Mobile suction system for extracting vegetation suspended in a liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile suction system (1) for extracting vegetation suspended in a liquid, comprising a suction device (10) for extracting suspended vegetation on an upstream portion of the mobile suction system, the suction device comprising at least one inlet orifice, a mill (20) connected to the suction device downstream of the suction device by a first hose (12), a self-priming suction pump (30) downstream of the mill, a device (40) which is intended for separating the vegetation from the liquid and is connected to the pump downstream of the pump by a second hose (34), and a mobile structure (100). The mobile suction system is configured to be in a working mode and in a transport mode.

Description

DESCRIPTION Title: Mobile system for suctioning plants suspended in a liquid Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to mobile systems for suctioning plants suspended in a liquid. The present invention also relates to a system for capturing or collecting such elements. The present invention also relates to a system for cleaning or decontaminating a liquid having elements in suspension. Technological background

[0002] Whether it is a body of water, a swimming pool, a pond, a lagoon, or even the sea or the ocean, elements may be suspended at or near the surface of the liquid they contain. Such elements may be pollutants, for example, duckweed in a lagoon or plant residue in a watercourse. Other suspended elements may be present intentionally, for example, plants grown on the surface of a body of water.

[0003] Such suspended elements must then be captured or collected, in order to avoid any pollution of the fluid or the environment in which they are found in particular.

[0004] Many devices or systems are known for carrying out the operations mentioned above. For example, there is a floating structure for cleaning a body of water presented in document FR2483878A1 or a floating aquatic vehicle for collecting aquatic plants floating at the surface of an aquatic environment presented in document FR3045560B1. Such systems nevertheless have many disadvantages such as their size and the on-board mass, but also a high maintenance cost due to their complexity and the need to have at least one permanent operator to guide the boat.

[0005] On a smaller scale, there are fixed devices or systems such as robots or Venturi brooms that allow the collection of suspended elements in swimming pools by connecting to surface skimmers. The disadvantage of these devices is that they have very low performance. Indeed, the volume of suspended elements captured through these devices or systems does not allow for rapid treatment of large bodies of water. In addition, these devices or systems are not configured to be mobile. Summary of the present invention

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

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to improve the treatment of a liquid or the harvesting of plants suspended in a liquid.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a mobile system for suctioning plants suspended in a liquid, characterized in that the mobile suction system comprises: - a device for suctioning suspended plants on an upstream part of the mobile suction system comprising at least one inlet orifice; - a grinder connected to the suction device downstream of the suction device by a first pipe; - a self-priming pump downstream of the grinder; - a pump draining and priming device; - a device for separating the plants from the liquid connected to the pump downstream of the pump by a second pipe; - a mobile structure, the mobile suction system being configured to be in a working mode and in a transport mode.

[0009] The various elements, mounted or arranged on the mobile structure, are easily transportable and this system being configured to switch from a transport mode to a working mode, and vice versa, it is then very easy to transport it. then install it to suck up plants suspended in a liquid efficiently.

[0010] According to a variant of the system, the suction device is carried by a floating structure.

[0011] Such a structure allows the suction device to be positioned without the need for lifting or holding means.

[0012] According to another variant of the system, the suction device comprises a projecting spout arranged on the contour of an inlet orifice.

[0013] The protruding spout thus prevents the formation of a vortex in front of the inlet orifice on which it is arranged and prevents air from entering through a vortex.

[0014] According to a further variant, the suction device comprises at least two inlet ports.

[0015] Thanks to a plurality of inlet orifices it is possible to modulate the suction depths.

[0016] According to another system variant, the pump includes a three-phase electric motor.

[0017] Three-phase electric motors have many advantages, including high energy efficiency and low noise emissions.

[0018] According to a further variant, the system comprises a speed variator controlling a progressive start and / or a rotation speed of the pump.

[0019] Varying the pump speed allows the mobile plant suction system to be adapted to the type, size and density of plants to be sucked up and allows the mobile plant suction system to be adapted to the height difference between the water surface and the pump axis.

[0020] According to a further system variant, the separation device comprises a vibrating screen.

[0021] A vibrating screen makes it possible to increase the quantity of liquid / plant mixture separated over the same period of time, making the separation device faster and therefore more efficient.

[0022] According to a complementary system variant, the vibrating screen comprises a mesh comprising a set of meshes of size between 20 and 10,000 microns.

[0023] These dimensions are particularly suitable for retaining, for example, duckweed. The mesh is, for example, integrated into an interchangeable grid, a grid being selected according to the fineness of the suspended matter to be retained or not retained.

[0024] According to another system variant, the separation device comprises a pourer.

[0025] A pourer allows the liquid / plant mixture to be evenly distributed in the separation device. Proper distribution of this mixture in this device allows for optimal performance of this device, the separation device being able to separate a large quantity of the mixture in a given time.

[0026] According to a further variant, the system comprises a conveyor system.

[0027] A conveyor system allows plants to be discharged a long distance from the separation device.

[0028] According to yet another variant, the system comprises a third pipe, the liquid being discharged downstream of the separation device through the third pipe.

[0029] The third pipe allows the liquid no longer carrying plants to be discharged into the initial environment or into a second environment free of plants to be separated.

[0030] According to an additional variant, the system further comprises a container, the container being configured to receive the plants at the outlet of the separation device, the container belonging to a set of containers comprising: - a flexible container made of woven fabric, - a tray, - a barrel, - a dumpster, and - a barge.

[0031] The disposal or exploitation of extracted plants is facilitated; they are now transportable and can therefore be treated or recovered.

[0032] According to another variant, the system further comprises a floating dam and a device for winding the floating dam.

[0033] The floating barrier allows you to concentrate or amalgamate the plants to be vacuumed in work mode while the winding device allows you to easily store this floating barrier in transport mode.

[0034] According to yet another variant, the system further comprises motorized means for adjusting the height of the separation device.

[0035] With the separation device placed high up, it is easy to position a container underneath to collect the extracted plants and the liquid can be returned a long distance via a gravity discharge pipe.

[0036] According to a further system variant, the mobile structure is a trailer.

[0037] A trailer is easily transportable and can be positioned near a body of water, a river, a beach or a seaport. Brief description of the figures

[0038] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 6, in which:

[0039] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a mobile system for suctioning plants suspended in a liquid, according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates a mobile system for suctioning plants suspended in a liquid, according to a second particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates a view of the mobile system for suctioning plants suspended in a liquid, the mobile structure of which is a trailer, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates a system comprising a suction device and a floating structure of the mobile suction system of FIG. 1, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a sectional view of the suction device of Figure 4, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates a top view of the suction device of Figure 4, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of implementation

[0045] A mobile system for suctioning plants suspended in a liquid will now be described in the following with joint reference to figures 1 to 6.

[0046] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)" (or "first(s)", "second(s)"), etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to enable different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below to be identified and distinguished. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0047] Unless otherwise stated, the characteristics of the mobile suction system according to each of the embodiments described below can be combined with each other, in any possible combination to form particular embodiments.

[0048] The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0049] Some bodies of water such as a body of water, a swimming pool, a basin, a lagoon or even the sea or the ocean contain elements floating on the surface and / or present in suspension near the surface.

[0050] Such elements correspond, for example, to pollutants such as: - duckweed or other invasive aquatic plants, or - elements of natural origin such as branches or leaves floating on the surface or algae, or - objects made of plastic or other floating material.

[0051] Such suspended plants must then be captured or collected in order to avoid any pollution of the fluid or the environment in which they are found in particular.

[0052] Other suspended elements are for example present in a deliberate manner, for example plants grown on the surface of a body of water, such as: - duckweed used in the manufacture of animal feed, or - fruits floating on the surface at the time of harvesting.

[0053] These suspended plants must then be harvested in order to be used.

[0054] It is therefore desirable for a user wishing to clean a body of water or collect suspended elements to be able to capture these elements and then separate them from the fluid in which they are found.

[0055] Other liquid containers such as tanks or vats containing any type of liquid are also likely to contain floating or suspended plants which need to be extracted.

[0056] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a mobile suction system 1 for plants suspended in a liquid, according to a first particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] According to this first particular embodiment, a mobile suction system 1 for plants suspended in a liquid comprises a device 10 for suctioning plants suspended on an upstream part of the mobile suction system 1, the suction device 10 comprising at least one inlet orifice.

[0058] In the working mode, the suction device 10 is configured to be immersed in the liquid where the plants are located in suspension in an upstream part of the mobile suction system 2, while in transport mode this device is placed on a mobile structure 100.

[0059] The suction device 10 is for example: - a simple tubular conduit with a circular inlet orifice and a radius identical to that of the tubular conduit, - a flared tubular conduit with a circular inlet orifice and a radius greater than that of the tubular conduit, - a double circular conduit, the conduits of which are parallel or form a specific angle and then join, or - a suction device as illustrated in figures 4 to 6.

[0060] According to this first particular embodiment, the mobile suction system 1 comprises a grinder 20 connected to the suction device downstream of the suction device 10 by a first pipe 12.

[0061] There are various ways of making the connection between the first pipe 12 and the mobile suction system 10, many solutions existing in particular in the case of connecting a pipe of circular section to a circular outlet orifice.

[0062] A first solution consists of connecting the outlet orifice of the suction device 10 by interlocking with the first pipe 12. A clamp is then used to lock the first pipe 12 in position on the outlet orifice. This solution has the advantage of being very easy to implement, both in manufacturing and in handling by a user. Indeed, in manufacturing, the part of the suction device 10 comprising the outlet orifice must simply correspond to a portion of a cylindrical conduit sufficiently rigid not to give way when tightening the fixing clamp. On the use side, tightening is carried out by simply screwing a clamp, the clamp being a standard accessory and easily replaceable in the event of failure.However, this solution has the disadvantage of requiring the use of a tool for screwing and the good mechanical strength of the first pipe 12 on the suction device 10 or on the grinder 20 is only guaranteed when the tightening is sufficient.

[0063] A second solution consists of connecting the outlet orifice with the first pipe 12 using a quick connector, also called an automatic connector and commonly used for garden hoses. A simple clipping is then sufficient to connect the two parts, which makes it a very practical connection for a user of the suction device 10. According to such a solution, the part of the suction device 10 comprising the outlet orifice is provided with a part of the automatic connector. This solution is advantageous in the case of using a first pipe 12 of diameter similar to a garden hose, that is to say a pipe of diameter of the order of 10 to 20 mm. It is in particular possible to produce a threaded part on the part of the suction device 10 comprising the outlet orifice in order to screw a standard nozzle therein.

[0064] A third solution is to use symmetrical half-couplings, commonly called Guillemin symmetrical couplings or "firefighter" couplings. This type of coupling is commonly used for larger diameter pipes ranging from 25 to 150 mm or 1 to 5 inches. Such a coupling has many advantages: it is suitable for many pipe diameters, withstands heavy loads and vibrations, and is quick to install because a user only needs to make a quarter turn to connect the two parts. Such a coupling is, plus, standard and available in different materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass or polypropylene, it is therefore easy to obtain a fitting suitable for the expected use depending on the destination environment. Finally, such a fitting is equipped with a seal which makes it tight when tightened.

[0065] The outlet orifice of the suction device 10 may have other shapes than a circular orifice, for example a square or rectangular orifice or any other possible shape. In this case, a connection interface is added between the suction device 10 and the first pipe 12.

[0066] A means of making the connection between the first pipe 12 and the grinder 20 is for example similar to one of the means mentioned previously.

[0067] The mobile suction system 1 also comprises a self-priming pump 30 downstream of the crusher 20. The pump 30 comprises, for example, an electric motor or a thermal engine.

[0068] The mobile suction system 1 further comprises a device 32 for emptying and priming the pump 30.

[0069] The priming device of the pump 30 makes it possible to fill with liquid the parts of the suction system 1 placed upstream of the pump 30 as well as the body of the pump 30. The water is pushed by atmospheric pressure on the surface of the body of water where the suction device 10 is located towards the pump 30 which evacuates the air upstream of its axis thanks to a non-return valve. Once the air has been evacuated, the pipe upstream of the pump 30 is charged.

[0070] Conversely, in the presence of a large quantity of air upstream of the pump 30, the suction of the liquid or the liquid / plant mixture would not be possible.

[0071] The liquid used to prime the pump 30 comes, for example, from a liquid reservoir placed, for example, above the pump 30. The liquid then flows by gravity from this reservoir, for example through a conduit connected to a filling cap of the pump 30.

[0072] In another example, the liquid is supplied using a conduit connected to a second operating pump or connected to a pressurized liquid transport network.

[0073] The draining device 32 also allows the pump 30 and the circuit in which a liquid or liquid / plant mixture passes to be drained. Indeed, the mobile suction system 1 must be free of liquid or liquid / plant mixture when it is transported from a first workplace to a second workplace, in order to avoid any contamination of an environment by a liquid or liquid / plant mixture from another environment. Draining also protects the devices against freezing.

[0074] In the case of using a liquid reservoir for a future priming, according to a particular embodiment, the circuit is drained into this same reservoir.

[0075] The mobile suction system 1 also comprises a device 40 for separating the plants from the liquid connected to the pump 30 by a second pipe 34, the separation device 40 being located downstream of the pump 30.

[0076] The mobile suction system 1 also comprises a mobile structure 100. Such a mobile structure makes it possible to transport all of the elements or devices that the suction system 1 comprises.

[0077] Such a mobile structure 100 is for example: - a motorized land vehicle, and / or - a trailer, and / or - a boat, and / or - a chassis with the dimensions of a pallet or a set of pallets, and / or - a container.

[0078] A chassis with the dimensions of a pallet or a set of pallets, for example, has the advantage of being easily transportable by any type of vehicle, on land, at sea or in the air. This makes it very easy to move the mobile system. suction 1 from one means of transport to another and install it as close as possible to a tank containing the liquid and plants to be extracted.

[0079] It is for example possible to arrange on a first pallet, for example a pallet 1.2m long and 80cm wide also called a “Europe” or EPAL® pallet, the heaviest devices which can remain arranged in relation to each other both in a transport mode and in a working mode, for example the crusher 20, the pump 30, the second pipe 31 and the separation device 40. On a second pallet, for example, the devices which need to be moved, such as the suction device 10 and / or the first pipe 12, as well as various accessories, are positioned.

[0080] The mobile structure 100 thus comprises, in this particular embodiment, a set of at least one chassis arranged on a pallet, each chassis having a length less than or equal to 120cm, a width less than or equal to 80cm, a height less than or equal to 150cm and a mass less than or equal to 1000kg, or 1 tonne (1T).

[0081] All of the devices of the mobile suction system 1 presented above, with the exception of the mobile structure, form a circuit in which a liquid and / or plants pass from an upstream part to a downstream part. It should be noted that the terms “upstream” and “downstream” do not imply a notion of respective height; the suction device placed upstream of the pump is, for example, positioned lower than the pump itself, or higher depending on the environment in which the mobile suction system 1 is used.

[0082] The mobile suction system 1 is configured to switch from a working mode to a transport mode, and vice versa.

[0083] A working mode is called a first configuration in which the mobile suction system 1 is deployed so as to suck up a liquid plant mixture from a volume of liquid and pass it through the circuit described above, all of the devices in the circuit then being connected and the devices each being functional.

[0084] A second configuration is called a transport mode in which the mobile suction system 1 is stored, all of the devices of the circuit then being placed on the mobile structure 100, without these devices being connected to each other or functional. In this second configuration it is then easy to move the mobile suction system 1.

[0085] The present invention is thus mobile and versatile, allowing it to be easily moved and to treat any volume of liquid thanks to its performance and any type of suspended element thanks to the robustness of the mobile suction system.

[0086] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a mobile suction system 2 for plants suspended in a liquid, according to second particular and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention.

[0087] This mobile suction system 2 comprises a suction device 10, as described previously or illustrated in figures 4 to 6, carried by a floating structure 11.

[0088] The floating structure 11 comprises, for example, a rigid frame connected to floats, allowing the suction device 10 to be positioned in the liquid. Such a floating structure thus allows the suction device 10 to be perfectly positioned and has, for example, adjustment means allowing this position to be adjusted as needed, for example depending on the viscosity of the liquid, the size and density of the plants or the viscosity of a liquid / plant mixture.

[0089] This floating structure 11 thus makes it possible to position one or more inlet orifices under the surface of the liquid, for example at a determined depth.

[0090] According to a variant, the rigid frame of the floating structure 11 is not connected to floats but is fixed to a wall of a basin or tank, or is carried using a winch supported outside the structure containing the liquid, for example by a crane.

[0091] According to this example, the suction device 10 does not have a strainer. Plants of any size can therefore be sucked through the suction device 10 provided that these plants can pass through an inlet orifice.

[0092] In order to increase the density of plants suspended around the suction device 10, a floating barrier 60 is, for example, used to gather the plants suspended in the liquid around the suction device 10.

[0093] The floating barrier 60 is for example deployed around a large surface of liquid, around the suction device 10. The floating barrier 60 is then tightened, for example by reducing its length, so as to bring the suspended plants from the initial surface to a reduced surface, still around the suction device 10. The quantity of suspended plants remaining identical, the latter being blocked by the floating barrier 60, and the liquid surface being reduced, the density of suspended plants increases. It should be noted that if the entire surface of the liquid is covered with suspended plants, then an increase in plant density results in an increase in the thickness of suspended plants on the surface of the liquid. This increase in the density of suspended plants around the suction device 10 allows an increase in the quantity of plants in the liquid / plant mixture.More plants are then captured for the same volume of liquid / plant mixture sucked up, the mobile suction system 1 then benefits from better performance.

[0094] Such a floating barrier 60 is for example made of a flexible material whose density is close to the density of the liquid but slightly lower in order to remain suspended on the surface of the liquid, for example whose density is between 0.9 and 0.95 in the case of use in water whose density is equal to 1.0.

[0095] According to another example, the floating barrier 60 is produced using a flexible or semi-rigid conduit having an internal cavity which can be filled with the liquid freed from its impurities or pollutants in which the floating barrier 60 is partly immersed.

[0096] This floating barrier 60 is for example made with a double-walled, semi-rigid sheath, which is filled with liquid during work mode. The double wall thus allows for a small quantity of air to be available, making the sheath, liquid and air assembly less dense than the liquid alone.

[0097] To switch to transport mode, this floating barrier 60 is for example emptied of liquid in order to be lighter and is then stored on the mobile structure 100, for example using a reel or winding device 61 on board the mobile structure 100.

[0098] Such a winding device allows for a quick transition from transport mode to work mode and vice versa. In addition, such an operation can be performed by a single operator thanks to the winding device.

[0099] According to one example, the winding device 61 is assisted or braked in order to further assist an operator wishing to wind or unwind the floating barrier 60. The assistance is for example obtained by means of a spring, for example located around a winding axis and compressed during the unwinding of the floating barrier 60. The energy stored by the spring is then restored during winding, the spring relaxing and thus creating a torque promoting the winding of the floating barrier 60. The brake is for example obtained by using friction plates, the plates moving closer together depending on a rotation speed of the winding device. A friction force is then proportional to a winding and / or unwinding speed, thus braking the movement and preventing uncontrolled unwinding of the floating barrier.

[0100] According to another example, the winding device is motorized, thus allowing controlled winding or unwinding of the floating barrier 60.

[0101] The suction device 10 is connected to a grinder 20 placed downstream of the suction device 10 by the first pipe 12.

[0102] The liquid / plant mixture sucked up by the suction device 10 passes through the first pipe 12, the length and diameter of which are adapted to the size of the plants sucked up and to the pressure available at the outlet of the first pipe 12, i.e. on the side grinder. The available pressure is obtained by pump 30 from which a pressure drop across grinder 20 is subtracted.

[0103] The first pipe 12 is for example semi-rigid, making it possible to connect the suction device 10 to the grinder 20 in different positions while avoiding obtaining turns that are too tight in which plants could get stuck.

[0104] For example, the first pipe 12 is a pipe with a diameter of 80 or 100 mm and a length of between 1 and 15 meters for the suction of duckweed with a theoretical maximum difference in height of 8m.

[0105] These dimensions vary, for example, depending on the type of plants to be sucked up, the working environment and the distance and the difference in level between the axis of the pump 30 and the suction device 10.

[0106] The first pipe 12 is connected to the grinder 20, the role of which is to protect the pump 30 located downstream of the grinder 20.

[0107] The connection between the first pipe 12 and the grinder 20 is for example similar to the connection between the first pipe 12 and the suction device 10.

[0108] Grinders are generally used on loaded pipes downstream of a pump or on pipes in which a liquid moves or flows under the action of gravity. According to this invention, the grinder 20 works on a vacuum pipe upstream of the pump 30, thus protecting the pump 30 from possible solid elements.

[0109] Such a configuration requires a special grinder 20. Indeed, in order not to allow air to enter upstream of the pump 30, which would then be incorporated into the liquid or the liquid / plant mixture, for example in the form of bubbles, a housing of the grinder 20 is sealed. This housing is notably crossed by the liquid or the liquid / plant mixture and further comprises blades or knives configured to break or cut the plants or other large solid elements present in the liquid / plant mixture. Due to its sealing and the depression generated by the pump 30 located downstream, this housing is sized to withstand the air pressure. exterior, which is generally equal to atmospheric pressure, and which is exerted on its exterior walls. This pressure is then greater than the pressure of the fluid which is exerted on the interior walls of the housing of the grinder 20. Indeed, this pressure difference generates forces exerted on the walls of the housing of the grinder 20. More particularly, if this housing includes seals, which are generally more fragile than the body of the housing which is for example made of cast iron, then these seals are designed and adapted to resist these forces and guarantee airtightness when they are subjected to a pressure difference between the exterior and the interior of the housing.

[0110] Furthermore, since the grinder 20 is crossed by the liquid or liquid / plant mixture, the latter must not slow down the flow of liquid or liquid / plant mixture passing through it. For this purpose, the grinder 20 is sized according to the pump 30 and / or according to the suction device 10. Indeed, when such a flow is disturbed by the presence of the grinder 20, we observe: • a loss of efficiency of the pump 30, which then consumes more energy to achieve a performance equivalent to that which it would achieve in the absence of the grinder 20, and / or • a reduction in the flow rate of liquid or liquid / plant mixture sucked up by the suction device 10.

[0111] Indeed, and as mentioned previously, in the absence of a strainer, plants or other large solid elements suspended in the liquid are sucked upstream of the grinder 20 via the suction device 10. If such plants or large solid elements reach the pump 30, then they damage it, the pump 30 not being designed to encounter such elements.

[0112] The grinder 20 makes it possible to reduce the size of plants or large solid elements sucked up. For example, a branch 10 cm long and 2 cm in diameter cannot pass through the pump 30. The grinder will grind it into fine particles or shavings of dimensions of the order of a millimeter or a few millimeters.

[0113] The homogeneous liquid / plant mixture then arrives at pump 30 directly connected to the outlet of grinder 20. The absence of a pipe between these two devices make it possible to avoid any loss of load and also save space on the mobile structure 100.

[0114] The pump 30 is self-priming. This pump 30 makes it possible to suck up the liquid or the liquid / plant mixture even in the presence of air in the liquid, thanks to a suction orifice eccentric relative to the axis of the body of the pump 30. A self-priming pump 30, or self-priming surface pump, consists of a mechanism facilitating priming and therefore starting of the pump 30. Once primed, the self-priming pump 30 operates like a conventional centrifugal pump.

[0115] Pump 30 is for example electrically powered by single-phase 220V or three-phase 380V (three-phase mains current) or is thermal.

[0116] A three-phase power supply for the 30 pump allows for more torque or power, therefore greater suction and / or a higher flow rate.

[0117] Note that a self-priming 30 pump is generally used with a suction pipe on which a strainer and a non-return valve are positioned, which is not the case here. The absence of a strainer is made possible by the presence of the 20 grinder.

[0118] The sizing of the self-priming 30 pump is done according to one or more of the following criteria: - the suction inlet diameter, - the desired flow rate and the possibility of varying it, in liters per minute or in m 3 per hour, and / or - the pressure in bars, and / or - the total manometric height in meters, and / or - the type of liquid to be pumped (clear water, waste water, dirty water, etc.), and / or - the theoretical size of the particles leaving the grinder 20.

[0119] It should be noted that the theoretical size of the particles at the outlet of the grinder 20 is increased by 10 to 50% for safety reasons to size the pump 30, the maximum theoretical size of the particles at the outlet of the grinder 20 is then multiplied by a coefficient between 1.1 and 1.5 for the sizing of the pump 30.

[0120] The ability to vary the desired flow rate, i.e. the ability to vary the motor speed, makes it possible to vary the flow rate without risk of loss of prime or cavitation of the pump 30.

[0121] In order to facilitate the use of the mobile suction system 1 and to adapt it to the type of liquid / plant mixture to be sucked up, the mobile suction system further comprises a speed variator 31 according to a particular exemplary embodiment, which speed variator 31 is connected to the pump 30.

[0122] The variable speed drive 31 also makes it possible to control a soft start of the pump, making it possible to start the pump 30 with a lower energy input. Thus, if the pump 30 is electric, an inrush current to start it is significantly lower than the inrush current required to start it without a variable speed drive 31.

[0123] In the case of using a pump 30 comprising a heat engine, also called a motor pump, the speed variator 31 is for example an accelerator.

[0124] In the case of using a pump 30 supplied with a three-phase power supply, the speed variator 31 is for example a frequency variator, also called a variable frequency speed variator, the variation in the frequency of the electrical power supply of the pump 30 having a direct effect on the rotation speed of the pump 30.

[0125] Thus, an operator is able to adjust the flow rate or the pressure at the inlet of the pump 30 by varying its speed. By observing at the same time the suction device 10 and, for example, a vortex created on the surface of the liquid, the operator is able to precisely adjust the speed of the pump 30 in order to optimize its operation. The pump 30 will have its speed adjusted to, for example, obtain the greatest possible flow rate without sucking air upstream.

[0126] The pump 30, as well as the grinder 20, are for example installed on the mobile structure 100 and their position is unchanged in working mode and in transport mode, thus avoiding any handling of these heavy devices.

[0127] Whether electric or thermal, the pump 30 is not in contact with the liquid and the suspended plants. It is thus protected from possible chemical attacks from the medium consisting of the liquid and the plants or elements in suspension. Similarly, this medium is protected from any nuisance coming from the pump 30 such as noise, vibrations, oil or fuel losses or electrical risks.

[0128] The system consisting of the suction device 10 and the floating structure 11 is thus free of any motorized element and can be used in any environment.

[0129] An advantage of relocating the pump 30 and the grinder 20 is also to allow easy cleaning of the mobile suction system 1. Indeed, the exterior of these devices is not easy to clean because it has many rough spots. Since the exterior of the pump 30 and the grinder 20 is not in contact with the environment to be treated, there is no risk of moving pollutants or invasive species from one environment to another.

[0130] A device 40 for separating the plants from the liquid is connected to the pump 30. This device is placed downstream of the pump 30 and connected to the latter by a second pipe 34.

[0131] The separation device 40 has the role of separating the plants and the liquid. The separation device 40 comprises a separation means corresponding for example to a vibrating screen 42. According to other examples, the separation means corresponds to any one of the following separation means: - a sand filter, - a paper filter, - a centrifuge, - a sieve, or - a set of sieves.

[0132] According to a particular embodiment, the separation device 40 is a folding vibrating screen 42. The separation device 40 then adopts a low position in transport mode, thus promoting the aerodynamics of the mobile suction system 1 and reducing the fuel or energy consumption required for movement. of the mobile structure, and a high position in working mode, the height of which is adjusted to a container 50 placed at the outlet of the separation device 40, in order to ensure a gravitational flow of the plants captured or retained by the sieve.

[0133] According to another exemplary embodiment, a conveying system 43 is arranged between the separation means and the container 50. Such a conveying system 43 corresponds to any one of the following conveying means: - a treadmill, - a screw conveyor and a hopper, or - a vacuum pump.

[0134] The conveyor system thus makes it possible to place the container 50 at a distance from the separation device 40. For example, a conveyor belt makes it possible to reject plants at one end of a bin, then by adjusting its length, to fill the bin by approaching the separation device 40. Thus, filling the bin is made easier. Such a conveyor belt is for example made using two drawers, one of which is mobile. Thus, if each drawer measures 2.5m, the conveyor belt makes it possible to reject plants at a distance of 5m from the means of a vibrating screen 42 under which it is placed. The mobile drawer has for example an axle comprising wheels or pulleys placed on an axis positioned at one end of the mobile drawer and configured to move on vertical walls of a container 50 such as a bin.The track width, that is to say the distance between two wheels or pulleys, is in particular variable so as to adapt the conveying system 43 to the container 50, the wheels or pulleys being able to translate along the axis of the axle.

[0135] According to another example, the conveyor system makes it possible to discharge the plants over a very long distance, for example several tens of meters. If the mobile structure 100 is floating, the plants are for example discharged into a container positioned on a bank.

[0136] In order to improve the efficiency of the separation device 40, the latter is for example equipped with a pourer 41, making it possible to uniformly distribute the liquid / plant mixture on or in the separation means described above.

[0137] The pourer 41 is for example made up of a plastic or metal chute, receiving the liquid / plant mixture at the outlet of the second pipe 34 and distributing this mixture over the entire width of a vibrating sieve 42. This vibrating sieve 42 is for example rectangular and slightly inclined, the mixture is then distributed over its entire surface. The vibrating sieve 42 comprises a mesh comprising a set of meshes. The mesh of the sieve then makes it possible to keep only the plants on the top of the sieve, the liquid flowing through the meshes of the vibrating sieve 42. The meshes of the vibrating sieve 42 are for example of a dimension between 20 and 10,000 microns (pm), for example adapted to the particle size of the suspended plants to be captured. This mesh is for example integrated into an interchangeable grid, a grid being selected according to the fineness of the suspended matter to be retained or not retained.

[0138] The vibrating screen 42 is for example connected to a motor equipped with an eccentric in order to create the vibrations. The vibrations increase the filtration capacity of the vibrating screen 42, a larger volume of liquid / plant mixture can be processed in the same time compared to a fixed screen. In addition, the vibrations allow the plants retained on the inclined vibrating screen 42 to gradually descend towards an outlet of the vibrating screen.

[0139] A second chute at the outlet of the vibrating screen 42 is for example installed, allowing the plants captured or retained by the screen to be grouped and evacuated.

[0140] A third pipe 45 is connected to the outlet of the separation device to recover the liquid free of plants, for example the third pipe 45 is positioned under the vibrating screen 42, recovering for example the liquid via a receiver.

[0141] This separation device 40 is for example installed on the mobile structure 100 and connected to the mobile structure 100 via a lifting device further comprising means for adjusting a height of the separation device 40. These means for adjusting the height of the separation device 40 are for example motorized. One or more jacks, electric or hydraulic, are for example provided to allow lifting of a rigid frame fixed to the mobile structure and on which the separation device rests. separation 40. Thus, in transport mode, the separation device 40 is in a low position while in work mode, the separation device 40 is positioned high. This makes it possible, for example, to easily position a container 50 recovering the plants extracted from the mixture and increasing the maximum length of the third pipe 45. Indeed, the third pipe 45 can evacuate the liquid further by simple gravity, the height of the fall of the liquid being increased thanks to the means for adjusting the height of the separation device 40. The liquid is, for example, returned to the environment where the mixture was previously sucked or to a second environment devoid of plants.

[0142] The diameter of the third pipe 45 is, for example, greater than the diameter of the first pipe 12. In fact, the liquid or the liquid / plant mixture circulates thanks to the depression generated by the pump 30 in the first pipe 12 while the flow is by gravity in the third pipe 45. For the same section of pipe, the flow rate through the third pipe 45 would then be lower at the outlet of the separation device 40 compared to the flow rate at the inlet of this same device.

[0143] The mobile suction system comprises for example a container 50, the container 50 being configured to receive the plants at the outlet of the separation device 40.

[0144] The container 50 at the outlet of the separation device 40 corresponds for example to one of the following containers: - a flexible container made of woven fabric (in English “bigbag” or in French “grand sac”), - a tray, - a barrel, - a trailer, or - a dumpster, for example a dumpster dropped by a truck, or - a barge.

[0145] Thus, the mobile system for suctioning plants suspended in liquid is configured to suck a liquid / plant mixture via a suction device 10 which passes to a grinder 20 via a first pipe 12. The grinder 20 reduces the size of the various solid elements passing through it, i.e. the large plants contained in the liquid / plant mixture passing through it, thus protecting the pump 30 connected downstream of the grinder 20, which is also crossed by the liquid / plant mixture, the pump 30 generating the depression allowing the suction of the liquid / plant mixture. The liquid / plant mixture then passes towards a separation device 40 via a second pipe 34 and the plants are extracted from the liquid / plant mixture, i.e. separated from the liquid by the separation device 40.

[0146] The various exemplary embodiments described with respect to figure 2 comprise one or more additional elements in comparison with the mobile suction system according to the first embodiment of figure 1. These various examples or embodiments make it possible to improve the comfort of use of the mobile suction system by an operator and / or to increase the productivity of this same system by offering additional adjustments or functionalities. This second embodiment is nevertheless less economical than the first embodiment.

[0147] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a view of the mobile suction system 1 or 2 for plants suspended in a liquid, the mobile structure 100 of which is a trailer, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] A trailer has many advantages. Indeed, a trailer is a way to move the entire mobile suction system 1 or 2 easily, by hooking or coupling the mobile structure 100 to a towing vehicle. The mobile structure 100 therefore does not have a motor, which avoids many maintenance operations or sources of breakdowns.

[0149] A trailer allows you to use the entire road network of an area where the mobile suction system 1 or 2 is to be used. The road network is vast and finely meshed, allowing access to almost all bodies of water in an area. In addition, a trailer is easily maneuverable and does not require special authorization to use the road network.

[0150] Another advantage of using a trailer for a mobile structure 100 is being able to place the mobile structure 100 near a body of water for example, the towing vehicle not being necessary in work mode.

[0151] All of the devices and elements included in the mobile suction system 1 or 2 are then installed on the mobile structure 100 in displacement mode. Some of these devices or elements are for example fixed to the mobile structure 100, such as: - the crusher 20, - pump 30, - the variator 31 (optional), - the second pipe 34, - the separation device 40 (optionally comprising a pourer 41 and a vibrating screen 42), - the winding device 61 (optionally) and - the conveyor system 43.

[0152] Other devices or elements are installed on the mobile structure 100 in transport mode and deployed in work mode, such as: - the suction head 10, - the floating structure 11 (optional), - the first pipe 12, - the third pipe 45 (optional), - container 50 (optionally), and - the floating dam 60.

[0153] The mobile structure 100 is for example stabilized by hydraulic or screw jacks, also called stabilizers, to ensure a perfect level of the installation and guarantee the absence of movement of the mobile structure 100 in working mode.

[0154] Depending on the weight of the mobile suction system 1, the mobile structure 100, here a trailer, has one or more axles. For example, for a weight of the mobile suction system 1 between 700 kg and 1200 kg, the mobile structure 100 rests on a single axle or a double axle.

[0155] Depending on the weight, the mobile structure 100 is braked, for example using brakes arranged on at least one axle.

[0156] The mobile structure 100 has, for example, an electrical network, by which certain elements of the mobile suction system 1 are powered, such as the motor 30 and its speed variator 31, the crusher 20 and / or the vibrating screen 42. This electrical network is, for example, powered by an electrical cable connected to a power outlet connected to a single-phase or three-phase electrical network. According to another example, the electrical network of the mobile structure 100 is connected to a generator via an electrical cable. The electrical network of the mobile structure 100 comprises, for example, electrical protection means such as circuit breakers or differential switches for protecting the devices connected to this electrical network.

[0157] It should be noted that the electrical network of the mobile structure 100 previously described is distinct from a second electrical network connecting, for example, lighting devices of the trailer connected to an electrical harness of a towing vehicle controlling the switching on of headlights or lighting devices.

[0158] The mobile structure 100 also carries, for example, tools or other accessories not previously described. For example, tools allowing the use of means for tightening the different pipes 12, 34, 45.

[0159] It should be noted that this mobile suction system 1 is, for example, designed to be economical and easily transportable. Such a mobile suction system 1 is, for example, intended to be used near a body of water that does not have significant infrastructure nearby, for example, that does not have an abundant energy source such as an electricity network. It is therefore important that each of the elements constituting this system is energy-efficient. Here, for example, is a configuration of the system that makes it possible to achieve this objective of sobriety: - the pump 30 is supplied with three-phase current, provided with a speed variator 31 making it possible to limit the inrush current, and is placed in the middle of the liquid / plant mixture transport circuit and halfway between the surface of the body of water and the inlet of the separation device 40, - the crusher 20 is wired in a star / delta pattern, allowing for a progressive start and a significant reduction in the inrush current, and - the separation device 40 comprises a vibrating screen 42, offering excellent efficiency (a centrifuge should, for example, be avoided).

[0160] Figures 4, 5 and 6 schematically illustrate a suction device 10 as well as a floating structure 11 in Figure 4 of the mobile suction system 1 or 2, according to different particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0161] As illustrated in Figure 5, the suction device 10 is for example positioned under the surface of the liquid at a short distance f from this surface, for example a few centimeters, so as to capture or suck up floating or suspended plants. Such a suction device comprises for example one or more inlet orifices, making it possible to suck up a liquid / plant mixture. If the plants are more present at the surface of the liquid, then their density in the mixture will be all the greater the closer an orifice of the suction device 10 is to the surface of the liquid.

[0162] This suction device 10 comprises, for example, a first conduit 106 comprising a first inlet orifice 103 and an outlet orifice 104.

[0163] The first conduit 106 extends along a first direction of a first vector z1 connecting a center A of the first inlet orifice 103 to a center B of the outlet orifice 104. The first conduit 106 has the function of transferring liquid and plants suspended in the liquid from the first inlet orifice 103 to the outlet orifice 104.

[0164] According to a particular embodiment, the outlet orifice 104 is configured to receive a first pipe 12 under vacuum as shown in FIG. 3.

[0165] The outlet orifice 104 is then configured to connect a first end of a first pipe 12. This first pipe 12 can be of different types and of varied diameters depending on the necessary flow rates and depending on the environment where the suction device 10 is installed. The diameter of this first pipe 12 is for example defined according to one or more parameters such as: - the type of suspended elements, their size and rigidity, - the type of liquid and its viscosity, - the speed of the liquid at the inlet and / or outlet of the suction device 10 and - the volume of liquid to be treated.

[0166] For example, the diameter of the first pipe 12 is 25% larger than the diameter of the first conduit 106, which makes it possible to limit the speed of the liquid / plant mixture, particularly at the level of the first inlet orifice 103 where the suction takes place.

[0167] According to this example, for a first conduit 106 with a nominal diameter of 100mm, the first pipe 12 has a nominal diameter of 100mm.

[0168] So, the first pipe 12 will not be the same depending on whether it is to clean a swimming pool or to suck up duckweed in a pond.

[0169] Likewise, the first conduit 106 has a shape and size defined in particular according to the parameters previously cited.

[0170] The depression of the first pipe 12 by a pump 30 positioned downstream of the first pipe 12 then generates a flow of liquid / plant mixture in the first conduit 106 from the first inlet orifice 103 to the outlet orifice 104 connected to the first pipe 12.

[0171] In a particular embodiment, the suction device 10 advantageously has at least one second conduit 105 opening into the first conduit 106 and comprising a second inlet orifice 102

[0172] The second conduit 105 extends along a second direction of a second vector z2 connecting a center D of the second inlet orifice 102 to a meeting point C of the first conduit 106 and the second conduit 105, the second vector z2 being oriented at an acute angle a relative to the first vector z1.

[0173] A flow of liquid / plant mixture in the first conduit 106 generates a depression in the second conduit 105. This depression in turn generates a liquid / plant mixture flow in the second conduit 105, a portion of the suspended plants is then sucked in via the second inlet orifice 102 and evacuated via the outlet orifice 104.

[0174] The second inlet 102 is positioned closer to the liquid surface than the first inlet 103.

[0175] In the case where the suspended plants are more densely distributed near the surface of the liquid, the second flow of liquid / plant mixture sucked in by the second inlet orifice 102 meets the first flow of liquid / plant mixture sucked in by the first inlet orifice 103 in the first conduit 106, the first flow is also called the carrier flow. The two flows are then mixed, a third flow consisting of liquid / plant mixture sucked in by the two inlet orifices 102, 103 then passes towards the outlet orifice 104. This third flow is less rich in suspended elements than the second flow, the first flow also called the “carrier flow” having diluted the suspended plants. The third flow is then easier to transport. Indeed, the greater the density of suspended plants, the more energy is required to transport the mixture.

[0176] According to a particular embodiment, the first 106 and second 105 conduits are at least partially rectilinear.

[0177] Straight pipes help reduce pressure losses when fluid flows through them. In addition to pressure losses associated with the use of elbows in the pipes, solid elements can block the pipes. Using straight pipes optimizes the flow through them.

[0178] In order to optimize these flows but also the mixture resulting from the meeting of the first flow with the second flow, the angle a between the two conduits is an important factor to consider. The goal is to obtain a determined ratio between the first flow and the second flow and an optimal quality of the mixture of the two flows.

[0179] For an angle a close to 90°, the second flow will for example be almost non-existent. According to an advantageous embodiment, the angle a is an acute angle. According to a particular embodiment, the angle a is between 33 and 67°, which improves the homogeneity of the mixture of the third flow. According to another particular embodiment, the angle a is equal to 45°.

[0180] To improve or increase the flow rates of the first, second and third flows and / or to avoid shapes that reveal hollows or roughness to avoid any stagnation, the shape is for example a hollow tube of circular section for all the conduits, in particular the first 106 and second 105 conduits.

[0181] The use of hollow tubes of circular section has many advantages, the circle being the geometric shape having the highest surface / diameter ratio, the suction device 10 then has maximum first 106 and second 105 conduit sections in relation to the quantity of material used. The suction device 10 is then proportionally very light. In addition, the hollow tubes are easily shaped by bending in particular, and the production of a suction device 10 with this shape is facilitated. Finally, these shapes make it very easy to clean, which is essential when this suction device is used to depollute an environment. Indeed, it is advisable not to move polluting elements from an environment where the suction device 10 has been used to a second environment where the suction device 10 will be used.

[0182] In this particular embodiment, the conduits are made with hollow tubes of circular section, the first inlet orifice 103 is obtained by cutting the tube along a section normal to its axis and the second inlet orifice 102 is obtained along a section parallel to the axis of the first tube. The first inlet orifice 103 then has a circular section and the second inlet orifice 102 has an elliptical section.

[0183] According to a particular embodiment, the first conduit 106 is made in the form of a hollow tube with an external diameter of between 50 and 200 mm. Such a diameter is used, for example, in the case of suctioning duckweed. The section of the first conduit 106 is then between 19.6 cm 2 and 314cm 2. The second conduit 105 has an elliptical cross-section as shown in Figure 6. The cross-section of the second conduit 105 is defined by the length a of its semi-minor axis and the length b of its semi-major axis. Here a is equal to the radius of the first conduit 10, for an angle a of 45° we obtain b = ax (2), with: - has the semi-minor axis of the ellipse, - b the semi-major axis of the ellipse.

[0184] For an angle a of 45° we obtain a ratio of 1.41 between the section of the second conduit 105 and the section of the first conduit 106.

[0185] More generally, to improve the suction at the second inlet orifice 102 and the mixing of the first and second flows, a ratio between a surface area of ​​the second inlet orifice 102 and a surface area of ​​the first inlet orifice 103 is for example between 1 and 2.

[0186] With the predefined angles and ratio, it is observed that 90% of the volume of liquid and suspended elements is sucked through the first inlet orifice 103, but the volume of suspended elements is mainly sucked through the second inlet orifice 102.

[0187] The low overall volume rate drawn to the surface by the second inlet orifice 102 makes it possible to obtain a very low liquid speed at the surface, which contributes to protecting fauna in aquatic environments, in particular amphibians which have time to escape, but also allows a user to remove any obstacle which could block the second inlet orifice 102.

[0188] If, however, an obstacle were to be sucked in through the second inlet orifice 102, it is appropriate to facilitate its passage so as to avoid blocking one of the conduits. For this, an elbow is for example made at the junction between the first conduit 106 and the second conduit 105, as shown in FIG. 4. In this way, a large obstacle can then pass freely through the suction device 10.

[0189] When sucking through the second inlet, a vortex may appear on the surface of the liquid. Such a vortex may bring air incorporated into the liquid into the second conduit 106 and is then sucked by the suction device 10.

[0190] In order to avoid a significant formation of a vortex or whirlpool on the surface of the liquid, the second orifice 102 comprises a projecting spout 101 arranged on a part of a contour of the second inlet orifice 102 distal to the outlet orifice 104.

[0191] This projecting beak 101 represents, for example, a prominent shape arranged in the extension of the second conduit 105 and placed in the field of a vortex being created above the first inlet orifice 102, that is to say between the inlet orifice 102 and the surface of the liquid.

[0192] This projecting nozzle 101 limits the diameter of the vortex or whirlpool forming, thus making it possible to increase the flow rate of liquid / plant mixture sucked in through the second inlet orifice 102 without sucking in air. Indeed, in the case of using a self-priming pump 30, it is necessary to ensure that the quantity of air sucked in by the entire suction device 10 does not exceed a certain threshold, for example 10 to 15% maximum of air. Otherwise, the self-priming pump 30 may lose its prime, causing the mobile suction system 1 to fail.

[0193] The height h of the protruding spout 101 is defined so as to keep the protruding spout 101 below the surface of the liquid, a water stream of height f being present between the upper end of the protruding spout 101 and the surface of the liquid. Ideally, the height h of the protruding spout 101 is defined so as to guarantee a water stream height f of between 1 mm and 20 mm. The height h of the protruding spout 101 is ideally between 0.5 and 2 times a minimum width a of a section of the second conduit 105. The base of the protruding spout 101 has a half-width c ideally between 0.25 and 1 time the minimum width of a section of the second conduit 105.

[0194] The height h of the projecting beak 101 is, for example, defined as being equal to the length a of the semi-minor axis of the ellipse previously described and as presented in figure 6, h = b, with: - h the height of the protruding beak 101, and - b the length of the semi-major axis of the ellipse.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the projecting beak 101 has a base with a width less than or equal to the length of a minor axis of an ellipse defining a contour of the second inlet orifice 102 and greater than a quarter of the length of a minor axis of an ellipse defining a contour of the second inlet orifice 102.

[0196] Generally speaking, for a second conduit 105 of elliptical section, we note that: a / 4 < c < a, with: - c the half-width of the base of the projecting beak 101, and - the length of the semi-minor axis of the ellipse.

[0197] The second inlet orifice 102 retains a contour defined in a plane parallel to the axis of the first conduit 106 outside the projecting spout 101.

[0198] With these proportions between the dimensions of the projecting spout 101 and the dimensions of the ellipse describing the outline of the second inlet orifice 102, it is found that the air does not exceed half the height of the projecting spout 101 which avoids any loss of priming in the case of use of a self-priming pump 30 to suck up the liquid / plant mixture via the first pipe 12 connected to the outlet orifice 104.

[0199] In addition, the vortex created by the suction of the liquid / plant mixture collides with the bottom of the second conduit 105, which allows optimal mixing of the liquid / plant mixture and breaks up any blocks of amalgamated material made up of suspended plants.

[0200] According to a particular embodiment, the suction device 10 is made of a thermoplastic material of the Polyvinyl Chloride type (also called “PVC”). This material has the advantage of being resistant to a number of chemical products. In addition, the manufacture of such a device in this material allows, for example, the use of standard elements such as conduits, elbows and junctions. It is therefore very easy to manufacture a suction device 10 in this material.

[0201] However, there are some drawbacks to note, such as the relatively large wall thicknesses compared to pipes made of sheet metal. Also worth noting is the low abrasion resistance and the impossibility of using this material in a fluid at a high or very low temperature.

[0202] According to another embodiment, the suction device 10 is made of a metallic material such as aluminum or stainless steel. These materials make it possible to produce conduits whose walls have thinner walls than those made of Polyvinyl Chloride, for example 0.7 mm compared to 3 mm in Polyvinyl Chloride.

[0203] Materials such as composites made with carbon fiber or fiberglass are also envisaged, making the suction device 10 for example very light.

[0204] The suction device is moored, suspended or carried by a floating structure 11. Such a floating structure 11 makes it possible to ensure that the suction device 10 essentially sucks up liquid and plants, limiting a quantity of air sucked in. Indeed, as explained previously, sucked air then forms bubbles and a significant quantity of bubbles risks disabling the self-priming pump 30 or disrupting the operation of devices in the circuit.

[0205] The floating structure 11 comprises, for example, a rigid frame supported by at least three floats, the floats being arranged so as to form a triangle in which the suction device 10 is located.

[0206] The first float is in this embodiment placed in front of the second inlet orifice 102 at a determined distance from the latter, that is to say that the first float is positioned at the level of the surface of the liquid on the side of the projecting spout 101 of the suction device 10 when the latter is provided with it. In this position, the first float protects the projecting spout 101 from solid bodies which may strike the projecting spout 101, it prevents for example a branch floating on the surface of the liquid from directly touching this projecting spout 101.

[0207] According to a particular embodiment, the first float also has a submerged sliding stabilizer. Such a stabilizer thus makes it possible to buffer any hydraulic shock when the pump 30 is loaded, preventing any sudden movement of the suction device 10 and thus avoiding sucking in air if the first inlet orifice 102 were to come too close to the surface of the liquid. stabilizer has for example a mass close to 1 kg in the case where a diameter of the first conduit 106 of the suction device is of the order of 100 mm.

[0208] In this particular embodiment, the second and third floats are placed so as to form, with the first float, a triangle centered on the suction device 10. In this way, the first float being placed in front of the projecting spout 101, the first float is positioned opposite the outlet orifice 104, i.e. opposite the first pipe 12. The second and third floats are then arranged on either side of the first pipe 12.

[0209] A main flow of liquid and suspended plants on the surface of the liquid comes from the side opposite the projecting spout 101. This main flow then passes between the second and third floats. The second and third floats do not obstruct the main flow on the surface of the liquid, the flow around the suction device 10 is then facilitated.

[0210] The shape, size and material of the floats depend on several parameters such as the nature of the liquid and the suspended elements that will be in contact with them, but also on the mass to be carried. Indeed, their role is to carry the suction device 10 as well as the rigid frame, the masses of which vary depending on their size and the materials used.

[0211] The floats correspond, for example, to standard floats such as spherical buoys made of thermoplastic material. The use of standard elements thus allows them to be quickly interchanged depending on the environment of use and facilitates maintenance. According to the sizing elements previously used, the mass carried by a buoy is close to 5 kg, the system comprising the suction device 10 and the floating structure 11 having a total mass of less than 15 kg.

[0212] The rigid frame is completely submerged, allowing a user to easily operate around the suction device 10, making it very easy to evacuate floating elements that could block the second inlet orifice 102 when the suction device 10 is in operation. The absence of obstacles obtained by a submerged rigid structure allows the user to have optimal visibility on the suction device 10, thus facilitating flow and pressure adjustments, for example using a speed variator 31.

[0213] According to a particular embodiment, the floats are completely submerged under the surface of the liquid, just like the rigid frame. This is possible by defining the volume and the material of the floats so as to very precisely support the system consisting of the suction device 10 and the floating structure 11. This makes it possible to form no obstacle on the surface, facilitating the flow of the fluid and the plants suspended at the level of the surface of the liquid.

[0214] According to another embodiment, the rigid frame and the suction device 10 are made of a single piece. This solution has the advantage of developing together this sub-assembly of the system comprising the suction device 10 and the floating structure 11, adapting the different elements so as to optimize the flows of liquid and suspended plants for example, but also to obtain a mechanically balanced system which facilitates its handling.

[0215] According to the previously used sizing elements, the system comprising the suction device 10 and the floating structure 11 only requires a draft of 35cm. It can therefore be used very close to the banks of a pond for example but also in liquid containers with a shallow depth.

[0216] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the system comprising the suction device 10 and the floating structure 11 further comprises first means for adjusting an immersion depth of the suction device 10 and second means for adjusting an angle of inclination of the suction device 10.

[0217] The floats are for example fixed to the rigid frame using an adjustable fixing means, for example allowing a vertical translation of the float relative to the rigid frame. Such a fixing is for example achieved using a connection obtained by the assembly of a threaded element connected to a float and a nut connected to the rigid frame. This fixing means allows an adjustment of the parallelism, that is to say of the inclination of the suction device 10 relative to the surface of the liquid, and of the depth immersion of suction device 10 in particular the height f of the water stream. According to this example, the first and second adjustment means are combined.

[0218] These means for adjusting an immersion depth of the suction device 10 and means for adjusting an angle of inclination of the suction device 10 make it possible to use the suction device 10 in different environments while guaranteeing optimal adjustment of the device depending, for example, on the viscosity of the liquid, the size and position of the plants in suspension.

[0219] These adjustment means are for example obtained using other types of construction, for example racks with several positions, and can be adjusted remotely for example using simple mechanical means such as a lever connected to a sheathed cable driving an element of the adjustment means in translation or using more complex mechanical elements such as jacks or small motors.

[0220] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to any mobile system for suctioning plants suspended in a liquid regardless of the nature of the liquid and the type of elements in suspension.

[0221] The present invention also relates to a system for pumping or suctioning elements suspended in a liquid, for example a mobile pumping or treatment station, comprising the mobile suction system 1, 2 of figures 1 to 3.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Mobile suction system (1) for plants suspended in a liquid, characterized in that said mobile suction system (1) comprises: - a suction device (10) for said plants suspended on an upstream part of said mobile suction system (1) comprising at least one inlet orifice (102); - a grinder (20) connected to said suction device (10) downstream of said suction device (10) by a first pipe (12); - a self-priming pump (30) downstream of the grinder (20); - a device for draining (32) and priming the pump (30); - a device (40) for separating the plants from the liquid connected to the pump (30), downstream of said pump (30), by a second pipe (34); and - a mobile structure (100), said mobile suction system (1) being configured to be in a working mode and in a transport mode.

2. Mobile suction system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said suction device (10) is carried by a floating structure (11).

3. Mobile suction system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said suction device (10) comprises a projecting spout (101) arranged on a contour of said inlet orifice (102).

4. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said suction device (10) comprises at least two inlet orifices (102, 103).

5. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said pump (30) comprises a three-phase electric motor.

6. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises a speed variator (31) controlling a progressive start and / or a rotation speed of said pump (30).

7. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said separation device (40) comprises a vibrating screen (42).

8. Mobile suction system (1) according to claim 7, wherein said vibrating screen (42) comprises a mesh comprising a set of meshes of size between 20 and 1500 microns.

9. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, for which said separation device (40) comprises a pourer (41).

10. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which comprises a conveying system (43).

11. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, which comprises a third pipe (45), said liquid being discharged downstream of said separation device (40) by said third pipe (45).

12. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a container (50), said container (50) being configured to receive said plants at the outlet of said separation device (40), said container (50) belonging to a set of containers comprising: - a flexible container made of woven fabric, - a tray, - a barrel, - a trailer, and - a dumpster - a barge.

13. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, which further comprises a floating dam (60) and a winding device (61) for said floating dam (60).

14. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, which further comprises means for adjusting a height of said motorized separation device (40).

15. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, for which said mobile structure (100) is a trailer.

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