan is rotated about the axis until the inlet edge lies below the surface of the liquid medium, as a result of which the medium to be skimmed also contains floating solids can, the channel flows in via the inlet edge. If the trough is filled, the buoyancy is no longer sufficient to keep the skimming trough in the position assumed. It then turns back to its starting position.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an inlet plate extending from the channel and extending over the axis to the leading edge is provided. The inlet sheet extending from the trough to the inlet edge ensures a uniform inflow of the medium to be skimmed, the suction effect being increased by an inlet sheet falling obliquely from the inlet edge to the trough, and thus a faster inlet is favored. The skimmer should be used for different skimming angles1. Under no circumstances should liquid flow into the channel from a side other than the inlet edge. Appropriately, therefore, an outer wall of the channel facing away from the axis, running approximately parallel to it, and the side walls closing the side of the channel laterally end above the level of the liquid medium, with an inner wall of the channel facing the axis running parallel to it and that facing the inner wall the inlet plate adjoining the trough with the inlet edge lying in the approximately horizontal state of the inlet plate below the level of the liquid medium.

The elements interacting in the axis should be simple and expedient. In order to achieve this, it is preferably provided that on the side walls of the trough the skimming anne bearing bushes are fixed, in which bearing pins attached to the floats or to the float-holding connecting beams engage rotatably, which form the axis. Such storage is simple to carry out and the material pairing can easily be adapted to the liquid medium, as a result of which the storage life is practically unlimited. Furthermore, the length of the axis is independent of the length of the skimming pan, which leads to a cost reduction.

According to an advantageous further development of the invention, the buoyancy of the liquid medium rotates the empty skimming trough about the axis, as a result of which the inlet edge and the inlet Immerse the sheet below the level of the liquid medium. No additional drive mechanism is therefore required. The skimmer works according to the laws of physical buoyancy and displacement forces. As soon as the gutter of the skimmer pan is empty, it floats and turns the skimmer pan around the axis. The full skimmer pan rotates about the axis counter to the buoyancy force, as a result of which the leading edge protrudes beyond the level of the liquid medium. The resultant interplay between immersing and immersing the leading edge in the liquid medium guarantees a drive-free mechanism. The groove is filled when immersed. The filled gutter causes the immersion. After the gutter has been emptied, the buoyancy forces again cause immersion and thus filling. This constellation ensures that the skimmer is functioning safely, is drive-free and therefore inexpensive.

The immersion depth of the inlet ante varies depending on the type of liquid medium to be accommodated. Furthermore, the skimming tank should be prevented from overturning so that only properly run in liquid medium runs off. Therefore, preferably an immersion stop attached to the skimmer trough limits the immersion and an immersion stop attached to the skimmer trough limits the exhaustion of the skimmer, both the immersion stop and the exchange stop interacting with at least one of the connecting cross members connecting the floats and / or the floats . In order not to have to provide a separate skimmer or skimmer pan for each liquid medium to be skimmed, the immersion stop and / or the swapping stop is expediently adjustable. This means that the skimmer can be used for media of different consistencies.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the plunge stop and / or the plunge stop or the elements interacting with them are designed to be elastic. The skimming is then braked elastically with or without a medium. Another advantage of this configuration is noise reduction.

The buoyancy force influences the filling volume of the channel and therefore also the rapid sequence of the working cycles. In order to make this variable, according to a further development of the invention, the buoyancy force can be adjusted via a trimming system arranged on the skimming pan. In order to achieve a sufficient effect with a simple design, the trim system preferably consists of a trim weight receptacle running transversely to the axis and an adjustable trim weight.

In order that the skimming pan can be assembled with only a few assembly operations, the trim weight holder is expediently attached to the immersion stop or to the immersion stop. This also results in the assembly of the one Beat a better handling, because it is a large easy-to-use part together with the trim weight.

According to a development of the invention, the drain of the skimming trough comprises at least one drain hose attached to the trough via a trough hole. Due to the drain hose connected downwards and leading away, no further support of the drain situation is required.

The weight of the drain hose attached to the skimmer pan should not exert a great influence on the processes of immersion and immersion. The gutter hole is therefore expediently provided in the corner region between the inner wall and a gutter bottom of the gutter. This allows the liquid medium to drain out of the channel completely.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the center of the gutter hole is located approximately in the center of the corner area, a semicircle being unlatched from the gutter bottom and a rectangle being unclipped from the inner wall, and a rectangularly cut tube to which the drain hose is attached covers the gutter hole. These measures ensure that the liquid medium flows away quickly from the channel, since there is a large inlet cross section. With the selected shape of the channel hole, there is still no vortex which would impair the outflow rate.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the drain of the skimming trough comprises at least one immersed suction pipe with a drain hose connected to it. Here, too, the weight of the drain does not have a negative effect on the rotary movements of the skimming pan. The skimming pan is easy to seal. There are no additional connection points, over the elements of which the drain hose would have to be attached. So that the channel can be emptied quickly, the suction tube preferably has a large number of tube holes distributed over its circumference.

