Underwater sound protection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for underwater sound insulation with a tubular wall (10) having at least, preferably exactly, an inner layer (11), an outer layer (12) and a weighting body (13) which is arranged between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12), wherein the wall (10) has a plurality of wall openings (14) which connect an inner side (10a) of the tubular wall (10) and an outer side (10b) of the tubular wall (10) in such a way that compressed air can escape from an interior (A) of the tubular wall (10) to the outside to form an air curtain.The device (1) is characterized in that the wall openings (14) each have at least, preferably exactly, one air duct element (15) which extends at least substantially between the inside (10a) of the tubular wall (10) and the outside (10b) of the tubular wall (10) in an air-carrying manner.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for soundproofing underwater.

[0002] When constructing offshore wind farms, for example, it is necessary to drive the piles into the seabed. Heavy pile-driving equipment is typically required for this work, generating high noise levels of, for example, more than 130 dB, which can be harmful to marine life.

[0003] To reduce noise levels when driving piles underwater into the seabed, so-called bubble curtains are now placed around the pile being driven. These serve to interrupt sound transmission through the water and thus prevent the transmission of the sound pressures generated by the driving impacts to marine life. Devices for creating such a bubble curtain are known, for example, from DE 10 2010 048 474 A1 or EP 2 963 186 B1. A generic device is described in DE 10 2012 202 132 A1.

[0004] With prior art devices, it is often difficult to securely hold the compressed air-filled pipes on the seabed due to their high buoyancy. To keep the pipes on the seabed, DE 10 2012 202 132 A1 therefore proposes inserting weights into the pipe. Such a weight could, for example, be a steel chain arranged inside the pipe. However, such a steel chain significantly restricts the internal diameter of the pipe and makes it more difficult to introduce the compressed air, which can result in the formation of an insufficient and / or unstable bubble curtain for noise reduction.

[0005] EP 3 276 084 A1 describes a device for soundproofing underwater pile driving, wherein the device comprises at least one pipe which can be fixed to the seabed and which has a plurality of boreholes, and at least one compressor with which compressed air can be introduced into the pipe so that it can exit from the boreholes, wherein the pipe has at least one longitudinal section in the form of a hose and the hose has a layered wall structure which, from the inside out, comprises an inner layer, a first reinforcing layer, an intermediate layer, a second reinforcing layer and an outer layer, wherein at least one ballast is embedded in the intermediate layer.

[0006] At least one spring wire coil is embedded in the intermediate layer and arranged so that it extends spirally along the length of the hose. The weight(s) is / are positioned between the spiral turns of the spring wire coil. The bores leading from the inner layer to the outer layer of the hose are placed at points in the hose that are not occupied by weights or the spring wire coil in the intermediate layer, so that the weight(s) and / or the spring wire coil cannot be damaged or even severed during the drilling process.

[0007] A disadvantage of these types of hoses with holes or similar openings for compressed air outlets is that these are added to the otherwise finished hose by drilling or similar means. Despite all due care, this can damage the weights, spring wire coils, and other components inside the hose wall. This is particularly likely because the weights, spring wire coils, and other components are not visible or palpable from the outside, and the holes are therefore drilled into the hose wall more or less haphazardly than with a conscious effort to avoid damaging them.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved underwater soundproofing device of the type described above. In particular, the design of the outlet openings is to be improved. At the very least, an alternative to known devices of this type is to be created.

[0009] The problem is solved according to the invention by devices for underwater soundproofing with the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] The present invention thus relates to a device for underwater soundproofing with a tubular wall comprising at least, preferably exactly, an inner layer, an outer layer and a weighting body arranged between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the wall has a plurality of wall openings which connect an inner side of the tubular wall and an outer side of the tubular wall in such a way as to allow compressed air to escape from the interior of the tubular wall to form an air curtain.

[0011] The device according to the invention is characterized in that the wall openings each have at least, preferably exactly, one air channel element which extends, at least substantially, between the inside of the tubular wall and the outside of the tubular wall in an air-conducting manner. The tubular wall can also be described as a cylindrical wall.

[0012] Thus, during the manufacturing of the tubular wall, air channel elements can be inserted or positioned within the wall at points where no ballast is present. This is easier to determine at this stage compared to the finished wall. In particular, such air channel elements can be integrated into the structure of the tubular wall, which is then vulcanized. The air channels can be, in particular, cylindrical hollow bodies whose walls form an air-permeable channel extending sufficiently through the tubular wall to allow airflow.

[0013] In any case, this method eliminates the need for subsequent drilling of wall openings, as these are already present or formed by the air duct elements. Accordingly, the risk of damaging the ballast through subsequent drilling is avoided.

