Multi-valve device for mobile tank

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-valve device (1) for a mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, making it possible to increase the versatility of such a mobile tank. The present invention therefore also relates to a mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, comprising such a multi-valve device (1) as well as the methods for transferring, mixing and expelling (spreading) fluid in connection with such a device (1) and / or the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker. Figure for abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Multi-valve device for mobile tank

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-valve device for a mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker (i.e. agricultural mobile tanker) or a road (agricultural) tanker, making it possible to increase the versatility of such a mobile tank. The present invention therefore also relates to a mobile tank as such, such as a slurry tanker or a road tanker, comprising such a multi-valve device as well as the methods of transfer (such as pumping, emptying and / or transfer by a mechanized arm), mixing and specialized expulsion of fluid (such as spreading) in connection with such a device fixed on said mobile tank.

[0002] An agricultural mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, is a semi-mounted or trailed piece of equipment comprising at least one reserve, also called a tank (or also called a tank in the field - however in the context of the present invention, a tank will rather represent a reserve external to a mobile tank according to the present invention; such a tank could be present in a pit for example), mounted on a chassis with one or more axles and adapted to receive a typically non-homogeneous fluid (such as slurry).

[0003] For illustration purposes, several devices are described below.

[0004] Thus, document FR2965143 describes, for example, a device (such as a slurry tanker) for transporting and / or spreading liquid. However, the device does not allow mixing of the fluid.

[0005] Document GB2479028 describes a nozzle for dispensing a fluid, usable on a slurry tanker or more generally on agricultural equipment. However, the nozzle does not allow the mixing of fluid, or the transfer of fluid into the tank.

[0006] Document DE20118071U1 describes a pipe connected between a container and a docking arm of a tanker vehicle and a drive unit used to open or close a slide valve. However, the pipe does not allow the fluid to be spread.

[0007] Thus, the known devices are specialized for each application. On the other hand, no identified agricultural mobile tank allows transferring (filling and emptying of the tank), mixing, spreading, with the same device. Indeed, a technical prejudice is that the weight of the sum of equipment for a mobile tank will prevent its proper implementation on the ground by compacting for example the ground or the field. Thus the slurry tankers on the market, although very well adapted to each of these applications, therefore lack versatility, but have a weight adapted to the application.

[0008] The user is therefore faced with a deficiency in terms of equipment, complicating the management of his operation (need to duplicate tools, to store them, to maintain them, etc.).

[0009] The invention aims to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0010] Thus, one of the aims is to propose a device making it possible to increase the versatility of the tanks used / usable on agricultural holdings, while displaying an acceptable weight for the application.

[0011] A first aspect according to the present invention therefore relates to a multi-valve device for a (mobile agricultural) tank, such as found on a slurry tanker, comprising a hollow support which hollow support comprises a fluid passage chamber, characterized in that said device further comprises: - a valve called a tank valve connected to the hollow support and opening in a controlled manner onto the passage chamber, for example by means of two cylinders or a double-acting cylinder, - a valve for a multi-purpose arm, connected to the hollow support and opening in a controlled manner onto the passage chamber, for example by means of two double-acting cylinders, - a pump valve, called a pump valve, connected to the hollow support and opening in a controlled manner onto the passage chamber, for example by means of a double-acting cylinder, and - a valve called a transfer valve connected to the hollow support and opening in a controlled manner onto the passage chamber.

[0012] One of the advantages of the invention is therefore its versatility.

[0013] The hollow support of the device is a central element having a chamber for the passage of fluid, which is common for all the desired functions. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that it is entirely possible, despite the lack of homogeneity of the fluid and the potential difference in pressures necessary for each of these different applications, to combine these functions around a single hollow support having a chamber for the passage of fluid as a common element.

[0014] By fluid lacking homogeneity, it is understood in the context of the present invention a fluid which may have particles and / or have a liquid consistency with solid parts, as is the case with slurry. It may be referred to more commonly as "sludge(s)".

[0015] Thus the combination of valves dedicated to each application makes it possible to provide a multi-valve device connectable to: - a mobile (agricultural) tank, such as a slurry tanker, - a multi-purpose arm, - a pump (especially a main pump), and - a fluid transfer means such as a transfer pipe.

