Offshore Pile Foundation Sand-Screening Ring for Anti-Scouring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing scouring and collapse of offshore wind power pile foundations are difficult to implement and require regular underwater maintenance, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A self-maintaining and anti-scouring device comprising a sand-screening ring and impeller for solid-liquid separation, combined with a hydraulic cylinder to lift and press sand, ensuring a stable sand-base layer around the pile foundation, thereby reinforcing it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sand reinforcement is performed manually underwater, then the pile foundation stability is improved, but the maintenance complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs sand screening, transport, and reinforcement without human intervention. The screening mechanism separates sand from seawater automatically, the conveyor belt transports sand to the pile foundation, and the spreading mechanism distributes it evenly - all operations are self-contained and require no underwater manual maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The device proactively reinforces the pile foundation before scouring causes damage by continuously screening sand and transporting it to areas needing reinforcement. The automatic detection and response system performs maintenance actions before critical failures occur, eliminating the need for reactive underwater repairs
2Reliability
If regular underwater maintenance is performed, then the scouring prevention is effective, but the time consumption and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device operates continuously to screen sand, transport it, and reinforce the pile foundation without interruption. The automatic system runs continuously to maintain the sand base layer, eliminating the periodic downtime associated with manual maintenance cycles and ensuring constant protection against scouring
Solution Approach 2:
The self-contained automatic system performs all maintenance functions without requiring human intervention or shutdown of the wind turbine. The device independently screens sand, transports it, and applies it to the pile foundation, eliminating the need for scheduled maintenance停机和 associated time losses
3Reliability
If manual sand reinforcement is used, then the anti-scouring effect is achieved, but the labor intensity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device completely automates the sand reinforcement process, eliminating the need for divers or underwater workers. The automatic screening mechanism separates sand from seawater, the conveyor belt transports it, and the spreading mechanism applies it - all without human intervention, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with underwater manual labor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems. The screening mechanism, conveyor belt, and spreading mechanism are all automated devices that perform functions previously requiring human labor, thereby improving safety by removing humans from hazardous environments
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 device effectively prevents scouring and collapse by maintaining a flat and dense sand-base layer, reducing the need for underwater maintenance and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
the impeller is horizontally and rotatably disposed in the stirring chamber to separate sand and seawater in the stirring chamber through a centrifugal force
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a self-maintaining anti-scouring device for an offshore wind farm pile foundation, which relates to the technical field of pile foundation anti-scouring. The self-maintaining anti-scouring device comprises a fixing portion which is fixedly arranged on the seabed; a mounting portion which is arranged above the fixing portion and is used for mounting wind power equipment; and a sand screening portion which comprises a sand screening ring and an impeller arranged below the mounting portion. The sand screening ring is sequentially provided with a water inlet, a stirring cavity and a sand outlet from top to bottom. A drainage hole in communication with the stirring cavity is formed in the side face of the sand screening ring. The impeller is rotatably arranged in the stirring cavity. In the present invention, the impeller rotates horizontally in the sand screening ring such that silt and seawater are separated under the action of centrifugal force and are respectively discharged from the sand outlet and the drainage hole. At the same time, seawater enters the stirring cavity from the water inlet, and the separated silt falls to the periphery of the fixing portion, so as to prevent the foundation layer on the periphery of the fixing portion from falling off and being pitted due to wave scouring, thereby achieving anti-scouring purposes.