Bilge pump system

Abstract

A vessel, system and method are disclosed. The vessel comprises a hazardous enclosed space, a non-hazardous space and a fluid connection between the hazardous enclosed space and the non-hazardous space. A sensor is provided within the hazardous enclosed space and is configured to detect an increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space. A pump is provided within the non-hazardous space. The pump is connected to the fluid connection and is configured to pump bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space via the fluid connection. A shut-off valve is also provided along the fluid connection and is configured to fluidly isolate or fluidly connect the pump to the hazardous enclosed space. The shut-off valve is configured to isolate the pump from the hazardous enclosed space in response to the sensor detecting an increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space. Unlocking insights from Geo-Data, the present invention further relates to improvements in sustainability and environmental developments: together we create a safe and liveable world.

Description

BILGE PUMP SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to apparatus, methods and systems for safely pumping bilge water out of a hazardous enclosed space of a vessel. Unlocking insights from Geo-Data, the present invention further relates to improvements in sustainability and environmental developments: together we create a safe and liveable world.BACKGROUND

[0002] A variety of construction, research and development projects require operations to be performed at sea. One example of such a project is the collection of geological data, or “geo-data”, during the planning of infrastructure projects. The vessels used to perform these operations may contain hazardous areas such as areas storing batteries or fuel tanks. Additionally, vessels at sea require bilge drainage capability to remove bilge water collected in the vessel. This is particularly important for preventing electrical equipment from being submerged and preventing the vessel from flooding. Bilge water may need to be removed from the aforementioned hazardous area as part of this process.

[0003] If a bilge pump is to be provided in the hazardous area, it is necessary to ensure that the bilge pump does not cause a risk of explosion. Due to the storage of components associated with potentially volatile materials in the hazardous area (e.g. batteries or fuel tanks), the risk of flame or sparks should be minimised. Traditionally, this has been achieved through provision of specialist “explosion-rated” pumps. These pumps are manufactured to minimise the possibility that the pump may cause a flame or spark in the case of a malfunction or during use. This is achieved through the provision of mitigations such as containment, material selection and specialist sub-componentry that minimises the potential for the pump to generate a spark or flame that would pose a risk of initiating an explosion or fire in an explosive atmosphere. In some cases, the explosion-rated nature of a bilge pump or other component may be regulated according to an agreed objective safety standard such as ATEX (Atmospheres Explosibles) or lECex (International Electrotechnical Commission System). A drawback of explosion-rated pumps (and explosionrated components in general) is that they are much heavier than standard bilge pumps. Thisincreases the weight of the vessel, reducing fuel efficiency. Furthermore, explosion-rated pumps are more expensive than standard bilge pumps resulting in high costs of purchasing and installing such pumps into the vessel. In addition, even explosion-rated pumps are not totally fail-safe and thus still pose a risk when provided in a hazardous area, albeit a reduced one compared with non- explosion-rated pumps.

[0004] It would be advantageous to provide improved bilge pumping systems that address some or all of the problems described above.OVERVIEW

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vessel is disclosed. The vessel comprises a hazardous enclosed space, a non-hazardous space, and a fluid connection between the hazardous enclosed space and the non-hazardous space. A sensor is provided within the hazardous enclosed space and is configured to detect an increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space. A pump is provided within the non-hazardous space. The pump is connected to the fluid connection and is configured to pump bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space via the fluid connection. Additionally, a shut-off valve is provided along the fluid connection and is configured to fluidly isolate or fluidly connect the pump to the hazardous enclosed space. The shut-off valve is configured to isolate the pump from the hazardous enclosed space in response to the sensor detecting an increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space. The phrase “fluidly isolate” as used herein means that fluid (including gas) cannot pass along the fluid connection between the components or areas in question, in this case between the hazardous enclosed space and the non-hazardous space and, by extension, the pump. The phrase “hazardous enclosed space” as used herein means the space in which the hazardous material is contained but is not limited to hermetically sealed spaces. For example, the hazardous enclosed space may have venting channels. Further, the hazardous enclosed space may have small leakage to other spaces or areas. The non-hazardous space has no requirement of enclosure. The fluid connections may be provided in any area, including open space or open air. The terms hazardous enclosed space and non-hazardous space are used to depict two separate spaces. Their terms do not necessitate a physical difference between the spaces. Reference could similarly be made to a first enclosed space and a second enclosed space, respectively, to denote the hazardous enclosed space and the non- hazardous enclosed space.

