Marine snow and nutrient circulation system

Abstract

A fluid circulation system includes a fluid transfer device having an inlet and an outlet, in which the fluid transfer device is positioned near a surface of the body of water. The circulation transfer system also includes a duct having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the duct is coupled to the inlet of the fluid transfer device and the second end of the duct is positioned below the surface of the body of water. An energy source is operably coupled to the fluid transfer device to draw water from the second end of the duct into the inlet of the fluid transfer device and to expel the water through the outlet of the fluid transfer device with a minimal pressure differential between water inside the fluid circulation system and the body of water.

Description

MARINE SNOW AND NUTRIENT CIRCULATION SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 438,409, filed September 14, 2023, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to systems and methods for marine snow and nutrient circulation system.BACKGROUND

[0003] The cycle of life in marine ecosystems is a complex process that has a net effect of drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Earth’s oceans have large oligotrophic zones with very low levels of nutrients and marine life. They are often described as "ocean deserts" that offer little to sustain life, and therefore the removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide is minimized. However, the nutrients needed to promote life can be found at the bottom of the ocean in the sediment colloquially known in the scientific community as “Marine Snow”. This Marine Snow is made up primarily of a variety of organic matter, including dead or dying animals and phytoplankton, protists, fecal matter, along with sand and other inorganic dust. Importantly, the Marine Snow includes compounds with three critical elements needed for life to flourish: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). Although the Marine Snow at the ocean bottom contains the highest concentration of critical nutrients, Marine Snow and NPK nutrients do exist with increasing concentrations at ocean depths below 250 ft. Marine Snow can naturally circulated in localized areas of the ocean, but more often, the essential nutrients are essentially trapped at the lower depths of the ocean. Various systems were developed to circulate Marine Snow that includes a pump that is dragged behind a boat and a conduit is connected to the pump which draws deep water with increased levels of essential nutrients up to the nutrient-depleted regions near the ocean surface. What is needed is a solution to efficiently replenish the oligotrophic zones with nutrients, increase the levels of marine life, and reduce the levels of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere.SUMMARY

[0004] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to systems and methods for marine snow and nutrient circulation system. In one embodiment, a fluid transfer system includes a fluid transfer device having an inlet and an outlet, in which the fluid transfer device is positioned near a surface of the body of water. The fluid transfer system also includes a duct having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the duct is coupled to the inlet of the fluid transfer device and the second end of the duct is positioned below the surface of the body of water. An energy source is operably coupled to the fluid transfer device to draw water from the second end of the duct into the inlet of the fluid transfer device and to expel the water through the outlet of the fluid transfer device with a minimal pressure differential between water inside the fluid circulation system and the body of water.

[0005] In another embodiment, a fluid circulation system includes a fluid transfer device, a duct, and an energy source. The fluid transfer device includes a main body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a converging nozzle positioned at the fluid inlet, wherein the converging nozzle receives and converts a pressurized motive fluid into a high velocity motive fluid that entrains the water in the duct into the main body, and the water and motive fluid are combined in the main body and diffuser and discharged from the fluid outlet of the fluid transfer device into the surrounding body of water with minimal overall pressure differential between water inside the fluid circulation system and the body of water. In this embodiment, the duct has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the duct is coupled to the inlet of the fluid transfer device and the second end of the duct is positioned below the surface of the body of water. In this embodiment, the energy source is operably coupled to a motive fluid pump, wherein the motive fluid pump includes a pump, a motive fluid pump inlet, and a motive fluid pump outlet connected to the converging nozzle, wherein the motive fluid pump provides the pressurized motive fluid to the converging nozzle of the fluid transfer device.

[0006] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG 1 illustrates one embodiment of the fluid circulation system.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the fluid circulation system.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of one embodiment of a duct attachment for a fluid circulation system.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a duct attachment for a fluid circulation system.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a fluid circulation system.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a fluid circulation system.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a fluid circulation system.

