GB2230486A - Treatment of surfaces by abrasive blasting. - Google Patents
Treatment of surfaces by abrasive blasting. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2230486A GB2230486A GB9008215A GB9008215A GB2230486A GB 2230486 A GB2230486 A GB 2230486A GB 9008215 A GB9008215 A GB 9008215A GB 9008215 A GB9008215 A GB 9008215A GB 2230486 A GB2230486 A GB 2230486A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- canopy
- mixture
- collected
- way
- aperture
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- B24C3/062—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants characterised by the arrangement of the component assemblies with respect to each other movable; portable for vertical surfaces
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Grinding-Machine Dressing And Accessory Apparatuses (AREA)
- Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
Description
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO THE TREATMENT OF SURFACES
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the treatment of surfaces and provides a method of, and apparatus for, the treatment of surfaces, particularly metallic surfaces.
A problem exists in removing paint from aircraft (and aircraft component) surfaces without damage to substrates, such as anodised or plated layers.
At present the principal method of paint stripping aircraft involves the use of toxic chemicals, which introduce problems of health and corrosion.
SUMMARIES OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of treating a surface comprises placing a canopy in close proximity to the surface, the canopy defining an aperture allowing access to the surface, directing a pressurised mix!,-ure of abrasive material and fluid on to the surface by way of said aperture, and subsequently collecting at least part of the mixture after use by way of the canopy.
According to another aspect of the present invention, apparatus for treating a surface comprises a canopy for placing in close proximity to the surface, the canopy defining an aperture allowing access to the surface of a pressurised mixture of abrasive material and fluid, and provided with a means for subsequently collecting at least part of the mixture after use by way of the canopy.
The collected matter is preferably re-used, and preferably comprises mildly abrasive particles of plastics material. The canopy is preferably provided with means enabling the canopy to be placed in sealing relationship with the surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The various aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, all in perspective, wherein:- Figure 1 illustrates one operator using apparatus according to the invention, on the surface of an aircraft fuselage, Fi gure 2 illustrates several operators, each using apparatus according to the invention, on said fuselage, Figure 3 illustrates a mobile sump unit, Figure 4 illustrates a mobile generation and reclaimation unit, Figure 5 illustrates a mobile overspray pick-up unit, Figure 6 illustrates a modified canopy, and Figure 7 illustrates, diagrammatically, part of the equipment carrie6 by the unit 30 of Figure 4.
RETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to Figure 1, apparatus 1 for treating the painted surface 2 of an aircraft fuselage 10 comprises an upright disposed canopy 3 for placing (as shown) in close proximity to the surface 2.
The canopy 3 defines an aperture 4 allowing access to the surface of a pressurised mixture of abrasive material and fluid, and is provided with flexible duct means 5 for subsequently collecting the mixture after use.
The abrasive media comprises particles of plastics or natural material, which are only mildly abrasive, whereby only paint is removed from the surface 2, leaving the anodised layer of the -3 surface undamaged.
The abrasive mixture is supplied by a hand-held blast gun 6, which is preferably of the form disclosed by UK Patent No. 2,065,514 (Vapormatt Limited). The gun 6 is provided with an internal mixing chamber whereby separate flows of the abrasive particles and water are introduced via supply ducts 7, 8 of flexible c onstruction, before being discharged on to the surface 2 by way of a nozzle. The abrasive mixture can also be fed to a blast nozzle by way of an air-fed injector connected to a pressurised container.
The canopy 3, which is of rubberised material, is of box-like form and is provided with a peripheral seal 15 of flexible construction, enabling the canopy to be placed in close relationship with the surface 2. The good sealing (releasable) relationship between the surface 2 and the canopy 3 is maintained by suction means comprising manual ly-adjustable suckers 16 carried by screw-threaded rods 17 supported by opposite] y-di s posed flanges 18 on the face 19 of the canopy 3 remote from the seal 15. The flexible seal 15 accommodates the curved fuselage surface 2 when pressed against the surface by the suckers 16.