[0016] By "mobile tank", is meant in the context of the present invention a reserve mounted on a mobile means such as a trailer. Indeed, a slurry tanker (which is a particular case of an agricultural mobile tank) is a semi-mounted equipment consisting of a tank mounted on a chassis with one or more axles, configured to receive, contain and transport slurry, in particular in a field or terrain not suitable for road traffic, and optionally having at least one spreading member. In the context of the present invention, a mobile tank is synonymous with an agricultural mobile tank.

[0017] The tank is advantageously configured to allow pressurization. Indeed, and in particular in the case of slurry tankers, it is advantageous to be able to apply a pressure, for example between 0.2 and 1.5 bars, preferably between 0.5 and 1.2 bars, such as 1 bar, higher than the external pressure of the tank, in order to facilitate the movement of fluids in (for compartmentalized tanks, for example) or from the tank (towards the outside or an external element).

[0018] The tank is advantageously configured to allow a vacuum, in particular for pumping. Indeed, and in particular in the case of slurry tankers, it is advantageous to be able to apply a vacuum, for example between -0.2 and -1 bar, preferably between -0.5 and -0.8 bar, such as -0.5 bar, lower than the external pressure of the tank, in order to facilitate the movement of fluids in (for compartmentalized tanks, for example) or towards the tank (from the outside to the inside of the tank).

[0019] Any type of valve can be used to open / close an opening leading to the passage chamber of the hollow support.

[0020] Preferably, the multi-valve device according to the present invention comprises valves of the “slide valve” type, also called “guillotine valves” or “ball valves”. This is then conventionally an opening comprising an opening, a slot on its inner opening perimeter allowing the reception of a closure means such as a plate sliding in said slot in the manner of a guillotine. This type of valve is particularly advantageous for fluids of low homogeneity such as slurry. In addition, the lightness of such valves is an advantage for the implementation of the present invention.

[0021] In one embodiment, the device according to the present invention can be supplemented by other valves, in particular placed directly on the tank intended to accommodate it. For example, additional valves for filling the tank, spreading, and / or internal circulation of the transported fluid, can be added (at points of interest) to the mobile tank.

[0022] Preferably, the hollow support is a hollow tubular support.

[0023] More preferably, the hollow tubular support is of polygonal (square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.), circular or oval cross-section.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the fluid passage chamber is mainly tubular.

[0025] Preferably, the predominantly tubular fluid passage chamber has a circular or oval cross-section. The fact that it has no protruding edges at the fluid passage is an advantage, particularly with fluids lacking homogeneity, such as slurry.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, a rotating joint is placed between the tank valve and the hollow support.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, a rotating joint is placed between the pump valve and the hollow support.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, a rotating joint is placed between the multi-purpose arm valve and the hollow support.

[0029] Such rotating joints allow the device to freely rotate around this axis of rotation (of the rotating joint). Indeed, if the multi-valve device is movably attached to the tank and / or to the pump (eg a main pump), in particular via at least one rotating joint, this can facilitate its implementation with a plurality of devices connected to it.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, a rotating joint is placed between the tank valve and the hollow support, a rotating joint is placed between the pump valve and the hollow support, a rotating joint is placed between the multi-use arm valve and the hollow support, and / or a rotating joint is placed between the transfer valve and the hollow support. All combinations are possible. The addition of such rotating joint(s) allows for easier rotation(s) of the multi-valve device according to the present invention around each axis of rotation of the rotating joint(s). The multi-valve device according to the present invention then has a movable section around each axis of rotation of each rotating joint, which facilitates its implementation and reduces the general wear of the parts.

[0031] In one embodiment, the transfer valve comprises a cylinder advantageously arranged next to said transfer valve.

[0032] Preferably, the transfer valve comprises two cylinders advantageously arranged on either side of said transfer valve.

[0033] The cylinders can be pneumatic or hydraulic, and allow easy actuation of the transfer valve.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, the device comprises a (single) system for controlling the tank valve, the multi-use arm valve, the pump valve and / or the transfer valve.

[0035] The single control system, such as an automaton, facilitates the control of the valves according to the desired actions.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the control system is configured to actuate valves placed on the slurry tanker, such as on the tank, the multi-purpose arm, the chassis of the slurry tanker, on the spreading system. For example, the control system is configured to actuate filling valves, spreading valves or secondary transfer valves (pumping and / or emptying).

[0037] Thus, by centralizing the control systems of each valve at a single point (a single control system), this facilitates the use of the device according to the invention.

