Suctioning device for large artificial water bodies

DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY

SUCTION DEVICE FOR LARGE ARTIFICIAL BODIES OF

WATER

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a suction device for suctioning flocs from the soft bottom of large artificial bodies of water, where the bottom surface of the large artificial bodies of water can be irregular and inclined. U.S. Patent No. 8,518,269, No. 8,062,514, No. 8,070,942, No. 7,820,055, No. 8,454,838, No. 8,465,651, No. 8,518,269, No. 8,070. 342, and US patent applications No. 20110110076. 20110108490, No. 20130240432, No. 20130264261, No. 20130213866, No. 20130306532, and No. 20110210076 are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND [0002] Today in the world, two different technologies can be distinguished for the maintenance of bodies of water.

[0003] On the one hand, conventional technologies for pool water treatment can be distinguished, which will be referred to as "Technology A". On the other hand, an innovative technology can be distinguished for the treatment and maintenance of large bodies of water, such as large artificial bodies of water, which will be referred to as "Technology B". Both technologies are of very different nature, operation, configuration, and size, and are aimed at very different objectives and different types of water bodies, and therefore, the suction devices used for each technology are completely different.

[0004] Technology A, which refers to the conventional treatment of swimming pools, is used in small and confined bodies of water with specific characteristics and usually constructed with concrete with flat, regular, and firm bottoms. Since the pools are small in size, their regulations require the filtration of the entire body of water between 1 and 6 times per day to maintain proper water quality for recreational purposes.

7825509_2 [0005] Technology B, on the other hand, allows to treat and maintain large bodies of water that have irregular and soft bottoms constructed with plastic coatings, and where water is treated using efficient flocculation that allows impurities to precipitate, and then remove impurities sedimented and dirt from irregular and shallow bottoms, especially the floc formed in the water treatment process, thus avoiding the use of centralized filtration systems and conventional technologies for swimming pools such as Technology A.

[0006] Pools using Technology A generally use conventional pool bottom cleaners, and there are many different types and models on the market, which have been specially designed to clean the bottom of relatively small recreational water bodies, such as swimming pools , among other applications. Such pool cleaners are configured to clean small surfaces, and therefore the cleaning speeds (ie the amount of bottom surface cleaned in a given period of time) are low and would not be practical for cleaning the bottoms of large bodies of water. using Technology B because of its large sizes.

[0007] Also, such cleaning devices are configured to clean smooth surfaces that do not present irregularities or bulges. For example, typical pools are constructed of concrete, fiberglass, or other materials that can be coated to provide a firm, flat, regular, and smooth surface. Therefore, such surfaces can be easily cleaned with bottom cleaning devices of conventional pools. These conventional pool bottom cleaning devices are not damaged to clean soft and irregular surfaces such as the bottom of large bodies of water using Technology B, since the operation would be extremely inefficient and could even damage the bottom.

[0008] It should also be noted that conventional pool cleaners are generally provided with small suction heads, usually with brushes. The brushes move from the perimeter of the pool by means of long bars or handles. This is possible due to the small surfaces that must be covered. These conventional cleaners are designed to remove adhering dirt and stains found at the bottom and walls of the pools. However, although small suction heads remove dirt from the bottom of the pool, the pool's centralized filtration system must still be used to treat waterborne contamination, where conventional filtration systems filter the body of water Complete 1 to 6 times per day to purify water.

[0009] Also, many such devices for swimming pools that use Technology A use rotating brushes, brushes or other systems that can cause flocs to disperse and / or be suspended, and may also comprise filters associated with the devices of suction, which is not applicable to large artificial bodies of water using Technology B due to the large volumes of water that must be filtered.

[0010] Conventional pool cleaning devices are typically supported by a series of wheels, which although have little or no impact on the bottom surface of conventional pools (typically formed by concrete, fiberglass and other materials that may be coated to provide a firm, flat, regular, and smooth surface), they can damage the bottom lining of water bodies using Technology B, since the bottom has irregular surfaces and therefore the wheels could cause unwanted tension, including, for example, stretching and folding of the coating material. Additionally, if a sharp object, such as a stick, rock or other debris is placed on or under the plastic coatings, the weight / pressure produced by the wheels could cause puncture of the coating causing damage and water filtration.

[0011] Moreover, as a result of the irregular surfaces present (ie, areas or areas that have greater or lesser depths), said surfaces cannot be properly cleaned using conventional background cleaners.

[0012] Additionally, conventional bottom suction cleaners used in Technology A cannot work at high speed. As a sediment cloud is produced by such devices, sucking the entire sediment layer at the bottom is almost impossible. The sediment cloud causes the mixing and turbulence of the bottom layer in the body of water, reducing the sedimentation capacity and therefore avoiding the proper treatment of the body of water.

Table 1: Differences between Technology A and Technology B

<td>characteristics</td><td>Technology A Small pools</td><td>Technology B Large artificial bodies of water</td>

<td>Average water surface</td><td>Generally 80 m²Olympic pool: 1,250 m²</td><td>Generally 30,000 m²- 400,000 m²</td>

<td>Background material</td><td>Concrete</td><td>Natural land used as background, covered with plastic membranes</td>

<td>Background surface</td><td>Smooth, regular, flat, firm</td><td>Irregular, soft, with prominences</td>

<td>Water treatment</td><td>High permanent concentrations of chemicals</td><td>Efficient flocculation that allows impurities to precipitate to the bottom</td>

<td>Use of flocculants</td><td>Optional</td><td>Mandatory</td>

<td>Filtration</td><td>Use of conventional centralized filtration system</td><td>It does not require a centralized filtration system</td>

<td>Use of suction device to treat water</td><td>No - small devices are used only to remove adhered impurities and stains</td><td>Yes - the device allows to remove flocculated impurities from the bottom of the artificial bodies of water</td>

<td>Cleaning Device Operation</td><td>Slow operation due to small pool sizes</td><td>Use of fast propellant devices due to the large areas that must be covered</td>

<td>Cleaning device</td><td>Rotating parts and brushes to remove debris and stains</td><td>There are no rotating parts so as to avoid re-suspension of material that has already precipitated</td>

[0013] The large bodies of water that use Technology B can be used for recreational purposes, such as water sports, bathing, and many other activities that improve the lifestyle of people around the world. Large bodies of water can also be used for industrial purposes, such as cooling, storage and drinking water treatment, raw water storage, seawater treatment for reverse osmosis and mining applications, and many other applications.

