An assembled cutter suction dredger side pontoon sealed cabin water level monitoring system
By setting a sealed transition connection to the empty compartment at the splicing end of the side buoy and integrating a water level monitoring device, the problem of insufficient sealing of the side buoy of the cutter suction dredger was solved, enabling real-time monitoring and alarm, and improving equipment safety and operational reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YONGDING RIVER BASIN INVESTMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
The joints of the side pontoons of cutter suction dredgers are prone to loosening or sealing failure due to factors such as wave impact and corrosion, which can lead to seawater entering the functional compartments, endangering equipment safety and potentially causing accidents.
A sealed transition connection is set at the splicing end of the side pontoon unit, and a water level monitoring device is integrated, including a liquid level sensor, a waterproof junction box and a signal transmission cable, to realize real-time monitoring and alarm, and prevent seawater from seeping in.
It improves the sealing and safety of the side buoys, reduces the risk of equipment damage, lowers maintenance costs, and ensures the stable and safe operation of the cutter suction dredger.
Smart Images

Figure CN224471111U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of design technology of modular cutter suction dredgers, and particularly relates to a water level monitoring system for the sealed empty compartment of the side buoy of a modular cutter suction dredger. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the most common method for assembling the side pontoons of cutter suction dredgers is by using direct bolt connections. While this method is relatively simple to operate, it has many drawbacks in practical applications. Because ships operate in the marine environment, they are constantly subjected to the impact of waves, water erosion, and complex weather conditions. Direct bolt connections are prone to loosening or sealing failure due to vibration, corrosion, and other factors.
[0003] If a leak occurs at the connection point, seawater and other liquids will directly enter the functional compartments inside the side buoys. These compartments typically house various critical equipment, pipelines, and electrical systems. These components have strict requirements for their operating environment; seawater intrusion can not only cause corrosion and damage to the equipment, affecting its normal operation and lifespan, but also potentially trigger electrical faults, even posing a serious threat to the safe operation of the entire cutter suction dredger. For example, seawater may cause short circuits in electrical equipment, leading to major safety accidents such as fires or explosions, resulting in significant losses of life and property.
[0004] To address the aforementioned issues and improve the sealing and safety of the side pontoons in cutter suction dredgers, it is necessary to develop a new structure that provides an effective sealed transition during the assembly of individual side pontoons and monitors potential leaks in real time, enabling timely intervention to ensure the stable operation of the cutter suction dredger. Based on this, this invention proposes a water level monitoring system for the sealed empty compartments of assembled cutter suction dredger side pontoons. By setting up a sealed transition connection between the empty compartments and integrating a water level monitoring device, it effectively solves the problems existing in the prior art. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a water level monitoring system for the sealed empty compartment of the side buoy of a modular cutter suction dredger.
[0006] This utility model is implemented as follows: a water level monitoring system for a sealed empty compartment of a side buoy of a prefabricated cutter suction dredger, characterized in that: a sealed transition connecting compartment is provided at the splicing end of the side buoy unit, used to splice with an adjacent side buoy unit or main buoy to form a port / starboard side buoy; a water level monitoring device is integrated and installed in the sealed transition connecting compartment; the water level monitoring device includes: a liquid level sensor fixed to the bottom of the inner wall of the compartment; a sealed signal transmission cable passing through the top of the compartment; and a waterproof junction box connecting the liquid level sensor and the signal transmission cable.
[0007] More preferably, the liquid level sensor is an immersion pressure sensor or a float-type liquid level switch; the waterproof junction box is welded and fixed to the inner wall of the cabin.
[0008] More preferably, the signal transmission cable passes through the top of the cabin via a sealed gland and is electrically connected to the monitoring host in the cockpit control room.
[0009] More preferably, the monitoring host is equipped with an alarm module that triggers an audible and visual alarm when the water level in the sealed transition connection chamber exceeds a preset threshold.
[0010] More preferably, the water level monitoring device is fitted with an anti-collision protective cover, which is detachably fixed to the inner wall of the cabin by bolts.
[0011] The lower end of the anti-collision protective cover is provided with a water passage hole.
