FI128742B - A cleaning arrangement and method for cleaning a vacuum toilet system - Google Patents

A cleaning arrangement and method for cleaning a vacuum toilet system Download PDF

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Publication number
FI128742B
FI128742B FI20195956A FI20195956A FI128742B FI 128742 B FI128742 B FI 128742B FI 20195956 A FI20195956 A FI 20195956A FI 20195956 A FI20195956 A FI 20195956A FI 128742 B FI128742 B FI 128742B
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FI
Finland
Prior art keywords
vacuum
connection
fluid
pipework
cleaning
Prior art date
Application number
FI20195956A
Other languages
Finnish (fi)
Swedish (sv)
Other versions
FI20195956A1 (en
Inventor
Hannu Kyttänen
Original Assignee
Atmosphere Power Oy
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Publication date
Application filed by Atmosphere Power Oy filed Critical Atmosphere Power Oy
Priority to FI20195956A priority Critical patent/FI128742B/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of FI20195956A1 publication Critical patent/FI20195956A1/en
Publication of FI128742B publication Critical patent/FI128742B/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
    • E03D5/02—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor
    • E03D5/024—Operated hydraulically or pneumatically
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B29/00—Accommodation for crew or passengers not otherwise provided for
    • B63B29/02—Cabins or other living spaces; Construction or arrangement thereof
    • B63B29/14—Closet or like flushing arrangements; Washing or bathing facilities peculiar to ships
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23G—CLEANING OR DE-GREASING OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY CHEMICAL METHODS OTHER THAN ELECTROLYSIS
    • C23G3/00—Apparatus for cleaning or pickling metallic material
    • C23G3/04—Apparatus for cleaning or pickling metallic material for cleaning pipes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
    • E03F1/00—Methods, systems, or installations for draining-off sewage or storm water
    • E03F1/006—Pneumatic sewage disposal systems; accessories specially adapted therefore
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
    • E03F9/00—Arrangements or fixed installations methods or devices for cleaning or clearing sewer pipes, e.g. by flushing

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning arrangement arranged in connection with a vacuum toilet system provided in a ship for cleaning pipework in the vacuum toilet system and a method for cleaning a vacuum toilet. The vacuum toilet system comprising one or more drainage pipes (D1, D2) each connected from an upstream end to a toilet (T1, T2) and from a downstream end to a common flushing pipework (P) installed in the ship, said common flushing pipework (P) being connected to a vacuum source (V) for providing vacuum conditions to the common flushing pipework (P) for flushing the toilet (T1, T2).

Description

A CLEANING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR CLEANING A VACUUM TOILET SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a cleaning arrangement and more particularly to a cleaning arrangement as defined in the preamble of the independent claim 1. The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning a vacuum toilet system and more particularly to a method for cleaning a vacuum toilet system as defined in the preamble of the independent claim 10.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to cleaning of vacuum toilet systems. The problem with vacuum toilet systems is the formation of urea stone on the walls of the flushing pipelines. This is due to the fact that vacuum or under pressure causes the liquid in the pipeline to evaporate or boil, whereby the urea stone in the liquid remains in the flushing pipelines in a solid state and adheres to the walls of the flushing pipelines. Various cleaning chemicals are used to maintain the purity of the flushing pipelines, but their effectiveness in removing urea stone is poor. Nowadays, the removal of urea stone from the flushing pipelines can only be accomplished during shutdown by pumping cleaning fluid, such as acid into the entire vacuum toilet system. Therefore, the cleaning can normally only be accomplished when a ship is in port so that the shutdown is possible. Prior art is represented in document US 5873944 which discloses a method of and system for removing blockage from pipes in vacuum waste systems. o BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION N 25 An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning arrangement ro and a method for cleaning a vacuum toilet system provided in a ship to overcome 0 or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages. I The objects of the invention are achieved by a cleaning arrangement + and a method for cleaning a vacuum toilet system provided in a ship which are O 30 characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. The preferred S embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. > The invention is based on the idea of providing a cleaning arrangement which uses the vacuum conditions already provided in the vacuum toilet system of a ship. The invention is also based on the idea of providing the cleaning arrangement which is simple to connect to the already existing vacuum toilet system in a ship.
According to the above mentioned a cleaning arrangement is arranged in connection with a vacuum toilet system provided in a ship for cleaning pipework in the vacuum toilet system.
The vacuum toilet system comprises one or more drainage pipes each connected from an upstream end to a toilet and from a downstream end to a common flushing pipework installed in the ship.
The common flushing pipework is connected to a vacuum source for providing vacuum conditions to the common flushing pipework for flushing the toilet.
The cleaning arrangement is connected to the vacuum toilet system and comprises a first delivery connection arranged in the vacuum toilet system for connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum toilet system and a return connection for further connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum toilet system.
The return connection is provided in connection with the common flushing pipework — of the vacuum toilet system downstream of the first delivery connection towards the vacuum source in the common flushing pipework.
In other words, the return connection is closer to the vacuum source than the first delivery connection such that fluid provided through the first delivery connection to the common flushing pipework is arranged to flow toward the return connection with the help of the vacuum conditions provided from the vacuum source.
