AU2021203689A1 - A controlled mobile workshop - Google Patents

A controlled mobile workshop Download PDF

Info

Publication number
AU2021203689A1
AU2021203689A1 AU2021203689A AU2021203689A AU2021203689A1 AU 2021203689 A1 AU2021203689 A1 AU 2021203689A1 AU 2021203689 A AU2021203689 A AU 2021203689A AU 2021203689 A AU2021203689 A AU 2021203689A AU 2021203689 A1 AU2021203689 A1 AU 2021203689A1
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
workshop
envelope
internal envelope
internal
external housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
AU2021203689A
Inventor
Josh Madrers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2020901838A external-priority patent/AU2020901838A0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of AU2021203689A1 publication Critical patent/AU2021203689A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H1/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for dwelling or office purposes; General layout, e.g. modular co-ordination or staggered storeys
    • E04H1/12—Small buildings or other erections for limited occupation, erected in the open air or arranged in buildings, e.g. kiosks, waiting shelters for bus stops or for filling stations, roofs for railway platforms, watchmen's huts or dressing cubicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B15/00—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
    • B08B15/002—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area using a central suction system, e.g. for collecting exhaust gases in workshops
    • B08B15/005—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area using a central suction system, e.g. for collecting exhaust gases in workshops comprising a stationary main duct with one or more branch units, the branch units being freely movable along a sealed longitudinal slit in the main duct
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B15/00—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
    • B08B15/04—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area from a small area, e.g. a tool
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23Q—DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING; MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT
    • B23Q11/00—Accessories fitted to machine tools for keeping tools or parts of the machine in good working condition or for cooling work; Safety devices specially combined with or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, machine tools
    • B23Q11/0042—Devices for removing chips
    • B23Q11/0046—Devices for removing chips by sucking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/14—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects the object being a workshop for servicing, for maintenance, or for carrying workmen during work
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H1/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for dwelling or office purposes; General layout, e.g. modular co-ordination or staggered storeys
    • E04H1/12—Small buildings or other erections for limited occupation, erected in the open air or arranged in buildings, e.g. kiosks, waiting shelters for bus stops or for filling stations, roofs for railway platforms, watchmen's huts or dressing cubicles
    • E04H2001/1283—Small buildings of the ISO containers type

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Prevention Of Fouling (AREA)

Abstract

A mobile workshop with contained internal environment, the workshop including an external housing with at least one access point having at least one door, at least one internal envelope defined within the external housing within which work can be undertaken, the at least one internal envelope being selectively salable, at least one gas extraction system associated with the at least one internal envelope to collect atmosphere from within the at least one internal envelope and at least one separation apparatus associated with the at least one gas extraction system to at least partially remove at least one substance from the collected atmosphere. VILV 20 24 2 19 11 Figure 6 255 Figure 7

Description

VILV
20
24 2
19
11 Figure 6
255
Figure 7
A CONTROLLED MOBILE WORKSHOP TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of mobile buildings and the like and particularly to a mobile workshop building that is configured to provide an enclosed environment to limit the escape of potentially hazardous materials.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of disability and death. It is the 4th leading cause of death throughout the world. By far the main cause of COPD is smoking but research suggests occupational exposures are likely to play a role.
[0003] A wide variety of dust or fumes have the potential to cause COPD if exposure is high and over a long period of time, for example studies suggest the following substances have the potential to cause COPD;
• Cadmium dust
• Cadmium fumes
• Grain and flour dust
• Mineral dust
• Organic dusts
• Silica dust
• Welding fumes
[0004] Some of these occupations and substances are also linked to other diseases, for example, welding fumes can cause fume fever and pneumonia. Some can also cause occupational asthma.
[0005] Cutting building materials is a common task. It is an everyday part of the job for quarry workers, stonemasons, builders and construction workers.
[0006] Many of the materials used contain high levels of a substance called crystalline silica. These include concrete, sandstone, granite and brick.
[00071 When these materials are cut, the dust created will contain tiny particles that can be breathed deep into the lungs. This dust is called 'Respirable Crystalline Silica' (RCS). Once in the lungs, these particles cause serious permanent damage to a person's health.
[00081 More recently, changes have been made to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) Standard which affect employers and employees of general industry, maritime, construction and hydraulic fracturing industries. In particular, construction work performed on concrete or rock that creates dust from drilling, cutting and grinding materials or other operations that contain silica will be radically affected.
[0009] Further it is expected that other countries will soon follow suit and update their permissible exposure limits (PELs) for crystalline silica as well as requiring more effective measuring of the amount of silica workers are exposed to, limiting workers' access to areas where silica exposures are high, using effective methods for reducing exposures, providing medical exams to workers with high silica exposures, and training for workers about silica related hazards and how to limit exposure.
[0010] With the increased regulation surrounding the permissible exposure limits (PELs) for RCS and other hazardous or potentially hazardous materials comes increased difficulty in complying with the regulations. This will be particularly difficult for workers in temporary locations such as construction sites or smaller jobs where the construction of a permanent system for complying with the regulations is less feasible logistically or for cost reasons.
[0011] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is directed to a controlled mobile workshop, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
[00131 With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a mobile workshop with contained internal environment, the workshop including
an external housing with at least one access point having at least one door, at least one internal envelope defined within the external housing within which work can be undertaken, the at least one internal envelope being selectively salable, at least one gas extraction system associated with the at least one internal envelope to collect atmosphere from within the at least one internal envelope and at least one separation apparatus associated with the at least one gas extraction system to at least partially remove at least one substance from the collected atmosphere.
[0014] In another aspect, the present invention resides in a mobile workshop system with contained internal environment, the workshop system including
at least one external housing with at least one access point having at least one door, and having at least one internal envelope defined within the external housing within which work can be undertaken, the at least one internal envelope being selectively salable,
and at least one utilities module including at least one gas extraction system associated with the at least one internal envelope to collect atmosphere from within the at least one internal envelope and at least one separation apparatus associated with the at least one gas extraction system to at least partially remove at least one substance from the collected atmosphere.
[0015] The present invention is directed at a mobile workshop building configured to provide an enclosed environment to limit the escape of potentially hazardous materials such as but not limited to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and/or welding fumes or the like.
