An in-situ collection device for plastic fragmentation in a seawater environment
By designing an in-situ collection device for marine plastic fragmentation that combines buoyancy units, suspension ropes, and lifting supports, the problems of authenticity in the study of plastic fragmentation patterns in the marine environment and device stability were solved, achieving stable collection and accurate sampling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YELLOW SEA FISHERIES RES INST CHINESE ACAD OF FISHERIES SCI
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies cannot accurately reflect the patterns of plastic breakage in the marine environment, and plastic breakage devices in the marine environment are easily affected by tides and waves, leading to unstable collection and sample loss.
Design an in-situ collection device that includes a buoyancy unit, a sample test platform, and a collector. Through the cooperation of suspension ropes, lifting supports, and counterweights, the device can float stably on the sea surface and sink to the seabed when the wind and waves are large. The sealed slot prevents sample loss. Combined with the gradually decreasing cross-sectional area design of the sample receiving slot, the accuracy of sample collection is ensured.
It enables the stable collection of plastic breakage patterns in a marine environment, avoiding device overturning and sample loss due to wind and waves, and ensuring the accuracy of sampling data.
Smart Images
Figure CN117091871B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of sampling equipment technology, and specifically to a device for in-situ collection of broken plastics in a seawater environment. Background Technology
[0002] Microplastics are ubiquitous in the global marine environment. They are generally classified into "primary microplastics" and "secondary microplastics," with secondary microplastics referring to the fragmentation of larger plastic particles into smaller ones (<5 mm) under natural conditions. 99% of microplastics in the marine environment are secondary microplastics. Current research on marine microplastics typically involves directly collecting microplastics from seawater. Studies on the mechanisms by which large plastic particles break down into secondary microplastics are mainly focused on laboratory simulations. Laboratory studies have found that ultraviolet radiation, ocean currents, and fouling organisms can accelerate the fragmentation of large plastic particles into microplastics; however, these studies only consider one or two influencing factors. In natural water bodies, large plastic particles are affected by multiple factors, such as salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, microorganisms, and fouling organisms. Current laboratory studies cannot accurately reflect the patterns of plastic fragmentation in the marine environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an in-situ collection device for plastic fragmentation in the seawater environment. The development of such a device is of great significance for studying the fragmentation patterns of plastics in the natural environment. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The primary objective of this invention is to provide an in-situ plastic fragment collection device for use in seawater environments, capable of maintaining a stable depth in seawater, unaffected by tides, and effectively collecting small-sized plastic fragments generated after large plastic pieces break.
[0004] The second objective of this invention is to provide an in-situ collection device for broken plastics in a seawater environment. This device not only has a certain resistance to wind and waves, but also effectively avoids the problem of the in-situ collection device overturning due to excessive wind and waves, resulting in the loss of the collected broken plastics.
[0005] The technical solution of this invention is: A device for in-situ collection of broken plastics in a seawater environment, comprising: Buoyancy unit, the buoyancy unit floats on the sea surface; The sample test stage is connected to the buoyancy unit. The sample test stage includes a sample receiving tank with the slot facing upward. The slot of the sample receiving tank is located at a set depth below the sea surface. The cross-sectional area of the sample receiving tank gradually decreases from top to bottom. The sample mounting component is fixed inside the slot of the sample receiving groove; The plastic experimental sample is located in the sample receiving tank and connected to the sample mounting component; The collector includes a collection cylinder located below the sample receiving tank, with its upper end connected to the bottom of the sample receiving tank and its lower end equipped with a removable sealing cap. This in-situ collection device floats on the sea surface via a buoyancy unit, and the sample experimental stage is connected to the buoyancy unit. This ensures that the position of the sample receiving tank opening is unaffected by waves or tides, maintaining a stable depth in seawater. Unaffected by waves and tides, it can continuously simulate the fragmentation patterns of plastics over extended periods. The sample receiving tank and collector collect small-sized plastic fragments generated after the plastic experimental sample breaks, realistically reflecting the plastic fragmentation patterns in the marine environment. The cross-sectional area of the sample receiving tank gradually decreases from top to bottom, which facilitates the sliding of small-sized plastic fragments generated after the plastic experimental sample breaks into the collector, preventing the loss of broken plastic and making the sampling data more accurate.
[0006] As a preferred option, it also includes: An anemometer for measuring wind speed; A suspension rope drive device includes a rope reel, a suspension rope wound on the rope reel, and a drive motor that drives the rope reel to rotate. The lifting support has a vertical guide hole on the buoyancy unit, and includes a vertical guide column that mates with the vertical guide hole, and a suspension rope connecting the lifting support. The groove sealing cap is set on the lifting bracket and located above the groove opening of the sample receiving groove; The counterweight is connected to the lifting support.
