Detachable Fluidisation Nozzle for Faster Monopile Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for penetrating dense underwater beds and larger diameter tubular foundations, such as those used for wind turbines, suffer from low penetration speed and potential damage to metal structures due to excessive noise and strain from vibrohammers.
Innovation Solution
A rotating nozzle with high-pressure water injection nozzles and mechanical cutting elements, integrated into a detachable fluidisation device, which can be used in combination with a vibrohammer to enhance soil penetration by reducing strain and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vibrohammer is used to drive foundation piles into underwater beds, then the piles can be installed, but excessive noise is generated and metal foundation piles may be damaged due to strain
Solution Approach 1:
A water jet nozzle system is introduced as an intermediary between the vibrohammer and the underwater bed. The high-pressure water jets cut through the soil and rock layers, reducing the direct mechanical impact and strain on the metal foundation pile while still enabling successful installation. This mediator approach allows the vibrohammer to function while minimizing harmful effects on the pile structure.
2Productivity
If conventional methods are used to penetrate dense underwater beds, then penetration can be achieved, but penetration speed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into an integrated system: the water jet nozzle system merges cutting action with the vibrohammer's vibration function. The high-pressure water jets continuously cut through the underwater bed while the vibrohammer provides vibrational energy, creating a synergistic effect that dramatically increases penetration speed compared to conventional single-method approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes high-pressure hydraulic water jets to cut through dense underwater beds. The water is pressurized to generate sufficient force to erode and cut through soil and rock layers, providing a highly efficient penetration method that surpasses conventional mechanical drilling or vibration alone in terms of speed and energy efficiency.
3Strength
If larger diameter tubular foundations are used for wind turbines, then foundation capacity is increased, but penetration becomes more difficult and slower
Solution Approach 1:
The water jet nozzle system applies localized high-pressure cutting jets at the tip of the foundation pile, creating a concentrated cutting action that efficiently penetrates dense underwater beds. This localized approach is particularly effective for larger diameter foundations where the overall penetration challenge is greatest, allowing the foundation to be installed at full size without sacrificing penetration speed.
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 combination achieves a 70% reduction in strain and increased penetration speed, requiring less energy while effectively cutting through underwater soils.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating lower end is provided with horizontally extending arms, which arms are each provided with high pressure water injection nozzles... from which in use a jet is ejected... effectively cutting through underwater soils
Implementation Method 2
The rotating lower end is provided with horizontally extending arms, which arms are each provided with... mechanical cutting elements extending from the arm in the direction of rotation... causing the soil of the underwater bed to be cut
Implementation Method 3
a tubular foundation pile of a so-called monopile penetrates the seabed using a vibration arrangement clamped to the upper end of the foundation pile
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention is directed to a detachable fluidisation device (1) for use in a vertical positioned tubular foundation pile (43) having a pile axis (40) and comprising of a central element (3) and radially extending fixing means (2). The radially extending fixing means (2) can have a first position wherein, in use, the central element is radially fixed to the interior of the tubular foundation pile and a second position which allows the fluidisation device to axially move along the length of the tubular foundation pile. The central element (3) has at its lower end a rotating lower end provided with horizontally extending arms (8). The arms are each provided with high pressure water injection nozzles (8a) and with mechanical cutting elements extending from the arm in the direction of rotation.