A floating device and a floating method for large components of a shallow water channel

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of floating technology, in particular to a floating device and a floating method for large components in shallow water channels, the floating device comprising at least two oppositely arranged side pontoons, a head pontoon and a tail movable pontoon being connected between the adjacent side pontoons, the head pontoon and the tail movable pontoon being arranged at intervals, a deck being connected above the side pontoons, the head pontoon, the tail movable pontoon and the two adjacent side pontoons, the deck, the head pontoon, the tail movable pontoon and the two adjacent side pontoons together forming a sealed cabin with an open bottom, when applied to the transportation of a large-sized immersed tube, the immersed tube is placed in the sealed cabin, a vacuum is formed in the sealed cabin by means of a vacuumizing device, the water surface in the sealed cabin rises under the action of atmospheric pressure, the immersed tube floating on the water surface in the cabin is driven to rise, thereby increasing the distance between the immersed tube and the bottom of the shallow water channel, and further reducing the requirement for the water depth of the shallow water channel, and reducing the difficulty of the floating operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of floating transport technology, and in particular to a floating device and method for large components in shallow waterways. Background Technology

[0002] Floating transport is a method of transporting goods using floating devices on water. It utilizes the buoyancy of these devices to support and move cargo, making it flexible and adaptable, particularly suitable for regions with well-developed waterways. It can provide an economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transport, and in some cases, become an alternative to land transportation.

[0003] Large components are often transported by floating to reduce the inconveniences of land transportation. Large components include large floating structures (such as floating wind turbine foundations and floating docks) and large immersed tunnel sections. The following example uses an immersed tunnel section:

[0004] Immersed tunnels are constructed by prefabricating tunnel sections, with temporary water-stop heads at both ends of each section. These sections are then floated to the tunnel axis and submerged in pre-excavated trenches (foundation trenches) to complete the underwater connection between the sections. The temporary water-stop heads are then removed, the foundation trenches are backfilled to protect the immersed tubes, and the internal tunnel facilities are laid, thus forming a complete underwater passage.

[0005] Currently, before the installation of immersed tunnel sections, prefabricated immersed tunnel sections need to be transported to the vicinity of the tunnel site. This is typically done using waterways for floating. If the waterway is shallow, meaning the channel depth is insufficient, smaller immersed tunnel sections can be floated using methods such as crane vessels or buoys. However, for larger immersed tunnel sections (ranging from 20,000t to 80,000t), conventional floating methods are insufficient to raise them to a certain height. Furthermore, due to their large size and vertical height, the draft during floating is significant, which is often unacceptable in conventional shallow waterways. Therefore, it is often necessary to excavate shallow waterways to provide sufficient depth for the floating of larger immersed tunnel sections. This results in extensive underwater earthwork excavation, which is difficult, costly, and environmentally impactful. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the problem in the prior art that when large immersed tubes are floated through shallow waterways, the shallow waterways are often dredged due to insufficient water depth, resulting in a large amount of underwater earthwork excavation, which is difficult, costly, and has a certain impact on the environment. This invention provides a floating device and method for large components in shallow waterways.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A floating device for large components in shallow waterways includes at least two opposing side pontoons, with a head pontoon and a tail movable pontoon connected between adjacent side pontoons. The head pontoon and the tail movable pontoon are spaced apart. A deck is connected above the side pontoons, the head pontoon, and the tail movable pontoon. The deck, together with the head pontoon, the tail movable pontoon, and the two adjacent side pontoons, forms a sealed compartment with an open bottom.

[0009] It also includes an air extraction device and a pressure relief device, both of which are connected to the sealed chamber.

[0010] This invention discloses a floating device for large components in shallow waterways, comprising at least two opposing side pontoons, with a bow pontoon and a stern movable pontoon connected to adjacent side pontoons, the bow pontoon and stern movable pontoon being spaced apart. A deck is connected above the side pontoons, the bow pontoon, and the stern movable pontoon, and the deck, together with the bow pontoon, the stern movable pontoon, and the two adjacent side pontoons, forms a sealed compartment with an open bottom. The device also includes an air extraction device and a pressure relief device connected to the sealed compartment, applicable to sizes... When transporting larger immersed tunnel sections, the sections are placed in the sealed chamber of the floating transport device. The chamber is then evacuated using an air extraction device, creating a vacuum zone. Under atmospheric pressure, the water level inside the chamber rises, causing the immersed tunnel section, which is floating on the surface, to rise as well. This increases the distance between the immersed tunnel section and the bottom of the shallow waterway, thereby reducing the depth requirements of the shallow waterway for larger immersed tunnel sections. This significantly reduces the amount of excavation required for the shallow waterway, effectively lowers the construction difficulty and project cost, and also reduces the impact on the surrounding environment of the waterway.