[0007] When the anemometer measures a wind speed greater than or equal to the set value, the rope wheel rotates to release the suspension rope. During this process, the lifting bracket and counterweight first move down along the vertical guide hole, so that the slot sealing cover abuts against the sample test platform and seals the slot of the sample receiving tank. Then, under the action of the counterweight, the buoyancy unit, sample test platform and collector sink to the set depth or sink to the seabed.
[0008] When the anemometer measures a wind speed lower than the set value, the drive motor drives the rope wheel to rotate and retract the suspension rope, causing the slot sealing cover to rise above the sea surface. At this time, the buoyancy unit floats on the sea surface, and the slot of the sample container is located at the set depth below the sea surface.
[0009] The in-situ collection device of this scheme enhances the stability of the device through the suspension rope, lifting support, and counterweight, giving it a certain degree of resistance to wind and waves. However, in cases of excessively high winds and waves, the in-situ collection device may still tilt or even overturn, causing the collected broken plastic to fall out and be lost. To solve this problem, this scheme releases the suspension rope by rotating the rope pulley when the anemometer measures a wind speed greater than or equal to the set value. During this process, the lifting support and counterweight first move down along the vertical guide hole, causing the slot sealing cover to abut against the sample testing platform and seal the opening of the sample receiving slot. Then, under the action of the counterweight, the buoyancy unit, sample testing platform, and collector sink to the set depth or to the seabed. In this way, on the one hand, the problem of the in-situ collection device tilting or even overturning due to large waves on the sea surface, causing the collected broken plastic to fall out and be lost, can be avoided; on the other hand, since the sample experimental platform is sealed with a slot sealing cover during the sinking process, the problem of the collected broken plastic falling out and being lost due to the influence of water flow can also be avoided during the sinking process.
[0010] Preferably, the counterweight is connected to the bottom of the vertical guide post via a connecting rope. In this way, after the buoyancy unit, sample test platform, and collector sink to the seabed, only the counterweight is supported on the seabed, while the sample test platform and collector will be suspended above the seabed by the buoyancy unit, thus avoiding the problem of the collector touching the bottom and tilting, which would cause the collected broken plastic to fall out and be lost.
[0011] Preferably, a limiting block is provided at the lower end of the vertical guide post. This prevents the vertical guide post from separating from the vertical guide hole.
[0012] Preferably, the sample receiving groove has an outwardly extending annular platform at its edge, and a downwardly extending platform ring at its edge. The groove sealing cap also has a downwardly extending sealing cap ring at its edge. When the groove sealing cap rests against the annular platform, it seals the opening of the sample receiving groove, with the sealing cap ring fitting over the outside of the platform ring. This improves the sealing effect of the groove sealing cap on the sample receiving groove opening when it rests against the annular platform.
[0013] Preferably, the lower end of the sealing cap ring is a guide opening with the cross-sectional area increasing from top to bottom. In this way, when the rope wheel rotates to release the suspension rope, and the lifting bracket and counterweight move down along the vertical guide hole, the guiding effect of the guide opening ensures that the sealing cap ring is fitted onto the outside of the platform ring.
[0014] Preferably, the upper surface of the annular platform is provided with an annular sealing gasket, which surrounds the outside of the opening of the sample receiving groove. In this way, when the groove opening sealing cap abuts against the annular platform, the groove opening sealing cap and the annular platform will be sealed by the annular sealing gasket, thereby sealing the opening of the sample receiving groove.
[0015] Preferably, the buoyancy unit includes a float and a float mounted on the float. The float has a vertical connecting hole, and the sample test platform has a vertical screw with two nuts. The vertical screw is inserted into the vertical connecting hole, which is located between the two nuts, so that the sample test platform is connected to the buoyancy unit through the vertical screw. Thus, the position of the sample receiving groove opening, and consequently the depth of the sample receiving groove opening, can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the two nuts on the vertical screw.
[0016] Preferably, the sample testing platform is provided with several mounting holes surrounding the outside of the sample receiving groove. The sample mounting component is a sample mounting rope, with both ends of the rope connected to the mounting holes on both sides of the sample receiving groove. This facilitates the installation of the sample mounting rope and the plastic test sample.
[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: First, it can maintain a stable depth in seawater, unaffected by tides, and effectively collect small pieces of plastic produced after large pieces of plastic break.
