GB2389037A - Fluid jetting apparatus for rejuvenation of artificial sports surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a wheeled carriage 37 with a multiple array of nozzles 18 which are supplied with a mixture of fluids such as water and air in such a combination that compacted sand within the surface is broken up and dislodged, but without the excess wetting of known techniques which can cause flooding etc. The fluids are preferably combined in a manifold prior to supply to the jet nozzles and the mix ratio is controlled by valves. The supply of fluids may be pulsed. The water may contain dissolved cleaning agent. Also claimed is a method of surface treatment comprising mixing working fluids, passing them through a distribution bar to an array of nozzles for application to the desired surface.

Description

Fluid Pressure Jetting 5 This Invention relates to fluid pressure Jetting,

and Is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with impacting a surface with fluid under pressure.

For the purposes of discussion, fluid embraces 10 squids and/or gases.

For conciseness of expression, terms in brackets, vats [...] are used on occasion to represent optional descriptors, qualifiers, features or charactenstics.

1 5 Similarly, in the claims, bracketed items alongside claim numbering are for ease of reference, and not part of claim scope or interpretation.

20 Fluid Impact may have a physical displacement, dsrupbve or unsettling', scouring or cleansing effect upon a surface or penetrating into a body of aggregated (say, particulate) matenal.

25 Some aspects of the Invention are concerned with certain fluid combnabons, such as liquid and gas mixtures, for enhanced (synergistic) effect.

It Is known to use fluids singly, fomndvdual effect Thus, it Is known to use gas, and In particular air, letting for cleaning and blasting. For shot blasting, abrasive particles are Introduced into the air stream.

35 Entrained particles of solid matter effect surface abrasion, scouring or erosion.

It Is also known to use liquid, In particular water, for pressure washing.

Air and water are readily available and generally neutral (if not Inert) or ibengn'consttuents, but In principle other gases or liquids might be employed.

45 Thus, for example, special liquid solvents might be used. These might be alcohol, splint or water based, such as In 'dry'cleanng.

Volatility and combustible vapours are a safety 50 consideration In that regard.

Air and water mixes have been proposed to aerate or foam an injected detergent, for washing.

Combining fluids with different characteristics 5 requires careful attention to establishing and maintaining the relative balance of constituent fluids.

This requires consideration of reservoir location, mixing regulation and contents monitoring.

Artificial Playing Surface Rejuvenation One application of air jetting Is In so-called rejuvenation' of artificial or synthetic recreational or 15 sports playing surfaces.

In practice, rejuvenation typically Involves a 5 combination of cleansing, uplifting and re-settlng of surface bedding material Such playing surfaces can be configured as, say, cricket pitches, bowling greens, tennis courts, soccer football or rugby pitches.

25 The general Intention Is to replicate the 'sympathetic' tufted character of natural organic grass, but In a more robust, hard-weanng mode, with greater all weather ability, preserving pitch quality In unseasonal omnclement weather conditions.

Thus the softness, resilience, or spnngness and absorbency are factors to be taken Into account, to avoid player Injury upon contact.

35 That said, scuffs or skin burns may anse upon casual; contact abrasion.

Water bedding, discussed later, provides a surface lubricant to reduce abrasive injures.

A variety of artificial surfaces and attendant beds have been devised and adapted to requirements of different recreational and sports activities.

45 Beds Include: À particulate sand; and À synthetic rubbersed foam; 50 and surface'fllers', to promote tuft upstand, Include:

À fine grade sand; and À (surface) water.

Sand beds have a long history and so, despite later 5 advances, there Is an ongoing requirement for refurbishment of established older beds, rather than wholesale replacement.

Sand Bed 1 0 One category of synthetic playing surface In widespread use, uses a layer of (rolled) fine grade sand, or other particulate matter, as an underpinning infold or 'teed' to support pile elements or'tufts'.

1 5 Terminology In this context, the term 'send' Is employed for convenience to encompass any firm or hard, gntty, 20 granular or powder particulate matter.

Sand Is readily available, even in the fine washed grades required, and is generally non-toxc, chemically neutral and Inert.

Sand particles coalesce, Integrate or consolidate Into a firm, but soft, even, homogenous layer Yet the sand remains absorbent and permeable - to 30 allow surface water drainage to an underlying (porous) membrane to which the tufts are entrained.

Sand Bed Contamination (Soiling) 35 Sitting upon and between pitch tuft fbres, a (sand) bed progressively becomes contaminated or soiled with dirt, foreign matter, grit and debris, by user contact and upon exposure to the elements.

40 Sand Bed Compaction Synthetic surfaces are subject to (sand) bed compaction by trampling underfoot.

45 Over a period of fume, often some years, the fltenng action of the sand particles causes contaminants to clog and bind with the sand.

The combined effect of contamination and 50 compaction, leads to 'cruet' formation.

The result is a hard, slippery surface, with increased ball rebound and Impaired drainage - liable to surface flooding, so restnctng or impanng use.

5 Moreover, the deterioration can risk player Injury upon Impact.

Pressure Jetting for Bed De-Compaction Pressurised air letting has been used for localsed Impacting, breaking up, loosening and dislodging compacted particulate matter from the sand bed.

15 Indeed, such high pressure air can prove as, If not more, effective In sand bed penetration than, say, a mechanical tine or stiff brush strand.

Moreover, unlike such mechanical contact devices, 20 an air Jet can be contnved so as not to damage pitch tuft fbres.

Loosened sand can be removed by other means such as a rotary brush or scraper - exposing a 2 5 cleaner, less contaminated surface for re-sandng.

Prior Art - Bed Rejuvenation

Techniques for synthetic pitch 'rejuvenation' have 30 been known since the 1980's, when problems of (sand bed) compaction and contamination were recognsed in playing surfaces laid In the 1 970's.

Deep brushing removal, high pressure air extraction, 35 and high pressure water jetting methods were tried, with varying success, thus: Brushing 40 (Pile) brushing can be used alone, own conjunction with an air current, such as a suction flow produced by a vacuum pump Nylon brushes are used, but are wear-prone and not 45 particularly effective on heavily compacted sand.

Metal wire stranded brushes are a more robust alternative, but can readily damage pitch fbres, by abrading, cutting, tearing or otherwise 'snagging'.

Compressed Air (Jet Impact) A variety of compressed air jetting apparatus Is known, vis: Dislodging, Entraining & Separating EP0585276 adopts a rather elaborate, [ambitious], mprachcal approach in seeking to dislodge, entrain 10 and separate particulate matter from contaminants for return to a surface bed.

A plenum chamber with an outlet, through which compressed air is expelled at an Inclined angle to the 15 synthetic surface.

This purportedly dislodges and directs particulate matter Into an adjacent manifold.

