FR2907693A1 - DEVICE FOR WASHING TUBES, ESPECIALLY HEAT EXCHANGER BEAM TUBES - Google Patents

Abstract

Tube washing device comprising: - a flexible pipe (1) carrying a high pressure fluid, - a motorized rotary cylindrical drum (2) for unwinding and winding the flexible pipe (1), - actuating members (5, 6) allowing the manual remote control of the operation of the flexible pipe (1), - mechanical control means and pneumatic and electrical cooperating with the actuating members (5, 6), characterized in the rotary drum (2) comprises a vertical circular ring (12) on one face (13) of which is machined an Archimedean spiral groove (14) for receiving the flexible pipe (1), as well as a circular support plate (16) of the same diameter as the circular ring (12) fixed coaxially thereto on its second face (15) and carrying its drive shaft (17).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for washing tubes,

  particular bundle tubes of heat exchangers. The operation of cleaning tubes and in particular the tubes of heat exchanger bundles is called linkage by the specialists. In the context of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and more particularly in the field of petrochemicals, it is frequently necessary to implement such linkage operations.

  In fact, over time, the chemical material circulating in the tubes can adhere to the walls and form deposits therein so that their section decreases and as a corollary the pressure losses increase, sometimes even up to obstruction. It is therefore essential to wash the inside of these tubes.

  When such an operation is possible, the bundles to be washed are generally removed from the tubular casing which contains them by means of beam extractors and conveyed to a washing area where they are braided and washed externally. The linkage is then carried out using washing trimmers 20 which allow the automatic cleaning of the inside of the tubular bundles. These are machines equipped with a frame and a table that can have up to six nozzle holders and work at pressures generally above 500 bar. These machines are provided with a motorized rod carrying trolley allowing the advance, the rise, the descent and the transverse displacement of the washing rods. However, it frequently happens that the tubular bundles can not be removed from their casing and must be brazed in situ, whether in a horizontal or vertical position, which requires the use of manual linkage machines. Such manual linkage machines generally comprise: a flexible pipe carrying a high pressure fluid, generally water, equipped at its free end with a cleaning nozzle called a linkage ferret by specialists and connected to a pump high pressure, 2907693 2 a motorized rotary cylindrical drum mounted on a rigid frame and allowing the unwinding and winding of the flexible pipe and thus the advance and the retreat of the ferret of the linkage in the tube to be cleaned, 5 parts d actuation allowing the manual control at different times of the operation of the flexible pipe and the linkage ferret, that is to say the unwinding and the winding of the flexible pipe and the advance and retraction of the linkage ferret into the tube to be cleaned, a sleeve for guiding the flexible pipe between the cylindrical drum and the actuating members, and means mechanical, pneumatic and electrical control and adjustment device cooperating with the actuating members to allow the operation of the flexible pipe and the linkage ferret as well as their supply of fluid under pressure. The linkage ferret is generally screwed onto a threaded end mounted at the free end of the flexible conduit; it makes it possible to transform the flow rate and the pressure of the washing fluid into kinetic energy so as to tear out particles, foreign bodies, dirt, incrusting products, etc. that may have been deposited on the inner surface of the tube to be cleaned. For this purpose, the ferret linkage is provided with a series of peripheral nozzles oriented to project violently against the walls of the tube to clean pressurized fluid jets directed rearwardly and / or forwards.

