Modular Pump Vessels With Articulating Piping for Varying Seabeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump vessels lack the ability to compensate for variance in bottom level and contours of the work site, require flexible hose handling systems, and lack articulating discharge piping for efficient sediment transfer.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of modular, rectangular hull pump vessels with deck-mounted racks, cranes, and articulating discharge pipes, along with submersible pumps and winches, allowing for flexible hose connection and deployment, and the use of subsea sediment fluidizers with telescoping booms and electric hoists for sediment relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed pump vessels are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to varying bottom levels and contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements articulating discharge pipes that can dynamically adjust their position and angle to compensate for variance in bottom level and contours. The pipe system includes multiple joints and segments that can be positioned at various angles, allowing the discharge point to reach different depths and locations on the seabed while maintaining a stable vessel structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible hose handling systems are added, then operational flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deck-mounted crane serves multiple functions: it handles flexible hose sections for connection to the articulating discharge pipe, positions sediment during transfer operations, and can be used for various maintenance tasks. This multi-functional approach provides operational flexibility without adding dedicated complex hose handling systems.
3Productivity
If articulating discharge piping is implemented, then sediment transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge piping is divided into multiple articulating segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each segment can be angled and oriented separately, allowing the system to navigate around obstacles and reach difficult-to-access areas on the seabed, thereby improving sediment transfer efficiency to various locations.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular hull design is used, then ease of transport improves, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel hull is designed as a modular assembly of standardized sections that can be disconnected and transported on trailers or barges. Each module is structurally reinforced at connection points to maintain overall structural integrity when assembled, while allowing easy disassembly for transport to remote work sites.
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
Enables efficient sediment removal and transfer across varying seabed conditions, minimizing vessel disruption and enhancing operational flexibility and safety, with reduced environmental impact and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a wing dredge suspended from an agile support vessel to move fluidized dredged material
Implementation Method 2
a settling period between material arrival and extraction pumping during which gravitational settlement of the dredged material creates a denser extraction stream with less water
Data Source
AI summary
Marine pump vessels and wing fluidizer support vessels, and methods of using same. Wing fluidizer support vessels are configured to deploy a wing fluidizer including thrusters capable of fluidizing sediments from a first seabed location and moving it to a second seabed location. Pump vessels include one or more pumps deployable from a separate vessel and stowable thereon.