[0018] Second, it not only has a certain ability to resist wind and waves, but also can effectively avoid the problem of the in-situ collection device overturning due to excessive sea waves, resulting in the loss of the collected broken plastic. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a device for in-situ collection of broken plastics in a seawater environment according to the present invention.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sample test platform and collector of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Top view.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting bracket and the slot sealing cover of the present invention.
[0023] In the picture: Buoyancy unit 1, float 1.1, float block 1.2, vertical guide hole 1.3; Sample test platform 2, sample receiving groove 2.1, vertical screw 2.2, nut 2.3, annular platform 2.4, platform ring sleeve 2.5, annular sealing gasket 2.6, mounting hole 2.7; Plastic experimental sample 3; Collector 4, collecting cylinder 4.1, sealing bottom cover 4.2; Sample installation rope 5; The suspension rope drive device 6, the mounting bracket 6.1, the rope winding wheel 6.2, and the suspension rope 6.3; 7. Lifting support frame; 7.1. Vertical guide column; 7.2. Top frame; 7.3. Limiting block; Groove sealing cap 8, guide port 8.1; Counterweight 9; Connecting rope 10. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments: Specific Implementation Example 1, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, an in-situ collection device for broken plastics in a seawater environment includes a buoyancy unit 1, a sample testing platform 2, a sample mounting component, a plastic experimental sample 3, and a collector 4. The buoyancy unit 1 floats on the sea surface. The buoyancy of the buoyancy unit is greater than the sum of the weights of the buoyancy unit, the sample testing platform, the sample mounting component, and the collector. The sample testing platform 2 is connected to the buoyancy unit. The sample testing platform includes a sample receiving tank 2.1 with its opening facing upwards. The opening of the sample receiving tank is located at a predetermined depth below the sea surface; in this embodiment, the opening is located at a depth of 0.1-1 meters. The cross-sectional area of the sample receiving tank gradually decreases from top to bottom. The sample mounting component is fixed inside the opening of the sample receiving tank; in this embodiment, the sample mounting component is a sample mounting rope 5, with both ends connected to the sides of the opening of the sample receiving tank. The plastic experimental sample 3 is located inside the sample receiving tank and connected to the sample mounting component. The plastic experimental sample can be a plastic bottle, plastic sheet, plastic ball, plastic block, plastic rod, or other plastic part. The collector 4 includes a collection tube 4.1 located below the sample receiving tank. The upper end of the collection tube communicates with the bottom of the sample receiving tank, and the lower end of the collection tube is provided with a removable sealing bottom cover 4.2. The sealing bottom cover is threadedly connected to the lower end of the collection tube.
[0025] In this embodiment, the in-situ collection device floats on the sea surface via a buoyancy unit. The sample stage is connected to the buoyancy unit, thus ensuring that the opening of the sample container is unaffected by waves or tides, maintaining a stable depth in the seawater. Unaffected by waves and tides, it can continuously simulate the fragmentation process of plastics over extended periods. The sample container and collector collect small pieces of plastic generated after the plastic sample breaks down, realistically reflecting the plastic fragmentation patterns in the marine environment. The cross-sectional area of the sample container gradually decreases from top to bottom, facilitating the sliding of small pieces of plastic generated after the sample breaks down into the collector, preventing the loss of broken plastic and ensuring more accurate sampling data.
[0026] Specifically, the diameter of the sample receiving tank opening ranges from 0.8 to 1.2 m. The inner diameter of the collection cylinder ranges from 0.1 to 0.15 m.
[0027] The sample receiving tank 2.1 is funnel-shaped with smooth inner walls. This allows small pieces of plastic generated after the plastic sample breaks to slide through the tank into the collector, preventing the loss of broken plastic.
[0028] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the buoyancy unit 1 includes a float 1.1 and a float block 1.2 mounted on the float. The float has a vertical connecting hole. The opening of the sample receiving slot is located above the float. A vertical screw 2.2 is provided on the sample experimental platform. Two nuts 2.3 are provided on the vertical screw. The vertical screw is inserted into the vertical connecting hole. The vertical connecting hole is located between the two nuts, allowing the sample experimental platform to be connected to the buoyancy unit via the vertical screw. Thus, by adjusting the position of the two nuts on the vertical screw, the position of the opening of the sample receiving slot can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the depth of the opening of the sample receiving slot.
[0029] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sample testing platform has several mounting holes 2.7 surrounding the outside of the sample receiving groove. The two ends of the sample mounting rope 5 are connected to the mounting holes on both sides of the sample receiving groove. This facilitates the installation of the sample mounting rope and the plastic test sample.
