Sampling ship

Abstract

The invention provides a sampling ship, relates to the technical field of water quality sampling equipment, and aims to solve the problem of sample pollution caused by container replacement in the sampling process of sampling water in the prior art. The sampling ship comprises a sampling ship body, a support frame body, a sampling unit and a remote control assembly, the support frame body is mounted on the sampling ship body; at least one group of sampling units are arranged, each sampling unit comprises a sampling device and a sampling vessel, the sampling devices are mounted on the supporting frame body, the sampling vessels are used for collecting and storing water samples or bottom mud samples, sampling cables of the sampling devices are connected with the sampling vessels in a retractable manner, and the sampling vessels can be lifted to a specified depth and recycled; the remote control assembly is used for remotely controlling the sampling device and controlling the sampling assembly to sample. According to the sampling ship, in the whole sampling process, a sample is collected and stored only through one sampling vessel, does not need to be poured into another container and does not need to pass through a sampling pipeline, cross contamination is avoided, and the sampling accuracy is higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sampling equipment technology, and in particular to a sampling vessel. Background Technology

[0002] Water quality and sediment sampling are crucial components of water environment monitoring, and the accuracy of sampling directly impacts the assessment of water environment conditions. When collecting water and sediment samples from surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and nearshore sea areas, it is necessary to collect water quality samples not only from sampling points along the shore but also from sampling points located far from the shore.

[0003] Currently, water environment monitoring and management departments primarily conduct routine water quality sampling manually or using unmanned vessels. Manual sampling typically uses simple sampling buckets, requiring samplers to wade through water or travel by boat. This method is inefficient, costly, and inherently dangerous. Most commercially available unmanned monitoring vessels use pump-based sampling, limiting them to surface water samples and failing to collect samples from the middle and lower layers. Furthermore, many unmanned monitoring vessels use onboard miniature pumps to transfer water samples to their own storage containers. Once ashore, the samples are transferred to the appropriate sample containers. Current water quality sampling standards require specific samples to be collected in dedicated containers (e.g., petroleum hydrocarbons, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand). Sample bottles cannot be rinsed with collected water samples, and once stored in a dedicated sampler, samples cannot be transferred to other containers or poured from one container to another. Additionally, certain locations require sampling within a specific depth range.

[0004] Current unmanned sampling vessels, which rely on multiple sampling through sampling pipes, may be affected by residual sample liquid in the pipes, limiting sample detection accuracy and making it almost impossible to sample at designated depths, thus failing to truly meet national water quality sampling standards. Furthermore, current unmanned sampling vessels generally lack the capability to sample bottom sediment; finally, most unmanned sampling vessels on the market do not employ modular design, with their maximum load and maximum carrying capacity being essentially fixed, resulting in inflexible operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sampling vessel to solve the problem of sample contamination caused by changing containers during unmanned sampling in aquatic environments in the prior art. The sampling vessel of this invention collects and stores samples through only one sampling vessel during the entire sampling process, without having to pour them into another container, and without having to go through sampling pipelines, thus avoiding cross-contamination. The sampling accuracy is higher and meets the requirements of national water quality sampling standards.

[0006] The present invention provides a sampling vessel, comprising:

[0007] The sampling vessel is used to navigate to designated waters.

[0008] A support frame is installed on the sampling vessel hull;

[0009] The sampling unit is provided in at least one set. The sampling unit includes a sampling device and a sampling vessel. The sampling device is installed on the support frame. The sampling vessel is used to collect and store water samples or sediment samples. The sampling cable of the sampling device is connected to the sampling vessel and can be suspended to a specified depth and retrieved.

[0010] A remote control component is used to remotely control the sampling device and control the sampling component to perform sampling.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sampling hull includes a first hull and a second hull, the first hull and the second hull being arranged parallel to each other, the support frame includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket being respectively installed on the first hull and the second hull along the length direction of the first hull and the second hull, the sampling device being installed on the support frame through a support beam, the two ends of the support beam being detachably connected to the first bracket and the second bracket respectively.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the supporting beams include multiple different specifications, and the multiple supporting beams can be interchangeably installed on the first bracket and the second bracket.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a buoyancy mechanism is detachably connected to the sampling hull, the buoyancy mechanism being connected to the first hull and the second hull and making the buoyancy force on the first hull and the second hull equivalent.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the buoyancy mechanism includes a variety of floats of different specifications, and the plurality of floats are adjustablely connected to the first hull and the second hull.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a depth sounding unit, which is installed at the bottom of the sampling vessel and is connected to the remote control component.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first propeller and a second propeller are respectively installed at the stern of the first hull and the second hull. The sampling hull achieves navigation, steering and reversing by controlling the speed difference between the first propeller and the second propeller and by controlling the forward and reverse rotation.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a propulsion device, which is one or more combinations of propeller propulsion, ducted water jet propulsion, and surface air propeller propulsion.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote control component includes a wireless signal transmission module, a control terminal, and a controller. The wireless signal transmission module and the controller are installed on the sampling vessel hull. The sampling device, depth sounding unit, propulsion device, and wireless signal transmission module are all electrically connected to the controller. The wireless signal transmission module is connected to the control terminal via radio signal.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following positive effects:

