Device for aspirating elements suspended in a liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for aspirating elements suspended in a liquid. The aspirating device (1) comprises a first duct (10) having a first inlet orifice (11) and an outlet orifice (12), and at least one second duct (20) opening into the first duct (10) and comprising a second inlet orifice (21), the second orifice having a projecting lip (22) arranged on one side of the second orifice, opposite the outlet orifice (12), wherein at least some of the elements are aspirated via the second orifice (21) and expelled via the outlet orifice (12).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Device for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid.

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to devices for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid. The present invention also relates to a device or system for capturing or collecting such elements. The present invention also relates to a device or system for cleaning or decontaminating a liquid having elements in suspension.

[0005] Technological background

[0006] Whether it is a body of water, a swimming pool, a pond, a lagoon, or even the sea or the ocean, elements may be suspended at or near the surface of the liquid they contain. Such elements may be pollutants, for example, duckweed in a lagoon or hydrocarbons at sea. Other suspended elements may be present intentionally, for example, plants grown on the surface of a body of water.

[0007] Such suspended elements must then be captured or collected, in order to avoid any pollution of the fluid or the environment in which they are found in particular.

[0008] Many devices are known for carrying out the operations mentioned above. For example, there is a floating structure for cleaning a body of water presented in document FR2483878A1 or a floating aquatic vehicle for collecting aquatic plants floating at the surface of an aquatic environment presented in document FR3045560B1. Such systems nevertheless have many disadvantages such as their size and the on-board mass, but also a high maintenance cost due to their complexity and the need to have at least one permanent operator to guide the boat.On a smaller scale, there are devices such as robots or Venturi brooms that can collect suspended elements in swimming pools by connecting to surface skimmers (or "skimmers" in English), or suction devices in the form of a funnel or an upside-down cup suspended from a floating structure that can directly suck up floating elements such as duckweed from under the surface. The disadvantage of these devices is that they have very low performance; in fact, the volume of suspended elements captured through these devices does not allow for rapid treatment of large bodies of water.

[0009] Summary of the present invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the implementation of a method for treating a liquid or collecting elements suspended in a liquid requiring the use of such a suction device.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid, characterized in that said suction device comprises:

[0013] - a first conduit comprising a first inlet orifice and an outlet orifice, the first conduit extending in a first direction of a first vector connecting a center of the first inlet orifice to a center of the outlet orifice; and

[0014] - at least one second conduit opening into the first conduit and comprising a second inlet orifice, the second conduit extending in a second direction of a second vector connecting a center of the second inlet orifice to a meeting point of the first conduit and the second conduit, the second vector being oriented at an acute angle relative to the first vector, the second inlet orifice comprising a projecting spout arranged on a portion of a contour of the second inlet orifice distal to the outlet orifice, such that at least a portion of the suspended elements are sucked in via the second inlet orifice and discharged via the outlet orifice.

[0015] According to a variant of the suction device, the protruding spout is arranged in an extension of the second duct.

[0016] This makes it easier to create the protruding beak.

[0017] According to another variant, a height of the protruding spout is between 0.5 and 2 times a minimum width of a section of the second duct.

[0018] Such a height of the protruding spout makes it possible to limit the quantity of gas bubbles incorporated into the liquid around the second inlet orifice.

[0019] According to another variant, the protruding spout has a base with a width of between 0.25 and 1 times a minimum width of a section of the second conduit.

[0020] This nozzle width allows for maximum effect in limiting the diameter of a vortex near the second inlet.

[0021] According to yet another variant, the angle a has a value between 33 and 67°.

[0022] Such relative orientation of the first and second conduits facilitates flow through these conduits as well as mixing of flows passing through them.

[0023] According to a further variant, a thickness of a wall of the second conduit varies from a minimum value at the second inlet to a maximum value within the second conduit.

[0024] This variation in thickness makes it possible to obtain a shape making the flow of the fluid and / or elements in suspension laminar along the second conduit.

[0025] According to another variant, the first conduit has a circular section and the second conduit has an elliptical section.

[0026] Such sections guarantee a homogeneous flow and avoid any areas of retention of liquid or suspended elements.

[0027] According to an additional variant, the first conduit corresponds to a hollow tube with an external diameter of between 50 and 200 mm. The use of a hollow tube allows the use of standard elements for the production of such a suction device.

[0028] According to another variant, a ratio between a surface forming the second inlet orifice and a surface forming the first inlet orifice is between 1 and 2.

