Tornado macroscopic biofouling collector

Abstract

A tornado macroscopic biofouling cutting tool for cutting, carrying away and collecting macroscopic biofouling submerged in water on rigid structures such as submerged portions of FPSO, pontoons, platform legs, wharf sides, piles, rigid anchoring structures and / or submerged portions of floating windmills, wherein the macroscopic biofouling is a marine organism outside algae and bacterial membranes and relates to larger organisms, including hard-shell organisms such as live-shell organisms, kelp, seaweed and / or numerous organisms that can grow widely, and wherein the macroscopic biofouling in the context of the invention is defined as marine biofouling, such as marine biofouling. Marine biofouling includes organisms having a maximum size greater than 1 cm covering more than 10%, but generally more than 50%, of the area to be cleaned, the organisms having species adhering to the substructure. A tornado macroscopic biofouling cutting tool differs in that it comprises: an inlet suction volume; an outlet suction tube disposed to the inlet suction volume and operably coupled to a suction device, such as a suction pump, where, in operation, the suction pump or suction device provides an underpressure in the inlet suction volume compared to a pressure outside the inlet suction volume; and a macroscopic biofouling cutting tool arranged at or in the inlet of the inlet suction volume for cutting away macroscopic biofouling from the structure being cleaned, where the cut macroscopic biofouling remains within the inlet suction volume and is carried away through the outlet suction tube, and where the cut macroscopic biofouling is removed from the structure being cleaned. The system can be transported to a macroscopic biofouling collection device or to other feasible locations, the biofouling collection device being located on the deck of the structure being cleaned, or on a service vessel, or on a wharf with the macroscopic biofouling collection device. The invention discloses application of a tornado macroscopic biofouling collector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the removal and collection of marine biofouling from submerged structures, such as vessels and other structures operating on the ocean. Background Art

[0002] To date, the tool and method as described and illustrated in the applicant's patent publication EP 2531401 B1 may represent the state of the art for the safe removal and collection of marine biofouling on board ships. Through commercial operation of the tool and method, the fuel consumption of ships can be reduced by up to 20% by reducing friction after removing marine biofouling from the hull, and all removed marine biofouling is collected, eliminating the spread of unwanted marine growth species (including pathogens and parasites) from one location to another.

[0003] However, the operation of more fixed structures does not lead to the same problems as ships in conventional traffic: excessive fuel consumption or the undesirable spread of marine species from one location to another. Such more fixed structures are, for example, floating oil production facilities such as FPSOs, many drilling rigs, floating wind turbine substructures, semi-submersible structures, or structures that stand on the seabed or are otherwise relatively fixedly positioned. Many of these structures have never been moved during their operational life, and often allow their submerged portions to accumulate large amounts of marine life.

[0004] However, some structures are moved more frequently, such as some semi-submerged and many mobile rigs. Such structures can house many species and entire marine ecosystems, which can be transported and spread to new locations. The amount of marine biofouling on large rigs or semi-submersible rigs can be tens to hundreds of tons. Structures can be moved thousands of kilometers to obtain new contracts or to be decommissioned. Decommissioning often involves sinking large structures into deep fjords or ocean areas, such as the deep Norwegian fjords or in the water around the Canary Islands. Unlike regulations for ships in regular traffic, there are few regulations to limit the unwanted spread of marine life by dismantling or moving these structures. Unintentionally introduced marine vomitus is a major problem in Norwegian waters recently.

[0005] Furthermore, the excess fuel consumption due to severe biofouling can be higher than 100%. And the weight and / or drag of severe biofouling may require heavier structures with thicker walls and strength elements. The impact on climate and natural biological systems is significant and negative.

[0006] The accumulated marine biofouling will, after a period of time, be dominated by relatively large, hard-shelled organisms such as shellfish and clams, in addition to macroalgae and other living marine organisms of various species. This marine biofouling is referred to herein as macro-biofouling.

[0007] Tools and methods as described and illustrated in patent publication EP 2531401 B1, generally comprise nozzles for high pressure jets of water and / or brushes for removing marine biofouling, these nozzles are very effective on surfaces with relatively soft and small size marine biofouling. However, when marine biofouling becomes macro-biofouling, dominated by thick layers of large organisms, including hard-shelled organisms (such as live shells), macroalgae, seaweed and many organisms that may grow extensively, the common tools and methods used on board are no longer very effective.

