FR2957945A1 - Algae collecting unit for preventing coastline from pollution, has conveyor chain or belt located in rear side of curved guide and loaded by endless screw through opening in guide, and plane arranged transverse to vehicle travel direction - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit has a plane (1) arranged transverse to vehicle travel direction and located below two motorized endless screws (4, 5), where the plane comprises an upper surface forming an angle with a ground surface. A curved guide (3) is jointed to a rear end of the plane and arranged parallel to an axis of each motorized endless screw, where algae (ALG) are taken from the plane and conveyed in the guide by the endless screw. A conveyor chain or belt (7) is located in a rear side of the guide and loaded by the endless screw through an opening (8) in the guide. An independent claim is also included for an algae collecting vehicle comprising a motorized conveyor chain or belt loading vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to an organ for collecting algae that pollute the beaches.

Algae have proliferated for several years on the coast, and especially in the bottom of relatively closed bays. The nutrients that promote the growth of algae are brought by rivers flowing into the bay, it is nitrates from agricultural fertilizers. The luminosity crosses the low water level present in the bay and promotes the development of algae.

The affected algae are in the form of soft sheets of a few cm2 suspended in water, they multiply in particular by dividing a leaf into two smaller ones. The volume of algae present in the water can thus double in 3 days. Tidal movements and waves deposit a large amount of algae every day on the beach. The thick deposits of algae degrade on the beach in a few days, a phase of putrefaction generates decomposition gases including methane, hydrogen sulphide. These gases are harmful to human and animal health, and mainly to sulphurous hydrogen. They are present in the deposit of algae and emerge when touched. Today, coastal municipalities only pick up algae stranded on the beaches. Loading machines are used such as backhoe loaders, diggers, machines equipped with buckets pick up the algae on the surface of the sand then load them in transport vehicles, often agricultural tractors and trailers.

This process has several drawbacks among which:

it takes a part of sand which is evacuated with the algae it does not have the possibility of eliminating the water present in the deposits of algae, one thus transports a volume of useless water. the productivity of the process is limited, especially when the thickness of the deposits is low -2- - The personnel is not protected from the fumes of toxic gases in these machines.

The present invention is intended to overcome these disadvantages.

For this purpose, the organ for collecting algae adapted to a collection vehicle, is remarkable, according to the invention, in that four elements cooperate: 10 - a worm motorized in rotation along a horizontal axis substantially transverse to the direction of vehicle advancement. Said worm attacks the deposit of algae and participates in conveying it in the vehicle to a loading member, 15 - a planer, substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance of the pickup vehicle, located under said worm, and the upper face forms an angle with the surface of the ground. As the vehicle advances, the plane pushes the algae in front of it until they meet enough resistance to slide on its inclined top face and be caught by the turns of said worm. The height of the plane relative to the ground is controlled to prevent the loss of algae and to reduce the amount of sand carried away, a curved substantially cylinder-shaped guide, which joins the rear end of said plane, and substantially parallel to the axis of said motorized worm. The algae are taken from said plane and then conveyed in the guide by said worm, a belt or conveyor chain located behind the guide, loaded by said worm through an opening in said guide. According to a variant of the invention, said opening is in the center of the guide and said worm has two inverted-pitch turns which pick up the algae while conveying them in the axis of said pick-up vehicle. Advantageously, said pickup member is attached to said pick-up vehicle by a jacking system -3- pressurized, and also has pads or wheels to slide or roll on the ground. By means of a controlled pressure in said lifting system cylinders, a large part of the weight of said pickup member is supported by said pickup vehicle.

Said collection member can roll or slide on the sand without sinking, and accurately follow the ground surface to ensure accurate picking that minimizes the amount of sand carried with the algae. Moreover said motorized worm has aggressive forms with knives, or bats, or with peaks or teeth intended to attack the thick deposits of algae to facilitate their conveyance by the turns of said worm. Said aggressive forms are integral with the coil or attached to the tube of said worm.

