Aggregate cargo collection device

Abstract

Aggregate Cargo Collection Device The present invention relates to an aggregate cargo collection device (1), comprising a circumferential wall (2) extending around a rotation axis (3) of the collection device (1) and defining an internal volume, the circumferential wall (2) comprising a plurality of cutting elements (4) configured to cut the cargo into cut elements, the collection device (1) being configured to be driven in rotation and to convey the cut elements to a conveyor, characterized in that the collection device (1) comprises a rolling surface (7) configured to support the rotation of the collection device (1) and a transfer surface (8) provided with openings (6) configured to introduce the cut elements into the internal volume, a diameter of the rolling surface (7) being strictly greater than a diameter of the transfer surface (8). (Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Device for collecting an aggregate cargo

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of processing an aggregate cargo, such as carbon dioxide in solid form, within a storage tank for such a cargo, and relates more particularly to a collection device capable of cutting and transferring such an aggregate cargo.

[0002] Currently, a new logistics chain for processing an aggregate cargo, such as solid carbon dioxide, is being developed. This chain involves a first phase of cargo capture, a second phase of transporting this cargo, for example within the tank, and a final phase of burying the cargo at sites very far from the capture sites.

[0003] Conventionally, carbon dioxide is transported in liquid form, cooled and pressurized at pressures of 6 to 20 bar. These transport pressures require the use of pressure vessels, such as cylindrical, spherical, multilobed or internally reinforced tanks, whose mass and cost make the construction of large vessels very complex and prohibitively expensive.

[0004] Carbon dioxide transport is optimal when it is transported in a solid state, a phase in which it can remain at atmospheric pressure while exhibiting maximum density; particularly in maritime transport. Indeed, carbon dioxide is and can only exist in a solid or vapor state at atmospheric pressure.

[0005] A problem arises during the carbon dioxide unloading stage. An aggregation phenomenon occurs within the cargo. During loading, the solid carbon dioxide particles do not aggregate with each other. However, after storing a significant volume, and especially over a long period, the particles aggregate with considerable cohesive forces. It is possible to unload the solid carbon dioxide by cutting it up using collection devices located within the tank and driven in rotation to cut and transfer the solid carbon dioxide present within the floating structure.Solid carbon dioxide aggregates, or any other aggregated solid component, present in such collection devices exert significant resistance on the collection devices and can block them, preventing them from rotating and therefore from being discharged.

[0006] Also, the aggregates of solid carbon dioxide, or of any other aggregated solid component, present in such devices can rest on any permanent surface and create between each of these surfaces vaults then prevent the loading of material into the collection devices. This is what is called the vaulting phenomenon.

[0007] The present invention makes it possible to circumvent this problem by proposing a device for collecting an aggregate cargo within a storage tank, comprising a circumferential wall extending around an axis of rotation of the collection device and defining an internal volume, the circumferential wall comprising a plurality of cutting elements configured to cut the cargo into cut elements, the internal volume being configured to transfer the cut elements, the collection device being configured to be driven in rotation and to bring the cut elements to a conveyor, characterized in that the collection device comprises at least one bearing surface configured to support the rotation of the collection device and at least one transfer surface provided with openings configured to introduce the cut elements into the internal volume,a diameter of the rolling surface being strictly greater than a diameter of the transfer surface. In what follows, we will refer to the particles resulting from the aggregated cargo after cutting by the cutting elements as cut elements.

[0008] The collection device according to the invention is thus able to perform an efficient cutting and transfer of the aggregated cargo, because it does not present a surface of resistance to its rotation nor a permanent surface on which the aggregated cargo could rest.

[0009] The collection device is arranged within a tank that provides at least the storage of the aggregate cargo, for example, solid carbon dioxide, pending unloading of said cargo. The collection device is arranged within this tank and performs part of the unloading of the aggregate cargo by cutting it and moving the cut elements to the conveyor.

