Moored Submarine Observation Platform for Deep-Sea Sediment Re-suspension Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional marine observation platforms are limited in their ability to conduct full-depth, comprehensive observations of deep oceans, particularly in measuring the re-suspension of submarine sediments by deep-sea internal waves, due to their limited capacity and instability, which restricts the understanding and prediction of ocean dynamics and sediment erosion.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive observation system comprising a submarine observation platform with a modular frame structure, anchored by a cuboid gravity counterweight and equipped with turbidity meters, sediment catchers, high-precision temperature and salinity detectors, acoustic release transponders, and acoustic Doppler current profilers, allowing for full-depth flow measurement from the sea surface to the seabed, enabling synchronous observation of environmental parameters and calculation of sediment re-suspension quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seabed station is used for near-bottom observation, then near-bottom observation capability is achieved, but the station cannot be recovered easily when it topples or is trapped in mud
Solution Approach 1:
The observation system transitions from a static seabed station to a dynamic moored platform that can be vertically positioned and recovered. The platform is connected to the seabed via a mooring rope with a release mechanism, allowing it to be lowered to the seabed for observation and then retrieved vertically when needed, eliminating the recovery difficulties of traditional seabed stations.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional seabed station is used, then near-bottom ocean dynamic parameters can be observed, but full-depth observation of oceans cannot be fulfilled
Solution Approach 1:
The observation platform is designed as a multi-functional system that can simultaneously perform near-bottom observation and full-depth ocean observation. It integrates instruments for measuring ocean dynamic parameters at the seabed level while also incorporating sensors and capabilities to observe water column properties throughout the full water depth, eliminating the need for separate observation systems.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple observation platforms are used to realize full-depth comprehensive observation, then observation coverage is improved, but operation becomes complex and safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple observation functions into a single integrated platform. Instead of deploying separate platforms for near-bottom and full-depth observation, the system combines these capabilities in one unified platform that can simultaneously measure parameters at the seabed and throughout the water column, simplifying operation and improving safety by reducing the number of platforms needed.
4Loss of information
If optical and acoustic instruments are used to observe submarine sediments, then suspension concentration can be reflected, but quantitative parameters cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using the observation platform to collect water samples containing suspended sediments and bring them to the surface for quantitative analysis. This intermediary step between in-situ optical/acoustic detection and laboratory analysis allows for accurate quantitative determination of sediment parameters while maintaining the ability to observe suspension concentration in the field.
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 enables safe and stable full-depth observation of ocean dynamic parameters from the seabed to the sea surface, allowing for accurate determination of sediment re-suspension quantities by internal waves, enhancing the understanding of ocean dynamics and facilitating more comprehensive data collection.
Implementation Method 1
two acoustic Doppler current profilers, wherein one of the two acoustic Doppler current profilers faces upwards and is used for observing a flow field above the main floating body, and the other one of the two acoustic Doppler current profilers faces downwards and is used for observing a flow field below the main floating body
Implementation Method 2
The submarine observation platform frame is equipped with a turbidity meter
Implementation Method 3
a high-precision temperature and salinity detector
Implementation Method 4
two acoustic release transponders connected in parallel; the upper ends of the two acoustic release transponders are connected with the submarine observation platform frame, and the lower ends of the two acoustic release transponders are connected through a rope penetrating through the fixed ring
Data Source
AI summary
An observation system and determination method for the re-suspension quantity of submarine sediments by deep-sea internal waves. The observation system comprises a submarine observation platform, a mooring rope, and an anchor mooring counterweight. Acoustic release transponder, a single-point current meter, a turbidity meter, a high-precision temperature and salinity detector, and a sediment catcher are mounted on the submarine observation platform. A main floating body and auxiliary floating bodies are arranged on the mooring rope, wherein the main floating body is located in the middle of the mooring rope and is equipped with acoustic Doppler current profilers, and the auxiliary floating bodies are equipped with turbidity meters and high-precision temperature and salinity detectors. The anchor mooring counterweight is a gravity anchor provided with a square clamping groove and a fixed ring.