Patent Description:
The use of tank truck for loading, transporting and unloading products, typically waste in solid, semi-solid, liquid sludgy or gaseous state, is well known. Usually a tank truck comprises a vehicle on the chassis of which a tank and a series of devices (sludge suction pumps or compressors) for aspirating the sludge waste are mounted. Such aspiration occurs by generating a vacuum in the tank or in a compartment thereof, so that the sludge is aspirated directly into the tank. Normally, a tank has two main objects: to provide a reserve useful for washing pit or pipes and to accommodate/collect the sludge and the aspirated waste. For this reason, a tank usually comprises two compartments, one for collecting sludge and the other as reservoir for water for cleaning operations. In order to increase operation efficiency, and, consequently, the operative autonomy of the vehicle, filtering and recirculating systems have been developed over the years which allow the reuse of the part of water separated and filtered from the aspirated sludge.

In nearly all cases, such systems comprise a primary filter, typically located inside the compartment of the tank which collects the sludge. A secondary filter is instead installed outside the tank. The water is subjected to at least two filtering stages. In particular, the water processed by the primary filter is transferred to the secondary filter through a recirculation pump, located outside the tank. Once processed by the secondary filter, the water reaches a second compartment which works as a reservoir. From the second compartment, the water passes through a filter located upstream of a high pressure pump which allows to reuse the water from the tank for cleaning operations.

In order to improve filtering quality, in some known solutions, a third filtering stage operatively located downstream of the second stage is provided. In these solutions, the tank also comprises a third compartment and a further circulation line provided with a further pump, through which the water exiting from the second compartment reaches the third filtering stage. The water exiting from the third filtering stage reaches the third compartment and then the high pressure pump.

The filtering systems described above achieve very high filtering efficiency, which in some cases can reach even <NUM> microns by using appropriate filters. However, this appreciable result is accompanied by a high construction cost, on which system assembly considerably weighs. Indeed, besides the primary filter, the other water circulation components (pipes, pumps) and the other filters are arranged around the tank. In other words, almost all components are fixed to the outside of the tank. In addition to the considerable design and installation difficulties established by this constructional choice, also the criticality generated by such filtering systems in terms of overall dimensions is obvious.

It has also been found that, in some cases, the resulting filtering levels, and thus the incurred manufacturing costs, are not always justified by the actual use of the tank truck. In other words, a filtering efficiency in the order of <NUM> microns is not required for most of uses. The systems described above are also critical because they considerably limit the versatility of use of the tank. Indeed, because of the above described traditional filtering system configuration, a tank used for collecting sludge cannot be applied for alternative uses, such as for example for collecting special waste (e.g. sodium hydroxide).

Document <CIT> describes a dual stage filter assembly for use in a fluid cleaning and sludge removal operation, including a first stage separator incorporated into a first vessel and receiving a dirty fluid flow, a first stage clean fluid outlet extending from the first stage separator. A second stage filter is incorporated into a second vessel in fluidic communication with a dirty fluid outlet of the first stage separator for subsequent filtering and outflow through a second stage clean outlet. A flow restrictor is incorporated into said second stage clean outlet for controlling a flow rate through said filter in order to prevent clogging of the same by aggregating debris.

This assembly is integrated into a machine stage located coolant supplying or other localized machining operation, which means that it does not need to be movable and thus to be compact, nor to be versatile. As a matter of facts, it does not solve the above problems, since the two filters and the relevant hydraulic elements are positioned outside the dirty reservoir.

<CIT> describes a portable cleaning apparatus for removing particulate solids from bodies of liquid such as the water in the basin of a cooling tower, comprising a trailer mounted on wheels, for enabling said trailer to be towed from place to place, and carrying a power driven pump, a filter, a bank of hydrocyclones and a settling tank, so connected that in use the pump draws liquid from the liquid body and delivers it to the filter and thence through the hydrocyclones back to the liquid body. This apparatus does not solve the above-mentioned problems since the two filtering apparatuses are not compact, nor may be positioned inside the cooling tower. As a matter of facts, a hose is used to drive dirty fluid outside the tower basin. This kind of solution is not applicable in the present contest.

<CIT> describes an assembly for the separation of water from drilling mud has two drum filters on a horizontal powered shaft, within each other, with inner water jet lances and outer scrapers for cleaning.

<CIT> describes a cleaning module for cleaning sewer pipes including sewer liner, and other types of conduits.

<CIT> discloses a sewage treatment apparatus of a garbage vehicle that separates sludge from collected sewage and filters the sewage to supply reusable water. <CIT> discloses a movable apparatus that process the sludge collected from a sump.