[0038] Such a control system can be supported on a control screen connected to valve actuating means.

[0039] Such a multi-valve device is preferably attached to a mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker.

[0040] Thus, the subject of the present invention also relates to a mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, characterized in that the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, comprises a multi-valve device as described above.

[0041] Thus, the subject of the present invention also relates to a mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, comprising - a tank (or reserve), - a pump (main), and - a multi-purpose arm, characterized in that the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, (further) comprises a multi-valve device as described above connected to the tank, the pump and the multi-purpose arm.

[0042] In the context of the invention, the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, may be an agricultural or road mobile tank.

[0043] In a particular embodiment, the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, comprises a fluid transfer means such as a transfer pipe, connected to the multi-valve device as described above.

[0044] For example, the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, may further comprise a secondary pump (particularly for priming), such as a vacuum pump, a lobe pump and / or an ejector.

[0045] The addition of such a pump makes it easier to transfer and / or move slurry, whether for pumping it or emptying the tank, or even spreading it.

[0046] In particular, such a pump is configurable to increase the pressure in the tank.

[0047] In particular, such a pump is configurable to lower the pressure in the tank.

[0048] In particular, such a pump is configured to increase or decrease the pressure in the tank according to the user's desired application. Thus the pump is reversible.

[0049] Thus, in a particular embodiment, the secondary pump is configured to provide overpressure or vacuum to the multi-valve device and / or to the tank.

[0050] In one embodiment, the tank of the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, is an anti-sway tank, such as a compartmentalized tank. This type of anti-sway (or anti-roll) tank, such as a compartmentalized tank, is particularly useful when the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, is moved over uneven and / or sloping terrain.

[0051] Indeed, a compartmentalized tank (for example in two or three with compartments arranged one after the other in the direction of movement of the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker) will allow a more homogeneous distribution (in particular to keep weight at the front of the tank during emptying) of the container along the length of the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker.

[0052] Further, in one embodiment, the (main) pump is a positive displacement pump such as a centrifugal pump.

[0053] A volumetric pump, in particular a centrifugal pump, is particularly well suited for slurry because it accepts particles / solid bodies.

[0054] In one embodiment, the (main) pump is configured to be driven by power take-off or directly by a motor, such as a hydraulic, electric and / or thermal motor.

[0055] Advantageously, the multi-purpose arm is configured to transfer (pumping and / or emptying) a fluid such as slurry.

[0056] The present invention further relates to a method for transferring fluid, such as slurry, from an external reserve point, such as a tank, a mobile tank or a pit, to a mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, according to the present invention, comprising the following successive steps: (al) positioning a suction tip of the multi-use arm in the external reserve point; (bl) fluid priming in the multi-use arm; (cl) pumping fluid from the external reserve point to the tank of the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, by at least one fluid inlet, for example by a centrifugal pump; (dl) stopping pumping and closing said at least one fluid inlet into the tank of the mobile tank, such as a slurry tank; and (el) retraction of the multi-purpose arm from the external reserve point.

[0057] In a particular embodiment, the mobile tank comprises a transfer pipe between at least one rear portion of the tank and at least one front portion of the tank (the front of the mobile tank typically being the side of the mobile tank closest to and / or in contact with the vehicle towing said mobile tank; in the case of compartments in the tank, there will be several front / rear portions depending on the number of compartments) connected to the transfer valve and to an optional second transfer valve, allowing movement of the fluid contained in the tank to the multi-valve device according to the present invention. Thus, the fluid contained at the rear of the tank can be directed either to a spreading device, to the multi-use arm, and / or reinjected into the tank of the mobile tank according to the present invention, for example into a second compartment of the tank, if applicable.Preferably, at least a second pump is added to allow fluid movements. This embodiment can be advantageous if the mobile tank according to the present invention is placed on a support that is not flat, such as on mountainous terrain: the fluid contained in the tank will have moved to one or more points (depending on the number of internal compartments in the tank) the lowest depending on the orientation of the mobile tank. The internal transfer pipe and the various valves will then make it possible to redistribute the fluid or even to draw it from predetermined low points for its expulsion (i.e. for example for the transfer of the fluid via the multi-use arm, its spreading, or even the emptying of the tank) or its mixing.

