Apparatus and method for waterproofing an inner surface of a channel

Abstract

An apparatus (1) to permit waterproofing of an inner surface (2a) of a channel (2) made by commercial divers features a carriage support unit (3) that is movable along the channel (2), a roller-holding unit for supporting an impermeable material to be applied to the inner surface (2a), a protection unit (5) associated with the roller-holding unit and configured to make a protection area protecting underwater operators from a flow action of fluid that flows in the channel (2) along the longitudinal direction (X); said protection unit (5) is provided with one or more adjustable position shield elements to divert the fluid flow and shield the protection area. In this manner, a compact apparatus is obtained that enables safe and effective waterproofing to be achieved.

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus and method for waterproofing an inner surface of a channel, made by commercial divers.

[0002] Specifically but not exclusively, the apparatus and the method according to the invention can be applied to an artificial channel (made for example of concrete and / or of loose material) to permit a waterproofing operation by applying (fixing) one or more strips of impermeable material, also called “geomembrane”, to one or more inner surfaces of the channel to make the channel non-penetrable by water or other fluids. Prior art

[0003] Applying strips of impermeable material manually to the inner surfaces of the channels to be waterproofed is known.

[0004] Russian patent No. RU2044822C1 discloses a device for cladding the surface of a natural or artificial channel filled with water with an anti-infiltration or reinforcing material.

[0005] Chinese patent application No. CN116623611A describes a method for lining a channel and a lining apparatus that has guide plates for guiding concrete inside the channel.

[0006] One limit to the prior art is that waterproofing operations often have to be performed in channels full of running water because emptying the channels may cause serious water shortages to individuals, factories, or agricultural land and create instability in the structure of the channel itself.

[0007] The operator would accordingly be forced to perform a complicated and risky underwater operation to apply this geomembrane during which the operator would be exposed to the action of the water current flowing in the channel. The water in the channel 2 can flow at a speed of up to 1 m / s, i.e. about 2 knots.

[0008] The current thus makes performing an operation using traditional methods impossible.

[0009] It would therefore be necessary to dispose of a solution that so ensures the safety of an commercial diver tasked with waterproofing the channel that the commercial diver is able to apply correctly a layer of impermeable material to one or more inner surfaces of a channel, in particular of a channel with moving water that can flow up to 1 m / s, without having to empty the channel. Objects of the invention

[0010] One object is to provide a solution that is able to ensure the safety of an operator applying an impermeable material to the inner surface of a channel with moving water.

[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for waterproofing an inner surface of a channel that is compact.

[0012] Another object is to provide a solution that is able to ensure correct application of an impermeable material to the inner surface of the channel. Summary of the invention

[0013] These objects and still others are achieved by an apparatus and a method for waterproofing an inner surface of a channel as defined in the attached claims. Short description of the drawings

[0014] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the enclosed drawings that show embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention operating in a channel; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 according to another point of view with respect to Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a raised side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 inside a channel; Figure 5 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 taken on the opposite side to Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 taken orthogonally to the view of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a bottom view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus according to a second embodiment in which a support platform is provided for the commercial divers. Detailed description

[0015] In the figures mentioned above, the numeric reference 1 indicates an apparatus for waterproofing an inner surface 2a of a channel 2 (Figure 1) made by commercial divers. The inner surface 2a of the channel 2 can comprise both an inner side surface or an inner bottom surface.

[0016] The apparatus 1 includes a carriage support unit 3 that is movable along a longitudinal direction X of extent of the channel 2 (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5). In the illustrated embodiments, the carriage support unit 3 comprises a base portion that can extend on an operating plane P (Figures 3 and 8), which is substantially horizontal during operation. In this illustrated embodiment, the base portion can have a width equal to or greater than a transverse dimension (width) of the channel 2.

[0017] The apparatus 1 comprises a roller-holding unit 4 fitted to the carriage support unit 3 and configured to support an impermeable material (also called “geomembrane”) to be applied to the inner surface 2a of the channel 2.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiments, the roller-holding unit 4 comprises a roller-holding member for a coil of impermeable membrane. The base portion of the carriage support unit 3 can comprise a through opening arranged at the roller-holding member to enable the coil to be fed from above.

[0019] The apparatus 1 further comprises a protection unit 5 fitted to the carriage support unit 3, in particular next to the roller-holding unit 4, and is configured to create a protection area A protecting the commercial divers from an action of a fluid flow, i.e. of a current, which flows in the channel 2 along the longitudinal direction X of extent of the channel 2.

