Improvements in and relating to underwater excavation apparatus, underwater system or tool and method of underwater excavation

Abstract

This invention discloses a digging device (5), such as an underwater digging device and / or a controlled flow digging device, comprising a rotor (10) including a plurality of first rotor blades (12) and a plurality of second rotor blades (14). The second rotor blades are disposed between adjacent pairs of first rotor blades. The first rotor blades (12) define a plurality of primary rotor blades of the rotor (10). The second rotor blades (14) define a plurality of secondary diverter rotor blades of the rotor (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a digging device, and specifically (but not exclusively) to an underwater (e.g., seabed) digging device. The invention also relates to a digging system, apparatus, or tool, such as an underwater digging system, apparatus, or tool, and to a digging method, such as underwater digging.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an underwater excavation device or system comprising components for disturbing seabed, ocean floor, lakebed, riverbed soil or similar soil (e.g., disturbing relatively firm soil). [Previous Technology]

[0003] High-flow-rate excavators move seabed material by guiding a high volumetric flow rate of fluid under low pressure at the seabed. This differs from jet excavators, which guide a low volumetric flow rate of fluid under high pressure at the seabed. High-flow-rate excavators are typically tethered to a vessel by means of a crane cable used to lower and retrieve the excavator and maintain it at a given distance from the seabed or structure to be excavated (such as subsea oil or gas pipelines). For control of the excavation, sonar detection components are used to allow the excavator operator to monitor the excavation in real time. Cameras and metal detection components are also used to assist the operator.

[0004] Underwater high-flow-rate excavation equipment is known. For example, GB 2 297 777 A (HOLLANDSCHE BETONGROEP) and WO 98 / 27286 (LEDINGHAM CHALMERS TRUSTEE et al.), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] High-flow-rate dredging is a method of creating cavities in the seabed or similar materials (e.g., in sand, soft clay, and / or pre-loosened or disturbed materials) under relatively low pressure (typically measured in kilopascals, kPa). High-flow-rate dredging can be aided by agitating the seabed using mechanical components or high-pressure jetting components. These auxiliary components, which cut the seabed, then rely on the high-flow-rate dredging method to remove and disperse seabed material. A high-flow-rate dredging machine typically comprises a hollow body or housing and at least one impeller or rotor disposed within the housing, which draws fluid into the housing and directs the fluid out of the housing toward the seabed.

[0006] High-flow-rate excavators are known to include a drive impeller designed to extract large volumes of fluid and discharge the fluid at relatively low speeds and pressures (typically less than 7 m / s and less than 25 kPa). Due to the relatively low pressure and relatively low fluid flow velocity of high-flow-rate excavation, many passes may be required to effectively excavate an area, as each pass only achieves limited penetration into the seabed. Another characteristic of high-flow-rate excavation is that the trenches created in the seabed can be relatively wide but shallow. This is because high-flow-rate excavators can first attribute the pressure-constrained movement of looser material on the surface before penetrating the harder material underneath, thus producing a wide and unclear or uncontrolled excavation profile.

[0007] Furthermore, high-flow-rate dredging equipment is primarily suitable for dredging by guiding fluids at the seabed, but due to the low-pressure nature of the equipment, it has limited use in collecting and removing seabed material by suction. Therefore, once a high-flow-rate device has disturbed the seabed material, it may be necessary to deploy individual tools such as centrifugal pumps to suck in and remove the material.

[0008] To distinguish it from "high flow rate," the term "controlled flow rate" is used hereinafter in conjunction with the excavator of the present invention, which can be configured to generate and / or direct fluid flow at pressures typically from about 35 kPa to 120 kPa and volumetric flow rates typically from about 1 m³ / s to 8 m³ / s. Compared to high flow rate devices, the higher pressure capability of the controlled flow rate device or apparatus makes it suitable for excavation in both excavation (e.g., jetting) and suction modes, in which the device can be used to collect and transport seabed material away from the excavation location.

[0009] The objective of at least one specific embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention is to eliminate or mitigate one or more problems or disadvantages in the prior art.

[0010] The objective of at least one specific example of at least one aspect of the present invention is, or may be, to seek to provide an excavation device, such as an underwater excavation device, which is advantageously adapted and / or configured for use at relatively shallow depths, such as 1 meter or less.

[0011] The objective of at least one specific embodiment of the present invention is, or may be, to provide a method for addressing the need to excavate in a relatively controlled and / or rapid manner, for example, having a well-defined seabed excavation profile.

