WO2011161397A2 - A cleaning device - Google Patents

A cleaning device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011161397A2
WO2011161397A2 PCT/GB2011/000911 GB2011000911W WO2011161397A2 WO 2011161397 A2 WO2011161397 A2 WO 2011161397A2 GB 2011000911 W GB2011000911 W GB 2011000911W WO 2011161397 A2 WO2011161397 A2 WO 2011161397A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cleaning device
boom
main body
fluid
pressurised fluid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2011/000911
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2011161397A3 (en
Inventor
Russell Thomas
Original Assignee
Silo Cleaning Services Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB1010362A external-priority patent/GB2473086B/en
Application filed by Silo Cleaning Services Limited filed Critical Silo Cleaning Services Limited
Publication of WO2011161397A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011161397A2/en
Publication of WO2011161397A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011161397A3/en

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08CLEANING
    • B08BCLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B13/00Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00
    • B05B13/06Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00 specially designed for treating the inside of hollow bodies
    • B05B13/0627Arrangements of nozzles or spray heads specially adapted for treating the inside of hollow bodies
    • B05B13/0636Arrangements of nozzles or spray heads specially adapted for treating the inside of hollow bodies by means of rotatable spray heads or nozzles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08CLEANING
    • B08BCLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/093Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by the force of jets or sprays
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08CLEANING
    • B08BCLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/093Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by the force of jets or sprays
    • B08B9/0936Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by the force of jets or sprays using rotating jets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cleaning device.
  • the present application is a divisional application from the parent UK patent application number GB1010362.0.
  • the present invention relates to a cleaning device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning the internal surfaces of industrial containers.
  • the present invention also relates to a cleaning device for the internal surfaces of large vessels for example but not limited to ship hulls, pressure vessels, hoppers and the like.
  • Freight containers are typically made of corrugated steel, however freight containers of materials such as iron, wood and plastic are also used.
  • Industrial containers are generally used for storing large quantities of matter.
  • Silos are structures that can be utilized for storing bulk materials.
  • silos are used to store grain, crops, flour or fermented feed known as silage.
  • Silos are more commonly used for bulk storage of grain, coal, cement, carbon black and wood chips as well as food products and sawdust.
  • Silos are in widespread use today with the three most common being tower silos, bunker silos and bag silos.
  • missile silos are used for the launching and / or storage of ballistic missiles.
  • Silos are commonly cylindrical in shape, however, it is also known for silos to be any other 3 dimensional shape which can be used for storage.
  • Silo bags are also known, which can be made of durable plastic which do not take a rigid shape, however are commonly orientated to have a general tubular configuration.
  • cylindrical silos substantially comprise of two ends for example a roof and a base, as well as at least one middle section for example a side wall.
  • the internal surfaces of an industrial container and more specifically of a silo will constantly become stained or covered in the residues left from its storage contents during and after use of the silo.
  • the buildup of such matter can lead to the growth of mould, rust and other unwanted matter on the internal surfaces of the container. This can have adverse effects concerning the purity of the subsequent materials stored in the silo. For example perishable foodstuffs may become contaminated by old matter on the internal surfaces, leading to health and hygiene issues of the foodstuffs being used for consumption.
  • a further problem is the significant waste from matter that deposits on to the internal surfaces which inherently leads to inefficiency in useable matter for its end use, following storage. Due to the large nature of industrial containers, it is disadvantageous for the internal surfaces to be cleaned by hand due to the difficulty in cleaning the upper regions as well as the length of time it would take.
  • GB 2146264 discloses an apparatus for breaking up solidified particulate material in a storage container.
  • the apparatus comprises a flailing element with a housing which is lowerable into a storage container and connected to the lower end of a suspension element.
  • the flailing element can be used to engage with and break up solidified particulate material within a storage container.
  • the holder of the flailing element further comprises a torque balanced means mounted for rotation within the holder which allows for rotation of the holder and flailing element about a vertical axis relative to the housing. Fluid pressure is used to assist the rotors in the holder for rotation of the flailing element.
  • the housing, holder and flailing element may be suspended by a cable. The cable may then be swung in order for the apparatus to make contact with solid particulates within the container to break the particulates up.
  • GB 2146264 is disadvantageous for the removal of matter from the internal walls of a container as the disclosed apparatus cannot be manipulated to direct its flailing element to afford removal at a specific area of the internal surface of a container, only a general area. Therefore GB 2146264 does not disclose an apparatus configured to provide targeted removal of deposited matter. Furthermore, GB2146264 is limited in operation in that it can not interact with deposited matter above the plane of the flailing head. The flailing head is suspended on a cable and is located by rotation or outwardly flung by centrifugal force. The rotation movement of the cable is unable to allow for contact of the apparutus with the top of the container e.g. a container roof and therefore deposited matter will remain on the top internal surface of the industrial container.
  • US 5 594 973 discloses a device for cleaning the wall of a silo.
  • the device comprises a compressed air gun, suspended from two cables which are connected to two winches bearing two pulleys and fastened to a frame and arranged inside a silo and fixed to a rotary plate which can move in a rotary track. Compressed air is used to blow deposited matter from the internal walls of a silo.
  • US 5 594 973 is disadvantageous as the device is not configured to clean the top or base (ends) of an industrial container as the compressed air gun is not configured to blow deposited matter off for example the roof of a silo. Furthermore, US 5 594 973 can on direct compressed air to one internal surface area at one time, which increases the length of time it takes to complete the cleaning of the internal surfaces of a silo. The device is required to be operated from inside the silo. This may cause health and safety problems for the operator of the device.
  • An objective problem is to provide for a cleaning device that can be used to clean the interior walls of an industrial container without the need for a human operator or user to enter the industrial container as industrial containers commonly comprise chemicals and materials which are harmful to humans.