The cleaning arrangement further comprises a first fluid container for containing cleaning fluid and a second fluid container for dosing cleaning fluid.
The second fluid container is arranged in fluid communication with the first fluid container through a fluid conduit and further the second fluid container is arranged in gas communication with the first — fluid container through a gas conduit.
The cleaning fluid can be for example acid o fluid such as phosphoric acid or any other suitable acid for cleaning pipework.
S Therefore, the cleaning arrangement can be an acid cleaning arrangement.
The N cleaning arrangement further comprises a filter arranged in fluid communication 7 with the first fluid container and upstream of the first fluid container to filter N 30 cleaning fluid to be fed to the first fluid container.
In other words, the filter is E provided in the cleaning arrangement in the fluid flowing direction prior to the first o fluid container, i.e. between the return connection and the first fluid container.
The 3 cleaning arrangement further comprises a fluid delivery line for delivering 2 cleaning fluid, such as acid, from the second fluid container to the vacuum toilet N 35 system and a fluid returning line for returning cleaning fluid, such as acid from the vacuum toilet system to the cleaning arrangement.
The fluid delivery line is connected to the first delivery connection and the fluid returning line is connected to the return connection and arranged to connect the common flushing pipework and the filter. The fluid delivery line is arranged to deliver cleaning fluid, such as acid from the first fluid container via the second fluid container to the common flushing pipework. The first and second fluid container work as communicating vessels such that the level of the cleaning fluid in the containers are the same. The cleaning arrangement further comprises a vacuum connection provided to the vacuum toilet system connecting the vacuum source to the cleaning arrangement and a first vacuum line arranged to provide the vacuum conditions from the — vacuum toilet system through the vacuum connection to the first fluid container in the cleaning arrangement. The vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system is arranged to provide the vacuum conditions for the cleaning arrangement. In other words, the vacuum toilet system and the cleaning arrangement are arranged to use the same vacuum source for their operation.
According to an embodiment of the invention the cleaning arrangement further comprises a discharge valve provided in connection with the fluid delivery line for opening and closing the conduit inside the fluid delivery line and a return valve provided in connection with the fluid returning line for opening and closing the conduit inside the fluid returning line.
According to an embodiment of the invention the common flushing pipework comprises a first valve arranged downstream of the return connection in relation to the vacuum source for closing the common flushing pipework from the vacuum toilet system connected to the vacuum source during cleaning the common flushing pipework with the cleaning arrangement between the first delivery connection and the return connection. In other words, the common flushing o pipework comprises the first valve such that the common flushing pipework is S separated from the vacuum source by closing the first valve. N According to an embodiment of the invention the first valve is provided ? in the common flushing pipework between the return connection and the vacuum N 30 connection. E According to an embodiment of the invention the cleaning arrangement © comprises a first air valve arranged to provide replacement air to the cleaning 3 arrangement and the vacuum toilet system comprises a second air valve arranged 2 to provide replacement air to the vacuum toilet system. The second air valve can N 35 — be provided for example in connection with a toilet flush button.
According to an embodiment of the invention the first vacuum line comprises a vacuum line valve for opening and closing the conduit inside the first vacuum line.
According to an embodiment of the invention the cleaning arrangement further comprises a second delivery connection arranged in the vacuum toilet system for further connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum toilet system, the fluid delivery line being connected to the first delivery connection and further to the second delivery connection. In other words, the cleaning arrangement can be connected through multiple delivery connections to the common flushing pipework for cleaning the common flushing pipework in many — partsor cleaning part of the common flushing pipework at a time. The first delivery connection is provided to the common flushing pipework downstream of a first drainage pipe in relation to the vacuum source and said second delivery connection is provided to the common flushing pipework downstream of a second drainage pipe and upstream of the first drainage pipe in relation to the vacuum source. Alternatively, the first delivery connection is provided to a first drainage pipe which is connected from the downstream end to the common flushing pipework and the second delivery connection is provided to a second drainage pipe which is connected from the downstream end to the common flushing pipework upstream from the connection of the first drainage pipe to the common flushing pipework in relation to the vacuum source. Alternatively, the first delivery connection is provided to a first drainage pipe which is connected from the downstream end to the common flushing pipework and the second delivery connection is provided to the common flushing pipework downstream of a second drainage pipe and upstream of the first drainage pipe in relation to the vacuum source. Alternatively, the first delivery connection is provided to the common flushing pipework o downstream of a first drainage pipe in relation to the vacuum source and the O second delivery connection is provided to a second drainage pipe which is LÖ connected from the downstream end to the common flushing pipework upstream ? from the first drainage pipe in relation to the vacuum source. N 30 Alternatively, or in addition the invention the cleaning arrangement E further comprises two or more return connections arranged in the vacuum toilet © system for further connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum toilet system. The returning line is preferably provided as a branching piping such that = the branching returning line is connected to the common flushing pipework N 35 through multiple return connections. Alternatively, there are multiple returning lines extending from the multiple return connections which are either connected together before the filter or each are connected to the filter. In other words, the cleaning arrangement can be connected through multiple return connections to the common flushing pipework for cleaning the common flushing pipework in many parts or cleaning part of the common flushing pipework at a time.
