Underwater Pressure Blaster With Zero-Thrust Nozzles for Biofouling Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater cleaning technologies for biofouling are inefficient, labor-intensive, and often separate cleaning from inspection, necessitating multiple passes and manual adjustments, which are time-consuming and potentially harmful to structures.
Innovation Solution
A pressure blaster with a base shaped to complement the underwater structure, featuring strategically placed nozzles with opposing thrust mechanisms and integrated ultrasonic testing, allowing for simultaneous cleaning and inspection, and automated movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional pressure blasters are used with limited surface area coverage, then manual adjustment and multiple passes are required, but this increases time consumption and labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure blaster is divided into multiple modular nozzle units arranged in a linear array, with each nozzle targeting a specific sector of the circular structure. This segmentation allows simultaneous cleaning of multiple surface areas, eliminating the need for multiple passes and manual repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure blaster design integrates both cleaning and inspection functions into a single apparatus. The blaster can clean circular structures while simultaneously performing ultrasonic testing, making the device multi-functional and eliminating separate inspection operations.
2Ease of operation
If manual scraping or rudimentary tools are used for biofouling removal, then labor intensity is high, but this method is time-consuming and potentially harmful to structures
Solution Approach 1:
Manual scraping and mechanical rudimentary tools are replaced with a pressurized fluid delivery system. High-pressure water jets are directed through multiple nozzles to remove biofouling, substituting mechanical contact with fluid dynamics to reduce structural harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic pressure to deliver high-velocity water streams through the nozzle array. The pressurized fluid effectively removes biofouling without requiring direct mechanical contact, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the underlying structure.
3Reliability
If cleaning and inspection processes are separated, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but this prolongs the overall maintenance duration
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure blaster integrates cleaning nozzles and ultrasonic testing equipment into a single unified apparatus. Both cleaning and inspection operations occur simultaneously during one deployment, merging previously separate processes into a concurrent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs cleaning and inspection continuously during a single operational cycle. The pressurized fluid cleaning and ultrasonic testing proceed simultaneously without interruption, maintaining continuous useful action rather than alternating between separate operations.
4Area of stationary object
If divers manually operate pressure blasters in circular paths, then complete coverage can be achieved, but this is inherently inefficient and constrained by diver safety limits
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure blaster is designed with a linear array of nozzles that can be dynamically positioned along the circular structure. The modular nozzle arrangement allows the system to adapt its configuration to match the geometry of the structure being cleaned, optimizing coverage efficiency.
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 pressure blaster provides comprehensive cleaning with fewer passes, reduces manual effort, and enhances safety by integrating automation, improving precision and efficiency in underwater biofouling removal.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of nozzles arranged in a line along an arched surface around the base, wherein at least one nozzle amongst the plurality of nozzles is directed toward the underwater structure... provide pressurized fluid to the plurality of nozzles
Implementation Method 2
a zero-thrust nozzle positioned such that its fluid outlet is appropriately sized to balance the forces exerted by the pressurized fluid directed toward the underwater structure by at least one of the plurality of nozzles so as to maintain a spacing of the apparatus relative to the underwater structure within a prescribed tolerance
Implementation Method 3
integrated ultrasonic testing, allowing for simultaneous cleaning and inspection
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for removing biofouling from underwater structures is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base. The base is configured to at least partially encircle an underwater structure such as a pipe. A plurality of nozzles are arranged in a circular arc around the base. Each nozzle is directed towards the underwater structure. An inlet supply is connected to the plurality of nozzles. The inlet supply provides pressurized fluid to the nozzles. A zero-thrust mechanism is included to balance forces exerted by the pressurized fluid against the underwater structure to maintain a spacing of the apparatus relative to the underwater structure within a prescribed tolerance. Also disclosed is a method for removing biofouling from underwater structures.