EP1349679A1

EP1349679A1 - Device and method for brush-cleaning a tube

Info

Publication number: EP1349679A1
Application number: EP01947538A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bernard Bourrelly; Jacques Vadot
Original assignee: R Marchal et Cie SAS
Current assignee: R Marchal et Cie SAS
Priority date: 2000-12-15
Filing date: 2001-06-20
Publication date: 2003-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-20
Also published as: US20040025906A1; EP1349679B1; ATE282484T1; US7005012B2; DE60107294D1; ES2233658T3; AU2001269202A1; DE60107294T2; WO2002047834A1

Abstract

The device includes a spray system for spraying a fluid against the inside periphery of the tube to be cleaned, and two analogous brushing assemblies, each of which include brushing means and a propelling element which cooperates with the inside periphery of the tube. The device further includes means for moving axially the brushing assemblies towards and away from each other in alternation, which means include a chamber connected to a feed for feeding in fluid under pressure. The spray system includes a reservoir put under pressure by being connected to the chamber. A method of cleaning a tube, in which two brushing assemblies including brushing means are inserted into the tube and are moved towards and away from each other in alteration. A fluid, disposed in a reservoir cooperating with a support system on which the propelling elements are secured, is sprayed against the inside periphery of the tube.

Description

Device and method for cleaning a tube by brushing

The present invention relates to a device for cleaning a tube, comprising: two similar brushing assemblies each comprising brushing means capable of cooperating with the internal periphery of the tube and a propellant element, for moving said brushing means in the tube, means for alternately distancing and axially bringing the brushing assemblies relative to one another and, a projection system making it possible to project a fluid against the internal periphery of the tube.

The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a tube, in which two similar brushing assemblies are used, each comprising brushing means and a propellant, said brushing assemblies are successively introduced into the tube by a first end of the latter. , so that the brushing means cooperate with the internal periphery of the tube, said brushing means are moved and a brushing and progression step of the brushing assemblies is carried out towards the second end of the tube by alternately moving and bringing the assemblies apart brushing with respect to each other and fluid is sprayed against said internal periphery of the tube.

The invention applies in particular to the cleaning of tubes of circular or substantially circular section (for example oval) and whose internal periphery can be striated. For example, the invention is applicable to the cleaning of fire hydrants whose internal periphery has helical grooves.

It is already known, for cleaning tubes, the use of a brush mounted on a manually operated rod. For example, the rod is used to push the brush into the tube or a flexible cable is connected to the end of this brush to allow it to be drawn. For some large tubes (several meters in length, for a diameter greater than 10 cm), the physical effort required to move the brush is significant, and systems such as winches can be used to facilitate the movement of the brush in the tube. We have also imagined systems applying pneumatic or hydraulic pressure on one side of the brush used to move it. These systems are relatively complicated to implement and require precautions for use. In particular, when the brush is pushed very rapidly towards the outlet end of the tube by pneumatic pressure, it is necessary to provide at this outlet means for recovering this brush.

French patent application FR 2491 785 discloses a device in which each propellant element comprises a jack and a flexible cylindrical wall. The retraction of the piston of the jack deforms this wall, so that it bears on the internal periphery of the tube.

The device is therefore moved in the tube by controlling in phase opposition the two jacks of the two propulsion assemblies and, moreover, by bringing these assemblies alternately in and out, by controlling a jack, which connects these two assemblies.

Thus, the device comprises three cylinders, so that its price is high and that its action, requiring the synchronized control of these three cylinders, is complicated.

A system for spraying a disinfection liquid on the wall of the duct to be cleaned can be provided. However, this spraying system is connected via a pipe to a pump and a reservoir containing the fluid to be sprayed, which are both outside the duct.

The device of this document FR 2 491 785 is relatively complicated and does not seem to be suitable for cleaning ridged tubes.

The object of the present invention is to improve existing techniques for proposing a simple and reliable device and method which can be used and implemented easily, in particular for cleaning tubes with projection of a fluid (for cleaning, lubrication, etc.).

This object is achieved with the device according to the invention thanks to the fact that said propellant element is capable of cooperating with said internal periphery by being bent in the axial direction D of the tube, to the fact that said brushing assemblies are mounted on a support system , to the fact that said means for alternately distancing and axially bringing the brushing assemblies relative to one another comprise a control chamber which is integral with said support system and which can be connected to one. supply of pressurized fluid, and the fact that said projection system comprises a reservoir which cooperates with said support system and which can be pressurized by being connected to said chamber. The fact that the tank is integral with the support system avoids the. bulky presence of piping between the reservoir and the spraying system and the pressure drop due to the length of the connection between the reservoir and the fluid outlet. Furthermore, no additional pressurization system is necessary, since the pressure of the control chamber is directly used to pressurize the projection fluid.

Advantageously, the brushing means of a brushing assembly are able to rotate freely with respect to the brushing means of the other brushing assembly, so that each of the brushing means can clean helical ridges formed in the internal periphery of said tube each progressing in the helix of said streaks. _ι -.

