An automated marine oil spill treatment system

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated marine oil spill treatment system, comprising a nearshore treatment station and an oil spill collection robot. The nearshore treatment station has an inlet and an outlet for the oil spill robot, with a conveyor channel between them. A degradation tank is located below the conveyor channel, and a storage tank is located above it. The oil spill collection robot comprises a ring-shaped body with a collection chamber fixed in the middle. The top of the collection chamber has an inlet, and the bottom has an outlet. The bottom of the storage tank has a drain outlet, and a drain cover is provided at the drain outlet. The drain outlet is positioned corresponding to the inlet. This invention provides an automated marine oil spill treatment system capable of monitoring seawater and possessing an alarm function. Simultaneously, the robot can automatically collect oil spills and return them to the nearshore treatment station for processing, and automatically replace the adsorption balls, improving efficiency. In case of unforeseen circumstances, a self-protection mechanism is triggered to ensure the robot's safety and reduce costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine oil spill treatment technology, and specifically relates to an automatic marine oil spill treatment system. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements and a high dependence on petroleum resources, pollution of the ocean by petroleum and its refined products has become increasingly frequent. Leaks are prone to occur during extraction, storage, and transportation, causing pollution and damage to the marine environment. Spilled oil will directly or indirectly impact marine ecology, tourism, aquaculture, and many other sectors. In the long term, pollution of the marine environment after a leak will affect marine life, and consuming contaminated marine organisms can pose serious health risks and endanger human safety. Currently, marine oil spill containment equipment is not efficient enough, lacks autonomous and automatic operation capabilities, and has poor self-protection capabilities, failing to promptly clean up and protect against leaked oil. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automated marine oil spill treatment system that can automatically complete the entire process of collecting, returning, and treating oil spills. This system should also possess self-protection capabilities, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings and problems of existing technologies, this invention provides an automated marine oil spill treatment system. This system can monitor the hydrocarbon content of seawater and, upon detecting a large-scale oil spill, issue an alarm to notify nearshore personnel for timely emergency response. Simultaneously, a robot can automatically collect the oil and return it to the nearshore treatment station for further processing. It also automatically replaces the adsorption balls and continues the automatic oil spill collection and treatment work, improving efficiency. In case of unforeseen circumstances, a self-protection mechanism is triggered to ensure the safety of the oil spill collection robot, providing assistance for subsequent remediation and reducing costs.

[0004] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] An automated marine oil spill treatment system includes a nearshore treatment station and an oil spill collection robot. The nearshore treatment station has an entrance and an exit for the oil spill robot to enter and exit. A conveyor channel is provided between the entrance and the exit. Below the conveyor channel is a degradation tank connected to the conveyor channel. Above the conveyor channel is a storage tank for storing unused adsorption balls. The oil spill collection robot includes a ring-shaped body. A drive fan bracket for fixing is provided on the top of the body. A solar module is fixed on the drive fan bracket. A drive fan is provided at the tail end of the drive fan bracket. A collection chamber is fixed in the middle of the body. Adsorption balls for adsorbing oil are provided in the collection chamber. A main unit is fixed at the bottom of the body. A support frame is provided on the outside of the lower end of the body. An engine is fixed at one end of the support frame and connected to the main unit. A ball inlet is provided on the top of the collection chamber. A ball inlet cover is provided on the ball inlet. A ball outlet cover is provided at the bottom of the collection chamber. A ball discharge cover is provided at the ball outlet. The position of the ball discharge outlet corresponds to that of the ball inlet.

[0006] The degradation tank is equipped with an aeration device, which includes an aeration pipe and a stirring impeller.

[0007] The collection bin includes an upper collection bin and a lower collection bin. The upper and lower collection bins are made of hydrophilic and oleophobic materials. A barrier section for blocking garbage is provided around the upper and lower collection bins. The barrier section is grid-shaped and made of hydrophilic and oleophobic materials. The lower collection bin is equipped with a self-protection mechanism.

[0008] The adsorption ball is made of an oleophilic material, and the surface of the adsorption ball has pores. Inside the adsorption ball is an adsorption block, which is made of an oleophilic and hydrophobic material.

[0009] The host computer is equipped with an obstacle avoidance module, a petroleum hydrocarbon content monitoring module, and a wireless control system.

[0010] The drive fan bracket is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the machine body in an "I" shape. The tail end of the drive fan bracket is provided with a rotating block that can be used to change the running position of the drive fan. The drive fan and the rotating block are connected at the tail end of the drive fan bracket.

