FLEXIBLE VENTILATION DUCT SECTION HANDLING DEVICE

Abstract

FLEXIBLE VENTILATION DUCT SECTION OPERATING DEVICE Operating device 6 for section 3 of flexible ventilation duct, comprising a collection element 8 for flexible duct section comprising a base 13 and a beam 12 cantilevered from the base 13, a circular wall for the passage of a ventilation airflow being provided through the base 13 and the beam 12, the beam 12 comprising around at least one circular wall, a first activatable sealing joint 9 being disposed around said wall opposite the base 13, a second activatable sealing joint 10 being connected to the first sealing joint 9 by a sealing sleeve 11 and supported by a movable arm 16 between a retracted position and a deployed position,The first sealing joint 9 is configured to be activated and sealed with the flexible conduit section 3 during the deployment phase of the mobile arm 16, and the second sealing joint 10 is configured to be activated and sealed with the flexible conduit section 3 during the retraction phase of the mobile arm 16. The flexible conduit section 3 is looped onto the collection element 8. Fig. 2,

Description

Title of the invention: FLEXIBLE VENTILATION DUCT SECTION HANDLING DEVICE

[0001] The invention relates to the field of flexible ventilation ducts of the type used in particular during tunnel excavation. It also relates to ventilation duct implementation devices.

[0002] When excavating a tunnel, a mine shaft or any other underground gallery, fresh air must be brought near the excavation face.

[0003] To do this, a ventilation duct, also called a ventilation shaft in the technique, is generally used, leading from outside the excavation area to the excavation face. Fresh air can then be blown into this duct from a fan located outside or inside.

[0004] Of course, the ventilation duct must be lengthened as the excavation front advances.

[0005] Ventilation ducts are made by deploying a long, thin, flexible tube, most often made of textile material. Such a tube is generally called a "Ventule" in the technical field. See FR 3 033 590.

[0006] A device that could be described as a distributor is then used. The distributor comprises a cylindrical part or core onto which a longitudinal portion of flexible tubing is threaded and looped. The core is held securely within the hollow interior space of a frame. A frustoconical part, sometimes called a "distribution cone," connects coaxially to the core, so as to flare outwards from it.

[0007] To form a section of ventilation duct, the distributor is advanced as the excavation progresses: by tension effect, a portion of pipe whose length corresponds to the advance of the distributor is withdrawn from the core, brought to its nominal diameter by passing around the distribution cone, and finally deployed.

[0008] For most applications, however, the length of pipe section that the dispenser can hold, generally on the order of one or two hundred meters, is insufficient to complete the excavation. When the dispenser is empty, it is removed from the excavation and refilled with a new section of pipe.

[0009] Before being mounted on the core, the hose is folded back on itself into a strip, meaning that its cross-section has a flattened appearance. This allows for the storage of significant lengths of hose in a compact form, for example in a coil, like the hoses commonly used by firefighters, or in a bundle, where the strip is folded back and forth and stacked.

[0010] To refill the dispenser, the stored hose must be unfolded, threaded, and looped onto the core by hand. This operation proves tedious and difficult, particularly when the hose must be inserted into the annular space between the outside of the core and the wall of the hollow inner space. Refilling most often involves positioning the dispenser so that its core extends vertically and setting up a specific work area, where a safety tower is erected for the operators: the core extends several meters in length (generally around three meters) and in diameter (generally around two meters). These operators then use long poles to push the hose inside the dispenser, between the core and the wall of the hollow inner space, which makes the operation rather imprecise.In practice, it is not uncommon for four operators to need a full day's work to refill the dispenser. Refilling a dispenser is therefore a lengthy and costly operation that also involves taking the dispenser out of service for the entire duration of the operation.

[0011] French patent FR2960617 proposed a method for installing a ventilation duct in which a pipe folded into a strip is deployed using a distributor to form a portion of the duct, said distributor comprising a frame having a hollow interior space in which a support is fixed onto which a section of pipe has been threaded and looped, the support being extended by a deployment cone, said method comprising, at the end of the deployment of the section of pipe, a reloading phase comprising the steps of detaching the deployment cone from the frame; installing a new section of pipe on the support in the deployment position; reattaching the deployment cone to the frame; and connecting the new section of pipe to a portion of the duct.