During extraction, the extracted liquid media can also be separated. This takes place according to the density of the media, that is, according to the height at which they float. In order to achieve this, according to an advantageous development of the invention, two suction pipes connected to separate drain hoses are immersed in the channel, the pipe holes being arranged at the bottom in one suction pipe and the pipe holes being arranged at the top in the other suction pipe. It is expedient to first aspirate the medium floating above and then the medium present below.

In order to obtain a rough separation of the liquid medium into its components before suction or drainage, overflow weirs and / or underflow weirs are installed in a further embodiment in the channel and or in the feed plate.

The suction pipes immersed in the gutter and the associated drain hoses are to be held in such a way that they do not hinder the run. Thus, the channel with its inner wall, its outer wall and / or its side walls must not come into contact with the drain pipe, its holder or the drain hose. A tube frame carrying the suction tubes is therefore expediently provided on the floats and / or the connecting cross members connecting the floats. A simple holding of the elements necessary for the drain is possible on the tubular frame. Access is possible at any time without lifting the skimmer from the liquid.

The rough separation of the liquid medium with simultaneous complete emptying of the channel results in a high degree of efficiency per skimming process. In the case of a separate outflow, it is important that the medium which has flowed into the channel has settled before the outflow takes place. This is easy to control via the suction pipe, since the suction can only be started after a certain time. In order to obtain this increase in quality also in the case of drainage via the drain pipe, in which at the same time it is possible to draw conclusions about the amount drained off, in an advantageous further development a striking plate closing the channel hole is attached to the pipe frame, the floats or the connecting cross members.

The channel hole can also be closed and opened automatically by rotating the skimmer pan about its axis. As a result, the skimming device does not require any additional units which monitor the position of the skimming pan and, analogously, control the striking plate. Therefore, according to a development of the invention, the channel hole is through the The striking plate is closed when the inlet edge is below the level of the liquid medium, and the striking plate releases the gutter hole when the skimming pan tilts around its axis and the inlet ante emerges from the level of the liquid medium. The effects of the physical buoyancy and displacement forces which act on the skimming pan are thus used twice.

Furthermore, a rake is preferably provided on the inlet edge of the skimming pan. The medium flowing into the skimmer is already selected by the rake. This means, for example, that large contaminants which would impair the function cannot flow in.

If it is desired that only medium floating on the surface can flow into the skimmer, the computer still has inflow openings which are open at the top. If, on the other hand, only floating medium is to flow in and the medium floating on the surface is to be retained, then, according to an alternative embodiment, the computer has a closed upper edge and detects from the upper edge Inlet openings spaced at the bottom.

It may be necessary to change the total immersion depth of the skimmer in the liquid. This can be the case if, for example, measuring instruments have been added or actuating instruments have been removed. According to a further advantageous embodiment The invention is therefore attached to the float and / or the connecting cross members at least one secondary float. The size of the secondary float is designed in accordance with the buoyancy to be achieved, so that after the secondary float is removed, the skimmer dips deeper and, after adding, floats higher.

However, it is cumbersome to always replace the secondary float depending on the desired immersion depth. It is easier to always leave the secondary float on the skimmer and conveniently attach it to the float and / or the connecting crossbar in a height-adjustable manner.

The attachment and adjustment of the secondary float to the float should be easy to carry out, and the secondary float should continue to remain in the skimmer after loosening. At least one ring surrounding the float is therefore preferably attached to the secondary float, wherein the position of the secondary float relative to the float is arranged on the ring.

The adjusting means arranged on the ring are preferably screws distributed around the circumference of the ring, with which the ring and thus the secondary float are fixed to the float. No special tools are required for the adjustment, and the clamping force is distributed over the circumference of the float. The actuators immersed in the liquid are exposed to increased corrosion. Furthermore, it is cumbersome to use the actuating means that are below the liquid level. In order to also ensure a balance of the skimmer, the two secondary floats should be adjusted simultaneously. Therefore, the adjusting means on the ring is preferably a truss stand which is acted on by an adjusting mechanism which adjusts both secondary floats.

Depending on the surface movement and deposits on the skimmer, the skimmer is immersed at different depths. An optimal work result of the skimmer can, however, only be achieved with a constant immersion depth. A level sensor that measures the immersion depth is therefore preferably attached to at least one of the floats, and the result of the measurement of the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the secondary floats. The skimming device thus automatically adapts to the influences acting on it without visual observation being necessary at all times.

