IE86775B1

IE86775B1 - Nozzle for dispensing slurry and a slurry spreading apparatus

Info

Publication number: IE86775B1
Application number: IE20110006A
Authority: IE
Inventors: O'kane James
Original assignee: O'kane James
Priority date: 2010-01-06
Filing date: 2011-01-04
Publication date: 2016-12-14
Also published as: GB2479028A; GB201100015D0; IE20110006A1; GB2479028B; GB201000104D0

Abstract

A discharge nozzle for dispensing slurry onto the ground, said discharge nozzle having an elongate slot-like outlet opening and a slurry spreading apparatus comprising a slurry resevoir or tank for carrying a volume of slurry, a manifold for receiving slurry from said resevoir or tank, a plurality of outlet hoses communicating with the manifold, a discharge nozzle being provided on a terminal end of each outlet hose. <Figure 16>

Description

Nozzle for Dispensing Slurry and a slurry spreading apparatus This invention relates to a nozzle for dispensing slurry and to a slurry spreading apparatus incorporating such nozzle.

It is desirable to apply slurry to soil to improve the nitrogen content of the soil. Traditionally, slurry is spread on the land from pressurised slurry tankers towed by a tractor across the land and having a rear spray outlet from which the slurry is passed onto a splash plate whereby the slurry is crudely sprayed onto the land. This process can result in up to 80% of the available nitrogen being lost to the atmosphere in the form of ammonia and results in contamination of the foliage of plants growing on the land. Furthermore, increasing environmental concerns regarding the noxious effects of spraying slurry over the land and the problems of run off into waterways and of foliage soiling have led to a preference for delivery of slurry directly onto or into the soil via a plurality of trailing shoe slurry outlets, a band spreader or injection devices suspended from a boom and connected to a slurry tanker via individual delivery pipes having discharge nozzles at a height to dispense the slurry directly onto the ground and between the foliage of plants which may be growing on the land to be fertilised.

Any system that involves pumping slurry through relatively small-bore delivery pipes will be prone to blockage as the slurry contains a high proportion of solid material. Therefore with band spreading, trailing-shoe and injection equipment it is normally necessary to remove or reduce the size of any solids from the slurry that might cause blockage. This can be achieved by mechanical separation of slurry through a slurry separator or by chopping with a macerator. However, such solutions lead to maintenance problems and problems with blockage of slurry discharge nozzles may still occur, even with the use of macerators, particularly in the outlet nozzles of the delivery pipes.

According to the present invention there is provided a discharge nozzle for dispensing slurry onto the ground, said discharge nozzle having an elongate slot like outlet opening having opposing sides, the nozzle comprising a substantially conical or tapered outlet portion, said outlet opening being formed in a side region of said conical or tapered outlet portion, said outlet opening being defined by a pair of spaced apart wall members said wall members may project from said conical or tapered outlet portion, wherein at least the outlet opening of the nozzle is formed from an elastomeric or deformable material whereby the sides of the outlet opening can flex to allow solids and agglomerated slurry to pass through the outlet opening, thus avoiding blockages.

The nozzle may comprise an elongate body, said elongate slot like outlet opening being defined on one side of said elongate body. Alternatively said outlet opening may be formed at a distal end region of the nozzle.

In one embodiment the outlet opening is defined by a pair of spaced apart wall members. In one embodiment said wall members terminate at a distal end of the nozzle and/or a downstream portion ; of the nozzle. Preferably the sides of the outlet opening diverge towards said distal end/ downstream portion of the nozzle such that the width of the outlet opening increases in a downstream direction to further reduce the risk of blockages. Preferably an outlet gap is defined between said wall members at said distal end of the nozzle. Said outlet gap may be located at the tip of the nozzle.

Preferably said outlet opening terminates at a tip of said outlet portion. Preferably said spaced apart wall members terminate at the tip of said outlet portion, an outlet gap preferably being defined between said wall members at said tip.