[0012] To facilitate the loading / recharging of the cartridge, the Applicant has developed a device according to patent FR3060644.

[0013] Upon further investigation, the Applicant realized that there was a need to vary the length of the ventilation duct while maintaining ventilation service. For example, repairing an existing tunnel can create such a need. Concreting the excavated wall of a tunnel under construction may also require clearing a certain length of tunnel behind the excavation equipment. Dismantling the ventilation duct at the end of the work is another example.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the flexible ventilation duct section control device comprises a flexible duct section collection element including a base and a beam cantilevered from the base, an opening for the passage of a ventilation airflow being provided through the base. The base includes at least one circular wall formed around the opening. A first An activatable seal is positioned around the wall opposite the base. A second activatable seal is connected to the first seal by a sealing sleeve and supported by a movable arm between a retracted and extended position. The first seal is configured to be activated and airtight with the flexible duct section during the retraction phase of the movable arm, and the second seal is configured to be activated and airtight with the flexible duct section during the deployment phase of the movable arm. The flexible duct section can be lengthened or shortened while air is being blown through it. Ventilation interruptions are minimized. The flexible duct section can be operated during unattended operation.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first and second activatable sealing gaskets are inflatable. The activatable sealing gaskets can be inflated with air, for example, by a compressed air source. Deactivation of the activatable sealing gaskets is rapid.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first activatable seal and the second activatable seal are annular. Friction is reduced.

[0017] In one embodiment, the mobile arm is telescopic. The overall size is reduced.

[0018] In one embodiment, the movable arm includes an operating element such as an electric or pneumatic cylinder. The construction is simple.

[0019] In one embodiment, the device includes a mobile gantry supporting said collection element. Operators can work on the gantry.

[0020] In one embodiment, the mobile gantry has an upper part supporting said collection element. Construction equipment can pass under the gantry.

[0021] In one embodiment, the sleeve comprises an open rigid tube having a surface roughness compatible with said flexible conduit section. The sleeve may be made of galvanized steel. The sleeve may have a roughness adapted to the flexible conduit. The flexible conduit section is preserved.

[0022] In one embodiment, the device includes a compression gantry movable in translation relative to the flexible conduit section collection element, mounted around the circular wall and equipped with crimping actuators for crimping said flexible conduit section.

[0023] The invention proposes a method for varying the length of a flexible ventilation duct during operation. The method for operating a section of the flexible ventilation duct employs a flexible duct section collection device comprising a base and a beam cantilevered from the base, with an opening for the passage of a ventilation airflow provided through the base. The base The method comprises at least one circular wall formed around the opening, a first sealing gasket being arranged around said wall opposite the base, and a second sealing gasket being connected to the first sealing gasket by a sealing sleeve and supported by a movable arm. The method includes activating the first sealing gasket, making it watertight with the flexible duct section while the second sealing gasket is inactive; then deploying the movable arm; then activating the second sealing gasket, making it watertight with the flexible duct section while the first sealing gasket is inactive; and finally retracting the movable arm from the collection device. When the flexible duct is shortened, the method allows the movable arm to move while the portion of the flexible duct section located between the sealing gaskets experiences an internal pressure equal to the external pressure.

[0024] In one embodiment, simultaneously with the retraction of the movable arm, the collecting element is moved in the opposite direction and at a speed of equal magnitude, the movable arm thus being stationary relative to the flexible conduit section.

[0025] In one embodiment, with the first sealing joint active, a compression gantry mounted around the circular wall is driven in translation relative to the conduit section collection element in the same direction as the retraction of the movable arm, and crimping actuators come into contact with said flexible conduit section to push it away from the first sealing joint and thus crimp it.

