Subsea Wire Sawing System for Low-Force Structural Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea cutting systems for large structures, such as shipwrecks, face challenges including high forces that can displace cargo and structures, risk to personnel, pollution from hydraulic fluids, and the need for diver intervention, making them unsafe and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A seabed attachable subsea wire sawing system with a feeding tower and wire feeding trolleys, featuring adjustable crossbeams, buoyancy devices, and motorized pulleys, allows for low-force cutting with precise control of cutting wire tension and angle, minimizing displacement and pollution, and enabling operation without diver intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If chain cutting systems with jack-up installations are used, then cutting capability is achieved, but high forces are imposed on the structure causing cargo displacement and structure movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hydraulic mechanical cutting systems with an electric wire sawing system. The wire sawing system uses electric motors to drive the cutting wire, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluids and jack-up installations. This substitution reduces the mechanical forces imposed on the structure while maintaining cutting capability, thereby preventing cargo displacement and structure movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cutting mechanism from high-force contact cutting (chain saws) to low-force wire cutting. By using a continuous wire loop with diamond-impregnated segments that saw through the material, the system achieves cutting with minimal applied force, thus maintaining structure stability while performing the cutting operation.
2Productivity
If traditional hydraulic cutting systems are used, then cutting performance is achieved, but pollution from hydraulic fluids occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic cutting systems with an electric wire sawing system. The electric motors driving the wire saw eliminate the need for hydraulic fluids entirely, removing the source of pollution while maintaining cutting efficiency. The system uses electricity as the energy source, which does not produce fluid pollution during operation.
3Ease of operation
If diver intervention is required for operation, then system flexibility is maintained, but personnel safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a fully autonomous wire sawing system that operates without diver intervention. The system includes automated control systems, programmable cutting paths, and self-adjusting mechanisms that enable the wire saw to perform cutting operations independently. This automation eliminates personnel exposure to hazardous underwater environments while maintaining full operational control and adjustability through remote or pre-programmed instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that mediates between the operator and the cutting mechanism. This control system allows operators to program and monitor cutting operations from a safe location, using communication cables or wireless systems to transmit commands and receive status information, thereby eliminating the need for divers to be physically present during cutting operations.
4Force
If wire sawing system is used, then low forces are imposed on the structure, but precise control of cutting wire tension and angle is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor wire tension, cutting depth, and system position. Sensors detect parameters such as wire tension force and provide real-time data to the control system, which automatically adjusts motor speed and wire feed rate to maintain optimal cutting conditions. This feedback control simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual tension and angle adjustments while ensuring precise cutting performance.
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 provides a safe, efficient, and predictable cutting process with reduced risk of cargo displacement and personnel risk, allowing for easy installation and adjustment, and efficient material removal with minimal pollution and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A suction anchor may be connected to the seabed attachment portion of each feeding tower
Implementation Method 2
At least one buoyancy device may be located within or on the outside of the crossbeam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wire cutting system and method for subsea cutting of large structures (6). The system includes two feeding towers (2) with feeding tower first ends secured into a seabed floor. A crossbeam (1) is located between the two feeding towers (2). Wire feeding trolleys (8) are connected to the feeding towers (2), whereby the wire feeding trolleys (8) are allowed to move a cutting distance along the feeding towers. A cutting wire (4) traverses between the wire feeding trolleys.