In addition, to improve the cleaning of the range, the position of said plane relative to said worm can be adjusted by varying: - the angle of the upper face of said plane relative to the ground surface, - the free height between said plane and said worm, - the longitudinal position of said plane under said worm. It takes better advantage of the organ to pick up the algae deposited on the beach when at least one of the plane, the guide or the conveyor belt is perforated to evacuate part of the sand and water contained in the algae. Preferably, said collection vehicle is remarkable in that it has a loading device belt or motorized conveyor chain which loads in a transport vehicle algae collected by said pickup vehicle.

In addition, said collection vehicle has a means of storing algae allowing it to transport the collected algae to unload at a defined location or transfer them in a transport vehicle. Said storage means can take the form of a bucket, hopper, tank and offers the said collection vehicle a working autonomy, indeed it can proceed to the collection without the permanent presence of a transport vehicle. The productivity of the collection site is thus increased.

Advantageously, said collection vehicle has a means of eliminating all or part of the water contained in the algae, according to the invention the algae are conveyed and pressed between perforated mats or rollers, the pressure force between the pressing elements is variable and adjustable. It will be easier and cheaper to transport the algae cleared of water. The algae collection vehicle is also remarkable in that it has a heat engine that provides the energy necessary for the movement of said vehicle and the animation of the collection and loading of algae. The driving position of said pick-up vehicle is covered by a glazed and gas-tight cabin. The glazed cabin is equipped with a ventilation system that draws outside air through filters that trap the harmful gases resulting from the decomposition of algae. The driver of said collection vehicle is therefore protected from any inhalation of gas. In some cases, the algae collection vehicle will be equipped with a raking unit which has a motorized rotor on a horizontal axis and substantially inclined relative to the axis of advance of the pick-up vehicle, so as to drive out algae laterally to the worked area. Flexible flails, fixed radially to said rotor rake the surface of the sand and fade if they encounter an obstacle. Their flexibility makes it possible to recover the algae despite the irregularity of the soil surface without taking a large quantity of sand. The flails can be installed in alignments or spirals around the rotor. They may consist of elastomeric or plastic straps, flexible steel blades, metal teeth comprising an elastic portion such as a spring spiral. FIGURE DRAWINGS

The attached drawing figures will make it clear how the invention can be realized. In these figures, identical references designate like elements.

Figure 1A is a longitudinal sectional view of an algae collection member deposited on the beach according to the invention and adapted to the front of a collection vehicle 10 shown in part. Figure 1B shows the same collector alone in perspective. Figure 2 shows a worm with aggressive forms according to the invention. FIG. 3 shows a member for collecting algae with perforated elements according to the invention. FIG. 4 shows a first way of making an algae collection vehicle according to the invention, it is a perspective view of an algae collecting vehicle driven by an agricultural tractor, and equipped with a pickup member algae deposited on the beach according to the invention. FIG. 5 shows another way of making a collection vehicle according to the invention, it is a perspective view of a self-propelled seaweed collection vehicle equipped with a member for collecting algae deposited on the beach according to the invention. invention. Fig. 6A shows the same self-propelled pickup vehicle in side view Fig. 6B shows the same self-propelled pickup vehicle in top view Fig. 6C shows the same self-propelled pickup vehicle in front view during loading of a pickup vehicle transport.

In the figures, an arrow with the mark (AV) represents the direction of advance of the vehicle concerned and the deposition of algae is designated under the reference (ALG). In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the pickup member algae deposited on the beach by the tide is shown. A plane (1) substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance of said pickup vehicle scrapes the algae on the surface of the sand (S). He pushes the algae in front of him until they meet enough resistance to slide on his sloping upper face (2). A guide (3) in the form of a cylinder portion is tangent to the rear end of the plane (1). The position of the plane relative to the guide is adjustable by means of bolt fasteners, thereby adjusting the working depth of the plane (1), but also to compensate for the wear of the part of the plane in friction with the sand. Two worms (4) and (5) motorized, rotating along a horizontal axis and substantially coaxial with the guide, attack the algae deposit (ALG) and make it climb on the plane (1) and then walk in the guide (3). The endless screws (4) and (5) have their not reversed and turn on the same axis, they thus route the algae to the center of the guide (3). Two side deflectors (6) prevent the algae from escaping on the sides of the collector. A conveyor belt (7) is loaded by the worm (4) and (5) through an opening (8) in the center of the guide (3). It transports the collected algae into the pickup vehicle. The collection member must work as close to the sand as possible to recover as much seaweed as possible without carrying any sand. It is equipped with skids (9) adjustable by means of hydraulic cylinders (10) which slide on the sand to precisely follow the surface of the ground (S).

