Patent Publication Number: US-2023134470-A1

Title: Shotgun Hydroblasting System

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to shotgun hydroblasting systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Shotgun hydroblasters are utilized in industrial settings to clean machinery, such as boilers, heat exchangers, tanks, pipes, etc. Shotgun hydroblasters utilize high pressure fluids to remove bio-fouling, waste material, and debris. For example, shotgun hydroblasters can remove scale from pipes using pressurized chemical fluids. Known shotgun hydroblasters have drawbacks, such as user fatigue resulting from manually holding and aiming the shotgun hydroblasters. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In an example embodiment, a shotgun hydroblasting system includes a chassis. A motor is operable to drive movement of the chassis. A support arm assembly is mounted to the chassis. A shotgun nozzle mounted to the support arm assembly such that the shotgun nozzle is movable relative to the chassis on the support arm assembly. The shotgun nozzle includes a barrel defining a primary outlet for pressurized fluid and a suppressor defining a secondary outlet for the pressurized fluid. The barrel and the suppressor are positioned and oriented such that a force of the pressurized fluid exiting the secondary outlet opposes a force of the pressurized fluid exiting the primary outlet. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a shotgun hydroblasting system according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  2    is another perspective view of the example shotgun hydroblasting system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  3  through  6    are perspective views of the example shotgun hydroblasting system of  FIG.  1    with a shotgun nozzle shown in various positions. 
         FIGS.  7  through  9    are partial, perspective views of the shotgun nozzle of the example shotgun hydroblasting system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  10    is a section view of the shotgun nozzle of the example shotgun hydroblasting system of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin. 
       FIGS.  1  through  6    are various views of a shotgun hydroblasting system  100  according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. Shotgun hydroblasting system  100  may be used to assist with cleaning various industrial equipment. For example, shotgun hydroblasting system  100  may be used to clean boilers, heat exchangers, tanks, pipes, etc. During operation, highly pressurized fluid is delivered to the industrial equipment to remove bio-fouling, waste material, and debris. The pressure of fluid exiting shotgun hydroblasting system  100  can range from ten-thousand pounds per square inch to forty-thousand pounds per square inch (10,000 psi to 40,000 psi). 
     Shotgun hydroblasting system  100  includes a chassis  110 . Chassis  110  may support various operating components of shotgun hydroblasting system  100 . Moreover, chassis  110  may be drivable to various locations. Thus, e.g., a user may drive chassis  110  to operating sites. One or more motor(s)  112  may be operable to drive movement of chassis  110 . For example, chassis  110  may include a pair of tracks  114 . Motor(s)  112  may be coupled to one or both of tracks  114 , and motor(s)  112  may be operable to drive one or both of tracks  114  in order to drive movement of chassis  110 . It will be understood that in alternative example embodiments, chassis  110  may include wheels or any other suitable mechanism for providing mobility for chassis  110 . Motor(s)  112  may be electrically connected to a battery  116  in certain example embodiments, and battery  116  may provide power for operating motor(s)  112 . Thus, motor(s)  112  may be an electrical motor. Motor(s)  112  and battery  116  may be disposed within chassis  110 , e.g., in order to protect motor(s)  112  and battery  116  from debris and fluid contact. In alterative example embodiments, motor(s)  112  may be an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, etc. for powering movement of chassis  110 . 
     A support arm assembly  120  and a shotgun nozzle  130  are mounted to chassis  110 . Thus, when a user operates motor(s)  112  to move chassis  110 , support arm assembly  120  and shotgun nozzle  130  also move with chassis  110 . Accordingly, chassis  110  may function as a vehicle for transporting support arm assembly  120  and shotgun nozzle  130  around a worksite for shotgun hydroblasting system  100 . 