[0014] During manufacturing, the air duct elements can be concealed on the outside by the material of the outer layer and, if necessary, partially filled. This simplifies production, as the air duct elements do not need to be kept clear or taken into consideration when applying the outer layer material. This is particularly advantageous if the air duct elements are radially recessed from the outer surface of the tubular wall. The sealed outer openings of the air duct elements then need to be uncovered or cleaned later, or this can be done during the first use of the device according to the invention using compressed air, which can open the air duct elements, essentially blowing them clear.

[0015] Additional layers of the tubular wall may be present to achieve further properties. Focusing solely on the inner and outer layers can keep the tubular wall's construction simple and cost-effective, both in terms of material and manufacturing steps.

[0016] Either exactly one continuous weight can be used to keep costs and effort low, or several identical or different weights can be used to increase design flexibility.

[0017] In any case, the weight can be straight or wavy along the longitudinal direction of the tubular wall, in order to align this side of the device downwards towards the ground by means of its own weight. In this case, the wall openings or air channels can be arranged radially essentially or exactly opposite the longitudinally extending weight to facilitate the upward escape of air or air bubbles. However, the weight can also be spirally shaped to distribute its weight evenly around the circumference of the tubular wall. If necessary, the spiral weight can also be radially spring-like to radially brace or stabilize the tubular wall.The ballast body can alternatively be realized by means of ring-shaped elements, which are designed as closed units and can be pushed onto at least the inner layer, whereby the ring-shaped elements can optionally be placed below or above a load-bearing layer.

[0018] The device according to the invention for underwater soundproofing can be used to reduce underwater noise by creating a bubble curtain, as described above. The device according to the invention can also be used to guide fish, e.g., in the vicinity of water turbines, to keep the fish away from the turbine and to direct them to a bypass, a fish pass, or a fish ladder, since fish cannot cross such a bubble curtain. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can be used to guide waste or plastic in rivers, seas, or specific areas of the ocean to separate the waste and direct it for collection. Finally, the device according to the invention can be used for aeration or deaeration of liquids, e.g., in a wastewater treatment plant.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the wall openings close flush with the inside of the tubular wall and / or with the outside of the tubular wall. This can prevent or minimize the risk of the outer ends of the air duct elements becoming blocked or clogged when the outer layer material is applied.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the air duct elements are designed as pipes. This can represent a concrete and comparatively simple way of implementation.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the air duct elements are designed as valves. This can represent an alternative, concrete, and comparatively complex implementation option, but it allows the properties of valves to be utilized in the device according to the invention.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, the air duct elements are made of plastic and / or metal. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility. Accordingly, the respective material properties can be utilized in the device according to the invention.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a device for underwater soundproofing with a tubular wall comprising at least, preferably exactly, an inner layer, an outer layer and a weighting body which is arranged between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the wall has a plurality of wall openings which connect an inner side of the tubular wall and an outer side of the tubular wall in such a way as to allow air to pass through, so that compressed air can escape from the interior of the tubular wall to the outside to form an air curtain.

[0024] In this case, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the wall openings are created during the production of the tubular wall by, preferably cylindrical, placeholder elements, which are removed after the tubular wall has been produced. Such placeholder elements can be, for example, nails, bolts, or the like, made of metal or plastic, which, after their removal, leave a cavity or a through-opening that corresponds to the desired wall opening.

[0025] Wall openings can also be created in this way without having to drill them afterwards, i.e. without the risk of damaging the ballast.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wall openings are arranged only on one side of the tubular wall in order to be oriented away from the substrate. This can promote the escape of air bubbles as a bubble curtain upwards against the direction of gravity.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the weighting body is spirally shaped. This can lead to a uniform distribution of the weighting body's weight, as previously described.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the weighting body is designed to be straight or wave-shaped along the longitudinal direction of the tubular wall. This can lead to an automatic alignment of the device according to the invention, in particular with the wall openings facing upwards in the opposite direction to the weighting body, as already described above.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the weighting element is made of metal, preferably as a steel cable. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility. Thus, the weighting element can be implemented as a cable, wire, or individual metallic components, such as a curtain cord. The weighting element can consist of metal or metal alloys, preferably with a density greater than 5 g / cm³.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the inner layer comprises a thermoplastic or an elastomer; preferably, the inner layer consists of a thermoplastic or an elastomer. Preferably, the inner layer has a density greater than 1 g / cm³ and / or consists of an elastomer, preferably NBR, SBR, BR, EPDM, NR, or blends thereof.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the outer layer comprises a thermoplastic or an elastomer, preferably the outer layer consists of a thermoplastic or an elastomer. Preferably the outer layer has a density greater than 1g / cm³ and / or consists of an elastomer, preferably NBR, SBR, BR, EPDM, NR or blends thereof.