This ability of the brushing means to rotate freely with respect to each other is particularly advantageous, because it gives the device the ability to clean tubes whose internal periphery has ridges arranged in a helix. Indeed, it allows the brushing means to guide themselves in the streaks to clean them perfectly.

The projection system is advantageously secured to the brushing means of a brushing assembly. Thus, when "the brushing means rotate, they simultaneously drive the system, from projection to rotation, which leads to a projection of the fluid by rotary jets.

Advantageously, the reservoir has a filling orifice intended for filling said reservoir with fluid and said projection system also comprises a fluid outlet comprising at least one nozzle distributed around the periphery of said support system for projecting said fluid against the internal periphery of the tube.

Thus, the reservoir is connected to at least one nozzle via a fluid outlet preferably produced in the support system. Advantageously, the projection system further comprises a fluid outlet for projecting said fluid against the internal periphery of the tube which comprises, a plurality of nozzles distributed on the periphery of a support system, for example at one end of the latter. _ Care must be taken to adapt the number and distribution of the nozzles on the circumference of the support element, so that the fluid can well lubricate the entire internal periphery of the tube, in particular when the brushing means are not mobile in rotation.

In addition, the projection system may include a specific rotation drive device which is particularly advantageous when the brushing means are not mobile in rotation. For example, the nozzles can be arranged on a ring which is free to rotate relative to the brushing means under the effect of the pressure of the fluid.

The propellants can, for example, comprise a plate (solid or hollowed out) capable of being deformed perpendicular to its plane, that is to say in the axial direction of the tube, and / or a brushing element capable of being deformed in the same direction. In both cases, this plate or ^: this brushing element advantageously has the overall shape of a disc. With the invention, to clean a tube using brushing means, during the introduction of said brushing assemblies into the tube, it is made so that the two propellants cooperate with said internal periphery by being bent axially towards the first end of the tube, said brushing assemblies are moved away and axially alternately in relation to each other by supplying at least one control chamber, connected to a supply of pressurized fluid, said fluid is placed in a reservoir which cooperates with said support system and said fluid is pressurized using the pressure existing in said control chamber. When a brushing assembly according to the invention is introduced into the tube, the propellant element of this assembly flexes axially by adopting a curvature the center of which is directed towards the side of the inlet of the tube through which it has been introduced. In other words, it can take the form of a corolla, the concavity of which faces the entrance to the tube. When, following the first, the second brushing assembly is inserted into the tube by the same end _^. Of the latter, the element propellant of this second brushing assembly adopts the same shape as that of the first brushing assembly and therefore has a curvature oriented in the same direction.

It has been found that once the two propellants are arranged in this way in the tube, the forces which should be exerted to make the propellants move back towards the entrance of the tube would be much greater than those which are necessary to make them advance further into the tube.

Indeed, to roll back a propellant element bearing on the internal periphery of the tube in the manner previously indicated would be tantamount to trying to reverse the concavity of this propellant element and would in any case require defeating the axial component - directed towards the outlet of the tube - reaction forces of the tube on the edges of the propellant which are inclined towards the inlet of this tube. It has therefore been found that when, the two brushing assemblies being arranged one after the other in the tube, an attempt is made to increase the distance between them, the first brushing assembly (the one which is closest to the outlet) advances further into the tube, while the second brushing assembly remains substantially in its original place. When it is then sought to reduce the distance between the two brushing assemblies, the first brushing assembly does not move backward or practically not, but it pulls towards it the second brushing assembly which advances further into the tube. Thus, step by step, it is achieved by simple reciprocating movements of moving away and bringing the two brushing assemblies together, to advance the latter in the tube to its outlet end opposite its inlet.

The tank is fitted with the cleaning system in the tube, so that it is simply necessary to fill it at the start of the cleaning operations with a quantity of fluid adapted to the length of the tube to be cleaned so as to be able to guarantee a projection. of fluid all along at least one complete passage of the brushing assemblies in the tube.

The projection of a fluid is advantageously done by rotary jets so as to spray the entire periphery of the tube well. During the first passage of the brushing assemblies, the projection of a detergent oil for example, makes it possible to remove all of the soiling that adheres to the inner periphery of the tube after it has been used. It is, in particular of powder in the mouths of fire or tallow in the conduits of refuse chutes.

After at least a first pass of the brushing assemblies _ with spraying of fluid, the internal periphery of the tube is advantageously wiped with an absorbent material placed on each of the two brushing assemblies. The absorbent material can be a fabric, paper, cloth or the like, which is placed on each brushing assembly or possibly as a replacement for each brushing assembly.

Advantageously, to clean the helical grooves which would be formed in the internal wall of said tube, the brushing means of one brushing assembly are allowed to rotate freely relative to the brushing means of the other brushing assembly. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a first support element on which is mounted one of the brushing assemblies and a second support element on which is mounted the other brushing assembly, as well as means for sliding said brushes support elements relative to each other in the axial direction, bringing them closer and alternately moving them away from each other. The support system mentioned above therefore comprises these two support elements and the means for sliding them relative to each other.

For example, the two support elements can be two rods or a rod and a ring adapted to slide one on the other or two support plates connected by a retractable and stretchable rod.