Neither these latter documents disclose a solution for the above mentioned problems.

In view of the considerations above, it is the main task of the present invention to provide a solution which may be an alternative to traditional filtering systems and allows to overcome the above-described drawbacks. In the scope of this task, it is an object of the present invention to provide an equipment for collecting and treating sludge waste comprising a part of water which is, at the same time, economic, effectively, compact and of reduced dimensions.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an equipment for collecting and treating sludge waste comprising a part of water having a filtering unit which has relatively low construction costs and which achieves effective filtering at the same time. It is another object of the present invention to provide an equipment for collecting and treating sludge waste comprising a part of water having a filtering unit which confers versatility and flexibility of use to a tank of the equipment. It is another object of the present invention to provide an equipment for collecting and treating sludge waste comprising a part of water having a filtering unit which can be inserted into a tank of the equipment without influencing, in this way, the overall dimensions of the tank and/or of the chassis whereon the tank is mounted and/or of the tank truck. Another object of the present invention is to provide an equipment for collecting and treating sludge waste comprising a part of water having a filtering unit which is reliable and easy to be manufactured at competitive costs.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating an equipment for collecting and treating sludge waste comprising a part of water which is simple, effective and achieves a reduction of costs and, meanwhile, a reduction of encumbrance of the equipment where it is performed.

The present invention relates to an equipment for treating sludge waste, i.e. waste comprising a part of water, which comprises at least one tank defining at least one compartment for the collection of said waste. The tank comprises at least one manhole which defines a passageway for the insertion of filtering means in said compartment. The filtering means comprises a filtering unit suitable to be inserted within said collection compartment (comprising sludge waste) and comprising a first filtering module and a second filtering module for separating and/or filtering the water contained in the sludge. The filtering unit further comprises a circulation line to transfer the water filtered by the first module to the second module, and a collection line to collect and convey the part of water filtered by said second module outside the collection compartment. The filtering unit further comprises a frame which supports the filtering modules and which is either partially or completely insertable into the tank compartment. The filtering unit further comprises connection means configured to provide a preferably removable connection between the frame and the tank so that the filtering modules are completely arranged within the compartment upon such a connection. Said connection means comprise a base comprising a first side, from which said supporting frame develops.

The filtering unit comprises a containment which develops from a second side of said base opposite to said first side. Moreover, the filtering unit comprises control means of the filtering unit itself which are housed in said containment.

The above combination of features achieves the above-mentioned goals. In particular, the presence of two filtering modules together with such frame and such connection means, render the filtering unit effective, economic and easy to use. The peculiar geometries of the components of the filtering unit, in particular of the frame, and their relative positioning achieve a filtering unit which is also compact and less cumbersome.

By means of the equipment according to the invention, the water contained in the aspirated sludge is advantageously separated and filtered inside the collection compartment. More precisely, the filtering unit is configured to form no fewer than two water filtering stages within the collection compartment. With respect to the traditional solutions, the invention allows to reduce the equipment assembly times and costs. Furthermore, the possibility of removing and replacing the filtering unit from the tank achieves not only easiness of maintenance operation but also high versatility of the tank. As a matter of facts, the known filtering units which are sealed inside the tank (or, in any case, not removable), limit the use of such tank to a specific use, since most of the filtering units are suitable for specific waste to treat. While the possibility to change the filtering unit allows to use the tank for different waste product, comprising chemically aggressive products, which would for example compromise filtering units used for domestic sewage. This results in a more versatile and flexible in use equipment (e.g. the tank truck).

As above, said connection means comprise a base comprising a first side, from which said supporting frame develops. In other words, the base (which separates the compartment inner region from the compartment outer region) and the frame (which supports the filtering units) are rigidly connected. This means that it is possible to introduce the filtering units within the tank while closing the tank, with a single movement.

Advantageously said connection means comprises also a flange connectable to a corresponding flange of the manhole. As above, the filtering unit comprises a containment which develops from a second side of said base opposite to said first side. Moreover, the filtering unit comprises control means of the filtering unit itself which are housed in said containment. This feature allows to achieve a more compact equipment. As a matter of facts, usually the control means are located in an external housing made for this mere purpose. Furthermore, this feature makes the control means accessible for purpose of intervention/adjustment. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the collection line passes through the base and ends with an end portion located in an area which is outside the collection compartment (once said base have been connected to said manhole) so that the water filtered by the second module exits from said compartment. This feature achieves a filtering unit which is easy to maintain, since the end portion of the collection line is easily accessible from outside. Furthermore, this feature allows to use or to adapt already existing tank for this use, since it is not necessary to have additional opening in the tank for the exit of the filtered water. When a tank is purposely produced for this use, this feature allows to achieve a simple and cheap tank production process, since no openings must be obtained in the wall of the tank.