[0008] Apparently, there is no clear definition of the term macrobiofouling other than to include marine growths other than algae and bacterial films and to involve larger organisms.

[0009] In this context, macrobiofouling is defined as marine biofouling comprising organisms greater than 1 cm in their greatest dimension covering 50% of the area to be cleaned, with species adhering to the underlying structure. Macrobiofouling cannot be easily removed by high pressure jetting and / or brushing.

[0010] The related technologies have been identified as patent publications CN 113173229 A, WO 201503193 A1, US2012006244A1, US 693242A and EP 2531401 B1.

[0011] There is a need for a technique that is particularly feasible for the removal and collection of macroscopic biofouling from submerged structures, such as rigid and in principle fixed structures immersed in water. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention meets the above needs.

[0013] More specifically, the present invention provides a tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool for cutting, transporting and collecting macro-biofouling on rigid structures submerged in water (such as submerged parts of FPSOs, pontoons, platform legs, quay sides, piles, rigid anchoring structures, risers, heat exchangers and / or submerged parts of floating windmills), wherein macro-biofouling is marine organisms other than algae and bacterial films and involves larger organisms, which include hard-shelled organisms (such as living shells), giant kelp, seaweed and / or many organisms that can grow widely, wherein macro-biofouling in the context of the present invention is defined as marine biofouling, which includes organisms with a maximum dimension greater than 1 cm, which cover more than 10% (but generally greater than 50%) of the area to be cleaned, and which are species that adhere to the underlying structure.

[0014] The Tornado Macro-Biofouling Cutting Tool is different in that it includes:

[0015] Inlet suction volume,

[0016] an outlet suction pipe arranged to the inlet suction volume and operatively coupled to a suction device, such as a suction pump, wherein in operation the suction pump or the suction device provides an underpressure in the inlet suction volume compared to the pressure outside the inlet suction volume, and

[0017] A macro-biofouling cutting tool is arranged at or in the inlet of the inlet suction volume for cutting macro-biofouling from the structure being cleaned of macro-biofouling, wherein the cut macro-biofouling is retained in the inlet suction volume with the help of the underpressure and is transported away through the outlet suction pipe, preferably to a remote macro-biofouling collection device or to another feasible location, the remote macro-biofouling collection device is located on the deck of the structure being cleaned of macro-biofouling, or on a service vessel, barge, or on a dock with a macro-biofouling collection device, or to another feasible location.

[0018] The Tornado Macro-Biofouling Cutting Tool is a tool or system for cutting macro-biofouling from a submerged surface or a surface in a splash zone, collecting the cut macro-biofouling and preferably transporting the cut macro-biofouling to a collection device without spreading the cut macro-biofouling into the surrounding water and without clogging the tool or outlet suction tube.

[0019] The fragmented macro-biofouling is removed with water flowing into the suction volume and further out of the suction volume through the suction tube to a collection device; or the macro-biofouling can be disposed of if permitted. If there is any risk of unwanted spread of organisms (unwanted species, including parasites and pathogens), and / or if regulations so require, the macro-biofouling is collected, preferably as sorted, and used as appropriate. If there is no risk of unwanted spread of organisms, for example when removing macro-biofouling from a fixed FPSO on site, and if regulations permit, the macro-biofouling can be disposed of on site because the macro-biofouling only includes local organisms on site. Collection of macro-biofouling also results in the collection of any polymers or micro-polymers collected by the biological species or removed from the coating, the disposal of which may be illegal.

[0020] The inlet of the inlet suction volume can have a variety of shapes, but is preferably elongated, and the long side that preferably faces the surface to be cleaned for macrobiological fouling preferably has a shape that matches or corresponds to the shape of the surface. The other sides can be curved, spherical, semi-elliptical, trapezoidal or other shapes.