20 The intention Is for fine particulate matter (contaminants) to be separated, exhausted (and collected), from relatively course 'clean' sand - which Is returned to the pitch surface.

2 5 However, capability to remove coarse particulate sand contaminants Is uncertain in practice, as Is return of uncontaminated sand to the surface.

That approach Is now regarded by some early 30 adopters as largely Ineffectual, cumbersome and prohibitive In operational cost.

Thus, whilst wholesale removal of contaminated sand can be undertaken, even by conventional means, 35 the cost of sand cleansing is greater than that of importing fresh sand to replace that removed.

It was therefore discarded, In favour of a simpler, portable, brushing device to de-compact and 40 displace sand for removal, disposal and replacement.

Removal, Disposal and Replacement As even high grade sand Is relatively Inexpensive, 45 readily sourced, and given rejuvenation only every few years, a more satisfactory approach to ensure clean sand would be to completely remove and replace old contaminated sand.

50 Thus a compromise operational tactic is simply wholesale sand removal and substitution

The Applicants themselves, after some early experimentation with air lances, have used a simple, but effective, trolley-mounted, mobile air Jet bar since 5 the 1980's.

For the record, the Applicants' public use of air Jetting of sand beds in the commercial and educational sectors pre-dates the priority of EP0585276.

1 0 In the Applicants' approach a manually propelled, wheeled trolley or carnage composes a jet bar or tube, with downwardly directed outlet nozzles.

15 The jet bar is carried upon an opposed pair of wheels, set one at each end, with a swing handle or draw bar, for an operator to pull the device along.

Compressed air Is supplied through an umbilical 20 hose connected to the tube ntenor and discharges through the nozzles.

With repeated passes over a surface, a sand bed is progressively locally decompacted and brought to 25 the surface - whereupon it Is physically removed, by say a rotary mechanical sweeper brush.

Fresh replacement sand Is deposited upon the surface and brushed In between the tuft fbres to 30 restore the sand bed.

Albeit somewhat labour Intensive and requiring some operator experience and Judgement operationally, the Applicants have found this a more costeffectve 3S approach to rejuvenation.

As such, it has proved more affordable and appealing to playing surface owners and operators - making regular maintenance more likely.

Some aspects of the present Invention address a refinement of the Applicants' well tned and proven approach, by vacations In working fluid and adaptations In machine contguraton.

EP0585276 briefly touches upon a process of decompactng and returning sand to the surface, albeit only for use on surfaces which are already wet.

- - Water Jetting i Similarly, a disparate variety of high pressure water letting devices are known for cleansing generally.

However, these are impractical for artificial pitch cleaning - given the pressures and flows required for decompaction over a large surface area.

10 Thus, discharge of large volumes of water upon a surface with impaired drainage could cause flooding and create an unworkable, consolidated, sludge.

Rectification of consequent bed impairment, by 15 nappropnate water application, may dictate wholesale bed uplift and replacement.

More generally, water dampening for dust laying Is a traditional technique, but can create slurry or sludge 20 of insoluble water-borne contaminants, requiring scraping and lifting for removal.

Au & Water Mix 25 Compressed air jetting without pre-damping with water has the undesirable effect of blowing particulate matter into the surrounding air.

This Is not only unpleasant, but potentially a health 30 and safety hazard, breathing ingestion, for a machine operator or bystander, necessitating use of protective masks.

This has led to a practice of presetting or 35 'dampening' a synthetic surface, prior to rejuvenation by air jetting.

Hitherto, relatively crude water application tactics with a hose or sprinkler have been adopted, with the risk a 40 of uneven wetting, Inadequate or excessive locally and, upon repetition for stubborn contamination, creaking a sodden or slushy surface.

This Increases the time taken, and so cost, to 45 complete the task.

Predominance of water under pressure Is known In cleaning 'guns' or lances, sometimes with provision for introducing detergent to produce a foam.

EP0466663 passes compressed air through

detergent and water tanks, using valves and/or meters to control flow through an atomsing gun, and a mxing/foamng chamber.

5 Similarly, GB2108009 contrives a fluid pressure jet, for a pressure spray gun, dispensing gas, and/or liquid, under valve control and with provision for adding detergent.

10 However, these engender high water consumption and surface flooding, Inappropriate for pitch beds.

Statement of Invention

15 According to the invention pressure jetting apparatus, comprises a discharge nozzle array, mounted upon a mobile carriage or trolley, 20 and configured to mix different fluids, for combined (synergic) effect.

In a particular construction, a mobile surface decompactor 2 5 combines fluids, In particular a liquid and gas, such as water and compressed air, In a multiple discharge nozzle array, mounted upon a mobile carnage or trolley, 30 allowing let presentation, at a prescribed disposition and onentation, over a surface traversed.

It Is envisaged that gas, most likely air, would be 35 predominant In the combination, with relatively high volumetric flow rates to liquid (eg water) Natural water vapour content of air may tend to condense into moisture upon pressunsaton, but 40 supplementary watems Introduced.

The greater density or solidity of liquid can allow more impact effect' per unit volume.

45 Judicious combination of liquid (say, water) and gas (say, air) flows can provide enhanced surface Impact effect, without disproportionate liquid consumption or surface flooding discharge levels.

50 Put another way, gas can give a modest liquid flow an effect out of all proportion to liquid consumption.

Modest liquid injection Into a predominant gas flow can engender prompt atomesaton.

5 Liquid ntroduchon can be a continuous 'tackle', or a pulsed burst, to achieve a disruptive downstream moisture 'chock-wave' effect.

Cyclical variations In liquid Introduction can allow

10 intervening gas flow to displace, 'wick off', or evaporate previous liquid discharge, to reduce surface flooding risk.

Where extraordinary surface wetting Is required, the 15 liquid Injection can be Increased - even to the extent of dominating the gas flow.

However, distobubon over multiple discharge nozzles can reduce the otherwise potentially 20 dsruphve effective of a sudden 'sludge' of liquid.

In operation, liquid pressure may be more than gas pressure (by say 1.5 to 2 times).

25 This Is to 'assert' liquid Infection and Inhibit gas backflow into the liquid line, and gas pockets In the liquid supply.

In a particular configuration, 30 a mix of 'high' pressure air and water, Is directed upon a compacted and contaminated sand/crust' to soften it and dislodge sand particles.

35 The term 'highs includes - but Is not limped to - a water pressure of some 2-15 (say 10) bar (atmospheres) and an air pressure of some 2-15 (say 7-8) bar.

Typical water consumption may be 450 strep per 40 hour. Moisture Balance In (A ' r-Wate r) M 'x Generally, the presence of water: Inhibits a 'sandstorm effect' - which might otherwise be triggered by air Jets alone; softens compacted sand; dissolves dirt and other contaminants; and

bolsters effective Impact.