  At the same time, these high pressure jets generate a component of the forward tensile forces by reaction, which has the effect of propelling the linkage ferret and the flexible pipe along the tube to be cleaned.  This flexible pipe runs parallel to the rotary cylindrical drum on which it is wound at its other end under the action of the control and adjustment means which preferably comprise for this purpose a pneumatic motor coupled to a gearbox mounted on the rigid frame.  In conventional linkage machines, the actuating members are generally constituted by a guide tube gun mounted on the flexible pipe.  2907693 3 The forward and reverse control of the link ferret is controlled by means of two tails on the handle of this gun.  The cylindrical drum is provided on its periphery with a grooved thread for winding the flexible pipe into a monolayer web.  A ring of pressure rollers which surrounds the periphery of the rotary drum makes it possible to guarantee the correct winding / unfolding of the flexible pipe by forcing it to remain in the same geometrical position with respect to the net on which it was initially positioned.  The length of the flexible pipe that can be used for a specific operation is adjustable by means of a sensor device located on the drum.  In order to wash a tube, the operator must first position the free end of the flexible pipe opposite the inlet of the latter by holding it with both hands and inserting the ferret therein.  He must then control the supply of the flexible pipe with pressurized fluid by actuating a pedal placed on the ground 20 whose depression on the foot causes the pressurization (control with maintained action) and simultaneously maneuver the tails of relaxation located on the handle of the guide tube gun.  These conventional manual linkage machines have various drawbacks, the main one being that they do not meet the standards enabling them to work in sensitive areas subject to the risk of the appearance of explosive atmospheres (ATEX certification). .  In addition, when the tubular bundles to be cleaned are very dirty or clogged, which is common, the ferret 30 forward hardly advance and may even stop momentarily due to the presence of a plug.  However, the operator may not be aware instantaneously of this phenomenon and continue to control the progress of the flexible pipe at uniform speed; it has indeed no visual cue on this pipe which is engaged inside the tube to be cleaned and enclosed in the guide sleeve to the rotating drum.  The time that elapses between the momentary stopping or slowing down of the linkage ferret and the slipping of the rotary control motor 2907693 is very often sufficient for the flexible pipe to come off the drum by reaction and jump from one or more threads in relation to its normal position.  This is particularly frequently the case with worn hoses whose nominal diameter is not constant over the length.  The rewinding of the flexible pipe can then no longer be carried out normally, and it is therefore necessary to stop the linkage operation, to disassemble the rotary drum, manually rewind the flexible pipe net and finally back the drum, which is very disadvantageous for the operator.  It should also be noted that during the entire operation of the linkage, it must permanently press with one foot the pedal controlling the pressurization, which is an uncomfortable position that may eventually cause discomfort that may to be at the origin of a dangerous situation.  It should also be noted that the gun body and the flexible pipe guide tube constitute a monolithic assembly, and it is impossible to vary the geometric position of the gun handle relative to the end of the guide tube. This again causes inconvenience to the operator in certain work positions.  In this context, it would be desirable to have a device for washing tubes, in particular tubes of heat exchanger bundles of such a nature as to make it possible to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks on the one hand and to improve the conditions of work 25 on the other hand.  The present invention aims to provide a washing device capable of meeting these expectations.  To this end, the invention relates to a tube washing device of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the rotary cylindrical drum comprises on the one hand a substantially vertical circular ring, preferably made of an antistatic synthetic material, on one side of wherein the first face is machined an annular spiral Archimedean groove for receiving the flexible pipe, and secondly a circular support plate of the same diameter as the circular crown fixed coaxially thereto on its second side and integrally carrying its drive shaft, and if necessary a reinforcing plate fixed integrally to the support plate and also centered on the drive shaft of the circular ring.  The circular ring which is essentially flat, the support plate and, if appropriate, the reinforcement plate thus constitute a monolithic assembly which is integrally rotated by the control and adjustment means.  The plane of this assembly is perpendicular to its drive shaft which is itself parallel to the ground.  According to the invention, the essential characteristic of the rotary drum is thus linked to the presence within it of a substantially plane circular ring equipped on one of its main faces with a spiral-shaped groove. Archimedes allowing a winding / unfolding in several stages of the flexible pipe and capable of receiving a length of this pipe adapted to the length of the washing tube.  Such an Archimedean spiral may also be defined as a constant polar subnormal curve, or as an equidistant curve, i.e. in projection as a planar curve describing revolutions around a fixed point by moving away from it.  The annular groove preferably has a diameter slightly greater than that of the flexible pipe which is to be introduced into it and can also accept flexible pipes having a diameter smaller than its nominal diameter.  The presence of the support plate which can advantageously be fixed on the second face opposite to the annular groove of the circular ring 25 by means of spacers and, if appropriate, of the reinforcing plate makes it possible to stiffen the structure of the rotary assembly as well as consisting.  The drive shaft of this rotary assembly is secured mechanically to the support plate and if necessary to the reinforcing plate and supported on either side of the circular ring by bearings 30 fixed to the rigid frame.  The rotation of this rotary assembly can advantageously be provided by a mechanical gearbox keyed on the drive shaft on the side of the spiral-shaped groove, and driven by a pneumatic motor.  According to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the first face of the circular ring on which is machined the Archimedes spiral-shaped groove is closed by a plate forming a flange fixed integrally to the rigid frame, thus not rotating. not with the circular crown.  Pads preferably made of an antistatic synthetic material make it possible to guide the rotation of the rotary assembly constituted by the circular ring, the support plate and, if appropriate, the reinforcing plate with respect to the cover plate.  The cover plate which is also centered on the drive shaft of the circular ring cooperates with the guide pads to ensure a perfect rotation of the ring.  The guide shoes, which are generally also made of an antistatic plastic material, may advantageously be subdivided into two sets of pads, respectively inner and outer.  The inner pads are fixed on the face of the support plate located opposite the spiral-shaped groove and distributed over the circumference defined by the inner diameter of the circular ring.  These pads are mobile and rotate when the circular ring is rotated.  Their function is to prevent any spacing of the cover plate and the first face of the circular ring on which is surrounded the flexible pipe and consequently to prevent an accidental jump of this pipe of one of the turns from the annular groove to another.  The outer pads which are preferably square-shaped are fixed on the face of the cover plate opposite the circular crown and distributed over the circumference defined by the outer diameter of the cover plate.  These pads are therefore fixed and also have the function of preventing any spacing between the cover plate and the circular ring.  According to the invention, the flexible pipe is supplied with fluid under pressure by a supply pipe opening at the drive shaft of the rotary drum.  A rotating connection fixed on this tubing on the opposite side of the bearings makes it possible to carry out the supply of fluid under pressure during the rotation of the drum.  From this rotating connection, the flexible pipe is held on the support plate by a collar whose geometric position allows its entry into the annular groove of the circular ring with an optimum radius of curvature.  The flexible pipe is then positioned along this annular groove to the last turn and exits at the level of the median ver-5 axis of the rotating drum.