Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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WASHING AND RECYCLING UNIT AND METHOD FOR ON-SITE WASHING OF
HEAVY MACHINERY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing and recycling
unit and a method for on-site washing of heavy machinery. The
unit may be mobile or fixed at the site and is particularly
useful for washing forestry equipment, such as tractors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Forestry vehicles and machinery usually become very dirty
with mud, motor oil, hydraulic oil, grease and/or other
flammable contaminants. If these are not properly washed on a
regular basis, there is a risk that the contaminants may
suddenly ignite, leading to the destruction of these expensive
equipment or even causing devastating forest fires. For that
reason, insurance companies particularly require that forest
vehicles be washed regularly to reduce the risks associated
with this kind of fire hazard.
The traditional method of washing forestry equipment
consists of using a hose connected to a pump that is supplied
by a fire hydrant, a pressurized washer or a nearby stream or
river.
One of the major disadvantages of the traditional method
resides in the contamination of the environment as the dirty
wash water spills on the ground and infiltrates into rivers and
lakes. Furthermore, the traditional method uses of large
amounts of water, typically around 300 to 350 liters.
Another method of washing forestry vehicles is to wait
for a time period where the machine is not in use and take it
to a garage where it is washed with pressurized jet stream of
water. However, such a method uses enormous amounts of fresh
water, typically around 9000 liters. Furthermore, there is no
recycling of the used water and contaminants washed off the
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forestry vehicles eventually end up in sewer systems. Also, as
this washing of the machine cannot be done regularly on the
forest site, this increases the chances of fire hazard and of
polluting the environment.
Commercial car and truck washing has become a focus of
public concern and government regulation recently over the
disposal of used wash water into municipal sewer systems or
directly into the ground. The combination of oil, water, soap,
dirt and other chemicals in the used wash water can be harmful
to the environment if allowed to drain into a sewer or seep
into the earth.
Known in the art are US patents 5,669,982 and 5,560,782
(LATIMER), which show mobile washers for washing cars, trucks
and other types of machinery on site. These washers are
equipped with water treatment systems. Typically the trucks are
self-sufficient in that they contain all the equipment needed
for the cleaning purposes, for instance, water reservoir, soap
injector, sprayers, hoses, a nacelle or carriage and a drainage
receptacle. During the washing, the used water is drained onto
the drainage receptacle and forwarded back inside the washer
in order to be recycled. US patent 5,423,339 (LATIMER) shows
an apparatus for treating articles with wash water. A wash pad
made of three unconnected portions (one center portion and two
side portions) is used.
The water treatment systems taught by LATIMER are however
not adapted to clean grease and hydrocarbon contaminants; they
are intended to remove sand or salt particles. The efficiency
of the recycling process is therefore limited, and more clean
water is required, which may be inconvenient in remote places
where no or little water is available. Furthermore, no pads are
provided for covering the wheels of the vehicle. Hence, the
polluted water falling on the wheels directly seeps in the
ground, which is damageable for the environment.
One of the problems encountered in washing forestry or
heavy vehicles is the danger that is posed to an operator who
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directs his washing hose toward the vehicle as he or she climbs
thereon with the possible consequence of falling, causing grave
injuries or even death.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a
water recycling unit that is designed to maximize the recycling
of the water used for washing machinery and to minimize water
losses.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide
a water recycling unit which is safer to operate when the
operator climbs onto the machinery to be washed.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide
a water recycling unit which highly decontaminates the used
liquid falling off dirty machinery.