  • a further objective problem is that although known cleaning devices exist that can clean the wall of industrial containers, such devices are limited in that they are unable to clean the roofs of industrial containers, therefore leaving waste deposits during cleaning resulting in leaving harmful deposits on industrial container internal surfaces of the roofs which may contaminate other materials being stored in industrial containers.
  • a cleaning device configured to clean an internal surface of an industrial container comprising: an elongate main body; a clamping means; and a boom; said elongate main body comprising a handle located at a first portion of said elongate main body, said first portion of said elongate main body further comprises a fluid inlet for receiving a pressurised fluid; said clamping means is configured to secure said cleaning device to a surface of said industrial container; said boom is connectable at a second portion of said elongate main body and configured to rotate in a first plane upon operation of said handle of said elongate main body; said cleaning device further comprises at least one conduit configured to transfer said pressurised fluid from said fluid inlet to said boom; said boom comprises at least one primary fluid outlet configured to direct said pressurised fluid towards said internal surface of said industrial container; and wherein said cleaning device further comprises means configured to pivot said boom such that said boom moves in a second plane that is transverse to said first plane, said boom further configurable
  • said boom is configured to rotate 360° around a vertical axis.
  • said boom is configured to rotate 180° around a horizontal axis.
  • At least one secondary fluid outlet is configured to direct pressurised fluid in a substantially radially outward direction.
  • said boom comprises at least one secondary fluid outlet configured to direct said pressurised fluid towards said internal surface of said industrial container.
  • said at least one primary fluid outlet is configured to direct said pressurised fluid in a first general direction; and said at least one secondary fluid outlet is configured to direct said pressurised fluid in a second general direction towards said internal surface, said second general direction substantially at 90° to said first general direction.
  • At least one primary fluid outlet is configured to direct pressurised fluid towards to a roof of said internal surface.
  • At least one secondary fluid outlet is configured to direct pressurised fluid towards to a wall of said internal surface.
  • At least one primary fluid outlet and/or said at least one secondary fluid outlet comprise at least one pressurised fluid jet.
  • said at least one pressurised fluid jet is flexible.
  • At least one pressurised fluid jet comprises steel.
  • at least one pressurised fluid jet further comprises an anti- sparking means.
  • said boom further comprises at least one valve for directing said pressurised fluid to said at least one primary fluid outlet and/or said at least one secondary fluid outlet.
  • said cleaning device further comprising a stability cable.
  • said cleaning device further comprising a sensor means connectable to said boom.
  • said sensor means comprises an elongate rod connected and extending from said boom.
  • said means configured to pivot said boom comprises a winch.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a side on view of an embodiment of the industrial container cleaning device
  • Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the industrial container cleaning device
  • Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a frame and winch according to an embodiment of a industrial container cleaning device
  • Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a boom according to an embodiment of a industrial container cleaning device
  • Figure 6 illustrates a fluid inlet and handle according to a preferred embodiment of a industrial container cleaning device
  • Figure 7 illustrates a industrial container cleaning device according to an embodiment of a industrial container cleaning apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 shows fluid inlet 100, valve 101 , handle 102, elongate main body
  • FIG. 1 shows fluid inlet 200, valve 201 , handle 202, elongate main body
  • FIG. 3 shows frame 300, elongate main body aperture 301 , clamp 302, frame stabiliser 303, winch handle 304, winch winder 305.
  • Figure 4 shows frame 400, elongate main body aperture 401 , clamp 402, frame stabiliser 403, winch handle 404, winch winder 405.
  • Figure 5 shows boom 500 extension joint 501 , extension bolt 502, primary pressurized fluid outlet 503, pressurised fluid jet main body 504, pressurised fluid jet head 505 secondary pressurised fluid outlet 506, sensor 507, secondary pressurised fluid jet main body 508, secondary pressurised fluid jet head 509.
  • Figure 6 shows elongate main body 600, handle 601 , pressurized fluid inlet joint 602, pressurized fluid inlet valve 603, pressurized fluid inlet aperture 604.
  • Figure 7 shows pressurized fluid inlet 700, valve 701 , handle 702, elongate main body 703, frame 704, winch 705, silo roof 706, clamp 707, stabilising cable
  • the cleaning device has been described for cleaning the internal surfaces of a silo.
  • the cleaning device may be suitable for other types of industrial containers of varying shapes, sizes and orientations.
  • the silo used by way of example herein is that which substantially comprises a roof, a base and at least one wall however it would be understood by one skilled in the art that a silo may not have one or a plurality of these features, however the cleaning device would be able to be utilized for such variations.
  • the cleaning device can be fixed over an aperture 110 of a container by securing clamping means 107 to the external or internal surface of a silo.
  • the cleaning device will be clamped to roof 106 or top of a silo however it may also be attached to a side wall or base.
  • the clamping means may comprises bolts, screws, suction pads, clips or any other suitable means to clamp frame 104 to the silo.
  • boom 109 When passing the elongate main body 103 and boom 109 through aperture 110, boom 109 will be pivoted in to a position substantially in the same plane as elongate main body 103 so that the cleaning device can fit through aperture 110.
  • a first portion of elongate main body 103 will remain external to the silo, whereas a second portion will be positioned internally inside the silo.
  • pivot means 105 is operated to pivot boom 109 such that is in a position transverse to that of elongate main body 103.
  • Sensor 113 will detect when the boom is in a position suitably far away from the internal surface of the silo such that there is a gap between the nozzle of pressurized fluid jet 111.
  • sensor 113 is a rod which will make contact with the internal surface of a silo, however alternate sensor mean may also be used for example an infra red warning sensor.
  • a winch 105 will be used to manipulate the boom in such manner. This functionality of the cleaning device allows the device to be fixed into a position inside the a silo without the need for the installer to enter the silo itself.