[0058] In the context of the present invention, the reserve point outside the mobile tank (slurry tank) according to the invention may consist of a tank (mobile such as another slurry tank according to the present invention or according to the state of the art), a tank installed on a site or in the ground, or even a pit.

[0059] The present invention further relates to a method of expelling fluid, such as slurry, from a mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker according to the present invention, comprising the following successive steps: (a2) opening of at least one valve communicating with the tank; and (b2) generating a movement of said fluid towards the outside of the mobile tank, such as a slurry tank, for example by applying a pressure difference to the tank or to an element communicating with the tank, or by operating a centrifugal pump.

[0060] The present invention further relates to a method of mixing fluid, such as slurry, included in a mobile tank according to the present invention, such as a slurry tanker, said mobile tank further comprising a filling valve placed on a fluid communication conduit between the tank and the multi-valve device, for example between the main pump and the tank, said filling valve being configured to control the opening and filling of the tank, said method comprising the following successive steps: (a3) ​​opening the filling valve and the tank valve of the multi-valve device according to the present invention; and (b3) generating movement of the fluid within the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, for example by operating the main pump (such as a centrifugal pump arranged to allow such mixing within the mobile tank). Brief description of the drawings

[0061] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0062] [Fig-1] represents a schematic view of a multi-valve device according to the present invention.

[0063] [Fig.2] represents a first schematic side view of a multi-valve device according to the present invention, installed on a tank in pumping mode.

[0064] [Fig.3] represents a second schematic side view of a multi-valve device according to the present invention, installed on a tank.

[0065] [Fig.4] represents a third schematic front view (front) of a multi-valve device according to the present invention, installed on a tank.

[0066] [Fig.l] represents a schematic view of a multi-valve device 1 according to the present invention comprising a hollow support 2, to which are attached a tank valve 3, an arm valve 4, a (centrifugal) pump valve 5 and a transfer valve 6. A first rotating joint 7 (optional) can be inserted between the tank valve 3 and the hollow support 2. A second rotating joint 8 (optional) can be inserted between the pump valve 5 and the hollow support 2. A multi-purpose arm 9 is here attached to the arm valve 4. A first transfer pipe 10 is here attached to the transfer valve 6. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the valves are slide valves (also called "guillotines"). The valves have closing means (such as guillotines). Thus the tank valve 3 has a closing means 12 such as a guillotine, which slides to close the opening (opening not shown here in the view) of the valve.The pump valve 5 also has a closing means 11 such as a guillotine, which slides to close the opening (opening not shown here in the view) of the valve. The arm valves 4 and transfer valve 6 also have closing means not shown here.

[0067] The positioning of valves 3, 4, 5, 6 on the hollow support is adapted to the desired configuration of the tank thus equipped. For example, the tank valve 3 and pump valve can be opposite each other as shown. For example, the arm valve 4 and transfer valve 6 are optionally opposite each other as shown.

