Device for aspirating elements suspended in a liquid.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for suctioning (1) of elements suspended in a liquid, characterized in that the suction device (1) comprises a first conduit (10) including a first inlet orifice (11) and an outlet orifice (12) and at least a second conduit (20) opening into the first conduit (10) and including a second inlet orifice (21), the second orifice including a projecting nozzle (22) disposed at one end of the second orifice opposite the outlet orifice (12), at least a portion of the elements being suctioned through the second orifice (21) and discharged through the outlet orifice (12). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid. technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for aspirating suspended particles in a liquid. The present invention also relates to a device or system for capturing or collecting such particles. The present invention also relates to a device or system for cleaning or decontaminating a liquid containing suspended particles. Technological background

[0002] 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 on 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 cultivated on the surface of a body of water.

[0003] 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.

[0004] Numerous devices are known for performing the operations mentioned above. For example, there is a floating structure for cleaning a body of water, as shown in document FR2483878A1, or a floating aquatic vehicle for collecting aquatic plants floating on the surface of an aquatic environment, as shown in document FR3045560B1. However, such systems have many drawbacks, such as their size and weight, as well as high maintenance costs due to their complexity and the need for at least one permanent operator to guide the vessel.

[0005] On a smaller scale, devices such as robots or Venturi effect brushes exist for collecting suspended particles in swimming pools by connecting to surface skimmers, or suction devices in the form of a funnel or an inverted cup suspended from a floating structure, allowing for the direct suction of floating elements such as duckweed from below the surface. The drawback of these devices is their very low performance; indeed, the volume of suspended particles captured by these devices does not allow for the rapid treatment of large bodies of water. Summary of the present invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the implementation of a process for treating a liquid or collecting elements suspended in a liquid requiring the use of such a suction device.

[0008] 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: - a first conduit comprising a first inlet orifice and an outlet orifice, the first conduit extending along a first direction of a first vector connecting a center of the first inlet orifice to a center of the outlet orifice; and - at least one second conduit opening into the first conduit and comprising a second inlet orifice, the second conduit extending along a second direction of a second vector connecting a center of the second inlet orifice to a point of intersection of the first conduit and the second conduit, the second vector being oriented at an acute angle 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, in such a way that at least some of the suspended particles are drawn in through the second inlet and expelled through the outlet.

[0009] According to one variant of the suction device, the protruding nozzle is arranged in an extension of the second conduit.

[0010] The production of the protruding beak is thus facilitated.

[0011] According to another variant, the height of the protruding spout is between 0.5 and 2 times a minimum width of a section of the second conduit.

[0012] Such a height of the protruding nozzle makes it possible to limit the amount of gas bubbles incorporated into the liquid around the second inlet orifice.

[0013] According to another variant, the protruding nozzle has a base with a width between 0.25 and 1 times a minimum width of a section of the second conduit.

[0014] This nozzle width allows for maximum effect in limiting the diameter of a vortex in the vicinity of the second inlet orifice.

[0015] According to yet another variant, the angle aa has a value between 33 and 67°.

[0016] Such a relative orientation of the first and second conduits facilitates the flow through these conduits as well as the mixing of the flows passing through them.

[0017] According to a further variant, the thickness of a wall of the second conduit varies from a minimum value at the level of the second inlet orifice to a maximum value inside the second conduit.

[0018] This variation in thickness makes it possible to obtain a shape that makes the flow of fluid and / or laminar suspended particles along the second conduit.

[0019] According to another variant, the first conduit has a circular section and the second conduit has an elliptical section.

[0020] Such sections ensure homogeneous flow and avoid any area of ​​retention of liquid or suspended elements.

[0021] According to a further variant, the first conduit corresponds to a hollow tube with an outside diameter between 50 and 200mm.

[0022] The use of a hollow tube allows the use of standard elements for the realization of such a suction device.

[0023] 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.

[0024] This surface area ratio makes it possible to obtain a ratio between the flows through the first inlet orifice and through the second inlet orifice, defining an optimal rate of suspended elements mixed in the liquid discharged through the outlet orifice.