[0012] The objective of at least one specific embodiment of the present invention may be to provide a method for solving the excavation needs under relatively hard soil conditions (e.g., soil hardness of 100 kPa to 400 kPa or higher than 120 kPa). [Summary of the Invention]

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an excavation device, such as an underwater excavation device or a flow control (underwater) excavation device, is provided, which includes a rotor having or including one or more or a plurality of first (push impeller) rotor blades and one or more or a plurality of second (divider / divider push impeller) rotor blades.

[0014] Providing, for example, a second rotor blade adjacent to the first blade can effectively narrow the width of the end of the fluid passage adjacent to the first rotor blade. This can eliminate or alleviate the need to increase the rotor diameter when the excavating equipment will be used in hard soil, for example, above 100 kPa (such as 100 kPa to 400 kPa).

[0015] The excavating equipment may include a stator. The stator may have or include a plurality of first stator blades and, as appropriate, a plurality of second (splitter) stator blades.

[0016] Excavating equipment may advantageously include a single rotor.

[0017] Excavating equipment may advantageously include a single stator.

[0018] The device may include a housing.

[0019] The enclosure may include or have at least one inlet and at least one or one outlet.

[0020] The first (driving impeller) rotor blade may include one or more (e.g., multiple) main (driving impeller) rotor blades.

[0021] The second (splitter) rotor blade may include one or more (e.g., multiple) secondary or splitter rotor blades.

[0022] Each second rotor blade can be disposed between adjacent (paired) first rotor blades.

[0023] The leading edge of each second rotor blade may begin or start at a midpoint (e.g., 35% to 45%) along the length of the adjacent first rotor blade, for example, 38% measured at the hub and 42% measured at the housing.

[0024] The height of the first rotor blade and / or the second rotor blade may decrease along the length of the individual blade, for example in the direction from the inlet to the outlet.

[0025] The distance between adjacent first and second rotor blades and / or the area of ​​the flow path between adjacent first and second rotor blades and / or the distance between adjacent main rotor blades and / or adjacent splitter rotor blades and / or the area of ​​the flow path between adjacent main rotor blades and / or adjacent splitter rotor blades may increase along the length of each individual rotor blade. (In each case, the length of each individual rotor blade may be measured from at least one inlet toward the outlet).

[0026] Such configurations can be beneficial in providing excavation equipment adapted for use in conditions requiring higher pressure to excavate soil in solid seabeds or riverbeds.

[0027] The rotor and / or stator may be housed in a housing. The housing may include a shaft or a longitudinal shaft, on which the rotor and stator may be coaxially or coaxially arranged, depending on the circumstances.

[0028] The rotor can be configured to be close to the inlet. The stator can be configured to be close to the outlet.

[0029] The rotor may have a rotor rotation axis, which may include the longitudinal axis of the housing or coincide with the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0030] The rotor may include a first body. A plurality of first and / or second rotor blades may be disposed within the housing.

[0031] In use, the fluid flowing through or across the rotor can form a first angle α with the rotating shaft.

[0032] There may be a non-digging and / or suction mode for the excavating equipment. In the digging and / or suction mode, fluid may flow from at least one inlet to the outlet of the excavating equipment.

[0033] The rotor shaft may extend between at least one inlet and one outlet (position).

[0034] The first body may include a first conical member.

[0035] The first angle α may diverge away from the axis in a direction away from at least one of the at least one inlets and toward the outlet.

[0036] The apex of the rotor or the first conical member may face the inlet or the end of the inlet of the housing.

[0037] A plurality of first and / or second rotor blades may include airfoil blades, which may be arranged (such as circumferentially arranged) on the first conical member.

[0038] The first stator blade may include one or more (e.g., multiple) main stator blades.

[0039] The second stator blade may include one or more (e.g., multiple) secondary or shunt blades.

[0040] Each second stator blade may be disposed between adjacent pairs of first stator blades.

[0041] The leading edge of each second stator blade may begin or start at a midpoint (e.g., 45% to 55%) along the length of the adjacent first stator blade, for example, 48% measured at the hub and 52% measured at the housing.

[0042] The height of the first stator blade and the second stator blade may increase (or instead decrease) along the length of the respective stator blade (e.g., in the direction from the inlet to the outlet).