In a preferred embodiment the nozzle comprises a flexible elastomeric boot adapted to be fitted onto the end of an outlet hose of a slurry spreading apparatus. By forming the boot from an elastomeric material, the sides of the outlet opening can flex, preventing blockage by allowing solids and agglomerated slurry to pass through the outlet.

Preferably the boot is dimensioned to fit over the end of the outlet hose, thus avoiding any reduction in cross section at the junction between the hose and the boot in a downstream direction, further reducing the risk of blockage.

A portion of the nozzle opposite said outlet opening may be reinforced or otherwise strengthened to define a leading edge of the nozzle when attached to a drop bar or dribble pipe. In one embodiment said strengthening is provided by a ridge, rib or other elongate projection which may be provided along a portion of the nozzle opposite said outlet opening. Said ridge may comprise a triangular or pointed profile to define a leading edge of the nozzle for separating foliage. Where the nozzle comprises a conical or tapered outlet portion, said ridge may extend from said conical or tapered portion opposite from said outlet opening. The leading edge of the ridge may form of a projection or continuation of a tubular base portion of the nozzle.

The nozzle may form an outlet of a slurry delivery pipe for delivering slurry onto the ground between foliage. A frame member may be provided for securing the nozzle to the slurry delivery pipe and/or for mounting the nozzle and delivery pipe onto a frame of a slurry dispensing apparatus. In one embodiment the frame member may comprise a steel spring having a circular portion: for extending around a portion of the nozzle and a pair of elongate leg portions extending from the circular portion to be bolted or otherwise secured to the frame of the slurry dispensing apparatus.

In a further embodiment the nozzle may be associated with a slot forming tool for forming a shallow slot into which the slurry may be dispensed from the nozzle. The slot forming tool and the nozzle may be mounted on a trailing arm, which may be in the form of a leaf spring mounted on a slurry spreading apparatus, for transferring weight from the slurry spreading apparatus to apply a downwards force on the slot forming tool to press said slot forming tool into the soil. Said slot forming tool may be mounted on a lower side of the trailing arm while the nozzle may be mounted on an upper side of the trailing arm.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a slurry spreading apparatus comprising a slurry reservoir or tank for carrying a volume of slurry, a manifold for receiving slurry from said reservoir or tank, a plurality of outlet hoses communicating with the manifold, a discharge nozzle being provided on a terminal end of each outlet hose, said discharge nozzle having an elongate slot like outlet opening.

In one embodiment, each discharge nozzle is arranged such that its outlet opening is provided on a rear side of the discharge nozzle in the normal direction of movement of the slurry spreading apparatus.

In an alternative embodiment, each discharge nozzle is arranged such that its outlet opening is provided on a lower side of the discharge nozzle.

Said plurality of outlet hoses may be mounted on a boom such that said discharge nozzles are located in side by side relationship across the width of the boom.

In one embodiment, each discharge nozzle may comprise a ridge, rib or other elongate projection provided along leading edge of the nozzle, opposite said outlet opening, for separating.foliage as the nozzles are moved through crops.

In an alternative embodiment, each discharge nozzle may be associated with a slot forming tool for forming a shallow slot into which the slurry may be dispensed from the nozzle. Each slot forming tool and respective discharge nozzle may be mounted on a trailing arm, which may be in the form of a leaf spring mounted on the slurry dispensing apparatus, arranged at an acute angle to the ground such that the slot forming tool is pressed into the ground to form a channel into which the slurry is to be dispensed from the associated outlet pipe and discharge nozzle. Said slot forming tool may be mounted on a lower side of the trailing arm while the nozzle may be mounted on an upper side of the trailing arm. A row of trailing arms may be mounted on a transverse boom of the apparatus, a discharge nozzle and slot forming tool being mounted on each arm, each discharge nozzle being mounted on the distal end of a respective outlet pipe.

