SEPARATOR, SEPARATOR SYSTEM AND METHODS OF THEIR OPERATION

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method of operating a separator (1,1a, 1b) for separating particles from a particle-laden airflow. The method comprises receiving, in the controller (18), a separation unit status signal from the separation unit status sensor (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), deriving, in the controller (18), separator status data based on the separation unit status signal, communicating, via the communication device (19), the separator status data to the external unit (1a, 1b, 26), receiving, via the communication device (19), incoming control data from the external unit (1a, 1b, 26), determining, in the controller (18), based on the separator status data and based on the incoming control data, whether to initiate separating unit maintenance, and selectively initiating separating unit maintenance based on said determination. The disclosure also provides a separator for implementing the method and a system comprising two or more such separators.

Claims

1. A method of operating a separator (1, 1a, 1b) for separating particles, such as dust and small debris, from a particle-laden airflow, the separator (1, 1a, 1b) comprising: an inlet for the particle-laden airflow, the inlet comprising a hose connection, a separation unit (11, 12, 13), a motor (15), configured to draw the particle-laden airflow from the inlet and through the separation unit (1, 1a, 1b), at least one separation unit status sensor (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), a controller (18), operatively connected to the electric motor (15) and to the separation unit status sensor (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 4), and a communication device (19), operatively connected to the controller (18) for communication with at least one unit external (1a, 1b, 26) to the separator (1, 1a, 1b), the method comprising: receiving, in the controller (18), a separation unit status signal from the separation unit status sensor (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), deriving, in the controller (18), separator status data based on the separation unit status signal, communicating, via the communication device (19), the separator status data to the external unit (1a, 1b, 26), receiving, via the communication device (19), incoming control data from the external unit (1a, 1b, 26), determining, in the controller (18), based on the separator status data and based on the incoming control data, whether to initiate separating unit maintenance, and selectively initiating separating unit maintenance based on said determination.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the separator status data comprises one of: an indication that separating unit maintenance is imminent, an indication that separating unit maintenance is in progress, and an indication that no separating unit maintenance is imminent.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the incoming control data comprises one of: an indication that the separator is allowed to initiate separating unit maintenance, an indication that triggers separating unit maintenance, and an indication that separating unit maintenance must not be initiated.

4. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising receiving motor status data, wherein the separator status data comprises the motor status data.

5. The method as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein the incoming control data comprises motor status data of another separator (1a, 1b), and wherein the method further comprises controlling the motor (15) based on the motor status data.

6. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: generating, in the controller (18), junction valve control data, and sending, via the communication device (19), the junction control data to an airflow junction valve controller.

7. A separator for separating particles, such as dust and small debris, from a particle-laden airflow, comprising: an inlet for the particle-laden airflow, the inlet comprising a hose connection, a separation unit (11, 12, 13), a motor (15), configured to draw the particle-laden airflow from the inlet and through separation unit (1, 1a, 1b), at least one separation unit status sensor (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), and a controller (18), operatively connected to the electric motor and to the separation unit status sensor (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), characterized by a communication device (19), operatively connected to the controller (18) for communication with at least one unit external (1a, 1b) to the separator.

8. The separator as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a frame, supporting the separation unit (11, 12, 13), the motor (15), the controller (18) and optionally the communication device (19).

9. The separator as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the separation unit status sensor (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) comprises at least two sensors arranged on opposite sides of the separation unit (1, 1a, 1b).

10. A system comprising: a source (2) of particles to be collected, at least two separators (1, 1a, 1b) as defined in any one of claims 7-9, wherein the source of particles (2) is connected to the separators by means of a junction (6, 8), such that particles from the source can be selectively drawn by both separators.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the junction is a non-regulated junction.

12. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the junction comprises at least one valve body, for regulating the flow to at least one of the separators.

13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the valve body is configured as a non-return valve (62a, 62b).

14. The system as claimed in any one of claims 10-13, wherein the communication devices (19) of the separators (1, 1a, 1b) are configured to communicate with each other to exchange separator status data and/or control data.