[0043] The distance between adjacent first and second stator blades and / or the area of ​​the flow path between adjacent first and second stator blades and / or the distance between adjacent main stator blades and / or the area of ​​the flow path between adjacent main stator blades and / or adjacent splitter stator blades can decrease along the length of each individual stator blade. In each case, the length of the sub-blade is measured from the inlet towards the outlet. This configuration can be beneficial for producing excavation equipment adapted for use in hard seabed or riverbed conditions requiring higher pressure to excavate soil.

[0044] Such a configuration may be beneficial for excavation equipment adapted to relatively shallow water, for example, thus allowing for relatively low profile / height excavation equipment.

[0045] The stator may be coaxial with the rotor and / or, depending on the circumstances, the stator may be located between the rotor and the outlet.

[0046] In use, the fluid flowing through or across the stator can form a second angle β with the rotating shaft of the rotor.

[0047] The stator may include a second body, such as a second tapered member.

[0048] The second angle β converges toward the axis in the direction away from the inlet and toward the outlet.

[0049] The apex of the stator or the second conical member may face the outlet.

[0050] A plurality of first and second stator blades may include airfoil blades, which may be mounted on a second conical member.

[0051] The first angle α can be selected from any of the following: within the range of 55° to 75° or 65°.

[0052] The second angle β can be selected from the range of 55° to 75°, or from 65°.

[0053] At least one inlet may be provided on one or more sides of the housing or at one or more sides of the housing or at the end of the housing.

[0054] At least one entrance may be provided on the side surrounding (e.g., circumferentially or peripherally) the outer shell.

[0055] The housing may include a longitudinal axis. The housing may be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0056] One or more inlets may be configured to be tilted and / or offset from the longitudinal axis or laterally or substantially laterally to the longitudinal axis.

[0057] One or more entrances may be configured to be vertical or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0058] Each of the one or more entrances may be configured to be non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0059] Each of the one or more inlets may be set to an angle that is (for example) non-zero (0°), such as perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each of the one or more outlets.

[0060] At least one inlet may be located near or adjacent to the end of the housing.

[0061] Each of one or more outlets may be located on one / other end of the housing or on one / other end of the housing, such as on the longitudinal axis and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0062] The equipment can be adapted to provide inclined or horizontal or substantially horizontal or non-vertical or substantially non-vertical fluid / water flow into the housing during use, such as in the first or digging operation mode.

[0063] The fluid / water flowing into the outer casing may be inclined at a convergent angle with the longitudinal axis of the outer casing.

[0064] The excavating equipment can be adapted to provide, during use, a coaxial or substantially coaxial or vertical or substantially vertical or non-horizontal or substantially non-horizontal fluid / water flowing from the casing.

[0065] The excavation equipment can be adapted to provide and / or guide fluid / water during use, for example, fluid / water with a pressure of 200 kPa to 400 kPa and / or a volumetric flow rate of 0.5 m3 / s to 4 m3 / s.

[0066] A fluid flow path or passage extending from at least one inlet to an outlet may be provided. At least one rotor and / or at least one stator may be disposed in the flow path.

[0067] Each fluid flow path may include a first (inlet) section, which may extend from at least one inlet.

[0068] Each fluid flow path may include a second (rotor) section, which may contain at least a portion of the rotor. The second section may radiate from the (longitudinal) axis of the housing.

[0069] Each fluid flow path may include a third (stator) section, which may contain at least a portion of the stator. The third section may converge toward the (longitudinal) axis of the housing.

[0070] Each fluid flow path may include a fourth (outlet) section, which may extend to at least one outlet or outlet.

[0071] Each fluid flow path may include a first inlet portion / first section, which may be disposed at or adjacent to at least one inlet. The first inlet portion / first section may converge toward the (longitudinal) axis of the housing at a non-zero angle, such as between 0° and 90°, 45° and 90°, or 90°. In use, the first inlet portion / first section may be substantially horizontal and / or perpendicular to the (longitudinal) axis of the housing and / or the first inlet portion / first section may be substantially straight.

[0072] Each fluid flow path may include a second inlet portion / second section, which may extend or continue from the first inlet portion / first section. The first inlet portion / second section may, where appropriate and advantageously, be curved, bent or arcuate, and / or may be convex relative to the (longitudinal axis) of the housing.

[0073] Each fluid flow path may include a rotor section / third section, which may extend or continue from the inlet section / second inlet section / second section. The first rotor section / third section may, where appropriate and advantageously, be substantially straight, may coincide with or contain a portion of the rotor, and / or may, for example, diverge from the (longitudinal) axis of the housing in the flow direction from inlet to outlet, for example at an angle α of 55° to 75°, such as 65°.