[0012] The advantages and technical effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model provides a water level monitoring system for the sealed empty compartment of a side buoy of a prefabricated cutter suction dredger. Through structural optimization and functional integration, it significantly improves the sealing performance and safety of the side buoy. The specific technical effects are as follows:
[0013] 1. Structural reinforcement function of the sealed transition chamber: The sealed transition chamber set at the splicing end of the side buoy serves as a dedicated buffer and sealing space, effectively alleviating stress concentration at the splicing point and reducing structural damage caused by direct splicing. At the same time, it acts as an additional sealing barrier, significantly reducing the possibility of seawater seeping in from the splicing point, ensuring the safety of the internal functional compartments (such as equipment, pipelines, and electrical systems) of the side buoy, extending the service life of the side buoy, reducing maintenance costs and downtime caused by water seepage, and improving the reliability of cutter suction dredgers in complex waters.
[0014] 2. Real-time and accurate water level monitoring: The water level monitoring device integrated into the empty compartment uses a submersible pressure sensor or a float-type liquid level switch (adapted to different operating conditions) to sense changes in the water level in the empty compartment in real time. In the event of seal failure or seawater infiltration, it can quickly capture abnormal water level signals, providing data support for timely handling, preventing further liquid intrusion into the functional compartment, protecting critical equipment from damage, and reducing the risk of equipment failure.
[0015] 3. Reliability of Signal Transmission and Alarm: The waterproof junction box is welded and fixed to the inner wall of the cabin. A sealed gland connects to the signal transmission cable running through the top, effectively preventing moisture and seawater from entering the junction box or seeping along the cable, ensuring stable signal transmission to the monitoring host in the driver's control room. The monitoring host has a preset water level threshold; exceeding the threshold triggers an audible and visual alarm, providing a clear reminder to operators for rapid response, enhancing safety early warning capabilities, and reducing the risk of accidents escalating.
[0016] 4. Collision protection and ease of maintenance: The external collision protection cover (removable and bolted) of the water level monitoring device extends to cover the liquid level sensor and is equipped with water passage holes. This ensures liquid level contact detection and prevents damage to the monitoring device from collisions and vibrations during ship operation. The detachable design facilitates daily maintenance, repair or replacement, improves equipment maintainability, and ensures long-term stable operation of the monitoring system.
[0017] In summary, through the synergy of structural sealing and intelligent monitoring, this system comprehensively improves the safety, reliability, and management efficiency of the modular side buoy, providing strong support for the stable operation of cutter suction dredgers in complex waters. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall installation structure of the side pontoon of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first section of the side pontoon's single-unit structure;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the single structure of the middle side floating box;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the tail-side floating box unit structure;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water level monitoring device.
[0023] In the diagram: 1. Sealed transition connection to empty compartment; 2. Water level monitoring device; 201. Liquid level sensor; 202. Signal transmission cable; 203. Waterproof junction box; 204. Sealed gland; 205. Anti-collision protective cover; 3. Monitoring host; 41. First side buoy unit; 42. Middle side buoy unit; 43. Tail side buoy unit; 5. Main buoy. Detailed Implementation
[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 5 A water level monitoring system for the sealed empty compartment of the side buoy of a cutter suction dredger, comprising the first side buoy unit 41, the middle side buoy unit 42 and the stern side buoy unit 43 connected in sequence.
[0026] The splicing end of each side buoy unit is equipped with a sealed transition connecting compartment 1, used to splice with adjacent side buoy units or the main buoy 5 to form port / starboard side buoy units; providing a dedicated sealed transition space for the splicing of side buoy units. During the splicing process, this compartment can effectively buffer the stress at the splicing point, reducing structural damage that may be caused by direct splicing. At the same time, as an additional sealing barrier, it greatly reduces the possibility of seawater and other liquids seeping in from the splicing point, ensuring the safety and stability of the internal structure of the side buoy, extending the service life of the side buoy, enabling the cutter suction dredger to operate more reliably in complex aquatic environments, and reducing maintenance costs and downtime caused by leakage at the splicing point; the sealed transition connecting compartment 1 integrates a water level monitoring device 2; the water level monitoring device 2 includes: a liquid level sensor 201 fixed to the bottom of the inner wall of the compartment; a sealed signal transmission cable 202 passing through the top of the compartment; and a waterproof junction box 203 connecting the liquid level sensor and the signal transmission cable. This enables real-time monitoring of the water level inside the compartment. In the event of a seal failure in the empty compartment and seawater seepage, the water level monitoring device 2 can quickly detect changes in water level, providing strong support for timely detection and handling of the problem. This helps to take measures in advance to prevent seawater from further seeping into the functional compartments inside the side buoy, protecting the equipment, pipelines, and electrical systems inside from damage, ensuring the normal operation of the cutter suction dredger, and reducing the risk of equipment failure and economic losses caused by seawater intrusion.
