Curing device with fan and deflection element

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for curing a lining hose using high-energy radiation, comprising at least one support device and at least one radiation source disposed on the support device. The present invention is characterized in that the support element is manufactured in the form of at least partially hollow bodies, the radiation source is disposed on the outer surface of a section of the hollow body, and at least one fan is provided to generate an airflow through the section of the hollow body so that waste heat is dissipated from the radiation source disposed on the outer surface of the section of the hollow body through the section of the hollow body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for curing a lining hose with high - energy radiation, comprising an LED as a radiation source for generating the radiation necessary for curing, a fan for cooling the LED, and at least one deflecting element for guiding the air flow.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a method of introducing a curable layer impregnated with a curable resin, also called a lining hose or a liner, into a pipeline system, for example, for the repair of a pipeline system such as a sewer and similar pipeline systems, is well - known. After insertion, the lining hose is expanded to adhere to the inner wall of the pipeline system. The resin is subsequently cured.

[0003] The production of such lining hoses is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. According to well - known methods, unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, or epoxy resins are preferably used as the curable resin, and these may be dissolved in at least one of, for example, styrene and acrylic esters.

[0004] These unsaturated polyesters or vinyl esters can be cured, for example, as described in Patent Document 2, thermally (usually by a peroxide catalyst) or by radiation, for example, ultraviolet light using a photoinitiator. Curing by a so - called combination using both a peroxide initiator used for thermal curing and a photoinitiator is also possible, and it has been proven to be particularly advantageous when the wall thickness of the lining hose is large. A method of curing by such a so - called combination is described, for example, in Patent Document 3.

[0005] Radiation-cured lining hoses typically comprise an outer protective film that does not transmit light, an inner film that transmits electromagnetic radiation in at least a specific wavelength range, and a resin-impregnated cured layer positioned between the inner and outer films. The outer film hose is designed to prevent the resin used for impregnation from leaking from the curable layer into the environment. For this purpose, good sealing and adhesion between the outer film hose and the resin-impregnated curable layer are necessary.

[0006] To cure the lining of the hose, a curing device is introduced into the hose. This device has a radiation source and is guided through the hose to activate and / or cure the curable layer of the hose using radiation energy. Complete curing of the lining is crucial, and a predetermined amount of radiation energy must be introduced to all parts of the hose. The amount of radiation energy depends on the output of the radiation source and the speed at which the radiation source is guided through the hose.

[0007] Ultraviolet radiation sources, also known as ultraviolet emitters, are typically used to supply radiation energy. These are mounted on a tethered device called a light train and are strung by cables or tension ropes through a line laid with lined hoses.

[0008] Until now, gas discharge lamps have been primarily used. However, these have drawbacks such as high current and voltage during ignition, output fluctuations over time, and the risk of failure during curing.

[0009] To overcome the shortcomings of these UV lamps, the use of LEDs is increasing. LEDs have many advantages over UV lamps, including higher energy efficiency and a longer lifespan of up to 50,000 hours compared to 5,000 to 10,000 hours for UV lamps. LEDs also do not contain harmful chemicals such as mercury.

[0010] However, when using LEDs, there was a problem in that the LEDs would heat up intensely during the irradiation process, leading to a decrease in output or damage.

[0011] When using LEDs to harden lining hoses with high-energy radiation, various methods for improving heat dissipation are well known from prior art.

[0012] A fundamental challenge in cooling LEDs in a light chain is that cooling by removing heat outside the lining hose using a long cooling hose (e.g., Patent Document 4) is generally difficult to make economically viable. During curing, the surrounding air inside the lining hose is heated by a ventilator that expands the lining hose, the radiant energy of the LEDs and their waste heat, and the exothermic curing reaction.

[0013] The solutions proposed in the prior art have been filed in several embodiments (e.g., Patent Document 5) and relate to the radial arrangement of LEDs with a heat sink oriented inward, in which a volumetric flow is generated inside by a ventilation device to cool the LEDs.

[0014] A second approach described in the prior art concerns the guidance of passing (liquid) cooling water. This solution is described in Patent Document 6. Patent Document 6 describes an apparatus with various channels for a coolant, intended for cooling an LED during liner curing.

[0015] Further embodiments are described as examples in Patent Document 7, in which the LEDs are completely immersed in a coolant, which rotates as a relatively large volume flow. The entire arrangement is housed in a transparent housing through which the coolant flows. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0016] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 95 / 04646 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 23623 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 1262708 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 1959183 [Patent Document 5] European Patent No. 3321554 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 11131418 [Patent Document 7] International Publication No. 2018 / 188698 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0017] However, these proposed solutions have drawbacks, such as requiring excessive space for the necessary equipment, having low structural flexibility, or having unsatisfactory cooling performance.

