Sediment suction structure for dredging

Abstract

Since the dispersion openings of the sediment dispersion jet pipes are positioned higher than the suction openings at the lower end of the sediment suction pipes when viewed from the seabed surface, even if the suction openings of the sediment suction pipes are brought into contact with or submerged in the seabed surface to efficiently suck up sediment from the seabed, the individual dispersion openings of the multiple sediment dispersion jet pipes will not sink into the sediment surface accumulated on the seabed. As a result, a sediment suction structure for dredging is provided that can efficiently suck up sediment accumulated on the seabed. [Solution] The dredging sediment suction structure 0100 consists of a sediment suction pipe 0110 for sucking up sediment accumulated on the seabed, and a sediment dispersion jet pipe 0120 whose dispersion opening 0121 is located higher than the suction port 0111 at the lower end of the sediment suction pipe 0110 when viewed from the seabed surface B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is intended to serve as the basis for a domestic priority claim application to be filed at a later date. The present invention relates to a dredging sand suction structure used for dredging sand deposited on the bottom in waters such as coasts, bays, rivers, canals, and ponds.

Background Art

[0002] In the waters such as the above-mentioned coasts, bays, rivers, canals, and ponds, a sand drift phenomenon occurs in which sand moves due to the movement of water such as water level fluctuations, water currents, and waves. When this sand drift phenomenon occurs, for example, in a fishing port in the coastal area, it may lead to a situation where the navigation route and berth are filled with the moving sand. Therefore, in some places, the sand deposited on the bottom of the fishing port is frequently dredged.

[0003] Conventionally, for dredging the sand deposited on the bottom of such a fishing port, for example, the dredging and conveying device described in Patent Document 1 has been used.

[0004] The dredging and conveying device described in this Patent Document 1 includes a backhoe mounted on a pontoon, a suction and sand discharge device arranged at the tip of the arm of this backhoe, and a flexible conveying pipe communicating with a treatment site away from this suction and sand discharge device.

[0005] The suction and sand discharge device has a sand suction pipe for sucking the sand deposited on the bottom, and a jet flow pipe provided so that an opening is located closer to the water bottom surface than the suction port at the lower end of the sand suction pipe. The jet flow pipe is attached in a plurality around the lower end of the sand suction pipe. In this case, the plurality of jet flow pipes are all arranged so as to inject a jet flow downward toward the suction port of the sand suction pipe, and the jet flow injected from each opening of the plurality of jet flow pipes collapses the sand deposit surface deposited on the water bottom directly below the suction port of the sand suction pipe.

[0006] In this dredging and transporting system, jet streams are injected from multiple jet nozzles of the suction and removal device directly below the suction port of the sediment suction pipe to break up the sediment accumulated on the seabed. This broken-up sediment is then sucked up by the sediment suction pipe and transported to the treatment plant via a transport pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4677752 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, in the conventional dredging and conveying equipment described above, the jet pipes are positioned such that each opening of the multiple jet pipes in the suction and removal equipment is closer to the seabed surface (lower relative to the seabed surface) than the suction port of the sediment suction pipe. Therefore, if the suction port of the sediment suction pipe of the suction and removal equipment is brought closer to the seabed surface in order to efficiently suck up sediment from the seabed, each opening of the multiple jet pipes may sink into the hardened sediment surface that has accumulated on the seabed, potentially hindering the operation of breaking up the sediment surface. Therefore, in conventional dredging and conveying equipment, whenever the action of breaking down the sediment surface by multiple jet pipes stalls, the jet pipes are automatically or manually moved away from the seabed along with the sediment suction pipe. As a result, it is difficult to say that the sediment accumulated on the seabed can be efficiently sucked up, and solving this problem has been a challenge until now.

[0009] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a dredging sediment suction structure that can efficiently suck up sediment accumulated on the seabed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following dredging sediment suction structure. In other words, the first aspect of the present invention comprises a sediment suction pipe for sucking up sediment accumulated on the seabed, and a sediment dispersion jet pipe having a dispersion opening that is positioned higher than the suction port at the lower end of the sediment suction pipe when viewed from the seabed surface.

