U.S. patent application number 14/424950 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-19 for thick-matter pump for producing a continuous thick-matter flow and method for operating a thick-matter pump for producing a continuous thick-matter flow.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gotz Hudelmaier. Invention is credited to Gerhard Hudelmaier.
Application Number | 20150330374 14/424950 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49036587 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150330374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hudelmaier; Gerhard |
November 19, 2015 |
THICK-MATTER PUMP FOR PRODUCING A CONTINUOUS THICK-MATTER FLOW AND
METHOD FOR OPERATING A THICK-MATTER PUMP FOR PRODUCING A CONTINUOUS
THICK-MATTER FLOW
Abstract
A thick-matter pump for producing a continuous thick-matter flow
is described. The pump includes at least two pump units, which
alternate in pumping and suction operation, a suction line with a
charge-pressure device, which acts separately from the pump units
for actively bringing about a thick-matter compression, a delivery
line, and a switchover device for switching between the pump units.
In a first operating state for conveying the thick matter, by way
of the switchover device, at least one first pump unit is connected
during pumping operation to the delivery line and at least one
second pump unit is connected during suction operation to the
suction line. In a second operating state, by way of the switchover
device, at least one first pump unit is connected during suction
operation to the delivery line and at least one second pump unit is
connected during pumping operation to the suction line, and the
charge-pressure device is switched to an inactive state.
Inventors: |
Hudelmaier; Gerhard;
(Munchen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hudelmaier; Gotz |
|
|
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49036587 |
Appl. No.: |
14/424950 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
August 28, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/067806 |
371 Date: |
July 30, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/1 ;
137/565.29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 11/005 20130101;
F04B 23/06 20130101; F04B 15/02 20130101; Y10T 137/86131 20150401;
F04B 2015/026 20130101; Y10T 137/0318 20150401 |
International
Class: |
F04B 11/00 20060101
F04B011/00; F04B 15/02 20060101 F04B015/02; F04B 23/06 20060101
F04B023/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 28, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 107 933.1 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A thick-matter pump for producing a continuous thick-matter
flow, comprising: a first pump unit and a second pump unit that
alternate in a pumping operation and a suction operation; a suction
line with a charge-pressure device that acts separately from the
pump units for actively compressing thick-matter; a delivery line;
and a switchover device for switching between the first and second
pump units, wherein, in a first operating state, by way of the
switchover device, the first pump unit is connected during the
pumping operation to the delivery line and the second pump unit is
connected during the suction operation to the suction line, and in
a second operating state, by way of the switchover device, the
first pump unit is connected during the suction operation to the
delivery line and the second pump unit is connected during the
pumping operation to the suction line, and the charge-pressure
device is switched to an inactive state.
22. The thick-matter pump of claim 21, wherein the switchover
device comprises a slide for rerouting between the first and the
second operating state, and wherein the position of the slide is
reversible.
23. The thick-matter pump of claim 21, wherein a running direction
of the first and second pump units is reversible in order to switch
between the first and the second operating states, and wherein the
reversal is performed by switching a running direction of drive
cylinders of the first and second pump units.
24. The thick-matter pump of claim 21, further comprising a storage
container connected to the charge-pressure device, wherein the
charge-pressure device is switched to an inactive state by opening
a slide gate valve.
25. The thick-matter pump of claim 21, wherein the charge-pressure
device comprises a drive cylinder or delivery cylinder unit.
26. The thick-matter pump of claim 25, wherein the charge-pressure
device is switched to an inactive state when a piston of the drive
cylinder closes an outlet end of the charge-pressure device.
27. The thick-matter pump of claim 21, further comprising
mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically
actuatable switching elements for influencing the function of the
first and second pump units and the charge-pressure device, wherein
signals for actuation of the switching elements can be
interrupted.
28. The thick-matter pump of claim 21, wherein in the second
operating state, the thick-matter content of the delivery line, the
first and second pump units and the suction line is pumped into a
storage container.
