EP3329056B1 - Appareil séparateur - Google Patents

Appareil séparateur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3329056B1
EP3329056B1 EP16747592.0A EP16747592A EP3329056B1 EP 3329056 B1 EP3329056 B1 EP 3329056B1 EP 16747592 A EP16747592 A EP 16747592A EP 3329056 B1 EP3329056 B1 EP 3329056B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
solids
fluid
separator apparatus
mixture
separation
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.)
Active
Application number
EP16747592.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3329056A2 (fr
Inventor
Donald Stewart
Kenneth Roderick Stewart
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.)
Rotech Group Ltd
Original Assignee
Rotech Group Ltd
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 Rotech Group Ltd filed Critical Rotech Group Ltd
Publication of EP3329056A2 publication Critical patent/EP3329056A2/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3329056B1 publication Critical patent/EP3329056B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F7/00—Equipment for conveying or separating excavated material
    • E02F7/06—Delivery chutes or screening plants or mixing plants mounted on dredgers or excavators
    • E02F7/065—Delivery chutes or screening plants or mixing plants mounted on dredgers or excavators mounted on a floating dredger
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/88—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with arrangements acting by a sucking or forcing effect, e.g. suction dredgers
    • E02F3/8858—Submerged units
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/88—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with arrangements acting by a sucking or forcing effect, e.g. suction dredgers
    • E02F3/90—Component parts, e.g. arrangement or adaptation of pumps
    • E02F3/92—Digging elements, e.g. suction heads
    • E02F3/9206—Digging devices using blowing effect only, like jets or propellers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/88—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with arrangements acting by a sucking or forcing effect, e.g. suction dredgers
    • E02F3/90—Component parts, e.g. arrangement or adaptation of pumps
    • E02F3/94—Apparatus for separating stones from the dredged material, i.e. separating or treating dredged material

