Air purging apparatus for a coater

An air purging coater apparatus is disclosed for purging mixed components from the apparatus disposed in a pipeline at a pipeline site. The apparatus includes a remote-controlled apparatus for insertion within the pipeline at the pipeline site. The remote-controlled apparatus includes a drive for controllably moving the remote-controlled apparatus internally within the pipeline. A high-pressure mixing device defines a first and second inlet controllably connected to a pressurized and further pressurized source respectively of a first and second component. The high-pressure mixing device defines a high-pressure mixing chamber connected to the first and the second inlets for mixing together the first and second components. The high-pressure mixing device defines an outlet connected to the high-pressure mixing chamber for receiving a flow therethrough of the mixed components. A spin head defines an internal conical surface and a baffle so that the mixed components are applied to an inside surface of the pipeline. The high-pressure mixing device is controllably movable from an application disposition thereof to a purging disposition. In the purging disposition, the flow of the mixed components is terminated and a source of pressurized air flows into and through the first and second inlets and the high-pressure mixing chamber and the outlet for purging any residual mixed components from the high-pressure mixing device thereby avoiding any need for the use of a potentially hazardous solvent.

Field of the invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an air purging apparatus for a coater.

More specifically, the present invention relates to an air purging apparatus for a coater for purging mixed components from a pipeline coating apparatus disposed within the pipeline at a pipeline refurbishing or manufacturing site.

The present invention relates to an air purging apparatus for a coater for coating an internal surface of a pipeline.

The coater includes a high-pressure mixing device and a spin head. The high-pressure mixing device defines a high-pressure mixing chamber. The arrangement is such that in an application disposition of the high-pressure mixing device, the high-pressure mixing chamber is connected to two components at high pressure such that the components mix and are activated within the high-pressure mixing chamber.

However, when the high-pressure mixing device is moved to a purging disposition, the high-pressure mixing chamber is immediately sealed from the component supplies. Consequently, a source of pressurized air easily purges or blows out the residual activated coating material from the high-pressure mixing device including the high-pressure mixing chamber.

The apparatus includes a coating head defining a conical surface having a first and a second end. The arrangement is such that in use of the apparatus, the conical surface guides the coating material towards the internal surface of the pipe. A motor is selectively connected to an energy source such that when the motor is connected to the energy source, the motor rotates the coating head. The arrangement is such that a ribbon of the coating material flows radially outwardly from the second end of the conical surface towards the internal surface of the pipe.

In the present invention, the conical surface of the coating head or spin head is disposed at a relatively large angle relative to the axis of rotation of the conical surface. For example, the angle may be 45 degrees or more. This results in a rapid flow of coating material along the conical surface. Also, a baffle is disposed adjacent to the upstream or first end of the conical surface so that coating material flowing from the high pressure mixing chamber impinges on the baffle and is deflected by the baffle towards and onto the first end of the conical surface where the coating material rapidly flows towards the second or downstream end of the conical surface. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are no spaced bores defined by the conical surface. Rather, the coating material flows to the second or downstream end of the conical surface where the coating material tends to form a thin radially extending ribbon which is disposed almost normal to the axis of rotation of the conical surface. Such radial curtain tends to strike the internal surface of the pipe in a radial direction substantially normal to the axis of rotation of the conical surface. In the apparatus according to the present invention, a very smooth and thin coating of uniform thickness has been consistently applied. Accordingly, this has resulted in a reduction in the amount of materials used in the coating operation, as well as a predictable consistency.

More specifically, the high-pressure mixing chamber is selectively connected to a supply of a first coating component disposed at a first location adjacent to the high-pressure mixing chamber for selective fluid communication with the high-pressure mixing chamber. Additionally, the high-pressure mixing chamber is also selectively connected to a supply of a second coating component disposed at a second location adjacent to the high-pressure mixing chamber for selective fluid communication with the high-pressure mixing chamber.