[0029] This surface ratio makes it possible to obtain a ratio between flows through the first inlet orifice and through the second inlet orifice defining an optimal rate of suspended elements mixed in the liquid discharged via the outlet orifice.

[0030] According to yet another variant, the suction device is made of a thermoplastic material of the Polyvinyl Chloride type, of a metallic material of the aluminum or stainless steel type or of a composite material of carbon fiber or fiberglass.

[0031] The use of these materials allows the suction device to resist the attacks of the environment in which it is used, whether chemical or mechanical.

[0032] According to a further variant, the outlet port is configured to receive a vacuum discharge pipe and / or the first inlet port is configured to receive a load discharge pipe.

[0033] This makes it easier to connect to a drain and / or inlet pipe.

[0034] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a system for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid comprising a suction device as described above according to the first aspect of the present invention, the system further comprising a floating structure attached to the suction device so as to position the second inlet orifice at a first distance from a surface of the liquid less than a second distance between the surface and the first inlet orifice, the floating structure comprising a rigid frame supported by at least three floats, the at least three floats being arranged so as to form a triangle in which the suction device is located.

[0035] The suction device is thus positioned relative to the liquid and the suspended elements. According to a variant, the system further comprises first means for adjusting an immersion depth of the suction device and second means for adjusting an angle of inclination of the suction device.

[0036] These settings allow the suction device to be optimally positioned in relation to the liquid and suspended elements.

[0037] According to a further variant, the system further comprises at least one discharge pipe and a pump.

[0038] Brief description of the figures

[0039] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 8, in which:

[0040] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a device for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid, according to a first particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates a device for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid, according to a second particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates a sectional view of the suction device of Figure

[0043] 1, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates a sectional view of the suction device of Figure

[0045] 2, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a top view of the suction device of FIG. 1, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates a top view of the suction device of Figure 2, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Fig. 7] schematically illustrates a system comprising the device of Figure 1 and a floating structure, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] [Fig. 8] schematically illustrates a system comprising the device of FIG. 1, a floating structure, a discharge pipe and a pump, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Description of examples of implementation

[0050] A device and a system for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid will now be described in the following with joint reference to figures 1 to 8.

[0051] The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0052] Certain bodies of water such as a body of water, a swimming pool, a basin, a lagoon or even the sea or the ocean contain elements floating on the surface and / or present in suspension near the surface.

[0053] Such elements correspond, for example, to pollutants such as:

[0054] - duckweed or other invasive aquatic plants,

[0055] - elements of natural origin such as branches or leaves floating on the surface or algae,

[0056] - floating waste linked to human activity, also called “aquatic waste” such as bottles, plastic bags, or

[0057] - hydrocarbons or chemicals immiscible with water.

[0058] Such suspended elements must then be captured or collected in order to avoid any pollution of the fluid or the environment in which they are found in particular.

[0059] Other suspended elements are for example present in a deliberate manner, for example plants grown on the surface of a body of water, such as:

[0060] - duckweed used in the manufacture of animal feed, - surface-floating fruits such as cranberries at the time of harvest, or

[0061] - fleur de sel in a salt marsh.

[0062] These suspended elements must then be collected in order to be recycled.

[0063] It is therefore desirable for a user wishing to clean a body of water or collect suspended elements to be able to capture these elements and then, for example, separate them from the fluid in which they are found.

[0064] Other liquid containers such as tanks or vats containing any type of liquid, for example oil, food liquid, are also likely to contain additional floating or suspended elements or particles which need to be extracted.

[0065] One objective of the present invention is to propose a versatile solution, allowing the treatment of any volume of liquid thanks to its performance and any type of suspended element thanks to the robustness of the device. Another objective is, for example, to propose a solution that is simple to implement.

[0066] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, a device for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid comprises a first conduit comprising a first inlet orifice and an outlet orifice, the first conduit extending in a first direction of a first vector connecting a center of the first inlet orifice to a center of the outlet orifice.

[0067] The device also comprises at least one second conduit opening into the first conduit, this second conduit comprising a second inlet orifice. The second conduit extends in a second direction of a second vector connecting a center of the second inlet orifice to a meeting point of the first conduit and the second conduit, the second vector being oriented at an acute angle relative to the first vector. The second inlet orifice also comprises a projecting spout arranged on a portion of a contour of the second inlet orifice distal to the outlet orifice. A portion of the suspended elements are thus sucked in via the second inlet orifice and discharged via the outlet orifice.

