Device for collecting an aggregate cargo

Abstract

The invention relates to a collection device (1) for collecting an aggregate cargo, wherein the device comprises a circumferential wall (2) extending around an axis of rotation of the collection device (1) and defining an internal space, wherein the circumferential wall (2) comprises a plurality of cutting elements (4) configured to cut the cargo into cut elements, and wherein the collection device (1) is configured to be rotated and to bring the cut elements to a conveyor, characterised in that the collection device (1) comprises a rolling surface (7) configured to support the rotation of the collection device (1) and a transfer surface (8) provided with openings that are configured to let the cut elements into the internal volume, wherein a diameter of the rolling surface (7) is strictly greater than a diameter of the transfer surface (8).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention: Device for collecting an aggregated cargo

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of processing an aggregated cargo, such as carbon dioxide in the solid state, within a storage tank for such cargo, and more particularly relates to a collection device capable of cutting and transferring such an aggregated cargo.

[0004] Currently, a new logistics chain for processing aggregated cargo, such as solid carbon dioxide, is being developed. This chain involves a first phase of cargo capture, a second phase of cargo transport, for example within the tank, and a final phase of cargo burial at sites far removed from the capture sites.

[0005] Conventionally, carbon dioxide is transported in cooled and pressurized liquid form at pressures of 6 to 20 bars. These transport pressures require the use of pressure vessels, such as cylindrical, spherical, multi-lobed or internally reinforced tanks, whose mass and cost make the construction of large vessels very complex and prohibitive in terms of costs.

[0006] Carbon dioxide is best transported in its solid state, a phase in which it can remain at atmospheric pressure while maintaining maximum density; particularly when it comes to maritime transport. Indeed, carbon dioxide is and can only be in its solid or vapor state at atmospheric pressure.

[0007] A problem arises during the carbon dioxide unloading stage. Indeed, an aggregation phenomenon occurs within the cargo. During their loading, the carbon dioxide particles in the solid state are not aggregated together. But after storing a large volume, and even more so with a long storage period, the particles aggregate together with significant cohesion efforts. It is possible to unload the carbon dioxide in the solid state by cutting it using collection devices present within the tank and driven in rotation to cut and transfer the carbon dioxide in the solid state present within the floating structure.Aggregates of solid carbon dioxide, or any other aggregated solid component, present at such collection devices then exert a significant resistive force on the collection devices and can then block the latter, which prevents them from rotating and therefore from being discharged.

[0008] Also, aggregates of solid carbon dioxide, or any other aggregated solid component, present at such devices can rest on any permanent surface and create arches between each of these surfaces which then prevent the loading of the material into the collection devices. This is called the arching phenomenon.

[0009] The present invention overcomes this problem by providing a device for collecting an aggregated cargo within a storage tank, comprising a circumferential wall extending around an axis of rotation of the collecting device and defining an internal volume, the circumferential wall comprising a plurality of cutting elements configured to cut the cargo into cut elements, the internal volume being configured to transfer the cut elements, the collecting device being configured to be rotated and to bring the cut elements to a conveyor, characterized in that the collecting device comprises at least one rolling surface configured to support the rotation of the collecting device and at least one transfer surface provided with openings configured to introduce the cut elements into the internal volume,a diameter of the rolling surface being strictly greater than a diameter of the transfer surface. In the following, we will designate by cut elements the particles resulting from the aggregated cargo after cutting by the cutting elements.,

[0010] The collection device according to the invention is thus capable of performing efficient cutting and transfer of the aggregated cargo, since it has no surface resisting its rotation nor any permanent surface on which the aggregated cargo could rest. The collection device is arranged within a tank ensuring at least the storage of the aggregated cargo, for example carbon dioxide in solid state, pending the unloading of said cargo. The collection device is arranged within this tank, and ensures part of the unloading of the aggregated cargo by cutting it and moving the cut elements to the conveyor.