The aperture 4 is of circular form and is cut in the face 19. Th at part of the canopy 3 below the aperture 4 forms a collecting space 20 for the used mixture of abrasive particles and water.
When the operator 25 has completed treatment of that area of the surface 2 which Is bounded by the seal 15, he moves the canopy to another area, after first releasing and subsequently re-engaging, the suckers 16.
A height-adjustable stand 26 is provided for the operator 25. As shown In Figure 2, several operators 25, each with a stand 26, may be employed.
The used mixture flows from the space 20 to a mobile process generation and reclaimation unit 30 (Figure 4), by way of the flexible duct 5. The unit 30 comprises a plurality of blast generators 31, a storage space 32 for suction and blast hoses, a media storage area 33, media reclaimation equipment 34, with centrifugal separators 37, a vacuum unit 35 and an air compressor unit 36.
The blast generators 31 each comprise a pressure vessel wherein a mixture of abrasive particles and water (to aid particle flow) is propelled therefrom to a discharge nozzle by air at a pressure of between 1.0 and 10.0 bar.
The media reclaimation equipment 34 is used to separate abrasive particles and water supplied by way of the flexible duct 5 (Figure 1) and vacuum unit 36. With reference to Figure 7, the equipment 34 includes a non-magnetic sieve 65 to remove stones, paper etc, a magnetic sieve 66 for removal of metal particles, the centrifugal separators 37, an agitated settling tank 67 to remove fine particles of paint, skimmed off the top layer of water, and a centrifuge 68 to separate more dense particles. The cleaned abrasive particles are stored in the area 103 before re-circulation via the blast generator-, 31.
With reference to Figure 3, most of the results of overspray, ie most of the abrasive particle/water mixture not collected in the lower part of the canopy 3, falls into one or more mobile sump units 40, placed strategically below.
A sump unit 40 comprises a box-like collector 41 which houses a scraping conveyor 46 comprising a plurality of lateral ly-disposed, interconnected beams 47 which carry rubber flaps 48. The collector 41 is covered by a safety structure comprising grids 44 extending over the whole of the collector 41 which grids also provide a work platform. The conveyor 46 uses the rubber flaps 48 to scrape the abrasive particles along the bottom of the collector 41 and towards Q a collection point adjacent flexible duct 45. The material is then removed by suction applied to the duct 45, by way of unit 36, to the reclaimation equipment 34 for subsequent re-use. The conveyor 41 operates with an oscillating movement, oscillation being applied by an oscillator 49 having an actuating rod 58 connected to the conveyor 46.
Use of the invention provides a number of advantages, including:- 1. Establishment of a water cushion or buffer between the surface 2 and the abrasive particles.
2. Simultaneous washing of the surface.
3. Carriage (if required) of specialised chemicals by the water, for example - de-greasing chemicals.
4. Environmentally safe. No toxic chemicals used or dust created.
5. Automatic cleaning and re-use of the surface treatment media.
6. Provision of a mobile system for surface treatment, avoiding need for a dedicated area.
7. The system can be used outside hangers and similar structures, without need for cover.
8. The system is safe. Static or explosion hazards are avoided.
Figure 6 illustrates a modified canopy 50 of elongate, rectangular form, defining an elongate access aperture 51. The canopy 50 iss provided with a peripheral seal 52 of hollow form, the interior of which is connected to suction means in the form of the vacuum unit 36 (Figure 4) by a manifold 53 and a control valve (not shown). The seal 52 is brought into operation automatically when the vacuum unit 36 is running. The control valve breaks the vacuum when it is decided to change the position of the canopy 50 without taking the vacuum unit 36 out of operation. A water rinse gun 54 with a supply hose 55 is provided for rinsing the cleaned surface.
Z A wider surface treatment band can be provided (which is particularly advantageous with the canopy 50 of Figure 6) by stacking several guns 6 side by side.
The shape of a canopy may vary according to requirements. For example, with reference to Figure 2, as the curved surfaces of wings 11 and engine cowlings 12 differ from the fuselage 10 of the aircraft 13, special canopies for such surfaces are best provided. The shape of the apertures such as 4 and 51 can also vary, according to requirements.
