Device and method for removing impurities from a pipeline

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for removing contaminants (12) from a pipeline (14), comprising a vibrating body (16) that interacts with the contaminants (12) to remove them and forms a cavity (18), an eccentric body (28) arranged in the cavity (18) for generating an imbalance that can be transferred to the vibrating body (16), an electric motor (30) for driving the eccentric body (28), and a switching unit (34) for switching the electric motor (30) on and off. The invention further relates to a method for removing contaminants from a pipeline (14) using such a device (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for removing impurities in a pipeline and to a method for removing impurities in a pipeline using such a device.

[0002] Pipeline blockages are a common occurrence. Due to the limited accessibility of the blockages, clearing them is often very difficult and time-consuming.

[0003] A special case is pipes used to drain land. Such pipes are also called drainage pipes. Especially when buildings are located in caverns, as is the case with hydroelectric power plants, the groundwater, also known as mountain water, must be reliably drained away. If this is not the case, the pressure exerted by the groundwater on the building can become so great that the concrete foundation slabs float up and are subsequently damaged. Such damage often manifests itself in the form of cracks, which can impair the load-bearing capacity of the concrete foundation slabs. Furthermore, moisture can penetrate the cracks and attack the reinforcement.

[0004] In many cases, the drainage pipes run through the concrete foundation slabs and carry the groundwater accumulating on the uphill side of the building downhill, which is why the drainage pipes have a certain gradient toward the downhill side. Caverns are often built in calcareous rock, which results in a correspondingly high calcareous groundwater content. However, limestone is particularly prone to deposits, which clog the drainage pipes over time, making it impossible or insufficient to drain the groundwater.

[0005] It would be possible to prevent the formation of deposits and / or remove them chemically. However, the amount of chemicals required would be very large, making the use of chemicals economically and ecologically unjustifiable.

[0006] The deposits can also be removed mechanically, particularly with drills. However, the use of drills is hardly practical for the following reasons: As mentioned, the groundwater is collected on the uphill side of the building and drained through the drainage pipes to the downhill side and from there. The collection basins in which the groundwater is collected on the uphill side are quite deep, for example, up to four meters, but not very long or wide. A typical dimension is 60 x 60 x 400 cm (L x W x D). The drainage pipes are up to 30 m long. Due to this limited space, drilling out the drainage pipes is very complex and accordingly time-consuming and costly.

[0007] Information on the technical field to which the present invention relates can be found in DE 20 2019 102 865 U1, DE 20 2022 106 011 U1 and DE 20 2019 004 835 U1.

[0008] The object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a device for removing contaminants in a pipeline, which makes it possible to remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages using simple and cost-effective means and, in particular, to propose a way to easily remove contaminants that have accumulated, particularly in drainage pipes. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is based on the object of creating a method for removing contaminants in a pipeline, which can be carried out using such a device.

[0009] This object is achieved by the features specified in claims 1 and 8. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0010] One embodiment of the invention relates to a device for removing impurities in a pipeline, comprising - a vibrating body which interacts with the impurities to remove them and which forms a cavity, - an eccentric body arranged in the cavity or cooperating with the vibrating body to generate an imbalance which can be transferred to the vibrating body, - an electric motor for driving the eccentric body, and - a switching unit for switching the electric motor on and off.

[0011] The electric motor drives an eccentric body, which is unbalanced. This creates vibrations which, due to the interaction between the eccentric body and the vibrating body, are transferred to the vibrating body. The vibrating body is inserted into the pipeline to be cleaned so that the contaminants can be processed with the vibrating body. It has been found that limescale deposits, in particular, can be easily removed using the vibrations of the vibrating body. Due to the fact that the electric motor can be easily switched on and off using the switching unit, the vibrating body can be switched off and removed from the pipeline as needed, for example to remove fragments of the contaminants from the pipeline using a brush.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the electric motor can be arranged in the cavity. Furthermore, a first electrical line can run between the switching unit and the electric motor. In this embodiment, it is possible to arrange the switching unit at a distance from the electric motor and consequently from the vibrating body. As mentioned, the drainage pipes to be cleaned are up to 30 m long. In this respect, the vibrating body can be safely operated using the switching unit even if it is inserted deep into the drainage pipe. The electrical line can transmit certain tensile forces so that the vibrating body can be pulled out of the pipe again. Electrical lines cannot usually transmit compressive forces. However, as mentioned at the beginning, the drainage pipes have a certain gradient towards the downstream side of the building.As a result of the downhill force acting on the vibrating body, the vibrating body works itself further and further into the drainage pipe without the need for pressure forces when the vibrating body is introduced into the drainage pipe from the uphill side.

