EP3877719A1 - Air cannon and method for discharging an air cannon - Google Patents

Air cannon and method for discharging an air cannon

Info

Publication number
EP3877719A1
EP3877719A1 EP19801519.0A EP19801519A EP3877719A1 EP 3877719 A1 EP3877719 A1 EP 3877719A1 EP 19801519 A EP19801519 A EP 19801519A EP 3877719 A1 EP3877719 A1 EP 3877719A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
air cannon
outlet
fractioning
pressure
air
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP19801519.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Hannu Honkasalo
Jani MUILU
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
L&t Teollisuuspalvelut Oy
Original Assignee
L&t Teollisuuspalvelut Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by L&t Teollisuuspalvelut Oy filed Critical L&t Teollisuuspalvelut Oy
Publication of EP3877719A1 publication Critical patent/EP3877719A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C5/00—Devices or accessories for generating abrasive blasts
    • B24C5/02—Blast guns, e.g. for generating high velocity abrasive fluid jets for cutting materials
    • B24C5/04—Nozzles therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B5/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of air flow or gas flow
    • B08B5/02—Cleaning by the force of jets, e.g. blowing-out cavities
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
    • B08B7/0007—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by explosions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
    • B08B9/283—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking by gas jets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C3/00—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants
    • B24C3/02—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other
    • B24C3/06—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other movable; portable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C3/00—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants
    • B24C3/08—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants essentially adapted for abrasive blasting of travelling stock or travelling workpieces
    • B24C3/10—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants essentially adapted for abrasive blasting of travelling stock or travelling workpieces for treating external surfaces
    • B24C3/12—Apparatus using nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C7/00—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
    • B24C7/0046—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier
    • B24C7/0053—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier with control of feed parameters, e.g. feed rate of abrasive material or carrier
    • B24C7/0061—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier with control of feed parameters, e.g. feed rate of abrasive material or carrier of feed pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/54—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying
    • B65D88/64—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying preventing bridge formation
    • B65D88/70—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying preventing bridge formation using fluid jets
    • B65D88/703—Air blowing devices, i.e. devices for the sudden introduction of compressed air into the container

