NZ331227A - Underwater cleaning of water-borne vessels including preventing contaminants being discharged into the water - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus 1 for the cleaning of an object includes cleaning means 2 for cleaning a surface of the object and a housing 3 for cleaning means. Transportation means 4 for transporting contaminants removed from the surface away from the object and collection means 8 for collecting contaminants thus transported. Collection means 8 are in the form of a bag constructed to allow water to flow out the bag and to trap contaminants within the bag.

Description

PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 331227 Dated: 4 August 1998 James & Wells Ref: 24083/5 TH APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CLEANING I TONY PIKE THEW a New Zealand citizen of 49 Elliot Street, Papakura, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 'NTELLECI UAL PROPERTY OFFICE! , 0FN.Z. 3 0 AUG 1999 RECEIVED 1 JameB & Wells ref: 24083 APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CLEANING Technical Field This invention relates to apparatus and methods for cleaning. The apparatus and methods may be particularly suitable for the underwater cleaning of water-borne 5 vessels, however, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to such a use. The prior art and possible applications of the invention as described below are therefore given by way of example only. background art It is important to periodically clean the underside or hull of water-borne vessels 10 (herein: "vessels"). Such cleaning removes unwanted contaminants such as oxidised paint, marine growth, marine life such as seaweed, barnacles and limpets, and the like. The removal of such contaminants is important to maintain the integrity of the hull, and the paint finish upon same, as well as minimising drag on the vessel as it moves through the water (thereby reducing fuel consumption and reducing toxic emissions).

One method of cleaning the hull or underside of a vessel is to remove it from the water and place it in a suitable cradle or dry dock. The hull of the vessel may then be accessed directly, and in dry conditions. Major disadvantages associated with this method are the significant cost and complicated procedure/apparatus necessary to remove a vessel from the water, and particularly large vessels. Furthermore, it is 20 usually more difficult to remove contaminants once they or the hull has dried, as compared to removing the contaminants when they are wet and/or when the vessel is still in the water.

Until recently, most cleaning of hulls of vessels occurred while the vessel was still in the water. Such cleaning was usually conducted using hydraulic or airpowered rotating 25 brushes (or brush carts as they are sometimes called). A brush cart usually comprises 2 James & Wells reft 24083 one or more rotating brushes (similar to a floor polisher) which, when spinning create a vortex inside same, which sucks the brush cart onto the hull of a vessel, and throws water/contaminants out through the bristles. The brush cart may then be directed by a diver by tilting it towards the direction in which he/she wishes it to go. As the brush 5 rotates and moves along the hull, the contaminants are removed from the hull and discharged into the surrounding water.

However, this practice was recently banned under the Resource Management Act in all of New Zealand ports due to the undesirable practice of the contaminants (including chemicals such as oxidised paint and the like) being discharged directly into the water. 10 The practice has also been banned in all Australian ports, and in the ports of many other countries.

At present therefore, there is a need for a hull cleaning apparatus and associated methods which allow for the underwater cleaning of the hull of a vessel which prevents the contaminants being discharged directly into the water.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the cleaning of an object, said apparatus including: (a) cleaning means for cleaning a surface of the object, (b) a housing for said cleaning means, 3 James & Wells ref: 24083 (c) transportation means for transporting contaminants removed from the surface away from the object, (d) collection means for collecting contaminants thus transported, the arrangement and construction being such that said housing is adapted to 5 substantially enclose said cleaning means within or between the housing and the surface, when the apparatus is in use.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the cleaning of an object, substantially as described above, wherein said cleaning means is in the form of a hand held scrapper.

According to an alternative aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the cleaning of an object, substantially as described above, wherein said cleaning means is in the form of at least one rotating brush.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the cleaning of an object, substantially as described above, wherein said housing is in the 15 form of a shroud adapted to partially surround or enclose said cleaning means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the cleaning of an object, substantially as described above, wherein said housing is provided with sealing means to assist in the creation of a watertight and/or airtight seal between the housing and the surface, when the apparatus is in use.

