Seabed Cable Trenching with Air Eduction in Shallow Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for burying power cables in shallow water require significant energy input from water pumps, which are ineffective in insufficiently deep water.
Innovation Solution
The use of gas directing means, such as air eduction systems, to displace debris and slurry in the trench, reducing energy consumption and enabling operation in shallower waters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water pumps are used to displace water into the trench to fluidise debris or slurry, then the cable can be moved to the bottom of the trench, but considerable amounts of energy are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using gas (air) instead of hydraulic pumps to fluidise debris and slurry in the trench. Gas directing means introduce gas into the trench environment, creating gas bubbles that reduce slurry density and improve flow characteristics, enabling cable movement with significantly lower energy consumption compared to water pump systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the trench environment by introducing gas to alter the density and fluidity characteristics of the slurry. This parameter change (from water-based fluidisation to gas-based fluidisation) reduces the energy required while maintaining the ability to move cable debris to the trench bottom
2Reliability
If water pumps are used to displace water into the trench, then debris or slurry can be fluidised to facilitate cable movement, but the pumps cannot operate when water depth is insufficient to fully submerge them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic pump systems with a pneumatic gas directing system that is not constrained by submersion depth requirements. Gas can be delivered to the trench from above water level, enabling operation in shallow water environments where traditional submerged pumps cannot function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gas as an intermediary substance to achieve cable placement without requiring direct water pump contact with the trench environment. This intermediary approach allows the system to operate independently of water depth constraints that limit pump submersion
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
Gas directing means efficiently displace debris and slurry with less energy, allowing operation in shallower waters and providing a more compact and versatile apparatus for burying power cables.
Implementation Method 1
gas directing means for directing at least one gas into the trench
Implementation Method 2
fluidise debris or slurry in the trench to facilitate movement of the cable to the bottom of the trench
Implementation Method 3
reduce the density of water in the second conduit, thereby causing more dense water in the trench surrounding the second conduit, together with debris, to enter at least one inlet and to displace water and debris out of at least one said outlet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An apparatus (2) for inserting a cable (4) into a trench (12) in the seabed (6) in shallow water is disclosed. The apparatus (2) comprises a body (8) for supporting the cable (4) and a chain cutter (10) for forming a trench (12) in the seabed (6) for receiving the cable (4). Tracks (14) enable the apparatus (2) to move relative to the seabed (6) to enable the chain cutter (14) to form the trench (12), and an air eduction system (20) directs air into water in the trench (12).