[0011] The circumferential wall advantageously forms a cylinder with a circular cross-section which is rotated about the axis of rotation, for example by means of a shaft arranged within the internal volume and which is itself driven by a drive device, for example a motor. The cutting elements are mechanically connected to an outer periphery of the circumferential wall and are therefore also rotated. Each cutting element comprises a cutting edge which, driven by the rotation of the circumferential wall, comes into contact with the aggregated cargo and cuts it. The cut elements then enter the internal volume via the openings which pass through the circumferential wall and are then transferred by said internal volume to the conveyor.

[0012] The rolling surface makes it possible on the one hand to provide better stability to the collection device, in particular by ensuring mechanical support on support elements, and on the other hand to prevent the aggregated cargo from resting on a surface that appears smooth to it when the collection device rotates, thus preventing the formation of an arch of the cargo above the collection device.

[0013] The transfer surface includes the openings and extends to a diameter smaller than the diameter of the rolling surface. This prevents any mechanical interference of the transfer surface with surrounding mechanical elements of the collection device that are potentially in contact with the rolling surface.

[0014] According to a feature of the invention, the cutting elements protrude from the transfer surface by extending radially outwards from the collection device, the cutting elements being inscribed in a circle with a diameter strictly less than the diameter of the rolling surface. The cutting elements extend mainly along a height which corresponds to a radial distance from the transfer surface. The circle formed by the vertices of each of the cutting elements therefore has a diameter greater than the diameter of the transfer surface but always strictly less than the diameter of the rolling surface in order to prevent the cutting elements from mechanically interfering with surrounding mechanical elements of the collection device which are potentially in contact with the rolling surface.

[0015] According to a feature of the invention, a cutting element and an opening form a pair, the opening opening onto the cutting element. Thus, when a cutting element interacts with the aggregated cargo, the resulting cut element falls and is then introduced into the internal volume of the collection device via the opening coupled to said cutting element. In order to facilitate the introduction of the cut element, the cutting element of the pair is arranged so as to partially cover the opening of the pair and inclined so that the cut element slides to the opening of the pair.

[0016] According to a feature of the invention, the cutting elements are inscribed in a helical profile around the axis of rotation. Such a helical configuration promotes the cutting of the aggregated cargo.

[0017] According to a feature of the invention, the openings are inscribed in a helical profile around the axis of rotation. If the cutting elements are inscribed in a helical profile, a similar configuration for the openings is logical since, as previously described, the cutting elements and the openings can be configured in pairs.

[0018] According to a feature of the invention, the circumferential wall is divided into a first semi-cylindrical portion comprising the cutting elements, and into a second semi-cylindrical portion devoid of cutting elements. The cutting elements and the transfer surface are thus positioned on only one half of the circumferential wall. This configuration prevents the cutting elements or the leading edge of the rolling surface from being engaged in the aggregated cargo at the time of starting the collection device and requiring the use of a significant torque to generate the rotation of the collection device.

[0019] By dividing the circumferential wall into two portions and positioning the second semi-cylindrical portion without cutting elements towards the space intended to receive the aggregated cargo, the latter does not risk being in contact with the cutting elements or the leading edge of the rolling surface and this facilitates the rotation of the collection device.

[0020] According to a feature of the invention, the collection device comprises a transfer member extending helically within the internal volume, the transfer member being configured to bring the cut elements present in the internal volume to the conveyor. The transfer member is integral with the circumferential wall, and by rotating the latter, the transfer member guides the cut elements which have entered the internal volume towards one or other of the ends of the collection device thanks to the helical shape of the transfer member.

[0021] According to a feature of the invention, the rolling surface extends helically around the axis of rotation. According to a first embodiment of the collection device, the rolling surface is formed in a single piece extending along a main dimension of the circumferential wall.

[0022] According to a feature of the invention, the rolling surface comprises at least one crenellated edge, the cutting elements being arranged along the crenellated edge. In the configuration as defined by the first embodiment of the collection device, the rolling surface extends helically, thus constituting an advantageous arrangement of the cutting elements. Each cutting element is thus arranged at one of the crenellations of the crenellated edge and all of the cutting elements therefore also extend helically along the circumferential wall.