According to another.aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the cleaning of an object, substantially as described above, wherein said transportation means is in the form of a suction line attached at one end to the housing and at the other end to a suction generating device. 4 James & Wells ref; 24083 According to an alternative aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the cleaning of an object, substantially as described above, wherein said transportation means is in the form of a reversible pump mounted adjacent the housing and/or cleaning means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the cleaning of an object, substantially as described above, wherein said suction generating device is a pump.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the cleaning of an object, substantially as described above, wherein said collection means 10 is in the form of a bag.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the cleaning of an object, substantially as described above, wherein the surface to be cleaned is the underside of a vessel.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the 15 cleaning of an object, substantially as described above, wherein said apparatus is adapted for underwater use.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cleaning the surface of an object using the apparatus substantially as described above, said method including the steps of: (a) placing the cleaning means on the surface of the object, whereby the cleaning means is substantially enclosed between the housing and the surface, (b) activating the transportation means, (c) moving the apparatus over the surface of the object as required in order to clean the surface.

James & Wells re£ 24083 According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a reversible pump including: (a) a housing, (b) an impeller able to rotate clockwise or anticlockwise, (c) a suction port, (d) two exit ports provided with one-way valves, the arrangement and construction being such that when the pump is operated, one exit port allows for the transportation of the pumped medium away from the pump, while the other exit port remains closed, and whereby the criteria for determining which exit port remains open or closed is governed by the direction of rotation of the impeller, in conjunction with the one way valves.

Throughout this specification the term "contaminants" shall be used. This term is to be understood to include all undesirables or foreign matter removed from a surface to be cleaned. For example, the contaminants may include dust, dirt, fluff, marine growths/matter, marine life and so on.

It is envisaged that the apparatus may be particularly suitable for the underwater cleaning of the hull of a vessel. Hence, and for convenience only, this specification will be primarily directed towards such use. However, it is to be understood and appreciated that the apparatus may be used for the cleaning of many other objects either in or out of water, and the application to the underwater cleaning of the hull of a vessel is therefore not intended to be limiting in any way.

The cleaning means may be any suitable means for the cleaning of a surface. For example, the cleaning means may comprise a hand held scrapper that may be used to scrape contaminants off the surface of the object to be cleaned. 6 James & Wells ref: 24083 Alternatively, the cleaning means may be in the form of one or more rotating brushes. Such brush or brushes may be powered by any suitable motive means, for example, the brush or brushes may be powered by electrical power, hydraulic power or may be air driven. If the apparatus is to be used for the underwater cleaning of the hull of a 5 vessel, it is envisaged that the brush or brushes may preferably be either air powered or powered by hydraulic means.

The main criteria associated with the motive means for the brush or brushes are that they be able to rotate same. There are many such electrical, hydraulic or air powered pumps or motors available which can achieve this effect, and which are also able to 10 work under water if required, and hence they need not be described in any further detail herein.

The housing for the cleaning means may be of any suitable shape, size, or construction as required or as desired or as dictated by the type of surface to be cleaned.

The housing may preferably partially surround or enclose the cleaning means.

The housing may preferably be of a suitable size, shape or construction whereby when the apparatus is in use, the housing substantially encloses the cleaning means within a space defined by the housing on one side and the surface of the object being cleaned on the other. In this way, any contaminants removed from the surface by the cleaning means should not be able to escape from the region defined by the housing and the 20 surface.

The edges of the housing which are to come into contact with a surface may preferably be provided with sealing means, for example a rubber strip, to assist in preventing contaminants from escaping outside of the region defined or enclosed by the housing and the surface. Any other suitable sealing means may be utilised as required or as 25 desired, for example, the edges of the housing coming into contact with the surface may be provided with bristles. 7 James & Wells ref: 24083 In an embodiment where the cleaning apparatus is utilised for the underwater cleaning of the hull of a vessel, it may be preferable to have a slight gap between the edges of the housing and the hull, when the cleaning apparatus is in use. This is because the cleaning means such as a brush may create a vortex as it rotates which allows for the 5 cleaning means to be sucked onto the hull of the vessel. Hence, if the housing allowed for a water or air tight fit between it and the hull, a vacuum would be created in the region between the housing and the hull, and hence the cleaning apparatus would be ineffectual.

