EP2305893A1 - Device, machine, and method for mixing grained materials with fibers - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a projection head (T) carried by a support member. The projection head includes a series of wire ejectors (53) and a carriage (38) that is secured to a projection nozzle (50) of granular material, where the ejectors are directed toward a jet of granular material projected by the nozzle. The projection nozzle has a vertical central axis (Y-Y) while the ejectors are placed laterally with axes (C-C) relative to the nozzle, where the axes are directed obliquely downward according to an angle (alpha) less than 90 degree in oscillation positions of the ejectors. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a machine for simultaneous projection of granular material and continuous wire on a surface (2) a process for covering a surface.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for simultaneous projection of granular material and continuous son on a surface to be covered, of the type described in the preamble of claim 1.

The simultaneous projection technology of granular material and continuous son on a surface to be coated is known since the 1980s and is described in particular in the EP-0 017 548-A1 . This technology applies for example to the construction of embankments, road surfaces or floors, or foundations on loose soil. It still applies to the protection of potentially dangerous structures such as spherical gas storage tanks. The granular material may be for example sand, gravel, pebbles, crushed boulders.

The technology in question is marketed under the TEXSOL brand.

Various improvements of this technology have been proposed, in particular as a function of the flow rate of granular material to be used.

In particular, EP-0 388 276-A1 discloses a projection device of the aforementioned type, wherein the support member of the projection head is a telescopic arm carried by a vehicle on wheels. The feed pipe granular material is connected to a hopper also mounted on wheels, relatively autonomous from the main vehicle. Such a machine is suitable for moderate granular material flow rates, of the order of a few m ³ / h.

The invention aims to allow the implementation of much higher flows, up to 20 m ³ / h, reliably, traceable and reproducible.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a projection device of the aforementioned type, characterized by the characterizing part of claim 1.

Other features of this projection device are described in claims 2 to 7.

The invention also aims to allow the suspension in good conditions of the projection head at the end of a large arrow. dimensions, in order to be able to coat surfaces located at a high altitude as the top region of a spherical gas storage tank.

For this purpose, according to another aspect of the invention, which can be implemented independently of the aforementioned characteristics, the support member comprises a frame in which are mounted a series of coils of wire, the carriage being mounted with movement of alternative translation with respect to this frame.

Another object of the invention is to enable successively cover predetermined surface pads accurately, traceable and reproducible.

For this purpose, according to other characteristics that can be implemented independently of the aforementioned characteristics, the ejectors are articulated on two parallel plates interconnected by at least two rods parallel to each other, said drive means comprising on the one hand first drive means, in particular at least one first pneumatic cylinder, adapted to move the two plates relative to each other in a reciprocating movement substantially parallel to the plates, and secondly second drive means , In particular a second pneumatic jack, adapted to oscillate the set of two plates around an axis parallel to the plates.

Another object of the invention is to allow to reliably adjust over a wide range of values the speed of ejection son.

For this purpose, according to a characteristic that can be implemented independently of the aforementioned characteristics, the projection head comprises, upstream of each ejector, a mechanical wire drive device by pinching the wire between two endless rotary members, in particular between a rotating cylinder and a belt.

The invention also relates to a machine for simultaneous projection of granular material and continuous son on a surface to cover, characterized in that it comprises a motorized mobile carrier, an arrow whose proximal end is articulated on the carrier, and a device as defined above, the support member is suspended at the distal end of the boom.

Other features of this machine, which contribute to attaining at least one of the purposes indicated above, are described in claims 12 to 15.

• on positionne un dispositif de projection tel que défini ci-dessus au-dessus d'un premier plot prédéterminé de la surface à revêtir ;
• on réalise le recouvrement du premier plot ;
• on amène la tête au-dessus d'un deuxième plot adjacent au premier plot ;
• on réalise le recouvrement du deuxième plot ;
• on répète ces opérations jusqu'à ce qu'on ait recouvert l'ensemble de ladite surface.

The subject of the invention is also a process for covering a surface with a mixture of granular material and continuous filaments, characterized in that:

• positioning a projection device as defined above above a first predetermined pad of the surface to be coated;
• the first pad is covered;
• bringing the head above a second stud adjacent to the first stud;
• the recovery of the second stud is carried out;
• these operations are repeated until all of said surface has been covered.