A control is connected to the high-pressure mixing device for selectively moving the high-pressure mixing chamber between the application disposition and the purging disposition. The arrangement is such that the first and second coating components simultaneously flow into the high-pressure mixing chamber when the high-pressure mixing chamber is disposed in the application disposition thereof. Also, the first and second coating components are sealed from the high-pressure mixing chamber when the high-pressure mixing chamber is disposed in the purging disposition thereof.

The source of pressurized air is supplied such that in the purging disposition, pressurized air flows through the inlets into the high-pressure mixing chamber so that any residual activated material is blown through and out of the high-pressure mixing chamber through the outlet.

More particularly, the present invention provides a unique apparatus for internally coating pipes including pipes having an inside diameter of 2 inches or greater.

Also, the thin film of coating material on the conical surface is minimal requiring no clean up or solvents during completion of the coating operation. The conical surface spins at about 5000 rpm, so, the buildup of residual coating material on the conical surface is negligible.

Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is the provision of a coater and purging apparatus which coats an internal surface of a pipe including a pipe having an inside diameter of 2 inches or greater.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a coater and purging apparatus which reduces the amount of coating material used in a coating operation.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a coater and purging apparatus which avoids the problems associated with a clean-up operation after the completion of a coating operation.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a coater and purging apparatus which permits an interruption of a coating operation without introducing any need for purging the coating apparatus with solvent.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention contained herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an air purging and coater apparatus for purging mixed components from a coating apparatus disposed within a pipeline at a pipeline refurbishing or manufacturing site. The apparatus includes a remote-controlled machine for insertion within the pipeline at the pipeline refurbishing or manufacturing site.

The remote-controlled machine includes a drive for controllably moving the remote-controlled machine internally within the pipeline. A high-pressure mixing device defines a first inlet which is controllably connected to a pressurized source of a first component. The high-pressure mixing device also defines a second inlet which is controllably connected to a further pressurized source of a second component. A high-pressure mixing chamber defined by the high-pressure mixing device is connected to the first and second inlets such that the high-pressure mixing chamber mixes the first and second components. The high-pressure mixing device defines an outlet connected to the high-pressure mixing chamber for a flow therethrough of the mixed components.

Also, a spin head defines an internal conical surface which has an apex which cooperates with the outlet of the high-pressure mixing device for receiving the flow of the mixed components. The spin head includes a baffle which is disposed adjacent to the apex such that when the spin head is rotated, the mixed components from the outlet are deflected by the baffle onto the internal conical surface so that the mixed components are applied to an inside surface of the pipeline at the refurbishing or manufacturing site.

The high-pressure mixing device is controllably movable from an application disposition thereof to a purging disposition. The application disposition is such that the first inlet and the second inlet are aligned with and in fluid communication with the respective pressurized source and further pressurized source so that the components flow to the high-pressure mixing chamber and thereafter are applied to the inside surface of the pipeline.

However, when the high-pressure mixing device is controllably moved to the purging disposition, the first and second inlets are moved out of alignment with the pressurized sources so that the flow of the components is terminated. Also, in the purging disposition, a source of pressurized air flows into and through the first and second inlets into the high-pressure mixing chamber and from the high-pressure mixing chamber through the outlet for purging any residual mixed components from the high-pressure mixing chamber thereby avoiding any need for the use of potentially hazardous solvents together with any attendant potentially life threatening conditions that could result from the introduction of such solvents into the pipeline at the pipeline refurbishing or manufacturing site.

In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the drive selectively moves the remote-controlled machine along the pipeline selectively in a forward direction and a reverse direction.

The remote-controlled machine further includes a housing having a forward extremity and a rearward extremity. The housing defines a bore which extends from the forward extremity to the rearward extremity of the housing for the slidable reception therein of the high-pressure mixing device.

Moreover, the housing defines a cross bore which is disposed normal to the bore. The cross bore has a first side and a second side. The bore is disposed between the first and second sides of the cross bore such that when the high-pressure mixing device is in the application disposition and the purging disposition, the inlets are exposed to the cross bore.