29. The thick-matter pump of claim 21, further comprising a line
extension that is connected to an inlet end of the suction line
within a storage container.
30. The thick-matter pump of claim 29, wherein the content of the
delivery line is pumped via the line extension in the second
operating state.
31. The thick-matter pump of claim 21, wherein the first pump unit
is connected in the pumping operation to the delivery line and the
second pump unit is connected in the suction operation to the
suction line, without switching on the effect of the
charge-pressure device.
32. A method for operating a thick-matter pump for producing a
continuous thick-matter flow, comprising: providing at least two
pump units that alternate in a pumping operation and a suction
operation, a suction line with a charge-pressure device that acts
separately from the at least two pump units for actively bringing
about a thick-matter compression, a delivery line, and a switchover
device for switching between the at least two pump units;
connecting, in a first operating state, by way of the switchover
device, a first pump unit of the at least two pump units during the
pumping operation to the delivery line and a second pump unit of
the at least two pump units during the suction operation to the
suction line; connecting, in a second operating state, by way of
the switchover device, the first pump unit during the suction
operation to the delivery line and the second pump unit during the
pumping operation to the suction line; and switching the
charge-pressure device to an inactive state.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising reversing a position
of a slide of the switchover device for rerouting between the first
and the second operating state.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the slide is operated in a
reversed manner in the second operating state and is phase-shifted
by 180.degree. in relation to the respective position in the first
operating state.
35. The method of claim 32, further comprising reversing a running
direction of the at least two pump units to switch between the
first and the second operating state, wherein a running direction
of drive cylinders of the at least two pump units is reversed.
36. The method of claim 32, further comprising opening a slide gate
valve to switch the charge-pressure device to an inactive
state.
37. The method of claim 32, further comprising moving a piston of a
delivery cylinder of the charge-pressure device to an outlet end of
the charge-pressure device to close the outlet end in the second
operating state and switching the charge-pressure device to an
inactive state.
38. The method of claim 32, further comprising pumping thick-matter
content of the delivery line, the at least two pump units, and the
suction line into a storage container.
39. The method of claim 32, further comprising connecting a line
extension to an inlet end of the suction line within a storage
container, and pumping, via the line extension, the content of the
delivery line in the second operating state.
40. The method of claim 32, further comprising connecting the first
pump unit in the pumping operation to the delivery line in an
emergency operation and the second pump unit in the suction
operation to the suction line, without switching on the effect of
the charge-pressure device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a national stage of International
Application No. PCT/EP2013/067806, filed Aug. 28, 2013, which
claims priority from German Patent Application No. 10 2012 107
933.1 filed on Aug. 28, 2012 in the German Patent and Trademark
Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a thick-matter pump for
producing a continuous thick-matter flow, and to a method for
operating a thick-matter pump for producing a continuous
thick-matter flow.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] A thick-matter pump according to the prior art consists of
two pump units which alternate in pumping and suction operation, a
delivery line, a suction line with, attached thereto, a
charge-pressure device, which acts separately from the pump units
for actively bringing about a thick-matter compression, and a
switchover device for switching between the pump units. In order to
convey the thick matter through the delivery line, one pump unit is
connected in pumping operation to the delivery line and one pump
unit is connected in suction operation to the suction line, and the
charge-pressure device compensates for the loss of efficacy of the
sucking cylinder and compresses the thick matter. In this way the
conversion process is bypassed and an interruption of the pumping
process is thus avoided.
[0006] Such a thick-matter pump is described for example in EP 1235
982 A1 or EP 1 599 672 A1.
[0007] A continuous, directed thick-matter flow is produced in such
pumps from the inlet end of the delivery line to the outlet end
thereof. This signifies a considerable technical development,
since, compared with the previous solutions, energy savings and
also a considerable reduction of the power requirements are to be
observed.