[0011] Furthermore, in a second aspect of the present invention, the dispersion opening of the sand dispersion jet pipe is configured to inject the jet stream along the side surface of the suction port of the sand suction pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, in a third embodiment of the present invention, the dispersed opening is configured to be point-symmetric with respect to the suction port with respect to the center of the suction port.

[0013] Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the sediment suction pipe is configured to obtain suction force from an ejector (including seawater) that is located below the water surface during dredging.

[0014] Furthermore, in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the sand suction pipe is configured to be detachably attached to the arm of heavy machinery.

[0015] Furthermore, in a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the sand suction pipe is connected to a flexible hose, and the flexible hose is configured to expel the sand and gravel inside the hose to the rear using an air ejector.

[0016] Furthermore, a seventh aspect of the present invention further comprises a gas bubble injection pipe (which may be the same as a sand dispersion jet pipe) for injecting gas bubbles.

[0017] Furthermore, in the eighth aspect of the present invention, the gas bubbles are configured to be microbubbles (small bubbles with a diameter of several tens of micrometers (μm) or less).

[0018] Furthermore, in the ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention, the gas bubbles are configured to be ejected in a point-symmetrical manner with respect to the suction port center with respect to the suction port.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, a very excellent effect that it is possible to efficiently suck the deposited sand at the bottom of the water is obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1A] It is an overall perspective view showing a dredging sand suction structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0025 to 0030) [Figure 1B] It is a view of the sand suction pipe showing the dredging sand suction structure of FIG. 1A as seen from the water bottom side. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0026 to 0030) [Figure 1C] It is a partial side view of the tip of the sand suction pipe showing the dredging situation by the dredging sand suction structure of FIG. 1A. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0027 to 0030) [Figure 2] It is an overall perspective view showing a dredging sand suction structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0035 to 0037) [Figure 3] It is a configuration diagram of a dredging system adopting a dredging sand suction structure according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0041 and 0042) [Figure 4] ​​​​​​​​​This is a cross-sectional view of the tip of a sediment suction pipe showing the dredging situation using a sediment suction structure for dredging according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0060, 0061, and 0063) [Figure 6B] Figure 6A shows a view of the sediment suction pipe, which is part of the sediment suction structure for dredging, from the seabed side. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0060, 0061, and 0063) [Figure 6C] Figure 6A is an overall perspective view showing the dredging sediment suction structure. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0061 and 0063) [Figure 6D] Figure 6A is a photograph showing the lower end of the sediment suction pipe in the sediment suction structure for dredging. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0061-0063) [Figure 6E] Figure 6A is a photograph showing the arrangement of the gas bubble injection pipe at the lower end of the sand suction pipe of the dredging sand suction structure. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0061-0063) [Figure 6F] Figure 6A is a photograph showing the arrangement of the gas bubble injection pipe at the lower end of the sand suction pipe of the dredging sand suction structure. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0061-0063) [Figure 6G] Figure 6A is a photograph showing the arrangement of the gas bubble injection pipe at the lower end of the sand suction pipe of the dredging sand suction structure. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0061-0063) [Figure 6H] Figure 6A is a photograph showing the arrangement of the gas bubble injection pipe at the lower end of the sand suction pipe of the dredging sand suction structure. (Corresponding to paragraphs 0061-0063) [Figure 6I] Figure 6A shows a partial cross-sectional view of the tip of a sediment suction pipe, illustrating another example of the sediment suction structure for dredging. (Corresponding to paragraph 0062) [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Embodiments of the dredging sediment suction structure according to the present invention are described below. The relationships between the embodiments and claims are as follows: Embodiment 1 mainly relates to claims 1, 2, and 3; Embodiment 2 mainly relates to claim 4; Embodiment 3 mainly relates to claim 5; Embodiment 4 mainly relates to claim 6; Embodiment 5 mainly relates to claims 7 and 8; and Embodiment 6 mainly relates to claims 9 and 10. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. <Embodiment 1: Primarily corresponds to claims 1, 2, and 3>

[0022] This embodiment mainly relates to claims 1, 2, and 3. <Embodiment 1: Overview of a dredged sediment suction structure (mainly corresponds to claims 1, 2, and 3)>