Preferably, the frame comprises means for adjusting the extension of the frame itself along a reference direction. This allow obtaining a versatile filtering unit which is usable with different sizes of tanks.

Preferably, the longer dimension of the widest cross section of the portion of filtering unit developing from base first side along developing direction is shorter than the longer dimension of the cross section of the manhole. This allows to obtain a filtering unit which is easy to be inserted in and removed from the collection compartment through the manhole, without additional elements.

The equipment having the features described above allows performing a process for collecting and treating sludge waste comprising a part of water comprising the steps of:.

Since the two filtering operations takes place inside the waste compartment, a step of driving the sludge waste outside compartment before the first filtering step or a step of driving the one stage filtered water outside compartment before the second filtering step it is not actuated.

This process, avoiding to perform a stage of the traditional methods, achieves a faster method and, above all, allows to obtain a more compact and economic equipment to perform the process.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of operation of an equipment for collecting and treating sludge waste comprising a part of water having the features described above, said method comprising the steps of:.

This method allows avoiding the long step of assembling the external apparatuses (pumps, filtering units. ) to the equipment, thus resulting in a simpler, easier and economic method. As a matter of facts, the assembling step has been replaced with the easy step of inserting a complete and compact filtering unit. Step a may be actuated before or after step b.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description provided by way of non-limiting example and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The same reference numbers and letters in the figures refer to the same elements or components.

With reference to the mentioned figures, the present invention relates to an equipment, generally indicated by reference numeral <NUM>, for collecting and treating sludge waste, wherein the term "sludge" indicates waste comprising at least one part of water. Equipment <NUM> comprises at least one tank <NUM> defining a compartment <NUM> for collecting said waste and at least one manhole <NUM> defining a passageway for inserting filtering means into compartment <NUM>. The filtering means comprise at least one filtering unit <NUM> configured to separate the water from the sludge waste and to filter the water itself.

With reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, discussed below, unit <NUM> is at least partially insertable into a tank <NUM> which can be fitted on a vehicle (not shown), so as to configure a tank truck as a whole. Alternatively, tank <NUM> may be arranged on a fixed supporting structure. The sludge may be collected in tank <NUM> by means of suction devices of known type, which are not described because they are not pertinent to the present invention. Tank <NUM> is provided with an opening bottom 2D so as to allow the access of operators for cleaning operations during maintenance of the equipment (tank truck). As shown in the view in <FIG>, tank <NUM> preferably comprises a first sludge waste collection compartment <NUM> and a second compartment <NUM> for collecting the filtered water. The two compartments <NUM>, <NUM> are divided by a partition wall <NUM>, which is either fixed or adjustable in position along the development axis <NUM> of tank <NUM>.

Figures from <NUM> to <NUM> are views from different points of observation of a filtering unit <NUM>. Such a unit <NUM> comprises at least a first filtering module <NUM> and a second filtering module <NUM>, which form respectively a first filtering stage and a second filtering stage of the water contained in the sludge waste. Filtering unit <NUM> is further provided with a circulation line <NUM> configured to transfer the water filtered by the first filtering module <NUM> to the second filtering module <NUM>. The portion of water filtered by the second module <NUM> is advantageously conveyed into a collection line <NUM>, while the portion of water not filtered by the second module <NUM> is conveyed on a discharge line <NUM>.

The filtering unit <NUM> comprises a supporting frame <NUM> which supports the first module <NUM> and the second module <NUM>. In particular, frame <NUM> is configured so as to be insertable through a manhole <NUM> of tank <NUM> for which unit <NUM> is intended so that, once in use, the filtering modules <NUM>, <NUM> are completely arranged inside the tank <NUM>. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "manhole <NUM>" indicates a hollow element which is connected, and preferably welded, to the tank body 2A of tank <NUM> around an opening 2B defined through the tank body <NUM> itself (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Preferably, manhole <NUM> has a circular cross section, the extension of which corresponds to that of said opening 2B. The hollow part of manhole <NUM> and the opening 2B make the first compartment <NUM> communicating with the outside, thus defining a passageway for inserting the frame <NUM> of unit <NUM>.