[0023] Both edges of the rolling surface may be notched, and the notches on both edges then include cutting elements. If only one edge of the rolling surface is notched, this edge must be the one that matches the direction of rotation of the collection device so that the cutting elements can perform their function.

[0024] According to a feature of the invention, the collection device comprises a plurality of rolling surfaces and a plurality of transfer surfaces, the rolling surfaces and the transfer surfaces forming cylinders around the axis of rotation, the rolling surfaces and the transfer surfaces forming an alternation with respect to each other. According to a second embodiment of the collection device, rolling surfaces extend cylindrically along the entire circumferential wall, as do the transfer surfaces. The rolling surfaces and the transfer surfaces form an alternation with respect to each other so that all of the functions of each of said surfaces can be implemented along the entire circumferential wall.

[0025] In this embodiment, the cutting elements are arranged in a helically manner along each transfer surface to efficiently cut the aggregated cargo.

[0026] According to a feature of the invention, at least one rolling surface follows a sinusoidal profile around the axis of rotation of the collection device. Advantageously, the sinusoidal profile ensures that any contact between the aggregated cargo and the rolling surface is broken during rotation of the collection device, thus allowing the aggregated cargo to be cut along its entire length in contact with the collection device, thereby avoiding any arching phenomenon.

[0027] According to a feature of the invention, at least one rolling surface follows a herringbone profile around the axis of rotation of the collection device. This is a variant of the second embodiment, the only difference of which is in the shape of the rolling surfaces. The chevrons also ensure that there is always a free part of the rolling surface resting on a support roller, in order to ensure the carrying of the collection device. In addition, the chevrons create a discontinuity: if an aggregate, i.e. a portion of the aggregated cargo, rests on the rolling surface, the discontinuity of the chevrons allows the aggregate to be nibbled away at each alternation of the presence of chevrons.

[0028] The invention also covers a storage tank for an aggregated cargo, comprising a plurality of collection devices as described above and at least one conveyor. The storage tank has technical characteristics guaranteeing optimal thermal conditions for maintaining the cargo in solid form when it is a gas, for example during a journey of a floating structure comprising such a storage tank.

[0029] Advantageously, the storage tank comprises sufficient collection devices to extend over the entire length and width of the storage tank. Furthermore, the collection devices are preferably arranged at the bottom of the storage tank so that the entire aggregated cargo can be subsequently cut up.

[0030] The conveyor is mainly perpendicular to the collection devices and is arranged at one end of the latter in order to be able to receive the elements cut by the cutting elements and transferred within the internal volume of the circumferential wall of each of the collection devices. The conveyor then allows the evacuation of the cut elements from the storage tank.

[0031] According to a feature of the invention, the storage tank comprises a plurality of support rollers, each rolling surface of at least one of the collection devices being in contact with at least one support roller, the support rollers being configured to be driven in rotation by the collection devices. The support rollers provide mechanical support for the collection devices. Each support roller is configured to rotate freely, and is therefore driven in rotation when each collection device is itself driven in rotation. The support rollers are in contact with at least one rolling surface of the collection devices and are thus positioned relative to the diameter thereof. As a result, the support rollers do not mechanically hinder either the rotation of the collection devices or the cutting elements, the latter not extending beyond the diameter of the rolling surface.Depending on the previously described embodiments of the collection device, the support rollers may differ structurally. A collection device comprising a helical rolling surface is thus supported by at least one support roller which extends along the entire circumferential wall. A collection device comprising a plurality of cylindrical rolling surfaces is supported by a plurality of support rollers, each support roller facing a cylinder forming a rolling surface.

[0032] According to a feature of the invention, the storage tank comprises at least two conveyors, each collection device extending between the two conveyors, the transfer member of each collection device being configured to bring the cut elements towards one or the other of the conveyors depending on a direction of rotation of the collection devices. Such a configuration can be useful in the event of a breakdown of one of the conveyors. A change in the direction of rotation of the collection devices then guarantees a change in the direction of transfer of the cut elements by the transfer members of each collection device. This involves the implementation of cutting elements ensuring cutting of the aggregated cargo regardless of the direction of rotation of the collection device.

