EP1349679B1 - Device and method for brush-cleaning a tube - Google Patents

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

deux ensembles brossants analogues comprenant, chacun, des moyens de brossage aptes à coopérer avec la périphérie interne du tube et un élément propulseur, pour déplacer lesdits moyens de brossage dans le tube,

des moyens pour alternativement éloigner et rapprocher axialement les ensembles brossants l'un par rapport à l'autre et,

un système de projection permettant de projeter un fluide contre la périphérie interne du tube.

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 inner periphery of the tube and a propellant element for moving said brushing means in the tube,

means for alternately moving and bringing the brushing assemblies axially towards one another and,

a projection system for projecting a fluid against the inner periphery of the tube.

The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a tube, in which two similar brush assemblies are used, comprising, each, brushing means and a propellant, is introduced successively said brushing assemblies in the tube by a first end of the latter, so that the means of brushing cooperate with the inner periphery of the tube, the said brushing means and a step of brushing and progression of the brushing assemblies towards the second end of the tube alternately moving away and moving the brush sets together relative to each other and fluid is projected against said periphery internal of the tube.

The invention applies in particular to the cleaning of circular or substantially circular section (for example oval) and whose inner periphery can be striated. For example, the invention applies to cleaning of mouths whose inner periphery has streaks helical.

We already know, for the cleaning of tubes, the use of a brush mounted on a rod operated manually. For example, rod is used to push the brush into the tube or a flexible cable is connected at the end of this brush to allow to pull it. For some tubes large dimensions (several meters in length, for a diameter greater than 10 cm), the physical effort required to move the brush is important, and we can use systems such as winches. for facilitate the movement of the brush in the tube.

We have also imagined systems applying on one side of the brush pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to move it. These systems are relatively complicated to implement and require precautions of use. In particular, when the brush is pushed very rapidly towards the exit end of the tube by a pneumatic pressure, it is necessary to provide at this output recovery means of this brush.

French patent application FR 2 491 785 discloses a device wherein each propellant element comprises a jack and a wall flexible cylindrical. The retraction of the cylinder piston deforms this wall, so that it bears on the inner periphery of the tube.

The device is thus moved into the tube by phase opposition the two jacks of the two thrusters and, moreover, by bringing these sets together and moving away alternately, by the control of a jack, which connects these two sets.

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

A system for spraying a disinfection liquid on the duct wall to be cleaned may be provided. However, this system of spray is connected via piping to a pump and a tank containing the spray fluid that are both outside duct.

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

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

This object is achieved with the device according to the invention as defined in claim 1.

Advantageously, the means for brushing a set brushing are able to rotate freely in relation to the means of brushing the other brushing set, so that each of the brushing means can clean helical striations formed in the inner periphery of said tube progressing each in the helix said streaks.

This ability of the brushing means to rotate freely compared to others is particularly interesting because it confers the device the ability to clean tubes whose inner periphery has striations arranged in a helix. Indeed, it allows the means brushing to guide you through the streaks to clean them perfectly.

The projection system is advantageously connected to the means for brushing a brushing assembly.

Thus, when the brushing means rotate, they lead to simultaneously the rotating projection system, which leads to a projection of the fluid by rotary jets.

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

Thus, the reservoir is connected to at least one nozzle via a fluid outlet preferentially carried out in the system of support.

Advantageously, the projection system further comprises a fluid outlet for projecting said fluid against the inner 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.

We will make sure to adapt the number and distribution of sprinklers on the circumference of the support element, so that the fluid may well lubricate the entire inner periphery of the tube, especially when the brushing means are not rotatable.

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

The propulsive elements may, for example, include a plate (solid or recessed) able to be deformed perpendicular to its plane, that is to say in the axial direction of the tube, and / or an element brushing able to be deformed in the same direction. In both cases, this plate or this brushing element advantageously has globally the shape of a disc.