[0068] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a device 1 for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] This device 1 comprises a first conduit 10 comprising a first inlet orifice 11 and an outlet orifice 12.

[0070] The first conduit 10 extends along a first direction of a first vector z1 connecting a center A of the first inlet orifice 11 to a center B of the outlet orifice 12.

[0071] The first conduit 10 has the function of transferring liquid and elements suspended in the liquid from the first inlet orifice 11 to the outlet orifice 12.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the outlet orifice 12 is configured to receive a vacuum discharge pipe 40 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0073] The outlet orifice 12 is then configured to connect a first end of an evacuation pipe 40. This evacuation pipe 40 can be of different types and of varied diameters depending on the necessary flow rates and depending on the environment where the device is installed. The diameter of this pipe is for example defined according to one or more parameters such as:

[0074] - the type of suspended elements, their size and rigidity,

[0075] - the type of liquid and its viscosity, and

[0076] - the volume of liquid to be treated.

[0077] Thus, the 40 drain pipe will not be the same depending on whether it is to clean an aquarium, to suck up duckweed in a pond or to capture hydrocarbons on the surface of an ocean during an oil spill.

[0078] Similarly, the first conduit 10 has a shape and size defined in particular according to the parameters previously mentioned. There are different ways of making this connection, many solutions existing in particular in the case of the connection of a pipe of circular section.

[0079] A first solution consists of connecting the end of the main conduit 10 corresponding to the outlet orifice 12 by interlocking with the pipe 40. A clamp is then used to lock the pipe 40 in position on the end of the main conduit 10 corresponding to the outlet orifice 12. This solution has the advantage of being very easy to implement, both in manufacturing and in handling by a user. Indeed, in manufacturing, the end of the first conduit 10 corresponding to the outlet orifice 12 must just correspond to a portion of a cylindrical conduit sufficiently rigid not to give way when tightening the fixing clamp. On the use side, tightening is carried out by simply screwing a clamp, the clamp being a standard accessory and easily replaceable in the event of failure.However, this solution has the disadvantage of requiring the use of a tool for screwing and the good mechanical strength of the pipe 40 on the first conduit 10 is only guaranteed when the tightening is sufficient.

[0080] A second solution consists of connecting the end of the main conduit 10 corresponding to the outlet orifice 12 with the pipe 40 using a quick connector, also called an automatic connector and commonly used for garden hoses. A simple clipping is then sufficient to connect the two parts, which makes it a very practical connection for a user of the device 1. According to such a solution, the end of the main conduit 10 corresponding to the outlet orifice 12 is provided with a part of the automatic connector. This solution is advantageous in the case of using pipes of a diameter similar to a garden hose, that is to say a pipe of diameter of the order of 10 to 20 mm. It is in particular possible to produce a threaded part on the first conduit 10 in order to screw a standard end piece therein.

[0081] A third solution is to use symmetrical half-couplings, commonly called Guillemin symmetrical couplings or "firefighter" couplings. This type of coupling is commonly used for larger diameter pipes, ranging from 25 to 100mm. Such a coupling has many advantages: it is suitable for many pipe diameters, withstands heavy loads and vibrations, and is quick to install because a user only needs to make a quarter turn to connect the two parts. Such a coupling is also standard and available in different materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, or polypropylene, so it is easy to obtain a coupling suitable for the intended use depending on the destination environment.

[0082] The depression of the discharge pipe 40 then generates a flow of liquid and suspended elements in the first conduit 10 from the first inlet orifice 11 to the outlet orifice 12 connected to the discharge pipe 40.

[0083] Such a depression is, for example, generated by a pump 50 as shown in FIG. 8. The discharge pipe 40 is then connected to this pump 50 at its second end.

[0084] The 50 pump is then sized according to numerous parameters including the previously mentioned parameters but also:

[0085] - a diameter and length of the discharge pipe 40, and / or

[0086] - a height difference between the pump and the device 1, and / or

[0087] - of a defined flow rate.

[0088] According to an alternative embodiment, a discharge pipe is connected to the first inlet orifice 11 of the device 1 in addition to the discharge pipe 40 connected under vacuum to the outlet orifice 12. Such an alternative makes it possible to control the liquid passing through the first conduit 10.

[0089] According to another embodiment variant, a discharge pipe is connected under load to the inlet orifice 11 and a suction pipe 40 is connected to the outlet orifice. The same pump 50 or several pumps 50 are then used. Such a variant makes it possible to compensate for pressure losses through the pipes, the performance of a system comprising the device, several pipes and at least one pump would then be improved.

