Multi-module system for dewatering, dehydrating and storing liquids in dredging operations

Abstract

The present invention patent application relates to a multi-module system (1) comprising a set of modules (M) forming a modular metal structure (4) and arranged in an orthogonal (1A), circular (2A) or rectangular (3A) shape. The set of modules (M) has a linear module (2), which includes structural panels (3) provided with U-shaped mounting brackets (5) and fastening flanges (6) for mounting horizontal tubular elements (7) that ensure the stability of the modular metal structure (4). It also comprises lifting handles (9) made from rolled flat bars, which facilitate transport and assembly. It further has integrated geotextile drainage blankets (13) and channels waterproofed with an HDPE blanket (12), with the aim of optimising dewatering and dehydration, making the proposed multi-module system (1) ideal for dredging operations.

Description

[0001] Multimodular system for dewatering, dehydration and storage of liquids in dredging operations.

[0002] BRIEF PRESENTATION

[0003]

[0001] This patent application relates to a multi-modular system for dewatering and dehydrating dredged material, using a modular metal structure lined with drainage fabric. Its primary function is to efficiently dewater the material, separating the water from the solid material. In addition, the multi-modular system proposed herein also acts as a temporary reservoir, retaining the solid material for later disposal.

[0004]

[0002] The secondary function of this multimodular system includes the efficient storage of liquids, providing an additional capacity to retain liquids stably under various conditions, ensuring its usefulness in a variety of operating contexts.

[0005] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0003] The invention described in this patent application is geared towards the environmental and water resources management sector, also encompassing the areas of civil engineering and mining operations. However, the invention is particularly useful for processes involving the treatment and management of wastewater, dewatering of sludge and sediments, as well as the retention and temporary storage of solid and liquid materials from activities such as dredging of rivers, lakes and coastal areas, cleaning of industrial reservoirs and spill control.

[0007] Problems inherent to the state of the art.

[0008]

[0004] Namely, conventional liquid dewatering and storage systems available on the market face several technical limitations. One of the main challenges is the restricted storage capacity, which necessitates the disposal of the system after reaching its maximum capacity. Additionally, the rigidity of conventional systems, which do not support the assembly of modular structures in various formats, limits their applicability in different contexts and spatial configurations. The complexity of the assembly and disassembly processes is another relevant technical problem in these systems. Furthermore, the rigid structure of conventional systems does not favor efficient transport; the modules, being non-modular and fixed, compromise both durability and reliability under adverse conditions.

[0009] STATE OF THE ART

[0010]

[0005] In the field of dewatering and dehydrating material from dredging, there are some known solutions. Among them, document MU 8900668-2, published on 11 / 30 / 2010, which deals with a reusable textile form, made of textile material of the woven, non-woven and / or composite material of reinforced woven and non-woven fabrics, with a tubular geometry and with an access opening located on its upper longitudinal generatrix and on its two lateral ends, the opening and closing being produced by tying or untying knots or by means of clamps, and also at the lateral ends using only a tie with wrinkling of the textile material or by using a plugged support tube or one fitted with a draining filter sleeve, also having installed in the upper portion, one or more intake or overflow nozzles, characterized by longitudinal closure of the edges, being carried out by parallel and sewn fold hems,In order to form an internal space, windows are then cut or produced in an equidistant and linear sequence, similar to a linear seam, allowing the passage of two parallel cords, cables, or bars in a linear direction, revealing certain segments that coincide with the cutouts produced; inside the folding sheaths run the elements for redistributing transverse tensions to the cords or cables, which can be made of steel, knotted cables, plastic, clamps, or even padlocks; the correct positioning and alignment of the windows is guided by an internal sheath, which has at its free end a strip of connector material (also known as Velcro), sewn or glued to the underside of the textile form; the internal sheath is passed internally below the folding sheaths.

[0011]

[0006] US patent 9809952, published on 10 / 11 / 2016, describes a dewatering system designed to treat dredging sludge, aiming at the separation and filtration of solids and water, with the possibility of reintroducing the treated water into the environment. The system is characterized by modular A-shaped support structures that support a permeable woven geomaterial, creating an interior space where the sludge is deposited. This geomaterial filters the water while the solids settle by gravity. The support structures are designed for efficient assembly and disassembly and practical transport, and can be adjusted to different configurations according to operational needs. Additionally, the system includes discharge ports for the controlled release of effluent and is designed to be scalable and reusable, offering an economical and environmentally friendly alternative compared to traditional methods that use chemicals.