[0011] Preferably, both the air extraction device and the pressure relief device are located above the deck.

[0012] Preferably, a winch is connected to the sealed compartment near the head float.

[0013] Preferably, the tail float and the side float are detachably and sealed together.

[0014] The present invention also discloses a method for floating large components in shallow water channels. The method, which uses the floating device for large components in shallow water channels described in the present invention to float immersed tubes, further includes the following steps:

[0015] Step A: Separate the tail movable buoy from the side buoy;

[0016] Step B: The immersed tube is pulled into the interior of the floating device by the first longitudinal cable;

[0017] Step C: Install the tail movable buoy to form the sealed compartment inside the floating device;

[0018] Step D: Perform a vacuuming operation on the sealed chamber until the water level inside the sealed chamber rises to a specified height, then stop the vacuuming operation;

[0019] Step E: The floating device moves the immersed tube to its destination;

[0020] Step F: Depressurize the sealed chamber so that the water level inside the sealed chamber is level with the water level outside the chamber;

[0021] Step G: Separate the tail movable buoy and move the immersed tube to the outside of the floating device by towing.

[0022] The present invention discloses a floating method for large components in shallow water channels. By using the floating device described in the present invention to float large immersed tubes, it effectively solves the problems of insufficient water depth in shallow water channels, which often require the excavation of shallow water channels, resulting in a large amount of underwater earthwork excavation, high construction difficulty, and high cost. This method not only saves the transportation cost of immersed tubes but also improves the transportation efficiency of immersed tubes.

[0023] Preferably, in step A, a plurality of winches are provided inside the head pontoon, one end of the first longitudinal cable is connected to the bollard of the immersed tube, and the other end of the first longitudinal cable is connected to the winches. The winches, located inside the head pontoon, use the first longitudinal cable to pull the immersed tube into the interior of the floating device.

[0024] Preferably, at least two of the first longitudinal cables are arranged in a cross configuration to effectively control the deviation during the operation of the tapered tube and facilitate correction.

[0025] Preferably, in step C, the immersed tube located in the sealed chamber is subjected to limiting traction. By limiting traction, the immersed tube can move together with the floating device, while also preventing the immersed tube from colliding with the floating device during the movement.

[0026] Preferably, a plurality of second longitudinal cables are provided on the inner side of the tail movable pontoon, and the second longitudinal cables are connected to the immersed tube. A plurality of transverse cables are provided on the inner side of the side pontoon, and the transverse cables are connected to the immersed tube. The immersed tube is limited and pulled by the second longitudinal cables, transverse cables and first longitudinal cables.

[0027] Preferably, in step D, the sealed chamber is evacuated using the vacuum pump.

[0028] In step F, the pressure relief device is used to depressurize the sealed chamber;

[0029] In step C, after the sealed chamber is reformed, watertight and airtight treatments are performed to ensure the airtightness of the sealed chamber.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0031] 1. A floating device for large components in shallow waterways according to the present invention includes at least two oppositely arranged side pontoons, with a bow pontoon and a stern movable pontoon respectively connected between adjacent side pontoons. The bow pontoon and the stern movable pontoon are spaced apart. A deck is connected above the side pontoons, the bow pontoon, and the stern movable pontoon. The deck, together with the bow pontoon, the stern movable pontoon, and the two adjacent side pontoons, forms a sealed compartment with an open bottom. The device also includes an air extraction device and a pressure relief device connected to the sealed compartment. When transporting large immersed tunnel sections, the sections are placed in the sealed chamber of the floating device. A vacuum is then created in the chamber using an air extraction device, forming a vacuum zone. Under atmospheric pressure, the water level inside the chamber rises, causing the immersed tunnel section, which is drifting on the surface, to rise as well. This increases the distance between the immersed tunnel section and the bottom of the shallow waterway, thereby reducing the depth requirements of the shallow waterway and significantly reducing the amount of excavation required. This effectively reduces construction difficulty, lowers project costs, and minimizes the impact on the surrounding environment of the waterway.