[0090] The device 1 advantageously has at least one second conduit 20 opening into the first conduit 10 and comprising a second inlet orifice 21. The second conduit 20 extends in a second direction of a second vector z2 connecting a center D of the second inlet orifice 21 to a meeting point C of the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20, the second vector z2 being oriented at an acute angle a relative to the first vector z1.

[0091] A flow of liquid and suspended elements in the first conduit 10 generates a depression in the second conduit 20. This depression in turn generates a flow of liquid and suspended elements in the second conduit 20, a portion of the suspended elements is then sucked in via the second inlet orifice 21 and discharged via the outlet orifice 12.

[0092] The second inlet 21 is positioned closer to the surface 60 of the liquid than the first inlet 11.

[0093] In the case where the suspended elements are more densely distributed near the surface 60 of the liquid, the second flow of liquid and suspended elements sucked in by the second inlet orifice 21 meets the first flow of liquid and suspended elements sucked in by the first inlet orifice 12 in the conduit 10, the first flow is also called the carrier flow. The two flows are then mixed, a third flow consisting of liquid and suspended elements sucked in by the two inlet orifices 11, 21 then passes towards the outlet orifice 12. This third flow is less rich in suspended elements than the second flow, the first flow also called the “carrier flow” having diluted the suspended elements. The third flow is then easier to transport. Indeed, the greater the density of suspended elements, the more energy is required to transport the mixture.

[0094] According to a particular embodiment, the first 10 and second 20 conduits are at least partially rectilinear.

[0095] Straight pipes reduce pressure losses when a fluid flows through them. In addition to pressure losses related to the use of elbows in the pipes, solid elements can block the pipes. The use of straight pipes makes it possible to optimize the flows passing through them. In order to optimize these flows but also the mixing resulting from the meeting of the first flow with the second flow, the angle α between the two pipes is an important factor to consider. The goal is to obtain a determined ratio between the first flow and the second flow and an optimal quality of the mixture of the two flows.

[0096] For an angle a close to 90°, the second flow will for example be almost non-existent, it is therefore necessary that the angle a be acute. According to a particular embodiment, the angle a is between 33 and 67°, which improves the homogeneity of the mixture. According to another particular embodiment, the angle a is equal to 45°.

[0097] To improve or increase the flow rates of the first, second and third flows and / or to avoid shapes that reveal hollows or roughness to avoid any stagnation, the shape is for example a hollow tube of circular section for all the conduits, in particular the conduits 10, 20.

[0098] The use of hollow tubes with a circular cross-section has many advantages, the circle being the geometric shape with the highest surface / diameter ratio, the device 1 then has maximum conduit sections 10, 20 in relation to the quantity of material used. The device 1 is then proportionally very light. In addition, the hollow tubes are easily shaped by bending in particular, and the production of a device 1 with this shape is facilitated. Finally, these shapes make it very easy to clean, which is essential when this device is used to depollute an environment. Indeed, it is advisable not to move polluting elements from an environment where the device 1 has been used to a second environment where the device 1 will be used.

[0099] In this example, the conduits are made with hollow tubes of circular section, the first inlet orifice 11 is obtained by cutting the tube along a section normal to its axis and the second orifice is obtained along a section parallel to the axis of the first tube. The first inlet orifice 11 then has a circular section and the second inlet orifice 21 has an elliptical section.

[0100] According to a particular embodiment, the first conduit 10 is made in the form of a hollow tube with an external diameter of between 50 and 200 mm. Such a diameter is used, for example, in the case of suctioning duckweed. The section of the first conduit 10 is then between 19.6 cm 2 and 314cm 2. The second conduit 20 has an elliptical section as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The section of the second conduit 20 is defined by the length a of its semi-minor axis and the length b of its semi-major axis. Here a is equal to the radius of the first conduit 10, for an angle a of 45° we obtain: b = a * 2

[0101] With :

[0102] - has the semi-minor axis of the ellipse,

[0103] - b the semi-major axis of the ellipse.

[0104] For an angle a of 45° we obtain a ratio of 1.41 between the section of the second conduit 20 and the section of the first conduit 10.

[0105] More generally, to improve the suction at the second inlet orifice 21 and the mixing of the first and second flows, a ratio between a surface area of ​​the second inlet orifice 21 and a surface area of ​​the first inlet orifice 11 is for example between 1 and 2.

[0106] With the predefined angles and ratio, it is observed that 90% of the volume of liquid and suspended elements is sucked through the first inlet orifice 11, but the volume of suspended elements is mainly sucked through the second inlet orifice 21.