Another problem with prior art attempts to discharge slurry using band spreading, traiiing-shoe and injection equipment having a plurality of slurry outlets or injection devices mounted on a transversely extending boom is the limitation on the width of the boom imposed by the need to fold the boom during transportation of the apparatus between fields.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slurry discharge according to a first embodiment of the present 5 invention; Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the slurry discharge nozzle of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear view of the slurry discharge nozzle of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the slurry discharge nozzle of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view of a slurry discharge nozzle and slot forming tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a front view of the slurry discharge nozzle of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the slurry discharge nozzle of Figure 5; Figure 8 shows a slurry spreading apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a tractor in a transport configuration; Figure 9 shows the slurry spreading apparatus of Figure 8 in a working configuration; Figure 10 shows a siurry spreading apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a slurry tanker in a transport configuration; Figure 11 shows the siurry spreading apparatus of Figure 10 in a working configuration; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a slurry spreading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in a working configuration; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 12 during transition between its working and transport configurations; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 12 in its transport configuration; Figure 15 is a detailed perspective view of the region "A of Figure 12; and Figure 16 is a perspective view of a slurry spreading apparatus according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

A slurry discharge nozzle 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. The discharge nozzle 10 is adapted to be fitted over the end of a siurry outlet pipe 12 (only an end part of which is shown in the drawings) for delivering slurry onto the ground between crops. The nozzle 10 is intended for use with a slurry spreading apparatus comprises a plurality of outlet pipes 12 extending in side by side relationship from a transversely extending boom (not shown) mounted on the rear of a slurry tanker of tractor to deliver slurry onto the ground without soiling crops. The outlet pipes 12 may be supplied with slurry from a pressurised slurry tanker via a manifold, which may contain a slurry macerator, as is conventional in the art.

Each slurry discharge nozzle 10 comprises a flexible elastomeric boot, formed from an elastomeric material such as rubber or any other suitable polymeric material, having a tubular upper section 14 adapted to fit over the end of a respective outlet pipe 12 and a substantially conical lower portion 16, said lower portion 16 incorporating an elongate outlet slot 18 extending along a side region of said lower portion 16 of the nozzle 10. By forming the nozzle from a flexible elastomeric material the sides of the outlet slot may flex to allow the passage of solids material therethrough to reduce the risk of blockage of the nozzle.

The nozzle 10 is fitted to the outlet pipe 12 such that the outlet slot 18 is located on a rear side of the nozzle 10 in the normal direction of travel of the slurry spreading apparatus. The outlet slot 18 is defined by a pair of spaced apart wall members 20,22 extending from the lower portion 16 of the nozzle 10 in spaced apart relationship, whereby the spacing between the wall members 20,22 increases in a downwards and downstream direction such that the wall members 20,22 diverge from one another in said downwards and downstream direction to reduce the risk of blockage. An opening 24 is defined between the lower ends of the wall members 20,22 adjacent the lowermost tip of the nozzle 10 to further reduce the risk of blockage.

As best illustrated in Figure 2, a V profiled ridge 26 is formed on a side of the lower:portion of the nozzle directly opposite the outlet slot, the apex of said ridge 26 defining a leading edge of the nozzle for strengthening the nozzle and separating foliage as the nozzle is moved between crops. The ridge 26 is shaped such that the leading edge forms a continuation of the outer surface of the upper section 14 of the nozzle 14, as illustrated in Figure 4 to deflect foliage around the nozzle 10 and to reinforce the lower region of the nozzle 10.

A steel wire support frame 28 is mounted on each nozzle 10 to secure the nozzle 10 to the respective outlet pipe 12 and to enable the mounting of the nozzle 10 on a support beam of the slurry spreading apparatus. The support frame 28 comprises a circular base section 30 adapted to extend around the upper section 14 of the nozzle at the overlap of the nozzle 10 with the outlet pipe 12. A pair of parallel leg members 32,34 extend from the circular base section 30, the distal ends of the leg members 32,34 being securable to a support beam (not shown) by means of suitable fastenings to suspend the nozzle from the support beam.