[0006] Advantageously, by locating a pump in a non-hazardous space outside of the hazardous enclosed space, the pump used does not need to be explosion-rated. In other words, the pump doesnot need to be designed with specific features for reducing the risk of a current surge, spark or flame. Non-explosion-rated pumps are typically lighter, which reduces the weight of the vessel thereby increasing fuel efficiency. Non-explosion-rated pumps are also cheaper. Safety is improved via the sensor in the non-hazardous space being used to detect an increased explosion risk, for example the presence of an explosive gas or indication of a component fault, in addition to the shut-off valve used to prevent any flow of fluid between the hazardous enclosed space and non-hazardous space if the sensor detects such hazardous conditions. In particular, when an increased explosion risk is detected, the pump may be mechanically and fluidly isolated so that no spark or current created by the pump can reach the hazardous enclosed space and no flammable or explosive gasses (if present) can leak into the non-hazardous space. Safety is also increased by reducing the number of components in the hazardous enclosed space.

[0007] In some examples, the pump is non-explosion-rated. The phrase “non-explosion rated” as used throughout this disclosure may mean that the component in question does not contain any specialist components configured to minimise the risk of ignition or sparking, and / or that the component is not regulated or certified according to an agreed objective safety standard such as ATEX (Atmospheres Explosibles) or lECex (International Electrotechnical Commission System). As described above, non-explosion-rated components are simpler, lighter and cheaper than typical explosion-rated components. Using a lighter weight pump in the disclosed system reduces the weight of the vessel and improves fuel efficiency.

[0008] In some examples, detecting an increased explosion risk comprises detecting one or more of the presence of a flammable or explosive gas within the hazardous enclosed space, the presence of smoke within the hazardous enclosed space, the presence of a flame within the hazardous enclosed space, an increase in temperature within the hazardous enclosed space above a pre-determined threshold value and a fault detected on a component provided within the hazardous enclosed space. All of the above can be indicative of an increased risk of explosion in the hazardous enclosed space. For example, flammable and / or explosive gases can form in the hazardous enclosed space for a number of reasons. These include off-gassing from faulty components, such as batteries, as well as leakages from components such as fuel storage devices like hydrogen tanks. The presence of smoke, increased temperature above an established threshold, or a fault all indicate that a component may be malfunctioning and may therefore be at an increased risk of triggering an explosion. The present invention ensures that, in such a scenario, the pump is shut off from the hazardous enclosed space to ensure that no sparks or current caused by the pump enter the hazardous enclosed space and no flammable or explosive gasses (if present) enter the non-hazardous space.

[0009] In some examples, the shut-off valve is provided along the fluid connection between the pump and the hazardous enclosed space. This provides a simple mechanism by which the shutoff valve can close the connection between the pump and the hazardous enclosed space.

[0010] In some examples, the fluid connection passes through an inlet between the hazardous enclosed space and the non-hazardous space. The inlet may be gas tight and preferably explosionrated. By providing an inlet that is gas tight and explosion-rated, safety of the vessel is improved by reducing the risk of flammable or explosive gas passing into the non-hazardous space. An explosion-rated inlet may comprise materials that have a high melting point and good sealing properties which may persist over long periods of time. An example material includes vulcanised rubber.

[0011] In some examples, a float switch is provided in the hazardous enclosed space. The float switch is configured to detect the presence of bilge water in the hazardous enclosed space; and in response to detecting the presence of bilge water in the hazardous enclosed space, cause the pump to be switched on. The use of a float switch provides a simple and cheap way to trigger the pump. It also ensures the pump is not running when not needed, i.e. when there is no water to pump out of the hazardous enclosed space.

[0012] In cases where the fluid connection passes through an inlet between the hazardous enclosed space and the non-hazardous space, the float switch may be provided in a region of the hazardous enclosed space above the inlet. This ensures that the float switch only turns the pump on when the inlet is submerged in water. This ensures that only liquid is passed through the inlet and reduces the chance of flammable or explosive gas from passing through the inlet when the pump is on.

[0013] In some examples, the float switch is explosion-rated. Providing an explosion-rated float switch improves the safety of the vessel.

[0014] In some examples, the hazardous enclosed space comprises a region housing one or more components that are vulnerable or susceptible to exploding in the presence of fire and / or electricity.

[0015] In some examples, the hazardous enclosed space comprises one or more of a battery storage space and a fuel storage space. Batteries and fuel storage components (such as hydrogen, methanol or petrol tanks) are all vulnerable to explosion if exposed to ignition sources, such as flame or current. The systems of the present disclosure ensure that no such flame or current can enter the hazardous enclosed space from the pump if an increased risk of explosion has been detected, for example if there has been a fuel leak or off-gassing or if a component such as a battery has been detected as being faulty.

[0016] In some examples, the vessel further comprises an oil separator provided in the non- hazardous space. The oil separator is configured to separate oil from the bilge water pumped out of the hazardous enclosed space by the pump. This ensures that oil is not passed outside of the vessel which reduces the environmental impact of the pumping system. Additionally, providing the oil separator in the non-hazardous space improves safety and means the oil separator does not need to be explosion-rated.

[0017] In some examples, the fluid connection is configured to pass through or terminate in an outlet of the vessel, wherein fluid passed through the outlet is passed outside of the vessel (e.g. returned to the sea).