[0068] Figures 2 and 3 are side views of a tank 13 (also called a tank that can be self-supporting, towed, pulled, etc.) equipped with a multi-valve device 1. [Fig. 2] shows such a tank 13 with a multi-purpose arm 9 in a lowered position, thus allowing pumping from an external tank (external tank not shown). [Fig. 3] shows such a tank 13 with a multi-purpose arm 9 in a high position, allowing its storage. The multi-valve device 1 is therefore here configured to rotate along an axis allowing the multi-purpose arm 9 to lower or raise according to the representations of figures 2 and 3. The multi-valve device 1 can be that of [Fig.l], comprising in particular a hollow support, 2, a tank valve 3, an arm valve 4, a pump valve (centrifugal) 5 and a transfer valve 6. The multi-valve device 1 can comprise rotating joints (for example as shown in [Fig.l]) to allow its free rotation. Alternatively, in the case where the multi-valve device 1 is not movable along an axis, the device can then comprise additional means (such as flexible pipes) to allow the different movements of the accessories, such as the multi-use arm 9. In Figures 2 and 3, the tank 13 comprises a first compartment 26 and a second compartment 27. The first and second compartments are separated by a wall 21 having a load transfer valve 17 or an uncontrolled opening (not shown). The advantage of these two compartments (there may be others that can receive fluid such as a total of three compartments, four, five, etc.) is to be able to separate the cargo (fluid such as slurry) and thus better distribute the load in the tank 13, in particular to keep weight on the hitch of the tank 13.Another advantage is to be able to empty the different compartments separately (while maintaining weight on the hitch), for example emptying the first compartment 26 then the second compartment 27. An opening (possibly controlled by a valve 28) allows air to enter the tank 13. In the representations of figures 2 and 3, the tanks 13 are preferably attached to the vehicle(s) by the right in each figure, the tanks 13 being able to be mounted on trailers or wheel / axle system allowing their mobility (not shown here). In the case of a road tank in particular, the multi-purpose arm can be positioned at the rear of the tank. It is useful to provide a means of communication 25 (such as a pipe), in particular air communication, between the compartments 26, 27 intended to receive fluid, to control the pressure differences between the compartments.This communication means 25 may optionally comprise an opening / closing valve (not shown) or a non-return valve 33. A first internal transfer means 22 (such as a pipe), a second transfer means. internal transfer means 23 (such as a pipe) and a third transfer means 24 (such as a pipe; here the second internal transfer means 23 is in continuity with the third transfer means 24) allow the first compartment to communicate with the pump 14, the multi-purpose arm 9, or any other transfer system, such as a transfer pipe for filling 16A, a transfer pipe for mixing (and / or a transfer pipe for spreading 16B of the fluid. A second transfer valve 32 is optionally connected to an internal transfer means such as the second internal transfer means 23, as shown. A preferably centrifugal pump 14 allows the movements of fluid entering or leaving the tank 13. An optional second pump 15 (for example a lobe pump or a vane pump) can be added to create a vacuum or an overpressure in the tank 13.This second pump 15 is preferably connected to a compartment of the tank 13, such as the first compartment 26 via a first pipe 29, an (optional) decompression or overpressure chamber 30 (in particular for safety when filling the tank), and an (optional) second pipe 31. It may be advantageous to put the tank 13 under (controlled) overpressure, in particular when it is desired to empty this tank 13 or to allow fluid transfers not using the first pump 14. In particular, putting the tank 13 under (controlled) overpressure is advantageous for transfer via the multi-use arm, and / or emptying, in particular when the tank is inclined as may be the case on sloping ground. In the latter case, it may be advantageous to operate the first pump 14 (in particular a centrifugal pump).It may be advantageous to place the tank 13 under (controlled) depression, in particular by the use of a second pump 15, to allow or facilitate the transfer of fluid, such as the filling of the tank 13.

[0069] A filling valve 18 also makes it possible to control the opening and filling of the tank 13. A spreading valve 19 makes it possible to control the spreading by opening the fluid communication circuit to a spreading device 20, via pipes 16A, 16B, in particular a dedicated spreading pipe 16B.

[0070] [Fig. 4] is a front representation of a tank 13 (also called a reserve) equipped with a multi-valve device 1. The multi-valve device 1 of the representation according to [Fig. 4] may be that of [Fig. 1], comprising in particular a hollow support 2, a tank valve 3 (shown in dotted lines to signify that it is placed behind the hollow support according to the representation), an arm valve 4, a pump valve (in particular for a centrifugal pump) 5 and a transfer valve 6. The tank valve 3 and the pump valve (in particular for a centrifugal pump) 5 are preferably arranged in parallel in the same axis. The multi-valve device 1 may comprise rotating joints (for example as shown in [Fig. 1]) for allow its free rotation. Alternatively, in the case where the multi-valve device 1 is not movable along an axis, the device may then comprise additional means (such as flexible pipes) to allow the various movements of the accessories, such as the multi-purpose arm 9. An internal transfer pipe 10 between a rear part of the tank and a front part of the tank (the front of the mobile tank being for example the side of the mobile tank closest to and / or in contact with the vehicle towing said mobile tank) connected to the transfer valve 6 and to a second optional transfer valve 32 allow movement of the fluid contained in the tank 13, in particular when the mobile tank is placed on sloping ground (such as in the mountains) and / or for mixing the fluid.A pump 14 (preferably centrifugal) allows the movements of fluids (the pump and its connection means are in dashes so as not to hide other elements represented in particular the transfer pipe 10 and the second transfer valve 32). According to the representation of [Fig. 4], a multi-purpose arm 9, a transfer pipe for filling 16A, a transfer pipe for spreading 16B of the fluid, a filling valve 18 and a spreading valve 19 are represented in accordance with the representations of figures 2 and 3. In the representations of [Fig. 1], 2, 3 and 4, hydraulic, electric and / or pneumatic cylinders can be added to allow the movement of the different elements, such as the multi-purpose arm 9 or the actuation of the valves.