[00161 The mobile workshop of a preferred embodiment will preferably further include at least one particulate suppression system including at least one portion mounted within the at least one internal envelope to suppress the dispersion of particulates within the envelope. Preferably, any suppression system provided will typically be liquid based. In a preferred form, one or more tools will be provided in the at least one internal envelope in order to undertake work such as for example a cutting of stone, concrete or similar materials which may lead to the formation of particulates which may contain hazardous material. Typically, the tools will be associated with or will be used relative to a wet cutting table which includes at least one liquid flow, such as water to suppress the dispersion of the particulars. As an advantage, a wet cutting table or similar will also typically help to cool the workpiece which may add to the longevity of the tools, but a particular suppression system will typically be provided in relation to one or more tools located in the at least one internal envelope.
[00171 At least one collection system for collecting liquid/sludge/mixture containing particulate material will preferably be provided in the workspace in order to collect liquid/sludge/mixture for removal from the envelope, preferably for further processing in order to separate particulate material from the carrier liquid. Once separated, the carrier liquid may be recycled for the use in the suppression system and/or held for proper disposal.
[0018] In this way, the mobile workshop of the preferred embodiment will not only be configured to reduce the dispersal and aid collection of hazardous materials which are airborne or gases but also to reduce the dispersal and aid collection of any particulate material which may be or contain hazardous materials.
[0019] Typically, the mobile workshop of the present invention will be sufficiently large to allow one or more operators to work within the at least one internal envelope or workspace which is defined within the at least one external housing. Typically, each operator which works within the at least one internal envelope will still use personal protection equipment (PPE) whilst working within the envelope to provide another level of protection from any potentially hazardous material.
[0020] The present invention provides a mobile workshop with contained internal environment. The mobile workshop may have any configuration. For example, in a first configuration, the mobile workshop may be configured as a trailer with the external housing provided relative to one or more pairs of wheels and a tow hitch arrangement associated there with to provide a self-contained external housing which can be transported to site by a towing vehicle and simply detached and left on site for use.
[0021] In a second, more preferred configuration, the mobile workshop may be configured as a transportable workshop in which the external housing is one that can be transported on a truck or similar to site and then unloaded or craned into position.
[0022] The mobile workshop of the present invention may be modular in nature or provided in an integrated configuration. In the modular configuration, one or more workshop units may be associated with an extraction unit and/or wet system collection and/or separation system provided in one housing and then with one or more conduits provided to connect the extraction unit with the one or more workshop units as required. Collection elements of the collection and extraction system will typically be provided within the one or more workshop units in order to collect hazardous material or materials including hazardous material and the collected materials are then transported to the extraction unit and/or wet system collection and/or separation system for treatment.
[0023] One or more workshop spaces or internal envelopes may be provided in different housings for the same purpose but in different locations or one or more workshop spaces or internal envelopes may be provided for different purposes and then all connected to a single utility module.
[0024] In the integrated embodiment, a single external housing is preferably provided with an internal divider to separate the external housing into a utilities area, typically toward one end of the external housing and the at least one internal envelope defined separately to the utilities area.
[0025] According to the present invention, the at least one internal envelope is preferably sealed, preferably being airtight and each internal envelope is either associated with or connected to a utilities module or to the utilities area depending upon the configuration of the mobile workshop.
[0026] Therefore, all of the components may be provided in a single external housing or the utilities components may be separated into a separate unit and associated with one or more housings each of which include at least one internal envelope.
[00271 The invention includes a workshop with an external housing with at least one access point having at least one door. As mentioned above, the workspace may be provided in two alternative embodiments, namely an integrated embodiment in which the workspace is provided in the same external housing as the utilities in a modular embodiment in which one or more workspaces are provided in separate workspace modules, each having their own external housing, each associated with a utilities module provided in an external housing and associated with each of the one or more workspace modules.
[0028] Typically, the or each external housing provided in accordance with the present invention will preferably be rigid. The or each external housing will typically be shaped, preferably generally rectangular. The provision of a rigid external housing will preferably allow transport of the housing and any components therein and protect the internal components. The provision of a generally rectangular shape typically allows better packing if more than one housing is requiring transport same time.
[0029] The or each external housing may define the at least one internal envelope or
V
alternatively, the at least one internal envelope may be defined within the external housing. In some preferred embodiments, the walls, floor and roof of the external housing may define the at least one internal envelope. In an alternative embodiment, one or more internal envelopes may be defined within the walls, floor and roof of the external housing through the provision of one or more other members or arrangements to define one or more internal envelopes.
[00301 Additional sealing may be provided relative to the external housing in order to render or form at least one internal envelope which is capable of being selectively sealed in an airtight manner.
[00311 Although more than one access point may be provided, typically a single access point is provided for both entry and egress of operators and/or workpieces to and from the external housing. The access point may be defined by one or two doors depending upon the size of the external housing, but it is important that any doors which are provided as a part of the access point are securable to allow for transport. As mentioned above, the one or more doors may be salable in order to define a portion of the at least one envelope or alternatively, the doors may be opened or closed independently of an access point to the at least one internal envelope.
[0032] The at least one access point to the external housing and/or at least one access point to the at least one internal envelope may be controlled in order to either deny access from outside when work is being performed such as when a tool or similar is being operated within the at least one envelope and/or opening the at least one access point to the external housing and/or to the at least one internal envelope may cut off operation of any tools within the external housing and/or at least one internal envelope. One or more kill switches may be provided in order to manually cut off the tools and/or the tools may be automatically cut off if an access point is opened.
[0033] Further, access to the at least one internal envelope and/or external housing may be prevented for a period after work within the workspace or at least one internal envelope has ceased to minimise the chance of dispersion of any potentially hazardous material.
[0034] Access to the at least one internal envelope and/or external housing may be prevented depending upon the results of monitoring which takes place within the at least one internal envelope, again to minimise the chance of dispersion of any potentially hazardous material.
[0035] The present invention includes at least one internal envelope defined within an external housing within which work can be undertaken and which is selectively salable. As mentioned above, the at least one internal envelope will typically be salable so that it is airtight.
[00361 In the context of the present invention, the term "airtight" refers to preventing any loss of atmosphere that may carry potentially hazardous material from the at least one envelope. In certain preferred embodiments, the at least one door will be closed during operation in which case, the at least one envelope can be more easily be made airtight. In other embodiments however, the air curtain may be operated in such a way that the at least one door may be left open with the air curtain effectively sealing the at least one envelope to prevent any loss of atmosphere that may carry potentially hazardous material from the at least one envelope. Therefore "airtight" is in relation to the escape of atmosphere from the at least one envelope, not necessarily requiring that the at least one envelope by closed using physical walls.