[0013] It should be noted here that in an alternative embodiment, the vibrating body can also communicate wirelessly with the switching unit, particularly for switching on and off. The vibrating body could be connected to a safety tether to allow it to be pulled out of the drainage pipe after use and / or in case of a jam. However, a wired connection is more reliable than a wireless connection due to the harsh environmental conditions.

[0014] It is possible to arrange both the eccentric body and the electric motor in the cavity of the vibrating body, which allows the device to be made compact and therefore easy to handle.

[0015] In a further developed embodiment, a protective hose can be attached to the vibrating body, which can surround the electrical cable. Furthermore, the protective hose can be designed to have increased flexural rigidity, particularly relative to the electrical cable. Thus, compressive forces can be exerted on the vibrating body to a certain extent, which can assist the advance of the vibrating body in the pipeline. Consequently, the advance speed of the vibrating body during the removal of contaminants can also be increased, thus shortening the time required to remove the contaminants.

[0016] However, the flexural rigidity of the protective hose is not chosen so high that it approaches the rigidity of a rigid body. Rather, it should be flexible, albeit only within larger radii, so that the device can be easily handled even in confined spaces. Fabric hoses can meet these requirements.

[0017] Even though electrical cables are usually sufficiently sheathed to protect them from damage, protection can be further increased by using a protective conduit.

[0018] In a further developed embodiment, the switching unit - be connectable to a power grid by means of a second electrical cable and - have a frequency converter for converting the frequency of the power grid into a frequency for operating the electric motor.

[0019] In principle, the device could have its own electrical energy source, particularly in the form of a battery or accumulator. However, their storage capacity can limit the duration of the device's use, which is why connection to a power grid is advisable. However, the power grid generally provides alternating current at a specific frequency, typically 50 Hz. However, to operate the electric motor so that the vibrating body can provide the vibrations necessary to remove the contaminants, the device includes a frequency converter. The frequency converter allows the vibration frequency to be changed, allowing it to be optimally adapted to the contaminants to be removed.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the vibrating body can have an outer surface on which a plurality of processing bodies are arranged, which interact with the contaminants to remove them. The processing bodies can be designed such that the pressure acting on the contaminants is increased, in particular as a result of a reduction in the contact area between the vibrating body and the contaminant. Furthermore, the processing bodies can be distributed not only along the circumference but also along the longitudinal axis of the vibrating body. As a result, not only are the contaminants loosened, but the loosened contaminants are also reduced in size, which simplifies the removal of the contaminants from the pipeline.

[0021] A further embodiment can be characterized by the processing bodies being pyramid-shaped or conical. Processing bodies shaped in this way represent tips that have proven particularly effective for removing contaminants.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the processing bodies can comprise or be formed by hard metal inserts. As mentioned, the removal of limescale deposits in drainage pipes is a primary application of the present device. However, the limescale deposits can sometimes be very hard, so that the processing bodies can be subject to significant wear. The hard metal inserts minimize this wear. Furthermore, the hard metal inserts can be detachably attached to the vibrating body, allowing them to be replaced when they become excessively worn.

[0023] One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for removing impurities in a pipeline using a device according to one of the previously discussed embodiments, comprising the following steps: - introducing the vibrating body of the device according to one of the preceding claims into a pipeline to be cleaned, - Switching on the electric motor using the switching unit, and - Removal of impurities which are released from the pipeline as a result of the interaction of the vibrating body.

[0024] The technical effects and advantages that can be achieved with the proposed method correspond to those discussed for the present device. In summary, it should be noted that limescale deposits, especially those that have formed in drainage pipes, can be effectively removed by the vibrations of the vibrating body. Furthermore, the method can also be applied when access to the pipes is difficult due to limited space.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the contaminants can be removed by means of a water rinse. The water can be easily introduced into the pipeline using a hose. With the device according to the invention, the contaminants can not only be removed from the pipeline but also reduced in size, which is why the removal of the contaminants from the pipeline by means of a water rinse can be carried out very effectively and easily.