In order to allow the connection to tank <NUM>, unit <NUM> comprises connection means configured to form a connection between frame <NUM> and tank <NUM> so that the filtering modules <NUM>, <NUM> are completely arranged inside the first compartment <NUM> upon such a connection. In other words, the connection means, which will be better described hereinafter, are positioned and configured so as to allow the filtering unit <NUM> to be at least partially inserted and the filtering modules <NUM>, <NUM> to be completely inserted in compartment <NUM> (which houses the waste), when in use, i.e. once the filtering unit <NUM> has been connected to tank <NUM>.

In the present contest the wordings "completely arranged" and "completely inserted" in compartment <NUM>, referred to the filtering modules <NUM>, <NUM>, mean that each single portion of the filtering modules <NUM>, <NUM> are physically contained, enclosed in compartment <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This figure illustrates a view of the filtering unit <NUM> already connected to tank <NUM> by means of connection means, and thus already inserted and enclosed in compartment <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, such connection means comprise a base <NUM> from a first side 10A of which the frame <NUM> develops. During use, base <NUM> separate the inner region of compartment <NUM> from the outer region. Preferably, base <NUM> has a circular shape.

Preferably, base <NUM> is provided with a flange <NUM> which is connectable, for example through screw/bolt joints, to a corresponding flange <NUM> fixed to the tank <NUM>, preferably at the end of the manhole <NUM>. Preferably, the two flanges <NUM>,<NUM> are circular flats, in particular, they are annular flats. However, the two flanges <NUM>,<NUM>, like the manhole <NUM>, could also be of a different shape.

<FIG> refers to the step of inserting unit <NUM> into tank <NUM> through the manhole <NUM>. Preferably, the manhole <NUM> emerges from the upper portion of body 2A so that filtering unit <NUM> can be inserted/dropped, e.g. by means of a crane or a lift truck, into the tank <NUM> itself according to a substantially vertically insertion direction. The possibility of arranging a manhole <NUM> in another position, and thus defining another insertion direction, is also within the scope of the present invention. Again with reference to <FIG>, the insertion of filtering unit <NUM> is completed when the two flanges <NUM>,<NUM> come into contact. In this condition, as already mentioned, the frame <NUM> is partially inside compartment <NUM> and the two modules <NUM>, <NUM> are completely located inside the same compartment <NUM>, i.e. inside the tank <NUM>. The connection between the two flanges <NUM>,<NUM> further seals the collected material in the tank <NUM>, thus preventing the sludge from exiting through the manhole <NUM>.

From <FIG> it is apparent that inserting filtering unit <NUM> in the manhole <NUM> and closing compartment <NUM> are carried out in the same time. This single step makes the assembling operation even faster.

Filtering unit <NUM> preferably comprises a containment <NUM> which develops from a second side 10B of the base <NUM> opposite to the first side 10A from which frame <NUM> develops. In other words, the position of containment <NUM> is opposite to that of the supporting frame <NUM> with respect to base <NUM>. As apparent from the mentioned <FIG>, after connecting base <NUM> to tank <NUM>, containment <NUM> remains advantageously substantially outside tank <NUM>, i.e. outside the first compartment <NUM>.

Control means of filtering unit <NUM>, i.e. means configured to control the operation of the modules <NUM>, <NUM> and/or of the operative means arranged along the circulation line <NUM> and/or along the collection line <NUM>, are preferably located in the containment <NUM>. The substantially "outer" configuration of containment <NUM> makes the control means advantageously accessible for purpose of intervention/adjustment.

In this regard, according to an embodiment shown in <FIG>, containment <NUM> preferably comprises a hollow body 11A which develops from the mentioned second side 10B of the base <NUM> up to a removable lid 11B which closes the hollow body 11A in a position opposite to base <NUM>. Hooking means 11C adapted to promote lifting of the filtering unit <NUM> are preferably provided to remove lid 11B.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the collection line <NUM> of the water filtered by the second module <NUM> advantageously passes through the base <NUM>.

The portion of the collection line <NUM> collocated downstream base <NUM>, is hereby called collection line stretch portion 80A. Once filtering unit <NUM> is connected to tank <NUM>, the water filtered by the first module <NUM> and by the second module <NUM> may be advantageously conveyed outside the first compartment <NUM>, e.g. into the second compartment <NUM> of the tank <NUM> by means of an end portion 80B of the collection line <NUM>. The filtered water may be used, for example, for washing operations by exploiting the pressure generated by an appropriate pump according to a principle known in itself.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, it is worth noting that the stretch portion 80A of the collection line <NUM> passes through containment <NUM> and the end portion 80B exits from the containment <NUM> to be connected to a further stretch (not shown), which is preferably arranged outside tank <NUM>. This feature is particular relevant because it allows an easy maintenance operation since it is not necessary to go through tank <NUM> to clean and/or repair collection line <NUM> and also because it avoids practicing holes in the tank walls, as explained before.