[00371 As mentioned above, the at least one internal envelope is typically defined around a workspace which may be defined within an external housing separately from the walls, floor and roof of the external housing or the housing walls, floor and roof may define at least one internal envelope (perhaps with a divider wall if provided in the integrated configuration with the utilities provided in a single external housing).
[00381 The at least one internal envelope will typically be provided around a workspace. As should be clear, it is not necessary that the utility unit operations such as separation and recycle for example be provided within the at least one internal envelope but it will typically be the case that at least a collection portion of these unit operations will be provided or associated with the at least one internal envelope.
[00391 More than one internal envelope may be defined within a single external housing, for the same or for different purposes.
[0040] Preferably, the working components such as tools for example and any collection equipment will typically be provided in association or at least partially within the at least one internal envelope in order to collect material from within the at least one internal envelope.
[0041] Monitoring equipment will typically be provided within the or each at least one internal envelope in order to monitor the environment, and particularly the level of any one or more hazardous materials within the at least one internal envelope. Monitoring equipment will typically report any levels to operators within the at least one internal envelope and/or report to a remote location outside the at least one internal envelope for external monitoring.
[00421 One or more pieces of ancillary equipment such as work lights and/or cleanup equipment may be provided within the at least one air tight envelope.
[0043] The or each at least one internal envelope is preferably selectively salable, again, typically to make airtight. It is preferred that each at least one internal envelope is maintained at a slightly negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure in order to minimise the chance that any material from within the internal envelope can escape, particularly airborne material.
[0044] The or each at least one internal envelope is preferably at least partially defined by fluid resistant walls and/or floor and/or roof in order to allow wash down of the internal envelope from within in order to collect any particulate material that may settle on the walls and/or floor and/or roof during the work, preferably prior to opening any access point.
[0045] The present invention also includes at least one gas extraction system associated with the or each at least one internal envelope to collect atmosphere from within the at least one internal envelope. One or more gas extraction systems and/or one or more gas extraction components may be provided to collect atmosphere from within the at least one internal envelope.
[0046] In a particularly preferred configuration, a general extraction system is preferably provided to collect atmosphere from an upper portion of the at least one internal envelope and to create a slight negative pressure within the at least one internal envelope. Typically, the general extraction system is operated at all times when the at least one internal envelope is sealed, and may operate at all times when the workshop is in operation. The general extraction system will typically operate to withdraw atmosphere from the at least one internal envelope continually.
[00471 One or more specific extraction systems or extraction system components may be provided, typically in combination with the general extraction system. In particular, it is preferred that one or more tool specific extraction components is provided, such as extractor heads and conduits which are linked to any one or more of the tools which may be used within the at least one internal envelope in order to remove any bulk particulate or gas which may be formed at the source of the work. In a preferred configuration, any one or more tool specific extraction systems or components may be linked to the general extraction system.
[0048] The or each of the extraction system is provided will typically be linked to one or more separation apparatus.
[00491 Any type of extraction system may be provided. Typically, an extractor conduit is provided within the at least one internal envelope with one or more vent inlets and which is associated with an extraction pump to suck or withdraw atmosphere from the at least one internal envelope. Any extractor conduit will preferably be provided within the at least one internal envelope in an elevated position, preferably above any work area. Extractor conduit of the preferred embodiment will typically extend substantially of the length of the workspace.
[0050] The one or more tool specific extraction systems will typically have an extractor head associated with the tool or a housing related to the tool and an extractor conduit will typically extend between the extractor head and the preferred general extractor conduit.
[0051] The general extraction conduit will preferably be manufactured from a plastic or light metal and therefore be substantially rigid. Any tool specific extractor conduits which are provided may be flexible. Any tool specific extractor conduits may be extendable and retractable, for example a system may be provided allowing extension and retraction of fixed length extractor conduit or the extractor conduit itself may be length adjustable.
[0052] The present invention includes at least one separation apparatus associated with the at least one gas extraction system to at least partially remove it least one substance from the collected atmosphere. The at least one separation apparatus will typically include at least one filter but may be or include other types of separation apparatus.
[0053] The separation apparatus will typically be chosen and configured to remove one or more materials from the collected atmosphere. The particular type and configuration of separation apparatus or system which is implemented will typically be dependent upon the material or materials which are to be removed. For example, welding fumes will typically require a different separation apparatus and/or system, for example carbon filter then a separation apparatus or system designed to remove respirable crystalline silica which can likely be removed using a much coarser filter than that required for welding fumes.
[0054] More than one separation apparatus may be provided as a part of a separation system. For example, more than one separation stage may be provided to remove different materials or materials that are different size fraction for example.
[0055] Once the potentially hazardous material has been removed from the collected atmosphere, the collected atmosphere which has been "cleaned" can be returned to the at least one envelope, for example through an air curtain and/or may be vented to the atmosphere.
IU
[00561 It is preferred that climate control is provided in relation to the at least one envelope, for example an air-conditioner or similar to provide controlled atmosphere into the at least one envelope. An external housing such as a metal shipping container will quite likely heat up fairly quickly and air-conditioning or similar may be required in order to provide a comfortable working environment within the external housing.
[00571 The separation equipment may be connected to the air-conditioner and/or to the external atmosphere separately from the air conditioning. The return atmosphere from the separation apparatus may be reinjected into the external housing by the air conditioning.
[0058] Other components may be provided within the at least one envelope for example, appropriate work lighting.
[0059] It is particularly preferred that the at least one envelope is provided with a wet floor system allowing liquid to be used to wash down or suppress any dust which may be formed within the at least one envelope and washed into a collection area, typically in underfloor collection area. In a preferred form, a one or more floor grates will preferably be provided with openings therein in order to allow material to settle through or be washed through the one or more floor grates into a collection area or sump to then allow removal of this material from the at least one envelope. Preferably, liquid such as water may be used within the at least one envelope to carry any dust or particulate waste material into the collection area or sump. The liquid such as water will typically act as a carrier for any dust or particulate waste material and the charged liquid can be provided to a wet separation apparatus or system.