[0018] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a device that has a compact and flexible structure and sufficient cooling performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] The problem is solved by an apparatus for curing a lining hose with high-energy radiation, comprising at least one carrier structure and at least one radiation source disposed on the carrier structure, wherein the carrier element is formed as a hollow body in at least its cross-section, the radiation source is disposed outside the hollow body section, and at least one fan is provided to generate an airflow through the hollow body section so that waste heat from the radiation source disposed outside the hollow body section is dissipated through the hollow body section.

[0020] In this context, the carrier element functions as both a carrier for the radiation source and as a heat conductor in that the heat energy emitted from the radiation source is dissipated by conduction. For this reason, the carrier element is at a lower temperature than the radiation source and is arranged to be in direct contact with it as much as possible.

[0021] The heat generated from the radiation source is generally conducted through a heat conductor made of a material with high thermal conductivity and then either passes through a heat sink arranged on the inner surface of the carrier element or is directly released into the surrounding air.

[0022] What is important for the conduction cooling of the radiation source is the boundary layer between the radiation source and the heat sink. This layer needs to be made as thin as possible in order to maximize heat conduction. If the boundary layer is thick, heat will accumulate and the cooling effect will be impaired.

[0023] It is also important that the heat conductor is large enough to effectively dissipate the heat. The larger the radiation source and the generated heat, the larger the heat conductor needs to be.

[0024] It has been proven advantageous that at least one fan is formed as an axial flow fan and is arranged particularly on the back of at least one carrier element and is designed and configured to convey a cooling medium through the hollow space of a device for generating high-energy radiation.

[0025] An axial flow fan is an electrical device that plays a role in moving air by sucking or pushing air axially along the axis of the rotor through the housing and then discharging it.

[0026] The housing of the axial flow fan houses a cylindrical rotor consisting of a central hub and a plurality of rotating fan blades. These fan blades have an aerodynamic shape and generate an air flow by their rotation, and the air flow flows through the fan housing.

[0027] In principle, the cooling medium can be a liquid or gas used within the system to carry away heat from at least one of the LEDs and the heatsink and protect them from overheating.

[0028] Air is supplied as a preferred cooling medium, either from the surrounding air of the sewer / channel being repaired, or from an external source, such as by a blower.

[0029] Air cooling, in particular, has the advantage of being more cost-effective compared to other cooling systems such as liquid cooling and thermoelectric cooling. Because air cooling systems do not require complex piping or pumps, they are generally easier to install and maintain, and offer more flexibility than other cooling systems. Air cooling systems are also more environmentally friendly than other cooling systems, as they do not contain toxic coolants and do not have undesirable environmental impacts.

[0030] In this context, axial fans are specifically designed and configured to draw in a cooling medium from the surroundings and guide it into the hollow space of a device that generates high-energy radiation, where the cooling medium comes into contact with a heatsink(s) placed therein, from which heat is dissipated from the LEDs.

[0031] The hollow space of at least one carrier element is surrounded by the inner surface of at least one carrier element and is prismatic, particularly square in shape.

[0032] A prismatic hollow space is a space having the shape of a prismatic column, that is, a body having a polygonal base (preferably open in this case) and parallel sides extending perpendicular to the base. A square hollow space is a hollow space in which a square base (preferably open in this case) is surrounded by parallel sides.

[0033] In principle, the shape of the hollow space is not limited to a polygonal base (preferably with an opening in this case), but can also be circular or other shapes.

[0034] At least one heatsink covers at least partially the inner surface of the carrier element and is formed as a finned heatsink that tapers towards the center of the hollow space.

[0035] A finned heatsink consists of multiple thin fins arranged parallel to each other. Air flows through the narrow gaps between the fins, carrying heat away from the surface of the heatsink. Here, the fins are particularly positioned parallel to the direction of the flow of the cooling medium.

[0036] At least one heatsink can also be formed as a pin heatsink. A pin heatsink has multiple cylindrical pins arranged perpendicularly to the inner surface of a support element. The pins increase the surface area of ​​the heatsink and improve heat dissipation. Due to its small design, a pin heatsink takes up little space and is particularly suitable for use in confined spaces.

[0037] At least one heatsink can also be formed as a finger-shaped heatsink. A finger-shaped heatsink has multiple finger-shaped fins arranged perpendicular to the surface of the heatsink. The finger-shaped fins usually have an irregular shape to improve heat dissipation.

[0038] At least one heatsink can also be formed as a U-shaped heatsink. This type of heatsink has a U-shaped structure that contributes to improved heat dissipation, with the two ends of the U-shaped structure attached to the surface to be cooled. Heat is carried away from the heatsink surface via fins, and the U-shape improves airflow.