[0020] The protection unit 5 is provided with one or more shield elements 5a to divert the fluid flow and shield the protection area A.

[0021] The protection area A is defined near each shield element 5a, in particular downstream of the shield element 5a according to the direction of the fluid flow.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiments, the protection area A is defined between the rollerholding unit 4 and the protection unit 5 (or equivalently between the roller-holding unit 4 and the one or more shield elements 5a).

[0023] In the illustrated embodiments, the apparatus 1 is provided with two protection units 5 each carrying a respective shield element 5a and two respective roller-holding units 4 arranged at opposite longitudinal sides of the base portion of the carriage support unit 3 to enable the impermeable membrane to be applied to the two opposite sides of the channel 2.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiments, the shield element 5a has an edge portion 5b shaped to match the inner surface 2a of the channel 2.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiments, the shield element 5a comprises a plate-shaped shielding element. The plate-shaped shielding element can be curved with a convex side facing against the flow direction and a concave side included in the protection zone A (and facing the roller-holding unit 4).

[0026] The shape of the plate-shaped element can vary according to the speed of the water.

[0027] In one embodiment that is not illustrated, the plate-shaped shielding element can have a flat shape.

[0028] In a further embodiment that is not illustrated, the plate-shaped shielding element can be curved with a concave side facing the direction of the flow.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiments, the protection unit 5 comprises - for each shield element 5a - a movement unit 7 configured, in particular, to move and orientate the shield element 5a with respect to the inner surface 2a. In other words, the movement unit 7 is configured, in particular, to adjust the position of the shield element 5a.

[0030] The movement unit 7 of the protection unit 5 is provided with a projectable (telescopic) arm member that protrudes from the carriage support unit 3. This projectable arm member protrudes transversely, in particular orthogonally, with respect to the operating plane P of the carriage support unit 3 (Figure 8).

[0031] The movement unit 7 is configured, in particular, to give the shield element 5a a retracted configuration, in which the shield element 5a is nearer the carriage support unit 3, and an extended configuration, in which the shield element 5a is further from the carriage support unit 3.

[0032] The movement unit 7 is provided with a first rotation axis RI configured to permit at least one rotation of the shield element 5a with respect to the carriage support unit 3 so as to orientate the edge portion 5b with respect to the inner surface 2a of the channel 2.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiments, the first rotation axis RI is orthogonal to the operating plane P of the carriage support unit 3 (Figure 8).

[0034] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the protection unit 5 is provided with a support platform 5c for the commercial divers that is arranged in the protection area A. This support platform 5c can be positioned at the shield element 5a. In particular the support platform can be fitted to a lower portion of the movement unit 7.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiments, the roller-holding unit 4 moreover comprises a further movement unit 8 configured, in particular, to move and orientate the roller-holding member with respect to the inner surface 2a of the channel 2 to apply the strip of impermeable membrane to the inner surface 2a. In other words, the further movement unit 8 is configured to adjust the position of the roller-holding member.

[0036] The further movement unit 8 is provided with a further projectable arm member that protrudes from the carriage support unit 3. This further projectable arm member protrudes transversely, in particular orthogonally, with respect to the operating plane of the carriage support unit 3 (Figure 8). The further projectable arm member is configured, in particular, to make the roller-holding member adopt a further retracted configuration, in which the roller-holding member is nearer the carriage support unit 3, and a further extended configuration, in which the roller-holding member is further from the carriage support unit 3.

[0037] Also the further movement unit 8 of the roller-holding unit 4 is provided with a second rotation axis R2 configured to permit a rotation of the roller-holding member with respect to the carriage support unit 3 so as to orientate the coil (and thus the strip of impermeable membrane) with respect to the inner surface 2a of the channel 2. In the illustrated embodiments, the second rotation axis R2 is orthogonal to the operating plane P of the carriage support unit 3.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiments, the further movement unit 8 of the roller-holding unit 4 is provided with a third rotation axis R3 that is substantially parallel to the operating plane P, in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction X, and configured to permit a rotation of the roller-holding member to engage the inner surface 2a.

[0039] In one embodiment that is not illustrated, also the movement unit 7 of the protection unit 5 is provided with a fourth rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the operating plane P, in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction X, and configured to permit rotation of the shield element 5a to engage the inner surface 2a of the channel 2.