Other features of this process are described in claims 17 and 18.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'ensemble de côté d'une machine de projection conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 illustre schématiquement le recouvrement d'une surface au moyen de la machine de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique de côté, partiellement en coupe longitudinale, du dispositif d'alimentation en matériau granulaire ;
• la figure 4 montre en perspective l'alimentation en matériau granulaire du dispositif de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 5 représente schématiquement, en vue de côté, des mouvements de soulèvement et de déplacement radiaux de la tête de projection ;
• les figures 6 et 7 représentent schématiquement des mouvements de pivotement de la tête de projection ;
• la figure 8 représente schématiquement, en vue de côté, le soulèvement maximal de la tête de projection et son positionnement dans la région sommitale d'un réservoir sphérique de gaz ;
• la figure 9 représente schématiquement l'ensemble du dispositif de projection, en vue de côté ;
• la figure 10 représente plus en détail, vu de l'arrière, le chariot de la tête de projection ;
• la figure 11 représente le même chariot en vue de côté ;
• la figure 12 représente, avec coupe partielle, le dispositif d'entraînement d'un fil et l'éjecteur associé ; et
• la figure 13 représente schématiquement en perspective le mécanisme d'oscillation des éjecteurs.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a projection machine according to the invention;
• the figure 2 schematically illustrates the overlap of a surface by means of the machine of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a schematic side view, partially in longitudinal section, of the feed device of granular material;
• the figure 4 shows in perspective the supply of granular material from the device of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 5 schematically shows, in side view, movements of lifting and radial displacement of the projection head;
• the Figures 6 and 7 schematically represent pivoting movements of the projection head;
• the figure 8 schematically represents, in side view, the maximum lifting of the projection head and its positioning in the summit region of a spherical tank of gas;
• the figure 9 schematically represents the entire projection device, in side view;
• the figure 10 represents in more detail, seen from behind, the carriage of the projection head;
• the figure 11 represents the same carriage in side view;
• the figure 12 represents, with partial section, the device for driving a wire and the associated ejector; and
• the figure 13 schematically represents in perspective the mechanism of oscillation of the ejectors.

The machine represented on the figure 1 consists of a carrier 1, a projection device 2 and a follower train 3.

The machine 1 comprises a cabin 4 integral with a motor compartment 5 and pivotally mounted on a track bearing assembly 6.

An articulated boom 7 is articulated around a transverse horizontal axis on the cabin 4 by its proximal end. The projection device 2 is suspended at the distal end of the arrow.

The machine 1 is typically a demolition excavator whose boom has been modified in a manner that will appear later.

The follower train 3 comprises a rigid chassis 8 coupled to the bearing assembly 6 by a rigid tie 9. The frame 8 carries an air compressor 10, a generator 11, a control unit 12, a power supply unit in pressurized water comprising a water tank 13 and a water pump 14, and a sand supply assembly.

A flexible pipe 16 connects the follower train 3 to the projection device 2 to bring to it the electrical energy, sand and water it needs.

The machine of the figure 1 is used to cover a surface of an intimate mixture of sand and continuous yarns. The surface may be an embankment, any substrate, or a reservoir, for example spherical, storage gas or other potentially hazardous material.

To perform this operation, as shown on the figure 2 , the surface 17 to be covered is subdivided into pads, in this rectangular example of about 1 mx 80 cm and the number of ten. The projection device is positioned above a first pad 18A, which is covered with the desired thickness of sand-son mixture. Then the device 2 is moved and positioned above a second stud 18B adjacent to the stud 18A, and this second stud is covered with the thickness desired sand-son mixtures. These operations are continued until all of the surface 17 is treated. The figure 2 illustrates a stage where seven pads 18A to 18G have been treated, while an eighth pad 18H is being processed.

The figure 3 represents the sand feed assembly. This assembly comprises a hopper 19 whose input is provided with a series of parallel beams 20 inverted V section. The wall of this hopper is equipped with vibrators 21 and nozzles 22 for injecting compressed air for fluidifying the contents of the hopper.