[0014] Such large bodies of water that use Technology B typically have soft and irregular bottoms. This generally results from the positioning of the coating, which is generally plastic, directly on a natural surface.

The water contained in the large bodies of water is generally treated by means of efficient flocculation that allows impurities to precipitate, and then the removal of sedimented impurities from soft and irregular bottoms, especially the flocs formed in the water treatment process, thus avoiding the need for conventional centralized filtration systems.

[0015] Conventional small devices for removing adherent impurities and stains from the bottom of conventional pools using Technology A are not configured to clean large surfaces in short periods of time, nor are they configured to be driven by a propulsion device, such as a boat with a motor or robotic system connected internally or externally to the device, since they are designed for small areas that do not present cleaning difficulties on their surfaces because the bottoms of conventional pools that use Technology A are usually constructed with concrete and are very regular and smooth.

[0016] A conventional suction device for Technology A comprises a suction head that can be moved along the bottom surface of a pool by means of a hand-articulated bar or handle (thus limiting the covered area and speed of the cleaning process). Such device improves the life of the cleaning head comprising bristles that are easily removable so as to replace them in case of wear. Therefore, such a suction device focuses on replacing spent bristles with unused bristles so that the life of the suction head is not limited by the life of the bristles used.

[0017] Another conventional system for Technology A includes a vacuum head with parallel rows of brushes with a predetermined feed direction and flexible sponge to hold the water inside the device so as to suck it. This device is designed for cleaning small pools and provides efficient suction due to the blockage generated by the flexible sponge. However, this vacuum head is designed to clean regular bottoms (i.e. flat) of swimming pools, for example, built with concrete, and not to deal with irregular bottoms such as those of large artificial bodies of water. Such a device includes a support plate to minimize flexion of the flexible sponge, and a support wheel to provide stability to the device as it rolls along the surface to be cleaned.

[0018] Other devices include a suction head for conventional pools using Technology A, which has a central suction nozzle and an elongated main brush and auxiliary brushes that support the cleaning head, where the head is configured to move impurities. towards the central suction nozzle. This design causes the re-suspension of waste since it has many openings inside the suction head, which instead only moves and re-suspends the impurities. Such a head is designed to fit a conventional pool suction cleaner, with a hand-operated bar to move the head, and a system to suck and filter the sucked water inside the same pool, and therefore, could not be used to Large applications or to clean large areas of surfaces in short periods of time.

[0019] Other types of vacuum heads for swimming pools using Technology A include a pool suction head supported on a sphere, comprising a plurality of rotating spheres supported on a base plate, to support the base plate on the bottom. from the pool. There, the suction head is maneuvered from the edges of the pool by a long cane. Although the base plate is a rectangular and flexible plate, the device is supported on rotating spheres that provide low rolling friction to aid handling with ease, which is completely aimed at solving maneuverability problems from the edge of swimming pools. Since this system is handled by hand from the perimeter, it could not be used for large applications, or to clean large surface areas in short periods of time. The rotating spheres also do not allow maneuvering over prominences or irregularities at the bottom of large artificial bodies of water, since they could damage the coatings of such large artificial bodies of water.

[0020] Therefore, it should be noted that none of the suction cleaners for operation in swimming pools according to Technology A could be useful or efficient for sucking the bottom of large artificial bodies of water using Technology B.

[0021] However, a few specific suction devices have been developed for use in large artificial bodies of water according to Technology B, where such suction devices have presented many limitations associated with the suction speed, reversibility, turning capacity , suction efficiency, operation on irregular surfaces, and operation on inclined bottoms, among others.

ABSTRACT [0022] In general terms, this invention is directed to a suction device for suctioning, inter alia, flocculants produced by flocculants or coagulants and residues found at the bottom of water bodies using Technology B. In a possible configuration and non-limiting example, the suction device is configured to operate in large artificial bodies of water using the innovative water treatment of Technology B that allows to treat and maintain large bodies of water that have irregular and soft bottoms constructed with plastic coatings, and where such water is treated through efficient flocculation that allows impurities to precipitate, and then, remove impurities precipitated from the irregular and soft bottom, especially the flocs formed in the water treatment process, thus avoiding the use of conventional centralized filtration systems and conventional pool technologies.

[0023] Several aspects are described in this invention, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects.

[0024] One aspect is a suction device for suctioning flocs produced by flocculants or coagulants from the bottom of a large artificial bodies of water using innovative water treatment of Technology B that allows to treat and maintain large bodies of water that have irregular bottoms and soft built with plastic coatings, and where such water is treated through efficient flocculation that allows impurities to precipitate, and then remove the impurities precipitated from irregular and soft bottoms, especially the flocs formed in the water treatment process, thus avoiding the use of conventional centralized filtration systems and conventional pool technologies.