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to cleaning devices.
  • the pre- sent invention pertains to air cannons and related methods.
  • Air cannons also known as air blasters
  • Air cannons are known today for cleaning silos, bins and other large volume structures where dirt is built up and where it is difficult to reach by mechanical means.
  • Air cannons are used in a variety of targets especial- ly in industry settings.
  • the air cannons known today have a somewhat slow dis- charge (or blast) of air or other gas used in the air cannon. Because of the slow discharge of gas the air cannons known today may not be effective in removing the accumulated dirt from the surface of the target.
  • valve assemblies for releasing the gas through the outlet.
  • the valve assemblies cause the gas to discharge rather slowly.
  • the objective is to at least alleviate the problems described hereinabove not satis- factorily solved by the known arrangements, and to provide a feasible air cannon.
  • One objective is to increase the discharge pressure of an air cannon.
  • Another ob- jective is to provide a mobile air cannon.
  • a further objective is to provide an ad- justable air cannon, where the height, rotation and/or tilt angle may be adjusted.
  • the aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 1.
  • the aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 14.
  • an air cannon comprises -a pressure container for pressurizing gas
  • fracturing member breaks when the pressure in the pressure contain- er exceeds the breaking point of the fracturing member.
  • the fracturing member has a breaking point of at least 6 bars of pressure.
  • the fracturing member is a plastic sheet.
  • the fracturing member is acrylic glass.
  • the thickness of the plastic sheet is l-lOmm.
  • the fractioning member is machined, such as with cuts in the surface of the fractioning member, to facilitate the fractioning of the fractioning member.
  • hard particles are arranged on the surface of the fractioning member to increase the effect on a target.
  • the pressure container comprises an inlet for filling the pres- sure container.
  • the outlet comprises at least two parts such that the fracturing member may be arranged between the two parts of the outlet.
  • the air cannon comprises a movable platform.
  • the air cannon comprises an adjustable platform, wherein the height of the outlet can be adjusted.
  • the air cannon comprises an adjustable platform, wherein the tilt angle can be adjusted. In one embodiment the air cannon comprises an adjustable platform, wherein the rotation angle of the outlet can be adjusted.
  • the air cannon comprises recoil removal means.
  • the recoil removal means comprise at least one or two cylin- ders.
  • a method for discharging an air can- non comprises
  • the height of the outlet is adjusted. In one embodiment the tilt angle of the outlet is adjusted. In one embodiment the rotation angle of the outlet is adjusted.
  • the utility of the present invention follows from a plurality of factors depending on each particular embodiment.
  • the discharge pressure of the air cannon may be increased.
  • the air cannon may be mobile.
  • the height, tilt angle and/or rotation angle of the outlet may be adjustable. The discharge may be directed to the target area by ad- justing the height, tilt angle and/or rotation angle
  • a number of refers herein to any positive integer starting from one (1), e.g. to one, two, or three.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an air cannon in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a second view of the air cannon.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the air cannon.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of the air cannon in a tilted position.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the air cannon.
  • Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.
  • the air cannon 100 comprises a pressure container 102 and an outlet 104.
  • the pressure container 102 comprises four connectors 106-112.
  • the first connector 106 is an inlet for filling the pressure container.
  • the second con- nector 108 may be for a safety valve, the third connector 110 may be for a pres- sure gauge and the fourth connector may be for emergency drainage 112.
  • the connectors are half inch connectors.
  • the pressure con- tainer 102 comprises a service/maintenance connector 114 in the rear end.
  • the service connector may be a two inch connector.
  • the pressure container is 10-200 L.
  • the pres- sure container is preferably 10-90 L.
  • the pressure container is a 90 L pressure container.
  • the pressure con- tainer may be, for example, 100 L, 150 L or 200 L.
  • Air or other gas from a factory network, or other real estate network may be uti- lized to fill the pressure container.
  • air or gas compressors may be used to fill the pressure container.
  • the air cannon may utilize air, nitrogen or other suitable pressurized gas.
  • a factory network may provide 6-8 bars of pressure. If the aim is to pressurize the pressure container to 10 bars, the factory network may be utilized until 8 bars and a separate compressor may be used to pressurize from 8 to 10 bars.
  • a nitrogen tank bottle with for example 200 bars may be used through a pressure regulator for pressur- izing the pressure container.
  • a mobile air cannon may utilize 6-20 bars of pressure. More prefera- bly, a mobile air cannon may utilize 6-15 bars of pressure. A fixed air cannon may utilize 6-40 bars of pressure.
  • the air cannon 100 comprises an outlet 104.
  • the outlet 104 comprises two parts, a base part 116 and an end part 118.
  • the base part 116 is attached to the pressure container 102.
  • the end part 118 may be detached from the base part 116.
  • the outlet 104 comprises a flange connection 120 for connecting the base part and the end part.
  • a fractioning member 122 is arranged within the flange connec- tion, between the base part 116 and the end part 118.