According to the present invention, there is provided a
washing and recycling unit for on-site washing of heavy
machinery, comprising:
a supporting frame;
a washing liquid storage tank mounted onto the supporting
frame for storage of washing liquid;
a washing hose arrangement connected to the tank, for
injecting the washing liquid over the heavy machinery;
a drainage receptacle adapted to extend under the heavy
machinery, for collecting used liquid mixture falling from the
heavy machinery derived from the washing liquid being injected
thereover;
a suction hose arrangement for sucking up the used liquid
mixture from the drainage receptacle;
a cyclone mounted onto the supporting frame and connected
to the suction hose arrangement for receiving the used liquid
mixture and separating rough solids from liquids contained in
the used liquid mixture;
a settling tank mounted onto the supporting frame and
under the cyclone;
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a pump and filtering arrangement mounted onto the
supporting frame and extending between the settling tank and
the washing liquid storage tank for pumping out and filtering
liquid from the settling tank and transferring the liquid into
the washing liquid storage tank; and
a hoisting means mounted onto the supporting frame, for
movably supporting an operator directing the washing liquid
around the heavy machinery.
According to the present invention, there is also provided
a method of on-site washing of heavy machinery, comprising
steps of
placing a drainage receptacle under the heavy machinery
for collecting used liquid mixture falling from the heavy
machinery;
injecting washing liquid over the heavy machinery using
a washing hose arrangement connected to a washing liquid
storage tank;
sucking up the used liquid mixture from the drainage
receptacle using a suction hose arrangement connected to a
cyclone separating rough solids from liquids contained in the
used liquid mixture, the cyclone extending over a settling
tank; and
pumping out and filtering liquid from the settling tank
and transferring the liquid into the washing liquid storage
tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention as well as its numerous advantages will be
better understood by the following non-restrictive description
of preferred embodiments made in reference to the appending
drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a side view of a washing and recycling
vehicle with a crane supporting operators holding water pistols
for on-site washing of a tractor according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
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Figure 2 is a top schematic view of the washing and
recycling vehicle and the washing range provided by pivoting
rails supported by the crane shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is side view of the pivoting rails and harnesses
5 supporting the operators shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of circled portion A shown
in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a circled portion B shown
in Figure 3;
Figures 6 and 7 are side views of a washing and recycling
vehicle according to the present invention, with its crane in
extended and retracted positions respectively;
Figures 8, 9 and 10 are, respectively, top and opposite
side section views of a vehicle provided with a washing and
recycling unit according to the present invention;
Figure 11 is a top view of a drainage receptacle
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
and
Figures 12 and 13 are, respectively, schematic side and
top views showing liquid flow through main elements of the
washing and recycling unit according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a washing
and recycling unit 1 for on-site washing of heavy machinery
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As illustrated in Figure 1, the heavy machinery may be a
tractor vehicle 3 with a felling head, but those skilled in the
art will understand that articles other than forestry equipment
may be washed using the washing and recycling unit 1 of the
present invention. In particular, heavy machinery can include
industrial or railroad machines, transportation vehicles,
mining equipment, etc.
The washing and recycling unit 1 can be placed on a truck
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5, thus facilitating its transportation in and around forest
sites. The truck 5 may be provided with a closed container 7
mounted on a supporting frame 21, wherein some of the washing
equipment is housed. The truck may also be provided with
retractable stabilizing legs 22.
The truck 5 may be further provided with a reel 23 where
a flexible drainage receptacle is wound. A preferred drainage
receptacle 25 used with the present invention is illustrated
in Figure 11.
Referring to Figure 11, the preferred drainage receptacle
25 of the present invention is made of three individual ground
strips 27 that are elongated and generally rectangular in
shape. The ground strips 27 are made of impermeable material
that allows collecting the used water for recycling purposes.
Each of the strips 27 has peripheral flanges which may be
inflatable. Two individual generally rectangular cover strips
29 are preferably further provided, for installation over each
pair of side wheels respectively of the vehicle to be washed,
thereby allowing water falling over the cover strips 29 to be
directed onto the ground strips 27. Preferably, the ground,
strips 27 and the cover strips 29 are made of a resilient and
flexible material, which may be vinyl.
As illustrated in Figure 12, a more simpler drainage
receptacle 31 may be used as well. Such type of draining
receptacle is described in US patent No. 5,423,339 (LATIMER).