To this end, it is envisaged that, In practice, a'mst' of 5 high pressure water and air could be contnved.

Modest Water Consumption & Reservoir This predominance of air in the errwater mix allows 10 modest water consumption and thus use of a modest capacity water storage reservoir.

The water reservoir can be a mobile Dowser, of as little as some 100-150 litres capacity.

1 5 Moreover, the air:water mix ratio could be variable, for effect optimsaton - and adaptation to a given surface and prevailing environmental conditions.

20 Variability may be random, own a pretermned pattern or repetitive cycle.

Infection of supplementary (re-)agents, such as detergent or stenlser compounds, may similarly be 25 random or pattemed, say In or out of phase with the base liquid pattern.

The outcome of such 'simple', or defined inputs may be complex, even unpredictable or non-lnear, with 30 an 'emergent' behavoumn discharge and surface reaction, Immediately and over time.

However, the overalHntenhon Is a combined promotional synergistic effect.

Under simple considerations, If an Impacted surface were already damp, less water would likely be needed In an air-water mix.

40 Yet account can be taken of later anticipated conditions. In some conditions, moisture balance could create a mist dampening blanket.

Jet Nozzle Setting Jet nozzles could be mutually offset or opposed, In order to de-lmt the discharge spread, or achieve an 50 even or prescribed varied density pattern infold.

1 0

Jet Nozzle (Aperture) Profile Jet nozzle aperture profile could be adapted for a prescribed discharge pattern.

To that end either symmetrical, asymmetrical, curved, angular, rounded (eg circular) or wasted (eg diamond) profiles might be employed.

10 Jet nozzles may be stationary, movable, or a combination. Jet Movement 15 Jet nozzles could move - say rotate and/or traverse upon their mountings, together or differentially, In order to create a prescribed discharge distnbubon spray pattern.

20 Thus Jet nozzles could sweep through an arc continuously, omncrementally, reversible periodically, or continuously and unidirectionally through 360 degrees.

25 Liquid Supply Fluid (.e liquid and/or gas) supply to let nozzles, individually or collectively, could be continuous and/omntermttent, for example a metered pulse 30 discharge. Such metering could apply to Individual fluid constituents or mix, or multiple fluids.

35 Discharge patterns and volumes could be varied randomly or by preprogrammed settings.

Nozzle Valves 40 Individual nozzles could incorporate one-way valves, such as miniature spnng-based ball and conical seat, to obviate clogging by surface debris rebound.

Camage Jet nozzles could be set In one or more let bars, upon a wheeled, track and/or skid mounted Damage.

Space Frame Thus, In a particular construction, an open-lattice

space frame would run upon opposed ground wheels and support a raised Jet bar with a plurality of generally downwardly-drected jet nozzles.

5 The frame and/or ground runner ('e wheel or skid) could be (re-) configured to adjust ride height, surface clearance and so let bar and attendant nozzle disposition. 1 0 Suspension A Jet bar and/or carnage suspension could preserve or otherwise adjust to requirements, Jet disposition and orientahon while the carriage traverses uneven 15 ground surfaces.

Thus a wheel carnage could drive a Jet bar movement actuator, whether continuous, Incremental or reciprocating. Alternatively, a jet bar and/or carnage suspension could be contrived to respond to input displacements, to vary Jet nozzle dsposhon and/or onentaton relative to a surface.

Camage Propulsion The carnage could be self-propelled or power assisted. Thus wheels or tracks may be driven, such as by fluid powered motors say, using a bleed diverted from one of the fluid pressure supplies.

35 Thrust Reaction Alternatively or addbonally, a selective rearward discharge reaction bleed from certain nozzles might be used to create a forward thrust assistance, or bias.

Cushion A fluid, In particular air, bleed, or even a fluid (hover) cushion, might be contrived to reduce surface 45 contact friction and allow the carnage effectively to glide over, even hover marginally above, a surface being addressed.

Discharge Spray Curtain An array of Jet bars could be contrived to present

multiple curtains of Jet discharge spray.

Such curtains could be co-operatively disposed to contain what might otherwise be a dust cloud of 5 displaced matenal.

Differential Fluids Curtains of different fluids could be employed.

Thus, for example, an inner air curtain environment could be surrounded by an outer water or mist dampening collar or screen.

15 Additives such as detergents and/or sterilizers, could be introduced Into the water or air stream or when combined. A detergent Itself may have germicidal or bactencdal 2 0 action.

As with Jet nozzles, a let bar could be stationary or movable. 25 Jet Bar Mobility A Jet bar itself might move - say in a rotary path or through a prescribed arc - In a sweeping action, to promote the effect of let Impact upon a surface.

Jet oscllabons might contribute a scouring effect.

Nozzle Array 35 Nozzles could be disposed In a co-operative array, such as a matrix, grid or Intersecting pattern.

Jet D'sposhon and Onentaton 40 Jet dsposihon and/or onentaton, In relation to a surface, could be varied (a)penodcally, or fixed.

A fixed Jet onentaton set strictly at right angles to the ground running surface, could help maxmise impact.

Provision might be made for adJushog the distance between Jet and surface.

(Vanable Displacement) Pump A pump for delvenng high pressure fluid might be

configured with a variable dsplacernent piston, vane or swashplate, to allow vanable discharge flow rates and delivery pressures.

5 Output control valves and pressure regulators might also be fitted to determine delivery conditions.

Fluid Mix 10 Fluid mixing may be effected upstream, at, or downstream of a Jet nozzle.

Thus moisture could be Injected into an emergent air jet stream.

A Jet mixer nozzle might Impart a motion mode, such as a swirl, to the combined fluid streams.

For disparate media, such as air and water, and 20 attendant differential flow rates and pressures, bespoke metering conditions might be applied.

Suction Effect 25 Relative fluid pressure vacations embrace a 'positive' (or above ambient / atmospheric) pressure In one fluid and a inegatve' (or below ambient / atmospheric) pressure In another fluid 30 Different nozzles and control valves may be used for respective fluids to accommodate this.

A 'negahve' (depressed, or below atmospheric) pressure can be regarded as 'suction', engendering 35 a flow reversal towards, rather than away from (fommer discharge) nozzles.

The overall Intention is to promote a disturbed or turbulent environment adjacent a surface and to 4 0 engender surface decornpacton.

Controls Manual controls, such as (valve or regulator) wheels 45 or levers, could be fitted for operator adjustment of fluid discharge and flow mixing.

Discharge could thereby be adapted to suit local conditions - and adjusted In response to actual 50 performance. 1 4

L Carriage Configuration The carriage could be configured as a minimal, operator-drawn apparatus.

In more elaborate versions, a remote control, self-

propelled 'drone', responding to pre-programmng or remote radio signal control may be used.

