Patent ID: 6228256
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
An apparatus for cleaning sand of a sand bed of a facility including a slow sand filter, infiltration basin and pools having sand beds, the apparatus comprising: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;electro-magnetic 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 apparatus over said sand bed;a submersible pump mounted at said front end and having a nozzle through which sand to be cleaned of sludge is drawn by suction from said sand bed;a hydrocyclone also mounted on said chassis and being connected to said submersible pump for receiving said sand to be cleaned and separating said sludge therefrom;said hydrocyclone having a first outlet through which said sludge is discharged from said hydrocyclone and a second outlet through which the cleaned sand is discharged;a spreader device mounted below said second outlet for spreading the cleaned sand onto said sand bed;a hose connected to said first outlet for conducting said sludge away from said hydrocyclone and said apparatus; and,a control unit for controlling said electro-magnetic clutches for changing the direction of movement of said apparatus as well as controlling said submersible pump and said motor.