Figure 2 shows worm (4) and (5) equipped with aggressive elements to attack the deposition of algae: knives (11), peaks (12), bats (13) and teeth (14).

FIG. 3 shows an algae collection member with perforated elements for evacuating part of the water and sand contained in the algae: the plane (1) has comb-shaped openings (15), the guide (3) ) has lights (16), the belt conveyor (7) is perforated, it is composed of bars -7- (17) connected to two traction chains (18). To facilitate understanding of the figure, the worm (5) is not shown.

FIG. 4 shows an algae collection vehicle which is equipped with an algae collection member (19) deposited on the beach according to the invention and comprising two worms (4) and (5). . In this embodiment, the collection vehicle comprises a frame (20), an axle (21) equipped with wheels (22), a drawbar (23). He is trained and towed by an agricultural tractor (TRA). The algae picked up by the pickup member (19) are conveyed by a conveyor belt (24) and transferred by a load conveyor chain (25) into a transport vehicle (VT). The loading chain is driven by a hydraulic motor (26). Also shown in this figure a pressure pad (27) located above the loading chain. The algae are pressed between the perforated loading chain (25) and the pressing belt (27). The water expelled from the collected algae falls to the ground under the perforated loading chain (25). The collection of algae by this process requires the simultaneous presence of a transport vehicle (VT) which moves parallel to the same speed. The collection vehicle thus loads the transport vehicle simultaneously with the collection. In the absence of a transport vehicle, the pickup must stop.

The vehicle represented in FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B and 6C is a self-propelled vehicle which is equipped with a member (19) for collecting the algae deposited on the beach in accordance with the invention and comprising two worms (4) and (5). A diesel engine (28) provides the energy necessary for its displacement and the drive of its working members; the driver of said vehicle takes place on a driving position (29) protected by a sealed cabin (30). The collection vehicle is equipped with two motorized axles (31) equipped with wheels (32) wide limiting its penetration into the sand. In the example presented, the algae collected by the pickup member (19) are conveyed, by a conveyor belt (33), pressed by a pressing belt (34) and then transferred by a loading chain (35). in a transport vehicle (VT). The pressure pad (34) exerts a pressure force towards the conveyor belt (33), the algae are pressed and the water is forced through the carpet (33) which is perforated. The pressure force of the belt (34) is variable and adjustable, by means of pilot-operated hydraulic cylinders (not shown). The frame (36) carries on its rear part a storage hopper (37). The collection vehicle can thus perform the collection and simultaneously fill the storage hopper (37), thus allowing the collected algae to be transported for unloading at a defined location or loaded into a transport vehicle (VT). A chain moving floor (38) returns the algae contained in the storage hopper (37) to the loading chain (35), which is then drained into the transport vehicle (VT). In this case, the collection never stops, in the presence of a transport vehicle the emptying can be carried out continuously, in the absence of a transport vehicle collected algae accumulate in the storage hopper . This results in the best profitability and the best productivity of the pickup vehicle. The loading chain (35) is shown in its working position in Figs. 6B and 6C. When the collection vehicle is traveling on the road, the loading chain (35) is folded in order to respect the vehicle's road gauge.

The collection vehicle shown in Figure 4 comprises an arm (39) articulated on the frame (20) which supports at its end the pickup member (19). A hydraulic cylinder (40) activates the arm (39) to lift the pickup member (19). Similarly, the self-propelled pickup vehicle shown in FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B and 6C has a hitching device which comprises two lower arms (41) and (42) articulated at their end on the frame (36) of the vehicle and each held by a hydraulic jack (43), at their end the arms (41) and (42) carry the pickup member (19). An upper arm (44) forming substantially a parallelogram with the lower arms (41) and (42), allows the raising of the pickup member (19) in a plane always parallel to the ground. In order to ensure accurate picking which minimizes the amount of sand carried with the algae, hydraulic pressure is maintained in each cylinder (40) or (43) allowing the respective hitching devices to carry a large portion of the weight. the collecting member (19) allowing the latter to slide on the sand without sinking since the pads (9) only support a small load.