[0021] The Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool is also referred to as a Tornado macro-biofouling collector, or a Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool and collector, or just a macro-biofouling cutting tool and / or collector, because all or most commercial embodiments include collecting macro-biofouling. The different terms are synonymous in this context.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool comprises a macro-biofouling cutting tool (such as a cutting edge) arranged on one side of the generally rectangular inlet opening of the inlet suction volume, preferably on the long rectangular side facing the structure to be cleaned during operation. Having the macro-biofouling cutting tool on the side of the inlet opening facing the surface to be cleaned or having the macro-biofouling cutting tool integrated in the side of the inlet opening facing the surface to be cleaned results in no or little additional structure and relatively easy replacement and / or sharpening of the cutting edge of the macro-biofouling cutting tool or other embodiments. Alternatively, the macro-biofouling cutting tool (such as a cutting edge) may be arranged on an additional structure along the direction of movement of the tornado macro-biofouling collector during operation, which additional structure is inside the periphery of the inlet opening or a short distance inside the front of the inlet opening.

[0023] Preferably, the Tornado macro-biological fouling collector includes a cutting edge having a straight edge or a serrated edge or a combination of a straight edge and a serrated edge fixed to the inlet, and following the movement of the Tornado macro-biological fouling collector; and / or the cutting edge can also move relative to the inlet, perpendicular to the movement of the inlet and / or along the movement of the inlet, and follow the movement of the Tornado macro-biological fouling collector, and the cutting edge further includes a driving mechanism operably connected to the cutting edge.

[0024] In some preferred embodiments of the Tornado macro-biofouling collector of the present invention, the macro-biofouling cutting tool includes multiple cutting tools. The most preferred embodiment includes a static structure relative to the Tornado macro-biofouling collector, combined with a moving structure relative to the Tornado macro-biofouling collector arranged directly above the static structure. A preferred embodiment includes a sliding comb structure or a parallel ski structure oriented outward from and parallel to the direction of movement of the Tornado macro-biofouling collector during operation, pointing in the direction of movement of the macro-biofouling cutting tool / collector. One embodiment includes a laterally movable cutting tool arranged just above the static structure. Another embodiment includes a rotating cutting tool arranged just above the sliding static structure, sliding on the surface being cleaned, for example arranged in two rows, shifting to cut the roots of all macro-biofouling. As the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector moves forward during operation, the roots of macro-biofouling (such as the roots of shellfish and kelp and waterweed) become arranged between the comb teeth or skis or similar structures, where these relatively moving parts, the lateral cutting tools and / or rotating cutting tools or the like cut these roots. In some embodiments, the front of the static comb teeth or skis is not sharp but is preferably rounded and not sharp, but is preferably shaped as a converging knife and / or knife edge toward the inner end closest to the inlet suction volume is arranged to point forward in the operating direction between the comb teeth or skis to promote cutting of macro-biofouling roots and prevent clogging of excessive macro-biofouling roots between the comb teeth or skis, while also minimizing the risk of damaging the coating on the structure to be cleaned.

[0025] The Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector is also feasible for collecting macro-biofouling from non-rigid and / or less stationary structures, and for removing general marine biofouling (with or without using more marine biofouling removal tools than macro-biofouling cutting tools). For example, when the biofouling includes a large number of soft marine biofouling films or micro-biofouling, one or two rows of cleaning tools taught in EP 2531401 B1 are operably and removably arranged in front of the inlet of the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Cutting Tool, where micro-biofouling is marine biofouling that is too small to fall within the definition of macro-biofouling. For this operational arrangement, high-pressure water can preferably be connected to the nozzle of the tool taught in EP 2531401 B1, if such a nozzle is included in the tool embodiment, and the suction extracted from these tools can be connected to the outlet suction pipe of the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector. Thus, the Tornado macro-biofouling collector may include high pressure jets, cavitation jets and / or brushes in addition to or as a temporary replacement for conventional macro-biofouling cutting tools for cleaning structures requiring relatively little marine biofouling removal.

[0026] In some embodiments, a protective cover for the cutting tool is included to reduce the risk of large kelp being filtered into or entangled around the cutting tool structure or other structures, for example at or near the inlet.

[0027] For some preferred embodiments, one or two or more rotating rollers having corrugations and / or holes and / or slots are included to lift macro-biofouling for cutting tools.

[0028] In some preferred embodiments, the Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool includes a frame or shovel-like structure that is replaceably and operably arranged in front of the inlet and has macro-biofouling cutting tools, multiple cutting tools, high-pressure jets, cavitation jets and / or brushes arranged in any combination to provide versatility.