A canopy can be used in a horizontal position, above or below the fuselage surface 2.
An alternative to a blast generator 31 comprises a tank wherein abrasive particles and water are agitated, by water jetsor mechanical means and the mixture then pumped to the blast gun wherein it accelerated by compressed air. Two hoses are employed by this method.
With reference g-o Figure 5, overspray material not collected t.-, the unit 40 of Figure 3, can be picked up by a mobile vehicle 60 which carries a vacuum collection unit 61. The overspray material is picked up by a vacuum nozzle 62 disposed at the front of the vehicle 60.
Claims (20)
1. A method of treating a surface comprising placing a canopy in close proximity to the surface, the canopy defining an aperture allowing access to the surface, directing a pressurised mixture of abrasive material and fluid on to the surface by way of said aperture, and subsequently collecting at least part of the mixture after use by way of the canopy.
2. The method claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid is water.
3. The method claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the abrasive material is plastics material.
4. The method claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the collected mixture is separated out for subsequent re-use.
5. The method claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the canopy is provided with a peripheral seal of flexible construction.
6. The method claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the canopy defines an aperture of elongate form.
7. The method claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein mixture not collected by way of the canopy is picked up by a mobile \--hicle which carries vacuum collection means.
8. A surface treated according to the method claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. Apparatus for treating a surface,comprising a canopy f.jr placing in close proximity to the surface, the canopy defining an aperture allowing access to the surface of a pressurised mixture of abrasive material and fluid, and provided with a means for subsequently collecting at least part of the mixture after use by way of the canopy.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the canopy is of box-like form and is provided with a peripheral seal of flexible construction.
11. Apparatus as claim in claim 9 or 10, wherein the canopy is intended for upright use and the means for collected at least part of the mixture after use comprise a collecting space disposed below the canopy.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein suction means are provided which enable the canopy to be placed in sealing relationship with the surface.
13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the canopy defines an aperture of elongate form.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, provided with means for separating out the collected mixture for subsequent re-use.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the means for separating out the collected mixture comprise a non-magnetic sieve, a magnetic sieve, a settling tank and a centrifuge.
16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 15, provided with mobile sump means for collecting mixture not collected by way of the canopy.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the mobile sump means comprise a box-like collector covered by a grid structure.
18. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 17, provided with a mobile vehicle carrying vacuum collection means for picking up mixture not collected by way of the canopy.
i
19. A method of treating a surface, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
20. Apparatus for treating a surface, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
]Nib](.hed 1990atThePatentMee.SiateRouae.66?1 high Rolborn.londonWC1R4TP. PurLher copies maybe obtained trom The Patent "ace Aales branch, St Idary Cray. OrpMgton, Rent BM 3RD. PWItCd DY MIA1UPAX t#c=ques ItgL at 3JLry Cray. Rent, Con 1187
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB898908843A GB8908843D0 (en) | 1989-04-19 | 1989-04-19 | Improvements in or relating to the treatment of surfaces |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB9008215D0 GB9008215D0 (en) | 1990-06-13 |
GB2230486A true GB2230486A (en) | 1990-10-24 |
Family
ID=10655287
