Underwater UXO Disposal via Chamber Extraction and Water Jet Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UXO clearance methods pose significant risks to humans and the environment due to the need for underwater detonation, which is limited by weather and daylight constraints, and results in contamination and fragmentation hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that stabilize and raise UXO from the sea floor into a closable chamber for water jet cutting and explosive removal without surfacing, maintaining ambient pressure and avoiding detonation, with a bell-shaped chamber design for large-format UXO and separate handling of detonators and booster charges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If underwater detonation is used for UXO clearance, then the explosive can be disposed of, but significant harm is caused to humans and the environment through fragmentation, shock wave, and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive charge is extracted from the UXO casing and removed from the water environment. The method involves cutting open the ordnance casing and completely removing the explosive material, which is then disposed of on land rather than detonating the entire device underwater. This extraction eliminates the harmful effects of underwater detonation while still achieving disposal of the dangerous material.
Solution Approach 2:
A closable chamber is introduced as an intermediary structure between the UXO and the surrounding seawater. The chamber allows the UXO to be contained and processed in a controlled environment, isolating the disposal process from the marine ecosystem. This mediator enables safe handling and explosive removal without direct contact between the UXO and the external water environment.
2Reliability
If underwater detonation is used for UXO clearance, then the explosive is destroyed, but contamination of seawater and marine environment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive charge is extracted from the UXO casing and removed from the water environment. The method involves cutting open the ordnance casing and completely removing the explosive material, which is then disposed of on land rather than detonating the entire device underwater. This extraction eliminates the harmful effects of underwater detonation while still achieving disposal of the dangerous material.
Solution Approach 2:
The explosive material is carefully extracted and removed from the water environment for separate disposal on land. The metallic remains of the ordnance casing are left in the water as scrap that can be recycled, while the hazardous explosive substance is completely removed and disposed of through appropriate land-based facilities, preventing environmental contamination.
3Productivity
If traditional EOD methods are used, then UXO can be cleared, but operation is limited to daylight hours and specific weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The method replaces traditional mechanical divers and manual operations with automated robotic systems equipped with manipulators and water jet cutting devices. These autonomous or remotely-operated systems can function independently of weather conditions and daylight, allowing UXO disposal operations to continue around the clock and in adverse environmental conditions that would previously ground traditional EOD teams.
4Reliability
If underwater detonation is used, then complete disposal of UXO is achieved, but metallic remains are left behind in the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive material is carefully extracted and removed from the water environment for separate disposal on land. The metallic remains of the ordnance casing are left in the water as scrap that can be recycled, while the hazardous explosive substance is completely removed and disposed of through appropriate land-based facilities, preventing environmental contamination.
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
Significantly reduces harm to humans and the environment by eliminating underwater detonation, allowing for safe and complete disposal of UXO without contamination, and enabling year-round operation independent of weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a device for cutting a casing of the UXO for subsequent complete removal of the explosive, possibly by washing it out
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 2e~2h
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for disposing of a piece of unexploded ordnance UXO or an explosive device lying under water. In order to achieve a method and a corresponding device, which quite significantly reduce harm to people and the environment when clearing a UXO (8), the following is proposed: a detected UXO (8) is excavated for an identification or typing, including determination of a spatial position and orientation and determination of a state or degree of preservation, and is stabilized and then raised up from the sea bot- tom, and then brought into a predetermined orientation, immobilized, and then separated from the surrounding seawater by placing it into a closable chamber (3); after being closed, the chamber (3) is then emptied of seawater, a casing of the UXO (8) is opened by means of water jet cutting, and then the explosive is completely removed.