10 Supply Lmes Umbilical supply lines could span between fluid pressure sources and associated Jet nozzles.

15 Lightweight high pressure tolerance lines could ease operator burden In apparatus handling and re location. Pump Drive Respective pumps fomndvdual fluids could be driven from a common motor - with appropriate gearing. 25 Adjustable Splash Back Shield A splash back shield juxtaposed with the let (dstnbuton) bar and let discharge nozzles could have a passive role In operator or bystander 30 protection or an active role In re-drectng or bouncing back discharge from the nozzles or re bound from ground Impact reaction The shield disposition, orientation and profile could 35 be adjusted to suit operating conditions.

Variables Generally, any or all of the aforemenhoned variable 40 factors could be adjusted Independently or collectively, for desired output effect.

Program Control 45 Given the number of variables, and diversity of vanablty, programmed control could be used Remote Control 50 Indeed, the discharge apparatus Itself could admit of remote control.

Drive could be from motors to ground wheels or tracks, or even discharge jet reaction.

5 A self-contaned power supply (say, battery or pressurized fluid tank), or one tapped from the fluid pressure feed to the Jet nozzles, could be used for the drive motors.

10 A remote, say radio or nfra red, link between discharge apparatus and a hand controller could be employed. 1 5 Embodiments There now follows a description of some particular

embodiments of the invention, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying 20 diagrammatic and schematic drawings, In which figure 1 shows a general layout of a liquid (in particular) water infected air pressure Jetting apparatus, with additive dosage options, such as for 25 addition of detergent and/or steriliser preparations; figure 1 A Is a local enlargement detail of Jet nozzle and dstnbution bar disposition In the Jetting apparatus of figure 1; figure 2 shows a pneumatic / hydraulic equivalent circuit diagram for the arrangement of figure 1, figure 3 shows an enlarged detail of an air water 35 mixer valve in the layout of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows a variant Jetting apparatus to that of figure 1, configured as a tractor towed trailer with on board water tank and gravity feed to an underlying Jet 40 bar; figure 5 shows a variant of figure 4 with an on-board pump set below a squid tank and driven by a tractor power take-off; Figures 6A and 6B show a mobile combination fluid specfcally ar/water mix - pressure Jetting apparatus, with stabisaton of let bar dsposbon and let nozzle orientation through spaced ground wheels; Thus, more specifically: 1 6

F'gure6A shows a side elevation of a twin, closed coupled wheel pair, carnage or trolley carrying forward-mounted fluid pressure jetting assembly; figure 6B shows a front elevation of the trolley of Figure 6A, revealing a fluid mixer control valve disposition; 10 figure 6C shows an enlarged internal detail of the mixer control valve of the trolley shown In figures 6A and 6B; Figures 7A through 7C show a variant of the figures 15 6A and 6B trolley, with skid and runner combination for jet bar and nozzle stabiltsabon; alben the skid could be substituted In whole or part with a track crawler or track laying carriage; 20 Thus, more specifically: figure 7A shows a side elevation of a skid mounted trolley, carrying a fluid pressure Jetting assembly, similar to that of figures 6A and 6B, but disposed 25 centrally; Figure 7B shows a front elevation of the skid-

nnounted trolley of figure 7A; 30 figure 7C shows the trolley of figures 7A and 7B re onentated about forward runner wheels, In a tow away configuration; figure 8A shows a variant of figure 6B, having Jet 35 nozzles disposed in (ground-penetrahng) spikes; figure 8B shows a variant of figure 8A with movable sleeves or collars fitted upon spikes to expose respective jet nozzles upon ground surface 40 penetration; Figure 8C shows a variant of Figures 8A and 8B In which a ground (pro-) penetration and raking tine Is disposed In advance of a Jet nozzle, to clear a 45 (preparatory) way forward; figure 9A shows an end elevation of co-operatvely disposed, Jet bar mounted, air Jet nozzles for respective fluids; Figure 9B shows an underside plan view of the Jet

bar and Jet nozzle configuration of figure 9A; figure 10A shows an end elevation of a variant dual nozzle, Jet bar mounted, configuration to that of 5 Figure 9A; figure 10B shows an underside plan view of the Jet nozzle configuration of Figure 10A; 1 0 Figure 11 A shows an end elevation of a combination nozzle for different fluids; Figure 11 B shows an underside plan view of the Jet nozzle configuration of Figure 11A; figure 12 shows a side elevation of a Jet bar assembly variant having a series of discrete modules, with respective jet nozzles, upon a common feed tube; figure 1 3A shows an end elevation of a rotary jet bar configuration; Figure 13B shows a plan view of the rotary Jet bar of 25 Figure 13A; Figure 14A shows a Jet bar and/or nozzle swinging through a shallow arc of movement, about the let bar longitudinal axis; Figure 14B shows an underside plan view of the Jet nozzle confgurabon of figure 14A; Figure 1 5A shows a jet bar variant having multiple 35 discrete swivel or spin Jets; figure 1 5B shows an underside plan view of the Jet nozzle configuration of figure 15A; 40 Figures 1 6A to 1 7B show a variant with a pendulous Jet bar suspension to preserve Jet onentabon, as the carnage passes over an uneven groundsurface; Thus, more specifically: figure 1 6A shows a side elevation of a Jet bar pivotally mounted upon a swing suspension arm with an upper pivot and lower depending ground running wheel, Figure 1 6B is an enlarged end elevation of the Jet bar 1 8

( and Jet nozzle of figure 16A; Figure 1 7A shows the swing arm suspended jet bar and ground running wheel of Figure 16A trailing or 5 leading in ground contact; Figure 17B shows an enlarged end elevation of jet bar and/or Jet nozzle bit facility, to preserve jet orientation in a generally upright stance in relation to 10 a ground surface; figure 1 8A shows an end elevation of a multiple jet bar variant, for intensified co- operative effect in a given machine pass over a surface.

1 5 figure 18B shows a plan view of the multiple jet bar configuration of figure 18A; figure 1 9A shows a rotary let bar variant, with radial 20 peripheral Jet nozzles, and a ntemal 'gate' to Emit discharge, to a forward and downwardly direction; figure 1 9B shows a plan view of the Jet bar figure 1 9A, with a spiral 'scroll' Jet location path; figure 20A shows a Jet bar vanant, having multiple nterfttng perforated cylinders; figure 20B shows a plan view of the Jet nozzle 30 configuration of figure 20A; +++ Referring to figure 1, a compressor 11 feeds a 35 primary air line 21, connected to a mixer valve 12 to a downstream line 22, in turn coupled to a regulator and ON/OFF valve 39 mounted upon a let bar 17 of a discharge apparatus 16.

40 The lines 21 and 22 are robust high pressure / high flow capacity umbilical hoses, with multiple successive sections intercoupled, to achieve sufficient overall hose length, whilst preserving desired operational line pressure(s) and flow rate(s).

