DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SUCTION OF SUCTIONABLE MATERIAL, IN PARTICULAR ASH OR SLAG

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a method for suctioning suction material, in particular ash or slag. State of the art

[0002] Vacuum cleaners are used to extract a variety of materials, for example, soil, gravel, etc. in the construction industry. Such devices can also be used in the waste disposal sector to extract material that is to be disposed of, such as rubble or demolition material. The extracted material is stored in a material collection container, which can be emptied later. However, emptying the collection container is particularly problematic with dusty materials, as a large dust cloud can develop. This is particularly undesirable with materials that are hazardous to health or the environment. To prevent dust from developing during emptying, screw conveyors are used in particular. However, the use of screw conveyors is more time-consuming and requires more material than tipping the material out of the material collection container. Water is sometimes used with screw conveyors to further bind the material.However, this requires larger quantities of water, ranging from 200 to 300 liters per ton of suction material. Suction devices can be mounted on vehicles for mobile use. Examples of such vehicles include suction excavators or suction trucks. One example is described in document CN 106 087 835 A. Description of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is to create a method belonging to the technical field mentioned at the outset for the suction of dusty suction material, in particular ash and slag.

[0004] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the suction material is sucked into a suction pipe by means of a suction flow and then into a material collection container. The suction material is moistened with water in a humidification section of the suction pipe by at least one spray jet or a spray mist generated by at least one spray nozzle. Iron(II) chloride or iron(II) sulfate is added to the water as an additive.

[0005] By wetting the dusty material being vacuumed up, it can be trapped in the material collection container, significantly reducing dust generation when emptying it. Especially when vacuuming ash or slag, the additives can reduce the Cr(VI) present in the ash or slag to Cr(III).

[0006] In the present application, the term "dusty suction material" refers to suction material which leads to the development of dust when it is moved or exposed to an air stream, for example a gust of wind.

[0007] The method is preferably carried out with a device for sucking suction material, which has means for generating a suction flow, a material collecting container for collecting the suction material and a suction pipe for sucking up the suction material by means of the suction flow, wherein the suction pipe has a humidification section which has at least one spray nozzle for generating a spray jet or spray mist of water within the humidification section.

[0008] By generating a spray jet or mist through at least one spray nozzle, the suction material is sucked into the water during suction and thus wetted. The suction material then enters the material collection container in a wetted state. In this wetted state, the suction material can then be emptied from the material collection container without generating significant dust. Emptying can also be done by tipping, which saves time.

[0009] The means for generating a suction flow are preferably a blower with at least one fan, a suction pump, or a vacuum pump. The suction flow can preferably be varied so that it can be operated at different volumetric flow rates depending on the type of material being suctioned.

[0010] The material collection container preferably has a housing that encloses it. This prevents the suction material contained in the material collection container from being blown away by gusts of wind. The material collection container can preferably be tilted about an axis so that the suction material contained therein can be emptied by gravity. The material collection container preferably has a capacity of more than 4 m³, preferably more than 6 m³, in particular 10 m³ or more than 10 m³.

[0011] The suction pipe is preferably movable relative to the material collection container in at least two spatial dimensions, preferably in all three spatial dimensions, via a movable, in particular multi-jointed pipe support. The pipe support preferably has a hydraulic or pneumatic drive. The pipe support can preferably be controlled by an operator via a corresponding control unit. The suction pipe preferably has a length of at least 4 meters, in particular at least 6 meters. However, the suction pipe preferably has a length of 60-100 meters. The suction pipe also preferably has a round cross-section with a diameter of 10 cm to 50 cm, in particular 10 cm to 30 cm.

[0012] The humidification section has at least one spray nozzle with which a spray jet or a spray mist of water can be generated within the humidification section, but preferably the humidification section has more than one spray nozzle, in particular two, three, four, five, six or more spray nozzles.

[0013] The device preferably further comprises a water supply line, with which water can be directed to the at least one spray nozzle. This water supply line can be designed, for example, as a hose that extends along the suction pipe. Alternatively, however, the suction pipe can also have a pipe coupling, with which the at least one spray nozzle can be connected to an external water supply, e.g., a water hose.

[0014] The water for the at least one spray nozzle can come from a water tank of the device, or alternatively from an external water supply, such as a hydrant or a water supply network, in which case the device has a supply line, e.g. in the form of a pipe, in order to be able to connect to the external water supply.

[0015] The water is preferably industrial or drinking water. However, depending on the type of material being sucked or the intended subsequent storage of the material, at least one additive may be added to the water.

[0016] The term "humidification section" refers to a section of the suction pipe in which the at least one spray nozzle is located. The humidification section preferably has the same cross-section as the suction pipe. This is, in particular, a circular cross-section. Furthermore, the dimensions or diameter of the humidification section are the same as those of the suction pipe.

[0017] In one embodiment, the humidification section can be part of the suction pipe. In this case, the suction pipe preferably has a sleeve in the humidification section, which, for example, contains water lines through which the water is conveyed from a water supply line to the spray nozzles. In this embodiment, the humidification section is preferably arranged in the region of the open end of the suction pipe. This ensures the earliest possible wetting of the suction material within the suction pipe.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, however, the humidification section is designed as a projection that can be attached to and connected to an open end of the suction pipe. This makes it possible to use the suction pipe either with or without a humidification section. Furthermore, with this embodiment, an existing suction device can be retrofitted with a humidification section. The projection preferably has the same diameter as the suction pipe. The projection is attached by appropriate means, for example, a flange or a sleeve. In this embodiment, the humidification section is therefore located in the projection.

[0019] The device preferably has a water pump that can pump water through the at least one spray nozzle at a predefined pressure and flow rate. Preferably, the pressure and flow rate can be adjusted so that the optimal parameters for the suction material can always be set.

[0020] By arranging at least one spray nozzle in the humidification section according to the invention, the suction material is wetted while it is sucked through the humidification section.

[0021] The device is preferably designed to be mobile so that it can be used at various locations. This means that the device is preferably mounted on a vehicle or is part of a vehicle. Alternatively, the device can also be mounted in a container or on a pallet. In another preferred embodiment, however, the device can also be permanently installed, for example, in a building.

[0022] If the suction pipe has multiple spray nozzles, these are preferably offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the humidification section. This allows the spray nozzles to be arranged one behind the other in the direction of suction of the suction material. As a result, the suction material is sucked through successively by the spray jet or spray mist of the multiple spray nozzles. The spray nozzles are preferably spaced 1 cm to 30 cm apart, in particular 5 cm apart.

[0023] If the humidification section has multiple spray nozzles, these are preferably arranged at different angular positions relative to each other around the circumference of the humidification section. This means that the spray nozzles are distributed around the circumference of the humidification section, preferably at regular angular intervals from each other. With three spray nozzles, these can, for example, be arranged offset by 120° from each other.

[0024] Such an arrangement of the spray nozzles ensures that the entire cross-section of the humidification section is wetted with the spray jets or spray mist. In particular, areas located directly adjacent to a spray nozzle and therefore not wetted by the spray jet or spray mist from that nozzle are wetted by the spray jet or spray mist from another spray nozzle.

[0025] If the humidification section has several spray nozzles, these are preferably offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the humidification section and also arranged at different angular positions relative to one another.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the humidification section has two spray nozzles, which are arranged at a 180° offset from each other around the circumference of the humidification section. This allows the cross-section of the humidification section to be completely wetted with the two spray jets or spray mists using just two spray nozzles.

[0027] In this embodiment, the spray nozzles are preferably also arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the humidification section, in particular by 10 cm to 30 cm, in particular by 5 cm.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one spray nozzle is a flat jet nozzle, a full cone nozzle, or a mist nozzle. If the humidification section has multiple spray nozzles, a combination of the aforementioned nozzle types is also possible. However, the at least one spray nozzle is particularly preferably a flat jet nozzle.

[0029] Preferably, the device has a tank for an additive which is mixed into the water before the spray jet or spray mist is generated.

[0030] The humidification section preferably has a round cross-section, particularly with a diameter of 10 to 30 cm. This configuration allows for the most efficient wetting of the suctioned material during suction with relatively low water consumption.

[0031] A device for suctioning suction material according to the above description can be included in a body of a vehicle with a chassis.

[0032] The vehicle is preferably a self-propelled vehicle with an engine, a drive train, and a driver's cab. Alternatively, the vehicle can also be a towed vehicle, such as a trailer. If the vehicle is a trailer, it is preferably an articulated drawbar trailer or a semi-trailer.

[0033] However, the vehicle is particularly preferably a suction excavator or suction truck. Suction excavators are known to those skilled in the art and comprise a chassis, typically a truck chassis, with a drive train. The superstructure on the chassis comprises a driver's cab and a drive motor. The superstructure preferably comprises separation chambers for cleaning and drying the suction flow, as well as at least one fine filter unit for removing fine particles from the suction flow before it is discharged into the environment.

[0034] Preferably, the water is pumped into the at least one spray nozzle at a pressure of 50 to 300 bar to generate the spray jet or spray mist. For this purpose, the device preferably has a pump with which the water can be pumped into the at least one spray nozzle at a predefined pressure. The water pressure generated by the pump can preferably be varied.

[0035] Preferably, 1 to 100 liters of water per minute is sprayed into the humidification section as a spray jet or mist through at least one spray nozzle. This water flow rate allows sufficient wetting of the suction material without consuming too much water. The water flow rate can preferably be adjusted via a pump or valve.

[0036] The additive is preferably added to the water in a defined amount. This can be achieved using a suitable mixing nozzle.

[0037] Preferably, the additive is added to the water in a concentration of 0.5 to 20 wt.%.

[0038] Preferably, 10 to 300 liters, particularly preferably 30 to 100 liters, of water per 1 m³ of extracted material are sprayed into the humidification section as a spray jet or mist. Especially when extracting ash or slag, this amount of water has proven sufficient to bind the extracted material, so that essentially no dust is generated when emptying the extracted material from the material collection container.

[0039] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Short description of the drawings

[0040] The drawings used to explain the embodiment show: Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a device with which the method according to the invention can be carried out, as part of a suction dredger structure; Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view through the moistening section of the suction pipe of the device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is a cross section through the humidification section according to the Fig. 2 .

[0041] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0042] The Fig. 1shows a schematic side view of a suction excavator 1. The suction excavator 1 has a chassis 2 of a truck. The chassis has the usual components, such as axles with wheels, a drive train, etc. Arranged on the chassis 2 is a structure 3 which, in addition to the usual components such as engine, driver's cab, etc., has a device with which the method according to the invention can be carried out. The device has a fan 4 for generating a suction flow. Furthermore, the device has a separation chamber 5 with which suction material can be separated from the suction flow and dried. Furthermore, the device comprises a material collection container 6 in which the suction material can be stored. The material collection container 6 further has a tilting device (not shown) with which the material collection container 6 can be tilted to one side of the suction excavator 1 in order to empty the suction material contained therein by means of gravity.After passing through the separation chamber 5, the suction flow is passed through a filter unit 18 to filter the suction flow of particles and fine dust before it enters the blower 4 and is finally blown into the atmosphere.

[0043] The suction dredger 1 further includes a suction pipe 7 as part of the device, with which the suction material can be extracted using the suction flow. For this purpose, the suction pipe 7 is open at one end. The suction pipe 7 is attached to a multi-jointed pipe support 9. The pipe support 9 allows the suction pipe 7 to be moved automatically in all three spatial dimensions. For this purpose, the pipe support has corresponding pneumatic drives (not shown).

[0044] A humidification section 10 is arranged at the open end of the suction pipe 7. The humidification section 10 is designed as a separate, tubular extension and has at least one spray nozzle, with which a spray jet or a spray mist of water can be generated within the humidification section 10. At its end facing away from the suction pipe 7, the suction section 10 has a suction nozzle 8, which preferably consists of a flexible pipe section. During suction, the suction material is first sucked into the suction nozzle 8 and then passes through the spray jet or spray mist in the humidification section 10, where the suction material is wetted. Finally, the suction material reaches the material collection container 6 via the suction pipe 7 and the separation chamber 5. Thanks to the wetting of the suction material, it remains moist in the material collection container 6.Thanks to the moistened suction material, dust development is largely avoided when emptying the material collection container 6, so that even when vacuuming dusty suction material, such as ash or slag, emptying the material collection container 6 by tipping it out is easily possible.

[0045] To supply the humidification section 10 with water, the suction dredger 1 has a water supply line 11 connected to the suction pipe 7. The suction dredger 1 can have a water tank or a connection option for an external water supply, such as a hydrant or a water supply network. Preferably, the suction dredger 1 also has a water pump, which can be used to vary the pressure and volume flow of the water.

[0046] The Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view through the moistening section 10 of the suction dredger 1 from the Fig. 1. The suction flow generated by the fan 4 draws the suction material through the suction nozzle 8 into the interior 12 of the humidification section 10 (arrow). The suction material then passes through two spray jets 14.1, 14.2 generated by two spray nozzles 13.1, 13.2 of the humidification section 10. The two spray nozzles 13.1, 13.2 are designed as flat jet nozzles and are arranged offset relative to one another in the longitudinal direction L of the humidification section 10, i.e., the two spray nozzles 13.1, 13.2 are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction L of the humidification section 10. Furthermore, the two spray nozzles 13.1, 13.2 are arranged offset by 180° from one another on the circumference of the humidification section 10. In order to direct the water to the spray nozzles 13.1, 13.2, the humidification section 10 has a line with which the water is directed from the water supply line 11 to the spray nozzles 13.1, 13.2.

[0047] The Fig. 3is a cross section through the humidification section 10 according to the Fig. 2along the line A - A. Also shown are the first spray jet 14.1 and the second spray jet 14.2, which are generated by the first spray nozzle 13.1 and the second spray nozzle 13.2, respectively. In this cross-section, it is clearly visible that, due to the spray geometry of the first spray nozzle 13.1 and the second spray nozzle 13.2, spray shadow areas 16.1, 16.2, 17.1, 17.2 are created on both sides of the respective spray nozzle 13.1, 13.2 in the interior 12 of the humidification section 10, which are not wetted by the spray jet 14.1, 14.2 of the respective spray nozzle 13.1, 13.2. By arranging the spray nozzles 13.1, 13.2 at 180° relative to each other on the circumference of the humidification section 10, the shadow areas 16.1, 16.2, 17.1, 17.2 of one of the spray nozzles 13.1, 13.2 can be wetted by the spray jet 14.1, 14.2 of the respective opposite nozzle 13.1, 13.2. Since the spray nozzles 13.1, 13.2 are arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction L of the humidification section 10, this wetting does not occur in the same sectional plane of the humidification section 10, but rather according to the distance between the two spray nozzles 13.1, 13.2 in the longitudinal direction L of the humidification section 10. However, the only relevant factor is that the sucked-in material is wetted over the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the humidification section 10.

Claims

1. Method for sucking off dusty suction material, preferably ash and slag, wherein the suction material is sucked by means of a suction flow into a suction pipe (7) and then into a material collection container (6), wherein the suction material is wetted with water in a moistening section (10) of the suction pipe (7) by at least one spray jet (14.1, 14.2) or a spray mist which is produced by at least one spray nozzle (13.1, 13.2), characterised in that iron(II) chloride or iron(II) sulphate is added to the water as an additive.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the water is pumped into the at least one spray nozzle at a pressure of 50 to 300 bar in order to produce the spray jet or the spray mist.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that 1 to 100 litres per minute of water are sprayed as a spray jet or spray mist through the at least one spray nozzle into the moistening section.

4. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the additive is added in a concentration of 0.5 to 20% by weight.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that 10 to 300 litres, preferably 30 to 100 litres of water per 1 m3 of suctioned material are sprayed as a spray jet or spray mist into the moistening section of the suction pipe.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the method is carried out with an apparatus for sucking suction material comprising means for generating a suction flow, a material collecting container for collecting the suction material and a suction tube for sucking up the suction material by means of the suction flow, the suction tube having a moistening section comprising at least one spray nozzle for generating a spray jet or spray mist of water within the moistening section.