[0029] The Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector may be operated by a diverter in some embodiments, but preferably further comprises a drive mechanism for moving the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector along or on the surface of the structure to be cleaned of macro-biological fouling. Preferably, the drive mechanism is an ROV (on which the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector is arranged), or a ROT-a remotely operated tool, or an operating arm (such as an excavator arm arranged on a barge or dock). The ROV and / or ROT are moved by thrusters and / or magnetic devices (such as magnetic wheels or other types of magnetic devices), including or excluding an operably arranged drive mechanism. Other embodiments may be moved by gravity and a winch or crane mechanism.

[0030] The Tornado macro-biofouling collector preferably further includes an operatively arranged macro-biofouling sorting device (such as a sorting screen (e.g., a vibrating screen)) and / or a macro-biofouling storage structure (e.g., a container or several containers for a specific type of macro-biofouling, or a flexible bag, wherein these containers or bags preferably include openings for drainage).

[0031] Some preferred embodiments of the Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool include a dual version with an inlet at either end of the inlet volume or two parallel inlet volumes and / or a Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool, preferably arranged on an ROV, with one inlet facing one direction of movement of the ROV and the other inlet facing the opposite direction to allow macro-biofouling cutting in both directions. It may be necessary to close the valve / baffle or mechanism for the side or tool that is not operated. A shared suction pump is preferred, or for redundancy, the parallel processing assembly is arranged to include two suction pumps with outlets converging. Such a dual tool can improve both productivity and redundancy.

[0032] Preferably, the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector comprises an inlet suction volume having a width which is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, wherein the lower height portion extends further forward in the direction of movement of the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector than the higher height portion, as seen in normal operation. With normal operation, the long side is more or less vertical. On a vertical structure, such as the side of a ship, the orientation may be vertical. This feature ensures better collection due to the use of both gravity and suction. More specifically, in addition to the underpressure suction in the outlet suction pipe at a low height, the macro-biofouling sinks loosely from the cut edge under the action of gravity as long as there is a downward vertical component towards the suction outlet.

[0033] Preferably, an outlet suction pipe disposed in the inlet suction volume and operably connected to a suction pump or device has an inlet at a low elevation of the inlet suction volume, most preferably an inlet at the lowest elevation of the inlet suction volume, as seen in normal operation. Normal operation means that the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector inlet has a vertical component in the direction of the cutting tool, such as when removing macro-biofouling from a vertical hull or other surface with a vertical component, where both gravity and suction assist in collecting the cut macro-biofouling. For horizontally oriented, downward facing surfaces, gravity will also work because the outlet suction pipe inlet is at a lower elevation than the surface. For horizontal surfaces facing upward, typically only suction assists in the collection because the outlet suction pipe inlet is at a higher elevation.

[0034] Preferably, the suction pump or suction device is a heavy duty pump, such as a so-called fish pump or dredge pump, both of which can accommodate relatively large objects without clogging and are available from several suppliers.

[0035] In operation, the suction pump or suction device provides an underpressure in the inlet suction volume that is large enough to prevent the escape of macro-biofouling cut loose by the macro-biofouling cutting tool. Preferably, the suction effect is adjustable, such as by an adjustable speed or frequency drive. The actual flow rate that provides sufficient suction to ensure that the loose macro-biofouling is effectively drawn into the inlet opening, further into the inlet suction volume, and further into the outlet suction tube arranged in the inlet suction volume will vary depending on the size of the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector, the type of macro-biofouling, and the orientation of the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector. 1m per minute 3 -15 m 3 , 2m 3 -10 m 3 , or 4m 3 -8 m 3A range of flow rates will generally be feasible, but for very large or small Tornado macro-biofouling collectors or very demanding macro-biofouling, these limits may be exceeded.