{Generally, the air pressure supply and a liquid supply (described later) are desirably kept together, away from a pitch to be worked upon.} 50 This allows disposition compressor 11 away from pnch working operation - so without the need for

continual relocation.

In practice, the compressor can be a proprietary diesel engine powered pston-.n-cylnder mobile 5 wheeled trailer unit, such as available for plant hire.

The primary line 21 Is of high flow and pressure capacity and carries only (compressed) air.

10 The mixer valve 12 can be kept well upstream In the supply to the Jetting apparatus 16 or closer to the compressor 1 1.

This Is convenient operationally, since the supply 15 need not be move around to stay In close proxmny to the pitch working operation.

The compressor 11 also feeds a secondary relatively high pressure, low volumetric flow capacity air line 23 20 to a liquid pump 14 mounted upon a liquid storage tank or reservoir 15.

The pump output 26 Is delivered to a feed nozzle 41 (detailed In an enlarged view of figure 3) within mixer 2 5 valve 12 In the primary air bne 21.

The pump 14 comprises a reciprocating pston-in cylnder device, with a feed tube or stem 24 for Immersion In the tank 15, so its end lies below liquid 30 contents level 25.

The pump 14 is configured Internally to be self-

priming, once liquid is in the tank 15.

35 Provision is made for pump lubocaton7 by passing the pump feed 23 through a lubricator 13 - which infects a prescribed small quantity of lubricant Into the line for the pump 14 internal mechanism.

40 Lubrication Is helpful to preserve pump operation, say when dry and pnmng, against overheating, wear and seizure, and to preserve internal seal action.

The liquid storage tank 15 may contain simply water, 45 or water with a certain dosage of detergent and/or sterilser compound.

Alternatively, respective detergent supply 28, and/or a stenlser liquid supply 29, provision Is connected to 50 the liquid storage tank 15.

The liquid supply - with optional detergent and/or stenlser - to the mixer 12 Is at generally some twice the primary air line pressure, to nhbn air ngesbon, air locks or liquid backflow through the pump 14, with 5 attendant damage risk through hydraulic lock.

Figure 3 shows a detail of the mixer 12, showing a small injector tube or nozzle 41 Inserted Into the primary air flow passage 43 within a housing 44.

1 0 The Infector 41 Is canted or inclined to the axis of the mixer housing 44 and has a discharge end 46 with a slight kink or dog-leg to orientate with the axis of air flow 43.

1 5 The overall effect Is a combined air and liquid flow 40 In the downstream line 22.

Non-turbulent, If not laminar, flow mixing can be 20 tolerated, If not promoted within the mixer valve 12, by Internal disposition of elements.

A flow control or regulator valve 42, with a shut-off capability, and a setting determined by a control lever 25 27, is fitted to the mixer 12 in the upstream liquid Injector line 26.

The valve 42 enables watemnJechon of line 22 selectively to be inhibited altogether, or adjusted to 30 suit operating conditions.

Thus, say, more liquid might be applied in dry pitch conditions or where a sand bed is heavily compacted or soiled, to promote particulate loosening.

Adjustment may be empncally by trial and error or preset. Flow and mixing conditions are allowed to (re-) 40 stablse after valve adjustment.

Air supply connection is through a free umbilical hose link, of sufficient length.

45 A hose locator, such as a swing suspension arm, may be fitted to the tractor chassis, to help orientate and re-dsposbon the air supply hose upon tractor manoeuvenng. 50 Provision (not shown) could be made - through appropriate sensors and Indicators - for Issue of an

automatic warning alarm upon liquid tank low level or exhaustion, or upon any Interruption or blockage In the water flow Into the mixer 12.

5 Flow measurement or metering could also be incorporated to monitor activity Similar provision could be made for additives, such as detergent or stenlser - or even pump lubricant.

The supply line 22 to the let bar 17 is of similar capacity to the supply line 21 to the mixer.

Thus, an example line hose external diameter would 15 be some 50mm (2 Inches).

A typical length run might be some 50-150 metros.

Introduction of relatively high pressure liquid from the

20 pump 14 output line 26 engenders a line pressure and/or flow boost, even acceleration.

The jet bar 17 Is conveniently fabricated as a hollow cylindrical tube.

A splayed frame omnverted yoke 32 Is secured md span of the jet bar 17 and converges to a relatively short span handle bar 31.

30 This configuration affords sufficient purchase for the operator to steer the Jet bar 17 upon a desired path.

The swing action of the handle 31, 32 and entrained Jet bar 17 gives an operator some control over 35 discharge drechon and pitch surface Impact action.

In particular, a to-and-fro reversal action may be employed - In the manner of a carpet sweeper - for repeated passage over an area, say, to address 40 stubborn compaction and contamination.

The let bar 17 capacity acts as a modest flow capactor-reservor, cushion or damper, continuously (re-)charged or replenished by the supply line 22.

Internal baffles (not shown) may be fitted to promote flow damping or stablse Individual nozzle feed and discharge flow.

50 The Jet bar 17 Is tatted with a Genes of closely-spaced, precision machined, Jet nozzles 18, detailed In the

local enlargement of Figure 1A.

These Jet nozzles 18 are generally downwardly directed, so let bar 17 Is self-dranng upon shut-off.

The Jet nozzles are conveniently In a single bnear array, parallel to the jet bar 17 axis, but more elaborate layouts, or relative dispositions, could be employed, such as a part spiral, to allow a lateral 10 discharge component.

The Jet bar 17 could be allowed to swing freely about a horizontal axis, to allow the operator manually to direct the discharge for optimum effect.

1 5 To this end, the Jet bar 17 Is carried by, or depends from, opposite end adjustment studs 35 from a transverse frame plate or bar 37, carrying ground running wheels 34.

The wheels 34 sit In respective yokes 33 and can rotate about a common axis, parallel to the jet bar 17 axis. 25 Close-coupled wheel sets or pairs could be employed, but Individual wheels give greater freedom of movement for apparatus 16 (re-) positioning 30 Effectively, the mutually fastened handle 31, 32, frame 37 and Jet bar 17 pivot about the common wheel 34 axis.

The apparatus 16 can be 'parked' or rested simply by 35 laying down handle 31, 32 to rest upon the ground.

This rest-parked position also presents the Jet nozzles for ready Inspector, unblocking, replacement and repair.

In a tractor towed variant, depicted In figures 4 and 5, handle 32 could couple to a towing hitch and serve as a draw bar In relation to trailing wheel set 34.

45 The depth of the handle frame 32 Is such as to afford operator comfort, without undue stooping, throughout handle swing operations.

For health and safety consderabons, an operator 50 shield 30 (shown In broken line) Is desirably fitted over the Jet bar, in order to mnmse splash back from

Jet discharge and/or surface Impact.