15. The system as claimed in any one of claims 10-14, further comprising a central control unit (26), comprising a central communication device, wherein the communication devices (19) of the separators (1, 1a, 1b) are configured to communicate with the central communication device (26) to exchange status data and/or control data.

16. The system as claimed in claims 10-15, wherein the central control unit (26) is integrated with the source (2) of particles.

17. The system as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the central control unit (26) is configured to: receive the separator status data from the separators (1, 1a, 1b), determine which of the separators (1, 1a, 1b) has the most imminent need for maintenance, and send control data including a maintenance trigger or a cleared for maintenance to that separator (1, 1a, 1b).

18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the central control unit (26) is configured to send a no maintenance signal to the other one of the separators (1, 1a, 1b).

19. The system as claimed in any one of claims 15-18, wherein the central control unit (26) is configured to receive status data from the separators (1, 1a, 1b), and present a combined status data to user.

20. The system as claimed in any one of claims 15-19, wherein the central control unit (26) is configured to receive an error message from one of the separators (1, 1a, 1b), and to present an indication of the error message, also indicating which separator it originated from, to a user.

21. A method of operating a system according to any one of claims 10-20, comprising: sending separator status data from a first one of the separators (1, 1a, 1b) via its communication device (19), receiving the separator status data in a second one of the separators (1, 1a, 1b) via its associated communication device (19), and selectively initiating separator unit maintenance of the second separator (1b) based on the separator status data received from the first separator (1a) and based on separator status data associated with the second separator (1b).

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the separator status data of the first separator (1a) comprises at least one of: an indication that separating unit maintenance is imminent, an indication that separating unit maintenance is in progress, an indication that no separating unit maintenance is imminent, and motor status data.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a source of dust 2 and a separator 1.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system comprising a source of dust 2 and a pair of separators 1a, 1b.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating another version of a system comprising a source of dust 2 and a pair of separators 1a, 1b.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another version of a system comprising a source of dust 2 and a pair of separators 1a, 1b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates separator 1, which is connected to a source of dust, such as a floor grinding machine 2.

[0060] The floor grinding machine 2 may comprise a frame 21 having support wheels 22, which may be driven, a motor 23, which is operatively connected to a rotatable grinding head (not shown) carrying a number of grinding tools for cutting, grinding or polishing of a floor surface. The grinding head may be housed in a casing 24, to prevent the dust/debris generated, as well as water that is sometimes supplied to cool tools or bind dust, from escaping to the ambient environment. The grinding machine 2 may further comprise a handle 25 to allow a user to maneuver the machine, and a user interface 26, through which information may be provided to the operator and control signals received from the operator.

[0061] A suction opening 27 is provided in the housing 24, through which the floor grinding machine is connected via a channel 5, such as a hose, to a flow path F of the separator 1.

[0062] Two or more of each separation unit 11, 12, 13 may be arranged in the flow path F.

[0063] Typically, the separator 1 comprises two or more separation units 11, 12, 13, arranged such that the larger particles are separated by the separation unit arranged 11 farthest upstream, and the remaining separation units 12, 13 separating increasingly finer particles from the airflow.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the separator comprises a pre-separator 11, which may have the form of a centrifugal separator, a first filter 12, which may comprise a generally cylindrical filter body and a second filter 13, which may comprise a HEPA filter.

[0065] An impeller 14 is arranged in the flow path F in order to drive the airflow in the flow path F. An electric motor 15 is connected to the impeller, e.g. by an axle, a belt or a gear arrangement, so as to cause the impeller to rotate. The motor may be powered by an electric power supply 3, which may be a power grid or a generator. The power may be supplied via a power control device 17.

[0066] One or more pressure sensors 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d may be arranged in the flow path, to measure pressure.

[0067] A controller 18 may be connected to the pressure sensors 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, to receive sensor signals, to the power control device 17 to control the motor, e.g. with respect to drive voltage, and optionally to receive motor status data, such as current rpm, voltages, power consumption, etc.