  • Stability cable 108 may be fixed to boom 109 and elongate main body 103 such that when in operation, boom 109 is stable.
  • Cable 08 maybe be made of any strong durable material and may comprise, a chain, rope, tape, cable or the like.
  • Boom 109 maybe extendable via extension point 114 or fixed in length. Boom 109 is preferably the length of not more than the radius of the silo if the cleaning device is positioned towards the centre of the roof of the container. However it should be understood that the length of boom 109 may be configured according to the dimensions of the silo and positioning of the cleaning device.
  • the cleaning device is configured to use pressurized air, however, other gases or alternatively pressurized liquids for example water may also be used according to the type of matter to be cleaned from the silo internal surfaces.
  • pressurized fluid inlet valve is opened to allow pressurized fluid to be channeled through a conduit of elongate main body 103, and through a conduit of boom 109 to one or a plurality of fluid outlets 115.
  • a valve system may be used to manipulate direction of the pressurized fluid to the fluid outlets.
  • the fluid outlets may be positioned at any angle from the boom which may direct pressurized fluid to the internal surfaces of a silo.
  • pressurized fluid jets 111 The precise directing of pressurized fluid to the internal surface is targeted by pressurized fluid jets 111.
  • the jets may have a singular nozzle opening located towards the free end of the jet or a plurality of openings located on jets 111.
  • the pressurized fluid jets 111 are substantially made of steel due to its tough but flexible properties, however alternative materials could be used, for example nylon.
  • the jets are flexible such that a greater area of the internal surface can be cleaned as opposed to rigid upright jets.
  • jets 111 comprise anti sparking heads 112 to prevent sparks being created if the jets were to come into contact with the silo internal surfaces.
  • the whole jet 111 made be made of anti-sparking material.
  • the pressurized fluid jets 111 are positioned towards the roof of a silo. Pressurised fluid is forced towards the internal surface of a silo roof which then acts to blow deposited matter off the internal surfaces.
  • boom 109 can be moved such that the jets are positioned at a new area of the internal silo roof to be cleaned. This is functioned by operation of handle 102.
  • handle 102 When handle 102 is turned, elongate main body 103 and consequently boom 109 can be rotated in a 360° rotation. This allows full coverage of the boom 109 over the whole area of the silo roof.
  • the handle can either be manually operated or can be connected to an automated machine. Alternatively an automated machine maybe connected directly to the elongated main body.
  • the handle is preferably located at the first portion of elongate main body 103.
  • pressurized fluid jets 211 are located towards one internal surface for example, a roof or base of a silo.
  • Pressurized fluids jets 217 are also preferably present such that they are directed towards a second internal surface for example an internal surface wall. This enables the cleaning device to be used to either simultaneously or individually clean more than one internal surface of a silo and without the need for repositioning.
  • jets 217 will be located at fluid outlets 216 on sensor means 213.
  • sensor means 213 also acts as a conduit for pressurized fluid.
  • the cleaning device is able to clean substantially most internal surfaces of a silo.
  • the cleaning device will be fixed to the external surface of a silo by clamping frame 300 and 400.
  • Bolts will be secured to the silo external surface through brackets 302 / 402.
  • frame 400 will also comprise a stabilizing plate 403 to ensure stability of the cleaning device when in use.
  • frame 300 will take an A-frame configuration as this shape provides stability to the rest of the cleaning device however other shaped frames may also be used.
  • the elongate main body is preferably fed through elongate main body aperture 301 of frame 300.
  • Aperture 301 is ideally located substantially to the centre of frame 300 so as to provide maximum support for the elongate main body.
  • the pivot means is located at frame 300 of the cleaning device so as the boom can be pivoted from outside of a silo.
  • the pivot means comprises a winch including winch handle 304 and winch winder 305 which when operated, the winch handle is turned such as to pivot the boom around a plane through 180°.
  • the boom is preferably connected to the winch by one or a series of ropes, cables or chains (not shown).
  • the winch preferably has a locking mechanism such that the boom can be locked at a specific pivoted orientation.
  • the winch mechanism could be replaced by a pulley system, a lever mechanism or a machine operated pivot system.
  • Clamp 302 comprises a series of apertures suitable to receive a bolt.
  • a bolt can be threaded through the top of the clamp 302.
  • the plate is then secured to the screw end of the bolt towards the underside of clamp 302. This then forms an "L" shaped clamp which can be wound to tighten the clamp towards clamp 402 such that the surface wall of the silo is secured or clamped between the plate and clamp 302.
  • a "G" clamp may be used to clamp the clamp 302 to the surface of the silo.
  • bolts may directly be screwed into the surface of a silo to secure the cleaning device.
  • FIG 5 an enlarged view of the boom can be seen according to an embodiment of the cleaning device.
  • pressurized fluid jets 504 are flaccid due to their flexibility.
  • the jets 504 become increasingly turgid such that the free ends of the jets where ideally the nozzle is located are substantially perpendicular with respect to boom 500.
  • Extension joint 501 can be extended to extend the length of boom 500 by the loosening of one of the extension bolts 502.
  • handle 601 is shown. According to a preferred embodiment handle 601 is located towards the end of the elongate main body 600 where the fluid outlet 604 is positioned.
  • the handle maybe any manual or automated means to rotate elongate main body 600 about a plane and around in a 360° rotation.
  • the handle 601 will have a grip for example a rubber hand grip for ease of use by the operator.
  • Pressurized fluid inlet joint 602 allows for the cleaning device to be easily removed from the high pressure supply line and therefore removed from the silo.
  • the cleaning device may have a plurality of fluid inlets 604 and control valves 603 such that more than one type of fluid can be directed through the cleaning device to clean the silo or fluids at differing pressures can be alternately directed into the system.