This shield 30 may be manually or automatically adjusted, say, with a gravity balance (underslung) 5 counterweight (not shown).

A flow control or regulator valve 39 is fitted to the jet bar 17 at the coupling with feed line 22 10 If necessary, the internal flow passages can be dried after use for ar-water combinations, by allowing a penod of air only Operationally, aside from any compressibility effects, 15 the air and liquid (water) supplies are at ambient temperatures, but admit of local heating, by, say heater elements In the valve bodies or Jet bar 17 or by an Immersion heater in the tank 15.

20 Although not shown, other Ingredients could be Introduced Into the liquid storage tank 15, according to circumstances.

Thus particulate material (not shown), for dssolubon, 25 or to be held In suspension, could be Included.

Figure 4 shows a liquid tank 51 earned upon a transverse chassis beam 54, running upon ground wheels 55 and coupled, through a draw bar radius 30 amns 53 to a tractor 50 An upper link or strut 52 to the tractor 50 braces the rear of the tank 51 and fomms a triangular brace with bottom arms 53.

The tank S1 provides a gravity squid contents feed, through a regulator valve 56, to a distribution bar 58, with underslung discharge nozzles 59.

40 Air is pumped to the dstnbuton bar 58 through a hose 63.

A flow control handle 57 sets the regulator valve 56.

45 The discharge unit can move, upon its own ground wheels 55, In relation the tractor 50, to accommodate ground undulations.

With a power actuated lift option (not shown) of links 50 52, 53 the entire discharge unit can be elevated clear of the ground for transport, Inspection and

maintenance. Figure 5 shows a pump pressunsed variant of the tractor mounted, dstnbuton apparatus of Figure 4, 5 with corresponding elements given similar reference.

In this case, a pump 61 is driven by a power take-off shaft 62 from the tractor rear PTO (not shown).

10 The pump pressunses both liquid (from gravity tank feed) and air (from ambient atmosphere) to feed dstnbuton bar 58.

figures 6A through 20B express other diverse 15 denvatve embodiments.

Thus figure 6A shows a mobile fluid mix - In particular ar/water pressure jetting apparatus 110, composing a jet nozzle array 112, mounted upon a mobile 20 carnage or trolley 111 Ground engaging wheels, runners 123, 124 - or, In the case of figures 7A through 7C, skids 155 - are configured readily to traverse a surface, with minimal 25 drag or operator effort.

The jet nozzle array 112 comprises a hollow Jet (distribution) bar or feed tube 116, In whose underside are fitted a series of Individual discharge 30 Jet nozzles 1 18.

Jet bar 116 Is itself carried upon runners or wheels 124, one at each end, and Is linked by a forward depending frame 119 to a rearward pair of larger 35 ground-running wheels 123, set at opposite ends of a frame 125.

Jet bar 116 longitudinal - and indeed vertical position and orientation admit of considerable vanaton, 40 Including disposition in between, or trailing, (primary) ground wheels 123.

A draw bar or handle 121, with a manual gripper bar 122 is pivotally mounted upon the frame 125.

The carnage 111 can be pushed or pulled, so that the Jet bar respectively leads or trails the ground running wheels 123.

50 The overall twin axle running configuration ensures a stable even platform for the Jet nozzle array 1 12.

Vanous mixing modes may be adopted vis: UPSTREAM MIXING - undertaken close to 5 compressor, with bleed Into high flow capacity line by low flow capacity relatively high (eg x2) pressure liquid line; DOWNSTREAM MIXING undertaken at or local to 10 the Jet bar apparatus, as In the present (Figures 6A, 6B) example.

A mixer control valve 126 is set upon the draw bar 121 and features respective control knobs or wheels 15 for each of, in this case, two fluids F1, F2.

Umbilical supply hoses 127, 129 are detachably coupled to the control valve 126 through connectors 141, 143.

* An output feed tube 128 Is coupled to the control mixer valve 126 by a connector 148 More particularly, refemng to the mixer control valve 25 detail of figure 6C, a mixing chamber 135 receives each fluid through respective one-way valves 132, 134 and delivers the mixed combination to output line 128.

30 Individual line pressure regulator valves 131, 133 stablse the Input pressure of respective fluids F1, F2 to the mixer control valve 126.

The objective is a controllable and stable fluid mix, 35 readily adjustable to local surface and prevailing environmental conditions.

Thus, water Is precluded from entering the air line and damaging the air pump (not shown) through a 40 hydraulic lock.

Similarly air locks are inhibited In the liquid feed line.

Individual Jet nozzles or Jet bar nozzle earner may be 45 mounted for free onentaton albeit biassed generally downward for ground surface discharge Impact by spring or gravity mounting; Jet nozzle Internal profile may be adapted to suit 50 dstnbohon requirements.

Again for fluid pressure delivery 'platform' stability, a variant shown In Figures 7A through 7C features a skid-mounted fluid dstrbuhon bar 156, with downward nozzles 158, set at a mid, rather than 5 forward disposition, in line with the draw handle 152.

Skids 155, configured as closed sprung loops or bands, are feted to each side of the trolley essentially substnutn9 for wheels 123, 124 of 10 Figures 6A and 6B - except for the (optional) addition of small forward transit runners 153.

These runners 153 sit largely within the embrace of the skid nose, but sit somewhat forward.

1 5 Upon upping over forward re-onentaton of the frame - into a transport condition, as shown in Figure 7C the whole trolley sits upon runners 153, with the skids 155 clear of the surface.

Jet discharge onentabon or Inclination can be varied to suit operating conditions figures 8A and 8B shows a vanant of Figure 6B, 25 having jet nozzles 118 disposed in spikes, In order to decompact the particulate matter from beneath the surface. Sliding collars 137 expose the nozzles 118 upon a 30 certain ground penetration, so fluid discharge Is from somewhat below surface level, without risk of Jet clogging. A bias spring, mechanical retractor or abutment 35 sleeve (not shown) can be used for collar 137 retraction upon ground penetration.

figure 8C shows a jet bar preceded by ground penetration and raking tines 138, to prepare the way 40 for Individual let nozzles.

Figures 9A through 20B further explore vanablty in Jet nozzle configuration.

45 Thus figure 9A shows an end elevation of co operatvely disposed (fluid - eg air or water) Jet bars 166, 167, with respective let nozzles 163, 164.

The nozzles 163, 164 are co-operatvely disposed In 50 a mutually offset and staggered configuration.

The Intention Is to create a synergistic 'wedge-acton' effect In a composite fluid flow stream.

Thus, more specifically, a generally upright or directly 5 downward air and/or water mix let 163 Is 'trailed' (in relation to the path of movement 'P') by a Juxtaposed air and/or water mix Jet 164, itself set at an acute angle to the surface 'S'.

