Dredging Diving Bell Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dredging techniques for removing alluvial deposits from water bodies are inefficient due to high turbulence, leading to increased moisture content, higher costs, and the risk of spreading pollution, which often results in these areas being left untouched to avoid further contamination.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a submerged diving bell system where air pressure is equalized with the water pressure to minimize turbulence, allowing for efficient suction and removal of alluvial deposits using a pump connected to a vessel, with the option of a shaft for diver access and multiple pumps for increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional dredging techniques are used to remove alluvial deposits, then the deposits can be removed from the bottom, but high turbulence is generated causing the deposits to be turned up and spread over the watery area
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dredging operation into two functional zones: a containment zone (diving bell) where turbulence is isolated, and a removal zone (discharge area) where clean water is released. This segmentation prevents the spread of turned-up deposits while maintaining efficient removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The diving bell acts as an intermediary device between the pump and the alluvial deposits. It contains the turbulence generated by the pump within its structure, preventing the turned-up deposits from spreading while still allowing effective suction of the deposits through the system.
2Productivity
If a large diameter pipe is used to increase removal volume, then productivity improves, but turbulence increases causing more deposits to be turned up
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of turbulence is extracted and isolated within the diving bell structure. The bell contains the turbulent flow and turned-up deposits, separating them from the surrounding water body, while the pump continues to operate at high capacity through the same pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters within the diving bell by creating a localized zone where turbulence is contained and managed differently than in traditional open-water dredging. The bell's structure allows high-velocity flow and large pipe diameters without the same level of harmful spreading effects.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pipe diameter is reduced to minimize turbulence, then pollution spreading is reduced, but the removal process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The diving bell is positioned and deployed at the dredging site before the actual removal operation begins. This preliminary placement of the containment structure allows the subsequent use of larger diameter pipes and higher capacity pumps without risking pollution spreading, thereby reducing overall dredging time.
4Productivity
If alluvial deposits are turned up during dredging, then they can be accessed for removal, but the moisture content increases requiring additional drying time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts what would normally be a harmful effect (turbulence turning up deposits) into a beneficial containment process. The diving bell captures and contains the turned-up deposits, preventing them from spreading and mixing with clean water, thereby reducing the overall moisture content that would need to be removed during subsequent drying operations.
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 method significantly reduces turbulence, prevents the spread of polluted deposits, and enhances the efficiency of the dredging process, making it more cost-effective and environmentally safer by containing the removal within the diving bell.
Implementation Method 1
an air pressure is generated which is practically equal to or larger than the pressure of the water column measured outside the diving bell as of the lower edge of the diving bell up to the water line
Implementation Method 2
the alluvial deposits are sucked up in situ by a pump and are carried to the place of discharge via a tube
Data Source
AI summary
Method and device for removing alluvial deposits from the bottom of a watery area, whereby the layer of alluvial deposits (6) situated on the bottom (13) is carried to a place of discharge (16) and whereby the removal of the alluvial deposits (6) takes place under a diving bell (2) placed on or in the vicinity of the water bottom (13) and in which an air pressure is generated which is practically equal to or larger than the pressure of the water column measured outside the diving bell (2) as of the lower edge (5) of the diving bell (2) up to the water line (17), characterized in that the alluvial deposits (6) are sucked in in situ by a pump (14) and are carried to the place of discharge (16) via a tube (15).