[0025] According to yet another variant, the suction device is made of a thermoplastic material of the type Polyvinyl Chloride, of a metallic material of the type aluminium or stainless steel or of a composite material of carbon fibre or fibreglass.

[0026] The use of these materials enables the suction device to withstand the aggressions of an environment in which it is used, whether they are of a chemical or mechanical nature.

[0027] According to a further variant, the outlet port is configured to receive a vacuum drain pipe and / or the first inlet port is configured to receive a pressurized discharge pipe.

[0028] Connection to an exhaust and / or inlet pipe is thus facilitated.

[0029] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a suction system for 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 fixed to the suction device so as to position the second inlet orifice at a first distance from a liquid surface 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 to form a triangle in which the suction device is located.

[0030] The suction device is thus positioned in relation to the liquid and the suspended elements.

[0031] According to one variant, the system further comprises initial adjustment means of an immersion depth of the suction device and of the second means of adjusting an angle of inclination of the suction device.

[0032] These settings allow for optimal positioning of the suction device in relation to the liquid and suspended elements.

[0033] According to yet another variant, the system further comprises at least one drain pipe and a pump. Brief description of the figures

[0034] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 8, in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a device for suctioning suspended elements in a liquid, according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a device for suctioning suspended elements in a liquid, according to a second particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the suction device of the [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0038] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the suction device of the [Fig.2], according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0039] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a top view of the suction device of the [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0040] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a top view of the suction device of the [Fig.2], according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0041] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a system comprising the device of [Fig.1] and a floating structure, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates a system comprising the device of [Fig.1], a floating structure, a drain pipe and a pump, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Description of examples of implementation

[0044] A device and a system for aspirating elements suspended in a liquid will now be described in what follows with joint reference to figures 1 to 8.

[0045] The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description that follows.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Such elements correspond, for example, to pollutants such as: - duckweed or other invasive aquatic plants, - elements of natural origin such as branches or leaves floating on the surface or algae, - floating waste linked to human activity, also called "aquatic waste", such as bottles, plastic bags, or - hydrocarbons or chemicals that are not miscible with water.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Other suspended elements are present intentionally, for example, plants cultivated on the surface of a body of water, such as: - duckweed used in the manufacture of animal feed, - fruits floating on the surface such as cranberries at the time of harvest, or - Fleur de sel in a salt marsh.

[0050] These suspended elements must then be collected in order to be recovered.

[0051] It is therefore desirable for a user wishing to clean a body of water or collecting suspended elements means being able to capture these elements and then, for example, separate them from the fluid in which they are found.

[0052] 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 must be extracted.

[0053] One objective of the present invention is to provide a versatile solution capable of handling 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 provide a solution that is simple to implement.

[0054] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a device for suctioning elements suspended in a liquid comprises a first conduit including a first inlet orifice and an outlet orifice, the first conduit extending along a first direction of a first vector connecting a center of the first inlet orifice to a center of the outlet orifice.

[0055] The device also includes at least one second conduit opening into the first conduit, this second conduit comprising a second inlet orifice. The second conduit extends along a second direction of a second vector connecting a center of the second inlet orifice to a point of intersection of the first and second conduits, the second vector being oriented at an acute angle to the first vector. The second inlet orifice also includes a projecting nozzle arranged on a portion of a contour of the second inlet orifice distal to the outlet orifice.

[0056] Part of the suspended elements are thus sucked in via the second inlet orifice and expelled via the outlet orifice.

[0057] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a device 1 for aspirating elements suspended in a liquid, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] This device 1 includes a first conduit 10 comprising a first inlet orifice 11 and an outlet orifice 12.

[0059] The first conduit 10 extends along a first direction of a first vector zl connecting a center A of the first inlet orifice 11 to a center B of the outlet orifice 12.

[0060] The first conduit 10 has the function of carrying liquid and elements suspended in the liquid from the first inlet orifice 11 to the outlet orifice 12.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the outlet port 12 is configured to receive a vacuum drain pipe 40 as shown in [Fig.8].

