Mobile boat cleaning device and associated control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile cleaning device (10) for a boat comprising: - a main pumping unit (30) configured to provide a seawater feed stream, - a filtration unit (34), - a high-pressure pumping unit (44), - a desalination unit (46) which is arranged downstream of the high-pressure pumping unit (44) and which is configured to provide a permeate stream called freshwater stream and a concentrate stream, - a first controlled distribution unit (48) which is supplied with freshwater stream by the desalination unit (46) and which is configured to distribute the freshwater stream to a first circuit (50) connected to a high-pressure cleaning unit (20), and a second circuit (56) connected to an internal freshwater storage tank (58). Figure for abstract: Fig.2

Description

Title of the invention: Mobile boat cleaning device and associated control method Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile boat cleaning device.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a mobile cleaning device which can be used in a port for cleaning boats at the dock with fresh water. Technical background

[0003] Boat cleaning devices are already known which use a high-pressure cleaning lance supplied by means of a tank containing fresh water.

[0004] Port installations, particularly for pleasure boats, can be equipped with a fixed boat cleaning station comprising a desalinator which produces fresh water from sea water in order to fill the tank intended to supply the high-pressure cleaning lance.

[0005] A disadvantage of existing solutions is that they are not mobile since it is necessary to bring the boat to be cleaned close to the cleaning station. Furthermore, this type of fixed station is bulky and expensive, which does not allow it to be equipped in small port facilities.

[0006] In the case of mobile cleaning units using a high-pressure lance, it is necessary to first fill a fresh water tank from a fixed station, then move this tank, which is very heavy and very bulky, to the place where the mobile cleaning unit is to be placed, for example to approach boats at the quayside.

[0007] The present invention aims in particular to solve these problems. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention provides a mobile cleaning device for a boat comprising: - a main pumping unit configured to provide a seawater feed flow, - a filtration unit configured to retain impurities contained in the seawater feed stream, - a high-pressure pumping unit which is arranged downstream of the filtration unit and which is configured to provide a flow of filtered seawater under pressure, - a desalination unit which is arranged downstream of the high pressure pumping unit and which is configured to provide a permeate stream called fresh water stream and a concentrate stream, - a first controlled distribution unit which is supplied with fresh water flow by the desalination unit and which is configured to distribute the fresh water flow to at least one of the following circuits according to a selected operating mode: — a first circuit connected to a high-pressure cleaning unit, — a second circuit connected to an internal fresh water storage tank.

[0009] According to other characteristics of the invention:

[0010] - a connection loop connects the internal storage tank and the unit of main pumping, the opening of said connection loop being controlled by at least one flushing valve, so that the main pumping unit can supply the device with fresh water when it is controlled in a flushing mode;

[0011] - a second distribution unit is supplied with concentrate by the desalination unit nization and includes a purge line configured to allow the discharge of the concentrate to the outside of the device;

[0012] - the second distribution unit is connected to the first distribution unit of so as to allow the evacuation of excess fresh water produced by the desalination unit to the outside through the purge pipe;

[0013] - the first distribution unit is configured to be able to distribute the flow of water fresh to a third circuit connected to an outlet intended to allow the filling of an external storage tank to be able to constitute an additional reserve of fresh water;

[0014] - the third circuit comprises a branch to the second distribution unit, the passage to the second distribution unit being controlled by a valve depending on the pressure in the third circuit;

[0015] - the desalination unit comprises membranes allowing desalination by reverse osmosis;

[0016] The invention also proposes a method for controlling the mobile boat cleaning device according to one of the preceding characteristics, the method comprising the following steps: (a) pumping seawater so as to provide the device with a feed flow of seawater, (b) filtration of the seawater feed stream so as to retain impurities contained in the seawater and so as to provide a stream of filtered seawater, (c) pressurizing the filtered seawater stream so as to provide a pressurized filtered seawater stream, (d) desalination of the pressure-filtered seawater stream so as to produce a permeate stream called the freshwater stream and a concentrate stream, e) distribution of the fresh water flow to at least one of the following circuits: — a first circuit connected to a high-pressure cleaning unit, — a second circuit (56) connected to an internal storage tank.

[0017] According to other advantageous characteristics of this method:

[0018] - it includes a rinsing mode during which a connection loop, which connects the internal storage tank of the main pumping unit is open so that the main pumping unit supplies the device with fresh water and allows the device to be rinsed;

[0019] - it has the following operating modes: — a washing mode during which the distribution of the fresh water flow is directed towards the first circuit, — an internal storage tank filling mode during which the distribution of the fresh water flow is directed towards the second circuit, — an external storage tank filling mode during which the distribution of the fresh water flow is directed entirely towards the third circuit. Brief description of the figures

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0021] [Fig-1] is a diagram showing a mobile boat cleaning device according to the invention;

[0022] [Fig.2] is a diagram of the main circuit of the mobile cleaning device of [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention

[0023] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numbers.