[0010] The circumferential wall advantageously forms a cylinder with a circular cross-section, which is driven in rotation about the axis of rotation, for example by means of a shaft arranged within the internal volume and which is itself driven by a drive device, for example a motor. The cutting elements are mechanically linked to an external periphery of the circumferential wall and are therefore also driven in rotation. Each cutting element includes a cutting edge which, driven by the rotation of the circumferential wall, comes into contact with the aggregated cargo and cuts it. The cut elements then enter the internal volume through the openings that pass through the circumferential wall and are then transferred through said internal volume to the conveyor.

[0011] The running surface provides, on the one hand, better stability to the collection device, in particular by ensuring mechanical support on support elements, and on the other hand, prevents the aggregated cargo from bearing on a surface appearing smooth during the rotation of the collection device, thus preventing the cargo from bridging over the collection device.

[0012] The transfer surface includes the openings and extends over a smaller diameter than the diameter of the running surface. This prevents any mechanical interference between the transfer surface and surrounding mechanical elements of the collection device that are potentially in contact with the running surface.

[0013] According to one feature of the invention, the cutting elements protrude from the transfer surface, extending radially outwards from the collection device. The cutting elements are inscribed within a circle with a diameter strictly smaller than the diameter of the rolling surface. The cutting elements extend primarily along a height corresponding to a radial distance from the transfer surface. The circle formed by the vertices of each of the cutting elements therefore has a diameter greater than the diameter of the transfer surface but always strictly smaller than the diameter of the rolling surface in order to prevent the cutting elements from mechanically interfering with surrounding mechanical elements of the collection device that are potentially in contact with the rolling surface.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, a cutting element and an opening form a pair, the opening being connected to the cutting element. Thus, when a cutting element interacts with the aggregated cargo, the resulting cut element falls and enters the internal volume of the collection device through the opening connected to said cutting element. To facilitate the introduction of the cut element, the cutting element of the pair is arranged to partially cover the opening of the pair and inclined so that the cut element slides into the opening of the pair.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the cutting elements fit into a helical profile around the axis of rotation. Such a helical configuration facilitates the cutting of the aggregated cargo.

[0016] According to one feature of the invention, the openings are inscribed in a helical profile around the axis of rotation. If the cutting elements are inscribed in a helical profile, a similar configuration for the openings is logical insofar as, as described above, the cutting elements and the openings can be configured in pairs.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the circumferential wall is divided into a first semi-cylindrical portion comprising the cutting elements, and a second semi-cylindrical portion without cutting elements. The cutting elements and the transfer surface are thus positioned only on one half of the circumferential wall. This configuration prevents the cutting elements or the leading edge of the running surface from engaging with the aggregated cargo when the collection device is started up and requires a significant torque to be applied to generate the rotation of the collection device.

[0018] By dividing the circumferential wall into two portions and positioning the second semi-cylindrical portion without cutting elements towards the space intended to receive the aggregated cargo, the latter does not risk coming into contact with the cutting elements or the leading edge of the rolling surface and this facilitates the rotation of the collection device.

[0019] According to one feature of the invention, the collection device comprises a transfer member extending helically within the internal volume, the transfer member being configured to convey the cut elements present in the internal volume to the conveyor. The transfer member is integral with the circumferential wall, and by rotating the latter, the transfer member guides the cut elements that have entered the internal volume towards one or the other end of the collection device by means of the helical shape of the transfer member.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the running surface extends helically around the axis of rotation. According to a first embodiment of the collection device, the running surface is formed as a single piece extending along a main dimension of the circumferential wall.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the running surface comprises at least one serrated edge, the cutting elements being arranged along the serrated edge. In the configuration as defined by the first embodiment of the collection device, the running surface extends helically, thus providing an advantageous arrangement of the cutting elements. Each cutting element is therefore positioned at one of the serrations of the serrated edge, and the entire set of cutting elements thus also extends helically along the circumferential wall.

[0022] Both edges of the running surface may be serrated, and the serrations on both edges may then include cutting elements. If only one edge of the running surface is serrated, this edge must be the one corresponding to a direction of rotation of the collection device so that the cutting elements can perform their function.