     Shotgun nozzle  130  is mounted to support arm assembly  120 , e.g., such that shotgun nozzle  130  is movable relative to chassis  110  on support arm assembly  120 . Moreover, support arm assembly  120  may provide several degrees of freedom for moving shotgun nozzle  130  relative to chassis  110 . For example, in some embodiments, support arm assembly  120  may provide two, three, four, or more degrees of freedom for moving shotgun nozzle  130  relative to chassis  110 . Utilizing support arm assembly  120 , a user of shotgun hydroblasting system  100  may aim a stream of pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  towards a target. 
     Support arm assembly  120  may include a first support arm  122  and a second support arm  124 . First support arm  122  may be mounted to chassis  110 , and second support arm  124  may be mounted to first support arm  122 . First support arm  122  may be rotatably mounted to chassis  110 . Moreover, first support arm  122  may be rotatable about a first axis X1 relative to chassis  110 . The first axis X1 may be about vertical in certain example embodiments, such as when chassis  110  is resting on level ground. Second support arm  124  may be rotatably mounted to first support arm  122 . Moreover, second support arm  124  may be rotatable about a second axis X2 relative to first support arm  122 . In certain example embodiments, the first axis X1 may be about perpendicular to the second axis X2. Thus, e.g., the second axis X2 may be about horizontal in certain example embodiments, such as when chassis  110  is resting on level ground. Shotgun nozzle  130  may be mounted to second support arm  124 . Shotgun nozzle  130  may also be rotatable relative to second support arm  124 . Moreover, shotgun nozzle  130  may be rotatable about a third axis X3 relative to second support arm  124 . In certain example embodiments, the third axis X3 may be about perpendicular to the first axis X1 and/or about parallel to the second axis X2. Thus, e.g., the third axis X3 may be about horizontal in certain example embodiments, such as when chassis  110  is resting on level ground. 
     First support arm  122  may be elongated. Thus, e.g., first support arm  122  may extend between a first or proximal end portion  140  and a second or distal end portion  142 . Proximal end portion  140  of first support arm  122  may be positioned at chassis  110 . Moreover, first support arm  122  may be rotatably mounted to chassis  110  at proximal end portion  140  of first support arm  122 , e.g., with a bearing  141 , within which proximal end portion  140  of first support arm  122  is received. Distal end portion  142  of first support arm  122  may be, e.g., vertically, spaced apart from proximal end portion  140  of first support arm  122 . Thus, e.g., distal end portion  142  of first support arm  122  may be positioned above chassis  110 . In certain example embodiments, first support arm  122  may be about vertically oriented, such as when chassis  110  is resting on level ground, with distal end portion  142  of first support arm  122  positioned directly above proximal end portion  140  of first support arm  122 . 
     Second support arm  124  may also be elongated. Thus, e.g., second support arm  124  may extend between a first or proximal end portion  144  and a second or distal end portion  146 . Proximal end portion  144  of second support arm  124  may be mounted to first support arm  122 , e.g., at distal end portion  142  of first support arm  122 . Moreover, second support arm  124  may be rotatably mounted to first support arm  122  at proximal end portion  144  of second support arm  124 , e.g., by a pin  143  that extends through first and second support arms  122 ,  124  at distal end portion  142  of first support arm  122  and proximal end portion  144  of second support arm  124 . Distal end portion  146  of second support arm  124  may be, e.g., laterally, spaced apart from proximal end portion  144  of second support arm  124 . Thus, e.g., distal end portion  146  of second support arm  124  may be cantilevered from first support arm  122 . 
     Shotgun nozzle  130  may be mounted to second support arm  124  at distal end portion  146  of second support arm  124 . Thus, shotgun nozzle  130  may also be cantilevered on second support arm  124  from first support arm  122 . Moreover, shotgun nozzle  130  may be rotatably mounted to second support arm  124  at distal end portion  146  of second support arm  124 , e.g., by a pin  145  that extends through second support arm  124  and shotgun nozzle  130  at distal end portion  146  of second support arm  124 . 
