NO337255B1 - Device for transporting feed - Google Patents

Description

The area of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical discharge of pipes/hoses, more particularly the present invention relates to electrical discharge of casing pipes or casing hoses for the transport of for.

Background technology

[0002] Transport of different materials in plastic tubes or hoses will be able to generate, in part, very high electrical charges in the conveyor. Within the fish farming industry, fish are fed in cages via hoses/pipes made, for example, of polyethylene plastic. In principle, this can be pressurized water pipes. Outer diameter can be from 032mm to 0110mm. The feed consists of pellets that are transported in such pipes from a substation which is often a fleet at a sea-based facility. Compressed air is used to "blow" pellets from station to cage. The distance can be considerable between station and cage, for example up to 1km. For an illustration see figures 1 and 2.

[0003] Polyethylene is an electrical insulator. In the event of friction between polyethylene and another material, a static electric charge can occur. In this context, friction occurs between the pellets and the inner wall of the front hose. The built-up static tension can occur along the entire length of the pipe.

[0004] An operator may be exposed to partly high discharges when engaging with a front hose, such as for example during maintenance. Furthermore, a strong static electric field will cause atomization of the lining and thus waste.

[0005] When applying powder paint, it is a known problem that electrical charge can build up in the feed hose that feeds a spray gun with a powder/air mixture. According to US 2007/0144756, the problem is solved by providing an optically transparent feed hose with a combination of two electrically conductive devices. One device is achieved by providing an area of the hose wall that surrounds the inner cavity of the hose with electrically conductive particles so that the walls of the hose body become electrically conductive, the other device is provided as an electrical conductor element that runs in the axial direction of the feed hose and which is electrically connected to the feed hose's electrical conducting wall.

[0006] From US 3,070,132, tubular bodies such as catheters and cannulae for medical use are known, where the inner tube wall is provided with a continuous electrically conductive plastic material in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0007] US 4,394,705 shows an antistatic hose for spray painting, while US 6,202,701 shows an example of a hose for spray painting with a conductive material conically embedded in a hose wall, where the conductive material is helically "wound" in the lengthwise direction of the hose.

[0008] It is a purpose of the present invention to provide solutions for conveyors in the form of pipes or hoses which are not affected by the aforementioned problems.

Summary of the invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a casing pipe and/or a casing hose is provided for the transport of including: an electrically conductive layer arranged on the inner wall of the casing pipe or casing hose, and at least one recess extending radially from the electrically conductive inner layer and to the outside of the casing/casing so that a low-impedance connection is provided between the inner electrical layer of the casing/casing and the outside of the casing/casing, the at least one recess extending further in the longitudinal direction of the casing/casing.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention comprises

the casing/casing tube two recesses.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the at least one recess winds like a spiral in the longitudinal direction of the casing/casing tube.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, the casing, the casing hose comprises an outer tube which encloses the internal casing, casing hose with an intermediate cavity, where the intermediate cavity is supplied with a conductive fluid.

[0013] The invention is characterized by a system for spreading forage pellets from a distribution station to cages comprising at least one casing pipe/casing hose for transporting forage, where

the casing/casing hose is as indicated above.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention includes the use of a casing pipe/casing hose

where the casing/casing hose is as indicated above.

[0015] Further features and advantages emerge from the associated patent claims.

Brief description of the figures

[0016] To make the invention easier to understand, the description of the invention is accompanied

of figures, there

[0017] figure 1 shows several distribution devices in engagement with casing pipes for casing

of fish in cages,

[0018] Figure 2 shows a series of casings for transport to a plurality of cages,

[0019] Figure 3 shows a pipe part/hose part seen in perspective according to an embodiment of

the present invention,

[0020] figure 4 shows one pipe part/hose part seen in perspective according to another

implementation of the present invention,

[0021] Figure 5 shows a pipe part/hose part according to an embodiment thereof

present invention,

[0022] Figure 6 shows a pipe part/hose part according to another embodiment thereof

present invention,

[0023] Figure 7 shows a pipe part/hose part according to another embodiment thereof

present invention,

[0024] figure 8 shows a pipe part/hose part according to another embodiment thereof

present invention,

[0025] Figure 9 shows a pipe part/hose part according to another embodiment thereof

present invention, and

[0026] Figure 10 shows a pipe part/hose part according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The present invention will now be described in more detail with support in the associated figures. It should be noted that the figures are not to scale, rather distinctive features are highlighted in order to simplify understanding.