[0074] Each fluid flow path may include another or intermediate / fourth portion, which may extend or continue from the first rotor portion / third portion. The other or intermediate / fourth portion may, where appropriate and advantageously, be curved, bent or arcuate, and / or may be concave relative to the (longitudinal) axis of the housing.

[0075] Each fluid flow path may include a stator section / fifth section, which may extend or continue from another or an intermediate section / fourth section. The first stator section / fifth section may, where appropriate and advantageously, be substantially straight, may coincide with or contain at least a portion of the stator, and / or may converge (longitudinally) toward the housing, for example, at an angle β of 55° to 75°, such as 65°, in the flow direction from inlet to outlet. Such a configuration may be beneficial for excavation equipment adapted for relatively shallow water, thus allowing for relatively low-profile / high-profile excavation equipment.

[0076] Each fluid flow path may include a first outlet portion / sixth portion, which may extend or continue from the stator portion / fifth portion. The first outlet portion / sixth portion may, where appropriate and advantageously, be curved, bent or arcuate, and / or may be convex relative to the (longitudinal axis) of the housing.

[0077] Each fluid flow path may include a second outlet portion / seventh portion, which may extend from or continue from the first outlet / sixth portion. The second outlet portion / seventh portion may be located at or near the outlet. In use, the second outlet portion / seventh portion may, where appropriate and advantageously, be substantially vertical and / or parallel to the (longitudinal) axis of the housing, and / or substantially straight.

[0078] In a first operating mode that may include a digging mode, the exit may face the area to be dug, and in such a mode the entrance may be set above the exit, for example, directly above it.

[0079] In a second operating mode that may include a suction mode, the inlet may be close to the excavated and / or cleared area, and in this mode, the inlet may be located below the outlet, for example, directly below.

[0080] The interior of the casing may converge toward the rotor from at least one inlet.

[0081] The interior of the outer casing radiates from the inlet end of the rotor toward the outlet end of the rotor.

[0082] The interior of the outer casing can converge from the stator toward the outlet.

[0083] The outlet may be substantially coaxial with the shaft of the rotor and / or stator and / or housing.

[0084] The outer casing may be circumferentially / rotatably symmetrical about the outer casing axis.

[0085] The excavating equipment may include components or configurations for suppressing the reaction torque on the excavating equipment caused by the rotation of the rotor during use.

[0086] The excavating equipment and / or at least one rotor may advantageously comprise a single rotor.

[0087] The torque suppression component advantageously does not include a second rotor, such as a second rotor configured to rotate to at least one (single) rotor.

[0088] Excavating equipment and / or at least one stator may advantageously include a single stator.

[0089] The outer shell may contain a hollow body.

[0090] The rotor and / or stator may be disposed within a housing. The housing may include a shaft. The rotor and stator may be coaxially configured, such as on a shaft. The housing may be disposed on a shaft. The rotor may be positioned near at least one inlet and / or the stator may be positioned near an outlet.

[0091] The rotor may include a first body, such as a first conical body and / or, for example, a plurality of first and second rotor blades disposed on the first body.

[0092] The stator may include a second body, such as a second conical body and / or a plurality of first and / or second stator blades disposed on the second body.

[0093] The torque suppression component includes or comprises an anti-rotation blade.

[0094] The excavating equipment may include a motor for driving a rotor. At least one inlet may be (longitudinally) located between the motor and the rotor.

[0095] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a digging system or tool, such as an underwater system or tool, is provided that includes at least one digging device according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0096] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a digging method, such as an underwater digging method, is provided, the method comprising: providing at least one digging device according to a first aspect of the present invention; and using the digging device to dig a location, such as an underwater location.

[0097] It should be understood that the features defined above in any form of the invention or below with respect to any particular specific example of the invention may be used alone or in combination with any other defined features in any other form or specific example of the invention.

Implementation Method

[0099] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, an excavation device is shown that includes an underwater excavation device, generally designated as 5, according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Excavation equipment 5, such as flow control (underwater) excavation equipment, includes a rotor 10 having or including one or more rotor blades 11, the rotor blades including one or more or a plurality of first (push impeller) rotor blades 12 and one or more or a plurality of second (divider / divider push impeller) rotor blades 14.