[0107] The low rate of overall volume absorbed at the surface makes it possible to obtain a very low liquid speed at the surface, which contributes to protecting living beings in aquatic environments, in particular amphibians which have time to escape, but also allows a user to remove any obstacle which could block the second inlet orifice 21.

[0108] If an obstacle were to be sucked in through the second inlet orifice 21, it is necessary to facilitate its passage so as to avoid blocking one of the conduits. For this purpose, according to a particular embodiment, an elbow 23 is made at the junction between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20, as shown in FIG. 3. In this way, a large obstacle can then pass freely through the device 1. According to an exemplary embodiment, several second conduits 20 each having a second inlet orifice 21 can be arranged, opening in turn into the first conduit 10. This set of second inlet orifices 21 makes it possible to suck in liquid and suspended elements at several locations. The device 1 then comprises a suction ramp composed of at least one second conduit 20.The section of the main conduit is then, according to an exemplary embodiment, increasing as a function of the sections of each second conduit 20 which opens into the first conduit 10.

[0109] When sucking through the second inlet orifice, a vortex may appear on the surface 60 of the liquid. Such a vortex may bring air incorporated into the liquid into the second conduit which is then sucked by the device 1.

[0110] In order to avoid a significant formation of a vortex or whirlpool on the surface 60 of the liquid, the second orifice 21 comprises a projecting spout 22 arranged on a part of a contour of the second inlet orifice 21 distal to the outlet orifice.

[0111] This projecting beak 22 represents, for example, a prominent shape arranged in the extension of the second conduit 20 and placed in the field of a vortex being created above the first inlet orifice 21, that is to say between the inlet orifice 21 and the surface 60 of the liquid.

[0112] According to a particular embodiment, the spout is made in a separate part from the second conduit 20, making the spout interchangeable, for example. A multitude of spout shapes is then possible, making it possible to install a spout perfectly adapted to the environment defined by the liquid and the suspended elements, for example cuttings of root plants, sargassum, ulva (marine green algae), tree leaves with petioles, submerged plants without roots, microplastics or vegetables.

[0113] This projecting nozzle 22 limits the diameter of the vortex or whirlpool forming, thus making it possible to increase the flow rate of liquid and suspended elements sucked in by the second inlet orifice 21 without sucking in air. Indeed, in the case of using a pump 50 it is necessary to ensure that the quantity of air sucked in by the entire device 1 does not exceed a certain threshold, for example 10 to 15% maximum of air. Otherwise, the pump 50 may lose its prime, causing the suction system to fail. The height h of the projecting nozzle 22 is defined so as to keep the projecting nozzle 22 below the surface of the liquid, a stream of water of a height f being present between the upper end of the projecting nozzle 22 and the surface 60 of the liquid. Ideally, the height h of the projecting spout 22 is defined so as to guarantee a water flow height f between 1 mm and 20 mm.The height h of the projecting beak 22 is ideally between 0.5 and 2 times a minimum width a of a section of the second conduit 20. The base of the projecting beak 22 has a half-width c ideally between 0.25 and 1 time the minimum width of a section of the second conduit 20.

[0114] The height h of the projecting beak 22 is, for example, defined as being equal to the length a of the semi-minor axis of the ellipse previously described as presented in Figures 5 and 6. h = b

[0115] With :

[0116] - h the height of the protruding beak 22, and

[0117] - b the length of the semi-major axis of the ellipse.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the projecting spout 22 has a base with a width less than or equal to the length of a minor axis of an ellipse defining a contour of the second inlet orifice 21 and greater than a quarter of the length of a minor axis of an ellipse defining a contour of the second inlet orifice 21.

[0119] Generally speaking, for a second conduit 20 of elliptical section, we note that: a

[0120] - < c < a 4

[0121] With :

[0122] - c the half-width of the base of the projecting beak 22, and

[0123] - the length of the semi-minor axis of the ellipse.

[0124] The second inlet orifice 21 retains a contour defined in a plane parallel to the axis of the first conduit 10 outside the projecting spout 22.

[0125] With these proportions between the dimensions of the projecting beak 22 and the dimensions of the ellipse describing the outline of the second inlet orifice, it is found that the air does not exceed half the height of the tip, which avoids any loss of priming in the case of use of a pump 50 to suck up the liquid via the suction pipe 40 connected to the outlet orifice 12.

[0126] Figures 1, 3 and 5 show an example of device 1 for which the width of the projecting beak is equal to the length of the short axis of the ellipse.