[0008] In addition, wear is dramatically reduced, particularly in
the pipelines. Lastly, the acceleration work is spared, which in
conventional pumps has to be applied up to 30 times a minute in
order to overcome the considerable loads in the lines.
[0009] It is also not insignificant that loading and unloading
acting on the lines and line carriers connected to the pump is
spared, which causes uncontrolled movements and vibrations and thus
leads to uncertainty with regard to work and to premature material
fatigue.
[0010] The thick matter to be pumped generally may not remain in
the pump system, at least with long interruptions of the pumping
process. These matters are often dispersions with water, which dry
out and harden. In the most general of cases, concrete is pumped.
The admixed cement and the water enter into a chemical reaction,
which allows the thick matter to harden after just a short period
of time. The concrete must therefore be removed from the entire
system, from the suction line to the end of the delivery line,
during a relatively long interruption or at the end of the pumping
time.
[0011] In the known thick-matter pumps, this is achieved by
emptying the delivery line by introducing a separating element, for
example a sealing rubber ball, into the delivery line, after which
a water column or a compressed air cushion is pressed by means of
the pump unit in the direction of the outlet of the delivery line,
such that the content is emptied via said outlet and the line can
be cleaned.
[0012] However, the necessary disposal of the concrete/water
mixture at the outlet end of the delivery line may be undesirable.
In these cases the use of the aforementioned, otherwise very
advantageous thick-matter pump systems is then not readily
possible.
[0013] Another problem arises also from the nature of the
thick-matter concrete. In order to be able to pump concrete,
suitable recipes must be followed. Nevertheless, separation occurs,
such that partial volumes of the composition are no longer
reproduced. Compression and wedging of the material lead to
"blockages".
[0014] It is indispensable for practical use to overcome such
problems, particularly when pumping concrete.
SUMMARY
[0015] The present disclosure describes a pump system that
overcomes the above-mentioned problems.
[0016] Generally, the thick-matter pump for producing a continuous
thick-matter flow includes at least two pump units which alternate
in pumping and suction operation, a suction line with a
charge-pressure device which acts separately from the pump units
for actively bringing about a thick-matter compression, a delivery
line, and a switchover device for switching between the pump units,
wherein, in a first operating state, by way of the switchover
device, at least one first pump unit is connected during pumping
operation to the delivery line and at least one second pump unit is
connected during suction operation to the suction line. In
accordance with the disclosure, in a second operating state, by way
of the switchover device, at least one first pump unit is connected
during suction operation to the delivery line and at least one
second pump unit is connected during pumping operation to the
suction line, and the charge-pressure device is switched to an
inactive state.
[0017] The first operating state is understood to mean the
operating state in which the matter is pumped through the delivery
line in the direction of the outlet end thereof. This is regular
pumping operation, in which the thick-material volume, for example
the concrete volume, is pumped to the point of destination.
[0018] The second operating state is the operating state in which
the delivery line is emptied. Here, the delivery line is emptied by
reversing the switchover device by way of the two pump devices. In
particular the delivery line is pumped empty. Switching to and fro
between the first and the second operating state may also loosen a
"blockage" in the delivery line and may thus enable regular pumping
operation again in the first operating state.
[0019] In accordance with the disclosure, it may be significant in
the second operating state that the charge-pressure device is
switched to an inactive state in order to allow a problem-free
reversal of the pumping action.
[0020] The position of a slide of the switchover device for
rerouting between the first and the second operating state is, in
one embodiment, reversible. In other words, it is possible to
switch between the two operating states by the reversed operation
of the slide of the switchover device, that is to say an operation
phase-shifted by 180.degree. in the second operating state compared
with the first operating state. However, the charge-pressure device
is switched to an inactive state in the second operating state,
whereas it is used in the first operating state to actively bring
about the thick-matter compression.
[0021] The running direction of at least a first and a second pump
unit is, in certain embodiments, reversible in order to switch
between the first and the second operating state, wherein the
reversal can, in some embodiments, be performed by switching the
running direction of the respective drive cylinder of the
respective pump units.
