Device for marine sediment collection using remote operation vehicle

Abstract

device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle. the present invention relates to a device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), comprising at least one handle, at least one central body, at least one drive mechanism, and at least one lid, wherein the at least one central body includes a lower end comprising an opening, wherein the drive mechanism comprises at least one linkage means for connection to a drive system of the ROV, and wherein the at least one lid comprises at least one hinged structure including at least one connection means with the at least one drive mechanism.

Description

1 / 12 DEVICE FOR COLLECTING MARINE SEDIMENTS USING A REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE Field of invention

[001] The present invention relates to the technical field of underwater operations and, specifically, to a device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Fundamentals of the invention

[002] Geochemical analysis of marine sediment samples occupies an important position in monitoring hydrocarbon spills on the ocean floor.

[003] In this sense, the geochemical analysis carried out based on samples of marine sediments aims to guarantee the environmental safety of oil exploration and production activities.

[004] Additionally, with the aim of supporting exploratory activities, the collection and geochemical analysis of these sediments at seepage sites also plays a notable role in the area in question.

[005] Finally, the operation of collecting marine sediments from the ocean floor stands out because it has variables that can directly influence the quantitative and qualitative assessment of these samples.

[006] Conventionally, the collection of marine sediments near subsea installations is carried out with equipment that has structural deficiencies in retaining consolidated or poorly consolidated samples. Specifically, due to these deficiencies, the collected marine sediment samples may be lost during their ascent from the ocean floor to the Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 17 / 34 2 / 12 support vessel.

[007] The loss of collected marine sediment samples results in losses related to productivity, deadlines, and operating costs. Furthermore, due to losses, geochemical analysis may not be performed considering a complete spectrum of marine sediment samples, which would reflect the reality of the ocean floor to be analyzed.

[008] Additionally, key factors in the operation of collecting marine sediments and subsequent geochemical analysis thereof are determining the location for carrying out said collection and correctly positioning the collector at a suitable point for recovering a desired marine sediment material.

[009] Therefore, there is a need for a device to collect marine sediments in such a way that consolidated or poorly consolidated samples are not lost during their ascent from the ocean floor to the support vessel. Additionally, there is a need for a device to collect marine sediments that is positioned in a suitably suitable location. State of the art

[010] In the State of the Art, there are devices designed to collect marine sediments from the ocean floor. However, existing devices have problems regarding the retention of poorly consolidated marine sediments during their journey to the support vessel.

[011] The US8908476B2 patent document discloses a Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 18 / 34 3 / 12 seabed sediment collection device, wherein the collection device is coupled to an ROV. The described collector includes left and right buckets, a mover that can move up and down relative to an ROV cable, a hook rotatably connected to the vertical mover and supported by a pin. Specifically, the pin is used to assist in the relative up and down movement of the mover in relation to the ROV cable. The left and right buckets are open for the device to be driven into the seabed. After the collector is driven into the seabed, the ROV moves the mover upwards, causing the buckets to rotate until the space between them is completely closed and the sediments are stored inside them.

[012] In turn, document US2020325745A1 describes a device for collecting sediments from the ocean floor, which comprises an ROV that provides electrical and hydraulic power to a collecting robot that collects said sediments. The collecting robot includes a rotating tube that excavates the seabed and is fed with the sediments obtained from the excavation. In addition, the rotating tube breaks the sediments into smaller pieces, which are transferred from the tube to the ROV via a suction hose.

[013] Document CN107907361A defines a submerged sediment sampling device that operates autonomously, comprising a plurality of electrical, hydraulic and mechanical components, such as: a pressure-resistant chamber with controller and power supply, pump, hydraulic cylinder, valves, piston and collection cylinder. Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 19 / 34 4 / 12

[014] As can be seen from the description of the State of the Art documents indicated above, there are marine sediment collection devices from the ocean floor that operate autonomously or are coupled to an ROV, comprising buckets that close during the ascent to the sea surface and suction hoses for sediments.

[015] Although there are documents in the State of the Art that describe marine sediment collection devices, these lack structures relating to the retention of consolidated or poorly consolidated samples before the start of the ascent path, between the ocean floor and the support vessel. Additionally, existing devices do not employ the use of ROVs in order to guarantee adequate positioning of the collection device based on the marine sediments to be collected.

[016] Therefore, a device is needed to collect marine sediments in such a way that samples are not lost during transit. Additionally, there is a need for a device to sample marine sediments that is positioned in a suitable location to carry out the desired collection. Brief description of the invention

[017] The present invention defines, according to a preferred embodiment, a device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), comprising at least one handle, at least one central body, at least one drive mechanism, and at least one cover, wherein the at least one central body includes a lower end comprising an opening, wherein the Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 20 / 34 5 / 12 drive mechanism comprises at least one means of connection for connection to an ROV drive system, and wherein at least one cover comprises at least one hinged structure including at least one means of connection to at least one drive mechanism. Brief description of the figures

[018] In order to complement the present description and to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the present invention, a set of figures is presented in the appendix, where, in an exemplary, although not limiting, manner, its preferred embodiment is represented.