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the cover plate is equipped at its upper part with an essentially rectangular opening allowing the passage of the flexible pipe during its winding or unwinding.  This opening therefore allows the flexible pipe to exit the rotary drum.  It is centered on either side of the vertical central axis of the circular ring and has a length making it possible to clear a sector sufficient to make possible the exit and / or re-entry of the flexible pipe of the rotary drum without smoothly.  The height of this opening must make it possible to discover punctually the entire length of the flexible pipe wound in the spiral-shaped groove of the circular crown, whatever the length, and also prevent the flexible pipe from coming into contact with the cover plate in its extreme positions.  Between the rotary drum and the actuating members, the flexible pipe is introduced into a flexible guiding sheath while being semi-rigid, which advantageously can be constituted by a braided stainless steel composite hose encircling an outer tight tube with a very low coefficient of friction.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the opening created in the cover plate is equipped on its outer face with a substantially semiparallelepiped shaped protective and guiding casing for connecting the rotary drum and the guiding sheath. flexible pipe.  The purpose of this protective and guiding casing is to stiffen the flexible duct coming out of the rotary drum before entering the guiding sheath and to position the flexible duct entering the front rotary drum in a precise manner. Its winding in the annular groove of the circular ring.  According to the invention, the protective and guiding casing is preferably flexibly but rigidly maintained on the cover plate.  For this purpose this housing is mechanically fixed to the cover plate only by the return of its upper cover while its lower part only rest against this plate.  However, the protective and guiding casing is mechanically fixed to the cover plate, on the side of the annular groove, by means of a holding lug equipped with a stiffening fold so that the possible twists concern the all of the protective and guiding casing.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the protective and guiding casing contains a rotating pressure roller, a flexible tubular guide articulated by means of a ball joint and fixed lateral guide members.  The rotating pressure roller may advantageously be a metal roller capable of holding the flexible pipe wound in the annular groove at the bottom of the turns thereof while facilitating, as the case may be, its exit from the rotary drum or its entry into this drum, which that is the turn concerned as a function of the length wound on the circular ring.  The flexible tubular guide which is generally made of an antistatic plastic is preferably beveled at its end positioned against the first face of the circular ring equipped with the annular groove.  This bevel is machined so that the plane of its ex-dull surface is strictly parallel to the vertical plane of the circular crown.  The end of the flexible tubular guide opposite to the beveled end located on the side of the guiding sheath is advantageously mechanically fitted in a part forming a ball joint so as to define an assembly that can be supported by a sheet having oblong holes allowing the angular adjustment of this piece.  According to the invention, the fixed lateral guide members are preferably constituted by two cylindrical rods whose function is to limit the lateral deviations of the flexible tubular guide during its movements during unwinding or winding of the flexible pipe.  The protective and guiding casing is generally equipped at its end with a sleeve holder fixed externally and laterally to the latter and comprising a flexible duct guard situated in the continuity of the flexible tubular guide.  This sleeve holder may advantageously be constituted by a rigid part whose inclination is determined by construction so that the guide sleeve can be fixed without discomfort taking into account the presence of the support frame.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the control and adjustment means of the washing device are designed so as to limit the unwinding and winding speed of the flexible pipe and consequently the speed of advance and recoil. ferret tringlage in the tube to be cleaned at a limit speed, preferably of the order of one meter per second.  This limitation of the winding and unwinding speeds of the flexible pipe corresponds to an essential characteristic of the invention that makes it possible to use the device in a sensitive zone, that is to say in an area where a explosive atmosphere (consisting of a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist) is likely to occur.  To permit such use, it is necessary that the device has been designed and manufactured as a whole to avoid sources of ignition, even in the event of malfunctions or malfunctions.  However, below winding or unwinding speeds of one meter per second, the unwanted contact of the ferreting ferret with a metal body can not generate a spark, as stipulated in the EN 1127-1 standard. concerning the prevention of explosion and protection against explosion (Chapter 6. 4. 4, note 3).  Moreover, the fact that the rotary drum can only rotate at low speeds makes it possible to avoid any heating in the bearings, and to exclude that the moving parts are likely to cause sparks, even in case of device malfunction or accidental fall thereof.  It should be noted that to allow the use of the washing device according to the invention in a sensitive zone, it is necessary that all the constituent elements of the rotary drum, including the flange cover plate are conductive and connected to the ground, in particular from a connection pad located on the rigid frame.  As a result, any unwanted current that could be generated is led to the earth.  In addition, the high pressure washing fluid is generally water which is conductive; As a result, and even if the pressure of this fluid could lead to hypothetical ionization phenomena in view of the operating mode of the linkage ferret, any potential current would be conducted to the earth without the possibility of sparking.  It should also be noted that all the electrical power supply of the various constituent parts of the device according to the invention is ensured by low voltage current, which again makes it possible to guarantee the necessary safety in case of use in a sensitive area.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the control and adjustment means comprise length adjustment members making it possible on the one hand to adjust the length of the flexible pipe during the unwinding operation thereof. to ensure that the available length of this pipe corresponds to the length of the tube 15 whose linkage must be made, and secondly to secure the winding operation of the flexible pipe so as to ensure that the capacity of winding thereof in the annular groove of the circular ring is not exceeded.  These length adjustment members may advantageously comprise two inductive sensors integrally fixed to the rigid frame and cooperating with two coaxial detection wheels respectively equipped with an angularly adjustable bore and driven in rotation by the drive shaft of the drum. rotary.  The passage of a bore to the right of the associated inductive sensor causes the rotation of this drum to stop.  According to the invention, one of the inductive sensors is associated with the winding of the flexible pipe while the other is associated with the rolling of this pipe.  These two inductive sensors detect the absence of material 30 and send in response an electrical signal such as to control the cutting of the control motor of the rotation of the circular ring.  One of the detection wheels can advantageously be fixed integrally to its axis of rotation by means of a pressure screw, while the second detection wheel is movable relative to the first detection wheel and can be secured to with it by means of a clamping screw.  Each of these detection wheels may be positioned in a desired angular position by the operator so as to adjust the angle existing between each of the bores and the associated inductive sensor.  The detection wheel fixed integrally to its rotational axis makes it possible to determine the winding length of the flexible pipe from the zero value so as to guarantee that the winding capacity of the annular groove of the circular ring is not not exceeded until the desired value.  The movable detection wheel makes it possible to determine the desired unwinding length corresponding to the length of the tube whose linkage must be made, up to a limit value so as to prevent the hose being sheared by the edge of the opening. of the cover plate.