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

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

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

[0036] According to a feature of the invention, two adjacent collection devices are configured to be rotated in an opposite direction of rotation relative to each other. Such a configuration makes it possible to optimize the cutting of the aggregated cargo.

[0037] According to a characteristic of the invention, the helical shape of the transfer member of a collection device is arranged in a direction opposite to a direction of a helical shape of a transfer member of an adjacent collection device. Insofar as two adjacent collection devices are rotated in an opposite direction relative to each other, it is obvious that the helical shape of their respective transfer member also extends in an opposite direction relative to each other so that the cut elements recovered by the two collection devices are transferred in the same transfer direction. As a result, the cut elements are transferred to the same conveyor and it is not necessary to use two conveyors at the two ends of the collection devices.

[0038] According to a characteristic of the invention, the axis of rotation of the collection devices has an inclination relative to a horizontal normal, a lower end of at least one collection device being opposite the conveyor. Such an inclination is sufficient to effect the transfer of the cut elements present in the internal volume after having been cut and having passed through one of the openings. The rotation of the collection device associated with the force of gravity resulting from the inclination of said collection device allows the transfer to the conveyor and possibly to do without a transfer member.

[0039] The invention also covers a floating structure for transporting and / or storing an aggregated cargo, comprising a storage tank as described above.

[0040] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which: [fig 1] represents a first embodiment of at least one collection device according to the invention,

[0041] [fig 2] is a close-up view of the first embodiment of the collection device, [fig 3] represents the first embodiment of several adjacent collection devices,

[0042] [fig 4] is a top view of a second embodiment of the collection device according to the invention,

[0043] [fig 5] represents a variant of the second embodiment of the collection device, [fig 6] represents an alternative to rolling surfaces of the second embodiment of the collection device,

[0044] [fig 7] schematically represents a floating structure comprising a storage tank equipped with collection devices,

[0045] [fig 8] represents an alternative configuration of the storage tank.

[0046] Figure 1 represents a first embodiment of a plurality of collection devices 1 configured to cut an aggregated cargo, for example within a storage tank of a floating structure.

[0047] The aggregated cargo may be a material in a solid state but capable of changing state depending on the ambient temperature, for example carbon dioxide. In such an example, the storage of carbon dioxide in a storage tank must be carried out under particular conditions, in particular a very low temperature. The conditions for unloading the carbon dioxide are also particular because carbon dioxide evaporates in the open air and has a high level of toxicity. The collection devices 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1 therefore ensure unloading without human intervention and without opening the storage tank to the atmosphere. To do this, each collection device 1 comprises a circumferential wall 2 delimiting an internal volume and extending around an axis of rotation 3, as well as a plurality of cutting elements 4 projecting from the circumferential wall 2.

[0048] As illustrated in Figure 1, the circumferential wall 2 is cylindrical with a circular section. The latter is capable of being driven in rotation, for example via a drive device, for example a motor, and a shaft, not shown, said shaft being centered around the axis of rotation 3. The aggregated cargo to be cut, not shown, is stored above the collection devices 1. Furthermore, each collection device 1 is taken up by at least one support roller 5 ensuring the mechanical support of at least one of the latter. The support rollers 5 are also cylindrical with a circular section and are freely rotating in order to be driven in rotation by the collection devices 1, while mechanically supporting them.

[0049] When the collection devices 1 are rotated, the cutting elements 4 are then also rotated and attack the aggregated cargo to cut the latter for transfer out of the storage tank.

[0050] Each collection device 1 also comprises openings 6 passing through the circumferential wall 2 (visible in Figure 2). The openings 6 ensure the introduction of the elements cut by the cutting elements 4 into the internal volume. The latter allows the transfer of the cut elements, for example, to a conveyor participating in the evacuation of the cargo from the storage tank.

