Modular Dry Setting Element for Marine Structure Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance of partially submerged structures in waterways and marine installations is hindered by the need for extensive and time-consuming installation setups, which are not easily adaptable or compact enough to access isolated structures quickly.
Innovation Solution
A reusable, mobile dry setting element that uses a part of the partially submerged structure itself to create a sealed dry environment for inspection and maintenance, allowing for rapid treatment without inflation, contraction, or the need for additional panels, and enabling operation at ambient pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional dry setting installations are used to access partially submerged structures, then maintenance work can be performed in a dry environment, but the installation process is extensive, time-consuming, and not easily adaptable
Solution Approach 1:
The dry setting installation is divided into multiple modular dry setting elements that can be independently deployed and configured. Each element includes its own sealing means and can be adapted to different structure sizes and shapes, enabling rapid deployment without extensive installation setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The dry setting elements incorporate flexible sealing means that can adapt to different structures dynamically. The sealing elements are designed to conform to various shapes and sizes of partially submerged structures, allowing the same modular unit to serve multiple purposes without reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If traditional dry setting installations are used, then structures can be accessed in dry environment, but the installations are not compact enough to access isolated structures quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent dry setting elements rather than one large complex installation. Each element is a self-contained unit that can be deployed independently, reducing overall system complexity and enabling faster access to isolated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Each dry setting element includes integrated sealing means that automatically adapt to the structure being accessed. The sealing elements are designed to self-adjust and conform to different structures without requiring complex installation procedures or additional adjustment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If sealing means is provided on dry setting element, then rapid treatment is enabled, but the element must be fully surrounding the structure
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dry setting elements can be deployed around different portions of a structure, with each element providing sealing and maintenance access to its specific section. This segmented approach allows maintenance work to proceed on multiple sections simultaneously and adapts to structures that cannot be fully surrounded.
Solution Approach 2:
Each dry setting element is designed to provide sealing and maintenance functionality for its local section of the structure. The sealing means on each element is optimized for its specific position and the local structure characteristics, enabling rapid maintenance without requiring complete enclosure of the entire structure.
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
Facilitates rapid and efficient maintenance of inaccessible structures with a short turn-around-time, minimizing disruption to marine installations and allowing for treatment of structures that would be difficult to fully surround, while keeping marine installations operational.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing means, said first truncated angular-, oval- or part-angular-part-oval-shaped end being open and said second truncated angular-, oval- or part-angular-part-oval-shaped end being closed with a floor having a free edge, wherein said sealing means comprises a structure extending between said elongated extremities and the free edge of said floor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
A truncated elongated angular-, oval-, or part-angular-part-oval-shaped dry setting element having two elongated extremities, a first end, a second end and a sealing means, said truncated angular-, oval-, or part-angular-part-oval-shaped end being open and said second truncated angular-, oval-shaped or part-angular-part-oval-end being closed with a floor having a free edge, wherein said sealing means comprises a structure extending between said elongated extremities and the free edge of said floor, said sealing means being closed except for an open part which is adapted to accommodate part of a partially submerged structure, and has sealing elements along the edges of said open part of said sealing means; a dry setting installation (1) is provided for generating a substantially dry working space for carrying out work on part of a partially submerged structure, the dry setting installation (1) comprising a truncated elongated angular-, oval-shaped or part-angular-part-oval-dry setting element according to claim 1, which with said part of a partially submerged structure is capable of forming a cofferdam round said part of said partially submerged structure; a process for the treatment of part of a partially submerged structure, said process comprising the steps of: closing the above-described dry setting element with said part of said partially submerged structure, sealing said dry setting element on said part of said partially submerged structure thereby providing a dry setting installation; pumping the water out of said dry setting installation thereby providing a cofferdam round said part of said partially submerged structure; cleaning the surface of said part of said partially submerged structure; curing said curable adhesive coating, filling said dry setting installation with water, removing said dry setting element from said part of said partially submerged structure; and the use of the mobile dry setting installation as disclosed above for carrying out maintenance on parts of partially submerged structures.