[0011] The solar module includes a solar panel with a solar cell underneath. The solar panel and the solar cell are adapted to each other. The solar module can be linked with the drive fan through internal electrical connection.

[0012] The drive fan includes fan blades and a drive motor. The drive fan is equipped with an arc-shaped enclosure for protection, and a support rod for preventing deformation is provided inside the arc-shaped enclosure.

[0013] This invention features a nearshore treatment station with a conveyor channel that allows the robot to move, a degradation tank to process the adsorption balls after they have absorbed oil, a storage tank with a corresponding ball inlet to the robot for precise replacement of clean adsorption balls, a petroleum hydrocarbon content monitoring module to assess and react to oil pollution in seawater, a collection chamber for adsorption and collection of oil from seawater, a solar module to provide power for operation when power supply is insufficient, a self-protection mechanism to protect the robot in case of unforeseen circumstances, and a combination of hydrophilic and oleophobic materials for efficient and rapid oil collection. The special adsorption balls ensure effective adsorption while preventing secondary release and pollution of seawater. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outlet of the nearshore treatment station in this invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the oil spill collection robot in this invention;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a side view of the oil spill collection robot in this invention;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a top view of the oil spill collection robot of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the collection chamber in this invention;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a side view of the collection chamber in this invention;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the host computer in this invention;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adsorption spheres and adsorption blocks in this invention.

[0023] In the diagram: 1-Nearshore treatment station, 2-Oil spill collection robot, 11-Inlet, 12-Outlet, 13-Transfer channel, 14-Degradation tank, 15-Storage tank, 16-Pellet outlet, 17-Pellet release cover, 18-Aeration device, 21-Main body. 22-Drive fan bracket, 23-Solar module, 24-Drive fan, 25-Collection chamber, 26-Main unit, 27-Supporting legs, 28-Engine, 100-Adsorption ball, 101-Hole, 102-Adsorption block, 181-Aeration pipe, 182-Agitator impeller, 221-Rotating block, 231-Solar panel, 232-Solar cell, 241-Fan blade, 242-Drive motor, 243-Arc-shaped enclosure frame, 244-Support rod, 251-Inlet, 252-Inlet cover, 253-Outlet, 254-Outlet cover, 255-Upper collection chamber, 256-Lower collection chamber, 257-Blocking part, 258-Self-protection mechanism, 261-Obstacle avoidance module, 262-Petroleum hydrocarbon content monitoring module, 263-Wireless control system. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an automated marine oil spill treatment system includes a nearshore treatment station 1 and an oil spill collection robot 2. The nearshore treatment station 1 has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 for the oil spill robot 2 to enter and exit. A conveyor channel 13 is provided between the inlet 11 and the outlet 12. The conveyor channel 13 is adapted to the oil spill collection robot 2 and can transport the oil spill collection robot 2 into the nearshore treatment station 1. Below the conveyor channel 13, there is a degradation tank 14 that communicates with the conveyor channel. An aeration device 18 is provided in the degradation tank 14. The aeration device 18 includes an aeration pipe 181 and a stirring impeller 182 on the aeration pipe 181. The degradation tank 14 is used to store adsorption balls 100 after the oil has been treated and adsorbed. The degradation tank 14 contains petroleum degradation bacteria. The aeration device 18 provides oxygen, which is conducive to bioremediation. The stirring impeller 182 can degrade oil more efficiently. Above the conveying channel 13 is a storage pool 15 for storing unused adsorption balls 100. At the bottom of the storage pool 15 is a ball-draining port 16 that is connected to the conveying channel 13. A ball-dispensing cover 17 is provided at the ball-draining port 16. The position of the ball-draining port 16 corresponds to the ball-inlet 251. After the oil spill collection robot 2 arrives at the position, the ball-dispensing cover 17 opens accordingly and automatically puts in clean adsorption balls 100.