If the surface of the liquid in which the skimmer floats is very large, it is no longer possible to work properly. A wave sensor therefore expediently detects the surface movements of the liquid medium, by means of the measurement result of which the adjusting mechanism adjusts the position of the secondary floats, influences the position of the striking plate associated with the channel hole and / or limits the angle through which the skimming pan swings. This measure makes it possible to influence all factors relating to the function.

Actuators are preferably provided on the skimmer, which influence the adjustment mechanism, the striking plate and the swivel limitation. This ensures largely automatic operation of the skimmer.

The actuators are inexpensively designed if standardized components are used. To achieve this, the actuator for the adjustment mechanism is expediently a cylinder acting on a scissor drive. The use of inexpensive standardized components is also provided for the use of all elements which act on the pivoting movement. The actuator for the swiveling limitation is preferably a cylinder which adjusts the trim weight and / or a drive which controls the swiveling movement of the skimming pan. In addition to a cylinder, a stepping motor can also be used to control the pivoting movement, which has a small size for this purpose.

Sensitive components must be protected from moisture and dirt. The actuators must be provided with the energy required to exercise them. In order to avoid a great deal of effort to protect these sensitive components and to provide the energy in the vicinity of the actuator, an evaluation unit, an actuator and / or an energy store is preferably provided in or on at least one of the floats. An undesirable swell should not unduly influence the function of the skimmer. The waves are to be weakened before they are skimmed off. In one embodiment of the invention, this is achieved by secondary floats attached to the floats and / or the connecting crossbars, which at least partially extend into the longitudinal region of the skimming trough. The waves acting on it are broken, and nevertheless enough medium to be skimmed off can reach the skimming pan directly.

In order that the skimming devices do not become too large and a large width can nevertheless be blocked off with skimming devices, a composite system of several skimming devices is expediently combined to form a skimming chain. The combination also takes place by bringing the outflows together, which can be carried out in or above the liquid. Seamless skidding is possible by staggered skimming devices.

A stationary use of installed skimming devices, which are connected to form a skimming chain, is advantageous where liquid medium is constantly being generated and must be skimmed off. For example, use in front of river weirs, behind industrial plants, in recycling plants in which mixtures are separated into their constituents, and similar plants are conceivable. However, if the liquid to be skimmed hits a large area, such as a lake or sea, the skimming devices combined into a skimming chain are preferably integrated into a towing device. The skimmed-off liquid is taken up by accompanying tankers on which a further separation of the liquid is carried out.

The idea on which the invention is based is explained in more detail in the following description using several exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the drawing. It shows :

1 shows a section through a container with a skimmer according to the invention floating on a liquid,

2 is a plan view of the skimmer according to FIG. 1 in the direction of arrow II,

3 shows a section through the skimmer according to FIG. 1, in the direction of the arrows III-III, in an enlarged representation and in the drain position,

4 shows a section according to FIG. 3 in the inlet position,

5 shows an illustration of the detail V according to FIG. 3, 6 is a partial section through FIG. 3 in the direction of arrows VI-VI,

7 shows a section through the floats according to FIG. 1 in the direction of arrows VII-VII in an enlarged representation,

8 shows a section through a container with an alternative skimmer according to the invention floating on a liquid,

Fig. 9 shows a section through the skimmer according to

8, in the direction of arrows IX-IX, in an enlarged view and in the drain position,

10 shows a section according to FIG. 9 with various alternative designs, FIG. 11 shows a view of the leading edge according to FIG.

10 in the direction of arrow XI, FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the leading edge according to FIG. 11,

13 shows a section through an alternative embodiment of a skimmer in the drain position,

14 shows a section through the skimmer according to FIG. 13 in the feed position, 15 is a view of a skimmer floating in a liquid with alternative additives,

16 is a plan view of the skimmer according to FIG. 15 in the direction of arrow XVI and

17 shows a plan view of an alternative skimmer.

Contaminated liquid flows into a container 1, the contamination of which settles on the surface 2. The skimmer 3 floats freely on the surface 2 in the container 1, which has a drain 4 which passes through the container wall 5. The drain 4 consists of a flexible drain hose 6, which is attached to the pipe socket 8 with hose clips 7. On the container side, the pipe socket 8 passes through the container bore 9 in a sealed manner. The skimmed medium flowing out of the container neck 8 is further processed in a system, not shown. The pipe socket 8 on the side of the skimmer 3 has a quick coupling 10, via which the drain 4 from the skimmer 3 is separated. The skimmer 3 has an elongated extension with an essentially rectangular skimmer pan 11. In order for the skimmer 3 to float, floats 12 are attached to it, which always ensure sufficient buoyancy. The floats 12 are located on the narrow sides 13 of the skimmer pan 11, with the floats 12 and skimmer pan 11 being between the narrow sides 13 and the floats 12 connecting axis 14 is arranged. In front of the long sides 15 of the skimming pan 11, connecting cross members 16 are arranged, with which the floats 12 are connected. The distance between the floats 12 is selected so that the skimming is carried out

11 can pivot freely about the axis 14. The connecting cross members 16 are round rods, each of which has a thread 17 at its ends, with which they are screwed into threaded bushings 18, which are welded to the floats 12.

The skimming trough 11 essentially consists of three parts, two identical side walls 19 and a central plate 21 having different axially parallel bends 20. On each of the side walls 19, the float is directed outwards

12 each a bushing 22 welded. A respective bearing journal 23 welded to the float 12 engages in the corresponding bearing bush 22 and forms part of the axis 14. There is sufficient play between the bearing journal 23 and the bearing sleeve 22 in both the radial and axial directions to accommodate one Prevent jamming when the skimmer 3 moves restrictively. The side walls 19 of the skimmer 11 form the shape of a house lying on the side. The middle plate 21 connected to the side walls 19 has approximately an L-shape, the long leg 24 of which ends with the upper edge 25 of the side walls 19. The axis 14 is arranged approximately centrally in relation to the side walls 19 in the horizontal orientation and approximately in the ratio 1: 1.5 in the vertical direction, the smaller part being at the bottom. From the tip 26 of the side wall 19, a run-in plate 28 runs in conformity with the slope 27 a bend 20 forms an inlet edge 29 and from there represents an inlet plate 30 running obliquely inwards and downwards. The short leg 33 of the L-shape of the middle plate 21 represents the outer wall 31 of the skimming trough 11, which runs parallel to the axis 14. The inner wall 32, which runs parallel to the axis 14 and the outer wall 31, is closer to the axis 14, but still on the side to the outer wall 31. The inner wall 32 and the outer wall 31 are connected to the long leg 24 between two bends 20 of the central plate 21, this part being the channel bottom

34 represents a groove 35. Overall, the gutter settles

35 from the inner wall 32, the height of the inner wall 32 corresponding parts of the side walls 19 and the corresponding height of the outer wall 31 together. This results in a shape with a one-sided cross-section for the skimming trough 11, which has the groove 35 lying behind the axis 14 compared to the inlet edge 29. The feed plate 30 extends obliquely upward from the trough 35 up to the inlet edge 29 over the axis 14. The skip pan 11 and thus also the trough 35 are thus closed all round as seen from above.

In a certain position, the skimming pan 11 has to hold liquid medium. This position is shown in FIG. 4. The skimming pan 11 is pivoted clockwise about the axis 14. As a result, the inlet edge 29 comes to lie below the surface 2 of the liquid, and the medium to be absorbed flows via the inlet edge 29 and the inlet plate 30 into the empty channel 35. The inlet plate 30 has an approximately horizontal orientation with a small one Inclination in the direction of the groove 35 in order to facilitate the inflow. In this position, the side walls 19 and the outer wall 31 protrude above the surface 2 of the liquid.

In the position of the skimming trough 11 shown in FIG. 3, skimmed liquid medium is found in the trough 35. As a result, the skimming pan 11 is pivoted counterclockwise about the axis 14, as a result of which, in addition to the side walls 19 looking out from the surface 2 of the liquid and the outer wall 31, the inlet edge 29 also lies above the surface 2. Liquid can thus no longer be skimmed off. This is only possible again after the skimmer 11 has been emptied.

If the skimmer pan 11 is empty (see FIG. 4), the buoyancy force 36 of the liquid acting on it is so great that the skimmer pan 11 is rotated about the axis 14 in a clockwise direction, and the medium to be skimmed over the inlet edge 29 flows into the skimming trough 11 or the groove 35 thereof. As the trough 35 fills, the buoyancy 36 is no longer sufficient to hold the skimming trough 11 in the position shown in FIG. 4. It then turns counterclockwise to the position in Fig. 3.

So that the skimmer 11 does not overturn when rotating, a sliding seat 37 is provided on the outer wall 31, in which an exchange stop 39 and an immersion stop 40 lie between two webs 38. The sliding seat 37 has a threaded hole in the middle, engages in a screw 41 which carries a locking nut 42 on its threaded shaft. The height of the webs 38 between the guides corresponds approximately to the thickness of the immersion stop 39 and the immersion stop 40 taken together. The clear width between the webs 38 is slightly wider than the width of the immersion stop 39 and immersion stop 40, as a result of which the two stops 39, 40 can slide in the guide when the locking nut 42 is loosened. The displacement of the two stops 39, 40 is limited by the elongated holes 101, which they carry in their part lying in the guide and oriented parallel to the outer wall 31 and through which the screw 41 projects. At its end facing the channel bottom 34, the exchange stop 39 has a fold 43 and the immersion stop 40 has a fold 44. The folds 43, 44 are made so long that they reach into the area of the connecting cross member 16 and accommodate it between them . The fold 44 of the immersion stop 40 lies below the connecting cross member 16 and the fold 43 of the immersion stop 39 lies above the connecting cross member 16. If the distance between the folds 43, 44 is changed, the angle by which it changes the skimming pan 11 pivots about the axis 14. For example, if the skimmer 11 is to be immersed deeper, the locking nut 42 is loosened and the immersion stop 40 is moved downward in the direction of the channel bottom 34, and after the desired position has been reached, the locking nut 42 is tightened again. When turning clockwise, the fold 44 of the immersion stop 40 comes to rest later on the connecting cross member 16. The Ab- Schöpf Anne 11 has traveled a larger angle of rotation, and the leading edge 29 is immersed deeper. The rest of the adjustment is carried out analogously.

When the exchange stop 39 and the immersion stop 40 in FIG. 10 are implemented, the folds 43, 44 are each covered with an elastic stopper 45. By means of this stopper 45, on the one hand the angular movement of the skimmer pan 11 is elastically cushioned and on the other hand noise reduction is achieved when the folds 43, 44 are attached to the connecting cross member 16.

A trimming system 46 is arranged above the skimming trough 11. It consists of a round bar 47 bent at right angles, which has an adjusting thread 49 in the area above the skimming trough 11, which at the same time is the trim weight receptacle 50. A connector 48 bent at a right angle runs in the direction of the stops 39, 40 and is arranged on the external exchange stop 39. Thus, when the exchange stop 39 is adjusted, the trim system 46 also changes its position, but this has no effect in the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 13. In the position shown in FIG. 4, the center of gravity of the trimming system 46 changes slightly, which is generally negligible. To avoid this, the trimming system 46 can also be fixed in place, for example on the outer wall 31 of the skimming trough 11. With the trimming system 46, an influence is exerted on the buoyancy force 36, ie an influence is exerted on the point in time at which the skimming pan 11 rotates. Will that If the trim weight 51 located on the trim weight receptacle 50 is shifted more to the right of the axis 14 in the direction of the leading edge 29, the skimmer tilts earlier clockwise until the immersion stop 40 comes into effect. The trimming system 46 extends transversely to the axis 14, and therefore the greatest possible effect on the skimming pan 11 is achieved with a slight adjustment of the trimming weight 51. If the adjustment is to take place more sensitively, the trimming system is arranged obliquely to the axis 14.

In the trough 35 of the skimming trough 11 there is a trough hole 52 to which the drain 4 with the drain hose 6 is connected. The channel hole 52 is arranged in the corner region 54 between the inner wall 32 and the channel bottom 34 delimiting the channel 35 downwards. The center 53 of the gutter hole 52 is located in the corner region 54. The orientation of the axis of the gutter hole 56 is perpendicular to the gutter bottom 34. This position means that a semicircle 55 is notched in the gutter bottom 34 and a rectangle 56 in the inner wall 32. The gutter hole 52 is sealed with a rectangularly cut tube 57, which covers both the semicircle 55 and the rectangle 56. An all-round weld seam extends from the channel bottom 34 via the inner wall 32 to the inlet plate 30. The quick coupling 10 is attached to the pipe 57, via which the drain 4 is connected.

8, 9 and 10, there is a drain 58 from the skimmer 11 only upwards. Therefore, no gutter hole is necessary with this arrangement. Diving into the groove 35 Suction pipe 59, through which the liquid skimmed medium is sucked out of the channel 35. The further removal takes place here via a drain hose 60 connected to the suction pipe 59. In the embodiment according to FIG. 9, there are pipe holes 61 over the entire length of the suction pipe 59, which are distributed over the circumference. In the drain 58 shown in FIG. 10, two separate suction pipes 62, 63 are also assigned two separate drain hoses 64, 65. In the suction pipe 62, the pipe holes 61 are at the top. Thus, the media floating above are sucked off via this suction pipe 62 and transported away via the drain hose 64. In contrast, the tube holes 61 are located at the bottom of the suction tube 63. Here the media floating below are sucked off and transported away via the drain hose 65.

A rough separation is already possible via overflow honor or underflow weirs (not shown) arranged in the trough 35 or the feed plate 30, which further increases the efficiency of the arrangement according to FIG. 10.