Referring to Figures 1 to 7, the truck 5 is further
provided with a hoisting system mounted onto the supporting
frame 21 of the truck 5, for movably supporting an operator
over and around the heavy machinery to be washed. The hoisting
system may consist of a retractable crane 33 with a telescopic
boom 35 at the end of which an operator is suspended for
washing the machinery. The end of the boom 35 may further
support a basket 37 designed to carry an operator. The hoisting
system may be provided with pivoting rails 39 that can be
either connected to the bottom of the basket 37 as shown in the
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figures or directly connected to the boom 35.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7 there is shown the washing
and recycling unit 1 mounted the truck 5 with its crane 33 in
extended and retracted positions respectively.
Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the pivoting rails 39 are
detachably connected to a pivot 41 having a cushion or shock
absorber 43, spacers 45, and a holding pin 47. A safety belt
reel 49 is slidably mounted on a cable 51, which is attached
at each end 40 of a rail 39. A nylon belt 53 is wound inside
l0 the reel 49 at one end thereof and has another end attached to
the back hook 55 of a harness 57 secured on an operator 59
holding a water hose pistol 61.
In use, the operator 59 can freely move along the radial
axis defined by the pivoting rail 39. As shown in Figure 2, the
operator 59 can thus move anywhere inside a circle 63 defined
by the length of the pivoting rail 39. Furthermore, the harness
57 and safety belt 53 allow the operator to slowly move up and
down on top of machinery to be washed. However, if for any
reason the operator falls, especially if the surface of the
machinery is slippery, the safety belt blocks the operator's
fall immediately just the same as a car safety belt would do.
In order to reinforce the strength of the pivoting rails
39 and pivot 41, a pair of cables 65 may be positioned between
an end 67 of each pivoting rail 39 and the top 69 of the basket
37.
Referring to Figure 8, there is shown the main washing
components that are carried inside the container 7. For the
comfort and autonomy of its users, the container 7 may be
provided with such commodities as a stove 9, kitchen table 11,
washroom 13, side windows 15, access doors 17, which are all
generally disposed on one side of the container 7. An electric
control panel 103 is also providing for controlling the main
elements of the washing and recycling unit 1.
The main elements of the washing and recycling unit 1 are
located on the other side of the container 7, which are easily
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accessible through stairs 19. The container 7 houses a washing
liquid storage tank 71 for storage of washing liquid. The
storage tank 71 is connected to a washer 73 which may be
electric, hydraulic or fuel generated. The washer 73 has a pump
for pumping the liquid out of the storage tank 71 and
preferably a heater to heat the liquid in order to obtain a
better wash.
Referring to Figure 12, the washer 73 is connected to one
or more hoses 75, each of which is wound on a supporting reel
77. The drainage receptacle 31 collects the used liquid mixture
falling off the washed machinery. A suction hose 79 sucks up
the used liquid mixture from the drainage receptacle 31.
Drainage conduits (not shown) connecting each sections of the
drainage receptacle 31 to the hose 79 can be used if desired.
This suction hose 79 is connected to a vacuum pump 81 and
cyclone 83. The cyclone 83 receives the used liquid mixture and
separates rough solids from liquids contained in the used
liquid mixture. A settling tank 85 is disposed under the
cyclone 83 and a strainer 84 extends therebetween. The rough
solids tend go to the bottom of the settling tank 85 and into
a sewage tank 87, which can be periodically emptied. The
settling tank 85 may be provided with movable vertical plates
(not shown) for accelerating the settling of the solids at the
bottom of the settling tank 85. These vertical plates may be
operated manually by an operator or can function automatically.
Surface oils may be also be removed by means of an absorbing
material.
A pneumatic, a diaphragm or electrical pump can be used
instead of the vacuum pump 81 but these are generally not
strong enough for the present purposes and these also tend to
clog up. Therefore, the use of a vacuum pump and a cyclone is
more efficient than just using the settling tank 85 because of
the advantageous use of the centrifugal forces in the cyclone
83.
