Underwater Excavator Nozzle Guide Vanes for Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass flow excavators are limited by low pressure and low fluid flow speed, requiring multiple passes for excavation and producing wide, shallow trenches with uncontrolled excavation profiles, and are inadequate for material collection and removal.
Innovation Solution
A controlled flow excavator device with a circular inlet and outlet, guide blades, and a flared outlet design to achieve higher pressure and volume flow rates, facilitating efficient excavation and material removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mass flow excavation is used with low pressure and low fluid flow speed, then the device can operate with simpler design, but multiple passes are required and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable impeller speed to dynamically control fluid flow pressure and velocity. The system can operate at higher speeds for rapid material removal and at lower speeds for finer control, eliminating the need for multiple passes while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of fluid flow by increasing pressure and velocity through improved impeller design and adjustable speed control. This transforms the low-pressure mass flow regime into a high-pressure controlled flow regime, achieving both productivity improvement and profile control
2Use of energy by moving object
If mass flow excavators operate at low pressure, then energy consumption is reduced, but trenches created are wide and shallow with uncontrolled excavation profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable impeller speed allows dynamic optimization of energy consumption. The system can operate at lower speeds for energy efficiency when profile control is needed, and at higher speeds when rapid material removal is required, providing both energy savings and precision control
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides operator control to adjust impeller speed based on real-time excavation conditions and desired profile outcomes, enabling feedback-based optimization of both energy consumption and excavation precision
3Speed
If mass flow excavators are used, then fluid is discharged at low speed and low pressure, but material collection and removal capabilities are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled flow excavator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can excavate material, transport it through the hose, and discharge it at high velocity for effective material removal. The system combines excavation, transport, and disposal capabilities in a single integrated device
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
The device enables efficient excavation with improved penetration and material removal capabilities, reducing the number of passes required and producing a more controlled, flat seabed profile.
Implementation Method 1
Mass Flow Excavation (MFE) is a means of creating cavities in the seabed with relatively low pressure(s) (Kilopascals, KPa)... Mass flow excavators typically comprise a hollow body housing and at least one impeller or rotor provided within the housing which draws fluid into the housing and directs the fluid out of the housing towards the seabed
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed an underwater material moving device or excavator (10a, b) comprising an outlet (15), wherein the outlet (15) comprises an elongate shape or slot (16). In preferred implementations the device (15; 315; 415) comprises a nozzle (150; 350; 450) having one or more guide vanes or blades (175; 375; 425) which can act to reduce fluid swill and/or provide a more coherent fluid output. There is also disclosed an underwater material moving apparatus (105) comprising first and 10 second underwater material moving devices (10a, 10b). In preferred implementations the nozzle (450) is dimensioned such that a width (W) of the nozzle (450) decreases or tapers. Further a length (L) of the nozzle (450) increases or flares in a direction from an inlet end to an outlet end of the nozzle (450).