[0127] Figures 2, 4 and 6 show an example of device 1 for which the width of the projecting beak is equal to a quarter of the length of the short axis of the ellipse.

[0128] In addition, the vortex created by the suction of the liquid and the suspended elements is centered on the ellipse and collides with the bottom of the second conduit 20, which allows optimal mixing of the fluid and the suspended elements and breaks up any blocks of amalgamated material made up of suspended elements.

[0129] In order to avoid the formation of other disturbances around the second inlet orifice 21, a thickness of a wall of the second conduit 20 varies from a minimum value at the second inlet orifice 21 to a maximum value inside the second conduit according to a particular embodiment.

[0130] The edges of the second conduit 20 are refined at the level of the second inlet orifice 21, by making, for example, fillets on an inner edge of the second inlet orifice 21. The radius of this fillet is itself variable along the contour defined by the edge of the second conduit, ranging from a maximum value in a distal part of the outlet orifice 12 to a minimum radius in a distal part of the outlet orifice 12.

[0131] The refining of the edge of the second conduit 20 is not limited to the production of a fillet, but can be obtained by the production of a chamfer or any other similar shape.

[0132] The flow through the second conduit is thus laminar, the liquid and the suspended elements follow the edges of the conduit without forming turbulence, the flow is thus optimal and does not generate any pressure loss.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the device 1 is made of a thermoplastic material of the Polyvinyl Chloride type (also called "PVC"). This material has the advantage of being resistant to a number of chemicals. In addition, the manufacture Y1 of such a device in this material allows, for example, the use of standard elements such as conduits, elbows and junctions. It is therefore very easy to manufacture a device in this material.

[0134] However, it is worth noting some disadvantages such as the relatively large wall thicknesses compared to conduits made of sheet metal. Also worth noting is the low resistance to abrasion, and the impossibility of using this material in a fluid at a high or very low temperature.

[0135] According to another embodiment, the device 1 is made of a metallic material such as aluminum or stainless steel. These materials make it possible to produce conduits whose walls have thinner walls than those made of Polyvinyl Chloride, for example 0.7 mm compared to 3 mm in Polyvinyl Chloride.

[0136] For example, a 304 type stainless steel is recommended in a food industry environment, while a 316 type stainless steel, which is more resistant to corrosion, or aluminum is recommended in a marine environment.

[0137] Other metals are still being considered for producing the device 1. For example, in the case where these metals are not very resistant to corrosion, protection of these metals is obtained by coating them with a protective layer, by protecting them using an electric current or even by adding an anode to the device 1, the latter oxidizing before the metal used for producing the conduits 10, 20 of the device 1.

[0138] Materials such as composites made with carbon fiber or fiberglass are also being considered, making the device very light, for example.

[0139] In order to position and orient the device 1 in a volume of liquid, a structure is for example fixed to the device 1, allowing it to be positioned and maintained during a phase of use.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the device 1 is part of a system as shown in Figure 7. Such a system comprises the device 1 and further comprises a floating structure 30 attached to the device 1 so as to position the second inlet orifice 21 at a first distance from a surface 60 of the liquid, which first distance is less than a second distance between the surface 60 and the first inlet orifice 11. The floating structure 30 comprises for example a rigid frame 34 supported by at least three floats 31, 32, 33, the floats being arranged so as to form a triangle in which the device 1 is located.

[0141] The first float 31 is in this embodiment placed in front of the second inlet orifice 21 at a determined distance from the latter, that is to say that the first float 31 is positioned at the level of the surface 60 of the liquid on the side of the projecting spout 22 of the device 1. In this position, the first float 31 protects the projecting spout 22 from solid bodies which may strike the projecting spout 22, it prevents for example a branch floating on the surface of the liquid from directly touching this projecting spout 22.

[0142] Advantageously, the first float also has a submerged sliding stabilizer. Such a stabilizer thus makes it possible to buffer any hydraulic shock when a pump 50 is loaded, preventing any sudden movement of the device 1 and thus avoiding sucking in air if the first inlet orifice 21 were to come too close to the surface 60 of the liquid. The stabilizer has, for example, a mass of 1 kg in the case where a diameter of the first conduit 10 of the device 1 is of the order of 100 mm.

[0143] The second 32 and third 33 floats are placed so as to form, with the first float 31, a triangle centered on the device 1. In this way, the first float 31 being placed in front of the projecting spout 22, the first float 31 is positioned opposite the outlet orifice 12, i.e. opposite the discharge pipe 40. The second 32 and third 33 floats are then arranged on either side of the discharge pipe 40.

