Tanks and other types of enclosed vessels are used in a variety of different of industrial processes. Such tanks generally must be cleaned on a periodic basis. However, access into the tanks is often quite limited. One way in which to clean the tanks is to insert a spraying device into the tank through an access opening. The spraying device can then be used to discharge a cleaning fluid onto the interior walls of the tank.
A significant problem with such an approach is that there are often obstructions such as pipes in the interior of the tank that limit the ability of the spray device to completely clean the interior of the tank. In particular, the obstructions produce so-called “shadowing” or “shadows” on the interior walls of the tank, i.e. areas on the interior walls of the tank that are not reached by the cleaning fluid. This occurs because the cleaning fluid discharging from the spray device impinges on the obstruction, creating a shadow behind the obstruction on the interior wall of the tank where the cleaning fluid does not reach. As a result, the interior walls of the tank are not completely cleaned.
The invention provides a spraying assembly that includes a support member and a pair of lance spray devices supported by the support member. Each lance spray device includes a lance body having an inlet end and a downstream end and a spray nozzle arranged at the downstream end of the lance body. The pair of lance spray devices are configured and supported by the support member such that at least one of the pair of lance spray devices is movable relative to the other of the pair of lance spray devices between at least first and second relative positions with the spray nozzles of the pair of lance spray devices being spaced relatively closer together in the first position than in the second position.
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, each lance spray device 12, 14 includes an elongated lance body 18 that extends through the support member 16 and has an upstream end 20 including an inlet fitting arranged above the support member 16 and a downstream, outlet end 22 arranged below the support member 16. In this case, the inlet fitting provides a connection for a cleaning fluid supply. The outlet end 22 of the lance body 18 includes a nozzle holder for supporting a spray nozzle 24 for discharging the cleaning fluid. An interior fluid passageway 26 (see
Any spray nozzle capable of producing the desired spray characteristics can be connected to the lance body. Typically, the spray nozzle will be selected based on a number of factors including the cleaning fluid being used, the size of the tank being cleaned and the desired spray pattern and flow rate. One example of appropriate spray nozzles are the tank washing nozzles sold by Spraying Systems Co. of Wheaton, Ill., the assignee of the present invention.
In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the lance spray devices 12, 14 are movable relative to each other between a closed position wherein their respective nozzles 24 are arranged close together for insertion of the spray assembly 10 into the tank (see
To this end, in the illustrated embodiment, one of the lance spray devices (referred to herein as the first lance spray device 12) is received in the support member 16 such that it can pivot or rotate relative to the support member 16 about the longitudinal axis of the section of the lance body 18 that passes through the support member 16. In this case, the other lance spray device (referred to herein as the second lance spray device 14) is fixed, such as by welding, relative to the support member 16. Thus, pivoting the first lance spray device 12 relative to the support member 16 also moves the first lance spray device 12 relative to the second lance spray device 14. As will be appreciated, if desired, both lance spray devices 12, 14 could be pivotable relative to the support member 16.
To facilitate the rotating or pivoting movement of the first lance spray device, the illustrated first lance spray device 12 is connected to the support member 16 using a rotary joint 28 that can be selectively locked in a desired position. As shown in
So that pivoting of the first lance spray device 12 relative to the second lance spray device 14 produces a spatial separation at the outlet ends 22 of the lance bodies 18 where the spray nozzles 24 are arranged, at least the pivotable first lance spray device 12, and in this case, both lance spray devices 12, 14 have lance bodies 18 that are angled. In particular, as best shown in
Referring to
All that is necessary to move the lance spray devices 12, 14 to the open position is to pivot the first lance spray device 12 enough to spread apart the spray nozzles 24 of the two lances 12, 14 a sufficient distance to enable the nozzles to be arranged on either side of the obstruction and thereby eliminate any shadowing. Thus, the amount of movement necessary to reach the open position may change based on the size and shape of a particular obstruction, i.e. with smaller obstructions the nozzles may only need to spaced apart a small distance where with larger obstructions a larger spacing of the nozzles may be required.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/011,146, filed Jan. 15, 2008, which is incorporated by reference.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US09/31091 | 1/15/2009 | WO | 00 | 7/28/2010 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61011146 | Jan 2008 | US |