EP0948423A1

EP0948423A1 - Nozzles fitted on bar mechanism for treating steel surfaces

Info

Publication number: EP0948423A1
Application number: EP97926156A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ilias Antonaros
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-06-21
Filing date: 1997-06-20
Publication date: 1999-10-13
Also published as: GR1002685B; AU3103397A; WO1997048527A1

Abstract

The metallic surfaces (17-47) will be cleaned either with water blast or with sand/grit blast, or with both of them. A crane-carrying vehicle will be provided (1) (35-43-40-51) with retracting arms (2) and one cabin (6) on the extremity of the arms where is fitted, at the lower, front, starboard and portside, a steel-made bar (7) the shape of which will correspond to the surface being cleaned up. The bar will be provided with a big number of guns (8) (waterblast) or of nozzles-injectors (8) (sand/grit blast-painting) of varying bores, as the case may be. Also, it will be possible to be fitted, as an alternative, in the place of the guns or of the nozzles-injectors, turning discs (8.20-21-22-23-24-25-26-27-28) which will be, in turn, fitted with nozzles or guns, as the case may be. The entire system will hydraulically, robot-electrically, mechanically or hydropneumatically clean up very quickly big areas (17-47). There will also be provided a system or a compressed air system (water shot) (11) or a compressed air (11) and mortar suction system (sand/grit blast), water (waterblast) (12-13-14-15-16. The sand/grit blasting bottle (29) will be with less hoses (1) at the outlet 54 of 1,5'' up to 3'' in diameter. The painting of the paint pump (30) will be of higher output and discharge rate. The drums of paint (32) will lend easier the carriage of paints. There will also be provided a plate (31) which will accept, through an automatic operation, from 1 to 10 cables. The cranes (35-51) will be provided with a first aid box, a stretcher, fire protection and elevator (44).

Description

NOZZLES FITTED ON BAR MECHANISM FOR TREATING STEEL SURFACES

This idea is applicable for the removal of paint, rust and for repainting all the metallic surfaces, such as the surfaces of ships (17-47), dry-docks floating docks, petroleum products tanks, industrial installations, fuel oil installations (17) and metallic bars; that is, it can be widely used in a wide spectrum of metallic surfaces.

So far, the cleaning of such metallic surfaces (sand/grit blasting-water- blasting) is realized with the use of a hose, which is fitted, on one of its extremities, with one special nozzle, which is operated by the mechanic- sand/grit blast operator, from which the sand is discharged under pressure.

The pressure that such a mechanic can resist-under normal conditions- is up to 7-8 bars. Therefore, the work that he can offer per every man- hour is of a limited extent. Up until recently, a hose required the attendance of one operator-mechanic the job of whom was to fill up with sand the sand container to which is connected the other extremity of the sand/grit blasting hose. Today, it is possible, on account of the technical improvements, to be connected to many sand/grit blasting hoses to one large capacity sand/grit tank, of approximately 5 tons weight at the same time. That is, one work for the removal of rust with the aid of sand/grit blast calls for the employment-in case of 6 hoses:

7-8 persons, that is 2 operators-mechanics and 6 operators-sand/grit blast mechanics. The cleaning work that they produce amounts to approximately 300 m2 within 10 man-hours.

With the proposed patent, the 6 hoses are replaced by only one hose, with a diameter 1,5" to 3"; the hose will be fitted with an automatic sand control system (54) and with another automatic system (55) which will allow to the operator to stop the sand flow with the aid of an on-off control lever (56). The 7-8 persons are replaced by 2. 1ST ALTERNATIVE

Up to today, the painting consisted of an airless package with two painting lines of which the extremities are fitted the injectors. Its operation called for three persons; a worker at the pump to supply it with paint and two painters for the painting operation.

With the proposed patent, there will be provided an airless package (30) which will be of higher power and discharge rating. It will accommodate an air pressure from 5 to 8,5 bars 28 cycles/minute, 200-300 bar from an air hose 1" to 1,5" diameter. The hose will be provided midway with coils which will be heated either electrically or with steam in order to warm up the air before it reaches the spray nozzle; in this way the operation head will not freeze and operate more efficiently. On the underside of the pump's suction head will be ftted a hose, 1,5 to 3 m. long, 1 1/2" -1,5" diameter; such pipe will be immersed in the drum (32) with the paint or any other oily substance. The drum (32) will be provided with two holes for fitting a mixer to stir the contents of the drum (32) and one hole for the inflow of the paint

On the upper side of the pump that the paint will be flowing will be fitted a cable 1-1 1/4" and on the cable will be fitted a plate (31) which will in turn be provided at its outlet with ten cables which will terminate and be screwed onto the bar 7 and on the burners 8.