     Shotgun hydroblasting system  100  may include a plurality of actuators for rotating the components of support arm assembly  120  and/or shotgun nozzle  130 . The actuators may include electrical motors, hydraulic motors, pneumatic motors, electrical linear actuators, hydraulic linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators, etc. configured for rotating the components of support arm assembly  120  and/or shotgun nozzle  130 . As an example, the plurality of actuators may include a first linear actuator  150 , a second linear actuator  152 , a third linear actuator  154 , and/or a fourth linear actuator  156 . 
     First linear actuator  150  may be coupled to first support arm  122  and chassis  110 . For instance, one end of first linear actuator  150  may be rotatably positioned at and connected to first support arm  122 , and a second, opposite end of first linear actuator  150  may be positioned at and connected to chassis  110 . In certain example embodiments, first linear actuator  150  may be coupled to first support arm  122  at proximal end portion  140  of first support arm  122 . First linear actuator  150  may be operable to rotate first support arm  122  relative to chassis  110 . For example, by selectively retracting and extending a length of first linear actuator  150 , a user may drive rotation of first support arm  122  about the first axis X1 relative to chassis  110 . 
     Second linear actuator  152  may be coupled to first and second support arms  122 ,  124 . For instance, one end of second linear actuator  152  may be rotatably positioned at and connected to first support arm  122  (e.g., between proximal and distal end portions  140 ,  142  of first support arm  122 ), and a second, opposite end of second linear actuator  152  may be positioned at and connected to second support arm  124  (e.g., between proximal and distal end portions  144 ,  146  of second support arm  124 ). Second linear actuator  152  may be operable to rotate second support arm  124  relative to first support arm  122 . For example, by selectively retracting and extending a length of second linear actuator  152 , a user may drive rotation of second support arm  124  about the second axis X2 relative to first support arm  122 . 
     In certain example embodiments, support arm assembly  120  may also include a bracket  126 . Bracket  126  may be slidably mounted to first support arm  122 , e.g., between proximal and distal end portions  140 ,  142  of first support arm  122 . Thus, e.g., a position or height of bracket  126  may be adjusted by sliding bracket  126  on first support arm  122 . Third linear actuator  154  may be coupled to first support arm  122  and bracket  126 , and third linear actuator  154  may be operable to slide bracket  126  on first support arm  122 . By moving bracket  126  on first support arm  122 , a range of motion for second support arm  124  about the second axis X2 relative to first support arm  122  may be increased. For instance, one end of second linear actuator  152  may be coupled to bracket  126 . Moreover, the one end of second linear actuator  152  rotatably positioned at and connected to first support arm  122  may be mounted to bracket  126 . When third linear actuator  154  moves bracket  126 , a pivot point for second linear actuator  152  may also move. Thus, relative to a fixed pivot point for second linear actuator  152  on first support arm  122 , the range of motion for second support arm  124  about the second axis X2 relative to first support arm  122  may be increased by moving bracket  126  on first support arm  122 . 
     Fourth linear actuator  156  may be coupled to second support arm  124  and shotgun nozzle  130 . For instance, one end of fourth linear actuator  156  may be rotatably positioned at and connected to second support arm  124  (e.g., between proximal and distal end portions  144 ,  146  of second support arm  124 ), and a second, opposite end of fourth linear actuator  156  may be positioned at and connected to shotgun nozzle  130 . Fourth linear actuator  156  may be operable to rotate shotgun nozzle  130  relative to second support arm  124 . For example, by selectively retracting and extending a length of fourth linear actuator  156 , a user may drive rotation of shotgun nozzle  130  about the third axis X3 relative to second support arm  124 . 
     Shotgun nozzle  130  is configured directed a stream of pressurized fluid towards a target. Shotgun nozzle  130  may include a barrel  132  and a suppressor  134 . Barrel  132  may define a primary outlet  136  for pressurized fluid, and suppressor  134  may define a secondary outlet  138  for the pressurized fluid. Primary outlet  136  may be positioned and oriented for directing the pressurized fluid towards the target. Thus, the pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136  may flow towards the target, e.g., to assist with cleaning the target. 