  • the end part is tightened to the base part so that the fractioning member is pressed in the outlet 104 between the end part and the base part.
  • the end part may be tightened with two wing nuts 124, 126.
  • the outlet 104 comprises a connector 128, such as a Camlock cou- pling, for extending the outlet.
  • the outlet is a 4 inch outlet.
  • the outlet may be 4-6 inches.
  • a smaller 10 L pressure container may use a 2 inch outlet.
  • a 200 L pressure container may have a 4-12 inch outlet.
  • the fractioning member is acrylic glass such as Plexiglas®. Alterna- tively, the fractioning member may be some other plastic sheet material, glass sheet or other suitable material. Preferably, the fractioning member is some brit- tle material fractioning from the pressure. The material selection and the thick- ness of the material may affect the strength of the discharge/blast of the air can- non.
  • the thickness of the fractioning member is 1-10 mm.
  • a 3 mm thick acrylic glass sheet may break in 8 bars of pressure.
  • the pressure and strength of discharge may thus be adjusted depending on the target.
  • a 6 mm thick acrylic glass may be utilized for a stronger discharge.
  • the fractioning member may be machined to facilitate the fraction- ing.
  • cuts may be arranged to the surface of the fractioning member.
  • 0,5 mm deep cuts may be arranged to the surface of the fractioning member.
  • a machined 6mm fractioning member may fracture in the same pressure as an unmachined 3mm fractioning member.
  • hard particles such as sand and/or gravel may be ar- ranged to the surface of the fractioning member to increase the effect on the tar- get.
  • the hard particles may be attached to the fractioning member with adhesive bags, for example.
  • the pressure container 102 may be arranged to a platform 130.
  • the platform may be a movable platform.
  • the movable platform may comprise wheels 132.
  • the wheels may be locked so that the platform stays in place.
  • the platform 130 corn- prises a push handle 133 for moving the air cannon.
  • the platform may be adjustable so that the height of the outlet may be adjusted.
  • the platform may be a mobile scissor lift trolley 134.
  • the platform may be adjustable so that the tilt angle of the outlet is adjustable.
  • the top part of the platform may comprise tilt adjust- ment means for adjusting the tilt angle.
  • the tilt angle may be adjustable with +/- 25 degrees.
  • the tilt adjustment means may comprise a tilt support plate 136, an axis shaft 138 around which the pressure container and/or outlet is tilted, and a locking handle 140.
  • the platform may be adjustable for rotating the out- let and/or pressure container.
  • the top part of the platform may comprise rotation adjustment means for adjusting the rotation.
  • the pressure container and/or outlet may be rotated 90 degrees in both directions.
  • the rotation adjustment means may comprise a rotating plate 142.
  • the air cannon 100 comprises recoil removal means.
  • the recoil removal means may be arranged to the platform 130.
  • the recoil removal means may comprise a recoil base 144.
  • the recoil base 144 may be attached to the platform 130 with a quick release.
  • the pressure container 102 is arranged to the recoil base 144.
  • the pressure con- tainer 102 comprises a first and second support plate 146, 148 with wheels.
  • the wheels may be arranged to the recoil base so that the wheels move within tracks 150, 152 such as U-bars.
  • the support plates may comprise wheels in four cor- ners, for example.
  • the recoil removal means may comprise two cylinders 154, 156.
  • the cylinders are pneumatic cylinders.
  • hydraulic cylinders may be used.
  • the cylinders may be attached from the front end to the support plates 146, 148 and from the back end to the recoil base 144.
  • the support plates with wheels may slide backwards in the tracks and the two cylinders may be configured to decelerate/brake the movement caused by the recoil.
  • the air cannon 100 comprises supports 158, 160 for stabilizing the structure.
  • a first and second support 158, 160 is attached to the platform.
  • Two brackets 162, 164 may be pulled out from the platform.
  • the brackets comprise threaded plugs
  • FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.
  • a fractioning member is arranged in an outlet of an air cannon.
  • a sheet of acrylic glass or other plastic material is placed in the outlet.
  • hard particles are arranged on the surface of the fractioning member.
  • a pressure container of the air cannon is filled with gas.
  • the pressure container may be filled with gas from a factory network and/or a compressor, for example.
  • the pressure container is pressurized until the fractioning member breaks.
  • a fractioning member may withstand 8 bars of pressure.
  • the frac- tioning member breaks when the pressure exceeds the breaking point of the frac- tioning member and the air is discharged from the air cannon.
  • the height of the outlet is adjusted.
  • the height of the outlet and/or pressure container may be adjusted. This may include adjusting the height of a platform for the pressure container.
  • the tilt angle of the outlet is adjusted.
  • the tilt angle may be adjusted. This may include adjusting the tilt angle of a platform for the pressure container.
  • the rotation angle of the outlet is adjusted.
  • the ro- tation angle may be adjusted. This may include adjusting the rotation angle of a platform for the pressure container.
  • Steps 210, 212 and/or 214 may take place before steps 204, 206 and/or 208.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ventilation (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air cannon that comprises a pressure container for pressurizing gas, an outlet, a fracturing member arranged in the outlet, wherein the fracturing member breaks when the pressure in the pressure container exceeds the breaking point of the fracturing member.

