Integrated mobile system for plaster preparation

Abstract

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle with one or more axles, equipped with a silo, a mixing pump, water tanks, and a generator, capable of mixing powdered plaster components with water and pumping them. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for transporting, preparing, and pumping plaster, in which the plaster is prepared during pumping using water from the water tanks installed on the vehicle. According to a third aspect, the invention relates to using said vehicle to efficiently and flexibly carry out plastering work at various sites.

Description

Title of the invention: Integrated mobile system for plaster preparation. Technical field

[0001] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle intended for the transport of the components of the coating as well as for the manufacture and pumping of the coating.

[0002] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for transporting the components of the coating, preparing and pumping the coating.

[0003] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of a vehicle adapted for transporting the components of the coating and for preparing and pumping the coating. PRIOR TECHNOLOGY

[0004] Traditional methods for applying plaster require significant manual effort during preparation. First, all the necessary components for preparing the plaster, such as the powdered plaster components, mixing equipment, and a pump, must be transported to the specific work site. This transport process may require several trips with different vehicles or frequent back-and-forth trips with a single vehicle.

[0005] An additional challenge lies in adjusting the necessary machinery. Correctly adjusting the water supply, plaster preparation, and pumping equipment is crucial for the efficiency of the work process and the quality of the final result, as the plaster hardens quickly and must be used immediately after preparation. These adjustments often need to be made on-site, which requires additional time and specific expertise and frequently affects the quality of the plastering work.

[0006] Another important problem is the reliance on local water networks. Working with the water pressure supplied by these networks can be unpredictable, which impairs the consistency of the coating.

[0007] During the delivery of the powder coating components and their transport to a mixer, the working environment can become very dusty, leading to health risks for workers, such as respiratory problems and allergic reactions. This necessitates additional safety measures, such as the wearing of protective equipment, which increases the costs and complexity of the project.

[0008] A vehicle combining mixing and pumping functions for powdered components is described in document EP2952312B. In this document, binders and The charges are mixed, stored in a tank, then pumped using a single vehicle.

[0009] However, there is a need for an integrated system that combines the transport of powdered components with the preparation and pumping of the coating, which would improve efficiency by reducing traditional manual labor. This would not only save time and resources but also improve the quality of the final result.

[0010] The present invention aims at least to provide a solution for some of the aforementioned problems or disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle having one or more axles for the preparation and pumping of the coating, comprising: at least one silo for storing the components of the powder coating, at least one pump adapted for pumping the components of the powder coating towards one end, said pump being connected to the silo and configured to receive the components of the powder coating from the silo and pump them, one or more water tanks, at least one generator for, among other things, driving the pump, said pump being a mixing pump 3, said mixing pump 3 being connected to at least one of the water tanks, and configured to, when pumping the components of the powder coating from the silo, mix them with water from at least one of the water tanks.

[0012] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for transporting the plaster components and for preparing and pumping the plaster, comprising: storing the powdered plaster components in a vehicle with one or more axles in one or more silos mounted on the vehicle; moving the vehicle to a site; conveying the powdered plaster components to a mixing pump installed on the vehicle; supplying water to the mixing pump; preparing the plaster from the powdered components and water using the mixing pump; and pumping the plaster using a mixing pump installed on the vehicle.

[0013] characterized in that the coating is prepared in real time during pumping and that the water is supplied from one or more water tanks present on the vehicle.

[0014] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of a vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention to transport, among other things, powder coating components and water, prepare the coating and pump the coating.

[0015] The vehicle offers considerable advantages in terms of efficiency and flexibility for plastering work, being completely autonomous and capable of preparing the plaster quickly without relying on external facilities, allowing the invention to be used in a wider variety of environments compared to traditional techniques. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0016] The figures are non-limiting examples illustrating the invention, and are not and cannot be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0017] Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate a side view of a vehicle intended for transport powder coating components and water, among other things, for coating preparation and pumping. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Unless otherwise stated, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, are used in the sense generally understood by a specialist in the technical field of the invention. For a better understanding of the description of the invention, the following terms are explained explicitly.

[0019] "Un", "une", "le", "la" and "les" refer in this document to both the singular and the plural except where the context clearly implies otherwise. "A segment" means, for example, one or more segments.

[0020] The "preparation" consists of mixing powder coating components and water to obtain the coating.

[0021] The terms "include", "comprising", "composed of", "composed of", "intended to", "contain", "containing", "containing" are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms indicating the presence of the following, and not excluding or preventing other components, features, elements, members, phases, known of or described in the prior art.

[0022] In the context of the invention, "axle" means at least one virtual axle on which two wheels are arranged on either side. This can, for example, be achieved by means of independent wheel suspension, but also by means of a rigid axle.

[0023] In the context of the invention, the coating is defined as a mixture comprising one or more of the following components: sand, lime, cement, plaster and water, the components of the coating being distributed, in the context of the invention; into groups of powder components and water.

[0024] The term "fill level" refers to the level to which the vehicle silo is filled with powder coating components.

[0025] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle having one or more axles for the preparation and pumping of the coating, comprising: at least one silo for storing the powdered coating components, at least one pump adapted to the pumping of powder coating components to one end, said pump being connected to the silo and configured to receive the powder coating components from the silo and pump them, one or more water tanks, at least one generator to, among other things, drive the pump, said pump being a mixing pump, said mixing pump being connected to at least one of the water tanks, and configured to, when pumping the powder coating components from the silo, mix them with water from at least one of the water tanks.

[0026] The vehicle offers considerable advantages thanks to the integration of a water tank, allowing all the necessary equipment to be consolidated onto a single vehicle. This integrated configuration makes the vehicle completely autonomous, which not only increases efficiency on the job site but also significantly improves flexibility. The ability to quickly and efficiently prepare and pump the plaster on any site, without relying on external facilities, allows work to be carried out faster and with fewer interruptions. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of technical problems such as blockages, which can occur due to inconsistencies in the mixing process or premature hardening of the plaster.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the water tank has a capacity of at least 1000 l, preferably of at least 2000 l, and even more preferably of at least 2500 l.

[0028] The vehicle includes a water pump adapted to supply water from at least one of the water tanks to the mixing pump under constant pressure. Stable and adequate pressure ensures that the water is mixed uniformly with the powder coating components, resulting in a homogeneous mixture. This homogeneous mixing process is essential for obtaining a coating with optimal properties. By precisely regulating the pressure, fluctuations in the mixture are avoided, which could otherwise lead to uneven hardening and a loss of coating quality. The water pump therefore directly contributes to ensuring a consistent, high-quality final product.

[0029] In another alternative embodiment, the mixing pump includes an AV 1000 water pressure booster pump, suitable for regulating water pressure. Thus, the water pressure can be adjusted directly at the mixing pump, thereby increasing the accuracy of water pressure control.

[0030] The silo has a downward-converging shape that opens into at least one outlet connected to a mixing pump. This eliminates the need for separate feeding systems for powdered materials, thus simplifying the process. A simplified process increases the efficiency of coating preparation and reduces the risks of technical problems. In another preferred embodiment, the silo includes two outlets, each connected to a mixing pump. This increases the vehicle's coating supply capacity. A second mixing pump can also be used as a backup, further increasing the vehicle's reliability in terms of coating supply.

[0031] In another alternative embodiment, at least one of the mixing pumps is a PFT G4 XL pump.

[0032] In another alternative embodiment, the narrowing of the silo is formed by at least two lateral walls inclined inwards at an angle of at least 20 degrees, and preferably at least 30 degrees, and even more preferably at least 45 degrees.

[0033] In another alternative embodiment, the one or both outlets of the silo have a cylindrical shape, such as, for example, a transfer bellows, having a diameter between 100 mm and 500 mm, and preferably between 200 mm and 400 mm, and even more preferably between 250 mm and 350 mm.

[0034] In another alternative embodiment, the silo outlet or both outlets include a butterfly valve, in which a transfer bellows preferably forms a connection between a mixing pump and the silo butterfly valve.

[0035] In another alternative embodiment, the silo includes a manhole in the upper part allowing internal maintenance of the silo for cleaning or repair.

[0036] In another alternative embodiment, the silo includes an air vent pipe with a diameter of at least 50 mm, and preferably at least 100 mm. This air vent pipe prevents the formation of overpressure inside the silo. In another preferred embodiment, the end located outside the silo is connected to a dust bag capable of collecting any powder coating components expelled through the air vent pipe.

[0037] The mixing pump is positioned at the height of one axle of the vehicle. This configuration allows the silo to be positioned lower, thus optimizing the use of vertical space for storing the powder coating components. This significantly increases the silo's storage capacity. It also simplifies the feeding of the powder coating components to the mixing pump, since the mixing pump can be positioned below the silo, allowing the powder coating components to "fall" directly into the mixing pump, eliminating the need for an additional feeding mechanism.

[0038] In another alternative embodiment, the silo is equipped with a vibration device for vibrating the silo. Under the effect of their own weight, some parts of the powder coating components may agglomerate in the silo. This impedes the flow to the mixing pump and can, in the worst case, completely block the flow. Vibrating the silo can remedy or prevent this problem. In another preferred embodiment, the vibration device comprises four vibrating motors mounted on the silo.

[0039] In another alternative embodiment, the silo is equipped with one or more sensors for continuously monitoring its contents. This allows for control of the consumption of powdered plaster components during plaster preparation. Problems such as a blockage in the silo can thus be detected quickly, after which the vibration device can be activated to resolve the issue. It also becomes possible to anticipate the remaining workload based on the current stock and to plan for replenishment as needed.

[0040] In another embodiment, an alarm is triggered when the silo is nearly empty. When the silo is nearly empty, the risk of the mixing pump running almost dry, or even completely dry, increases. This can lead to overheating, leaks, and mechanical damage. Thanks to the alarm signal, the mixing pump can be stopped in time, or even automatically, when the silo is at risk of emptying. In another preferred embodiment, the sensor(s) are SG12 42 V level indicators.

[0041] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of transporting plaster components and of preparing and pumping the plaster, comprising: storing the powdered plaster components in a vehicle having one or more axles in one or more silos mounted on the vehicle; moving the vehicle to a site; conveying the powdered plaster components to a mixing pump installed on the vehicle; supplying water to the mixing pump; preparing the plaster from the powdered plaster components and water using the mixing pump; pumping the plaster using a mixing pump installed on the vehicle and characterized in that the plaster is prepared in real time during pumping and the water is supplied from one or more water tanks present on the vehicle.

[0042] Preparing the plaster during pumping ensures a continuous and homogeneous flow, allowing for faster application and reducing downtime. Furthermore, it reduces the need for mixing and pumping steps, simplifying logistics and saving space on the vehicle. This not only increases productivity but also improves the quality of the plastering work through the use of fresher plaster.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, filtered water is used to prepare the coating. In another preferred embodiment, an NW320 industrial water filter is used for filtration. This prevents substances dissolved in the water from compromising the quality of the coating.

[0044] In another alternative embodiment, the method includes the continuous measurement of the quantity of powdered plaster components in the silo using one or more sensors. Information on the level of powdered plaster components in the silo and their consumption allows for better anticipation of future plastering work and potential clogging problems in the silo. This improves the overall efficiency of the plastering work.

[0045] In another alternative embodiment, the method includes triggering an alarm when the silo is almost empty. As previously stated, the alarm signal allows the mixing pump to be stopped in time, thus preventing damage to the mixing pump and the vehicle from being out of service for several days for repairs.

[0046] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of a vehicle according to claims 1 to 8 for transporting powdered coating components and water, among other things, preparing the coating and pumping the coating.

[0047] In what follows, the invention will be described by means of non-limiting examples illustrating the invention, and which are not and cannot be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Examples

[0048] In a non-limiting example of the present invention, the vehicle comprises four axles 4, as illustrated in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2]. Thanks to the use of four axles 4, the vehicle has sufficient load capacity to transport the necessary quantity of powder coating components and water for a day's work.

[0049] The vehicle includes a silo 1 for storing the powder plaster components during transport and during plastering work. The plaster is prepared on board the vehicle using two mixing pumps 3, located at the axles 4, on either side of the vehicle. This positioning allows the mixing pumps 3 to be located under the silo 1, enabling them to receive the powder plaster components. The powder plaster components are conveyed by gravity and thanks to the convergent shape of the silo 1. This convergent shape is achieved by means of two opposing inclined walls forming an angle of 50 degrees with each other. Inside the silo 1, in the lower part, the powder plaster components are divided into two sections on either side of the silo 1 by means of a partition extending from the first inclined wall to the second inclined wall.Each of the two parts then narrows into a funnel shape leading to an injection tube. 2, with a diameter of 100 mm. The injection tube 2 and the funnel-shaped fitting 6 can be connected, among other methods, by a Storz fitting, a Camlock fitting, or a Victaulic fitting. A butterfly valve opens or closes the injection tube 2 to regulate the flow. This butterfly valve can be operated manually or automatically. Alternative embodiments may include a gate valve, a guillotine valve, a diaphragm valve, or a check valve in the injection tube 2.

[0050] To prevent the powder plaster components from clumping inside silo 1, causing arch formation or rat-holes, the four walls of silo 1 are equipped with vibrating motors 8. These motors are designed to prevent or counteract the clumping of the powder plaster components by vibrating the walls of silo 1. This also promotes the flow of the powder plaster components to the mixing pumps 3. In an alternative embodiment, four vibrating motors 8 are distributed on two or three of the four walls of silo 1. To measure the quantity of powder plaster components in silo 1, it is equipped with a 42V SG12 level indicator. This allows for anticipation of stock levels during plastering operations and the early detection of any potential flow problems.In addition, silo 1 is equipped with a manhole 7 to allow a person to enter silo 1 for maintenance or repair.

[0051] The vehicle is also equipped with a water tank mounted in the crate 5. This water tank has a capacity of 2,500 liters, which is sufficient for a full day of plastering work. Using a water pump, also installed in the crate 5, the water is conveyed to one or both of the mixing pumps 3. An AV 1000 water pressure booster pump, integrated into the mixing pumps 3, precisely regulates the water pressure supplied to the mixing pump 3, ensuring the correct consistency of the plaster. Preferably, the inlet of the water tank, through which it is filled, is equipped with an NW320 industrial water filter to prevent impurities in the water from affecting the quality of the prepared plaster.

[0052] A generator and an electrical distributor are mounted in the body 5 to supply electricity to the vehicle components. Preferably, the body 5 includes a centralized control system enabling, among other things, the control of the vibrating motors 8, the butterfly valves, the mixing pumps 3, and the water pumps, so that all vehicle functions can be controlled automatically or from the vehicle cab. In another alternative embodiment, a control panel is located on one side of the vehicle so that personnel can control vehicle functions without being in the cab, which improves ease of use during plastering work.

[0053] The outlet of the mixing pump 3 is equipped with a hose that extends to the site where the plastering work is taking place. Preferably, this hose is at least 15 meters long.

Claims

Demands

1. A vehicle comprising one or more axles for the transport of plaster components and the preparation and pumping of the plaster, comprising: - at least one silo for storing the powdered plaster components, - at least one pump adapted to pump the powdered plaster components to one end, said pump being connected to the silo and configured to receive and pump the powdered plaster components from the silo, - at least one generator for operating, among other things, the pump; wherein the vehicle comprises one or more water tanks, and the pump is a mixing pump, said mixing pump being connected to at least one of the water tanks, and configured to, when pumping the powdered plaster components from the silo, mix them with water from at least one of the water tanks.characterized in that the mixing pump is located under the silo, in which the mixing pump is positioned at the height of one of the axles of the vehicle, and in which the vehicle includes a pump adapted to bring water from at least one of the water tanks to the mixing pump under constant pressure, in which the silo has a downward convergent shape which opens directly onto the mixing pump.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, in which the silo is equipped with a vibration device for making the silo vibrate.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, in which the silo is equipped with one or more sensors configured to record the fill level of the silo.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising an alarm system configured to signal an alarm situation when one or more sensors detect a fill level below a predetermined threshold.

5. The vehicle according to claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more sensors in the silo are in communication with the pump of mixing, said communication allowing the mixing pump to stop when one or more sensors detect a fill level below a predetermined threshold.

6. A method for transporting plaster components and preparing and pumping the plaster, comprising: - storing powdered plaster components on a vehicle having one or more axles in one or more silos installed on the vehicle; - moving the vehicle to a site; - conveying the powdered plaster components to a mixing pump installed on the vehicle; - supplying water to the mixing pump; - preparing the plaster from the powdered plaster components and water using the mixing pump; - pumping the plaster using a mixing pump installed on the vehicle; wherein the plaster is prepared during pumping and the water is supplied from one or more water tanks mounted on the vehicle, and wherein the mixing pump is located under the silo and is positioned at the height of one of the vehicle's axles;and characterized in that the method includes the step of supplying water from at least one of the water tanks to the mixing pump, under constant pressure, using a pump installed on the vehicle; the silo having a convergent shape at the bottom which opens directly onto the mixing pump, the powder coating components being brought directly to the mixing pump via the outlet.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising a step of vibrating the silo during the transfer of the powder coating components from the silo to the mixing pump.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising continuous measurement of the silo fill level and activation of an alarm when the measured fill level is below a predetermined threshold.

9. A use of a vehicle according to claims 1 to 5 for the transport of plaster components and for the preparation and pumping of plaster.

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