[0060] Any configuration of wet separation apparatus or system which is appropriate to separate any potentially hazardous materials carried by a liquid can be used.
[0061] As mentioned briefly above, it is preferred that an air curtain apparatus be provided within the at least one envelope, and preferably adjacent to any access point in order to minimise the escape of potentially hazardous material, particularly airborne material. As mentioned above, and which has been cleaned by the separation apparatus may be used or recycled for use through the air curtain.
[0062] The or each at least one envelope will typically include one or more work areas or work tables. As mentioned above, work areas or work tables may be associated with collection equipment and preferably, collection equipment to collect both airborne materials preferably from close to the point of creation and collection equipment to collect any liquid wash materials.
For example, wet cutting tables may be provided to spray or inject a liquid such as water on to a workpiece so that the workpiece can be cut in a wet environment which not only decreases the dispersion of airborne particulates but also increases the operating life of the cutting implement. Preferably, one or more collection sumps will be provided in association with a wet cutting table to collect liquid charged with particulate material which can then be taken to a separation apparatus in order to separate potentially hazardous materials carried by the liquid. Any type of collection apparatus may be provided such as one or more grates, workpiece supports including slots or other openings through which the liquid may drain and/or extraction equipment or the like.
[0063] Therefore, the utility equipment associated with each workspace will typically include at least one airborne material separator and at least one wet separator or scrubber. In combination, this will allow separation of potentially hazardous materials from any atmosphere as well as from any fluid charged with hazardous material which is collected from within the at least one envelope.
[0064] As mentioned above, any type or combination of separator(s) can be used.
[0065] Typically, the apparatus of the present invention will also include at least one on board water tank to provide an on-board, self-contained water supply to be used for wet cutting or hose down or washing for example.
[0066] The apparatus of the present invention therefore preferably provides multiple systems within the at least one internal envelope or associated with the at least one internal envelope to reduce the dispersion of hazardous material at the point of creation and/or to collect atmosphere and liquid containing any potentially hazardous material for separation.
[00671 As mentioned above, the utilities may be provided in the same housing as the at least one envelope but will preferably be separated from the at least one envelope and/or provided in a separate external housing but associated with an external housing containing the at least one internal envelope.
[0068] In a preferred configuration, any access control to the access points and/or to the at least one internal envelope will preferably be slaved to monitoring devices located within the at least one internal envelope such that the access will only be granted when the monitored levels are below a preset "safe" level.
IZ/_
[00691 Other components that may be included in the workspace of a preferred embodiment can be any one or more of at least one swinging arm hoist, one or more fire extinguishers or other safety equipment, one or more sensors or alarms such as a fire alarm for example, one or more first aid supplies, one or more hoods/troughs for fumes, one or more metal workbenches, one or more articulating/extraction arms, one or more compressors, spray painting facilities, one or more welding panels/curtains, one or more plastic curtains (divided clear curtain), one or more wash bays, one or more removable access ramps, one or more air monitoring kill switches or similar devices, waterproof internal finishes, one or more float valves for wet underfloor trough, and/or one or more fire rated/water proof insulation panels.
[00701 Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.
[00711 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0072] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:
[0073] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a mobile workshop according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a mobile workshop according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00751 Figure 3 is an isometric top view of the mobile workshop illustrated in Figure 1.
[0076] Figure 4 is an isometric section view of the mobile workshop illustrated in Figure 3 along line A-A.
[00771 Figure 5 is an isometric section view of the mobile workshop illustrated in Figure 3 along line B-B.
1 -7
[00781 Figure 6 is a more detailed view of the portion illustrated in Figure 5 identified using reference letter "C".
[00791 Figure 7 is an end view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 3.
[0080] Figure 8 is an end view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 3 from the opposite end of the structure with the end wall removed for clarity.
[0081] Figure 9 is an exploded isometric view of the components of the configuration illustrated in Figure 3 removed from the external housing.
[0082] Figure 10 is an isometric view of an air curtain assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] Figure 11 is an isometric view of an air clarity monitoring system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] Figure 12 is a front elevation view of an air conditioning unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0085] Figure 13 is an elevation view of an extraction unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] Figure 14 is an isometric view of a floor panel or structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00871 Figure 15 is an isometric view of a hose assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] Figure 16 is a front elevation view of a preferred power board assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0089] Figure 17 is a front elevation view of a preferred personal protection equipment arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0090] Figure 18 is an isometric view of a preferred task lighting assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0091] Figure 19 is an isometric view of a tool assembly from the configuration illustrated in Figure 3 according to a preferred embodiment.
I _t
[00921 Figure 20 is an isometric view of a water reticulation arrangement for a wet table according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0093] Figure 21 is an isometric view of a separation system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0094] Figure 22 is an isometric view of a wet table according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0095] Figure 23 is an isometric view of a wet floor surround and puddle pump according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0096] Figure 24 is an isometric view of a preferred window according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[00971 Figure 25 is an isometric view of a mobile workshop as illustrated in Figure 3 is located on a landing platform or loading platform relative to a high-rise building.
[0098] Figure 26 is an isometric schematic view of a high-rise building showing the possible locations of the number of mobile workshops according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3.
[0099] Figure 27 is a schematic view of a modular system showing an extraction pod servicing both a 10-foot mobile workshop and a 20-foot mobile workshop according to a preferred embodiment.
[0100] Figure 28 is a schematic view of a self-contained mobile workshop according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0101] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mobile workshop 10 with controlled contained internal environment is provided.
[0102] The mobile workshop 10 with controlled and contained internal environment illustrated in the accompanying Figures includes an external housing with at least one access point having at least one door, a selectively salable internal envelope defined within the external housing within which work can be undertaken, and at least one gas extraction system associated with the at least one internal envelope to collect atmosphere from within the at least
I -)
one internal envelope and at least one separation apparatus associated with the at least one gas extraction system to at least partially remove at least one substance from the collected atmosphere.
[0103] The present invention is directed at a mobile workshop building configured to provide an enclosed environment to limit the escape of potentially hazardous materials such as but not limited to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and/or welding fumes or the like.
[0104] As shown in Figures 4 and 5 in particular, the mobile workshop of the preferred embodiment is sufficiently large to allow one or more operators 11 to work within the internal envelope or workspace which is defined within the external housing. As shown, each operator 11 which works within the internal envelope will typically still wear personal protection equipment (PPE) whilst working within the envelope to provide another level of protection from any potentially hazardous material.