[0020] The sampling vessel provided by this invention includes a hull for navigating to a designated water area; a support frame mounted on the hull; at least one sampling unit, each comprising a sampling device and a sampling container; the sampling device mounted on the support frame; the sampling container for collecting and storing water or sediment samples; the sampling cable of the sampling device being retractable and connected to the sampling container, enabling the container to be lowered to a designated depth and retrieved; and a remote control component for remotely controlling the sampling device and controlling the sampling component to perform sampling. When the sampling vessel of this invention is sampling water or sediment, once the hull reaches the target water area, personnel can use the remote control component to operate the sampling device to lower the sampling container to a designated depth and then raise it back to the surface, completing the sample collection. The sampling vessel then docks, and personnel remove the sampling container, concluding the entire sampling process. Throughout the sampling process, the sample is collected and stored in only one sampling vessel, without being poured into another container, and does not need to go through a sampling pipeline, thus avoiding cross-contamination. The sampling accuracy is higher and meets the requirements of national water quality sampling standards. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sampling vessel according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the sampling vessel of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sampling vessel of the present invention under light load conditions;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sampling vessel of the present invention under heavy load.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the operation process of the sampling vessel in this invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Sampling hull; 11. First hull; 12. Second hull; 13. Float; 14. Connecting nut; 2. Support frame; 21. First support; 211. Vertical support rod; 212. Longitudinal support rod; 22. Second support; 3. Sampling device; 4. Sampling container; 5. Depth sounding unit; 6. Wireless signal transmission module; 7. Propulsion device; 71. First thruster; 72. Second thruster; 8. Support beam; 9. Monitoring device; 10. Control terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," "tail," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying it, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Example 1:

[0032] This embodiment provides a sampling vessel, such as Figures 1-5As shown, the system includes a sampling hull 1, a support frame 2, a sampling unit, and a remote control assembly. The sampling hull 1 is used to navigate to the designated water area and provides a supporting platform for the support frame 2, the sampling unit, and the remote control assembly. The sampling hull 1 has sufficient buoyancy while minimizing its size for ease of transport.

[0033] The support frame 2 is installed on the sampling hull 1 and provides support for the sampling unit, allowing the sampling unit to work stably on the support frame 2. The support frame 2 only needs to provide stable support.

[0034] At least one sampling unit is provided, comprising a sampling device 3 and a sampling container 4. The sampling device 3 is mounted on the support frame 2, and the sampling container 4 is used to collect and store water or sediment samples. Specifically, the sampling container 4 can be a Peterson sediment sampler, a professional water sampler with a one-way valve at the bottom, or a petroleum-specific sampling bottle, etc. The sampling container 4 can be a sampling bottle or sediment sampler of different sizes as needed.

[0035] The sampling cable of sampling device 3 is connected to the sampling container 4 and can be lowered to a specified depth and retrieved. Sampling device 3 can be a miniature winch, which can be equipped with a commonly used bottom inlet water sampler or Peterson sediment sampler to collect water or sediment samples.

[0036] The remote control component is used to remotely control the sampling device 3 and control the sampling component to perform sampling.