[0101] The placement of a second rotor blade 14 between adjacent first rotor blades 12 effectively narrows the width of the end of the fluid passage 16 between adjacent first rotor blades 12. This eliminates or alleviates the need to increase the diameter of the rotor 10 in cases where the excavating equipment 5 will be used in hard soil, for example, above 100 kPa (such as 100 kPa to 400 kPa).

[0102] The excavating equipment 5 includes a stator 15. The stator 15 has or includes a plurality of stator blades 45, which includes a first stator blade 46 and (as appropriate / advantageously) a plurality of second (splitter) stator blades 47.

[0103] The excavating equipment 5 advantageously includes a single rotor.

[0104] The excavating equipment 5 advantageously includes a single stator.

[0105] The device includes a housing 20.

[0106] The housing 20 includes or has at least one inlet 25 and at least one or one outlet 30.

[0107] The first (driving impeller) rotor blade 12 includes one or more (i.e., multiple) main (driving impeller) rotor blades.

[0108] The second (splitter) rotor blade 14 includes one or more (i.e., multiple) secondary or splitter rotor blades.

[0109] Each second rotor blade 14 is disposed between adjacent (paired) first rotor blades 12.

[0110] The leading edge of each second rotor blade 14 begins or starts at a midpoint (e.g., 35% to 45%) along the length of the adjacent first rotor blade 12, for example, 38% measured at the hub and 42% measured at the housing 20.

[0111] The height of the first rotor blade 12 and / or the second rotor blade 14 decreases along the length of the respective blade.

[0112] The distance between adjacent first and second rotor blades 12, 14 and / or the area of ​​the flow path between adjacent first and second rotor blades and / or the distance between adjacent main rotor blades and / or adjacent distributor rotor blades and / or the area of ​​the flow path between adjacent main rotor blades and / or adjacent distributor rotor blades increases along the length of each rotor blade 12, 14. (In each case, the length 12, 14 of each rotor blade can be measured from at least one inlet 25 toward the outlet 30).

[0113] Such configurations are beneficial for providing excavation equipment adapted for use in conditions where higher pressure is required to excavate soil in solid seabeds or riverbeds.

[0114] The rotor 10 and / or stator 15 are disposed in the housing 20. The housing 20 includes a shaft or longitudinal shaft A, on which the rotor 10 and stator 15 are coaxially disposed or coaxially disposed with the shaft A.

[0115] The rotor 10 is positioned near the inlet 25. The stator 15 is positioned near the outlet 30.

[0116] The rotor 10 has a rotor rotation shaft, which includes the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 or coincides with the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20.

[0117] The rotor 10 includes a first body 39. A plurality of first and second rotor blades 12, 14 are disposed within the housing 20.

[0118] In use, the fluid flowing through or across the rotor 10 may form a first angle α with the rotating shaft.

[0119] There is a digging and (as appropriate) suction mode for the digging equipment. In the digging and / or suction mode, fluid flows from at least one inlet 25 to the outlet 30 of the digging equipment 5.

[0120] The rotor rotation shaft extends between at least one inlet 25 and an outlet 30 (position).

[0121] The first main body includes a first conical component.

[0122] The first angle α may diverge away from axis A in a direction away from at least one of the at least one inlet 25 and toward outlet 30.

[0123] The vertex of the rotor 10 or the first conical member faces the inlet 25 or the end of the inlet of the outer casing 20.

[0124] A plurality of first and / or second rotor blades 12, 14 include airfoil blades which may be arranged (such as circumferentially arranged) on a first conical member.

[0125] The first stator blade 46 includes one or more (i.e., multiple) main stator blades.

[0126] The second stator blade 47 includes one or more (i.e., multiple) secondary or shunt rotor blades.

[0127] Each second stator blade 47 may be disposed between adjacent pairs of first stator blades 46.

[0128] The leading edge of each second stator blade 47 begins or starts at a midpoint (e.g., 45% to 55%) along the length of the adjacent first stator blade 46, for example, 48% measured at the hub and 52% measured at the housing 20.

[0129] The height of the first stator blade 46 and the second stator blade 47 may decrease along the length of each stator blade 46, 47.