[0023] According to one feature of the invention, the collection device comprises a plurality of rolling surfaces and a plurality of transfer surfaces, the rolling surfaces and transfer surfaces forming cylinders around the axis of rotation, the rolling surfaces and transfer surfaces alternating with respect to each other. According to a second embodiment of the device During collection, the rolling surfaces extend cylindrically along the circumferential wall, as do the transfer surfaces. The rolling and transfer surfaces alternate with each other so that all the functions of each surface can be implemented along the entire circumferential wall.

[0024] In this embodiment, the cutting elements are arranged helically along each transfer surface in order to efficiently cut the aggregated cargo.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, at least one running surface follows a sinusoidal profile around the axis of rotation of the collection device. Advantageously, the sinusoidal profile ensures that all contact between the aggregated cargo and the running surface is broken during the rotation of the collection device, thus allowing the aggregated cargo to be cut along its entire length in contact with the collection device, thereby preventing any bridging phenomenon.

[0026] According to one feature of the invention, at least one running surface follows a chevron profile around the axis of rotation of the collection device. This is a variant of the second embodiment, the only difference being in the shape of the running surfaces. The chevrons also ensure that there is always a free portion of the running surface resting on a support roller, in order to support the collection device. Furthermore, the chevrons create a discontinuity: if an aggregate, i.e., a portion of the aggregated cargo, rests on the running surface, the discontinuity of the chevrons allows the aggregate to be nibbled away at each alternation of the chevrons.

[0027] The invention also covers a storage tank for an aggregate cargo, comprising a plurality of collection devices as described above and at least one conveyor. The storage tank has technical characteristics ensuring optimal thermal conditions for maintaining the cargo in solid form when it is a gas, for example during transport on a floating structure comprising such a storage tank.

[0028] Advantageously, the storage tank includes sufficient collection devices to extend along the entire length and width of the storage tank. Furthermore, the collection devices are preferably located at the bottom of the storage tank so that the entire aggregated cargo can be subsequently cut up.

[0029] The conveyor is primarily perpendicular to the collection devices and is arranged at one end of them so as to be able to receive the elements cut by the cutting elements and transferred within the internal volume of the circumferential wall of each of the collection devices. The conveyor then allows the removal of the cut elements from the storage tank.

[0030] According to one feature of the invention, the storage tank comprises a plurality of support rollers, each bearing surface of at least one of the collection devices being in contact with at least one support roller, the support rollers being configured to be driven in rotation by the collection devices. The support rollers provide mechanical support for the collection devices. Each support roller is configured to rotate freely, and is therefore driven in rotation when each collection device is itself driven in rotation. The support rollers are in contact with at least one bearing surface of the collection devices and are thus positioned relative to its diameter. Consequently, the support rollers do not mechanically impede either the rotation of the collection devices or the cutting elements, the latter not extending beyond the diameter of the bearing surface.

[0031] Depending on the previously described embodiments of the collection device, the support rollers may differ structurally. A collection device comprising a helical running surface is thus supported by at least one support roller extending along the entire circumferential wall. A collection device comprising a plurality of cylindrical running surfaces is, on the other hand, supported by a plurality of support rollers, each support roller being positioned opposite a cylinder forming a running surface.

[0032] According to one feature of the invention, the storage tank comprises at least two conveyors, each collection device extending between the two conveyors, the transfer element of each collection device being configured to convey the cut elements to one or the other of the conveyors depending on the direction of rotation of the collection devices. Such a configuration can be useful in the event of a failure of one of the conveyors. A change in the direction of rotation of the collection devices then ensures a change in the direction of transfer of the cut elements by the transfer elements of each collection device. This implies the implementation of cutting elements ensuring that the aggregated cargo is cut regardless of the direction of rotation of the collection device.

[0033] Depending on the configuration of the collection devices within the storage tank, the number of conveyors may vary. For example, the storage tank may include a conveyor at each end of the tank if there is a single row of collection devices within it.

[0034] In the case where there are two rows of collection devices within the storage tank, the latter may then include a conveyor at each end of the tank, as well as one or two conveyors in the center of the storage tank.