[0062] The outlet 12 is then configured to connect one end of a drain pipe 40. This drain pipe 40 can be of different types and diameters depending on the required flow rates and the environment in which the device is installed. The diameter of this pipe is, for example, defined according to one or more parameters such as: - the type of suspended particles, their size and rigidity, - the type of liquid and its viscosity, and - the volume of liquid to be treated.

[0063] Thus, the drain pipe 40 will not be the same depending on whether it is for cleaning an aquarium, vacuuming duckweed from a pond or capturing hydrocarbons on the surface of an ocean during an oil spill.

[0064] Similarly, the first conduit 10 has a shape and size defined in particular according to the parameters mentioned above.

[0065] There are different ways to make this connection, with many solutions existing, particularly in the case of connecting a pipe with a circular cross-section.

[0066] A first solution consists of connecting the end of the main conduit 10 corresponding to the outlet 12 by push-fitting it with the pipe 40. A hose clamp is then used to lock the pipe 40 in position on the end of the main conduit 10 corresponding to the outlet 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 12 simply needs to correspond to a portion of a cylindrical conduit sufficiently rigid so as not to break when the clamp is tightened. In use, tightening is carried out by simply screwing on a clamp, the clamp being a standard accessory and easily replaceable in case of failure.However, this solution has the disadvantage of requiring the use of a tool for screwing, and the proper mechanical hold of pipe 40 on the first conduit 10 is only guaranteed when the tightening is sufficient.

[0067] A second solution consists of connecting the end of the main conduit 10 corresponding to the outlet 12 with the hose 40 using a quick-connect fitting, also called an automatic fitting and commonly used for garden hoses. A simple clip is all that is needed to connect the two parts, making it a very practical fitting for a user of the device 1. According to this solution, the end of the main conduit 10 corresponding to the outlet 12 is fitted with a portion of the automatic fitting. This solution is advantageous when using hoses with a diameter similar to a garden hose, i.e., a hose with a diameter of approximately 10 to 20 mm. In particular, it is possible to thread a section onto the first conduit 10 to allow the attachment of a standard fitting.

[0068] A third solution involves using symmetrical half-couplings, commonly known as Guillemin symmetrical couplings or "fireman" couplings. This type of coupling is commonly used for larger diameter pipes, ranging from 25 to 100 mm. Such a coupling offers numerous advantages: it is suitable for many pipe diameters, resists high loads and vibrations, and is quick to install, requiring only a quarter turn for the user to connect the two parts. Furthermore, this type of coupling is standardized and available in various materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, or polypropylene, making it easy to obtain a coupling suited to the intended use and environment.

[0069] The depressurization of the drain pipe 40 then generates a flow of liquid and suspended elements in the first conduit 10 from the first inlet port 11 to the outlet port 12 connected to the drain pipe 40.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The pump 50 is then sized according to numerous parameters, including the parameters mentioned above, but also: - a diameter and length of the discharge pipe 40, and / or - a height difference between the pump and device 1, and / or - a defined flow rate.

[0072] According to one embodiment, a discharge pipe is connected to the first inlet port 11 of the device 1 in addition to the discharge pipe 40 connected under vacuum to the outlet port 12. Such a variant makes it possible to control the liquid passing through the first conduit 10.

[0073] According to another embodiment, a discharge pipe is connected under pressure to the inlet port 11 and a suction pipe 40 is connected to the outlet port. A single pump 50 or several pumps 50 are then used. This embodiment makes it possible to compensate for pressure losses across the pipes, thereby improving the performance of a system comprising the device, several pipes, and at least one pump.

[0074] The device 1 advantageously has at least one second conduit 20 opening into the first conduit 10 and comprising a second inlet orifice 21.

[0075] The second conduit 20 extends along 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 α with respect to the first vector z1.

[0076] A flow of liquid and suspended elements in the first conduit 10 generates a vacuum in the second conduit 20. This vacuum in turn generates a flow of liquid and suspended elements in the second conduit 20, part of the suspended elements is then sucked up via the second inlet port 21 and expelled via the outlet port 12.

[0077] The second inlet orifice 21 is positioned closer to the surface 60 of the liquid than the first inlet orifice 11.