[0032] An exemplary embodiment and further advantages of the invention are explained below in connection with the following figure. This figure shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a device according to the invention for underwater soundproofing.

[0033] A device 1 according to the invention for underwater sound insulation by forming an air bubble curtain or, in short, a bubble curtain, consists of a tubular wall 10 with exactly one inner layer 11 made of a thermoplastic or an elastomer, one outer layer 12 made of a thermoplastic or an elastomer, and a spiral metallic weighting body 13 in the form of a spiral steel cable 13, which is arranged between the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12, i.e., is embedded between the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12.

[0034] The wall 10 has a plurality of wall openings 14 which connect an inner side 10a of the tubular wall 10 and an outer side 10b of the tubular wall 10 in such a way that compressed air can escape from an interior A of the tubular wall 10 to the outside, forming an air curtain. The wall openings 14 are arranged only on one side of the tubular wall 10, namely facing upwards during use, so that they are oriented away from the surface.

[0035] According to the invention, the wall openings 14 each have exactly one air channel element 15, which extends, at least substantially, between the inner surface 10a and the outer surface 10b of the tubular wall 10, thus carrying air. The wall openings 14 are flush with the inner surface 10a and the outer surface 10b of the tubular wall 10. In the exemplary embodiment considered, the air channel elements 15 are designed as metallic tubes 15, but could alternatively also be designed as valves 15.

[0036] The air duct elements 15 are inserted into the tubular wall 10 at the desired locations during its manufacture and vulcanized with the materials of the tubular wall 10, so that no further drilling is required through the virtually finished tubular wall 10, which would pose a risk of damaging the ballast body 13.

[0037] Alternatively, the wall openings 14 could be created during the production of the tubular wall 10 using cylindrical placeholder elements (not shown), which would be removed after the tubular wall 10 has been produced. This would also avoid the need for subsequent drilling. Reference symbol list (part of the description)

[0038] AInner of the tubular wall 10 BSurroundings of the tubular wall 10 1 Device for underwater soundproofing 10 Tubular wall 10a Inner side of the tubular wall 10 10b Outer side of the tubular wall 10 11 Inner layer 12 Outer layer 13 Spiral weight; spiral steel cable 14 Wall openings 15 Air duct elements; pipes; cannulas; valves

Claims

1. Device (1) for underwater sound insulation with a tubular wall (10) having at least, preferably exactly, an inner layer (11), an outer layer (12) and a weighting body (13) which is arranged between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12), wherein the wall (10) has a plurality of wall openings (14) which connect an inner side (10a) of the tubular wall (10) and an outer side (10b) of the tubular wall (10) in such a way that compressed air can escape from an interior (A) of the tubular wall (10) to the outside to form an air curtain, characterized by the fact that The wall openings (14) each have at least, preferably exactly, one air duct element (15) which extends at least substantially between the inside (10a) of the tubular wall (10) and the outside (10b) of the tubular wall (10) in an air-carrying manner.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wall openings (14) are flush with the inside (10a) of the tubular wall (10) and / or with the outside (10b) of the tubular wall (10).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air duct elements (15) are designed as tubes (15).

4. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air duct elements (15) are designed as valves (15).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air duct elements (15) are made of plastic and / or metal.

6. Device (1) for underwater sound insulation with a tubular wall (10) having at least, preferably exactly, an inner layer (11), an outer layer (12) and a weighting body (13) which is arranged between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12), wherein the wall (10) has a plurality of wall openings (14) which connect an inner side (10a) of the tubular wall (10) and an outer side (10b) of the tubular wall (10) in such a way that compressed air can escape from an interior (A) of the tubular wall (10) to the outside to form an air curtain, characterized by the fact that the wall openings (14) are created during the manufacture of the tubular wall (10) by, preferably cylindrical, placeholder elements, which are removed after the manufacture of the tubular wall (10).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall openings (14) are arranged only on one side of the tube-shaped wall (10) in order to be oriented away from the substrate.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weighting body (13) is spirally shaped.

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the weighting body (13) is designed to be straight or wave-shaped along the elongated extension direction of the tubular wall (10).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weighting body (13) is made of metal, preferably as a steel cable (13).

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner layer (11) comprises a thermoplastic or an elastomer, preferably consisting of a thermoplastic or an elastomer.

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer layer (12) comprises a thermoplastic or an elastomer, preferably consisting of a thermoplastic or an elastomer.

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