[0012]

[0007] The present invention differs from the identified prior art documents by presenting advances in both functionality and efficiency. Compared to document MU 8900668-2, the present invention employs an innovative multimodular system that does not depend on ties or knots for the formation or adjustment of its structure. Instead, it uses mechanical connections and fittings that simplify assembly and disassembly, providing faster and more robust assembly without the need for intensive handling of textile materials. Furthermore, the present invention incorporates filtration and drainage technologies that surpass conventional longitudinal closure methods, such as parallel fold hems, employed in MU 8900668-2, offering more effective and precise control over the flow and treatment of fluids and solids.

[0013]

[0008] In relation to document US 9809952, the present invention stands out for its ability to adapt its geometric shape according to the specific needs of the site and the project. While the system described in US 9809952 uses modular "A"-shaped support structures to support a permeable textile geo-material, the present invention can be configured in orthogonal, square or rectangular shapes, increasing its versatility and ability to integrate into different environments and conditions. Furthermore, the present invention provides even more efficient assembly and disassembly and more practical transport, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems in terms of scalability and reuse, offering a more sustainable and economically viable solution for the treatment of water and solids from dredging operations and other similar applications.

[0014] OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0015]

[0009] The present invention addresses the following objectives:

[0016] • The objective of the present invention is to provide an efficient and reusable solution for the dewatering and dehydration process of material from dredging, seeking to improve the separation between water and solid material;

[0017] • The objective of the present invention is to reduce the legal risks associated with the operation of the dewatering system;

[0018] • The objective of the present invention is to provide a versatile, robust, and easily transportable multi-modular system, offering an alternative in terms of logistical efficiency and structural performance;

[0019] • The objective of the present invention is to provide a set of modules molded in orthogonal shapes, such as squares or rectangles, providing greater versatility;

[0020] • The objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-modular system to optimize the processes of dewatering, dehydration and storage of liquids, useful in applications such as dredging.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022]

[0010] The present invention relates to a multi-modular system composed of a series of configurable modules, which can be arranged in orthogonal or circular formats, according to specific operational needs. Each module is composed of robust structural panels, equipped with "U"-shaped mounting brackets that have fixing flanges with holes for accommodating horizontal tubular locking elements. These elements are essential for the structural stability of each module and, consequently, of the system's metallic modular structure, allowing precise adjustments and fixings through coupling terminals that fit into the brackets and are secured by screws or similar devices. In addition, the present invention includes lifting handles made of rolled flat bar, designed to facilitate the handling and transport of the modules during the assembly and disassembly phases.The modular metal structure of the system is designed to withstand the operational loads involved in dewatering and dehydration processes, with corner modules reinforced by arched tubes to improve structural strength. Functionally, the multi-modular system, now being claimed, is equipped with channels waterproofed with HDPE sheeting and drainage geotextiles, which are integrated to facilitate the effective drainage of liquids, keeping the solid material retained for disposal. This configuration is ideal for separating and reducing the volume of solid waste, while allowing for the safe and efficient storage of drained liquids in a reservoir. The modularity and flexibility of the multi-modular system allow for adaptation to various space configurations and operational requirements, making it a versatile and robust solution for the management of liquids and solids in large-scale operations.Finally, the present invention stands out for its modularity, structural strength, and operational efficiency, offering a comprehensive solution for dewatering, dehydration, and storage under demanding conditions.

[0023] ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0024]

[0011] The present invention offers the following advantages: It provides simplified transport due to the demountable and mountable structure of each individual module, allowing for efficient logistics; It increases operational flexibility, allowing for the assembly and disassembly of components, which facilitates adaptations in different contexts of use; It offers functional versatility by performing both the dewatering and reservoir functions, meeting multiple needs in a single system; It improves adaptability in different formats and configurations, adapting to a wide range of applications and environments; It guarantees stability and reliability in various installation conditions, including floating environments, due to the horizontal tubular locking elements;It facilitates transport, as well as assembly and maintenance, through lifting handles made of rolled flat bar, providing agility and operational practicality related to the assembly and disassembly of the module set; the modularity of the present invention is also due to the fact that it has angled corner modules, making the metal structure versatile, in addition to adapting to a variety of specific application requirements.