[0051] As mentioned above, before the stored aggregated cargo is cut, the latter rests on the collection devices 1. The collection devices 1 according to the invention are provided with a rolling surface 7 and a transfer surface 8 which comprises the openings 6, the rolling surface 7 being of a diameter strictly greater than a diameter of the transfer surface 8. The aggregated cargo being in the solid state and being present in large quantity, the alternation between the rolling surface and the transfer surface prevents the aggregated cargo from clogging on bearing surfaces of the collection device, which would form between two clogging surfaces vaults supporting all the aggregated material present above the vaults. Such a vaulting phenomenon would block the material above the vaults and prevent the cargo from being supplied to the collection device.By means of the invention, the aggregated cargo is nibbled along the collection device. The rolling surface 7 is in contact with the support rollers 5 and which drives them in rotation. The transfer surface 8 being of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the rolling surface 7, it does not mechanically interfere with the support rollers 5 which can therefore interact freely with the rolling surface 7. The rolling surface 7 is extended along the entire circumferential wall 2. This arrangement ensures that the aggregated cargo comes into contact along the entire length of the collection device in order to be nibbled by the cutting elements.

[0052] According to the first embodiment of the collection device according to the invention, the rolling surface 7 and the transfer surface 8 both follow a helical profile around the axis of rotation 3. Such a configuration allows the implementation of a single rolling surface 7 extending over the entire axial dimension of the collection device 1 in question. This involves implementing a support roller 5 also extending parallel to the axis of rotation 3 and along the axial dimension of the collection device 1. Preferably, several support rollers 5 are implemented to contribute to the proper maintenance of the collection device.

[0053] The cutting elements 4 also fit into a helical profile to facilitate the cutting of the aggregated cargo during rotation of the collection device 1, as do the openings 6 as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0054] Advantageously, the diameter of the support rollers 5 at its two ends is less than the central diameter of the roller. This reduction in diameter makes it possible to prevent the leading edges of the rolling surfaces from nibbling at them each time a support roller passes towards the adjacent support roller.

[0055] In order to facilitate the arrangement of the cutting elements 4, the rolling surface 7 comprises a notched edge 9 extending along the entire length thereof. The cutting elements 4 are arranged at the level of the notches of the notched edge 9 in order to be arranged over the entirety of the collection device 1 while fitting into a helical profile, the rolling surface 7 itself fitting into this helical profile.

[0056] Thus, the collection device 1 according to the invention guarantees a cutting of the aggregated cargo

[0057] Figure 2 is a close-up view of the first embodiment of the collection device 1 according to the invention. Figure 2 allows a better observation of the configuration of the cutting elements 4.

[0058] As previously described and illustrated, the cutting elements 4 are arranged along the rolling surface 7, at the level of the serrations of the serrated edge 9. In order for the cutting elements 4 to be able to perform their function, the collection device 1 must be rotated in a first direction of rotation 10a for optimal cutting of the aggregated cargo. In a manner not illustrated, however, it is possible to implement a collection device 1 comprising two groups of cutting elements 4 oriented opposite to each other so that the collection device 1 can cut the aggregated cargo by being rotated in the first direction of rotation 10a or in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation 10a.

[0059] Figure 2 also shows that the cutting elements 4 protrude from the transfer surface 8 and extend radially outwards from the collection device 1. However, in order not to interfere mechanically with the support rollers, the cutting elements 4 are inscribed in a circle whose diameter is strictly less than the diameter of the rolling surface 7. Thus, the latter and the support rollers can interact with each other without the cutting elements 4 blocking such interaction.

[0060] Furthermore, each cutting element 4 forms a pair 11 with one of the openings 6, the latter opening onto the cutting element 4 which partially covers the opening 6. Thus, when the cutting element 4 of the pair 11 cuts the aggregated cargo, a cut element formed by the cutting element 4 penetrates directly into the internal volume of the collection device 1 via the opening 6 of this same pair 11. The introduction of the cut elements into the internal volume of the collection device 1 is thus facilitated by these pairs 11.

[0061] Figure 3 again shows the first embodiment of several collection devices 1, in particular a first collection device 1a and a second collection device 1b adjacent to each other.