With reference to the figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, the base <NUM> preferably develops along a plane <NUM> and frame <NUM> prevalently develops along a development direction <NUM> which is substantially orthogonal to plane <NUM>. According to another advantageous aspect of the present invention, frame <NUM> is preferably extensible/retractable in a reference direction. In other words, frame <NUM> is provided with adjustment means which allow to adjust its extension along said reference direction which is preferably parallel to the development direction <NUM> defined above. This technical solution makes unit <NUM> particularly versatile because the extension of frame <NUM> may be adjusted as a function of the diametrical extension of the tank <NUM> for which unit <NUM> is intended. That is to say, adjustable frame <NUM> makes the filtering unit <NUM> usable with different size of tank <NUM>, that is a great advantage.

According to a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, frame <NUM> comprises two longitudinal elements <NUM>, <NUM>, connected to the first side 10A of base <NUM>, which develop along the development direction <NUM> as indicated above. Frame <NUM> further comprises two transversal elements <NUM>, <NUM> which develop prevalently along a transversal direction <NUM> substantially orthogonal to the development direction <NUM>. In particular, a first transversal element <NUM> is connected to the two longitudinal elements <NUM>, <NUM> in a position close to base <NUM>, while a second transversal element <NUM> is connected to the longitudinal elements <NUM>, <NUM> in a position close to a terminal part of the longitudinal elements <NUM>, <NUM> which is opposite to the base <NUM> itself.

With particular reference to the exploded view in <FIG>, it may be seen that, in order to allow the adjustment of the extension of frame <NUM> along the development direction <NUM>, the longitudinal elements <NUM>, <NUM> comprise respectively first terminal part 41A, 42A fixed to the first side 10A of base <NUM> and telescopically inserted into respectively second parts 41B, 42B of the same elements <NUM>, <NUM>. The insertion position of the first part 41A, 42A in the second part 41B, 42B, or vice versa, is established by using screw means <NUM> or other functionally equivalent means. Such an insertion position thus establishes the extension of the frame <NUM> along the development direction <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first filtering module <NUM> comprises a filtering cartridge <NUM> and rotation means to rotate cartridge <NUM> about a rotation axis <NUM>. Frame <NUM> supports the cartridge <NUM> and the rotation means. In particular, the first module <NUM> is supported so that the rotation axis <NUM> of cartridge <NUM> is substantially parallel to the development direction <NUM> of the frame <NUM> itself. In other words, the cartridge <NUM> develops longitudinally along the same development direction <NUM> of frame <NUM>, achieving, in this way a further reduction of encumbrance.

The filtering cartridge <NUM> comprises a main body 211A with a substantially cylindrical development defining an inner cavity (not shown in the figures) and some radial passageways. These latter allow the water to pass from the outside towards said inner cavity, while preventing some material from passing. Main body 211A is closed at its ends by two containment plates 215A, 215B connected in a rotatable way to corresponding brackets 14A, 14B of frame <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in the figures, for example, frame <NUM> comprises a first plate 215A rotatably connected to a first bracket 14A protruding from the first transversal element <NUM>, while a second plate 215B is connected in a rotatable way to a second bracket 14B protruding from the second transversal element <NUM>. As a whole, such rotational connections configure the rotation axis <NUM> of the filtering cartridge <NUM>.

Preferably, the first filtering module <NUM> also comprises scraper means operatively associated with the filtering cartridge <NUM> to scrape the outer surface of the main body 211A during the rotation of the cartridge <NUM> itself. As shown in the figures, such scraper means comprise two scraping blades <NUM> which intervene on the main body 211A at diametrically opposite positions and which are supported at their ends by a corresponding plate <NUM> adjacent to a corresponding containment plate 215A, 215B of cartridge <NUM>. In particular, the scraping blades <NUM> are connected to plates <NUM> so as to slide according to a substantially circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis <NUM> of cartridge <NUM>. Appropriate elastic means act on the scraping blades <NUM>, e.g. helical springs, so as to keep the blades in contact with the outer surface of main body 211A. Thereby, during the rotation of cartridge <NUM>, the solid part of the sludge is scraped out by the outer surface of main body 211A in two diametrically opposite regions.

Preferably, the rotation means comprise a hydraulic motor <NUM> connected to one of the containment plates 215A, 215B so as to rotate the plates 215A, 215B themselves, and the cartridge <NUM> connected thereto as a consequence. In the example shown in the figures, the hydraulic motor <NUM> is installed in a further distal position with respect to base <NUM>, under the containment plate 215B (see <FIG>). Such a plate 215B further defines an opening through which the water filtered by cartridge <NUM> reaches the circulation line <NUM>. Substantially, such an opening defines the outlet of the first filtering module <NUM> connected to the circulation line <NUM>.