[0040] In particular with reference to the embodiments of the figures in which two protection units 5 and two roller-holding units 4 are provided, it is possible that the units positioned on the same longitudinal side of the carriage support unit 3 are both lowered (protection unit 5 in the extended configuration and roller-holding unit 4 in the further extended configuration) and the units arranged on the opposite longitudinal side are both raised (protection unit 5 in the retracted configuration and roller-holding unit 4 in the further retracted configuration).

[0041] In the illustrated embodiments, the apparatus 1 comprises a cleaning device 9 configured, in particular, to clean the inner surface 2a of the channel 2 (Figures 2 and 8). In this illustrated embodiment, the cleaning device 9 comprises a plurality of cleaning nozzles that can be supplied with a pressurized fluid. The plurality of cleaning nozzles is positioned on a surface of the apparatus 1 that in use, faces the inner surface 2a.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiments, the plurality of cleaning nozzles is positioned on a side surface of the further movement unit 8.

[0043] In one embodiment of the apparatus that is not illustrated, the cleaning device can comprise one or more brush elements.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiments, the carriage support unit 3 comprises - at opposite longitudinal edges thereof - a plurality of wheels 6a configured to roll on a summit surface 2b of the channel 2.

[0045] In one embodiment that is not illustrated, the wheels 6a can be of the steering type so as to follow the curve of the channel 2. In other words, in this embodiment that is not illustrated, the wheels 6a can comprise a variable joint.

[0046] Furthermore, on the carriage support unit 3 a braking device is provided that is configured to lock the wheels to prevent an undesired movement of the apparatus 1 caused by the flow of the water.

[0047] It is possible to provide motorised wheels configured to move the apparatus 1 along the channel 2. The wheels can all be driven. Alternatively, it is possible to provide some motorised and some idly rolling wheels. During operation, the entire apparatus 1 moves independently on its own wheels.

[0048] The carriage support unit 3 comprises - at opposite longitudinal edges thereof - a plurality of guide elements 6b configured to engage two opposite surfaces 2c of the channel 2. This plurality of guide elements 6b comprises, in particular, a plurality of rollers configured to roll on the two opposite surfaces 2c of the channel 2. In addition, or alternatively, to the braking device of the wheels 6a, it is possible to provide a further braking device configured to lock the guide elements 6b to prevent an undesired movement of the apparatus 1 caused by the flow of the water.

[0049] In one embodiment that is not illustrated, the apparatus can comprise a double arm support structure configured to support a further shield element such that a lower edge of the latter combines with the inner bottom surface of the channel 2. In this embodiment that is not illustrated, the double arm support structure can comprise the two movement units 7 to which the further shield element is applied (instead of the two side shield elements 5a). In other words, in this embodiment that is not illustrated, a further shielding element is provided that is hooked to both the movement units 7 (instead of the side shield elements) to protect the commercial divers from the flow of the water when they are installing the membrane on the bottom of the channel 2. In this embodiment that is not illustrated of the apparatus 1, a further double arm support structure can be provided that is configured to so support a rollerholding member that the respective coil engages the inner bottom surface of the channel.

[0050] The apparatus disclosed above can implement a method for waterproofing an inner surface 2a of a channel 2 waterproofed by commercial divers, comprising the following steps: - moving a carriage support unit 3 along a longitudinal direction X of extent of the channel 2; - making a protection area A protecting the commercial divers from a flow action of fluid that flows in the channel 2 along the longitudinal direction X; -      diverting the fluid flow and shielding the protection zone A; -      applying an impermeable membrane to the inner surface 2a of the channel 2 inside the protection area A.

[0051] In use, the apparatus 1 for waterproofing an inner surface 2a of a channel 2 is positioned on the channel from the top, for example by using a mechanical arm of a crane. As mentioned, water or another liquid can be present in the channel.

[0052] During conveying and positioning of the apparatus 1 in the channel 2, both the protection unit 5 and the roller-holding unit 4 can be raised, i.e. respectively in the retracted configuration and in the further retracted configuration, so that the overall dimensions of the entire apparatus 1 are relatively compact.

[0053] The apparatus 1 is so positioned that the plurality of wheels 6a rests on two summit surfaces 2b of the channel 2 and such that the plurality of guide elements 6b engages two opposite surfaces 2c of the channel 2 (arranged in the top part of the channel 2).

[0054] The apparatus 1 is so oriented in the channel 2 that the protection units 5 (the shield elements 5a) face against the direction of the fluid flow that flows in the channel 2.

[0055] The carriage support unit 3 can exit (at least partially) the water and remain in the top part of the channel 2, whilst the protection unit 5 and the roller-holding unit 4 are (at least partially) immersed (in water) inside the channel 2.