[0024] [Fig.l] illustrates a mobile cleaning device 10 for a boat 12 which is placed here on a quay 14, for example in a marina.

[0025] The mobile cleaning device 10 comprises, for example, a chassis 16 equipped with wheels 18 to enable it to be moved, possibly motorized.

[0026] The mobile cleaning device 10 comprises a high-pressure cleaning unit 20 which is equipped with a cleaning lance 22 connected to the high-pressure cleaning unit 20 by a hose 24.

[0027] The mobile cleaning device 10 may be equipped with a display screen 26 allowing its operating status to be monitored and an associated control panel 28.

[0028] The mobile cleaning device 10 may comprise a power source (not re presented), for example electricity storage batteries, or means of connection to the port facility's electrical network.

[0029] [Fig.l] also shows schematically a main pumping unit 30 which equips the mobile cleaning device 10 and which is provided here with a seawater sampling pipe 32. The seawater sampling pipe 32 can for example be positioned at the edge of the quay 14 so as to immerse itself in the seawater which wets the quay 14.

[0030] In [Fig.2] the main circuit 33 of the mobile cleaning device 10 and its main components are shown schematically.

[0031] It is noted that, to simplify the representation of the main circuit 33, the diagram of [Fig.2] does not include all the components which may be part of the circuit. In particular, the multiple valves, sensors, pressure gauges which may equip the mobile cleaning device 10 and which make it possible to monitor its operation and regulate the pressure inside the main circuit 33 have not been shown.

[0032] The main pumping unit 30 which equips the mobile cleaning device 10 makes it possible, when activated, to produce a flow of seawater supplying the main circuit 33.

[0033] This seawater feed flow is directed towards a filtration unit 34 designed to retain the impurities contained in the seawater.

[0034] The filtration unit 34 comprises, for example, a series of filters with distinct characteristics, placed in series along the path of the seawater feed flow. Going from upstream to downstream of the seawater feed flow, the filtration unit 34 comprises, for example, the following filters:

[0035] - a hundred micron filter 36, the mesh size of which is approximately 100 microns,

[0036] - an ultraviolet light filter 38 which makes it possible to disinfect sea water,

[0037] - a twenty micron 40 filter, the mesh size of which is approximately 20 microns,

[0038] - a five micron filter 42, the mesh size of which is approximately 5 microns.

[0039] The filters may be so-called cartridge filters, comprising a filter coil or superimposed filter elements.

[0040] According to an alternative embodiment, the filtration unit 34 may comprise a filtering arrangement different from that described previously.

[0041] The filtering unit 34 is followed by a high pressure pumping unit 44 which is connected upstream to the filtering unit 34 and which makes it possible to produce a flow of filtered sea water under pressure.

[0042] The high pressure pumping unit 44 comprises for example a motor and a high pressure pump.

[0043] The high-pressure pumping unit 44 is used to supply a desalination unit 46. This desalination unit 46 comprises, for example, polymer membranes which allow the production by reverse osmosis of a permeate flow called a fresh water flow and a concentrate flow.

[0044] Advantageously, the high pressure pumping unit 44 is designed to provide an optimal pressure for the operation of the membranes, for example close to 58 bars.

[0045] Advantageously, an automated air purge circuit is arranged between the filtration unit 34 and the high-pressure pumping unit 44 in order to preserve the membranes and the high-pressure pumping unit 44. To ensure the air purge, the main pumping unit 30 will, for example, operate for 15 seconds each time it is started, rejecting all the water into the sea via an air purge valve 47 located just before the high-pressure pumping unit 44. The air purge valve 47 is, for example, a three-way valve which allows a flow of water likely to contain air to be evacuated into the sea.

[0046] The flow of fresh water produced by the desalination unit 46 is sent to a first controlled distribution unit 48. This first controlled distribution unit 48 makes it possible to distribute the flow of fresh water to different units depending on the operating mode selected by a user who uses the mobile cleaning device 10.

[0047] For this purpose, the first controlled distribution unit 48 is connected by a first circuit 50 to a high-pressure cleaning unit 20.

[0048] The high-pressure cleaning unit 20 comprises, for example, a cleaning motor pump 54 to which the cleaning lance 22 is connected via the hose 24.

[0049] The cleaning motor pump 54 is generally designed to produce a maximum pressure of 80 bars so as not to damage the coating of the boats to be cleaned.

[0050] The first controlled distribution unit 48 is connected by a second circuit 56 to an internal storage tank 58.