[0062] Figure 3 shows the internal volume 12 delimited by the circumferential wall 2 of each collection device 1. The latter also each comprise a transfer member 13 arranged within the internal volume 12. The transfer member 13 has a helical shape extending along the entire length of the internal volume. When the collection device 1 is rotated and the cut elements enter the internal volume 12 after having been cut, the transfer member 13, also rotated, allows the transfer of the cut elements within the internal volume 12 to one of the ends of the collection device 1, particularly the one where the conveyor mentioned above is arranged.

[0063] As previously described, two adjacent collection devices 1 are preferably rotated in an opposite direction of rotation. Thus, for example, the first collection device 1a is rotated in the first direction of rotation 10a while the second collection device 1b is rotated in the second direction of rotation 10b, or vice versa if said collection devices 1 are capable of being rotated and of cutting the aggregated cargo in both directions of rotation 10a, 10b.

[0064] As a result, the helical profile of the transfer members 13 of two adjacent collection devices 1 are in opposite directions relative to each other so that, when the two adjacent collection devices 1 are rotated in an opposite direction of rotation relative to each other, the cut elements entering the internal volume 12 of said collection devices 1 are transferred to the same end despite the opposite direction of rotation. Such a configuration thus makes it possible to optimize both the cutting of the aggregated cargo and the transfer of the cut elements. Figure 4 is a top view of a second embodiment of the collection device 1 according to the invention.This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the collection device 1 comprises a plurality of rolling surfaces 7 and transfer surfaces 8 forming cylinders extending alternately with respect to each other along the axis of rotation 3. The cutting elements 4 are arranged on the transfer surface 8 but always following a helical profile. The cutting elements 4 can all be oriented in the same way or be oriented in two opposite directions depending on whether the collection device 1 is configured to be rotated in a single direction of rotation or in both directions of rotation.

[0065] The cylinders forming the rolling surfaces 7 follow a sinusoidal profile. This makes it possible to always have a point of contact between each rolling surface 7 and one of the support rollers 5 and thus to facilitate the rotation of the collection devices 1. The sinusoidal profile of the rolling surfaces 7 has the advantage of avoiding a continuous and stable support surface for the aggregated cargo. During the rotation of the collection device, at a given location above a rolling surface, the portion of aggregated cargo sees different portions of the sinusoidal profile, thus preventing any support of the aggregated cargo on the rolling surface. This configuration guarantees the continuous supply of the collection device. The support rollers 5 are a plurality all along the collection devices 1 and are sized according to each rolling surface 7 by being opposite and in contact with it.Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the rolling surfaces 7 of two adjacent collection devices 1 are axially offset from each other in order to avoid any mechanical interference between them.

[0066] Since the other characteristics of the second embodiment are identical to the first embodiment, reference will be made to the description of figures 1 to 3 for the characteristics common to both embodiments. Figure 5 represents a variant of the second embodiment of the collection device 1. This variant can, however, also be applied to the first embodiment of the collection device 1.

[0067] In this variant, the circumferential wall 2 is divided into two half-cylinders 14, namely a first half-cylinder 14a and a second half-cylinder 14b, and the cutting elements 4 are arranged on only one half-cylinder 14, here the first half-cylinder 14a while the second half-cylinder 14b is devoid of cutting elements 4.

[0068] The advantage of such a configuration is to prevent the cutting elements 4 from being engaged in the aggregated cargo when the collection device 1 is stopped. By orienting the half-cylinder 14 without cutting elements 4 towards the aggregated cargo, the collection device 1 is subsequently rotated more easily since no cutting element 4 is engaged in the aggregated cargo. The rolling surface(s) 7 extend(s) over both half-cylinders 14 in order to always ensure mechanical strength and partial contact with the support rollers 5. Alternatively, the rolling surface(s) 7 may extend only partially over the half-cylinder without cutting elements in order to limit the engagement between the rolling surface and the aggregated cargo on this portion of the collection device.In a preferred embodiment, the rolling surface(s) 7 extend only over the half-cylinder having the cutting elements. In other words, in this preferred embodiment, the half-cylinder without cutting elements does not have a portion of rolling surface. As a result, the surface of this half-cylinder is smooth and prevents any possible engagement of the aggregated cargo. In this preferred embodiment, the half-cylinder without cutting elements has a diameter identical to that of the half-cylinder with the cutting elements at the rolling surface to allow contact with the rollers 5.