[0056] Subsequently, it is possible to lower the movement unit that supports the cleaning device (for example by making the movement unit adopt the further configuration extending to the further movement unit 8 of the roller-holding unit 4) and clean the inner surface 2a to be coated, for example by jets of high-pressure water exiting the plurality of cleaning nozzles. This cleaning task can be performed by moving the apparatus 1 along the channel 2.

[0057] After lowering the protection unit 5 inside the channel 2 (for example by making the protection unit 5 adopt the extended configuration), one or more commercial divers can occupy the protection area A defined near a respective shield element 5a and perform operations suitable for applying the impermeable membrane to the inner surface 2a of the channel 2. The commercial diver works in the protection area A protected from the current owing to the shielding action of the shield element 5a.

[0058] It is possible to load from above (for example by the mechanical arm of the crane) a coil of impermeable membrane (“geomembrane”) onto the roller-holding member.

[0059] The apparatus 1 moving along the channel (according to the direction of the current) with the roller-holding unit 4 lowered in the further extended configuration enables the commercial diver to apply the strip of impermeable membrane to the inner surface 2a. Also during this operation, the commercial diver works in the protection area A protected from the current owing to the shielding action of the shield element 5a.

[0060] The commercial diver can work by walking on the bottom of the channel 2 or, as mentioned, if an impermeable membrane is applied in relatively deep channels, the commercial diver can be supported by the support platform 5c integrated into the protection unit 5.

[0061] If the impermeable membrane is applied to an inner bottom surface of the channel, it is possible to provide one or more shield elements that are suitable for matching the inner bottom surface. Similarly, it is possible to orientate the roller-holding unit 4 to apply the strip of impermeable membrane to the bottom of the channel 2.

[0062] The position of the one or more shield elements 5a upstream of the roller-holding unit 4 enables not only the commercial divers to be protected but also a zone of the inner surface of the channel to be clad, thus preventing or limiting a disturbing action of the current and enabling correct application of the membrane.

[0063] Owing to the provision of the protection unit 5, and in particular owing to the possibility of adjusting the position of one or more shield elements 5a, it is possible to increase safety for an commercial diver during the application of an impermeable layer to the inner surface of the channel.

[0064] Owing to the movement unit 7 of the protection unit 5 of the further movement unit 8 of the roller-holding unit 4, in particular owing to the retractable and extendible capacity of these units, it is possible to provide an apparatus 1 that is at the same time compact, in particular during conveying and commissioning in the channel, and versatile, in particular during the operations of applying the membrane.

[0065] The presence of a protection area A created owing to the one or more shield elements 5a shielding the commercial diver from the disturbing action of the current to which the commercial diver is subject enables correct application of an impermeable membrane to the inner surface 2a of the channel 2 to be assured and accelerated.

[0066] The particular conformation of the edge portion 5b of the shield element 5a that engages the inner surface 2a of the channel 2 limits the action of the fluid flow at the inner surface 2a, increasing the shielding effect of the shield element 5a.

[0067] Providing a curved plate-shaped shielding element in the shield element 5a, in which the convex side faces against the direction of the flow and in which the concave side is included in the protection zone A increases the space available for the commercial divers, at the same time ensuring protection from the action of the flow.

[0068] Providing a support platform 5c enables the commercial divers to be supported, in particular in the application of the membrane to a high part of the channel, and at the same time enables the commercial divers to be protected from the action of the flow.

[0069] Providing at least one rotation axis RI of the movement unit 7 of the protection unit 5 enables the edge portion 5b of the shield element to be oriented with respect to the inner surface 2a of the channel 2 and even the zone of application of the membrane to be protected from a disturbing action of the fluid flow, ensuring correct application thereof.

[0070] Providing several protection units 5 with the respective roller-holding units 4 both enables several operators to apply the membrane simultaneously to several inner surfaces of the channel and enables the apparatus to be positioned just once on the channel 2 without the need to reorientate the apparatus, enabling the membrane to be applied to several side surfaces and decreasing the time needed to apply the impermeable membrane.

[0071] From what has been set out above, it is clear that the apparatus and the method for waterproofing an inner surface of a channel waterproofed by commercial divers according to the invention successfully achieve the set objects mentioned previously.

[0072] What has been disclosed and shown in the enclosed drawings has been provided by ways of illustration of the innovative features of the apparatus 1.

[0073] Variations on and / or additions to what has been disclosed above and illustrated in the attached drawings are possible.