Furthermore, the remote-controlled machine further includes a first coupling secured to the housing adjacent to the first side of the cross bore and a second coupling secured to the housing adjacent to the second side of the cross bore such that the high-pressure mixing device and the cross bore are disposed between the first and second couplings.

A first seal is movably secured to the first coupling and is disposed within the cross bore between the first coupling and the first inlet.

Additionally, a second seal is movably secured to the second coupling and is disposed within the cross bore between the second coupling and the second inlet. The arrangement is such that when the high-pressure mixing device is in the application disposition, the first component flows through the first coupling and then through the first seal into the first inlet. At the same time, the second component flows through the second coupling then through the second seal into the second inlet.

More specifically, the first seal is movably urged axially relative to the first inlet into sealing engagement with the high-pressure mixing device and the aligned first inlet.

Similarly, the second seal is movably urged axially relative to the second inlet into sealing engagement with the high-pressure mixing device and the aligned second inlet.

Additionally, the high-pressure mixing device defines a first planar surface and a second planar surface. The arrangement is such that the first seal slidably engages the first planar surface and the second seal slidably engages the second planar surface when the high-pressure mixing device is moved between the application disposition and the purging disposition.

Also, the remote-controlled machine further includes a first compression spring which is disposed between the first coupling and the first movable seal for urging the first seal axially towards the first inlet.

Moreover, a second compression spring is disposed between the second coupling and the second movable seal for urging the second seal axially towards the second inlet.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1is a side elevational view of an air purging and coater apparatus generally designated10according to the present invention.

As shown inFIG.1, the purging and coater apparatus10is for coating and then purging mixed and activated residual components12from the purging and coater apparatus10disposed in a pipeline14at a pipeline refurbishing or manufacturing site generally designated16. The apparatus10includes a remote-controlled apparatus18for insertion within the pipeline14at the pipeline refurbishing or manufacturing site16.

The remote-controlled apparatus18includes a drive20for controllably moving the remote-controlled apparatus18internally within the pipeline14.

FIG.2is an exploded view of the remote-controlled apparatus18. As shown inFIG.2, the remote-controlled apparatus18includes a high-pressure mixing device generally designated22.

In the present disclosure and claims, the term “high-pressure mixing device” is to be understood as meaning a mixing device in which the “high-pressure” is in the range 1500-3500 psi.

FIG.3is a sectional view taken on the line3-3ofFIG.2. As shown inFIG.3, the high-pressure mixing device22defines a first inlet24which is controllably connected to a pressurized source of a first component26. The high-pressure mixing device22also defines a second inlet28which is controllably connected to a further pressurized source of a second component30. The first and second inlets24and28are selectively connected to a high-pressure mixing chamber31for mixing the first and second components together in the high-pressure mixing chamber31. The high-pressure mixing device22also defines an outlet32connected to the high-pressure mixing chamber31for receiving a flow therethrough of the mixed components12as indicated by the arrow34.

In the present disclosure and claims, the term “high-pressure mixing chamber” is to be understood as meaning a mixing chamber in which the “high-pressure” is in the range 1500-3500 psi.

FIG.4is a similar view to that shown inFIG.1but is partially in section. As shown inFIG.4, a spin head36defines an internal conical surface38which has an apex40which cooperates with the outlet32of the high-pressure mixing device22for receiving the flow34of the mixed components. The spin head36includes a baffle42which is disposed adjacent to the apex40such that when the spin head36is rotated, as indicated by the arrow43, the mixed components are deflected by the baffle42onto the internal conical surface38so that the mixed components are applied to an inside surface44of the pipeline14at the refurbishing or manufacturing site16.

The high-pressure mixing device22is controllably movable as indicated by arrow23from an application disposition thereof as shown inFIG.3to a purging disposition. As shown inFIG.3, in the application disposition, the arrangement is such that the first inlet24and the second inlet28are aligned with and in fluid communication with the respective pressurized source and further pressurized source26and30respectively so that the mixed components are applied to the inside surface44of the pipeline14as shown inFIG.4.