[0018] In some examples, the vessel further comprises a check valve configured to permit the flow of bilge water from the hazardous enclosed space to the non-hazardous space, and prevent the flow of bilge water from the non-hazardous space to the hazardous enclosed space. This ensures that fluid (e.g. bilge water) can flow out of the hazardous enclosed space but not vice versa. As a result, anything that may enter the vessel, for example water, via an outlet or other entry point cannot pass through to the pump and to the rest of the vessel.

[0019] In some examples, the shut-off valve comprises an L-port valve. In some examples, the shut-off valve comprises a ball valve. These valves provide simple and reliable mechanisms for isolating or connecting the pump to the hazardous area.

[0020] In some examples, the shut-off valve is configured to only fluidly connect the hazardous enclosed space to the pump when the sensor detects that there is no increased explosion risk in the hazardous enclosed space. Advantageously, this ensures that the “default” position of the valve is closed, and that the connection is only formed when the detector actively detects that there is no increased explosion risk. This further improves safety.

[0021] In some examples, the sensor comprises one or more of a fault sensor, a gas detector, a heat detector, a flame detector and a smoke detector. Using different types of sensors ensures hazardous conditions can be detected for different hazardous enclosed spaces. This improves safety of the vessel. It will be appreciated that there may be more than one type of sensor provided in the hazardous enclosed space.

[0022] In cases where the fluid connection passes through an inlet between the hazardous enclosed space and the non-hazardous space, the sensor may be provided in a region of the hazardous enclosed space above the inlet. This ensures that the sensor can measure the presence of gas correctly and reduces the risk of the sensor being submerged and thereby damaged and / or unable to take measurements.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for safely pumping bilge water out of a hazardous enclosed space of a vessel is disclosed. The method comprisespumping, using a pump provided in a non-hazardous space of a vessel and connected to a fluid connection, bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel via the fluid connection. The method further comprises detecting, by a sensor provided in the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel, that there is an increased explosion risk in the hazardous enclosed space, and responsive to the detecting, closing a shut-off valve provided along the fluid connection to fluidly isolate the pump from the hazardous enclosed space. Advantageously, the above method improves safety and enables a non-explosion-rated pump to be used. This has the associated advantages described above.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, another method for safely pumping bilge water out of a hazardous enclosed space of a vessel is disclosed. The method comprises causing a pump provided in a non-hazardous space of a vessel and connected to a fluid connection to pump bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel via the fluid connection; receiving an indication from a sensor provided in the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel that there is an increased explosion risk in the hazardous enclosed space; and responsive to receiving the indication, causing a shut-off valve provided along the fluid connection to be closed in order to fluidly isolate the pump from the hazardous enclosed space. This method may be performed by a computer, such as a controller or control system for the vessel.

[0025] In some examples, the method further comprises, prior to the pumping, receiving an indication from the sensor that there is no increased explosion risk in the hazardous enclosed space.

[0026] Advantageously, this ensures that the detector first checks whether there is no increased explosion risk before opening the shut-off valve. If an explosion risk is present, the hazardous enclosed space remains fluidly isolated from the pump. This further reduces the risk of explosions occurring and improves the safety of the vessel.

[0027] In some examples, the method further comprises, receiving an indication from a float switch provided in the hazardous enclosed space indicating the presence of bilge water in the hazardous enclosed space; and responsive to receiving the indication, switching on the pump to pump the bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space.

[0028] Advantageously, and as previously described, the float switch provides an efficient and simple means to trigger the pump, ensuring that the pump is not active when it is not needed (e.g. when there is no or insufficient bilge water to remove from the hazardous enclosed space).

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor configured to be provided in and detect an increased explosion risk in a hazardous enclosed space of a vessel. The system further comprises a pump configured to be provided in the non-hazardous space. The pump is further configured to be connected to a fluid connection and pump bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel via the fluidconnection. The system further comprises a shut-off valve configured to be provided along the fluid connection. The shut-off valve is configured to fluidly isolate or fluidly connect the pump to the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel, and is further configured to fluidly isolate the pump from the hazardous enclosed space in response to the sensor detecting an increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space. The components of the system according to the present disclosure can be provided to a vessel in a single unit, or as a kit of parts. They may be provided such that they can be modularly installed into a vessel which comprises an area which is likely to be prone to hazardous materials and its adjacent non-hazardous space.

[0030] Advantageously, by locating a pump in a non-hazardous space outside of the hazardous enclosed space, the pump used does not need to be explosion-rated. This has the advantages described above.

[0031] The methods disclosed herein may be performed by one or more computing devices. The computing devices may be provided locally as part of a control system for the vessel and / or remotely at a remote control centre. Accordingly, one or more computing devices configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein is provided. Further, a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to carry out any of the methods disclosed herein is provided. Further, a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to carry out any of the methods disclosed herein is provided.