5 According to an embodiment of the invention the cleaning arrangement further comprises a storage tank for refilling the first fluid container. The storage tank is in a fluid communication with the first fluid container.
According to an embodiment of the invention the storage tankis further connected to the vacuum connection provided to the vacuum toilet system — connecting the vacuum source to the cleaning arrangement. The storage tank and the vacuum connection are connected through a second vacuum line. According to a method for cleaning a vacuum toilet system installed in a ship, the vacuum toilet system comprises one or more drainage pipes each connected from an upstream end to a toilet and from a downstream end to a common flushing pipework installed in the ship. The common flushing pipework is connected to a vacuum source for providing vacuum conditions to the common flushing pipework for flushing the toilet. In the method the cleaning arrangement is connected to the vacuum toilet system through a first delivery connection provided in the vacuum toilet system and a return connection provided downstream of the first delivery connection in relation to the vacuum source in connection with a common flushing pipework of the vacuum toilet system, which the cleaning arrangement comprises a first fluid container and a second fluid container in fluid and gas communication with each other. The first and second fluid container comprise cleaning fluid. The method comprises: separating the common flushing pipework from the vacuum source by closing a first valve o arranged in the common flushing pipework between the return connection and the S vacuum source; providing the vacuum conditions to the cleaning arrangement; N closing the fluid and gas communication between the first fluid container and the <Q second fluid container; delivering cleaning fluid, such as acid, from the second fluid N 30 container to the common flushing pipework through a delivery line connected to E the first delivery connection as a response to raising pressure in the second fluid o container and opening a discharge valve arranged in the delivery line; flushing the 23 cleaning fluid through the common flushing pipework to the return connection as 2 a response to providing replacement air to the vacuum toilet system by opening a N 35 second air valve arranged to provide replacement air to the common flushing pipework; and discharging cleaning fluid, such as acid from the common flushing pipework back to the cleaning arrangement through the return connection by utilizing the vacuum conditions provided to the cleaning arrangement from the vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system.
In an embodiment of the invention the providing the vacuum conditions to the cleaning arrangement comprises providing a vacuum connection to the vacuum toilet system by connecting a first vacuum line between the vacuum connection in the vacuum toilet system and the first fluid container for providing the vacuum conditions from the vacuum toilet system to the cleaning arrangement. Alternatively, the providing the vacuum conditions to the cleaning arrangement comprises providing a vacuum pump in connection with the cleaning arrangement for providing vacuum conditions to the cleaning arrangement.
In an embodiment of the invention the raising pressure in the second fluid container comprises the steps of: closing a fluid valve arranged in a fluid conduit between the first fluid container and the second fluid container, said fluid conduit forming the fluid communication between the first fluid container and the second fluid container; closing a gas valve arranged in a gas conduit between the first fluid container and the second fluid container, said gas conduit forming the gas communication between the first fluid container and the second fluid container; closing the discharge valve arranged in the delivery line; and opening a first air valve arranged in the cleaning arrangement between the discharge valve and the gas valve.
In an embodiment of the invention the opening the second air valve comprises: opening the second air valve arranged upstream of the return connection in relation to the vacuum source. Alternatively, the opening the second — air valve comprises: opening the second air valve arranged upstream of the first o delivery connection in relation to the vacuum source. S In an embodiment of the invention the method further comprises N arranging the vacuum connection of the cleaning arrangement to the common ? flushing pipework between the first valve and the vacuum source of the vacuum N 30 toilet system; or alternatively, arranging the vacuum connection of the cleaning E arrangement to the vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system. © In an embodiment of the invention the providing the vacuum conditions 3 to the cleaning arrangement comprises closing a return valve provided in 2 connection with a fluid returning line connected to the common flushing pipework N 35 through the return connection for closing the conduit inside the fluid returning line; closing a discharge valve provided in the delivery line connected through the first delivery connection to the common flushing pipework; providing the vacuum conditions to the first fluid container and the second fluid container from the vacuum connection between the vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system and the first fluid container by opening a vacuum line valve, or alternatively providing the vacuum conditions to the first fluid container and the second fluid container from the vacuum connection between the vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system and the second fluid container by opening a vacuum line valve, or alternatively providing the vacuum conditions to the first fluid container and the second fluid container from a vacuum pump provided in connection with the cleaning arrangement.
In an embodiment of the invention the raising pressure in the second fluid container comprises: pressurizing the second fluid container to atmospheric pressure.
In an embodiment of the invention the method further comprises providing the vacuum conditions from the vacuum source to the cleaning arrangement through a first fluid container provided in the cleaning arrangement; or alternatively, providing the vacuum conditions from the vacuum source to the cleaning arrangement through a storage tank provided in connection with the cleaning arrangement; or alternatively, providing the vacuum conditions from the vacuum source to the cleaning arrangement through a first fluid container provided in the cleaning arrangement and a storage tank provided in connection with the cleaning arrangement.