[0071] EXAMPLES

[0072] Examples of operating the device according to the present invention are described below to illustrate how the invention provides an original solution for pumping, mixing, emptying and transferring, in particular heterogeneous fluid, in particular slurry adaptable to existing or new tanks. The references are identical to those of figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 described above.

[0073] The multi-valve device 1 is installed in front of the tank 13 or at the rear.

[0074] The pump 14 can be driven by power take-off or by hydraulic motor, electric or thermal.

[0075] The pump 14 is preferably positioned in the lower zone of the tank 13 (near or on a chassis of the tank for example).

[0076] In one embodiment, the pump 14 preferably has an outlet: an outlet to a pipe 16A for mixing and emptying the tank 13.

[0077] In one embodiment, the pump 14 has several outlets, preferably positioned around the stator of the pump 14 when the latter is a centrifugal pump.

[0078] The pump 14 comprises in a particular embodiment a controlled or synchronized output selection system.

[0079] Pumping is done via the multi-purpose arm 9 (for example articulated at its base). The hollow support taken between several (such as two) rotating joints 7, 8 and several (for example three or four) valves, can be configured to pivot along an axis in particular thanks to one or two jacks held on the side of the multi-valve device 1 opposite the articulation.

[0080] In one embodiment, a locking system preferably holds the multi-valve device 1 firmly to operate pumping from raised pits without having to lower the multi-purpose arm 9. In this case, the second part of the multi-purpose arm 9, positioned horizontally, pivots either horizontally in one direction or another or in one direction while rising thanks to a motorized rotating joint which can be positioned with an open angle.

[0081] A third articulation or a fourth articulation are possible as well as any telescopic system at the end of the multi-use arm 9. During transport, the multi-use arm 9 can rest above a drainer which can also be equipped with a vent (opening with optional valve 28 according to figures 2 and 3).

[0082] The priming of the fluid towards the interior of the tank 13 can be carried out either by a vacuum in the tank 13, via the second pump 15 (for example hydraulically driven), or by a vacuum in the multi-use arm 9, via another pump (for example vacuum or lobe) or an air-air ejector (not shown here) for example driven by a compressor of the vehicle attached to the tank 13, such as a road or agricultural tractor.

[0083] The diameter of the multi-purpose arm 9 is variable, for example: 150mm, 200mm, or 250mm.

[0084] Where applicable, the valves may be combined into multi-way valves. For example, the filling valve 18 and the spreading valve 19 may be replaced by a single three-way valve.

[0085] During pumping, the arm valve 4, the pump valve 5, the load transfer valve 17 (for example single opening) and the filling valve 18 are open.

[0086] In the case where no vacuum pump is mounted for the tank 13 (the priming of the fluid then taking place in the arm), then the valve 18 is open and the transfer is carried out by the multi-use arm (by pumping).

[0087] For mixing, the tank valve 3, the pump valve 5, the load transfer valve 17 and the filling valve 18 are open.

[0088] For spreading or emptying, the tank valve 3, the pump valve 5 and the spreading valve 19 are open.

[0089] For a transfer via the multi-purpose arm 9, the arm valve 4, the tank valve 3 are open. When the mobile tank is placed for example on a slope (eg in mountain), the transfer valve 32 if applicable and the transfer valve 6 is / are optionally open in addition to the arm valve 4 and possibly the tank valve 3 (in the case of a slight slope and / or a sufficient fluid level). In all these cases, the liquid is expelled by the pressure of the second pump 15, put into pressure mode.

[0090] The transfer valve 32 and the transfer valve 6 are open for spreading or transfer (in particular total) of fluid when the centrifugal pump 14 is not the lowest point.

[0091] Hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical sources can be used to operate the pump(s).

[0092] In a particular embodiment, an output selector of the pump(s) (in particular centrifugal pump(s)) is actuated either hydraulically, mechanically or pneumatically.

[0093] The invention according to the present invention is adaptable to different conditions of use: flat, inclined planes. This can be achieved, for example, by adding at least one secondary pump 15 and adding a wall 21 in the tank 13 to compartmentalize it and allow load transfer and facilitate traction and / or improve the stability of the mobile tank.