The housing may preferably be in the form of a shroud adapted to partially enclose or 10 surround the cleaning means. The shroud may be comprised of any suitable material although a plastics material may be particularly suitable.

The transportation means may be any suitable means for transporting contaminants cleaned/removed from the surface away from same or away from the region enclosed by the housing and surface.

The transportation means may preferably be in the form of a suction line attached at one end to the housing and at the other end to a suction generating device. Any suitable suction generating device may be used such as an electric motor, hydraulic or air powered pump, and so on. Many such pumps or motors for creating a suction are known, and need not be described in any further detail herein.

The suction generating device should allow for contaminants removed from the surface to be sucked out of the region between the housing and the surface along the suction line and away from the apparatus/surface.

The suction line and/or suction generating device may preferably allow for contaminants thus transported to be collected in a suitable collection means such as a 25 bag. The bag may be comprised of any suitable material and may be of any size as required or as desired. If the apparatus is used for the underwater cleaning of a vessel, 8 James & Wells ref: 24083 it is envisaged that the bag may be of a construction whereby it allows water to flow there through, but not contaminants. Bags of different mesh sizes may be utilised dependent upon the type of contaminants to be removed or to be retained or collected by the bag.

In a further preferred embodiment the suction line or suction generating device may include or be associated with a bag formed from multiple layers of material in a sandwich type arrangement. For example, in such an embodiment a bag may be constructed from two layers of material forming one bag located within or sandwiched into a second bag with each of these separate layers performing a different filtering 10 action on the contaminants removed by the present invention.

The collection means such as a bag may be disposed of once full or alternatively may be emptied and re-used as appropriate.

The suction line may be of any length as required or as desired or as dictated by the environment being worked in or the size or power of the suction generating device.

In one embodiment, it is envisaged that the length of the suction line may be approximately 30 metres.

If the apparatus is to be used for the underwater cleaning of the hull of a vessel, it is envisaged that there may be provided a flotation device to support the suction generating device in the water. In such an embodiment the suction generating device 20 could therefore be moved closer to the apparatus, which would result in better and more powerful suction.

In use, the apparatus may be utilised as follows: Firstly, the cleaning means may be placed on the surface of the object to be cleaned, whereby the cleaning means is substantially enclosed between the housing and the 25 surface. The transportation means may then be utilised or activated in order to 9 James & Wells ref: 24083 transport contaminants removed from the surface away from the apparatus and into an appropriate collection means such as a bag. A user of the apparatus may move the apparatus/cleaning means over the surface of the object as required or as desired in order to clean same.

A major advantage associated with the apparatus is that no contaminants removed are allowed to escape into the air (if the apparatus is used on land) or into the sea (if the apparatus is used for underwater cleaning). Instead, all contaminants removed are immediately transported away from the apparatus and collected separately by an appropriate collection means such as a bag.

If the apparatus is used on land, this has advantage in creating no dust or otherwise bombarding the user with the contaminants removed (for example paint dust or masonry dust).

If the apparatus is used for the underwater cleaning of a hull of a vessel, it may be appreciated that no contaminants will fall into the water/port. Hence, the underwater 15 cleaning of the hull of a vessel may be completed which will not breach the Resource Management Act (in New Zealand) or otherwise foul the water with contaminants. As such, vessel owners may be able to clean the hull of their vessels whilst the vessels are in the water.

Brief Description of Drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view of one possible embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a view of a suction generating device being used in conjunction with 25 flotation means; and James & Wells ref: 24083 Figure 3 is a side view of another possible embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention Having regard to Figure 1, there is shown apparatus generally indicated by Arrow 1, for the cleaning of an object. The apparatus 1 is specifically designed for the underwater cleaning of the hull of a vessel.