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a separator apparatus, such as for use with an underwater excavation apparatus, such as disclosed in CA 1 156 270 A .
  • the invention also relates to associated apparatus, devices and methods.
  • Subsea excavation equipment typically directs a flow of seawater towards the seabed to disturb or displace seabed material.
  • the material may then be contained in a seawater/seabed material suspension within a housing or hood of a subsea excavator.
  • the seawater/seabed material suspension contained in the housing may be captured by a suction means, which discharges the seawater/seabed material from the housing, for example, along a discharge pipe or hose onto the seabed.
  • GB Patent No. 2 459 700 discloses an example of underwater excavation apparatus, which comprises a mass flow excavation means, a suction means and a housing.
  • subsea excavation equipment may use high volume water flow or high pressure water jets to create trenches into which cables or pipes are laid, to expose sections of damaged cables or pipes for repair and/or maintenance, or to uncover large structures buried under the seafloor.
  • excavated seabed material may be blown a short distance from the immediate excavation area by the water jet, leaving the target permanently exposed unless natural backfill occurs or other remedial action is taken to re-cover the target.
  • the subsea excavator is used to create a trench to lower an object, e.g. a subsea electric cable or communication cable, below the level of the seabed, it may be desirable for excavated seabed material to be discharged over the trench to bury and provide protective cover for the lowered cable.
  • an object e.g. a subsea electric cable or communication cable
  • controlled discharge of excavated seabed material may be of importance for excavation operations, which may require rebury or covering of cable or pipe after exposure of the same, for example, for maintenance, repair or installation purposes.
  • EP 2 226 466 A1 (SHELL INT RESEARCH [NL]) discloses a method of producing a marketable hydrocarbon composition from a hydrate deposit buried in the waterbottom comprising:
  • a separator apparatus adapted for use with an underwater excavation apparatus, the separator apparatus being configured to receive a mixture of fluid and solids from an underwater excavation apparatus, wherein the separator apparatus comprises:
  • a mixture of fluid and solids may be or comprise a slurry.
  • the fluid may be or comprise a liquid, such as water, e.g. sea water or brine.
  • the solids may be or comprise solid particles and/or material, e.g. seabed material, e.g. material excavated by an excavation apparatus (e.g. underwater excavation apparatus).
  • the solids may be or comprise particles or particulate material.
  • a mixture of fluid and solids may be or comprise material, e.g. seabed material, which may be contained in a fluid/solids suspension, e.g. a water/material suspension or sea water/seabed material suspension.
  • the separation arrangement may be configured to reduce or for reducing a velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids, e.g. a mixture fluid and solids received from an excavation apparatus.
  • the separation arrangement may be configured to controllably, sequentially or gradually reduce or for controllably, sequentially or gradually reducing a velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids, e.g. a mixture of fluid and solids received from an excavation apparatus and/or a mixture of fluid and solids flowing or passing through the separator apparatus.
  • This may allow solids to be separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from a mixture of fluid and solids, e.g. due to gravitational forces acting on the solids. Additionally or alternatively, this may allow fluids separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from a mixture of fluid and solids to be discharged at a reduced speed or velocity, thereby preventing disturbance of seabed material and/or separated, (e.g. at least partially separated) solids that were discharged from the separator apparatus.
  • the separator apparatus may comprise a flow deceleration arrangement.
  • the flow deceleration arrangement may be configured to reduce or for reducing a speed or velocity, e.g. configured to controllably, sequentially or gradually reduce or for controllably, sequentially or gradually reducing a speed or velocity, of a mixture fluid and solids passing or flowing in or through the separator apparatus and/or received from an excavation apparatus.
  • the separation arrangement or means may define, be part of or be comprised in the deceleration arrangement.
  • the separator apparatus may be configured to be connected or connectable to an excavation apparatus, e.g. an underwater excavation apparatus.
  • the separator apparatus may be connected or connectable to an excavation apparatus such that the separator apparatus is supported by an excavation apparatus.
  • the separator apparatus may be configured to be mounted on or to an excavation apparatus.
  • the separator apparatus may be configured to displace or for displacing a fluid and/or solids separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from a mixture of fluid and solids from an excavation site or location on a seabed, e.g. a site or location on a seabed excavated by an excavation apparatus, to a pre-determined or pre-selected location on a seabed, e.g. below or directly below the separator apparatus.
  • the separator apparatus may be configured for discharging of solids separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from a mixture of fluid and solids at a pre-determined or preselected location on a seabed.
  • the pre-determined or pre-selected may be spaced or located at a distance from an excavation site or location on a seabed, e.g. a site or location on a seabed excavated by an excavation apparatus. This may allow the separator apparatus to be used for the burial of an object, such as a pipe or cable located on a seabed or in a channel, trench, or hole in a seabed.
  • an object such as a pipe or cable located on a seabed or in a channel, trench, or hole in a seabed.
  • the separation arrangement or means may be arranged in the separation chamber, e.g. to extend across or span the flow passage (e.g. the at least one part of the flow passage).
  • the separation arrangement or means may be provided in the separation chamber e.g. to protrude or at least partially extend into or through the flow passage (e.g. the at least one part of the flow passage).
  • the outlet of the separator apparatus may be configured to expel or discharge or for expelling or discharging a fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from a mixture of fluid and solids, e.g. in use.
  • the inlet of the separator apparatus may comprise or define a cross-sectional area.
  • the outlet of the separator apparatus may define or comprise a cross-sectional area.
  • the cross-sectional area of the outlet may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the inlet.
  • the separator apparatus e.g. an internal portion thereof, may be configured to taper from the outlet towards the inlet.
  • a cross-sectional area of the separator apparatus may increase from the inlet towards the outlet, e.g. in a longitudinal or axial direction of the separator apparatus.
  • the separator apparatus may be tapered at an angle of about 5 to 20 degrees, e.g. about 10 degrees, relative to a central or longitudinal axis of the separator apparatus.
  • the outlet of the separator apparatus may be part of or comprised in the separation chamber.
  • the separation chamber may comprise or define an inlet and/or an outlet.
  • the outlet of the separator apparatus may be, comprise or define the outlet of the separation chamber.
  • the separator apparatus may comprise a diffuser passage.
  • the diffuser passage may define or comprise at least one other part of the flow passage.
  • the diffuser passage may be attachable, connectable, attached or connected to an excavation apparatus, e.g. in use.
  • the diffuser passage may comprise an inlet and/or an outlet.
  • the inlet of the separator apparatus may be part of or comprised in the diffuser passage.
  • the inlet of the separator apparatus may be, comprise or define the inlet of the diffuser passage.
  • the outlet of the diffuser passage may be attachable, connectable, attached, connected to the inlet of the separation chamber.
  • the outlet of the diffuser passage may be in communication, e.g. fluid communication, with the inlet of the separation chamber.
  • the inlet of the diffuser passage and/or separator apparatus may comprise or define a cross-sectional area.
  • the diffuser passage may define, be part of or be comprised in the flow deceleration arrangement.
  • the diffuser passage may be configured to reduce or for reducing a speed or velocity, e.g. a flow speed or velocity, of a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the diffuser passage, e.g. in use.
  • the outlet of the diffuser passage may define or comprise a cross-sectional area.
  • the cross-sectional area of the outlet of the diffuser passage may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the inlet of the diffuser passage.
  • the diffuser passage may be configured to taper from the outlet towards the inlet of the diffuser passage. In other words, a cross-sectional area of the diffuser passage may increase from the inlet towards the outlet, e.g. in a longitudinal or axial direction of the separator apparatus, e.g. the diffuser passage.
  • the diffuser passage may be tapered at an angle of about 5 to 20 degrees, e.g. about 10 degrees, relative to a central or longitudinal axis of the diffuser passage.
  • the diffuser passage may define or comprise a frusto-conical shape.
  • the separator apparatus e.g. the flow deceleration arrangement
  • the separator apparatus may be configured to impart or for imparting a spiral motion or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus, e.g. the flow passage, e.g. in use.
  • the separator apparatus e.g. the flow deceleration arrangement
  • the separator apparatus may be configured to subject or for subjecting a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus, e.g. the flow passage, to a centrifugal force, e.g. in use. This may permit the solids to become separated (e.g.
  • a reduction or decrease of a/the speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids may permit the solids to become separated, e.g. further separated, from fluid, e.g. due to gravitational forces acting on the solids.
  • the separator apparatus may comprise a guide arrangement.
  • the guide arrangement may be configured to impart or for imparting a spiral motion or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in or through the separator apparatus, e.g. the flow passage, e.g. in use.
  • the guide arrangement may be configured to subject or for subjecting a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in or through the separator apparatus, e.g. the flow passage, to a centrifugal force, e.g. in use.
  • the guide arrangement may be part of or comprised in the diffuser passage.
  • the guide arrangement may be arranged or provided in the flow passage, e.g. the at least one other part of the flow passage, e.g. defined by the diffuser passage.
  • the guide arrangement may comprise one or more guide element(s).
  • the one or more guide element(s) may be arranged or provided in the flow passage, e.g. the at least one other part of the flow passage, e.g. diffuser passage, to protrude or at least partially extend into the flow passage, e.g. the at least one other part of the flow passage, e.g. the diffuser passage.
  • the one or more guide element(s) may be arranged or provided on an internal surface of the flow passage, e.g. the at least one other part of the flow passage, e.g. the diffuser passage.
  • the one or more guide element(s) may be or comprise one or more vane(s) or blade(s), e.g. guide vane(s)or guide blade(s), or the like.
  • the separator apparatus may comprise an elongate member.
  • the elongate member may be part of or comprised in the guide arrangement.
  • the elongate member may be arranged or provided to extend in a longitudinal direction of at least a portion of or all of the separator apparatus, e.g. the at least one part of the flow passage and/or the at least one other part of the flow passage, e.g. the diffuser passage and/or the separation chamber.
  • the elongate member may be arranged or provided to extend through at least a portion of or all of the separator apparatus, e.g. the at least one part of the flow passage and/or the at least one other part of the flow passage, e.g. the diffuser passage and/or the separation chamber.
  • the one or more guide element(s) may be arranged, disposed or provided, e.g. circumferentially arranged, disposed or provided, on the elongate member, e.g. to define or form a threaded, helical or spiral member, e.g. a corkscrew or auger or the like.
  • the elongate member may be or comprise a shaft or rod or the like.
  • the guide arrangement may be arranged to be stationary in at least a portion of or all of the separator apparatus, e.g. the diffuser passage.
  • the guide arrangement may be movably arranged or provided in the separator apparatus, e.g. the diffuser passage.
  • the elongate member may be movably arranged, e.g. rotatably arranged, and/or configured to move, e.g. rotate, around a longitudinal axis of the elongate member and/or separator apparatus, e.g. diffuser passage.
  • movement, e.g. rotational movement, of the elongate member may permit or cause movement, e.g. rotational movement, of the one or more guide element(s) in the separator apparatus, e.g. the flow passage, e.g. diffuser passage and/or separation chamber. Movement, e.g.
  • rotational movement of the one or more guide elements may impart a spiral motion or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus, e.g. the flow passage, e.g. diffuser passage and/or separation chamber. This may subject a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus, e.g. the flow passage, e.g. diffuser passage and/or separation chamber, to a centrifugal force, e.g. in use.
  • the guide arrangement e.g. the elongate member, may be coupled, coupleable, connected or connectable to a moving arrangement, e.g. to permit movement, e.g. rotational movement, of the elongate member and/or the one or more guide element(s), e.g. in use.
  • the moving arrangement may be or comprise an electric or hydraulic motor, or the like.
  • the separator apparatus may comprise at least one separation element or a plurality of separation elements.