[0035] According to a feature of the invention, the rolling surfaces forming The cylinders of a collection device are axially offset relative to the running surfaces of an adjacent collection device. This feature is specific to the second embodiment of the collection device. An axial offset between the running surfaces of two adjacent collection devices prevents contact between the running surfaces of two adjacent collection devices.

[0036] According to one feature of the invention, two adjacent collection devices are configured to be driven in rotation in opposite directions of rotation relative to each other. Such a configuration optimizes the cutting of the aggregated cargo.

[0037] According to one feature of the invention, the helical shape of the transfer element of a collection device is oriented in the opposite direction to the helical shape of a transfer element of an adjacent collection device. Since two adjacent collection devices are rotated in opposite directions, it is evident that the helical shape of their respective transfer elements also extends in opposite directions so that the cut elements collected by both devices are transferred in the same direction. As a result, the cut elements are transferred to the same conveyor, and it is not necessary to use two conveyors at the two ends of the collection devices.

[0038] According to one feature of the invention, the axis of rotation of the collection devices is inclined with respect to a horizontal normal, with the lower end of at least one collection device facing the conveyor. Such an inclination is sufficient to transfer the cut elements present in the internal volume after they have been cut and passed through one of the openings. The rotation of the collection device, combined with the force of gravity resulting from the inclination of said collection device, allows the transfer to the conveyor and may even eliminate the need for a transfer mechanism.

[0039] The invention also covers a floating structure for the transport and / or storage of an aggregate cargo, comprising a storage tank as described above.

[0040] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0041] [Fig. 1] represents a first embodiment of at least one collection device according to the invention,

[0042] [Fig.2] is a close-up view of the first embodiment of the collection device,

[0043] [Fig.3] represents the first embodiment of several collection devices adjacent,

[0044] [Fig.4] is a top view of a second embodiment of the device collection according to the invention,

[0045] [Fig.5] represents a variant of the second embodiment of the device collection,

[0046] [Fig.6] represents an alternative to rolling surfaces of the second mode of implementation of the collection system,

[0047] [Fig.7] schematically represents a floating structure comprising a tank of storage equipped with collection devices,

[0048] [Fig.8] represents an alternative configuration of the storage tank.

[0049] Fig. 1 represents a first embodiment of a plurality of collection devices 1 configured to cut up an aggregate cargo, for example within a storage tank of a floating structure.

[0050] The aggregate cargo may be a material in a solid state but capable of changing state depending on the ambient temperature, for example, carbon dioxide. According to such an example, the storage of carbon dioxide in a storage tank must be carried out under specific conditions, including very low temperatures. The conditions for unloading carbon dioxide are also specific because carbon dioxide evaporates in the open air and has a high level of toxicity. The collection devices 1, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], therefore ensure unloading without human intervention and without opening the storage tank to the atmosphere.

[0051] To do this, each collection device 1 includes a circumferential wall 2 delimiting an internal volume and extending around an axis of rotation 3, as well as a plurality of cutting elements 4 projecting from the circumferential wall 2.

[0052] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the circumferential wall 2 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section. This wall is capable of being driven in rotation, for example by means of a drive device, such as a motor, and a shaft (not shown), said shaft being centered around the axis of rotation 3. The aggregated cargo to be cut (not shown) is stored on top of the collection devices 1. Furthermore, each collection device 1 is supported by at least one support roller 5, which provides mechanical support to at least one of the collection devices. The support rollers 5 are also cylindrical with a circular cross-section and are free to rotate so as to be driven in rotation by the collection devices 1, while simultaneously providing them with mechanical support.

[0053] When the collection devices 1 are rotated, the cutting elements 4 are also rotated and attack the aggregated cargo to cut it up for transfer out of the tank. storage.

[0054] Each collection device 1 also includes through-holes 6 in the circumferential wall 2 (visible in [Fig. 2]). The through-holes 6 allow the cut elements 4 to be introduced into the internal volume. This volume then allows the cut elements to be transferred, for example, to a conveyor used to remove the cargo from the storage tank.