With the invention, for cleaning a tube by means of brushing, during the introduction of said brushing assemblies into the tube, the two propulsion elements are made to cooperate with the said inner periphery being flexed axially towards the first end of the tube, said axially reciprocated and moved alternately brushing units relative to each other by feeding at least one control chamber connected to a fluid supply under pressure, said fluid is disposed in a reservoir which cooperates with said system of support and said fluid is pressurized using pressure existing in said control chamber.

When a brushing assembly according to the invention is introduced in the tube, the propelling element of this assembly flexes axially by adopting a curvature whose center is directed towards the entrance of the tube by which it was introduced. In other words, he can adopt the shape of a corolla whose concavity is turned towards the entrance of the tube.

When, following the first, the second set is inserted brushing into the tube through the same end of the latter, the element propeller of this second set brushing adopts the same form than that of the first set brushing and therefore has a curvature oriented in the same direction.

It was found that once the two propulsive elements arranged this way in the tube, the efforts that should be exerted to push back the propulsive elements towards the tube inlet would significantly larger than those needed to make them advance further into the tube.

Indeed, to push back a propulsion element bearing on the inner periphery of the tube as previously indicated would amount to trying to reverse the concavity of this propellant and In any case, it would be necessary to overcome the axial component - directed towards the tube outlet - reaction forces of the tube on the edges of the element thruster which are inclined towards the entrance of this tube.

It was therefore found that when both sets brushing being arranged one after the other in the tube, one seeks to increase the distance between them, the first set brushing (the one which is closest to the exit) advance further into the tube, while that the second brushing set remains substantially in its place initial. When we then try to reduce the distance between the two brushing sets, the first brushing set does not recoil or practically not, but he pulls at him the second brushing set that advance further into the tube. So, from step to step, we arrive simple alternative movements of removal and approximation of two sets of brushes, to advance them in the tube to its output end opposite its entrance.

The tank is shipped with the cleaning system in the tube, so it should simply be filled at the beginning of the cleaning operations of a quantity of fluid adapted to the length of the tube to be cleaned so that it can 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 made by rotary jets of so as to sprinkle the entire periphery of the tube.

During the first passage of the brushing units, the projection detergent oil, for example, makes it possible to remove all the dirt adhering to the inner periphery of the tube after the use of it. This is especially powder in the mouths fire or tallow in the garbage chute.

After at least a first pass of the brushing sets with fluid projection, the periphery is advantageously wiped off tube of the tube with absorbent material disposed on each of the two brushing sets. The absorbent material may be a fabric, a paper, cloth or the like, which is placed on each set brushing or possibly replacing each set brushing.

Advantageously, to clean helical streaks which formed in the inner wall of the tube, the means brushing a brushing assembly to rotate freely relative to 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 brush sets and a second support element on which is mounted the other brushing assembly, and means for slide said support members relative to each other in the axial direction, bringing them together and moving them alternately one the other. The support system mentioned above therefore includes these two support elements and the means for sliding them one compared to each other.

For example, the two support members may 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 integral with a piston portion and a portion of cylinder of a cylinder.

Advantageously, the jack is a fluid cylinder under pressure and has a body provided with means for alternately connecting control chambers from the displacement of the piston portion to a fluid supply and a fluid outlet.

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

• la figure 1 montre, en élévation, un dispositif conforme à l'invention,
• les figures 2, 3 et 4 montrent trois phases successives de l'utilisation du dispositif pour nettoyer un tube,
• la figure 5 est un schéma illustrant des moyens de commande envisageables du dispositif conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 6 est une coupe axiale du dispositif en fonctionnement inséré dans un tube,
• la figure 7 est une coupe analogue à la figure 6 dans une autre situation de fonctionnement,
• la figure 8 est une coupe partielle du dispositif montrant un détail de sa conception, et
• la figure 9 est un schéma illustrant une variante de réalisation.

