Modular Hull Cleaning With Dirt Containment for Vessel Downtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning vessel hulls are slow, expensive, environmentally harmful, and risky, particularly for large vessels, due to manual operations and complex automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with washing modules and a service and guidance module that securely attaches to the hull, using pressurized water jets and rotating brushes to remove encrustations while containing the dirt, and a semi-submersible vessel module for efficient cleaning without divers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning by divers is used, then the cleaning operation can be performed, but the process is slow and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is autonomously operated without requiring divers, performing hull cleaning operations independently through automated water jet systems and propulsion mechanisms that navigate the hull autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical cleaning by divers is replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising water jet nozzles, propulsion units, and control systems that perform the cleaning function without human intervention
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning operations are performed, then the hull can be cleaned, but dirt is dispersed in water causing pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus extracts and removes dirt from the hull surface using water jets, separating the detached contaminants from the water environment through collection systems that prevent dispersion and pollution of the seabed
Solution Approach 2:
A water collection and filtration system acts as an intermediary between the cleaning process and the marine environment, capturing detached dirt particles and preventing them from dispersing into the water and polluting the seabed
3Productivity
If automated cleaning apparatus is hooked to the hull, then cleaning efficiency improves, but the coupling process is complex and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is divided into multiple independent modules including propulsion units, water jet nozzles, and cleaning components that can operate independently without requiring complex coupling to the hull, reducing attachment complexity and risk
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical coupling and attachment systems are replaced with non-contact water jet cleaning technology that eliminates the need for physical connection to the hull, thereby removing the risk of mechanical damage during coupling 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
The apparatus enables quick, effective, and environmentally friendly hull cleaning without damage, reducing costs and pollution, and allowing harbor operations with minimal risk to the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
using pressurized water jets to remove encrustations
Implementation Method 2
using pressurized water jets and rotating brushes to remove encrustations
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for cleaning the hull of a vessel include a washing unit having a plurality of washing modules of the hull, suitable for washing the hull in a submerged configuration. Each washing module is equipped with mobile connectors for the mobile mechanical connection of one washing module to an adjacent washing module, to allow a reciprocal movement between the adjacent washing modules during washing and/or movement. Each washing module has washers of the hull suitable for scraping dirt from the hull. Each washing module is equipped with drivers to allow the positioning and movement of the washing module with respect to the hull and/or with respect to other washing modules during the cleaning of the hull.