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a fluid transfer device 102.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a fluid circulation system.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Briefly, and in general terms, various systems and related methods are directed to circulating marine nutrients. The fluid circulation system draws ocean water from the depths between at least 250 feet and the ocean floor to bring naturally occurring nutrients from such deeper water to the surface to promote the increase in quantity of marine life at the water’s surface and the biological processes that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Although the presence of the beneficial nutrients is expected at ocean depths below 250 feet, operation of the fluid circulation systems at inlet depths less than 250 feet is also contemplated by the invention. According to one embodiment, a fluid transfer system includes a fluid transfer device having an inlet and an outlet, in which the fluid transfer device is positioned near a surface of the body of water. The fluid transfer system also includes a duct having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the duct is coupled to the inlet of the fluid transfer device and the second end of the duct is positioned below the surface of the body of water. An energy source isoperably coupled to the fluid transfer device to draw water from the second end of the duct into the inlet of the fluid transfer device and to expel the water through the outlet of the fluid transfer device with a minimal pressure differential between water inside the fluid circulation system and the body of water.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates one deployment of a fluid circulation system 10 that includes a fluid circulation device 12 that is connected to a duct 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid transfer device 12 is submerged below the ocean surface 16. The fluid transfer device 12 is attached to a marine vehicle 18 and is towed behind the marine vehicle via tow lines 20. In this embodiment, the energy source (not shown) is located on the marine vehicle 18, and the energy source is operably coupled to the fluid transfer device 12 via a conduit 22. As show in FIG. 1 , the inlet 24 of the duct 14 is positioned at least 250 feet below the water’s surface.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the duct 14 is a tube with a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the duct may have any cross-sectional shape such as, but not limited to, a square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or any other cross-sectional shape known or developed in the art. Generally, the duct has a length so that the duct inlet is at least 250 feet below the water’s surface. In an alternate embodiment, the duct (not shown) may be a variable length duct in which the length of the duct is adjustable. For example, the duct may be extendable to 250 feet or a length to reach the ocean floor. In yet another embodiment, the duct may have a length less than 250 feet. As shown in FIG. 1, the duct 14 is a flexible tube. Alternatively, the duct (not shown) is a rigid tube. In other embodiments, different portions of the duct (not shown) may be either rigid or flexible. By way of example but not of limitation, the duct may have a rigid at the ends of the tube to facilitate the coupling of the duct to the fluid transfer device, and the remainder of the duct is a flexible tube.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates another deployment of a fluid circulation system 10 having a fluid circulation device 12 that is connected to a flexible duct 14 that extends to the ocean floor. A duct attachment 26 is affixed to the duct inlet 24. The fluid transfer device 12 is submerged below the ocean surface 16. The fluid transfer device 12 is attached to a marine vehicle 18 and is towed behind the marine vehicle via tow lines 20. In this embodiment, the energy source (not shown) is located on the marine vehicle 18, and the energy source is operably coupled to thefluid transfer device 12 via a conduit 22. The energy source may be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric power provided by motors known or developed in the art.

[0022] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate one embodiment of a duct attachment 26. At one end, the duct attachment 26 includes a circular cross-section that is sized to engage the duct inlet 24. The duct attachment 26 further includes a transition 28 that changes from a circular cross-section to a generally-rectangular cross-sectional shape. The inlet 30 of the duct attachment 26 has a large cross-sectional area to facilitate the entry of water into the duct 14. The duct attachment 26 includes skids 32 extending from the bottom of the duct attachment and the end of the duct inlet 24. The skids 32 allow the duct 14 and duct attachment 26 to sit above the ocean floor.