Description

AIR CANNON AND METHOD FOR DISCHARGING AN AIR CANNON
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Generally the present invention relates to cleaning devices. In particular, the pre- sent invention pertains to air cannons and related methods.
BACKGROUND
A variety of methods are used today for cleaning different industrial applications. Air cannons (also known as air blasters) are known today for cleaning silos, bins and other large volume structures where dirt is built up and where it is difficult to reach by mechanical means. Air cannons are used in a variety of targets especial- ly in industry settings.
However, generally the air cannons known today have a somewhat slow dis- charge (or blast) of air or other gas used in the air cannon. Because of the slow discharge of gas the air cannons known today may not be effective in removing the accumulated dirt from the surface of the target.
The reason for the slow discharge is that most air cannons today comprise a valve assembly for releasing the gas through the outlet. There may be varying valve assemblies in different air cannons but generally the same problem occur. The valve assemblies cause the gas to discharge rather slowly.
Many of the air cannons used today are also fixed solutions that are installed to the target. These solutions may be difficult to move to another target. Even if it is possible, often it may require additional manpower and the process may be slow and cumbersome.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objective is to at least alleviate the problems described hereinabove not satis- factorily solved by the known arrangements, and to provide a feasible air cannon. One objective is to increase the discharge pressure of an air cannon. Another ob- jective is to provide a mobile air cannon. A further objective is to provide an ad- justable air cannon, where the height, rotation and/or tilt angle may be adjusted.
The aforesaid objectives are achieved by the embodiments of an air cannon and a method for discharging an air cannon in accordance with the present invention.
The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 1. The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 14.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention an air cannon comprises -a pressure container for pressurizing gas,
-an outlet,
-a fracturing member arranged in the outlet, wherein the fracturing member breaks when the pressure in the pressure contain- er exceeds the breaking point of the fracturing member.
In one embodiment the fracturing member has a breaking point of at least 6 bars of pressure.
In one embodiment the fracturing member is a plastic sheet.
In one embodiment the fracturing member is acrylic glass.
In one embodiment the thickness of the plastic sheet is l-lOmm.
In one embodiment the fractioning member is machined, such as with cuts in the surface of the fractioning member, to facilitate the fractioning of the fractioning member.
In one embodiment hard particles are arranged on the surface of the fractioning member to increase the effect on a target. In one embodiment the pressure container comprises an inlet for filling the pres- sure container.
In one embodiment the outlet comprises at least two parts such that the fracturing member may be arranged between the two parts of the outlet.
In one embodiment the air cannon comprises a movable platform.
In one embodiment the air cannon comprises an adjustable platform, wherein the height of the outlet can be adjusted.
In one embodiment the air cannon comprises an adjustable platform, wherein the tilt angle can be adjusted. In one embodiment the air cannon comprises an adjustable platform, wherein the rotation angle of the outlet can be adjusted.
In one embodiment the air cannon comprises recoil removal means. In one embodiment the recoil removal means comprise at least one or two cylin- ders.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for discharging an air can- non comprises
-arranging a fractioning member in an outlet of an air cannon,
-filling a pressure container of the air cannon with gas, and
-pressurizing the pressure container until the fractioning member breaks.
In one embodiment
In one embodiment the height of the outlet is adjusted. In one embodiment the tilt angle of the outlet is adjusted. In one embodiment the rotation angle of the outlet is adjusted. The utility of the present invention follows from a plurality of factors depending on each particular embodiment. In some embodiments the discharge pressure of the air cannon may be increased. In some embodiments the air cannon may be mobile. In some embodiments the height, tilt angle and/or rotation angle of the outlet may be adjustable. The discharge may be directed to the target area by ad- justing the height, tilt angle and/or rotation angle
The expression“a number of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from one (1), e.g. to one, two, or three.