[0037] In this embodiment, when the sampling vessel 1 is sampling water or sediment, once the vessel reaches the target water area, a person can remotely control the sampling device 3 to lower the sampling dish 4 to a designated depth and then raise it back to the surface, completing the sample collection. The vessel then docks, and staff remove the sampling dish 4, concluding the entire sampling process. Throughout the sampling process, the sample is collected and stored using only one sampling dish 4, eliminating the need to transfer it to another container and eliminating the need for sampling pipelines. This simplifies the structure, improves sampling efficiency, avoids cross-contamination, and provides adjustable sampling depth and higher accuracy, meeting national water quality sampling standards. As a preferred embodiment, the sampling vessel 1 includes a first hull 11 and a second hull 12, which are arranged parallel to each other. Both hulls 11 and 12 are capable of floating on the water surface. The support frame 2 includes a first bracket 21 and a second bracket 22, which are respectively mounted on the first hull 11 and the second hull 12 along their lengths. Specifically, as shown... Figure 2As shown, both the first support 21 and the second support 22 include a longitudinal support rod 212 and two vertical support rods 211, which are connected to the top ends of the two vertical support rods 211 along the length of the first hull 11 or the second hull 12. The bottom ends of the two vertical support rods 211 are connected to the first support 21 or the second support 22. However, this is not a limitation; the first support 21 and the second support 22 can also be other support structures.

[0038] The sampling device 3 is mounted on the support frame 2 via a support beam 8. Both ends of the support beam 8 are detachably connected to the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22, respectively. Specifically, both ends of the support beam 8 can be connected to the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 via threaded connection, screw connection, or snap-fit ​​connection, or other detachable connection methods can be used.

[0039] A support beam 8 spans between the first hull 11 and the second hull 12, and is perpendicularly connected to the longitudinal support rod 212, thus securely connecting the first support 21 and the second support 22. A sampling device 3 is connected to the support beam 8, allowing the sampling dish 4 to move up and down through the gap between the first hull 11 and the second hull 12 to perform sampling.

[0040] In this embodiment, by connecting the sampling device 3 to the support beam 8 between the first hull 11 and the second hull 12, the sampling hull 1 is subjected to balanced forces, the sampling vessel 4 moves more smoothly during sampling, and the stability of the sampling process is ensured.

[0041] In one preferred embodiment, the support beams 8 include multiple different specifications, and these support beams 8 can be interchangeably installed on the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22. The support beams 8 of different specifications can be beams of different lengths and thicknesses, possessing different load-bearing capacities. Different sizes of support beams 8 can be selected according to the sampled load-bearing requirements.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment, a buoyancy mechanism is detachably connected to the sampling hull 1. The buoyancy mechanism is connected to the first hull 11 and the second hull 12, and the buoyancy force on the first hull 11 and the second hull 12 is equal. When the buoyancy force on the first hull 11 and the second hull 12 is equal, the sampling hull 1 will not tilt to one side, thereby ensuring the stability of the sampling hull 1 and doubling the load-bearing capacity of the entire hull.

[0043] In one preferred embodiment, the buoyancy mechanism includes multiple pontoons 13 of different specifications, which are adjustablely connected to the first hull 11 and the second hull 12. Different sizes of pontoons 13 can be selected according to the required load-bearing capacity. Figure 4As shown, specifically, the pontoon 13 can be detachably connected to the first hull 11 and the second hull 12 via a connecting plate and a connecting nut 14. The first hull 11 and the second hull 12 themselves can also be pontoon-shaped, with buoyancy increased by adding additional pontoons. The size of the added pontoons can be selected according to requirements. Preferably, the pontoons added on both sides of the first hull 11 and the second hull 12 are of equal size to ensure equal buoyancy for the first hull 11 and the second hull 12, preventing the sampling hull 1 from tilting.

[0044] The sampling vessel in this embodiment is equipped with detachable pontoons that can increase buoyancy, and the support beam for mounting the sampling device is also detachable. By adding pontoons and replacing the beam with a longer one, it is easy to mount sampling containers 4 with larger masses or larger sizes, so as to flexibly adapt to different working conditions.

[0045] Due to varying monitoring objectives, water quality sampling volumes differ depending on the type and quantity of analytical items, ranging from less than one liter to tens of liters per sample. To accommodate different sampling volumes, sampling vessels of varying volumes are used to collect water samples (sediment) of different weights. The detachable support beams of the sampling vessel can be prefabricated to different lengths to support sampling vessels of varying weights and sizes. It is also equipped with additional buoys with different buoyancy levels. The buoys themselves do not require power and are only used to increase the buoyancy of the sampling vessel. The buoys can be fixed to the hull of the sampling vessel on-site using bolts, quick-connect fittings, or other methods. The dimensions and weight of all the aforementioned components are designed with human factors in mind, fully considering the actual conditions of outdoor monitoring personnel. Structural optimization is used to achieve the objectives with minimal economic cost, minimal physical weight, and minimal structural dimensions, while not exceeding the load capacity of a single person. Of course, if there is a need for greater load capacity, the dimensions and weight can be further increased.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, when the sampling vessel is under light load, that is, when the sampling container 4 is small in volume and light in weight, a shorter and thinner support beam 8 can be selected, and the first hull 11 and the second hull 12 can achieve sampling by using their own buoyancy without adding additional floats.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, when the sampling vessel is under heavy load, that is, when the sampling vessel 4 is large in volume and heavy in weight, a longer and thicker support beam 8 can be selected. On the one hand, it has strong support strength, and on the other hand, it avoids the sampling vessel hull 1 from affecting the up and down movement of the sampling vessel 4. The buoyancy is increased by connecting the first hull 11 and the second hull 12 with additional floats, thereby realizing sampling.