[0025] The suction device typically includes a flexible plate configured to provide a structural frame; a plurality of first brushes, where in one embodiment the first brushes are V-shaped brushes configured to direct a flow of bottom water towards the apexes of the V-shaped brushes; a plurality of central brushes configured to redirect the flow of bottom water to the first brushes; a plurality of side brushes configured to contain the flow of bottom water in the vicinity of the suction device; a plurality of suction points configured to concentrate the suction capacity so as to increase the suction power at the suction points; a plurality of safety wheels configured to provide secondary support and prevent damage to the suction device when the first brushes, center brushes, and / or side brushes have worn out and cannot provide proper support or suction height to the suction device; a plurality of collecting means configured to collect the flow of suctioned bottom water and concentrate the flow of suctioned bottom water to one or more external suction lines; a plurality of internal suction lines configured to drive the flow of bottom water from the plurality of suction points to the plurality of collection means; and a plurality of couplings, which connect the internal suction lines and the collection means. The suction device has a rate at which the bottom water flow enters the suction device, which is equal to or greater than the rate of water flow sucked by an external pumping system through the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective top view of an example suction device.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a schematic bottom view of the suction device of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the suction device of Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the suction device of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of another example suction device with side wheels.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a schematic bottom view of the suction device of Figure 5.

[0032] Figure 7 shows V-shaped brushes and side brushes, indicating the location of the apex where a suction point is located.

[0033] Figure 8 shows that the suction device is attached to propulsion means, an external pumping system, and a filtration system.

[0034] Figure 9 shows an operation of the suction device, indicating how a water inlet flow enters the device to be sucked in a forward direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0035] Several embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the Figures, where the reference numbers represent similar parts and assemblies through various views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, any example set forth in this specification is not set forth in order to be limiting and only describes one of the many possible embodiments of the appended claims.

[0036] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying Figures. Although embodiments of the invention are described, modifications, adaptations, or other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the figures, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, rearranging, or adding steps to the disclosed methods. Therefore, the following detailed description does not limit the scope of the invention. While systems and methods are described in terms of "understanding" several devices or steps, systems and methods may also "essentially consist of" or "consist of" several devices or steps, unless otherwise indicated.

[0037] As mentioned, currently two different technologies can be distinguished to maintain water bodies for recreational purposes, the first refers to the treatment of water from conventional pools or Technology A, which is used in small bodies of water with characteristics specific and usually built in concrete with flat, regular, and firm bottoms and that require a centralized filtration system; and the second refers to an innovative water treatment technology, or Technology B, that allows to treat and maintain large bodies of water that have irregular and soft bottoms constructed of plastic coatings, and where such water is treated by means of efficient flocculation which allows impurities to precipitate, and then remove impurities precipitated from the irregular and soft bottom, especially the flocs formed in the water treatment process, thus avoiding the use of conventional centralized filtration systems.

[0038] Very large and artificial water bodies are typically constructed without centralized filtration systems and using the previously mentioned innovative water treatment, Technology B, where such large artificial water bodies are constantly increasing in size, and therefore there is a need to provide low cost and efficient bottom cleaning devices for large bodies of water, greater than 10,000 m² of surface area. Such large artificial water bodies with a surface area greater than 10,000 m² It can be artificial lakes, ponds, swimming pools, tanks, pools, ponds, and similar bodies of water. Regarding the bottom cleaning systems for the maintenance of large bodies of water using the innovative Technology B of water treatment through efficient flocculation and without centralized filtration systems, there are some types of suction devices aimed at cleaning the bottom of large artificial bodies of water, greater than 10,000 m². It should be noted that large pools that use Technology A generally have sizes up to 1,250 m², corresponding to Olympic-size pools. Such innovative water treatment systems, which do not require centralized filtration systems, implement the treatment by adding different oxidants, coagulants, and flocculants to allow the precipitation of flocs to the bottom of the large artificial bodies of water. Therefore, devices for suctioning such precipitated impurities must be able to prevent re-suspension of sedimented impurities and remove them, while at the same time they must be able to cover a large surface area in short periods of time. Such suction devices are used to clean the bottom of artificial bodies of water, where the devices generally move through the bottom of the artificial body of water by sucking the flow of bottom water so as to remove the flocs, debris, and / or solids found at the bottom. The challenge of such technologies is that the background cleaning devices that are used to clean large artificial bodies of water have several limitations related to surface cleaning rates, avoiding resuspension of sedimented particles, speed, ability to clean irregular surfaces , wheel support, suction capacity, reversibility, weight, costs, and turning capacity, among other features.

[0039] In such background cleaning devices for large artificial bodies of water, the suction power commonly propagates through the entire length of the device through a long, thin and continuous opening which in turn causes the resulting flocs of water treatment methods tend to disperse and rise, creating sediment clouds that generate inefficiencies in cleaning and suction.

[0040] Such suction devices for large artificial bodies of water are supported on wheels and are very heavy so as to prevent them from rising from the bottom when pulled by a propulsion device or to allow to provide stability and adhesion to the bottom when used. internal propulsion systems. However, such a great weight causes difficulty in maintaining the suction device, since the device must be removed from the water and put back into the water to perform maintenance and replacement of different parts inside the device, and also causes damage to the bottom due to the heavy weight on the support wheels. Also, the cost of such a suction device is expensive, and should be reduced in order to allow its application to more projects around the world.

[0041] Many large artificial bodies of water around the world have irregular bottoms that are difficult to clean due to the requirement of being able to adapt the suction device to such irregularities, such as bumps, holes, different inclinations, and other imperfections that may affect the even cleaning of the bottom surface. For example, small and conventional pools that use Technology A generally use manual cleaning methods for irregular surfaces, which could not be used efficiently in large artificial bodies of water.