[0028] In the following description, pipe or pipe part as well as hose or hose part are used interchangeably, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to pipes or hoses but can include both parts. The basic principle of the invention is not the use of hoses or pipes as such, but the provision of a short grounding path, in the electrical sense, from the inside of a transport pipe to the outside of the pipe, thereby providing a solution that can discharge electric charges from the inside of the transport pipe .

[0029] An example of a method for providing a solution where a short grounding path is created from the inside of a pipe or a hose can be achieved if one supplies the inside of the pipe with a membrane / a layer of a conductive substance. The layer can be a polymer mixed with an electrically conductive material which is co-extruded inside the tube. In one embodiment, the polymer is polyethylene. An electrically conductive gap/sector/recess is extruded into the pipe wall, this gap/sector/recess is arranged so that an electrical connection is obtained with a conductive layer/membrane on the inner surface of the pipe, so that there is a low-impedance connection between the inside and the outside of pipes. This means that, when built-up voltage due to static electric charge reaches a certain level, one will get a discharge if the slot/sector/recess is

grounded.

[0030] Typically, one will have one or more casing pipes that extend from a distribution station to a cage for spreading pre-pellets, the pipe will be completely or partially surrounded by salt water and the gap will be in contact with salt water and thereby ground the electrically conductive inside of the pipe and thus prevent the build-up of large static charges in the pipe.

[0031] It should be understood that casing pipe or casing hose can be a pipe part or hose part and thus not extend from a distribution station to a cage.

[0032] In the following description, several examples of embodiments of the present invention will be given.

A first embodiment of the present invention

[0033] A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in figures 3 and 5. Figure 3 shows a pipe part/hose part 30 seen in perspective, while figure 5 shows the same pipe part/hose part 30 seen from the side (5a, c) and in cross section (Fig. 5c). It should be understood that this pipe part/hose part 30 shows a part of a longer pipe / a hose which can, for example, extend from a distribution station for bait to fish and out to cages (ref. fig. 1 and 2). From the figures it appears that the pipe part/hose part 30 comprises an internal layer 34, this internal layer 34 is an electrically conductive layer. In electrical connection with the inner layer 34, a recess 36 is arranged. The recess 36 extends radially from the inner layer 34 and to the outer surface 37 of the pipe/hose 30, further the recess extends parallel or partially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe/ the hose 30 as shown in figures 3 and 5a. The recess 36 is made of an electrically conductive material, for example the same material as the inner layer 34.

[0034] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the pipe/hose 30 is normally completely or partially surrounded by salt water so that an electrical connection is provided between the inner layer 34 and the surrounding fluid.

[0035] The recess 36 can be twisted like a spiral in the longitudinal direction of the tube/tube 30, this could ensure an electrically conductive connection between the tube/tube 30 and a surrounding fluid, such as salt water, if the tube/tube 30 twists.

[0036] It should be understood that the hose/pipe 30 can be provided with couplings at its ends for engagement in equipment or other hose or pipe parts, it should also be understood that the recess does not always extend from one touching end/hose end to an opposite touching/hose end .

A second embodiment of the present invention

[0037] A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 differs from the first embodiment in that several recesses 36 are provided in the pipe/hose 30. The figure only shows 2 recesses, but more recesses 36 are conceivable. Figure 6a shows a pipe part in side section A-A where the recesses 36 are shown to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe part/hose part 30. Figure 6b shows a cross section of the pipe part/hose part, while Figure 6c shows a longitudinal section B-B of the pipe part/hose part 30.