[0055] As previously mentioned, before the stored aggregate cargo is cut, it rests on the collection devices 1. The collection devices 1 according to the invention are provided with a rolling surface 7 and a transfer surface 8 comprising the openings 6, the rolling surface 7 having a diameter strictly greater than one diameter of the transfer surface 8. Since the aggregate cargo is in a solid state and present in large quantities, the alternation between the rolling surface and the transfer surface prevents the aggregate cargo from clogging the support surfaces of the collection device. This clogging would form arches between two clogging surfaces, supporting all the aggregate material present above the arches. Such an arching phenomenon would block the material above the arches and prevent the collection device from being fed with cargo.Thanks to the invention, the aggregated cargo is nibbled along the collection device. The running surface 7 is in contact with the support rollers 5, causing them to rotate. Since the transfer surface 8 has a smaller diameter than the running surface 7, it does not mechanically interfere with the support rollers 5, which can therefore interact freely with the running surface 7. The running surface 7 extends along the entire circumferential wall 2. This arrangement ensures that the aggregated cargo comes into contact along the entire length of the collection device in order to be nibbled by the cutting elements.

[0056] According to the first embodiment of the collection device according to the invention, the rolling surface 7 and the transfer surface 8 both follow a helical profile around the axis of rotation 3. Such a configuration allows for the implementation of a single rolling surface 7 extending over the entire axial dimension of the collection device 1 under consideration. This implies the implementation of a support roller 5 also extending parallel to the axis of rotation 3 and along the axial dimension of the collection device 1. Preferably, several support rollers 5 are implemented to contribute to the proper support of the collection device.

[0057] The cutting elements 4 also fit into a helical profile to facilitate cutting the aggregated cargo during the rotation of the collection device 1, just like the openings 6 as illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0058] Advantageously, the diameter of the support rollers 5 at both ends is smaller than the central diameter of the roller. This reduction in diameter This prevents the leading edges of the rolling surfaces from being worn down with each pass from one support roller to the adjacent support roller.

[0059] To facilitate the arrangement of the cutting elements 4, the running surface 7 includes a serrated edge 9 extending along its entire length. The cutting elements 4 are arranged at the serrations of the serrated edge 9 so as to be positioned over the entire collection device 1 while fitting within a helical profile, the running surface 7 itself fitting within this helical profile.

[0060] Thus, the collection device 1 according to the invention guarantees a cutting of the aggregated cargo

[0061] Figure 2 is a close-up view of the first embodiment of the device Collection 1 according to the invention. [Fig.2] allows for a better observation of the configuration of the cutting elements 4.

[0062] As previously described and illustrated, the cutting elements 4 are arranged along the running surface 7, at the level of the notches of the notched edge 9. In order for the cutting elements 4 to perform their function, the collection device 1 must be driven in rotation in a first direction of rotation 10a for optimal cutting of the aggregated cargo. However, not shown, it is possible to implement a collection device 1 comprising two groups of cutting elements 4 oriented oppositely to each other so that the collection device 1 can cut the aggregated cargo by being driven in rotation in the first direction of rotation 10a or in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation 10a.

[0063] Fig. 2 also shows that the cutting elements 4 protrude from the transfer surface 8 and extend radially outwards from the collection device 1. However, in order not to interfere mechanically with the support rollers, the cutting elements 4 are inscribed in a circle whose diameter is strictly less than the diameter of the rolling surface 7. Thus, the latter and the support rollers can interact with each other without the cutting elements 4 blocking such interaction.

[0064] Furthermore, each cutting element 4 forms a pair 11 with one of the openings 6, the latter opening onto the cutting element 4 which partially covers the opening 6. Thus, when the cutting element 4 of the pair 11 cuts the aggregated cargo, a cut element formed by the cutting element 4 enters directly into the internal volume of the collection device 1 via the opening 6 of this same pair 11. The introduction of the cut elements into the internal volume of the collection device 1 is thus facilitated by these pairs 11.

[0065] Figure 3 again represents the first embodiment of several dis positive collection 1, in particular a first collection device and a second collection device 1b adjacent to each other.