Figures 5 and 6 show a remarkable feature of the invention in that the pickup vehicle is equipped with a driver protection system which filters out harmful gases. The glazed and gas-tight cabin (30) covers the driving station (29) of the collection vehicle, the driver is protected from harmful gas emissions: the ventilation of the cabin draws outside air through a filter (45) that eliminates harmful gases.

Figures 5 and 6 show an example of use of a raking member installed under an algae collection vehicle. This member can be used alone or complete the work of the pickup member (19) which can leave some algae residues in the asperities of the soil. The flails (46) attached to the rotating rotor (47) rake the sand and drive the algae residues to the right side of the vehicle in the area where the algae have not yet been collected. The collection member (19) will collect the residues during the next passage of the vehicle by picking up the next slice of algae deposited on the sand. In the same way as the pickup member, the raking member is raised or put into the working position by a lifting system with hydraulic jack (48) which actuates two arms (49) and (50) forming a parallelogram and articulated to the frame (36).

The vehicle and the organ for collecting polluting algae are particularly intended for cleaning the beaches of the coast.

Claims (4)

CLAIMS1) Pollutant harvesting organ algae beaches of the type moved by any vehicle by means of a lifting system with pressure jack, capable of raising in position of road said pickup member or put in position working, characterized in that it comprises associated: At least one worm motorized in rotation along an axis parallel to the ground and substantially transverse to the direction of advance of said vehicle. Said worm attack and disintegrates the deposition of algae and participates in conveying it in the vehicle, - a plane, substantially transverse to the direction of advance of said vehicle, located under said motorized worm screw, and whose upper face forms an angle with the surface of the ground. - A curved guide which joins the rear end of said plane, and substantially parallel to the axis of said motorized worm. The algae are taken from said plane and then conveyed in the guide by said worm, a belt or conveyor chain located behind the guide, loaded by said worm through an opening in said guide. 2) organ collecting the algae deposited on the beach by the tide according to claim 1, characterized in that: it has at least one pad or wheel placed on the ground which defines the working height of said pickup member, and a large part of the weight of said pickup member is supported by said pick-up vehicle by means of a controlled pressure held in said one or more cylinders of said lifting system. 3) The algae collection body deposited on the beach by the tide according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the motorized worm has aggressive forms with knives, or bats, or picks or teeth. 4) The algae collection body deposited on the beach by tide according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the position of said plane relative to the worm is adjustable according to at least one of these features. - Angle of the upper face of said plane relative to the ground surface, - free height between said plane and said worm, longitudinal position of said plane. 7) The algae collection member deposited on the beach by the tide according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of said plane, said guide or said conveyor belt is perforated. 8) A seaweed collection vehicle equipped with a collection member according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a loading device with a belt or motorized conveyor belt which discharges the collected algae out of said vehicle. pick up or load them in a transport vehicle. 9) algae collection vehicle according to claim 6 characterized in that it has a hopper for storing the algae that it collects allowing said collecting vehicle to transport the collected algae to unload at a defined location or transfer them to a transport vehicle. 10) collecting vehicle according to one of claims 6 or 7 35 characterized in that the algae are conveyed and pressed between perforated conveyor belts and / or rollers to partially eliminate the water contained in the algae, according to the invention, the 15-12 pressure force between said mats or pressure rollers may be variable and adjustable. 9) algae collection vehicle according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: - a heat engine provides the energy required for the movement of said vehicle and the collection and loading organs of algae, - its position of driving is equipped with a harmful gas filtration system to protect the driver of said vehicle. 10) algae collection vehicle according to one of claims 6 to 9, equipped in addition to a raking member of the algae deposited on the beach by the tide, characterized in that it comprises: a motorized rotor in rotation on a horizontal axis and substantially inclined relative to the axis of advance of the collection vehicle, flexible flails, fixed radially to said rotor, which rake the surface of the sand and fade if they encounter an obstacle.