[0022] It is efficient to design the charge-pressure device such
that it can be switched to an inactive state by connection to a
storage container, wherein the charge-pressure device is, in some
embodiments, connectable to a storage container by opening a slide
gate valve.
[0023] The charge-pressure device, in various embodiments, includes
a drive cylinder/delivery cylinder unit.
[0024] The charge-pressure device can thus be switched to an
inactive state in that the piston of the delivery cylinder of the
charge-pressure device closes the outlet end thereof and remains
there in the second operating state. The charge-pressure device is
thus prevented from lowering the pump efficiency in the second
operating state.
[0025] Mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically
actuatable switching elements for influencing the function of the
pump units and the charge-pressure device are, in certain
embodiments, provided, wherein the signals for actuation of the
switching elements can be interrupted.
[0026] In the second operating state, the thick-matter content of
the delivery line, the pump units and the suction line can be
pumped into a storage container. The system can thus be emptied
reliably into an easily accessible region.
[0027] A line extension can be connected to the inlet end of the
suction line, and in some embodiments, within a storage container.
Here, the content of the delivery line can be pumped via the line
extension in the second operating state.
[0028] In emergency operation, a first pump unit is advantageously
connectable in pumping operation to the delivery line and a second
pump unit is advantageously connectable in suction operation to the
suction line, without switching on the effect of the
charge-pressure device. As a result of this embodiment of the
present disclosure, a reliable pumping operation can be achieved
even in the event of failure of the charge-pressure device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in
greater detail on the basis of and the drawings,
[0030] FIG. 1 schematically shows a thick-matter pump of the
present disclosure in the first operating state;
[0031] FIG. 2 schematically shows the thick-matter pump of FIG. 1
in the second operating state;
[0032] FIG. 3 schematically shows the thick-matter pump of FIG. 1
in an alternative embodiment of the second operating state; and
[0033] FIG. 4 schematically shows the use of a thick-matter pump
when fighting a fire.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The embodiments shown in the figures will be described in
detail hereinafter. Here, like reference signs denote similar or
like components and a repeated description thereof can be spared so
as to avoid redundancies.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a thick-matter pump in the first
operating state, that is to say the situation normally occurring
when pumping concrete.
[0036] Here, a pumping device for producing a continuous
thick-matter flow is illustrated in FIG. 1. A first pump unit 1 is
connected via a switchover device 7 to a delivery line 5. A second
pump unit 2 is connected to the suction line 4 and a
charge-pressure device 3 fitted thereon. The necessary connections
of the pump units 1, 2 can be produced alternately via the
respective position of a slide 17 of the switchover device 7.
[0037] A storage container 9 flange-mounted to the suction line 4
can be separated from the suction line 4 by means of a slide gate
valve 8.
[0038] The delivery line 5 is typically a delivery line system
consisting of piping, a distributor mast or fixedly laid lines at a
construction site.
[0039] The first pump unit 1 pushes thick matter into the delivery
line 5. When the slide 8 is open, the second pump unit 2 and the
charge-pressure device 3 suck thick matter from the storage
container 9 until the piston of the delivery cylinder 12 of the
sucking pump unit 2 overruns the switching point 10.
[0040] The switching point 10 prompts the closure of the slide 8
and launches the fully filled charge-pressure device 3, which
pushes thick matter against the closed slide gate valve 8 and thus
into the sucking pump unit 2 until this is largely or completely
full, the thick matter located therein is compressed, and the
delivery piston 12 has reached the end position thereof with the
switching point 11.
[0041] The switchover device 7 is actuated by this switching point
11. The first pump unit 1 is now connected to the suction line 4
and the second pump unit 2 is connected to the delivery line 5.
[0042] During this phase, the charge-pressure device 3 pushes
further directly into the delivery line 5 in order to close a
delivery gap that has formed.