FIG.5is a similar view to that shown inFIG.3but shows the high-pressure mixing device22slidably moved to the left to the purging disposition thereof. As shown inFIG.5, when the high-pressure mixing device22is controllably moved to the left to the purging disposition, the first and second inlets24and28respectively are moved out of alignment with the pressurized sources26and30respectively so that the flow of the mixed components34is terminated. Also, in the purging disposition as shown inFIG.5, a source of pressurized air46flows as indicated by the arrow47into and through the first and second inlets24and28respectively and from the inlets24and28respectively through the high-pressure mixing chamber31and then through the outlet32for purging any residual mixed components12from the high-pressure mixing device22thereby avoiding any need for the use of a potentially hazardous solvent together with any attendant potentially life threatening conditions that could result from the introduction of such solvent into the pipeline14at the pipeline refurbishing or manufacturing site16.

As shown inFIG.1, in a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the drive20selectively moves the remote-controlled apparatus18through the pipeline14in a forward direction and a reverse direction as indicated by the arrow49.

As shown inFIGS.3and5, the remote-controlled apparatus18further includes a housing50having a forward extremity52and a rearward extremity54. The housing50defines a bore56which extends from the forward extremity52to the rearward extremity54for the slidable reception therein of the high-pressure mixing device22.

Moreover, the housing50defines a cross bore58which is disposed normal to the bore56. The cross bore58has a first side60and a second side62. The bore56is disposed between the first and second sides60and62respectively of the cross bore58such that when the high-pressure mixing device22is in either the application disposition or the purging disposition, the inlets24and28respectively are disposed within the cross bore58.

Furthermore, the remote-controlled apparatus18further includes a first coupling64secured to the housing50adjacent to the first side60of the cross bore58. A second coupling66is secured to the housing50adjacent to the second side62of the cross bore58such that the high-pressure mixing device22and the cross bore58are disposed between the first and second couplings64and66respectively as shown inFIG.3.

As shown inFIG.5, a first seal68is movably secured to the first coupling64and is disposed within the cross bore58between the first coupling64and the first inlet24.

Additionally, a second seal70is movably secured to the second coupling66and is disposed within the cross bore58between the second coupling66and the second inlet28. The arrangement is such that when the high-pressure mixing device22is in the application disposition as shown inFIG.3, the first component flows through the first coupling64and then through the first seal68into the first inlet24. At the same time, the second component flows through the second coupling66then through the second seal70into the second inlet28.

More specifically, the first seal68is movably urged axially relative to the first inlet24into sealing engagement with the high-pressure mixing device22and the aligned first inlet24as shown inFIG.3.

Similarly, the second seal70is movably urged axially relative to the second inlet28into sealing engagement with the high-pressure mixing device22and the aligned second inlet28as shown inFIG.3.

Additionally, as shown inFIG.5, the high-pressure mixing device22defines a first planar surface72and a second planar surface74. The arrangement is such that the first seal68slidably engages the first planar surface72and the second seal70slidably engages the second planar surface74when the high-pressure mixing device22is moved between the application disposition shown inFIG.3and the purging disposition shown inFIG.5.

Also, as shown inFIG.3, the remote-controlled apparatus18further includes a first compression spring76which is disposed between the first coupling64and the first movable seal68for urging the first seal68axially towards the first inlet24and the first planar surface72when in the application disposition.

Moreover, a second compression spring78is disposed between the second coupling66and the second movable seal70for urging the second seal70axially towards the second inlet28and the second planar surface74.

As shown inFIG.5, the forward extremity52of the housing50sealingly cooperates with the outlet32of the high-pressure mixing device22when the high-pressure mixing device is in the purging disposition thereof. Therefore, the flow of pressurized air from the source of pressurized air46will flow through inlets24and28though the high-pressure mixing chamber31and the outlet32for purging activated material from the high-pressure mixing device22.