Advantageously, the first and the second support element are respectively secured to a piston part and to a cylinder part of a jack. Advantageously, the jack is a pressurized fluid jack and comprises a body provided with means for alternately connecting chambers for controlling the movement of the piston part to a fluid supply and to a fluid exhaust.

This cylinder can be controlled hydraulically or pneumatically, or by mechanical means such as a connecting rod system or the like, these means being set in motion by a motor, for example an electric motor.

The invention will be clearly understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment - shown by way of non-limiting example. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows, in elevation, a device according to the invention,

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show three successive phases of the use of the device for cleaning a tube,

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating possible control means of the device according to the invention,

- Figure 6 is an axial section of the device in operation inserted in a tube, - Figure 7 is a section similar to Figure 6 in another operating situation,

FIG. 8 is a partial section of the device showing a detail of its design, and

- Figure 9 is a ^" diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment. The device of FIG. 1 comprises two similar brushing assemblies, respectively designated by the references 10 and 20. They each comprise brushing means, respectively 12 and 22, as well as "a propellant element 14 and 24 respectively. The device is intended to clean the internal periphery of a tube. In the following, the axial direction D will be that of the geometric axis of this tube, that is to say that in which the device of the invention moves inside the tube. The brushing means therefore extend transversely to this axial direction D, and the bristles of the brushes are directed radially so as to be able to rub the internal periphery of the The propellants 14 and 24 are also arranged transversely to the direction D. For example, the brushing means 12 or 22 each comprise several series of brushing discs. arranged one after the other and having different brushing effects. Thus, one can provide a first brush 12A Nylon ^®, a second and a third brush 12B and 12C of brass, and a fourth brush 12D bronze. The device of the invention is intended for cleaning tubes of circular or substantially circular section. The tubes can also have a very slight taper. To obtain the brushing effect, the diametrical dimensions D1 of the brushing means must be slightly greater than the inside diameter of the tube that the device is intended to clean. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 2, when the device is inserted into the tube 1, the brushes of the brushing means 12 and 22 are bent towards the inlet 1A of the tube, that is to say towards the 'rear relative to their direction F of introduction into the tube. The propellants 14 and 24 also have diametrical dimensions D2 greater than the internal diametrical dimensions D _τ of the tube 1. They are at least equal to or slightly greater than the diametrical dimensions D1. It can also be seen in FIG. 2 that, when the device is inserted into the tube, the propellants 14 and 24 are arched so as to have a concavity facing the inlet 1A of the tube.

The brushing assemblies 10 and 20 are mounted so that they can be moved axially with respect to each other alternately in the direction of approaching and moving away. Thus, from the situation in FIG. 2, it is possible to discard the assemblies 10 and 20 as shown in FIG. 3. These assemblies 10 and 20 are similar, that is to say that they are chosen so as to exert substantially the same reaction forces against the inner periphery of the tube 1 when they are introduced into the latter. Furthermore, the resistance that the brushing assemblies oppose to their advancement in the direction F inside the tube is less than the resistance that they oppose to their retreat in the direction G. This is due to the direction of their concavity. Due to the orientation of the edges of the propellants, the friction forces opposing a recoil are higher than those opposing a advancement. A retreat would seek to reverse the concavity while the sense of concavity is of course preserved during advancement.

Thus, when the sets 10 and 20 are moved away from each other, the set 10 (closest to the inlet 1A of the tube) has little or no tendency to recede, and this is the assembly 20 which advances, as shown by the comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3. When one then brings the sets 10 and 20 closer to each other, the set 20 has little or no tendency to retreat and it is the set 10 which advances, as shown by the comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4 It is therefore understood that by reciprocating movements of separation and reconciliation of the assemblies 10 and 20 from one another, it is managed step by step to advance the device to the outlet 1B of the tube 1.

For the sake of clarity of the present description, the propellants 14 and 24 have been functionally distinguished from the brushing means 12 and 22. However, the propellants can be relatively rigid brushes. It has in fact been observed that the brushes having extremely fine bristles or a low rigidity tend to twist inside the tube after a first phase of advancement, by placing themselves substantially in a radial plane, in which case the concavity previously evoked tends to disappear. It is then no longer possible to advance the two brushing assemblies in the tube in the manner indicated above. On the other hand, it is possible to choose to use, as a propellant element, a sufficiently rigid brushing element, for example a brush whose bristles are sufficiently thick and dense to retain the axial bending which was imposed on them when they were introduced into the tube. Those skilled in the art can carry out tests to determine the nature, diameter and density of suitable hairs. The propellant element 14 or 24 may be a brush, similar to one of the brushes 12A to 12D previously mentioned and the stiffness of which will be suitably determined.

The choice of making the propellant element in the form of a brush has the advantage of making the latter participate in the cleaning of the tube or, at least, of preventing the contact of the external periphery of the propellant with the inner periphery of the tube does not cause clogging of the streaks of the latter.