[0023] The sediment suction structure for dredging according to this embodiment is a structure used when dredging sediment accumulated on the bottom of bodies of water such as coastlines, bays, rivers, canals, and reservoirs, for example, by attaching it to the arm of heavy machinery such as a backhoe. The dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment comprises a sediment suction pipe for sucking up sediment accumulated on the seabed, and a sediment dispersion jet pipe for breaking up and dispersing the sediment accumulated on the seabed with a jet stream simultaneously with or before suction by the sediment suction pipe, characterized in that the dispersion opening of the sediment dispersion jet pipe is positioned higher from the seabed surface (further from the seabed surface) than the suction port at the lower end of the sediment suction pipe. Furthermore, in the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment, a plurality of sediment dispersion jet pipes are arranged such that the jet stream ejected from the dispersion opening of the sediment dispersion jet pipe flows along the side surface of the suction port of the sediment suction pipe, and in this case, each dispersion opening of the plurality of sediment dispersion jet pipes is arranged to be point-symmetric with respect to the center of the suction port of the sediment suction pipe.

[0024] In the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment, the dispersion openings of the sediment dispersion jet pipes are positioned higher than the suction openings at the lower end of the sediment suction pipes when viewed from the seabed surface. Therefore, even if the suction openings of the sediment suction pipes are brought into contact with or submerged in the seabed surface in order to efficiently suck up sediment from the seabed, each of the dispersion openings of the multiple sediment dispersion jet pipes will not sink into the sediment surface accumulated on the seabed. In other words, because the sediment suction pipe does not need to be moved away from the seabed surface to expose the dispersion opening of the sediment dispersion jet pipe that has been embedded in the sediment surface, the dispersion of sediment accumulated on the seabed can be carried out continuously by the jet stream, resulting in efficient suction of sediment accumulated on the seabed. Furthermore, in the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment, the jet streams ejected from each dispersion opening of the multiple sediment dispersion jet tubes all flow along the side surface of the suction port of the sediment suction tube. As a result, sediment dispersion progresses from near the periphery of the suction port of the sediment suction tube. Moreover, since each dispersion opening of the multiple sediment dispersion jet tubes is arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the suction port of the sediment suction tube, sediment dispersion progresses almost uniformly around the entire circumference of the periphery of the suction port of the sediment suction tube, making the suction of sediment accumulated on the seabed even more efficient. <Embodiment 1: Structure for suctioning sediment for dredging. Mainly corresponds to claims 1, 2, and 3. Related drawing: Figure 1A>

[0025] As shown in Figure 1A, the dredging sediment suction structure 0100 according to this embodiment includes a sediment suction pipe 0110 for sucking up sediment accumulated on the seabed, and a sediment dispersion jet pipe 0120 for injecting a jet stream to break up and disperse the sediment surface accumulated on the seabed. <Embodiment 1: Sand suction pipe. Mainly corresponds to claims 1, 2, and 3. Related drawings: Figure 1A, Figure 1B>

[0026] As shown in Figure 1B, the sediment suction pipe 0110 is made of a steel pipe with a wall thickness t of approximately 8 to 15 mm and a diameter D1 of approximately 100 mm. It is designed to suck up the sediment accumulated on the seabed B through the suction port 0111 using the suction force obtained from the suction pump P connected via a flexible transport pipe 0115. <Embodiment 1: Sand Dispersion Jet Pipe (Mainly corresponds to claims 1, 2, and 3) Related drawings: Figure 1A, Figure 1B>