[0025] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026]

[0012] The following figures are presented to better explain the patent application in an illustrative and non-limiting manner:

[0027]

[0013] Fig. 1: shows the grouping of the modules of the modular metal structure for dewatering, dehydration and storage of liquids, arranged in an orthogonal arrangement;

[0028]

[0014] Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of the modules of the metal modular structure in a circular format;

[0029]

[0015] Fig. 3 shows the complete methodology for disassembling and storing the modules of the metal modular structure in a rectangular format;

[0030]

[0016] Fig. 4 shows the complete methodology for disassembling and storing the modules of the metal modular structure in a circular format;

[0031]

[0017] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of all layers of the multimodular system according to the present invention;

[0032]

[0018] Fig. 6 shows the dewatering process, in which the modular metal structure is gradually filled to achieve the desired operational capacity, which is crucial to ensure the system's effectiveness in draining liquids and stabilizing the terrain;

[0033]

[0019] Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of the linear module that makes up the modular metal structure, highlighting all its parts and connections, which allow for its modularity;

[0020] Fig. 8 shows the curved metal structure module, highlighting its specific characteristics, such as the angle and the arched tubes for closure;

[0034]

[0021] Fig. 9 shows the front view of the assembled linear module, highlighting the mounting structure with the protective grid;

[0022] Fig. 10 shows the perspective view of the assembled linear module;

[0035]

[0023] Fig. 11 shows an inverted perspective view of the assembled linear module;

[0036]

[0024] Fig. 12 shows the mounting structure with and without the protective grid;

[0037]

[0025] Fig. 13 shows an enlarged detail of the horizontal tubular locking elements, equipped with coupling terminals;

[0038]

[0026] Fig. 14 shows an enlarged detail of the "U" mounting brackets with clamping flanges;

[0039]

[0027] Fig. 15 shows an enlarged detail of the cylindrical mounting elements fitted into the mounting brackets with converging fins.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041]

[0028] The MULTIMODULAR SYSTEM FOR DEWATERING, DEHYDRATING AND STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN DREDGING OPERATIONS consists of a multimodular system (1) formed by a set of modules (M) in orthogonal format (1 A), resulting in a modular metallic structure (4) for dewatering, dehydrating and storing liquids.

[0042]

[0029] In more detail, each linear module (2) is equipped with structural panels.

[0043] (3) responsible for supporting and organizing the modular metal structure (4) of the multimodular system (1). The structural panels (3) include U-shaped mounting brackets (5) with fixing flanges (6) equipped with holes (O). The U-shaped mounting brackets (5) are positioned at the bottom, rear, middle and top of the structural panels (3).

[0044]

[0030] The U-shaped mounting brackets (5) receive horizontal tubular locking elements (7) with coupling terminals (8), which fit into the concavities of the U-shaped mounting brackets (5), allowing the coupling terminals (8) to overlap the holes (O) in the fixing flanges (6), ensuring fixation by means of screws or similar to increase the stability of the modular metal structure.

[0045] (4).

[0046]

[0031] The structural panels (3) are equipped with lifting handles made of rolled flat bar (9), designed to assist in handling and transport during assembly and installation.

[0032] In Fig. 1, the mounting brackets in "II" (5) with fixing flanges (6) support arched tubes (10), forming the corner modules (11), which improve the strength of the metal modular structure (4), by closing the ends of the module assemblies (M) in orthogonal format (1A).

[0047]

[0033] In Fig. 2, the set of modules (M) in circular format (2A) is observed, with the structural panels (3) responsible for supporting and organizing the metallic modular structure (4) of the multimodular system (1), and horizontal tubular locking elements (7) that reinforce the stability of the metallic modular structure (4). The "U" mounting brackets (5) are welded to the structural panels (3) and provide robust fixation and support to the components, along with the lifting handles in rolled flat bar (9) developed to facilitate the handling and transport of the structural panels (3) when disassembled or of the linear module (2) as a whole, when assembled.

