Incompressible Buoyant Fluid for Subsea Lifting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buoyancy techniques for underwater operations face challenges in deeper water due to gas compressibility and sudden upward forces, leading to uncontrollable movements and potential damage, especially when calculating the weight of structures to be lifted is inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
The use of an incompressible buoyant fluid with a specific gravity less than 0.56 g/cm³, comprising low-toxicity oils and microspheres, which can be pumped into or out of containers to control buoyancy, providing a stable and controlled lifting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If gas is used to fill the container for buoyancy, then buoyant force is provided allowing the structure to be lifted, but the gas compressibility causes uncontrollable acceleration and sudden upward movement when moving towards the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the buoyant medium from compressible gas to incompressible liquid. This parameter change eliminates the problem of gas expansion and acceleration when moving towards the surface, providing stable and controllable buoyancy throughout the water column.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid intermediary substance that transfers buoyant force without the compressibility issues of gas. This liquid medium acts as a mediator between the buoyancy container and the surrounding water, providing smooth and predictable lifting forces.
2Force
If weights are removed from rigid buoyancy elements to provide lift, then the structure rises, but the sudden upward force can cause damage to subsea equipment and personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of buoyancy by using pumpable liquid instead of fixed weights. The buoyant force can be adjusted in real-time by pumping liquid in or out of the container, allowing controlled ascent rates and preventing sudden upward movements that could damage equipment or personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by having the capability to pump liquid out of the buoyancy container before reaching the surface or before potential hazards. This allows the operator to reduce buoyant force in advance to prevent sudden upward acceleration and potential damage.
3Measurement precision
If complex calculations are performed to determine the weight of the structure for buoyancy provision, then suitable buoyancy can be provided, but incorrect calculations result in dangerous sudden upward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by making the buoyant force adjustable through liquid pumping. Even if initial weight calculations are inaccurate, the operator can monitor the ascent and adjust the buoyant force in real-time by pumping liquid in or out, ensuring safe and controlled operation regardless of calculation precision.
4Force
If large quantities of fresh water are used in balloons to provide buoyancy in sea water, then buoyant force is achieved, but very large balloons are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite buoyant liquid mixture with specific gravity less than 0.56 g/cm³, combining oils and/or air-filled microspheres with water. This composite material provides high buoyancy per unit volume, significantly reducing the required container size compared to fresh water balloons while maintaining effective buoyant force.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise control of buoyancy, preventing sudden upward movements and enabling safe handling of subsea equipment, with the ability to adjust buoyancy as needed, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational control.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant fluid having a specific gravity of less than 0.56g/cm3... allowing it to be lifted
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention concerns a buoyant fluid comprising a liquid and a plurality of rigid containers, the rigid containers each having a sealed void containing a gas. A particular use is to transport heavy objects subsea. The gas in the rigid containers provides buoyancy but does not compress at different subsea pressures. Therefore effective buoyancy control subsea is much easier compared to known methods. For certain embodiments, a secured supply container (14) may be provided subsea to supply the liquid and rigid containers to a lifting device (1) having a container (4) therefor and an attachment mechanism (6) secured to the object (8) being transported. The liquid is preferably a biodegradable substance such as vegetable oil.