Patent ID: 6306309
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A method for cleaning sand of a sand bed of a facility including a slow sand filter, infiltration basin and pools having sand beds in water treatment works and plants, the method comprising the steps of:providing a remote-controlled cleaning machine including a chassis having a front end and a rear end; first and second caterpillar track assemblies mounted on respective longitudinal sides of said chassis; first and second drive wheels for engaging said first and second caterpillar track assemblies, respectively; a motor mounted on said chassis; electromagnetic clutches connected to said drive wheels; said motor being connected to said drive wheels via said electro-magnetic clutches for driving said caterpillar track assemblies for propelling said machine over said sand bed; and, a submersible pump having a nozzle and a hydrocyclone connected to the submersible pump;traversing said sand bed;removing sand to be cleaned of sludge from the top surface of said sand bed with said submersible pump and said nozzle thereof;discharging said sand to be cleaned to said hydrocyclone to separate said sludge from said sand;discharging the separated sludge suspended in water to a waste disposal location of said facility through a hose connected to said hydrocyclone; and,returning the cleaned sand to said sand bed.