[0032] The above mentioned and other features and advantages of the disclosure will be best understood from the following description referring to the attached drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote identical parts or parts performing an identical or comparable function or operation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an example bilge pump system provided in a vessel according to the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 2 shows an example bilge pump system according to the present disclosure in further detail;

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a method for safely pumping bilge water out of a hazardous enclosed space of a vessel according to the present disclosure; and

[0037] FIG. 4 shows an example computing device for performing the methods disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure relates generally to a bilge pumping system for a vessel that provides improved safety against explosions in a hazardous area of the vessel. By providing various components, such as the bilge pump, outside of the hazardous area, the risk of explosion is reduced and the demands on the design of the components to be explosion-rated can be relaxed. Use of a sensor to detect an increased risk of explosion in the hazardous area further improves safety by enabling the area to be isolated from the remainder of the vessel.

[0039] Examples contemplated by the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the illustrated embodiments are provided by way of example to covey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a vessel 100 according to the present disclosure. The vessel can be any suitable vessel, such as a boat, raft or dinghy. The vessel can be crewed or uncrewed. The vessel may in some examples comprise data collection means (not shown) configured to obtain geo-data. Such data collection means may comprise sensors and / or measuring devices configured to probe, scan or sample the environment around the vessel. For example, the data collection means may be configured to scan or probe the seabed to determine the structure, composition or topography of the seabed. The collection of geo-data, or geological data, such as this is frequently a critical step in the planning of construction and infrastructure projects at sea. Uncrewed vessels are particularly well suited to gathering this form of data because they can more easily access remote locations at sea for extended periods of time, and the disclosed systems and methods are particularly suitable for use in an uncrewed surface vessel (USV), where reliability and hazard reduction is particularly important because there are no crew members onboard to identify or resolve problems such as leaking or faulty fuel tanks.

[0041] The vessel 100 comprises a hazardous enclosed space 110 and a pump 120 housed outside of the hazardous enclosed space 110. The pump 120 is provided in a non-hazardous space 125. In this example the non-hazardous space 125 is a general purpose volume in one of the hulls of the vessel 100, but can generally be any area of the vessel that does not house volatile or sensitive components that are at increased risk of explosion. By contrast, and as noted above, the hazardous enclosed space 110 may be defined as a region that does house one or more components that are vulnerable to exploding in the presence of fire and / or electricity. In some examples, the hazardous enclosed space 110 may additionally or alternatively be considered a region where an explosive atmosphere may occur in quantities that require special precautions, for example as defined in a safety standard such as the 2002 Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) regulation. The term “enclosed” in this context means that the space is closed on all sides during normal operation, except for any entry / exit points required for bilge water removal and, optionally, any entry / exit points required for other hardware such as ventilation, and / or to enable electronics or power systems to interface with components in the hazardous enclosed space 110, such as such as via wires. Accordingly, will be appreciated that “enclosed” need not mean “hermetically sealed”, but rather may be an indication that, other than various entry / exit points for equipment and electricity / fluid lines and any small (possibly unintended) gaps or openings, the space 110 is substantially enclosed on all sides.

[0042] The hazardous enclosed space 110 may comprise one or more of a battery compartment, battery room or other form of battery storage area. Additionally or alternatively, the hazardous enclosed space 110 may comprise a fuel storage space. The fuel storage space may one or more of a space for storing a hydrogen tank, a space for storing butane, a space for storing methanol or another biofuel, or a space for storing petrol. It will be appreciated that the hazardous enclosed space 110 is not limited to the above examples and may comprise spaces to store other types of fuel, batteries or other hazardous materials or components that require special protection from sources of ignition.

[0043] A fluid connection 130 is provided between the various components including between the hazardous enclosed space 110 and the pump 120 such that the pump 120, when turned on, can pump bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space 110 through the fluid connection 130. In this example, fluid connection 130 comprises an inlet 135 configured to provide a fluid interface between the hazardous enclosed space 110 and the fluid connection 130 (and by extension the pump 120). Inlet 135 represents the only entry / exit point of the enclosed hazardous area 110 in this example. The vessel 100 in this example further comprises an outlet 140 at an end of the fluid connection 130 to enable bilge water pumped from hazardous area 110 to be ejected out of the vessel 100.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of the example bilge pump system just described in reference to FIG. 1. In this example, a portion of the vessel 100 is shown in cross-section and the various components are shown schematically. Like reference numerals are used between Figures 1 and 2 to indicate like features.

[0045] Hazardous enclosed space 110, non-hazardous space 125 and fluid connection 130 are depicted. Hazardous enclosed space 110 is demarcated through the use of diagonal lines to differentiate it schematically from the non-hazardous space 125, to aid understanding. Arrows indicate the various fluid flow paths between the various components along fluid connection 130, including between the hazardous enclosed space 110 and the non-hazardous space 125. In the example shown, entry points to the fluid connection 130 including inlet 135 are provided in a lower portion of the vessel 100 near the base of the vessel and hazardous enclosed space 110 such that drainage capability is increased, in particular because bilge water pooling in the hazardous enclosed space 110 and non-hazardous space 125 can enter the fluid connection 130 more easily. The fluid connection 130 may be a bilge pipe or hose, for example, suitable for holding and transporting bilge water.