  • a plurality of pressurized fluid conduits may also be present such that different fluids (i.e. water / air), or fluids of different pressures can be directed towards specific pressurized fluid outlets in the system.
  • the cleaning device is shown whereby there is provided a single pressurised fluid inlet 700.
  • the system is operated with high pressure air.
  • low pressure air may also be used for example for the cleaning of smaller silos or silos where the deposited matter is not strongly bound to the internal surfaces.
  • the cleaning device has pressurized fluid channeled by a conduit running through elongate main body 703 and boom 709 directed towards the pressurized fluid jets 711 via pressurized fluid outlets 715.
  • the cleaning device may also direct pressurized fluid to the jets 711 via a hose means which runs alongside the elongate main body.
  • the rotation of the boom about a first plane can be seen by directional arrow 719 and the pivot of the boom 709 about a second plane can be seen by directional arrow 720.
  • the first plane and second plane are ideally transverse to each other.
  • the rotation about the first plane is preferably 360° and either clockwise and/or anti-clockwise.
  • the pivot about the second plane is ideally 180° with a forwards and/or backwards (up and/or down) movement.
  • the orientation of the cleaning device allows for the roof 706 of a silo to be cleaned via jets 71 as well as the simultaneous cleaning of the top portion of the walls of a silo via jets 717. If the boom 709 is pivoted around direction 720 by pivot means 705, then the base of a silo will also be able to be cleaned of unwanted deposited matter.
  • a boom may be any form of mechanical arm or subsidiary branch protruding from elongate main body 703.
  • the elongate main body 203, 703 may be extendable by telescopic means.
  • the telescopic extension of the elongate main body 203, 703 may be done by either hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical or manual means.
  • the elongate main body 203, 703, will be extendable by the telescopic movements of one part of the elongate main body sliding out from another, lengthening the elongate main body 203, 703.
  • the boom 209, 500, 709 is configurable such that when the boom is secured to an operable position, the primary fluid outlets 215, 503, 715 are located such as to direct fluid in a substantially upwardly direction.
  • the boom 209, 500, 709 is configurable such that at least one primary fluid outlet 215, 503, 715 is located in order to direct pressurized fluid to clean the internal surface of a roof of an industrial container/silo.
  • at least one primary fluid outlet 215, 503, 715 is located such as to direct pressurized fluid in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to a length of the boom 209, 500, 709.
  • the boom 209, 500, 709 may be configured such that the length of the boom is at a right angle to the aperture of at least one of the primary fluid outlets 215, 503, 715 positioned upon the boon 209, 500, 709.
  • the cleaning device may be arranged such that the boom is comprised of an L shape (not shown) having an elbow joint such that a fluid outlet is located at an end of the L shape boom opposed to the end connected to the elongate main body.
  • the primary fluid outlet located at an end of the L shaped boom will preferably be configured such as to direct pressurized fluid in a parallel direction to the L shape length of the boom to which the primary fluid outlet is located. This is advantageous such that pressurized fluid can be directed to an internal surface of a roof of an industrial container.

Abstract

A cleaning device configured to clean an internal surface of a silo comprising an elongate main body (703), a clamping means (704) and a boom (709). The elongate main body (703) comprising a handle (702) located at a first portion of said elongate main body (703), said first portion of said elongate main body further comprises a fluid inlet (700) for receiving a pressurised fluid. The clamping means is configured to secure said cleaning device to a surface of said silo. The boom (709) is connectable at a second portion of said elongate main body and configured to rotate in a first plane upon operation of said handle of said elongate main body. The cleaning device further comprises at least one conduit configured to transfer said pressurised fluid from said fluid inlet to said boom. The boom comprises at least one primary fluid outlet (718) configured to direct said pressurised fluid towards said internal surface of said silo.

Description

A CLEANING DEVICE
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cleaning device.
Background to the Invention
The present application is a divisional application from the parent UK patent application number GB1010362.0. The present invention relates to a cleaning device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning the internal surfaces of industrial containers.
As well as the internal spaces of industrial containers, the present invention also relates to a cleaning device for the internal surfaces of large vessels for example but not limited to ship hulls, pressure vessels, hoppers and the like.
Industrial containers are used in various industries and can be used for storage or transportation. For example, in the shipping industry, freight containers are used for storing cargo. Freight containers are typically made of corrugated steel, however freight containers of materials such as iron, wood and plastic are also used.
Industrial containers are generally used for storing large quantities of matter.
One such type of industrial container is a silo. Silos are structures that can be utilized for storing bulk materials. In agriculture silos are used to store grain, crops, flour or fermented feed known as silage. Silos are more commonly used for bulk storage of grain, coal, cement, carbon black and wood chips as well as food products and sawdust. Silos are in widespread use today with the three most common being tower silos, bunker silos and bag silos. In military, missile silos are used for the launching and / or storage of ballistic missiles. Silos are commonly cylindrical in shape, however, it is also known for silos to be any other 3 dimensional shape which can be used for storage. Silo bags are also known, which can be made of durable plastic which do not take a rigid shape, however are commonly orientated to have a general tubular configuration.
Typically, cylindrical silos substantially comprise of two ends for example a roof and a base, as well as at least one middle section for example a side wall.
The internal surfaces of an industrial container and more specifically of a silo will constantly become stained or covered in the residues left from its storage contents during and after use of the silo. The buildup of such matter can lead to the growth of mould, rust and other unwanted matter on the internal surfaces of the container. This can have adverse effects concerning the purity of the subsequent materials stored in the silo. For example perishable foodstuffs may become contaminated by old matter on the internal surfaces, leading to health and hygiene issues of the foodstuffs being used for consumption.
A further problem is the significant waste from matter that deposits on to the internal surfaces which inherently leads to inefficiency in useable matter for its end use, following storage. Due to the large nature of industrial containers, it is disadvantageous for the internal surfaces to be cleaned by hand due to the difficulty in cleaning the upper regions as well as the length of time it would take.