[019] Figure 1 represents the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[020] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the lid closing the lower opening of the central body. Detailed description of the invention

[021] The device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is described in detail based on the attached figures.

[022] According to Figure 1, the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10 comprises at least one handle 1, at least one central body 2, at least one drive mechanism 3, and at least one cover 4. Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 21 / 34 6 / 12

[023] With regard to handle 1, it is fixed to the upper part of the central body 2, where this fixing can be carried out by any suitable means of fastening; such as, for example, screw, screw with nut and washer, or welding. Handle 1 can be made of any material that can be applied to the marine environment, such as stainless steel or stainless steel alloys.

[024] Additionally, handle 1 is configured to allow the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) marine sediment collection device 10 to be transported, for example, by an operator. Furthermore, handle 1 allows the connection of cables, mooring lines or chains for submerging the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) marine sediment collection device 10 from the sea surface to the ocean floor, as well as for raising it from the ocean floor to the support vessel.

[025] As observed in the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the handle 1 may have a T shape and preferably comprise one or more vertical rods fixed to the central body 2.

[026] As for the central body 2, it comprises an internal space for storing marine sediments and can be manufactured from any material that can be applied to the marine environment, such as stainless steel or stainless steel alloys.

[027] At least one central body 2, as illustrated by the preferred embodiment of the present invention in Figure 1, may have a tubular shape, for example, wherein the central body 2 is at least one tube, for example. Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, p. 22 / 34 7 / 12

[028] In this sense, according to the embodiment of Figure 1, the central body 2 is formed by a tube, in which the tube is partially or totally hollow, which allows an internal space in it for the storage of marine sediments. Additionally, the central body 2 can have any shape, such as a tubular, parallelepiped, or cylindrical shape, for example.

[029] Furthermore, the central body 2 includes a lower end comprising an opening 2.1. The opening 2.1 at the lower end of the central body 2 has the function of allowing marine sediments to enter the interior of the central body 2.

[030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening 2.1 at the lower end of the central body 2 is a chamfered opening 2.1. More specifically, the chamfered opening 2.1 at the lower end of the central body 2 serves to perform the embedding of the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10 on the ocean floor.

[031] Figure 1 additionally shows at least one drive mechanism 3, wherein at least one drive mechanism 3 is fixed to the central body 2. More preferably, the drive mechanism 3 is fixed to the central body 2 with a structure suitable for the type of drive mechanism and which provides secure fixation of the latter to the central body 2. According to another preferred embodiment, at least one drive mechanism 3 is fixed to the upper part of the central body 2.

[032] In addition, at least one drive mechanism 3 is at least a hydraulic cylinder or at least a Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 23 / 34 8 / 12 pneumatic cylinder, for example.

[033] The drive mechanism 3 comprises at least one connection means 3.1 for connection to an ROV drive system wherein, preferably, the ROV drive system is a hydraulic system or a pneumatic system. The connection means 3.1 can be any connection means that interconnects the drive mechanism 3 with a compatible ROV drive system, such as, for example, an elbow.

[034] In turn, at least one cover 4 is arranged on the bottom of the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10. Specifically, the cover 4 is fixed to the central body 2, and preferably, the cover 4 is fixed to the central body 2 by means of at least one hinged structure 4.1.

[035] More preferably, the cover 4 is fixed to the lower end of the central body 2 by means of at least one hinged structure 4.1. More specifically, the cover 4 is fixed to the lower part of the central body 2 by means of at least one hinged structure 4.1, so that the cover is parallel to the central body 2.

[036] At least one hinged structure 4.1 of the cover 4 comprises at least one connection means 4.2 for connection to the drive mechanism 3.

[037] Specifically, the cover 4 is configured to be movable between a position parallel to the central body 2 and a closing position of the opening 2.1 at the lower end of the central body 2, wherein the movement occurs through actuation performed by at least one actuation mechanism 3, wherein the at least one mechanism of Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 24 / 34 9 / 12 drive 3 is connected to at least one connection means 4.2 of the hinged structure 4.1 of the cover 4 and to the ROV drive system 3.2, through at least one connection means 3.1.

[038] More specifically, the closing of opening 2.1 at the lower end of the central body 2 by the cover 4 is carried out immediately after the drive of the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10 on the ocean floor.