[0144] A main flow of liquid and suspended elements on the surface 60 of the liquid comes from the side opposite the projecting spout 22. This main flow then passes between the second 32 and third 33 floats. The second 32 and third 33 floats do not obstruct the main flow on the surface 60 of the liquid, the flow around the device 1 is then facilitated.

[0145] The shape, size and material of the floats 31, 32, 33 depends on several parameters such as the nature of the liquid and the suspended elements which will be in contact with them, but also on the mass to be carried. Indeed, their role is to carry the device 1 as well as the rigid frame 34 whose masses are variable depending on their size and the materials used.

[0146] It is thus possible to use standard floats such as spherical buoys made of thermoplastic material. The use of standard elements thus allows them to be quickly interchanged depending on the environment of use and facilitates maintenance. According to the sizing elements previously used, the mass carried by a buoy is close to 5 kg, the system comprising the device 1 and the floating structure 30 having a total mass of less than 15 kg.

[0147] It is also possible, for specific uses, to make floats from various materials and in more complex designs. For example, phosphorescent materials are used for better visibility at night and / or lighting is integrated, for example battery-powered lighting inside waterproof floats.

[0148] The rigid frame 34 is completely submerged, allowing a user to operate easily around the device 1, it is thus very easy to evacuate floating elements which could block the second inlet orifice 21 when the device 1 is in operation. The absence of obstacles obtained by a submerged rigid structure 34 allows the user to have optimal visibility of the device 1, thus facilitating flow and pressure adjustments for example.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the floats 31, 32, 33 are completely submerged under the surface 60 of the liquid, just like the rigid frame 34. This is possible by defining the volume and the material of the floats 31, 32, 33 so as to very precisely support the system consisting of the device 1 and the floating structure 30. This makes it possible to form no obstacle on the surface, facilitating the flow of the fluid and the elements in suspension at the surface 60 of the liquid and also making it possible to have a system comprising the device 1 and the floating structure 30 invisible.

[0150] According to another embodiment, the rigid frame 34 and the device 1 are made of a single piece. This solution has the advantage of developing together this sub-assembly of the system comprising the device 1 and the floating structure 30, adapting the different elements so as to optimize the flows of liquid and suspended elements for example, but also to obtain a mechanically balanced system which facilitates its handling.

[0151] According to the previously used sizing elements, the system comprising the device 1 and the floating structure 30 only requires a draft of 35 cm. It can therefore be used very close to the banks of a pond for example but also in liquid containers with a shallow depth.

[0152] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the system comprising the device 1 and the floating structure 30 further comprises first means for adjusting an immersion depth of the device 1 and second means for adjusting an angle of inclination of the device 1.

[0153] The floats 31, 32, 33 are for example fixed to the rigid frame 34 using an adjustable fixing means, for example allowing a vertical translation of the float 31, 32, 33 relative to the rigid frame 34. Such a fixing is for example achieved using a connection obtained by the assembly of a threaded element connected to a float 31, 32, 33 and a nut connected to the rigid frame 34. This fixing means allows an adjustment of the parallelism, that is to say of the inclination of the device 1 relative to the surface of the liquid, and of the immersion depth of the device 1 in particular the height f of the water stream. According to this example, the first and second adjustment means are combined.

[0154] These means for adjusting an immersion depth of the device 1 and means for adjusting an angle of inclination of the device 1 make it possible to use the device 1 in different environments while guaranteeing optimal adjustment of the device depending, for example, on the viscosity of the liquid, the size and position of the elements in suspension.

[0155] These adjustment means are for example obtained using other types of construction, for example racks with several positions, and can be adjusted remotely for example using simple mechanical means such as a lever connected to a sheathed cable driving an element of the adjustment means in translation or using more complex mechanical elements such as jacks or small motors. According to another embodiment, the fixed frame 34 is not connected to floats 31, 32, 33 but is fixed to a wall of a basin or a tank, or is carried using a winch supported outside the structure containing the liquid.

[0156] As previously developed and presented in Figure 8, the suction pipe 40 can be connected to a pump 50. The system for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid comprises the device 1, the floating structure 30, at least one discharge pipe 40 and a pump 50.

[0157] The pump 50 is not mounted on the floating device 30, thus making the assembly composed of the floating device 30 and the device 1 very light. The latter is then very easy to handle and allows a single person to move it. In a previously developed example, this assembly has a mass of less than 15 kg. It is thus easy to move this assembly on unstable banks or those with a steep slope, for example. In addition, the low draft, 35 cm according to the example, allows the assembly to be placed close to these banks.