In an embodiment of the invention the method further comprises providing replacement air to the common flushing pipework by opening the second air valve provided in connection with the drainage pipe connected to the o common flushing pipework; or alternatively, providing replacement air to the O common flushing pipework by opening the second air valve provided in connection LÖ the common flushing pipework upstream of the first delivery connection relative 7 to the vacuum source. , or alternatively, providing replacement air to the common N 30 flushing pipework by the second air valve provided in connection with the common E flushing pipework upstream of the return connection relative to the vacuum o source. 23 In an embodiment of the invention the method further comprises 2 delivering cleaning fluid, such as acid from the first fluid container of the cleaning N 35 arrangement to a second fluid container in fluid communication with the first fluid container as a response to opening the air valve by utilizing the vacuum conditions provided to the cleaning arrangement from the vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system, and delivering cleaning fluid, such as acid from the second fluid container to the common flushing pipework through the first delivery connection as a response to opening the air valve by utilizing the vacuum conditions provided to the cleaning arrangement from the vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system.
In an embodiment of the invention the method comprises filtering the cleaning fluid, such as acid, discharged from the common flushing pipework by a filter provided in the cleaning arrangement between the return connection and the first fluid container by utilizing the vacuum conditions provided to the cleaning arrangement from the vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system.
In an embodiment of the invention the method comprises filling the first fluid container with cleaning fluid, such as acid supplied from a storage tank through a conduit inside a fluid supply line provided between the storage tank and the first fluid container as a response to opening an air valve provided in — connection with the first fluid container by utilizing the vacuum conditions provided to the cleaning arrangement from the vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system.
In an embodiment of the invention the method comprises further connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum toilet system through a second delivery connection provided in the vacuum toilet system arranged upstream of the first delivery connection in relation to the vacuum source.
An advantage of the invention is that the cleaning arrangement and method for cleaning a vacuum toilet system makes it possible to purge the flushing system with cleaning fluid, such as acid at the desired point of the common flushing pipework and utilize the existing vacuum in the vacuum toilet system. Another o advantage of the invention is that the cleaning of the vacuum toilet system is S effective due to the pressure difference between the vacuum toilet system and the 4 cleaning arrangement. 3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS E 30 The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments © with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which 3 Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a cleaning arrangement connected D to a vacuum toilet system; N Figure 2 shows another embodiment of a cleaning arrangement connected to a vacuum toilet system; and
Figure 3 shows yet another embodiment of a cleaning arrangement connected to a vacuum toilet system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a cleaning arrangement according to the invention which is connected to a vacuum toilet system of a ship. The vacuum toilet system comprises a common flushing pipeline P and one or more drainage pipes D1, D2 each connected from an upstream end to a toilet T1, T2 and from a downstream end to a common flushing pipework P installed in the ship. The common flushing pipework P is connected to a vacuum source V for providing vacuum conditions to the common flushing pipework P for flushing the toilet T1, T2. In other words, in the vacuum toilet system of a ship the toilets T1, T2 are connected through the drainage pipes D1, D2 to the common flushing pipework P which is connected to the vacuum source V. The toilets T1, T2 are flush toilets that use suction provided from the vacuum source for the removal of faeces and urine resulting in a minimal requirement of water. When flushing the toilet T1, T2, replacement air is provided in the pipeline and the vacuum in the common flushing pipeline P sucks the contents out of the toilet T1, T2 through the drainage line D1, D2 and through the common flushing pipework P into a tank. In the embodiment shown in figure 1 the cleaning arrangement is connected to the vacuum toilet system through a first — delivery connection C1 in the common flushing pipework P and through the return connection R in the common flushing pipework P for delivering cleaning fluid, such as acid from the cleaning arrangement to the common flushing pipework and further back to the cleaning arrangement. The cleaning arrangement is also connected to the vacuum source V of the vacuum toilet system through a vacuum connection VC in the common flushing pipework P. The vacuum connection VC is N preferably provided at the common flushing pipework P downstream of the first N valve P1 in relation to the vacuum source V. In other words, the cleaning S arrangement which is connected to the vacuum toilet system uses the vacuum N source of the vacuum toilet system in order to deliver cleaning fluid through the E 30 common flushing pipework P in the vacuum toilet system. © The cleaning arrangement comprises a fluid returning line 2 connected 3 to the return connection R to discharge cleaning fluid from the common flushing > pipework to the filter 30 connected to the fluid returning line 2. The fluid returning N line 2 comprises a return valve 21 which is closed when the cleaning arrangement is provided in vacuum conditions from the vacuum connection VC arranged at the vacuum toilet system.
The filter 30 is arranged to filter the cleaning fluid discharged from the common flushing pipework P before feeding it through a connection line 3 arranged to extend between the filter 30 and the first fluid container 10 into the first fluid container 10. The first fluid container 10 is in fluid communication with the second fluid container 20 through a fluid conduit 4 and a gas conduit 5. The fluid conduit 4 and the gas conduit 5 are arranged to extend between the first fluid container 10 and the second fluid container 20 and they both comprise valves, the fluid conduit 4 comprises a fluid valve 14 and the gas conduit comprises a gas valve 15. The fluid and gas valves 14, 15 are arranged to be closed — when the second fluid container is pressurized, i.e. the pressure inside the second fluid container 20 is raised.
