Carouseling Dredge Barge System for Continuous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailing suction dredging vessels face downtime issues due to the need to stop dredging to unload full hoppers, limiting continuous operation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dredging vessel and barge system with a 'moonpool' and carouseling system that allows continuous dredging by uncoupling from a full barge and connecting to an empty one, enabling the dredge to be transferred without significant downtime, and a drag arm pivotably coupled to a pump system within the hull, with a barge in fluidic communication for efficient dredge management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a hopper is used to store dredge material, then the vessel can accumulate material during dredging, but the vessel must stop dredging to unload the full hopper, causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage function into separate modular barges that can be independently filled and emptied. The dredging vessel operates independently from the barge, allowing the barge to be uncoupled and replaced when full, while the vessel continues dredging without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The barge acts as an intermediary storage element between the dredging vessel and the final disposal location. Material is transferred from the vessel to the barge via flexible hoses, allowing the vessel to maintain continuous operation while the barge serves as a mobile storage repository.
2Productivity
If the vessel uncouples from a full barge and connects to an empty one, then continuous dredging is enabled, but the coupling and uncoupling operations require time and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic coupling mechanisms that allow the vessel to quickly connect and disconnect from different barges. The flexible hoses and releasable couplings enable rapid reconfiguration without requiring complex permanent connections, facilitating the carouseling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel and barge interfaces are designed with universal coupling mechanisms that can work with any barge in the carousel system. The same coupling and disconnect procedures apply regardless of which specific barge is being used, simplifying operations despite the multiple-component system.
3Ease of operation
If a moonpool is added to improve drag arm maneuverability, then the drag arm can be raised and lowered more effectively, but the hull structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The moonpool introduces a vertical dimension to the drag arm operation, allowing the arm to be raised and lowered through the hull opening. This vertical movement capability provides additional maneuverability without requiring complex lateral adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall control system.
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
Enables continuous operation with reduced downtime, improving the efficiency and maneuverability of the dredging process by allowing the vessel to continuously dredge without the need to stop for hopper unloading.
Implementation Method 1
A dredging vessel according to the present disclosure includes a "moonpool," which is one or more apertures located through the dredging vessel, via which improved maneuverability of the dredge head is achieved.
Implementation Method 2
The barge is in fluidic communication with the drag arm
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel and vessel/barge systems for dredging underwater surfaces. The vessel includes a hull with a bottom, bow portion, stern portion, port side, and starboard side. The vessel also includes a deck supported by the hull and a pump system mounted within the hull. A drag arm pivotably couples to the pump system. The vessel additionally includes a void defined by contiguous watertight walls or bulkheads joined to and extending upward from the bottom of the hull. The contiguous watertight walls or bulkheads are (i) vertically extensive of a perimeters of an aperture in the bottom of the hull, (ii) outboard, astern, and forward the aperture, or (iii) some combination thereof. The barge is releasably coupled to the vessel. Moreover, the barge is in fluidic communication with the drag arm.