[0105] The mobile workshop may have any configuration. For example, in a first configuration such as that illustrated in Figure 2, the mobile workshop 10 may be configured as a trailer with the external housing provided relative to one or more pairs of wheels 12 and a tow hitch arrangement 13 associated therewith to provide a self-contained external housing which can be transported to site by a towing vehicle and simply detached and left on site for use.
[01061 In a second, more preferred configuration such as that illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the mobile workshop 10 is configured as a transportable workshop in which the external housing is provided by a shipping container for example which can be transported on a truck or similar to site and then unloaded or craned into position such as for example, those illustrated in Figures 25 and 26.
[01071 The internal envelope is salable, preferably being airtight is either associated with or connected to a utilities module or to a utilities area depending upon the configuration of the mobile workshop 10.
[01081 Typically, the external housing 14 is rigid and generally rectangular as shown. The provision of a rigid external housing 14 allows transport of the housing and any components therein and protect the internal components. The provision of a generally rectangular shape typically allows better packing if more than one housing is requiring transport same time.
[0109] The external housing 14 may define the internal envelope or alternatively, the
IU
internal envelope may be defined within the external housing 14. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, a single internal envelope is defined within the walls, floor and roof of the external housing through the provision of a number of waterproof panels to define the internal envelope.
[0110] Additional sealing may be provided relative to the external housing in order to form internal envelope which is capable of being selectively sealed in an airtight manner.
[0111] Although more than one access point may be provided, typically a single access point is provided for both entry and egress of operators 11 and/or workpieces to and from the external housing 14. The access point of the embodiment illustrated in Figures I to 3 is defined by one door 15 (Figure 2) or two doors 15 (Figures 1 and 3) depending upon the size of the external housing 14 but it is important that any doors 15 which are provided as a part of the access point are securable to allow for transport and in the illustrated embodiment, also seal the internal envelope of the workspace.
[0112] The access point to the external housing of the illustrated embodiment is controlled in order to either deny access from outside when work is being performed such as when a tool or similar is being operated within the internal envelope and/or opening the access point to the external housing 14 and/or to the internal envelope may cut off operation of any tools within the external housing and/or at least one internal envelope. One or more kill switches may be provided in order to manually cut off the tools and/or the tools may be automatically cut off if an access point is opened.
[0113] As mentioned above, the internal envelope is typically defined around a workspace which is defined within the external housing separately from the walls, floor and roof of the external housing and a divider wall 16 if provided in the integrated configuration with the utilities provided in a single external housing 14 as shown in Figures 4 and 5.
[0114] The internal envelope is defined around a workspace with the utilities area 17 including the utility unit operations such as separation and recycle for example are provided outside the internal envelope but at least a collection portion of these unit operations provided or associated with the internal envelope. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the internal envelope 18 is formed about the workspace in one end of the external housing 14.
[0115] Preferably, the working components such as tools 19 for example and any collection equipment such as extraction conduits 20 etc are provided at least partially within the internal envelope 18 in order to collect material from within the internal envelope 18.
I /
[01161 In the illustrated embodiment, monitoring equipment 21 is provided within the internal envelope 18 in order to monitor the environment, and particularly the level of any one or more hazardous materials within the internal envelope 18. Monitoring equipment will typically display any levels to operators 11 within the internal envelope 18 and/or report to a remote location outside the internal envelope 18 for external monitoring.
[01171 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, work lights 22 and clean-up equipment such as a hose 23 to hose down the walls and work area, are provided within the at least one airtight envelope.
[0118] It is preferred that each at least one internal envelope is maintained at a slight negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure in order to minimise the chance that any material from within the internal envelope can escape, particularly airborne material.
[0119] As mentioned above, the internal envelope is preferably at least partially defined by fluid resistant walls and/or floor and/or roof in order to allow wash down of the internal envelope from within in order to collect any particulate material that may settle on the walls and/or floor and/or roof during the work, preferably prior to opening any access point.
[0120] In the particularly preferred configuration illustrated, a general extraction conduit 20 is provided to collect atmosphere from an upper portion of the internal envelope and to create a slight negative pressure within the internal envelope. Typically, the general extraction conduit 20 is associated with an extraction pump and is operated at all times when the internal envelope is sealed, and may operate at all times when the workshop is in operation. The general extraction conduit 20 will typically operate to withdraw atmosphere from the internal envelope continually to maintain the slight negative pressure.
[0121] One or more specific extraction systems or extraction system components can be provided, typically in combination with the general extraction conduit. In particular, one or more tool specific extraction conduits 24 provided, which are linked to an extractor head associated with each of the tools 19 which may be used within the internal envelope in order to remove any bulk particulate or gas which may be formed at the source of the work.
[0122] Typically, the extraction conduit 20 is provided with one or more vent inlets and associated with an extraction pump to suck or withdraw atmosphere from the internal envelope.
[0123] The general extraction conduit 20 will preferably be manufactured from a plastic or light metal and therefore be substantially rigid. Any tool specific extractor conduits 24 which are provided are typically flexible and may be extendable and retractable.
[0124] The extraction conduit 20 provided is linked to a separation apparatus located in the utilities section 17 of the housing. Th separation apparatus will typically include at least one filter but may be or include other types of separation apparatus configured to remove one or more materials from the collected atmosphere. The particular type and configuration of separation apparatus or system which is implemented will typically be dependent upon the material or materials which are to be removed. For example, welding fumes will typically require a different separation apparatus and/or system, for example a carbon filter, to a separation apparatus or system designed to remove respirable crystalline silica which can likely be removed using a much coarser filter than that required for welding fumes.
[0125] Once the potentially hazardous material has been removed from the collected atmosphere, the collected atmosphere which has been "cleaned" can be returned to the at least one envelope, for example through an air curtain 25 via a return housing 26.
[0126] It is preferred that climate control is provided in relation to the envelope, for example an air-conditioner 27 to provide controlled atmosphere into the envelope. An external housing 14 such as a metal shipping container will quite likely the heat up quickly if placed in a sunny position and air-conditioning or similar may be required in order to provide a comfortable working environment within the external housing 14.