[0027] The sand dispersion jet pipe 0120 is formed by tapering the tip (lower end of Figure 1A) of a steel pipe with a diameter D2 of approximately 10 mm, and the diameter D3 of the dispersion opening 0121 located at the tip is approximately 2 mm. A high-pressure jet stream J (for example, a jet stream J with a water pressure of 4 MPa and a flow rate of 80 L / min) is pumped into this sand dispersion jet pipe 0120 from a jet pump (not shown) as indicated by the arrow in Figure 1A. Multiple sand dispersion jet pipes 0120 (six in this embodiment) are attached around the lower end of the sand suction pipe 0110, and each dispersion opening 0121 is arranged to be point-symmetric with respect to the suction port center C of the suction port 0111 of the sand suction pipe 0110. Furthermore, multiple sand dispersion jet pipes 0120 are arranged to inject their jet streams J from their respective dispersion openings 0121 along the side surface of the suction port 0111 of the sand suction pipe 0110. Multiple sediment dispersion jet pipes 0120 are arranged such that each dispersion opening 0121 is located higher than the suction port 0111 at the lower end of the sediment suction pipe 0110 when viewed from the seabed surface B. It is desirable that the distance d from the seabed surface B to the dispersion opening 0121 of the sediment dispersion jet pipe 0120 be 10 to 30 mm, and more preferably 10 to 20 mm. Furthermore, the arrangement of the multiple sand dispersion jet pipes 0120 does not necessarily have to be point-symmetric with respect to the center C of the suction port of the sand suction pipe 0110. Also, the direction of the jet stream J from the sand dispersion jet pipe 0120 does not necessarily have to be along the side of the suction port 0111 of the sand suction pipe 0110; the jet stream J may be sprayed diagonally downwards from the suction port 0111 of the sand suction pipe 0110. Furthermore, the sand dispersion jet pipe 0120 may be attached to the sand suction pipe 0110 by fixing means such as welding, or it may be attached detachably using parts such as screws. <Embodiment 1: Sediment Suction Structure for Dredging - Operation - Mainly corresponds to claims 1, 2, and 3 - Related drawings: Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C>

[0028] When using the dredging sediment suction structure 0100 according to this embodiment to dredge sediment accumulated on the seabed in a bay, for example, first, the dredging sediment suction structure 0100 is attached to the arm of heavy machinery such as a backhoe, a suction pump P is connected to the sediment suction pipe 0110 via a transport pipe 0115, and jet pumps are connected to multiple sediment dispersion jet pipes 0120 via hoses (not shown).

[0029] Next, the heavy machinery's arm is operated to bring the dredging sediment suction structure 0100 closer to the seabed. Following this, the suction pump P and the jet pump are operated, respectively. As shown in Figure 1C, the jet stream J from the sediment dispersion jet nozzle 0120 disperses the sediment S accumulated on the seabed B, while the suction port 0111 of the sediment suction pipe 0110 is brought into contact with or submerged in the seabed B, thereby suctioning the sediment with the sediment suction pipe 0110.

[0030] In the dredging sediment suction structure 0100 according to this embodiment, each dispersion opening 0121 of the multiple sediment dispersion jet pipes 0120 is positioned higher than the suction port 0111 at the lower end of the sediment suction pipe 0110 when viewed from the seabed surface B. Therefore, even if the suction port 0111 of the sediment suction pipe 0110 comes into contact with or is submerged in the seabed surface B, each dispersion opening 0121 of the multiple sediment dispersion jet pipes 0120 will not sink into the sediment S accumulated on the seabed surface B. Therefore, since it is not necessary to temporarily separate the sediment suction pipe 0110 from the seabed surface B and expose each dispersion opening 0121 of the submerged sediment dispersion jet pipe 0120, the dispersion of sediment S accumulated on the seabed surface B by the jet stream can be carried out continuously, and the sediment S accumulated on the seabed B can be efficiently sucked up. Furthermore, in the dredging sediment suction structure 0100 according to this embodiment, the jet streams J ejected from each dispersion opening 0121 of the multiple sediment dispersion jet stream pipes 0120 all flow along the side surface of the suction port 0111 of the sediment suction pipe 0110. As a result, sediment dispersion progresses from near the periphery of the suction port 0111 of the sediment suction pipe 0110. In addition, since each dispersion opening 0121 of the multiple sediment dispersion jet stream pipes 0120 is arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the suction port center C of the sediment suction pipe 0110, sediment dispersion progresses almost uniformly around the entire circumference of the periphery of the suction port 0111 of the sediment suction pipe 0110, the suction of sediment S accumulated on the seabed surface B becomes even more efficient. <Embodiment 1: Sediment suction structure for dredging; Effects mainly correspond to claims 1, 2, and 3>

[0031] The sediment suction structure for dredging according to this embodiment has the effect of being able to efficiently suck up sediment accumulated on the seabed surface. <Embodiment 2: Primarily corresponds to claim 4>

[0032] This embodiment primarily relates to claim 4. <Embodiment 2: Overview of a sediment suction structure for dredging (mainly corresponds to claim 4)>

[0033] This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1, and in the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment, the sediment suction pipe obtains suction force by negative pressure generated inside the sediment suction pipe by an ejector. In this case, the ejector generates negative pressure inside the sediment suction pipe by injecting water (including seawater) below the water surface during dredging at high pressure into the sediment suction pipe.

