WO2024168398A1

WO2024168398A1 - Nozzle

Info

Publication number: WO2024168398A1
Application number: PCT/AU2024/050113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Russell Norman
Original assignee: Innovative Mining Services Aust Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Innovative Mining Services Aust Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-17
Filing date: 2024-02-16
Publication date: 2024-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-17

Abstract

A nozzle for a wash system, wherein the nozzle is configured to rotate around an axis, wherein the nozzle comprises; a wall describing an arc around the axis, and an outlet configured to direct fluid away from the axis, wherein the outlet does not protrude substantially beyond the wall.

Description

Title

Nozzle

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a nozzle.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a nozzle of an automated wash system.

Background

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Wash systems, particularly automated wash systems, may emit a spray or jet of water from a nozzle, that is directed toward a selected location for washing.

[0005] The nozzle may be moved through a pre-set path to direct the water to cover a target are to be washed.

[0006] In some cases, for example in areas with significant amounts of debris or dirt build up, the nozzle can be impeded in its path, thus being unable to adequately clean the entire target area.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to provide a nozzle having improved capability to wash an area.

[0008] Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0009] Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Summary of Invention

[0010] Unless the contrary is apparent, embodiments of the principal aspects, and any of those described below, may comprise or incorporate, either individually or in combination, any of the following features.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a nozzle comprising a wall and an outlet, wherein the outlet is recessed into the wall so that it does not protrude substantially beyond the wall.

[0012] In an embodiment, the nozzle is configured to rotate around an axis, and wherein the outlet is arranged to directed fluid in a generally radial direction away from the axis.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a nozzle comprising an outlet configured to move along a path, wherein the nozzle comprises a wall configured to prevent matter from entering the path.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a nozzle comprising an outlet configured to traverse along an arced path, wherein the nozzle comprises a wall configured to prevent matter from entering the path.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a nozzle for a wash system, wherein the nozzle is configured to rotate around an axis, wherein the nozzle comprises a wall describing an arc around the axis, and an outlet configured to direct fluid away from the axis, wherein the outlet does not protrude substantially beyond the wall.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a nozzle comprising a cylindrical wall and an outlet recessed into the cylindrical wall, so that the outlet does not protrude beyond the cylindrical wall.

[0017] In an embodiment, the outlet is arranged to directed fluid in a generally radial direction away from the axis. [0018] In an embodiment, the outlet is configured to discharge fluid from the nozzle.

[0019] In an embodiment, the nozzle is rotatable around an axis.

[0020] In an embodiment, the nozzle comprises an upper surface and a lower surface.

[0021] In an embodiment, the nozzle comprises an inlet located on the upper surface, wherein the inlet is configured to receive fluid, and wherein the fluid is directed from the inlet to the outlet via a water channel.

[0022] In an embodiment, the water channel is shaped to alter the direction of flow of fluid from a generally axial direction, to a generally radial direction.

[0023] In an embodiment, the water channel comprises a surface that is smoother than at least one other surface of the nozzle.

[0024] In an embodiment, the fluid comprises water.

[0025] In an embodiment, the inlet further comprises a flange.

[0026] In an embodiment, the flange comprises a threaded section configured to engage with a corresponding threaded section of a wash system.

[0027] In an embodiment, the flange and the inlet are not concentric.

[0028] In an embodiment, the inlet is offset from the flange in a substantially opposite direction to the outlet.

[0029] In an embodiment, the inlet is offset from the flange in a direction that is opposite to the relative position of the outlet, when viewed along the axis of the nozzle.

[0030] In an embodiment, the offset is configured to enable the water channel to travel around a greater radius than if the inlet were concentric with the axis of the nozzle.

[0031] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the lower surface is conical.

[0032] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the upper surface is conical. [0033] In an embodiment, the outlet comprises an adjustable portion to alter a characteristic of a discharge of fluid from the nozzle.

[0034] In an embodiment, the outlet comprises a removeable tip.

[0035] In an embodiment, the removeable tip is interchangeable with other removeable tips, where each removable tip comprises different size and/or shape of orifice.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of washing an area using a nozzle comprising a cylindrical wall having an axis, and an outlet recessed into the cylindrical wall, the method comprising rotating the nozzle through an arc whilst spraying fluid from the outlet toward the area.

[0037] In an embodiment, the outlet is arranged to directed fluid in a generally radial direction away from the axis.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a nozzle for a wash system, the kit of parts comprising a nozzle comprising a wall and an outlet, and a plurality of interchangeable removeable tips, wherein the outlet is recessed into the wall so that it does not protrude substantially beyond the wall, and wherein the outlet is configured to receive any one of the removeable tips.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0039] In order to provide a better understanding, embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a top view of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a front view of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the invention, with a section line depicted.