[01271 A preferred configuration of the utilities area 17 is shown in Figure 8 which includes an inlet 35 from the extraction conduit 20 which leads to a dry air separation unit 36 with a return 40 to the air curtain, a wet scrubber unit 37, the condenser unit 38 from the split system air conditioner and a power supply or controller 39 associated with one or more batteries to power the workshop. Alternatively, a mains power and/or water connection can be provided.
[0128] It is particularly preferred that the envelope is provided with a wet floor system allowing liquid to be used to wash down or suppress any dust which may be formed within the envelope and washed into a collection area, typically in underfloor collection area 28. In a preferred form, a one or more floor grates 29 are provided, with openings therein, in order to allow material to settle through or be washed through the floor grates 29 into a collection area 28 or sump to allow removal of this material from the envelope. Preferably, liquid such as water may be used within the at least one envelope to carry any dust or particulate waste material into the collection area 28 or sump which can then be pumped to the wet separator by a pump 33. The liquid will typically act as a carrier for any dust or particulate waste material and the charged liquid can be provided to a wet separation apparatus or system located in the utilities area 17.
[0129] Any configuration of wet separation apparatus or system which is appropriate to separate any potentially hazardous materials carried by a liquid can be used.
[0130] As mentioned briefly above, it is preferred that an air curtain 25 be provided within the envelope, and preferably adjacent to any access point in order to minimise the escape of potentially hazardous material, particularly airborne material. As mentioned above, and which has been cleaned by the separation apparatus may be used or recycled for use through the air curtain.
[0131] As shown, the envelope will typically include one or more work areas or work tables 30. As mentioned above, the work tables 30 may be associated with collection equipment and preferably, collection equipment to collect both airborne materials preferably from close to the point of creation and collection equipment to collect any liquid wash materials. For example, wet cutting tables, such as those illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 may be provided to spray or inject a liquid such as water on to a workpiece so that the workpiece can be cut in a wet environment which not only decreases the dispersion of airborne particulates but also increases the operating life of the cutting implement. Preferably, each table has a collection sump 31 to collect liquid charged with particulate material which is then directed to the underfloor collection area to be taken to a separation apparatus in the utilities area 17 in order to separate potentially hazardous materials carried by the liquid.
[0132] In a preferred form, each tool 19 provided in the internal envelope to undertake work such as for example a cutting of stone, concrete or similar materials which may lead to the formation of particulates which may contain hazardous material will be used relative to a wet cutting table which includes at least one liquid flow, such as water to suppress the dispersion of the particulars. As an advantage, a wet cutting table or similar will also typically help to cool the workpiece which may add to the longevity of the tools, but a particular suppression system will typically be provided in relation to one or more tools 19 located in the at least one internal envelope.
[0133] At least one collection system for collecting liquid/sludge/mixture containing particulate material will preferably be provided in the workspace in order to collect liquid/sludge/mixture for removal from the envelope, preferably for further processing in order to separate particulate material from the carrier liquid. Once separated, the carrier liquid may be recycled for the use in the suppression system and/or held for proper disposal.
[01341 In this way, the mobile workshop of the preferred embodiment will not only be configured to reduce the dispersal and aid collection of hazardous materials which are airborne or gases but also to reduce the dispersal and aid collection of any particulate material which may be or contain hazardous materials.
[01351 Therefore, the utility equipment associated with each workspace and located in the utilities area 17 will typically include at least one airborne material separator and at least one wet separator or scrubber. In combination, this will allow separation of potentially hazardous materials from any atmosphere as well as from any fluid charged with hazardous material which is collected from within the at least one envelope.
[01361 Typically, the apparatus of the present invention will also include at least one on board water tank to provide an on-board, self-contained water supply to be used for wet cutting or hose down or washing for example.
[01371 The apparatus of the present invention therefore preferably provides multiple systems within the at least one internal envelope or associated with the at least one internal envelope to reduce the dispersion of hazardous material at the point of creation and/or to collect atmosphere and liquid containing any potentially hazardous material for separation.
[01381 In a preferred configuration, any access control to the access points and/or to the at least one internal envelope will preferably be slaved to monitoring devices located within the at least one internal envelope such that the access will only be granted when the monitored levels are below a preset "safe" level.
[01391 Two alternative configurations are illustrated in Figures 27 and 28 namely the integrated embodiment in which the utilities are provided in a separate compartment in the same housing as the workspace (Figure 28) and a modular workshop system illustrated in Figure 27 which includes two workspaces, each in their own external housing (a 10 foot container housing and a 20 foot container housing) each with an access point having at least one door, and having at least one internal envelope defined within the external housing within which work can be undertaken, the at least one internal envelope being selectively salable, and a separate utilities module which includes at least one gas extraction system associated with the at least one internal envelope to collect atmosphere from within the at least one internal envelopes of each of the two workspaces and at least one separation apparatus associated with the at least one gas extraction system to at least partially remove at least one substance from the collected atmosphere from each of the two workspaces.
[01401 In the modular configuration, one or more workshop units (10 foot and 20 foot) 32 may be associated with an extraction unit and/or wet system collection and/or separation system provided in one utilities housing 32 and then with one or more conduits 34 provided to connect the extraction unit with the one or more workshop units as required. Collection elements of the collection and extraction system will typically be provided within the one or more workshop units 32 in order to collect hazardous material or materials including hazardous material and the collected materials were then be transported to the extraction unit and/or wet system collection and/or separation system for treatment.
[0141] In the integrated embodiment, a single external housing is preferably provided with an internal divider to separate the external housing into a utilities area, typically toward one end of the external housing and the at least one internal envelope defined separately to the utilities area as shown in Figures 4 and 5 in particular.
[0142] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.
[0143] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
[0144] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (41)

1. A mobile workshop with contained internal environment, the workshop including an external housing with at least one access point having at least one door, at least one internal envelope defined within the external housing within which work can be undertaken, the at least one internal envelope being selectively salable, at least one gas extraction system associated with the at least one internal envelope to collect atmosphere from within the at least one internal envelope and at least one separation apparatus associated with the at least one gas extraction system to at least partially remove at least one substance from the collected atmosphere.
2. A mobile workshop system with contained internal environment, the workshop system including at least one external housing with at least one access point having at least one door, and having at least one internal envelope defined within the external housing within which work can be undertaken, the at least one internal envelope being selectively salable, and at least one utilities module including at least one gas extraction system associated with the at least one internal envelope to collect atmosphere from within the at least one internal envelope and at least one separation apparatus associated with the at least one gas extraction system to at least partially remove at least one substance from the collected atmosphere.