[0042] Therefore, the development of suction devices for large artificial water bodies using the innovative Technology B water treatment without centralized filtration systems have many limitations to efficiently and quickly suction the flocs resulting from the water treatment method , since the suction opening is continuously configured along the entire bottom of the device, and also such devices tend to produce damage on the bottom membranes due to their rigidity, weight, which are supported on wheels and other variables; and therefore there is a need to provide a suction device capable of efficiently suctioning the flocs at high speed on irregular bottoms.

[0043] Conventional pool cleaning devices for Technology A, which are designed to suck large amounts of debris from the bottom, are not designed to suck small precipitated impurities produced in large artificial bodies of water with bottoms covered by plastic coatings that they do not have centralized filtration systems that use Technology B. The suction configuration and requirements of the devices for large artificial bodies of water are very different from those of pool cleaners that operate with conventional centralized filtration systems.

[0044] A suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention allows to treat and maintain large bodies of water with surfaces greater than 10,000 m² at low cost, using the innovative Technology B for water treatment through efficient flocculation without requiring centralized filtration systems. This new suction device technology is different from pool technologies, in that efficient flocculation allows impurity precipitation and removal of impurities precipitated from the bottom of large bodies of water, especially the flocs that are formed in the treatment process of water. In contrast, Pool Technology A is applied to pools, which have relatively low sizes. For example, the Olympic swimming pools are generally the largest and have areas of 1,250 m and 2,500 m volumes³. On the other hand, the new suction device technology according to the present invention is applied to large bodies of water, such as artificial bodies of water, which on average have surface areas of between 1 and 40 hectares - from around 100,000 feet² at around 4,000,000 feet² or from around

2.5 to about 100 acres (at least 20 times larger than the largest pool). Such large artificial bodies of water have different construction methods compared to conventional pools. For example, artificial water bodies are typically constructed with plastic coatings on natural ground that can be covered with sand, clay, or compacted, which creates an irregular bottom that presents difficulties for cleaning.

[0045] The present invention relates to a flexible suction device for suctioning flocs from the bottom of large artificial bodies of water with surfaces greater than 10,000 m² and with bottoms covered with plastic coatings that do not have centralized filtration systems, and that allows cleaning the bottom surface of a large artificial body of water at a cleaning speed of 325,000 feet² in 24 hours (30,000 m² in 24 hours) or more, where the bottom surface of the large artificial bodies of water may be irregular and inclined, and where the suction device is reversible and supported on a plurality of brushes, comprising first brushes, arranged to provide appropriate support to the suction device and minimize the dispersion and re-suspension of sedimented flocs. The suction device is designed so as to concentrate the suction power at a series of suction points, where the suction device is connected to an external filtration system that may not be attached to the suction device. The term "filtration system" or "filtration media" is generally used to indicate one or more filtration components, such as filters, grilles, and the like, or any combination thereof. The filtration system generally includes a pump to move water through the system.

[0046] Figures 1-7 illustrate an exemplary suction device. In particular, Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective top view of a suction device. Figure 2 shows a schematic bottom view of the suction device of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the suction device of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the suction device of Figure 1. Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of another example suction device with side wheels. Figure 6 shows a schematic background view of the suction device of Figure

5. Figure 7 shows V-shaped brushes and side brushes, indicating the location of the apex where a suction point is located.

[0047] A suction device according to the present invention typically comprises a flexible plate that provides the structural framework for joining or fixing the different parts and parts of the device. Depending on the material of the flexible plate, the different parts can be welded, hung, screwed, nailed, or joined by any other joining method that allows providing stability to the joined part.

[0048] The flexible plate can be constructed with polycarbonate, polypropylene, carbon fiber, polyethylene, polystyrene, PTFE, PVC, acrylic, and metals such as steel, and compounds thereof. The materials are typically water resistant, since the suction device is designed and manufactured to operate submerged. For example, in the case of using steel, 316 stainless steel can be used.

[0049] In some embodiments, the flexible iron has some weight to keep the device submerged and prevent it from rising from the bottom while being driven by a propulsion device. In other embodiments, additional weight can be added to the device by means of different types of fixation.

[0050] The flexible plate 1 has a plurality of first brushes 2 attached to the lower side thereof. In some embodiments, the first brushes are independent parts that can be easily removed or exchanged when replacement is required due to brush wear. However, in other embodiments, the first brushes are permanently fixed to the plate 1 to avoid involuntary disconnection of one or more of the first brushes 2. In a preferred embodiment, the first brushes are V-shaped brushes. Within the scope of the invention, the variation of the shape of the first brushes in other forms is considered, for example, in the form of H, U-shaped, or some other configuration that has a convergent pattern. Additionally, these brushes can be discontinuous, that is, it is not a large and continuous brush, but one formed of many smaller brushes. This configuration allows the replacement of smaller brushes when necessary. Additionally, the flexible plate can be provided with a number of fixing points that allows reconfiguration of the shape / orientation of the brushes along the plate. Moreover, while all the brushes of the invention are typically fixedly installed at a 90 ° angle to the plate, other angles are also possible, for example 80, 75, 70, or any other angle up to 45 degrees. The brushes can be mobilely attached to the plate, for example, with a hinge, which allows the brushes themselves (in addition to the bristles) to change the angle along with the movement of the device along the surface of the body of water.

[0051] The flexible plate can also be provided with a plurality of central brushes 3, installed between the first brushes. The central brushes are typically oblique or inclined, which gives an angle that allows sediment distribution as required. The central brushes are designed to allow brushing and directing the sediments in the direction of the suction points 4 (Figure 2). The central brushes 3 are typically positioned to provide a brush section between the first brushes that would otherwise not be covered and therefore could not be cleaned. Such central brushes make it possible to redirect the flow of bottom water from such area to the first brushes so as to allow efficient suction of the bottom water flow. The geometry and strategic location of the first brushes allows directing the flow of bottom water that contains the sediments impurities towards the apexes 17 (Figure 7) of the first brushes.