One can also choose as propellant a plate capable of being deformed perpendicular to its plane. For example, the propellants 14 and 24 are disc-shaped plates, made of synthetic material such as elastomer, this material being chosen so as to have a relative rigidity or an elasticity so that, once the propellant has been introduced into a tube and has a concavity turned towards the inlet of the latter, the concavity of this propellant element will be difficult to reverse inside the tube. The brushing assemblies 10 and 20 are mounted on a support system such that the brushing means of one brushing assembly can rotate freely with respect to the brushing means of the other brushing assembly. For example, the brushes are mounted on crowns whose internal periphery is cylindrical. For their part, the support elements 30, 40 or 35, 45 (see FIG. 9) have cylindrical external surfaces on which these rings are arranged.

It was previously indicated that the two brushing assemblies 10 and 20 are similar and in any case have substantially the same resistance to advancement inside the tube. We can however choose for example for the brushing means 22, relatively soft "soft" brushes, while harder brushes would be chosen for the brushing means 12. In this case, the propellants 14 and 24 would be chosen from so as to present a resistance to advancement such that the difference in resistance to advancement between the brushing means 12 and 22 is compensated if it is not negligible.

The brushing assemblies 10 and 20 are respectively mounted on a first and on a second support element, 30 and 40. These two support elements can slide relative to each other so as to be alternately brought towards and away from each other. the other. For example, the first support member 30 is secured to a piston portion of a jack, while the second support member 40 is secured to a cylinder portion of the jack; : ^" :

In FIG. 1, the brushes 12A to 12D are mounted one after the other on the cylindrical surface of the piston part 30 and are held by an axial stop ring 31. The propellant element 14 is held against this ring by another axial stop ring or a shoulder 32. The brushes and the propellant of the other brushing assembly are mounted in the same way on the body 40 forming the cylinder of the cylinder 40 '. At the end of the latter, they are held by a thrust washer 41 which is provided with a gripping system 42 (ring, mushroom head, etc.). - Figures 6 and 7 show an alternative embodiment of the gripping system 42, which comprises a rod 42A and a ring 42B. In fact, the brushing assembly 20 is extended by the rod 42A, the end of which is equipped with the ring 42B, which can also be in the form of a ball, which protrudes outside the second end 1 B of the tube 1 when the brushing assembly 20 reaches the vicinity of this end, which allows the gripping of the brushing assemblies 20 to be pulled or pushed back into the tube 1 without having to introduce the hands into the tube 1. The device can be engaged in the tube being manipulated by a handle 33 located at the end of the brushing assembly 10 opposite the brushing assembly 20. Once the device engaged in the tube, one can perform a brushing step and progression of the brushing assemblies towards the second end 1 B of the tube in the manner indicated above. At the end of this step, the first brushing assembly (in this case the assembly 20) reaches the second end 1 B of the tube. The tube can then be brushed again by advancing the device in the opposite direction. For this, the two brushing assemblies 10 and 20 are extracted from the tube and they are reintroduced into the latter by the second end 1B so that the brushing means cooperate with the internal periphery of the tube and the two propellants cooperate with this internal periphery by being flexed axially towards the second end 1 B of the tube. A brushing and progression step of the brushing assemblies is then carried out towards the first end of the tube, alternately moving the brushing assemblies apart and bringing them closer to one another. By these movements of distance and approximation, the device will progress towards the inlet 1A of the tube since the concavities of the propellants are, this time, turned towards the outlet 1 B.

When the device reaches the outlet 1B of the tube after the first brushing and progression step, the end part 42 is accessible and, sometimes, the brushing assembly 20 emerges from the tube or is in a chamber _. larger diameter. Even if the movements of distance and approximation are continued, the brushing assembly 10 no longer progresses towards the exit because the brushing assembly 20 no longer bears on the internal periphery of the tube. To extract the device from tube, it is therefore necessary to pull the gripping end 42, for example using a cord.

When the extraction is complete, the assembly can then be reintroduced in the manner previously mentioned. Preferably, a rotary connection is provided between the support system for the brushing assemblies 10, 20 and the means (conduit 50 or sheath 66 and cable 64) for controlling the reciprocating movement of the brushing assemblies relative to each other. Thus, the handle 33 is equipped with a rotary connector 33 ′ sealed with compressed air which allows the duct 50 to be driven in rotation at the same time as the brushing assembly 10.

The jack used to drive the movement of the brushing elements 10 and 20 can be a pressurized fluid jack, for example compressed air. In this case, the actuator control comprises means for supplying pressurized fluid and means for exhausting this fluid themselves controlled so as to alternately urge the piston in its two directions of movement.

There is thus shown in Figure 1 a compressed air line 50. The operation of the device can be stopped by a stop valve 55B blocking the flow of compressed air. For example, when the device is used to clean fire hydrants equipped with a compressor, one can use the compressed air delivered by this compressor to actuate the jack.

In FIG. 5, the brushing assemblies 10 and 20 are indicated in broken dashed lines. They are respectively integral with the piston 30 and the body 40 containing the cylinder of the jack 40 '. The lines 51 and 52 respectively serving for the supply of pressurized fluid and for the fluid exhaust are indicated.

The actuator control means comprise a valve 54 with two positions and two control chambers 56 and 58 respectively, arranged on both sides of the piston 30.