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the drive shaft of the rotary drum is equipped with a pinion fixedly attached thereto and driving, in particular by means of a chain, a toothed wheel mounted coaxially with the detection wheels and secured integrally to the axis of rotation of these wheels.  The ratio of the sprocket and gear teeth conditions the number of rotations of the ring gear for one revolution of the toothed wheel.  The presence of this pinion and this gear makes it possible to make the aforementioned length adjustments.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the toothed wheel is equipped on its outer face with locking pins cooperating with a fixed security pin secured to the rigid frame so as to come into contact with this pin when the rotary drum is in the end. race to block its rotation.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the actuating members of the flexible pipe comprise: a guide tube inside which passes the flexible pipe, connected to the guide sleeve at one of its ends or first end and equipped with a splash deflector to be applied to the inlet of the tube to be cleaned at its other end or second end, and a drive assembly movable in translation and rotation along the guide tube and comprising actuation allowing an operator to actuate the control and adjustment means with both hands to control the supply of fluid under pressure of the flexible pipe and the winding and unrolling thereof. driving, and consequently the advance and the retreat of the ferret of linkage in the tube to be cleaned.  The particular configuration of the actuators corresponds to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention in that the operator only needs both hands to maintain the end of the flexible pipe equipped with the ferret linkage, and secondly control the advance and the retreat of this ferret and the pressurization of the flexible pipe, without having to use the foot to control this pressurization as was previously necessary.  The splash deflector is in a manner known per se a safety member provided with a shoulder forming a stop for the ferret linkage so as to automatically position it at the end of each wash cycle.  The shoulder forming an abutment thus delimits a housing for receiving the ferreting ferrule adjacent to a flange forming a sole.  The operator must apply by centering this sole flange against the inlet of the tube to be cleaned and is thus protected from projections due to the reaction of washing jet ferret linkage.  According to the invention, the maneuvering assembly can advantageously comprise a gun provided on the one hand with a maneuvering handle enabling it to be positioned in space with respect to the tube to be cleaned and equipped with a proximity detector embedded in its mass, and secondly a movable trigger tail equipped with an associated metal insert embedded in its mass.  During the manual movement by the operator of the trigger tail towards the operating handle, the proximity switch detects the presence of the metal insert and responds in response to the triggering of the feed of the pipe. flexible fluid under pressure.  According to the invention, the handle of the gun receives the low voltage power supply through a cable guide.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the maneuvering assembly comprises a handle block fixed integrally to the gun and mu-ni of a recess capable of receiving an associated endpiece of a rotating handle movable in rotation relative to this block. handle.  2907693 13 Larotation of the rotating handle in one direction or the other with respect to the handle block, from a neutral position, entails the winding or unwinding of the flexible pipe and consequently the advance or the retreat of the ferret from the linkage in the tube to be cleaned.  The rotating handle thus constitutes the control member for the winding and unwinding of the flexible pipe and as a result of the advance or retraction of the ferret of the linkage in the tube to be cleaned.  According to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the handle block is equipped with two inductive sensors mounted symmetrically with respect to the vertical median longitudinal plane of this block and cooperating with two associated openings pierced in a flange of the rotating handle respectively located opposite of these sensors.  The detection of the presence of material by the transducers during the rotation of the rotating handle relative to the handle block causes the winding or unwinding of the flexible pipe and consequently the advance or retreat of the ferret linkage in the tube to be cleaned.  It should be noted that for safety reasons, the two inductive sensors only detect the presence of material.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the recess of the handle block is equipped with a key fitted in a groove of the rotating handle, as well as two slightly prestressed springs mounted on either side of this key and capable of automatically recalling the rotating handle in neutral position in the absence of any external stress exerted on them to cause stopping of the winding or unwinding of the flexible pipe and the advance or retreat of the ferret linkage in the tube to be cleaned following the resting of the circular ring.  These springs thus serve to automatically return the rotating handle to the neutral position when the operator releases his rotational force on the handle.  According to another characteristic of the invention, the handle block is equipped with a stop pin inserted into a circular oblong hole of the rotating handle so as to limit the freedom of rotation of this handle on either side of the handle. its neutral position, as an example of more or less 15, thus limiting the efforts on the wrist of the operator.  The adjustment of the geometrical position of the assembly constituted by the gun, the handle block and the rotary handle can be carried out in translation and / or in rotation over the entire length of the guide tube.  5 For the right or left rotation, it is sufficient for this purpose to act on two setscrews located on the handle block.  For the translation, in addition to the action on these two setscrews, it is also necessary to act on locking screws of a locking ring of the rotating handle on the side of the deflector.  The characteristics of the tube washing device which is the subject of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the appended nonlimiting drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a representative diagram of the entire device during 2 and 3 are two perspective views showing the rotating drum and the rigid frame at two different angles, FIG. 4 is a front view showing the circular ring and the reinforcing plate, FIG. 5 is a front view showing the cover plate mounted on the assembly consisting of the circular column, the support plate and the reinforcement plate, FIG. 6 is a front view of the face of the assembly constituted by the crown. circular, the support plate and the reinforcing plate opposite to the cover plate, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the protective and guiding casing, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of FIG. flexible tubular guide, FIG. 9 is a front view of the sleeve holder, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the length adjustment members, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a detail of FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the actuating members of the flexible pipe, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the handle block, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rotating handle, FIGS. 16 are representative diagrams of an operation of linking an exchanger bundle tube with the aid of the device constituting the invention in the two phases of advancing and retreating the ferreting ferret into 17a to 17g are perspective views showing various possible geometrical positions of the maneuver assembly.  According to FIG. 1, the tube washing device comprises a flexible pipe 1 schematized in dashed lines conveying a high pressure fluid, equipped at its free end with a linkage ferret 87 (FIGS. 15 and 16) introduced into a tube of FIG. an exchanger bundle F (in the horizontal position in the exemplary embodiment shown) connected to a high-pressure pump and wound at its opposite end on a motorized rotary cylindrical drum 2.  The rotary drum 2 is mounted on a rigid frame 3 so as to allow unwinding and winding of the flexible pipe 1 and thus the advance and retreat of the ferret ferret 87 in the tube to be cleaned.  At the outlet of the rotary drum 2, the flexible pipe 1 is introduced into a guide sleeve 4 connected at its opposite end to a maneuvering assembly 5 with a guide tube 6 allowing the manual control of the flexible pipe 1 and the ferret 87 .  This maneuvering assembly will be described in more detail later in this discussion.  According to Figures 2 and 3, the rigid frame 3 which supports the rotary drum 2 is constituted by a welded assembly provided with two wheels 7 to ensure the mobility of the device and two 25 feet 8 ensuring the stability of this- when he is lying on the floor.  