[0036] In many preferred embodiments, the Tornado macro-biofouling collector includes wheels and / or sliding skis or rails located on the side of the rigid surface facing the macro-biofouling to be cleaned, preferably with an adjustable lift from the surface, preferably adjustable to ensure that the cutting distance of the macro-biofouling is within the range of 0mm-25mm, 0mm-20mm, 0mm-15mm or 0mm-10mm of the structure of the macro-biofouling to be cleaned, preferably 0mm-8mm, more preferably about 0mm-5mm or 0mm-2mm or 0mm-1mm. The specified distance range is measured from the top of the coating on the structure to remove the macro-biofouling, up to the cutting height. This ensures that the root of the macro-biofouling is cut without damaging the structure and / or the coating thereon, from which the macro-biofouling is cut and collected. Many species of macro-biofouling, such as the common blue mussel, have roots or threads fixed to the structure to be cleaned, which may be the weakest part of the macro-biofouling and are more easily cut if cut very close to the surface to be cleaned. In other preferred embodiments, the Tornado macro-biofouling collector comprises a cutting edge that rests and slides against the surface to be cleaned without the wheels and / or sliding skis, wherein the edge is slightly convex when resting on the surface to be cleaned, wherein the cutting of the macro-biofouling is within the range of 0-5 mm or 0-2 mm or 0-1 mm above the surface to be cleaned or on the surface to be cleaned.

[0037] Preferably, the inlet of the inlet suction volume for shearing off the macroscopic biofouling to be collected is roughly shaped like a rectangle (whose long side is at least 5 times or 8 times or 10 times longer than the short side) or other elongated shape, wherein during operation, the cutting edge or other macroscopic biofouling cutting tool can be arranged interchangeably on or at the outer long side to face the structure to be cleaned, wherein the outlet suction tube can have an inlet, as seen when operating on a structure with a vertical component, which is arranged at a low height or lowest height from the inlet suction volume; wherein the operation of the tornado macroscopic biofouling cutting tool, for all structures in a more or less vertical orientation or in a horizontal orientation but facing downward: the suction action plus gravity ensures that the sheared off macroscopic biofouling will not leak; wherein for horizontally oriented structures facing upward, the suction action alone ensures that the sheared off macroscopic biofouling will not leak, but preferably, the suction action can be adjusted to be sufficient to collect all sheared off macroscopic biofouling in all orientations of the structure to be cleaned, for specific types of macroscopic biofouling to be sheared off and to be collected.

[0038] Preferably, the macro-biofouling cutting tool (such as a cutting edge and / or a multi-cutting tool) is replaceable and includes a ceramic cutting edge layer located between steel layers, and / or a high carbon steel cutting edge inner layer of stainless steel, POM or other high strength polymer or material and / or high strength stainless steel and / or massive high carbon steel, and / or a wire cutting tool (such as a diamond covered wire cutting tool, with or without a rotating mechanism that provides a sawing motion of the wire in one or two directions).

[0039] The present invention also provides the use of the tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool according to the present invention for removing and preferably collecting macro-biofouling on rigid structures submerged in water (such as submerged parts of FPSOs, floating vessels, platform legs, quay sides, piles, rigid anchoring structures, risers, heat exchangers and / or submerged parts of floating windmills), and / or for removing and preferably collecting macro-biofouling on flexible or non-rigid structures submerged in water (such as flexible anchoring or riser structures). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figures 1a to 1e An embodiment of a tornado macro-biological fouling collector according to the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 2a to Figure 2e Another embodiment of a tornado macro-biofouling collector according to the present invention is shown, and

[0042] Figure 3a to Figure 3c Details of an embodiment of the Tornado Macro-Biofouling Collector of the present invention are shown.

[0043] Figure 4 An embodiment of the Tornado macro-biofouling collector of the present invention is shown operably coupled to a ROV.

[0044] Figure 5 A submerged structure covered with macro-biofouling is shown, with areas cleaned of the macro-biofouling and areas not cleaned of the macro-biofouling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] See also Figures 1a to 1e , Figure 2a to Figure 2e , Figure 3a to Figure 3c , Figure 4 and Figure 5, shows a tornado macro-biofouling collector 1, which can be used to remove and collect macro-biofouling on a rigid structure 2 submerged in water (such as the submerged part of an FPSO, a pontoon, a platform leg, a quay side, a pile, a rigid anchoring structure and / or the submerged part of a floating windmill). The tornado macro-biofouling collector comprises: an inlet suction volume 3, an outlet suction pipe 4 and a macro-biofouling cutting edge 6; the outlet suction pipe 4 is arranged to the inlet suction volume and is operably connected to a suction device (such as a suction pump); the macro-biofouling cutting edge 6 is arranged at or in the inlet 5 of the inlet suction volume for cutting loose macro-biofouling to be collected.