[0130] The distance between adjacent first and second stator blades 46, 47 and / or the area of ​​the flow path 49 adjacent to the first and second stator blades and / or the distance between adjacent main stator blades and / or adjacent diverter stator blades and / or the area of ​​the flow path between adjacent main stator blades and / or adjacent diverter stator blades may decrease along the length of each stator blade 46, 47. In each case, the length of the blades 46, 47 is measured from the inlet towards the outlet. This configuration is beneficial for producing excavation equipment 5 adapted for use in firm seabed or riverbed conditions requiring higher pressure to excavate soil.

[0131] Such a configuration may be beneficial for excavation equipment 5 adapted to relatively shallow water, for example, thus allowing for relatively low profile / height excavation equipment.

[0132] The stator 15 is coaxial with the rotor 10, and the stator is located between the rotor 10 and the outlet 30.

[0133] In use, the fluid flowing through or across the stator 15 can form a second angle β with the rotation axis A of the rotor 10.

[0134] The stator 15 includes a second body 40, such as a second tapered member.

[0135] The second angle β converges toward axis A in one of the directions away from the inlet 25 and toward the outlet 30.

[0136] The apex of the stator 15 or the second conical member faces the outlet 30.

[0137] A plurality of first and second stator blades 46, 47 include airfoil blades which can be mounted on a second conical member.

[0138] The first angle α can be selected from any of the following: within the range of 55° to 75° or 65°.

[0139] The second angle β can be selected from the range of 55° to 75°, or from 65°.

[0140] At least one inlet 25 is provided on or at one or more sides 26 of the housing 20 (or alternatively on or at the end).

[0141] At least one entrance 25 is provided on the side surrounding (e.g., circumferentially or peripherally) the outer shell 20.

[0142] The outer casing 20 includes a longitudinal axis A. The outer casing 20 is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0143] One or more inlets 25 are configured to be inclined and / or offset or laterally or substantially laterally to the longitudinal axis A from the longitudinal axis A.

[0144] One or more entrances 25 are configured to be perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0145] Each of the one or more entrances 25 is configured to be non-parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20.

[0146] Each of the one or more inlets 25 is set to an angle of (for example) a non-zero (0°) angle, for example, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each of the one or more outlets 30.

[0147] At least one inlet 25 is provided near or adjacent to the end 29 of the housing 20.

[0148] Each of one or more outlets 30 is provided on one / another end 31 of the housing 20 or on one / another end of the housing, such as being provided on and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0149] The device 5 can be adapted to supply inclined or horizontal or substantially horizontal or non-vertical or substantially non-vertical fluid / water to the housing 20 during use, such as in the first or digging operation mode.

[0150] The fluid / water flowing into the housing 20 may be inclined at a convergent angle with the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20.

[0151] The excavation equipment 5 is adapted to provide, during use, a coaxial or substantially coaxial or vertical or substantially vertical or non-horizontal or substantially non-horizontal fluid / water flowing out from the housing 20.

[0152] The excavation equipment 5 is adapted to provide and / or guide fluid / water during use, for example, fluid / water with a pressure of 200 kPa to 400 kPa and / or a volumetric flow rate of 0.5 m3 / s to 4 m3 / s.

[0153] A fluid flow path F or passage is provided extending from at least one inlet 25 to an outlet 30. At least one rotor 10 and / or at least one stator 15 is disposed in the flow path F.

[0154] The fluid flow path F includes a first (inlet) section that extends from at least one inlet 25.

[0155] The fluid flow path F includes a second (rotor) section containing at least a portion of the rotor 10. This second section radiates from the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20.

[0156] The fluid flow path F includes a third (stator) section containing at least a portion of the stator 15. This third section converges toward the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20.

[0157] The fluid flow path F includes a fourth (outlet) section that extends to at least one or one outlet 30.

[0158] The fluid flow path F includes a first inlet portion / first section F1 disposed at or adjacent to at least one inlet 25. The first inlet portion / first section F1 advantageously converges toward the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 at a non-zero angle, such as between 0° and 90°, 45° and 90°, or 90°. In use, the first inlet portion / first section F1 may, depending on the circumstances and advantageously, be substantially horizontal and / or perpendicular to the (longitudinal) axis of the housing 20 and / or the first inlet portion / first section F1 may be substantially straight.

[0159] The fluid flow path F includes a second inlet portion / second section F2, which extends or continues from the first inlet portion / first section F1. The second inlet portion / second section F2 is advantageously curved, bent, or arcuate and convex relative to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20.