[0038] As for the first embodiment, only part of a longer pipe/hose 30 is shown.

[0039] The recesses 36 can be twisted like a spiral in the longitudinal direction of

the pipe/hose 30.

[0040] It should be understood that the hose/pipe 30 according to the second embodiment of the invention can be provided at its ends with couplings for engagement in equipment or other hose or pipe parts, it should also be understood that the recess does not always extend from a pipe end /hose end to an opposite touching/hose end.

A third embodiment of the present invention

[0041] A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in figures 4 and 7. Figure 4 shows a pipe part 40 in a pipe-in-pipe configuration seen in

perspective, while figure 7 shows the same pipe part 40 seen from the side (5a, c) and in cross-section (fig. 5c). It should be understood that this pipe part 40 shows part of a longer pipe-in-pipe system which can, for example, extend from a distribution station in front of fish and out to cages (ref. fig. 1 and 2). From the figures it appears that the tube part 40 comprises an inner tube with an inner layer 34, this inner layer 34 being an electrically conductive layer. An inset 36 is arranged in electrical connection with the inner layer 34. The inset 36 extends radially from the inner layer 34 and to the outer surface 37 of the inner tube, further the inset extends parallel or partially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 40 as figures 4 and 7a show. The recess 36 is made of an electrically conductive material

material, for example the same material as the inner layer 34.

[0042] The inner tube is enclosed by an outer tube so that a tube-in-tube construction is formed. Between the outer tube and the inner tube there is a space/annulus 42 which is filled with a conductive fluid, for example salt water, so that an electrical connection is provided between the inner layer 34 and the surrounding fluid in the annulus 42.

[0043] The recess 36 can be twisted like a spiral in the longitudinal direction of the tube 40.

[0044] It should be understood that the pipe 40 can be provided with couplings at its ends for engagement in apparatus or other hose or pipe parts, furthermore it should be understood that the recess does not always extend from one pipe end to an opposite pipe end.

[0045] The third embodiment of the present invention can, for example, find practical application where the pipe 40 is not surrounded by a conductive fluid, such as over land or over structures.

[0046] It should be understood that the third embodiment of the pipe 40 can be combined with the first or second embodiment, this may for example be applicable where a casing extends from a distribution station and partly over land/structures and partly in salt water. Connection between pipe/hose parts is provided by ordinary couplings as is known to the person skilled in the field.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention

[0047] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 8. The embodiment shown in figure 8 differs from the third embodiment in that several recesses 36 are provided in the tube 40. The figure only shows 2 recesses but more recesses 36 are conceivable . Figure 8a shows a pipe part in side section A-A where the recesses 36 are shown to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe part 40. Figure 8b shows a cross section of the pipe part, while Figure 8c shows a longitudinal section B-B of the pipe part 40.

[0048] The fourth embodiment is a combination of the second embodiment and all variants thereof in a tube-in-tube configuration as indicated by the third embodiment of the invention.

[0049] As for the third embodiment, only part of a longer tube 40 is shown.

[0050] The recesses 36 can be twisted like a spiral in the longitudinal direction of the tube 40.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention

[0051] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 9a - c. Figure 9 shows a pipe part/hose part 40 seen from the side (9a, c) and in cross section

(Fig. 9c). It should be understood that this pipe part/hose part 40 shows a part of a longer pipe / a hose which can, for example, extend from a distribution station for bait to fish and out to cages (ref. fig. 1 and 2). From Figure 9, it appears that the pipe part/hose part 40 indicates a different design

differs from the first embodiment in that an external layer 37 is arranged on the pipe 40. The recess 36 extends radially from the internal electrically conductive layer 34 and to the external electrically conductive layer 37 for the pipe/hose 40. The recess 36 is made in a electrically conductive material, for example the same material as the inner layer 34 and/or the outer layer 37.

