Marine Raw Water Flush Control Using a Hydrostatic Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine vessels face challenges in effectively flushing their raw water systems with fresh water due to the corrosive nature of salt water, leading to frequent component replacement and maintenance issues, especially when dock access is limited or not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that controllably connects a marine vessel's native fresh water network to its raw water network using a hydrostatic lock, ensuring one-way flow from fresh water to raw water, facilitated by a hydrostatic lock and swing gate valve, to flush the raw water system while the engines are running.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual dockside flushing is used, then the raw water system can be flushed with fresh water, but the vessel requires dock access which is not always available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing operationVSAvoiddock access requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the vessel to flush its own raw water system using its own fresh water supply, eliminating the need for external dockside facilities. The fresh water pump and hydrostatic lock work together to automatically perform the flushing function that previously required external infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrostatic lock acts as an intermediary device that enables controlled connection between the fresh water and raw water systems. It mediates the pressure differential between the two systems and prevents backflow, allowing flushing to occur without direct permanent connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the fresh water network is permanently connected to the raw water network, then flushing can occur continuously, but fresh water can backflow into the raw water system causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing capabilityVSAvoidfresh water contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrostatic lock serves as a one-way intermediary that permits fresh water to flow into the raw water system for flushing but prevents reverse flow. The valve mechanism and pressure differential control ensure contamination-free operation while maintaining flushing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulic pressure differentials and valve mechanisms to control water flow direction. The hydrostatic lock utilizes pressure control to enable flushing flow while preventing backflow, eliminating the need for complex mechanical check valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If fresh water is used to flush the raw water system, then corrosion and mineral deposits are reduced, but fresh water is consumed from the vessel's supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem durabilityVSAvoidfresh water consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the fresh water supply by using the existing pump capacity and pressure characteristics during flushing operations. By timing the flushing to occur when the fresh water pump is already operating and utilizing the pressure differential, the system minimizes additional fresh water consumption while maintaining effective corrosion protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively flushes the raw water system, reducing corrosion and mineral deposits, minimizing maintenance, and ensuring safe operation without the need for dockside freshwater sources.

Implementation Method 1

A system controller directs the fresh water flush cycle and other operations... hydrostatic lock—which ensures that water can only flow in the direction from the fresh water network to the raw water network

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

facilitated by a hydrostatic lock and swing gate valve... When the engines start and raw water pumps produce suction in the raw water header, the suction pulls open the swing gate valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

Each engine includes a driven raw water pump. These raw water pumps produce suction when turning... Raw water (ambient sea water) is drawn in through raw water inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 4

raw water passes through strainer before traveling into raw water header... raw water is only used to cool the two engines... heat exchanger—thereby transferring engine heat from the engine coolant to the raw water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260070643A1Fresh water marine flushing system and method

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 BOSLEY BRIAN

AI summary

A system and method for controllably connecting a marine vessel's native fresh water network to its raw water network in order to flush the raw water network. The controllable connection is provided by a hydrostatic lock—which ensures that water can only flow in the direction from the fresh water network to the raw water network and never in the opposite direction. A system controller directs the fresh water flush cycle and other operations.