According to another aspect of the invention, the circulation line <NUM> comprises a circulation pump <NUM>, actuated by a hydraulic motor <NUM>, the suction of which is connected to the outlet of the first filtering module <NUM> through a first line stretch <NUM>, preferably in the form of piping. The circulation line <NUM> further comprises a second stretch 74A, 74B which connects the delivery of pump <NUM> to the second filtering module <NUM>. In the solution shown in the figures, such a second stretch 74A, 74B is defined by a piping part (which acts as a second stretch 74A) and a terminal part (which acts as a second stretch 74B) of a longitudinal element <NUM> of frame <NUM>. In other words, a hollow portion of a frame element <NUM> is advantageously used as circulation stretch of the water intended to the second filtering module <NUM>. This solution allows to simplify the configuration of the circulation line <NUM> and to further reduce dimensions of the filtering unit <NUM>.

According to another aspect, the second module <NUM> comprises at least one cyclone separator, which includes at least one inlet section 22A communicating with the circulation line <NUM>, a first outlet section 22B communicating with the collection line <NUM> and a second outlet line 22C communicating with the discharge line <NUM>. The cyclone separator has a conformation known per se defined by a substantially cylindrical chamber <NUM> in which the water enters according to a tangential direction to take a spiral (swirling) motion in the chamber <NUM> itself. The chamber <NUM> defines the first outlet section 22B connected to the circulation line <NUM>. The cyclone separator further comprises a conical portion <NUM> underneath the chamber <NUM> and communicating therewith.

Due to the spiral motion imparted to the water, the solid particles of the sludge waste adhere to the inner surface of the cylindrical chamber <NUM> to then slide by gravity along the walls of the conical portion <NUM> to reach the second outlet section 22C defined by the conical portion <NUM> itself. Whereas the water filtered from the solid particles exits from the first outlet section 22A and is conveyed into the collection line <NUM>. According to a preferred embodiment, shown in the figures, the second filtering module <NUM> comprises a plurality of cyclone separators each with the features described above.

With reference to <FIG>, is it worth noting that the inlet section 22A of each cyclone separator is connected to the second stretch 74A of the circulation line <NUM> through a connection stretch <NUM>, preferably of a flexible type. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the first outlet section 22B of each cyclone is communicating with a straight stretch <NUM> of the collection line <NUM> inclined with respect to the development direction <NUM>. Similarly, the second outlet section 22C of each cyclone also communicates with a straight stretch 81A of the discharge line <NUM>, which is substantially parallel to the mentioned straight stretch <NUM> of the collection line <NUM>. This arrangement also contributes to making the structure of filtering unit <NUM> more compact. In this regard, according to another aspect shown in <FIG>, the cyclone separators of the second filtering module <NUM> are preferably arranged on one side of the supporting frame <NUM> opposite to that which supports the first module <NUM>.

The discharge line <NUM> of the water not filtered by the second module <NUM> has a further stretch 81B, which is substantially parallel to the development direction <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. Such a further stretch 81B is positioned downstream of the inclined straight stretch 81A with respect to the flow of water not filtered by the second filtering module <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, once unit <NUM> has been inserted into the first compartment <NUM> of the tank <NUM>, the water not filtered by the second module <NUM> is discharged, through the discharge line <NUM>, into the tank <NUM> itself. On the contrary, the water filtered by the second module <NUM> is conveyed outside the first compartment <NUM> of the tank <NUM> due to the particular configuration conferred by the collection line <NUM>.

According to a further aspect, filtering unit <NUM> comprises anchoring means for stably anchoring frame <NUM> into the compartment <NUM> once filtering unit <NUM> is inserted into the tank <NUM> itself. More specifically, such anchoring means allow to fix frame <NUM> in a stable manner to one or more brackets <NUM> (or supports) fixed inside tank <NUM>, e.g. by welding. In a possible embodiment shown in <FIG>, the brackets <NUM> are fixed to the inner surface of tank <NUM> in a position substantially opposite to the opening of the manhole <NUM> through which frame <NUM> is inserted. Thereby, at least two anchoring points are generated in a position opposite to the base <NUM>, fixed to tank <NUM>. The connection means may comprise screw elements or functionally equivalent elements through which the longitudinal elements <NUM>, <NUM> are fixed to the brackets <NUM>.