A slurry discharge nozzle 50 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, wherein the discharge nozzle 50 is associated with a slot forming tool 60 for forming a shallow slot into which slurry is to be discharged from the nozzle 50.

As with the first embodiment, the discharge nozzle 50 of the second embodiment comprises a flexible elastomeric boot having a tubular upper section 52 for fitting over the end of a slurry outlet pipe (not shown) and a substantially conical or tapered lower section 54, the lower section having an elongate outlet slot 56 formed along a side region of the lower section 54. The sides of the outlet slot 56 may diverge in a downstream direction and the slot 56 terminates at the distal tip of the nozzle 50 to reduce the risk of blockage of the nozzle 50.

As can be seen in Figure 6, the nozzle 50 is mounted on an upper face of a flat spring steel support arm 62, a slot forming tool 60 being mounted at a distal end of the support arm 62 on a lower face thereof for forming a slot in the soil into which slurry from the nozzle 50 may be discharged. An upper end of the support arm 62 may be mounted on a frame or transversely extending support beam of the slurry spreading apparatus, the support arm 62 being mounted to place a predetermined downwards force on the slot forming tool 60 to form a slot of the desired depth in the soil. The height of the frame or support beam and/or the angle of the support arm 62 may be adjustable to vary the depth of the slot formed by the slot forming tool 60.

A slurry discharge nozzle in accordance with either of the above described embodiment possesses a number of features that prevent blockage of the nozzle. In particular the provision of an elongate outlet slot having flexible sides provides a controlled discharge of liquid slurry while allowing solids to pass through the outlet slot without blocking the nozzle.

The slurry discharge nozzle in accordance with either of the above embodiments may be mounted, with a plurality of identical nozzles, on a slurry spreading apparatus 100 comprising a slurry reservoir or tank for carrying a volume of slurry, a manifold 104 for receiving slurry from said reservoir or tank, a plurality of outlet hoses communicating with the manifold, a discharge nozzle 10 being provided on a terminal end of each outlet hose. The slurry spreading apparatus 100 comprises a transversely extending boom 106 upon which the slurry discharge nozzles 10 may be mounted to discharge slurry over a substantial width of ground during each pass of the slurry spreading apparatus 100. Each slurry discharge nozzle 10 may be mounted on the boom 106 by means of its support frame 28.

The slurry spreading apparatus 100 may be mountable on a vehicle. The apparatus 100 may be provided with a frame 108 having mounting points permitting the apparatus to be mounted on a three point linkage. As shown in Figures 8 to 14, a single slurry manifold 104 may be mounted on the frame 108. The manifold 104 may be associated with a macerator. A plurality of hoses (omitted for clarity in the drawings) extend from the manifold 104 to the slurry discharge nozzles 10 mounted on the boom 106.

The slurry spreading apparatus 100 may be mounted on a tractor 103, as shown in Figure 8 and 9, or on the rear of a slurry tanker 102, as shown in Figure 10 and 11. As shown in the drawings, the boom 106 is adapted to be folded between an extended working configuration, wherein the boom 106 extends transverse to the normal direction of movement of the apparatus (see Figures 9 and 10) and a raised and folded transport configuration, wherein the width and height of the boom 106 is reduced to allow the slurry spreading apparatus 100 to be transported on public roads.

In one embodiment, shown in Figures 12 to 15, the slurry spreading apparatus 100 comprises a frame 108 upon which is mounted a fixed centre section 110 of the boom 106, an inner wing section 112 of the boom being pivotally mounted on each end of the centre section 110 to be foldable with respect to the centre section 110 between an substantially horizontal outwardly extending position, shown in Figure 12, when the boom 106 is in its working configuration, and a raised substantially vertical position, shown in Figure 14, when the boom 106 is in its transport configuration.

