An outboard moon pool for use in polar ice-breaking areas

Abstract

The present invention discloses an outboard moon pool for use in polar crushed ice areas in the field of ship technology. The invention comprises an alloy frame for protecting the stability of the device structure, a floating material for providing buoyancy to the device is arranged inside the alloy frame, and a plurality of telescopic rods are arranged outside the alloy frame. The invention has a simple structure and is easy to operate. The alloy frame and the floating material work together to limit the crushed ice area to create a certain range of ice-free areas. The expansion assembly and the telescopic rod work together to increase the water depth of the moon pool device, thereby solving the problem of difficulty in placing and recovering scientific research equipment in the crushed ice area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of ships, and in particular is an outboard moon pool used in polar crushed ice areas. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous deepening of polar exploration and resource development and utilization, facing the harsh polar environment, some new technologies have been applied on polar research ships. For example, as a comprehensive research ship, the laboratories and scientific research equipment it carries must meet the needs of multidisciplinary survey sampling and experimental analysis. Therefore, it is usually equipped with temperature-salinity-depth meters (CTDs), vertical trawls for plankton, remote-controlled unmanned submersibles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Most of these equipment also require deck support systems such as winches and A-frames to be deployed from the ship, and then recovered to the ship after the survey and sampling are completed.

[0003] During general ocean surveys, these devices can be deployed and recovered smoothly from the side or stern of the ship. However, scientific research operations in the harsh polar environment are often affected by floating ice and fast ice, making it impossible to deploy and recover equipment from the side or stern. Even if there is no floating ice on the ocean surface at the beginning of deployment, floating ice drifting with the wind during the 3-4 hour operation will pose a great threat to the cables and equipment to be recovered.

[0004] In summary, designing and installing a portable, detachable, simple but effective moon pool system outside the polar research ship can create a small environment that is not affected by floating ice in the rear or side water area of ​​the ship, which is conducive to the normal deployment and recovery of scientific research equipment, solves the problem that polar research ships cannot carry out scientific research operations in polar crushed ice areas, and reduces the risk of cable equipment entering and exiting the water, so that they can operate in near-shore sea ice areas in autumn and winter and polar dense floating ice areas at higher latitudes, greatly improving operational efficiency and capabilities. Therefore, it is necessary to propose an outboard moon pool for use in polar crushed ice areas. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem of difficulty in launching and recovering scientific research and investigation equipment, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an outboard moon pool for use in polar crushed ice areas, which completes the selection and maintenance of the working environment through the moon pool wall assembly outside the hull in conjunction with the side plate, deck crane and anti-swing device, and solves the problem of difficulty in launching and recovering scientific research and investigation equipment by launching the equipment through the spoiler box assembly entering the water.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: an outboard moon pool used in polar crushed ice areas, comprising an alloy frame for protecting the structural stability of the device, a floating material for providing buoyancy for the device, an expansion assembly for adjusting the water immersion depth of the device and a power assembly for providing expansion power are arranged inside the alloy frame, and a plurality of telescopic rods are arranged outside the alloy frame.

[0007] Principles of the basic solution:

[0008] The user uses a ship crane to hoist the moon pool device to the outboard water surface after the assembly on the deck is completed, plans the required water area, removes the broken ice in it, completes the ice-free area limitation process, and adjusts the telescopic rod downward to increase the water depth through the coordinated action of the expansion component, power component and anti-swing device to limit the flow of floating ice in the water body. After the moon pool is fixed, the crane head is unhooked, and then the ship crane is used to drop the survey equipment from the inside of the moon pool to the specified depth. After the survey is completed, the survey equipment is recovered from the inside of the moon pool by the ship crane.

[0009] The beneficial effects of the basic program are:

[0010] 1. The design of the outboard moon pool can solve the problem of the difficulty in launching underwater equipment in the broken ice area of ​​scientific research vessels. It has low cost of use, simple maintenance and production, and can realize the safe and reliable launch and device protection of underwater survey equipment in the ocean and broken ice areas.

[0011] 2. The outboard moon pool can be assembled to form an ice-free area of ​​any range. Users can assemble the moon pool device according to actual needs to achieve the required range for investigation. The assembled design increases the flexibility and portability of the device while also having better storage.

[0012] 3. The design of increasing the depth of entry into the water downward ensures the safety of the device. The floating ice in the middle layer of the water body will affect the release and recovery process of the survey equipment, and the moon pool device that can expand and increase the depth of entry into the water can avoid the influence of the floating ice in the middle layer. (The floating ice will not affect the equipment if it does not flow, the height of the moon pool can be increased, and the thickness of the floating ice will not exceed 1.5 meters in general).