With reference to the diagram in <FIG>, the control means of unit <NUM> comprise a controller <NUM> and a hydraulic assembly <NUM> operatively connected to the hydraulic motors <NUM>, <NUM> which actuate pump <NUM> and the rotation of the cartridge <NUM> of the first module <NUM>, respectively. In this regard, filtering unit <NUM> comprises a feeding line <NUM> and a return line <NUM> of the oil for each hydraulic motor <NUM>, <NUM>. The hydraulic assembly <NUM> handles the oil flow through said lines <NUM>, <NUM> and for this purpose comprises solenoid valves (not shown), the activation of which is adjusted by controller <NUM>. In this regard, controller <NUM> sends the control signals to the hydraulic assembly <NUM>, upon which the pump <NUM> and/or the hydraulic motor <NUM> of the first module <NUM> is activated/deactivated. Preferably, the hydraulic assembly <NUM> is configured to manage the operation of pump <NUM> with either fixed displacement or variable displacement.

According to a preferred embodiment, filtering unit <NUM> comprises signaling means <NUM> elastically connected to controller <NUM> to indicate the operative states and/or possible operating anomalies of the filtering modules <NUM>, <NUM>. The signaling means <NUM>, e.g. warning lights, are preferably installed on the hollow body 11A of containment <NUM> so as to be visible from the ground, when mounted.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control means comprise pressure sensor means <NUM> associated with the hydraulic assembly <NUM> arranged within the containment <NUM>. In particular, sensor means <NUM> detect the oil pressure along the feeding line <NUM> of the hydraulic motor <NUM> which actuates pump <NUM>. Such a pressure is indicative of the water flow rate processed by the pump itself. In particular, a pressure line lower than a predetermined value indicates a substantially no-load operation of pump <NUM>, and thus the absence of water in compartment <NUM>. The presence/absence of water in compartment <NUM> is thus monitored by means of sensor means <NUM> which remain outside the compartment itself, as it is housed in containment <NUM>.

The sensor means <NUM> are electrically connected to the controller <NUM> which intervenes on the hydraulic assembly <NUM> as a function of the received pressure signal. In particular, when the filtering unit <NUM> is activated, controller <NUM> sends a control signal to the hydraulic assembly, upon which the hydraulic motor <NUM> of the first module <NUM> and the hydraulic motor <NUM> of pump <NUM> are activated. When the pressure detected by the sensor means <NUM> is higher than a predetermined reference value, the two hydraulic motors <NUM>, <NUM> are maintained in the activated state. Instead, when the pressure is the lower than the reference value, the control <NUM> sends another control signal to the hydraulic assembly <NUM> after which the two hydraulic motors <NUM> and <NUM> are deactivated. The signaling means <NUM> shown above are configured so as to indicate the operative states (activation and deactivation) at least of the first filtering module <NUM> and/or of the pump <NUM>.

In this regard, the driving and diagnosing of controller <NUM> can be performed remotely or alternatively even by exploiting discreet connections with CAN BUS protocol. In the case of a tank truck, the electrical power supply of controller <NUM>, and more in general of the electrical part, is preferably derived from the vehicle which supports the tank itself. In fixed applications, the power supply may be obtained by means of autonomous batteries.

According to another aspect, an ON-OFF valve is provided along the water collection line <NUM>, preferably in the stretch crossing container <NUM>. The purpose of such a valve is to allow the water to pass in the open (ON) position or to prevent it in the closed (OFF) position. Preferably, the ON-OFF valve is also controlled by means of a solenoid valve controlled by controller <NUM>. The latter sends an activation or deactivation signal after which the valve is selectively opened or closed. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, controller <NUM> sends an activation control of the ON-OFF valve after a predetermined period of time from the activation of the hydraulic motor <NUM> which activates the first module <NUM>.

A preferred mode of the control unit according to the invention derives from the above, which comprises at least the steps of:.

It has been seen that this control method allows obtaining optimal filtering conditions and ensuring a constant flow in the collection line <NUM> at the same time. In this regard, it has been seen that the rotary filter of the first module <NUM>, in combination with the second module <NUM>, comprises three cyclone separators to obtain a continuous variable filtering from <NUM> to <NUM> liters/minutes with filtering level from <NUM> to <NUM> microns.

It is worth nothing that filtering unit <NUM> may also be inserted into a tank <NUM> in which the sludge collection compartment has an adjustable extension. For this purpose, the manhole <NUM> will be arranged in an appropriate position or alternatively a plurality of the manholes will be present. In general, due to the configuration of filtering unit <NUM>, the manufacturing and assembly cost for a piece of equipment <NUM> will be advantageously lower than the solutions known from the prior art.