[0048]

[0034] In Fig. 3, the structural panels (3) of the linear module (2) are highlighted, as well as the horizontal tubular locking elements (7), a channel waterproofed with HDPE sheet (12), a drainage geotextile sheet (13) and the assembly for dewatering or storage in the reservoir (14). Therefore, Fig. 3 represents the complete methodology for disassembling and storing the set of modules (M) in rectangular format (3A), offering a complete view of the multimodular system (1).

[0049]

[0035] In Fig. 4, the components of the multimodular system (1) are shown, including structural panels (3), horizontal tubular locking elements (7), as well as the waterproofed channel (12), the drainage geotextile blanket (13) and the assembly for dewatering or storage in the reservoir (14). Fig. 4 represents the methodology for disassembling and storing the set of modules (M) in circular format (2A), providing a panoramic view of its functionality.

[0050]

[0036] Fig. 5 illustrates the exploded view of all layers of the module assembly (M) of the multimodular system (1), providing a detailed understanding of the assembly process of the module assembly (M) of the multimodular system (1). This illustrates the module assembly (M) with the structural panels (3), the horizontal tubular locking elements (7) and the lifting handles in rolled flat bar (9). A drainage geotextile blanket (13) is inserted over the module assembly (M). Furthermore, the assembly includes an HDPE blanket (15), a drainage fabric (16), a layer of gravel (17), which gravel layer (17) is overlaid by a channel waterproofed with HDPE blanket (12).

[0051]

[0037] In Fig. 5, it is possible to understand the dewatering and storage process, whereby, when the material is placed in the reservoir (14), it comes into contact with the drainage geotextile blankets (13), which have the function of allowing water to pass through while retaining larger solid particles, preventing them from escaping with the drained water. Below the geotextile blankets (13), more precisely, on the modular metal structure (4) formed by the set of modules (M), there is a waterproofing layer made of HDPE blanket (12), which is overlaid on a layer of gravel (17) and an HDPE blanket (15), ensuring that the filtered liquid does not contaminate the substrate below or cause erosion and leakage.

[0052]

[0038] In Fig. 6, the structural panels (3) and the horizontal tubular elements are shown.

[0053] (7) locking, the channel waterproofed with HDPE sheet (12), the drainage geotextile sheet (13), the assembly for dewatering or storage in the reservoir (14) and the dewatering of the material. These elements are interconnected to demonstrate the dewatering process, where a pipe (T) discharges material into the reservoir (14). The reservoir (14) can be used both for the dewatering process and as a reservoir (14) for storing liquids.

[0054]

[0039] Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of the linear module (2), illustrating the structural panels (3) with the "U" mounting brackets (5) with fixing flanges (6), the horizontal tubular locking elements (7) equipped with coupling terminals.

[0055] (8), as well as the lifting handles in rolled flat bar (9). In time, it visualizes a mounting structure (20) for a protective grid (21), which constitute the essential parts for the containment and support of the modular metal structure (4). The mounting structure (20) includes cylindrical mounting elements (22), which fit into interlocking supports with converging fins (23) located on the front part of the structural panels (3). The mounting structure (20) comprises horizontal tubular elements (24) and a vertical flat bar (25), also having an "L" profile (26). The said exploded representation highlights the interconnection of each piece in the linear module (2).

[0056]

[0040] Fig. 8 shows the curved corner module (11), equipped with structural panels (3) fixed by horizontal tubular locking elements (7) equipped with coupling terminals (8), fixed to the "U" mounting supports (5) with fixing flanges (6), in addition to having lifting handles in rolled flat bar (9). The structural panels (3) receive a plurality of "U" mounting supports (5) with fixing flanges (6), from the bottom, intermediate and top, to allow fitting and securing the arched tubes (10). Furthermore, Fig. 8 illustrates the curved corner module (11) designed for corners when the set of modules (M) of the modular metal structure (4) is arranged in an orthogonal format (1A), whether in a square or rectangular arrangement. Thus, this configuration allows for flexible adaptation of the multimodular system (1) to different geometries and construction needs.

[0057]

[0041] Fig. 9 shows the front view of the assembled linear module (2), highlighting the mounting structure (20) with the protective grid (21).

[0058]

[0042] Fig. 10 illustrates the perspective view of the assembled linear module (2).

[0059]

[0043] Fig. 11 shows the inverted perspective view of the assembled linear module (2).