[0013] Furthermore, the alloy frame is a two-layer structure, formed by staggered welding of high-strength alloy materials, the upper layer is a floating layer, and the lower layer is a water-entering layer. A plurality of telescopic rods of retractable lengths are arranged between the two layers, and the water-entering layer and the telescopic rods are telescopically matched.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the basic program are:

[0015] The alloy frame made of staggered welded high-strength alloy materials can withstand the damage to metal materials from polar regions. The buoyancy materials and other filling materials between the frames can act as a buffer, which can better improve the structural strength of the device and protect the device from deformation. It is divided into two layers and connected with telescopic rods, which can increase the depth of the device in the water while ensuring that the device as a whole floats on the water surface, preventing surface floating ice from crossing over the device. Several telescopic rods can also ensure the structural stability of the device during the expansion process and also limit the direction of the expansion.

[0016] Furthermore, a plurality of telescopic rods with telescopic lengths are located between the floating layer and the submerged layer, and the submerged layer and the telescopic rods are telescopically matched.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the basic program are:

[0018] Dividing the device into two layers and connecting them with telescopic rods can increase the depth of the device into the water while ensuring that the device as a whole floats on the water surface, preventing floating ice on the surface from crossing over the device. Several telescopic rods can also ensure the structural stability of the device during the expansion process and also limit the direction of expansion.

[0019] Furthermore, a plurality of water holes are formed on the floating material.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the basic program are:

[0021] The water holes can connect the water flow outside and inside the device, reducing the impact force and resistance of the moon pool device in the water from the water flow, making the moon pool device more stable on the outboard part of the hull, and improving the stability of the device. The water holes can also ensure that the internal device of the moon pool can accurately measure the flow rate, flow direction and other parameters of the water body, ensuring the stability and consistency of water body data and biological, microbial and other samples.

[0022] Furthermore, the expansion assembly includes a water bag, which is fixedly connected to the inside of the alloy frame. An extrusion plate is provided below the water bag, and an air bag is fixedly connected below the extrusion plate. Both the water bag and the air bag are made of puncture-resistant tough material.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the basic program are:

[0024] The water bag and air bag installed inside the alloy frame can limit their expansion direction, and the extrusion plate between them can interact with them to perform extrusion operations, so that their expansion efficiency is improved. The puncture-resistant tough material can protect them from being punctured by the sharp end of the broken ice and can adapt to the low temperature environment test in the polar region, increasing the safety and efficiency of the device.

[0025] Furthermore, a redundant elastic water inlet net is detachably connected to the outer wall of one side of the alloy frame.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the basic program are:

[0027] When the moon pool device expands to increase its water depth, the exposed parts of the water bag and the air bag will still be in direct contact with the middle layer of floating ice under the protection of the alloy frame and the telescopic rod. The elastic water entry net can provide better protection for the water bag and the air bag after stretching, reduce the impact and damage of the floating ice on the water bag and the air bag, and increase the stability and safety of the moon pool device.

[0028] Furthermore, a plurality of lifting rings are arranged on the top of the alloy frame, and the lifting rings are used for connecting the ship anti-sway device and the crane.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the basic program are:

[0030] The design of the lifting ring can facilitate the installation of the moon pool device using a ship crane, while also allowing the device to be hung on the hull.

[0031] The outboard part improves the compatibility and stability of the device.

[0032] Furthermore, a plurality of elastic anti-collision balls are detachably connected to the outer wall of one side of the alloy frame.

[0033] The beneficial effects of the basic program are:

[0034] When the moon pool device is suspended on the outboard part of the hull, it will produce a rigid collision with the hull under the action of the water flow, causing instability of the device. The elastic anti-collision ball can withstand the mechanical wear of this part and absorb the collision destructive force, thereby increasing the service life of the device and increasing the stability and safety of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of an outboard moon pool assembly for use in a polar ice zone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of an outboard moon pool used in a polar crushed ice region according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an outboard moon pool used in a polar crushed ice region according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following is further described in detail through specific implementation methods:

[0039] The reference numerals in the drawings of the specification include: alloy frame 1, floating layer 2, water entry layer 3, lifting ring 4, telescopic rod 8,

[0040] A water storage bag 9, an extrusion plate 10, an air bag 11, a buoyancy material 12, a water inlet net 17, an elastic anti-collision ball 18, and a water through hole 19.

[0041] The embodiment is basically as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3: an outboard moon pool used in polar crushed ice areas, comprising an alloy frame 1 for protecting the stability of the device structure, a floating material for providing buoyancy for the device, an expansion assembly for adjusting the depth of the device entering the water and a power assembly for providing expansion power are arranged inside the alloy frame 1, and a plurality of telescopic rods 8 are arranged outside the alloy frame 1. The telescopic rods 8 limit the direction and range of expansion movement.