The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, 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 for the device according to the invention,
• FIG. 6 is an axial section of the device in operation inserted into a tube,
• FIG. 7 is a section similar to FIG. 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 brushing assemblies analogous, respectively designated by references 10 and 20. They each comprise brushing means, respectively 12 and 22, as well as a propelling element respectively 14 and 24. The device is for cleaning the inner 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 within the tube. The brushing means therefore extend transversely to this axial direction D, and the bristles of the brushes are directed radially from so as to rub the inner periphery of the tube. The elements thrusters 14 and 24 are also arranged transversely to the direction D. For example, the brushing means 12 or 22 comprise each several series of brushing discs arranged one to the other following others and having different brushing effects. So, we can provide a first 12A Nylon® brush, a second and a third brush 12B and 12C made of brass, and a fourth brush 12D in 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 dimensions diameters D1 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 Figure 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 back to their sense F of introduction into the tube.

The propellant elements 14 and 24 also have diametral dimensions D2 greater than the internal diametrical dimensions D _T of the tube 1. They are at least equal to or slightly greater than the diametral dimensions D1. We also see in Figure 2 that, when the device is introduced into the tube, the propellant elements 14 and 24 are arched so as to have a concavity facing the inlet 1A of the tube.

The brush assemblies 10 and 20 are mounted so as to can be moved axially relative to each other alternatively in the sense of a rapprochement and a distance.

Thus, from the situation of Figure 2, we can exclude assemblies 10 and 20 as shown in FIG. 3. These assemblies 10 and 20 are similar, that is, they are chosen in such a way as to exercise substantially the same reaction efforts against the inner periphery tube 1 when introduced into the latter. Moreover, the resistance that the brushing assemblies oppose to their advancement in the direction F inside the tube is less than the resistance they oppose to their recoil in the G sense. This is due to the sense of their concavity. Because of the orientation of the edges of the propulsive elements, the forces of friction opposing a retreat are higher than those that oppose advancement. A decline would seek to reverse the concavity while the sense of concavity is of course preserved during a advancement.

Thus, when the assemblies 10 and 20 are moved away from each other, the assembly 10 (closest to the inlet 1 A of the tube) does not have or practically no tendency to retreat, and it is the whole 20 that advances, as shown in the comparison of Figures 2 and 3. When then brings the assemblies 10 and 20 closer to each other, the assembly 20 has no or almost no tendency to back down and that's the whole 10 which as shown in the comparison of Figures 3 and 4. On therefore understands that by alternative movements of distance and bringing together sets 10 and 20 of each other, it is possible to step by step to move the device forward to the tube outlet 1B 1.

For the sake of clarity of the present description, it is functionally distinguished the propellant elements 14 and 24 of the brushing means 12 and 22. However, propellants may be brushes relatively rigid. It has indeed been found that brushes having extremely thin hairs or low rigidity tend to twist at inside the tube after a first phase of advancement, placing substantially in a radial plane, in which case the concavity previously evoked tends to disappear. It is no longer possible to do advance the two sets brushing in the tube the way previously indicated. On the other hand, one can choose to use, as propelling element, a sufficiently rigid brush element, by example a brush whose hairs are sufficiently thick and dense to maintain the axial flexion that was imposed on them during their introduction into the tube. The skilled person may perform tests to determine the nature, diameter and density of suitable hairs. The propelling element 14 or 24 may be a brush, similar to one brushes 12A to 12D previously mentioned and whose rigidity will be determined properly.

The choice to build the propulsion element in the form of a brush has the advantage of involving the latter in the cleaning of the tube or at least to prevent the contact of the outer periphery of the propellant with. the inner periphery of the tube does not cause the clogging streaks of the latter.

One can also choose as propellant a plate able to be deformed perpendicularly to its plane. For example, propellant elements 14 and 24 are disc-shaped plates, made of synthetic material such as elastomer, this material being chosen so as to have a relative stiffness or elasticity doing that once the propellant has been introduced into a tube and has a concavity turned towards the entrance of the latter, the concavity of this propellant element will be difficult to reverse inside the tube.

The brush assemblies 10 and 20 are mounted on a system of support so that the means of brushing a set brushing can rotate freely relative to the brushing means from the other brushing set. For example, the brushes are mounted on crowns whose inner periphery is cylindrical. For their part, support elements 30, 40 or 35, 45 (see FIG. cylindrical outer surfaces on which these crowns are arranged.