[0030] In this second specific embodiment, the remaining structure is the same as in the first specific embodiment, except that... like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, an in-situ collection device for plastic fragments in a seawater environment also includes an anemometer for measuring wind speed, a suspension rope drive device 6, a lifting support 7, a slot sealing cover 8, and a counterweight 9 (not shown in the anemometer diagram).
[0031] The suspension rope drive device 6 includes a mounting bracket 6.1, a rope winding wheel 6.2 rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket, a suspension rope 6.3 wound on the rope winding wheel, and a drive motor for driving the rope winding wheel to rotate. The drive motor is mounted on the mounting bracket. The anemometer is mounted on the mounting bracket. In practical applications, the mounting bracket is fixed to a sea observation deck or other stable offshore structure.
[0032] The buoyancy unit 1 is provided with a vertical guide hole 1.3. In this embodiment, the vertical guide holes are located on the float, and there are two vertical guide holes. The lifting support 7 includes a top frame 7.2 and vertical guide posts 7.1 that cooperate with the vertical guide holes. The upper end of the vertical guide post is connected to the top frame. The lower end of the vertical guide post is provided with a limiting block 7.3. There are two vertical guide posts, each corresponding to a vertical guide hole. The float can float up and down along the vertical guide posts. The sample receiving slot is located between the two vertical guide posts. The suspension rope 6.3 connects to the top frame of the lifting support.
[0033] The slot sealing cap 8 is mounted on the lifting bracket and positioned above the slot opening of the sample receiving groove. The slot sealing cap is located below the top frame and is fixedly connected to it. In this embodiment, the slot sealing cap is made of transparent material. Of course, the slot sealing cap can also be opaque.
[0034] The counterweight 9 is connected to the lifting support. In this embodiment, the counterweight corresponds one-to-one with the vertical guide column, and the counterweight is connected to the bottom of the corresponding vertical guide column via connecting rope 10. The counterweight is a counterweight block, counterweight ball, or counterweight anchor.
[0035] When the anemometer measures a wind speed greater than or equal to the set value, the drive motor drives the rope wheel to rotate and release the suspension rope. During this process, the lifting bracket and counterweight first move down along the vertical guide hole, so that the slot sealing cover abuts against the sample test platform and seals the slot of the sample receiving slot. Then, under the action of the counterweight, the buoyancy unit, sample test platform and collector sink to the set depth or sink to the seabed.
[0036] When the anemometer measures a wind speed lower than the set value, the drive motor drives the rope wheel to rotate and retract the suspension rope, causing the slot sealing cover to rise above the sea surface. At this time, the buoyancy unit floats on the sea surface, and the slot of the sample container is located at the set depth below the sea surface.
[0037] The in-situ collection device in this embodiment enhances the stability of the device through the suspension rope, lifting support, and counterweight, giving it a certain degree of resistance to wind and waves. However, in situations with excessively high winds and waves, the in-situ collection device may still tilt or even overturn, causing the collected broken plastic to fall out and be lost. To solve this problem, this solution releases the suspension rope by rotating the rope wheel when the anemometer measures a wind speed greater than or equal to a set value. During this process, the lifting support and counterweight first move down along the vertical guide hole, causing the slot sealing cover to abut against the sample test platform and seal the opening of the sample receiving slot. Then, under the action of the counterweight, the buoyancy unit, sample test platform, and collector sink to the seabed. After the buoyancy unit, sample test platform, and collector sink to the seabed, only the counterweight is supported on the seabed, while the lifting support, sample test platform, and collector will be suspended above the seabed under the action of the buoyancy unit, thus preventing the collector from touching the bottom and tilting, which would cause the collected broken plastic to fall out and be lost. In this way, on the one hand, the problem of the in-situ collection device tilting or even overturning due to large waves on the sea surface, causing the collected broken plastic to fall out and be lost, can be avoided; on the other hand, since the sample experimental platform is sealed with a slot sealing cover during the sinking process, the problem of the collected broken plastic falling out and being lost due to the influence of water flow can also be avoided during the sinking process.
[0038] When the anemometer measures a wind speed lower than the set value, the drive motor drives the rope wheel to rotate and retract the suspension rope, causing the slot sealing cover to rise above the sea surface. During this process, before the slot sealing cover rises above the sea surface, it rests against the sample test platform and seals the opening of the sample receiving slot. This prevents the collected broken plastic from falling out and being lost due to the water flow during the rise of the sample test platform.