Figure 4 is a section view of the nozzle depicted in Figure 3, through the section line. Description of Embodiments

[0040] Referring to the figures, according to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a nozzle 10 configured to rotate around an axis 12, wherein the nozzle 10 comprises a wall 20 and an outlet 30, wherein the outlet 30 is recessed into the wall 20 so that it does not protrude substantially beyond the wall 20, the outlet 30 is arranged to directed fluid in a generally radial direction away from the axis 12.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a nozzle 10 comprising an outlet 30 configured to move along a path, wherein the nozzle 30 comprises a wall 20 configured to prevent matter from entering the path.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a wash system comprising a nozzle 10 configured to rotate around an axis 12, wherein the nozzle 10 comprises a wall 20 describing an arc around the axis 12, and an outlet 30 configured to direct fluid away from the axis 12, wherein the outlet 30 does not protrude substantially beyond the wall 20.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a nozzle 10 comprising a cylindrical wall 20 and an outlet 30 recessed into the cylindrical wall 20, so that the outlet does not protrude beyond the cylindrical wall 20.

[0044] Wash systems can operate in locations that get clogged and blocked with debris. One such example of a wash system is along a conveyor, with wash stations positioned at numerous intervals, where media, such as ores or concentrates may be conveyed and potentially spilled into an area around the conveyor.

[0045] Conventional automated wash systems can comprise a series of stations spaced apart along a length of conveyor, each station comprising a jet or cannon that emits high pressure water in an oscillating pattern across the target area. The series of stations, and the target area of each, are selected so that an entire area around the conveyor can be periodically cleaned according to a pre-set cycle. Automated wash systems may also be manually operable, for example to clean either a section of a target area, at a time that is outside of the cycle time defined by the automated system.

[0046] The cannons are therefore able to clean a defined area, but if the path of the cannon becomes blocked by debris, the cannon can be prevented from moving through the path required to wash the target area, and therefore the entire area along the series of stations.

[0047] The nozzle 10 of the present invention comprises the wall 20, with the outlet 30 being recessed so that it does not protrude beyond the wall 20.

[0048] The wall 20 prevents debris from entering the space through which the outlet 30 passes, and therefore prevents any initial build up of debris that may inhibit the wash operation.

[0049] In embodiments comprising a cylindrical wall 20, the shape of the wall 20 enables the nozzle 10 to be turned even if the entire nozzle 10 is covered in debris, for example caked in mud, by having no surface that protrudes into the mud, the force required to turn the nozzle is minimised and thus facilitates de-clogging when caked in mud.

[0050] In an embodiment, the outlet 30 is configured to discharge fluid from the nozzle 10.

[0051] In an embodiment, the nozzle 10 is rotatable around an axis 12.

[0052] In an embodiment, the nozzle 10 comprises an upper surface 40 and a lower surface 50.

[0053] In an embodiment, the nozzle 10 comprises an inlet 60 located on the upper surface 40, wherein the inlet 60 is configured to receive fluid, and wherein the fluid is directed from the inlet 60 to the outlet 30 via a water channel 70.

[0054] The wash system station may be a tall structure having a water inlet, with the nozzle 10 being fitted toward a lower position, so that water is emitted from the station close to the ground or floor that is being cleaned. It is practical therefore that the water or fluid enters the nozzle through the inlet 60 on the upper surface 40.

[0055] The outlet 30 may be configured to emit the water in a substantially horizontal direction, or may be directed slightly downward toward the floor.

[0056] The water channel 70 directs the water from the inlet to the outlet.

[0057] In an embodiment, the water channel 70 comprises a surface that is smoother than at least one other surface of the nozzle 10. The smoother surface of the water channel 70 reduces frictional losses and therefore improves performance of the nozzle 10.

[0058] In an embodiment, the fluid comprises water. The fluid is expected to predominantly be water, although it is conceivable that additives may be used in particular situations, and even alternative fluids, for example to facilitate clean-up after a hazardous spill.

[0059] In an embodiment, the inlet further comprises a flange 80.

[0060] In an embodiment, the flange 80 comprises a threaded section 82 configured to engage with a corresponding threaded section of a wash system.

[0061] In an embodiment, the flange 80 and the inlet 60 are not concentric.

[0062] In an embodiment, the inlet 60 is offset from the flange 80 in a direction that is substantially away from the outlet 30.

[0063] In an embodiment, the inlet 60 is offset from the flange 80 in a direction that is opposite to the relative position of the outlet 30, when viewed along the axis 12 of the nozzle 10.

[0064] In an embodiment, the offset is configured to enable the water channel 70 to travel around a greater radius than if the inlet 60 were concentric with the axis 12 of the nozzle 10. The greater radius enabled by the offset allows the water or fluid to pass more effectively and with reduced losses, providing an improved jet from the outlet 30.