[0023] In other embodiments, the duct attachment and / or duct may include additional structures and accessories. In one embodiment, one or more weights are provided around the circumference of the duct inlet in order to weigh down the duct inlet so that it stays at least 250 feet below the water surface. In one embodiment, a meshed screen (not shown) over the duct attachment inlet 30 or duct inlet 24 to prevent large particulate matter to enter the duct attachment or duct. In other embodiments, one or more cameras and / or sensors (not shown) may also be provided on the outer surface of the duct attachment or duct inlet (or anywhere along the length of the duct). The sensors may detect the concentration of Marine Snow or a particular constitute of the Marine Snow, water temperature, or other marine data or information desired to be collected. It is also contemplated that one or more remotely controlled motors or propulsion devices may be attached to the duct attachment or duct. In one embodiment, the motors may be used to adjust the location of the duct or duct attachment to an area where there is a higher concentration of Marine Snow. In another embodiment, the motors may be in communication with one or more sensors that detect the concentration of Marine Snow or a particular constitute of the Marine Snow, and the motors will move the location of the duct or duct attachment.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of fluid circulation system 10. The fluid circulation system 10 includes a fluid transfer device 12 that has an inlet 34 and outlet 36. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer device 12 is a centrifugal pump, a piston pump, or a mechanical pump. The inlet 34 of the fluid transfer device is connected to a duct 14. The duct inlet 24 is positioned deep within a body of water. An energy source 38 is operably coupled to the fluid transfer device 12 to power the pumping of water up through theduct intake and out through the outlet 36 of the fluid transfer device. In various embodiments, the energy source is mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric power. In one embodiment, an outlet duct is attached to the outlet of the fluid transfer device. The outlet duct is configured and sized to minimize any water pressure at the outlet of the fluid transfer device.

[0025] In various configurations of the fluid circulation system 10, various components may be located within or outside a body of water. In one configuration, the fluid transfer device 12 is submerged within the body of water, and the energy source 38 is located outside of the water. In an alternate configuration, the fluid transfer device 12 and the energy source 38 are located outside of the body of water. In other configurations, the fluid transfer device 12 and the outlet 36 are located above or below the surface of the water. In yet another configuration, the first end of the duct 14 includes an optional vent 40 between the interior of the duct and atmosphere. In yet another configuration, a duct (not shown) may be affixed to the outlet 36. In the configuration in which the components are located outside of the water, the components may be located on a marine vessel such as a boat, ship, barge, hovercraft, submersible, or submarine. Alternatively, the components located outside of the water are position on offshore structures that are fixed in place or float above the surface of the water such as, but not limited to, a submersible platform

[0026] FIGS. 6-7 are diagrammatic representations of various embodiments of fluid circulation system 100. The fluid circulation system 100 includes a fluid transfer device 102, a duct 120 coupled to the fluid transfer device 102, a motive fluid system 122 operably coupled to the fluid transfer system, and an energy source 130 operably coupled to the motive fluid pump 140. The fluid transfer device 102 includes a main body 104 having a fluid inlet 106 and a fluid outlet 108. The fluid transfer device includes a converging nozzle 110 is positioned at the fluid inlet 106 of the fluid transfer device 102. As shown in FIG. 6, the duct 120 has a first end 122 and an opposite second end 124, in which the first end of the duct is coupled to fluid inlet 106 and the second end is placed deep within the body of water. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the motive fluid pump 140 includes motive fluid pump inlet 142, and a motive fluid pump outlet 144. The motive fluid pump outlet 144 is connected to the inlet 112 of the converging nozzle 110 via a pipe 150. The motive fluid pump 140 provides the pressurized motive fluid to the converging nozzle 110 of the fluid transfer device 102. According to one embodiment, the motive fluid pump inlet 142 is attached to a duct 146 that draws water from the surface of the ocean as shownin FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the motive fluid pump inlet 142 is attached to a pipe 148 that draws water from inside the duct. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, an energy source 130 is operably coupled the motive fluid pump 140. The energy source may be mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric power provided by motors known or developed in the art.

