ROV Inspection and Cleaning for Submerged Tank Corners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are inefficient and ineffective in non-destructively inspecting and cleaning submerged surfaces, particularly in tanks containing hazardous materials, due to limitations in navigation, cleaning efficiency, and inability to access corners and complex geometries.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with an inspection module and a cleaning module, featuring a navigation unit with transducers and cameras for path determination, and a cleaning module with a pump, suction hose, and nozzle assembly, allowing for non-destructive inspection and cleaning of surfaces, including submerged environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ROVs are used for inspection and cleaning, then basic navigation and cleaning functions are achieved, but efficiency and effectiveness in accessing structural integrity and cleaning corners are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ROV integrates multiple functions including inspection (transducer, camera), cleaning (nozzle assembly, suction hose), and navigation (sonar, control unit) into a single vehicle. This multi-functional design allows the ROV to simultaneously perform structural integrity assessment and corner cleaning operations, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability by achieving both inspection and cleaning goals with one system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ROV is divided into distinct functional modules: inspection module (transducer, camera assembly), cleaning module (nozzle assembly, suction hose), and navigation module (sonar, control unit). This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, improving both efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual draining and cleaning processes are used, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but the process is hazardous, costly, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning processes with an automated ROV system equipped with nozzle assembly and suction hose. The ROV can clean surfaces and remove residues without human intervention, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining cleaning effectiveness. The transducer and camera assembly provide real-time inspection capabilities, ensuring thorough cleaning without prolonged operational downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The ROV performs self-navigation and self-cleaning operations autonomously under remote control. The vehicle can navigate to target areas, position itself for cleaning, and execute cleaning maneuvers without continuous human intervention, reducing both time loss and operational costs while maintaining high cleaning standards.
3Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then basic surface cleaning is achieved, but corner and complex surface cleaning is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The ROV features dynamic positioning capabilities with adjustable nozzle assembly and flexible suction hose that can adapt to corner and complex surface geometries. The vehicle can change its orientation and cleaning approach in real-time based on the surface configuration, ensuring effective cleaning of difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining ease of operation through remote control.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction hose and nozzle assembly are designed with flexible components that can conform to irregular surfaces and corners. This flexibility allows the cleaning system to adapt to complex geometries, improving corner cleaning effectiveness while maintaining operational simplicity through the ROV's automated navigation and positioning systems.
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 ROV efficiently inspects and cleans surfaces by determining paths, measuring parameters, and removing residues, providing a safe and efficient system that reduces costs and time, while avoiding human entry into hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer for measuring multiple pre-defined parameters of the surface
Implementation Method 2
a sonar erector for scanning a plurality of obstacles in the path determined by the navigation unit
Implementation Method 3
The cleaning module further includes a cleaning pump, a suction hose
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a non-destructive testing and cleaning apparatus. The present invention provides a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that inspects and cleans a surface. The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is an intelligent robotic vehicle that inspects and cleans the surface automatically. The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) includes an inspection module. The inspection module inspects the surface and allows the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to move on a path along the surface. In addition, the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) includes a cleaning module. The cleaning module allows the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to clean the pre-determined path along with the surface. Furthermore, the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) connected with a master control unit for providing commands to operate and control the remotely operated vehicle (ROV).