It has been indicated previously that the two brushing assemblies 10 and are analogous and in any case substantially the same resistance to advancement inside the tube. However, we can choose for example for brushing means 22, "soft" brushes relatively flexible, while harder brushes would be chosen for the brushing means 12. In this case, the propelling elements 14 and 24 would be chosen in such a way as to present resistance to advancement such as the difference in resistance to advancement between the brushing means 12 and 22 is compensated if it is not negligible.

The brush assemblies 10 and 20 are respectively mounted on a first and a second support element, 30 and 40. These two support elements can slide relative to one another to be alternately close together and distant from each other. For example, the first support member 30 is integral with a piston portion of a cylinder, while the second support member 40 is integral with a cylinder part of the cylinder.

In FIG. 1, the brushes 12A to 12D are mounted one to the other following others on the cylindrical surface of the piston portion 30 and are held by an axial abutment ring 31. The propelling element 14 is held against this ring by another stop ring axial or a shoulder 32. The brushes and the propellant of the other set brushing are mounted the same way on the body 40 forming the cylinder of: jack 40 '. At the end of the latter, they are held by a thrust washer 41 which is provided with a system of gripping 42 (ring, head mushroom ...).

Figures 6 and 7 show an alternative embodiment of the system gripper 42, which comprises a rod 42A and a ring 42B. In fact, the brush assembly 20 is extended by the rod 42A whose end is equipped with ring 42B, which may also be in the form of a ball, which protrudes out of the second end 1B of the tube 1 when the brush assembly 20 reaches the vicinity of this end, which allows the gripping of the brushing assemblies 20 to be drawn 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 by being manipulated by a handle 33 located at the end of the brush assembly 10 opposite to the brushing assembly 20. Once the device engaged in the tube, one can perform a step of brushing and progression of sets brushing towards the second end 1B of the tube as indicated previously.

At the end of this step, the first brushing set (in this case the assembly 20) reaches the second end 1B of the tube. We can then brush the tube again by moving the device forward reverse. For this, the two brush sets 10 and 20 are extracted from tube and reintroduced into the latter by the second end 1B of such that the brushing means co-operate with the periphery inside the tube and that the two propulsion elements cooperate with this inner periphery being flexed axially towards the second end 1B of the tube. We then carry out a step of brushing and progress of the brushing assemblies towards the first end of the tube alternately moving away and moving the brush sets together one of the other. By these movements of remoteness and approximation, the device will progress towards the inlet 1A of the tube since the concavities propulsion elements are this time turned to the output 1B.

When the device reaches the output 1B of the tube after first step of brushing and progression, the end portion 42 is accessible and sometimes the whole brushing 20 emerges from the tube or found in a room of larger diameter. Even if we continue movements of removal and approximation, the whole brushing 10 no longer progressing towards the exit because the brushing assembly 20 does not take more support on the inner periphery of the tube. To extract the device from the tube, it is therefore necessary to pull on the gripping end 42, by example using a rope.

When the extraction is complete, we can then reintroduce the whole of the way previously mentioned.

Preferably, there is provided a rotational connection between the system of support of the brushing assemblies 10, 20 and the means (conduit 50 or sheath 66 and cable 64) for controlling the reciprocating movement of brushing assemblies relative to each other. So, the handle 33 is fitted with a 33 'air-tight swivel coupling which allows the led 50 to be rotated at the same time as all brushing 10.

The jack used to drive the movement of the elements 10 and 20 may be a pressurized fluid cylinder, for example compressed air. In this case, the control of the jack includes means for supplying pressurized fluid and means exhaust of this fluid themselves controlled so as to alternately solicit the piston in both directions of displacement.

FIG. 1 thus shows a compressed air line 50. The operation of the device can be stopped by a stop valve 55B blocking the circulation of compressed air. For example, when the device is used for cleaning outlets equipped with a compressor, the compressed air delivered by this compressor can be used to operate the cylinder.

In FIG. 5, the brushing assemblies 10 and 20 are indicated by broken lines interrupted. They are respectively integral with the piston 30 and the body 40 containing the cylinder of the jack 40 '. Conduits 51 and 52 serving respectively for the supply of fluid under pressure and Fluid exhaust is indicated.

