Low head zero water consumption ship lock with multi-stage air storage tank and operating method

By combining multi-stage air storage tanks and high-pressure air pumps, the water level of the lock is flexibly adjusted through step-by-step pressurization or depressurization, solving the problem of water loss in the lock, achieving zero water consumption operation, and reducing equipment requirements and costs.

CN117822537BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-19CCCC SECOND HARBOR ENGINEERING CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CCCC SECOND HARBOR ENGINEERING CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-12-07
Publication Date
2026-06-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing locks result in water loss during ship navigation, which is particularly detrimental to waterway construction during the dry season. Furthermore, existing water-saving solutions have high equipment requirements and costs, making them difficult to promote.

Method used

The system adopts a multi-stage gas storage tank structure, using a high-pressure air pump to pressurize or depressurize the gas storage tanks step by step. Combined with the design of connecting pipelines, it can achieve step-by-step adjustment of the water level in the gate chamber. Inert gas is used to raise and lower the water level, thus preventing water loss.

Benefits of technology

It achieves zero-water lock operation, saving 100% of water, reducing equipment requirements, lowering construction costs, and improving operational safety and stability, thus having broad application value.

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Abstract

This invention relates to the field of lock structure technology in water transport engineering, specifically to a low-to-medium head lock with multi-stage air storage tanks and its operation method. It includes a chamber, multiple sets of air storage structures, a high-pressure air pump, and a third pipeline. The chamber includes an air storage tank and a water-air exchange tank. The air storage tank is connected to the water-air exchange tank via a controllable connecting pipeline. The water-air exchange tank is connected to the lock chamber via a pipeline. Control valves are installed on the pipeline. Each set of air storage structures includes a first branch pipe, an air storage tank, and a second branch pipe. The inlet and outlet of the air storage tank are connected to the first and second branch pipes, respectively. The high-pressure air pump is connected to all the first branch pipes, and is also connected to the first and second pipelines. The first pipeline connects the high-pressure air pump and the air storage tank. The second pipeline connects the high-pressure air pump and the water-air exchange tank. The third pipeline connects all the second branch pipes and the water-air exchange tank. The lock structure of this application is simple, has extremely low equipment requirements, and consumes zero water.
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