In the first position of the valve 54 shown in Figure 5, the supply line 51 is connected to the chamber 56, while the exhaust line 52 is connected to the chamber 58, so that the piston is pushed to inside the cylinder. In the other valve position 54, the situation is reversed and the piston 30 is controlled so as to leave the cylinder.

The valve 54 is for example controlled by pressurized fluid, for example compressed air, against recoil means.

Advantageously, this valve 54 is directly disposed inside the body of the jack. One can choose a valve 54 made so as to automatically reverse the air supply and exhaust at each end of stroke of the piston 30 of the jack, in which case a single control duct 51, serving for the air supply tablet is required. Figures 6 to 8 show in detail an alternative embodiment of the valve 54, numbered 154 in these three figures.

In this variant, the fluid exhaust comprises two exhaust pipes 52A and 52B capable of being respectively connected to the chambers 58 and 56. The two exhaust pipes 52A and

52B pass through the piston 30 and its rod to open into the open air on the rear face of the brushing assembly 10.

The compressed air coming from a compressor passes through an air treatment system 53 comprising an isolation valve 55A. The compressed air line 50, intended to supply the two chambers 56 and 58 alternately, is connected between the isolation valve 55A and the stop-valve 55B of the open-closed type which is integral with the handle 33. This valve d 'Stop 55B is manually actuated at the entrance of the tube 1A, during an introduction or an extraction of the brushing assemblies 10 and 20 and makes it possible to start or stop the movement of the piston.

In order to be able to keep the air treatment system 53 outside the tube 1, the compressed air line 50 is of sufficient length to follow the brushing assemblies 10 and 20, over the entire length of the tube.

When the stop valve 55B is in the open position, the compressed air circulates inside the handle 33, then in the supply line 51 via the rotary connector 33 '.

As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the supply line

51 opens into a bore 63 formed in the piston 30. A preferably cylindrical slide 67, comprising two compartments 67A and 67B, slides in the bore 63 between two stable positions relative to to the piston, so as to direct the compressed air successively in the two chambers 56 and 58 according to its position.

In a first stable position of the drawer, shown in FIG. 6, corresponding to the supply of the chamber 58, the supply duct 51 is connected to the compartment 67A, while the chamber 56 is connected to the exhaust by connection of the compartment 67B with the exhaust duct 52B. In this position, the slide 67 protrudes from the piston 30 in the chamber 56 and the exhaust duct 52A is unused. On the other hand, in a second stable position of the drawer, shown in FIG. 7, corresponding to the supply of the chamber 56, the supply duct 51 is this time connected to the compartment 67B, while the chamber 58 is connected to the exhaust by connection of compartment 67A with the exhaust duct 52A. In this position, the slide 67 protrudes from the piston 30 in the chamber 58 and the exhaust duct 52B is unused.

Advantageously, said valve 154 comprises means for urging the displacement of said drawer 67 comprising first stop means formed on said drawer 67 and second stop means formed in each of the chambers 56 and 58 able to cooperate with said first stop means.

FIG. 8 shows the drawer 67 and the stop means in detail when passing from the position of FIG. 7 to that of FIG. 6. At each end of stroke of the piston 30, the drawer 67 automatically changes position by abutting alternately against walls 40A and 40B formed respectively in the chambers 58 and 56 in the cylinder 40 '. The change of position, as well as the maintenance in one of the two stable positions, is accentuated by the air pressure which is exerted alternately on walls 69A and 69'A, respectively 69B and 69'B, formed at the end and in the bottom of compartment 67A, respectively 67B.

To limit the stroke of the slide 67 during a change of position, a stop in translation is arranged at the end of each of the compartments 67A and 67B. Thus, the slide 67 cannot exit out of the bore 63 and the supply 51 and exhaust 52A or 52B pipes always arrive opposite the connections of the ad hoc compartment. These two stops can be made with a ring 71 A, respectively 71 B, disposed at the periphery of the end of the compartment 67A, respectively 67B, so as to radially protrude from the compartment 67A, respectively 67B, and be able to come into contact - against a shoulder 73A, 73B respectively, formed in the piston 30 in the chamber 58, respectively 56.

To improve the displacement of the spool 67 in the bore 63, preferably it is chosen to make the homopolymer polyoxymethylene (POM H), eg of the type sold under the trademark DELRIN ^®. The use of this material makes it possible to reduce friction and inertia, so as to reduce the effort to move the drawer 67.

In addition, care is taken to minimize the stroke of the drawer 67, preferably limiting it to 6 mm. To seal between the supply and exhaust pipes 51, 52A and 52B, the slide 67 has O-rings 68. To limit friction between the O-rings 68 and the wall of the bore 63, the latter has grooves 70 so as to limit the contact between said O-rings 68 and said wall. These grooves 70 are located in areas in which, for a given position of the drawer 67, sealing is temporarily not necessary.