  • the at least one separation element or plurality of separation elements may be part of or comprised in the separation arrangement or means.
  • the at least one separation element or the plurality of separation elements may be part of, arranged or provided in the separation chamber.
  • the separator apparatus e.g. the at least one separation element, each of the plurality of separation elements or the plurality of separation elements, may be configured to separate or for separating, e.g. to at least partially separate or for partially separating, solids from a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in or through the separator apparatus.
  • the separator apparatus e.g.
  • the at least one separation element, each of the plurality of separation elements or the plurality of separation elements may be configured to reduce or for reducing a speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in the flow passage and/or in or through the separator apparatus, e.g. the separation chamber.
  • a reduction or decrease of a/the speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids may permit the solids to become separated, (e.g. at least partially separated) from the fluid, e.g. due to gravitational forces acting on the solids.
  • the at least one separation element, each separation element or the plurality of separation elements may be arranged in the separator apparatus, e.g. the separation chamber, to span or extend across the flow passage, e.g. the at least one part of the flow passage.
  • the at least one separation element, each separation element or the plurality of separation elements may be arranged in the separator apparatus to span or extend across all or at least part of the flow passage.
  • the at least one separation element, each separation element or the plurality of separation elements may be arranged in the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus to permit movement, e.g. slidable movement, of at least a portion or end of the separation element(s), in a direction perpendicular (e.g. substantially perpendicular) to a longitudinal or central axis of the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus.
  • at least a portion or end of the least one/each or the plurality of separation element(s) may be movable, e.g. slidably movable, in a transverse (e.g. substantially transverse or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal or central axis of the separator apparatus) direction of the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus.
  • At least a portion or end of the least one/each separation element may be movable, e.g. slidably movable, in a vertical (e.g. substantially vertical or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal or central axis of the separator apparatus) direction of the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus.
  • a vertical e.g. substantially vertical or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal or central axis of the separator apparatus
  • separator apparatus may be movable, e.g. slidably movable, in a vertical (e.g. substantially vertical or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal or central axis of the separator apparatus) direction of the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus.
  • the at least one separation element, each separation element or the plurality of separation elements may be arranged in the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus to prohibit movement of the at least one separation element, each separation element or the plurality of separation elements in a/the longitudinal direction of the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus.
  • the at least one separation element, each separating element or the plurality of separation elements may be maintained in a position spanning the flow passage, e.g. in a position spanning at least part of or all of the flow passage, of the separating chamber.
  • At least one other portion or end of the at least one/each separation element may be fixed or attached to separation chamber (e.g. the separator apparatus) or a portion thereof, e.g. to prohibit movement of the at least one other portion or end of the at least one separation element, each separation element or the plurality of separation elements relative to the separator apparatus, e.g. the separation chamber.
  • the at least one other portion or end of the at least one separation element, ,each separation element or the plurality of separation elements may be attached or fixed to an upper portion, e.g. an upper surface, of the separator apparatus, e.g. separation chamber.
  • a number of separation elements provided in the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus may increase in a/the longitudinal direction of the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus.
  • a number of separation elements provided at or in vicinity of the inlet of the separation chamber may be less than a number of separation elements provided at or in vicinity of the outlet of the separation chamber (e.g. separator apparatus).
  • the separation elements arranged or provided at the outlet of the separator apparatus and/or separation chamber may be spaced more closely to each other, e.g. in a transverse direction of the separator apparatus, e.g. the separation chamber, than the separation elements arranged or provided at the inlet of the separation chamber.
  • a density of the separation elements may increase in a longitudinal direction of the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus e.g. from the inlet to the outlet of the separation chamber.
  • a speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in or through the separator apparatus e.g. the separation chamber, may be reduced or decreased, e.g. gradually reduced or decreased.
  • the at least one separation element, each separation element or the plurality of separation elements may be or comprise a further elongate member, e.g. an elongate bar, elongate rod or a length or portion of chain or the like.
  • the further elongate member may be flexible or rigid.
  • the further elongate member may be arranged in the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus to span or extend across the flow passage (e.g. the at least one part of the flow passage), e.g. of the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus.
  • the separation arrangement may comprise a further threaded, helical and/or spiral member.
  • the further threaded, helical and/or spiral member may be, define or comprise the at least one separation element or the plurality of separation elements.
  • the further threaded, helical and/or spiral member may be provided in the flow passage of the separator apparatus, e.g. to impart a spiral motion or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the flow passage and/or to reduce a speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in the flow passage, e.g. in use.
  • the further threaded, helical and/or spiral member may be provided in or to protrude into the flow passage of separator apparatus, e.g. to impart a spiral motion or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the flow passage and/or to reduce a speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in the flow passage, e.g. in use.
  • the further threaded, helical and/or spiral member may comprise one or more further vane(s) or blade(s), e.g. guide vane(s) or guide blade(s).
  • the one or more further vane(s) or blade(s) may be arranged or provided in the flow passage of the separator apparatus (e.g. the at least part of the flow passage), e.g. to impart a spiral or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in or through the flow passage (e.g. at least one part of the flow passage).
  • the one or more further vane(s) or blade(s) may be configured to subject or for subjecting a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the flow passage (e.g.
  • the at least one part of the flow passage to a centrifugal force, e.g. in use.
  • This may permit the solids to become separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from fluid and/or a reduction in a speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in the flow passage (e.g. the at least one part of the flow passage) and/or in or through the separator apparatus and/or in or through the separation chamber, e.g. in use.
  • a reduction or decrease of a/the speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids may permit the solids to become separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from fluid, e.g. due to gravitational forces acting on the solids.
  • the one or more further vane(s) or blade(s) may be arranged in the separation chamber, e.g. to protrude or extend at least partially in the flow passage of the separator apparatus (e.g. the at least part of the flow passage).
  • the one or more further vane(s) or blade(s) may be arranged on an internal surface of the separation chamber, e.g. the at least part of the flow passage.
  • the one or more vane(s) or blade(s) may be arranged in the separator apparatus, e.g. the separation chamber, to form or define a further screw thread or the like.
  • the elongate member may be arranged to extend into and/or through the separation chamber.
  • the one or more vane(s) or blades may be arranged, disposed or provided, e.g. circumferentially arranged, disposed or provided, on the elongate member.
  • the separator apparatus may comprise a yet further elongate member.
  • the yet further elongate member may be arranged to extend into and/or through the separation chamber (e.g. the at least one part of the flow passage).
  • the one or more further vane(s) or blades may be arranged, disposed or provided, e.g. circumferentially arranged, disposed or provided, on the yet further elongate member.
  • the yet further elongate member may be or comprise a further shaft or rod or the like.
  • the elongate member, yet further elongate member and/or the one or more further vane(s) or blade(s) may comprise, define or form a further corkscrew, auger or the like.
  • the further threaded, helical and/or spiral member may be arranged in the separator apparatus, e.g. the separation chamber, to be stationary, e.g. in use.
  • the further threaded, helical and/or spiral member may be movably arranged in the separator apparatus, e.g. the separation chamber.
  • the elongate member and/or yet further elongate member may be movably arranged, e.g. rotatably arranged, and/or configured for move, e.g. for rotating, around a longitudinal axis of the elongate member, yet further elongate member and/or separator apparatus, e.g. separation chamber.
  • movement, e.g. rotational movement, of the elongate member and/or yet further elongate member may permit or cause movement, e.g.
  • rotational movement of the one or more further vane(s) or blade(s) in the separator apparatus, e.g. separation chamber.
  • Movement, e.g. rotational movement of the one or more further vane(s) or blade(s) may impart a spiral motion or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus, e.g. the separation chamber.
  • the further threaded, helical and/or spiral member e.g. the elongate member and/or yet further elongate member, may be coupled, coupleable, connected or connectable to a/the (further) moving arrangement, e.g. to permit movement, e.g. rotational movement, of the elongate member, the one or more further vane(s) or blade(s) and/or the yet further elongate member, e.g. in use.
  • the moving arrangement may be or comprise an electric or hydraulic motor, or the like.
  • the separator apparatus may comprise a centrifugal arrangement.
  • the centrifugal arrangement may be part of or comprised in the separation arrangement or means.
  • the centrifugal arrangement may comprise an inner chamber and/or an outer chamber.
  • the inner and outer chambers may be arranged to be in communication with each other.
  • the centrifugal arrangement may comprise one or more channel(s).
  • the one or more channel(s) may connect the inner chamber with the outer chamber.
  • the one or more channel(s) may be or comprise one or more slot(s), hole(s), slit(s) or passage way(s) or the like.
  • the one or more channel(s) may extend in a longitudinal direction of the separator apparatus and/or may be provided circumferentially around a wall of the inner chamber.
  • the one or more channel(s) may be configured to permit passage of a fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from a mixture of fluid and solids from the outer chamber to the inner chamber.
  • the inner chamber may be in communication, e.g. direct communication, with the outlet of the separator apparatus, e.g. to permit discharge of a fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from mixture of fluid and solids.
  • the centrifugal arrangement may be configured for receiving and/or separating a mixture of fluid and solids comprising or having a spiral or rotational motion, e.g. imparted by the excavation apparatus or a portion thereof.
  • the separator apparatus may comprise a baffle arrangement.
  • the baffle arrangement may be part of or comprised in the separation arrangement or means.
  • the baffle arrangement may be arranged or configured to direct flow of fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from a mixture of fluid and solids to the outlet of the separator apparatus.
  • the baffle arrangement may comprise a baffle, vane or panel.
  • the separator apparatus may comprise one or more opening(s).
  • the one or more opening(s) may be part of or comprised in the separation chamber.
  • the one or more opening(s) may be part of or comprised in the flow deceleration arrangement.
  • the one or more opening(s) may be arranged to be opposite the further outlet of the separator apparatus, e.g. the separation chamber.
  • the opening(s) may be arranged or provided on or in the upper portion, e.g. the upper or top surface, of the separation chamber.
  • the opening(s) may be configured or arranged to permit passage or flow of a fluid separated or at least partially separated from a mixture of fluid and solids from an interior of the separator apparatus and/or separation chamber to an exterior of the separator apparatus and/or separation chamber, e.g. in use.
  • A/the fluid separated or at least partially separated from a mixture of fluid and solids may comprise a portion or part of solids, e.g. light and/or fine solids, e.g. that may be inseparable or more difficult to separate from a/the fluid.
  • the one or more opening(s) may be configured to reduce a speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in or through the separator apparatus and/or separation chamber (e.g.
  • a reduction or decrease of a/the speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids may permit the solids to become separated or at least partially separated from fluid, e.g. due to gravitational forces acting on the solids.
  • the one or more opening(s) may be arranged to extend transversely (e.g. substantially transversely) and/or perpendicularly (e.g. substantially perpendicularly) relative to the longitudinal or central axis of the separation chamber and/or separator apparatus.
  • the upper portion of the separation chamber may be continuous.
  • the separator apparatus may comprise an/the open portion or further outlet for discharge and/or deposition of solids separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from a mixture of fluid and solids, e.g. onto a seabed.
  • the open portion or further outlet may be arranged in or on the separator apparatus such that solids separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from a mixture of fluid and solids are discharged or deposited below, e.g. directly below, the separator apparatus, e.g. the separation chamber.
  • the open portion or further outlet may be part of or comprised in the separation chamber.
  • the open portion or further outlet may be part of or comprised in a lower portion, e.g. a lower or bottom surface, of the separation chamber.
  • the open portion or further outlet may be arranged in the separation chamber to face downwards towards a seabed and/or a predetermined location on a seabed, e.g. in use.
  • a cross-sectional area of the separation chamber may increase in a/the longitudinal direction of the separation chamber.
  • separation chamber may be configured to taper from the outlet of the separator apparatus and/or separation chamber towards the inlet of the separation chamber.
  • the separation chamber may be tapered at an angle of about 5 to 20 degrees, e.g. about 10 degrees, relative to a central or longitudinal axis of the separation chamber.
  • an excavation apparatus e.g. an underwater excavation apparatus, comprising a separator apparatus according to the aforementioned general solution or first aspect.
  • the excavation apparatus may be or comprise a suction member or means, e.g. a pump or suction pump or the like.
  • the suction member or means may be configured to excavate seabed material from a predetermined or preselected location using suction.
  • the suction member or means may be configured to pump or transport a mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the underwater excavation apparatus to the separator apparatus, e.g. in use.
  • the excavation apparatus may be configured to impart a rotational or spiral motion on a mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the excavation apparatus.
  • the excavation apparatus may be configured to subject a mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the excavation apparatus to a centrifugal force, e.g. in use.
  • the excavation apparatus may comprise at least one impeller.
  • the impeller may be arranged and/or configured to produce suction to permit excavation of seabed material, e.g. in use.
  • the impeller may be configured to impart a spiral or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the excavation apparatus.
  • a mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the excavation apparatus may be directed from the excavation apparatus to the separator apparatus, e.g. in use.
  • the impeller may be configured to subject or for subjecting a mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the underwater excavation apparatus to a centrifugal force, e.g. prior to pumping or transporting a mixture of fluid and solids to the separator apparatus, e.g. in use. This may permit the solids to become separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from fluid.
  • the excavation apparatus may further comprise a flow producing device.
  • the flow producing device may be configured to produce and/or cause a flow of fluid, e.g. controlled flow, e.g. at a pressure of around 35 to 120 KPa (KiloPascals) and/or at a volume rate of around 1m 3 /s to 8m 3 /s, mass flow, e.g. at a pressure of around 10 to 50 KPa (KiloPascals) and/or at a volume rate of around 1 m 3 /s to 8m 3 /s and/or jet flow, e.g.
  • a flow of fluid e.g. controlled flow, e.g. at a pressure of around 35 to 120 KPa (KiloPascals) and/or at a volume rate of around 1m 3 /s to 8m 3 /s
  • mass flow e.g. at a pressure of around 10 to 50 KPa (KiloPascals) and/or at
  • the flow producing device may be configured to produce, cause and/or direct a flow of fluid to a predetermined or preselected location to be excavated, e.g. in use.
  • the flow producing device may be configured to disturb, cut and/or disrupt material at and/or around the location to be excavated.
  • the excavation apparatus may be or be comprised in a burial, de-burial and/or dredging apparatus, e.g. an underwater burial, deburial and/or dredging apparatus.
  • the excavation apparatus may be configured to be movable or moved on a seabed, e.g. in use.
  • the excavation apparatus may comprise a moving arrangement, e.g. a sledge or one or more belts or the like, for moving the excavation apparatus, e.g. underwater on a seabed.
  • the excavation apparatus may comprise a housing, chamber or hood.
  • the suction member or means and/or the flow producing device may be provided in the housing, chamber or hood.
  • the housing, chamber or hood may comprise an opening through which the flow producing device may direct a flow of fluid to a predetermined or preselected location to be excavated and/or through which the suction member or means may to pump or transport a mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the underwater excavation apparatus, e.g. to the separator apparatus, e.g. in use.
  • the housing, chamber or hood may comprise a first and/or a second portion or part.
  • the suction member or means may be provided or arranged in the first part or portion of the housing.
  • the flow producing device may be provided or arranged in the second part or portion of the housing.
  • the excavation apparatus comprises tubular or hose, e.g. a discharge pipe, tube or conduit.
  • the tubular or hose may be connectable, attachable, connected or attached to the suction member or means (e.g. an outlet of the suction member or means) and the inlet of the separator apparatus.
  • the discharge pipe, tube or conduit may be configured to provide a passage for a mixture of fluid and solids extracted or excavated by the excavation apparatus to the separator apparatus.
  • a method of separating fluid and/or solids, e.g. particles, from a mixture of fluid and solids may comprise providing a separator apparatus according to the aforementioned general solution or first aspect and/or an excavation apparatus according to the second aspect.
  • the method may comprise receiving a mixture of fluid and solids from an excavation apparatus, e.g. an underwater exaction apparatus.
  • an excavation apparatus e.g. an underwater exaction apparatus.
  • the method may comprise flowing or passing a mixture of fluids and solids in or through the separator apparatus, e.g. the flow passage.
  • the method may comprise separating at least a part or portion of the solids and fluid from a mixture of fluid and solids. Separating at least a part or portion of the solids and fluid from a mixture of fluid and solids may comprise reducing, e.g. gradually or controllably reducing, a speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids flowing or passing in or through the separator apparatus. A decrease or reduction in speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids allows the solids to become separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from fluid, e.g. due to gravitational forces acting on the solids.
  • Separating at least a part or portion of the solids and fluid from a mixture of fluid and solids may comprise imparting a spiral motion or rotational motion on a mixture of 16 fluid and solids flowing or passing through the separator apparatus, e.g. the diffuser passage and/or separation chamber.
  • Separating at least a part or portion of the solids and fluid from a mixture of fluid and solids may comprise subjecting a mixture of fluid and solids flowing or passing through the separator apparatus, e.g. the diffuser passage and/or separation chamber, to a centrifugal force.
  • the separator apparatus e.g. the diffuser passage and/or separation chamber
  • Separating at least a part or portion of the solids and fluid from a mixture of fluid and solids may comprise moving, e.g. rotating the guide arrangement, e.g. the elongate member and/or the one or more guide element(s), in the separator apparatus.
  • the method may comprise discharging solids separated or at least partially separated solids from a mixture of fluid and solids at a predetermined or pre-selected location on a seabed, e.g. from the further outlet of the separator apparatus.
  • the method may comprise expelling or discharging fluid separated or at least partially separated from a mixture of fluid and solids, e.g. through the one or more opening(s) and/or outlet of the separator apparatus.
  • an underwater excavation apparatus 5 comprising a separator apparatus 10.
  • the excavation apparatus 5 includes a suction member or means in the form of a pump or suction pump 15 or the like, which is configured to pump or transport a mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the underwater excavation apparatus 5 to the separator apparatus 10, in use.
  • the excavation apparatus 5 additionally includes a flow producing device 20, which is configured to produce and/or direct a flow of fluid to a predetermined or preselected location to be excavated, in use.
  • the flow of fluid produced by the flow producing device 20 may be controlled flow, e.g. at a pressure of around 35 to 120 KPa (KiloPascals) and/or at a volume rate of around 1m 3 /s to 8m 3 /s, mass flow, e.g.
  • the flow producing device 20 can be configured to disturb, cut and/or disrupt material at and/or around a location to be excavated. It will be appreciate that in some examples the flow producing device 20 may be configured to produce one of a controlled flow, mass flow or jet flow while in other examples the flow producing device 20 may be configured to produce a mass and/or controlled flow in combination with a jet flow.
  • the underwater excavation apparatus 5 is provided in the form of a suction pump 15, which may be configured to pump seabed material, i.e. a mixture of fluid and solids, from the seabed and transport the mixture of fluid and solids to the separator apparatus 10, in use.
  • seabed material i.e. a mixture of fluid and solids
  • the underwater excavation apparatus 5 is provided in the form of an underwater burial, de-burial and/or dredging apparatus including the suction pump 15 and the flow producing device 20.
  • the excavation apparatus 5 includes a moving arrangement in the form of a sledge 25a or tracks/belt(s) 25b or the like for moving the underwater excavation apparatus on the seabed.
  • the underwater excavation apparatus 5 includes a housing 30. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the underwater excavation apparatus 5 may include a chamber or hood or the like.
  • the suction pump 15 and/or the flow producing device 20 can be provided in the housing. In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2(d) both the suction pump 15 and the flow producing device are provided in the housing 30 while in the examples of Figures 2(a) to 2(c) only the suction pump 15 is provided in the housing 30.
  • the housing 30 has an opening 32 through which the flow producing device 20 can direct a flow of fluid to a predetermined location to be excavated and/or the suction pump 15 can pump or transport the mixture of fluid and solids to the separator apparatus 10, e.g. in use.
  • the housing has a first part 30a and a second part 30b.
  • the suction pump 15 is arranged in an inclined position in the first part 30a of the housing and the flow producing device 20 is arranged in the second part 30b of the housing to face downward towards the seabed (not shown).
  • the suction pump 15 pumps and transports the mixture of fluid and solids disturbed, disrupted or cut by the flow producing device 20 to the separator apparatus 10, e.g. in use.
  • the underwater excavation apparatus 5 includes a tubular, which may be provided in the form of discharge pipe 35.
  • the discharge pipe 35 connects the suction pump 15 to an inlet 40 of the separator apparatus 10, and is configured to provide a passage for the mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the underwater excavation apparatus 5 to the separator apparatus 10.
  • the inlet 40 of the separator apparatus 10 is connectable/attachable or connected/attached to an outlet 42 of an underwater excavation apparatus 5 and is configured to receive the mixture of fluid and solids from the underwater excavation apparatus 5.
  • the excavation apparatus 5 may be configured to impart a rotational or spiral motion on the mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the excavation apparatus and/or to subject the mixture of fluid and solids to a centrifugal force, in use.
  • the excavation apparatus 5 can include an impeller (not shown), which may be arranged and/or configured to produce suction to permit excavation of seabed material, in use.
  • the impeller can be configured to impart a spiral or rotational motion on the mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the excavation apparatus and subsequently directed to the separator apparatus 10.
  • the impeller may subject the mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the underwater excavation apparatus to a centrifugal force, e.g. prior to pumping or transporting a mixture of fluid and solids to the separator apparatus 10, in use. This may permit the solids to become separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from fluid.
  • Figures 4(a) to 4(c) show an example of the separator apparatus 10 separate/disconnected from the underwater excavation apparatus 5 and Figures 1 to 3(b) show an example of the separator apparatus attached/connected to the underwater excavation apparatus 5.
  • the separator apparatus 10 includes at least one separation arrangement 45, which is configured for separating at least a part of the solids from the mixture of fluid and solids received into the separator apparatus 10.
  • the separation arrangement 45 is configured to reduce a velocity of the mixture and solids received from an excavation apparatus.
  • the separation arrangement 45 can be configured to controllably, gradually or sequentially reduce the velocity of the mixture and solids. This may allow solids to be separated, e.g. at least partially separated, from the mixture of fluid and solids, e.g. due to gravitational forces acting on the solids. Additionally or alternatively, this may allow fluid separated (e.g.
  • the separation arrangement 45 can be or define at least part of a flow deceleration arrangement of the separator apparatus 10.
  • the mixture of fluid and solids may be a slurry, whereby the fluid may be a liquid, such as water, brine or sea water, and the solids may be solid particles and/or material, such as seabed material excavated by the underwater excavation apparatus 5.
  • the mixture of fluid and solids can be in the form of a fluid/solids suspension, e.g. sea water/seabed material suspension. It will be appreciated that in this example and/or other examples the solids may include particles or particulate material.
  • the separator apparatus 10 defines a flow passage 50 configured to receive the mixture of fluid and solids from the underwater excavation apparatus, which flow through the flow passage 50, in use, as shown in the example of Figure 4(c) .
  • the separator apparatus 10 includes a separation chamber 55, which defines a part 50a of the flow passage 50 and includes the separation arrangement 45.
  • the separation chamber 55 can define at least one other part of the flow deceleration arrangement of the separator apparatus 10.
  • the separation arrangement 45 is arranged in the separation chamber 55 to extend across or span the flow passage 50a. It will be appreciated that in other examples the separation arrangement 45 may be provided in the separation chamber 55 to protrude or at least partially extend into and/or through the part 50a of the flow passage 50 and/or another part 50b of the flow passage 50.
  • the separator apparatus 10 includes a plurality of separation elements 60, which in this example are provided in the separation chamber 55. It will be appreciated that in other examples the separator apparatus 10 may include at least one or a single separation element 60 and/or that the at least one or plurality of separation element(s) 60 may be provided in another part or portion of the separator apparatus 10.
  • each/the separation elements 60 are configured to reduce a speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids flowing in the flow passage 50 and/or through the separator chamber 55, i.e. the separator apparatus 10. In use, a reduction in speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids may permit the solids to become separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from fluid due to gravitational forces acting on the solids.
  • The/each separation element 60 may be provided in the form of an elongate member, which in this example is a portion of chain.
  • The/each separation element 60 is arranged in the separation chamber 55 to span the part 50a of the flow passage 50 of the separation chamber 55.
  • the elongate member may be in the form of an elongate bar, elongate rod or the like, which may be flexible or rigid and/or arranged in the separation chamber 55 to span the flow passage 50.
  • Each/the separation element(s) can be arranged in the separation chamber 55 to permit movement, such as slidable movement, of at least a portion or end of the separation element(s), in a direction perpendicular (e.g. substantially perpendicular) to a longitudinal or central axis A of the separation chamber 55 and/or separator apparatus 10 shown the example of Figure 4(c) .
  • each/the separation element(s) 60 may be movable, such as slidably movable, in a transverse (e.g. substantially transverse) direction of the separation chamber 55 and/or separator apparatus 10.
  • a first end of each separation element 60 is attached/fixed to an upper portion 65, e.g. a top/upper surface, of the separation chamber 55.
  • Further elongate members 70 which in this example are in the form of wires but may in other examples be in the form of bars, rods or the like, are arranged in the separation chamber 55 to horizontally extend across a bottom or lower portion 75 of the separation chamber 55.
  • each/the separation element(s) may be movable, such as slidably movable, in a vertical (e.g. substantially vertical) and/or transverse (e.g. substantially transverse) direction of the separation chamber 55 and/or separator apparatus 10.
  • each/the separation element(s) By allowing a portion or end of each/the separation element(s) to be movable and/or slidable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal or central axis A of the separator apparatus 10 and/or separating chamber 55, the risk of large solids/particles becoming trapped in the separator apparatus 10 and/or clogging of the separator apparatus 10 may be reduced.
  • each/the separation element(s) 60 is arranged in the separation chamber 55 to prohibit movement of each/the separation element(s) in a longitudinal direction of the separation chamber 55 and/or separator apparatus 10.
  • the further elongate members 70 permit transverse (e.g. substantially transverse) movement of the first end of each/the separation element(s) 60
  • the further elongate members restrict or prohibit movement of each/the separation element(s) in a longitudinal direction, e.g. in a direction along the longitudinal or central axis A of the separator apparatus.
  • each/the separating element(s) By restricting movement of each/the separating element(s) in a longitudinal direction of the separating chamber and/or separator apparatus, the/each separating element(s) may be maintained in a position spanning the flow passage 50a of the separating chamber 55. In other words, each/the separation element(s) may not be blown out of the fluid passage 50 by the mixture of fluid and solids flowing through the separation chamber 55, in use.
  • the number of separation elements 60 which are provided in the separation chamber 55 and/or separator apparatus 10, increases in a longitudinal direction of the separation chamber 55 and/or separator apparatus 10.
  • the number of separation elements 60 provided at or in vicinity of an inlet 80 of the separation chamber 55 is less than the number of separation elements 60 provided at or in vicinity of an outlet 85 of the separation chamber 55.
  • in the vicinity of the inlet 80 four separation elements 60 are provided whereas in the vicinity of the outlet 85 eight separation elements are provided.
  • separation elements 60 provided at the outlet 85 are spaced more closely to each other, e.g. in a transverse direction of the separator apparatus 10, than the separation elements 60 provided at the inlet 80 of the separation chamber so that, for example, a density of the separation elements 60 increases in a longitudinal direction of the separation chamber 55 and/or separator apparatus 10 (a direction along the longitudinal axis A of the separator apparatus 10) e.g. from the inlet 80 to the outlet 85 of the separation chamber 55.
  • the speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids travelling through the separator apparatus 10 may be controllably, sequentially or gradually reduced. It will appreciated that by arranging a larger number of separating elements 60 at the inlet 80 compared to the number of separation elements 60 arranged at the outlet 85, the inflowing mixture of fluid and solids may be presented with an obstacle or blockage created by the separation elements 60, which may cause the mixture of fluid and solids to be diverted towards the seabed before the velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids has been sufficiently reduced. This could result in the mixture of fluid and solids being directed in a jet towards the seabed at a velocity sufficient to excavate the seabed rather than depositing of the solids on the seabed.
  • the separator apparatus 10 includes a diffuser passage 90, which defines the other part 50b of the flow passage 50.
  • the diffuser passage 80 can defline at least one other part of the flow deceleration arrangement of the separator apparatus 10.
  • the diffuser passage 90 is of a substantially frusto-conical shape. It should be understood that the diffuser passage disclosed herein is not restricted to a substantially frusto-conical shape. For example, in other examples, the diffuser passage may have a tubular, frustum, rectangular shape or the like.
  • the diffuser passage 90 is attachable/connectable or attached/connected to an underwater excavation apparatus 5. In some examples, the diffuser passage 90 is configured to reduce a speed or velocity of a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the diffuser passage, in use.
  • the inlet 40 of the separator apparatus 10 defines an inlet 40 of the diffuser passage 90.
  • the outlet 85 of the separation chamber defines the outlet 85 of the separator apparatus 10 and is configured for expelling or discharging a fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from the mixture of fluid and solids.
  • the inlet 40 of the separator apparatus 10 is provided at a front or first end of the separator apparatus, e.g. proximally to the underwater excavation apparatus 5 and outlet 85 of the separator apparatus is provided at a rear or second end of the separator apparatus 10, e.g. distally from the underwater excavation apparatus 5, in use.
  • a cross-sectional area defined by the outlet 85 of the separator apparatus 10 is larger than a cross-sectional area defined by the inlet 40 of the separator apparatus.
  • the separator apparatus 10 or an internal portion thereof may be configured to taper from the outlet 85 towards the inlet 40.
  • a cross-sectional area of the separator apparatus may increase from the inlet 40 towards the outlet 85, e.g. in a longitudinal or axial direction of the separator apparatus 10.
  • the separator apparatus 10 may be tapered at an angle of about 5 to 20 degrees, e.g. about 10 degrees, relative to a central axis of the separator apparatus.
  • the diffuser passage includes an outlet 95, which may be attachable/connectable or attached/connected to the inlet 80 of the separation chamber 55 and is in communication with the inlet 80 of the separation chamber 55.
  • a cross-sectional area defined by the outlet 95 of the diffuser passage 90 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the inlet 40.
  • the diffuser passage 90 can be configured to taper from the outlet 95 towards the inlet 40 of the diffuser passage.
  • a cross-sectional area of the diffuser passage 90 increases from the inlet 40 towards the outlet 95, e.g. in a longitudinal or axial direction of the diffuser passage.
  • the diffuser passage may be tapered at an angle of about 5 to 20 degrees, e.g. about 10 degrees, relative to the central or longitudinal axis A of the diffuser passage.
  • the speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids flowing through the diffuser passage 90 may be reduced, e.g. gradually, controllably or sequentially reduced.
  • a cross-sectional area of the separation chamber 55 may increase in a/the longitudinal direction of the separation chamber 55 and the separation chamber may be configured to taper from the outlet 85 of separation chamber 55 towards the inlet 80 of the separation chamber 55.
  • the separation chamber may be tapered at an angle of about 5 to 20 degrees, e.g. about 10 degrees, relative to the central or longitudinal axis A of the separation chamber 55.
  • the upper portion 65 of the separation chamber is of a half cylindrical shape while the lower portion 75 is of a rectangular shape.
  • the separation chamber 55 may be of a different shape, such as a frusto-conical or frustum shape or the like.
  • the separator apparatus 10 includes one or more opening(s) 100, which are arranged on the upper portion 65, e.g. the upper or top surface, of the separation chamber 55.
  • the openings 100 are arranged on the upper portion 65 of the separation chamber 55 to extend transversely (e.g. substantially transversely) or perpendicularly (e.g. substantially perpendicularly) relative to the longitudinal or central axis A of the separation chamber 55 and/or separator apparatus 10.
  • the openings 100 are configured to permit passage or flow of a fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from the mixture of fluid and solids from an interior 105 of the separator apparatus and/or separation chamber to an exterior 110, e.g. a surrounding body of water, of the separator apparatus 10, in use.
  • the fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from the mixture of fluid and solids may include a portion of solids, e.g. light and/or fine solids, e.g. which may be inseparable or more difficult to separate from the fluid.
  • the openings 100 are configured to reduce (e.g. to further reduce) the speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus and/or separation chamber (e.g.
  • the flow passage e.g. in use.
  • the reduction or decrease of the speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids may permit the solids to become separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from fluid, e.g. due to gravitational forces acting on the solids.
  • the upper or top surface of the separation chamber may be continuous.
  • the separator apparatus 10 includes an open portion or further outlet 115 for discharge/deposition of solids separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from the mixture of fluid and solids.
  • the open portion or further outlet 115 can be arranged in the separator apparatus such that solids separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from the mixture of fluids and solids are discharged below, such as directly below, the separator apparatus 10.
  • the open portion or further outlet 115 is provided in the lower portion 75 e.g. a lower or bottom surface of the separation chamber 55.
  • the open portion or further outlet 115 is arranged in the separation chamber 55 to face downwards towards a seabed and/or a predetermined location on the seabed, in use.
  • Figure 5 shows an example of the separator apparatus 10 being used with the underwater excavation apparatus 5.
  • the mixture of fluid and solids excavated by the underwater excavation apparatus 5 flows from the outlet 42 of the excavation apparatus through the discharge pipe 35 into the separator apparatus 10.
  • the cross-sectional area of the diffuser passage 90 increases in a longitudinal direction of the separator apparatus 10.
  • the increasing cross-section (e.g. in a longitudinal direction of the separator apparatus) of the diffuser passage 90 can lead to a reduction in speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids flowing through the separator apparatus 10.
  • the speed of mixture of fluid solids is further reduced by the separation elements 60.
  • Solids in the mixture of fluid and solids remain in suspension above a certain speed or velocity, e.g. about 4 m/s, of the mixture of fluid and solids, which may be determined by the viscosity of the mixture, the size, shape of the solids and/or the density of the solids in the mixture of fluids and solids.
  • large particles contained in the mixture of fluid and solids can collide with the separation elements 60 and subsequently drop through the open portion or further outlet 115 on the seabed at the predetermined location, which is spaced from an excavation site or location on the seabed.
  • the reduction in speed of the mixture of fluid and solids permits separation or at least partial separation of the fluid and solids due to the gravitational forces acting on the solids.
  • the separator apparatus 10 may be used for the burial of an object, such as a pipe or cable located on a seabed or in a channel, trench, or hole in a seabed.
  • the fluid is expelled/discharged through the outlet 85 provided at the rear end of the separator apparatus 10 and/or the openings 100 of the separator apparatus 10, as shown in the example of Figure 5 .
  • This arrangement may prevent a jet of fluid (e.g. sea water) from being directed on to the seabed , which may result in carrying away solids deposited on the seabed or unintended excavation of a location, e.g. a burial site, on the seabed.
  • a jet of fluid e.g. sea water
  • FIG. 6(a) to 6(c) in which alternative examples of a separator apparatus are shown.
  • the separator apparatus which is generally identified by reference numeral 200, is similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 5 and as such like components share like reference numerals, incremented by 200.
  • the separator apparatus 200 is configured to impart a spiral motion or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus 200 and/or configured to subject a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the flow passage to a centrifugal force, in use. This may permit the solids to become separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from fluid and/or reduce the speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing in the flow passage and/or in or through the separator apparatus and/or in or through the separator chamber, e.g. in use. A reduction or decrease of a/the speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids may permit the solids to become further separated from fluid, e.g. due to gravitational forces acting on the solids.
  • the exemplary separator apparatus 200 shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c) includes a guide arrangement 120, which is configured to impart a spiral motion or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus 200 and/or configured to subject the mixture of fluid and solids to a centrifugal force, in use.
  • the guide arrangement is shown as being arranged or provided in the other part of the flow passage 250b defined by the diffuser passage 290.
  • the guide arrangement 120 includes one or more guide elements, which are in this example in the form of guide vanes 125. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the one or more guide elements may be in the form of one or more guide blades, a screw thread or a corkscrew, an auger or the like.
  • the guide vanes 125 are arranged in the separator apparatus 200 to impart a spiral or rotational motion on the mixture of fluid and solids passing through the separator apparatus 200.
  • the guide vanes 125 are arranged or provided in the other part of the flow passage 250b, e.g. diffuser passage 290, to protrude or at least partially extend into the other part of the flow passage 250b.
  • the guide vanes 125 are circumferentially arranged or provided about the longitudinal axis A of the separator apparatus 200, on an internal surface 130 of the other part of the flow passage 250b, e.g. the diffuser passage 290.
  • the guide arrangement 120 can include a yet further elongate member, which may be in the form or a shaft or rod 135 or the like, for example.
  • the shaft 135 is arranged or provided to extend in a longitudinal direction of the separator apparatus 200 and through the other part of the flow passage 250b, e.g. the diffuser passage 290.
  • the guide vanes 125 can be arranged, such as circumferentially arranged, on the shaft 135 to define a threaded, helical or spiral member, which may be in the form or a corkscrew or auger or the like, for example.
  • the guide arrangement 125 may be may be stationary in the separator apparatus 200, e.g. the diffuser passage 290, while in other examples the guide arrangement 125 may be movably arranged or provided in the separator apparatus 200.
  • the shaft 135 can be rotatably arranged and/or configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis of the shaft and/or separator apparatus 200.
  • rotation of the shaft 135 rotates the guide vanes 125 in the separation apparatus 200 to impart a spiral motion or rotational motion on the mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus 200.
  • This may subject the mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus 200 to a centrifugal force, thereby permitting solids to become separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from fluid.
  • the shaft 135 can be coupled or connected to a moving arrangement, which may be in the form of an electric or hydraulic motor (not shown), for example.
  • the separator apparatus 200 may include a centrifugal arrangement 140 as shown in the example of Figure 6(b) .
  • the centrifugal arrangement 140 is provided in the separation chamber 255.
  • the centrifugal arrangement includes an inner chamber 145 and an outer chamber 150, which are arranged to be in communication with each other.
  • the inner and outer chambers 145, 150 may be substantially cylindrical and/or elongated in shape.
  • the inner chamber 145 is substantially concentric with the outer chamber 150.
  • the centrifugal arrangement 140 shown in the example of Figure 6(b) includes one or more channel(s) 155, which may be in the form of one or more slot(s), hole(s), slit(s) or passage way(s) or the like, and connect the inner chamber 145 with the outer chamber 150.
  • the one or more channel(s) 155 are shown as extending in a longitudinal direction of the separator apparatus 200 and/or as being provided circumferentially around a wall 160 of the inner chamber 145. It will be appreciated that in other examples the channels 155 may circumferentially extend and/or may be substantially circular, round, square or the like in shape.
  • the one or more channel(s) 155 can be configured to permit passage of a fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from the mixture of fluid and solids from the outer chamber 150 to the inner chamber 145.
  • a fluid separated e.g. at least partially separated
  • fluid may be urged to the inner chamber 145, while solids may be urged to the outer chamber 150.
  • the inner chamber 145 is shown as being in communication, such as in direct communication, with the outlet 285 of the separator apparatus 200 to permit discharge of a fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from the mixture of fluid and solids, while solids or particles may be discharged from the outer chamber 150 via the open portion or further outlet 315.
  • the separator apparatus 200 includes a baffle arrangement 160, which can be provided in the separation chamber 255.
  • the baffle arrangement 160 is configured to direct flow of fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) from the mixture of fluid and solids to the outlet 285 of the separator apparatus 200.
  • the baffle arrangement 160 includes a baffle, vane or panel 165 or the like, which permits solids/particles urged to the outside of the baffle 165, e.g. due to the centrifugal force, to be discharged via the open portion or further outlet 315, while fluid separated (e.g. at least partially separated) the mixture of fluid and solids is discharged via the outlet 285.
  • the outlet 285 is in the form of a tubular, while in other examples the outlet 285 may be of a frusto-conical shape or the like. It will be appreciate that in the examples shown in Figures 6(b) and 6(c) the upper or top surface 265 of the separation chamber 255 can be continuous, i.e. may be provided without any openings.
  • FIGS 7(a) and 7(b) in which alternative examples of a separator apparatus are shown.
  • the separator apparatus which is generally identified by reference numeral 300, is similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 5 and Figures 6(a) to 6(c) and as such like components share like reference numerals, incremented by 300.
  • the separation arrangement 345 includes a further helical or spiral member 360a, such as an auger, cork screw, or the like.
  • the further helical or spiral member 360a may define at least one separation element that may be part of the separation arrangement 345.
  • the further helical or spiral member 360a is provided in the part of the flow passage 350a of the separation chamber 355 to impart a spiral motion or rotational motion on the mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the part of the flow passage 350a.
  • This may subject the mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the part of flow passage 350a to a centrifugal force and/or permit a reduction in speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids flowing through the separator apparatus, in use.
  • the centrifugal force acting on the mixture of fluid and solids and/or the reduction in speed or velocity of the mixture may permit separation of solids from fluid, as described above.
  • the further helical or spiral member 360a extends through the separation chamber, e.g. part of the flow passage 350a, in a longitudinal direction of the separator apparatus 300.
  • the further helical member or spiral member 360a includes a yet further elongate member, which may be provided in the form of a further shaft or rod 170, and one or more further guide element(s) 175a, which may be in the form of, for example, one or more guide blades or vanes or the like.
  • the further guide element(s) 175a can be circumferentially arranged on the shaft 170 to form the further helical member or spiral member 360a.
  • the further guide element(s) 175a may be provided integrally with the further shaft 170, while in other examples the further guide element(s) 175a and the further shaft 170 may be separately provided.
  • the further helical member or spiral member 360 may be integral with the separation chamber 355, while in other examples, it may be provided separate to or distinct from the separation chamber.
  • the separation chamber 355 may be retrofitted with the further helical or spiral member 360a.
  • the further helical or spiral member 360 is shown in Figure 7(a) as being only arranged in the separation chamber 355, it will be appreciated that in other examples the further helical or spiral member may extend through both the diffuser passage and separation chamber or only the diffusor passage. In such examples, the further helical or spiral member may be provided in the addition to or instead of the guide elements in the diffusor passage.
  • the further helical or spiral member 360a may be arranged in the separator apparatus 300 to be stationary, e.g. in use, while in other examples further helical or spiral member may be movably arranged in the separator apparatus 300.
  • the further shaft 170 may be movably arranged, e.g. rotatably arranged, and/or configured for move, e.g. for rotating, around a longitudinal axis of the further shaft 170 and/or separator apparatus 300.
  • movement, e.g. rotational movement, of the further shaft 170 may permit or cause movement, e.g. rotational movement, of the further guide element(s) 175a in the separator apparatus 300.
  • Movement, e.g. rotational movement of the further guide element(s) 175a may impart a spiral motion or rotational motion on a mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the separator apparatus 300, e.g. the separation chamber 355.
  • the further helical or spiral member 360a e.g. the further shaft 170
  • the moving arrangement may be or comprise an electric or hydraulic motor, or the like.
  • the separation arrangement 345 includes a further threaded member 360b, such as a screw thread or the like.
  • the further threaded member 360b may define at least one separation element that may be part of the separation arrangement 345.
  • the further threaded member 360b is shown as being provided in and/or to protrude into the part of the flow passage 350a of separation chamber 355 to impart a spiral motion or rotational motion on the mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the flow passage.
  • This may subject the mixture of fluid and solids passing or flowing through the part of the flow passage 350a, e.g. the separation chamber 355, to a centrifugal force and/or permit reduction in speed or velocity of the mixture of fluid and solids flowing through the separator apparatus, in use.
  • the further threaded member 360b is provided on an internal surface 430 of the part of the flow passage 350a, e.g. the separation chamber 355.
  • the further threaded member 360b includes one or more further guide element(s) 175b, which may be in the form of, for example, one or more guide blades or guide vanes or the like.
  • the further guide element(s) 175b can be circumferentially arranged or provided about the longitudinal axis A of the separator apparatus 300, e.g. to form the further threaded member 360b.
  • the further guide element(s) 175b may be integral with the part of the flow passage 350a, e.g. the separation chamber, while in other examples the further guide element(s) 175b may be provided separately or may be retrofitted to the separation chamber 355.
  • openings 100 are provided in the upper portion 65, 265, 365 of the separation chamber 55, 255, 355 it will be appreciated that in other examples the upper portion 65, 265, 365 of the separation chamber 55, 255, 355 may be continuous.
  • the guide element(s) 125 may be integrally provided with the shaft 135, while in other examples the guide element(s) 125 may be provided and the shaft 135 may be separately provided.
  • the helical member or spiral member may be integral with the separation chamber 55, 255, 355, while in other examples, it may be provided separately to or distinct from the separation chamber 55, 255, 355.
  • the separation chamber 55, 255 355 may be retrofitted with the helical or spiral member 360.
  • the guide element(s) 125 may be integral with the part of the flow passage 50a, 250a, 350a, e.g. the separation chamber, while in other examples the guide element(s) 125 may be provided separately or may be retrofitted to the separation chamber 55, 255, 355.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Centrifugal Separators (AREA)
  • Separation Of Solids By Using Liquids Or Pneumatic Power (AREA)

Claims (19)

  1. Appareil séparateur (10; 200; 300), adapté pour être utilisé avec un appareil d'excavation sous-marine (15), l'appareil séparateur étant configuré pour recevoir un mélange de fluide et de solides provenant d'un appareil d'excavation sous-marine, dans lequel l'appareil séparateur comprend:
    au moins un dispositif ou moyen de séparation, le dispositif de séparation (45; 345) étant configuré pour séparer au moins une partie des solides d'un mélange de fluide et de solides passant à travers l'appareil séparateur;
    un passage d'écoulement (50; 250b; 350a) configuré pour recevoir le mélange de fluide et de solides provenant d'un appareil d'excavation sous-marine, le mélange de fluide et de solides passant à travers le passage d'écoulement, en utilisation;
    une chambre de séparation (55; 255; 355) comprenant au moins une partie du passage d'écoulement;
    une entrée (40) et une sortie (85; 285), l'entrée étant configurée pour recevoir le mélange de fluide et de solides provenant d'un appareil d'excavation sous-marine, et la sortie de l'appareil séparateur étant configurée pour déverser un fluide au moins partiellement séparé du mélange de fluide et de solides, en utilisation; dans lequel le au moins un dispositif de séparation est prévu dans la chambre de séparation; caractérisé en ce que l'appareil séparateur comprend en outre
    une autre sortie (115; 315) pour déverser des solides au moins partiellement séparés du mélange de fluide et de solides sur un fond marin, l'autre sortie étant disposée dans la chambre de séparation pour être tournée vers le bas, en utilisation.
  2. Appareil séparateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'appareil séparateur comprend un dispositif de ralentissement de l'écoulement configuré pour réduire progressivement, de manière contrôlable ou séquentielle, une vitesse ou une vélocité d'un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant dans ou à travers l'appareil séparateur.
  3. Appareil séparateur selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel l'appareil séparateur est configuré pour être connecté ou connectable à un appareil d'excavation sous-marine (15) de sorte que l'appareil séparateur est soutenu par un appareil d'excavation sous-manne.
  4. Appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'appareil séparateur est configuré pour déplacer un fluide et/ou des solides au moins partiellement séparés d'un mélange de fluide et de solides depuis un site ou un emplacement d'excavation vers un emplacement prédéterminé ou présélectionné sur un fond marin en dessous, par exemple directement en dessous, de l'appareil séparateur, et optionnellement dans lequel l'emplacement prédéterminé ou présélectionné est espacé ou situé à une distance d'un site ou d'un emplacement d'excavation sur un fond marin.
  5. Appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'entrée de l'appareil séparateur comprend ou définit une aire de section transversale, et/ou dans lequel la sortie de l'appareil séparateur définit ou comprend une aire de section transversale, l'aire de section transversale de la sortie étant plus grande que l'aire de section transversale de l'entrée.
  6. Appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'appareil séparateur comprend un passage de diffusion, dans lequel
    le passage de diffusion est configuré pour réduire une vitesse ou une vélocité d'un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant à travers le passage de diffusion, en utilisation.
  7. Appareil séparateur selon la revendication 6, dans lequel l'appareil séparateur comprend un dispositif de guidage (120) configuré pour conférer un mouvement en spirale ou un mouvement de rotation à un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant à travers l'appareil séparateur et/ou configuré pour soumettre un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant à travers l'appareil séparateur à une force centrifuge, le dispositif de guidage étant agencé ou prévu dans le passage de diffusion, et optionnellement
    le dispositif de guidage comprend un ou plusieurs éléments de guidage, les ou plusieurs éléments de guidage étant agencés ou prévus dans au moins une autre partie du passage d'écoulement défini par le passage de diffusion pour faire saillie ou s'étendre au moins partiellement dans la au moins une autre partie du passage d'écoulement.
  8. Appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'appareil séparateur comprend au moins un ou plusieurs éléments de séparation (60; 260), l'au moins un ou la pluralité d'éléments de séparation faisant partie du dispositif de séparation ou étant compris dans celui-ci et/ou étant prévus dans la chambre de séparation, et optionnellement:
    au moins un/chacun ou la pluralité d'éléments de séparation sont configurés pour réduire une vitesse ou une vélocité d'un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant dans ou à travers l'appareil séparateur et/ou pour séparer au moins partiellement le fluide et/ou les solides d'un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant à travers l'appareil séparateur, l'au moins un/chacun ou la pluralité d'éléments de séparation sont disposés dans la chambre de séparation pour permettre un mouvement, tel qu'un mouvement coulissant, d'au moins une partie ou une extrémité de l'élément ou des élément(s) de séparation, dans un sens essentiellement perpendiculaire à un axe longitudinal ou central de l'appareil séparateur,
    l'au moins un/chacun ou la pluralité d'éléments de séparation sont disposés dans la chambre de séparation pour empêcher le mouvement de l'au moins un/chacun des éléments de séparation dans un sens longitudinal de l'appareil séparateur,
    un nombre d'éléments de séparation prévus dans la chambre de séparation augmente dans un sens longitudinal de la chambre de séparation,
    les éléments de séparation disposés ou prévus à la sortie de l'appareil séparateur sont plus rapprochés les uns des autres, par exemple dans un sens transversal de l'appareil séparateur ou de la chambre de séparation, que les éléments de séparation disposés ou prévus à une entrée de la chambre de séparation,
    l'au moins un/chaque élément de séparation comprend un autre élément allongé, tel qu'une barre allongée, une tige allongée ou une longueur ou une partie de chaîne, disposé dans la chambre de séparation pour couvrir ou s'étendre à travers la au moins une partie du passage d'écoulement de la chambre de séparation et/ou de l'appareil séparateur.
  9. Appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel:
    le dispositif ou le moyen de séparation comprend un autre élément hélicoïdal ou en spirale, tel qu'une vis sans fin, une vis à liège, prévu dans le passage d'écoulement de l'appareil séparateur pour conférer un mouvement en spirale ou un mouvement de rotation à un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant à travers le passage d'écoulement et/ou pour réduire une vitesse ou une vélocité d'un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant dans le passage d'écoulement, en utilisation, ou
    le dispositif de séparation comprend un autre élément fileté, tel qu'un filetage de vis, prévu dans ou pour faire saillie dans le passage d'écoulement de l'appareil séparateur pour conférer un mouvement en spirale ou un mouvement de rotation à un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant à travers le passage d'écoulement et/ou pour réduire une vitesse ou une vélocité d'un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant dans le passage d'écoulement, en utilisation.
  10. Appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, dans lequel l'appareil séparateur comprend un dispositif de centrifuge, le dispositif de centrifuge faisant partie du dispositif de séparation ou étant compris dans celui-ci, et optionnellement
    le dispositif de centrifuge comprend une chambre intérieure et/ou une chambre extérieure, les chambres intérieure et extérieure étant disposées pour être en communication l'une avec l'autre, et dans ce cas, optionnellement
    le dispositif de centrifuge comprend un ou plusieurs canaux reliant la chambre intérieure à la chambre extérieure,
    et dans ce cas, optionnellement, en outre les un ou plusieurs canaux sont configurés pour permettre le passage d'un fluide au moins partiellement séparé d'un mélange de fluide et de solides de la chambre extérieure à la chambre intérieure.
  11. Appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, dans lequel l'appareil séparateur comprend un dispositif de chicanes, le dispositif de chicanes faisant partie du dispositif de séparation ou étant compris dans celui-ci.
  12. Appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, l'appareil séparateur comprend une ou plusieurs ouvertures disposées ou prévues sur ou dans la partie supérieure, telle que la surface supérieure ou de dessus, de la chambre de séparation, et optionnellement
    la ou les ouvertures sont configurées pour permettre le passage ou l'écoulement d'un fluide au moins partiellement séparé d'un mélange de fluide et de solides depuis un intérieur de la chambre de l'appareil séparateur vers un extérieur de l'appareil séparateur, en utilisation, et/ou
    la une ou plusieurs ouvertures sont configurées pour réduire une vitesse ou une vélocité d'un mélange de fluide et de solides passant ou s'écoulant à travers l'appareil séparateur, en utilisation.
  13. Appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, la sortie supplémentaire étant disposée dans ou sur l'appareil séparateur de telle sorte que les solides au moins partiellement séparés d'un mélange de fluide et de solides sont déversés en dessous, par exemple directement en dessous, de l'appareil séparateur.
  14. Appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel une aire de section transversale de la chambre de séparation augmente dans un/le sens longitudinal de la chambre de séparation.
  15. Appareil d'excavation sous-marine, comprenant un appareil séparateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14.
  16. Appareil d'excavation sous-marine selon la revendication 15, dans lequel l'appareil d'excavation sous-marine comprend un élément ou un moyen d'aspiration configuré pour excaver le matériau du fond marin à partir d'un emplacement prédéterminé ou présélectionné en utilisant l'aspiration, et dans lequel
    l'élément d'aspiration est configuré pour pomper ou transporter un mélange de fluide et de solides excavés vers l'appareil séparateur, en utilisation, et optionnellement dans lequel
    l'appareil d'excavation sous-marine comprend au moins une roue à ailettes configurée pour produire une aspiration afin d'excaver le matériau du fond marin, la roue à ailettes étant configurée pour conférer un mouvement de tourbillon ou de rotation à un mélange de fluide et de solides excavés qui est dirigé vers l'appareil séparateur.
  17. Appareil d'excavation sous-marine selon l'une des revendications 15 ou 16, dans lequel l'appareil d'excavation sous-marine comprend un boîtier, une chambre ou un capot (30).
  18. Procédé de séparation d'un fluide et de solides à partir d'un mélange de fluide et de solides, le procédé comprenant
    la fourniture d'un appareil d'excavation sous-marine (15) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 15 à 17;
    la réception d'un mélange de fluide et de solides provenant de la partie excavatrice de l'appareil d'excavation sous-marine;
    le passage d'un mélange de fluide et de solides à travers l'appareil séparateur; et
    la séparation au moins d'une partie ou d'une portion des solides et du fluide d'un mélange de fluide et de solides.
  19. Procédé selon la revendication 18, dans lequel:
    la séparation au moins d'une partie ou d'une portion des solides et du fluide d'un mélange de fluide et de solides comprend la réduction d'une vitesse ou d'une vélocité d'un mélange de fluide et de solides s'écoulant ou passant à travers l'appareil séparateur, et/ou;
    la séparation au moins d'une partie ou d'une portion des solides et du fluide d'un mélange de fluide et de solides comprend le fait de conférer un mouvement en spirale ou un mouvement de rotation à un mélange de fluide et de solides s'écoulant ou passant à travers l'appareil séparateur, et/ou;
    la séparation au moins d'une partie ou d'une portion des solides et du fluide d'un mélange de fluide et de solides comprend la soumission d'un mélange de fluide et de solides s'écoulant ou passant à travers l'appareil séparateur à une force centrifuge, et/ou;
    le procédé comprend le déversement de solides au moins partiellement séparés d'un mélange de fluide et de solides à un emplacement prédéterminé ou présélectionné sur un fond marin, et/ou;
    l'expulsion ou le déversement d'un fluide au moins partiellement séparé d'un mélange de fluide et de solides.
EP16747592.0A 2015-07-31 2016-07-29 Appareil séparateur Active EP3329056B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1513606.2A GB201513606D0 (en) 2015-07-31 2015-07-31 Separator apparatus
PCT/GB2016/052339 WO2017021708A2 (fr) 2015-07-31 2016-07-29 Appareil séparateur