[0158] In addition, since the pump 50 is not on board, it is arranged outside the container. It is thus placed on a stable and easily accessible support. According to one example, the pump 50 remains attached to a means of transport, thus avoiding having to move it.

[0159] Whether electric or thermal, the pump 50 is not in contact with the liquid and the suspended elements. It is thus protected from possible chemical attacks from the medium consisting of the liquid and the suspended elements. Similarly, this medium is protected from any nuisance coming from the pump 50 such as noise, vibrations, oil loss or electrical risks.

[0160] The system consisting of device 1 and the floating structure is thus inert and can be used in environments of an inflammable or explosive nature.

[0161] Another advantage of relocating the 50 pump is that it makes the system easier to clean. The exterior of a 50 pump is not easy to clean because it has many rough spots. Since the exterior of the 50 pump is not in contact with the environment, it does not risk moving pollutants or invasive species from one environment to another.

[0162] Depending on the type of element suspended in the liquid, different elements can then be added to the system, for example at the pump outlet such as sieves, filters, devices allowing chemical treatment, or by ultraviolet lamps.

[0163] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to any device for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid regardless of the nature of the liquid and the type of elements in suspension.

[0164] The present invention also relates to a system for pumping or suctioning elements suspended in a liquid, for example a fixed or mobile pumping or treatment station, comprising the device 1 of figures 1 to 6.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Suction device (1) for elements suspended in a liquid, characterized in that said suction device (1) comprises: - a first conduit (10) comprising a first inlet orifice (11) and an outlet orifice (12), the first conduit (10) extending in a first direction of a first vector (z1) connecting a center (A) of the first inlet orifice (11) to a center (B) of the outlet orifice (12); and - at least one second conduit (20) opening into the first conduit (10) and comprising a second inlet orifice (21), the second conduit (20) extending in a second direction of a second vector (z2) connecting a center (D) of the second inlet orifice (21) to a meeting point (C) of the first conduit (10) and the second conduit (20), the second vector (z2) being oriented at an acute angle (a) relative to the first vector (z1), the second inlet orifice (21) comprising a projecting spout (22) arranged on a portion of a contour of said second inlet orifice (21) distal to said outlet orifice (12), such that at least a portion of said suspended elements are sucked in via the second inlet orifice (21) and discharged via the outlet orifice (12).

2. Suction device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said projecting nozzle (22) is arranged in an extension of the second conduit (20).

3. Suction device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, for which a height (h) of said projecting spout (22) is between 0.5 and 2 times a minimum width (a) of a section of said second conduit (20).

4. Suction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, for which said projecting spout (22) has a base with a width of between 0.25 and 1 times a minimum width of a section of said second conduit (20).

5. Suction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, for which said angle (a) has a value between 33 and 67°.

6. Suction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, for which a thickness of a wall of said second conduit (20) varies from a minimum value at said second inlet orifice (21) to a maximum value inside said second conduit (20).

7. Suction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, for which said first conduit (10) has a circular section and said second conduit (20) has an elliptical section.

8. Suction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, for which said first conduit (10) corresponds to a hollow tube with an external diameter of between 50 and 200 mm.

9. Suction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, for which a ratio between a surface forming said second inlet orifice (21) and a surface forming said first inlet orifice (11) is between 1 and 2.

10. Suction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which is made of a thermoplastic material of the Polyvinyl Chloride type, of a metallic material of the aluminum or stainless steel type or of a composite material of carbon fiber or fiberglass.

11. Suction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, for which said outlet orifice (12) is configured to receive a vacuum discharge pipe (40) and / or said first inlet orifice (11) is configured to receive a charge discharge pipe.

12. A system for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid comprising the suction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, said system further comprising a floating structure (30) fixed to said suction device (1) so as to position said second inlet orifice (21) at a first distance from a surface (60) of said liquid less than a second distance between said surface (60) and said first inlet orifice (11), said floating structure (30) comprising a rigid frame (34) supported by at least three floats (31, 32, 33), said at least three floats being arranged so as to form a triangle in which said suction device (1) is located.

13. System according to claim 12, further comprising first means for adjusting an immersion depth of the suction device (1) and second means for adjusting an angle of inclination of the suction device (1).

14. System according to one of claims 12 to 13, further comprising at least one discharge pipe (40) and a pump (50).

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