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB898908843A Pending GB8908843D0 (en) | 1989-04-19 | 1989-04-19 | Improvements in or relating to the treatment of surfaces |
GB9008215A Withdrawn GB2230486A (en) | 1989-04-19 | 1990-04-11 | Treatment of surfaces by abrasive blasting. |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB898908843A Pending GB8908843D0 (en) | 1989-04-19 | 1989-04-19 | Improvements in or relating to the treatment of surfaces |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0393918A3 (en) |
GB (2) | GB8908843D0 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003039973A2 (en) * | 2001-10-18 | 2003-05-15 | Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. | Abrasive media containment bag |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE59406808D1 (en) * | 1993-07-01 | 1998-10-08 | Braendle Ag Metallbau | Method and device for cleaning surfaces |
NL9301491A (en) * | 1993-08-31 | 1995-03-16 | Drs Harm Willem Holman | Device and method for enclosing a structure to be treated. |
FR2802127B1 (en) * | 1999-12-09 | 2002-09-06 | Biodecap Ind | NEW TECHNICAL TRAY FOR STRIPPING AND / OR PAINTING AND WORKSHOPS SO PERFORMED |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB744466A (en) * | 1952-05-15 | 1956-02-08 | Vacu Blast Ltd | Improvements in or relating to grit blasting apparatus |
GB1195464A (en) * | 1968-02-09 | 1970-06-17 | Vacu Blast Ltd | Improved Grit Blasting Apparatus |
GB2021450A (en) * | 1978-05-25 | 1979-12-05 | Knox Mfg Co | Abrading divice |
GB2195930A (en) * | 1986-08-30 | 1988-04-20 | Schlick Roto Jet Masch | Cleaning objects of large surface area by sand blasting |
GB2207625A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1989-02-08 | Michael John Ryan | Engraving by blasting with erosine material |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR846841A (en) * | 1938-06-03 | 1939-09-26 | Improved sandblasting process, devices and equipment for its application | |
GB891446A (en) * | 1960-06-18 | 1962-03-14 | Harold Charles Zieber | Automatic blasting control |
US3427763A (en) * | 1966-07-18 | 1969-02-18 | Woma Maasberg Co Gmbh W | Method of treating solid surfaces |
US3583821A (en) * | 1969-04-02 | 1971-06-08 | Melvin H Shaub | Chip catcher |
US4375740A (en) * | 1978-05-25 | 1983-03-08 | Jpd Manufacturing Limited | Portable abrading cabinet device for recycling abrasive blasting system |
US4395850A (en) * | 1978-05-25 | 1983-08-02 | Jpd Manufacturing Limited | Adapter device for tools of an abrasive blasting system |
GB2040193B (en) * | 1979-01-25 | 1982-12-15 | Remote Control Cleaning Units | Apparatus for treating a vertical surface |
US4731125A (en) * | 1984-04-19 | 1988-03-15 | Carr Lawrence S | Media blast paint removal system |
US4773189A (en) * | 1985-11-01 | 1988-09-27 | Macmillan Gregory D | Separation system for polymeric blast media |
US4832706A (en) * | 1986-09-24 | 1989-05-23 | International Limited | Abrasive media |
US4984396A (en) * | 1988-08-29 | 1991-01-15 | Uragami Fukashi | Cleaning device |
ATE76347T1 (en) * | 1988-10-28 | 1992-06-15 | Helmut Fastje | CLEANING SYSTEM FOR FAÇADES AND SIMILAR SURFACES. |
-
1989
- 1989-04-19 GB GB898908843A patent/GB8908843D0/en active Pending
-
1990
- 1990-04-11 EP EP19900303890 patent/EP0393918A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-04-11 GB GB9008215A patent/GB2230486A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB744466A (en) * | 1952-05-15 | 1956-02-08 | Vacu Blast Ltd | Improvements in or relating to grit blasting apparatus |
GB1195464A (en) * | 1968-02-09 | 1970-06-17 | Vacu Blast Ltd | Improved Grit Blasting Apparatus |
GB2021450A (en) * | 1978-05-25 | 1979-12-05 | Knox Mfg Co | Abrading divice |
GB2195930A (en) * | 1986-08-30 | 1988-04-20 | Schlick Roto Jet Masch | Cleaning objects of large surface area by sand blasting |
GB2207625A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1989-02-08 | Michael John Ryan | Engraving by blasting with erosine material |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003039973A2 (en) * | 2001-10-18 | 2003-05-15 | Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. | Abrasive media containment bag |
WO2003039973A3 (en) * | 2001-10-18 | 2003-08-14 | Bell Helicopter Textron Inc | Abrasive media containment bag |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB8908843D0 (en) | 1989-06-07 |
EP0393918A3 (en) | 1990-12-19 |
EP0393918A2 (en) | 1990-10-24 |
GB9008215D0 (en) | 1990-06-13 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |