EP1644589A1 - Method and device for collecting fresh water - Google Patents

Method and device for collecting fresh water

Info

Publication number
EP1644589A1
EP1644589A1 EP04767334A EP04767334A EP1644589A1 EP 1644589 A1 EP1644589 A1 EP 1644589A1 EP 04767334 A EP04767334 A EP 04767334A EP 04767334 A EP04767334 A EP 04767334A EP 1644589 A1 EP1644589 A1 EP 1644589A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
conduit
source
fresh water
tank
sea
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP04767334A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1644589B1 (en
EP1644589B9 (en
Inventor
Pierre Becker
Thierry Carlin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NYMPHEA ENVIRONNEMENT
Original Assignee
Nymphea Water
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nymphea Water filed Critical Nymphea Water
Publication of EP1644589A1 publication Critical patent/EP1644589A1/en
Publication of EP1644589B1 publication Critical patent/EP1644589B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1644589B9 publication Critical patent/EP1644589B9/en
Priority to CY20091100155T priority Critical patent/CY1108760T1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
    • E03B3/00—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water
    • E03B3/06—Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water from underground

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of capturing fresh water from an underwater fresh water source.
  • the present invention also relates to a device for collecting fresh water. These sources of fresh water constitute resurgences of underwater fresh water at the bottom of the sea.
  • a reservoir-structure with concavity directed downwards covering the source of fresh water, and in which the fresh water is trapped in the upper part thanks to its lower density than that of sea water.
  • This structure is open at its base to allow the evacuation of sea water and / or filling with fresh water.
  • the capture device must be simple and easy to install at the bottom of the sea and inexpensive to make.
  • the collection process and device must make it possible to avoid mixing between fresh water and sea water, so that pure fresh water is harvested.
  • the hydraulic pressure at the level of the fresh water source flow orifice, is linked to the height of the slice of water located above said orifice, c '' ie at the depth of the orifice at the rate of 1 bar per ten meters deep. This hydraulic pressure is independent of the natural flow rate of the source.
  • FR 2 701 974 The methods and devices described in FR 2 701 974 are specially adapted for the capture of fresh water along the coasts and cannot be implemented for sources located in the open sea, at the bottom of the sea and at a great distance from the side. In any event, these Collection methods and devices do not prevent mixing of salt sea water and fresh water during its collection.
  • the open base of the tank is moored at the bottom of the sea at a certain distance from the bottom, thus facilitating the installation of the device in the event of a congested environment of the sea bottom such than rocks or rugged terrain. Under these conditions, however, in practice it is not possible to avoid the mixing of sea water and fresh water inside the tank.
  • the open base of the tank hugs the bottom of the sea in a leaktight manner, so as to avoid mixing of salt sea water and fresh water after the initial phase for emptying the tank initially filled with seawater.
  • non-return valves are provided allowing the evacuation of the water in the event of an increase in the flow rate of the source, thus avoiding cause excessive hydraulic overpressure at the source.
  • the increases in flow are such that it is necessary to provide a very large number of valves.
  • these valves are relatively fragile mechanical devices, calibrated for a given flow rate, and which further increase the cost of the device. These capture methods and devices are therefore not satisfactory both economically and technically.
  • the collection device is not easy to install when the seabed, near the source, is damaged because, in this case, it is difficult to seal between the seabed and the open base of the tank which represents a relatively large diameter.
  • the prior processes and devices for collecting underwater freshwater have the following shortcomings and drawbacks:
  • either the system implies the presence of open surfaces in the ambient salted environment during the evacuation of the episodic excess of fresh water, which causes contamination at the level of the fresh water / salt water interface, and
  • pumping in these prior systems, can generate negative pressure variations in the event of an increase in the flow rate from the source and, therefore, create a phenomenon of aspiration of salt water then polluting the pipe upstream.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide methods and devices for collecting fresh water which are simple and inexpensive to produce and install, which operate in a technically reliable manner over time and which combine the advantages of absence of mixing. seawater and freshwater and no risk of excessive hydraulic overpressure at the source, so as to avoid causing irreparable damage in the natural conduit, and which do not require any contribution of energy, in particular by pumping.
  • the present invention provides a method of catching fresh water from an underwater fresh water source at the bottom of the sea, in which fresh water is collected in a first led t
  • the fresh water is collected at a flow rate less than or equal to a given flow rate in a second conduit t 2 of diameter smaller than that of said first conduit, the second conduit whose upper end opens onto the surface and whose lower end extends inside said first conduit over a length and, when the flow of the source exceeds said given flow, the excess flow of the source is poured, from the upper end of said first conduit, into a open base tank containing air, said tank trapping the air contained above a water-air interface located inside said tank, the upper end of said first pipe being situated at a height H au- above the level of said water-air interface inside said tank. It is understood that the upper end of said first conduit opens into said tank.
  • fresh water is collected at the end of said second conduit at a flow rate corresponding to the average flow rate from said source of fresh water.
  • said first conduit t ⁇ is dimensioned and the value of H is determined so that: ⁇ t xgx H + G + P 1 ⁇ PS
  • Hj height of the level of the water-air interface in the reservoir relative to the sea bottom at the level of the source.
  • the height H and the dimensions of the first duct are therefore determined as a function of ⁇ PS.
  • Said length 1 is greater than or equal to H.
  • the hydraulic limit overpressure tolerated ( ⁇ PS) at the source is less than or equal to 0.1 bar (10 4 Pa).
  • the present invention provides a device for catching fresh water from underwater source water useful in a method according to the invention, comprising:
  • a second conduit t 2 whose diameter of the lower part is less than that of the upper part of said first conduit, and - a tank with an open base capable of cooperating with said second conduit t 2 so that, when the lower end of said second conduit is immersed inside said first conduit, the latter being positioned facing said source, l the lower end of said first conduit tightly surrounding said source in whole or in part, then the upper end of said first conduit t-, is covered by said reservoir and opens inside of it by said open base of said tank, the solid wall of said tank being sealed so as to be able to trap air between the wall of the tank and the water level inside said tank.
  • the device comprises first means for mooring said first conduit t j to the bottom of the sea and / or to a base resting on the bottom of the sea, and said second means for mooring said second conduit and / or said tank thus moored (s) at the bottom of the sea and / or at the said first conduit,
  • said reservoir is integral with said second conduit and surrounds it in a sealed manner, - said reservoir is constituted by an envelope, which may in particular be flexible or rigid, crossed in a sealed manner by said second conduit t 2 ,
  • said envelope has in its upper part a shape of a substantially hemispherical cap or bell.
  • said flexible envelope is capable of adopting a substantially hemispherical cap or bell shape at the bottom of the sea when it is moored and compressed air is injected under said envelope,
  • the device comprises means for injecting compressed air inside said tank, -
  • the diameter of the open base of said tank is such that its opening surface is at least equal to that of the source.
  • the length of said first conduit t. is greater than or equal to the height of the reliefs and / or objects, natural or not, resting on the seabed in the vicinity of said underwater source within a radius corresponding to that of the open base of the reservoir,
  • the diameter D, of said first conduit t at the lower end of said second conduit t 2 is such that the annular surface between the two said first and second conduits at this level is greater than or equal to the area of the section of said first conduit ( ⁇ D j is greater than 2/4 for a circular section).
  • Said second conduit rises directly to the surface, preferably substantially vertically from the upper end of said second conduit, and the fresh water is recovered at the surface and transported ashore preferably by a ship.
  • the present invention also provides a process for installing a freshwater collection device, characterized in that the following steps are carried out, in which: 1) positioning said first pipe t j above said source of underwater freshwater and mooring said first pipe t ⁇ at the bottom of the sea, so that the lower end of said first pipe t j surrounds sealingly all or part of said source of fresh water, and 2) it descends to the bottom of the sea said second pipe t 2 and reservoir which is moored to the bottom of the sea and / or to said first pipe t l 5 so that the lower end of said second pipe t 2 is contained inside the upper part of said first pipe t l 3 and
  • the freshwater collection method and device according to the invention are advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, they make it possible to capture fresh water by preventing any contact, and therefore any mixture of fresh water and salt water, and therefore to collect pure fresh water. In fact, the air inside the tank creates an interface impassable by salt water which cannot contaminate the fresh water collected through said second conduit t 2 . Secondly, the process and device according to the invention make it possible to capture fresh water with a substantially constant fresh water collection rate, without risk of excessive overpressure and therefore avoiding any hydrogeological disturbance of the source which may result therefrom, and this, in the absence of mechanical means (s) for regulating the flow inside said first and second conduits such as discharge check valves, in particular at the junction of said first and second ducts or at the tank.
  • the methods and device according to the invention make it possible to regulate the flow rate taken from the source and the hydraulic load from the source to its outlet, regardless of its natural flow rate, avoiding the risk of salt water intrusion into the ground delivery pipe through said second pipe in the event of excessive pumping, and this by means of regulation based on a principle hydraulic and not mechanical and therefore in the absence of the implementation of additional mechanical control means.
  • the adjustment of the height H of the interface has a direct influence on the flow rate passing through said second conduit t 2 , as well as on the value of the overpressure generated on the source.
  • are linked to the geometry and, of course, to the state of the surface of the material constituting the internal wall of said pipes, as well as to the speed of the water. flowing in said first pipe.
  • the H value remains constant. However, in the event of accidental withdrawal greater than the natural flow rate of the source, the level of fresh water in the upper part of said first conduit will drop and pass under the lower end of said second conduit t 2 , which will have the effect of bring air into said second conduit t 2 3 and not salt water because the system is temporarily defused.
  • said reservoir is lowered to the bottom of the sea, empty of air and therefore filled with sea water, and, when it is positioned above the upper end of said first duct t
  • the shape and the value of the volume of said tank have no effect on the principle of hydraulic collection of fresh water and will be as small as possible and most suited to the ease of installation of said tank at the bottom. from the sea.
  • the sealing at the lower end of said first conduit is obtained by ensuring that the perimeter of the conduit follows the contour of the relief of the seabed at the source.
  • Said first conduit can be moored at the bottom of the sea by ballast or a peripheral rod resting at the bottom.
  • a pipe ti as short as possible and of larger diameter.
  • the first pipe t extends over a height of water preferably greater than the altitude of the relief of the seabed, in the immediate vicinity of the source and / or obstacles and congestion, natural or not, such as mainly rocks.
  • the open base of the tank can thus be moored to the bottom of the sea and / or to the said first pipe, released at a certain distance above the source and, in particular, above said relief and / or objects, natural or not. , in the source area.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively represent a collection device installed at the bottom of the sea, above an underwater source of fresh water (Figure 1) and reservoir 4 ( Figure 2).
  • a freshwater collection device has been produced suitable for collecting fresh water from the so-called "la Mortola” source located in Italy between
  • Chin enters Nintimille This source has an average freshwater flow of 100 1 / s.
  • the hydrogeologists have determined that the maximum tolerable hydraulic overpressure for this source is 0.1 bar.
  • This source is located at a depth of 36 m and its orifice comes out at the foot of 5 m high rocky blocks. It is located 800 m from the coast.
  • a first conduit t t 2 with a total height of 7 m is used, having a tubular running part with circular section 0.4 m in diameter.
  • Said first leads t. 2 is terminated at its lower end 2- by a funnel flared downwards and the lower end of which forms a circle with a diameter of 1.3 m, so as to properly surround said source taking into account the geometry of the orifice output from said source.
  • This first lower funnel 2. consists of a rigid sheet, plastic or metallic, surrounding the circular end of the current part of said first conduit t x 2 at its lower end.
  • Said lower funnel 2 represents a height of 4 m.
  • Said first conduit t x 2 comprises, in its upper part, a second funnel 2 2 of small and large bases with circular sections, also produced by winding a metal sheet or of thermoformed plastic, surrounding the upper end part of said first leads.
  • This flared shape towards the top of the upper part of said first conduit aims to facilitate the discharge of excess fresh water flow from the source inside the reservoir 4.
  • the open lower base of the first funnel 2 t is integral with a base 8 resting on the bottom of the sea and surrounding the source. It can also be surrounded by a rod of sand or concrete or other peripheral ballast ensuring sealing with the sea bottom.
  • the current part of said first conduit t x 2 can consist of a flexible or rigid pipe. It is arranged vertically above said source.
  • Said tank 4 consists of an upper rigid envelope 4 t crossed at its center by a second conduit t 2 3, preferably rigid, with a diameter of 0.4 m.
  • the rigid envelope constituting the upper part of said tank 4 forms a 4 X hemispherical cap with a diameter of 1.8 m and extended at its base with a frustoconical surface hereinafter called cone 4 2 of 2 m in height surrounding said first conduit . It is the open base of said cone 4 2 which lets out the excess fresh water in the event of a source flood.
  • the base of the cone 4 is moored by mooring means 7 t to said first conduit t x 2, so that the base of said cone is located at a height of 5 m from the bottom of the sea.
  • the presence of the cone 4 2 is optional.
  • the base of the 4 X cap can be moored directly to said first duct.
  • the portion of said second conduit t 2 3 located inside said tank 4 has a length of 1 m.
  • the height H between the air-water interface 6 inside the tank 4 and the air-water interface at the upper end of said upper funnel 2 2 of said first conduit t x 2 is 0.2 m.
  • the lower end 3 of said second conduit t 2 3 has gussets or webs 9 at its periphery which serve as reinforcements and for centering said lower end of the second conduit inside said funnel 2 at the upper end of said first conduit.
  • a flowmeter 10 has been represented, approximately halfway up said first duct. These are the characteristics of this flowmeter 10 which have justified implementing a portion of said first duct t 2 narrower at this level to adapt it to said flow meter 10 which was available.
  • reinforcement elements l x At the base of said first conduit t x 2, reinforcement elements l x have also been adapted which also serve as mooring by bolting on a base 8 sealingly surrounding the orifice of the source 1.
  • fresh water passes through said second conduit t 2 3, flowing at an average flow rate of the source of 100 1 / s, taking into account the dimensioning of said first pipe and the determination of the value H d on the one hand, and the fact that the maximum hydraulic overpressure tolerated by the source is 0.1 bar.
  • the "resistance" encountered by the fresh water to flow through the pipe t 2 is equal to the pressure losses generated by its flow in the said pipe t 2 but is calculated conventionally as a function of the diameter, the length of said pipe t 2 and the flow rate.
  • the rigid envelope 4 X as well as the cone 4 2 constituting said tank 4, can be made of a plastic material, a composite material or steel.
  • This freshwater collection system can operate, as mentioned above, without a pump since freshwater, due to its lower density than seawater, rises naturally to the surface.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Physical Water Treatments (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
  • Heat Treatment Of Water, Waste Water Or Sewage (AREA)
  • Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)
  • Removal Of Floating Material (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

The process involves collecting fresh water in a pipe (3) having a lower end extending inside another pipe (2). A discharge from a source is poured from an upper end (2 2) of the pipe (2) into a reservoir containing air, when the discharge exceeds a given discharge. The reservoir confines the air above a water-air interface situated inside the reservoir. The end (2 2) is situated above the level of the interface. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a fresh water collecting device (b) a process of placing a fresh water collecting device at bottom of sea.

Description

PROCEDE ET DISPOSITIF DE CAPTAGE D'EAU DOUCE FRESHWATER COLLECTION METHOD AND DEVICE
La présente invention concerne un procédé de captage d'eau douce provenant d'une source d'eau douce sous-marine. La présente invention concerne également un dispositif de captage d'eau douce. Ces sources d'eau douce constituent des résurgences d'eau douce sous-marine au fond de la mer.The present invention relates to a method of capturing fresh water from an underwater fresh water source. The present invention also relates to a device for collecting fresh water. These sources of fresh water constitute resurgences of underwater fresh water at the bottom of the sea.
On connaît déjà différents procédés et dispositifs de captage de sources sous-marines d'eau douce, tels que ceux décrits en particulier dans la demande de brevet en France FR 2 701 974 ou dans la demande internationale WO 00/79309 au nom de la demanderesse.Various processes and devices are already known for capturing underwater freshwater sources, such as those described in particular in the patent application in France FR 2 701 974 or in the international application WO 00/79309 in the name of the applicant. .
Dans ces procédés et dispositifs, on met en œuvre une structure- réservoir à concavité dirigée vers le bas, coiffant la source d'eau douce, et dans laquelle l'eau douce est piégée en partie haute grâce à sa densité plus faible que celle de l'eau de mer. Cette structure est ouverte à sa base pour permettre l'évacuation de l'eau de mer et/ou le remplissage par l'eau douce.In these methods and devices, a reservoir-structure with concavity directed downwards, covering the source of fresh water, and in which the fresh water is trapped in the upper part thanks to its lower density than that of sea water. This structure is open at its base to allow the evacuation of sea water and / or filling with fresh water.
Il existe plusieurs difficultés pour réaliser un procédé et dispositif de captage d'eau douce en mer satisfaisant.There are several difficulties in implementing a satisfactory method and device for collecting freshwater at sea.
En premier lieu, il faut que le dispositif de captage soit simple et aisé à installer au fond de la mer et peu coûteux à réaliser. En second lieu, les procédé et dispositif de captage doivent permettre d'éviter le mélange entre l'eau douce et l'eau de mer, de façon à ce que l'on récolte de l'eau douce pure.First, the capture device must be simple and easy to install at the bottom of the sea and inexpensive to make. Secondly, the collection process and device must make it possible to avoid mixing between fresh water and sea water, so that pure fresh water is harvested.
Enfin, il faut que ces procédé et dispositif n'engendrent pas de perturbation de la charge hydraulique de la source d'eau douce. On sait, en effet, qu'une source d'eau douce sous-marine fraye son chemin à travers des conduits naturels souterrains et que l'écoulement de la source peut être perturbé, voire interrompu de manière irrémédiable, lorsqu'une surpression hydraulique excessive est exercée au niveau de l'orifice d'écoulement de la source causant des dégâts ou modifications dans lesdits conduits naturels souterrains fragiles. Pour chaque source, les hydrogéologues sont capables de déterminer la valeur de la surpression limite tolérable à ne pas dépasser pour ne pas perturber l'écoulement de ladite source, laquelle surpression hydraulique se situe, en général, entre 0 et 0,1 bar (104 Pa).Finally, it is necessary that these process and device do not generate disturbance of the hydraulic head of the fresh water source. We know, in fact, that an underwater freshwater source makes its way through natural underground conduits and that the flow of the source can be disrupted, or even irreparably interrupted, when excessive hydraulic overpressure is exerted at the level of the flow orifice of the source causing damage or modifications in said fragile underground natural conduits. For each source, the hydrogeologists are able to determine the value of the tolerable limit overpressure not to be exceeded so as not to disturb the flow of said source, which hydraulic overpressure is generally between 0 and 0.1 bar (10 4 Pa).
En l'absence de tout dispositif de captage, la pression hydraulique, au niveau de l'orifice d'écoulement de la source d'eau douce, est liée à la hauteur de la tranche d'eau située au-dessus dudit orifice, c'est-à-dire à la profondeur de l'orifice à raison de 1 bar par dizaine de mètres de profondeur. Cette pression hydraulique est indépendante du débit naturel d'écoulement de la source.In the absence of any collection device, the hydraulic pressure, at the level of the fresh water source flow orifice, is linked to the height of the slice of water located above said orifice, c '' ie at the depth of the orifice at the rate of 1 bar per ten meters deep. This hydraulic pressure is independent of the natural flow rate of the source.
En revanche, en présence d'un dispositif de captage, il se produit des pertes de charges par frottement de l'eau s'écoulant dans ledit dispositif. Cette perte de charge par frottement est proportionnelle à la valeur du débit d'écoulement de l'eau dans le dispositif de captage. Les sources d'eau douce peuvent connaître des variations naturelles de débit, notamment en cas de crue, pouvant aller jusqu'à une multiplication du débit d'un facteur 5, voire 10. Ces variations de débit induisent une surpression hydraulique au niveau de la source, due à l'accroissement de perte de charge liée au passage de l'eau à travers les conduits des dispositifs de captage le cas échéant.On the other hand, in the presence of a collection device, pressure losses occur by friction of the water flowing in said device. This pressure drop by friction is proportional to the value of the flow rate of the water in the collection device. Fresh water sources can experience natural variations in flow, especially in the event of a flood, which can go as far as a multiplication of the flow by a factor of 5 or even 10. These variations in flow induce a hydraulic overpressure at the level of the source, due to the increase in pressure drop due to the passage of water through the conduits of the collection devices if necessary.
Plus généralement, en pratique, il est difficile de réunir les deux conditions de non-miscibilité d'eau de mer et d'eau douce et d'absence de surpression hydraulique excessive au niveau de la source, tout en mettant en œuvre un dispositif de captage simple et peu coûteux à réaliser et à installer et fiable techniquement, sans apport d'énergie tel que par pompage.More generally, in practice, it is difficult to combine the two conditions of immiscibility of seawater and freshwater and the absence of excessive hydraulic overpressure at the source, while implementing a device for simple and inexpensive to collect and install technically reliable, without energy input such as by pumping.
Les procédés et dispositifs décrits dans FR 2 701 974 sont spécialement adaptés au captage d'eau douce le long des côtes et ne peuvent pas être mis en œuvre pour des sources situées en pleine mer, au fond de la mer et à grande distance de la côte. En tout état de cause, ces procédés et dispositifs de captage ne permettent pas d'éviter le mélange de l'eau de mer salée et de l'eau douce lors de son captage.The methods and devices described in FR 2 701 974 are specially adapted for the capture of fresh water along the coasts and cannot be implemented for sources located in the open sea, at the bottom of the sea and at a great distance from the side. In any event, these Collection methods and devices do not prevent mixing of salt sea water and fresh water during its collection.
Dans WO 00/79309, différents procédés et dispositifs de captage d'eau douce sont décrits, dans lesquels on récupère l'eau douce dans un réservoir à base ouverte, en forme de cloche ou chapeau, recouvrant la source d'eau douce au fond de la mer, puis un tuyau remontant depuis le sommet dudit réservoir jusqu'à la surface de la mer.In WO 00/79309, various methods and devices for collecting fresh water are described, in which fresh water is collected in an open base tank, in the shape of a bell or cap, covering the source of fresh water at the bottom. from the sea, then a pipe rising from the top of said reservoir to the surface of the sea.
Dans un premier mode de réalisation de WO 00/79309, la base ouverte du réservoir est amarrée au fond de la mer à une certaine distance du fond, facilitant ainsi l'installation du dispositif en cas d'environnement encombré du fond de la mer tel que des rochers ou un relief accidenté. Dans ces conditions, on n'arrive cependant pas en pratique à éviter le mélange de l'eau de mer et de l'eau douce à l'intérieur du réservoir.In a first embodiment of WO 00/79309, the open base of the tank is moored at the bottom of the sea at a certain distance from the bottom, thus facilitating the installation of the device in the event of a congested environment of the sea bottom such than rocks or rugged terrain. Under these conditions, however, in practice it is not possible to avoid the mixing of sea water and fresh water inside the tank.
Dans un deuxième mode de réalisation de WO 00/79309, la base ouverte du réservoir épouse le fond de la mer de manière étanche, de manière à éviter le mélange de l'eau de mer salée et de l'eau douce après la phase initiale de vidage du réservoir initialement rempli d'eau de mer. Dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation, on prévoit des clapets anti-retour permettant l'évacuation de l'eau en cas d'augmentation du débit d'écoulement de la source, évitant ainsi d'occasionner une surpression hydraulique excessive au niveau de la source. Toutefois, en pratique les augmentations de débit sont telles que l'on est obligé de prévoir un très grand nombre de clapets. Or, ces clapets sont des dispositifs mécaniques relativement fragiles, calibrés pour un débit donné, et qui augmentent en outre le coût du dispositif. Ces procédés et dispositifs de captage ne sont donc pas satisfaisants aussi bien économiquement que techniquement. En outre le dispositif de captage n'est pas aisé à installer lorsque le fond de la mer, à proximité de la source, est accidenté car, dans ce cas, il est difficile d'assurer l'étanchéité entre le fond de la mer et la base ouverte du réservoir qui représente un diamètre relativement important. En résumé, les procédés et dispositifs de captage d'eau douce sous- marine antérieurs présentent les lacunes et inconvénients suivants :In a second embodiment of WO 00/79309, the open base of the tank hugs the bottom of the sea in a leaktight manner, so as to avoid mixing of salt sea water and fresh water after the initial phase for emptying the tank initially filled with seawater. In this second embodiment, non-return valves are provided allowing the evacuation of the water in the event of an increase in the flow rate of the source, thus avoiding cause excessive hydraulic overpressure at the source. However, in practice the increases in flow are such that it is necessary to provide a very large number of valves. However, these valves are relatively fragile mechanical devices, calibrated for a given flow rate, and which further increase the cost of the device. These capture methods and devices are therefore not satisfactory both economically and technically. In addition, the collection device is not easy to install when the seabed, near the source, is damaged because, in this case, it is difficult to seal between the seabed and the open base of the tank which represents a relatively large diameter. In summary, the prior processes and devices for collecting underwater freshwater have the following shortcomings and drawbacks:
- soit le système est complètement étanche à l'eau salée mais l'augmentation de débit d'écoulement d'eau douce en cas de crue (le débit pouvant varier d'un rapport de 1 à 10 en quelques heures) induit une augmentation de la perte de charge liée au frottement et une montée en pression hydraulique de la source pouvant engendrer des dégâts irrémédiables dans le conduit naturel,- either the system is completely sealed against salt water but the increase in freshwater flow rate in the event of a flood (the flow rate can vary from a ratio of 1 to 10 in a few hours) induces an increase in the pressure drop linked to friction and a rise in hydraulic pressure of the source which can cause irreparable damage in the natural duct,
- soit le système implique la présence de surfaces ouvertes au milieu salé ambiant pendant l'évacuation de l'excédent épisodique d'eau douce, ce qui entraîne des contaminations au niveau de l'interface eau douce/eau salée, et- either the system implies the presence of open surfaces in the ambient salted environment during the evacuation of the episodic excess of fresh water, which causes contamination at the level of the fresh water / salt water interface, and
- enfin, un pompage, dans ces systèmes antérieurs, peut engendrer des variations négatives de pression en cas d'augmentation du débit de la source et, donc, créer un phénomène d'aspiration de l'eau salée polluant alors la conduite en amont.- Finally, pumping, in these prior systems, can generate negative pressure variations in the event of an increase in the flow rate from the source and, therefore, create a phenomenon of aspiration of salt water then polluting the pipe upstream.
Le but de la présente invention est donc de fournir des procédés et dispositifs de captage d'eau douce qui soient simples et peu coûteux à réaliser et installer, qui fonctionnent de façon techniquement fiable dans la durée et qui cumulent les avantages d'absence de mélange d'eau de mer et d'eau douce et d'absence de risque de surpression hydraulique excessive au niveau de la source, de manière à éviter d'engendrer des dégâts irrémédiables dans le conduit naturel, et qui ne nécessitent pas d'apport d'énergie, par pompage notamment. Pour ce faire, selon un premier aspect, la présente invention fournit un procédé de captage d'eau douce provenant d'une source d'eau douce sous-marine au fond de la mer, dans lequel l'eau douce est collectée dans un premier conduit t| dont l'extrémité inférieure est disposée au regard de la dite source et entoure de manière étanche, au moins une partie, de préférence la totalité de l'orifice de ladite source. Selon le procédé de l'invention, l'eau douce est récoltée à un débit inférieur ou égal à un débit donné dans un deuxième conduit t2 de diamètre inférieur à celui dudit premier conduit, le deuxième conduit dont l'extrémité supérieure débouche en surface et dont l'extrémité inférieure s'étend à l'intérieur dudit premier conduit sur une longueur et, lorsque le débit de la source dépasse ledit débit donné, l'excès de débit de la source est déversé, depuis l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier conduit, dans un réservoir à base ouverte contenant de l'air, ledit réservoir emprisonnant l'air contenu au-dessus d'une interface eau-air située à l'intérieur dudit réservoir, l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier tuyau étant située à une hauteur H au-dessus du niveau de la dite interface eau -air à l'intérieur du dit réservoir. On comprend que l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier conduit débouche à l'intérieur dudit réservoir.The object of the present invention is therefore to provide methods and devices for collecting fresh water which are simple and inexpensive to produce and install, which operate in a technically reliable manner over time and which combine the advantages of absence of mixing. seawater and freshwater and no risk of excessive hydraulic overpressure at the source, so as to avoid causing irreparable damage in the natural conduit, and which do not require any contribution of energy, in particular by pumping. To do this, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of catching fresh water from an underwater fresh water source at the bottom of the sea, in which fresh water is collected in a first led t | the lower end of which is arranged facing said source and sealingly surrounds at least part, preferably the entire orifice, of said source. According to the process of the invention, the fresh water is collected at a flow rate less than or equal to a given flow rate in a second conduit t 2 of diameter smaller than that of said first conduit, the second conduit whose upper end opens onto the surface and whose lower end extends inside said first conduit over a length and, when the flow of the source exceeds said given flow, the excess flow of the source is poured, from the upper end of said first conduit, into a open base tank containing air, said tank trapping the air contained above a water-air interface located inside said tank, the upper end of said first pipe being situated at a height H au- above the level of said water-air interface inside said tank. It is understood that the upper end of said first conduit opens into said tank.
Ainsi on évite tout contact et donc toute pollution entre l'eau douce et l'eau salée mais aussi on limite la surcharge hydraulique sur la source engendrée par le dispositif.This avoids any contact and therefore any pollution between fresh water and salt water but also limits the hydraulic overload on the source generated by the device.
Dans un mode préféré de réalisation, l'eau douce est récoltée à l'extrémité dudit deuxième conduit à un débit correspondant au débit moyen de ladite source d'eau douce. Comme expliqué ci-après, ledit premier conduit tα est dimensionné et la valeur de H est déterminée de telle sorte que : ρt x g x H + G + P1 < ΔPSIn a preferred embodiment, fresh water is collected at the end of said second conduit at a flow rate corresponding to the average flow rate from said source of fresh water. As explained below, said first conduit t α is dimensioned and the value of H is determined so that: ρ t xgx H + G + P 1 <ΔPS
• Qι — masse volumique de l'eau douce,• Qι - density of fresh water,
. g = 9,81 m/s2, • Pj = perte de charge dans ledit premier conduit lorsque l'eau douce s'écoule audit débit donné, notamment débit moyen d'écoulement de la source, • ΔPS = surpression hydraulique limite tolérable par ladite source d'eau douce. Il s'agit d'une valeur connue ou déterminable pour chaque source, ΔPS étant de préférence inférieur ou égal à 104 Pa. • G = gain de la poussée d'Archimède lié au phénomène de remplacement du poids de la colonne d'eau de mer par le poids de la colonne d'eau douce dans ledit premier conduit.. g = 9.81 m / s 2 , • P j = pressure drop in said first conduit when the fresh water flows at said given flow rate, in particular average flow rate of flow from the source, • ΔPS = limit hydraulic overpressure tolerable by said fresh water source. This is a known or determinable value for each source, ΔPS preferably being less than or equal to 10 4 Pa. • G = gain in Archimedes' thrust linked to the phenomenon of replacement of the weight of the water column sea by the weight of the column of fresh water in said first conduit.
Ce gain G s'écrit : G = (ρt X g x Ht) - (ρ2 X g X Ht),This gain G is written: G = (ρ t X gx H t ) - (ρ 2 X g XH t ),
• Hj = hauteur du niveau de l'interface eau-air dans le réservoir par rapport au fond de la mer au niveau de la source.• Hj = height of the level of the water-air interface in the reservoir relative to the sea bottom at the level of the source.
• ρ2 = masse volumique de l'eau de mer.• ρ 2 = density of sea water.
La hauteur H et les dimensions du premier conduit sont donc déterminées en fonction de ΔPS.The height H and the dimensions of the first duct are therefore determined as a function of ΔPS.
Selon une autre caractéristique préférée de réalisation du procédé, pour que le deuxième tuyau t2 reste toujours en contact avec l'eau circulant dans ledit premier conduit t., ladite longueur 1 est supérieure ou égale à H.According to another preferred characteristic for carrying out the method, so that the second pipe t 2 always remains in contact with the water circulating in said first pipe t., Said length 1 is greater than or equal to H.
En général, la surpression hydraulique limite tolérée (ΔPS) au niveau de la source est inférieure ou égale à 0,1 bar (104 Pa).In general, the hydraulic limit overpressure tolerated (ΔPS) at the source is less than or equal to 0.1 bar (10 4 Pa).
Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, la présente invention fournit un dispositif de captage d'eau douce provenant d'eau source d'eau douce sous- marine utile dans un procédé selon l'invention, comprenant :According to another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a device for catching fresh water from underwater source water useful in a method according to the invention, comprising:
- un premier conduit tt dont le diamètre de l'extrémité inférieure permet à celle-ci de recouvrir ladite source en totalité ou en partie, eta first conduit t t , the diameter of the lower end of which allows it to cover said source in whole or in part, and
- un deuxième conduit t2 dont le diamètre de la partie inférieure est inférieur à celui de la partie supérieure dudit premier conduit, et - un réservoir à base ouverte apte à coopérer avec ledit deuxième conduit t2 de telle sorte que, lorsque l'extrémité inférieure dudit deuxième conduit est immergée à l'intérieur dudit premier conduit, celui-ci étant positionné au regard de ladite source, l'extrémité inférieure dudit premier conduit entourant de manière étanche ladite source en totalité ou en partie, alors l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier conduit t-, est recouverte par ledit réservoir et débouche à l'intérieur de celui-ci par la dite base ouverte dudit réservoir, la paroi pleine dudit réservoir étant étanche de manière à pouvoir emprisonner de l'air entre la paroi du réservoir et le niveau de l'eau à l'intérieur dudit réservoir.a second conduit t 2 whose diameter of the lower part is less than that of the upper part of said first conduit, and - a tank with an open base capable of cooperating with said second conduit t 2 so that, when the lower end of said second conduit is immersed inside said first conduit, the latter being positioned facing said source, l the lower end of said first conduit tightly surrounding said source in whole or in part, then the upper end of said first conduit t-, is covered by said reservoir and opens inside of it by said open base of said tank, the solid wall of said tank being sealed so as to be able to trap air between the wall of the tank and the water level inside said tank.
Selon des modes de réalisation particuliers et avantageux du dispositif selon l'invention :According to particular and advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention:
- le dispositif comprend des premiers moyens d'amarrage dudit premier conduit tj au fond de la mer et/ou à une embase reposant au fond de la mer, et desdits seconds moyens d'amarrage dudit deuxième conduit et/ou dudit réservoir ainsi amarré(s) au fond de la mer et/ou au dit premier conduit,the device comprises first means for mooring said first conduit t j to the bottom of the sea and / or to a base resting on the bottom of the sea, and said second means for mooring said second conduit and / or said tank thus moored (s) at the bottom of the sea and / or at the said first conduit,
- ledit réservoir est solidaire dudit deuxième conduit et entoure celui-ci de manière étanche, - ledit réservoir est constitué par une enveloppe, qui peut être notamment souple ou rigide, traversée de manière étanche par ledit deuxième conduit t2,- said reservoir is integral with said second conduit and surrounds it in a sealed manner, - said reservoir is constituted by an envelope, which may in particular be flexible or rigid, crossed in a sealed manner by said second conduit t 2 ,
- ladite enveloppe présente dans sa partie supérieure une forme de calotte sensiblement hémisphérique ou de cloche. - ladite enveloppe souple est apte à adopter une forme de calotte sensiblement hémisphérique ou de cloche au fond de la mer lorsqu'elle est amarrée et que l'on injecte de l'air comprimé dessous ladite enveloppe,- Said envelope has in its upper part a shape of a substantially hemispherical cap or bell. said flexible envelope is capable of adopting a substantially hemispherical cap or bell shape at the bottom of the sea when it is moored and compressed air is injected under said envelope,
- le dispositif comprend des moyens d'injection d'air comprimé à l'intérieur dudit réservoir, - le diamètre de la base ouverte dudit réservoir est tel que sa surface d'ouverture soit au moins égale à celle de la source.the device comprises means for injecting compressed air inside said tank, - The diameter of the open base of said tank is such that its opening surface is at least equal to that of the source.
- la longueur dudit premier conduit t. est supérieure ou égale à la hauteur des reliefs et/ou objets, naturels ou non, reposant au fond de la mer dans la proximité de ladite source sous-marine dans un rayon correspondant à celui de la base ouverte du réservoir,- the length of said first conduit t. is greater than or equal to the height of the reliefs and / or objects, natural or not, resting on the seabed in the vicinity of said underwater source within a radius corresponding to that of the open base of the reservoir,
- la partie supérieure dudit premier conduit t. entourant la partie inférieure dudit deuxième tuyau est évasée en forme d'entonnoir avec sa petite base inférieure, - Ce mode de réalisation favorise le bon déversement de l'excès de débit d'eau douce dans le réservoir en tant que de besoin,- the upper part of said first duct t. surrounding the lower part of said second pipe is flared in the form of a funnel with its small lower base, - This embodiment promotes the good discharge of excess fresh water flow into the tank as necessary,
- Le diamètre D, dudit premier conduit t au niveau de l'extrémité inférieure dudit deuxième conduit t2 est tel que la surface annulaire entre les deux dits premier et deuxième conduits à ce niveau est supérieure ou égale à la surface de la section dudit premier conduit (soit supérieur à πDj 2/4 pour une section circulaire).- The diameter D, of said first conduit t at the lower end of said second conduit t 2 is such that the annular surface between the two said first and second conduits at this level is greater than or equal to the area of the section of said first conduit (πD j is greater than 2/4 for a circular section).
- ledit deuxième conduit remonte directement en surface, de préférence sensiblement verticalement depuis l'extrémité supérieure dudit deuxième conduit, et l'eau douce est récupérée en surface et transportée à terre de préférence par un navire.- Said second conduit rises directly to the surface, preferably substantially vertically from the upper end of said second conduit, and the fresh water is recovered at the surface and transported ashore preferably by a ship.
- ledit deuxième conduit peut redescendre et reposer au fond de la mer pour rejoindre la côte, et ainsi acheminer l'eau à la côte, de préférence en débouchant à terre à une hauteur inférieure au niveau de la mer. La présente invention fournit également un procédé de mise en place d'un dispositif de captage d'eau douce caractérisé en ce que l'on réalise les étapes suivantes, dans lesquelles : 1) on positionne ledit premier tuyau tj au-dessus de ladite source d'eau douce sous-marine et on amarre ledit premier tuyau tα au fond de la mer, de telle sorte que l'extrémité inférieure dudit premier tuyau tj entoure de manière étanche tout ou partie de ladite source d'eau douce, et 2) on descend au fond de la mer lesdits deuxième tuyau t2 et réservoir que l'on amarre au fond de la mer et/ou audit premier tuyau tl 5 de telle sorte que l'extrémité inférieure dudit deuxième tuyau t2 soit contenue à l'intérieur de la partie supérieure dudit premier tuyau tl 3 et- Said second conduit can descend and rest at the bottom of the sea to reach the coast, and thus convey the water to the coast, preferably by opening ashore at a height below sea level. The present invention also provides a process for installing a freshwater collection device, characterized in that the following steps are carried out, in which: 1) positioning said first pipe t j above said source of underwater freshwater and mooring said first pipe t α at the bottom of the sea, so that the lower end of said first pipe t j surrounds sealingly all or part of said source of fresh water, and 2) it descends to the bottom of the sea said second pipe t 2 and reservoir which is moored to the bottom of the sea and / or to said first pipe t l 5 so that the lower end of said second pipe t 2 is contained inside the upper part of said first pipe t l 3 and
3) on injecte de l'air à l'intérieur dudit réservoir de manière à obtenir une interface air-eau à la partie supérieure dudit premier tuyau à une dite hauteur de l'interface air-eau à l'intérieur dudit réservoir correspondant, de préférence, à une dite hauteur H.3) air is injected inside said tank so as to obtain an air-water interface at the top of said first pipe at a said height of the air-water interface inside said corresponding tank, preferably at a so-called height H.
Les procédé et dispositif de captage d'eau douce selon l'invention sont avantageux à plusieurs titres. En premier lieu, ils permettent de capter l'eau douce en empêchant tout contact, et donc tout mélange eau douce-eau salée, et donc de récolter une eau douce pure. En effet, l'air à l'intérieur du réservoir crée une interface infranchissable par l'eau salée qui ne peut contaminer l'eau douce récoltée à travers ledit deuxième conduit t2. En second lieu, les procédé et dispositif selon l'invention permettent de capter l'eau douce avec un débit de captage d'eau douce sensiblement constant, sans risque de surpression excessive et donc en évitant toute perturbation hydrogéologique de la source pouvant en résulter, et ce, en l'absence de moyen(s) mécanique(s) de régulation de débit à l'intérieur desdits premier et deuxième conduits tels que des clapets anti-retour d'évacuation, notamment au niveau de la jonction desdits premier et deuxième conduits ou au niveau du réservoir.The freshwater collection method and device according to the invention are advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, they make it possible to capture fresh water by preventing any contact, and therefore any mixture of fresh water and salt water, and therefore to collect pure fresh water. In fact, the air inside the tank creates an interface impassable by salt water which cannot contaminate the fresh water collected through said second conduit t 2 . Secondly, the process and device according to the invention make it possible to capture fresh water with a substantially constant fresh water collection rate, without risk of excessive overpressure and therefore avoiding any hydrogeological disturbance of the source which may result therefrom, and this, in the absence of mechanical means (s) for regulating the flow inside said first and second conduits such as discharge check valves, in particular at the junction of said first and second ducts or at the tank.
Au total, les procédé et dispositif selon l'invention permettent de réguler le débit prélevé de la source et la charge hydraulique de la source à sa sortie, indépendamment de son débit naturel, en évitant le risque d'intrusion d'eau salée dans la conduite d'acheminement à terre à travers ledit deuxième tuyau en cas de pompage excessif, et ce par des moyens de régulation fondés sur un principe hydraulique et non mécanique et donc en l'absence de la mise en œuvre de moyens de régulation additionnels mécaniques.In total, the methods and device according to the invention make it possible to regulate the flow rate taken from the source and the hydraulic load from the source to its outlet, regardless of its natural flow rate, avoiding the risk of salt water intrusion into the ground delivery pipe through said second pipe in the event of excessive pumping, and this by means of regulation based on a principle hydraulic and not mechanical and therefore in the absence of the implementation of additional mechanical control means.
Comme montré sur la figure 1, si le débit de l'eau douce s'écoulant de la source, excède le débit limite donné, celle-ci peut suivre deux chemins à l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier tuyau, à savoir : - un premier chemin C2 par lequel elle remonte à la surface à travers ledit deuxième conduit t2 au débit donné, de préférence le débit moyen de la source, etAs shown in Figure 1, if the flow of fresh water flowing from the source exceeds the given limit flow, it can follow two paths at the upper end of said first pipe, namely: - a first path C 2 by which it rises to the surface through said second conduit t 2 at the given flow rate, preferably the average flow rate from the source, and
- un deuxième chemin Ct par lequel elle passe dans l'espace annulaire à l'intérieur dudit premier conduit ti et à l'extérieur dudit deuxième conduit t2 à un débit correspondant au différentiel entre le débit de la source et ledit débit donné.- A second path C t by which it passes in the annular space inside said first conduit ti and outside said second conduit t 2 at a flow rate corresponding to the differential between the flow rate of the source and said given flow rate.
Il est possible de déterminer les dimensions des conduits ti et t2 et la hauteur H, entre l'interface eau-air dans le réservoir et l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier tuyau, de telle sorte que, lorsque le débit de la source correspond au débit que l'on souhaite prélever, notamment au débit moyen d'écoulement de la source, toute l'eau douce suit le chemin C2 à travers ledit deuxième conduit et la surpression, au niveau de la source, reste inférieure ou égale à la surpression limite tolérée de la source.It is possible to determine the dimensions of the conduits ti and t 2 and the height H, between the water-air interface in the tank and the upper end of said first pipe, so that, when the flow rate of the source corresponds to the flow that one wishes to take, in particular at the average flow from the source, all the fresh water follows the path C 2 through said second conduit and the overpressure, at the source, remains less than or equal to the tolerated limit overpressure of the source.
En effet, le réglage de la hauteur H de l'interface influe directement sur le débit passant dans ledit deuxième conduit t2, ainsi que sur la valeur de la surpression engendrée sur la source.Indeed, the adjustment of the height H of the interface has a direct influence on the flow rate passing through said second conduit t 2 , as well as on the value of the overpressure generated on the source.
En pratique, on peut procéder de la manière suivante :In practice, we can proceed as follows:
1) On mesure le débit moyen de la source, et 2) On détermine la hauteur H de telle sorte que l'expression ρt x g x H + G + P. < ΔPS soit vérifiée.1) The average flow rate of the source is measured, and 2) The height H is determined so that the expression ρ t xgx H + G + P. <ΔPS is verified.
Les pertes de charge V1 dans ledit premier tuyau t|, sont liées à la géométrie et, bien sûr, à l'état de la surface du matériau constitutif de la paroi interne desdits conduits, ainsi qu'à la vitesse de l'eau circulant dans ledit premier tuyau.The pressure drops V 1 in said first pipe t |, are linked to the geometry and, of course, to the state of the surface of the material constituting the internal wall of said pipes, as well as to the speed of the water. flowing in said first pipe.
Ainsi, en cas de crue et d'augmentation du débit d'eau douce au niveau de la source, on observe que le débit s'écoulant à travers ledit deuxième conduit t2, est constant, quel que soit le débit d'écoulement au niveau de la source, et la hauteur H reste constante, l'excès de débit s'écoulant à travers ledit deuxième chemin Cj. L'eau douce déborde de l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier conduit ti dans l'air le long de la paroi extérieure dudit premier conduit tf puis arrive dans l'eau salée, à la jonction interface air-eau, dans la partie basse dudit réservoir, ce qui a pour effet de chasser, par la partie basse dudit réservoir, une quantité équivalente d'eau, le volume d'air restant donc constant à l'intérieur dudit réservoir et la surpression hydraulique tolérée au niveau de la source n'étant jamais dépassée.Thus, in the event of a flood and an increase in the flow of fresh water at the source, it is observed that the flow flowing through said second conduit t 2 , is constant, whatever the flow rate at level of the source, and the height H remains constant, the excess flow flowing through said second path C j . Fresh water overflows from the upper end of said first conduit ti into the air along the outer wall of said first conduit t f and then arrives in salt water, at the air-water interface junction, in the lower part of said tank, which has the effect of driving, through the lower part of said tank, an equivalent quantity of water, the volume of air therefore remaining constant inside said tank and the hydraulic overpressure tolerated at the source n ' never being exceeded.
La valeur H reste constante. Toutefois, en cas de prélèvement accidentel supérieur au débit naturel de la source, le niveau d'eau douce dans la partie supérieure dudit premier conduit va baisser et passer sous l'extrémité inférieure dudit deuxième conduit t2, ce qui va avoir pour effet de faire rentrer de l'air dans ledit deuxième conduit t23 et non pas de l'eau salée car le système se désamorce momentanément. En pratique, ledit réservoir est descendu au fond de la mer, vide d'air et donc rempli d'eau de mer, et, lorsqu'il est position au-dessus de l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier conduit t|, on injecte de l'air à l'intérieur du réservoir et c'est la quantité d'air injectée dans ledit réservoir qui permet de régler la hauteur H. On comprend que la forme et la valeur du volume dudit réservoir n'ont pas d'incidence sur le principe de captage hydraulique de l'eau douce et seront le plus petit possible et le plus adapté à la facilité d'installation dudit réservoir au fond de la mer. L'étanchéité à l'extrémité inférieure dudit premier conduit, est obtenue en faisant en sorte que le périmètre du conduit épouse le contour du relief du fond de la mer au niveau de la source. Ledit premier conduit peut être amarré au fond de la mer par des lests ou un boudin périphérique reposant au fond. Pour minimiser les pertes de charges dans le premier conduit ti et donc la surpression qu'elles induisent au niveau de la source, il est avantageux de mettre en oeuvre un tuyau ti le plus court possible et de plus grand diamètre. En pratique, le premier tuyau t| s'étend sur une hauteur d'eau de préférence supérieure à l'altitude du relief du fond sous-marin, dans la proximité immédiate de la source et/ou des obstacles et encombrements, naturels ou non, tels que principalement des rochers.The H value remains constant. However, in the event of accidental withdrawal greater than the natural flow rate of the source, the level of fresh water in the upper part of said first conduit will drop and pass under the lower end of said second conduit t 2 , which will have the effect of bring air into said second conduit t 2 3 and not salt water because the system is temporarily defused. In practice, said reservoir is lowered to the bottom of the sea, empty of air and therefore filled with sea water, and, when it is positioned above the upper end of said first duct t |, is injected with the air inside the tank and it is the quantity of air injected into said tank which makes it possible to adjust the height H. It is understood that the shape and the value of the volume of said tank have no effect on the principle of hydraulic collection of fresh water and will be as small as possible and most suited to the ease of installation of said tank at the bottom. from the sea. The sealing at the lower end of said first conduit is obtained by ensuring that the perimeter of the conduit follows the contour of the relief of the seabed at the source. Said first conduit can be moored at the bottom of the sea by ballast or a peripheral rod resting at the bottom. To minimize the pressure drops in the first pipe ti and therefore the overpressure they induce at the source, it is advantageous to use a pipe ti as short as possible and of larger diameter. In practice, the first pipe t | extends over a height of water preferably greater than the altitude of the relief of the seabed, in the immediate vicinity of the source and / or obstacles and congestion, natural or not, such as mainly rocks.
La base ouverte du réservoir peut ainsi être amarrée au fond de la mer et/ou au dit premier tuyau, dégagée à une certaine distance au-dessus de la source et, notamment, au-dessus dudit relief et/ou objets, naturels ou non, dans la zone de la source.The open base of the tank can thus be moored to the bottom of the sea and / or to the said first pipe, released at a certain distance above the source and, in particular, above said relief and / or objects, natural or not. , in the source area.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lumière détaillée d'un mode de réalisation qui va suivre, fait en référence aux figures 1 et 2 qui représentent respectivement un dispositif de captage installé au fond de la mer, au-dessus d'une source sous-marine d'eau douce (figure 1) et le réservoir 4 (figure 2).Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the detailed light of an embodiment which will follow, made with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 which respectively represent a collection device installed at the bottom of the sea, above an underwater source of fresh water (Figure 1) and reservoir 4 (Figure 2).
On a réalisé un dispositif de captage d'eau douce adapté pour récolter l'eau douce de la source dite de "la Mortola" située en Italie entreA freshwater collection device has been produced suitable for collecting fresh water from the so-called "la Mortola" source located in Italy between
Menton entre Nintimille. Cette source présente un débit moyen d'eau douce de 100 1/s. Les hydrogéologues ont déterminé que la surpression hydraulique maximale tolerable pour cette source, est de 0,1 bar. Cette source est située à une profondeur de 36 m et son orifice sort au pied de blocs rocheux d'une hauteur de 5 m. Elle est située à 800 m de la côte.Chin enters Nintimille. This source has an average freshwater flow of 100 1 / s. The hydrogeologists have determined that the maximum tolerable hydraulic overpressure for this source is 0.1 bar. This source is located at a depth of 36 m and its orifice comes out at the foot of 5 m high rocky blocks. It is located 800 m from the coast.
Compte-tenu de la configuration de l'orifice de la source et des obstacles environnant ledit orifice au fond de la mer, on utilise un premier conduit tt 2 d'une hauteur totale de 7 m, présentant une partie courante tubulaire à section circulaire de diamètre de 0,4 m. Ledit premier conduit t. 2 est terminé à son extrémité inférieure 2- par un entonnoir évasé vers le bas et dont l'extrémité inférieure forme un cercle de diamètre 1,3 m, de manière à bien venir entourer ladite source compte-tenu de la géométrie de l'orifice de sortie de ladite source. Ce premier entonnoir inférieur 2. est constitué d'une tôle rigide, plastique ou métallique, entourant l'extrémité circulaire de la partie courante dudit premier conduit tx 2 à son extrémité inférieure. Ledit entonnoir inférieur 2 représente une hauteur de 4 m.Taking into account the configuration of the source orifice and the obstacles surrounding said orifice at the bottom of the sea, a first conduit t t 2 with a total height of 7 m is used, having a tubular running part with circular section 0.4 m in diameter. Said first leads t. 2 is terminated at its lower end 2- by a funnel flared downwards and the lower end of which forms a circle with a diameter of 1.3 m, so as to properly surround said source taking into account the geometry of the orifice output from said source. This first lower funnel 2. consists of a rigid sheet, plastic or metallic, surrounding the circular end of the current part of said first conduit t x 2 at its lower end. Said lower funnel 2 represents a height of 4 m.
Ledit premier conduit tx 2 comporte, dans sa partie supérieure, un second entonnoir 22 de petite et grande bases à sections circulaires, réalisé également par enroulement d'une tôle métallique ou en plastique thermoformé, entourant la partie d'extrémité supérieure dudit premier conduit. Cette forme évasée vers le haut de la partie supérieure dudit premier conduit, vise à faciliter le déversement de l'excès de débit d'eau douce de la source à l'intérieur du réservoir 4.Said first conduit t x 2 comprises, in its upper part, a second funnel 2 2 of small and large bases with circular sections, also produced by winding a metal sheet or of thermoformed plastic, surrounding the upper end part of said first leads. This flared shape towards the top of the upper part of said first conduit aims to facilitate the discharge of excess fresh water flow from the source inside the reservoir 4.
La base inférieure ouverte du premier entonnoir 2t est solidaire d'une embase 8 reposant au fond de la mer et entourant la source. Elle peut aussi être entourée d'un boudin de sable ou béton ou autre lest périphérique assurant l'étanchéité avec le fond de la mer. La partie courante dudit premier conduit tx 2 peut être constituée d'un tuyau souple ou rigide. Il est disposé verticalement au-dessus de ladite source.The open lower base of the first funnel 2 t is integral with a base 8 resting on the bottom of the sea and surrounding the source. It can also be surrounded by a rod of sand or concrete or other peripheral ballast ensuring sealing with the sea bottom. The current part of said first conduit t x 2 can consist of a flexible or rigid pipe. It is arranged vertically above said source.
Ledit réservoir 4 est constitué d'une enveloppe supérieure 4t rigide traversée en son centre par un deuxième conduit t2 3, de préférence, rigide, de diamètre 0,4 m. L'enveloppe rigide constitutive de la partie supérieure dudit réservoir 4 forme une calotte 4X hémisphérique de diamètre 1,8 m et prolongée à sa base d'une surface tronconique appelée ci-après cône 42 de 2 m de hauteur entourant ledit premier conduit. C'est la base ouverte dudit cône 42 qui laisse échapper le surplus d'eau douce en cas de crue de la source. Sur la figure 1 , la base du cône 4, est amarrée par des moyens d'amarrage 7t audit premier conduit tx 2, de telle sorte que la base dudit cône soit située à une hauteur de 5 m par rapport au fond de la mer.Said tank 4 consists of an upper rigid envelope 4 t crossed at its center by a second conduit t 2 3, preferably rigid, with a diameter of 0.4 m. The rigid envelope constituting the upper part of said tank 4 forms a 4 X hemispherical cap with a diameter of 1.8 m and extended at its base with a frustoconical surface hereinafter called cone 4 2 of 2 m in height surrounding said first conduit . It is the open base of said cone 4 2 which lets out the excess fresh water in the event of a source flood. In Figure 1, the base of the cone 4, is moored by mooring means 7 t to said first conduit t x 2, so that the base of said cone is located at a height of 5 m from the bottom of the sea.
La présence du cône 42 est facultative. On peut amarrer la base de la calotte 4X directement audit premier conduit.The presence of the cone 4 2 is optional. The base of the 4 X cap can be moored directly to said first duct.
La portion dudit deuxième conduit t2 3 située à l'intérieur dudit réservoir 4 a une longueur de 1 m.The portion of said second conduit t 2 3 located inside said tank 4 has a length of 1 m.
Lorsqu'on injecte 2 m3 d'air comprimé dessous ladite enveloppe constitutive du réservoir 4, après avoir amarré sa base ouverte 43 au fond de la mer ou sur le premier conduit, on introduit une longueur 1 de 0,3 m de la partie inférieure 3X dudit deuxième conduit t2 3 dans la partie supérieure dudit premier conduit tj2.When 2 m 3 of compressed air is injected below said envelope constituting the tank 4, after having moored its open base 4 3 at the bottom of the sea or on the first conduit, a length 1 of 0.3 m of the lower part 3 X of said second conduit t 2 3 in the upper part of said first conduit t j 2.
La hauteur H entre l'interface air-eau 6 à l'intérieur du réservoir 4 et l'interface air-eau à l'extrémité supérieure dudit entonnoir supérieur 22 dudit premier conduit tx 2 est de 0,2 m.The height H between the air-water interface 6 inside the tank 4 and the air-water interface at the upper end of said upper funnel 2 2 of said first conduit t x 2 is 0.2 m.
L'extrémité inférieure 3 dudit deuxième conduit t2 3 comporte à sa périphérie des goussets ou voiles 9 qui servent de renforts et de centrage de ladite extrémité inférieure du deuxième conduit à l'intérieur dudit entonnoir 2 à l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier conduit. Sur la figure 1, on a représenté, à peu près à mi-hauteur dudit premier conduit, un débitmètre 10. Ce sont les caractéristiques de ce débitmètre 10 qui ont justifié de mettre en œuvre une portion de dit premier conduit t 2 plus étroite à ce niveau pour l'adapter audit débitmètre 10 dont on disposait. A la base dudit premier conduit tx 2, on a également adapté des éléments de renfort lx qui servent également d'amarrage par boulonnage sur une embase 8 entourant de manière étanche l'orifice de la source 1.The lower end 3 of said second conduit t 2 3 has gussets or webs 9 at its periphery which serve as reinforcements and for centering said lower end of the second conduit inside said funnel 2 at the upper end of said first conduit. In FIG. 1, a flowmeter 10 has been represented, approximately halfway up said first duct. These are the characteristics of this flowmeter 10 which have justified implementing a portion of said first duct t 2 narrower at this level to adapt it to said flow meter 10 which was available. At the base of said first conduit t x 2, reinforcement elements l x have also been adapted which also serve as mooring by bolting on a base 8 sealingly surrounding the orifice of the source 1.
La détermination de la valeur H et le dimensionnement desdits premier et second tuyaux 2 et 3 ainsi que du volume d'air comprimé injecté dans ledit réservoir 4 ont été déterminés de la manière suivante :The determination of the H value and the dimensioning of said first and second pipes 2 and 3 as well as of the volume of compressed air injected into said tank 4 were determined as follows:
Lorsque la source est en crue et que son débit excède les 100 1/s, notamment atteint sa valeur maximale de 500 1/s, le débit passant à travers ledit tuyau t2 par le chemin C2, reste environ le débit moyen de 100 1/s, tandis que le débit de l'eau douce, passant par le chemin Cx dans l'espace annulaire entre l'extrémité inférieure dudit deuxième tuyau t2 et l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier tuyau tl5 est de 400 1/s au maximum en général. L'eau de la source, remontant à travers ledit premier conduit t 2, rencontre à la base dudit deuxième conduit t2 3, deux chemins possibles C. et C2.When the source is in flood and its flow exceeds 100 1 / s, in particular reaches its maximum value of 500 1 / s, the flow passing through said pipe t 2 by the path C 2 , remains approximately the average flow of 100 1 / s, while the flow of fresh water, passing through the path C x in the annular space between the lower end of said second pipe t 2 and the upper end of said first pipe t l5 is 400 1 / s at most in general. The spring water, rising through said first conduit t 2, meets at the base of said second conduit t 2 3, two possible paths C. and C 2 .
Par le chemin Cl 3 l'eau douce déborde de l'extrémité supérieure dudit premier conduit tx 2 et coule dans l'air le long de la paroi extérieure dudit premier entonnoir supérieur 2X puis arrive dans l'eau salée, ce qui a pour effet de chasser, par la partie basse du réservoir, une quantité d'eau douce de telle sorte que le volume d'air comprimé 5 contenu dans le réservoir 4 reste constant ainsi que la hauteur H.By the path C l 3 fresh water overflows from the upper end of said first conduit t x 2 and flows in the air along the outer wall of said first upper funnel 2 X then arrives in salt water, which has the effect of expelling, by the lower part of the tank, a quantity of fresh water so that the volume of compressed air 5 contained in the tank 4 remains constant as well as the height H.
Par le chemin C2, l'eau douce passe dans ledit deuxième conduit t2 3 en s'écoulant au débit moyen de la source de 100 1/s compte-tenu du dimensionnement dudit premier tuyau et de la détermination de la valeur H d'une part, et du fait que la surpression hydraulique maximum tolérée par la source est de 0,1 bar.Via path C 2 , fresh water passes through said second conduit t 2 3, flowing at an average flow rate of the source of 100 1 / s, taking into account the dimensioning of said first pipe and the determination of the value H d on the one hand, and the fact that the maximum hydraulic overpressure tolerated by the source is 0.1 bar.
L'eau douce emprunte toujours le chemin lui offrant le moins de "résistance". Pour le chemin Cl 5 cette "résistance", à partir de l'interface air-eau, est essentiellement déterminée par l'énergie ^H, avec ρ^masse volumique de l'eau douce, g=9,81 m/s2. On voit ainsi que lorsque H augmente, on favorise le passage par C2.Fresh water always takes the path offering it the least "resistance". For the path C l 5 this "resistance", from the air-water interface, is essentially determined by the energy ^ H, with ρ ^ mass volume of fresh water, g = 9.81 m / s 2 . We can see that when H increases, we favor the passage through C 2 .
Pour le chemin C2, la "résistance" que rencontre l'eau douce pour s'écouler à travers le tuyau t2 est égale aux pertes de charge engendrées par son écoulement dans ledit tuyau t2 mais se calcule de manière conventionnelle en fonction du diamètre, de la longueur dudit tuyau t2 et du débit d'écoulement.For the path C 2 , the "resistance" encountered by the fresh water to flow through the pipe t 2 is equal to the pressure losses generated by its flow in the said pipe t 2 but is calculated conventionally as a function of the diameter, the length of said pipe t 2 and the flow rate.
L'enveloppe rigide 4X ainsi que le cône 42 constitutifs dudit réservoir 4, peuvent être constitués d'un matériau plastique, un matériau composite ou en acier.The rigid envelope 4 X as well as the cone 4 2 constituting said tank 4, can be made of a plastic material, a composite material or steel.
Ce système de recueillement de l'eau douce peut fonctionner, comme mentionné précédemment, sans pompe puisque l'eau douce, de par sa densité plus faible que l'eau de mer, remonte naturellement en surface.This freshwater collection system can operate, as mentioned above, without a pump since freshwater, due to its lower density than seawater, rises naturally to the surface.
Toutefois, si le deuxième conduit t2 3 redescend au fond de la mer pour rejoindre la côte, le niveau d'altitude auquel débouche ledit deuxième conduit t2 3, doit être suffisamment en dessous du niveau de la mer pour, au moins, compenser les pertes de charge dans la conduite t2. However, if the second conduit t 2 3 descends to the bottom of the sea to reach the coast, the altitude level at which said second conduit t 2 3 must be sufficiently below sea level to, at least, compensate pressure drops in line t 2 .

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Procédé de captage d'eau douce provenant d'une source d'eau douce sous-marine (1) au fond de la mer, dans lequel l'eau douce est collectée dans un premier conduit tf (2) dont l'extrémité inférieure (2X) est disposée au regard de la dite source et entoure de manière étanche, au moins une partie, de préférence la totalité de l'orifice de ladite source, caractérisé en ce que l'eau douce est récoltée à un débit inférieur ou égal à un débit donné, dans un deuxième conduit t2 (3) de diamètre inférieur à celui dudit premier conduit, le deuxième conduit ayant son extrémité supérieure (32) débouchant en surface et son extrémité inférieure (3X) s'étendant à l'intérieur dudit premier conduit, et lorsque le débit de la source dépasse ledit débit donné, l'excès de débit de la source est déversé, depuis l'extrémité supérieure (22) dudit premier conduit, dans un réservoir (4) à base ouverte contenant de l'air (6), ledit réservoir emprisonnant l'air contenu au-dessus d'une interface eau-air (6) située à l'intérieur dudit réservoir, et l'extrémité supérieure (22) dudit premier conduit étant située au-dessus du niveau de la dite interface eau-air (6) à l'intérieur du dit réservoir.1. Method for collecting fresh water from an underwater fresh water source (1) at the bottom of the sea, in which fresh water is collected in a first conduit t f (2), the lower end (2 X ) is arranged facing said source and tightly surrounds at least part, preferably the entire orifice of said source, characterized in that fresh water is collected at a rate less than or equal to a given flow rate, in a second conduit t 2 (3) of diameter smaller than that of said first conduit, the second conduit having its upper end (3 2 ) emerging at the surface and its lower end (3 X ) s' extending inside said first conduit, and when the flow of the source exceeds said given flow, the excess flow of the source is poured, from the upper end (2 2 ) of said first conduit, into a reservoir (4 ) with an open base containing air (6), said tank trapped onnant the air contained above a water-air interface (6) located inside said tank, and the upper end (2 2 ) of said first conduit being located above the level of said water interface -air (6) inside said tank.
2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'eau douce est récoltée à l'extrémité dudit deuxième conduit à un débit correspondant au débit moyen de ladite source d'eau douce (1).2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fresh water is collected at the end of said second conduit at a flow rate corresponding to the average flow rate of said source of fresh water (1).
3. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la longueur 1 dudit deuxième conduit à l'intérieur dudit premier conduit est supérieure ou égale à la hauteur H de l'extrémité supérieure (22) dudit premier conduit au-dessus du niveau de ladite interface eau-air (6) à l'intérieur dudit réservoir.3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the length 1 of said second conduit inside said first conduit is greater than or equal to the height H of the upper end (2 2 ) of said first conduit above of the level of said water-air interface (6) inside said tank.
4. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que la hauteur H et ledit premier conduit tx (2) sont tels que : e^ g x H + G + P, -. ΔPS • ρx — masse volumique de l'eau douce, . g = 9,81 m/s2,4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the height H and said first conduit t x (2) are such that: e ^ gx H + G + P, -. Aps • ρ x - density of fresh water,. g = 9.81 m / s 2 ,
• Pj — perte de charge dans ledit premier conduit jusqu'à l'extrémité inférieure dudit deuxième conduit lorsque l'eau douce s'écoule audit débit donné, notamment débit moyen d'écoulement de la source,Pj - pressure drop in said first conduit to the lower end of said second conduit when the fresh water flows at said given flow rate, in particular average flow rate of flow from the source,
• ΔPS = surpression hydraulique limite tolerable par ladite source d'eau douce. Il s'agit d'une valeur connue ou déterminable pour chaque source, ΔPS étant de préférence inférieur ou égal à 104 Pa.• ΔPS = hydraulic overpressure limit tolerable by said source of fresh water. This is a known or determinable value for each source, ΔPS preferably being less than or equal to 10 4 Pa.
• G = gain de la poussée d'Archimède lié au phénomène de remplacement du poids de la colonne d'eau de mer par le poids de la colonne d'eau douce dans ledit premier conduit.• G = gain of the Archimedes thrust linked to the phenomenon of replacing the weight of the seawater column by the weight of the freshwater column in said first conduit.
5. Dispositif de captage d'eau douce provenant d'eau source d'eau douce sous-marine (1) utile dans un procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, comprenant :5. A device for collecting fresh water from underwater source water (1) useful in a method according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:
- un premier conduit t (2) dont le diamètre de l'extrémité inférieure (3j) permet à celle-ci de recouvrir ladite source en totalité ou en partie, eta first conduit t (2) whose diameter of the lower end (3 j ) allows the latter to cover said source in whole or in part, and
- un deuxième conduit t2 (3) dont le diamètre de la partie inférieure (3t) est inférieur à celui de la partie supérieure (22) dudit premier conduit tx - a second conduit t 2 (3) whose diameter of the lower part (3 t ) is less than that of the upper part (2 2 ) of said first conduit t x
(2), et(2), and
- un réservoir (4) à base ouverte apte à coopérer avec ledit deuxième conduit t2 (3), de telle sorte que, lorsque l'extrémité inférieure (3X) dudit deuxième conduit t2 (3) est immergée à l'intérieur dudit premier conduit (2), celui-ci étant positionné au regard de ladite source (1), son extrémité inférieure (2X) entourant de manière étanche ladite source en totalité ou en partie, alors l'extrémité supérieure (22) dudit premier conduit tx (2) est recouverte par ledit réservoir (4) et débouche à l'intérieur de celui-ci par sa dite base ouverte, la paroi pleine dudit réservoir étant étanche de manière à pouvoir emprisonner de l'air entre ladite paroi du réservoir et le niveau de l'eau à l'intérieur dudit réservoir.- a tank (4) with an open base capable of cooperating with said second conduit t 2 (3), so that when the lower end (3 X ) of said second conduit t 2 (3) is immersed inside of said first conduit (2), the latter being positioned facing said source (1), its lower end (2 X ) sealingly surrounding said source in whole or in part, then the upper end (2 2 ) of said first conduit t x (2) is covered by said reservoir (4) and opens inside of it by its said open base, the solid wall of said tank being sealed so as to be able to trap air between said wall of the tank and the water level inside said tank.
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des premiers moyens d'amarrage (7X) dudit premier conduit tx au fond de la mer et/ou à une embase (8) reposant au fond de la mer, et desdits seconds moyens d'amarrage (72) dudit deuxième conduit et/ou dudit réservoir ainsi amarré(s) au fond de la mer et/ou au dit premier conduit. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises first mooring means (7 X ) of said first conduit t x at the bottom of the sea and / or to a base (8) resting on the bottom of the sea , and said second mooring means (7 2 ) of said second conduit and / or of said tank thus moored (s) at the bottom of the sea and / or to said first conduit.
7. Dispositif selon la revendication 5 ou 6, caractérisé en ce que ledit réservoir (4) est solidaire dudit deuxième conduit et entoure celui-ci de manière étanche.7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said reservoir (4) is integral with said second conduit and surrounds it in a sealed manner.
8. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit réservoir (4) comprend une enveloppe (4X) traversée de manière étanche par ledit deuxième conduit t2 (3).8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said reservoir (4) comprises an envelope (4 X ) crossed in leaktight manner by said second conduit t 2 (3).
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que ladite enveloppe (4X) présente dans sa partie supérieure une forme de calotte sensiblement hémisphérique ou de cloche.9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said envelope (4 X ) has in its upper part a shape of substantially hemispherical cap or bell.
10. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 5 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens d'injection d'air comprimé à l'intérieur dudit réservoir.10. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that it comprises means for injecting compressed air inside said tank.
11. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 5 à 10, caractérisé en ce que la partie supérieure dudit premier conduit tx (2) entourant la partie inférieure dudit deuxième tuyau t2 (3), est évasée en forme d'entonnoir (2X) avec sa petite base inférieure.11. Device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the upper part of said first pipe t x (2) surrounding the lower part of said second pipe t 2 (3), is flared in the form of a funnel (2 X ) with its small lower base.
12. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 5 à 11, caractérisé en ce que le diamètre dudit premier conduit au niveau de l'extrémité inférieure dudit deuxième conduit est tel que la surface annulaire entre les deux dits premier et deuxième conduits à ce niveau est supérieure ou égale à la surface de la section dudit premier conduit.12. Device according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the diameter of said first conduit at the lower end of said second conduit is such that the annular surface between the two said first and second conduits at this level is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of said first conduit.
13. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 5 à 12, caractérisé en ce que ledit deuxième conduit remonte directement en surface, de préférence sensiblement verticalement, et Peau douce est récupérée en surface et transportée à terre de préférence par un navire.13. Device according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that said second conduit rises directly to the surface, preferably substantially vertically, and the fresh water is recovered from the surface and transported ashore preferably by a ship.
14. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 5 à 12, caractérisé en ce que ledit deuxième conduit t2 (3) peut redescendre et reposer au fond de la mer pour rejoindre la côte, et ainsi acheminer l'eau à la côte, de préférence en débouchant à terre à une hauteur inférieure au niveau de la mer.14. Device according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that said second conduit t 2 (3) can descend and rest at the bottom of the sea to reach the coast, and thus convey water to the coast, preferably by opening ashore at a height below sea level.
15. Procédé de mise en place au fond de la mer d'un dispositif de captage d'eau douce selon l'une des revendications 5 à 14, caractérisé en ce que l'on réalise les étapes suivantes, dans lesquelles : 1) on positionne ledit premier tuyau tx (2) au-dessus de ladite source d'eau douce sous-marine (1) et on amarre (5X) ledit premier tuyau tx au fond de la mer, de telle sorte que l'extrémité inférieure dudit premier tuyau tj entoure de manière étanche tout ou partie de ladite source d'eau douce, et 2) on descend au fond de la mer lesdits deuxième tuyau t2 et réservoir (3) que l'on amarre (52) au fond de la mer et/ou audit premier tuyau tx (2) , de telle sorte que l'extrémité inférieure dudit deuxième tuyau t2 (3) soit contenue à l'intérieur de la partie supérieure (2X) dudit premier tuyau tj (2), et 3) on injecte de l'air à l'intérieur dudit réservoir (4) de manière à obtenir une interface air-eau à la partie supérieure dudit premier tuyau à une dite hauteur de l'interface air-eau à l'intérieur dudit réservoir, de préférence à une dite hauteur H. 15. Method for setting up at the bottom of the sea a device for catching fresh water according to one of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that the following steps are carried out, in which: 1) positions said first pipe t x (2) above said source of underwater freshwater (1) and one moor (5 X ) said first pipe t x at the bottom of the sea, so that the end bottom of said first pipe t j tightly surrounds all or part of said source of fresh water, and 2) we descend to the bottom of the sea said second pipe t 2 and tank (3) which we moor (5 2 ) at the bottom of the sea and / or at said first pipe t x (2), so that the lower end of said second pipe t 2 (3) is contained inside the upper part (2 X ) of said first pipe t j (2), and 3) air is injected inside said tank (4) so as to obtain an air-water interface at the top of said first pipe at a said e height of the air-water interface inside said tank, preferably at said height H.
EP04767334A 2003-07-08 2004-06-11 Method and device for collecting fresh water Expired - Lifetime EP1644589B9 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CY20091100155T CY1108760T1 (en) 2003-07-08 2009-02-11 WATER WATER COLLECTION METHOD AND ORDER

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0308308A FR2857389B1 (en) 2003-07-08 2003-07-08 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR COLLECTING FRESHWATER
PCT/FR2004/001471 WO2005014941A1 (en) 2003-07-08 2004-06-11 Method and device for collecting fresh water

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1644589A1 true EP1644589A1 (en) 2006-04-12
EP1644589B1 EP1644589B1 (en) 2008-11-12
EP1644589B9 EP1644589B9 (en) 2008-12-31

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EP04767334A Expired - Lifetime EP1644589B9 (en) 2003-07-08 2004-06-11 Method and device for collecting fresh water

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EP (1) EP1644589B9 (en)
AT (1) ATE414200T1 (en)
CY (1) CY1108760T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004017734D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2315693T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2857389B1 (en)
PT (1) PT1644589E (en)
WO (1) WO2005014941A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014044930A1 (en) 2012-09-21 2014-03-27 Nymphea Environnement Method and device for collecting a light underwater fluid such as fresh water or hydrocarbons

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1911893A1 (en) 2006-10-13 2008-04-16 Joel Fontaine System for collecting subsea water springs
FR2926569A1 (en) * 2008-01-23 2009-07-24 Michel Peril Fresh water collecting device, has control unit controlling flow rate of pump based on depth, and sensor measuring average level difference between water surfaces inside and outside envelope, respectively
EP2245234A2 (en) * 2008-01-23 2010-11-03 Michel Peril Method and device for tapping undersea freshwater
FR2926570B1 (en) * 2008-01-23 2010-04-02 Michel Peril METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CAPTURING UNDERWATER FRESHWATER
GR1006748B (en) * 2009-01-02 2010-04-08 Αναργυρος Δημητριου Μανος Lifting system for fresh water gushed from undersea fresh water springs - synchronical energy production therewith
FR3100807B1 (en) 2019-09-13 2021-10-08 Ifp Energies Now Desalination process and system with a delayed osmosis step and a reverse osmosis step
FR3136795B1 (en) 2022-06-16 2024-06-21 Ifp Energies Now System and method for capturing water from underwater and/or coastal sources with overflow basin

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FR2701974A1 (en) 1993-02-26 1994-09-02 Therond Patrick Method and device for collecting submarine resurgences of soft water
FR2785001B3 (en) * 1998-10-21 2001-01-12 Hydro Logic DEVICE FOR CAPTURING UNDERWATER FRESHWATER RESURGENCES
FR2792664A1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2000-10-27 Eric Gilli Freshwater collection assembly from a karstic well, spring or outlet, utilizes a wide bore pipe inserted into the well bore in a sealed manner
FR2795109B1 (en) 1999-06-18 2001-09-07 Geocean Solmarine METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTION, LOCATION AND COLLECTION OF FRESHWATER SOURCE AT SEA

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See references of WO2005014941A1 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014044930A1 (en) 2012-09-21 2014-03-27 Nymphea Environnement Method and device for collecting a light underwater fluid such as fresh water or hydrocarbons

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2315693T3 (en) 2009-04-01
FR2857389B1 (en) 2005-10-14
EP1644589B1 (en) 2008-11-12
FR2857389A1 (en) 2005-01-14
WO2005014941A1 (en) 2005-02-17
ATE414200T1 (en) 2008-11-15
PT1644589E (en) 2009-02-16
DE602004017734D1 (en) 2008-12-24
CY1108760T1 (en) 2014-04-09
EP1644589B9 (en) 2008-12-31

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