[0078] In the case where the suspended particles are more densely distributed near the surface 60 of the liquid, the second flow of liquid and suspended particles drawn in through the second inlet 21 meets the first flow of liquid and suspended particles drawn in through the first inlet 12 in the conduit 10. The first flow is also called the carrier flow. The two flows are then mixed, and a third flow consisting of liquid and suspended particles drawn in through both inlet 11, 21 then passes towards the outlet 12. This third flow is less rich in suspended particles than the second flow, as the first flow, also called the "carrier flow," has diluted the suspended particles. The third flow is then Easier to transport. Indeed, the higher the density of suspended particles, the more energy is required to transport the mixture.

[0079] According to a particular embodiment, the first 10 and second 20 conduits are at least partially straight.

[0080] Straight conduits reduce pressure losses when a fluid flows through them. In addition to pressure losses due to bends in the conduits, solid objects can obstruct them. Using straight conduits optimizes the flow through them.

[0081] In order to optimize these flows, as well as the mixing resulting from the interaction of the first flow with the second flow, the angle α between the two ducts is an important factor to consider. The goal is to obtain a specific ratio between the first and second flows and an optimal quality of the mixing of the two flows.

[0082] For an angle α close to 90°, the second flux will be almost non-existent, for example; therefore, the angle α must be acute. In one particular embodiment, the angle α is between 33° and 67°, which improves the homogeneity of the mixture. In another particular embodiment, the angle α is equal to 45°.

[0083] To improve or increase the flow rates of the first, second and third flows and / or to avoid shapes showing hollows or asperities to avoid any stagnation, the shape is for example a hollow tube with a circular cross-section for all the conduits, in particular conduits 10, 20.

[0084] The use of hollow tubes with a circular cross-section offers numerous advantages. Since the circle is the geometric shape with the highest surface area to diameter ratio, the device 1 thus has maximum conduit cross-sections 10, 20 relative to the amount of material used. The device 1 is therefore proportionally very lightweight. Furthermore, hollow tubes are easily shaped, particularly by bending, which simplifies the creation of a device 1 with this shape. Finally, these shapes make it very easy to clean, which is essential when this device is used to decontaminate an environment. Indeed, it is important not to transfer pollutants from an environment where the device 1 has been used to a second environment where the device 1 will be used.

[0085] In this example, the conduits are made of hollow tubes with a circular cross-section. The first inlet orifice 11 is obtained by cutting the tube along a section perpendicular to its axis, and the second inlet is obtained along a section parallel to the axis of the first tube. The first inlet orifice 11 thus has a circular cross-section, and the second inlet orifice 21 has an elliptical cross-section.

[0086] According to a particular embodiment, the first conduit 10 is made in the form of a hollow tube with an outside diameter between 50 and 200 mm. Such a diameter is used, for example, in the case of duckweed suction. The cross-section of the first conduit 10 is then between 19.6 cm² and 314 cm². The second Conduit 20 has an elliptical cross-section as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The cross-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, α is equal to the radius of the first conduit 10; for an angle α of 45°, we obtain:

[0087] [Math.l]

[0088] With: - a is the semi-minor axis of the ellipse, - b is the semi-major axis of the ellipse.

[0089] 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.

[0090] More generally, to improve the suction at the level of the second inlet orifice 21 and the mixing of the first and second streams, a ratio between a surface of the second inlet orifice 21 and a surface of the first inlet orifice 11 is for example between 1 and 2.

[0091] With the predefined angles and ratio, it can be seen that 90% of the volume of liquid and suspended elements is aspirated through the first inlet orifice 11, but the volume of suspended elements is mostly aspirated through the second inlet orifice 21.

[0092] The low overall volume rate absorbed at the surface allows for a very low surface liquid velocity, which helps to protect living beings in aquatic environments, particularly amphibians which have time to escape, but also allows a user to remove any obstacle that could obstruct the second inlet orifice 21.

[0093] If, however, an obstacle were to be drawn into the second inlet 21, its passage should be facilitated to avoid obstructing one of the conduits. To this end, according to a particular embodiment, an elbow 23 is formed 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.