Furthermore due to safety implications, it would be unsafe for a human to clean an industrial container, for example due to the risk of dust inhalation or contact with hazardous silage / toxic materials. GB 2146264 discloses an apparatus for breaking up solidified particulate material in a storage container. The apparatus comprises a flailing element with a housing which is lowerable into a storage container and connected to the lower end of a suspension element.
The flailing element can be used to engage with and break up solidified particulate material within a storage container. The holder of the flailing element further comprises a torque balanced means mounted for rotation within the holder which allows for rotation of the holder and flailing element about a vertical axis relative to the housing. Fluid pressure is used to assist the rotors in the holder for rotation of the flailing element. The housing, holder and flailing element may be suspended by a cable. The cable may then be swung in order for the apparatus to make contact with solid particulates within the container to break the particulates up.
GB 2146264 is disadvantageous for the removal of matter from the internal walls of a container as the disclosed apparatus cannot be manipulated to direct its flailing element to afford removal at a specific area of the internal surface of a container, only a general area. Therefore GB 2146264 does not disclose an apparatus configured to provide targeted removal of deposited matter. Furthermore, GB2146264 is limited in operation in that it can not interact with deposited matter above the plane of the flailing head. The flailing head is suspended on a cable and is located by rotation or outwardly flung by centrifugal force. The rotation movement of the cable is unable to allow for contact of the apparutus with the top of the container e.g. a container roof and therefore deposited matter will remain on the top internal surface of the industrial container.
The disclosed apparatus of GB 2146264 is further disadvantageous as the apparatus will not be able to remove deposited matter which is moist, fine particulate or liquid from the internal surface of an industrial container. Contact of the apparatus with the internal surface may also cause damage to the container. US 5 594 973 discloses a device for cleaning the wall of a silo. The device comprises a compressed air gun, suspended from two cables which are connected to two winches bearing two pulleys and fastened to a frame and arranged inside a silo and fixed to a rotary plate which can move in a rotary track. Compressed air is used to blow deposited matter from the internal walls of a silo.
US 5 594 973 is disadvantageous as the device is not configured to clean the top or base (ends) of an industrial container as the compressed air gun is not configured to blow deposited matter off for example the roof of a silo. Furthermore, US 5 594 973 can on direct compressed air to one internal surface area at one time, which increases the length of time it takes to complete the cleaning of the internal surfaces of a silo. The device is required to be operated from inside the silo. This may cause health and safety problems for the operator of the device.
In view of the prior art, there exists a need to provide a device for cleaning all internal surfaces of an industrial container which can be operated and installed from outside of the container and clean the internal surfaces with precise and efficient operation without the risk of container damage.
Summary of the Invention
An objective problem is to provide for a cleaning device that can be used to clean the interior walls of an industrial container without the need for a human operator or user to enter the industrial container as industrial containers commonly comprise chemicals and materials which are harmful to humans.
A further objective problem is that although known cleaning devices exist that can clean the wall of industrial containers, such devices are limited in that they are unable to clean the roofs of industrial containers, therefore leaving waste deposits during cleaning resulting in leaving harmful deposits on industrial container internal surfaces of the roofs which may contaminate other materials being stored in industrial containers. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning device configured to clean an internal surface of an industrial container comprising: an elongate main body; a clamping means; and a boom; said elongate main body comprising a handle located at a first portion of said elongate main body, said first portion of said elongate main body further comprises a fluid inlet for receiving a pressurised fluid; said clamping means is configured to secure said cleaning device to a surface of said industrial container; said boom is connectable at a second portion of said elongate main body and configured to rotate in a first plane upon operation of said handle of said elongate main body; said cleaning device further comprises at least one conduit configured to transfer said pressurised fluid from said fluid inlet to said boom; said boom comprises at least one primary fluid outlet configured to direct said pressurised fluid towards said internal surface of said industrial container; and wherein said cleaning device further comprises means configured to pivot said boom such that said boom moves in a second plane that is transverse to said first plane, said boom further configurable to locate at least one primary fluid outlet such as to direct pressurised fluid in a substantially upwardly direction with respect to a length of said boom; and said boom is extendable in length.
Preferably said boom is configured to rotate 360° around a vertical axis.
Preferably said boom is configured to rotate 180° around a horizontal axis.
Preferably said at least one secondary fluid outlet is configured to direct pressurised fluid in a substantially radially outward direction.
Preferably said boom comprises at least one secondary fluid outlet configured to direct said pressurised fluid towards said internal surface of said industrial container.
Maybe said at least one primary fluid outlet is configured to direct said pressurised fluid in a first general direction; and said at least one secondary fluid outlet is configured to direct said pressurised fluid in a second general direction towards said internal surface, said second general direction substantially at 90° to said first general direction.
Preferably said at least one primary fluid outlet is configured to direct pressurised fluid towards to a roof of said internal surface.
Preferably said at least one secondary fluid outlet is configured to direct pressurised fluid towards to a wall of said internal surface.
Maybe said at least one primary fluid outlet and/or said at least one secondary fluid outlet comprise at least one pressurised fluid jet. Preferably said at least one pressurised fluid jet is flexible.
Maybe said main body of at least one pressurised fluid jet comprises steel. Maybe said at least one pressurised fluid jet further comprises an anti- sparking means.
Maybe said boom further comprises at least one valve for directing said pressurised fluid to said at least one primary fluid outlet and/or said at least one secondary fluid outlet.
Preferably said cleaning device further comprising a stability cable.
Preferably said cleaning device further comprising a sensor means connectable to said boom.
Maybe said sensor means comprises an elongate rod connected and extending from said boom. Preferably said means configured to pivot said boom comprises a winch.