3. The workshop of claim 1 or workshop system of claim 2, further including at least one particulate suppression system including at least one portion mounted within the at least one internal envelope to suppress the dispersion of particulates within the envelope, wherein the suppression system is preferably liquid based.
4. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further including one or more tools in the at least one internal envelope in order to undertake work which leads to the formation of particulates containing hazardous material, wherein the one or more tools are associated with, or used relative to a wet cutting table which includes at least one liquid flow, such as water, to suppress the dispersion of the particulars and preferably help to cool the workpiece.
5. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further including at least one collection system in the workspace for collecting liquid/sludge/mixture containing particulate material for removal from the envelope.
6. The workshop or workshop system of claim 5, wherein the collected liquid/sludge/mixture undergoes further processing in order to separate particulate material from the carrier liquid, wherein the carrier liquid is preferably recycled for use in the suppression system and/or held for disposal.
7. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein the workshop or workshop system is sufficiently large to allow one or more operators to work within the at least one internal envelope or workspace which is defined within the at least one external housing.
8. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein the workshop or workshop system is configured as a trailer with the external housing provided relative to one or more pairs of wheels and a tow hitch arrangement associated therewith.
9. The workshop or workshop system of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the workshop or workshop system is configured as a transportable workshop in which the external housing is one that can be transported on a truck or similar and unloaded or craned into position.
10. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein the workshop or workshop system is provided in a modular configuration or an integrated configuration.
11. The workshop or workshop system of claim 10, wherein in the modular configuration, one or more workshop units are associated with an extraction unit and/or wet system collection and/or separation system provided in one housing and one or more conduits connect the extraction unit with the one or more workshop units.
12. The workshop or workshop system of claim 11, further comprising collection elements of the collection and extraction system provided within the one or more workshop units to collect hazardous material or materials including hazardous material, wherein the collected materials are transported to the extraction unit and/or wet system collection and/or separation system for treatment.
13. The workshop or workshop system of claim 11, wherein one or more workshop spaces or internal envelopes are provided in different housings for the same purpose but in different locations or one or more workshop spaces or internal envelopes are provided for different purposes and connected to a single utility module.
14. The workshop or workshop system of claim 10, wherein in the integrated configuration, a single external housing is preferably provided with an internal divider to separate the external housing into a utilities area, typically toward one end of the external housing and the at least one internal envelope defined separately to the utilities area.
15. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one internal envelope is sealed, preferably being airtight and each internal envelope is either associated with or connected to a utilities module or to the utilities area depending upon the configuration of the mobile workshop.
16. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein all of the components are provided in a single external housing or the utilities components are separated into a separate unit and associated with one or more housings each of which include at least one internal envelope.
17. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein the or each external housing is rigid and shaped, preferably generally rectangular.
18. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein the or each external housing defines the at least one internal envelope or the at least one internal envelope is defined within the external housing.
19. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein the walls, floor and roof of the external housing define the at least one internal envelope or one or more internal envelopes are defined within the walls, floor and roof of the external housing by one or more other members or arrangements.
20. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one internal envelope is capable of being selectively sealed in an airtight manner, optionally wherein the at least one door comprising the at least one access point is salable to define a portion of the at least one envelope or wherein more than one door can be opened or closed independently of an access point to the at least one internal envelope.
21. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one access point to the external housing and/or at least one access point to the at least one internal envelope is controlled to either deny access from outside when work is being performed such as when a tool or similar is being operated within the at least one envelope and/or opening the at least one access point to the external housing and/or to the at least one internal envelope cuts off operation of any tools within the external housing and/or at least one internal envelope, such as via one or more manually operated kill switches and/or one or more automatic cut offs.
22. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein access to the at least one internal envelope and/or external housing is prevented for a period of time after work within the workspace or at least one internal envelope has ceased to minimise dispersion of any potentially hazardous material, optionally depending upon the results of monitoring which takes place within the at least one internal envelope, wherein access control to the access points and/or to the at least one internal envelope is preferably slaved to one or more monitoring devices located within the at least one internal envelope such that the access will only be granted when the monitored levels are below a pre-set "safe" level.
23. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further comprising an air curtain operated in such a way that the at least one door can be left open with the air curtain effectively sealing the at least one envelope to prevent any loss of atmosphere that may carry potentially hazardous material from the at least one envelope.
24. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more of the following:
monitoring equipment provided within the or each at least one internal envelope to monitor the environment, and particularly the level of any one or more hazardous materials within the at least one internal envelope, the monitoring equipment preferably reporting any levels to operators within the at least one internal envelope and/or report to a remote location outside the at least one internal envelope for external monitoring;
one or more pieces of ancillary equipment such as work lights and/or clean-up equipment provided within the at least one air tight envelope;
each at least one internal envelope is maintained at a slightly negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure to minimise the chance that any material from within the internal envelope can escape, particularly airborne material;
the or each at least one internal envelope is at least partially defined by fluid resistant walls and/or floor and/or roof to allow wash down of the internal envelope from within to collect any particulate material that may settle on the walls and/or floor and/or roof during the work.
25. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one gas extraction system and/or gas extraction components associated with the or each at least one internal envelope to collect atmosphere from within the at least one internal envelope, wherein a general extraction system is preferably provided to collect atmosphere from an upper portion of the at least one internal envelope and to create a slight negative pressure within the at least one internal envelope, wherein the general extraction system is operated at all times when the at least one internal envelope is sealed, and preferably operates at all times when the workshop is in operation and typically operates to withdraw atmosphere from the at least one internal envelope continually.
26. The workshop or workshop system of claim 25, further comprising one or more specific extraction systems or extraction system components, typically in combination with and linked to the general extraction system, and preferably one or more tool-specific extraction components, such as extractor heads and conduits which are linked to any one or more of the tools used within the at least one internal envelope to remove any bulk particulate or gas formed at the source of the work.
27. The workshop or workshop system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the or each extraction system is linked to one or more separation apparatus.
28. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one extractor conduit within the at least one internal envelope with one or more vent inlets and associated with an extraction pump to suck or withdraw atmosphere from the at least one internal envelope, wherein any extractor conduit preferably extends substantially of the length of the workspace and is preferably provided within the at least one internal envelope in an elevated position, preferably above any work area.