2ND ALTERNATIVE

The one end of the painting cable, 1" or 1 1/4", will be fitted on the outlet of the paint pump (30) and the other end will be fitted on turning discs. At the point of contact of the one end of the cable and of the diiscs 8-27- 28-26-8-20-21-22-23-24 & 25 will be fitted an on-off ball valve, either automatic or manual (hand or foot operated) for the better painting operation.

The paints coming to the worksite will be in drums (32) for a better protection and prevention of loss of paints, as well as their easier carriage. In this way, we are spared of multiple wages and cost of paint. The drums with the paint will be provided on top with two holes to allow for the mixer to be fitted for stirring the paint as well as the hose 1-1 1/2" for the inflow of the paint.. Also, the paint drums will be of various sizes.

The water-blast, that is the procedure for cleaning the aforementioned surfaces, will from now on with presurized water of a discharge rate of at least 240 It. /min., and will be performed by four high pressure guns up to

650 bars, which is operated by a specialized mechanic-waterblast mechanic and an operator of the water-blast pump. The uppermost limit performance rate, of the above two mechanics, is 800 m2 in ten manhours.

In other words, under the existing conditions, the water blast is actually a preparation or a preliminary stage o the sand/grit blast or, most usually, it is by itself a substitute of the rust removal, of cleaning for repainting metallic surfaces. For both types of cleaning, it is necessary to provide scaffolds (staging) on the surfaces being cleaned, to enable the mechanic to reach higher points of the surfaces being cleaned to carry through his work, a fact which alone implies a multitude of manhours required for setting up the scaffolds, as well as an increased probability for a labor accident to happen.

This invention consists of the existence of water-blast, sand/grit blast, or to a combination of waterblast-sand/grit blast, which consists of one crane-carrying revolving, heavy-duty vehicle (1-51-35-49-43-35) with hydro-pneumatically or mechanically or pneumatic retracting arms (2), on top of which a cab-operating lever will be fitted, the so-called cabin (6) will be fitted, at its rear side, with a gear-wheel system (34-33) for the stability of the system (6, 9,11, 10, 7, 8, 12, 13 & 14), the 6 system being also held with wirerope, with unbreakable glass (9) to enable the worker who is within it to attend to the work At a distance of 2 meters in front, below and on the sides, from the unbreakable glass panel -9- will be fitted an added-on, detachable, as the case may be, steel-made bar (7) of varying designs, depending upon the form of the metallic surface being cleaned. The said steel-made bar will be fitted with a system in front of the cabin (6), which will be moving towards all directions. Hence, the

5 system will be directed hydropneumatically or mechanically or apneumatically or robot-electrically, depending upon each case. The above system can consist also of many metallic small bars -7- fitted to the arm -2- which is located at the rear and undrneath of the cabin (6). For the water-blast, respectively, guns (8) will be fitted onto the bar,

1° within purpose-built recesses, of various bores, depending upon every case, while for the sand/grit blasting and the painting will be fitted eight injectors of various bores, depending, again, upon every case. In this detached bar or bars it will possible to fit, instead of guns (8), turning discs (small trays) (25) 8-26-28-27-21-22-24-20-23 and upon them will be

15 fitted the nozzles -8- (small guns -8-or injectors) (8); up today, the number of injectors of the waterblast (turning discs) was up to 6, while with the said patent it is increased to more than six. with a gradient towards the upper side or the lower side, so as with their inclination they assist the rotation of the disc, or the system can be mechanically,

|0 hydraulicaily or robot-electrically or pneumatically powered. The number of the nozzles of the disc can range from two to an unlimited extent. Also, the small guns or nozzles or injectors, can be of varying bores (in inches) depending upon the surface being cleaned up. These nozzles will intersect the turning disc either perpendicularly (20) or crosswise (21) or

25 in double or multiply perpendicular (22), (23), or with a parallel layout under an angle (24). The supporting machines (11), (15) (waterblast- painting pumps-machines) will be of much higher horsepower and rating than the conventional ones; and they exercise pressures of approximately, for the waterblast, on the one hand, of over 800 bars,

30 water output of over 240 It./min. and for the waterblast, on the other hand, of over 8 bars. Also, for the waterblast works will be used, as an alternative, sea-water or fresh water. In the middle of the hose supplying the pump with water, coils will be provided, in which the water will flow and on the outside the coils will be cooled with freezing system of high capacity to allow for the water to be immediately cooled; in this way, the water being driven by the pump wll not be allowed to get warm as it was the practice up to now avoiding thus any wear and tear to the pump and the rubbers terminging to the guns 8. The guns -8- will from now on be operating with a worm system for spinnig the water flow to increase its speed. Midway of the worm system-on the outside- and the extremity of the gun there will be fitted ball bearings (40) of different forms (oval, ball, bitel etc). Midway of the two guns will be provided a injector (8) fitted on the steel-made bar (7). The sand-grit injector 8 will be 2 or 3 cm below the water level so as the water provides grit-blasting and sand blasting with a pressure of over 1500 bar and attain a better efficienty of cutting metallic, stone, ores etc.