The frame 3 is also equipped with a handle 9 welded to it so as to manipulate and direct it.  The handle 9 also serves as an attachment element for a fixing plate 10 located at the upper part of the rigid frame 3 and supporting control means which will be described in more detail later in this presentation as well as in a sealed electrical cabinet 11 allowing the low voltage power supply of the various organs allows the operation of the device.  According to FIG. 4, the rotary drum 2 comprises a substantially flat circular ring 12 made of an antistatic plastic material.  An annular archimed spiral groove of Archimedes is machined on a first face 13 of the circular ring 12.  The different turns of the annular groove 14 receive the flexible pipe 1 so as to allow a multi-stage winding thereof.  According to FIGS. 4 and 6, the circular ring 12 is reinforced on its second face 15 opposite its first face 13 carrying the annular groove 14 by a concentric support plate 16 of the same diameter fixed integrally to the drive shaft. 17 of it.  The support plate 16 receives meanwhile on its face opposite to the circular ring 12 a reinforcing plate 18 fixed by spacers unrepresented.  The reinforcing plate 18 is also centered on the drive shaft 17 of the circular ring 12.  The circular ring 12, the support plate 16 and the reinforcing plate 18 thus define an assembly integral in rotation fixed to the drive shaft 17.  According to FIG. 5, the circular ring 12 is covered on its first face 13 carrying the annular groove 14 by a cover plate forming a flange 19 fixed integrally to the rigid frame 3.  The cover plate 19 keeps the flexible pipe 1 in the different turns of the annular groove 14.  According to FIGS. 5 and 6, two sets of guide pads 20, 21 make it possible to guide the rotation of the assembly formed by the circular ring 12, the support plate 16 and the reinforcing plate 18 with respect to the cover plate 19.  These pads 20, 21 are made of an antistatic synthetic material.  The inner shoes 20 are fixed on the face of the support plate 16 facing the first face 13 of the circular ring 12 carrying the annular groove 14 and are distributed on the circumference 30 defined by the inner diameter of this circular ring 12.  These inner pads 20 are rotatable with the assembly 12, 16, 18 and turn when this set is rotating.  According to FIGS. 5 and 6, the external shoes 21 which are square-shaped are fixed on the face of the cover plate 19 opposite the first face 13 of the circular ring 12 and are distributed over the circumference defined by the diameter. outside the cover plate 9.  These outer skids 21 are therefore fixed and integral with the cover plate 19.  According to Figures 4 and 5, the flexible pipe 1 is held on the support plate 16 by a collar 22 whose geometric position allows its entry into the annular groove 14 with an optimum radius of curvature.  The flexible pipe 1 is positioned along this groove in the opposite direction until the last winding 23.  According to FIG. 4, the exit of the flexible pipe 1 from the annular groove 14 is situated in the median vertical axis of the circular column 12.  According to FIG. 5, the cover plate 19 is equipped at this level and at its upper part with a rectangular opening 24 sized to allow the passage of the flexible pipe 1 during its winding and unwinding, this whatever the length of pipe 1 previously wound or unrolled.  This opening 24 is equipped on its outer face with a protective and guiding casing 25 of essentially semiparallelepipedal shape, the configuration of which will be described in more detail later in this description with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.  According to Figure 2, the drive shaft 17 of the assembly 20 constituted by the circular ring 12, the support plate 16 and the reinforcing plate 18 is supported on both sides by two bearings 26 fixed on the frame rigid 3.  The rotation of the assembly 17, 12, 16, 18 is ensured by a mechanical gear 27 keyed on the drive shaft 17 on the side of the annular groove 14.  The reducer 27 is itself driven by a pneumatic motor 29 coupled thereto.  The drive shaft 17 is equipped on the bearing side 26 of a pinion 54 whose function will be specified later in this discussion.  According to FIG. 2, the fixing plate 10 supports the air supply device of the pneumatic motor 29 which consists of an unrepresented air filter 30, a pressure gauge and a pressure regulator; these bodies make it possible to adjust the permissible air pressure and thus the torque of the pneumatic motor 29.  The filtered air arrives in a distributor 31 which is electrically controlled by solenoid valves for sending air into one or the other of the two air inlets of the air motor 29.  2907693 18 These air inlets are provided with flow restrictors 32 per-setting the speed of the pneumatic motor 29.  Depending on the intake of air, the pneumatic motor 29 rotates in one direction or the other, thus allowing the flexible pipe 1 to be wound up or unwound.  The flow restrictors 32 are respectively provided at their output with a non-return valve 33 allowing the passage of air only in one direction and forcing it to emerge through the exhaust 34 of the opposing valve.  These flow restrictors are set so that the speed of advance or retreat of the linkage ferret 87 can not exceed the speed of one meter per second.  According to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the flexible pipe 1 is supplied with pressurized fluid via a rotary coupling 35 mounted on the hollow drive shaft 17 on the side opposite to the bearings 26.  The arrival of the fluid under pressure in the flexible pipe 1 is thus ensured even during the rotation of the assembly consisting of the circular ring 12, the support plate 16 and the reinforcing plate 18.  According to FIG. 1, at the outlet of the rotary drum 2 and of the protective and guiding casing 25, the flexible pipe 1 is introduced into a connecting piece 36 allowing the evacuation of the polluted water to which is connected the guide sleeve 4.  According to FIG. 3, the control panel of the low-pressure electrical cabinet 11 comprises a pusher 37 for controlling the rotation of the rotary assembly 12, 16, 18 and an emergency stop button 38.  The cabinet 11 also comprises five LEDs 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 respectively for visualizing the powering up of the device, the control of the rotation of the rotary assembly 12, 16, 18, the unfolding of the flexible pipe. 1, the winding of this pipe and the pressurization of the washing fluid.  According to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the protective and guiding casing 25 encloses a rotating pressing roller 44, a flexible tubular guide 45 articulated by means of a part forming a ball 56 which is represented more precisely in FIG. 8 and two cylindrical rods 46, 46 'which constitute a fixed guide system of the flexible tubular guide 45 for limiting lateral deviations thereof during its rotations in the vertical plane.  According to FIG. 9, the protective housing 25 is equipped on the output side of the flexible pipe 1 with a sleeve holder 47 comprising a flexible cover 48.  According to Figure 7, the protective housing 25 is fixed to the pla-5 cover 19 by retaining tabs 49, one of which comprises a fold 50 which ensures the rigidity of this attachment.  According to FIGS. 7 and 8, the flexible tubular guide 45 has a beveled end 51 positioned against the circular ring 12.  This bevel 51 is machined so that the plane of its external surface is strictly parallel to the plane of the circular ring 12.  The other end of the flexible tubular guide 45 is fitted into the ball-shaped part 56 which is supported by a support plate 52 having oblong positioning holes 53 so as to allow the angular adjustment of this piece 56.  According to FIG. 9, the sleeve holder 47 and the flexible cover 48 are fixed on the outside and on the side of the protective and guiding casing 25 in the continuity of the flexible tubular guide 45.  The inclination of the sleeve holder 47 is determined to allow uncomplicated attachment of the connecting piece 36 and the guide sleeve 4 taking into account the presence of the support frame 3.  According to FIG. 2, the drive shaft 17 of the circular ring 12 comprises, on the bearing side 26, a toothed pinion 54 fastened integrally to this shaft 17.  This pinion 54 drives by means of a chain 55 a toothed wheel 57 which is shown more precisely in FIG.  According to FIG. 10, the toothed wheel 57 is secured in rotation to an axis 58 on which two detection wheels 59, 60, each equipped with a bore 61, 62, are also integrally rotatably mounted.  The first detection wheel 59 is integrally mounted on the axis of rotation 58 by means of a not shown clamping screw.  The second sensing wheel 60 is movable relative to the first sensing wheel 59 and can be secured thereto by means of a clamping screw 63.  The respective angular positions of the two bores 61, 62 can be adjusted.  2907693 20 According to the figures