[0032] 2. The floating method for large components in shallow water channels described in this invention effectively solves the problems of insufficient water depth in shallow water channels, which often require the excavation of shallow water channels, leading to a large amount of underwater earthwork excavation, high construction difficulty, and high cost. This method not only saves on the transportation cost of the immersed tubes but also improves the transportation efficiency of the immersed tubes. Attached image description:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a large submerged tube floating on the water surface.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the floating device described in this invention.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A sectional view along line AA.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a top view of the floating device described in this invention (deck omitted).

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the floating method described in this invention. Figure 1 .

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of section B.

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A top view (deck omitted).

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the floating method described in this invention. Figure 2 .

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the floating method described in this invention. Figure 3 .

[0042] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the floating method described in this invention. Figure 4 .

[0043] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 BB-direction sectional view.

[0044] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A top view (deck omitted).

[0045] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the floating method described in this invention. Figure 5 .

[0046] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 DD section view.

[0047] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A magnified view of a portion at point E.

[0048] The markings in the diagram are: 1-submerged tube, 2-side pontoon, 3-head pontoon, 4-stern movable pontoon, 5-deck, 6-first longitudinal cable, 7-second longitudinal cable, 8-lateral cable, 9-winner, 10-evacuation device, 11-depressurization device, 12-sealed compartment. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments and specific implementation methods. However, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the above-described subject matter of the present invention to the following embodiments; all technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] like Figures 2-4As shown in the figure, the floating device for large components in shallow water channels described in this embodiment includes at least two side pontoons 2 arranged opposite each other. A head pontoon 3 and a tail movable pontoon 4 are respectively connected between adjacent side pontoons 2. The head pontoon 3 and the tail movable pontoon 4 are spaced apart. A deck 5 is connected above the side pontoons 2, the head pontoon 3 and the tail movable pontoon 4. The deck 5, the head pontoon 3, the tail movable pontoon 4 and the two adjacent side pontoons 2 together form a sealed compartment 12 with an open bottom.

[0052] It also includes an air extraction device 10 and a pressure relief device 11, both of which are connected to the sealed chamber 12.

[0053] This embodiment describes a floating device for large components in shallow waterways, comprising at least two opposing side pontoons 2. A head pontoon 3 and a stern movable pontoon 4 are connected between adjacent side pontoons 2, with the head pontoon 3 and stern movable pontoon 4 spaced apart. A deck 5 is connected above the side pontoons 2, head pontoon 3, and stern movable pontoon 4. The deck 5, together with the head pontoon 3, stern movable pontoon 4, and two adjacent side pontoons 2, forms a sealed compartment 12 with an open bottom. The device also includes an air extraction device 10 and a pressure relief device 11 connected to the sealed compartment 12. When used for transporting large immersed tubes 1, the immersed tube 1 is placed inside the sealed compartment 12 of the floating device, and then the air extraction device 10 is used to ventilate the sealed compartment 12. 2. A vacuum is created inside the sealed chamber 12, forming a vacuum area. Under atmospheric pressure, the water level inside the sealed chamber 12 rises. As the water level rises, the immersed tube 1, which is drifting on the water surface, also rises, thereby increasing the distance between the immersed tube 1 and the bottom of the shallow water channel. This reduces the required water depth of the shallow water channel, greatly reduces the amount of excavation required, effectively reduces construction difficulty, and reduces project costs. It also reduces the impact of the immersed tube 1 on the surrounding environment of the shallow water channel. For example, when the draft of the immersed tube 1 is about 8m to 12m, the floating device described in this invention can be used to float the immersed tube 1 in the shallow water channel. The size of the floating device can be designed according to requirements, and the required water depth of the shallow water channel can be reduced to 5m or even lower.

[0054] In this embodiment, as Figures 2-3 As shown, the side pontoons 2, the head pontoons 3, and the tail movable pontoons 4 all float on the water surface. Under their own weight, the bottoms of the side pontoons 2, the head pontoons 3, and the tail movable pontoons 4 all sink below the water surface. The side pontoons 2, the head pontoons 3, the tail movable pontoons 4, and the deck 5 together form a sealed compartment 12, wherein the bottom surface of the sealed compartment 12 is the water surface inside the compartment.