[0060]

[0044] Fig. 12 illustrates only the mounting structure (20) with and without the protective grid (21), also showing the cylindrical mounting elements (22), the horizontal tubular elements (24), the vertical flat bar (25) and the "L" profile (26).

[0061]

[0045] Fig. 13 illustrates the enlarged detail of the horizontal tubular elements (7) equipped with coupling terminals (8).

[0062]

[0046] Fig. 14 shows an enlarged detail of the "U" mounting brackets (5) with fixing flanges (6).

[0063]

[0047] Fig. 15 illustrates the enlarged detail of the cylindrical mounting elements (22) fitted into the fitting supports with converging fins (23).

[0048] In summary, the multimodular system (1), according to the present invention, is specialized in dewatering, dehydration and storage processes of liquids, with potential application in dredging operations. Dewatering and dehydration of the dredged material occur by means of a specific reservoir (14), whose structure is reinforced by horizontal tubular locking elements (7) and structural panels (3) that support the assembly. During the process, the solid material is retained in the reservoir (14) while the liquid is drained, facilitating effective separation and reduction of the volume of retained material for disposal or further treatment.

[0064]

[0049] The multimodular system (1) is equipped with channels waterproofed with HDPE sheeting (12) and drainage geotextile sheets (13) that aid in filtering and conducting the liquid, optimizing the drainage process and preventing contamination. After drainage, the liquids are directed to storage in modules designed to maximize space efficiency and safety, ensuring structural integrity even in adverse conditions. This efficient storage is crucial for dredging operations, where large volumes of liquids need to be managed in an environmentally responsible and economically viable manner.

Claims

CLAIMS 1) MULTIMODULAR SYSTEM FOR DEWATERING, DEHYDRATION AND STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN DREDGING OPERATIONS, consists of a multimodular system (1) formed by a set of modules (M), forming a modular metallic structure (4) with a draining geotextile blanket (13); the multimodular system (1) includes a linear module (2) which, when assembled in sequence, allows the formation of the set of modules (M); wherein, the linear module (2) is characterized by having structural panels (3) equipped with "U" mounting supports (5) with fixing flanges (6) equipped with holes (O) and; horizontal tubular locking elements (7) with coupling terminals (8) adjustable in the concavities of the "U" mounting supports (5), allowing the coupling terminals (8) to overlap the fixing flanges (6) with holes (O) for receiving fixing elements;Furthermore, the fact that the linear module (2) when assembled with a corner module (11) allows the configuration of a set of modules (M) in orthogonal format (1A), in circular format (2A) and in rectangular format (3A) which, when assembled, receive a channel waterproofed with HDPE sheet (12) for the dewatering and dehydration of the stored liquids.; 2) A MULTIMODULAR SYSTEM FOR DEWATERING, DEHYDRATING AND STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN DREDGING OPERATIONS, according to claim 1, is characterized by the fact that the structural panels (3) are configured by lifting handles in rolled flat bar (9), designed for transport, assembly and installation. 3) MULTIMODULAR SYSTEM FOR DEWATERING, DEHYDRATION AND STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN DREDGING OPERATIONS, according to claim 1, is characterized by the fact that the corner modules (11) use arched tubes (10), closing the ends of the module sets (M). 4) A multi-modular system for dewatering, dehydrating, and storing liquids in dredging operations, according to claim 1, is characterized by the fact that dewatering and storage... This occurs with a waterproofing layer made of HDPE sheet (12) below the drainage geotextile sheet (13), which is overlaid by a layer of gravel (17) and an HDPE sheet (15) for dewatering and dehydration of stored liquids. 5) MULTIMODULAR SYSTEM FOR DEWATERING, DEHYDRATION AND STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN DREDGING OPERATIONS, according to claim 1, is characterized by the fact that the structural panels (3) comprise interlocking supports with converging fins (23) for receiving and fitting cylindrical mounting elements (22) contained in an mounting structure (20) configured by a protective grid (21). 6) MULTIMODULAR SYSTEM FOR DEWATERING, DEHYDRATING AND STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN DREDGING OPERATIONS, according to claim 1, is characterized by the fact that the mounting structure (20) configured by a protective grid (21) comprises horizontal tubular elements (24), a vertical flat bar (25) and an "L" profile (26).

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