[0048] In water quality sampling processes where the analysis project is singular and the water sample weight is limited, the sampling vessel can carry two or more sampling units according to its own space and remaining buoyancy. Two or more supporting beams are connected to the support frame 2, enabling sampling at multiple points or different depths of the same point during a single voyage. For example... Figure 1 The case of setting up a sampling unit for a sampling vessel. Figure 2 This refers to the case where the sampling vessel is equipped with two sampling units.

[0049] The sampling vessel in this embodiment can achieve adjustable maximum load and maximum carrying size by equipping it with different support beams 8 and pontoons 13.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the sampling vessel of this example further includes a depth sounding unit 5, which is installed at the bottom of the sampling vessel hull 1 and connected to a remote control component. The depth sounding unit 5 can be an ultrasonic sensor. The depth sounding unit 5 can determine water depth information.

[0051] The sampling vessel in this embodiment, in conjunction with the depth sounding unit 5, can collect water or sediment samples at any depth.

[0052] As a preferred embodiment, the sampling vessel in this embodiment also includes a propulsion device 7, which is one or more combinations of propeller propulsion, ducted water jet propulsion, and surface air propeller propulsion.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, a first propeller 71 and a second propeller 72 are respectively installed at the stern of the first hull 11 and the second hull 12. The sampling hull 1 achieves navigation, steering, and reversing by controlling the speed difference and forward / reverse rotation of the first propeller 71 and the second propeller 72. The first propeller 71 and the second propeller 72 can be propellers.

[0054] In this embodiment, since a catamaran structure is adopted, a dual-shaft propeller propulsion method can be used to control the overall size of the sampling vessel. By controlling the speed difference between the first propeller 71 and the second propeller 72, not only can the propulsion speed of the first hull 11 and the second hull 12 be controlled, but also the travel direction of the sampling vessel 1 can be controlled.

[0055] In one preferred embodiment, the remote control component includes a wireless signal transmission module 6, a control terminal 10, and a controller, with the wireless signal transmission module 6 and the controller mounted on the sampling hull 1. The wireless signal transmission module 6 may include a remote control antenna. The sampling device 3, the depth sounding unit 5, the propulsion device 7, and the wireless signal transmission module 6 are all electrically connected to the controller, and the wireless signal transmission module 6 is radioly connected to the control terminal 10.

[0056] Preferably, a GPS positioning device and a monitoring device 9 are also installed on the sampling vessel 1. Both the GPS positioning device and the monitoring device 9 are connected to a controller. The monitoring device 9 is a 360-degree rotating camera installed on the sampling vessel for sampling work beyond line of sight. The GPS positioning device is used to locate and navigate the sampling vessel 1.

[0057] In this embodiment, the sampling vessel can be controlled by the control terminal 10 in remote control mode and combined with the onboard GPS positioning device to control the propulsion device 7 to navigate to the target area. During navigation, it utilizes existing mature unmanned remote-controlled vessel technology and has multiple remote control modes such as 2.4G, 4G, and 5G.

[0058] The sampling vessel in this embodiment is equipped with a depth sounding unit 5 and a controller with a microcontroller for information processing. During sampling, the depth sounding unit 5 feeds back the real-time water depth information to the controller, which then transmits the measurement information to the shore control station via a wireless signal transmission module 6. Operators determine the sampling depth based on the feedback information and begin sampling. After receiving instructions from the shore control terminal 10, the controller on the sampling vessel issues a sampling command to the sampling device 3 mounted on the support beam. The sampling device 3 then lowers the sampling container 4 to the designated depth and then raises it back to the surface, completing the water (mud) sample collection. After the sampling container 4 is raised to the surface, shore personnel can remotely control the sampling vessel to dock via wireless remote control. The personnel then remove the sampling container 4, completing the entire sampling process.