[0160] The fluid flow path F includes a rotor section / third section F3, which extends or continues from the inlet section / second inlet section / second section F2. The rotor section / third section F3 is advantageously substantially linear, coincides with or contains at least a portion of the rotor 10, and diverges from the longitudinal axis A of the housing 120 at an angle α of 55° to 75° (e.g., 65°) in the flow direction from inlet 25 to outlet 39.

[0161] The fluid flow path F includes another or intermediate / fourth portion F4, which extends or continues from the first rotor portion / third portion F3. This other or intermediate / fourth portion F4 is advantageously curved, bent or arc-shaped, and is concave relative to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20.

[0162] The fluid flow path F includes a stator portion / fifth portion F5, which extends or continues from another or intermediate portion / fourth portion F4. This first stator portion / fifth portion F5 is advantageously substantially straight, coincides with or contains at least a portion of the stator 15, and converges, for example, at an angle β of 55° to 75° (e.g., 65°) toward the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 in the flow direction from inlet 25 to outlet 30. Such a configuration can be beneficial for excavation equipment adapted for relatively shallow water, thus allowing for relatively low-profile / high-profile excavation equipment.

[0163] The fluid flow path F includes a first outlet portion / sixth portion F6, which extends or continues from the stator portion / fifth portion F5. The first outlet portion / sixth portion F6 is advantageously curved, bent, or arcuate, and is convex relative to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20.

[0164] The fluid flow path F includes a second outlet portion / seventh portion F7, which extends from or continues from the first outlet / sixth portion F6. The second outlet portion / seventh portion F7 is located at or near the outlet 30. In use, the second outlet portion / seventh portion F7 is advantageously substantially vertical, parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20, and substantially straight.

[0165] In the first operating mode including the excavation mode, the outlet 30 faces the area to be excavated, and in this mode, the inlet 25 is located above the outlet 30, that is, directly above it.

[0166] In the second operating mode, which includes a suction mode, the inlet 25 is close to the area that has been excavated and / or needs to be cleared, and in this mode, the inlet 25 is located below the outlet 30, for example, directly below it.

[0167] The interior of the outer casing 20 converges toward the rotor 10 from at least one inlet 25.

[0168] The interior of the outer casing 20 radiates from the inlet end of the rotor 10 toward the outlet end of the rotor 10.

[0169] The interior of the outer shell 20 converges from the stator 15 toward the outlet 30.

[0170] The axis A of the outlet 30, rotor 10, stator 15 and housing 20 is substantially coaxial.

[0171] The outer shell 20 is circumferentially / rotationally symmetrical about axis A of the outer shell 20.

[0172] The excavating equipment 5 includes components or configurations (not shown) for suppressing the reaction torque on the excavating equipment caused by the rotation of the rotor 10 during use.

[0173] The excavating equipment 5 and / or at least one rotor 10 advantageously include a single rotor.

[0174] The torque suppression component advantageously does not include a second rotor, such as a second rotor configured to rotate to at least one (single) rotor.

[0175] The excavating equipment 5 and / or at least one stator 15 advantageously include a single stator.

[0176] The outer shell 20 includes a hollow main body.

[0177] The rotor 10 and stator 15 are disposed in the housing 20. The housing 20 includes a shaft A. The rotor 10 and stator 15 are coaxially configured, such as on the shaft A. The housing 20 is disposed on the shaft A. The rotor 15 is positioned close to at least one inlet 25, and the stator 15 is positioned close to an outlet 30.

[0178] The rotor 10 includes a first body 39, such as a first conical body, and a plurality of first rotor blades 12 and second rotor blades 14 are disposed on the first body 39.

[0179] The stator 15 includes a second body 40, such as a second conical body, and a plurality of first stator blades 46 and second stator blades 47 are disposed on the second body 40.

[0180] The torque suppression component may include or include anti-rotation blades.

[0181] The excavating equipment may include a motor 70 for driving the rotor 10. The rotor (longitudinally) is disposed between at least one inlet 25 and at least one outlet 30.

[0182] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the alternative stator 15a used in the excavation equipment 5 is shown. The stator 15a is similar to the stator 15 in many respects, with the same parts referred to by the same integers, but with the addition of "a".

[0183] The present invention provides a digging system or tool 205 comprising at least one digging device 5 as described above, such as an underwater system or tool.

[0184] The present invention provides a digging method, such as an underwater digging method, the method comprising: providing at least one digging device 5 as described above; and using the digging device to dig a location, such as an underwater location.

[0185] It should be understood that the specific examples of the present invention described above are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way.