[0052] The location of the first brushes 2 and the central brushes 3 allows the suction device to be operated in both directions 12, that is, forward and backward along a minor axis defined by the flexible plate 1 (Figure 3). As the device can be operated selectively in any direction, the time needed to install and operate the device is reduced. Moreover, such a design allows more even wear of the brushes, by rotating the suction device and changing its direction of advance in predetermined periods of time. By rotating the device according to predetermined periods of time, the brushes can be worn evenly, and therefore deliver a more efficient action on the bottom of the large artificial bodies of water.

[0053] The suction device may also include one or more side brushes (5) positioned along a pair of end edges of the plate, that is, parallel to the direction of movement 12. The side brushes are configured and positioned to contain the flow of water sucked into the suction device to help prevent re-suspension of a background water flow in the vicinity of the suction device. The position of the side brushes is selected to allow efficient flow between media, but to limit any fluid outflow from under the plate along the sides.

[0054] Typically, the complete suction device is supported on the aforementioned brushes, including the first brushes (2), the central brushes (3), and the side brushes (5), which are strategically located to provide an even support to the weight of the device and allow fluid operation and movement through the bottom of the body of water. In other words, the iron is spaced from the bottom surface of the water body mainly by the brushes, that is, without any roller, spacer, or other device that causes friction. Such even distribution of the weight of the suction device through the brushes also allows the suction device to be lifted from the bottom when driven by external propulsion means.

[0055] As the device is fully supported on different brushes, and the structural framework is a flexible plate (1), the device allows efficient cleaning of the bottom surfaces that may have irregularities, prominences, holes, different inclinations, and others imperfections that can prevent even cleaning of the bottom surface. The irregularities can be caused by the natural terrain under the coating, the installation of coatings, geo-membranes, or roofs that present imperfections due to the installation, or to the same material. It should be noted that such imperfections may accentuate over time, since the terrain may settle or its properties may change. Such irregularities can be overcome with the use of brushes as a support for the device, allowing the flow of water containing impurities to be directed towards the apexes of the first brushes.

[0056] Therefore, the flexibility of the suction device is achieved with the combination of the use of a flexible iron as a structural frame and the support by the brushes that allows flexibility in the cleaning of the bottom of a large artificial body of water .

The bristles of the brushes described above may be made of commercially available materials, such as polypropylene, nylon, animal hair, vegetable fibers, carbon fibers, polyester, PEEK, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, PTFE, PVC, acrylic fibers , rubber, or metal wire bristles, among others. The brushes of the suction device may include a combination of different types of bristles to allow adequate cleaning of the bottom of large artificial bodies of water. The use of different materials for different brushes is also considered within the scope of the invention, depending on the desired performance parameters. For example, in one embodiment, the bristles of the side brushes could be made of PVC, while the bristles of the first brushes could be made of polyester fibers. Additionally, it is not necessary that all the bristles of a single brush be of the same material.

[0058] The suction device also makes it possible to clean a combination of bottoms with different inclinations of large artificial bodies of water, which has not been possible to perform with the devices currently on the market. Since the structural framework is a flexible plate, the plate can be curved to provide cleaning to bottoms with different inclinations.

[0059] The flexible plate includes a plurality of suction points (4) configured to concentrate the suction capacity of an external pumping system and therefore provide greater suction power at such suction points. The suction points may be located at the apexes (17) of the first brushes, such as V-shaped brushes, so as to efficiently suck the flow of bottom water that has been directed by the brushes towards such suction points. The suction points additionally or alternatively can be located within the apexes of the side brushes to provide even suction on the bottom water flow. The first brushes can direct the bottom sediments to a central suction point so that, for the same external pumping power, the suction power is approximately 3 times greater than in conventional cleaning devices.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the flexible plate can also be provided with a plurality of safety wheels (6). In some embodiments, the safety wheels are installed at a level greater than the level of the brushes, that is, where the distance from the plate to the end of the brushes is greater than the distance from the plate to the most distant point of the wheels . In some embodiments, the safety wheels are not necessary in the permanent operation of the suction device. Such safety wheels can be used when the brushes are worn and cannot deliver the support or suction height to the suction device. In such a case, the wheels can serve as a secondary support while the brushes are fixed or replaced. The safety wheels are typically positioned such that a lower surface thereof is higher than the brushes but lower than the suction points. As a result, during normal operation of the device, only the brushes contact the lower surface of the water body. When the brushes wear or damage and the device moves closer to the surface being cleaned, the wheels come into contact with the surface and prevent the suction points from approaching the surface, getting trapped on the surface, or that are damaged by the surface. Typically, the safety wheels are arranged uniformly around the perimeter of the plate, but it is considered within the scope of the invention to use eccentric wheels, for example, when the wheels are not circular (for example, oval or substantially rectangular with rounded edges) or they are mounted on the plate through an offset axis. This construction allows different results in suction.

[0061] The flexible plate can also comprise lateral wheels (21) arranged around the perimeter of the plate, with its axes positioned parallel to the plate (Figure 5). The side wheels are designed to provide protection or prevent damage to the iron and / or the water body walls.

[0062] The suction height can be determined specifically for each large body of water to be cleaned, provided that it is designed to allow the suction device to contain the flow of bottom water containing the impurities and sedimented solids, and not contain clean water. In other words, although the distance between the bottom of the brushes and the suction point, that is, the suction height, can be generic, it is considered within the scope of the invention to modify the suction height, depending on the particular characteristics. of the body of water to be cleansed. This can be achieved by installing brushes with different lengths either all, or varying the lengths of the brushes of the same device.