[0051] Advantageously, this internal storage tank 58 is provided to be used for rinsing the main circuit 33 when the mobile cleaning device 10 is controlled in a rinsing mode. A connection loop 60 connects the internal storage tank 58 to the main pumping unit 30. The opening of said connection loop 60 is controlled here by a rinsing valve 62.

[0052] Advantageously, the main circuit 33 comprises a second distribution unit 64 which is supplied with concentrate by the desalination unit 46 and which comprises a purge pipe 66 so as to allow the concentrate to be discharged to the outside of the mobile cleaning device 10.

[0053] The second distribution unit 64 is preferably connected to the first distribution unit 48 so as to allow the evacuation of any excess fresh water. produced by the desalination unit 46 to the outside through the purge line 66.

[0054] Advantageously, the first distribution unit 48 is connected by a third circuit 68 to an outlet 69 allowing connection to an external storage tank 70, which is not integrated in the mobile cleaning device 10. This outlet 69, which can be equipped with a stopcock or a shut-off system, allows the filling of one or more external fresh water tanks 70, including at the same time as the use of the high-pressure cleaning unit 20 (operating mode combining washing and filling of the external tank) or according to an operating program dedicated to filling with the high-pressure cleaning unit 20 in deactivated mode.

[0055] In the first case, the external tank(s) 70 may be, for example, flexible and mobile tanks (maximum capacity of 100L) which may be used as buffer tanks to supply other standard type high-pressure cleaners making it possible to multiply the number of boats to be cleaned simultaneously, for example up to three boats at the same time.

[0056] In the second case, this outlet 69 can have the sole function of filling a larger tank as would be done by a fixed station. This solution allows, for example, the filling of a 5000L tank in eight hours, during the night for example.

[0057] The air purge circuit can be connected to the second distribution unit 64. The third circuit 68 can be provided with a branch to the second distribution unit 64, the passage to the second distribution unit 64 being controlled by a discharge valve 72 making it possible to evacuate any excess fresh water, for example when the outlet 69 is closed, in particular to avoid excess pressure in the circuit.

[0058] At the outlet of the desalination unit 46 and in the first distribution unit 48, the flow of fresh water is preferably maintained close to Ibar to ensure an hourly flow rate of approximately 400 liters / h, which allows the high-pressure cleaning unit 20 to permanently benefit from a sufficient supply flow rate to maintain the high cleaning pressure, preferably with an hourly flow rate of 360 liters / h.

[0059] A method of controlling the mobile cleaning device 10 for a boat described above is now described.

[0060] This method comprises the following steps: a) pumping seawater by means of the main pumping unit 30 so as to supply the main circuit 33 with the seawater feed flow, b) filtration of the seawater feed stream by the filtration unit 34 so as to retain the impurities contained in the seawater and so as to provide the filtered seawater flow, c) pressurizing the filtered seawater flow by means of the high pressure pumping unit 44 so as to provide the pressurized filtered seawater flow, d) desalination of the pressurized filtered seawater flow by means of the desalination unit 46 so as to produce the freshwater flow and the concentrate flow, e) distribution of the freshwater flow by means of the first distribution unit 48 according to the operating mode selected by the user.

[0061] When the user wishes to use the cleaning lance 22, for example to clean or rinse the deck of the boat 12, he selects a washing mode allowing him to obtain the maximum cleaning pressure. The high pressure cleaning unit 20 will always have its nominal pressure provided at 80 bar. The high pressure cleaning unit 20 when it is in operation always has priority to receive its usage flow rate.

[0062] In this washing mode, the first distribution unit 48 is controlled to direct the majority of the fresh water flow to the high-pressure cleaning unit 20, via the first circuit. The surplus fresh water or pressure not used by the high-pressure cleaning unit 20 joins the second distribution unit 64 to go to the discharge. Unless the external tank filling mode is activated. In this case, the surplus fresh water will feed the external fresh water tank 70.

[0063] Depending on the duration of the period of non-use or based on recommendations, a program dedicated to rinsing the membranes can be activated. This program, or rinsing mode, produces fresh water which is stored very temporarily in the internal tank 58 of the mobile cleaning device 10. As soon as this internal tank 58 is filled, the fresh water contained in this internal tank 58 is sucked in by the main pumping unit 30 instead of pumping sea water, so as to rinse the circuit and more particularly the membranes. When the rinsing is finished.

[0064] In this rinsing mode, the rinsing valve 62 is open and the main pumping unit 30 is activated, not to take sea water but to circulate fresh water from the internal storage tank 58 in the main circuit 33.

[0065] After a predetermined period of time, or depending on the signal provided by sensors, the flushing mode is deactivated. The internal storage tank 58 may be equipped with high and low level sensors in order to automate the flushing mode by stopping it when the water level contained in the internal storage tank 58 falls below a low limit.