Thus, when the drawer 67 abuts on the bottom 40A of the chamber 58, the chamber 58 begins to be pressurized while being progressively connected to the pipe 51, as shown in FIG. 8, and the chamber 56 begins to be exhaust system being progressively connected to line 52B. When the drawer 67 comes into abutment, most or all, the seals 68 are not in tight contact with the bore 63, so that the friction of the drawer 67 in the bore 63 is very low and the displacement in the direction F1 initiated by the abutment continues with a dynamic effect until the slide 67 reaches its stable position in FIG. 6.

To increase the cleaning efficiency of the tube 1, the device is equipped with a projection system 72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86 of a fluid 76 (detergent, lubricant, etc.) shown. in FIGS. 6 and 7. This projection system 72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86 formed in the front part of the device beyond the first, brushing assembly 20, comprises a reservoir 72 located in the support element 40. The reservoir 72 is connected to a filling orifice 74 opening at the periphery at the free cylindrical end 75 of the support element 40 which makes it possible to fill the reservoir 72 with fluid 76 (lubricant, cleaner, etc.) using a metering device, for example, containing the quantity sufficient to carry out cleaning of the tube 1. This quantity is preferably determined to carry out a flow in the tube 1 and that the reservoir 72 is completely empty at the end of the passage to avoid inadvertent projections of the fluid 76. The reservoir 72 being driven in rotation when the support element 40 rotates in the propeller formed in the tube for example, it is necessary to be able to close the filling orifice 74 with a plug 78.

For the ^"" projection drawn from the fluid 76 contained in the reservoir 72, the latter is connected to the periphery 75 of the brushing element 20 by projection means.

These means comprise a pipe which connects inside the reservoir 72 to at least one fluid outlet 80 and nozzles 82. A pipe 84 makes it possible to connect said pipe to the fluid 76. The nozzles 82 can be closed by a plug 86, during filling or after use to avoid vaporization of the fluid 76. The presence of the two plugs 76 and 78 makes it possible to use the cleaning device without projection. FIG. 7 represents this configuration of the cleaning device with the tank 72 empty.

In this case, the plugs 78 and 86 are rings which can slide on the cylindrical end 75. It is conceivable that one and the same ring replaces the rings 78 and 86, alternately closing the filling orifice 74 and / or the sprinklers 82.

Pipe 84 is formed from a flexible material, preferably an FPM fluocarbon elastomer. Advantageously, the end 84 'of the pipe 84 which dips in the fluid 76 remains substantially stationary in rotation, despite the rotation of the reservoir 72. For this, this end 84' is made heavier by a counterweight 85. The flexibility of the pipe 84 used, combined with the presence of the flyweight 85, allows the pipe 84 to remain in the bottom of the reservoir 72 during the rotation of the latter with the brushing assembly 20. In the case where the device does not rotate, this flyweight 85 has the interest in maintaining the 84 'inlet end of the pipe 84 in the bottom of the reservoir 72, whatever the initial angular position of the device during the introduction of the brushing assemblies 10, 20 into the tube 1.

The device is inserted into the tube to be cleaned preferably - slightly inclined (for example by an angle equal to 4 °) relative to the horizontal, in order to allow its access at breast height to carry out its cleaning. Thus, the inlet 1A is lower than the outlet 1B of the tube 1 and the reservoir 72 is also slightly inclined, which causes the inclination of the fluid 76. Therefore, even at the end of use, when it remains very little fluid 76, the pipe 84 remains in contact with the latter.

As shown in FIG. 8, the reservoir 72 is partially filled with the fluid 76 maintained under pressure by taking compressed air from the chamber 58. A valve 88, calibrated using a spring 90, is disposed between the chamber 58 and the reservoir 72. If the cylinder operates at a pressure of 5 bars, it is possible, for example, to preset the opening of the valve to 4 bars. Consequently, the pipe is constantly supplied with the fluid 76, so that the fluid 76 is sprayed alternately by the nozzles 82 on the internal wall of the tube 1 by jets which follow the rotation of the brushing assembly 20. Half of the time of use, the chamber 58 is not supplied with pressure, but is in the exhaust phase. However, the pressure in the reservoir 72 remains sufficient to cause the pulsed projection of the fluid 76 during this ¹ phase, until the chamber 58 is again under pressure. When the device is not movable in rotation, in particular in the case of a smooth tube 1, the nozzles 82 are driven in rotation by specific means (not shown) free to rotate in rotation relative to the support element 40 containing the reservoir 72 under the effect of the pressure of the fluid 76. In this case, a rotary seal will preferably be arranged between these specific means and the support element 40 in the vicinity of the reservoir 72.

The preferred operating method consists in carrying out a first outward pass of the brushing assemblies 10 and 20 with projection of the fluid 76, for example a detergent fluid, which will make it possible to take off well all the dirt adhering against the internal wall of the tube 1. The return preferably done dry. A second round trip of the brushing assemblies 10 and 20 is carried out dry.

Each of the brushing assemblies 10 and 20 is then covered with an absorbent material (not shown), in the form of tissue or paper for example, held on the device and there is a return trip of the device to remove all of the sprayed fluid 76 , as well as dirt that would still be present. The brushing assemblies 10 and 20 can be completely replaced by this absorbent material.