[0052] According to the fifth embodiment of the invention, the pipe/hose 40 is normally completely or partially surrounded by salt water so that an electrical connection is provided between the inner layer 34 and the surrounding fluid regardless of the indentation 36's position in relation to a surrounding fluid .

[0053] The recess 36 can be twisted like a spiral in the longitudinal direction of

the pipe/hose 40.

[0054] It should be understood that the hose/pipe 40 can be provided with couplings at its ends for engagement in equipment or other hose or pipe parts, it should also be understood that the recess does not always extend from one pipe end/hose end to an opposite touching/hose end.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention

[0055] A sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 differs from the fifth embodiment in that more

recesses 36 in the pipe/hose 40. The figure only shows 2 recesses, but more recesses 36 are conceivable. Figure 10a shows a pipe part in side section A-A where the recesses 36 are shown to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe part/hose part 40. Figure 10b shows a cross section of the pipe part/hose part, while Figure 10c shows a longitudinal section B-B of the pipe part/hose part 40.

[0056] The sixth embodiment of the present invention is a combination of all embodiments of the second embodiment and the fifth embodiment according to the invention.

[0057] As for the fifth embodiment, only part of a longer pipe/hose 40 is shown.

[0058] The recesses 36 can be twisted like a spiral in the longitudinal direction of

the pipe/hose 40.

[0059] It should be understood that the hose/pipe 40 according to the second embodiment of the invention can be provided at its ends with couplings for engagement in equipment or other hose or pipe parts, it should also be understood that the recess does not always extend from a pipe end /hose end to an opposite touching/hose end.

Other embodiments and combinations of the present invention

[0060] Embodiments one to six according to the present invention can be combined in that pipes/tubes according to different embodiments are engaged with each other, furthermore, for example, the fifth and sixth embodiments can be combined with a pipe-in-pipe system as figures 7 and 8 show. One will then arrange an external conductive layer 37 on the internal pipe.

Claims (7)

1. System for spreading pre-pellets from a distribution station to cages comprising: at least one casing/casing hose (30, 40) for the transport of for comprising: at least one polymer mixed with an electrically conductive material (34) arranged on the casing/casing hose (30, 40 ) inner wall so that an electrically conductive layer (34) is formed, and at least one recess (36) extending radially from the electrically conductive inner layer (34) and to the outside of the casing/casing tube (37) so that a low impedance is provided connection between the inner electrical layer (34) of the casing/casing and the exterior (37) of the casing/casing, the at least one recess (36) extends further in the longitudinal direction of the casing/casing (30, 40). 2. System according to claim 1, where the casing pipe/casing hose comprises two recesses (36). 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, where the at least one recess (36) winds like a spiral in the longitudinal direction of the casing/casing tube (30, 40). 4. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, where the casing/casing tube (30) comprises an outer tube that encloses the internal casing/casing tube (30) with an intermediate cavity (42), where the intermediate cavity (42) is provided with an electrically conductive fluid. 5. System according to any one of claims 1 - 3, where the electrically conductive material (34) is co-extruded internally on the inner wall of the casing/casing tube (30, 40). 6. System according to any one of claims 1 - 3, where the casing/casing hose is completely or partially surrounded by salt water so that an electrical connection is provided between the inner layer (34) and the surrounding fluid. 7. Use of at least one casing/casing tube for the transport of feed pellets, where the casing/casing tube comprises at least one electrically conductive layer (34) arranged on the inner wall of the casing/casing tube (30, 40), and at least one recess (36) that extends radially from the electrically conductive inner layer (34) and to the casing/casing outer side (37) so that a low-impedance connection is provided between the casing/casing inner electrical layer (34) and the casing/casing outer side (37), the at least one recess (36 ) extends further in the longitudinal direction of the casing/casing tube (30, 40).