A first vacuum line VL1 is provided between the first fluid container 10 and the vacuum connection VC connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system.
The first vacuum line VL1 also comprises a vacuum line valve 31 for closing and opening the conduit inside the first vacuum line VL.
The second fluid container 20 is connected to the first delivery connection C1 through the fluid delivery line 1. The fluid delivery line 1 comprises the discharge valve 11 for closing and opening the conduit inside the fluid delivery line 1. The cleaning of the common flushing pipework P of the vacuum toilet system is started by connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum toilet system with the first delivery connection C1 to the common flushing pipework and with the return connection R to the common flushing pipework P downstream of the first delivery connection C1 in relation to the vacuum source V.
Then the common flushing pipework P to be cleaned is separated from the vacuum source V — by closing the first valve P1 provided in the common flushing pipework P between o the return connection R and the vacuum source.
The first vacuum line VL1 is S arranged between the cleaning arrangement and the vacuum connection VC which N is provided at the vacuum toilet system downstream of the first valve P1 in relation 7 to the vacuum source V.
The vacuum conditions are provided from the vacuum N 30 source V to the cleaning arrangement through the first vacuum line VL1 which in E the embodiment shown in figure 1 is arranged to extend between the common © flushing pipework P downstream of the first valve P1 in relation to the vacuum 3 source V and the first fluid container 10. The cleaning arrangement is in other 2 words subjected to the vacuum conditions used in the vacuum toilet system and N 35 then the second fluid container 20 is separated from the vacuum conditions of the cleaning arrangement by closing the fluid and gas communication between the first fluid container 10 and the second fluid container 20 and by closing the discharge valve 11 in the fluid delivery line 1. When the second fluid container 20, which is used for dosing the cleaning fluid to the common flushing pipework P to be cleaned, is separated from the rest of the cleaning arrangement by closing the valves, i.e. discharge valve 11 and the fluid valve 14 and the gas valve 15, between the first fluid container 10 and the second fluid container 20, the pressure is raised in the second fluid container 20 by opening a first air valve Al provided between the gas valve 15 and the discharge valve 11 which in the embodiment shown in figure 1 is provided in the — gas conduit 5 but which can be provided anywhere in the cleaning arrangement from the gas valve 15 through the second fluid container 20 to the discharge valve
11. Raising pressure in the second container and opening the discharge valve 11 cause the cleaning fluid to move from the second fluid container 20 through the fluid delivery line 1 to the common flushing pipework P through the first delivery connection C1, i.e. the cleaning fluid moves from the second fluid container 20 to the common flushing pipework P as a response to raising pressure in the second fluid container 20 and opening a discharge valve 11 arranged in the delivery line 1. The common flushing pipework P fills with the cleaning fluid but flushing the cleaning fluid through the common flushing pipework P to the return connection R is provided by arranging replacement air to the common flushing pipework. The replacement air is provided by opening a second air valve A2 which is arranged in the common flushing pipework P or in connection with a drainage line D1 connected to the common flushing pipework P or the second air valve A2 can even be a toilet flush button opening a replacement air valve. When the replacement air is provided to the common flushing pipework P the cleaning fluid o is flushed through the part of the common flushing pipework P to be cleaned, i.e. S the part between the first delivery connection C1 and the return connection R. N Further the fluid and gas valves between the first and second fluid container 10,20 7 are opened so that the second fluid container 20 can further be filled with the N 30 cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is discharged from the common flushing pipework E P back to the cleaning arrangement through the return connection R and supplied © to the filter for filtering the fluid for further reusing it in the cleaning arrangement. 3 Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the invention in which the 2 vacuum toilet system comprises multiple toilets, i.e. the first toilet T1 and the N 35 second toilet T2 which are connected through drainage lines D1, D2 to the common flushing pipework P. The cleaning arrangement is arranged to operate similarly as described in connection with figure 1 but in this embodiment the cleaning arrangement is further connected with a second delivery connection C2 to the vacuum toilet system. Further in this embodiment the first and second delivery connections C1, C2 are connected to the drainage lines which are further connected to the common flushing pipework P. Figure 2 shows alternative places for the second air valve A2, A2’ such that the air valve A2 can be provided in connection with the drainage line D1, D2 or in connection with the toilet T1, T2. However, the second air valve A2 is arranged upstream of the first delivery connection C1 and/or upstream of the second delivery connection C2 in relation to the return connection R.
Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the invention in which the cleaning arrangement further comprises a storage tank 50. The storage tank 50 is connected through a connection line 52 to the first fluid container 10 for filling the first fluid container 10 with fluid supplied from the storage tank 50 or emptying — the first fluid container 10 into the storage tank 50. The connection line 52 comprises valves 53, 54 for closing and opening the conduit inside the connection line 52. The storage tank 50 is further connected to the vacuum source V of the vacuum toilet system through a second vacuum line VL2 for providing the vacuum conditions to the storage tank 50. The second vacuum line VL2 also comprises a — third air valve A3 which is arranged between a second vacuum line valve 51 and the storage tank 50 for providing replacement air for raising the pressure in the storage tank 50 and for moving the fluid from the storage tank 50 to the first fluid container 10. Otherwise the cleaning arrangement is the same as described in connection with figure 1.