[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the sample receiving groove 2.1 has an outwardly extending annular platform 2.4 at its groove edge. The edge of the annular platform has a downwardly extending platform ring 2.5. The edge of the groove sealing cap has a downwardly extending sealing cap ring. When the groove sealing cap abuts against the annular platform, it seals the groove opening of the sample receiving groove, and the sealing cap ring is fitted over the outer side of the platform ring. Thus, when the groove sealing cap abuts against the annular platform, the sealing effect of the groove sealing cap on the groove opening of the sample receiving groove is improved.
[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the upper surface of the annular platform 2.4 is provided with an annular sealing gasket 2.6, which surrounds the outside of the opening of the sample receiving groove. Thus, when the groove opening sealing cap abuts against the annular platform, the groove opening sealing cap and the annular platform will be sealed by the annular sealing gasket, thereby sealing the opening of the sample receiving groove.
[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the lower end of the sealing cap ring is a guide opening 8.1 with the cross-sectional area increasing from top to bottom. Thus, during the process of releasing the suspension rope by rotating the rope wheel, and the lifting bracket and counterweight moving down along the vertical guide hole, the guiding effect of the guide opening ensures that the sealing cap ring is fitted onto the outside of the platform ring.
[0042] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications, alterations, and equivalent transformations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A device for in situ collection of plastic debris in a marine environment, characterized in that include: Buoyancy unit, the buoyancy unit floats on the sea surface; The sample test stage is connected to the buoyancy unit. The sample test stage includes a sample receiving tank with the slot facing upward. The slot of the sample receiving tank is located at a set depth below the sea surface. The cross-sectional area of the sample receiving tank gradually decreases from top to bottom. The sample mounting component is fixed inside the slot of the sample receiving groove; The plastic experimental sample is located in the sample receiving tank and connected to the sample mounting component; A collector includes a collection tube located below a sample receiving tank, the upper end of which communicates with the bottom of the sample receiving tank, and the lower end of which is provided with a removable sealing bottom cover. An anemometer for measuring wind speed; A suspension rope drive device includes a rope reel, a suspension rope wound on the rope reel, and a drive motor that drives the rope reel to rotate. The lifting support has a vertical guide hole on the buoyancy unit, and includes a vertical guide column that mates with the vertical guide hole. The suspension rope connects the lifting support. The groove sealing cap is set on the lifting bracket and located above the groove opening of the sample receiving groove; The counterweight is connected to the lifting support and is connected to the bottom of the vertical guide column by a connecting rope.
2. The in-situ collection device for crushed plastic in a seawater environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the anemometer measures a wind speed greater than or equal to the set value, the rope wheel rotates to release the suspension rope. During this process, the lifting bracket and counterweight first move down along the vertical guide hole, so that the slot sealing cover abuts against the sample test platform and seals the slot of the sample receiving tank. Then, under the action of the counterweight, the buoyancy unit, sample test platform and collector sink to the set depth or sink to the seabed.
3. The in-situ collection device for crushed plastic in a seawater environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the anemometer measures a wind speed lower than the set value, the drive motor drives the rope wheel to rotate and retract the suspension rope, causing the slot sealing cover to rise above the sea surface. At this time, the buoyancy unit floats on the sea surface, and the slot of the sample container is located at the set depth below the sea surface.
4. A device for in-situ collection of broken plastics in a seawater environment according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The lower end of the vertical guide post is provided with a limiting block.
5. A device for in-situ collection of broken plastics in a seawater environment according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The sample receiving groove has an outwardly extending annular platform at its groove edge, and a downwardly extending platform ring at its edge. The groove sealing cover has a downwardly extending sealing cover ring at its edge. When the groove sealing cover abuts against the annular platform, the groove sealing cover seals the groove of the sample receiving groove, and the sealing cover ring is fitted outside the platform ring.
6. A device for in-situ collection of broken plastics in a seawater environment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower port of the sealing cap ring is a guide port whose cross-sectional area gradually increases from top to bottom.
7. A device for in-situ collection of broken plastics in a seawater environment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The upper surface of the annular platform is provided with an annular sealing gasket, which surrounds the outside of the groove of the sample receiving groove.
8. A device for in-situ collection of broken plastics in a seawater environment according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The buoyancy unit includes a float and a float block mounted on the float. The float has a vertical connection hole. The sample test platform has a vertical screw with two nuts on it. The vertical screw is inserted into the vertical connection hole, which is located between the two nuts, so that the sample test platform is connected to the buoyancy unit through the vertical screw.
9. A device for in-situ collection of broken plastics in a seawater environment according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The sample experimental platform is provided with several mounting holes surrounding the outside of the sample receiving groove. The sample mounting component is a sample mounting rope, and the two ends of the sample mounting rope are connected to the mounting holes on both sides of the sample receiving groove.