[0055] A preferred method, such as Figure 2As shown, both the vacuum pump 10 and the pressure relief device 11 are located above the deck 5. Both the vacuum pump 10 and the pressure relief device 11 are provided with conduits that pass through the deck 5 and connect to the sealed chamber 12. The vacuum pump 10 includes a vacuum pump and a first controller. The vacuum pump is used to evacuate the sealed chamber 12, and the first automatic controller controls the start and stop of the vacuum pump. The pressure relief device 11 includes an electric valve and a second controller. The second controller is used to control the opening and closing of the electric valve.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, a water level monitor is also included. The water level monitor is installed inside the sealed chamber 12 and is used to monitor the water level inside the sealed chamber 12. When the sealed chamber 12 is evacuated, when the water level inside the chamber rises to a specified height, the water level monitor sends a signal back to the first automatic controller of the vacuum pump 10, and the first automatic controller shuts down the vacuum pump.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the side pontoons 2, the head pontoons 3, and the tail movable pontoons 4 are all hollow box girder structures, preferably steel box girder structures, with multiple steel trusses inside for support and reinforcement.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the deck 5 includes a steel truss, a steel top plate, and a steel bottom plate, with the steel top plate and steel bottom plate respectively disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the steel truss.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the sealed compartment 12 is connected to a winch 9 near the head pontoon 3, which facilitates the towing of the immersed tube 1 by means of the winch 9.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the stern movable buoy 4 is detachably and sealed to the side buoy 2, thereby facilitating the entry of the immersed tube 1 into the sealed chamber 12.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] like Figure 1 , Figures 5-15 As shown, the floating method for large components in shallow water channels described in this embodiment uses the floating device for large components in shallow water channels described in Example 1 to float the immersed tube 1, and further includes the following steps:

[0063] Step A: As Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the tail movable pontoon 4 is separated from the side pontoon 2;

[0064] Step B: As Figure 5 , Figures 8-9 As shown, the immersed tube 1 is pulled into the interior of the floating device by the first longitudinal cable 6;

[0065] Step C: As Figures 10-11As shown, a tail-mounted movable pontoon 4 is installed to form a sealed compartment 12 inside the floating device;

[0066] Step D: As Figures 13-14 As shown, the sealed chamber 12 is evacuated until the water level inside the chamber rises to a specified height, and then the evacuation operation is stopped.

[0067] Step E: The floating device moves the immersed tube 1 to its destination;

[0068] Step F: Depressurize the sealed chamber 12 so that the water level inside the sealed chamber 12 is level with the water level outside the chamber;

[0069] Step G: Separate the tail movable buoy 4 and move the immersed tube 1 to the outside of the floating device by towing.

[0070] The floating method for large components in shallow waterways described in this embodiment effectively solves the problems of insufficient water depth in shallow waterways, which necessitates the excavation of the shallow waterway, leading to extensive underwater earthwork excavation, high construction difficulty, and high costs. This method not only saves on the transportation cost of the immersed tube 1 but also improves its transportation efficiency.

[0071] A preferred method, such as Figures 5-6 As shown, in step A, a number of winches 9 are provided inside the head pontoon 3. One end of the first longitudinal cable 6 is connected to the cable post of the immersed tube 1, and the other end of the first longitudinal cable 6 is connected to the winch 9. A number of winches 9 are provided inside the head pontoon 3. The winches 9 use the first longitudinal cable 6 to pull the immersed tube 1 into the interior of the floating device.

[0072] A preferred method, such as Figure 7 As shown, at least two first longitudinal cables 6 are arranged in a cross pattern to effectively control the deviation of the immersed tube 1 during operation and facilitate correction.

[0073] In a preferred manner, in step C, such as Figures 10-12 As shown, the immersed tube 1 located in the sealed chamber is limited and pulled. By limiting and pulling the immersed tube 1, the immersed tube 1 can move together with the floating device, while also avoiding collision between the immersed tube 1 and the floating device during the movement.