[0069] Figure 6 is an alternative to the rolling surfaces 7 of the second embodiment of the collection device 1. Only the structure of the rolling surfaces 7 differs from the second embodiment described previously. According to this alternative, the rolling surfaces 7 follow a herringbone profile. Such a profile ensures systematic partial contact between the rolling surface 7 and the associated support roller 5. In addition, and as explained previously for the sinusoidal profile of the rolling surface, the herringbone forms a discontinuity for the aggregated cargo located immediately above the herringbone. During rotation of the collection device, at a given location above a rolling surface, the portion of aggregated cargo sees different portions of the herringbones, thus preventing any support of the aggregated cargo on the rolling surface. Indeed, the aggregated cargo undergoes the alternation between a herringbone and an inter-herringbone space.The aggregated cargo portion cannot therefore rest on this surface. This configuration guarantees continuous feeding of the collection device.

[0070] Advantageously, the support rollers 5 have a diameter that is not divisible by the diameter of the rolling surface. This prevents the leading edge of the rolling surface from resting at exactly the same location on the support roller at each revolution of the collection device. This configuration thus prevents accelerated wear of the support roller.

[0071] Figure 7 schematically represents a floating structure 15 comprising a storage tank 16 as mentioned previously and capable of storing the aggregated cargo. The storage tank thus comprises a plurality of collection devices 1 as well as two conveyors 17 as mentioned previously.

[0072] Advantageously, the collection devices 1 are configured to cover the length and width of the storage tank 16 in order to evacuate all of the aggregated cargo efficiently. Furthermore, the collection devices 1 are positioned at the bottom of the storage tank 16 in order to gradually cut the aggregated cargo which remains in contact with the collection devices 1 by gravity.

[0073] The cut elements 18 are then transferred to the conveyors 17 and are then removed from the storage tank 16 for further processing. In Figure 7, the storage tank 16 comprises two rows of collection devices 1 and each of them is associated with one of the two central conveyors 17 which extend at one of the ends of the collection devices 1 of a row and perpendicular to them.

[0074] However, the number of conveyors 17 may vary depending on the number of rows of collection devices 1 and whether these are capable of being rotated in both directions of rotation. The storage tank may thus comprise a single row of collection devices 1 and a single conveyor 17, or a single conveyor 17 common to two rows of collection devices 1.

[0075] Alternatively, the storage tank 16 may comprise a conveyor 17 at each end of the collection devices 1 of a row of collection devices 1. This configuration is advantageous in the event of a breakdown of one of the conveyors 17, the cut elements 18 then being able to be transferred to the opposite conveyor 17. Such a configuration is only conceivable if the collection devices 1 are configured to cut the aggregated cargo and transfer the cut elements 18 in both directions of rotation.

[0076] The floating structure 15 may also comprise a corridor 19, isolated from the storage tank 16 where management and maintenance of the storage tank 16 can be carried out in complete safety by maintenance agents.

[0077] Figure 8 is an alternative configuration of the storage tank 16, where the collection devices 1 are inclined relative to a horizontal normal so that a lower end of the collection devices 1 is oriented towards one of the conveyors 17. This alternative configuration makes it possible to transfer the cut elements 18 to the conveyor 17 by gravity. It is thus possible to do without a transfer member 13 as illustrated in Figure 3.