[0063] Safety wheels are typically made of materials that do not cause major damage to the surface of the bottom of large artificial bodies of water, when it is necessary to use them. Examples of materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, rubber, plastics, polystyrene, PTFE, and PVC, among others.

[0064] As shown, the flow of suctioned water is sent to a plurality of manifolds (7) through internal suction lines (9). Internal suction lines and manifolds are typically connected through different couplings (10) such as elbows, flanges, ducts, sleeve couplings, clamp couplings, and beam couplings, among other rigid or flexible coupling components. During the typical operation of the suction device, a negative pressure is created by a pump (not shown) connected to the collectors, creating the suction there. Since the collectors are in fluid communication with the couplings, this suction is distributed to the suction points (4) through the internal suction lines and couplings. Depending on the desired effect of the resulting suction, different reducers and / or expanders can be used to adjust the suction force applied to each suction point. The suction force at each suction point may be the same or different.

[0065] Figure 8 shows that the suction device may be attached to a propulsion device, an external pumping system and / or a filtration system. As depicted, the manifold (7) is often configured to concentrate the flow of sucked water from a series of suction connection points (4) to one or more external suction lines (8) that are configured to send the flow of water sucked into the external pumping system. The number of external suction lines is commonly less than the number of internal suction lines to provide efficient distribution of water flow and reduce the need for external suction lines to connect to an external pumping system (14). The flow of suctioned water is typically sent to the external pumping system through one or more external suction lines (8).

[0066] The manifold (7) may include different concentration components, such as multiple tubes, multiple inlet pipes, among others.

[0067] The connections between the different elements of the suction device and the flexible plate can be achieved by any method, including, but not limited to, welding, arc welding, couplings, adhesive bonding, and mechanical assembly such as thymes , bolts, and fasteners, among others.

[0068] The flexible plate may include one or more connectors or arm joints (11) configured to join an external propulsion device (13) through one or more connecting arms (16) to provide the required driving force and allow the suction device to move along the bottom of large artificial bodies of water.

[0069] Figure 9 shows a typical operation of the suction device, which shows how an inlet water flow (18) can enter the device to be sucked in a forward direction. The suction device can be driven by a propellant device. As shown in Figure 9, the device may be connected to the propulsion device by one or more connecting arms (16) attached to the connecting arms (11) attached to the flexible plate. As the suction device is driven, it moves in a certain direction of advance (19) along the bottom of the large artificial lagoon, allowing an inlet water flow (18) to enter the suction device. The suction device allows to suck impurities and other sedimented material (20), thus allowing a thorough cleaning of the bottom surface.

[0070] The term "propulsion device" is generally used to describe a propulsion device that provides movement, either by pushing or pulling another device. In some embodiments, the propulsion device may include a boat or a floating structure positioned on the surface of the water body with a motor, submersible robotic systems, impellers, automated means, or any system that allows the required driving force to be provided to the device. suction. In some embodiments, the propulsion device is included within the suction device, such as caterpillars. In some embodiments, the tracks may be tractor type tracks. In some embodiments, the propulsion device is a catamaran-type boat, with an engine, where the engine is located in front of the boat so as to minimize the mixing of the water under the boat and the re-suspension of sedimented impurities. In other embodiments, the propulsion device is an underwater carriage supported on a rail system.

[0071] The suction device may include, either additionally or as an alternative, different systems and equipment to allow nighttime operations and monitoring, such as underwater lights to illuminate the path of the suction device. The suction device may additionally include a camera to provide still images or videos of the device's suction operation, which may be permanently fixed or removable.

[0072] Due to the configuration of the suction device, significantly higher speeds can be achieved when compared to conventional suction devices. The suction device of the present invention allows to cover large irregular surfaces in a short time without generating re-suspension or dispersion of the impurities of the bottom or flocs, as well as to clean the bottom and remove the flow of bottom water at high speeds. The device of the invention allows to cover large surface areas in a short time, and is capable of moving at speeds of about 25 feet per minute, 30 feet per minute, 40 feet per minute, 50 feet per minute, or about 60 feet per minute, or about 70 feet per minute. As the device moves along the bottom, it will be able to cover a surface area equivalent to the feed rate multiplied by the width of the device.

[0073] In some embodiments, the device may have a width of 9.85 feet (300 cm) and a speed of 28.5 feet per minute (868 cm per minute), and therefore the surface area cleaning rate it will be 28.5 feet / min x 9.85 feet = 281 feet²/ min (26m²/ min) Therefore, the total surface cleaning speed will be around 405,000 feet² / 24 hours (around 38,000 m²/day). However, approximately 20% of this time is expected to be required for cleaning or maintenance or speed reduction for turns or other reasons. Therefore, the suction device may be able to clean an area of ​​approximately 325,000 feet² in 24 hours of operation (30,000 m² in 24 hours of operation) or more.

[0074] It should be noted that conventional pool cleaning devices that are designed and configured to be maneuvered by a person around the perimeter of the pool cannot achieve the purpose of cleaning large artificial bodies of water as in the present invention. Also, conventional pool cleaning devices are designed to remove debris that lies on the bottom of concrete pools that is flat, firm, and smooth, which is completely different from the irregular bottoms of large artificial water bodies covered with different coatings, such as plastic geo-membranes. The resulting suction power for the suction device of the invention is typically greater than about 30 m³/ hr, greater than about 40 m³/ hr, greater than about 50 m³/ hr, greater than about 75 m³/ hr, and often in the order of about 90 m³/ hr.