The absorbent material is removed and replaced by an analogous (or identical) material to effect a go into the tube 1 with projection of fluid 76, for example a lubricant. The return takes place without projection of fluid 76, so as to mop up the excess fluid 76, in particular, in the case of a tube having streaks which may have accumulated the fluid 76 projected during the previous passage. Figure 9 shows a variant for mounting and moving the two brushing assemblies 10 and 20 relative to each other. They are mounted on two support plates, respectively 35 and 45. The displacement control means comprise a motor 60, for example an electric motor, and means for transmitting the movement. These means comprise for example a connecting rod 62 which is driven by the motor to transmit an alternating linear movement to a cable 64. This cable is disposed in a sheath 66 at the end of which the plate 35 is mounted. This sheath 66 is flexible while being rigid enough not to have a tendency to deform axially by compacting on itself.

The end portion 64A of the cable 64 is fixed to the plate 45. The plate 35 being held by the sheath 66, it is understood that the axial movements of the cable 64 generated by the connecting rod 62 tend to alternately bring together and distance one on the other the two support elements that constitute the plates 35 and 45. With this variant, one can choose a sheath 66 long enough for the motor 60 to remain outside the tube during cleaning of the latter. It would also be possible, for cleaning tubes of sufficiently large dimensions, to use an "on-board" motor, fixed to the plate 35, this motor being provided with a supply also on-board or being connected to an external supply by a flexible cable. In Figures 1 to 4, there is shown the two propellants 14 and 24 arranged between the brushing means 12 and 22. This is an exemplary embodiment, but one could of course choose another arrangement, for example by having the propellant element 24-against the washer 41, that is to say at the end of the brushing assembly 20 which is opposite to the brushing assembly 10.

For example, for cleaning a tube with an internal diameter of 155 mm, provided with helical grooves carrying its diametrical dimensions at the bottom of the grooves at 158 mm, and whose length is of the order of 6 to 10 m, it is possible to use a device comprising, for each brushing set, three or four brushing elements, respectively in Nylon ^® , brass and bronze. As propellant, two polyamide discs with a diameter of 160 mm and an elastomer such as Viton ^® with a thickness of 5 mm can be chosen. One can also choose a propellant disc formed by a brush with a diameter of 164 mm, a thickness of 16 mm and whose polyamide bristles have a diameter of 1 mm.

Claims

1. Device for cleaning a tube, comprising: two similar brushing assemblies (10, 20) comprising, each, brushing means (12, 22) able to cooperate with the internal periphery of the tube and a propellant element (14 , 24), to move said brushing means in the tube, means (50, 54, 30, 40, 40 '; 60, 62, 64, 66, 35, 45; 154) to alternately move and axially bring the assemblies together brushes (10, 20) relative to each other and, a projection system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) for projecting a fluid (76) against the internal periphery of the tube (1), characterized in that said propellant element (14, 24) is capable of cooperating with said internal periphery by being bent in the axial direction (D) of the tube, in that said brushing assemblies (10, 20) are mounted on a support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45), in that said means (50, 54, 30, 40, 40 '; 60, 62, 64, 66, 35, 45; 154) to alter natively move and axially bring the brushing assemblies (10 20) relative to each other comprise a control chamber (58) which is integral with said support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) and which can be connected to a supply of fluid (51) under pressure, and in that said projection system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) comprises a reservoir (72 ) which cooperates with said support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) and which can be pressurized by being connected to said chamber (58).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said brushing means (12) of a brushing assembly (10) are able to rotate freely relative to the brushing means (22) of the other brushing assembly (20) , so that each of the brushing means (12, 22) can clean helical streaks formed in the internal periphery of said tube by each advancing in the helix of said streaks.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said projection system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) is integral with said brushing means (22) of a brushing assembly (20).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said reservoir (72) has a filling orifice (74) intended for filling said reservoir (72) with fluid (76) and said projection system ( 72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) further comprises a fluid outlet (80) comprising at least one nozzle (82) distributed around the periphery of said support system (40) for projecting said fluid (76 ) against the inner periphery of the tube (1).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said fluid outlet (80) comprises a plurality of nozzles (82) distributed around the periphery of said support system (40).

6. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said fluid outlet (80) is connected to the interior of the reservoir (72) via a pipe (84).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said pipe (84) comprises a counterweight (85) intended to keep said pipe (84) immersed in the fluid (76).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said projection system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84,

85, 86) further comprises a valve (88) which makes it possible to connect said chamber (58) to said reservoir (72) intended to put the fluid (76) under pressure.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each propellant element comprises a plate

(14, 24), capable of being deformed perpendicular to its plane.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each propellant element (14, 24) comprises a brushing element.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) comprises a first support element (30, 35) on which one is mounted ( 10) brushing assemblies and a second support element (40, 45) on which the other brushing assembly (20) is mounted, as well as means (51, 55B, 54, 56, 58; 60, 62, 64, 66; 154) for sliding said support members relative to each other in the direction axial (D), bringing them closer and alternately moving them away from each other.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the first and the second support element (30, 40) are respectively -solid of a piston part and a cylinder part of a cylinder (30, 40 ') fluid (51) under pressure.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that said cylinder (30, 40 ') comprises a body provided with means (54; 154) for alternately connecting said chamber (58) and another chamber (56) for controlling movement from the piston portion (30) to said fluid supply (51) and to a fluid exhaust (52, 52A, 52B).

