Settled Bed Volume Determination in Dredging Loading Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the settled bed height in a loading space of a dredging machine are either complex, expensive, or unsuitable for real-time monitoring during the loading process, failing to accurately assess the settling speed of the dredged mixture.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the volume of the settled bed by measuring the mixture height, volume, mass, density of the settled mixture, and mixture soup, using formulas and sensors like pressure meters to calculate the settled bed volume, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the loading speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radioactive means are used to measure density as a function of height, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex radioactive measurement systems with a simple pressure measurement system. Instead of using radioactive sources to measure density as a function of height, the invention uses pressure sensors to detect the interface between settled bed and mixture soup, thereby determining settled bed height through pressure differential measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive pressure sensors rather than expensive radioactive measurement equipment. The pressure measurement system uses readily available components that are much cheaper and easier to implement than radioactive measurement systems, while still providing the necessary measurement capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If settled bed height is measured only after loading stops, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but real-time monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement of settled bed height during the entire loading process through pressure sensors that operate in real-time. This continuous monitoring allows the loading speed to be dynamically adjusted based on current settling conditions, optimizing the loading process throughout rather than only after completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where pressure measurements provide real-time information about settled bed height, which is then used to adjust loading speed. This closed-loop control system allows continuous optimization of the loading process based on actual settling performance.
3Productivity
If loading speed is increased to improve productivity, then dredging efficiency increases, but settling completeness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of loading speed based on real-time settled bed height measurements. Rather than using a fixed loading rate, the system continuously adapts the loading speed to match the actual settling performance, allowing maximum productivity while maintaining adequate settling completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses feedback from pressure measurements to control loading speed. When the settled bed height indicates insufficient settling, the loading speed is automatically reduced; when settling is adequate, loading speed can be increased, thereby optimizing both productivity and settling completeness.
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
Enables accurate and simple determination of settled bed height and settling speed during the loading process, optimizing the dredging efficiency by matching the loading speed with the settling speed of the mixture.
Implementation Method 1
d) comprises determining a pressure in the mixture soup (Pi) at a known height hi in the mixture soup, and determining the density of the mixture soup (ρmi) on the basis of the determined pressure in the mixture soup (Pi) at a known height (hi) and the mixture height (hh)
Implementation Method 2
The mixture consists of a settled bed and a mixture soup which is located above the settled bed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a volume (Vs) of a settled bed in a mixture in a loading space (1). The mixture comprises a settled bed and a mixture soup above the settled bed. The method comprises: a) determining a mixture height (hh) of the mixture in the loading space, and determining a mixture volume (Vh) of the mixture in the loading space on the basis of the mixture height (hh), b) determining the mass (m) of the mixture in the loading space (1), c) determining a density of the settled mixture (ps), d) determining a density of the mixture soup (pimi), and e) determining the volume (Vs) of the settled bed using the formula Vs = (m - Vh Pmi) / (Ps - Pmi).