Pressure Exchange Chamber Layout for Moonpool Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure exchange chamber systems for hydraulic ore hoisting systems face challenges in being deployed through a moonpool while maintaining sufficient length and avoiding blockages due to bends or height differences, which are exacerbated in deep sea environments.
Innovation Solution
The design of pressure exchange chambers with a generally central centre of gravity, horizontally stacked pipes, and balanced valve arrangements minimizes tilting and reduces blockages, allowing deployment through a moonpool and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pressure exchange chamber system is made long (over 60m, sometimes over 100m or 150m long) to work effectively in HOHS, then the system effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of deployment through a moonpool increases due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure exchange chamber system is divided into multiple individual pressure exchange chambers (PECs) that can be connected in series. Each PEC is a manageable unit that can be deployed through the moonpool individually, while the overall system achieves the required length by connecting multiple PECs together, thus resolving the contradiction between system length and deployability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure exchange chambers are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration rather than a simple linear extension. By stacking PECs vertically and connecting them through manifold systems, the system achieves the required functional length while maintaining a compact footprint that fits through the moonpool dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If multiple bends are introduced in the pressure exchange chamber to accommodate deployment constraints, then the deployability is improved, but the degradation of polymetallic nodules being transported in the slurry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure exchange chambers are designed with smooth, curved transitions rather than sharp bends. The circular cross-section of the PECs and the gradual curvature of connections minimize turbulence and mechanical stress on the polymetallic nodules during transport, reducing degradation while still allowing the chamber to be deployed in constrained spaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If height differences or gradients are introduced in the pressure exchange chamber, then the adaptability to deployment positions is improved, but the risk of blockages in the chamber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure exchange chambers are designed to operate with minimal height differences between the water input end and slurry output end, creating an equipotential flow path. This reduces gravitational effects that could cause blockages while still allowing deployment flexibility through the modular PEC configuration and flexible positioning of the entire system.
4Ease of operation
If the pressure exchange chamber system is made compact to fit through the moonpool, then the deployability is improved, but the achievable chamber length decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure exchange chambers are designed with nested or stacked configurations where smaller PECs can be positioned within or alongside larger ones during deployment. The modular design allows PECs to be compacted into a smaller volume for moonpool passage, then extended into the required operational length once deployed on the sea bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple PECs are arranged vertically and connected through manifold systems, achieving the required functional chamber length while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint that fits through the moonpool.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pressure exchange chamber comprises: a pressure exchange chamber pipe (12) extending around a perimeter; a driving fluid input valve (44) and a driving fluid output valve (46), both valves being enclosed by the pressure exchange chamber pipe; and a slurry input valve (34) and a slurry output valve (36), both valves being enclosed by the pressure exchange chamber pipe. A hydraulic ore hoisting system (HOHS) for use at sea comprising a plurality of such pressure exchange chambers is also disclosed.