[0046] Figures 1a to 1e and Figure 2a to Figure 2e Practically identical, two corresponding embodiments of the Tornado macro-biofouling collector of the present invention are shown, having slightly different dimensions. The figures are viewed from the following: as viewed from one side: as viewed from the Figure 1a and Figure 2a as shown; from the front: Figure 1b and Figure 2b shown; from relative to Figure 1a and Figure 2a Look from the opposite side: Figure 1c and 2c As shown; Figure 1d and Figure 2d is viewed from the top; and along Figure 1d and Figure 2d The cross sections of the line BB are shown, where these cross sections are Figure 1e and Figure 2e Shown.

[0047] Figure 3a to Figure 3c The Tornado Macro-biofouling Trap 1 is shown operably coupled to an ROV 7. The coupling between the Tornado Macro-biofouling Trap 1 and the ROV comprises a spring loaded wheel in combination with an articulated coupling, thereby providing some flexibility in the relative orientation between the Tornado Macro-biofouling Trap and the ROV, thereby allowing the Tornado Macro-biofouling Trap to precisely follow the orientation of the structure to be cleaned while being flexible compared to a more rigid coupling.

[0048] Figure 4 An embodiment of the Tornado macro-biofouling collector 1 of the present invention is shown operably coupled to an ROV 7. The ROV can hold the macro-biofouling cutting edge 6 against the surface to be cleaned while moving the ROV and cutting edge forward, thereby cutting and collecting the macro-biofouling, and transporting the macro-biofouling through the suction outlet 4 to a collection location (not shown).

[0049] Figure 5are photographs showing a structure 2 (such as a hull side or pontoon side) before and after cleaning of the macro-biofouling surface by operating the Tornado Macro-biofouling Collector of the present invention.

Claims

1. A Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool for cutting, transporting and collecting macro-biofouling on rigid structures submerged in water such as submerged parts of FPSOs, pontoons, platform legs, quay sides, piles, rigid anchoring structures and / or submerged parts of floating windmills, wherein: Macro-biofouling is marine life other than algae and bacterial films and involves larger organisms, including hard-shelled organisms such as crustaceans, macroalgae, seaweed and / or a wide variety of organisms capable of widespread growth, wherein macro-biofouling in the context of the present invention is defined as marine biofouling comprising organisms greater than 1 cm in their greatest dimension, covering more than 10%, but generally greater than 50%, of the area to be cleaned, being of a species that adheres to the underlying structure, Characterized in that the tornado macroscopic biofouling cutting tool comprises: Inlet suction volume, an outlet suction pipe arranged to the inlet suction volume and operatively coupled to a suction device such as a suction pump, wherein in operation the suction pump or the suction device provides an underpressure in the inlet suction volume compared to the pressure outside the inlet suction volume, and a macro-biofouling cutting tool arranged at or in the inlet of the inlet suction volume for cutting macro-biofouling from the structure being cleaned of macro-biofouling, wherein the cut macro-biofouling is retained in the inlet suction volume and transported away through the outlet suction pipe, preferably to a macro-biofouling collection device or to another feasible location, wherein the biofouling collection device is located on the deck of the structure being cleaned of macro-biofouling, or on a service vessel, or on a dock having a macro-biofouling collection device.

2. The tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The macro-biofouling cutting tool comprises a cutting edge arranged on one side of a generally rectangular inlet opening of the inlet suction volume, on the side facing the structure to be cleaned during operation.

