EP0825906B1 - Method and device for treating ducts - Google Patents

Method and device for treating ducts Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0825906B1
EP0825906B1 EP96912022A EP96912022A EP0825906B1 EP 0825906 B1 EP0825906 B1 EP 0825906B1 EP 96912022 A EP96912022 A EP 96912022A EP 96912022 A EP96912022 A EP 96912022A EP 0825906 B1 EP0825906 B1 EP 0825906B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
jet nozzle
duct
source
nozzle
arms
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
EP96912022A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0825906A1 (en
Inventor
Edouard Jean François PIGUILLET
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.)
Piguillet and Zonen VoF
Original Assignee
Piguillet and Zonen VoF
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 Piguillet and Zonen VoF filed Critical Piguillet and Zonen VoF
Publication of EP0825906A1 publication Critical patent/EP0825906A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0825906B1 publication Critical patent/EP0825906B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/043—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
    • B08B9/0433—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes provided exclusively with fluid jets as cleaning tools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/049—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes, i.e. self-propelled
    • B08B9/0495—Nozzles propelled by fluid jets

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for treating ducts, for instance cleaning thereof, in particular a duct for ventilation, comprising the steps of:
  • an underpressure is generated in the duct system an a jet nozzle connected to a source of fluid is transported through the duct.
  • the jet nozzle can be connected for instance to a source of pressurized air. With the powerful air jet accumulated dirt in the duct is loosened and removed from the duct system by means of the underpressure. The jet nozzle is moved forward in the duct for cleaning due to the thrust of the outflowing pressurized air.
  • Such a jet nozzle is known from EP-A-0 077 562.
  • the invention provides a solution herefor in that during moving said jet nozzle, said nozzle is kept roughly in the centre of the cross-sectional area of the duct by said propelling means.
  • a device for performing the method as stated above comprises a jet nozzle with a rotor part and a stator part and connecting means on the jet nozzle for connection to a source of pressurized fluid and means to propel said jet nozzle by means of a reaction thrust, said device being characterized in that said propelling means are formed by radially protruding flexible hollow arms connected to said source of pressurized fluid. These arms strike with their end part against the wall of the duct and centre the jet nozzle roughly in the centre of the duct.
  • the flexible arms preferably take a hollow form and are connected to the connecting means for the fluid. In this manner pressurized air is for instance also directed through the hollow arms to the corners of the duct, so that a sufficient cleaning takes place there also.
  • a second set of arms can be arranged as seen in longitudinal direction at a distance from the first arms so that support at differing mutual distance also takes place in longitudinal direction.
  • USA 5109567 describes a device for cleaning air ducts, wherein a nozzle with radially protruding arms is rotated in the duct.
  • the nozzle is connected to a hose which is pulled through the duct.
  • Flexible spacers hold the rotating nozzle with the arms at a distance from the walls of the duct for cleaning.
  • SU-A-919 768 discloses a device which is self-propelling by means of nozzles 5. By changing the angle of inclination of the jet to the walls cleaning quality is improved. This device does not disclose means for keeping the jet nozzle substantially in the middle of the duct to be cleaned.
  • EP-A-0 274 831 discloses a method for treating the air passage of an air conditioning system by introducing an air-borne mist into the air passage in order to coat the surface of the duct. No means for moving an air jet into the air conditioning system and keeping the jet nozzle substantially in the middle of the duct are disclosed.
  • An air duct system 1 for cleaning comprises a main duct 2 and a number of side ducts, for instance 3, 4. Prior to cleaning, the grid in the side ducts is covered with cover foil 5. The closing member 7 in one of the openings of the main duct is also removed and the opening 6 is connected onto an installation 8 for generating underpressure. Connected to this installation is a discharge device 9 for dust .
  • the cleaning device 11 is placed into the duct through a second small opening 10 in the main duct 2.
  • the device 11 is connected to a source 12 of pressurized air.
  • the device 11 comprises a jet nozzle 13 which is connected via the flexible hose 14 to the pressurized air source 12.
  • Figure 5 shows in detail the construction of the jet nozzle.
  • the jet nozzle is supported by means of flexible arms 15, 16, 17, 18 such that the jet nozzle 13 is situated roughly in the centre of the duct. Due to the thrust of the outflowing pressurized air the jet nozzle is moved in the direction of the arrow 19. Air jets are emitted radially from the jet nozzle as according to arrow 20, whereby the accumulated dirt in the duct is loosened. Due to the underpressure resulting from the device 8 the dirt is sucked out of the duct to the discharge device 9 in the direction of the arrows 21, 22.
  • the radially protruding arms take a hollow form and are connected to the connecting means of the jet nozzle for fluid under pressure, for instance pressurized air. The corners of the duct are hereby also influenced by the outflowing air and thus cleaned adequately.
  • Figure 2 shows a duct of relatively large cross section.
  • Figure 3 shows a duct of considerably smaller cross section. This results in the arms being bent further than in the duct of fig. 2.
  • Figure 4 shows a duct of very limited cross section.
  • a second set of radially protruding arms 23, 24, 25, 26 can be arranged at a distance from the first set of arms 15, 16, 17, 18.
  • the two sets are connected by a connecting member 27 of limited flexibility.
  • the arms can fold over such that the end parts thereof lie in a direction opposed to the position shown in figures 2-4.
  • FIG 5 shows details of the construction of the jet nozzle.
  • the jet nozzle consists of a stationary part 30 and a rotating part 31. Connected to a stationary part 30 are the aforementioned arms 15, 16, 17 and 18.
  • the pressurized air flows in the direction of the arrows through the stator part 30 and the arms 15, 16, 17 and 18. Pressurized air also moves to the rotating part 31.
  • the rotor 31 can be provided with a rotating movement.
  • Figures 6 and 7 show different directions of the outflow channels.
  • the rotating part can be mounted by means of a water bearing as designated with the reference numeral 32 which indicates a groove-like opening between the relevant parts.