Maybe said elongate main body is extendable.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a side on view of an embodiment of the industrial container cleaning device; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the industrial container cleaning device;
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a frame and winch according to an embodiment of a industrial container cleaning device;
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a boom according to an embodiment of a industrial container cleaning device; Figure 6 illustrates a fluid inlet and handle according to a preferred embodiment of a industrial container cleaning device;
Figure 7 illustrates a industrial container cleaning device according to an embodiment of a industrial container cleaning apparatus.
Detailed Description
There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description. Figure 1 shows fluid inlet 100, valve 101 , handle 102, elongate main body
103, frame 104, winch 105, silo roof 106, clamp 107, stabilising cable 108, boom 109, silo roof aperture 110, fluid jet main body 111 , pressurized fluid jet head 112, sensor means 113, extension joint 114, fluid outlet 115. Figure 2 shows fluid inlet 200, valve 201 , handle 202, elongate main body
203, frame 204, winch 205, silo roof 206, clamp 207, stabilising cable 208, boom 209, silo roof aperture 210, primary pressurized fluid jet main body 211 , primary pressurized fluid jet head 212, sensor 213, extension joint 214, fluid outlet 215, secondary fluid outlets 216, secondary pressurised fluid jets 217, secondary pressurised fluid head 218. Figure 3 shows frame 300, elongate main body aperture 301 , clamp 302, frame stabiliser 303, winch handle 304, winch winder 305.
Figure 4 shows frame 400, elongate main body aperture 401 , clamp 402, frame stabiliser 403, winch handle 404, winch winder 405.
Figure 5 shows boom 500 extension joint 501 , extension bolt 502, primary pressurized fluid outlet 503, pressurised fluid jet main body 504, pressurised fluid jet head 505 secondary pressurised fluid outlet 506, sensor 507, secondary pressurised fluid jet main body 508, secondary pressurised fluid jet head 509.
Figure 6 shows elongate main body 600, handle 601 , pressurized fluid inlet joint 602, pressurized fluid inlet valve 603, pressurized fluid inlet aperture 604.
Figure 7 shows pressurized fluid inlet 700, valve 701 , handle 702, elongate main body 703, frame 704, winch 705, silo roof 706, clamp 707, stabilising cable
708, boom 709, silo roof aperture 710, primary pressurized fluid jet main body 711 , primary pressurized fluid jet head 712, sensor 713, extension joint 714, primary pressurized fluid outlet 715, secondary pressurized fluid outlet 716, secondary pressurized fluid jet 717, secondary pressurized fluid head 718, directional arrow 719, directional arrow 720.
In the description of the figures below, a preferred embodiment of the cleaning device has been described for cleaning the internal surfaces of a silo. However it would be understood by a person skilled in the art that the cleaning device may be suitable for other types of industrial containers of varying shapes, sizes and orientations. Furthermore the silo used by way of example herein is that which substantially comprises a roof, a base and at least one wall however it would be understood by one skilled in the art that a silo may not have one or a plurality of these features, however the cleaning device would be able to be utilized for such variations. As shown in Figure 1 , in an embodiment, the cleaning device can be fixed over an aperture 110 of a container by securing clamping means 107 to the external or internal surface of a silo. Preferably the cleaning device will be clamped to roof 106 or top of a silo however it may also be attached to a side wall or base. The clamping means may comprises bolts, screws, suction pads, clips or any other suitable means to clamp frame 104 to the silo. When passing the elongate main body 103 and boom 109 through aperture 110, boom 109 will be pivoted in to a position substantially in the same plane as elongate main body 103 so that the cleaning device can fit through aperture 110. A first portion of elongate main body 103 will remain external to the silo, whereas a second portion will be positioned internally inside the silo. Once the cleaning device has been inserted, pivot means 105 is operated to pivot boom 109 such that is in a position transverse to that of elongate main body 103. Sensor 113 will detect when the boom is in a position suitably far away from the internal surface of the silo such that there is a gap between the nozzle of pressurized fluid jet 111. Preferably sensor 113 is a rod which will make contact with the internal surface of a silo, however alternate sensor mean may also be used for example an infra red warning sensor. Preferably, a winch 105 will be used to manipulate the boom in such manner. This functionality of the cleaning device allows the device to be fixed into a position inside the a silo without the need for the installer to enter the silo itself.
Stability cable 108 may be fixed to boom 109 and elongate main body 103 such that when in operation, boom 109 is stable. Cable 08 maybe be made of any strong durable material and may comprise, a chain, rope, tape, cable or the like. Boom 109 maybe extendable via extension point 114 or fixed in length. Boom 109 is preferably the length of not more than the radius of the silo if the cleaning device is positioned towards the centre of the roof of the container. However it should be understood that the length of boom 109 may be configured according to the dimensions of the silo and positioning of the cleaning device. Once the cleaning device is fixed into position, a pressurized fluid line is connected to pressurized fluid inlet 100.
Preferably the cleaning device is configured to use pressurized air, however, other gases or alternatively pressurized liquids for example water may also be used according to the type of matter to be cleaned from the silo internal surfaces.
Once the pressurized fluid line has been attached, pressurized fluid inlet valve is opened to allow pressurized fluid to be channeled through a conduit of elongate main body 103, and through a conduit of boom 109 to one or a plurality of fluid outlets 115. A valve system may be used to manipulate direction of the pressurized fluid to the fluid outlets. The fluid outlets may be positioned at any angle from the boom which may direct pressurized fluid to the internal surfaces of a silo.