[039] Thus, immediately after the said device 10 of the present invention is embedded in the ocean floor, the cover 4 is actuated by means of at least one actuation mechanism 3, wherein at least one actuation mechanism 3 is connected to an ROV drive system and to the connection means 4.2 of the hinged structure 4.1 of the cover 4, thus actuating the cover 4 to the closing position of the chamfered opening 2.1 at the lower end of the central body 2. The actuation mechanism 3 is at least a hydraulic cylinder or at least a pneumatic cylinder. The actuation mechanism 3 comprises at least one connection means 3.1 for connection to an ROV drive system. Preferably, a system compatible with the actuation mechanism 3; in this case, a hydraulic system or a pneumatic system, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[040] The cover 4 and the hinged structure 4.1 can be manufactured from any material that can be applied to the marine environment; for example, stainless steel or stainless steel alloys.

[041] Figure 2 represents a cross-sectional view of Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 25 / 34 10 / 12 device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which it illustrates the lid 4 completely closing the chamfered opening 2.1 of the central body 2.

[042] In addition, Figure 2 shows at least one connection means 3.1 with a ROV drive system cabling 3.2 connected to it.

[043] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10 is submerged from the sea surface to the ocean floor, coupled to the ROV or via cables, tethers, or chains that are connected to the handle 1.

[044] Subsequently, the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10 is embedded in the ocean floor, wherein the embedding in the ocean floor is carried out through the chamfered opening 2.1 at the lower end of the body 2.

[045] Immediately after the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10 is embedded in the ocean floor through the chamfered opening 2.1, the cover 4 is actuated to the closed position of the chamfered opening 2.1. Specifically, the cover 4 is fixed to the lower end of the central body 2 by means of a hinged structure 4.1, which comprises at least one connecting means 4.2 for connection to the drive mechanism 3, wherein the drive mechanism 3 is connected to an ROV drive system 3.2 by means of at least one connecting means 3.1. Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 26 / 34 11 / 12

[046] Specifically, the cover 4 is movable between a position parallel to the central body 2 and a closing position of the opening 2.1, and this movement occurs through actuation performed by at least one actuation mechanism 3, which is connected to at least one connection means 4.2 of the articulated structure 4.1 of the cover 4, as well as to an ROV drive system 3.2, through at least one connection means 3.1.

[047] The drive mechanism 3 is preferably at least a hydraulic cylinder or at least a pneumatic cylinder. The drive system of the ROV 3.2 is preferably a hydraulic system or a pneumatic system. The connecting means 3.1 can be any connecting means that interconnects the drive mechanism 3 with a compatible drive system of the ROV 3.2, such as an elbow.

[048] After closing the chamfered opening 2.1 at the lower end of the central body 2 with the cover 4, the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10 is lifted from the ocean floor to the sea surface and subsequently carried to the support vessel, coupled to the ROV or via cables, mooring lines, or chains connected to the handle 1.

[049] Therefore, the immediate closing of the chamfered opening 2.1 at the lower end of the central body 2 by the cover 4, immediately after the drive of the device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10 into the ocean floor, ensures that consolidated or unconsolidated marine sediments are not lost during the lifting of the sediment collection device. Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 27 / 34 12 / 12 marine, using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 10, from the ocean floor to the support vessel.

[050] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the knowledge presented here and will be able to reproduce the invention in the embodiments presented and in other variants, covered within the scope of the appended claims. Petition 870220037151, dated 04 / 29 / 2022, page 28 / 34

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) (10), characterized by comprising: at least one handle (1); at least one central body (2), comprising an internal space for storing marine sediments; at least one drive mechanism (3); and at least one cover (4); wherein the at least one central body (2) includes a lower end comprising an opening (2.1); wherein the drive mechanism (3) comprises at least one connecting means (3.1) for connection to an ROV drive system (3.2); wherein the at least one cover (4) comprises at least one hinged structure (4.1) including at least one connecting means (4.2) to the at least one drive mechanism (3); wherein the at least one cover (4) is fixed to the central body (2) by means of the at least one hinged structure (4.1); and wherein at least one cover (4) is configured to be movable, by means of the drive mechanism (3), between a position parallel to the central body (2) and a position of closing the opening (2.1) at the lower end of the central body (2).

2. Device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) (10), according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one handle (1) is fixed to the upper part of the central body Petition 870260085628, dated 21 / 08 / 2026, page 42 / 47 2 / 3 (2).

3. Device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) (10), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one handle (1) has a T shape, comprising one or more vertical rods fixed to the central body (2).

4. Device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) (10), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one central body (2) has any one of the following shapes: tubular, parallelepiped, or cylindrical.

5. Device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) (10), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (2.1) at the lower end of the central body (2) is chamfered.

6. Device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) (10), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one drive mechanism (3) is fixed to the upper part of the central body (2).

7. Device for collecting marine sediments using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) (10), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one drive mechanism (3) is at least one hydraulic cylinder or at least one pneumatic cylinder.

8. Device for collecting marine sediments Petition 870260085628, dated 21 / 08 / 2026, pp. 43 / 47 3 / 3 using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) (10), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ROV drive system (3.2) is a hydraulic system or a pneumatic system. Petition 870260085628, dated 21 / 08 / 2026, pp. 44 / 47

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