[0186] It should be specifically understood that the configuration of at least one inlet is adapted and / or designed to provide and / or facilitate fluid flow from one or more sides of the housing rather than the end / top. This is particularly advantageous when operating at or near the surface of the fluid / water body and / or at relatively shallow depths, for example, to reduce any eddy current effects at the inlet. Another key feature of such excavating equipment (specifically for such applications) is a relatively large stator path convergence angle β relative to the longitudinal axis A, thus reducing the required height of the housing. The provision of secondary / diverter blades has particular benefits in achieving a shorter, lower profile and lower housing height.

[0187] As shown in Figure 1, height A1 minus A2 is greater than height C1 minus C2. The second rotor blade 14 begins at point B. Furthermore, the first rotor blade 12 and the second rotor blade 14 end at point C.

[0188] Referring to Figure 1, the first stator blade 46 starts at position D and ends at position F. Furthermore, the second stator blade 47 starts at position E and ends at position F.

[0189] As shown in Figure 2, the distance between the first rotor blades 12 increases along the length of the first rotor blades 12 - see 1a, 1b to 2a, 2b, that is, 1a to 2a is less than 1b to 2b. In addition, the distance 3a to 4a is less than the distance 3b to 4b. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0098] Specific examples of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, in which: [Figure 1] is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an excavating device according to a first specific embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2] is a top view of the rotor of the excavating device of Figure 1. [Figure 3] is a side view of the rotor of Figure 2. [Figure 4] is a bottom view of the stator of the excavating device of Figure 1. [Figure 5] is a side view of the stator of Figure 4. [Figure 6] is a bottom view of an alternative stator of the excavating device of Figure 1. [Figure 7] is a side view of the alternative stator of Figure 6.

Claims

1. An underwater excavation device comprising: a rotor having a plurality of first rotor blades and a plurality of second rotor blades; a housing, wherein the housing includes one or more inlets and an outlet, and a flow path extending from each of the inlets to the outlet, the rotor being disposed within the housing; wherein the first rotor blades include a plurality of primary impeller rotor blades; the second rotor blades include a plurality of secondary distributor rotor blades; one or more of the second rotor blades are disposed between a pair of adjacent first rotor blades, and the height of one or more of the first rotor blades and the second rotor blades decreases along a length of the respective first blades and the respective second blades.

2. The excavating equipment as described in Request 1, wherein: A distance between adjacent first rotor blades and second rotor blades increases along the length of each of the respective first rotor blades and each of the respective second rotor blades; a distance between adjacent secondary shunt rotor blades increases along the length of each of the respective second rotor blades; a distance between adjacent main rotor blades increases along the length of each of the respective main rotor blades.

3. The excavating equipment as described in Request 1, wherein: The plurality of first rotor blades comprises airfoil blades; the plurality of second rotor blades comprises airfoil blades.

4. The excavating equipment of claim 1, wherein the rotor is disposed in at least one of the inlets near the housing.

5. The excavating equipment of claim 1, wherein the rotor includes a first body, wherein the first body includes a first conical member.

6. The excavating device of claim 1, wherein the excavating device includes a stator, the stator including a plurality of first stator blades; the stator including a plurality of second stator blades; the stator being disposed in the housing; and the stator being disposed at the outlet near the housing.

7. The excavating equipment as described in request item 6, wherein: The first stator blades include a plurality of main stator blades; the second stator blades include a plurality of secondary shunt blades; and one or more of the second stator blades are disposed between a pair of adjacent first stator blades.

8. The excavating equipment as described in request item 6, wherein: One or more of the second stator blades have a leading edge that begins midway along the length of one of the adjacent first stator blades; a distance between the adjacent first stator blades and the second stator blades decreases along the length of the respective first stator blades and the respective second stator blades; and a distance between the adjacent second stator blades decreases along the length of the respective second stator blades.

9. The excavating equipment of claim 6, wherein a distance between adjacent first stator blades decreases along the length of each of the individual first stator blades.

10. The excavating equipment of claim 6, wherein the rotor includes a first body, wherein the first body includes a first conical member, and wherein the stator includes a second body.

11. The excavating equipment as described in request item 6, wherein: The plurality of first stator blades comprise airfoil blades; and the plurality of second stator blades comprise airfoil blades.

12. An underwater system or tool comprising at least one excavation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An underwater excavation method, the method comprising: providing at least one excavation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11; and using the excavation device to excavate an underwater location.

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