[0078] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0079] The invention, as just described, achieves the aim it set itself, and makes it possible to propose a collection device capable of cutting an aggregated cargo while avoiding the arching phenomenon. Variants not described here could be implemented without departing from the context of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they comprise a collection device in accordance with the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1- A device (1, 1a, 1b) for collecting an aggregated cargo within a storage tank (16), comprising a circumferential wall (2) extending around an axis of rotation (3) of the collecting device (1, 1a, 1b) and defining an internal volume (12), the circumferential wall (2) comprising a plurality of cutting elements (4) configured to cut the cargo into cut elements (18), the internal volume (12) being configured to transfer the cut elements (18), the collecting device (1, 1a, 1b) being configured to be driven in rotation and to bring the cut elements (18) to a conveyor (17), characterized in that the collecting device (1, 1a, 1b) comprises at least one rolling surface (7) configured to support the rotation of the collecting device (1, 1a, 1b) and at least one transfer surface (8) provided with openings (6) configured to introduce the cut elements (18) into the internal volume (12),a diameter of the rolling surface (7) being strictly greater than a diameter of the transfer surface (8)., 2- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 1, in which the cutting elements (4) project from the transfer surface (8) by extending radially towards the outside of the collection device (1, 1a, 1b), the cutting elements (4) being inscribed in a circle with a diameter strictly less than the diameter of the rolling surface (7). 3- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, in which a cutting element (4) and an opening (6) form a pair (11), the opening (6) opening onto the cutting element (4). 4- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the cutting elements (4) are inscribed in a helical profile around the axis of rotation (3). 5- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the openings (6) are inscribed in a helical profile around the axis of rotation (3). 6- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the circumferential wall (2) is divided into a first semi-cylindrical portion (14, 14a) comprising the cutting elements (4), and into a second semi-cylindrical portion (14, 14b) devoid of cutting elements (4). 7- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a transfer member (13) extending helically within the internal volume (12), the transfer member (13) being configured to bring the cut elements (18) present in the internal volume (12) to the conveyor (17). 8- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rolling surface (7) extends helically around the axis of rotation (3). 9- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 8, wherein the rolling surface (7) comprises at least one crenellated edge (9), the cutting elements (4) being arranged along the crenellated edge (9). 10- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a plurality of rolling surfaces (7) and a plurality of transfer surfaces (8), the rolling surfaces (7) and the transfer surfaces (8) forming cylinders around the axis of rotation (3), the rolling surfaces (7) and the transfer surfaces (8) forming an alternation with respect to each other. 11- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 10, wherein at least one rolling surface (7) follows a sinusoidal profile around the axis of rotation (3) of the collection device (1, 1a, 1b). 12- Collection device (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 10, wherein at least one rolling surface (7) follows a herringbone profile around the axis of rotation (3) of the collection device (1, 1a, 1b). 13- Storage tank (16) for an aggregated cargo, comprising a plurality of collection devices (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and at least one conveyor (17). 14- Storage tank (16) according to claim 13, comprising a plurality of support rollers (5), each rolling surface (7) of at least one of the collection devices being in contact with at least one support roller (5), the support rollers (5) being configured to be driven in rotation by the collection devices (1, 1a, 1b). 15- Storage tank (16) according to claim 13 or 14, in combination with claim 7, comprising at least two conveyors (17), each collection device (1, 1a, 1b) extending between the two conveyors (17), the transfer member (13) of each collection device (1, 1a, 1b) being configured to bring the cut elements (18) towards one or the other of the conveyors (17) depending on a direction of rotation (10a, 10b) of the collection devices (1, 1a, 1b). 16- Storage tank (16) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, in combination with any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the plurality of rolling surfaces (7) forming cylinders of a collection device (1, 1a, 1b) are axially offset relative to the rolling surfaces (7) of an adjacent collection device (1, 1a, 1b). 17- Storage tank (16) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, in which two adjacent collection devices (1, 1a, 1b) are configured to be rotated in a direction of rotation (10a, 10b) opposite to each other. 18- Storage tank (16) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, in combination with claim 7, in which the helical shape of the transfer member (13) of a collection device (1, 1a, 1b) is arranged in a direction opposite to a direction of a helical shape of a transfer member (13) of an adjacent collection device (1, 1a, 1b). 19- Storage tank according to any one of claims 13 to 18, in which the axis of rotation (3) of the collection devices (1, 1a, 1b) has a inclination relative to a horizontal normal, a lower end of at least one collection device (1, 1a, 1b) being opposite the conveyor (17). 20- Floating structure for transporting and / or storing an aggregated cargo, comprising a storage tank (16) according to any one of claims 13 to 19.

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