[0094] According to one embodiment, several secondary conduits 20, each having a second inlet orifice 21, can be arranged, opening successively into the first conduit 10. This set of secondary inlet orifices 21 allows liquid and suspended particles to be drawn from several locations. The device 1 then comprises a suction manifold consisting of at least one secondary conduit 20. The cross-sectional area of ​​the main conduit is then, according to one embodiment, increasing according to the cross-sectional areas of each secondary conduit 20 that opens into the first conduit 10.

[0095] During aspiration 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 aspirated by the device 1.

[0096] In order to avoid a significant formation of a vortex or whirlpool on the surface 60 of the liquid, the second orifice 21 includes a protruding nozzle 22 arranged on a part of a contour of the second inlet orifice 21 distal to the outlet orifice.

[0097] This protruding 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 created above the first inlet orifice 21, that is to say between the inlet orifice 21 and the surface 60 of the liquid.

[0098] According to a particular embodiment, the nozzle is made in a separate part from the second conduit 20, making the nozzle interchangeable, for example. A multitude of nozzle shapes are then possible, allowing the installation of a nozzle perfectly adapted to the environment defined by the liquid and the suspended elements, for example, cuttings of rooted plants, sargassum, sea lettuce (green marine algae), tree leaves with petioles, submerged plants without roots, microplastics, or vegetables.

[0099] This projecting nozzle 22 limits the diameter of the vortex or whirlpool forming, thus increasing the flow rate of liquid and suspended particles drawn in through the second inlet orifice 21 without drawing in air. Indeed, when using a pump 50, it is essential to ensure that the amount of air drawn in by the entire device 1 does not exceed a certain threshold, for example, a maximum of 10 to 15% air. Otherwise, the pump 50 may lose its prime, causing the suction system to malfunction.

[0100] The height h of the protruding nozzle 22 is defined so as to keep the protruding nozzle 22 below the surface of the liquid, with a stream of water of height f present between the upper end of the protruding nozzle 22 and the surface 60 of the liquid. Ideally, the height h of the protruding nozzle 22 is defined so as to guarantee a stream height f between 1 mm and 20 mm. The height h of the protruding nozzle 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 protruding nozzle 22 has a half-width c ideally between 0.25 and 1 times the minimum width of a section of the second conduit 20.

[0101] The height h of the protruding beak 22 is, for example, defined as being equal to the length a of the semi-minor axis of the ellipse previously described as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0102] [Math.2] h —b

[0103] With: - h the height of the protruding beak 22, and - b the length of the semi-major axis of the ellipse.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the protruding nozzle 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.

[0105] In general, for a second conduit 20 with an elliptical cross-section, it is noted that:

[0106] [Math.3] % <c<a

[0107] With: - c is the half-width of the base of the protruding beak 22, and - a is the length of the half-minor axis of the ellipse.

[0108] The second inlet orifice 21 maintains a defined contour in a plane parallel to the axis of the first conduit 10 outside the protruding nozzle 22.

[0109] With these proportions between the dimensions of the protruding nozzle 22 and the dimensions of the ellipse describing the contour 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 prime in the case of using a pump 50 to draw the liquid through the suction pipe 40 connected to the outlet orifice 12.

[0110] Figures 1, 3 and 5 present an example of device 1 for which the width of the protruding beak is equal to the length of the short axis of the ellipse.

[0111] Figures 2, 4 and 6 present an example of device 1 for which the width of the protruding beak is equal to one quarter of the length of the short axis of the ellipse.

[0112] In addition, the vortex created by the suction of the liquid and the suspended elements is centered on the ellipse and hits 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.

[0113] In order to avoid the formation of other disturbances around the second inlet orifice 21, a wall thickness 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.

[0114] 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, going 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.

[0115] The refining of the edge of the second conduit 20 is not limited to the realization of a leave, but can be obtained by making a chamfer or any other similar shape.

[0116] The flow through the second conduit is thus laminar, the liquid and suspended elements follow the edges of the conduit without forming turbulence, the flow is thus optimal and does not generate pressure loss.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the device 1 is made of a thermoplastic material of the polyvinyl chloride (also known as "PVC") type. This material has the advantage of being resistant to many chemicals. Furthermore, manufacturing such a device from this material allows, for example, the use of standard components such as conduits, elbows, and joints. It is therefore very easy to manufacture a device from this material.