It is also explained that during the waterblast works, there will be provided above the bar -7- the guns -8- or the injectors -8- or the turning discs 26-8-26-28-27-21-22-24-20-23, air-renewal machines (11), which will transmit an air pressure to clean up the atmosphere from the mist which will be created by the pressurized water, to allow the sand/grit blast operator to have good visibility. During the sand/grit blasting work there will be provided the same air-renewal machines (11), but additionally a suction machine will be fitted underneath (13-15), in the form of a big, oblong funnel (12), which will receive the sand and water through a pipe (14), and will collect it in a big tank (16). In this way, the sand and the water are recycled, the sand and water are prevented from being dispersed, as was done so far and, at the same time, the atmosphere's pollution is prevented.

it is pointed out that the area stretching from the unbreakable glass 9 panel of the cabin -6- to the surface 17-47 being cleaned will be covered peri-cyclically by thin plating, and on the edges of the platings which will be adjoining the surface being cleaned, will be fitted side protecting items (10) made of plastic material-bellows- 0,5-1,00 m long, as well as sponge¬ like surfaces (bellows) for the thorough watertightening of the surface to be cleaned. It is pointed out that the crane-carrying vehicle (1-51-35-49-43-) will either be resting on the ground (3) , or onto the barge (4), dry-dock or floating dock, when it is required to clean the metallic surface from the seaside (5). As an alternative, the above description can be used for cleaning up level surfaces (floorings, decks, bottom platings). In this case, however, the steel-made bar (7) or the steel-made bars (18), (19) will be fitted on an arm 2 which will be located below, above, on the right and leftside of the the cabin (26), (27), (28).

All the discs and the guns (8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28) will be fitted with injectors (8) or (A-A) and will be operating with system of separate output of sand/grit to prevent contact of sand and water and avoid clogging of injector hole (8). All the discs will supply line (45) which will suction the sand, rust etc which will terminate to the item 14, 15, 16. The entire mechanism of the disc, in the middle of the trunk, inside, will be fitted with ball bearings of ball, bitel etc form (40) a gear (39) for the mechanical operation, as well as, on the top and bottom side, will be fitted impellers ( 41). The impellers have the quality, under the air pressure that will accept, to rotare the disc. Or, a worm system will be fitted. For the works in which the discs will be operating without the bar (7) there will be fitted, underneath the disc, wheels (42), with a system either cyclical or square. For the sealing intended to protect the environment as from pollution, will be fitted plastic, spongous materials (10), as well as, on the outside, the system (11). Also, the system (12) and (13) & (14) (15) (16) which wili apply on the item (45). For the cleaning of the loading tanks (ballast, top side tanks and all the enclosed areas,, as well as the distilleries installations, will be fitted turning buckets (46) or conveyors (48) with pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical electrial or hydro-pneumatic motors for cleaning up sediments, rusts etc.

On the surface of the ship (47) will be fitted silos (36) and underneath will be provided hopper (37). With this system, are reduced the labour wages..

The usefulness of the invention consists of, and concerns, four problems of the industrial application in question (cleaning of metallic surfaces and of any other works):

A) Reduction of labor accidents: With the new crane-carrying machine (1,51-35-49-43), any and all kinds of scaffolds are dispensed with: and, especially, with the new control lever, located within the protective cabin (6) the probabilities of a labor accident will be eliminated as well as a bucket and an elevator 44..

B) Reduction of the environmental pollution: If we make the assumption that an area of 5,000 m2 is to be cleaned with waterblast and sand/grit blast, the said area after being waterblasted and cleaned up, in the sand/grit blasting that will follow, the quantity of sand to be required will not be more than 50-100 tons; up to date, however, with this procedure, there are required more than 300 tons. Therefore, the mortar which is created with the sand/grit blasting is less and, as a consequence, there is less atmospheric pollution. The air-renewal system will also help reduce the pollution; in particular: Compressed air system (water blast) and a compressed air and a system for drawing the mortar sand/grit blasting (12), (13), (14), (15) (16), (11), 6-10-11-45. C) Reduction of the duration of the work being carried out:

With today's facts and the existing conventional systems, in the case of the foregoing example the duration of the cleaning operation ranges from 15 to 18 days, while with the presented invention (waterblast and sand/grit blast system) the painting time required for carrying through the cleaning operation in question is hardly more than 5 days.