[0034] In the dredging sand suction structure according to this embodiment, the sand suction pipe obtains suction force from an ejector. Compared to the case where suction force is obtained from a suction pump where wear due to sand accumulation extends into the inside of the equipment, this structure can contribute to reducing the cost of parts related to dredging by stopping the wear due to the sand being sucked up in the sand suction pipe. <Embodiment 2: Structure for suction of sediment for dredging. Mainly corresponds to claim 4. Related drawing: Figure 2>

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the distinguishing feature of the dredging sediment suction structure 0200 according to this embodiment, compared to the previous embodiment, is that the sediment suction pipe 0210 obtains suction force from the ejector 0230, while the other configurations are the same as in the previous embodiment. <Embodiment 2: Ejector, mainly corresponding to claim 4, related drawing Figure 2>

[0036] The ejector 0230 of the dredging sand suction structure 0200 according to this embodiment injects water W (indicated by a white arrow), which is sucked up from below the water surface and supplied at high pressure from a jet pump (not shown), into the sand suction pipe 0210 from the injection pipe 0231, thereby generating negative pressure inside the sand suction pipe 0210. The sand suction pipe 0210 then uses the suction force obtained from this negative pressure to suck up the sand S (indicated by a thick black arrow) from the suction port 0211 and guide it to the discharge side via the transport pipe 0215 (indicated by a gray arrow). Furthermore, it is preferable to provide an air intake line (not shown) in the ejector 0230 to increase the sand mixing ratio, thereby forming a two-layer slag flow containing air in the transport pipe 0215.

[0037] In this type of dredging sand suction structure 0200, compared to a case where suction force is obtained from a suction pump that experiences wear due to sand accumulation inside the equipment, wear due to the sand being sucked up can be stopped by the sand suction pipe 0210. <Embodiment 2: Sediment suction structure for dredging; effect mainly corresponds to claim 4>

[0038] In the dredging sand suction structure according to this embodiment, wear caused by the suction of sand during dredging can be stopped by the sand suction pipe, thus achieving the effect of reducing the cost of parts related to dredging. <Embodiment 3 mainly corresponds to claim 5>

[0039] This embodiment primarily relates to claim 5. <Embodiment 3: Overview of a sediment suction structure for dredging (mainly corresponds to claim 5)>

[0040] This embodiment is based on Embodiment 2, and is characterized in that the upper end of the sand suction pipe for dredging according to this embodiment is configured to be detachably attached to the arm of heavy machinery such as a backhoe. In the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment, for example, by attaching a sediment suction pipe to a floating heavy machine arm or a heavy machine arm that can be mounted on a floating, mobile barge with a shallow draft, it becomes possible to dredge even in narrow water areas such as shallow rivers and small bays. <Embodiment 3: Structure for suctioning sediment for dredging. Mainly corresponds to claim 5. Related drawing: Figure 3>

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the distinguishing feature of the dredging sand suction structure 0300 according to this embodiment, compared to the previous embodiment, is that a detachable mechanism 0340 is provided at the upper end of the sand suction pipe 0310, and the detachable mechanism 0340 is attached to the tip of the arm 0351 of the backhoe 0350, which is a heavy equipment arm. The other configurations are the same as in the previous embodiment. As the attachment / detachment mechanism 0340 of the dredging sand suction structure 0300 according to this embodiment, for example, a screw-type mechanism or a magnetic-type mechanism can be used, or a clamp-type mechanism can be used.