[0042] The alloy frame 1 is a two-layer structure, formed by staggered welding of high-strength alloy materials, the upper layer is a floating layer 2, and the lower layer is a water-entering layer 3. A plurality of telescopic rods 8 of telescopic length are located between the floating layer 2 and the water-entering layer 3, and the water-entering layer 3 and the telescopic rods 8 are telescopically matched. A plurality of water holes 19 are opened on the floating material. The expansion assembly includes a water storage bag 9, which is fixedly connected to the inside of the alloy frame 1, and an extrusion plate 10 is provided below the water storage bag 9, and an air bag 11 is fixedly connected below the extrusion plate 10, and both the water storage bag 9 and the air bag 11 are made of puncture-resistant tough materials.

[0043] A redundant elastic water entry net 17 is detachably connected to the outer wall of one side of the alloy frame 1. The water entry net 17 can protect the water storage bag 9 and the air bag 11 from damage. A plurality of lifting rings 4 are provided on the top of the alloy frame 1. A plurality of elastic anti-collision balls 18 are detachably connected to the outer wall of one side of the alloy frame 1. The elastic anti-collision balls 18 absorb the rigid collision between the moon pool device and the hull.

[0044] The specific implementation process is as follows:

[0045] The user uses a ship crane to lift the moon pool device into the ice area that needs underwater investigation, and assembles the moon pool components according to the needs of underwater investigation. The broken ice inside the device is broken to create an ice-free area. The air pressure of the floating material and the air bag is artificially adjusted to make the device float on the water surface.

[0046] A number of elastic anti-collision balls 18 are installed on the outer wall of the moon pool near the hull. The user stores water in the water bag 9, and the water bag 9 begins to expand. The air bag 11 is squeezed by the squeezing plate 10. After the air bag 11 is squeezed and expanded, the water layer 3 starts to move downward under the protection of the telescopic movement of the telescopic rod 8 and the water entry net 17. When the floating water layer 2 sinks due to excessive water storage during the process, the user inflates the air bag 11. Through real-time adjustment, it is ensured that the floating water layer 2 always floats on the water surface, and the water entry depth of the water layer 3 increases.

[0047] When the device's immersion depth is adjusted to the specified position and the middle layer of floating ice inside the device is cleared, the scientific research and investigation equipment is deployed along the inside of the moon pool device to the operating depth through the ship's special crane. After the operation is completed, the scientific research and investigation equipment is recovered onto the ship along the inside of the moon pool device through the ship's special crane.

[0048] After the investigation device is recovered, the operator will reset the moon pool device and recover it to the ship via the ship crane, waiting for the next underwater investigation operation.

[0049] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device.

[0050] The above is only an embodiment of the present invention. The common sense such as the known specific structure and characteristics in the scheme is not described in detail here. The ordinary technicians in the relevant field know all the common technical knowledge in the technical field of the invention before the application date or priority date, can obtain all the existing technologies in the field, and have the ability to apply the conventional experimental means before that date. The ordinary technicians in the relevant field can improve and implement this scheme in combination with their own abilities under the enlightenment given by this application. Some typical known structures or known methods should not become obstacles for ordinary technicians in the relevant field to implement this application. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, without departing from the structure of the present invention, several deformations and improvements can be made, which should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention, which will not affect the effect of the implementation of the present invention and the practicality of the patent. The protection scope required by this application shall be based on the content of its claims, and the specific implementation methods and other records in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An outboard moon pool for use in polar crushed ice areas, characterized in that: The invention comprises an alloy frame for protecting the structural stability of the device. The alloy frame is a two-layer structure formed by staggered welding of high-strength alloy materials. The upper layer is a floating layer and the lower layer is a water-entering layer. The interior of the alloy frame is provided with a floating material for providing buoyancy of the device, an expansion component for adjusting the water-entering depth of the device and a power component for providing expansion power. The expansion component comprises a water storage bag, which is fixedly connected to the interior of the alloy frame. An extrusion plate for increasing the expansion efficiency is provided below the water storage bag. An air bag is fixedly connected below the extrusion plate. Both the water storage bag and the air bag are made of puncture-resistant tough material to withstand the impact of underwater crushed ice. A plurality of telescopic rods for limiting the expansion paths of the water storage bag and the air bag are provided outside the alloy frame.

2. The outboard moon pool for use in polar crushed ice areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of telescopic rods with telescopic lengths are located between the floating water layer and the submerged water layer, and the submerged water layer and the telescopic rods are telescopically matched.

3. The outboard moon pool for use in polar crushed ice areas according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of water holes are provided on the floating material.

4. The outboard moon pool for use in polar ice-breaking areas according to claim 3, characterized in that: A redundant elastic water inlet net is detachably connected to the outer wall of one side of the alloy frame.

5. The outboard moon pool for use in polar ice-breaking areas according to claim 4, characterized in that: A number of lifting rings are provided on the top of the alloy frame, which are used to connect the ship's anti-sway device and the crane.

6. The outboard moon pool for use in polar crushed ice areas according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of elastic anti-collision balls are detachably connected to the outer wall of one side of the alloy frame.

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