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that said means (54; 154) comprise a valve capable of automatically reversing the supply of fluid and the exhaust of fluid at each end of stroke of the piston (30) so that the device comprises a single control conduit which is used for the supply of fluid.

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that said valve (154) comprises a slide (67) capable of sliding in a bore (63) formed in the piston (30) of the jack.

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that said fluid exhaust comprises two exhaust ducts (52A, 52B), in that said drawer comprises two compartments (67A, 67B) each communicating respectively with each of the two chambers ( 56, 58) and in that, depending on the position of the drawer (67), one of said compartments is connected to the fluid supply (51) and the other is connected to one of the two exhaust ducts (52A, 52B).

17. Device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that said valve (154) comprises means for requesting the displacement of said drawer (67) comprising first stop means (69A, 69B) formed on said drawer (67) and second stop means (40A, 40B) formed in each of the chambers (56, 58) and able to cooperate with said first stop means (69A, 69B).

18. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) is connected by a rotary connection (33 ') to the means (50, 66, 64) to order the reciprocating movement of the brushing assemblies (10, 20) relative to each other.

19. Method for cleaning a tube (1) in which two similar brushing assemblies (10, 20) are used, each comprising brushing means (12, 22) and a propellant element (14, 24), successively introduced said brushing assemblies (10, 20) in the tube (1) by a first end (1A) of the latter, so that the brushing means (12, 22) cooperate with the internal periphery of the tube (1), moves said brushing means (12, 22), a brushing and progression step of the brushing assemblies (10, 20) is carried out towards the second end (1 B) of the tube (1) by moving away and alternately bringing the brushing assemblies (10, 20) relative to each other (Figures 2, 3, 4) and fluid (76) is projected against said internal periphery of the tube (1), characterized in that during the introduction of said brushing assemblies (10, 20) in the tube (1), the two propulsive elements secured to a syst me support (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) cooperate with said internal periphery by being bent axially towards the first end (1A) of the tube (1), in that one moves away and brings axially alternately said brushing assemblies (10, 20) relative to one another to the other by supplying at least one control chamber (58) which is connected to a supply of fluid (51) under pressure, in that said fluid (76) is placed in a reservoir (72) which cooperates with said support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45), and in that said fluid (76) is pressurized using the pressure existing in said control chamber (58).

20. The method of claim 19, characterized in that to clean helical grooves formed in the inner wall of said tube, the brushing means (12) of a brushing assembly (10) are allowed to rotate freely relative to the means of brushing (22) of the other brushing assembly (20).

21. Method according to any one of claims 19 and 20, characterized in that, when the first brushing assembly (20) reaches the second end (1B) of the tube (1), the two brushing assemblies (10, 20) of the tube, said brushing assemblies are reintroduced in the tube (1) by the second end (1 B) of the latter, so that the brushing means (12, 22) cooperate with the internal periphery of the tube and that the two propellants (14, 22) cooperate with said internal periphery being flexed axially towards the second end (1B) of the tube, and a brushing and progression step of the brushing assemblies is carried out towards the first end of the tube by moving the brushing assemblies away and alternately bringing it closer together. one over the other.

22. Method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that said fluid (72) is projected by rotary jets.

23. Method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that said internal periphery of the tube (1) is wiped with an absorbent material disposed on each of the two brushing assemblies (10, 20 ).

MODIFIED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on November 30, 2001 (30.11.01); Claim 1 amended (1 page)]

1. A device for cleaning a fbe, comprising: two similar brushing assemblies (10, 20) each comprising brushing means (12, 22) capable of cooperating with the internal periphery of the tube and a propellant element (14 , 24), to move said brushing means in the tube, means (50, 54, 30, 40, 40 '; 60, 62, 64, 66, 35, 45; 154) to alternately move and axially bring the assemblies together brushes (10, 20) relative to each other and, a projection system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) for projecting a fluid (76) against the internal periphery of the tube (1), characterized in that said propellant element (14, 24) is capable of cooperating with said internal periphery by being bent in the axial direction (D) of the tube, in that said brushing assemblies (10, 20) are mounted on a support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45), in that said means (50, 54, 30, 40, 40 '; 60, 62, 64, 66, 35, 45; 154) to alter natively distancing and axially bringing the brushing assemblies (10, 20) relative to each other comprise a control chamber (58) which is integral with said support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) and which can be connected to a supply of fluid (51) under pressure, and in that said projection system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) comprises a reservoir (72 ) which cooperates with said support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) while on board with said device and which can be pressurized by being connected to said chamber (58).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said brushing means (12) of a brushing assembly (10) are able to rotate freely relative to the brushing means (22) of the other brushing assembly (20) , so that each of the brushing means (12, 22) can clean helical streaks formed in the internal periphery of said tube by each advancing in the helix of said streaks. 3. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said projection system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84,