[0043] As soon as the charge-pressure device 3 is completely
emptied and said device has overrun the switching point 6, the
slide gate valve 8 opens. The charge-pressure device 3 is switched
and, together with the pump unit 2 then in suction operation, sucks
thick matter from the storage container 9. The described operating
cycle then starts again from the beginning in the first operating
state.
[0044] The charge-pressure device 3 corrects the interruptions of
the thick-matter flow appropriately, such that a continuous
thick-matter flow is produced in a direction, specifically the
delivery direction.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows the thick-matter pump of FIG. 1 in the second
operating state, which is used to empty the delivery line 5 or to
apply an oscillating thick-matter movement in the delivery line
5.
[0046] The switchover device 7, via which the pump units 1, 2 are
connected, is switched over or reversed. The first pump unit 1,
which is in suction operation, is thus now connected to the
delivery line 5. The second pump unit 2, which is in pumping
operation, is connected accordingly to the suction line 4.
[0047] So that the thick-matter content located in the second pump
unit 2 can pass via the suction line 4 into the storage container
9, the slide gate valve 8 must be open.
[0048] At the same time, together with the reversal of the
switchover device 7, the charge-pressure device 3 must be switched
to an inactive state for efficient operation of the thick-matter
pump in the second operating state. To this end, in the shown
embodiment, the delivery piston 14 of the delivery cylinder of the
charge-pressure device 3 is to be moved to the outlet 18 and is to
be held there during operation of the thick-matter pump in the
second operating state in order to close the outlet end 18 of the
delivery cylinder of the charge-pressure device 3. However, the
charge-pressure device 3 is already switched to an inactive state
by the opening of the slide gate valve 8.
[0049] The delivery cylinder of the charge-pressure device 3 is
thus emptied and no longer has to be taken into consideration
during cleaning procedures.
[0050] In order to achieve a further emptying of the delivery line
5, the switchover device 7 continues to be operated analogously,
but phase-shifted by approximately 180.degree. in relation to
operation in the first operating state. Accordingly, in the next
process step, the second pump unit 2, which is then in suction
operation, is now connected to the delivery line 5. The first pump
unit 1, which is in pumping operation, is connected accordingly to
the suction line 4. The entire delivery line 5 can be pumped empty
in this way.
[0051] The inlet opening of the suction line 4 in the storage
container 9 has a connector 15 for an extension line 16, via which
the content of the delivery line 5 can be conveyed further, for
example into a truck mixer or a recycling facility.
[0052] The action of the charge-pressure device 3 is cancelled via
switching elements. These can be actuated mechanically,
hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically and also by light and
magnetic waves. In some cases it may be advantageous to design the
signals for actuation of the switching elements such that said
signals can be interrupted.
[0053] The pump system 1, 2, 3 inclusive of the suction line 4 and
the delivery line 5 should be emptied with relatively long
interruptions or at the end of the pumping operation. Should this
not be possible via the outlet end of the delivery line 5, the
content of the pump system inclusive of the delivery line can be
pumped at least into the storage container 9. If the thick-matter
volume in the system formed of delivery line 5, pump system 1, 2, 3
and a suction line 4 is not too large, the storage container 9 is
generally able to receive the quantity. There, the thick matter can
remain in the short term, can be treated or can be disposed of.
[0054] If the thick-matter volume is greater, an extension 16 can
be attached at the inlet end 15 of the suction line 4 in the
storage container 9, whereby the extension allows the content to be
pumped into a larger vessel, for example a provided truck
mixer.
[0055] For the purpose of removing what are known as "blockages", a
continuous thick-matter flow may be inhibiting. A temporary
switchover from pumping operation to suction operation and vice
versa may be necessary, that is to say a brief switchover from the
first operating state into the second, and vice versa. The
corresponding connections of the pump units 1, 2 to the delivery
line 5 or the suction line 4 should therefore be switchable,
without being influenced by the action of the charge-pressure
device 3.