[0118] However, some drawbacks should be noted, such as the relatively large wall thicknesses compared to ducts made of sheet metal. Also noteworthy is the low abrasion resistance and the inability to use this material in fluids at high or very low temperatures.

[0119] 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 with walls that are thinner than those made of polyvinyl chloride, for example 0.7 mm versus 3 mm for polyvinyl chloride.

[0120] A 304 type stainless steel is recommended for example in an agri-food environment, while a 316 type stainless steel which is more resistant to corrosion or aluminium is recommended in a marine environment.

[0121] Other metals are still being considered for the realization of 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 with an electric current or even by adding an anode to device 1, the latter oxidizing before the metal used for the realization of the conduits 10, 20 of device 1.

[0122] Materials such as composites made with carbon fiber or glass fiber are also envisaged, making the device, for example, very light.

[0123] In order to position and orient the device 1 in a volume of liquid, a structure is for example attached to the device 1, allowing it to be positioned and maintained during a phase of use.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the device 1 is part of a system as shown in [Fig. 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 liquid surface 60, 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.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first float 31 is placed in front of the second inlet orifice 21 at a determined distance from the latter, that is to say, the first float 31 is positioned at the level of the surface 60 of the liquid on the side of the protruding spout 22 of the device 1. In this position, the first float 31 protects the protruding spout 22 from solid bodies that could strike the protruding spout 22; for example, it prevents a branch floating on the surface of the liquid from directly touching this protruding spout 22.

[0126] Advantageously, the first float is further equipped with a submerged sliding stabilizer. Such a stabilizer buffers any hydraulic shock during the loading of a pump 50, preventing any sudden movement of the device 1 and thus avoiding the intake of 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 the diameter of the first conduit 10 of the device 1 is on the order of 100 mm.

[0127] 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 protruding spout 22, the first float 31 is positioned opposite the outlet orifice 12, i.e. opposite the drain pipe 40. The second 32 and third 33 floats are then arranged on either side of the drain pipe 40.

[0128] A main flow of liquid and suspended particles on the surface 60 of the liquid originates from the side opposite the protruding nozzle 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, thus facilitating the flow around the device 1.

[0129] The shape, size, and material of the floats 31, 32, 33 depend on several parameters, such as the nature of the liquid and suspended particles that will be in contact with them, as well as the mass they must support. Indeed, their role is to support the device 1 and the rigid frame 34, whose masses vary according to their size and the materials used.

[0130] It is therefore possible to use standard floats such as spherical buoys made of thermoplastic material. The use of standard components allows for their rapid interchangeability depending on the operating environment and facilitates maintenance. Based on the previously used sizing elements, 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.

[0131] It is also possible, for specific uses, to make floats in Various materials are used, resulting in more complex designs. For example, phosphorescent materials are used for better nighttime visibility and / or integrated lighting is incorporated, such as battery-powered lighting inside waterproof floats.

[0132] The rigid frame 34 is completely submerged, allowing a user to easily operate around the device 1. This makes it very easy to remove any floating debris that might obstruct the second inlet 21 when the device 1 is in operation. The absence of obstructions provided by the submerged rigid structure 34 gives the user optimal visibility of the device 1, thus facilitating adjustments to flow and pressure, for example.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the floats 31, 32, 33 are totally immersed below the surface 60 of the liquid, as is the rigid frame 34. This is possible by defining the volume and material of the floats 31, 32, 33 so as to support very precisely 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 suspended elements at the level of the surface 60 of the liquid and also allowing to have a system comprising the device 1 and the floating structure 30 invisible.

[0134] 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 this sub-assembly of the system comprising the device 1 and the floating structure 30 together, adapting the different elements in order to optimize the flow of liquid and suspended elements, for example, but also to obtain a mechanically balanced system which facilitates its handling.

[0135] Based on the previously used dimensioning elements, the system comprising the device 1 and the floating structure 30 requires a draft of only 35 cm. It can therefore be used very close to the banks of a pond, for example, but also in containers of liquid with a shallow depth.