Description

The invention relates to a method for treating ducts, for instance cleaning thereof, in particular a duct for ventilation, comprising the steps of:
  • generating an underpressure in said duct, and
  • propelling a jet nozzle by means of a reaction thrust said nozzle being connected to a source of fluid through a hose or the like.
According to a generally known method for cleaning air conditioning ducts, an underpressure is generated in the duct system an a jet nozzle connected to a source of fluid is transported through the duct. The jet nozzle can be connected for instance to a source of pressurized air. With the powerful air jet accumulated dirt in the duct is loosened and removed from the duct system by means of the underpressure. The jet nozzle is moved forward in the duct for cleaning due to the thrust of the outflowing pressurized air.
Such a jet nozzle is known from EP-A-0 077 562.
In this known method the problem arises that the jet nozzle moves forward lying on the bottom of the duct as a consequence of the own weight of the jet nozzle and the connecting member between the source of fluid and the jet nozzle. This results in loss of efficiency, particularly in ducts of larger diameter. It is moreover difficult in this manner to adequately clean the enclosed corners in rectangular ducts.
The invention provides a solution herefor in that during moving said jet nozzle, said nozzle is kept roughly in the centre of the cross-sectional area of the duct by said propelling means.
Owing to this step the distance of the walls to the jet nozzle is to a very large degree the same in all directions, so that a considerable efficiency improvement is achieved.
A device for performing the method as stated above comprises a jet nozzle with a rotor part and a stator part and connecting means on the jet nozzle for connection to a source of pressurized fluid and means to propel said jet nozzle by means of a reaction thrust, said device being characterized in that said propelling means are formed by radially protruding flexible hollow arms connected to said source of pressurized fluid. These arms strike with their end part against the wall of the duct and centre the jet nozzle roughly in the centre of the duct. The flexible arms preferably take a hollow form and are connected to the connecting means for the fluid. In this manner pressurized air is for instance also directed through the hollow arms to the corners of the duct, so that a sufficient cleaning takes place there also.
In order to enhance the stability of the central guiding of the jet nozzle, a second set of arms can be arranged as seen in longitudinal direction at a distance from the first arms so that support at differing mutual distance also takes place in longitudinal direction.
From WO 94/19118 is known a method and device for cleaning air ducts wherein a jet nozzle connected to a source of pressurized air is moved through a duct. The displacement occurs by means of a rigid feed tube, wherein during operation the jet nozzle carries out a swinging movement along the inner wall of the pipe. Such a device is not suitable for cleaning rectangular or square ducts. Because of the uncontrolled movement of the jet nozzle it is moreover uncertain during operation whether all wall parts of the pipe are subjected to the cleaning operation.
From USA 5347677 is known a construction wherein a device for cleaning ducts is used in which a blow-out piece is moved through the duct over wheels or a suitable frame. Air is blown from cleaning elements, wherein the cleaning elements perform a sine-shaped movement through the duct during operation.
USA 5109567 describes a device for cleaning air ducts, wherein a nozzle with radially protruding arms is rotated in the duct. The nozzle is connected to a hose which is pulled through the duct. Flexible spacers hold the rotating nozzle with the arms at a distance from the walls of the duct for cleaning.
SU-A-919 768 discloses a device which is self-propelling by means of nozzles 5. By changing the angle of inclination of the jet to the walls cleaning quality is improved. This device does not disclose means for keeping the jet nozzle substantially in the middle of the duct to be cleaned.
EP-A-0 274 831 discloses a method for treating the air passage of an air conditioning system by introducing an air-borne mist into the air passage in order to coat the surface of the duct. No means for moving an air jet into the air conditioning system and keeping the jet nozzle substantially in the middle of the duct are disclosed.
The invention is further elucidated with reference to the drawings of embodiments.
In the drawing:
  • Figure 1 shows schematically the method according to the invention,
  • Figures 2-4 show details of the method and device according to the invention, and
  • Figures 5-7 show in perspective view with cut-away parts embodiments of the jet nozzle according to the invention.