[0075] The suction device according to the present invention is configured to treat and maintain large artificial bodies of water without a centralized filtration system and which is different from pool technologies. The suction device is used when the sedimentation of suspended solids and organic matter, among others, has been formed, and the suction device operates to remove sedimented impurities from the bottom of the large artificial body of water in order to prevent the filtration of the full body of water. Therefore, the suction device includes suction points to remove sediment impurities at the bottom of the body of water avoiding dispersing and re-suspending the flocs. Settled flocs are very fragile and can be easily dispersed, which is completely different from waste removed from conventional pools, which are generally composed of dirt, rust, calcium carbonate, or debris that have adhered to the bottom of the pool and is necessary to remove.

[0076] The suction device according to the present invention is capable of reaching high speeds without causing re-suspension or dispersion of fragile impurities and solid sediments in the bottom in the vicinity of the operation of the suction device, and therefore, not affect water quality or produce a sediment cloud that would otherwise be caused when conventional suction devices are operated at high speed. Moreover, the suction device is configured to allow feed rates of around 66 feet per minute (20.11 meters per minute) while moving on uneven bottoms, while at the same time preventing damage to the bottom materials. Using the device according to the present invention, the surface cleaning speed is more than 3 times greater than any other suction device for large artificial bodies of water without a centralized filtration system, and more than 4 times greater than conventional cleaners. of swimming pools

[0077] For example, if the suction devices have fixed wheels to move through the coated bottom, irregularities in the bottom cannot be overlooked and the wheels could cause damage to the coating, causing it to tear, bend, or lengthens, which affects its duration and will probably require replacement. Such damage to the bottom of large artificial bodies of water can also cause considerable leaks, causing water losses and could cause environmental damage. Therefore, the suction device according to the present invention is typically supported uniformly on the brushes so as to avoid causing tension or damage to the bottom materials. Moreover, the device according to the present invention is supported on the brushes, making the rotation of the device more smoothly, thus protecting the bottom material of the large artificial bodies of water when the rotation is necessary. In contrast, when fixed wheels are used, the rotation of a device causes the fixed wheels to slide on the material, as opposed to rolling, and therefore, can cause tearing or breakage, which should certainly be avoided.

[0078] The volume of water sucked is dependent on the external pumping system and the pressure losses due to the distance of the pipes and system configuration, among others. In some embodiments, the system is designed to allow the effective volume introduced to the suction device to be equal to or greater than the amount of water sucked by the external pumping system. The suction device according to the present invention is configured to have some feed rate —4

V_{£ c}where the width L_{£ c} of the suction device faces the direction of movement, and the suction device has a suction height of H_sc.

[0079] Therefore, the total water volume, or water inlet volume (18) that will be fed to the suction device in a predetermined period of time can be calculated as:

hn³

Qsc ⁼ ^ SC X l'SC X ^ sc s [0080] The total suctioned water flow due to the suction power of the external pumping system is defined as Q_ps. And therefore, the following equation can be defined:

Qsg - Qps [0081] Such a relationship can be explained as follows: To suck and remove only the flow of water containing impurities and sedimented solids, the height of the suction device is defined to suck such flow of bottom water. As the suction device advances, the impurities are captured inside the brushes and sucked through the suction points, as the clean water passes through the device and is not sucked. Therefore, the flow of water sucked from the external pumping system is configured to be less than the flow of water that effectively enters the suction device, avoiding sucking clean water that will be subsequently purified and / or filtered. If the suction power from the external pumping system is greater than the flow of water entering the suction device, the suction power may cause the device to stick to the bottom, preventing its movement and potentially damaging the bottom material.

[0082] As shown in Figure 8, in some embodiments, the flow of suctioned water is sent to a purification / filtration system (15), which allows filtering such flow of suctioned water. The flow of filtered water (16) can be resumed towards the large body of water. In some embodiments, the external filtration system is not part of the device, since given the large volumes of water sucked due to the high feed rate, a small filter fitted to the suction device would not be sufficient to provide the required flow filtration. of sucked water, or a large filter that could not be attached to the suction device would be required.

Example 1 [0083] The suction device according to the present invention was manufactured and installed in a large body of water of 3.7 acres (14,793m²).

[0084] The body of water included a coating of LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) installed on sandy soil, producing an irregular bottom that must be thoroughly cleaned to maintain an appropriate color and hue of water and within the large body of water. Other technologies cannot clean such a large body of water, and therefore the suction device according to the present invention was developed and tested in such a project.

[0085] The suction device included a flexible plate constructed of polycarbonate with a thickness of 10 mm to deliver the required flexibility. The suction device had a surface area of ​​about 3 m², and with approximate dimensions of 3 meters long and 1 meter wide. The height of the suction device was approximately 6 cm, which allowed only the flow of bottom water that contained the impurities and wastes to be sucked, and not to suck clean water that would render the process inefficient.

[0086] The brushes were made of polyethylene bristles with polypropylene, which did not damage the bottom material and have the ability to support the suction device on the bottom and adapt to the irregular surface of the bottom to provide thorough cleaning.

[0087] The safety wheels were constructed with UHMW PE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene), using the same materials as for some parts of the suction device, which allows to reduce manufacturing and material costs.

[0088] Six suction points were located at the apexes of the first brushes, and two additional suction points were located at the apexes of the side brushes, to provide even suction of the bottom water flow. The total of eight suction points were connected in two separate multiple tubes, where each multiple tube allowed to connect four suction points through internal suction lines. The suction connection lines were manufactured with PVC with 316 stainless steel elbows, to provide underwater durability.

[0089] The suction device was installed at the bottom of the lake, and two external suction pipes were connected to an external pumping system positioned on the perimeter of the large body of water. The suction device was attached to a boat with an engine through two metal arms, which allowed the suction device to be driven through the bottom of the large body of water.

[0090] The device was operated at a surface cleaning speed of 3.76 feet² per second (0.35 m² per second, approximately 325,000 feet² in 24 hours, 30,190 m² in 24 hours, considering a 20% loss of time), allowing complete cleaning of the bottom surface (3.7 acres, 14,793 m²) of the large body of water in about 12 hours. The reduction of the operating time allows to reduce the general operating costs.