[0136] According to a particular embodiment, the system comprising the device 1 and the floating structure 30 further comprises first means for adjusting the immersion depth of the device 1 and second means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the device 1.

[0137] The floats 31, 32, 33 are, for example, fixed to the rigid frame 34 by means of an adjustable fastening means, for example allowing vertical translation of the float 31, 32, 33 relative to the rigid frame 34. Such a fastening is, for example, achieved by means of a connection obtained by assembling a threaded element attached to a float 31, 32, 33 and a nut attached to the rigid frame 34. This fastening means allows adjustment of the parallelism, that is to say, the inclination of the device 1 relative to the liquid surface, and of the immersion depth of the device 1, in particular the height f of the thread of water. According to this example, the first and second means of adjustment are confused.

[0138] These means for adjusting the immersion depth of the device 1 and means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the device 1 allow the device 1 to be used in different media while ensuring optimal adjustment of the device depending, for example, on the viscosity of the liquid, the size and position of the suspended elements.

[0139] These adjustment means are obtained for example using other types of construction, for example multi-position racks, 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.

[0140] 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 tank, or is carried by means of a winch supported outside the structure containing the liquid.

[0141] As previously developed and presented in [Fig.8], the suction pipe 40 can be connected to a pump 50. The suction system for elements suspended in a liquid comprises the device 1, the floating structure 30, at least one discharge pipe 40 and a pump 50.

[0142] 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 lightweight. This makes the assembly very easy to handle and allows a single person to move it. In a previously described example, this assembly has a mass of less than 15 kg. It is therefore easy to move this assembly on unstable banks or banks with a steep slope, for example. Furthermore, the shallow draft, 35 cm according to the example, allows the assembly to be placed close to these banks.

[0143] Furthermore, since the pump 50 is not mounted on the container, it is located outside the container. It is thus placed on a stable and easily accessible support. For example, the pump 50 remains attached to a means of transport, thus avoiding the need to move it.

[0144] Whether electric or thermal, the pump 50 is not in contact with the liquid and suspended particles. It is thus protected from potential chemical attack by the medium consisting of the liquid and suspended particles. Similarly, this medium is protected from any nuisance emanating from the pump 50, such as noise, vibrations, oil leaks, or electrical hazards.

[0145] The system consisting of the device 1 and the floating structure is thus inert and can be used in environments with a flammable or explosive character.

[0146] Another advantage of relocating the pump 50 is that it allows for cleaning The system's ease of use is a significant advantage. Indeed, the exterior of a 50 pump is difficult to clean due to its many rough edges. Since the exterior of the 50 pump is not in contact with the surrounding environment, it does not risk transferring pollutants or invasive species from one environment to another.

[0147] 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.

[0148] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to any device for aspirating elements suspended in a liquid regardless of the nature of the liquid and the type of elements suspended.

[0149] The present invention also relates to a system for pumping or suctioning elements suspended in a liquid, for example a pumping or treatment station, fixed or mobile, comprising the device 1 of figures 1 to 6.

Claims

Demands

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 along a first direction of a first vector (zl) 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 along 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) with respect to the first vector (z1), the second inlet orifice (21) comprising a projecting nozzle (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 drawn in via the second inlet orifice (21) and expelled via the outlet orifice (12).

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

3. Suction device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a height (h) of said protruding nozzle (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 any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said protruding nozzle (22) has a base of a width between 0.25 and 1 times a minimum width of a section of said second conduit (20).

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

6. Suction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a wall thickness 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 any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first conduit (10) has a circular cross-section and said second conduit (20) has an elliptical cross-section.

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

9. Suction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein 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 any one of claims 1 to 9, which is made of a thermoplastic material of the type Polyvinyl Chloride, of a metallic material of the type aluminium or stainless steel or of a composite material of carbon fibre or fibreglass.

11. Suction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said outlet port (12) is configured to receive a discharge pipe (40) under negative pressure and / or said first inlet port (11) is configured to receive a discharge pipe under positive pressure.

12. A suction system for suspended elements in a liquid comprising the suction device (1) according to any 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 the immersion depth of the suction device (1) and second means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the suction device (1).

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

Images