10

  and 11, the axis of rotation 58 passes through a detection block 64 fixed integrally to the rigid frame 3 and mounted between the toothed wheel 57 and the detection wheels 59, 60. This detection block 64 is equipped on its 5 of the detection wheels 59, 60 of inductive sensors 65, one of which is hidden by the detection wheel 59 in FIG. 10. Each of these sensors 65 is associated with one of the bores 61, 62 of the detection wheels 59, 60 and is more specifically assigned to the detection of absence of material through one of these holes to transmit in response an electrical signal to a relay not shown located in the control cabinet 11. This relay then cuts off the air supply to the pneumatic motor 29, which interrupts the rotation of the circular ring 12. The first detection wheel 59 makes it possible to determine the winding length of the flexible pipe 1 while the second detection wheel 60 makes it possible determine the desired unwinding length of this pipe 1 corresponding to the length of the tube whose linkage must be made. According to FIG. 10, the toothed wheel 57 is equipped on its face 20 facing the detection block 64 with two locking pins 66 which cooperate with a security pin 67 situated on the opposite face of the detection block 64. security 67 is located on the same circumference as the blocking pins 66.

The presence of these pins 66, 67 makes it possible to guarantee the safety of the device in the event of an electrical fault affecting the inductive sensors 65. Indeed, in this case, one of the locking pins 66 abuts at the end of the stroke, in one way or the other, against the security pin 67, thus automatically interrupting the rotation of the circular ring 12. According to FIG. 12, the guide sleeve 4 of the flexible pipe is equipped at its end opposite the rotary drum 12 of a coupling 68 on which is fixed the guide tube 6 inside which passes the flexible pipe 1. A plastic part 69 similar to the plastic part 36 is also attached to the connector 68 sheath side guide 4.

This piece 69 allows the evacuation of the polluted water and waste and the connection of the guiding sheath 4. The guide tube 6 carries the operating assembly 5 which is movable in translation and rotation along of the latter and is equipped at its opposite end to the connection 68 of a splashguard 70. According to FIG. 12, the operating assembly 5 consists of a gun 71, a handle block 72 shown in more detail in Fig. 13 and a rotating handle 73 shown in greater detail in Fig. 14.

The gun 71 has an operating handle 74 which allows the guide tube 6 to be positioned in the space with respect to the tube to be cleaned, as well as a trigger pin 75 which can be moved by the operator towards the operating handle 74 according to the arrow A and a cable guide 76 for supplying the gun 71 with electricity.

The operating handle 74 and the detent tail 75 are respectively equipped with a proximity detector and a metal insert not shown in the figures which are embedded in their mass. The displacement of the trigger tail 75 towards the operating handle 74 along the arrow A allows the proximity detector to detect the presence of the metal insert and to send back to a relay placed in the electrical cabinet 11 a signal that controls the supply of the flexible pipe 1 in pressurized fluid. The handle block 72 is secured integrally to the gun 71 by an attachment plate 77.