The expression“a plurality of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from two (2), e.g. to two, three, or four. Different embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED DRAWINGS
Next the invention is described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings in which
Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an air cannon in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates a second view of the air cannon.
Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the air cannon.
Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of the air cannon in a tilted position.
Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the air cannon.
Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Referring to figure 1, the air cannon 100 comprises a pressure container 102 and an outlet 104.
Preferably, the pressure container 102 comprises four connectors 106-112. The first connector 106 is an inlet for filling the pressure container. The second con- nector 108 may be for a safety valve, the third connector 110 may be for a pres- sure gauge and the fourth connector may be for emergency drainage 112. In some embodiments the connectors are half inch connectors. The pressure con- tainer 102 comprises a service/maintenance connector 114 in the rear end. The service connector may be a two inch connector.
Preferably, the pressure container is 10-200 L. In a mobile embodiment the pres- sure container is preferably 10-90 L. In one preferable embodiment the pressure container is a 90 L pressure container. In a fixed embodiment, the pressure con- tainer may be, for example, 100 L, 150 L or 200 L.
Air or other gas from a factory network, or other real estate network, may be uti- lized to fill the pressure container. Alternatively, air or gas compressors may be used to fill the pressure container. The air cannon may utilize air, nitrogen or other suitable pressurized gas. For example, a factory network may provide 6-8 bars of pressure. If the aim is to pressurize the pressure container to 10 bars, the factory network may be utilized until 8 bars and a separate compressor may be used to pressurize from 8 to 10 bars. In some embodiments a nitrogen tank bottle with for example 200 bars may be used through a pressure regulator for pressur- izing the pressure container.
Preferably, a mobile air cannon may utilize 6-20 bars of pressure. More prefera- bly, a mobile air cannon may utilize 6-15 bars of pressure. A fixed air cannon may utilize 6-40 bars of pressure.
The air cannon 100 comprises an outlet 104. The outlet 104 comprises two parts, a base part 116 and an end part 118. The base part 116 is attached to the pressure container 102. The end part 118 may be detached from the base part 116.
The outlet 104 comprises a flange connection 120 for connecting the base part and the end part. A fractioning member 122 is arranged within the flange connec- tion, between the base part 116 and the end part 118. The end part is tightened to the base part so that the fractioning member is pressed in the outlet 104 between the end part and the base part. The end part may be tightened with two wing nuts 124, 126. The outlet 104 comprises a connector 128, such as a Camlock cou- pling, for extending the outlet. Preferably, the outlet is a 4 inch outlet. For example, for a 90 L pressure contain- er, the outlet may be 4-6 inches. A smaller 10 L pressure container may use a 2 inch outlet. A 200 L pressure container may have a 4-12 inch outlet. Preferably, the fractioning member is acrylic glass such as Plexiglas®. Alterna- tively, the fractioning member may be some other plastic sheet material, glass sheet or other suitable material. Preferably, the fractioning member is some brit- tle material fractioning from the pressure. The material selection and the thick- ness of the material may affect the strength of the discharge/blast of the air can- non.
Preferably, the thickness of the fractioning member is 1-10 mm. For example, a 3 mm thick acrylic glass sheet may break in 8 bars of pressure. The pressure and strength of discharge may thus be adjusted depending on the target. For example, in some embodiments a 6 mm thick acrylic glass may be utilized for a stronger discharge.
Additionally, the fractioning member may be machined to facilitate the fraction- ing. For example, cuts may be arranged to the surface of the fractioning member. For example, 0,5 mm deep cuts may be arranged to the surface of the fractioning member. Thus, a machined 6mm fractioning member may fracture in the same pressure as an unmachined 3mm fractioning member. Additionally or alternatively, hard particles such as sand and/or gravel may be ar- ranged to the surface of the fractioning member to increase the effect on the tar- get. The hard particles may be attached to the fractioning member with adhesive bags, for example. The pressure container 102 may be arranged to a platform 130. The platform may be a movable platform. The movable platform may comprise wheels 132. The wheels may be locked so that the platform stays in place. The platform 130 corn- prises a push handle 133 for moving the air cannon. Additionally or alternatively, the platform may be adjustable so that the height of the outlet may be adjusted. For example, the platform may be a mobile scissor lift trolley 134.