[0042] In this embodiment, for example, if a backhoe 0350, which is a heavy machinery arm in which a dredging sediment suction structure 0300 for dredging is attached to the tip of an arm 0351 via a detachable mechanism 0340 as described above, is mounted on a floating, movable barge 0360 with a shallow draft, and a jet pump 0361 for supplying high-pressure water to the ejector of the sediment suction pipe 0310 is also mounted, then, as shown in the enlarged circle in Figure 3, it becomes possible to dredge shallow water bodies such as bays and rivers. <Embodiment 3: Sediment suction structure for dredging; effect mainly corresponds to claim 5>

[0043] The dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment has the effect of easily dredging shallow bodies of water such as bays and rivers by attaching a sediment suction pipe to, for example, a floating heavy equipment arm or a heavy equipment arm that can be mounted on a floating, mobile barge with a shallow draft. <Embodiment 4: Primarily corresponds to claim 6>

[0044] This embodiment primarily relates to claim 6. <Embodiment 4: Overview of a sediment suction structure for dredging (mainly corresponds to claim 6)>

[0045] This embodiment is based on embodiments 2 and 3. In the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment, the upper end of the sediment suction pipe is connected to a flexible hose, and this flexible hose is configured to expel the sand and gravel inside the hose to the rear using an air ejector. In the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment, when sediment accumulated on the seabed surface sucked up by the sediment suction pipe is discharged to the discharge side using a flexible hose, even heavy sand and gravel can be discharged to the discharge side without any problems. <Embodiment 4: Structure for suction of sediment for dredging. Mainly corresponds to claim 6. Related drawing: Figure 4>

[0046] As partially shown in Figure 4, the distinguishing feature of the dredging sediment suction structure 0400 according to this embodiment, compared to the previous embodiment, is that a flexible hose 0415 is used as a transport pipe connected to the upper end of the sediment suction pipe 0410, and an air ejector 0430 is placed at an appropriate position along the transport path of the flexible hose 0415. The other configurations are the same as in the previous embodiment. The air ejector 0430 of the dredging sand suction structure 0400 according to this embodiment injects compressed air A (indicated by a white arrow) supplied from a jet pump (not shown) into the flexible hose 0415, thereby creating negative pressure inside the flexible hose 0415. This negative pressure is used to discharge the sand and gravel Sa inside the flexible hose 0415 to the discharge side.

[0047] In the dredging sediment suction structure 0400 according to this embodiment, even if the sediment accumulated on the seabed surface sucked up by the sediment suction pipe is heavy gravel, it can be smoothly discharged to the discharge side by the negative pressure generated inside the flexible hose 0415 by the air ejector 0430. At this time, a two-layer slag flow containing air and liquid is formed inside the flexible hose 0415, which can increase the sand mixing ratio. <Embodiment 4: Sediment suction structure for dredging; effect mainly corresponds to claim 6>

[0048] The sediment suction structure for dredging according to this embodiment has the effect of being able to smoothly discharge sediment to the discharge side even if the sediment accumulated on the seabed surface sucked up by the sediment suction pipe is heavy gravel. <Embodiment 5: Primarily corresponds to claims 7 and 8>

[0049] This embodiment mainly relates to claims 7 and 8. <Embodiment 5: Overview of a sediment suction structure for dredging (mainly corresponds to claims 7 and 8)>

[0050] This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1, and the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment further includes a gas bubble injection pipe for injecting gas bubbles, and in this case, microbubbles are used as the gas bubbles.

[0051] In the dredging sand suction structure according to this embodiment, when microbubbles as gas bubbles are injected from a gas bubble injection pipe so as to flow together with the sand dispersed by the jet stream from the sand dispersion jet pipe, wear inside the sand suction pipe caused by the sand is reduced compared to when only the sand is sucked up. This reduction in wear due to sand can contribute to a reduction in the cost of parts related to dredging. <Embodiment 5: Structure for suctioning sediment for dredging. Configuration mainly corresponds to claims 7 and 8. Related drawings: Figures 5A and 5B>

[0052] In the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment, a distinguishing feature compared to the previous embodiment is that, as shown in Figure 5A, a gas bubble injection pipe 0550 is further arranged at the suction port 0511 at the lower end of the sediment suction pipe 0510 to inject microbubbles MB (dotted line in the figure) as gas bubbles, while the other configurations are the same as in the previous embodiment 1. <Embodiment 5: Gas bubble injection tube, mainly corresponding to claims 7 and 8, related drawing Figure 5B>