3. The Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool according to claim 1 or 2, comprising one or two or more of the following features in any combination: in, The macro-biofouling cutting tool is replaceable, wherein the macro-biofouling cutting tool is arranged on an additional structure in the direction of movement of the Tornado macro-biofouling collector during operation, the additional structure being inside the periphery of the inlet opening or inside a short distance in front of the inlet opening, Wherein, the cutting edge of the macro biofouling cutting tool comprises a ceramic cutting edge layer between steel layers, and / or a high carbon steel cutting edge inner layer of stainless steel and / or high strength stainless steel and / or a large piece of high carbon steel, wherein the macro-biofouling cutting tool comprises a cutting edge, wherein the cutting edge has a straight edge or a serrated edge or a combination of a straight edge and a serrated edge fixed to the inlet as the tornado macro-biofouling collector moves; or the cutting edge is movable relative to the inlet, perpendicular to the movement of the inlet and / or along the movement of the inlet, and the cutting edge further comprises a drive mechanism operably coupled to the movable cutting edge, wherein the macro-biofouling cutting tool comprises a plurality of cutting tools, the plurality of cutting tools comprising a static structure relative to the tornado macro-biofouling collector, combined with a movable structure relative to the tornado macro-biofouling collector arranged directly above the static structure, the relatively static structure preferably comprising a sliding comb structure or a parallel ski structure oriented outwardly from and parallel to the moving direction of the tornado macro-biofouling collector during operation, the movable structure preferably comprising a transversely movable cutting tool arranged directly above the static structure and / or a rotating cutting tool arranged directly above the sliding static structure, Preferably, the static comb teeth or ski front are rounded and not sharp, but are preferably shaped as converging cutters towards the other end and / or the cutter edges are arranged to point forward in the operating direction between the comb teeth or ski, and / or Macroscopic biofouling collection equipment.

4. The tornado macro-biological fouling cutting tool according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a driving mechanism for moving the tornado macro-biological fouling cutting tool along or onto the surface of the structure to be cleaned of macro-biological fouling, wherein: The driving mechanism is an ROV, and the Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool is operably arranged on the ROV through a connector and is moved while the macro-biofouling is cut and transported away, wherein the connector between the Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool and the ROV has flexibility by including spring-loaded elements and / or elastic elements to allow the Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool to accurately follow the structure to be cleaned.

5. The Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, comprising a macro-biofouling collector and a macro-biofouling sorting device such as a filter or a vibrating screen.

6. The Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an inlet suction volume having a width that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, wherein: When operating normally on a structure having a vertical component, the lower height portion extends further forward than the higher height portion.

7. The Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The outlet suction pipe arranged in the inlet suction volume and operably connected to a suction pump or suction device such as a heavy-duty pump has an inlet at a low height, preferably at the lowest height, of the inlet suction volume as seen in normal operation of a structure having a vertical component or a downwardly facing horizontal structure.

8. The Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool includes wheels and / or sliding skis, which can be adjusted to ensure that the macro-biofouling is cut within a range of 0mm-20mm, preferably 0mm-8mm, more preferably about 0mm-5mm or 0-2mm or 0mm-1mm from the structure where the macro-biofouling is being cleaned, or the cutting edge is left to slide against the surface to be cleaned without the wheels and / or sliding skis.

9. The Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The inlet of the inlet suction volume for cutting off the macro-biological fouling and preferably collecting the macro-biological fouling is roughly shaped like a rectangle, the long side of the rectangle is at least 5 times, 8 times, or 10 times longer than the short side, the inlet has a cutting edge or other macro-biological fouling cutting tool, and during operation, the cutting edge or other macro-biological fouling cutting tool can be replaceably arranged on or at the outer long edge to face the structure to be cleaned, wherein the outlet suction tube can have an inlet, as seen when operating on a structure with a vertical component, the inlet is arranged at the inlet suction at a low or lowest height of the volume; wherein the operation of the tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool, for all structures in a more or less vertical orientation or in a horizontal orientation but facing downwards: the suction action plus gravity ensures that the cut macro-biofouling will not leak out; wherein, for structures in a horizontal orientation facing upwards, the suction action alone ensures that the cut macro-biofouling will not leak out, but preferably the suction action can be adjusted to be sufficient to collect all the cut macro-biofouling in all orientations of the structure to be cleaned for the specific type of macro-biofouling to be cut and collected.

10. Use of the Tornado macro-biofouling cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for removing and preferably collecting macro-biofouling on rigid structures submerged in water such as submerged parts of FPSOs, pontoons, platform legs, quay sides, piles, rigid anchoring structures, risers, heat exchangers and / or submerged parts of floating windmills, and / or for removing and preferably collecting macro-biofouling on flexible or non-rigid structures submerged in water such as flexible anchoring or riser structures.

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