[0039] At least one heatsink can also be formed as a curved heatsink. This type of heatsink has curved fins, which contribute to improved heat dissipation. The curved shape increases the time the cooling medium is in contact with the heatsink surface and simultaneously increases the surface area.

[0040] At least one carrier element is further bounded by its outer surface and is prismatic, particularly octagonal, consisting of four corner faces and four sides, the sides being higher than the corner faces. The corner faces represent the surfaces created by cutting off the ends of a square substrate.

[0041] At least one carrier element and other components of the apparatus according to the present invention are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Particularly preferred is the use of aluminum alloys such as EN AW-6082 / AlMgSi1, EN AW-5754 / AlMg3, and EN AW-2007 / AlCuMgPb. These alloys are characterized by high strength and corrosion resistance and are used in applications where high strength, light weight, and good weldability are required. Furthermore, steel, particularly galvanized steel, or other materials may also be used for the carrier elements and other components of the apparatus according to the present invention.

[0042] At least one radiation source is designed and configured to emit radiation with wavelengths of 200 to 500 nm, particularly 390 to 420 nm.

[0043] The radiation structure preferably comprises multiple radiation sources, preferably more than six, such that at least one radiation source is mounted on each side of the outer surface of the carrier element. The number of radiation sources is selected in particular to allow simultaneous irradiation around the entire circumference of the lining hose.

[0044] At least one source of radiation is, in particular, an LED.

[0045] The LED (light-emitting diode) is preferably configured to emit light in the range of 200 to 500 nanometers, particularly 390 to 420 nanometers, and it is particularly advantageous if the LED has a beam angle of preferably 110° to 170°, and especially preferably 130° to 150°.

[0046] The beam angle of an LED represents the area from which light is emitted by the LED. The beam angle is the angle between two points where the luminous intensity decreases to 50% of its maximum value.

[0047] In particular, the arrangement of the LEDs is designed so that their beam angles overlap. Particularly preferably, the beam angles overlap so that the luminous intensity does not fall below a threshold and / or so that shading by other components of the device is prevented.

[0048] At least one apparatus for generating high-energy radiation is of a modular design, and the carrier element consists of a plurality of carrier parts (n), where n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ..., etc., with n being particularly preferably 3, and the carrier parts are connected to each other via connecting pieces.

[0049] At least one carrier element preferably has a length of 900 to 1100 mm, particularly preferably 1 m, and the carrier portion preferably has a length of 25 to 31 mm.

[0050] In further embodiments, at least one device for generating high-energy radiation, and / or carrier elements, and / or carrier portions, can be rotatably positioned so as to be able to rotate the device according to the present invention around its axis during the irradiation process in order to achieve uniform irradiation of the lining hose even if one or more LEDs fail.

[0051] However, under local conditions, it may be advantageous to irradiate shorter or longer sections of the lining hose.

[0052] Preferably, the device consists of at least one joint structure.

[0053] A joint structure is a structure that allows two or more components of a device that hardens inning hoses using high-energy radiation to move relative to one another. Joint structures are designed and configured as rotary joints, ball joints, articulated drive shafts, pivot joints, and universal joints.

[0054] At least one carrier structure comprises at least four length-adjustable guide arms equipped with rollers, the at least four length-adjustable guide arms being arranged in particular at right angles to one another.

[0055] Guide arms serve to guide and position the device within the lining hose. The length and orientation of individual arms, or the length and orientation of all arms, can be adapted to local conditions. In particular, the length is adjusted so that rollers, which preferably consist of cylindrical bodies rotating around an axis, can withstand curing against the hose liner. Length adjustment is performed, in particular, by shifting, bending, or rotating parts of the arms.

[0056] At least one deflection structure is designed and configured to deflect heated cooling air, which is transported by a fan, laterally with respect to the transport direction after it has come into contact with at least one heatsink, and the deflection plates are positioned at an angle not equal to 90°, 180°, 270°, or 360° with respect to the transport direction of the cooling air.

[0057] The transport direction is the direction in which the fan moves the cooling air. The deflection plate is supported by connecting parts that open to at least one side, allowing the heated cooling air to exit from the side(s) after contacting at least one heatsink. In particular, the deflection plate is made of aluminum alloy, which is lighter and less susceptible to corrosion compared to other materials.

[0058] The deflection structure can be designed and configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the device so that heated cooling air can heat the entire circumference of the lining hose.

[0059] The connecting piece of the device consists of a spacer and a connecting element.

[0060] Spacers are designed and configured to separate connecting elements from further components of a device that hardens lined hoses with high-energy radiation. The spacers are preferably connecting sections that are open to the sides. The connecting elements are specifically designed and configured to connect adjacent modules.

[0061] Apparatus for curing lined hoses with high-energy radiation can preferably be configured modularly. This is understood to mean that the apparatus is assembled from various independent individual modules, such as devices for generating high-energy radiation, carrier structures, deflection structures, and connecting pieces, with each module performing a specific function and designed and configured to integrate seamlessly into the overall apparatus. Different combinations of the number and order of individual modules are possible, allowing the apparatus to be adapted to local conditions.

[0062] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device includes a connecting piece connected to a fan of a first radiation structure via a spacer, the front side of the first radiation structure being further connected to a first deflection structure via a carrier structure, the first deflection structure being connected to a fan of a second radiation structure, the front side of the second radiation structure being connected to a second deflection structure, the second deflection structure being connected to a fan of a third radiation structure, the front side of the third radiation structure being connected to a third deflection structure, the third deflection structure being connected to a fan of a fourth radiation structure via a second carrier structure.

[0063] Preferably, at least four radiation structures are arranged so as to be offset from each other by 45° in each case.

[0064] Preferably, at least four length-adjustable guide arms of at least two carrier structures are offset from each other by 45°.

[0065] Preferably, at least three deflection structures are offset from each other by 45° in each case.

[0066] This invention is preferably used for curing resin-impregnated lining hoses.

[0067] In particular, this apparatus is designed and configured to cure lined hoses with a diameter of 259 mm in pipes of nominal size DN300, and lined hoses with a diameter of 389 mm in pipes of nominal size DN450. This photocuring technology can also be used for small pipelines, for example, pipelines with a diameter of 30 to 500 mm or more, or 30 to 300 mm, preferably 30 to 150 mm, for example 100 to 200 mm.

[0068] An apparatus for curing a lining hose using high-energy radiation is described below as an example, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0069] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0070] Figure 1 shows an apparatus 1 according to one embodiment for hardening a lining hose with high-energy radiation, and includes a carrier structure 2. A deflection structure 3 reliably deflects the airflow flowing inside the apparatus to cool the LED 4. The airflow itself is generated by a fan (not shown). Multiple apparatuses 1 can be connected by connecting members 5.

[0071] Figure 1 clearly illustrates the essential concept of the invention. Specifically, the heat from LED4 is dissipated internally by a heat sink located inside the device. Airflow generated by a fan (not shown) acts on this heat sink. The generated waste heat airflow is deflected by a deflection structure so that it is not simply guided from one LED section to another, and the waste heat is distributed to the sewer / channel. Therefore, the next fan does not draw in the particularly heated waste heat airflow from the previous fan, resulting in considerably high cooling performance.

[0072] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of device 1, which has a heatsink 6 and a fan 7 inside.

Claims

1. An apparatus for curing a lining hose with high-energy radiation, comprising at least one carrier structure and at least one radiation source disposed on the carrier structure, wherein the carrier element is formed with at least a hollow cross-section, the radiation source is disposed outside the hollow section, and at least one fan is provided to generate an airflow through the hollow section so that waste heat from the radiation source disposed outside the hollow section is dissipated through the hollow section.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or more inner sides of the hollow body section of the carrier element form a heat sink, and in particular are formed as a fin heat sink that becomes narrower towards the center of the hollow space.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one radiation source comprises at least one LED, preferably forming an array / field of LEDs.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one carrier structure comprises at least four length-adjustable guide arms, the at least four length-adjustable guide arms being arranged particularly perpendicular to one another.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one deflection structure is provided, which is designed and configured to deflect the air conveyed by the fan in a direction laterally to the conveying direction after the air has passed through the hollow body section.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the deflection structure is formed as a deflection plate positioned at an angle not equal to 90°, 180°, 270°, or 360° with respect to the direction of transport of the cooling air.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the carrier element consists of at least two sections connected to each other via a connecting piece, and the connecting piece consists of a spacer and a connecting element.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a deflection structure disposed on or within the region of the connecting piece, wherein each connecting piece is made of a deflection structure.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the deflection structures of two consecutive connecting pieces are offset from each other by an angle, particularly in the range of 15° to 175°, preferably in the range of 30° to 150°, and particularly by at least one of the angles of 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, and 135°.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising n fans, m hollow radiation modules, and o deflection structures arranged sequentially relative to one another, wherein in each case, one hollow radiation module having a fan is separated from the next hollow radiation module having a fan by a deflection element, in particular, n and m are the same number, and o = m - 1 or o = m.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, comprising at least four radiation modules and, in particular, at least two carrier structures, wherein at least four length-adjustable guide arms of the two carrier structures are offset by 45° from one another.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising at least three deflection structures, wherein in each case the at least three deflection structures are offset from one another by 45°.

13. Use of the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for curing a resin-impregnated lining hose.

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