[0068] The separator 1 may further comprise a communication device 19, which may be integrated with the controller 18, or provided as a separate component.

[0069] The communication device 19 may operate based on a wired interface. However, it is preferred if it operates wirelessly, such as via infrared or RF. A standard interface, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or wireless CAN may be used. Alternatively, a custom made wireless interface and protocol may be used.

[0070] The separator 1 operates by the motor 15 driving the impeller 14 so as to bring about an airflow in the flow path F. Typically, the motor will be arranged on a low pressure side of the separation units 11, 12, 13.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 2, there is disclosed a system in which the floor grinding machine 2 is connected to a pair of separators 1a, 1b, each of which may be configured as disclosed with reference to FIG. 1.

[0072] While it is possible to connect the separators 1a, 1b to the floor grinding machine 2 via a T- or Y-junction without valves or other control means, in the illustrated example, the junction device 6 comprises a channel junction 61 dividing the channel 5 from the floor grinder 2 into a pair of branch channels 5a, 5b leading to the respective separator 1a, 1b. In the junction device 6, each branch channel may be provided with a non-return valve, which may be biased towards its closed position, such that the channel 5a, 5b is closed when the associated separator 1a, 1b is not active.

[0073] As mentioned above, the separator 1, 1a, 1b comprises a communication device 19. This communication device may be used to provide a communication link 7 between the separators, such that the separators 1a, 1b may exchange data.

[0074] An example of a data exchange will be described below.

[0075] As mentioned above, the separator 1, 1a, 1b may comprise one or more sensors 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, based on which filter status may be derived.

[0076] The controller 18 may thus receive data from the sensors. This data may be in analog or digital form. Based on the data, a status for one or more of the separation units 11, 12, 13 may be determined, such as maintenance needed (yes or no) (which may be determined based on a pressure drop threshold), or remaining estimated life until maintenance (which may be estimated based on the pressure drop over the filter). Additional status data may include not in service (e.g. when the motor has been turned off), or maintenance in progress (when a maintenance program is executed).

[0077] In the case where pressure drop may be measured over two or more of the separation units 11, 12, 13, the status data may also indicate a status for each individual separation unit.

[0078] Based on the separation unit status, the controller 18 will determine whether to continue operation, or whether to initiate maintenance.

[0079] This separation unit status may be communicated by the first separator 1a via the communication device 19 and the communication link 7 to the second separator 1b, and vice versa.

[0080] Hence, not only will the controller 18 of the separator 1a determine whether to initiate maintenance based on its own separation unit status, but also based on the other separator's 1b separation unit status.

[0081] For example, if the other separator unit 1b is undergoing maintenance, or is otherwise not active, the first separator 1a will not initiate maintenance, and vice versa.

[0082] Likewise, if a need for maintenance is identified in the first separator 1a, e.g. based on the pressure drop exceeding a predetermined threshold, the decision to initiate maintenance may depend on whether the corresponding pressure drop in the other separator 1b is greater or smaller, i.e. on whether the other separator 1b has a more urgent need for maintenance.

[0083] Again, in the case where the separation units can be individually evaluated, it may be determined that a maintenance need for one of the separation units has higher priority than a maintenance need for another one of the separation units. Such prioritizations may be used as a basis for the controller's 18 decision.

[0084] Moreover, other types of status data for the separator 1a may be communicated via the communication link 7 to the other separator 1b, such as motor power or motor rpm. Based on such status data, the other separator may adjust its motor power or motor rpm, e.g. so as to achieve a predetermined overall system power, which may be lower than a sum of the separators' maximum powers.

[0085] It is understood, that in the embodiments discussed with respect to FIG. 2, the separators 1a, 1b may communicate with each other only. Hence, this embodiment can be used independently of the floor grinder 2.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, there is disclosed another group of embodiments, which differs from the embodiment discussed with reference to FIG. 2 in that the separators communicate with a central controller 26 instead of only with each other. Communication links 7a, 7b may thus be established between the communication devices 19 of the separators 1a, 1b and the central controller 26.