[0094] In one embodiment, the multi-purpose arm 9 is modular with a single articulation with cone pumping (lower rotation).

[0095] In one embodiment, the multi-purpose arm 9 is modular with double, triple, quadruple, or even more articulation(s) for pumping in buried or raised pits. Such a type of multi-articulation multi-purpose arm 9 allows the so-called upper rotation transfer and requires superior support for pumping in raised pits.

[0096] The multi-valve device 1 according to the present invention can be installed on agricultural slurry tankers, road tankers or any mobile tank or container.

[0097] Obviously, other applications of the invention can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Multi-valve device (1) for a tank (13), as found on a slurry tank, comprising a hollow support (2) which hollow support (2) comprises a fluid passage chamber, characterized in that said device (1) further comprises: - a valve called a tank valve (3) connected to the hollow support (2) and opening in a controlled manner onto the passage chamber, for example by means of two cylinders or a double-acting cylinder, - a valve (4) for a multi-purpose arm, connected to the hollow support (2) and opening in a controlled manner onto the passage chamber, for example by means of two double-acting cylinders, - a valve for a pump, called a pump valve (5), connected to the hollow support (2) and opening in a controlled manner onto the passage chamber, for example by means of a double-acting cylinder, and - a valve called a transfer valve (6) connected to the hollow support (2) and opening in a controlled manner onto the passage chamber.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the hollow support (2) is a hollow tubular support.

3. Device according to claim 2 characterized in that a rotating joint (7) is placed between the tank valve (3) and the hollow support (2).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rotating joint (8) is placed between the pump valve (5) and the hollow support (2).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer valve (6) comprises two cylinders advantageously arranged on either side of said transfer valve (6).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a system for controlling the tank valve (3), the multi-use arm valve (4), the pump valve (5) and / or the transfer valve (6).

7. Mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker comprising: - a tank (13), - a main pump (14), and - a multi-use arm (9), characterized in that the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, comprises a multi-valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 connected to the tank (13), to the pump (14) and to the arm multi-use (9).

8. Mobile tank according to claim 7 characterized in that it further comprises a secondary pump (15), such as a vacuum pump, a lobe pump and / or an ejector.

9. Mobile tank according to claim 8, characterized in that the secondary pump (15) is configured to provide overpressure or vacuum to the multi-valve device (1) and / or to the tank (13).

10. Mobile tank according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the tank (13) is an anti-sway tank, such as a compartmentalized tank.

11. Mobile tank according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the pump (14) is a positive displacement pump such as a centrifugal pump.

12. Mobile tank according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the pump (14) is configured to be driven by power take-off or directly by a motor, such as a hydraulic, electric and / or thermal motor.

13. Mobile tank according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the multi-purpose arm (9) is configured to transfer a fluid such as slurry.

14. A method of transferring fluid, such as slurry, from an external reserve point to a mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, according to any one of claims 7 to 13, comprising the following successive steps: (a1) positioning a suction nozzle of the multi-purpose arm (9) in the external reserve point; (b1) priming fluid in the multi-purpose arm (9); (c1) pumping fluid from the external reserve point to the tank (13) of the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker, via at least one fluid inlet, for example by a centrifugal pump (14); (dl) stopping the pumping and closing said at least one fluid inlet in the tank (13) of the mobile tank, such as a slurry tanker; and (e1) retracting the multi-purpose arm (9) from the external reserve point.

15. A method of expelling fluid, such as slurry, from a mobile tank according to any one of claims 7 to 13, comprising the following successive steps: (a2) opening at least one valve communicating with the tank (13); and (b2) generating a movement of said fluid towards the outside of the mobile tank, for example by applying a pressure difference to the tank (13) or to an element communicating with the tank (13), or by actuating a centrifugal pump (14).

16. A method of mixing fluid, such as slurry, included in a mobile tank according to any one of claims 7 to 13, said mobile tank further comprising a filling valve (18) placed on a fluid communication conduit between the tank (13) and the multi-valve device (1), for example between the main pump (14) and the tank (13), said filling valve (18) being configured to control the opening and filling of the tank (13), said method comprising the following successive steps: (a3) opening the filling valve (18) and the tank valve (3) of the multi-valve device (1); and (b3) generating movement of the fluid inside the mobile tank, for example by operating the main pump (14).

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