[0056] A temporary switchover of the pump units 1, 2 should be
possible at each position of the pistons 12, 13 in the delivery
cylinders.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 3, the
switchover device 7 retains its position and phase as in the first
operating state. The functions of the pump units 1, 2 are reversed
by reversing the running direction of the drive cylinders 21, 22 of
the pump units 1, 2. In other words, the operation of the pump
units 1, 2 in the second operating state is reversed or
phase-shifted by approximately 180.degree. compared to the first
operating state.
[0058] The content of the first pump unit 1, which is now located
in pumping operation as a result of the reversal of the operation
of the pump unit 1, is still connected to the suction line 4,
whereby the content is pushed back into the storage container 9 by
the open slide gate valve 8.
[0059] The second pump unit 2 is accordingly offset by the switch
into suction operation and remains connected to the delivery line
5, whereby this is sucked off.
[0060] Due to the alternating pumping and suction operation of the
pump units 1, 2, the thick matter located in the second pump unit 2
passes via the suction line 4 and the open slide 8 likewise into
the storage container 9.
[0061] In the case of this process as well, the charge-pressure
device 3 is switched to an inactive state, in that the delivery
piston 13 of the charge-pressure device is moved to the outlet end
18 of the delivery cylinder of the charge-pressure device 3 and is
held there in the second operating state in order to close the
outlet end 18.
[0062] FIG. 4 schematically shows a use of a mobile thick-matter
pump when fighting a large fire in industrial operation or when
cooling a damaged electricity power station. With such uses of the
mobile thick-matter pump, it is important to apply as much
extinguishing agent and/or cooling fluid as possible in the
shortest time selectively to the fire source and/or the area to be
cooled, without endangering people in the process. The use of the
mobile thick-matter pump for such uses is therefore advantageous
because the mast of the mobile thick-matter pump can be moved
selectively and the discharge location of the extinguishing agent
and/or cooling medium at the end of the mast is distanced far from
the respective operator of the mobile thick-matter pump.
[0063] Accordingly, by way of the connector 15 for the extension
line 16, a further line 26a can be connected thereto for connection
to an extinguishing agent reservoir and/or coolant reservoir
arranged at a further distance. The thick-matter pump can be used
in this way as an extended use possibility for extinguishing
burning objects or for cooling objects to be cooled, wherein it can
output an uninterrupted jet and a high volume with sufficient
accuracy. Due to the structure of the thick-matter pump with the
charge-pressure device 3, the volume flow achieved here is uniform
and much higher (up to 50%) compared with a device of equal
dimensions without charge-pressure device. Furthermore, due to the
constant flow, a higher target accuracy can be achieved, since the
mast does not perform any unpredictable see-saw movements.
[0064] If a coolant is sprayed here, for example onto a damaged
power plant, this coolant must often also be sucked up again. The
coolant or the extinguishing agent typically collects on the floor,
in hollows or in chambers arranged low down. The coolant may become
loaded with different materials, for example with radioactive
isotopes or with material dissolved by the coolant. During suction,
sand, wall fragments or other solid and suspended bodies are also
sucked up.
[0065] The thick-matter pump proposed here can again pump off the
coolant loaded with the respective materials, in particular the
harmful substances and the solid and suspended bodies, via the mast
of the mobile thick-matter pump. In particular the loaded coolant
is pumped into a wastewater reservoir 25 by means of the line 25a
likewise attached to the extension line 15. The respective operator
does not come into contact with the wastewater during this
process.
[0066] The switchover between the wastewater reservoir 25 and the
coolant or extinguishing agent reservoir 26 is achieved in the
shown exemplary embodiment by corresponding slides 24, which can
each open just one line 25a, 26a.
[0067] Due to the insensitivity of the thick-matter pump with
respect to suspended materials conveyed with the respective fluid,
a repeated use of the respective coolant fluids is also conceivable
in order to reduce the overall volume of the loaded material. To
this end, liquid from the two reservoirs 25, 26 can then be fed and
pumped off again alternately.
* * * * *