In a preferable embodiment of the invention there is a first fluid o container 10 and a second fluid container comprising acid fluid or other cleaning S fluid and which the containers are provided with vacuum conditions. The cleaning N arrangement is connected to the common flushing pipework P with a vacuum hose, ? i.e. the fluid delivery line 1 and the return line 2 which the common flushing N 30 pipework P to be cleaned and having the connections is separated from the rest of E the toilet vacuum system by the first valve P1 for cleaning. The cleaning o arrangement is also connected with a vacuum hose, i.e. the first vacuum line VL1, 3 to the vacuum source elsewhere in the vacuum toilet system, which provides the 2 operating vacuum for the cleaning arrangement. The elsewhere in the vacuum N 35 toilet system meaning that the connection of the first vacuum line VL1 to the vacuum toilet system is arranged outside of the area of the common flushing pipework P to be cleaned which is closed with the first valve P1 from the vacuum toilet system.
Therefore, the vacuum connection VC is downstream of the first valve P1 in relation to the vacuum source V.
The fluid containers 10, 20 are connected to the storage tank 50 located elsewhere, which the storage tank 50 is also connected to the vacuum source V of the vacuum toilet system.
The cleaning fluid or acid is added or discharged from the storage tank 50, when necessary, by means of vacuum and controlled by Sensors.
The second fluid container 20 is pressurized by isolating it from the rest ofthe cleaning arrangement by closing the discharge valve 11 and the fluid and gas valves 14, 15 between the first fluid container 10 and the second fluid container 20 such that the cleaning fluid can be moved from the second fluid container 20 with the help of pressure difference when the first air valve Al is opened and the discharge valve is opened for allowing the cleaning fluid to flow to the common flushing pipework P to be cleaned.
In other words, by providing replacement air to the second fluid container 20 or to the gas conduit 5 between the closed gas valve 15 and the second fluid container 20 or to the fluid delivery line 1 between the second fluid container 20 and the closed discharge valve 11 from the outside air, the cleaning fluid is transferred due to the differential pressure when the discharge valve 11isopened again.
The cleaning fluid is flushed through the common flushing pipework P to be cleaned removing the impurities and returning back to the cleaning arrangement through the filters, where the removed impurities remain.
The figures do not show every valve and sensor that are used for monitoring and controlling the cleaning arrangement, as the level of automaticity ofthe cleaning arrangement can be vary based on the need of the destination where o it is used.
The fluid delivery line 1 and the return line 2 can be formed from a S vacuum hose having a diameter of for example 63 mm and the connection line 52 N between the storage tank 50 and the first fluid container 10 can be formed from an 7 acid dosing hose having a diameter of for example 19 mm.
The vacuum lines VL1, N 30 —VL2 can be formed from a vacuum hose having a diameter of for example 32mm.
E The cleaning arrangement can be made as removable cleaning arrangement which o can be moved from one destination to another in connection with the vacuum toilet 3 system. = The invention has been described above with reference to the examples N 35 shown in the figures.
However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (19)

1. A cleaning arrangement arranged in connection with a vacuum toilet system provided in a ship for cleaning pipework in the vacuum toilet system, said vacuum toilet system comprising one or more drainage pipes (D1, D2) each connected from an upstream end to a toilet (T1, T2) and from a downstream end to a common flushing pipework (P) installed in the ship, said common flushing pipework (P) being connected to a vacuum source (V) for providing vacuum conditions to the common flushing pipework (P) for flushing the toilet (T1, T2), the cleaning arrangement comprising: - a first delivery connection (C1) arranged in the vacuum toilet system for connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum toilet system; - a return connection (R) for further connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum toilet system; - a fluid returning line (2) for returning cleaning fluid from the vacuum toilet system to the cleaning arrangement, said fluid returning line (2) being connected to the return connection (R); - a vacuum connection (VC) provided to the vacuum toilet system connecting the vacuum source (V) to the cleaning arrangement; and -afirst fluid container (10) for containing cleaning fluid; characterized in that said return connection (R) being provided in connection with the common flushing pipework (P) of the vacuum toilet system downstream of the first delivery connection (C1) towards the vacuum source (V) in the common flushing pipework (P); the cleaning arrangement further comprising: - a second fluid container (20) for dosing cleaning fluid, said second N fluid container (20) is arranged in fluid communication with the first fluid N container (10) through a fluid conduit (4) and further said second fluid container S (20) is arranged in gas communication with the first fluid container (10) through a N gas conduit (5); E 30 -afilter (30) being arranged in fluid communication with the first fluid © container (10) and upstream of the first fluid container (10) to filter cleaning fluid 3 to be fed to the first fluid container (10), the fluid returning line (2) being arranged > to connect the common flushing pipework (P) and the filter (30); N - a fluid delivery line (1) for delivering cleaning fluid from the second fluid container (20) to the vacuum toilet system, said fluid delivery line (1) being connected to the first delivery connection (C1); and - a first vacuum line (VL1) arranged to provide the vacuum conditions from the vacuum toilet system through the vacuum connection (VC) to the first fluid container (10) in the cleaning arrangement.