The apparatus 1 includes cleaning means in the form of a rotating brush 2, and a housing in the form of a shroud 3.

There is also provided transportation means in the form of a suction line 4 which is connected to a suction generating device in the form of a hydraulic pump 5.

The suction line 4 is attached at one end 6 to the shroud 3, and at the other end 7 to the pump 5.

There is also provided collection means in the form of a filter bag 8.

The rotating brush 2 is mounted below a motor 9, which is connected by hydraulic hose 10 to a hydraulic motor. For the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, a hydraulic motor of approximately 2000psi and with a rotation speed of approximately 600rpm and which operates at 4 to 5 gallons per minute may be particularly suitable.

For the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, a motor of approximately 2000psi and 20 which operates at 8 gallons per minute would be suitable.

The speed of rotation of the brush 2 is controlled by the handle 11. 11 James & Wells ref: 24083 The shroud 3 is attached to the underside of the motor 9 and extends down each side of the brush 2 in order to partially surround or enclose same. The shroud is comprised of a plastics material.

The suction line 4 is approximately 50 millimetres in diameter, and is comprised of a 5 plastics material (any suitable plastics material may be utilised). The suction line 4 is made of PVC and is as close to natural buoyancy as possible.

In use, a user of the apparatus 1 will hold the apparatus by the use of handles on either side of the motor 9 (handles now shown), and places the rotating brush 2 against the hull of the vessel to be cleaned. As the brush 2 rotates, it creates a vortex inside which 10 sucks the brush 2 onto the hull of the vessel being cleaned and throws water and/or contaminants out through the bristles of the brush 2. It may then be directed by the user of the apparatus by tilting it towards the direction in which he/she wishes to go. As the rotating brush 2 moves along the hull, any oxidised paint or other marine growth or contaminants are removed from the hull into the region enclosed by the 15 shroud 3 and the hull. This region is indicated by arrow 12, and the line 13 has been added to represent the hull of the vessel being cleaned.

The pump 5 which creates a suction along the suction line 4 allows for the removal of the contaminants (together with water) from the region 12 and along the suction line 4. Here they are pumped into the filter bag 8. The filter bag 8 is of an appropriate mesh 20 size, which allows for water to permeate there through, but not the contaminants.

A preferred mesh size for the filter bag 8 is from 0.05 millimetres to 0.002 millimetres.

It is envisaged that the motor 9 and a pump 5 are fitted with on/off switches and also suitable means to adjust the level of power or output.

The length of the suction line 4 depicted in Figure 1 is approximately 30 metres. 12 James & Wells ref: 24083 Having regard to Figure 2, there is shown an alternative suction generating device arrangement.

In Figure 2, the pump 5 is suspended beneath a flotation device 13. The flotation device 13 may be any suitable device that floats on water, for example a boat, a barge 5 or something smaller such as a pontoon.

In this embodiment the length of the suction line (not shown) between the pump 5 and the shroud 3 (also not shown) is approximately 15 metres. By having the suction line shorter, more suction is ultimately produced with respect to the brush/shroud.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, there is shown a secondary line 14 that 10 ultimately leads to a filter bag (not shown) located at approximately 30 metres distance.

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the brush 2, shroud 3, suction line 4 (not shown in Figure 3) and motor 9 are substantially identical to those illustrated in Figure 1.

However, there is provided a reversible pump 15 located between the shroud 3 and the motor 9.

The pump 15 is provided with a suction port 16, which leads into a rotatable impeller 17. The impeller is able to rotate in either direction.

Having regard to Figure 4, the pump 15 is provided with two exit ports 18, 19 each of 20 which is provided wiih a non-return valve 20/21 which allows for water to flow in the direction shown by arrow 22, but not in the reverse direction.