The hopper 19 comprises at its outlet a vertical duct 23 provided with a guillotine valve 24. Downstream of this valve is a rubber sleeve 25 which connects the duct 23 to the inlet of a barrel sand pump 26, through through a bowl 27 also provided with vibrators and fluidization nozzles not shown.

The outlet of the pump 26 is connected to a flexible pipe 28 adapted to transport the sand flow to the head 2, the sand flow drive being carried out by means of compressed air supplied to the pipe 28 by the compressor of air 10.

The feet 29 of the hopper 19 are mounted on a scale 30 which continuously measures the amount of sand present in the hopper.

As we see on the figure 4 , which represents only a part of the elements carried by the follower train, the hopper 19 is periodically supplied with sand crushed by a mechanical shovel 31. This sand is poured onto the beams 20, which promote the good distribution of the sand over the entire surface of the hopper.

As shown on Figures 5 to 8 , the projection device 2 comprises a parallelepipedal frame 32 suspended at the distal end of the arrow 7 by a suspension device 33 provided with an electric motor, in order to allow the head to pivot about a predetermined angle around the vertical suspension axis XX.

The frame 32 carries a series of creels 34, eight in number in this example, each of which carries four bobbins 35 of yarn. The frame 32 also carries a lateral extension 36 equipped with rails 37 on which is mounted a carriage 38 which is part of a head T of sand projection and continuous son. This cart can thus be moved in alternative translation movement towards the axis XX and away from this axis. Sand and water pipes of the general pipe 16, generally designated by reference numeral 39, terminate in the carriage 38.

Arrow 7 ( figures 5 and 8 ) consists of three elements: a proximal arm 40 articulated to tilt on the cabin 4, a distal arm 41 which terminates with the suspension device 33, and an intermediate knee 42 which connects the arms 40 and 41. The knee 42 is articulated by its proximal end to the distal end of the arm 40 and by its distal end to the proximal end of the arm 41. The proximal cylinders 43 and distal 44 are articulated to the knee 42 and respectively to the arm 40 and 41, to control the more or less important extension of the boom, while another cylinder 45, articulated to the cabin 4 and the arm 40, controls the inclination of the latter.

The distal arm 41 is substantially rectilinear, but its distal end portion 46 is angled forward, i.e., downward. With this configuration, by putting the three jacks 40, 41 and 45 in maximum extension, with the portion 36 of the head 2 facing away from the arrow, the head 2 can be positioned at a very high altitude, with the arrow 7 substantially rectilinear and almost vertical, without interference with the frame 32 and the arrow, as shown in solid lines on the figure 8 . This makes it possible to directly treat very high surfaces, such as the summit region of a spherical gas storage tank 47, as shown schematically in FIG. figure 8 .

The projection device 2 is shown in more detail on the figure 9 , in side view, while the mobile projection head T is shown in more detail on the Figures 10 and 11 .

The carriage 38 comprises a rigid frame 48 movable, thanks to four wheels 49, on the rails 37 of the extension 36 of the frame 32. The reciprocating movement of the carriage 38 is produced by any suitable mechanism carried by this frame. The carriage 38 carries a sand spray nozzle 50 with a vertical axis Y-Y, and a system 51 for mechanical drive and hydraulic projection of the wires coming from the coils 35.

The nozzle 50 is fixed by its base to the carriage 38. It has a pyramidal trunk shape with rectangular section flaring downwards, elongated in the direction transverse to said reciprocating movement, and its upper end is connected to the outlet of the flexible sand supply pipe 39. In the nozzle 50 are provided possible obstacles such as tubes or angles which cause the sand jet to flare and its distribution over the entire outlet section of the nozzle 50.

The system 51 for mechanical drive and hydraulic projection of the wires ( Figures 10 to 13 ) comprises, for each yarn projected on the surface to be treated, these yarns being eight in the example described, a device 52 for driving by pinching, followed by an ejector 53.

The drive device 52 comprises a metal cylinder 54 in non-slip contact with an endless belt 55 mounted on two axes parallel to the axis of the cylinder 54. In this example, there is provided a cylinder 54 common to all the belts 55 .