[0053] In this embodiment, the gas bubble injection tube 0550 is made of, for example, a steel pipe with a diameter of 8 to 12 mm and a bore diameter of 1 to 3 mm, as shown in the half-cut front view of the left half of the sediment suction tube in Figure 5B. Microbubbles MB, indicated by arrows in Figure 5B and generated by a method described later, are pumped into this gas bubble injection tube 0550. In this case, the gas bubble injection tube 0550 is positioned along the sand suction tube 0510, and its tip is bent into a roughly L-shape and passed through a notch 0515 formed on the periphery of the suction port 0511 of the sand suction tube 0510, thereby enabling the injection of microbubbles MB into the interior of the sand suction tube 0510. Note that the tip of the gas bubble injection tube 0550, bent into a roughly L-shape, does not necessarily have to pass through the notch 0515 of the sand suction tube 0510. As an alternative configuration, for example, the microbubbles MB may be injected over the periphery of the suction port 0511 of the sand suction tube 0510. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a gas bubble injection pipe 0550 is provided separately from the sand dispersion jet pipe 0520 that disperses the sand by the jet stream J. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and for example, microbubbles as gas bubbles may be injected from the sand dispersion jet pipe 0520 along with the jet stream J. <Embodiment 5: Gas bubble, mainly corresponding to claims 7 and 8, related drawing Figure 5B>

[0054] In this embodiment, the microbubble MB used as the gas bubble refers to a fine bubble, specifically a bubble with a diameter of 100 μm or less, more preferably a small diameter of several tens of μm or less. Methods for generating small-diameter microbubbles MB include, for example, an ejector method in which pressurized liquid is sent into the ejector, and the numerous "separation flows" generated inside the ejector atomize the self-absorbed gas to produce bubbles; a cavitation method using a generator with a cavitation structure (a structure capable of generating and eliminating bubbles (cavities) in a short period due to pressure differences within the fluid); and a swirling flow method using a generator with a cylindrical structure. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5B, a fine bubble generator FBD is employed, which mainly consists of an air control unit ACU, a pump PUM, and a blender box BB, which is a pressure vessel having an internal stirring mechanism. In this fine bubble generator FBD, air is automatically drawn in from the air control unit ACU by the suction force of the pump PUM, and this air is stirred and pressurized to form a gas-liquid mixture of this air and water drawn up from below the water surface by the pump PUM. Furthermore, the gas and liquid are dissolved in the blender box BB to generate fine bubbles (a general term for bubbles with a diameter of 100 μm or less, including microbubbles) MB, which are then injected from the gas bubble injection pipe 0550 via the discharge side adjustment valve CV. Furthermore, gas bubbles are not limited to microbubbles; for example, millibubbles may also be used. <Embodiment 5: Sediment Suction Structure for Dredging - Operation - Mainly corresponds to claims 7 and 8 - Related drawing: Figure 5A>

[0055] In the dredging sand suction structure according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5A, microbubbles MB are injected from the gas bubble injection pipe 0550 and flow together with the sand S (thin lines in the figure) dispersed by the jet stream J from the sand dispersion jet stream pipe 0520. As a result, wear caused by the sand S that forms inside the sand suction pipe 0510 is reduced compared to the case where only the sand S is sucked up. <Embodiment 5: Sediment suction structure for dredging; effect mainly corresponds to claims 7 and 8>

[0056] The dredging sand suction structure according to this embodiment can reduce wear inside the sand suction pipe caused by the suctioned sand, thereby achieving a reduction in the cost of parts related to dredging.

[0057] This embodiment mainly relates to claims 9 and 10. <Embodiment 6: Overview of a dredged sediment suction structure (mainly corresponds to claims 9 and 10)>

[0058] The dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment is based on Embodiment 5, and in the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment, the gas bubbles injected from the gas bubble injection pipe are injected in a manner that is point-symmetric with respect to the center of the suction port of the sediment suction pipe.

[0059] In the dredging sand suction structure according to this embodiment, gas bubbles are injected in a way that is point-symmetric with respect to the center of the suction port of the sand suction pipe. As a result, the gas bubbles flow almost uniformly around the entire circumference of the sand suction pipe, and wear caused by sand accumulation inside the sand suction pipe is significantly reduced. <Embodiment 6: Structure for suction of sediment for dredging. Configuration mainly corresponds to claims 9 and 10. Related drawings: Figures 6A, 6B>