[0027] FIGS. 8-9 shows one embodiment of a fluid transfer device 102. The fluid transfer device 102 has a main body 104 having a fluid inlet 106, a fluid outlet 108, and a converging nozzle 110 positioned at the fluid inlet. The converging nozzle 110 has an inlet 112 and an outlet 114. As shown in FIG. 9, the inner bore 116 of the converging nozzle 110 has a decreasing cross-section moving from the inlet 112 to the outlet 114. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-9, the converging nozzle 110 is positioned in front opening of the fluid inlet 106 such that the outlet 114 of the converging nozzle is placed in a spaced relation to the opening of the fluid inlet 106 of the fluid transfer device 102. One or more supporting bars 118 fix the location of the converging nozzle 110 relative to the inlet 106 of the fluid transfer device 102. In an alternate embodiment, at least the outlet of the converging nozzle (not shown) may be placed within the fluid inlet 106. As shown in FIGS. 8-9, a diffuser 132 is provided within the fluid transfer device 102. The inner bore of the diffuser 132 has a cross-sectional that increases as fluid moves through the diffuser to the fluid outlet 108. The diffuser reduces the velocity of the fluid and allows some pressure increase within the fluid transfer device 102 thereby allowing the fluid to exit the fluid outlet 108 of the fluid transfer device and preventing any backflow of the fluid back into the fluid transfer device.

[0028] In operation, the energy source motivates the motive fluid pump which pulls a motive fluid from a source. In one embodiment, the source of the motive fluid is water from the surface of the body of water. In another embodiment, the source is water contained within the duct 14, 102. In yet another embodiment, the source is a combination of air and water, in which the water source is from either the surface of the body of water or water in the duct. The motive pump pressurizes and sends the water to the converging nozzle. The converging nozzle receives and converts a pressurized motive fluid into a high velocity motive fluid because of the decreasing cross-section of the inner bore of the converging nozzle. Via Bernoulli’s Principle, the water entering the converging nozzle has high pressure and low velocity, and the water exiting the converging nozzle will have lower pressure and high velocity. A low-pressure area is created at the exit of the converging nozzle and at the inlet of the fluid transfer device resultingin the water in the duct to be drawn up into and through the fluid transfer device. The motive fluid and the water from the duct are entrained in the main body of the fluid transfer device, and the combined water and motive fluid is discharged from the fluid outlet of the fluid transfer device into the surrounding body of water with minimal overall pressure differential between water inside the fluid transfer device and the body of water.

[0029] In other embodiments of the fluid circulation system, the system comprises a plurality of fluid transfer devices coupled to a single duct and operatively couple or one or more motive pump systems. FIGS. 10-11 illustrate one embodiment of a fluid circulation system 100’ having a plurality of fluid transfer devices 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h coupled to a duct 120’. The duct 120’ is connected to a housing 200 which houses the plurality of fluid transfer devices 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h about the interior of the housing. As shown in FIG. 10-11, a motive fluid pump line 202 is connected to the converging nozzles of each fluid transfer device 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h by a manifold 204. The fluid outlets 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d, 208e, 208f, 208g, 208h for each fluid transfer device are oriented around the periphery of the housing 200. Depending on the specifications of the motive fluid pump, it is contemplated that one or more motive fluid pump systems may be used to supply motive fluid to the fluid circulation system 100’.

[0030] It is also contemplated that a plurality of fluid circulation system (each having a plurality of fluid transfer devices) may be provided on a marine vehicle (or offshore platform) to circulate more deep marine water depending upon the number of fluid transfer devices used in the system.

[0031] There are various embodiments of the fluid transfer device having different fluid outputs. By example, one motive pump is capable of a motive flow of approximately 350 gpm at a discharge pressure approximately 60 psig. The resultant flow of water through one fluid transfer device (i.e., flow of deep ocean water through the duct and discharged through the fluid transfer device) would be approximately 1,750 gpm. In those embodiments where the fluid circulation system use more than one fluid transfer device, e g., 8 fluid transfer devices, the system would circulate approximately 14,000 gpm. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the flowrate of an individual fluid transfer device can be varied widely by changing the flowrate and discharge pressure from the motive flow pump. Additionally, different physical sizes, eithersmaller or larger, of the fluid transfer device may be used in other embodiments of the fluid circulation system. The total flowrate of the system can be increased by increasing the individual capacity of the fluid transfer device and / or increasing the number of fluid transfer devices.