Referring to Figure 8, 9, 10 and 13, a suction pump 89 is
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connected to the settling tank 85 for pumping the used liquid
into a series of filters 86 that can be modified or removed
depending on the particular tolerances required. The first of
such filters is an ultrasonic micro strainer 91. A preferred
ultrasonic micro strainer for use with the present invention
is the USCMS 2619 (trade mark) ultrasonic micro strainer by
Aquarius Services & Technologies Inc. of Saint-Laurent, Quebec,
Canada. This strainer provides highly efficient solids-liquid
separation of particles as small as 50 microns and self-
cleaning through the action of mechanically generated ultra-
sound. The ultrasonic strainer 91 may be connected to a drain
93 for performing backwash cleaning thereof. The ultrasonic
strainer 91 is connected to an overpressure pump 95, which in
turn is connected to another cyclone 97 and to a nano-
filtration module 99. The drain 93 is shown connected to both
the ultrasonic micro strainer 91 and the nano-filtration module
99. The nano-filtration module 99 is provided with a membrane,
which reduces the concentration of particles to less than 33
ppm. An odor filter 101 may be provided after the nano-
filtration module 99. This filter 101 may provide an ozone
treatment to the used water in order to destroy bacteria that
can block the passages and create bad odors. The cleaned water
then returns back to the washing liquid storage tank 71,
completing the closed circuit recycling process. It also
preferable to add some products during the filtration stage,
to stabilize the pH for example, which are later removed by
doing a backwash operation of the drain 93, as these added
products do not return to the storage tank 71. In order to
stabilize the pH to about 6.5, sodium carbonate may be added
automatically. Many types of filters may be provided as well,
such as sand filters, activated coal filters, or the like,
depending on particular applications and desired water purity.
The washing and recycling unit 1 preferably requires
three operators: two operators for washing the machinery with
pressurized jets and a third operator supervising the
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operations and surveying the system. The washing of the
machinery is preferably done on a road having a slight slope
for facilitating the water flow, and near the forest site for
forestry machinery. The drainage receptacle ground strips 27
5 are put on the ground and their side flanges may be inflated
with an air compressor. The washing operation is mainly focused
on the motor, the cabin, the hydraulic pump, the gearbox, the
electric panel and connections, and the radiator of the
forestry vehicle. The washing of these main parts of the
10 forestry vehicle removes oil, grease, mud and other residues
that can lead to a heat build up or fire in the forestry
vehicle.
Actual washing of a forestry vehicle takes about 35
minutes including 20 minutes of continuous water flow at 45,5
liters per minute (10 gallons per minute). The total water
consumption is thus about 908 liters for a regular vehicle and
can be as much as 1800 liters for a bigger vehicle such as a
tractor with a felling head. The washing of a forestry vehicle
produces an average of 20 liters of solid contaminants in the
sewage tank. The total water contained in the present system
is about 6360 liters (1400 gallons) and the settling tank
capacity is about 1360 liters..
Water losses amount to about 45 to 50 liters per washed
machine. These losses are due to the water evaporation in the
heater (20), to losses due to water splashing outside of the
drainage receptacle (10), to losses due to water mixing with
the contaminants and trapped in the machine (70).
The washing of a machine using a traditional indoor
garage takes height hours including 50 minutes of continuous
water flow per hour. With a washer providing 22.7 liters per
hour, this corresponds to a total consumption of 9080 liters.
An average of 100 liters of solid contaminants are produced.
In contrast, if two washing and recycling units of the
present invention are used instead during 2.5 hours of
continuous water flow with a water reserve of 6800 liters,
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there will be only losses of about 34l liters (50) for the same
reasons as above compared to the 9080 liters of the traditional
garage system.
The washing and recycling unit of the present invention
has the advantage of eliminating contaminants in recycled water
well below 33 ppm. Furthermore, the hoisting system of the
washing and recycling unit allows the operators to wash the
vehicles more thoroughly and safely.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that
various changes and modifications may be effected therein
without departing from the scope or spirit of the present
invention.