2. A cleaning arrangement according to claim 1,characterized in that the cleaning arrangement further comprising: - a discharge valve (11) provided in connection with the fluid delivery line (1) for opening and closing the conduit inside the fluid delivery line (1); and -areturn valve (21) provided in connection with the fluid returning line (2) for opening and closing the conduit inside the fluid returning line (2).
3. A cleaning arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized inthatthe common flushing pipework (P) comprising a first — valve (P1) arranged downstream of the return connection (R) in relation to the vacuum source (V) for closing the common flushing pipework (P) from the vacuum toilet system connected to the vacuum source (V) during cleaning the common flushing pipework (P) with the cleaning arrangement between the first delivery connection (C1) and the return connection (R).
4. A cleaning arrangement according to claim 3,characterized in that the first valve (P1) being provided in the common flushing pipework (P) between the return connection (R) and the vacuum connection (VC).
5. A cleaning arrangement according to any previous claim, o characterized inthatthe cleaning arrangement comprising a first air valve O (A1) arranged to provide replacement air to the cleaning arrangement and the LÖ vacuum toilet system comprising a second air valve (A2) arranged to provide 7 replacement air to the vacuum toilet system. N 30 E
6. A cleaning arrangement according to any previous claim, © characterized inthatthe first vacuum line (VL1) comprising a vacuum line 3 valve (31) for opening and closing the conduit inside the first vacuum line (VL1). 5 N 35
7. A cleaning arrangement according to any previous claim, characterized in that the cleaning arrangement further comprising a second delivery connection (C2) arranged in the vacuum toilet system for further connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum toilet system, said fluid delivery line (1) being connected to the first delivery connection (C1) and further to the second delivery connection (C2), said first delivery connection (C1) being provided to the common flushing pipework downstream of a first drainage pipe (D1) in relation to the vacuum source (V) and said second delivery connection (C2) being provided to the common flushing pipework (P) downstream of a second drainage pipe (D2) and upstream of the first drainage pipe (D1) in relation to the vacuum source (V), or said first delivery connection (C1) being provided to a first drainage pipe (D1) which is connected from the downstream end to the common flushing pipework (P) and said second delivery connection (C2) being provided to a second drainage pipe (D2) which is connected from the downstream end to the common flushing pipework (P) upstream from the connection of the first drainage pipe (D1) to the common flushing pipework (P) in relation to the vacuum source (V), or said first delivery connection (C1) being provided to a first drainage pipe (D1) which is connected from the downstream end to the common flushing pipework (P) and said second delivery connection (C2) being provided to the common flushing pipework (P) downstream of a second drainage pipe (D2) and upstream of the first drainage pipe (D1) in relation to the vacuum source (V), or said first delivery connection (C1) being provided to the common flushing pipework downstream of a first drainage pipe (D1) in relation to the vacuum source (V) and said second delivery connection (C2) being provided to a second drainage pipe (D2) which is connected from the downstream end to the common flushing pipework (P) upstream from the first drainage pipe (D1) in o relation to the vacuum source (V).
S LÖ 8. A cleaning arrangement according to any previous claim, ? characterized in that the cleaning arrangement further comprising a N 30 storage tank (50) for refilling the first fluid container (10), said storage tank (50) E being in a fluid communication with the first fluid container (10).
O 23
9. A cleaning arrangement according to claim 8, characterized 2 in that the storage tank (50) being further connected to the vacuum connection N 35 (VC) provided to the vacuum toilet system connecting the vacuum source (V) to the cleaning arrangement, said storage tank (50) and said vacuum connection (VC) are connected through a second vacuum line (VL2).
10. A method for cleaning a vacuum toilet system installed in a ship, said vacuum toilet system comprising one or more drainage pipes (D1, D2) each connected from an upstream end to a toilet (T1, T2) and from a downstream end to a common flushing pipework (P) installed in the ship, said common flushing pipework (P) being connected to a vacuum source (V) for providing vacuum conditions to the common flushing pipework (P) for flushing the toilet (T1, T2), a cleaning arrangement being connected to the vacuum toilet system through a first — delivery connection (C1) provided in the vacuum toilet system and a return connection (R) provided in connection with a common flushing pipework (P) of the vacuum toilet system, the cleaning arrangement comprising a first fluid container (10), characterized in that the return connection (R) being provided downstream of the first delivery connection (C1) in relation to the vacuum source —(V) in connection with the common flushing pipework (P) of the vacuum toilet system, which the cleaning arrangement comprising the first fluid container (10) and a second fluid container (20) in fluid and gas communication with each other, said first and second fluid container (10, 20) comprising cleaning fluid, the method comprising: - separating the common flushing pipework (P) from the vacuum source (V) by closing a first valve (P1) arranged in the common flushing pipework (P) between the return connection (R) and the vacuum source (V); - providing the vacuum conditions to the cleaning arrangement; - closing the fluid and gas communication between the first fluid container (10) and the second fluid container (20); o - delivering cleaning fluid from the second fluid container (20) to the S common flushing pipework (P) through a delivery line (1) connected to the first N delivery connection (C1) as a response to raising pressure in the second fluid 7 container (20) and opening a discharge valve (11) arranged in the delivery line (1); N 30 - flushing the cleaning fluid through the common flushing pipework (P) E to the return connection (R) as a response to providing replacement air to the © vacuum toilet system by opening a second air valve (A2) arranged to provide 3 replacement air to the common flushing pipework (P); and 2 - discharging cleaning fluid from the common flushing pipework (P) N 35 back to the cleaning arrangement through the return connection (R) by utilizing the vacuum conditions provided to the cleaning arrangement from the vacuum source (V) of the vacuum toilet system.