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

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

The valve 54 is for example controlled by fluid under pressure, for example compressed air, against means of recall.

Advantageously, this valve 54 is directly disposed to inside the cylinder body. One can choose a valve 54 made of automatically reverse the supply and exhaust air at each end of stroke of the piston 30 of the cylinder, in which case a single duct 51, for the supply of compressed air is necessary.

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 escapement comprises two exhaust pipes 52A and 52B likely to be respectively connected to chambers 58 and 56. Both 52A and 52A 52B through the piston 30 and its stem to open in the open air on the rear face of the brush assembly 10.

Compressed air from a compressor goes through a system air treatment unit 53 comprising an isolation valve 55A. The driving of compressed air 50, intended to feed alternately the two chambers 56 and 58, is connected between the isolation valve 55A and the stop valve 55B open-closed type which is integral with the handle 33. This stop valve 55B is manually actuated at the inlet of the tube 1A, during an introduction or an extraction of the brushing assemblies 10 and 20 and allows to engage or stop the movement of the piston.

In order to be able to keep the air treatment system 53 out of 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 feed pipe 51 through the swivel connector 33 '.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the feed pipe 51 opens into a bore 63 formed in the piston 30. A drawer 67 preferably cylindrical, comprising two compartments 67A and 67B, slides in the bore 63 between two stable positions relative to the piston, so as to successively direct the compressed air into the two rooms 56 and 58 according to its position.

In a first stable position of the drawer, shown in the FIG. 6, corresponding to the supply of the chamber 58, the conduit supply 51 is connected to the compartment 67A, while the chamber 56 is connected to the exhaust by connecting compartment 67B with the exhaust pipe 52B. In this position, the drawer 67 protrudes piston 30 in the chamber 56 and the exhaust pipe 52A is unused.

On the other hand, in a second stable position of the drawer, represented in FIG. 7; corresponding to the feeding of the room 56, the supply duct 51 is this time connected to the compartment 67B, while the chamber 58 is connected to the escapement by connection of the compartment 67A with exhaust pipe 52A. In this position, the slide 67 protrudes from the piston 30 into the chamber 58 and the conduit 52B exhaust is not used.

Advantageously, said valve 154 comprises means for to request the displacement of said drawer 67 comprising first means stopper formed on said slide 67 and second stop means formed in each of chambers 56 and 58 capable of cooperating with said first stop means.

FIG. 8 shows the drawer 67 and the stop means in detail at the moment of passing from the position of Figure 7 to that of Figure 6. At each end of stroke of the piston 30, the drawer 67 changes automatically positionally abutting 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 exerted alternatively 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 drawer 67 during a change of position, a translation stop is arranged at the end of each of the compartments 67A and 67B. So, the drawer 67 can not get out of the bore 63 and the feed lines 51 and exhaust 52A or 52B always arrive in front of 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 protrude radially from compartment 67A, respectively 67B, and be able to come into contact against a shoulder 73A, respectively 73B, formed in the piston In the chamber 58, respectively 56.

To improve the movement of the slide 67 in the bore 63, preferentially chooses to manufacture it in polyoxymethylene homopolymer (POM H), for example of the type marketed under the DELRIN® brand. The use of this material reduces the friction and inertia, so as to reduce the displacement effort of the drawer 67.

In addition, care is taken to minimize the travel of the drawer 67, preferably limiting it to 6 mm.

To ensure the seal between the supply lines and 51, 52A and 52B, the slide 67 has O-rings 68. To limit the 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 throats 70 are located in areas in which, for a given position of the drawer 67, the seal is momentarily not necessary.

Thus, when the drawer 67 abuts on the bottom 40A of the chamber 58, the chamber 58 begins to be pressurized by being gradually connected to the pipe 51, as shown in FIG. 8, and the chamber 56 begins to be exhausted by being gradually connected to the pipe 52B. When drawer 67 arrives stop, most or all, joints 68 are not in contact sealed with the bore 63, so that the friction of the slide 67 in the bore 63 is very weak and the displacement in the direction F1 initiated by the come into abutment continues with a dynamic effect until the drawer 67 reaches its stable position in FIG.

To increase the efficiency of tube 1 cleaning, 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 Figures 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 member 40. The reservoir 72 is connected to a filling orifice 74 opening on the periphery to the free cylindrical end 75 of the support member 40 which allows fill the tank 72 with fluid 76 (lubricant, cleaning agent ...) using of a dispenser for example, containing the quantity sufficient to perform a cleaning of the tube 1. This quantity is preferably determined for make a go in the tube 1 and that the tank 72 is entirely empty at the end of the passage to avoid untimely projections of the fluid 76. The reservoir 72 being rotated when the element of support 40 rotates in the helix formed in the tube for example it is necessary to be able to close the filling orifice 74 with a plug 78.

For the pulsed projection of the fluid 76 contained in the reservoir 72, this is connected to the periphery 75 of the brush element 20 by means of projection means.

These means include a pipe that connects within 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 the vaporization of the fluid 76. The presence of both plugs 76 and 78 allows the cleaning device to be used without projection. Figure 7 shows this configuration of the device of cleaning with empty tank 72.

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

The pipe 84 is formed from a flexible material, preferably made of fluorocarbon elastomer FPM. Advantageously, the end 84 'of the pipe 84 which dipped in the fluid 76 remains substantially fixed in rotation, despite the rotation of the reservoir 72. For this, this end 84 'is weighed down by a weight 85. The flexibility of the pipe 84 used, combined with the presence of the flyweight 85, allows the hose 84 to stay in the bottom of the tank 72 during the rotation of the latter with the brushing assembly 20. In the case where the device does not turn, this weight 85 has the advantage of maintaining the end 84 'of the pipe 84 in the bottom of the tank 72, regardless of the angular position initial device during the introduction of the brushing assemblies 10, 20 in the tube 1.

The device is inserted into the tube to be cleaned preferably slightly inclined (for example at an angle of 4 °) with respect to horizontally, in order to allow its access at man's height for clean up. Thus, the input 1 A is lower than the output 1B of the tube 1 and the tank 72 is also slightly inclined, which leads to 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 therewith.

As shown in FIG. 8, the reservoir 72 is partially filled with the fluid 76 maintained under pressure by air sampling compressed in the chamber 58. A valve 88, calibrated using a 90, is disposed between the chamber 58 and the reservoir 72. If the cylinder operates under a pressure of 5 bar, one can for example pre-set the opening of the valve at 4 bar. From then on, the pipe is constantly fed with the fluid 76, so that the fluid 76 is projected alternatively by the nozzles 82 on the inner wall of the tube 1 by means of jets that follow the rotation of the brush assembly 20.

Half of the time of use, room 58 is not powered in 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 phase, until the chamber 58 is at again under pressure.

When the device is not mobile 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 relative to the support member 40 containing the reservoir 72 under the effect fluid pressure 76. In this case, a rotary seal will be preferentially arranged between these specific means and the element of support 40 in the vicinity of the reservoir 72.

The preferred procedure is to carry out a first forward passage of the brushing assemblies 10 and 20 with projection of the fluid 76, for example a detergent fluid, which will allow you to take off well. all the dirt adhering against the inner wall of the tube 1. The return is preferentially dry.

A second round robin set 10 and 20 is made dry.

Each of the brush sets 10 and 20 are then covered. with an absorbent material (not shown), in the form of fabric or paper for example, held on the device and we make a return trip of the device to remove all projected fluid 76, as well as dirt who would always be present. Brush sets 10 and 20 can be completely replaced by this absorbent material.

Absorbent material is removed and replaced with a material analogous (or identical) to make a go in the tube 1 with fluid projection 76, for example a lubricant. The return is made without fluid projection 76, so as to mop up the excess fluid 76, in particular, in the case of tubes with streaks that may have accumulate the fluid 76 projected during the previous passage.