Equipment <NUM> is preferably mounted on a mobile structure so as to form a tank truck, thus preferably, tank <NUM> is a tank of a tank truck.

Advantageously, the longer dimension of the widest cross section of the portion of filtering unit <NUM> developing from first side 10A of base <NUM> along developing direction <NUM> is shorter than the longer dimension of the cross section of the manhole <NUM>. That is to say, the elements of the filtering unit <NUM> located underneath base <NUM> (in the opposite part of containment <NUM>) have an overall encumbrance on a plane parallel to plane <NUM> (comprising base <NUM>) that is smaller than the cross section of manhole <NUM>. When the manhole <NUM> has a circular cross section, as depicted in the figures, the longer dimension of the widest cross section of the above said portion of filtering unit <NUM> is shorter than the diameter of the manhole <NUM>. This achieves a filtering unit <NUM> easily insertable in manhole <NUM> and thus in compartment <NUM>.

Filtering unit <NUM> and manhole <NUM> have complementary geometrical structures in order to allow an easy mutual coupling. In other words, if the manhole <NUM> is substantially cylindrical, also the overall shape of the filtering unit <NUM> is substantially cylindrical in order to allow the insertion of the filtering unit <NUM> in the manhole <NUM>.

A process for collecting and treating the above sludge waste which can be carried out by means of equipment <NUM> comprises a first step of collecting the sludge waste in a compartment <NUM> of a tank <NUM>. In a second step, the sludge waste is filtered in a first filtering module <NUM> inside said compartment <NUM>. Then, at least one portion of said one stage filtered water is conveyed and further filtered in a second filtering module <NUM> inside said compartment <NUM>. Finally, the two stages filtered water is conveyed outside compartment <NUM> and thus outside tank <NUM>.

In this process the sludge waste is not driven outside compartment <NUM> before the first filtering step nor is the one stage filtered water driven outside compartment <NUM> before the second filtering step. As a matter of facts, the two filtering stages are performed inside compartment <NUM>.

According to a further aspect, the present invention concerns a method of operation of an equipment <NUM> for collecting and treating sludge waste comprising a part of water. Said equipment <NUM> comprising a tank <NUM> and at least one filtering unit <NUM>, said tank <NUM> defining a compartment <NUM> and a manhole <NUM>, said filtering unit <NUM> comprising at least a first filtering module <NUM> and a second filtering module <NUM>. The method comprising the steps of:.

These steps may be sequentially actuated in the above-mentioned chronology or in a different order. For example, step b may be actuated before or after step a. In particular, when the equipment <NUM> is mounted on a tank truck, step a is actuated before step b. When the equipment <NUM> is mounted on an immovable chassis, both orders may be used.

Claim 1:
Equipment (<NUM>) for collecting and treating sludge waste comprising a part of water, said equipment (<NUM>) comprising at least one tank (<NUM>) defining at least one compartment (<NUM>) for the collection of said waste, said tank (<NUM>) comprising at least one manhole (<NUM>) which defines a passageway for the insertion of filtering means in said compartment (<NUM>), characterized in that said filtering means comprise at least one filtering unit (<NUM>) for separating and filtering the water contained in the sludge waste, said filtering unit (<NUM>) being at least partially insertable within said compartment (<NUM>) through said manhole (<NUM>), wherein said filtering unit (<NUM>) comprises:
- a first filtering module (<NUM>) and a second filtering module (<NUM>) for filtering said water;
- a circulation line (<NUM>) between said filtering modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) and configured to transfer the water filtered by said first filtering module (<NUM>) to said second filtering module (<NUM>);
- a collection line (<NUM>, 80A) to collect and convey the water filtered by said second filtering module (<NUM>), outside compartment (<NUM>);
- a supporting frame (<NUM>) which supports said filtering modules (<NUM>, <NUM>) and which is suitable to be partially or completely inserted in said compartment (<NUM>) through said manhole (<NUM>) of said tank (<NUM>); and
- connection means configured to form a connection between said frame (<NUM>) and said tank (<NUM>) so that said filtering modules (<NUM>, <NUM>) are completely arranged within said compartment (<NUM>) upon such a connection,
wherein said connection means comprise a base (<NUM>) comprising a first side (10A) from which said supporting frame (<NUM>) develops, and wherein said filtering unit (<NUM>) further comprises a containment (<NUM>) which develops from a second side (10B) of said base (<NUM>) opposite to said first side (10A) of said base (<NUM>), and control means of said filtering unit (<NUM>) housed in said containment (<NUM>).