Claims

1. Method for waterproofing an inner surface (2a) of a channel (2) made by commercial divers, comprising the step of moving a carriage support unit (3) along a longitudinal direction (X) of extent of said channel (2);characterized in that it further comprises the steps of:- making a protection area (A) protecting said commercial divers from a flow action of fluid flowing in said channel (2) along said longitudinal direction (X);- diverting said fluid flow and shielding said protection area (A);- applying an impermeable material to said inner surface (2a) inside said protection area (A).

2. Method for waterproofing according to claim 1, wherein before applying said impermeable material a cleaning step of cleaning said inner surface (2a) of said channel (2) is provided.

3. Apparatus (1) for carrying out the method according to claim 1 or 2 comprising:- a carriage support unit (3) that is movable along a longitudinal direction (X) of extent of said channel (2);- a roller-holding unit (4) fitted to said carriage support unit (3) and configured to support an impermeable material to be applied to said inner surface (2a);- a protection unit (5) fitted to said carriage support unit (3) associated with said roller-holding unit (4) and configured to create a protection area (A) for said commercial divers from a flow action of fluid flowing in said channel (2) along said longitudinal direction (X);wherein said protection unit (5) is provided with one or more shield elements (5a) with an adjustable position to divert said fluid flow and shield said protection area (A).

4. Apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein said protection area (A) is defined between said roller-holding unit (4) and said one or more shield elements (5a).

5. Apparatus (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said shield element (5a) has an edge portion (5b) shaped to match said inner surface (2a).

6. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said shield element (5a) comprises a curved shielding element.

7. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said shield element (5a)comprises a shielding element that is flat in shape.

8. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein said protection unit (5) comprises, for each shield element (5a), a movement unit (7) configured to adjust said position of said shield element (5a) with respect to said carriage support unit (3) to move and orientate said shield element (5a) with respect to said inner surface (2a).

9. Apparatus (1) according to claim 8, wherein said movement unit (7) is provided with a projectable arm member that protrudes from said carriage support unit (3) and is configured to give said shield element (5a) a retracted configuration in which said shield element (5a) is nearer said carriage support unit (3) and an extended configuration in which said shield element (5a) is further from said carriage support unit (3).

10. Apparatus (1) according to claim 8 or 9 when claim 8 is appended to claim 5, wherein said movement unit (7) is provided with at least one rotation axis (RI) configured to permit at least one rotation of said shield element (5a) with respect to said carriage support unit (3) so as to orientate said edge portion (5b) with respect to said inner surface (2a) of said channel (2).

11. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 10, wherein said protection unit (5) is provided with a support platform (5c) positioned in said protection area (A) to support, and protect from said flow, said underwater operators.

12. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 11, wherein said roller-holding unit (4) comprises a roller-holding member for a coil of impermeable material and a further movement unit (8) configured to adjust a position of said roller-holding member with respect to said carriage support unit (3) so as to move and orient said coil with respect to said inner surface (2a).

13. Apparatus (1) according to claim 12, wherein said further movement unit (8) is provided with a further projectable arm member that protrudes from said carriage support unit (3) and is configured to give said roller-holding member a further retracted configuration in which said roller-holding member is nearer said carriage support unit (3), and a further extended configuration in which said roller-holding member is further from said carriage support unit (3).

14. Apparatus (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said further movement unit (7) is provided with at least one further rotation axis (R2, R3) configured to permit at least one rotation of said roller-holding member with respect to said carriage support unit (3) so as to orientate said coil with respect to said inner surface (2a) of said channel(2).

15. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 14, and comprising a cleaning device (9) configured to clean said inner surface (2a).

16. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 15, wherein said carriage support unit 5           (3) comprises at opposite longitudinal edges thereof a plurality of wheels (6a) configured to roll resting on a summit surface (2b) of said channel (2).

17. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 16, wherein said carriage support unit (3) comprises at opposite longitudinal edges thereof a plurality of guide elements (6b) configured to engage at least two opposite surfaces (2c) of said channel (2) and guide 10           said carriage support unit (3) along said longitudinal direction (X) in said channel (2).

18. Apparatus (1) according to claim 17, wherein said plurality of guide elements (6b) comprises a plurality of rollers configured to roll on said at least two opposite surfaces (2c) of said channel (2).

19. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 3 to 18, comprising a projectable double arm 15          support structure configured to support a further shield element such that a lower edgeof said further shield element matches an inner bottom surface of said channel (2).

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