[0026] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8As shown, the oil spill collection robot 2 includes a body 21, which is ring-shaped. A collection chamber 25 is fixedly installed in the middle of the body 21. The collection chamber 25 is fixedly connected in the middle of the ring-shaped body 21. The internal wiring of the body 21 connects the upper and lower parts. A drive fan bracket 22 for fixing is provided on the top of the body 21. The drive fan bracket 22 is "I"-shaped and fixed on the upper end of the body 21. A rotating block 221 for changing the running position of the drive fan 24 is provided at the tail end of the drive fan bracket 22. The drive fan 24 is connected to the rotating block 221 at the tail end of the drive fan bracket 221. The rotating block 221 can ensure that the orientation of the drive fan 24 can be changed during the operation of the oil spill collection robot 2, thereby changing the running direction. The drive fan 24 includes fan blades 241 and a drive motor 242. The drive fan 24 is equipped with a protective arc-shaped enclosure 243, within which a support rod 244 is installed to prevent deformation. The drive motor 242 drives the fan blades 241. Both the arc-shaped enclosure 243 and the support rod 244 are structures used to protect and support the drive fan 24. A solar module 23 is fixedly mounted on the drive fan bracket 22. The solar module 23 includes a solar panel 231 and a solar cell 232 located below the solar panel 231. The solar panel 231 and the solar cell 232 are compatible. The solar module 23 can be linked with the drive fan 24 via an internal electrical connection within the body 21. The solar module 23 provides power to ensure the oil spill collection robot 2 can operate normally or return to the nearshore treatment station 1 when its resupply is insufficient. The solar panel 231 is shaped to match the solar cell 232, ensuring the streamlined design of the oil spill collection robot 2, reducing wind resistance and increasing energy efficiency. A main unit 26 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the main body 21. The main body 26 contains an obstacle avoidance module 261, a petroleum hydrocarbon content monitoring module 262, and a wireless control system 263. The obstacle avoidance module 261 allows the oil spill collection robot 2 to avoid collisions and other accidents during operation. The petroleum hydrocarbon content monitoring module 262 enables the oil spill collection robot 2 to monitor and react to seawater conditions during patrols, playing a role in monitoring seawater conditions and notifying nearshore personnel for timely emergency response. The wireless control system 263 reduces manpower, enables intelligent operation, and lowers costs. The main body 26 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the main body 21. A support bracket 27 is located on the lower exterior of the main body 21. An engine 28 is fixedly mounted on one end of the support bracket 27. The engine 28 is connected to the main body 26. The support bracket 27 passes through the main body 21 and is adapted to fit within it. The support bracket 27 protects the engine 28 and reduces the impact on the engine 28 in the event of an impact.

[0027] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, the collection chamber 25 contains adsorption balls 100 for adsorbing oil spills. The adsorption balls 100 are made of an oleophilic material, and their surfaces have pores 101. Inside the adsorption balls 100 are adsorption blocks 102, made of an oleophilic-hydrophobic material. The special material of the adsorption balls 100 ensures that spilled oil is adsorbed without causing secondary pollution to the ocean during operation. The pores 101 on the surface of the adsorption balls increase oil permeability while maintaining the physical strength of the adsorption balls, improving adsorption efficiency, reducing damage, and lowering costs. The adsorption blocks 102, being made of an oleophilic-hydrophobic material, maximize oil intake while minimizing spillage, reducing the possibility of secondary pollution. The collection chamber 25 has a streamlined design, reducing the impact of water flow and wind resistance, thus reducing consumption and costs. The collection chamber 25 includes an upper collection chamber 255 and a lower collection chamber 256, both made of hydrophilic-oleophobic materials to ensure the cleanliness of the collection chamber 25. A barrier section 257, designed to block debris, is arranged around the upper collection chamber 255 and the lower collection chamber 256. This barrier section 257 is grid-shaped, preventing seawater debris from entering the collection chamber 25 and affecting its oil adsorption effect. This extends the service life of the oil spill collection robot and ensures the safety of the adsorption ball 100. The barrier section 257 is made of an oleophilic and hydrophobic material, enabling it to better attract and absorb oil around the oil spill collection robot. The hydrophilic and oleophobic properties of the collection chamber 25 and the oleophilic and hydrophobic properties of the barrier section 257 combine to better adsorb oil from seawater. The top of the collection chamber 25 is provided with an inlet 251, and an inlet cover 252 is provided on the inlet 251. The bottom of the collection chamber 25 is provided with an outlet 253, and an outlet cover 254 is provided at the outlet 253. When the outlet needs to be replaced at the nearshore treatment station 1, the outlet cover 254 closes and opens the outlet 253, and the inlet cover 252 closes and opens the inlet 251 accordingly. The lower collection chamber 256 is provided with a self-protection mechanism 258. When the oil spill collection robot 2 malfunctions, it can promptly eject floating objects after judgment, ensuring that the oil spill collection robot 2 can float on the sea surface when it malfunctions, and will not sink to the bottom and cause secondary pollution, thereby reducing losses, lowering costs and protecting the environment.