     The pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136  may generate a force opposite to the direction of the pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136 . Suppressor  134  is configured to assist with balancing the force generated by the pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136 . Thus, barrel  132  and suppressor  134  may be positioned and oriented such that the force of the pressurized fluid exiting secondary outlet  138  opposes the force of the pressurized fluid exiting primary outlet  136 . By at least partially balancing the force generated by the pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136 , suppressor  134  may assist with reducing undesirable movement of shotgun nozzle  130  and/or advantageously increasing a stability of primary outlet  136  during operation of shotgun hydroblasting system  100 . Thus, a user of shotgun hydroblasting system  100  may more accurately and precisely aim the pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136  towards the target due to suppressor  134 . In certain example embodiments, a cross-section area of primary outlet  136  may be about equal to a corresponding cross-section area of secondary outlet  138 . Thus, primary outlet  136  and secondary outlet  138  may be, e.g., about, commonly sized. In addition, primary outlet  136  may be aligned coaxially with secondary outlet  138 . Such sizing and/or alignment may assist with balancing the force generated by pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136  with pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at secondary outlet  138 . 
     Shotgun nozzle  130  may include a nozzle body  131 . Nozzle body  131  may be mounted to second support arm  124  at distal end portion  146  of second support arm  124 . For example, pin  145  may extend through second support arm  124  and nozzle body  131  at distal end portion  146  of second support arm  124 . Barrel  132  and suppressor  134  may be mounted to nozzle body  131  at opposite side of nozzle body  131 . Shotgun nozzle  130  may further include a coupling  137  defining an inlet  139  for the pressurized fluid. Coupling  137  may be mounted to nozzle body  131  between barrel  132  and suppressor  134 . As an example, a hose or other suitable fluid conduit may be connected to shotgun nozzle  130  at coupling  137 . Pressurized fluid may be supplied to shotgun nozzle  130  at inlet  139  of coupling  137  via the hose or other suitable fluid conduit. In certain example embodiments, barrel  132 , suppressor  134 , and coupling  137  may be threaded to nozzle body  131 . 
     As noted above, suppressor  134  may assist with balancing the force generated by pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136 . Turning to  FIGS.  7  through  10   , suppressor  134  may include a shroud  160 . In certain example embodiments, shroud  160  may be a tubular casing, such as a cylindrical metal tube. Shroud  160  may have an end wall  162 , and shroud  160  may define an interior chamber  164 . Interior chamber  164  may extend between secondary outlet  138  and end wall  162  within shroud  160 . Shroud  160  may also define a plurality of vents  166  for interior chamber  164  between secondary outlet  138  and end wall  162 . Vents  166  may be positioned proximate secondary outlet  138  on shroud  160 . Vents  166  may be distributed axially and/or circumferentially on shroud  160 . In certain example embodiments, embodiments, a length of shroud  160 , e.g., between secondary outlet  138  and end wall  162 , may be about no less than twelve inches (12″) and no greater than thirty-six inches (36″). For instance, the length of shroud  160  may be about twenty-six inches (26″). In certain example embodiments, embodiments, a diameter of shroud  160  may be no less than one and a half inches (1.5″) and no greater than four and a half inches (4.5″). For instance, the diameter of shroud  160  may be about two and half inches (2.5″). 
     Shroud  160  may assist with redirecting the pressurized fluid exiting secondary outlet  138 . For instance, pressurized fluid exiting secondary outlet  138  may enter into interior chamber  164 . At the end of interior chamber  164 , the pressurized fluid may impact against end wall  162 . The fluid may then exit interior chamber  164  via vents  166 . Accordingly, shroud  160  (e.g., end wall  162 ) may block the pressurized fluid exiting secondary outlet  138  from flowing directly away from the target for primary outlet  136 , while also allowing suppressor  134  to assist with balancing the force generated by pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136  with the force generated by pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at secondary outlet  138 . For example, a user of shotgun hydroblasting system  100  may stand behind barrel  132  to observe a target for pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136 , and shroud  160  may redirect pressurized fluid exiting secondary outlet  138  away from the user and other items located behind barrel  132 . 