[0059] The sampling vessel of this embodiment meets the requirements of current technical standards and specifications for water (sediment) sampling in non-wading areas in a simple and efficient manner. Firstly, it solves the problem of sample contamination caused by container changes during sampling in existing unmanned sampling vessels. Secondly, it addresses the issue of sampling at different depths in different water bodies. Finally, by adding (removing) pontoons and installing sampling units of different sizes and loads, the size of the sampling vessel can be varied, and the maximum sampling load can be adjusted, improving the accuracy and flexibility of sampling work. It also reduces the expenses for enterprises to purchase unmanned vessels with different load capacities, better meeting national water quality sampling specifications and aligning with the economic benefits for enterprises.

[0060] The sampling vessel of this embodiment has the following advantages: 1. Compact structure and light weight: This sampling vessel is primarily designed as a portable sampling vessel for single-person carrying. Its structure is simple and compact, and the overall weight of the vessel is controlled within the carrying capacity of a single person (if necessary, the size can be simply enlarged without considering the carrying capacity of a single person to achieve a larger sampling load); 2. Because it adopts multiple remote control operation modes such as 2.4G and 4G (5G), the sampling vessel can operate outside the visual range; 3. The sampling system can collect various samples such as water samples and bottom sediment by changing different sampling containers 4. Fourth, this sampling vessel is equipped with detachable buoys that can increase buoyancy, and the support beam for mounting the sampling device 3 is also detachable. By adding buoyancy buoys and replacing the support beam with a longer one, it is easy to mount larger or larger sampling containers 4 to flexibly adapt to different working conditions. Fifth, because this sampling vessel is equipped with sampling device 3, it can mount sampling containers 4. The sampling containers 4 can be commonly used bottom inlet water samplers or Peterson sediment samplers. With the depth sounding unit that comes with the sampling vessel, it can collect water or sediment samples at any depth.

[0061] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sampling vessel, characterized in that, include: The sampling vessel (1) is used to navigate to the designated waters; A support frame (2) is installed on the sampling hull (1); The sampling unit is provided in at least one set. The sampling unit includes a sampling device (3) and a sampling vessel (4). The sampling device (3) is installed on the support frame (2). The sampling vessel (4) is used to collect and store water samples or bottom sediment samples. The sampling cable of the sampling device (3) is connected to the sampling vessel (4) and can be suspended to a specified depth and retrieved. A remote control component is used to remotely control the sampling device (3) and control the sampling component to perform sampling.

2. A sampling vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sampling hull (1) includes a first hull (11) and a second hull (12), the first hull (11) and the second hull (12) are arranged parallel to each other, the support frame (2) includes a first bracket (21) and a second bracket (22), the first bracket (21) and the second bracket (22) are respectively installed on the first hull (11) and the second hull (12) along the length direction of the first hull (11) and the second hull (12), the sampling device (3) is installed on the support frame (2) through a support beam (8), the two ends of the support beam (8) are detachably connected to the first bracket (21) and the second bracket (22) respectively.

3. A sampling vessel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The supporting beams (8) include multiple different specifications, and multiple supporting beams (8) can be interchangeably installed on the first bracket (21) and the second bracket (22).

4. A sampling vessel according to claim 2, characterized in that, A buoyancy mechanism is detachably connected to the sampling hull (1), which is connected to the first hull (11) and the second hull (12) and makes the buoyancy force on the first hull (11) and the second hull (12) equivalent.

5. A sampling vessel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The buoyancy mechanism includes a variety of floats (13) of different specifications, and multiple floats (13) can be adjusted and connected to the first hull (11) and the second hull (12).

6. A sampling vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a depth sounding unit (5), which is installed at the bottom of the sampling hull (1) and is connected to the remote control component.

7. A sampling vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a propulsion device (7), which is one or more combinations of propeller propulsion, ducted water jet propulsion and surface air propeller propulsion.

8. A sampling vessel according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first propeller (71) and a second propeller (72) are respectively installed at the stern of the first hull (11) and the second hull (12). The sampling hull (1) achieves navigation steering and reversing by controlling the speed difference between the first propeller (71) and the second propeller (72) and by reversing the direction of rotation.

9. A sampling vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The remote control component includes a wireless signal transmission module (6), a control terminal (10), and a controller. The wireless signal transmission module (6) and the controller are installed on the sampling hull (1). The sampling device (3), the depth sounding unit (5), the propulsion device (7), and the wireless signal transmission module (6) are all electrically connected to the controller. The wireless signal transmission module (6) is radio signal connected to the control terminal (10).

Images