[0026] In one embodiment, the steps of activating the first sealing joint and then activating the second sealing joint are repeated until a desired length of the ventilation duct is drawn through, then the ventilation is stopped and the section of ventilation duct is detached from the ventilation line and the collection element carrying the section of ventilation duct is replaced with an empty collection element.

[0027] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description of an embodiment taken by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

[0028] [Fig-1] is a side view of a ventilation device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0029] [Fig.2] is a side view of a flexible conduit section handling device ventilation according to one aspect of the invention.

[0030] [Fig.3] is a side view of a flexible conduit section handling device ventilation according to one aspect of the invention in a semi-deployed position.

[0031] [Fig.4] is a side view of a flexible conduit section handling device ventilation according to one aspect of the invention in a deployed position.

[0032] [Fig.5] is a side view of a flexible ventilation duct section operating device according to one aspect of the invention in a semi-retracted position.

[0033] [Fig.6] is a side view of a flexible ventilation duct section operating device according to one aspect of the invention towards a retracted position.

[0034] [Fig.7] is a side view of a flexible ventilation duct section handling device according to one aspect of the invention in a trussing position with a compression gantry.

[0035] [Fig.8] is a side view of a flexible ventilation duct section operating device according to one aspect of the invention in an exit position of the structure with cartridge.

[0036] As illustrated in the figures, a work area 1 is equipped with a flexible ventilation duct 2 formed of sections 3. The work area 1 can be a service shaft, an underground structure, for example, a tunnel. Generally, a supply of fresh air is required in the work area 1 to allow operators to work in good conditions. The ventilation duct section 3 is flexible and / or can be wound onto a drum after being laid flat. The ventilation duct section 3 can be axially crimped to form corrugations while maintaining a central opening that allows airflow. Thus, the length of a ventilation duct section 3 can be adjusted between a crimped state corresponding to a minimum length, an extended state corresponding to a maximum length, and intermediate states depending on the desired length.

[0037] A fan 20 is generally installed at the entrance of the work zone 1 and supplies fresh air to the ventilation duct 2. The ventilation duct 2 comprises a number of sections 3 that increase as the work zone 1 progresses. Thus, the bottom of the work zone 1 moves away from the entrance as excavation progresses. The sections 3 are supported by fasteners 5 in a high position within the work zone to leave a working space below. Operators and machines can move within this working space.

[0038] In work zone 1, the ventilation duct section 3 is stored, in its coiled state, inside a cartridge. The ventilation duct section 3 is a long, thin, flexible tube, particularly made of textile material. The cartridge is inserted into a distributor 4. An example of a distributor 4 is described in FR2960617. The distributor 4 is located on the downstream side of the ventilation duct 2, opposite the fan 20. The deployed or partially deployed ventilation duct section 3 is supported by brackets 5. The brackets 5 may include hooks, shackles, clips, or the like. The brackets 5 may be suspended from rings sealed in an upper wall of work zone 1. The ventilation duct section 3 supported by the brackets 5 is fixed in work zone 1.

[0039] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], at least a first section 3 of ventilation duct is deployed and a second section 3 of ventilation duct is partially inserted into a distributor 4. The first section 3 of ventilation duct is supplied by the fan 20 installed upstream. The second section 3 of ventilation duct, partially stored in the distributor 4, is brought close to the work area. The terms upstream and downstream are defined with reference to the direction of ventilation airflow illustrated by an arrow pointing towards the fan 20 in [Fig. 1].

[0040] The upstream end of the second ventilation duct section 3 is connected to the downstream end of the first ventilation duct section 3. The connection between the upstream end of the second ventilation duct section 3 and the downstream end of the first ventilation duct section 3 is sufficiently airtight. The connection operation can be carried out during a short shutdown of the fan 20. This connection can be made using eyelets and rings, a zipper, etc.