[0065] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the lower surface 50 is conical.

[0066] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the upper surface 40 is conical.

[0067] Conical surfaces, especially on the lower surface 50, reduce the likelihood of the nozzle being prevented from turning by the presence of a hard object such as a rock, which is more readily dislodged by a conical surface than by a flat surface.

[0068] In an embodiment, the outlet 30 comprises an adjustable portion to alter a characteristic of a discharge of fluid from the nozzle 10. The outlet 30 having an adjustable portion allows the target area of the nozzle to be accommodated more readily. For example, where an outlet 30 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the distance the fluid sprays, the breadth of the spray or the direction with relation to the nozzle 10, for example upwards to downwards, the target area of a nozzle 10 can be adjusted to suit the need of a particular wash station.

[0069] In an embodiment, the outlet 30 comprises a removeable tip 32.

[0070] In an embodiment, the removeable tip 32 is interchangeable with other removeable tips 32, where each removable tip 32 comprises different size and/or shape of orifice. In a similar manner to the adjustable portion of the outlet 30, the outlet comprising removeable tips 32 enables the nozzle 10 to be adjusted to suit the need of a particular wash station.

[0071] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of washing an area using a nozzle 10 comprising a cylindrical wall 20 having an axis 12, and an outlet 30 recessed into the cylindrical wall 20, the method comprising rotating the nozzle 10 through an arc whilst spraying fluid from the outlet 30 toward the area.

[0072] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a nozzle 10 for a wash system, the kit of parts comprising a nozzle 10 comprising a wall 20 and an outlet 30, and, wherein the outlet 30 is recessed into the wall 20 so that it does not protrude substantially beyond the wall 20.

[0073] In an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises a plurality of interchangeable removeable tips 32, and wherein the outlet 30 is configured to receive any one of the removeable tips 32.

[0074] The kit of parts may be provided as a means to replace existing cannons or jets on wash systems, for example in cases in which build up of debris is a problem.

[0075] The skilled reader would readily appreciate the nature of the materials appropriate for making the components of the embodiments of the arrangements described herein. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are intended to be covered by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A nozzle for a wash system, wherein the nozzle is configured to rotate around an axis, wherein the nozzle comprises; a wall describing an arc around the axis, and an outlet configured to direct fluid away from the axis, wherein the outlet does not protrude substantially beyond the wall.

2. A nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is arranged to directed fluid in a generally radial direction away from the axis.

3. A nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle comprises an upper surface and a lower surface.

4. A nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle comprises an inlet located on the upper surface, wherein the inlet is configured to receive fluid, and wherein the fluid is directed from the inlet to the outlet via a water channel.

5. A nozzle according to claim 4, wherein the water channel is shaped to alter the direction of flow of fluid, from a generally axial direction to a generally radial direction.

6. A nozzle according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the water channel comprises a surface that is smoother than at least one other surface of the nozzle.

7. A nozzle according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the inlet further comprises a flange.

8. A nozzle according to claim 7, wherein the flange comprises a threaded section configured to engage with a corresponding threaded section of a wash system.

9. A nozzle according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the flange and the inlet are not concentric.

10. A nozzle according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the inlet is offset from the flange in a substantially opposite direction to the outlet.

11. A nozzle according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the inlet is offset from the flange in a direction that is opposite to the relative position of the outlet, when viewed along the axis of the nozzle.

12. A nozzle according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the offset is configured to enable the water channel to travel around a greater radius than if the inlet were concentric with the axis of the nozzle.

13. A nozzle according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4 to 12 when dependent upon claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the lower surface is conical.

14. A nozzle according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4 to 13 when dependent upon claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface is conical.

15. A nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet comprises an adjustable portion to alter a characteristic of a discharge of fluid from the nozzle.

16. A nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet comprises a removeable tip.

17. nozzle according to claim 16, wherein the removeable tip is interchangeable with other removeable tips, where each removable tip comprises different size and/or shape of orifice.

18. A method of washing an area using a nozzle comprising a cylindrical wall having an axis, and an outlet recessed into the cylindrical wall, wherein the outlet is arranged to directed fluid in a generally radial direction away from the axis, the method comprising rotating the nozzle through an arc whilst spraying fluid from the outlet toward the area.

19. A kit of parts for a nozzle for a wash system, the kit of parts comprising a nozzle comprising a wall and an outlet, and a plurality of interchangeable removeable tips, wherein the outlet is recessed into the wall so that it does not protrude substantially beyond the wall, and wherein the outlet is configured to receive any one of the removeable tips.

20. A nozzle comprising a wall and an outlet, wherein the nozzle is configured to rotate around an axis, wherein the outlet is recessed into the wall so that it does not protrude substantially beyond the wall, and wherein the outlet is arranged to directed fluid in a generally radial direction away from the axis.