Figure 9 shows a variant for mounting and moving two sets of brushes 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 transmission means of the movement. These means include for example a connecting rod 62 which is Driven by the motor to transmit an alternative linear motion to a cable 64. This cable is disposed in a sheath 66 at the end of which is mounted the plate 35. This sheath 66 is flexible while being Rigid enough to not have a tendency to deform axially by huddling on itself.

The end portion 64A of the cable 64 is fixed to the plate 45. platinum 35 being held by the sheath 66, it is understood that the axial movements of the cable 64 generated by the rod 62 tend to alternatively move the two elements closer together and away from each other. the support constituted by the plates 35 and 45. With this variant, it is possible to choose a sheath 66 long enough for the motor 60 to stay outside the tube while cleaning the tube. We could also, for the cleaning of sufficiently sized tubes large, use an "onboard" engine, attached to the plate 35, this engine being provided with a power supply also on board or being connected to an external power supply by a flexible cable.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, the two elements are represented thrusters 14 and 24 disposed between the brushing means 12 and 22. This is an example of realization, but one could of course choose another provision, for example by arranging the propulsion element 24 against the washer 41, that is to say at the end of the brush assembly 20 which is opposed to the brushing assembly 10.

For example, for cleaning an inner diameter tube of 155 mm, provided with helical grooves diameter at the bottom of the grooves at 158 mm, and whose length is the order of 6 to 10 m, a device comprising, for each brushing set, three or four brushing elements, respectively in Nylon®, brass and bronze. As an element propeller, two polyamide discs with a diameter of 160 mm, elastomer such as Viton® with a thickness of 5 mm. We can also choose a propeller disk formed by a brush of diameter of 164 mm, 16 mm thick and whose bristles polyamide have a diameter of 1 mm.

Claims (23)

1. Device for cleaning a tube, said device comprising:

   two analogous brushing assemblies (10, 20), each of which comprises brushing means (12, 22) suitable for co-operating with the inside periphery of the tube, and a propelling element (14, 24) for moving said brushing means inside the tube;

   means (50, 54, 30, 40, 40'; 60, 62, 64, 66, 35, 45; 154) for moving axially the brushing assemblies (10, 20) towards each other and away from each other in alternation; and

   a spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) for spraying a fluid (76) against the inside periphery of the tube (1);