[0027] Preferably, the liquid level sensor 201 is an immersion-type pressure sensor or a float-type liquid level switch; the waterproof junction box 203 is welded and fixed to the inner wall of the empty compartment. These two types of sensors have different working principles and advantages, enabling them to adapt to different operating conditions and improve the accuracy and reliability of water level monitoring. The waterproof junction box 203, welded and fixed to the inner wall of the empty compartment, enhances the sealing and stability of the junction box, effectively preventing seawater and water vapor from entering the junction box, avoiding problems such as short circuits and signal transmission failures caused by water ingress, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the water level monitoring device 2, and providing reliable protection for the safe operation of the cutter suction dredger.
[0028] Preferably, the signal transmission cable 202 passes through the top of the empty hopper via a sealed gland 204 and is electrically connected to the monitoring host 3 in the control room. The sealed gland 204 has excellent sealing performance, preventing seawater from seeping into the empty hopper from the cable penetration point, thus ensuring the airtightness of the empty hopper. Simultaneously, the electrical connection between the cable and the monitoring host 3 in the control room enables real-time transmission of water level monitoring data. This allows operators to promptly understand the water level situation within the sealed transition connection empty hopper 1 from the control room, facilitating rapid decision-making and timely countermeasures, thereby improving the operational safety and management efficiency of the cutter suction dredger.
[0029] Preferably, the monitoring host 3 is equipped with an alarm module that triggers an audible and visual alarm when the water level in the sealed transition connection chamber 1 exceeds a preset threshold. This alarm, triggered when the water level exceeds the preset threshold, quickly attracts the attention of the operators. This intuitive alarm method ensures that operators are immediately aware of any abnormal water level in the sealed transition connection chamber 1, allowing for timely intervention and preventing further escalation of the accident. The audible and visual alarm function enhances the safety warning capabilities of the cutter suction dredger, providing crucial support for ensuring the safety of the vessel and personnel, and reducing potential safety accidents and economic losses caused by abnormal water levels.
[0030] More preferably, the water level monitoring device 2 is externally fitted with a collision protection cover 205, which is detachably fixed to the inner wall of the chamber by bolts. Preferably, the collision protection cover 205 extends over the entire liquid level sensor 201, and a water passage hole 206 is provided at the lower end of the collision protection cover.
[0031] The anti-collision protective cover effectively prevents damage to the water level monitoring device 2 due to collisions, vibrations, and other factors during ship operation, protecting the integrity and reliability of the device. The anti-collision protective cover 205 is detachably fixed to the inner wall of the empty compartment with bolts, facilitating maintenance, repair, and replacement of the water level monitoring device 2 when needed, thus improving the maintainability of the equipment. This helps ensure that the water level monitoring device 2 is always in good working condition, providing continuous monitoring support for the safe operation of the cutter suction dredger.
[0032] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A water level monitoring system for the sealed empty compartment of a prefabricated cutter suction dredger's side buoy, characterized in that: The splicing end of the side buoy unit is provided with a sealed transition connection compartment (1), which is used to splice with the adjacent side buoy unit or the main buoy to form a port / starboard side buoy; A water level monitoring device (2) is integrated and installed inside the sealed transition connection empty compartment (1); The water level monitoring device (2) includes: a liquid level sensor (201) fixed to the bottom of the inner wall of the cabin; and a sealed signal transmission cable (202) that runs through the top of the cabin. Waterproof junction box (203) for connecting the liquid level sensor and the signal transmission cable.
2. The water level monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid level sensor (201) is an immersion pressure sensor or a float-type liquid level switch; the waterproof junction box (203) is welded and fixed to the inner wall of the cabin.
3. The water level monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The signal transmission cable (202) passes through the top of the cabin via a sealed gland (204) and is electrically connected to the monitoring host (3) in the cockpit control room.
4. The water level monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The monitoring host (3) is equipped with an alarm module, which triggers an audible and visual alarm when the water level in the sealed transition connection empty chamber (1) exceeds a preset threshold.
5. The water level monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water level monitoring device (2) is covered with an anti-collision protective cover (205), which is detachably fixed to the inner wall of the cabin by bolts.
6. The water level monitoring system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower end of the anti-collision protective cover is provided with a water passage hole (206).