[0066] Figure 3 shows the internal volume 12 delimited by the circumferential wall 2 of each collection device 1. Each of these devices also includes a transfer element 13 arranged within the internal volume 12. The transfer element 13 has a helical shape extending along the entire length of the internal volume. When the collection device 1 is rotated and the cut elements enter the internal volume 12 after being cut, the transfer element 13, also rotated, allows the transfer of the cut elements within the internal volume 12 to one end of the collection device 1, particularly the end where the aforementioned conveyor is located.

[0067] As previously described, two adjacent collection devices 1 are preferably driven in rotation in opposite directions. Thus, for example, the first collection device 1 is driven in rotation in the first direction of rotation 10a while the second collection device 1b is driven in rotation in the second direction of rotation 10b, or vice versa if said collection devices 1 are capable of being rotated and cutting the aggregated cargo in both directions of rotation 10a, 10b.

[0068] Consequently, the helical profile of the transfer elements 13 of two adjacent collection devices 1 is oriented in opposite directions relative to each other so that, when the two adjacent collection devices 1 are rotated in opposite directions, the cut elements entering the internal volume 12 of said collection devices 1 are transferred towards the same end despite the opposite direction of rotation. Such a configuration thus optimizes both the cutting of the aggregated cargo and the transfer of the cut elements.

[0069] Figure 4 is a top view of a second embodiment of the collection device 1 according to the invention. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the collection device 1 comprises a plurality of rolling surfaces 7 and transfer surfaces 8 forming cylinders extending alternately with respect to each other along the axis of rotation 3. The cutting elements 4 are arranged on the transfer surface 8, but still following a helical profile. The cutting elements 4 can all be oriented in the same way or be oriented in two opposite directions, depending on whether the collection device 1 is configured to rotate in a single direction or in both directions.

[0070] The cylinders forming the rolling surfaces 7 follow a sinusoidal profile. This ensures that there is always a point of contact between each rolling surface 7 and one of the support rollers 5, thus facilitating the rotation of the devices. Collection 1. The sinusoidal profile of the running surfaces 7 has the advantage of avoiding a continuous and stable bearing surface for the aggregated cargo. During the rotation of the collection device, at a given point above a running surface, the portion of aggregated cargo sees different sections of the sinusoidal profile, thus preventing any bearing of the aggregated cargo on the running surface. This configuration ensures the continuous feeding of the collection device. The support rollers 5 are numerous along the entire length of the collection devices 1 and are dimensioned according to each running surface 7 by being opposite and in contact with it. Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the running surfaces 7 of two adjacent collection devices 1 are axially offset from each other to avoid any mechanical interference between them.

[0071] The other features of the second embodiment being identical to the first embodiment, reference will be made to the description of figures 1 to 3 for the features common to both embodiments.

[0072] Figure 5 represents a variant of the second embodiment of the collection device 1. This variant can, however, also be applied to the first embodiment of the collection device 1.

[0073] In this variant, the circumferential wall 2 is divided into two half-cylinders 14, namely a first half-cylinder 14a and a second half-cylinder 14b, and the cutting elements 4 are arranged only on one half-cylinder 14, here the first half-cylinder 14a while the second half-cylinder 14b is devoid of cutting elements 4.

[0074] The advantage of such a configuration is that it prevents the cutting elements 4 from engaging with the aggregate cargo when the collection device 1 is stationary. By orienting the half-cylinder 14, which lacks cutting elements 4, towards the aggregate cargo, the collection device 1 is subsequently rotated more easily since no cutting element 4 is engaged with the aggregate cargo. The running surface(s) 7 extend over both half-cylinders 14 to ensure mechanical resistance and partial contact with the support rollers 5. Alternatively, the running surface(s) 7 may extend only partially over the half-cylinder without cutting elements to limit the engagement between the running surface and the aggregate cargo on this portion of the collection device.In a preferred variant, the bearing surface(s) 7 extend only over the half-cylinder containing the cutting elements. In other words, in this preferred variant, the half-cylinder without cutting elements has no portion of a bearing surface. As a result, the surface of this half-cylinder is smooth and prevents any engagement. possible from the aggregated cargo. In this preferred variant, the half-cylinder without cutting elements has the same diameter as the half-cylinder with cutting elements at the level of the rolling surface to allow contact with the rollers 5.