According to FIG. 13, the handle block 72 comprises, on the one hand, a recess 78 capable of receiving an end piece 79 of the rotary handle 73 shown in FIG. 14, and on the other hand and on its side facing the rotating handle 73 two inductive sensors 80 and a stop pin 81. The two inductive sensors 80 are mounted symmetrically with respect to the vertical median longitudinal plane of the handle block 72 and are sensitive to the presence of material, that is to say that they are at rest when they detect the absence of matter and trigger a signal only when they detect the presence of matter. The handle block 72 is also equipped, at the inner part of the recess 78 of a key and two slightly preloaded springs mounted on either side of this key which are not shown in the figures.

According to FIG. 12, the rotary handle 73 is locked on the side of the deflector 70 by a stop ring 82. According to FIG. 14, the end piece 79 of the rotary handle 73 has a groove 83 into which the key is fitted. located at the inner portion of the recess 78 of the handle block 72 when the various components of the operating assembly 5 are assembled to each other. The operator can thus rotate the rotary handle 73 relative to the assembly constituted by the handle block 72 and the gun 71, 10 in one direction or the other, on either side of a neutral position towards which the springs automatically recall it in the absence of any external stress exerted on them, that is to say when the operator releases the revolving handle 73. According to Figure 14, the revolving handle 73 is also equipped , on its side located on the handle block 72, a collar 84 in which are drilled two openings 85 facing the inductive sensors 80 when the rotating handle 73 is in the neutral position. When the operator rotates the rotary handle 73 with respect to the handle block 72, one of the inductive sensors will detect the presence of material which triggers the unwinding or winding of the flexible pipe 1 as appropriate. The flange 84 of the revolving handle 73 is further provided with an elongate hole 86 into which is inserted the stop pin 81 of the handle block 72; the rotation of the rotary handle 73 is thus limited by plus or minus 15 relative to the neutral position when the stop pin 81 abuts against the walls of this oblong hole 86. According to FIGS. 15 and 16, the device according to the invention is used to perform the linkage of a tube T of a heat exchanger beam F.

At the beginning of work, the operator must first make the flexible pipe 1 out of the rotary drum 2 by actuating the rotary handle 73 in the forward direction according to the arrow B to bring this pipe to the top of the anti-spatter baffle 70 after having passed through in the guide sleeve 4.

The operator then fixes the linkage ferret 87 at the free end of the flexible pipe 1. The operator then measures the length of the tube T to be cleaned, and then sets the effective length of the tube on the rotating drum 2 to the ground. Flexible line 1 to be exceeded by actuating the length adjustment members which have been described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The operator then holds the operating assembly 5 by putting one hand on the handle of actuating 74 of the gun 71 and the other 5 hand on the rotating handle 73 this after having previously centered the splash deflector 70 to the inlet of the tube T to clean. The operator must then hold the trigger tail 75 pressed back towards the handle 74 as shown by the arrow A, which releases the pressurized fluid which, for a small proportion, is projected ahead of the ferret. linkage 87, thereby displacing the atmosphere present in the tube T, and for a large proportion, out through calibrated holes located on the rear face of the ferret ferret 87, thus ensuring the propulsion of this ferret to the inner part of the tube T. In advance phase, the operator must turn the handle 73 in the direction B, which releases the rotary drum 2 and allows the unwinding of the flexible pipe 1 thus allowing the advance of this pipe and the ferret 87 to the end of the race without exceeding the speed of one meter per second. During this advance phase, polluted water and waste 20 are evacuated in small quantities by the plastic part 69 as represented by the arrow I. The operator realizes that he arrived at the end of race on the one hand when it no longer detects the progress of the flexible pipe 1, and secondly, if it is not certain of this fact, verifying that the rotating drum-rot no longer rotates. In case of locking of the ferret ferret 87 due to a plug inside the tube T, the flexible pipe 1 takes a certain radius of curvature, and stiffens, which has the effect of stopping the rotation of the rotary drum 2 because of pneumatic motor slip 29.

During this stop, the linkage ferret 87 continues to bite into the stopper until it disappears. If the operator has not changed the control and adjustment parameters, the linkage ferret 87 then begins again to move forward, which retires the flexible pipe 1 and again allows rotation of the rotary drum 2. 16, to control the return of the flexible line 1 and the linkage ferret 87, the operator must always maintain the trigger tail 75 pressed back towards the gun handgrip 71 according to the arrow A but must rotate the revolving handle in the opposite direction C until it reaches the predetermined end-of-stroke winding length at which the rotation of the rotary drum 2 stops automatically.

This recoil phase is also performed with a speed of return of the linkage ferret 87 limited to one meter per second. During this, the polluted water and waste are discharged according to the arrow II in an amount substantially identical to the useful flow rate of the fluid under pressure by the plastic part 69. FIGS. 17a to 17g represent various possible geometric positions of the operating assembly 5 constituted by the gun 71, the handle block 72 and the rotating handle 73 among the infinity of possible positions. This possibility is due to the fact that on the one hand the assembly 15 can rotate 360 about the axis of the guide tube 6 and on the other hand that the translation of this same assembly 5 along the guide tube is possible in front stop until the stop ring 82 of the revolving handle 73 comes to touch the anti-splash deflector 70 and at the back stop until the rear face of the gun 71 comes all-expensive the connection 68. The diversity of the settings of the assembly 5, pistol 71 / handle block 72 / revolving handle 73, allows all the possible geometric configurations so as to optimize the ergonomics of the workstation depending on whether the operator is working upright, leaning, kneeling, or in any position on materials that may be horizontal, vertical or oblique. 30

Claims (2)