29. The workshop or workshop system of any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the one or more tool specific extraction systems comprise an extractor head associated with the tool or a housing related to the tool and an extractor conduit extends between the extractor head and the preferred general extractor conduit.
30. The workshop or workshop system of claim 29, wherein:
the general extractor conduit is manufactured from a plastic or light metal and therefore is substantially rigid; and/or
any tool-specific extractor conduits are flexible; and/or
L I
any tool-specific extractor conduits are extendable and retractable, including allowing extension and retraction of a fixed length extractor conduit or wherein the extractor conduit itself is length-adjustable.
31. The workshop or workshop system of any of claims 25 to 30, further comprising at least one separation apparatus associated with the at least one gas extraction system to at least partially remove at least one substance from the collected atmosphere, the at least one separation apparatus preferably including at least one filter and/or other types of separation apparatus, wherein more than one separation apparatus may form part of a multi-stage separation system to remove different materials or materials that are different size fraction.
32. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein once the potentially hazardous material has been removed from the collected atmosphere, the collected atmosphere which has been "cleaned" is returned to the at least one envelope, for example through an air curtain and/or is vented to the atmosphere.
33. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further comprising climate control in relation to the at least one envelope, for example an air-conditioner or similar to provide controlled atmosphere into the at least one envelope.
34. The workshop or workshop system of claim 33, wherein the separation equipment is connected to the air-conditioner and/or to the external atmosphere separately from the air conditioning, the return atmosphere from the separation apparatus optionally being reinjected into the external housing by the air conditioner.
35. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further comprising the at least one envelope having a wet floor system allowing liquid to be used to wash down or suppress any dust formed within the at least one envelope and washed into a collection area, typically an underfloor collection area, the wet floor system optionally comprising one or more of the following: one or more floor grates provided with openings therein to allow material to settle through or be washed through the one or more floor grates into a collection area or sump to then allow removal of this material from the at least one envelope; a wet separation apparatus or system to receive liquid such as water acting as a carrier for any dust or particulate waste material.
36. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further comprising the or each at least one envelope having one or more work areas or work tables, optionally in the form of
/_0
one or more wet cutting tables to spray or inject a liquid such as water on to a workpiece so that the workpiece can be cut in a wet environment, preferably further comprising one or more collection apparatus or sumps, such as one or more grates, workpiece supports including slots or other openings through which the liquid may drain and/or extraction equipment or the like, in association with the one or more wet cutting tables to collect liquid charged with particulate material for supply to a separation apparatus to separate potentially hazardous materials carried by the liquid.
37. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further comprising utility equipment associated with each workspace, such as at least one airborne material separator and at least one wet separator or scrubber.
38. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one on-board water tank to provide an on-board, self-contained water supply.
39. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, comprising multiple systems within the at least one internal envelope or associated with the at least one internal envelope to reduce the dispersion of hazardous material at the point of creation and/or to collect atmosphere and liquid containing any potentially hazardous material for separation.
40. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, wherein utilities are provided in the same housing as the at least one envelope or separated from the at least one envelope and/or provided in a separate external housing but associated with an external housing containing the at least one internal envelope.
41. The workshop or workshop system of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more of the following in the workspace: at least one swinging arm hoist; one or more fire extinguishers or other safety equipment; one or more sensors or alarms such as a fire alarm; one or more first aid supplies; one or more hoods/troughs for fumes; one or more metal workbenches; one or more articulating/extraction arms; one or more compressors; spray painting facilities; one or more welding panels/curtains; one or more plastic curtains (divided clear curtain); one or more wash bays; one or more removable access ramps; one or more air monitoring kill switches or similar devices; waterproof internal finishes; one or more float valves for wet underfloor trough; one or more fire rated/water proof insulation panels.
14 15 1/20
15
Figure 1
13 2/20
15
12
Figure 2
B B
D
A A 15 3/20
Figure 3
16 18 22 24 22 20 22 25
26
11 11 24
30 17 4/20
29
30 31 19 31 19
Figure 4
26 18 11 26 20 21 19 C 11
24
24 30
17 5/20
29
28 23
Figure 5
AU2021203689A 2020-06-04 2021-06-04 A controlled mobile workshop Pending AU2021203689A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2020901838A AU2020901838A0 (en) 2020-06-04 A controlled mobile workshop
AU2020901838 2020-06-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2021203689A1 true AU2021203689A1 (en) 2021-12-23

Family

ID=78958110

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2021203689A Pending AU2021203689A1 (en) 2020-06-04 2021-06-04 A controlled mobile workshop

Country Status (1)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2021203689A1 (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5034041A (en) Tent-free apparatus for particulate contamination control
US4765352A (en) Portable isolation enclosure for use in cleaning contaminated environments
US20010045220A1 (en) Pollution containment apparatus for making a penetration in a ceiling or wall of a building or other structure
USRE33810E (en) Portable isolation enclosure for use in cleaning contaminated environments
RU2736764C1 (en) Portable carbon dioxide absorption unit
CN105149780B (en) Self-propelled laser remanufacturing and re-repair square cabin
JP2008038576A (en) Dustless stripping removal device for asbestos or the like
US5367841A (en) Containing structure for abrasive blast head rigging and tank side cleaning apparatus
KR100807789B1 (en) Asbestos removing system and asbestos removing method
CN103143541A (en) Retractable dust removing system for large-sized workpiece
AU2021203689A1 (en) A controlled mobile workshop
US7294181B1 (en) Air filtration and positive pressurization system for vehicles in environmentally adverse conditions
WO2022051811A1 (en) An occupational health and safety management system
KR19980073622A (en) Mobile Dust Scattering Device and Method Using Air Knife
US5271750A (en) Air filtration system with safety after-filter
US4559067A (en) Portable air filtration device
JPH0239905A (en) Method and device for cutting asbestos wall
AU2020100156A4 (en) Containment Unit
CN107051078A (en) Purifying and recovering system retracting device
JPH031640B2 (en)
KR20090113655A (en) Apparatus for removing asbestos of ceiling localized region
CN214810397U (en) Movable paint mixing device with waste gas collecting and treating functions
KR101002023B1 (en) asbestos fiber removal system and removal method of structure inside surface
CN110614257A (en) Robot
CN101224461A (en) Translation type dust absorption sealed vehicle with double drive