The precise directing of pressurized fluid to the internal surface is targeted by pressurized fluid jets 111. The jets may have a singular nozzle opening located towards the free end of the jet or a plurality of openings located on jets 111. Preferably the pressurized fluid jets 111 are substantially made of steel due to its tough but flexible properties, however alternative materials could be used, for example nylon. The jets are flexible such that a greater area of the internal surface can be cleaned as opposed to rigid upright jets. Preferably, jets 111 comprise anti sparking heads 112 to prevent sparks being created if the jets were to come into contact with the silo internal surfaces. However, in an alternative embodiment, the whole jet 111 made be made of anti-sparking material. As shown in figure 1 , the pressurized fluid jets 111 are positioned towards the roof of a silo. Pressurised fluid is forced towards the internal surface of a silo roof which then acts to blow deposited matter off the internal surfaces. Once the area above the jet 111 has been cleaned, boom 109 can be moved such that the jets are positioned at a new area of the internal silo roof to be cleaned. This is functioned by operation of handle 102. When handle 102 is turned, elongate main body 103 and consequently boom 109 can be rotated in a 360° rotation. This allows full coverage of the boom 109 over the whole area of the silo roof. The handle can either be manually operated or can be connected to an automated machine. Alternatively an automated machine maybe connected directly to the elongated main body. The handle is preferably located at the first portion of elongate main body 103.
Referring to figure 2, pressurized fluid jets 211 are located towards one internal surface for example, a roof or base of a silo. Pressurized fluids jets 217 are also preferably present such that they are directed towards a second internal surface for example an internal surface wall. This enables the cleaning device to be used to either simultaneously or individually clean more than one internal surface of a silo and without the need for repositioning. Preferably jets 217 will be located at fluid outlets 216 on sensor means 213. As such, sensor means 213 also acts as a conduit for pressurized fluid. The additional extension of elongate main body 203 and boom 209, as well as 360° rotation of boom 209 about a first plane and pivoting of boom 209 throughout 180° of a second plane, transverse to said first plane, this means that in a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device is able to clean substantially most internal surfaces of a silo.
Referring to figure 3 and 4, preferably the cleaning device will be fixed to the external surface of a silo by clamping frame 300 and 400. Bolts will be secured to the silo external surface through brackets 302 / 402. Preferably frame 400 will also comprise a stabilizing plate 403 to ensure stability of the cleaning device when in use. In a preferred embodiment frame 300 will take an A-frame configuration as this shape provides stability to the rest of the cleaning device however other shaped frames may also be used. The elongate main body is preferably fed through elongate main body aperture 301 of frame 300. Aperture 301 is ideally located substantially to the centre of frame 300 so as to provide maximum support for the elongate main body. In a preferred embodiment the pivot means is located at frame 300 of the cleaning device so as the boom can be pivoted from outside of a silo. In a preferred embodiment the pivot means comprises a winch including winch handle 304 and winch winder 305 which when operated, the winch handle is turned such as to pivot the boom around a plane through 180°. The boom is preferably connected to the winch by one or a series of ropes, cables or chains (not shown). The winch preferably has a locking mechanism such that the boom can be locked at a specific pivoted orientation. In alternative embodiments, the winch mechanism could be replaced by a pulley system, a lever mechanism or a machine operated pivot system.
Clamp 302 comprises a series of apertures suitable to receive a bolt. Preferably, a bolt can be threaded through the top of the clamp 302. The plate is then secured to the screw end of the bolt towards the underside of clamp 302. This then forms an "L" shaped clamp which can be wound to tighten the clamp towards clamp 402 such that the surface wall of the silo is secured or clamped between the plate and clamp 302.
Alternatively, a "G" clamp may be used to clamp the clamp 302 to the surface of the silo.
In an alternative embodiment bolts may directly be screwed into the surface of a silo to secure the cleaning device. Referring to figure 5, an enlarged view of the boom can be seen according to an embodiment of the cleaning device. When in a non operational state pressurized fluid jets 504 are flaccid due to their flexibility. However as more fluid pressure is apply to the cleaning device the jets 504 become increasingly turgid such that the free ends of the jets where ideally the nozzle is located are substantially perpendicular with respect to boom 500. Extension joint 501 can be extended to extend the length of boom 500 by the loosening of one of the extension bolts 502. Preferably the boom can be extended up to lengths of 30 metres however it should be understood by the skilled person that other lengths may also be constructed according to the needs and requirements of the silo to be cleaned. Referring to figure 6 handle 601 is shown. According to a preferred embodiment handle 601 is located towards the end of the elongate main body 600 where the fluid outlet 604 is positioned. The handle maybe any manual or automated means to rotate elongate main body 600 about a plane and around in a 360° rotation. In a preferred embodiment the handle 601 will have a grip for example a rubber hand grip for ease of use by the operator. Pressurized fluid inlet joint 602 allows for the cleaning device to be easily removed from the high pressure supply line and therefore removed from the silo. In a specific embodiment, the cleaning device may have a plurality of fluid inlets 604 and control valves 603 such that more than one type of fluid can be directed through the cleaning device to clean the silo or fluids at differing pressures can be alternately directed into the system. In another embodiment a plurality of pressurized fluid conduits may also be present such that different fluids (i.e. water / air), or fluids of different pressures can be directed towards specific pressurized fluid outlets in the system.
Referring to figure 7, the cleaning device is shown whereby there is provided a single pressurised fluid inlet 700. Preferably, the system is operated with high pressure air. However low pressure air may also be used for example for the cleaning of smaller silos or silos where the deposited matter is not strongly bound to the internal surfaces. The cleaning device has pressurized fluid channeled by a conduit running through elongate main body 703 and boom 709 directed towards the pressurized fluid jets 711 via pressurized fluid outlets 715. However alternatively, the cleaning device may also direct pressurized fluid to the jets 711 via a hose means which runs alongside the elongate main body.