[0075] The [Fig.6] is an alternative to the rolling surfaces 7 of the second embodiment of the collection device 1. Only the structure of the rolling surfaces 7 differs from the second embodiment described above.

[0076] According to this alternative, the running surfaces 7 follow a chevron profile. Such a profile ensures systematic partial contact between the running surface 7 and the associated support roller 5. Moreover, and as explained previously for the sinusoidal profile of the running surface, the chevron forms a discontinuity for the aggregate cargo located immediately above the chevron. During the rotation of the collection device, at a given point above a running surface, the portion of aggregate cargo sees different sections of the chevrons, thus preventing any contact between the aggregate cargo and the running surface. Indeed, the aggregate cargo experiences an alternation between a chevron and an inter-chevron gap. The portion of aggregate cargo therefore cannot bear on this surface. This configuration guarantees the continuous feeding of the collection device.

[0077] Advantageously, the support rollers 5 have a diameter that is not divisible by the diameter of the running surface. This prevents the leading edge of the running surface from resting in exactly the same position on the support roller with each rotation of the collection device. This configuration thus prevents accelerated wear of the support roller.

[0078] Figure 7 schematically represents a floating structure 15 comprising a storage tank 16 as previously mentioned and suitable for storing the aggregate cargo. The storage tank thus comprises a plurality of collection devices 1 as well as two conveyors 17 as previously mentioned.

[0079] Advantageously, the collection devices 1 are configured to cover the length and width of the storage tank 16 in order to efficiently evacuate the entire aggregated cargo. Furthermore, the collection devices 1 are positioned at the bottom of the storage tank 16 in order to progressively break up the aggregated cargo, which remains in contact with the collection devices 1 by gravity.

[0080] The cut elements 18 are then transferred to the conveyors 17 and subsequently removed from the storage tank 16 for further processing. In [Fig. 7], the storage tank 16 comprises two rows of collection devices 1, and each of these is associated with one of the two central conveyors 17, which extend at one end of the collection devices 1 of a row and perpendicularly to them.

[0081] However, the number of conveyors 17 may vary depending on the number of rows of collection devices 1 and whether these are capable of being rotated in both directions. The storage tank may thus comprise a single row of collection devices 1 and a single conveyor 17, or a single conveyor 17 common to two rows of collection devices 1.

[0082] Alternatively, the storage tank 16 may include a conveyor 17 at each end of the collection devices 1 in a row of collection devices 1. This configuration is advantageous in the event of a failure of one of the conveyors 17, as the cut elements 18 can then be transferred to the opposite conveyor 17. Such a configuration is only feasible if the collection devices 1 are configured to cut the aggregated cargo and transfer the cut elements 18 in both directions of rotation.

[0083] The floating structure 15 may also include a corridor 19, isolated from the storage tank 16, where management and maintenance of the storage tank 16 can be safely carried out by maintenance personnel.

[0084] Figure 8 is an alternative configuration of the storage tank 16, where the dis The collection devices 1 are inclined relative to a horizontal normal so that one lower end of the collection devices 1 is oriented towards one of the conveyors 17. This alternative configuration allows the cut elements 18 to be transferred to the conveyor 17 by gravity. It is thus possible to do without a transfer element 13 as illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0085] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0086] The invention, as described above, achieves its intended purpose and provides a collection device capable of cutting up an aggregated load while preventing bridging. Variations not described here could be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they include a collection device conforming to the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A collection device (1, a, 1b) for an aggregate cargo within a storage tank (16), comprising a circumferential wall (2) extending around an axis of rotation (3) of the collection device (1, a, 1b) and defining an internal volume (12), the circumferential wall (2) comprising a plurality of cutting elements (4) configured to cut the cargo into cut elements (18), the internal volume (12) being configured to transfer the cut elements (18), the collection device (1, a, 1b) being configured to be driven in rotation and to bring the cut elements (18) to a conveyor (17), characterized in that the collection device (1, a, 1b) comprises at least one bearing surface (7) configured to support the rotation of the collection device (1, a, 1b) and at least one transfer surface (8) provided with openings (6) configured to introduce the cut elements (18) into the internal volume (12),a diameter of the rolling surface (7) being strictly greater than a diameter of the transfer surface (8).