To reduce the height of the boom 106 when in its transport configuration while providing sufficient width when in its working configuration, an outer wing section 114 is pivotally mounted on a distal end of each inner wing section 112 to be pivoted between an extended position, shown in Figure 12, and a folded position, shown in Figures 13 and 14, wherein the outer wing section 114 extends substantially perpendicular to the inner wing section 112. The respective pivot axes between the inner and outer wing sections 112,114 extend in a plane perpendicular to the respective pivot axis between the inner wing sections 112 and the centre section 110 of the boom 106 such that the outer wing section 114 can fold with respect to the inner wing section 112 to extend parallel to the normal direction of travel of the apparatus.

The maximum permissible height of the apparatus for travel on public roads is typically 4 metres in the UK and Ireland. The use of foldable wing sections of a boom enables the width of the boom to be increased while keeping the height of the boom, when in its transport configuration, within permissible limits.

Double acting rams 118 may be provided for moving the sections of the boom 106 between their working and transport configurations.

The respective pivot axes between the inner and outer wing sections 112,114 are adapted to allow the respective outer wing section 114 to pivot through 180° with respect to the respective inner wing section 112 so that the outer wing sections 114 can be folded rearwardly, for example when the slurry spreading apparatus is mounted on the rear of a tractor as shown in Figure 8, or forwardly, for example when mounted on the rear of a slurry tanker as shown in Figure 10.

As can be best seen from Figure 15, the mounting between the inner and outer wing sections 112,114 of the boom permits horizontal displacement of an outer end of each outer wing section 114 with respect to the respective inner wing section 112 when the boom 106 is in its working configuration. This may allow the outer wing section 114 of the boom to more easily follow ground contours. In the embodiment shown, this is achieved by connecting the outer wing section 114 to the inner wing section 112 via a U shaped linkage 116 journalled to the end of the respective inner wing section 112 to pivot about a horizontal axis B extending transverse to the boom and parallel to the normal direction of movement of the apparatus.

While the slurry spreading apparatus illustrated in Figures 8 to 16 has been shown in relation to the slurry discharge nozzles shown in Figures 1 to 4, such arrangement may be readily modified to receive slurry discharge nozzles in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7 where it is desired to deliver slurry into a furrow formed by the apparatus.

The folding arrangement of the boom 106 described above allows the use of a wide boom while still permitting the apparatus to be transported on the road when the boom is in its folded transport configuration. The increased width of the beam may lead to excessive hose length between the manifold and the slurry discharge nozzles, particularly those at the outer ends of the boom. This may increase the risk of blockage. To alleviate this risk, as shown in Figure 16, in an alternative embodiment two separate manifolds 104a, 104b may be provided, each manifold being mounted adjacent an outer end of a respective inner wing section 112 of the beam such that each manifold 104a,104b can supply slurry to the nozzles mounted on the side of the boom upon which the respective manifold is mounted.

To further increase the width of the boom in its working configuration while maintaining the height of the boom within the limits imposed to permit transportation of the boom on the road when in its folded transport configuration, the pivot axes between the centre section of the boom and the inner wing sections may be inclined to the horizontal in a direction transverse to the boom so that the inner wing sections of the boom are angled forwardly or rearwardly from the vertical when in their raised position when the boom is in its transport configuration.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A discharge nozzle for dispensing slurry onto the ground, said discharge nozzle having an elongate slot like outlet opening having opposing sides, the nozzle comprising a substantially conical or tapered outlet portion, said outlet opening being formed in a side region of said conical or tapered outlet portion, the sides of said outlet opening being defined by a pair of spaced apart wall members, said wall members projecting from said conical or tapered outlet portion, wherein at least the outlet opening of the nozzle is formed from an elastomeric or deformable material whereby the sides of the outlet opening can flex to allow solids and agglomerated slurry to pass through the outlet opening, thus avoiding blockages.

2. A discharge nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle comprises an elongate body, said elongate slot like outlet opening being defined on one side of said elongate body.

3. A discharge nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outlet opening is formed at a distal end region of the nozzle.

4. A discharge nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outlet opening is defined by a pair of spaced apart wall members defining said opposing sides of the outlet opening.