1 0 Enher or both Jet bars 166, 167 may be of variable or fixed orientation and (relative) disposition.

Thus a funnel wedge or scoop action is contrived: 15 increasing the effective force acting to dislodge surface sand and entrained contaminants; and drechng the dislodged particulate matter 20 away from a machine operator (not shown).

figure 10A shows a variant dual Jet bar and attendant nozzle configuration to that of Figure OA.

25 Upright and downward' orientation air-water mix Jet nozzles 163 are trailed by a Juxtaposed 'ar-only', rearwardly-set, but forwardly-directed 'sweeper' jet nozzles 165 upon a Jet bar 168.

30 The sweeper Jet nozzles 165 promote lateral displacement of dislodged matter, In a forward movement path 'P' end again away from a machine operator. 35 Suction It Is envisaged that an over (atmospheric) pressure In jet bar 168 could be replaced by a relatively low ('e sub-atmosphenc) pressure, to create a suction or 40 vacuum action - for active collection of dislodged particulate matter.

Mult'-Role Jet Bar 45 Figure 11 A shows a multi-role Jet bar 169, with combination of: 2 primary downward ar-water mixer Jet nozzle 173; with laterally offset ar-only forward sweeper Jet

( nozzle 171; and trailing (water-only) jet 172 for dampening.

5 Nozzle 171 may direct fluid to sweep dislodged matter away from the cleaning site, or apply a condtonng/detergent solution to the surface prior to jet 173 cleaning action.

10 Figure 12 shows a Jet bar configuration with a multiple discrete modules 175, with respective Jet nozzles i 176 - to allow Individual setting and movement - upon a common feeder tube 178, with Intervening rotary seals 177.

On individual or collective Jet movement upon a carnage, as distinct from carnage movement Itself, venous options anse.

20 Thus, figure 13A shows a rotary (dametral or radial) let bar 188, with 'downward' let nozzles 189, mounted upon a swivel collar 183 - In the manner of a rotary mower blade.

25 The radial jet bar 188 can be tatted within a safety housing, to protect an operator and bystanders.

Swivel collar 183 Incorporates rotary seals to an ar water feed.

The rotary sweeping motion promotes lateral dspiacement of surface particulate matter.

Rotary drive can arise simply as a reaction to ar-water 35 emergence from jet nozzles 189 and/or by a motonsed drive such as an Impeller.

Figure 1 4A shows a facility for modest let bar and/or jet nozzle tilt through a shallow arc about its 40 longitudinal axis.

This mode may be superimposed upon the rotary mode of figure 1 3A - and might be continuously cycled, to Impart a supplementary surface sweeping 4 5 action.

figure 1 5A depicts a let bar 191, with multiple discrete swivel or spin Jet nozzles 193, driven by emergent ar-water reaction.

Again the mode of figure 1 SA could be

superimposed upon either or both the rotary modes of figures 13A and 14A.

Figure 16A depicts a pendulum action jet bar 5 suspension, In a freehangng position from a pivot 201. Figure 16B shows enlarged detail of the pendulous jet bar 203 of Figure 16A, with downward biassed 1 0 swivel jet nozzles 204 set within the embrace of a ground running wheel 205.

Figure 17A shows the variant of figures 16A and 16 B. with ground running wheel 205 displaced laterally 1 5 upon swing arm 202 set at an Inclined 'traitor 'lead' angle to a surface 'S'.

figure 17B shows, In greater detail, how Jet bar 203 and/or Jet nozzle 204 has rotated, so that the nozzles 20 104 remain generally upright to the surface 'S'.

This confgurahon preserves an upright emergent Jet stance', even when traversing Irregular ground, as the Jet nozzles 204 are electively suspended from 2 5 above.

A variant (not shown) could allow let bar or nozzle swivel about an upright axis, to achieve a castor action, allowing ground wheel(s) 205 to follow a 30 carriage path of movement.

figure 18A shows a multiple Jet bar configuration 210, 211 and 212, with respective Jet nozzles 220, 221, 222 held perpendicular to the surface.

This provides multiple co-operanve Jet bar passes as the machine traverses a given surface.

Figure 19A shows a further jet bar variant, with 40 multiple radial vane jet nozzles, and an Internal 'gate' 231 to limit the nozzle feed and discharge arc, to a forward/downward direction.

figure 19B shows let nozzle outlet apertures 45 disposed In a spiral 'scrollt path.

The combined let spinning and 'scroll' mobon helps scoop' particulate matter away from the surface 'S'.

50 The 'gate' may be adjustable, so that an optimally disposed arc of air Jetting Is obtained for any given

surface contour.

Figure 20A depicts a multiple (in this dual) interfittng perforated cylinder variant.

High pressure air is fed Into an inner cylinder 242, and water into an outer cylinder 241, with mixing at a common outlet throat 243 - obviating the need for a mixer valve.

The Inner cylinder 242 could be perforated (not shown), to create a foaming effect as air emerges from the inner cylinder 242,s before dnvng (foamed or aerated) water from between the Inner and outer 15 cylinders 241, 242.

Component List 1 1 (air) compressor 12 mixer valve 1 3 lubricator 1 4 pump 25 1 5 tank 16 mobile pressure jetting apparatus 17 dstubution bar 18 Jet nozzles 19 control valve 2 1 line 22 line 23 line 24 feed pipe 35 25 liquid 26 line 27 control valve 28 detergent 2 9 stenliser 30 shield 3 t handle 32 shaft 3 3 earner 4 5 34 wheel 35 adjuster 36 control valve 37 cross frame 39 valve 40 water flow

( 41 feed nozzle 42 regulator valve 43 air flow 44 housing 5 46 discharge end 50 tractor 51 tank 52 stabilizer link 10 53 tow bar link 54 transverse beam 55 wheel 56 regulator valve 57 control handle 15 58 dstubuton bar 59 discharge nozzle 61 ar/water mixer pump 62 pump drive shaft 20 63 air feed 110 mobile pressure letting apparatus 111 mobile carriage/trolley 112 Jet nozzle array 25 116 dstubuton bar/tube 118 Jet nozzle 119 frame 121 handle 30 122 gripper bar 123 larger wheels/runners 124 smaller wheels/runners 125 frame 126 mixer control valve 35 127 umbilical supply hose 128 output feed tube 129 umbilical supply hose 131 line pressure regulator valve 40 132 one- way valve 133 line pressure regulator valve 134 one-way valve 135 mixing chamber 136 spike 45 137 sleeve 138 raking tine 141 connector 143 connector 50 148 connector