    • An air duct system 1 for cleaning comprises a main duct 2 and a number of side ducts, for instance 3, 4. Prior to cleaning, the grid in the side ducts is covered with cover foil 5. The closing member 7 in one of the openings of the main duct is also removed and the opening 6 is connected onto an installation 8 for generating underpressure. Connected to this installation is a discharge device 9 for dust . The cleaning device 11 is placed into the duct through a second small opening 10 in the main duct 2. The device 11 is connected to a source 12 of pressurized air. The device 11 comprises a jet nozzle 13 which is connected via the flexible hose 14 to the pressurized air source 12. Figure 5 shows in detail the construction of the jet nozzle.
    As shown in figures 2-4, the jet nozzle is supported by means of flexible arms 15, 16, 17, 18 such that the jet nozzle 13 is situated roughly in the centre of the duct. Due to the thrust of the outflowing pressurized air the jet nozzle is moved in the direction of the arrow 19. Air jets are emitted radially from the jet nozzle as according to arrow 20, whereby the accumulated dirt in the duct is loosened. Due to the underpressure resulting from the device 8 the dirt is sucked out of the duct to the discharge device 9 in the direction of the arrows 21, 22. The radially protruding arms take a hollow form and are connected to the connecting means of the jet nozzle for fluid under pressure, for instance pressurized air. The corners of the duct are hereby also influenced by the outflowing air and thus cleaned adequately.
    Figure 2 shows a duct of relatively large cross section. Figure 3 shows a duct of considerably smaller cross section. This results in the arms being bent further than in the duct of fig. 2.
    Figure 4 shows a duct of very limited cross section.
    These embodiments show that in principle ducts with a wide range of inner diameters can be cleaned in this manner.
    In order to increase stability still further a second set of radially protruding arms 23, 24, 25, 26 can be arranged at a distance from the first set of arms 15, 16, 17, 18. The two sets are connected by a connecting member 27 of limited flexibility.
    It is noted that during withdrawal of the jet nozzle after cleaning, the arms can fold over such that the end parts thereof lie in a direction opposed to the position shown in figures 2-4.
    Figure 5 shows details of the construction of the jet nozzle. The jet nozzle consists of a stationary part 30 and a rotating part 31. Connected to a stationary part 30 are the aforementioned arms 15, 16, 17 and 18. The pressurized air flows in the direction of the arrows through the stator part 30 and the arms 15, 16, 17 and 18. Pressurized air also moves to the rotating part 31. By choosing the inclination of the outflow channels in a suitable manner, the rotor 31 can be provided with a rotating movement. Figures 6 and 7 show different directions of the outflow channels. The rotating part can be mounted by means of a water bearing as designated with the reference numeral 32 which indicates a groove-like opening between the relevant parts.

    Claims (5)

    1. Method for treating the inside of a duct, in particular a duct for ventilation, comprising the steps of:
      generating (8) an underpressure in said duct, and
      propelling a jet nozzle (13) by propelling means providing a reaction thrust (15, 16, 17, 18) said nozzle being connected to a source of fluid through a hose or the like, characterized in that during moving said jet nozzle, said nozzle (13) is kept roughly in the centre of the cross-sectional area of the duct by said propelling means (15, 16, 17, 18).
    2. Method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the jet nozzle (13) and said propelling means (15, 16, 17, 18) as well are connected to a source (12) of pressurized air.
    3. Method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the jet nozzle (13) and said propelling means (15, 16, 17, 18) as well are connected to a source (12) of pressurized air and coating material.
    4. Device for performing the method as claimed in claims 1-3, comprising a jet nozzle (13) with a rotor part (31) and a stator part (30) and connecting means on the jet nozzle for connection to a source of pressurized fluid and means (15, 16, 17, 18) to propel said jet nozzle (13) by means of a reaction thrust, characterized in that said propelling means are formed by radially protruding flexible hollow arms (15, 16, 17, 18) connected to said source of pressurized fluid (13).
    5. Device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that as seen in longitudinal direction, second roughly radially directed flexible arms (23, 24, 25, 26) are arranged at at distance from said hollow arms.
    EP96912022A 1995-05-19 1996-04-17 Method and device for treating ducts Expired - Lifetime EP0825906B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (4)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    NL1000399A NL1000399C2 (en) 1995-05-19 1995-05-19 Method and device for treating channels.
    NL1000399 1995-05-19
    PCT/EP1996/001635 WO1996036445A1 (en) 1995-05-19 1996-04-17 Method and device for treating ducts
    GB9713692A GB2326685A (en) 1995-05-19 1997-06-27 Nozzle for cleaning ducts

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0825906A1 EP0825906A1 (en) 1998-03-04
    EP0825906B1 true EP0825906B1 (en) 1999-06-30

    Family

    ID=26311808

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP96912022A Expired - Lifetime EP0825906B1 (en) 1995-05-19 1996-04-17 Method and device for treating ducts

    Country Status (9)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP0825906B1 (en)
    CN (1) CN1094800C (en)
    CA (1) CA2221385A1 (en)
    GB (1) GB2326685A (en)
    GR (1) GR3031221T3 (en)
    NL (1) NL1000399C2 (en)
    NO (1) NO975279D0 (en)
    NZ (1) NZ306453A (en)
    WO (1) WO1996036445A1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (7)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    ES2157711B1 (en) * 1998-02-27 2002-03-01 Vilarasau Alegre M Teresa DEVICE FOR CLEANING AIR DUCTS.
    US6269519B1 (en) 1999-10-15 2001-08-07 Esteam Manufacturing Ltd. Duct cleaning device
    FI108408B (en) * 1999-11-23 2002-01-31 Lifa Iaq Ltd Oy Air conditioning and other duct cleaning equipment
    GB2384841B (en) * 2002-01-30 2003-12-17 Hamish Charles Gregor Mulliner Pipe cleaning tool
    GB0722467D0 (en) * 2007-11-16 2007-12-27 Fastflow Pipeline Services Ltd Apparatus for cleaning an interior of a pipe
    CN102580961B (en) * 2012-02-03 2013-11-13 重庆大学 Air duct cleaning device
    CN106391602A (en) * 2016-11-22 2017-02-15 天津中化洁安科技有限公司 Air jet cleaning structure of special air conditioner pipeline sweeping robot

    Family Cites Families (12)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US4073302A (en) * 1977-01-18 1978-02-14 Jones Thomas E Cleaning apparatus for sewer pipes and the like
    US4206313A (en) * 1978-05-30 1980-06-03 S. D. Meo Pipe cleaning nozzle
    SU919768A1 (en) * 1980-03-18 1982-04-15 Белорусский Конструкторско-Технологический Институт Городского Хозяйства Apparatus for cleaning pipeline inner surface
    US4780333A (en) * 1986-12-29 1988-10-25 Ford Motor Company Method for treatment of air conditioning system
    US5109567A (en) * 1991-04-29 1992-05-05 Steamatic, Inc. Duct air sweeper
    GB2282429B (en) * 1992-05-26 1996-02-14 Bruce James Lake Duct cleaning devices
    US5438720A (en) * 1992-09-16 1995-08-08 Daneshvar; Yousef Toe protector and related devices
    US5438729A (en) * 1992-12-28 1995-08-08 Powell; Samuel O. Apparatus for cleaning air ducts
    US5347677A (en) * 1993-02-12 1994-09-20 Prentice William H Apparatus for cleaning isolated surfaces
    SE9300645L (en) * 1993-02-26 1994-08-27 Johan Faxon Method and apparatus for cleaning pipelines
    US5369834A (en) * 1994-05-17 1994-12-06 Groen; Douglas D. Rotary duct cleaning brush device
    WO1996034706A1 (en) * 1995-05-05 1996-11-07 Jan Olofsson A method for cleaning pipelines in ventilating systems

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    NL1000399C2 (en) 1996-05-07
    CN1094800C (en) 2002-11-27
    CN1184441A (en) 1998-06-10
    NO975279L (en) 1997-11-18
    GR3031221T3 (en) 1999-12-31
    EP0825906A1 (en) 1998-03-04
    WO1996036445A1 (en) 1996-11-21
    NZ306453A (en) 1998-09-24
    NO975279D0 (en) 1997-11-18
    GB2326685A (en) 1998-12-30
    CA2221385A1 (en) 1996-11-21
    GB9713692D0 (en) 1997-09-03

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