[0046] The fluid connection 130 passes from the hazardous enclosed space 110 to the non- hazardous space 125 through inlet 135. The inlet 135 may be gas tight and to reduce the risk of flammable gas entering the non-hazardous space 125 from the hazardous enclosed space 110 via the inlet 135. The inlet 135 may also advantageously be explosion-rated. As noted above, the term “explosion-rated” used throughout this disclosure means a component or part that comprises one or more mitigations to reduce the risk of ignition or spark generation. These mitigations can relate to one or more of containment of certain sub-components, material selection and specialist subcomponentry that minimises the potential for the component as a whole to generate a spark or flame that would pose a risk of initiating an explosion or fire in an explosive atmosphere. In some examples, “explosion-rated” can mean that a component is compliant with an established safety standard such as ATEX (Atmospheres Explosibles) or lECex (International Electrotechnical Commission System).

[0047] A sensor 230 is provided within the hazardous enclosed space 110. The sensor 230 is configured to detect an increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space 110. As noted above, the increased explosion risk may comprise one or more of the presence of a flammable or explosive gas in the hazardous enclosed space, the detection of a fault with a component (e.g. battery) stored in the hazardous enclosed space 110, the presence of smoke in the hazardous enclosed space 110 and / or an increase in temperature within the hazardous enclosed space 110 greater than a pre-determined threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may define what is considered a “normal” or acceptable temperature that can be expected during ordinary use, andmay take into account seasonal and time based temperature fluctuations. The sensor 230 may comprise a gas detector configured to detect hydrogen gas, for example, when the hazardous enclosed space 110 comprises a hydrogen storage tank. In another example, the gas detector may detect off-gassing from other types of fuel stored in the hazardous enclosed space 110. Additionally, or alternatively the sensor may comprise a heat detector, a flame detector and / or a smoke detector. The sensor 230 in the example of Figure 2 is advantageously provided in the hazardous enclosed space 110 at a position above the inlet 135. This ensures that the sensor 230 can measure the presence of an increased explosion risk with improved accuracy and reduces the risk that the sensor is submerged by water and unable to take measurements.

[0048] In an example, the sensor 230 may additionally or alternatively comprise a fault sensor. As noted, the fault sensor may be coupled to one or more components (e.g. batteries) stored in the hazardous enclosed space 110, such that the fault sensor may detect a fault in the component which could increase the explosion risk, for example through the emission of flammable gases as can happen when certain types of battery malfunction. It will be appreciated that the sensor 230 may comprise any one or more of the sensors described above.

[0049] A pump 120 is provided within the non-hazardous space 125. The pump 120 is connected to the fluid connection 130 and is configured to pump bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space 110 via the fluid connection 130, in particular through inlet 135. The pump 120 may be any pump suitable for pumping water. Because the pump 120 is provided outside the hazardous enclosed space 110, the pump 120 need not be explosion-rated.

[0050] Further provided along the fluid connection 130 is a shut-off valve 225. The shut-off valve 225 is configured to fluidly isolate or fluidly connect the pump 120 from / to the hazardous enclosed space 110. Specifically, the shut-off valve 225 is configured to isolate the pump 120 from the hazardous enclosed space 110 in response to the sensor 230 detecting an increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space 110. The shut-off valve 225 in this example is also configured to fluidly connect the pump 120 to the hazardous enclosed space 110 in response to the sensor 230 detecting that there is no increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space 110.

[0051] The shut-off valve 225 may be provided along the fluid connection 130 between the pump 120 and the hazardous enclosed space 110. The shut-off valve 225 may comprise an L-port valve. Alternatively, the shut-off valve 225 may comprise a ball valve. However, it will be appreciated that the shut-off valve 225 may comprise any type of valve suitable for sealing the fluid connection 130 between the hazardous enclosed space 110 and the pump 120 and is not limited to the examples provided.

[0052] In the example shown, a float switch 235 is provided within hazardous enclosed space 110. The float switch 235 is configured to detect the presence of bilge water in the hazardous enclosed space 110, and in response to detecting the presence of bilge water in the hazardous enclose space 110, cause the pump 120 to be switched on. The float switch 235 may further be configured to detect that there is not a sufficient volume of bilge water present in the hazardous enclosed space 110 to submerge the inlet 135, and in response cause the pump 120 to be switched off. A sufficient volume of bilge water present in the hazardous enclosed space 110 may correspond to a pre-determined threshold depth of bilge water present in the hazardous enclosed space 110 that fully submerges the inlet 135. The float switch 235 may be provided in a region of the hazardous enclosed space 110 above the inlet 135. By providing the float switch 235 at a position in the hazardous enclosed space 110 above the inlet 135, the pump 120 may only be turned on by the float switch 235 when the inlet 135 is fully submerged in bilge water. This reduces the risk of flammable or explosive gas from passing through the inlet 135 from the hazardous enclosed space 110 to the non-hazardous space 125 while the pump 120 is on. The float switch 235 may be explosion-rated according to the definitions provided herein. The float switch 235 may be communicatively coupled to the pump 120 to cause the pump to be switched on and off via any suitable means, such as via a controller that monitors and controls both components.