[0028] Working process: When the oil spill collection robot 2 has finished adsorbing the oil and reached its own load, it will return to the nearshore treatment station 1. It will enter through the inlet 11, open the outlet cover 254, and place the oil-laden adsorption balls 100 into the degradation tank 14. Then, it will be transported via the conveyor channel 13 to the ball release position, where the ball inlet cover 252 will open, and the ball release cover 17 in the storage tank 15 will open. The clean adsorption balls 100 will enter the collection chamber 25 through the ball drain 16. After ball release, the ball release cover 17 will be closed, and the ball inlet cover 252 will be closed. Afterwards, the oil spill collection robot 2 continues to patrol and monitor the seawater through the exit 12. When the petroleum hydrocarbon content monitoring module 262 detects an anomaly during the patrol, it will issue an alarm to notify the nearshore staff. At the same time, it will perform oil adsorption work on the seawater. The oil enters the collection chamber 25 through the blocking part 257. The adsorption ball 100 and the adsorption block 102 adsorb the oil at the same time. The grid-shaped blocking part 257, the solar module 23, the obstacle avoidance module 261 and the self-protection mechanism 258 can ensure the safety of the oil spill collection robot 2 during daily operation.

[0029] The above embodiments are preferred implementations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any obvious substitutions are within the protection scope of the present invention without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated marine oil spill treatment system, comprising a nearshore treatment station (1) and an oil spill collection robot (2), characterized in that: The nearshore treatment station is equipped with an entrance (11) and an exit (12) for the oil spill robot to enter and exit. A conveyor channel (13) is provided between the entrance and the exit. A degradation pool (14) connected to the conveyor channel is provided below the conveyor channel. A storage pool (15) for storing unused adsorption balls (100) is provided above the conveyor channel. The oil spill collection robot includes a ring-shaped body (21). A drive fan bracket (22) for fixing is provided on the top of the body. A solar module (23) is fixed on the drive fan bracket. A drive fan (24) is provided at the tail end of the drive fan bracket. A collection device is fixed in the middle of the body. The collection chamber (25) is equipped with adsorption balls for adsorbing oil stains. The main unit (26) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the machine body. The lower end of the machine body is equipped with a support frame (27). One end of the support frame is fixedly equipped with an engine (28). The engine is connected to the main unit. The top of the collection chamber is equipped with a ball inlet (251). A ball inlet cover (252) is provided on the ball inlet. The bottom of the collection chamber is equipped with a ball outlet (253). A ball outlet cover (254) is provided at the ball outlet. The bottom of the storage tank is equipped with a ball leakage outlet (16) that is connected to the conveying channel. A ball release cover (17) is provided at the ball leakage outlet. The position of the ball leakage outlet corresponds to the ball inlet.

2. The automated marine oil spill response system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The degradation tank (14) is equipped with an aeration device (18), which includes an aeration pipe (181) and a stirring impeller (182) on the aeration pipe.

3. The automatic marine oil spill treatment system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The collection chamber (25) includes an upper collection chamber (255) and a lower collection chamber (256). The upper and lower collection chambers are made of hydrophilic and oleophobic materials. A barrier (257) is provided around the upper and lower collection chambers to block garbage. The barrier is grid-shaped and made of hydrophilic and oleophobic materials. The lower collection chamber is provided with a self-protection mechanism (258).

4. The automated marine oil spill treatment system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The adsorption ball (100) is made of an oleophilic material, and the surface of the adsorption ball is provided with holes (101). The adsorption ball is provided with an adsorption block (102) inside, and the adsorption block is made of an oleophilic and hydrophobic material.

5. The automated marine oil spill treatment system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The host (26) is equipped with an obstacle avoidance module (261), a petroleum hydrocarbon content monitoring module (262), and a wireless control system (263).

6. The automated marine oil spill treatment system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The drive fan bracket (22) is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the body (21) in an "I" shape. The tail end of the drive fan bracket is provided with a rotating block (221) that can be used to change the running position of the drive fan (24). The drive fan and the rotating block are connected at the tail end of the drive fan bracket.

7. The automated marine oil spill treatment system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The solar module (23) includes a solar panel (231), and a solar cell (232) is provided under the solar panel. The solar panel and the solar cell are adapted to each other. The solar module is linked with the drive fan (24) through internal electrical connection.

8. The automated marine oil spill treatment system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The drive fan (24) includes a fan blade (241) and a drive motor (242). The drive fan is provided with an arc-shaped enclosure (243) for protection, and a support rod (244) for preventing deformation is provided inside the arc-shaped enclosure.

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