[0032] Although an embodiment has been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof show by way of illustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0033] Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and / or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0034] Various aspects of the disclosure have been described above. It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function, or both being disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may becombined in various ways. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such an apparatus may be implemented or such a method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

[0035] While the invention has been described in connection with various aspects, it will be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptation of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known and customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A fluid circulation system for a body of water, comprising: a fluid transfer device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the fluid transfer device is positioned near a surface of the body of water; a duct having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the duct is coupled to the inlet of the fluid transfer device and the second end of the duct is positioned below the surface of the body of water; and an energy source operably coupled to the fluid transfer device to draw water from the second end of the duct into the inlet of the fluid transfer device and to expel the water through the outlet of the fluid transfer device with a minimal pressure differential between water inside the fluid circulation system and the body of water.

2. The fluid circulation system of claim 1, wherein the fluid transfer device is a centrifugal pump, a piston pump, or a mechanical pump.

3. The fluid circulation system of claim 1, wherein the fluid transfer device is located above the surface of the body of water or is submerged below the surface of the body of water.

4. The fluid circulation system of claim 1, wherein the duct has a sufficient length to position the second end of the duct at least 250 feet below the surface of the body of water.

5. The fluid circulation system of claim 1, wherein the energy source is a mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric power.

6. The fluid circulations system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more fluid transfer devices, each fluid transfer device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the one or more fluid transfer devices are connected to the duct.

7. The fluid circulation system of claim 1, wherein the fluid transfer device and / or the energy source is located on a marine vehicle or a fixed structure located within the body of water.

8. The fluid circulation system of claim 1, wherein the fluid transfer device is submerged in the body of water and towed and operated behind a marine vehicle, submersible or fixed structure located within the body of water.

9. The fluid circulation system of claim 1, wherin the first end of the duct incorporates a vent between the interior of the duct and the atmosphere.

10. The fluid circulation system of claim 1, further comprising a duct attachment fixed to the second end of the duct.

11. A fluid circulation system for a body of water, comprising: a fluid transfer device comprising a main body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a diffuser positioned in the main body before the fluid outlet, and a converging nozzle positioned at the fluid inlet, wherein the converging nozzle receives and converts a pressurized motive fluid into a high velocity motive fluid that entrains the water in the duct into the main body, and the water and motive fluid are combined in the main body and diffuser and discharged from the fluid outlet of the fluid transfer device into the surrounding body of water with minimal overall pressure differential between water inside the fluid circulation system and the body of water; and an energy source operably coupled to a motive fluid pump, wherein the motive fluid pump comprises a pump, a motive fluid pump inlet, and a motive fluid pump outlet connected to the converging nozzle, wherein the motive fluid pump provides the pressurized motive fluid to the converging nozzle of the fluid transfer device.

12. The fluid circulation system of claim 11, wherein the duct has a sufficient length to position the second end of the duct at least 250 feet below the surface of the body of water.

13. The fluid circulation system of claim 11, wherein the energy source for the motive fluid pump is mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric power.

14. The fluid circulation system of claim 11, wherein the motive fluid is air, ocean water, or a combination thereof.

15. The fluid circulation system of claim 11, wherein water from the surface of the body of water is supplied to the motive fluid pump inlet.

16. The fluid circulation system of claim 11, wherein water is taken from the duct and is supplied to the motive fluid pump inlet.

17. The fluid circulation system of claim 11, further comprising: one or more fluid transfer devices connected to the duct, each fluid transfer device having a main body with a fluid inlet and fluid outlet for receiving and releasing water from the body of water.

18. The fluid circulation system of claim 11 , wherein the fluid transfer device is submerged in the body of water and towed and operated behind a marine vehicle, submersible or a fixed structure located within the body of water.

19. The fluid circulation device of claim 11, wherein the first end of the duct incorporates a vent between the interior of the duct and the atmosphere.

20. The fluid circulation device of claim 11, further comprising further comprising a duct attachment fixed to the second end of the duct.