[0053] Outlet 140 is in this example provided at the far end of the fluid connection 130 relative to the inlet 135. The outlet 140 in this example is provided at a position on the vessel 100 above the water level that the vessel 100 is submerged in during normal use, to reduce the ingress of water into the outlet 140. The fluid connection 130 in this example terminates at the outlet 140 such that bilge water may be ejected from the vessel 100 via the outlet 140. Additionally, the fluid connection 130 may form a “goose neck” shape at the outlet 140 to further prevent water ingress via outlet 140. In other words, the fluid connection may comprise a number of bends such that water entering via outlet 140 would need to travel vertically up the fluid connection 130 to pass the goose neck, as shown schematically in Figure 2.

[0054] An oil separator 250 is provided in this example in the non-hazardous space 125. The oil separator 250 is configured to separate oil from the bilge water pumped out of the hazardous enclosed space 110 by the pump 120 before it exits the vessel via outlet 140. This improves environmental sustainability. The oil separator 250 may comprise a cartridge filter.

[0055] The vessel 100 in this example also comprises a check valve 245 provided in the non- hazardous 125 space along the fluid connection 130. The check valve 245 is configured to permit the flow of bilge water in a first direction and restrict the flow of bilge water in the opposite, second direction. In particular, the check valve 245 may be configured to permit the flow of bilge water from the hazardous enclosed space 110 to the non-hazardous space 125 (i.e. flow away fromhazardous area 110 and towards outlet 140) and prevent the flow of bilge water from the non- hazardous space 125 to the hazardous enclosed space 110 (i.e. towards hazardous area 110 and away from outlet 140). The check valve may be a swing check valve. Alternatively, the check valve may be any other type of non-retum valve suitable for marine use. The check valve 245 may be provided at any suitable location along fluid connection 130.

[0056] It will be appreciated that each of the components of the vessel described above may be connected to one or more power sources and may be activated and controlled via instructions transmitted via a suitable wired or wireless connection by one or more controllers, such as a computer (not shown). Control of the components is described in more detail below with reference to Figure 4.

[0057] FIG. 3 shows an example method 300 for safely pumping bilge water out of a hazardous enclosed space of a vessel according to the present disclosure. The method may be carried out using the various components described above in relation to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and may be implemented by a control system comprising one or more computers as described in further detail below with reference to Figure 4. At step 302, the method comprises causing a pump, provided in a non-hazardous space of a vessel and connected to a fluid connection, to pump bilge water out of a hazardous enclosed space of the vessel via the fluid connection. Step 302 may thus comprise switching the pump on. At this point, a shut-off valve provided along the fluid connection may be in an open position to permit the flow of bilge water into the non-hazardous and to the pump.

[0058] At step 304, the method comprises receiving an indication from a sensor, provided in the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel, that there is an increased explosion risk in the hazardous enclosed space. As discussed above, the increased explosion risk may comprise the presence of a flammable or explosive gas in the hazardous enclosed space 110, the detection of a component fault of a component stored in the hazardous enclosed space 110, the presence of smoke in the hazardous enclosed space 110 and / or an increase in temperature within the hazardous enclosed space 110 greater than a pre-determined or acceptable / normal threshold temperature.

[0059] At step 306, the method comprises, responsive to receiving the indication from the sensor at step 304, causing a shut-off valve provided along the fluid connection to fluidly isolate the pump from the hazardous enclosed space. This can be achieved by closing the shut-off valve.

[0060] The method 300 may further comprise one or more of optional steps 308-316 which may occur before steps 302-306 and will now be described in detail. Example optional sequences of steps are indicated using dashed lines in Figure 3.

[0061] At step 308, prior to the pumping at step 302, the method may comprise receiving an indication from the sensor that there is no increased explosion risk in the hazardous enclosed space. In response to detecting that there is no increased explosion risk, at step 310, the method maycomprise causing the shut-off valve to fluidly connect the pump to the hazardous enclosed space by opening the shut-off valve. In this example, the shut-off valve is initially in a closed position.