[0026] A more advanced design may require that suitable measures be taken to remove some of the contaminants from the pipeline until the device can be inserted into the pipeline. It may happen that the contaminants extend across the entire pipeline to be cleaned, making it impossible to insert the vibrating head into the pipeline. In this case, another method, such as drilling, is used to remove some of the contaminants near the end of the pipeline so that the vibrating head can be inserted far enough into the pipeline for the device to operate as intended and as described above.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of a device according to one of the embodiments presented above and / or a method according to one of the previously discussed embodiments for removing contaminants in a pipeline, and in particular contaminants and deposits that have accumulated or formed in drainage pipes. The technical effects and advantages that can be achieved with the proposed use correspond to those discussed for the present device or method.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1A is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention for removing impurities in a pipeline, Fig. 1B a basic sectional view of the device according to the invention along the Fig. 1A defined cutting plane, and Fig. 2A a schematic representation of a first step of a method according to the invention, Fig. 2B shows a schematic representation of a second step of a method according to the invention, and Fig. 2C a schematic representation of a third step of a method according to the invention.

[0029] In the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B is an embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention for removing contaminants 12 in a pipeline 14 (cf. Fig. 2A to 2C) based on a basic plan view ( Fig. 1A) and based on a basic sectional view ( Fig. 1B) along the Fig. 1A defined section plane AA. The following explanations refer equally to the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B.

[0030] The device 10 comprises a vibrating body 16 that encloses a cavity 18 and forms an outer surface 20. A plurality of machining bodies 22 are arranged on the outer surface 20. In the present embodiment, these machining bodies are conical, but can also be pyramid-shaped or similar. In the present embodiment, a total of four machining bodies 22 are provided in the circumferential direction in a total of seven rows offset in the longitudinal direction, resulting in a total of 28 machining bodies 22. However, the number and arrangement of the machining bodies 22 can be chosen arbitrarily. The machining bodies 22 are formed by hard metal inserts 24, which in this case are welded to the outer surface 20 of the vibrating body 16 with corresponding weld seams 26.However, the processing bodies 22 can also be connected to the vibration body 16 in another way, for example by means of a detachable connection, in particular a screw connection, so that the processing bodies 22 can be quickly replaced in the event of wear or damage (not shown).

[0031] An eccentric body 28 is provided in the cavity 18, which is mounted in the vibrating body 16 for rotation about a rotation axis D. The vibrating body 16 can be set in rotation about the rotation axis D by an electric motor 30, in particular a three-phase motor, which is also arranged in the cavity 18. Due to the imbalance, vibrations arise that are transmitted to the vibrating body 16, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0032] The electric motor 30 is connected by a first electrical line 32 to a switching unit 34, with which the electric motor 30 can be switched on and off. A second electrical line 35, which extends from the switching unit 34, connects the device 10 to a power grid (not shown here). Furthermore, the switching unit 34 comprises a frequency converter 36, with which the frequency of the current supplied by the power grid can be converted into a frequency for operating the electric motor 30. In particular, a high frequency can be provided, with which the speed of the electric motor 30 can be regulated or controlled accordingly. This allows the vibrations to be modified and adapted to the contaminants 12 to be removed.

[0033] The vibrating body 16 is connected to a protective hose 38, which surrounds the first electrical line 32 and extends to the switching unit 34. The protective hose 38 is designed as a fabric hose, allowing pressure forces to be transmitted to a certain extent from the switching unit 34 to the vibrating body 16. At the same time, the protective hose 38 is flexible, which facilitates handling of the device 10, particularly in confined spaces.

[0034] In Fig. 2A shows a pipeline 14, which is laid in a base plate 40, in particular a concrete base plate 40, of a building (not shown in detail) and runs completely through the base plate 40 from an uphill side 42 to a valley side 44. The pipeline 14 has a gradient toward the valley side 44. The pipeline 14 is designed as a drainage pipe 46 and carries groundwater or mountain water, which is collected on the uphill side 42 in a manner not shown, toward the valley side 44.

[0035] It can also be seen that impurities 12, particularly in the form of limescale deposits, have formed in the drainage pipe 46. Arrows P1 and P2 illustrate that, although the groundwater can still flow through the drainage pipe 46, the cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the drainage pipe has been significantly reduced due to the impurities 12. This has likewise reduced the maximum volume flow of groundwater that can flow through the drainage pipe 46, which may consequently lead to insufficient groundwater drainage. If no countermeasures are taken, the drainage pipe will likely become completely blocked, preventing any groundwater from being drained away. This may result in damage to the base plate 40.