The pump 15 is connected to an appropriate motive means such as a hydraulic pump (not shown). 13 James & Wells ref: 24083 In operation, the apparatus is used substantially the same as for the embodiment of Figure 1, except that the reversible pump 15 allows for the transportation of the contaminants as compared to a suction line. That is, when the reversible pump 15 is activated, it sucks contaminants (and water) out of the region 12 (of Figure 1) into the suction port 16, through the impeller 17 and out one of the exit ports 18 or 19. It may be seen from Figure 4 that when the impeller 17 is spinning in a clockwise direction, the water and contaminants will be removed via the exit port 18, and vice versa. It may also be appreciated that when water and contaminants are being removed through one exit port, that the other exit port remains closed due to the non return valve associated with same.

An advantage of using the reversible pump 15 is that the means for sucking water and contaminants out of the region 12 is directly in communication with same, and hence a much greater suction power is ultimately available. A further advantage is that the reversible pump allows for removal of contaminants and water regardless of which way the impeller 17 is rotating.

It is envisaged that the reversible pump 15 may have many applications, and not just for use with the apparatus of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 14 James & Wells ref: 24083

Claims (22)

WHAT I CLAIM IS: A /' /

1. Apparatus for the cleaning of an object including, (a) cleaning means for cleaning a surface of the object, and (b) a housing for said cleaning means, and (c) transportation means for transporting contaminants removed from the surface away from the object, and (d) collection means for collecting contaminants thus transported, said collection means being in the form of a bag constructed to allow water to flow out of the bag and to trap contaminants within the bag.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the surface to be cleaned is the hull of a water vessel.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the apparatus is adapted for use under water.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any previous claim wherein the cleaning means is in the form of a hand held scraper.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 this time wherein the cleaning means is in the form of at least one rotatable brush.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the cleaning means includes a motive means adapted to rotate said brush or brushes.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any previous claim wherein the housing is shaped to substantially enclose the cleaning means within a space defined by the housing on one side and the surface of the object being cleaned on the other in use. 15 I 2 ^Jaxnei Sc Wells ref: 24083

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the housing is in the form of a shroud adapted to at least partially enclose the cleaning means.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any previous claim wherein the housing is provided with a sealing means to provide a water and/or air tight seal between the housing and the surface to be cleaned when in use.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the sealing means is a length or strip of rubber.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the housing is configured in use to provide a gap between a perimeter of the housing and the surface of the object to be cleaned, thereby creating a vortex to suck the cleaning means onto the surface to be cleaned.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any previous claim wherein the transportation means includes a suction line attached at one end to the housing, and at its opposite end to a suction generation device.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the suction generation device is in the form of a pump.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any previous claim wherein the transportation is adapted to transport contaminants in close vicinity to the housing to a collection means.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any previous claim wherein the bag is formed from a mesh material with the size of the mesh apertures being determined by the type of contaminant cleaned from the surface of the object. 16 | 2 h "Sinea &Cwyis ref: 24083 RECE!V'r "■ 331227

16. An apparatus as claimed in any previous claim wherein the bag is formed from multiple layers of mesh material or fabric.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any previous claim that includes a flotation device to support the suction generation device on the surface of or in a body of water.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any previous claim, the apparatus including a reversible pump which includes: a housing, and an impeller able to rotate in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, and a suction port, and two exit ports provided with one way valves, and the arrangement and construction of the pump being such that when the pump is operated one exit port allows for the transportation of the pumped medium away from the pump, while the other exit port remains closed, and whereby the criteria for determining which exit port remains opened or closed is governed by the direction of rotation of the impeller (in conjunction with the one way valves).

19. A method of cleaning a surface characterised by the steps of: (a) (b) (c) 2 h DEC 1929 c James & Wells ref: 24083 recejv§2_ J placing the cleaning means on the surface of the object so that the cleaning means is substantially enclosed between the housing and the surface, and activating the transportation means, and moving the apparatus over the surface of the object as required in order to clean the surface. : u

20. The method of cleaning a surface as claimed in claim 19 wherein the surface to be cleaned is the hull of a water vessel.

21. An apparatus for cleaning the surface of an object substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

22. A method of cleaning a surface substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples. TONY PIKE THEW By his Attorneys: 18