5. A discharge nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sides of the outlet opening diverge towards said distal end/ downstream portion of the nozzle such that the width of the outlet opening increases in a downstream direction to further reduce the risk of blockages.

6. A discharge nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said outlet opening terminates at a tip of said outlet portion.

7. A discharge nozzle as claimed in claim 6, wherein said spaced apart wall members terminate at the tip of said outlet portion, an outlet gap being defined between said wall members at said tip.

8. A discharge nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle comprises a flexible elastomeric boot adapted to be fitted onto the end of an outlet hose of a slurry spreading apparatus.

9. A discharge nozzle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the boot is dimensioned to fit over the end of the outlet hose, thus avoiding any reduction in cross section at the junction between the hose and the boot in a downstream direction, further reducing the risk of blockage.

10. A discharge nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the nozzle opposite said outlet opening is reinforced or otherwise strengthened to define a leading edge of the nozzle when attached to a drop bar or dribble pipe.

11. A discharge nozzle as claimed in claim 10, wherein said strengthening is provided by a ridge, rib or other elongate projection which may be provided along a portion of the nozzle opposite said outlet opening.

12. A discharge nozzle as claimed in claim 11, wherein said ridge comprises a triangular or pointed profile to define a leading edge of the nozzle for separating foliage.

13. A discharge nozzle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the nozzle comprises a conical or tapered outlet portion, said ridge extending from said conical or tapered portion opposite from said outlet opening.

14. A discharge nozzle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the leading edge of the projection or continuation of a tubular base portion of the nozzle. ridge forms a

15. A discharge nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle forms an outlet of a slurry delivery pipe for delivering slurry onto the ground between foliage.

16. A discharge nozzle as claimed in claim 15, wherein a frame member is provided for securing the nozzle to the slurry delivery pipe and/or for mounting the nozzle and delivery pipe onto a frame of a slurry dispensing apparatus.

17. A discharge nozzle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the frame member comprises a resilient member of spring having a circular portion for extending around a portion of the nozzle and a pair of elongate leg portions extending from the circular portion to be bolted or otherwise secured to the frame of the slurry dispensing apparatus.

18. A slurry spreading apparatus comprising a slurry reservoir or tank for carrying a volume of slurry, a manifold for receiving slurry from said reservoir or tank, a plurality of- outlet hoses communicating with the manifold, a discharge nozzle being provided on a terminal end of each outlet hose, said discharge nozzle comprising a discharge nozzle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein each discharge nozzle is arranged such that its outlet opening is provided on a rear side of the discharge nozzle in the normal direction of movement of the slurry spreading apparatus.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein each discharge nozzle is arranged such that its outlet opening is provided on a lower side of the discharge nozzle.

21. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, wherein said plurality of outlet hoses are mounted on a boom such that said discharge nozzles are located in side by side relationship across the width of the boom.

22. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21, wherein each discharge nozzle comprises a ridge, rib or other elongate projection provided along leading edge of the nozzle, opposite said outlet opening, for separating foliage as the nozzles are moved through crops.

23. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 18 to 22, wherein each discharge nozzle is associated with a slot forming tool for forming a shallow slot into which the slurry may be dispensed from the nozzle.

24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein each slot forming tool and respective discharge nozzle are mounted on a respective trailing arm arranged at an acute angle to the ground such that the slot forming tool is pressed into the ground to form a channel into which the slurry is to be dispensed from the associated outlet pipe and discharge nozzle.

25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein each trailing arm is in the form of a leaf spring mounted on the slurry dispensing apparatus,

26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein said slot forming tool is mounted on a lower side of the trailing arm while the nozzle is mounted on an upper side of the trailing arm.

27. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 24 to 26, wherein a row of trailing arms are mounted on a transverse boom of the apparatus, a discharge nozzle and slot forming tool being mounted on each arm, each discharge nozzle being mounted on the distal end of a respective outlet Pipe.

28. A discharge nozzle for dispensing slurry onto the ground substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

29. A slurry spreading apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.