The suction pipes 59, 62 and 63 must have a certain fixed position in the channel 35. They must not hinder the rotary movement of the skimming trough 11 about the axis 14. A tubular frame 66 in the form of a bracket is attached to the floats 12. On the tubular frame 66, two ^holders 67 are fastened, which surround the tube 68 of the tubular frame 66. The holders 67 run obliquely in the central region in the direction of the groove 35 and hold the suction pipe 59 or the suction pipes 62 and 63 there. 13 and 14, the outflow takes place as a combination. For this purpose, there is a channel hole 52 in the channel bottom 34, which is enclosed by the tube 57. A suction pipe 59 is immersed in the groove 35 of the skimming trough 11 and held there by a holder 67 fastened to the tube frame 66. There is therefore a combined outflow through the channel hole 52 and the suction pipe 59. As an additional variant, there is a striking plate 69 on the holder 67, which has a closing angle 70 covering the channel hole 52. A striking plate holder 71 is flanged to the holder 67 above the closing angle 70. The arrangement is resilient in such a way that the closing angle 70 lies in the immersion position (FIG. 14) in a sealing manner in front of the channel hole 52 and only releases the channel hole 52 when it changes to the exchange position (FIG. 13).

A rake 72 is attached above the inlet edge 29 of the skimming trough 11 according to FIG. 10. In the lower area, the rake 72 has a U-shape 73 which engages around the end of the middle plate 21 between its legs. The outer leg is higher and has a fold 74 overlapping the leading edge 29, with which the rake 72 is clipped over the leading edge 29. Above the fold 74, the rake sheet 75 of the rake 72 runs parallel to the edge of the side wall 19. The width of the rake 72 is chosen so that it fits exactly between the two side walls 19 of the skimmer 11. The rake 72 according to FIG. 11 has inflow openings 76 which are open at the top in the rake plate 75 and through which the medium floating on the surface in FIG the skimmer 11 can flow in the immersion position. In contrast, the rake 72 according to FIG. 12 has a closed upper edge 77. At a distance from the upper edge 77, inflow openings 78 are provided which are self-contained and have the shape of a rectangle. In the immersion position, only medium that is at the height of the inflow openings 78 can flow through the inflow openings 78.

The floats 12 consist of a central tube section 79, to which float covers 80 are tightly attached at both ends. For better sealing and guiding, the float cover 80 has a bulge 81 which is inserted into the inner diameter 82 of the pipe section 79 and ensures a tight connection. The float 12 is hermetically sealed by an adhesive applied to the bead 81 and the inner diameter 82. The secondary floats 83, which are fastened to the floats 12, are also produced on the same principle. The attachment is carried out with two rings 84 which run around the tube section 79 of the float 12. Supports 85 are attached to the rings 84 and are connected to the secondary floats 83. Adjustment means are embedded in the ring 84, which are designed as three screws 86 offset by 120 ° to one another. The height of the secondary float 83 is fixed to the float 12 via the adjusting means. If the skimmer 3 is to float higher, the secondary floats 83 are immersed deeper into the liquid, and this position is determined by means of the screws 86. true, which exerts greater buoyancy on the entire unit.

15, 16 is a truss stand 87 which is attached to the rings 84. The middle part 88 of the truss stand 87 is rotatably mounted and connected to an adjusting mechanism 90 via an adjusting rod 89. The adjustment mechanism 90 is a scissor drive mounted on a cylinder 91. When the push rod 99 of the cylinder 91 extends, the outer nodes 100 move outwards and the secondary floats 83 are pressed down, as a result of which the skimmer 3 floats higher. The lowering takes place analogously in the opposite direction. 15, 16 on the right-hand side is heavier in weight due to the adjusting mechanism 90, the secondary float 83 is already set lower on this side than on the opposite side. This means that there is always a higher buoyancy.

Level sensors 92 are arranged on the float covers 80 of the floats 12 and are immersed in the liquid with the skimmer 3. The cylinder 91 of the adjustment mechanism 90 is controlled accordingly and the optimum immersion depth is set via the result determined by the level sensors 92.

A wave sensor detects the surface movement of the liquid medium in which the skimmer 3 floats. The world 17 is one of the secondary floats 83 fastened coaxially to a float 12 about the float axis 93. The rotary movement is determined, converted and the measurement result is used for the corresponding adjustment mechanisms.

All measurement results and control commands supplied from outside act on actuators that influence the corresponding elements. An actuator can thus influence the swivel limitation, which can be reduced or enlarged as a result. In addition, influence can be exerted on the automatic process, which in extreme cases means that a drive carries out the pivoting of the skimming trough 11. A cylinder 94, which carries the trim weight 51 on its push rod 95, is fastened in the center of the skimmer 3 according to FIGS. 15, 16. The cylinder 94 can therefore be acted upon by control pulses in order to change the position of the trim weight 51.