2. Collection device (1, a, 1b) according to claim 1, wherein the cutting elements (4) protrude from the transfer surface (8) by extending radially outwards from the collection device (1, a, 1b), the cutting elements (4) being inscribed in a circle of a diameter strictly less than the diameter of the rolling surface (7).

3. Collection device (1, a, 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cutting element (4) and an opening (6) form a pair (11), the opening (6) opening onto the cutting element (4).

4. Collection device (1, a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting elements (4) fit into a helical profile around the axis of rotation (3).

5. Collection device (1, a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the openings (6) are inscribed in a helical profile around the axis of rotation (3).

6. Collection device (1, aa, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the circumferential wall (2) is divided into a first semi-cylindrical portion (14, 14a) comprising the cutting elements (4), and a second semi-cylindrical portion (14, 14b) devoid of cutting elements (4).

7. Collection device (1, a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a transfer member (13) extending helically within the internal volume (12), the transfer member (13) being configured to bring the cut elements (18) present in the internal volume (12) to the conveyor (17).

8. Collection device (1, a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rolling surface (7) extends helically around the axis of rotation (3).

9. Collection device (1, a, 1b) according to claim 8, wherein the rolling surface (7) comprises at least one serrated edge (9), the cutting elements (4) being arranged along the serrated edge (9).

10. Collection device (1, a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a plurality of rolling surfaces (7) and a plurality of transfer surfaces (8), the rolling surfaces (7) and the transfer surfaces (8) forming cylinders around the axis of rotation (3), the rolling surfaces (7) and the transfer surfaces (8) forming an alternation with respect to each other.

11. Collection device (1, la, 1b) according to claim 10, wherein at least one rolling surface (7) follows a sinusoidal profile around the axis of rotation (3) of the collection device (1, la, 1b).

12. Collection device (1, la, 1b) according to claim 10, wherein at least one rolling surface (7) follows a chevron profile around the axis of rotation (3) of the collection device (1, la, 1b).

13. Storage tank (16) for an aggregate cargo, comprising a plurality of collection devices (1, a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and at least one conveyor (17).

14. Storage tank (16) according to claim 13, comprising a plurality of support rollers (5), each bearing surface (7) of at least one of the collection devices being in contact with at least one support roller (5), the support rollers (5) being configured to be driven in rotation by the collection devices (1, a, 1b).

15. Storage tank (16) according to claim 13 or 14, in combination with claim 7, comprising at least two conveyors (17), each collection device (1, la, 1b) extending between the two conveyors (17), the transfer member (13) of each collection device (1, la, 1b) being configured to bring the cut elements (18) towards one or the other of the conveyors (17) according to a direction of rotation (10a, 10b) of the collection devices (1, la, 1b).

16. Storage tank (16) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, in combination with any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the plurality of rolling surfaces (7) forming cylinders of a collection device (1, la, 1b) are axially offset with respect to the rolling surfaces (7) of an adjacent collection device (1, la, 1b).

17. Storage tank (16) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein two adjacent collection devices (1, a, 1b) are configured to be driven in rotation in a direction of rotation (10a, 10b) opposite to each other.

18. Storage tank (16) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, in combination with claim 7, wherein the helical shape of the transfer member (13) of a collection device (1, la, 1b) is arranged in a direction opposite to a direction of a helical shape of a transfer member (13) of an adjacent collection device (1, la, 1b).

19. Storage tank according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the axis of rotation (3) of the collection devices (1, la, 1b) has an inclination with respect to a horizontal normal, a lower end of at least one collection device (1, la, 1b) being opposite the conveyor (17).

20. Floating structure for the transport and / or storage of an aggregate cargo, comprising a storage tank (16) according to any one of claims 13 to 19.

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