D) Reduction of cost: With the existing sand/grit blasting system and taking the same example for the completion of the cleaning work there are required: (the measures are given in the maximum possible approximation, but they are indicative of the difference) 300 tons of sand, 1,200,000 for fuel-oils, 250 labor wages and at least 15 working days. With the proposed invention the corresponding figures are changed as follows: 50-100 tons of sand, 800,000 GRD for fuel oils, 40 labor wages, and 3 working days as a maximum. The above advantages stated under A) B) and C) will be observed to the maximum possible extent, when the steel-made bar (7) will be fitted with turning discs (8-20-21-22-23-24-25- 26-27-28) and the latter will be fitted with individual nozzles or injectors

Claims

1. The metal surfaces cleaning-repainting method is characterized by the presence of a crane-carrying, heavy-duty vehicle (1) (51) (35) (49) & (43) either from the land (3) or from dry dock or floating dock (3) or from the sea side (4)-(5), which is connected to one cabin-control panel (6) through retracting arms (2),

In front, at the right and left side of the cabin there is a steel-made cleaning bar (7): (with waterblast or with sand/grit blast or with both waterblast and sand/grit blast cumulatively), or for repainting the above ° steel surfaces (17-47), which (bar)-7- is fitted with the nozzles (8) for our works. As an alternative, it is possible to fit on top of them to fit an unlimited number of turning discs (25-8-20-21-22-23-24-26-27-28), which will be fitted with the nozzles or the injectors (8) the fan. The entire patent is supported with a compressed air system (11): (waterblast) or a 5 compressed-air and mortar suction system: (sand/grit blast) as well as of water (water blast) and with the aid of side-mounted plastic protecting and spongous surfaces (bellows), in the area which is surrounding the steel-made bar (18)-(6)-(9)-10 (19 (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16).

0 2. The cranes (51) (35) will be provided with an elevator system (44) and pharmaceutical material as well as a stretcher and fire extinghuising bottles and the latter will be also provided on a permanent basis close the crane on the ground. The cranes (51) (35) will be also provided with stagings (52) around the crane for carrying out various jobs. Such may 5 be either detachable or fixed (2) on the crane. The crane 51 will be for the indoor spaces of the ships and the crane (35) will be for the space inside the tanks or the tanks of distilleries and will be detachable. It will be provided underneath with a couple of wheel systems for greater stability. 0 Wheels will be provided with means for the travelling of the crane.

Outriggers will be provided (50) up to the level frames or webs. The rails (38) wll rest upon the beams or reinforements (50). The entire system will be so secured in place in order to prevent it from collapsing. The crane No.49 will be detachable and will be used with the topside tanks and wherever else within enclosed spaces.

The crane No.43 will be abel to function with a system of retracting jibs (2) the one reaching to the underwater parts and the other over the sides (dry docks and floating docks). The vertical boom will be provided with an additonal jib to allow it t be used for other works as well. This crane will be also capable of being used on the ship's deck for works related with the holds, accommodation, deck and coamings.

3. The steel cleaning bar (7), is characterized by the fact that it can be folding towards all directions depending on the surface and can accommodate various bores, as the case may be, nozzles, (injectors) (8), in case that a sand/grit blast is applied, or corresponding guns (8) of varying bores depending upon each case when applying the waterblast or when repainting as well as a system of water blast/dand-grit blast for the removal of metals, ores etc. Also, a system for cleaning up (46, 48) within enclosed spaces of tanks, as well as in applications of distillery installations.

4.-The turning discs (small pans) (25-8-20-21-22-23-24-25-26-27-28) which are fitted on the extremities of the bar or seven bars are characterized by the fact that they replace the nozzles or the injectors (8) and the former (discs) become, in turn, receivers of the application, in several ways, of the various bores of the nozzles 8 (sand/grit blasting) or of the injectors 8 and of the guns (waterblast) 8.

5. With the painting patent, by a higher power rating pump 30, fitted with one cable and one plate, of varying bores, and turning discs (20,8, 21,22,23,24 & 25).

6. Sand/grit blasting bottle (29) with the new patent; will be with an output hose from 1,5" up to 3", and the final end will fit to the discs (20,21,22,23,24,& 25,8,26- 27-28).. 7. The paint drums (32) are easier to carry, lower transport cost and suffer less losses.

7. The cranes No.1, 51, 31, 5, 49, 43 may be of a different configuration.