[0087] Hence, the separators 1a, 1b may send status data via their respective communication devices 19 to the central controller 26

[0088] Status data may be presented to the operator of the system, as individual data for the respective separator or as compound data (i.e. the separators are treated as if they were a single separator.

[0089] Control data may be sent from the central controller to the separators 1a, 1b via the communication links 7a, 7b.

[0090] For example, the decision to allow or to block a separator to initiate maintenance may be made by the central controller.

[0091] In the alternative, the central controller 26 may effectively forward status data from one of the separators 1a to the other one 1b, whereby the actual decision may be taken by the separator itself.

[0092] In addition, and optionally, a direct communication link 7 between the separators 1a, 1b may be established also in this case. Hence, data may be exchanged between the separators 1a, 1b, as described with reference to FIG. 2, while status data to be presented to the operator is received by the central controller 26 and selectively presented to the operator.

[0093] The central controller 26 may also provide control commands to the separators 1a, 1b, e.g. commands for turning the separators on or off; commands for setting a predetermined suction power or commands for overriding a maintenance request (which may be desirable if a grinding operation is almost finished when the maintenance need is identified).

[0094] The central controller 26 may be a controller which is integrated with the floor grinding machine, or it may be a separate device, which may be portable and intended to be carried by the user. This device may be integrated with a remote control device for controlling the floor grinding machine 2, or it may be a separate device.

[0095] As yet another option, the central controller may be one of the separator controllers 18. Hence, the separator controllers may be configured to operate in a master-slave relationship.

[0096] As noted with reference to FIG. 2, there need not be any central controller at all, merely the controllers 18 of the separators. In such case, a controller 26 forming part of the floor grinding machine 2 may be configured to merely receive status data from the separators 1a, 1b and to display such status data to the operator.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a system corresponding to that of FIG. 2, but wherein the junction from the first channel 5 to the two channels 5a, 5b is provided by a controllable junction switch 8. Such a controllable junction switch may comprise a valve body which allows for one or both of the channels 5a, 5b to be connected to the first channel 5. The valve body's movement may be provided by an actuator, which may be controlled by a junction controller comprising a communication device that may communicate with the communication device of at least one of the separators 1a, 1b, or of the central controller 26 (FIG. 3).

[0098] Hence, the junction switch 8 may be controlled by one or both of the separators, such that airflow through the channels 5, 5a, 5b can be selectively controlled to one or both of the separators 1a, 1b.

[0099] It is noted that the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 4 may be combined with that in FIG. 3, e.g. in that the junction switch may be controlled by the central controller 26.

[0100] While the junction devices 6 described herein are illustrated as 1:2 junctions, it is understood that the same principles may be used to provide a system with more than two separators, e.g. a 1:3, 1:4 or 1:5 system.

[0101] It is also possible to provide for multiple floor grinders 2, whereby a 2:2, 2:3 or 2:4 system may be provided.

[0102] As further options, three or more floor grinders may be connected, whereby a 3:1, 3:2, 3:3; 3:4 or 3:5 system may be provided.

[0103] It is understood, that a separator 1, 1a, 1b as disclosed herein, may communicate with only another separator or with at least two other separators.

[0104] It is also understood that a separator 1, 1a, 1b as disclosed herein may communicate only with a central controller 26.

[0105] It is also understood that a separator 1, 1a, 1b as disclosed herein may communicate with another separator or with at least two other separators, and with a central controller 26.

[0106] It is understood that the sensors 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 19 can be absolute pressure sensors, configured to measure an absolute pressure at each point, while such absolute pressures may then be either evaluated over time or compared with each other, as described above.

[0107] As an alternative, it is possible to use differential pressure measurements, e.g. by comparison between e.g. one sensor arranged in the flow path and another one arranged outside the flow path, or by comparison between sensors arranged on different sides of a separation unit 11, 12, 13.