     Operation of shotgun hydroblasting system  100  will now be described in greater detail below. A user of shotgun hydroblasting system  100  may first position shotgun hydroblasting system  100  in a general vicinity of a target. Thus, the user may activate motor(s)  112  to drive chassis  110  towards the target. In certain example embodiments, tracks  114  may allow chassis  110  to traverse rough terrain and/or stairs to approach target. With shotgun hydroblasting system  100  positioned near the target by driving chassis, the user may then utilize support arm assembly  120  to aim shotgun nozzle  130  by adjusting the position and/or orientation of shotgun nozzle  130  with support arm assembly  120 . For example, the user may activate one or more of: first linear actuator  150  to drive rotation of first support arm  122  relative to chassis  110 ; second linear actuator  152  to drive rotation of second support arm  124  relative to first support arm  122 ; third linear actuator  154  to slide bracket  126  on first support arm  122 ; and fourth linear actuator  156  to drive rotation of shotgun nozzle  130  relative to second support arm  124 . Thus, as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the user may activate second linear actuator  152  to drive rotation of second support arm  124  about the second axis X2 relative to first support arm  122  between the two configurations shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3    as well as other rotational positions. Turning to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the user may activate third linear actuator  154  to slide bracket  126  on first support arm  122  between the two configurations shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4    as well as other positions. By moving bracket  126 , the user may also drive rotation of second support arm  124  about the second axis X2 relative to first support arm  122  between the two configurations shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4    as well as other rotational positions. Turning to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the user may activate fourth linear actuator  156  to drive rotation of shotgun nozzle  130  about the third axis X3 relative to second support arm  124  between the two configurations shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5    as well as other rotational positions. Turning to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the user may active first linear actuator  150  to drive rotation of first support arm  122  about the first axis X1 relative to chassis  110  between the two configurations shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6    as well as other rotational positions. As may be seen from the above, by selectively operating the various actuators of shotgun hydroblasting system  100 , the user may control the position and/or orientation of shotgun nozzle  130  during operation of shotgun hydroblasting system  100 . It will be understood that the various actuators of shotgun hydroblasting system  100  may be operating singly or in combination to aim shotgun nozzle  130  during operation of shotgun hydroblasting system  100   
     The various actuators of shotgun hydroblasting system  100  may allow the user to control the direction of pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136  towards the target. The user may utilize a remote user interface  170 , such as a wired or wireless remote control, configured for controlling operation of shotgun hydroblasting system  100 . The remote user interface  170  may allow the user to selectively activate motor(s)  112 , first linear actuator  150 , second linear actuator  152 , third linear actuator  154 , and/or fourth linear actuator  156  in the manner described above. Thus, remote user interface  170  may include button(s), joystick(s), trigger(s), and other user inputs for controlling operation of shotgun hydroblasting system  100  in response to user inputs at remote user interface  170 . 
     Utilizing shotgun hydroblasting system  100 , the user may advantageously avoid the fatigue associate with manually cleaning surfaces via shotgun hydroblasting. Moreover, the mobility of the shotgun nozzle  130  provided by shotgun hydroblasting system  100  is significantly better than known automated hydroblasting systems that offer limited degrees of freedom. Suppressor  134  may assist with allowing such increased mobility by at least partially balancing the force generated by pressurized fluid exiting shotgun nozzle  130  at primary outlet  136  and thereby allowing precise control of the position and orientation of shotgun nozzle  130 , e.g., despite shotgun nozzle  130  being cantilevered on support arm assembly  120 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.