Additionally or alternatively, the platform may be adjustable so that the tilt angle of the outlet is adjustable. The top part of the platform may comprise tilt adjust- ment means for adjusting the tilt angle. For example, in some embodiments, the tilt angle may be adjustable with +/- 25 degrees. The tilt adjustment means may comprise a tilt support plate 136, an axis shaft 138 around which the pressure container and/or outlet is tilted, and a locking handle 140.
Additionally or alternatively, the platform may be adjustable for rotating the out- let and/or pressure container. The top part of the platform may comprise rotation adjustment means for adjusting the rotation. In some embodiments, the pressure container and/or outlet may be rotated 90 degrees in both directions. The rotation adjustment means may comprise a rotating plate 142. The air cannon 100 comprises recoil removal means. The recoil removal means may be arranged to the platform 130. The recoil removal means may comprise a recoil base 144. The recoil base 144 may be attached to the platform 130 with a quick release. The pressure container 102 is arranged to the recoil base 144. The pressure con- tainer 102 comprises a first and second support plate 146, 148 with wheels. The wheels may be arranged to the recoil base so that the wheels move within tracks 150, 152 such as U-bars. The support plates may comprise wheels in four cor- ners, for example.
The recoil removal means may comprise two cylinders 154, 156. Preferably, the cylinders are pneumatic cylinders. Alternatively, hydraulic cylinders may be used. The cylinders may be attached from the front end to the support plates 146, 148 and from the back end to the recoil base 144. The support plates with wheels may slide backwards in the tracks and the two cylinders may be configured to decelerate/brake the movement caused by the recoil.
The air cannon 100 comprises supports 158, 160 for stabilizing the structure. A first and second support 158, 160 is attached to the platform. Two brackets 162, 164 may be pulled out from the platform. The brackets comprise threaded plugs
166, 168 that are arranged against the surface below so that the supports stabilize the air cannon. The supports may assist keeping the air cannon in place from the recoil caused by the discharge. The air cannon may be used to clean different targets. For example, the air can- non may be used in different settings in power stations (or power plants). For ex- ample, boilers may be cleaned with the air cannon during operation or when the boiler is not in use. Other target usage for the air cannon may be, for example, fireplaces, superheaters, evaporators, flue gas ducts, various reactor solutions, electrostatic precipitators, various accessory silos and other industrial applica- tions. Figure 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.
At method start-up 202, preparatory actions may take place. At 204, a fractioning member is arranged in an outlet of an air cannon. For ex- ample, a sheet of acrylic glass or other plastic material is placed in the outlet. In some embodiments hard particles are arranged on the surface of the fractioning member. At 206, a pressure container of the air cannon is filled with gas. The pressure container may be filled with gas from a factory network and/or a compressor, for example.
At 208, the pressure container is pressurized until the fractioning member breaks. For example, a fractioning member may withstand 8 bars of pressure. The frac- tioning member breaks when the pressure exceeds the breaking point of the frac- tioning member and the air is discharged from the air cannon.
At 210, the height of the outlet is adjusted. In some embodiments the height of the outlet and/or pressure container may be adjusted. This may include adjusting the height of a platform for the pressure container.
At 212, the tilt angle of the outlet is adjusted. In some embodiments, the tilt angle may be adjusted. This may include adjusting the tilt angle of a platform for the pressure container.
At 214, the rotation angle of the outlet is adjusted. In some embodiments, the ro- tation angle may be adjusted. This may include adjusting the rotation angle of a platform for the pressure container.
Steps 210, 212 and/or 214 may take place before steps 204, 206 and/or 208.
At 216, the method execution is ended. Consequently, a skilled person may on the basis of this disclosure and general knowledge apply the provided teachings in order to implement the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims in each particular use case with necessary modifications, deletions, and additions.