[0066] According to a filling mode of the external storage tank 70, the distribution of the fresh water flow is directed entirely towards the third circuit. This filling mode can be activated for example when the user does not need to use the unit of

[0067]

[0068]

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] high pressure cleaning 20 and he wishes to build up a reserve of fresh water which could be used later, for example to supply another high pressure cleaning unit in order to clean several boats at the same time or the same boat with several cleaning lances 22. An indicator light can be provided to indicate to the user that the 20 micron and 5 micron filters need to be replaced. This indicator lights up when the pressure difference before the 20 micron filter and after the 5 micron filter is too high (nominal value calculated and measured by differential pressure switch). These filters are disposable. The 100 micron filter is a cleanable filter, it is visible to the user through a transparent wall and easily accessible to be dismantled and rinsed daily. A second indicator light may come on when a safety device on the circuit is triggered: water detector, high and low pressure detector, any fault coming from a unit. It is understood that the mobile cleaning device 10 and the associated control method allow fully automated operation to carry out washing, rinsing, and filling of an external tank. LEGEND 10: mobile cleaning device 12: boat 14: platform 16: chassis 18: wheels 20: high pressure cleaning unit 22: cleaning lance 24: flexible 26: display screen 28: control panel 30: main pumping unit 32: seawater sampling line 33: main circuit 33 34: filtration unit 36: 100 micron filter 38: Ultraviolet light filter 40: twenty micron filter 42: five micron filter 44: high pressure pumping unit 46: desalination unit : air bleed valve : first distribution unit : first circuit : cleaning motor pump : second circuit : internal storage tank : connecting loop : rinse valve : second distribution unit : purge line : third circuit : exit : external storage tank : relief valve

Claims

Claims

1. Mobile cleaning device (10) for a boat comprising: - a main pumping unit (30) configured to provide a seawater feed stream, - a filtration unit (34) configured to retain impurities contained in the seawater feed stream, - a high-pressure pumping unit (44) which is arranged downstream of the filtration unit (34) and which is configured to provide a pressurized filtered seawater stream, - a desalination unit (46) which is arranged downstream of the high-pressure pumping unit (44) and which is configured to provide a permeate stream called a freshwater stream and a concentrate stream,- a first controlled distribution unit (48) which is supplied with fresh water flow by the desalination unit (46) and which is configured to distribute the fresh water flow to at least one of the following circuits according to a selected operating mode: — a first circuit (50) connected to a high-pressure cleaning unit (20), — a second circuit (56) connected to an internal fresh water storage tank (58).,

2. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a connection loop (60) which connects the internal storage tank (58) and the main pumping unit (30), the opening of said connection loop (60) being controlled by at least one rinsing valve (62), so that the main pumping unit (30) can supply the device with fresh water when it is controlled in a rinsing mode.

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a second distribution unit (64) which is supplied with concentrate by the desalination unit (46) and which comprises a purge pipe (66) configured to allow the discharge of the concentrate to the outside of the device (10).

4. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second distribution unit (64) is connected to the first distribution unit (48) so as to allow the evacuation of a surplus of fresh water produced by the desalination unit (46) to the outside through the purge pipe (66).

5. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first distribution unit (48) is configured to be able to distribute the flow of fresh water to a third circuit (68) connected to an outlet (69) intended to allow the filling of an external storage tank (70) to be able to constitute an additional reserve of fresh water.

6. Device (10) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the third circuit (68) comprises a branch to the second distribution unit (64), the passage to the second distribution unit (64) being controlled by a valve as a function of the pressure in the third circuit.

7. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the desalination unit (46) comprises membranes allowing desalination by reverse osmosis.

8. A method for controlling the mobile cleaning device (10) for a boat according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: a) pumping seawater so as to provide the device (10) with a seawater feed stream, b) filtering the seawater feed stream so as to retain impurities contained in the seawater and so as to provide a filtered seawater stream, c) pressurizing the filtered seawater stream so as to provide a pressurized filtered seawater stream, d) desalinizing the pressurized filtered seawater stream so as to produce a permeate stream called a freshwater stream and a concentrate stream, e) distributing the freshwater stream to at least one of the following circuits: — a first circuit (50) connected to a high-pressure cleaning unit (20), — a second circuit (56) connected to an internal storage tank (58).

9. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a rinsing mode during which a connection loop (60), which connects the internal storage tank (58) to the main pumping unit (30), is opened so that the main pumping unit (30) supplies the device (10) with fresh water and allows the rinsing the device (10).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises the following operating modes: - a washing mode during which the distribution of the fresh water flow is directed towards the first circuit (50), - a mode for filling the internal storage tank (58) during which the distribution of the fresh water flow is directed towards the second circuit (58), - a mode for filling the external storage tank (70) during which the distribution of the fresh water flow is directed entirely towards the third circuit (68).

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