11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the providing the vacuum conditions to the cleaning arrangement comprises: - providing a vacuum connection (VC) to the vacuum toilet system by connecting a first vacuum line (VL1) between the vacuum connection (VC) in the vacuum toilet system and the first fluid container (10) for providing the vacuum conditions from the vacuum toilet system to the cleaning arrangement; or - providing a vacuum pump in connection with the cleaning arrangement for providing vacuum conditions to the cleaning arrangement.
12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the raising pressure in the second fluid container (20) comprises the steps of: - closing a fluid valve (14) arranged in a fluid conduit (4) between the — first fluid container (10) and the second fluid container (20), said fluid conduit (4) forming the fluid communication between the first fluid container (10) and the second fluid container (20); - closing a gas valve (15) arranged in a gas conduit (5) between the first fluid container (10) and the second fluid container (20), said gas conduit (5) forming the gas communication between the first fluid container (10) and the second fluid container (20); - closing the discharge valve (11) arranged in the delivery line (1); and -opening a first air valve (Al) arranged in the cleaning arrangement between the discharge valve (11) and the gas valve (15).
o 13. Method according to any of claims 10-12, characterized in O that the opening the second air valve (A2) comprises: LÖ - opening the second air valve (A2) arranged upstream of the return 7 connection (R) in relation to the vacuum source (V); or N 30 - opening the second air valve (A2) arranged upstream of the first E delivery connection (C1) in relation to the vacuum source (V).
O 23 14. Method according to any of claims 10-13, characterized in 2 that the method further comprises: N 35 - arranging the vacuum connection (VC) of the cleaning arrangement to the common flushing pipework (P) between the first valve (P1) and the vacuum source (V) of the vacuum toilet system; or - arranging the vacuum connection (VC) of the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum source (V) of the vacuum toilet system.
15. Method according to any of claims 10-14, characterized in that the providing the vacuum conditions to the cleaning arrangement comprises - closing a return valve (21) provided in connection with a fluid returning line (2) connected to the common flushing pipework (P) through the return connection (R) for closing the conduit inside the fluid returning line (2); - closing a discharge valve (11) provided in the delivery line (1) connected through the first delivery connection (C1) to the common flushing pipework (P); - providing the vacuum conditions to the first fluid container (10) and the second fluid container (20) from the vacuum connection (VC) between the — vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system and the first fluid container (10) by opening a vacuum line valve (31), or - providing the vacuum conditions to the first fluid container (10) and the second fluid container (20) from the vacuum connection (VC) between the vacuum source of the vacuum toilet system and the second fluid container (20) by opening a vacuum line valve (31), or - providing the vacuum conditions to the first fluid container (10) and the second fluid container (20) from a vacuum pump provided in connection with the cleaning arrangement.
16. Method according to any of claims 10-15,characterized in o that the raising pressure in the second fluid container (20) comprises: O - pressurizing the second fluid container (20) to atmospheric pressure.
LÖ 7 17. Method according to any of claims 10-16,7characterized in N 30 that the method further comprises: E - providing replacement air to the common flushing pipework (P) by © opening the second air valve (A2) provided in connection with the drainage pipe 3 (D, D1, D2) connected to the common flushing pipework (P); or 2 - providing replacement air to the common flushing pipework (P) by N 35 opening the second air valve (A2) provided in connection the common flushing pipework (P) upstream the first delivery connection (C1) relative to the vacuum source (V); or - providing replacement air to the common flushing pipework (P) by opening the second air valve (A2) provided in connection the common flushing pipework (P) upstream of the return connection (R) relative to the vacuum source (V).
18. Method according to any of claims 10-17, characterized in that the method comprises: - filtering the cleaning fluid discharged from the common flushing pipework (P) through the return connection (R) by a filter (30) provided in the cleaning arrangement between the return connection (R) and the first fluid container (10) by utilizing the vacuum conditions provided to the cleaning arrangement from the vacuum source (V) of the vacuum toilet system.
19. Method according to any of claims 10-18, characterized in that the method comprises: - further connecting the cleaning arrangement to the vacuum toilet system through a second delivery connection (C2) provided in the vacuum toilet system arranged upstream of the first delivery connection (C1) in relation to the — vacuum source (V).
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FI20195956A 2019-11-08 2019-11-08 A cleaning arrangement and method for cleaning a vacuum toilet system FI128742B (en)

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