FIG.6is a view taken on the line6-6shown inFIG.1.

FIG.7is a view taken on the line7-7shown inFIG.1.

FIG.8is a view taken on the line8-8shown inFIG.1.

FIG.9is a view taken on the line9-9shown inFIG.8.

FIG.10is a view taken on the line10-10shown inFIG.1.

FIG.11is a view taken on the line11-11shown inFIG.1.

FIG.12is a view taken on the line12-12shown inFIG.1.

FIG.13is an enlarged view of the remote-controlled apparatus shown inFIG.1.

FIG.14is a view taken on the line14-14shown inFIG.13.

FIG.15is a similar view to that shown inFIG.14but with the first coupling removed to show the high-pressure mixing device in the application disposition.

FIG.16is a similar view to that shown inFIG.15but shows the high-pressure mixing device in the purging disposition.

FIG.17is a view taken on the line17-17shown inFIG.16.

FIG.18is a view taken on the line18-18shown inFIG.16.

FIG.19is a view taken on the line19-19shown inFIG.2.

FIG.20is a view taken on the line20-20shown inFIG.2; and

FIG.21is a view taken on the line21-21shown inFIG.2.

In operation of the air purging coater apparatus10according to the present invention, the apparatus10is inserted into the pipeline14. The apparatus10which includes the remote-controlled apparatus18has a drive20which enables the apparatus10to be remotely controlled and moved along and within the pipeline14at the pipeline refurbishing or manufacturing site16. With the high-pressure mixing device22remotely moved to the application disposition as shown inFIG.3, the first component from the pressurized source of the first component26flows through the first inlet24of the high-pressure mixing device22. Additionally, the second component from the further pressurized source of the second component30flows through the second inlet28of the high-pressure mixing device22. The first and second components under high-pressure are mixed together in the high-pressure mixing chamber31of the high-pressure mixing device22. The mixed components then flow from the high-pressure mixing chamber31through the outlet32. At the same time, the drive20is remotely energized to drive the apparatus forward through the pipeline14at a remotely controlled speed. Also, at the same time, the motor for rotating the spin head36is energized remotely at a controlled rate of rotation. The arrangement is such that the mixed and consequently activated components flow from the outlet32of the high-pressure mixing device22to the baffle42of the spin head36where the activated components are deflected onto the inside surface44of the spin head36for application of the mixed activated components onto the inside surface44of the pipeline14.

When the coating of the inside surface44of the pipeline14has been completed, the high-pressure mixing device22is moved by remote control so that the high-pressure mixing device22slides within the bore56of the housing50from the application disposition as shown inFIG.3to the purging disposition shown inFIG.5. Consequently, in the air purging disposition shown inFIG.5, the first and second inlets24and28are cut off from the high-pressure components. More particularly, the first and second inlets24and28move to the left as shown inFIG.5as indicated by the arrow23. The outlet32cooperates with and seals against the forward extremity52of the housing50so that pressurized air from the source of pressurized air46flows through the inlets24and28and the high-pressure mixing chamber31for purging or blowing out any residual activated mixed components12through the outlet32. By this air purging arrangement according to the present invention, it has been noticed that the continued application of activated components to the internal surface of the pipeline14can be interrupted without any need for withdrawal of the apparatus from the pipeline. Also, according to the present invention, the use of flammable solvents and the like is completely avoided thereby providing a purging and coater apparatus that can be safely and efficiently operated in the confined space within the pipeline14to be internally coated.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many variations of the inventive concept of the present invention.

Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention includes the provision of an arrangement where a plurality of pipes of a standard length can be fed towards the purging and coater apparatus for coating the internal surfaces of such pipes.

The present invention provides a unique arrangement for mixing and thereby activating two components to form a coating material for application to an internal surface of a pipe having an inside diameter of 2 inches or greater.