152 handle 153 forward transit runners 155 skids 156 fluid distribution bar 5 158 nozzle 164 let nozzle 165 Jet nozzle 166 jet bar 10 167 let bar 168 Jet bar 169 jet tear 171 sweeper Jet nozzle 15 172 trailing Jet nozzle 173 jet nozzle 175 module 176 Jet nozzle 177 rotary seal 20 178 feed tube 183 swivel collar 188 rotary Jet bar 189 jet nozzle 191 let bar 193 Individual rotary nozzle 201 swivel Joint 30 202 pendulous arm swing 203 pendulum mounted Jet bar 204 swivel Jet nozzles 205 ground running wheel 35 210 (multiple) Jet bar 211 (multiple) jet bar 212 (multiple) Jet bar 220 Jet nozzle 40 221 Jet nozzle 222 Jet nozzle 231 gate 45 241 outer cylinder 242 Inner cylinder 243 outlet F1 fluid 50 F2 fluid S ground surface

Claims (26)

1. Claims

   5 1. (Combined Fluid Jetting} A pressure Jetting apparatus (16), comprising a nozzle array (18) for fluid Jet discharge, 10 mounted upon a mobile carriage (37), for surface traverse, and configured to deliver and distribute different fluids (F1, F2), for combined (synergistic) effect, 1 5 upon discharge.
2. 2. {Surface Decompaction} 20 Mobile pressure Jetting apparatus, as claimed In Claim 1, configured for surface Impact and decompacton, with a manifold for fluid combination, In particular a liquid and gas, 25 such as water and compressed air, and dstnbubon to a discharge nozzle array, allowing discharge presentation, at a prescribed disposition and onentaton, over a surface traversed.
3. 3. {AdJustable Mix Ratio} Mobile pressure Jetting apparatus, 35 as claimed in either of the preceding claims, with control valve means, for adjusting fluid mix ratio (F1:F2), such as by volumetric or mass flow rate, to achieve desired discharge distabuton.
4. 4. {Pulsating Fluids} Mobile pressure letting apparatus, 45 as claimed In any of the preceding claims, with control valve means, for creating pulsed fluid dischargers).
5. 5. {Adjustable Fluid Pressure} Mobile pressure Jetting apparatus, as claimed In any of the preceding claims, 5 with control valve means for respective fluids.
6. 6. {Adjustable Splash Back Shield} 10 Mobile pressure jetting apparatus, as claimed In any of the preceding claims, with an adjustable splash back shield, configured for (re-)directng discharge, from the nozzles and/or upon ground re-bound.

   1 5
7. 7. {Programmable Jetting} Mobile pressure Jetting apparatus, 20 as claimed In any of the preceding claims, with (pro-) programmable fluid Jetting, through Individual nozzle control, and/or respective fluid supply regulation.
8. 8. {Remote Control} Mobile pressure lethng apparatus, as claimed In any of the preceding claims, 30 with remote controlled valve determination of fluid Jetting.
9. 9. {Powered Carnage} Mobile pressure letting apparatus, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, having a powered or power-assisted carnage drive propulsion, 40 for prescribed working surface traverse
10. 10 {'Rearward' Thrust Reactions 45 Mobile pressure Jethng apparatus, as claimed In any of the preceding claims, having a fluid jet thrust (re-)acton, derived by fluid discharge diversion, for carnage propulsion.
11. 11. {Pendulum Jet Bar Suspension} Mobile pressure Jetting apparatus, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, 5 with a pendulum swng-action dstnbubon bar suspension, and swivel nozzle array, to preserve a required nozzle stance, or emergent fluid let discharge, 10 upon mounting carnage disturbance, such as uneven ground traverse.
12. 12. {Longitudinal Axis Jet Bar Rotation} Mobile pressure letting apparatus, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, with an elongate distribution bar, rotatable about its longitudinal axis.
13. 13. {Transverse Axis Jet Bar Rotation} Mobile pressure jetting apparatus, 25 as claimed in any of the preceding claims, with an elongate distribution bar, rotatable about a transverse axes, say, upon a swivel mounting, with a rotary seal for a fluid supply port.
14. 14. IMulLple Discrete Swivel Nozzles} Mobile pressure jethng apparatus, 35 as claimed in any of the preceding claims, with multiple discrete swivel nozzles, upon either a fixed or movable distribution bar.

    40
15. 15. {Adjustable D'stnbubon Bar / Nozzle) Mobile pressure lethng apparatus, as claimed In any of the preceding claims, with adjustable dstnbubon bar and/or nozzle 45 disposition in relation to a ground working surface.
16. 16. {Suction Effect} Mobile pressure jetting apparatus, as claimed In any of the preceding claims, 5 with a lower Internal distribution bar pressure, than the ambient pressure, whereby to create a suction effect, or reverse flow, at an 'intake nozzle.
17. 17. {Wedge Action Discharge) Mobile pressure letting apparatus, 15 as claimed in any of the preceding cla.,ms, having co-operatvely disposed, mutually offset nozzles, to create a fluid jet discharge wedge driving achon, 20 In a composite fluid stream.
18. 18. {Nozzle Combination} 25 Mobile pressure jetting apparatus, as claimed In any of the preceding claims, having mult'-role dstrbut.'on barks).

    30
19. 19. {Sweeper Nozzle} Mobile pressure letting apparatus, as cla',med in any of the preceding claims, with a combination of: 35 downward nozzle or let discharge, laterally offset forward nozzle or Jet discharge, and trailing nozzle or Jet discharge.

    40
20. 20. {Discharge Patterns Mobile pressure letting apparatus, as cla',med In any of the preceding claims, with nozzles configured for one or more 45 predetermined fluid let discharge patterns.

    3.
21. 21. {Spikes with Nozzles} Mobile pressure jetting apparatus, 5 as claimed in any of the preceding claims, with nozzles tatted In ground penetration spikes, to promote surface decompacton from below.

    10
22. 22. {One-Way Valves} Mobile pressure jethng apparatus, as claimed In any of the preceding claims, with nozzles Incorporating one-way valves, t 5 to inhibit clogging by displaced fragments.
23. 23. {Multiple Bars} 20 Mobile pressure Jetting apparatus, as claimed In any of the preceding claims, with multiple dstnbution bars, and respective nozzles, co-operatively disposed, 25 for enhanced effect, for a given surface pass.
24. 24. {Inter-fttng Perforated Cylinders) Mobile pressure jetting apparatus, as claimed In any of the preceding claims, with multiple dstnbubon bars, configured as inter-fttng perforated cylinders.
25. 25. {frustrated Embodiments} Mobile pressure Jetting apparatus, 40 substantially as herenbefore described, with reference to, and as shown In, the accompanying drawings.
26. 26. {Surface Treatment} A method of surface treatment, 5 such as surface decompaction, comprising the steps of: mixing working fluids, such as at prescribed pressures and/or flow rates, for combined synergistic effect, 10 upon discharge to impact a working surface, passing the combined fluids, through a dstobuton bar, to a discharge nozzle array, for prescribed distribution 15 to the working surface.