   said device being characterised in that said propelling element (14, 24) is suitable for co-operating with said inside periphery by being flexed along 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) for moving axially the brushing assemblies (10, 20) towards each other and away from each other in alternation comprise a control chamber (58) which is secured to said support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) and which may be connected to a feed for feeding in fluid (51) under pressure; and
      in that said spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) includes a reservoir (72) which co-operates with said support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) being on board said apparatus and which can be put under pressure by being connected to said chamber (58).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that said brushing means (12) of a brushing assembly (10) are suitable for turning 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 grooves formed in the inside periphery of said tube by advancing in the helical thread formed by said grooves.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) is secured to said brushing means (22) of a brushing assembly (20).
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said reservoir (72) is provided with a filling orifice (74) serving for filling said reservoir (72) with fluid (76) and said spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) is further provided with a fluid outlet (80) having at least one spray nozzle (82) distributed at the periphery of said support system (40) for spraying said fluid (76) against the inside periphery of the tube (1).
5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that said fluid outlet (80) is provided with a plurality of spray nozzles (82) distributed at the periphery of said support system (40).
6. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that said fluid outlet (80) is connected to the inside of the reservoir (72) via a pipe (84).
7. Device according to claim 6, characterised in that said pipe (84) is provided with a weight (85) serving to keep said pipe (84) immersed in the fluid (76).
8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) further includes a valve member (88) which makes it possible to connect said chamber (58) to said reservoir (72) serving to put the fluid (76) under pressure.
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each propelling element comprises a plate (14, 24) suitable for being deformed perpendicularly to its plane.
10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each propelling element (14, 24) comprises a brushing element.
11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) comprises a first support element (30, 35) on which one of the brushing assemblies (10) is mounted, and a second support element (40, 45) on which the other brushing assembly (20) is mounted, and means (51, 55B, 54, 56, 58; 60, 62, 64, 66; 154) for causing said support elements to slide relative to each other along the axial direction (D), by bringing them towards each other and away from each other in alternation.
12. Device according to claim 11, characterised in that the first and second support elements (30, 40) are secured respectively to a piston portion and to a cylinder portion of a jack (30, 40') driven by fluid (51) under pressure.
13. Device according to claim 12, characterised in that said jack (30, 40') comprises a body provided with means (54; 154) for connecting said chamber (58) and another chamber (56) for controlling the movement of the piston portion (30) to said fluid feed (51) and to a fluid discharge (52, 52A, 52B) in alternation.
14. Device according to claim 13, characterised in that said means (54; 154) comprise a valve suitable for inverting the fluid feed and the fluid discharge automatically each time the piston (30) reaches the end of its stroke so that the device is provided with a single control duct that serves as the fluid feed.
15. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that said valve (154) has a slide (67) suitable for sliding in a bore (63) formed in the piston (30) of the jack.
16. Device according to claim 15, characterised in that said fluid discharge has two discharge ducts (52A, 52B), in that said slide has two compartments (67A, 67B), each of which communicates with a respective one of the two chambers (56, 58), and in that, as a function of the position of the slide (67), one of said compartments is connected to the fluid feed (51), and the other compartment is connected to one of the two discharge ducts (52A, 52B).
17. Device according to claim 15 or 16, characterised in that said valve (154) has means for urging said slide (67) to move, which means comprise first abutment means (69A, 69B) formed on said slide (67) and second abutment means (40A, 40B) formed in each of the chambers (56, 58) and suitable for co-operating with said first abutment means (69A, 69B).
18. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) is connected via a rotary link (33') to the means (50, 66, 64) for causing the brushing assemblies (10, 20) to move in alternating manner relative to each other.
19. A method of cleaning a tube (1), in which method two analogous brushing assemblies (10, 20) are used, each of which comprises brushing means (12, 22) and a propelling element (14, 24), said brushing assemblies (10, 20) are inserted successively into the tube (1) via a first end (1A) of said tube, so that the brushing means (12, 22) co-operate with the inside periphery of the tube (1), said brushing means (12, 22) are moved and a brush and advance step is performed in which the brushing assemblies (10, 20) brush and advance towards the second end (1B) of the tube (1) by moving the brushing assemblies (10, 20) towards each other and away from each other in alternation (Figures 2, 3, 4), and fluid (76) is sprayed against said inside periphery of the tube (1);
       said method being characterised in that on inserting said brushing assemblies (10, 20) into the tube (1), care is taken to ensure that the two propelling elements secured to a support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45) co-operate with said inside periphery by being flexed axially towards the first end (1A) of the tube (1);
       in that said brushing assemblies (10, 20) are moved axially towards each other and away from each other in alternation by feeding at least one control chamber (58) which is connected to a feed for feeding in fluid (51) under pressure;
       in that said fluid (76) is disposed in a reservoir (72) that co-operates with said support system (33, 30, 40; 35, 45); and
       in that said fluid (76) is put under pressure by using the pressure existing in said control chamber (58).
20. A method according to claim 19, characterised in that, for the purpose of cleaning helical grooves formed in the inside wall of said tube, the brushing means (12) of a brushing assembly (10) are allowed to turn freely relative to the brushing means (22) of the other brushing assembly (20).
21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, characterised in that, when the first brushing assembly (20) reaches the second end (1 B) of the tube (1), the two brushing assemblies (10, 20) are extracted from the tube, said brushing assemblies are re-inserted into the tube (1) via its second end (1B), so that the brushing means (12, 22) co-operate with the inside periphery of the tube, and so that the two propelling elements (14, 22) co-operate with said inside periphery by being flexed axially towards the second end (1B) of the tube, and a brush and advance step is performed in which the brushing assemblies brush and advance towards the first end of the tube by moving the brushing assemblies towards each other and away from each other in alternation.
22. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterised in that said fluid (72) is sprayed via rotary jets.
23. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterised in that said inside periphery of the tube (1) is wiped using an absorbent material disposed on each of the two brushing assemblies (10, 20).

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