[0036] In Fig. 2B shows that the device 10 according to the invention is introduced into the drainage pipe 46 through the upstream end. Subsequently, the electric motor 30 is switched on by means of the switching unit 34 (see FIG. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B), causing the vibrating body 16 to vibrate. As a result of the vibrations, the processing bodies 22 act on the contaminants 12 in such a way that they are released from the drainage pipe 46 and comminuted. The processing bodies 22 arranged at the free end of the vibrating body 16 primarily cause the contaminants 12 to be released from the drainage pipe 46, while the processing bodies 22 arranged further away from the free end primarily cause the contaminants 12 to be comminuted.

[0037] At the same time, a water flush P3 is performed, for which water is introduced into the upstream end of the drainage pipe 46 using a hose (not shown). This creates a flow through the drainage pipe 46, causing the dissolved and crushed parts of the contaminants 12 to be discharged through the downstream end of the drainage pipe.

[0038] As can be seen from a comparison of the Fig. 2B and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2C, the vibrating body 16 is continuously advanced into the drainage pipe 46. Due to the incline of the drainage pipe and the resulting downhill force acting on the vibrating body 16, the vibrating body 16 advances by itself; however, the advance can be assisted by an operator pushing the protective hose 38. Due to the possibility of transmitting pressure forces, the drainage pipe 46 can also be processed from the downstream end.

[0039] The device 10 is operated until the vibrating body 16 has reached the downstream end and consequently the contamination 12 is completely or almost completely removed.

[0040] Not shown is a situation in which the contaminant 12 extends over the entire drainage pipe 46, so that the vibrating body 16 cannot be introduced into the drainage pipe 46 without additional measures. In this case, a portion of the contaminant 12 is removed, particularly at the upstream end, for example by drilling, until a sufficiently large section of the vibrating body 16 can be introduced into the drainage pipe 46. The remaining contaminants 12 can then be removed in the manner described. It should be noted that the water introduced into the drainage pipe 46 through the upstream end with the water flush P3 cannot flow through the same. Consequently, the water is also removed again through the upstream end. As mentioned, by means of the device 10 according to the invention, the contaminants 12 are not only detached from the drainage pipe 46, but also comminuted.In this case, the impurities 12 can be crushed to such an extent that, in this case too, they can be sufficiently removed from the drainage pipe 46 due to the flow resulting from the water flushing P3. List of reference symbols 10 Device 12 Contamination 14 Pipeline 16 vibrating bodies 18 cavity 20 Exterior surface 22 machining bodies 24 carbide insert 26 Weld seam 28 eccentric bodies 30 electric motor 32 first electrical line 34 Switching unit 35 second electrical line 36 frequency converters 38 protective hose 40 base plate 42 mountain side 44 Valley side 46 Drainage pipe D axis of rotation P1 Arrow P2 Arrow P3 Water flush

Claims

[1] Device (10) for removing impurities (12) in a pipeline (14), comprising - a vibrating body (16) which cooperates with the impurities (12) to remove them and which forms a cavity (18), - an eccentric body (28) arranged in the cavity (18) or cooperating with the vibrating body (16) for generating an imbalance which can be transmitted to the vibrating body (16), - an electric motor (30) for driving the eccentric body (28), and - a switching unit (34) for switching the electric motor (30) on and off. [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the electric motor (30) is arranged in the cavity (18) and a first electrical line (32) runs between the switching unit (34) and the electric motor (30). [3] Device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that a protective hose (38) is attached to the vibrating body (16). [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the switching unit (34) - can be connected to a power supply by means of a second electrical line (35) and - a frequency converter (36) for converting the frequency of the power grid into a frequency for operating the electric motor (30). [5] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the vibrating body (16) has an outer surface (20) on which a plurality of processing bodies (22) are arranged, which cooperate with the latter to remove the contaminants (12). [6] Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that the processing bodies (22) are pyramid-shaped or conical. [7] Device (10) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by that the machining bodies (22) comprise or are formed by hard metal inserts (24). [8] Method for removing impurities (12) in a pipeline (14) with a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - introducing the vibrating body (16) of the device (10) according to one of the preceding claims into a pipeline (14) to be cleaned, - switching on the electric motor (30) by means of the switching unit (34), and - Removal of the impurities (12) which are released from the pipeline (14) as a result of the interaction of the vibrating body (16). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that the removal of the impurities (12) is carried out by means of a water rinse (P3). [10] Method according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized by that a portion of the impurities (12) is removed from the pipeline (14) by suitable measures until the device (10) can be introduced into the pipeline (14).

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