Submerged Pumping System for Krill Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transport systems for suspended objects like krill require large-diameter and long hoses, leading to increased drag, complexity, and storage needs, as well as potential for cavitation in pumps due to high pressure drops in long delivery lines.
Innovation Solution
A submerged pumping system with a centrifugal or positive displacement pump unit, connected by shorter delivery lines, generates suction in one line and positive pressure in another, reducing line diameter and eliminating the need for external fluids, allowing for efficient transport of liquid and objects from a collector to a surface facility while minimizing hydrodynamic resistance and avoiding cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If long hoses are used to transport krill from the trawl net to the surface vessel, then the transport distance is increased, but the drag force and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transport system into two separate hoses: a suction hose extending from the trawl net to the pump, and a delivery hose extending from the pump to the surface vessel. This segmentation allows the pump to be positioned at an intermediate depth, reducing the length of each individual hose and thereby reducing drag forces on both hoses separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is positioned at a different vertical dimension (submerged at an intermediate depth between the trawl net and surface vessel) rather than at the surface level. This dimensional change creates a more efficient spatial arrangement that reduces the total hose length required while maintaining transport functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If large-diameter hoses are used to transport the fish-water mixture, then the flow capacity is increased, but the drag force and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow path into suction and delivery portions with different diameter requirements. The suction hose can have a smaller diameter since it only needs to handle the mixture at pump intake conditions, while the delivery hose diameter is optimized for discharge pressure conditions. This eliminates the need for a single large-diameter hose throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (pressure, flow rate) at different locations in the system by using a submerged pump. This allows optimization of hose diameter at each section based on local conditions rather than using the maximum required diameter throughout, reducing overall system complexity and storage needs.
3Ease of repair
If the pump is positioned at the surface level, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but cavitation occurs due to high pressure drops in long delivery lines
Solution Approach 1:
This is not applicable to this patent. The patent resolves the cavitation issue through hydrostatic pressure management rather than vibration-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The submerged pump acts as an intermediary device positioned at an optimal depth where it can receive sufficient hydrostatic pressure from the water column above it to prevent cavitation, while still being accessible for maintenance through the water column or via removable housing designs.
Solution Approach 3:
The patent changes the pump's vertical position parameter to an intermediate depth where the hydrostatic pressure is sufficient to prevent cavitation. This parameter change balances the conflicting requirements of maintenance accessibility and cavitation prevention by finding an optimal depth position.
4Reliability
If very long control and power lines are used to operate the submerged pump, then the pump can be positioned deeper to avoid cavitation, but the storage drums and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into sections managed by the remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which carries its own power and control systems. This eliminates the need for extremely long continuous power and control lines from the surface, as the ROV can autonomously operate the pump at the optimal depth for cavitation avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ROV provides self-contained power and control capabilities, allowing it to operate the submerged pump independently without requiring extensive surface-based infrastructure. This self-service approach reduces the complexity of long-distance power and control line installations.
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 system effectively reduces the diameter of delivery lines, minimizes the need for long hoses and cables, and prevents cavitation by adjusting pump depth and valve operation, enhancing operational efficiency and maintenance accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the pump unit being configured to generate suction in the first delivery line and a positive pressure in the second delivery line
Implementation Method 2
arranged at a depth that provides a pump inlet pressure which is sufficient for avoiding cavitation in a pump in the pump unit
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4b
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
A pumping system for moving a liquid, or a mixture of a liquid and one or more objects (P), from a collector device (2; 2') submerged in a body of water (W), to a receiving facility (31) comprises a first delivery line (7), a second delivery line (11) and a pump unit (9). The pump unit (9) is submerged in the body of water (W) at a first depth (d) below the water surface (S) and arranged between the collector (2; 2') and the receiving facility (31). The first delivery line (7) is fluidly connected between the collector device (2; 2') and a pump unit inlet (18). The second delivery line (11) is fluidly connected between a pump unit outlet (17) and the receiving facility (31). The pump unit is thus configured to generate suction in the first delivery line (7) and a positive pressure in the second delivery line (11). Suction in the first delivery line (7) may be increased by increasing the first depth (d) and/or by opening of the adjustable valve (30).