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3329056A2 EP3329056A2 (fr) 2018-06-06
EP3329056B1 true EP3329056B1 (fr) 2022-09-28

Family

ID=54063030

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16747592.0A Active EP3329056B1 (fr) 2015-07-31 2016-07-29 Appareil séparateur

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3329056B1 (fr)
DK (1) DK3329056T3 (fr)
GB (1) GB201513606D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2017021708A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201800002671A1 (it) * 2018-02-14 2019-08-14 Cristiano Rosa Unita’ operativa aspirante indipendente.

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2204584A (en) * 1936-12-23 1940-06-18 Flower Harry Butler Method and apparatus for shellfish dredging
JPS5623647B1 (fr) * 1971-05-25 1981-06-01
US3972566A (en) * 1975-03-04 1976-08-03 The International Nickel Company, Inc. Solids concentrator
US4070061A (en) * 1976-07-09 1978-01-24 Union Miniere Method and apparatus for collecting mineral aggregates from sea beds
JPS56119095A (en) * 1980-02-22 1981-09-18 Kogyo Gijutsuin Device for collecting mineral nodule distributing on surface of deposit layer of sea bottom
SU910948A1 (ru) * 1980-05-06 1982-03-07 за витель Г.И. Широков Камнеуловитель
US4822106A (en) * 1987-12-09 1989-04-18 Wilson Steven M Golf ball dredge
JPH0249823A (ja) * 1988-08-12 1990-02-20 Toyo Kankyo Kk 浚渫装置用夾雑物除去装置
NL9301589A (nl) * 1993-09-14 1995-04-03 Hollandsche Betongroep Nv Bezinkinrichting met plaatseparator.
NL1007763C2 (nl) * 1997-12-10 1999-06-23 Ingbureaujbr Transportsysteem voor een tweefasen-stroming.
GB2459700B (en) * 2008-05-01 2012-11-14 Rotech Holdings Ltd Improvements in and relating to underwater excavation apparatus
EP2226466A1 (fr) * 2009-02-13 2010-09-08 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. Procédé de production d'une composition d'hydrocarbures commercialisable à partir d'un dépôt d'hydrate enseveli au fond des eaux
KR101303012B1 (ko) * 2011-11-24 2013-09-03 삼성중공업 주식회사 채광장치
US20130306524A1 (en) * 2012-05-21 2013-11-21 Michael Dudley Welch Underwater gold processing machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2017021708A3 (fr) 2017-03-16
DK3329056T3 (da) 2022-12-05
GB201513606D0 (en) 2015-09-16
WO2017021708A2 (fr) 2017-02-09
EP3329056A2 (fr) 2018-06-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
RU2654923C2 (ru) Дноуглубительное устройство и способ удаления осадочных отложений со дна
US8522460B2 (en) Underwater excavation apparatus
EP3516170B1 (fr) Agencement d'agrandissement d'arbre pour système de forage
EP2960375B1 (fr) Pompe submersible
EP2317016B2 (fr) Appareil d'excavation sous-marine
DK178951B1 (en) Collecting device for particulate material in a well and a method for collecting the particulate material and transporting it out of the well
US9062434B2 (en) Device for extracting solid material on the bed of a body of water, and associated method
JP6345791B2 (ja) 特に原油の液相および気相の液体／気体分離のためのモジュール式プラントおよびプロセス
KR20220137765A (ko) 심해 채굴 차량
KR20140033369A (ko) 해저 비축용 장치 및 방법
US8585893B2 (en) Particle collector with weight measuring
EP3329056B1 (fr) Appareil séparateur
JP2017206845A (ja) 急曲線の地中掘削工事に対応できる泥土圧式密閉型掘進機
CN102395749A (zh) 用于对套管进行机加工的井下设备的装置以及堆积加工切屑的方法
CN106013307B (zh) 一种改良结构的挖泥船
GB2538974A (en) Underwater excavation apparatus
EP3751057A1 (fr) Système de transfert de matériau pour un corps d'eau
JPS6019371B2 (ja) 水底覆土用砂撤き装置
JP4999629B2 (ja) 渦動排砂装置及びこの渦動排砂装置を用いた排砂方法
CA2930616C (fr) Enlevement de residus fins matures des bassins de retention et filtrage des debris
RU2782749C1 (ru) Эрлифтно-гидромониторный снаряд
GB2371067A (en) Vehicle for dredging beneath a drilling platform
SU1442616A1 (ru) Устройство дл засыпки подводной траншеи
SU872662A1 (ru) Землесосный снар д
CN104179211A (zh) 一种海底开沟装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20180119

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20190809

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20211216

GRAJ Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

INTC Intention to grant announced (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20220414

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602016075272

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1521314

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20221015

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

Effective date: 20221130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20221228

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1521314

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220928

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20221229

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230130

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230128

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602016075272

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20230629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230729

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230729

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220928

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20240611

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240606

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20240613

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240611

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20240617

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240604

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20240712

Year of fee payment: 9