The hydraulic ejector 53 defines a central channel 56 traversed loosely by the wire 57 driven by the device 52, and a lateral nozzle 58 for supplying pressurized water, which opens into the channel 56. The water is supplied by the pipe connected to the discharge of the water pump 14 carried by the follower 3.

The eight ejectors 53 are arranged in a horizontal transverse row located at the rear of the nozzle, along the rear edge of the carriage 38. The ejectors have parallel axes and are driven by a double oscillation set movement around two horizontal axes perpendicular to each other, namely a proper axis AA parallel to the translation direction of the carriage 38, and a common axis BB perpendicular to this direction ( figure 13 ).

For this, the system 51 comprises two identical plates, parallel and superimposed 59A and 59B, each provided with eight orifices 60A, 60B. The two plates have a very elongated rectangular shape in the direction BB. The short sides of the upper plate 59A are hinged on pins BB axis integral with two consoles 61 vis-à-vis fixed on the carriage 38. Along their long sides, the two plates are connected by connecting rods substantially 62, of which only one is represented on the figure 13 . Each ejector is received in the pair of corresponding orifices 60A, 60B, and is articulated by two diametrically opposite upper trunnions 63A to the upper plate, and by two diametrically opposite lower trunnions 63B to the lower plate. All trunnions have horizontal axes substantially perpendicular to the direction BB.

At one end of the two plates, the connecting rod 62 has a lateral appendix 64. A first pneumatic cylinder 65 is articulated between the free end of this appendix and one of the brackets 61. A second pneumatic cylinder 66 is articulated between other end of the upper plate 59A and the other console 61.

Thus, the reciprocating actuation of the jack 65 causes reciprocating movement of the lower plate 59B parallel to itself in the direction B-B. This in turn causes the overall oscillation of the eight ejectors 53 around their respective axes A-A. In addition, the reciprocating actuation of the jack 66 causes an overall oscillation of the two plates and the ejectors around the transverse axis B-B. As it is understood, it is thus very convenient to adjust the frequency and the amplitude of the two oscillations of the ejectors.

As we see on the Figures 10 and 11 , the carriage 38 still carries eight thread guiding tubes 67, which open approximately perpendicularly to the nip drive devices 52. In addition, the axes CC of the central ducts 56 of the ejectors 53 are directed obliquely towards the nipple. vertical axis YY, with a steep inclination relative to the vertical irrespective of the oscillation position of the ejectors. The angle α between the axes CC and the horizontal varies in a range of values which depends on the geometry of the nozzle 50 and the ejectors 53, the settings of the machine, the nature of the projected yarns and the positioning height T head above the surface to be covered. In the example shown, for a standard positioning of the nozzle 50 at 1 m above the surface, the angle α varies between 55 ° and 75 °. For a working height of 0.8 m, α varies between 50 ° and 65 °.

In operation, the extension 36 being positioned in line with a stud 18 ( figure 2 ) of the surface 17 to be covered, the sand pumps 26 and water 14, the air compressor 10 and the drive system and ejection son 51 are turned on. The scale 30, connected to the automaton 12, calculates the flow of sand coming out of the hopper 19, and the automaton slaves at this rate the running speed of the wires, that is to say the speed of rotation of the pinch cylinder 54.

The flow of sand S leaves the nozzle 50 in a generally vertical direction, with a substantially rectangular section whose width is substantially equal to the largest dimension of a stud 18 (ie about 1 m in this example), and whose small dimension is significantly smaller than the other dimension of the stud.

The eight son 57, driven at a speed regulated by the clamping device 52 and ejected hydraulically by the ejectors 53 to maintain the tension, are projected parallel to each other in the flow of sand and are deposited, intimately mixed with the sand, on the plot during treatment, entangled thanks to the double oscillation of the ejectors and the vertical movement of the sand flow. The reciprocating movement of the carriage 38 on its rails ( figure 9 , arrow F) makes it possible to move the strip thus covered from one edge to the other of the pad, and if necessary to deposit several similar layers on the entire surface of the stud until the desired thickness of the sand-son mixture is obtained .

When the pads that can be processed without moving the machine 1 are completed, the machine is, if necessary, moved to treat another series of pads.