[0041] In certain cases, a section 3 of ventilation duct must be removed from the ventilation duct 2 while maintaining the air supply function. For this purpose, the section 3 of ventilation duct is reconditioned using a control device 6 onto which a longitudinal portion of the section 3 of ventilation duct is threaded and looped, see Figures 2 to 8. Said control device 6 is mounted on a mobile gantry 7 moving downstream, i.e., towards the excavation work area. When the collection device is placed on the mobile gantry 7, the ventilation will be stopped for a brief period of a few minutes.

[0042] The operating device 6 includes a collection element 8 for a section 3 of flexible duct. The collection element 8 has a circular wall in its center for the passage of the ventilation airflow. The circular wall forms an opening through the collection element 8. The operating device 6 has a first activatable sealing gasket 9 located on the upstream side, a second activatable sealing gasket 10 located on the downstream side, and a sealing sleeve 11 connecting the first activatable sealing gasket 9 and the second activatable sealing gasket 10. The first sealing gasket 9 is configured to be activated and sealed with the section 3 of flexible duct during a deployment phase of said operating device 6. The second sealing gasket 10 is configured to be activated and sealed with the section 3 of flexible duct during a movement phase of said operating device 6.

[0043] The operating device 6 comprises a base 13 and a beam 12. The beam 12 is cantilevered relative to the base 13. The opening formed by the circular wall for the passage of the ventilation airflow passes through the base 13. The beam 12 is inside the circular wall. The first activatable sealing gasket 9 is arranged around said circular wall and is opposite the base 13. The second sealing gasket The activatable seal 10 is connected to the first sealing joint 9 by a sealing sleeve 11. The second activatable sealing joint 10 is supported by a movable arm 16 between a retracted and a deployed position. The sealing sleeve 11 is supported by the movable arm 16 between a retracted and a deployed position. The second sealing joint 10 is configured to be activated and sealed with the flexible conduit section 3 during a retraction phase of the movable arm 16, and the first sealing joint 9 is configured to be activated and sealed with the flexible conduit section 3 during a deployment phase of the movable arm 16. The movable arm 16 may be telescopic.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the base 13 includes a foot 14 and a flange 15 supporting the beam 12. The operating device 6 rests on a mobile gantry 7 that can be moved longitudinally, particularly in the working area 1.

[0045] The first sealing gasket 9 in the inactive or deflated state allows freedom of Relative movement of the flexible duct section 3. The collection element 8 is then able to be moved downstream while maintaining ventilation through the ventilation duct 2. The second sealing gasket 10, in its inactive or deflated state, allows relative freedom of movement of the flexible duct section 3. The movable arm 16 and the second sealing gasket 10 are then able to be moved downstream while maintaining ventilation through the ventilation duct 2. Inflation of the first sealing gasket 9 can be carried out while maintaining ventilation through the ventilation duct 2. Deflation of the first sealing gasket 9 can be carried out while maintaining ventilation through the ventilation duct 2. Inflation of the second sealing gasket 10 can be carried out while maintaining ventilation through the ventilation duct 2. Deflation of the second sealing gasket 10 can be carried out while maintaining ventilation through the ventilation duct 2.Thus, a section 3 of ventilation duct can be pierced even when the pressure in ventilation duct 2 is a working pressure higher than the ambient pressure. In a steady state of the operating device 6, the first seal 9 and the second seal 10 can be active.

[0046] With the first sealing seal 9 activated and the second sealing seal 10 inactive, the movable arm 16 can move between a retracted and an extended position, both in the direction of retraction and in the direction of extension. The collection element 8 is then stationary. The portion of the ventilation duct section 3 located between the first sealing seal 9 and the second sealing seal 10 is subjected to the pressure of the air blown into the ventilation duct 2, which is several hundred Pa higher than the ambient pressure. With the second sealing seal 10 activated and the first sealing seal 9 inactive, the collection element 8 can move downstream as indicated by the arrows of the Figures 5 to 8. The movable arm 16 can then be moved relative to the collection element 8. The portion of the ventilation duct section 3 located between the first sealing joint 9 and the second sealing joint 10 is subjected to ambient pressure. This portion of the ventilation duct section 3 can then be manipulated, in particular by bending it.

[0047] In other words, the movable arm 16 and the second sealing gasket 10 are located inside the ventilation duct section 3 and extend fully forward in the direction of the ventilation flow. The sealing sleeve 11 connects the first sealing gasket 9 and the second sealing gasket 10 and ensures a seal between the ventilation airflow and the ambient pressure.

[0048] During the installation of the operating device 6 on the mobile gantry 7, the ventilation will be briefly stopped and then restarted, see [Fig. 3]. One downstream end of the flexible duct section 3 is penetrated by the second deflated sealing gasket 10 and the movable arm 16. Then the first sealing gasket 9 passes into the flexible duct section 3. Next, the collection element 8 enters the flexible duct section 3. The second sealing gasket 10 is inflated, and the ventilation can be restarted.

[0049] In the state illustrated in [Fig. 4], the first sealing gasket 9 is activated and the second sealing gasket 10 is inactive. The movable arm 16 and the second sealing gasket 10 are moving downstream in the direction of the arrow. The movable arm 16 is fully extended forward in the direction of the ventilation flow and under the ventilation flow.

[0050] In the deployed position of the movable arm 16, see [Fig. 5], the second sealing gasket 10 is activated by inflation, and then the first sealing gasket 9 is deactivated by deflation. This releases the stresses in the threading and folding area. The portion of the ventilation duct section 3 located between the first sealing gasket 9 and the second sealing gasket 10 is subjected to ambient pressure. This portion of the ventilation duct section 3 can be folded by an operator. This portion of the ventilation duct section 3 is stored by folding it into annular corrugations.Said portion of section 3 of ventilation duct occupies, in the folded state, an annular space having a length much less than the length of the portion of section 3 of ventilation duct in the operating state, an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of section 3 of ventilation duct in the operating state, and an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of section 3 of ventilation duct in the operating state.

[0051] Then, the movable gantry 7 is advanced downstream and simultaneously, at the same speed, the movable arm 16 is retracted, see [Fig. 6]. This is consistent with the temporary joining of the second sealing joint 10 and section 3 of the ventilation duct.

[0052] Once the telescopic arm is fully retracted (see Fig. 7), the first sealing ring 9 is inflated to take over from the second sealing ring 10. Then, the second sealing ring 10 is deactivated by deflation. The portion of the ventilation duct section 3 located between the first sealing ring 9 and the second sealing ring 10 is subjected to pressure within the ventilation duct.

[0053] We can then proceed to detach a support 5 from the section 3 of the ventilation duct to allow the previous operations to be repeated.

[0054] The operating device 6 further comprises a compression gantry 17 movable in translation relative to the flexible duct section collection element 8. The compression gantry is arranged around the circular wall. The compression gantry 17 is supported by rails forming part of the operating device 6 or the movable gantry 7. The compression gantry is driven by a rack and pinion mechanism. The compression gantry moves around the flexible duct section. The compression gantry includes carriages 18 equipped with lifting actuators 19 for lifting said flexible duct section. The lifting actuators 19 may include cylinders oriented obliquely upstream and towards the flexible duct section from the compression gantry. The actuation of the cylinders pushes the flexible duct section upstream. The flexible duct section is compressed towards the flange 15.The flexible conduit section loses its tubular shape and deforms into folds, giving it a reduced axial size; that is to say, it is kinked.

[0055] Thus, with the first sealing gasket 9 inflated, the compression gantry is moved translationally relative to the conduit section collection element 8 towards the flange 15 of the base 13. The movement of the compression gantry is upstream. The movement of the compression gantry is in the same direction as the retraction of the movable arm 16. Simultaneously with this movement of the compression gantry, the lifting actuators extend and come into contact with the flexible conduit section to push it towards the flange 15, opposite the first sealing gasket 9, and thus lift it. After lifting, the lifting actuators retract and the compression gantry is returned downstream.

[0056] Then, with the first sealing gasket 9 remaining inflated, the movable arm 16 is brought from the retracted position to the deployed position by extending downstream within the flexible conduit section. If necessary, supports 5 are detached. The second sealing gasket 10 is then inflated, and the first sealing gasket 9 is deflated. The movable gantry 7 is advanced downstream, and simultaneously, at the same speed, the movable arm 16 is retracted. The flexible conduit section passes around the first sealing gasket 9 and inside the compression gantry 17.

[0057] Once the movable arm 16 is in the retracted position, the first sealing ring 9 is inflated, and then the second sealing ring 10 is deflated. The compression gantry 17 is moved again as previously explained.

[0058] The cycle is repeated as many times as necessary until the entire length of the ventilation duct section 3 has been covered. Then the ventilation is stopped, see [Fig. 8], and the ventilation duct section 3 is disconnected from the ventilation line formed by the fan 20 and, if applicable, at least one other ventilation duct section 3. The collection element 8 carrying the ventilation duct section 3 is replaced with an empty collection element 8.

Claims

Demands

1. A flexible ventilation duct section (3) operating device (6), comprising a flexible duct section collection element (8) including a base (13) and a beam (12) cantilevered from the base (13), an opening for the passage of a ventilation airflow being provided through the base (13), the base (13) comprising at least one circular wall formed around the opening, a first activatable sealing joint (9) being disposed around said wall opposite the base (13), a second activatable sealing joint (10) being connected to the first sealing joint (9) by a sealing sleeve (11) and supported by a movable arm (16) between a retracted position and a deployed position,the first sealing joint (9) being configured to be activated and sealed with the section (3) of flexible conduit during a retraction phase of the movable arm (16) and the second sealing joint (10) being configured to be activated and sealed with the section (3) of flexible conduit during a deployment phase of the movable arm (16).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first activatable sealing joint (9) and the second activatable sealing joint (10) are inflatable.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first activatable sealing joint (9) and the second activatable sealing joint (10) are annular.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable arm (16) is telescopic.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the movable arm (16) includes an operating member such as an electric or pneumatic cylinder.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a movable gantry (7) supporting said collection member (8).

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the movable gantry (7) has an upper part for supporting said collection member (8).

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve comprises an open rigid tube having a roughness surface compatible with said section (3) of flexible conduit.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a compression gantry movable in translation relative to the organ collection (8) of flexible conduit section, mounted around the circular wall and equipped with crimping actuators for crimping said flexible conduit section.

10. A method for operating a section (3) of flexible ventilation duct, employing a flexible duct section collection device (8) comprising a base (13) and a beam (12) cantilevered from the base (13), an opening for the passage of a ventilation airflow being provided through the base (13), the base (13) comprising at least one circular wall formed around the opening, a first sealing gasket (9) being disposed around said wall opposite the base (13), a second sealing gasket (10) being connected to the first sealing gasket (9) by a sealing sleeve (11) and supported by a movable arm (16), said method comprising activating the first sealing gasket (9) making it airtight with the flexible duct section (3), the second sealing gasket (10) being inactive, and then deploying the movable arm (16),then the activation of the second sealing joint (10), making it watertight with the section (3) of flexible conduit, the first sealing joint (9) being inactive, then the retraction of the movable arm (16) relative to the collection element (8).

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein, simultaneously with the retraction of the movable arm (16), the collecting member (8) is moved in the opposite direction and at a speed of equal magnitude, the movable arm (16) thus being stationary relative to the flexible conduit section.

12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first sealing joint (9) being active, a compression gantry mounted around the circular wall is driven in translation relative to the conduit section collection member (8) in the same direction as the retraction of the movable arm (16), and crimping actuators come into contact with said flexible conduit section to push it away from the first sealing joint (9) and thus crimp it.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the steps of activating the first sealing gasket (9) and then activating the second sealing gasket (10) are repeated until a desired length of the ventilation duct has been drilled, then the ventilation is stopped and the section (3) of ventilation duct is detached from the ventilation line and the collection device (8) carrying the section (3) of ventilation duct is replaced by an empty collection device (8).

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