The rotation of the boom about a first plane can be seen by directional arrow 719 and the pivot of the boom 709 about a second plane can be seen by directional arrow 720. The first plane and second plane are ideally transverse to each other. The rotation about the first plane is preferably 360° and either clockwise and/or anti-clockwise. The pivot about the second plane is ideally 180° with a forwards and/or backwards (up and/or down) movement.
The orientation of the cleaning device allows for the roof 706 of a silo to be cleaned via jets 71 as well as the simultaneous cleaning of the top portion of the walls of a silo via jets 717. If the boom 709 is pivoted around direction 720 by pivot means 705, then the base of a silo will also be able to be cleaned of unwanted deposited matter. A boom may be any form of mechanical arm or subsidiary branch protruding from elongate main body 703.
Preferably the elongate main body 203, 703 may be extendable by telescopic means. Preferably, the telescopic extension of the elongate main body 203, 703 may be done by either hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical or manual means. Preferably, the elongate main body 203, 703, will be extendable by the telescopic movements of one part of the elongate main body sliding out from another, lengthening the elongate main body 203, 703. Referring to figures 2, 5 and 7, the boom 209, 500, 709 is configurable such that when the boom is secured to an operable position, the primary fluid outlets 215, 503, 715 are located such as to direct fluid in a substantially upwardly direction. This is advantageous such as when the cleaning device is secured to a rood of an industrial container, the boom 209, 500, 709 is configurable such that at least one primary fluid outlet 215, 503, 715 is located in order to direct pressurized fluid to clean the internal surface of a roof of an industrial container/silo. Preferably, at least one primary fluid outlet 215, 503, 715 is located such as to direct pressurized fluid in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to a length of the boom 209, 500, 709. The boom 209, 500, 709 may be configured such that the length of the boom is at a right angle to the aperture of at least one of the primary fluid outlets 215, 503, 715 positioned upon the boon 209, 500, 709. The cleaning device may be arranged such that the boom is comprised of an L shape (not shown) having an elbow joint such that a fluid outlet is located at an end of the L shape boom opposed to the end connected to the elongate main body. The primary fluid outlet located at an end of the L shaped boom will preferably be configured such as to direct pressurized fluid in a parallel direction to the L shape length of the boom to which the primary fluid outlet is located. This is advantageous such that pressurized fluid can be directed to an internal surface of a roof of an industrial container.

Claims

Claims
1. A cleaning device configured to clean an internal surface of an industrial container comprising:
5
an elongate main body; a clamping means; and o a boom; said elongate main body comprising a handle located at a first portion of said elongate main body, said first portion of said elongate main body further comprises a fluid inlet for receiving a pressurised fluid;
5
said clamping means is configured to secure said cleaning device to a surface of said industrial container; said boom is connectable at a second portion of said elongate main body o and configured to rotate in a first plane upon operation of said handle of said elongate main body; said cleaning device further comprises at least one conduit configured to transfer said pressurised fluid from said fluid inlet to said boom; said boom comprises at least one primary fluid outlet configured to direct said pressurised fluid towards said internal surface of said industrial container;
5
wherein said cleaning device further comprises means configured to pivot said boom such that said boom moves in a second plane that is transverse to said first plane; said boom further configurable to locate at least one primary fluid outlet such as to direct pressurised fluid in a substantially upwardly o direction with respect to a length of said boom; and said elongate main body is extendable in length.
2. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said boom is configured to rotate 360° around a vertical axis.
3. A cleaning device as claimed in claims 2 or 3 wherein said boom is configured to rotate 180° around a horizontal axis.
4. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said boom comprises at least one secondary fluid outlet configured to direct said pressurised fluid towards said internal surface of said industrial container.
5. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said at least one secondary fluid outlet configured to direct pressurised fluid in a substantially radially outward direction.
6. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said at least one primary fluid outlet is configured to direct said pressurised fluid in a first general direction; and said at least one secondary fluid outlet is configured to direct said pressurised fluid in a second general direction towards said internal surface, said second general direction substantially at 90° to said first general direction.
7. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said at least one primary fluid outlet is configured to direct pressurised fluid towards to a roof of said internal surface.
8. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 7 wherein said at least one secondary fluid outlet is configured to direct pressurised fluid towards to a wall of said internal surface.
9. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 4 - 8 wherein said at least one primary fluid outlet and/or said at least one secondary fluid outlet comprise at least one pressurised fluid jet.
10. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said at least one pressurised fluid jet is flexible.
11. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 9 or 10 wherein a main body of said at least one pressurised fluid jet comprises steel.
12. A cleaning device as claimed in anyone of claims 9 - 11 wherein said at least one pressurised fluid jet further comprises an anti-sparking means.
13. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 12 wherein said boom further comprises at least one valve for directing said pressurised fluid to said at least one primary fluid outlet and/or said at least one secondary fluid outlet.
14. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 13 further comprising a stability cable.
15. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 14 further comprising a sensor means connectable to said boom.
16. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said sensor means comprises an elongate rod connected and extending from said boom.
17. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 16 wherein said means configured to pivot said boom comprises a winch.
18. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 17 wherein said boom is extendable in length.
PCT/GB2011/000911 2010-06-21 2011-06-17 A cleaning device WO2011161397A2 (en)

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GB1010362A GB2473086B (en) 2010-06-21 2010-06-21 A cleaning device
GB1010362.0 2010-06-21
GB1019887.7 2010-11-24
GB1019887.7A GB2477593B (en) 2010-06-21 2010-11-24 A cleaning device

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WO2011161397A3 WO2011161397A3 (en) 2012-03-29

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GB2146264A (en) 1983-08-19 1985-04-17 Northern Vibrator Mfg Ltd Comminuting apparatus
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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GB2477593A (en) 2011-08-10
GB2477593B (en) 2012-01-04
GB201019887D0 (en) 2011-01-05
WO2011161397A3 (en) 2012-03-29

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