An evaluation unit is accommodated in the cavity 96 of the floats 12, which detects the measurement results of the sensors and converts them into control pulses for the actuators. Furthermore, the actuator (drive) for the swiveling limitation of the skimming pan 11 is also accommodated there. For this purpose, the bearing pin 23 is inserted tightly into the float 12 and a positive entrainment is arranged between the bearing pin 23 and the bearing bush 22 (not shown). Furthermore, cavity 96 is ideally suited as an energy store. It is filled with compressed air which is periodically replenished via compressed air supply lines 96. that will. Control lines 97 go from the evaluation unit in the float 12 to the cylinders 91 and 94 and the other actuators.

The secondary float 83, which is attached coaxially to the floats 12, extends in part with its longitudinal extent up to the longitudinal sides 15 of the skimmer pan 11. They thus also serve as breakwaters, so that the surface of the liquid medium in front of the skimmer pan 11 is relatively calm.

The skimming devices 3 are versatile and can also be adjusted in size. When several skimming devices 3 are combined to form a skimming chain, the outflows are combined and transported away by a composite system 98. In the composite system 98 shown in FIG. 15, the drain 4 is held on the floats 12. The connection of the composite system 98 takes place via appropriate couplings, e.g. Pipe swivel joints and quick connections. The skimming chain can be expanded as required. The skimming chains can be used both stationary and as a unit attached to a towing device behind ships.

The skimmer 3 is very versatile. In addition to the use in open waters, the use of smaller units in containers 1 is also conceivable. A wide variety of liquid media can be skimmed off. In addition to environmental protection, use in recycling plants is also possible. Above all where a medium is floating in a liquid, which is at a certain height in the liquid is available, the skimmer 3 can be used. The medium to be skimmed off can be liquid, doughy or solid. In the case of a solid medium, the part of the liquid which was also taken up ensures easy removal.

Claims

claims

Self-floating skimmer which picks up the upper layer from a liquid medium in which it floats, with associated floats and with a drain for the removal of the absorbed medium, characterized in that there are between at least two floats which are at a fixed distance from one another (12) a skimmer pan (11) is pivoted in a limited angle about an axis (14) between the floats (12), the skimmer pan (11) is a gutter (35) receiving the skimmed medium with an associated inlet edge (29 ), and the buoyancy force (36) of the liquid medium acting on the skimming pan (11) acts opposite the leading edge (29) and behind the axis (14).

Self-floating skimmer according to claim 1, characterized in that an inlet plate (30) is provided which extends from the trough (35) and extends over the axis (14) to the inlet edge (29).

Self-floating skimmer according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that an outer wall (31) of the trough (35) and the trough (35) facing away from the axis (14) and parallel thereto terminate laterally. de side walls (19) end above the level of the liquid medium, an inner wall (32) of the channel (35) facing the axis (14) running parallel to it and the inlet plate (30) adjoining the inner wall (32) with the inlet ante (29) in the approximately horizontal state of the inlet plate (30) lie below the level of the liquid medium.

Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that bearing bushes (22) are fastened to the side walls (19) of the trough (35) of the skimmer trough (11), into which bushes (22) are attached (12) or bearing pins (23) arranged on the float (12) holding the connecting crossbeams (16) rotatably engage, which form the axis (14).

Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the buoyancy force (36) of the liquid medim rotates the empty skimmer pan (11) about the axis (14), as a result of which the inlet edge (29) and the inlet plate ( 30) Immerse below the level of the liquid medium.

Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the full skimmer (11) rotates about the axis (14) counter to the buoyancy force (36), as a result of which the inlet edge (29) is above the level of the liquid Medium protrudes.

7. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an immersion stop (40) attached to the scooping pan (11) limits the immersion and an immersion stop (39) limits the immersion of the skimming pan (11), wherein Both the immersion stop (40) and the exchange stop (39) cooperate with at least one of the connecting cross members (16) and / or the swimmers (12) connecting the floats (12).

8. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the immersion stop (40) and / or the exchange stop (39) is adjustable.

9. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the plunge stop (40) and / or the plunge stop (39) or the elements interacting with these are designed to be elastic.

10. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 10, characterized in that the buoyancy (36) is adjustable via a trimming system (46) arranged on the skimmer (11).

11. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 10, characterized in that the trimming system (46) from a transverse to the axis (14) Trim weight holder (50) and an adjustable trim weight (51).

12. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 11, characterized in that the Trimmge¬ weight holder (50) on the immersion stop (40) or on the exchange stop (39) is attached.

13. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 12, characterized in that the drain (4) of the skimming pan (11) at least one over

Gutter hole (52) on the gutter (35) attached drain hose (6) comprises.

14. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 13, characterized in that the Rinnen¬ hole (52) in the corner region (54) between the inner wall (32) and a channel bottom (34) of the channel (35) hen provided is.

15. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the center (53) of the channel hole (52) is located approximately centrally in the corner region (54), a semicircle from the channel bottom (34) ( 55) and a rectangle from the inner wall (32)

(56) is notched, and a rectangularly cut tube (57), to which the drain hose (6) is attached, covers the gutter hole (52).

16. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 13, characterized in that the outflow (4) of the skimming pan (11) at least one suction tube (59) immersed in the trough (35) with a drain hose connected to it (60 ) includes.

17. Self-floating skimmer according to claim 16, characterized by. that the suction pipe (59) has a plurality of pipe holes distributed over its circumference

(61).

18. Self-floating skimmer according to claim 16, characterized in that two suction pipes (62, 63) connected to separate drain hoses (64, 65) are immersed in the trough (35), with one suction pipe (63) the pipe holes (61) are arranged at the bottom and, in the case of the other suction pipe (62), the pipe holes (61) are arranged at the top.

19. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 18, characterized in that in the channel (35) and / or the inlet plate (30) overflow weirs and / or underflow weirs are attached.

20. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that on the floats (12) and / or the connecting crossbeams (16) connecting the floats (12) to the suction pipes

(59, 62, 63) supporting tubular frame (66) is provided.

21. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that a closing plate (69) closing the channel hole (52) on the tube frame (66), the floats (12) or the connecting cross members ( 16) is attached.

22. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 21, characterized in that the Rinnen¬ hole (52) is closed by the striking plate (69) when the inlet edge (29) is below the level of the liquid medium, and that the striking plate (69) releases the gutter hole (52) when the skimming pan

(11) tilts about its axis (14), and the inlet edge (29) emerges from the level of the liquid medium.

23. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that a rake (72) is provided on the leading edge (29) of the skimmer pan (11).

24. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the rake (72) has inflow openings (76) which are still open at the top

25. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the rake (72) has a closed upper edge (77) at the top. sits and has inflow openings (78) spaced downward from the upper edge (77).

26. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 25, characterized in that at least one secondary float (83) is attached to the float (12) and / or the connecting cross members (16).

27. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 26, characterized in that the secondary float (83) is height-adjustable on the float (12) and / or the connecting crossbar (16) attached.

28. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that at least one ring (84) surrounding the float (12) is attached to the secondary float (83), the position on the ring (84) of the secondary float (83) to the float (12) are fixed setting means.

29. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 28, characterized in that the ring

(84) arranged adjusting means on the circumference of the ring

(84) are distributed screws (86) with which the ring

(84) and thus the secondary float (83) on the float

(12) is fixed.

30. Self-floating skimmer according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 28, characterized in that the Stellmit- tel on the ring (84) is a truss stand (87), on which acts an adjusting mechanism (90) which adjusts both secondary floats (83).

31. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that an immersion depth measuring level sensor (92) is attached to at least one of the floats (12), by means of the result of which the adjusting mechanism (90) measures the Position of the secondary float (83) adjusts.

32. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that a wave sensor detects the surface movements of the liquid medium, by means of the measurement result of which the adjusting mechanism (90) adjusts the position of the secondary floats (83), influences the position of the striking plate (69) assigned to the channel hole (52) and / or limits the angle through which the skimmer pan (11) swings.

33. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that actuators are provided which influence the adjusting mechanism (90), the striking plate (69) and the swivel limitation.

34. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that the actuator for the adjusting mechanism (90) is a cylinder (91) acting on a scissors drive.

35. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the actuator for the swiveling limitation has a cylinder (94) which adjusts the trim weight (51) and / or a drive which controls the swiveling movement of the skim (11) is.

36. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that an evaluation unit, an actuator and / or an energy store is provided in or on at least one of the floats (12).

37. Floating skimming apparatus according to one of Ansprü¬ che 1 to 36, characterized in that the float (12) and / or the connecting members (16) Sekundär¬ float-mounted (83) se least teilwei ^¬ in the longitudinal region of the skimming trough (11) reach into it.

38. Self-floating skimming device according to one of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that a composite system (98) connects several skimming devices to form a skimming chain.

39. Self-floating skimmer according to one of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that the one Skimming chain combined skimming devices (3) are installed stationary.

40. Self-floating skimming device according to one of claims 1 to 39, characterized in that the skimming devices (3) connected to form a skimming chain are integrated in a towing device.