Claims

Claims
1. An air cannon characterized in that the air cannon comprises -a pressure container for pressurizing gas,
-an outlet,
-a fracturing member arranged in the outlet, wherein the fracturing member breaks when the pressure in the pressure contain- er exceeds the breaking point of the fracturing member.
2. The air cannon of claim 1, wherein the fracturing member has a breaking point of at least 6 bars of pressure.
3. The air cannon of any preceding claim, wherein the fracturing member is a plastic sheet.
4. The air cannon of claim 3, wherein the fracturing member is acrylic glass.
5. The air cannon of any of claims 3-4, wherein the thickness of the plastic sheet is 1 - 10mm.
6. The air cannon of any preceding claim, wherein the fractioning member is machined, such as with cuts in the surface of the fractioning member, to facilitate the fractioning of the fractioning member.
7. The air cannon of any preceding claim, wherein hard particles are arranged on the surface of the fractioning member to increase the effect on a target.
8. The air cannon of any preceding claim, wherein the outlet comprises at least two parts such that the fracturing member may be arranged between the two parts of the outlet.
9. The air cannon of any preceding claim, comprising a movable platform.
10. The air cannon of any preceding claim, comprising an adjustable platform, wherein the height of the outlet can be adjusted.
11. The air cannon of any preceding claim, comprising an adjustable platform, wherein the tilt angle and/or rotation angle of the outlet can be adjusted.
12. The air cannon of any preceding claim, comprising recoil removal means.
13. The air cannon of claim 12, wherein the recoil removal means comprise at least one or two cylinders.
14. A method for discharging an air cannon, characterized in that the method comprises -arranging a fractioning member in an outlet of an air cannon,
-filling a pressure container of the air cannon with gas, and
-pressurizing the pressure container until the fractioning member breaks.
15. A method of claim 14, wherein the height, tilt angle and/or rotation angle of the outlet is adjusted.
EP19801519.0A 2018-11-09 2019-11-06 Air cannon and method for discharging an air cannon Pending EP3877719A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20185955A FI128546B (en) 2018-11-09 2018-11-09 Air cannon and method for discharging an air cannon
PCT/EP2019/080370 WO2020094704A1 (en) 2018-11-09 2019-11-06 Air cannon and method for discharging an air cannon

Publications (1)

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EP3877719A1 true EP3877719A1 (en) 2021-09-15

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FI (1) FI128546B (en)
WO (1) WO2020094704A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113816026B (en) * 2021-09-15 2022-10-25 河北邯峰发电有限责任公司 Arch-breaking and blockage-clearing device for coal discharge ditch

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH03121088A (en) * 1989-10-04 1991-05-23 Ichiro Nakanishi Pneumatic pressure utilizing cracker
US5365913A (en) * 1993-07-20 1994-11-22 Walton Garry L Rupture disc gas launcher
WO2002057613A2 (en) * 2000-10-02 2002-07-25 The William Mark Corporation Apparatus and methods employing burst force propulsion
CN2670892Y (en) * 2003-06-13 2005-01-12 张宝全 Gas-filled salute
CN103512423B (en) * 2013-09-12 2016-01-20 南京航空航天大学 A kind of supersonic air big gun emitter

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FI20185955A1 (en) 2020-05-10
FI20185955A (en) 2020-05-10
FI128546B (en) 2020-07-31
WO2020094704A1 (en) 2020-05-14

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