  1) Device for washing tubes, in particular tubes of heat exchanger or linkage bundles, comprising: a flexible pipe (1) carrying a high pressure fluid equipped at its free end with a cleaning nozzle or ferret (87) and connected to a high pressure pump, a motorized rotary cylindrical drum (2) mounted on a rigid frame (3) and allowing the unwinding and winding of the flexible pipe (1) and consequently the advance and the retraction of the linkage ferret (87) in the tube to be cleaned, actuating members (5, 6) allowing remote manual control of the operation of the flexible line (1) and the linkage ferret (87), that is to say unwinding and winding the flexible con-duct (1) and advancing and retreating the ferret ferrule (87) in the tube to be cleaned, a guide sleeve (4) the flexible pipe (1) between the rotary drum (2) and the actuating members (5, 6), and means mechanical, pneumatic and electric control and regulating means cooperating with the actuating members (5, 6) to enable the operation of the flexible pipe (1) and the linkage ferret (87) as well as their supply of fluid under pressure, characterized in that the rotary drum (2) comprises a substantially vertical circular ring (12), preferably made of an antistatic synthetic material, on a face (13) of which, or first face is machined a Archimedean spiral-shaped annular groove (14) for receiving the flexible con-duct (1), and a circular support plate (16) of the same diameter as the circular ring (12) fixed coaxially thereto on its second face (15) and carrying its drive shaft (17), and where appropriate a reinforcing plate (18) fixedly secured to the support plate (16) and also centered on the drive shaft ( 17) of the circular ring (12). 2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first face (13) of the circular ring (12) is closed by a cover plate forming a flange (19) fixed integrally to the rigid frame (3), pads (20, 21) preferably made of an anti-static synthetic material for guiding the rotation of the assembly constituted by the circular ring (12), the support plate (16) and, if appropriate, the reinforcing plate (18) by relative to the cover plate (19). 3) Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the cover plate (19) is equipped at its upper part with an opening (24) substantially rectangular allowing the passage of the flexible pipe (1) during its winding or its unwinding, this opening (24) being equipped on its outer face with a protective and guiding casing (25) of substantially semi-parallelepipedal shape allowing the connection of the rotary drum (2) and the sheath guiding (4) of the flexible pipe (1). 4) Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the protective housing and guiding (25) contains a rotating pressure roller (44), a flexible tubular guide (45) articulated by means of a ball joint (56). ), and fixed lateral guide members (46, 46 '). 5) Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control and adjustment means are designed so as to limit the unwinding and winding speed of the flexible pipe (1) and by following the speed of advance and retreat of the ferreting ferret (87) in the tube to be cleaned at a limit speed preferably of the order of one meter per second. 6) Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control and adjustment means comprise length adjustment members for adjusting the length of flexible pipe (1) uncoiled or rolled up . 7) Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the length adjustment members comprise two inductive sensors (65) fixed integrally to the rigid frame (3) and cooperating with two coaxial detection wheels (59, 60) respectively equipped with an angularly adjustable bore (61, 62) rotatably driven by the drive shaft (17) of the circular ring gear (12), the passage of a bore (61, 62) in line with the inductive sensor (65) associated with stopping the rotation of the rotating drum (2). 8) Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the drive shaft (17) of the rotary drum (2) is equipped with a pinion (54) fixedly secured thereto and resulting, in particular by means of a chain (55), a toothed wheel (57) mounted coaxially with the detection wheels (59, 60) and fastened integrally to the axis of rotation (58) of these wheels. 9) Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the toothed wheel (57) is equipped on its outer surface with locking pins (66) cooperating with a fixed security pin (67) integral with the rigid frame (3). in order to come into contact with this pin when the rotary drum (2) is at the end of the stroke to block its rotation. 10) Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the actuating members of the flexible pipe (1) comprise: a guide tube (6) inside which transits the flexible pipe (1 ), connected to the guide sleeve (4) at one of its ends or first end and equipped with a splash guard (70) to be applied to the inlet of the tube to be cleaned at its other end or second end end, and 30 a maneuvering assembly (5) movable in translation and in rotation along the guide tube (6) and comprising actuators permitting an operator to actuate the control and adjustment means to the using both hands to control the supply of fluid under pressure of the flexible pipe (1) and the winding 35 and the course of this pipe, and thus the advance and the retreat of the ferret (87) in the tube to be cleaned. 11) Device according to claim 10, 2907693 28 characterized in that the maneuvering assembly (5) comprises a gun (71) provided with an operating handle (74) for positioning it in the space relative to the tube to be cleaned and comprising a proximity detector embedded in its mass and a movable detent tail (75) having a metal insert embedded in its mass, the detection of the metal insert by the proximity detector triggering the supply of the flexible pipe (1) in fluid under pressure. 12) Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the maneuvering assembly (5) comprises a handle block (72) secured to the pistol (71) and provided with a recess (78) capable of receiving a associated end piece (79) of a rotating handle (73) movable in rotation with respect to this handle block (72), the rotation of the revolving handle (73) in one direction or the other with respect to the handle block ( 72) from a neutral position driving the winding or unwinding of the flexible pipe (1) and thus the advance or retreat of the linkage ferret (87) into the pipe to be cleaned. 13) Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the handle block (72) is equipped with two inductive sensors (80) mounted symmetrically with respect to the vertical median longitudinal plane of this block 25 and cooperating with two associated openings (85). respectively located opposite these sensors (80), pierced in a flange (84) of the rotating handle (73), the detection of the presence of material by the inductive sensors (80) during the rotation of the rotating handle ( 73) relative to the handle block (72) driving the winding or unwinding of the flexible pipe (1) and thus the advancing or retreating of the ferret ferret (87) into the pipe to be cleaned. 14) Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the recess (78) of the handle block (72) is equipped with a key fitted in a groove (83) of the revolving handle (73) and two springs slightly prestressed mounted on either side of this key and capable of automatically recalling the rotating handle (73) in neutral position in the absence of any external stress exerted on them to cause the arrest of winding or the unfolding of the flexible pipe (1) as well as the advance or retreat of the linkage ferret (87) in the tube to be cleaned following the resting of the circular ring (12). 15) Device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the handle block (72) is equipped with a stop pin (81) inserted in an oblong hole (86) of the rotating handle ( 73) so as to limit the rotational freedom of this handle on either side of its neutral position.