[0062] The method may further comprise step 312, which may be an intermediary step between step 308 and 312 or may happen after step 310. At step 312, the method comprises receiving an indication from a float switch provided in the hazardous enclosed space indicating the presence of bilge water in the hazardous enclosed space. Optionally this may comprise detecting that the volume of bilge water in the hazardous enclosed space exceeds a threshold. In response, the pump is switched on to pump bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space at step 314. If the float switch does not detect the presence of a sufficient volume of bilge water in the hazardous enclosed space or the volume falls below a threshold, the pump is switched off at step 316. A sufficient volume of bilge water may correspond to a pre-determined threshold depth of bilge water within the hazardous enclosed space that fully submerges an inlet between the hazardous enclosed space and the non-hazardous space. This may be to ensure that fluid is only pumped out of the hazardous enclosed space when the inlet between the hazardous enclosed space and the non-hazardous space is submerged. This reduces the risk of flammable gases being pumped out of the hazardous enclosed space.

[0063] The method of Figure 3, as well as all other methods disclosed herein, may in some implementations be implemented autonomously, such as by one or more computing devices. The computing devices may be provided locally on the vessel, may be provided remotely, or a combination of local and remote computing devices may work together to perform the disclosed methods. Figure 4 shows an example computing device 400 suitable for carrying out part or all of the methods described above.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of one implementation of a processing system 400 in the form of a computing device within which a set of instructions for causing the computing device to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may be executed. In alternative implementations, the computing device may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet. The computing device may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computing device may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single computing device is illustrated, the term “computing device” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines (e.g.,computers) that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0065] The example processing system 400 includes a processor 402, a main memory 404 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), a static memory 404 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a secondary memory (e.g., a data storage device 418), which communicate with each other via a bus 430.

[0066] Processor 402 represents one or more general-purpose processors such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processor 402 may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Processor 402 may also be one or more special-purpose processors such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. Processor 402 is configured to execute the processing logic (instructions 422) for performing the operations and steps discussed herein.

[0067] The processing system 400 may further include a network interface device 408. The processing system 400 also may include a video display unit 410 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 412 (e.g., a keyboard or touchscreen), a cursor control device 414 (e.g., a mouse or touchscreen), and an audio device 414 (e.g., a speaker).

[0068] It will be apparent that some features of the processing system 400 shown in Figure 4 may be absent. For example, the processing system 400 may have no need for display device 410 (or any associated adapters). This may be the case, for example, for particular server-side computer apparatuses which are used only for their processing capabilities and do not need to display information to users. Similarly, user input device 412 may not be required. In its simplest form, processing system 400 comprises processor 402 and main memory 404.

[0069] The data storage device 418 may include one or more machine-readable storage media (or more specifically one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media) 428 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 422 embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 422 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 404 and / or within the processor 402 during execution thereof by the processing system 400, the main memory 404 and the processor 402 also constituting computer- readable storage media 428.

[0070] The various methods described above may be implemented by a computer program. The computer program may include computer code arranged to instruct one or more computing devices to perform the functions of one or more of the various methods described above. The computer program and / or the code for performing such methods may be provided to an apparatus, such as a computer, on one or more computer readable media or, more generally, a computer program product. The computer readable media may be transitory or non-transitory. The one or more computer readable media could be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, or a propagation medium for data transmission, for example for downloading the code over the Internet. Alternatively, the one or more computer readable media could take the form of one or more physical computer readable media such as semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disc, and an optical disk, such as a CD-ROM, CD-R / W or DVD.

[0071] The computer program is executable by the processor 402 to perform functions of the systems and methods described herein.

[0072] In an implementation, the modules, components, and other features described herein can be implemented as discrete components or integrated in the functionality of hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs, or similar devices.

[0073] A “hardware component” is a tangible (e.g., non-transitory) physical component (e.g., a set of one or more processors) capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain physical manner. A hardware component may include dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured to perform certain operations. A hardware component may be or include a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. A hardware component may also include programmable logic or circuitry that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations.

[0074] Accordingly, the phrase “hardware component” should be understood to encompass a tangible entity that may be physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or to perform certain operations described herein.

[0075] In addition, the modules and components can be implemented as firmware or functional circuitry within hardware devices. Further, the modules and components can be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and software components, or only in software (e.g., code stored or otherwise embodied in a machine-readable medium or in a transmission medium).

[0076] The above detailed description describes a variety of exemplary arrangements of and methods of using a bilge pumping system. However, the described arrangements and methods aremerely exemplary, and it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Some of these modifications will now be briefly described, however this list of modifications is not to be considered as exhaustive, and other modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0077] It while be appreciated that, in addition to the components described above, the hazardous enclosed space 110 and non -hazardous space 125 may be configured to house various other components and equipment of the vessel 100 including, but not limited to air conditioning units, assorted cabling and plumbing and electrical boards.

[0078] Whilst the above examples have described a shut-off valve 235 configured to be provided in the non-hazardous space 125, in another example the shut-off valve 235 may be provided in the hazardous enclosed space 110. In this example, the shut-off valve 235 may be gas tight and explosion-rated according to the definition provided herein and may be configured to fluidly isolate or fluidly connect the hazardous enclosed space 110 to the pump 120 provided in the non-hazardous space 125.