[0091] The total water flow entering the suction device was less than the flow of water sucked from the external pumping system, since a small portion of clean water passed through the device, while the impurities and sedimented solids which were found at the bottom were retained in the brushes and then removed through the suction points.

[0092] A comparison can be made between the suction device of Example 1 of the present invention and a device for cleaning large artificial bodies of water, which is shown in Table 2, where the first type of device has limitations associated with the speed of cleaning the device, reversibility, turning capacity, suction efficiency, operation on irregular surfaces, support on wheels, and operation on inclined bottoms, among others.

Table 2: Comparison between a first suction device for Technology B and a device according to the present invention used in Technology B

<td>Parameter</td><td>First suction device Developed for Technology B</td><td>Suction device Developed for Technology B according to the present invention</td>

<td>Dimensions (L x W x H)</td><td>9.8 feet x 3.3 feet x 0.33 feet (3 mx lm x 0.1 m)</td><td>9.8 feet x 3.3 feet x 0.16 feet (3 mx lm x 0.05 m)</td>

<td>Total weight</td><td>300 kg</td><td>160 kg</td>

<td>Total suction power¹</td><td>32.4 m³/ h</td><td>60 m³/ h</td>

<td>Total manufacturing cost</td><td>USD 22,000</td><td>USD 10,000</td>

<td>Reversibility</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td>

<td>Production time</td><td>1 month</td><td>2 weeks</td>

<td>Turning capacity</td><td>Limited</td><td>Very good</td>

<td>Suction efficiency of sedimented bottom material</td><td>Regular, you need more than one pass to suck sedimented impurities</td><td>Very good, it sucks more than 90% of sedimented impurities in one pass</td>

<td>Operation on irregular surfaces</td><td>Regular, may damage the bottom material</td><td>Very good, can be adapted to irregular funds</td>

<td>Weight support</td><td>Leaning on wheels</td><td>Leaning on brushes</td>

<td>Suction efficiency</td><td>Low due to continuous bottom suction section</td><td>High due to the use of suction points that concentrate the suction power</td>

<td>Operation on inclined funds</td><td>Regular</td><td>Very good</td>

¹ Both devices are compared by connecting them to the same external pumping system [0093] As can be seen, the suction device according to the present invention is less expensive and can easily be installed in large artificial water bodies used for either recreational or industrial purposes for cleaning the bottom of such large artificial bodies of water using Technology B. Using the same external pumping system, the suction power of the device is increased due to the suction efficiency of the configuration used in the present device.

Example 2 [0094] The suction device according to the present invention was manufactured and installed in a large body of water of 20 acres (80,937 m²). The large body of water had a bottom covered with an LLDPE coating installed on sandy soil, producing an irregular bottom, which had to be thoroughly cleaned to maintain proper water color and hue within the large body of water. Due to the recreational nature of this project, cleaning operations were carried out at night, and therefore the suction device and propulsion device included special equipment, such as extra lights, and systems, such as GPS, to achieve that purpose. .

[0095] The suction device had a flexible plate constructed of 316 steel with a thickness of 5mm to provide the required flexibility and also the weight required to keep the device underwater and prevent it from rising from the bottom while being driven by a propulsion device By providing a steel plate, the weight was distributed throughout the entire device, improving its stability. The suction device had an area of ​​about 3 m², and approximately 3 meters long and 1 meter wide. The height of the suction device was approximately 4cm, which allowed to suck only the flow of bottom water that contained the impurities, and not to suck clean water that would have returned to the inefficient process.

[0096] The brushes were made of polyethylene bristles with polypropylene, which did not damage the bottom material and have the ability to support the suction device at the bottom and adapt to the irregular surface of the bottom to provide thorough cleaning.

[0097] The safety wheels were built with UHMW PE, using the same material for some parts of the suction device, which allows to reduce manufacturing and material costs.

[0098] Six suction points were located at the apexes of the first brushes, where the first brushes were V-shaped brushes, and two additional suction points were located at the apexes of the side brushes, to produce even suction at the background water flow. Eight total suction points were connected to two separate multiple tubes, where each multiple tube allowed four suction points to be connected through internal suction lines. The suction connection lines were made of PVC with 316 stainless steel elbows, to provide durability under water, and were welded to the steel base plate. The suction device was installed at the bottom of the lake, and two external suction pipes were connected to the external pumping system located on the perimeter of the large body of water. The suction device was attached to a boat with a motor through metal arms, which allows the suction device to be driven through the bottom of the large body of water, and where an operator was in charge of driving the boat with a engine.

[0099] Two underwater lights were installed in the suction device, so as to allow nighttime operation. An underwater camera was installed, which allowed monitoring the cleaning operation live from a remote location outside the body of water, and also the operation of driving the boat.

[00100] The device was operated at an average surface cleaning speed of 500 feet² per minute (46, 45 m² per minute), allowing to clean about half of the fund in about 12 hours, which was operated in a period from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. the next day. To achieve full body water cleaning in a single night, a second suction device was used.

[00101] As can be seen, the suction device according to the present invention is less expensive and can easily be installed in large artificial bodies of water used either for recreational or industrial purposes for cleaning the bottom of such large artificial bodies of water. . Moreover, the suction device can also be operated at night to avoid disturbing recreational activities during the day.

[00102] Several embodiments described above are provided as an illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the claims herein attached. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that can be made without following the embodiments of the examples and applications illustrated herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

<img file="CU24416B1_D0001.tif" />

equal to or greater than the rate (Cps) of water flow sucked by the external pumping system according to the following equation: