Air cannon and method for discharging an air cannon

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air cannon that comprises a pressure container for pressurizing gas, an outlet, a fracturing member arranged in the outlet, wherein the fracturing member breaks when the pressure in the pressure container exceeds the breaking point of the fracturing member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Generally the present invention relates to cleaning devices. In particular, the present invention pertains to air cannons and related methods.BACKGROUND

[0002] A variety of methods are used today for cleaning different industrial applications. Air cannons (also known as air blasters) are known today for cleaning silos, bins and other large volume structures where dirt is built up and where it is difficult to reach by mechanical means. Air cannons are used in a variety of targets especially in industry settings.

[0003] However, generally the air cannons known today have a somewhat slow discharge (or blast) of air or other gas used in the air cannon. Because of the slow discharge of gas the air cannons known today may not be effective in removing the accumulated dirt from the surface of the target.

[0004] The reason for the slow discharge is that most air cannons today comprise a valve assembly for releasing the gas through the outlet. There may be varying valve assemblies in different air cannons but generally the same problem occur. The valve assemblies cause the gas to discharge rather slowly.

[0005] Many of the air cannons used today are also fixed solutions that are installed to the target. These solutions may be difficult to move to another target. Even if it is possible, often it may require additional manpower and the process may be slow and cumbersome.

[0006] CN 108 425 415 A relates to the field of domestic technology, in particular to a cleaning device for cleaning the inner wall of a drainage pipe.

[0007] Patent publications US 5365913, WO 02 / 057613 and CN 103512423 disclose known solutions to launch a projectile by an air discharge as such.

[0008] A patent publication US 1520343 discloses a charge carrying gun in combination with an ore bin and its chute, of a charge carrying gun being mounted beneath the chute, and means for firing said gun-through said chute whereby the ore in the bin is released

[0009] A patent publication CN106416624 discloses an impulse type jackhammer for picking walnuts and dates at high altitude, as implemented by help of on a rack mounted jackhammer tubes in sequence in a sleeved mode, each jackhammer tube being internally provided with a frequency conversion fan as further disclosed in the publication.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The objective is to at least alleviate the problems described hereinabove not satisfactorily solved by the known arrangements, and to provide a feasible air cannon. One objective is to increase the discharge pressure of an air cannon. Another objective is to provide a mobile air cannon. A further objective is to provide an adjustable air cannon, where the height, rotation and / or tilt angle may be adjusted.

[0011] The aforesaid objectives are achieved by the embodiments of an air cannon and a method for discharging an air cannon in accordance with the present invention.

[0012] The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 1.

[0013] The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 12.

[0014] Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention an air cannon comprises a pressure container for pressurizing gas, an outlet, a fracturing member arranged in the outlet, wherein the fracturing member breaks when the pressure in the pressure container exceeds the breaking point of the fracturing member.

[0015] In one embodiment the fracturing member has a breaking point of at least 6 bars of pressure.

[0016] In one embodiment the fracturing member is a plastic sheet.

[0017] In one embodiment the fracturing member is acrylic glass.

[0018] In one embodiment the thickness of the plastic sheet is 1-10mm.

[0019] In one embodiment the fractioning member is machined, such as with cuts in the surface of the fractioning member, to facilitate the fractioning of the fractioning member.

[0020] In one embodiment hard particles are arranged on the surface of the fractioning member to increase the effect on a target.

[0021] In one embodiment the pressure container comprises an inlet for filling the pressure container.

[0022] In one embodiment the outlet comprises at least two parts such that the fracturing member may be arranged between the two parts of the outlet.

[0023] In one embodiment the air cannon comprises a movable platform.

[0024] In one embodiment the air cannon comprises an adjustable platform, wherein the height of the outlet can be adjusted.

[0025] The air cannon comprises an adjustable platform, wherein the tilt angle can be adjusted.

[0026] The air cannon comprises an adjustable platform, wherein the rotation angle of the outlet can be adjusted.

[0027] The air cannon comprises recoil removal means.

[0028] In one embodiment the recoil removal means comprise at least one or two cylinders.

[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for discharging an air cannon comprises arranging a fractioning member in an outlet of an air cannon, filling a pressure container of the air cannon with gas, and pressurizing the pressure container until the fractioning member breaks.

[0030] In one embodiment In one embodiment the height of the outlet is adjusted. In one embodiment the tilt angle of the outlet is adjusted. In one embodiment the rotation angle of the outlet is adjusted.

[0031] The utility of the present invention follows from a plurality of factors depending on each particular embodiment. In some embodiments the discharge pressure of the air cannon may be increased. In some embodiments the air cannon may be mobile. In some embodiments the height, tilt angle and / or rotation angle of the outlet may be adjustable. The discharge may be directed to the target area by adjusting the height, tilt angle and / or rotation angle

[0032] The expression "a number of" refers herein to any positive integer starting from one (1), e.g. to one, two, or three.

[0033] The expression "a plurality of" refers herein to any positive integer starting from two (2), e.g. to two, three, or four.

[0034] Different embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED DRAWINGS

[0035] Next the invention is described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings in which Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an air cannon in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 2 illustrates a second view of the air cannon. Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the air cannon. Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of the air cannon in a tilted position. Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the air cannon. Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Referring to figure 1, the air cannon 100 comprises a pressure container 102 and an outlet 104.

[0037] Preferably, the pressure container 102 comprises four connectors 106-112. The first connector 106 is an inlet for filling the pressure container. The second connector 108 may be for a safety valve, the third connector 110 may be for a pressure gauge and the fourth connector may be for emergency drainage 112. In some embodiments the connectors are half inch connectors. The pressure container 102 comprises a service / maintenance connector 114 in the rear end. The service connector may be a two inch connector.

[0038] Preferably, the pressure container is 10-200 L. In a mobile embodiment the pressure container is preferably 10-90 L. In one preferable embodiment the pressure container is a 90 L pressure container. In a fixed embodiment, the pressure container may be, for example, 100 L, 150 L or 200 L.

[0039] Air or other gas from a factory network, or other real estate network, may be utilized to fill the pressure container. Alternatively, air or gas compressors may be used to fill the pressure container. The air cannon may utilize air, nitrogen or other suitable pressurized gas. For example, a factory network may provide 6-8 bars of pressure. If the aim is to pressurize the pressure container to 10 bars, the factory network may be utilized until 8 bars and a separate compressor may be used to pressurize from 8 to 10 bars. In some embodiments a nitrogen tank bottle with for example 200 bars may be used through a pressure regulator for pressurizing the pressure container.

[0040] Preferably, a mobile air cannon may utilize 6-20 bars of pressure. More preferably, a mobile air cannon may utilize 6-15 bars of pressure. A fixed air cannon may utilize 6-40 bars of pressure.

[0041] The air cannon 100 comprises an outlet 104. The outlet 104 comprises two parts, a base part 116 and an end part 118. The base part 116 is attached to the pressure container 102. The end part 118 may be detached from the base part 116.

[0042] The outlet 104 comprises a flange connection 120 for connecting the base part and the end part. A fractioning member 122 is arranged within the flange connection, between the base part 116 and the end part 118. The end part is tightened to the base part so that the fractioning member is pressed in the outlet 104 between the end part and the base part. The end part may be tightened with two wing nuts 124, 126. The outlet 104 comprises a connector 128, such as a Camlock coupling, for extending the outlet.

[0043] Preferably, the outlet is a 4 inch outlet. For example, for a 90 L pressure container, the outlet may be 4-6 inches. A smaller 10 L pressure container may use a 2 inch outlet. A 200 L pressure container may have a 4-12 inch outlet.

[0044] Preferably, the fractioning member is acrylic glass such as Plexiglas ®< . Alternatively, the fractioning member may be some other plastic sheet material, glass sheet or other suitable material. Preferably, the fractioning member is some brittle material fractioning from the pressure. The material selection and the thickness of the material may affect the strength of the discharge / blast of the air cannon.

[0045] Preferably, the thickness of the fractioning member is 1-10 mm. For example, a 3 mm thick acrylic glass sheet may break in 8 bars of pressure. The pressure and strength of discharge may thus be adjusted depending on the target. For example, in some embodiments a 6 mm thick acrylic glass may be utilized for a stronger discharge.

[0046] Additionally, the fractioning member may be machined to facilitate the fractioning. For example, cuts may be arranged to the surface of the fractioning member. For example, 0,5 mm deep cuts may be arranged to the surface of the fractioning member. Thus, a machined 6mm fractioning member may fracture in the same pressure as an unmachined 3mm fractioning member.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, hard particles such as sand and / or gravel may be arranged to the surface of the fractioning member to increase the effect on the target. The hard particles may be attached to the fractioning member with adhesive bags, for example.

[0048] The pressure container 102 may be arranged to a platform 130. The platform may be a movable platform. The movable platform may comprise wheels 132. The wheels may be locked so that the platform stays in place. The platform 130 comprises a push handle 133 for moving the air cannon.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the platform may be adjustable so that the height of the outlet may be adjusted. For example, the platform may be a mobile scissor lift trolley 134.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the platform is adjustable so that the tilt angle of the outlet is adjustable. The top part of the platform may comprise tilt adjustment means for adjusting the tilt angle. For example, in some embodiments, the tilt angle may be adjustable with + / - 25 degrees. The tilt adjustment means may comprise a tilt support plate 136, an axis shaft 138 around which the pressure container and / or outlet is tilted, and a locking handle 140.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, the platform is adjustable for rotating the outlet and / or pressure container. The top part of the platform may comprise rotation adjustment means for adjusting the rotation. In some embodiments, the pressure container and / or outlet may be rotated 90 degrees in both directions. The rotation adjustment means may comprise a rotating plate 142.

[0052] The air cannon 100 comprises recoil removal means. The recoil removal means may be arranged to the platform 130. The recoil removal means may comprise a recoil base 144. The recoil base 144 may be attached to the platform 130 with a quick release.

[0053] The pressure container 102 is arranged to the recoil base 144. The pressure container 102 comprises a first and second support plate 146, 148 with wheels. The wheels may be arranged to the recoil base so that the wheels move within tracks 150, 152 such as U-bars. The support plates may comprise wheels in four corners, for example.

[0054] The recoil removal means may comprise two cylinders 154, 156. Preferably, the cylinders are pneumatic cylinders. Alternatively, hydraulic cylinders may be used. The cylinders may be attached from the front end to the support plates 146, 148 and from the back end to the recoil base 144. The support plates with wheels may slide backwards in the tracks and the two cylinders may be configured to decelerate / brake the movement caused by the recoil.

[0055] The air cannon 100 comprises supports 158, 160 for stabilizing the structure. A first and second support 158, 160 is attached to the platform. Two brackets 162, 164 may be pulled out from the platform. The brackets comprise threaded plugs 166, 168 that are arranged against the surface below so that the supports stabilize the air cannon. The supports may assist keeping the air cannon in place from the recoil caused by the discharge.

[0056] The air cannon may be used to clean different targets. For example, the air cannon may be used in different settings in power stations (or power plants). For example, boilers may be cleaned with the air cannon during operation or when the boiler is not in use. Other target usage for the air cannon may be, for example, fireplaces, superheaters, evaporators, flue gas ducts, various reactor solutions, electrostatic precipitators, various accessory silos and other industrial applications.

[0057] Figure 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.

[0058] At method start-up 202, preparatory actions may take place.

[0059] At 204, a fractioning member is arranged in an outlet of an air cannon. For example, a sheet of acrylic glass or other plastic material is placed in the outlet. In some embodiments hard particles are arranged on the surface of the fractioning member.

[0060] At 206, a pressure container of the air cannon is filled with gas. The pressure container may be filled with gas from a factory network and / or a compressor, for example.

[0061] At 208, the pressure container is pressurized until the fractioning member breaks. For example, a fractioning member may withstand 8 bars of pressure. The fractioning member breaks when the pressure exceeds the breaking point of the fractioning member and the air is discharged from the air cannon.

[0062] At 210, the height of the outlet is adjusted. In some embodiments the height of the outlet and / or pressure container may be adjusted. This may include adjusting the height of a platform for the pressure container.

[0063] At 212, the tilt angle of the outlet is adjusted. In some embodiments, the tilt angle is adjusted. This may include adjusting the tilt angle of a platform for the pressure container.

[0064] At 214, the rotation angle of the outlet is adjusted. In some embodiments, the rotation angle is adjusted. This may include adjusting the rotation angle of a platform for the pressure container.

[0065] Steps 210, 212 and / or 214 may take place before steps 204, 206 and / or 208.

[0066] At 216, the method execution is ended.

Claims

1. A mobile air cannon for cleaning, that comprises - a pressure container (102) for pressurizing gas, - an outlet (104), - a fracturing member (122) arranged in the outlet, wherein the fracturing member (122) breaks when the pressure in the pressure container (122) exceeds the breaking point of the fracturing member (122), and wherein the mobile air cannon (100) further comprises - an adjustable platform (130), (134), wherein the tilt angle and / or rotation angle of the outlet (104) can be adjusted, and - recoil removal means (144), (154), (156).

2. The mobile air cannon (100) of claim 1, wherein the fracturing member (122) has a breaking point of at least 6 bars of pressure.

3. The mobile air cannon (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the fracturing member (122) is a plastic sheet.

4. The mobile air cannon (100) of claim 3, wherein the fracturing member (122) is acrylic glass.

5. The mobile air cannon (100) of any of claims 3-4, wherein the thickness of the plastic sheet is 1-10mm.

6. The mobile air cannon (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the fractioning member (122) is machined, such as with cuts in the surface of the fractioning member (122), to facilitate the fractioning of the fractioning member (122).

7. The mobile air cannon (100) of any preceding claim, wherein hard particles are arranged on the surface of the fractioning member (122) to increase the effect on a target.

8. The mobile air cannon (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the outlet (104) comprises at least two parts (116), (118) such that the fracturing member (122) may be arranged between the two parts (116), (118) of the outlet (104).

9. The mobile air cannon (100) of any preceding claim, comprising a movable platform (130).

10. The mobile air cannon (100) of any preceding claim, comprising an adjustable platform (130), (134), wherein the height of the outlet can be adjusted.

11. The mobile air cannon (100) of claim 10, wherein the recoil removal means (144) comprise at least one or two cylinders (154), (156).

12. A method for discharging a mobile air cannon for cleaning different targets, the method comprises - arranging (204) a fractioning member in an outlet of the mobile air cannon (100), - filling (206) a pressure container (102) of the mobile air cannon (100) with gas, and - pressurizing (208) the pressure container (102) until the fractioning member (122) breaks wherein the method for discharging the mobile air cannon (100) further comprises - adjusting (210), (212), (214) an adjustable platform (130), (134), wherein the tilt angle and / or rotation angle (214) of the outlet can be adjusted, and - removing recoil by recoil removal means of the mobile air cannon (100).

13. A method of claim 12, wherein the height of the outlet is adjusted.

Images