[0079] The term “apparatus” as used herein may refer to either a single apparatus or plural apparatus and should not be understood as being particularly limited to either a single discrete apparatus or a plurality of discrete apparatus unless a particular apparatus is further described as such.

[0080] It will be appreciated that the order of the optional steps 308-316 shown in Figure 3 is non-limiting and may be different to that shown. For example, step 312 may precede step 308. Step 310 may precede step 314. Various of these optional steps may be omitted entirely. As noted above, some of the possible orderings of these optional steps is shown schematically in Figure 3 using dashed lines, however other combinations and orders of these steps are possible.

[0081] The preceding detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure and its uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the detailed description.

[0082] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques compared to signal processing, data transmission, signalling, control and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connection may be present in an example of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vessel comprising: a hazardous enclosed space; a non-hazardous space; and a fluid connection between the hazardous enclosed space and the non-hazardous space; wherein a sensor is provided within the hazardous enclosed space and is configured to detect an increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space; wherein a pump is provided within the non-hazardous space, wherein the pump is connected to the fluid connection and is configured to pump bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space via the fluid connection; and wherein a shut-off valve is provided along the fluid connection and is configured to fluidly isolate or fluidly connect the pump to the hazardous enclosed space, wherein the shut-off valve is configured to isolate the pump from the hazardous enclosed space in response to the sensor detecting an increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space.

2. The vessel of claim 1, wherein the pump is non-explosi on-rated.

3. The vessel of claim 1 or 2, wherein detecting an increased explosion risk comprises detecting one or more of the presence of a flammable and / or explosive gas within the hazardous enclosed space; the presence of smoke within the hazardous enclosed space; the presence of a flame within the hazardous enclosed space; an increase in temperature within the hazardous enclosed space above a predetermined threshold value; and a fault detected on a component provided within the hazardous enclosed space.

4. The vessel of any preceding claim, wherein the shut-off valve is provided along the fluid connection between the pump and the hazardous enclosed space.

5. The vessel of any preceding claim, wherein a float switch is provided in the hazardous enclosed space, the float switch configured to: detect the presence of bilge water in the hazardous enclosed space; and in response to detecting the presence of bilge water in the hazardous enclosed space, cause the pump to be switched on.

6. The vessel of claim 5, wherein the fluid connection passes through an inlet between the hazardous enclosed space and the non-hazardous space, wherein the float switch is provided in a region of the hazardous enclosed space above the inlet.

7. The vessel of any preceding claim, wherein the hazardous enclosed space comprises a region housing one or more components that are vulnerable to exploding in the presence of fire and / or electricity.

8. The vessel of any preceding claim, wherein the hazardous enclosed space comprises one or more of: a battery storage space; and a fuel storage space.

9. The vessel of any preceding claim, wherein the shut-off valve is configured to only fluidly connect the hazardous enclosed space to the pump when the sensor detects that there is no increased explosion risk in the hazardous enclosed space.

10. The vessel of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor comprises one or more of: a fault sensor; a gas detector; a heat detector; a flame detector; and a smoke detector.

11. A method for safely pumping bilge water out of a hazardous enclosed space of a vessel, the method comprising: causing a pump, provided in a non-hazardous space of a vessel and connected to a fluid connection, to pump bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel via the fluid connection; receiving an indication from a sensor provided in the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel that there is an increased explosion risk in the hazardous enclosed space; and responsive to receiving the indication, causing a shut-off valve provided along the fluid connection to be closed in order to fluidly isolate the pump from the hazardous enclosed space.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: prior to the pumping, receiving an indication from the sensor that there is no increased explosion risk in the hazardous enclosed space; and causing the shut-off valve to fluidly connect the pump to the hazardous enclosed space by opening the shut-off valve.

13. The method of claims 11 or 12, further comprising: receiving an indication from a float switch provided in the hazardous enclosed space indicating the presence of bilge water in the hazardous enclosed space; and responsive to receiving the indication, switching on the pump to pump the bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space.

14. One or more computing devices configured to perform the method of claims 11-13; or a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to carry out the method of claims 11-13; or a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to carry out the method of claims 11-13.

15. A system comprising: a sensor configured to be provided in and detect an increased explosion risk in a hazardous enclosed space of a vessel; a pump configured to be provided in a non-hazardous space of the vessel, wherein the pump is further configured to be connected to a fluid connection and pump bilge water out of the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel via the fluid connection; and a shut-off valve configured to be provided along the fluid connection, wherein the shut-off valve is configured to fluidly isolate or fluidly connect the pump to the hazardous enclosed space of the vessel, and wherein the shut-off valve is configured to fluidly isolate the pump from the hazardous enclosed space in response to the sensor detecting an increased explosion risk within the hazardous enclosed space.

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