[0060] In the dredging sediment suction structure according to this embodiment, as shown in the bottom view of the sediment suction pipe in Figures 6A and 6B, the distinguishing feature compared to the previous embodiment is that the microbubbles MB (dotted line in Figure 6A) as gas bubbles injected from the gas bubble injection pipe 0650 are injected in a way that is point-symmetric with respect to the center C of the suction port 0611 of the sediment suction pipe 0610, while the other configurations are the same as in the previous embodiment 5. <Embodiment 6: Gas bubble injection tube, mainly corresponding to claims 9 and 10, related drawings Figures 6A to 6H>

[0061] In the dredging sediment suction structure 0600 according to this embodiment, as shown in the photographs in Figures 6C and 6D, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) sediment dispersion jet nozzles 0620 are attached around the lower end of the sediment suction pipe 0610 at approximately equal intervals (approximately 90° intervals), and the gas bubble injection pipes 0650 are arranged between these adjacent sediment dispersion jet nozzles 0620. That is, as shown in the photographs in Figures 6E to 6G showing the sediment dispersion jet nozzles removed from the sediment suction pipe, the four gas bubble injection pipes 0650 are also arranged at approximately equal intervals (approximately 90° intervals). As shown in the photograph in Figure 6H, these gas bubble injection tubes 0650 are designed so that their roughly L-shaped bent tips pass through notches 0615 formed on the periphery of the suction port 0611 of the sand suction tube 0610, thereby enabling them to inject microbubbles MB inside the sand suction tube 0610 and towards the center of the suction port 0611. The number and spacing of the sand dispersion jet pipes 0620 and gas bubble injection pipes 0650 are not limited to the above configuration.

[0062] Furthermore, when the suction port 0611 of the sediment suction pipe 0610 is brought into contact with or submerged in the seabed surface B to suction the sediment, a protector 0660 may be attached to the lower end of the sediment suction pipe 0610 to prevent damage or deformation to the suction port 0611 of the sediment suction pipe 0610, as shown in the photograph in Figure 6D and in Figure 6I.

[0063] In the dredging sediment suction structure 0600 according to this embodiment, microbubbles MB are injected in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the center C of the suction port 0611 of the sediment suction pipe 0610. As a result, the microbubbles MB flow almost uniformly around the entire circumference of the sediment suction pipe 0610, and wear caused by sediment S inside the sediment suction pipe 0610 is significantly reduced. <Embodiment 6: Sediment suction structure for dredging; effect mainly corresponds to claims 9 and 10>

[0064] The dredging sand suction structure according to this embodiment can significantly reduce wear inside the sand suction pipe caused by the suctioned sand, thus achieving a further reduction in the cost of parts related to dredging. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 0100 Suction structure for dredging 0110 Sediment suction pipe 0111 Suction port 0120 Sediment Dispersion Jet Pipe 0121 Dispersion aperture B Bottom surface

Claims

1. A sediment suction pipe for sucking up sediment accumulated at the bottom of the water, A sediment dispersion jet pipe having a dispersion opening positioned higher than the suction port at the lower end of the sediment suction pipe when viewed from the seabed surface, A dredging structure for suctioning accumulated sediment.

2. The dredging sand suction structure according to claim 1, wherein the dispersion opening of the sand dispersion jet pipe is provided to inject the jet stream along the side surface of the suction port of the sand suction pipe.

3. The dredging sand suction structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the dispersed openings are provided so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the suction port with respect to the center of the suction port.

4. The dredging sediment suction structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sediment suction pipe is located below the water surface during dredging and obtains suction force from an ejector using water (including seawater).

5. The dredging sand suction structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upper end of the sand suction pipe is configured to be detachably attached to the arm of heavy machinery.

6. The dredging sand suction structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upper end of the sand suction pipe is connected to a flexible hose, and the flexible hose is configured to discharge the sand and gravel inside the hose to the rear by an air ejector.

7. The dredging sand suction structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a gas bubble injection pipe for injecting gas bubbles (which may be the same as the sand dispersion jet pipe).

8. The dredging sediment suction structure according to claim 7, wherein the gas bubbles are microbubbles (small bubbles with a diameter of tens of micrometers (μm) or less).

9. The dredging sand suction structure according to claim 7, wherein the gas bubbles are injected with respect to the suction port in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the center of the suction port.

10. The dredging sand suction structure according to claim 8, wherein the gas bubbles are injected with respect to the suction port in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the center of the suction port.

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