Hopper Discharge System Using Sensor-Controlled Water Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailing suction hopper dredgers face inefficiencies in discharging sediment from hoppers, with discharge time often equal to suction time due to loose-packed material, and excessive water usage when using water-jets for fluidization.
Innovation Solution
A discharging system equipped with sensors on the hopper walls to measure pressure and density of the sediment, controlling water jet valves to strategically apply water for efficient fluidization, reducing discharge time, water usage, and fuel consumption, while optimizing hopper volume and vessel stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If water-jets are used to fluidize the dredged material in the hopper, then the discharge time is shortened, but the quantity of water used increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies water jets only at specific locations where sensors detect high density or low water content in the dredged material. Instead of uniformly spraying water throughout the hopper, the system targets localized areas that require fluidization, thereby reducing overall water consumption while maintaining effective discharge acceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor the state of the dredged material (density, water content) and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this real-time information, the control unit dynamically adjusts the operation of water jet valves, activating them only when and where needed to fluidize the material, thus optimizing both discharge time and water usage.
2Reliability
If a large amount of water is used at high pressure to ensure complete emptying of the hopper, then the discharge is reliable, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies water jets partially rather than continuously throughout the discharge process. Water is applied only in specific zones where sensors indicate the need for fluidization, and only for the duration necessary to achieve effective discharge. This partial action maintains discharge reliability while avoiding the excessive water and energy consumption associated with continuous high-pressure spraying.
3Volume of stationary object
If the hopper walls are inclined at a steeper angle to increase volume, then the hopper capacity increases, but the material becomes harder to discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water jets as an intermediary substance to facilitate the discharge of material from steeply inclined hopper walls. The water acts as a mediator that reduces friction and adhesion between the dredged material and the hopper wall surface, enabling material to slide down steeper angles without requiring gentler slopes for easy discharge.
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 system significantly reduces discharge time, lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and enhances the quality of the discharged sediment for reclamation sites by using sensors to direct water jets only where needed, improving the stability and efficiency of the dredging process.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure sensor enables to measure a pore pressure, that is local pressure at the sensor upon dilatation of sand
Implementation Method 2
at least one water jet valve for fluidizing the dredged material while discharging
Implementation Method 3
By doing so the sediment stored in the hopper is loosened effectively
Implementation Method 4
the acquired information from the plurality of sensors, in particular pressure sensors, can be corrected for a hydrostatic pressure based on the water level information
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method and system for discharging dredged material stored within a hopper. The discharging system comprising a plurality of sensors on at least one bottom wall of the hopper for acquiring information over a dredged material stored within the hopper; an outlet on a lower part of the hopper for discharging the dredged material; and at least one water jet valve for fluidizing the dredged material while discharging; wherein a quantity of water flowing out of the at least one water jet valve is based on the acquired information from the plurality of sensors.