The recovery data of each plot (location of the plot by GPS, date, quantities of sand and deposited son, duration of positioning of the head T on the pad) are recorded and provide a good traceability of operations.

The machine described above can project up to about 20 m ³ / h of sand, at an altitude exceeding 20 m, which covers most of the spherical tanks (or cylindrical horizontal axis) of gas storage .

The fact that dry sand is used makes it possible to control the water content of the mixture in question, so as to achieve optimal final compaction.

In addition, the fact that only the carriage 38 is movable back and forth while the frame 32 and the crests 34 remain fixed in translation, significantly reduces the mass in motion during the processing of a stud, which increases the security and accuracy of the operation.

Claims (18)

Device for simultaneous projection of granular material and continuous filaments on a surface to be covered, of the type comprising a support member (32) and a projection head (T) carried by this member, the head comprising a carriage (38) of which integral on the one hand a nozzle (50) for projecting the granular material, and on the other hand a series of wire ejectors (53) directed towards the jet of granular material projected by the nozzle, the carriage being mounted movably relative to to the support member (32) in a substantially horizontal reciprocating translation movement, the device further comprising means (59A, 59B, 62 to 66) for driving the ejectors in an oscillatory movement, characterized in that the nozzle projection device (50) comprises a substantially vertical central axis (YY) while the wire ejectors (53) are arranged laterally with respect to the nozzle, with their axes (CC) oriented obliquely downwards at an angle α, by horizontal ratio, less than 90 ° in all ejector swing positions. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the angle α is less than 75 ° in all the ejector oscillation positions. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the angle α varies between 55 ° and 75 °, in particular between 50 ° and 65 °. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ejectors (53) are arranged in at least one row perpendicular to the direction of said reciprocating movement. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the projection nozzle (50) flares downwards, in particular in the form of a truncated pyramid. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the nozzle (50) is internally provided with obstacles arranged to cause the flaring of the granular material jet which feeds the nozzle. Device according to claim 5 or 6 characterized in that the horizontal section of the nozzle (50) is elongated perpendicular to the direction of said reciprocating movement. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the support member comprises a frame (32) in which are mounted a series of coils of wire (35), the carriage (38) being mounted reciprocating movement relative to this frame. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the ejectors (53) are articulated on two parallel plates (59A, 59B) connected by at least two links (62) parallel to each other, said means a drive comprising on the one hand first drive means (65), in particular at least one first pneumatic cylinder, adapted to move the two plates relative to one another in a reciprocating movement substantially parallel to the plates, and secondly second drive means (66), in particular a second pneumatic cylinder, adapted to oscillate all of the two plates about an axis (BB) parallel to the plates. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the projection head (T) comprises, upstream of each ejector (53), a device (52) mechanical wire drive by pinching the wire between two endless rotary members (54, 55), in particular between a rotating cylinder (54) and a belt (55). Machine for simultaneous projection of granular material and continuous threads on a surface to be covered, characterized in that it comprises a motorized mobile transport vehicle (1), an arrow (7) whose proximal end is articulated on the carrier vehicle , and a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the support member (32) is suspended at the distal end of the arrow. Machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the boom (7) is provided with means for rotating the support member (32) about its suspension axis (XX). Machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the distal end portion (46) of the boom (7) is bent forwardly. Machine according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a follower train (3) of predetermined length is coupled to the rear of the carrier (1), this follower train carrying a hopper (19) supplying granular material connected to a pneumatic conduit (28) for supplying the spray nozzle (50). Machine according to Claim 14, characterized in that the hopper (19) is mounted on a load cell (30) connected to means for measuring the flow of granular material. A method of covering a surface (17) with a mixture of granular material, in particular crushed dry sand, and continuous filaments, characterized in that: - positioning a projection device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 above a first predetermined pad (18A) of the surface to be coated; the first pad is covered; the head (T) is brought above a second stud (18B) adjacent to the first stud; the overlap of the second stud is made; these operations are repeated until all of said surface (17) has been covered. Process according to Claim 16, characterized in that the positioning time of the projection head (T) on each pad (18A, ...., 18H) is slaved to the granular material flow rate or to the wire flow rate. Method according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the flow of threads is slaved to the flow of granular material, or vice versa.

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