[0074] A preferred method, such as Figure 12As shown, several second longitudinal cables 7 are provided inside the tail movable pontoon 4, and the second longitudinal cables 7 are connected to the immersed tube 1. Several transverse cables 8 are provided inside the side pontoon 2, and the transverse cables 8 are connected to the side of the immersed tube 1. After the immersed tube 1 is pulled into the interior of the floating device by the first longitudinal cable 6, the first longitudinal cable 6 continues to maintain its connection with the immersed tube 1. The immersed tube 1 is limited and pulled by the second longitudinal cable 7, the transverse cable 8, and the first longitudinal cable 6.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the inner side of the head float 3 refers to the side of the head float 3 that contacts the sealed chamber 12, the inner side of the tail movable float 4 refers to the side of the tail movable float 4 that contacts the sealed chamber 12, and the inner side of the side float 2 refers to the side of the side float 2 that contacts the sealed chamber 12.

[0076] In a preferred manner, in step D, the sealed chamber 12 is evacuated by the vacuum pump 10;

[0077] In step F, the pressure relief device 11 is used to depressurize the sealed chamber 12;

[0078] In step C, after the sealed chamber 12 is formed, watertight and airtight treatments are performed. Welding, sealing strips, or other methods can be used to ensure the airtightness of the sealed chamber 12.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, large components include large floating structures (such as floating wind turbine foundations, floating wharves), immersed tubes, etc. The floating method for large components in shallow waterways described in this embodiment is also applicable to the floating of large floating structures.

[0080] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A floating device for large components in shallow waterways, characterized in that, It includes at least two opposing side pontoons (2), with a head pontoon (3) and a tail movable pontoon (4) respectively connected between adjacent side pontoons (2). The head pontoon (3) and the tail movable pontoon (4) are spaced apart. A deck (5) is connected above the side pontoons (2), the head pontoon (3) and the tail movable pontoon (4). The deck (5), the head pontoon (3), the tail movable pontoon (4) and the two adjacent side pontoons (2) together form a sealed compartment (12) with an open bottom. It also includes an air extraction device (10) and a pressure relief device (11), both of which are connected to the sealed chamber (12); The sealed compartment (12) is used to house large components.

2. A floating device for large components in shallow waterways according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the air extraction device (10) and the pressure relief device (11) are located above the deck (5).

3. A floating device for large components in shallow waterways according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealed compartment (12) is connected to a winch (9) near the head pontoon (3).

4. A floating device for large components in shallow waterways according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tail movable buoy (4) is detachably and sealed to the side buoy (2).

5. A method for floating large components in shallow waterways, characterized in that, The method of floating the immersed tube (1) using a floating device for large components in shallow waterways as described in any one of claims 1-4 further includes the following steps: Step A: Separate the tail movable pontoon (4) from the side pontoon (2); Step B: Pull the immersed tube (1) into the interior of the floating device by using the first longitudinal cable (6); Step C: Install the tail movable buoy (4) to form the sealed compartment (12) inside the floating device. Step D: Perform a vacuuming operation on the sealed chamber (12) until the water level inside the sealed chamber (12) rises to a specified height, then stop the vacuuming operation; Step E: The floating device moves the immersed tube (1) to its destination; Step F: Depressurize the sealed chamber (12) so that the water level inside the sealed chamber (12) is flush with the water level outside the chamber; Step G: Separate the tail movable buoy (4) and move the immersed tube (1) to the outside of the floating device by towing.

6. A floating method for large components in shallow waterways according to claim 5, characterized in that, In step A, a plurality of winches (9) are provided on the inner side of the head pontoon (3), one end of the first longitudinal cable (6) is connected to the cable post of the immersed tube (1), and the other end of the first longitudinal cable (6) is connected to the winch (9).

7. A floating method for large components in shallow waterways according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least two of the first longitudinal cables (6) are arranged in a cross configuration.

8. A floating method for large components in shallow waterways according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step C, the immersed tube (1) located in the sealed chamber (12) is subjected to limiting traction.

9. A floating method for large components in shallow waterways according to claim 8, characterized in that, Several second longitudinal cables (7) are provided on the inner side of the tail movable pontoon (4), and the second longitudinal cables (7) are connected to the immersed tube (1). Several transverse cables (8) are provided on the inner side of the side pontoon (2), and the transverse cables (8) are connected to the immersed tube (1).

10. A floating method for large components in shallow waterways according to claim 9, characterized in that: In step D, the sealed chamber (12) is evacuated by the vacuum pump (10); In step F, the pressure in the sealed chamber (12) is released by the pressure relief device (11); In step C, after the sealed chamber (12) is reformed, watertight and airtight treatments are performed.

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