Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
  • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
  • E02B8/00—Details of barrages or weirs ; Energy dissipating devices carried by lock or dry-dock gates
  • E02B8/02—Sediment base gates; Sand sluices; Structures for retaining arresting waterborne material
  • E02B8/023—Arresting devices for waterborne materials
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
  • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
  • E02B15/00—Cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water; Apparatus therefor
  • E02B15/04—Devices for cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water from oil or like floating materials by separating or removing these materials
  • E02B15/08—Devices for reducing the polluted area with or without additional devices for removing the material
  • E02B15/0835—Devices for reducing the polluted area with or without additional devices for removing the material fixed to permanent structure, e.g. harbour wall or river bank
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
  • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
  • E02B15/00—Cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water; Apparatus therefor
  • E02B15/04—Devices for cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water from oil or like floating materials by separating or removing these materials
  • E02B15/10—Devices for removing the material from the surface
  • E02B15/104—Conveyors; Paddle wheels; Endless belts
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
  • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
  • E02B8/00—Details of barrages or weirs ; Energy dissipating devices carried by lock or dry-dock gates
  • E02B8/08—Fish passes or other means providing for migration of fish; Passages for rafts or boats

Definitions

• This invention relates generally to a system and method for removing debris from a waterway, particularly, but not exclusively using a deflection barrier.
• Marine pollution is a significant problem for the health of the ocean, and a hazard to marine life.
• plastic materials enter the ocean, and over 800 species are known to have ingested or been entangled in plastic waste in the ocean (EIA, 2018).
• EIA plastic waste in the ocean
• a system for removing debris from a waterway may comprise a barrier system.
• the barrier system may be configured to direct/guide and/or divert/deflect debris contained in and/or floating on a surface of an incoming fluid flow through the waterway towards a side of the waterway or to another predetermined location. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier system may be configured to filter-out, collect and/or capture debris contained in and/or floating on a surface of an incoming fluid flow through the waterway and direct/guide and/or divert/deflect the filtered-out/collected and/or captured debris towards a side of the waterway or to another predetermined location.
• the system may further comprise a debris handling system configured to receive the debris directed by the barrier system and collect and/or remove the debris from the waterway.
• the fluid may be or comprise water.
• the term“filtered-out” means to substantially prevent the debris from flowing or passing through the barrier system, while allowing fluid to flow through the barrier system.
• the barrier system may be configured to filter and direct/divert/deflect debris simultaneously.
• the barrier system may be configured to direct and/or divert or deflect the debris through the action of the incoming fluid flow against the barrier system without any additional mechanical intervention.
• the incoming fluid flow may comprise a flow of debris and the barrier system may be configured to direct and/or divert or deflect the debris flow towards a side of the waterway, optionally without substantially affecting the fluid flow through the waterway.
• the system is intended to be installed at or in a waterway, such as a river, fluvial system, canal or other fluid channel to filter-out and/or extract physical pollution or debris and remove it from the waterway, e.g. to a bank or shore of the waterway or to a vessel such as a boat/ship for collection. In this way, the system can prevent or reduce the amount of physical pollution or debris reaching marine or other water environments.
• the term“debris” may include any physical pollution and/or pollution materials such as plastic materials/items, plastics particles (macroplastics and microplastics), and/or other types of man-made physical pollution that may enter the waterway upstream of the system (including natural debris such as leaves and branches) .
• the physical pollution or debris may be contained in (i.e. entrained in) and/or floating on a surface of the incoming fluid flow (i.e. water).
• the system may be a semi -permanent installation.
• the debris handling system may be installed at or near a side of the waterway.
• the system can be easily installed in any geography with minimum cost (e.g. as opposed to a barrier system that directs debris to the center of the waterway for removal that would require more a complex and substantial physical construction) .
• the semi permanence of the system reduces the cost of installation, enables expedited decommissioning at the end of service, and reduces waterway obstruction.
• the system may be permanently installed.
• the barrier system may comprise one or more barrier portions.
• the barrier portion(s) may be configured, in use, to filter-out and/or direct/deflect/divert the debris towards the side of the waterway or towards to the debris handling system.
• the barrier portion(s) may extend across substantially the entire width of the waterway, or a portion of the width of the waterway.
• the barrier portion(s) may comprise one or more removable filter elements or panels configured to inhibit debris contained in or on the surface of said incoming fluid flowing through the filter element.
• the filter element(s) may be formed of or comprise one or more of a metal, rubber, polymer, and fibrous material.
• the material properties of the filter element(s) may include one or more of: substantially flexible, malleable, strong, non-toxic, and water-resistant.
• the filter element(s) may comprise one or more perforations/pores to allow fluid to flow through the filter element but inhibit debris contained in or on the surface of fluid flowing through the filter element.
• the filter element(s) may be or comprise one or more of: a mesh, a net, a perforated curtain, a membrane and a perforated screen.
• the maximum pore size of the filter element(s) may be approximately 10 mm.
• the pore size of the filter element(s) may in the range of substantially 1 micron to 10 mm, or 1 micron to 1mm, or 1 micron to 100 microns, or 1 micron to 10 microns. This may advantageously enable the barrier system to trap and deflect small debris such as (micro)plastics.
• the filter element(s) may be substantially impermeable (i.e. with no perforations/pores) such that it inhibits both fluid flow and debris flow through it.
• the barrier portion(s) may be or comprise a pure deflection barrier.
• the barrier system and/or barrier portion may extend away from the debris handling system at an angle with respect to the direction of fluid flow in the waterway.
• the angle may be such that the barrier system and/or barrier portion extends at least partially across and upstream the waterway.
• the angle may be an acute angle.
• the angle may be substantially between 0 to 90 degrees, or between substantially 10 to 80 degrees, or between substantially 20 to 70 degrees (with respect to the direction of fluid flow in the waterway).
• the action of the (longitudinal) fluid flow in the waterway against the angled barrier system and/or barrier portion may provide a transverse force on the debris and/or a transverse debris flow component directed towards a side of the waterway to direct/deflect/divert and/or move the debris towards the side of the waterway without mechanical intervention.
• the optimal angle of the barrier system and/or barrier portion may depend on one or more fluid flow conditions (i.e. waterway/river conditions), e g flow rate, velocity, and/or the amount of debris to be removed (e.g. this may be estimated or determined prior to installation). The optimal angle may also depend on cost factors related to the length/size of the barrier system and/or barrier portion.
• a balance between the longitudinal and transverse components (i.e. parallel and perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow) of debris flow at the barrier portion is required to ensure that debris does not get stuck to the barrier portion and that too much energy is not imparted on the barrier portion itself.
• the more acute the angle to the direction of fluid flow the longer and more expensive the barrier system becomes.
• the barrier portion and/or filter element(s) may be configured, in use, to be at least partially submerged in the waterway.
• the barrier portion and/or filter element(s) may, in use, extend (e.g. in a depth direction) to at least partially the depth of the waterway.
• the barrier portion and/or filter element(s) may extend substantially the full depth of the waterway.
• the height of the barrier portion and/or filter element(s) may be in the range of substantially 0.5 m to 2 m.
• the barrier system may further comprise one or more ground posts or fixtures configured to hold and/or support the barrier portion(s) and/or filter element(s).
• the ground posts may be configured to be fixed or fixable (permanently or non-permanently) in/on/to the bed/floor of the waterway.
• the barrier system and/or barrier portion(s) may be or comprise a modular attachment such that the barrier system can be replaced and/or exchanged for different barrier designs, such as different depths (e.g. full depth, partial depth). In this way, the barrier system and/or barrier portion(s) can be tailored to the waterway/river requirements.
• the barrier portion(s) and/or filter element(s) may be attachable to and/or removable from the debris handling system and/or the ground posts.
• the barrier portion and/or filter element(s) may be interchangeable attachments that can be installed (e.g. attached to the ground posts and/or the debris handling system), replaced (e.g. when damaged) and/or exchanged with different designs (e.g. partial depth, full depth, different pore size). For example, if the debris is only carried within a small upper proportion of the waterway depth, then the barrier size (height) can be tailored to this.
• the ground posts may enable the redeployment of the filter element(s) in the event of a storm destroying them.
• the debris handling system may comprise a first conveyor.
• the term“conveyor” may refer to any mechanism capable of transporting solid materials (in this case debris) from one location to another.
• the first conveyor may be configured to receive debris directed by the barrier system and transport debris out of the waterway to a first location.
• the first conveyor may comprise a first end and a second end
• the first conveyor may be configured to transport debris from the first end to the second end.
• the first conveyor may be or comprise a substantially linear conveyor, such as a conveyor belt or ramp.
• the first conveyor may be or comprise a rotary conveyor.
• the rotary conveyor may have a water wheel-type configuration, whereby it is configured to transport debris in a circumferential direction about its axis of rotation.
• the rotary conveyor may have a screw-type configuration, such as an Archimedes screw or similar mechanism. The screw may be configured to transport debris in a direction substantially parallel to its axis of rotation.
• the first conveyor may be arranged at an incline with respect to the direction of fluid flow.
• the first conveyor may comprise an inclined and/or sloped portion. In this way, the first conveyor may be configured to lift or move debris out of the waterway, e.g. out of the fluid/water.
• the term“incline” means a slope (in the X-Z or Y-Z plane) with a positive gradient.
• the incline angle may be in the range 30 to 70 degrees with respect to the vertical or horizontal directions. The optimal angle may depend on one or more fluid flow conditions, e.g. flow rate, velocity, and/or the amount of debris to be removed (e.g. this may be estimated or determined prior to installation).
• the first conveyor may comprise one or more drains or apertures configured to permit fluid to drain away.
• the first conveyor may comprise a plurality of lift members such as ribs or baffles configured to lift or scoop debris out of the waterway and/or load the first conveyor.
• the plurality of lift members may be configured to permit fluid to drain through them and/or away. Allowing the fluid to drain away may reduce the mechanical load on the first conveyor, particularly at relative steep incline angles.
• Each lift member/baffle/rib may extend across substantially the width of the first conveyor (i.e. a continuous lift member/baffle/rib).
• each lift member/baffle/rib may comprise a series of shorter lift members/baffles/ribs that together span substantially the width of the first conveyor (i.e. a discontinuous lift member/baffle/rib).
• the or each lift member/baffle/rib may extend in a substantially transverse direction across the first conveyor.
• the first conveyor has a screw-type configuration, it may comprise one or more radial or helical lift members/baffles/ribs (that may be continuous or discontinuous).
• the or each lift member/baffle/rib may comprise one or more filter elements with one or more perforations to allow the fluid to drain therethrough.
• the filter element may be or comprise one or more of: a mesh, net and grid, and membrane.
• the whole belt may be formed of or comprise one or more filter element(s), i.e. in addition to or instead of transverse baffles.
• the pore size of the filter element(s) may in the range of substantially 1 micron to 10 mm, or 1 micron to 1mm, or 1 micron to 100 microns, or 1 micron to 10 microns. This may advantageously enable the conveyor to trap and lift small plastic debris.
• the first location may be on a bank or shore of the waterway.
• the first conveyor may be configured to transport debris from the waterway to one or more storage containers at the first location, e.g. for later removal.
• the first conveyor may comprise a shield to prevent debris from passing behind and/or escaping the first conveyor.
• the shield may be configured to funnel debris towards the first conveyor and/or a separate funnel or diverting means may be provided.
• the shield may be located at, adjacent and/or near to the first end of the first conveyor.
• the debris handling system may further comprise one or more turbines configured to drive and/or move the first conveyor and/or the debris handling system.
• the one or more turbines may be actuated by the fluid flow through the waterway. In this way, the system may be fully autonomous and not require any external electrical power.
• the one or more turbines may be or comprise helical turbines.
• the one or more turbines may be or comprise axial turbines, e.g. axial impellers/propellers.
• the one or more turbines may be or comprise in-line turbines, e.g. a Pelton turbines and/or water wheels).
• the one or more turbines may be connected to a primary driveshaft to rotate the driveshaft. Where there is more than one turbine, each turbine may be coupled to the same primary driveshaft (e.g. in series), or to separate primary driveshafts. Multiple turbines may provide a greater mechanical torque to drive the first conveyor and/or debris handling system.
• the first conveyor may be coupled directly or indirectly to the primary driveshaft(s) such that rotation of the primary driveshaft(s) or turbine(s) drives the first conveyor.
• Rotational power may be provided directly to rollers in the first conveyor, which, in turn, drives the belt of the first conveyor, e.g. through contact/friction. This friction/contact can be obtained through a variety of methods, such as the roller having teeth, a high friction belt/roller combination, or a drive chain.
• the one or more turbines may be arranged downstream of the barrier portion(s) or filter element(s) to protect the turbine(s) and/or prevent debris from entering the turbine(s). Additionally or alternatively, the turbine(s) may be arranged at a position below the barrier portion(s) and/or filter element(s), such that the barrier portion(s) and/or filter element(s) do not interfere with the fluid flow through the turbine(s).
• the system may further comprise a gearing system and/or gearbox coupled to the primary driveshaft(s), configured to control the rate of movement of the first conveyor.
• the rate of movement (e.g. rate of rotation) of the first conveyor may be controlled to be at a speed proportional to the speed of the one or more turbines, which in turn rotates proportionally to the fluid flow.
• the rate at which debris is filtered-out and/or directed/deflected/moved by the barrier system towards to the debris handling system depends on the fluid flow rate (as well as the angle of the barrier portion).
• the gearing system may ensure that the first conveyor moves at a rate necessary to prevent excess accumulation of debris or physical pollutants on, at or near to the first conveyor before being removed from the waterway (i.e. transported to the first location).
• the gearing system may be or comprise a set of bevel gears.
• the gearing system may be configured to gear up or down the speed of the turbine for the first conveyor.
• the gearing system may comprise a gearbox with a fixed ratio.
• the gearbox may have adjustable ratios. In either case, the gearing ratio may be set dependent on the expected concentration of debris/pollutants and flow rate at the site in the area where the system is situated.
• the first conveyor may be coupled indirectly to the primary driveshaft(s) via a mechanical power transmission system.
• the mechanical power transmission system may be configured to transmit the torque generated by the turbines to a secondary driveshaft coupled to the first conveyor where it is applied.
• the mechanical power transmission system may comprise one or more gearboxes.
• the gearboxes may be 90 degree gearboxes.
• a first gearbox may be or comprise a horizontal to vertical gearbox and a second gearbox may be or comprise vertical to horizontal gear box.
• the first and second gearbox may be connected by an intermediate shaft.
• the first gearbox may couple the primary driveshaft to the intermediate shaft.
• the second gearbox may couple the intermediate shaft to the secondary driveshaft.
• the one or more gearboxes may comprise a unitary transmission (gear) ratio, e.g. 1 : 1.
• the one or more gearboxes may be configured to control the rate of movement of the first conveyor.
• the one or more gearboxes may comprise a non-unitary gear ratio and/or a variable or adjustable ratio.
• Each gearbox may have the same or different transmission ratio.
• the one or more gearboxes may be configured to increase or decrease the rate of rotation of the secondary driveshaft with respect to the rate of rotation of the primary driveshaft. In this way, the rate of movement (e.g. rate of rotation) of the first conveyor may be controlled to be at a speed proportional to the speed of the one or more turbines, which in turn rotates proportionally to the water flow velocity.
• the one or more gearboxes may be or comprise a set of bevel gears.
• the transmission ratio of the one or more gearboxes may be 1 : 1, 1 :2, 1 :3, or 1 :4.
• Gear ratios may be determined by fluid and debris flow conditions in the waterway. For example, the fluid flow speed and debris concentration may determine the required clearing rate (i.e. debris removal rate) for the debris handling system and how much the turbine rotation needs to be stepped down.
• the turbine(s) may also be configured to provide an electrical power output.
• the electrical power output may be stored in one or more electrical storage units, such as a battery, for later use.
• the system may also comprise one or more generators coupled to the driveshaft(s), the turbine(s), and/or the gearbox(es) to transform rotation of the one or more turbines into electrical power (e.g. as with a hydro-electric turbine).
• the generator may be an alternator or dynamo-type generator, or any other suitable generator known in the art. Multiple turbines may provide a higher energy output over a given period of time.
• the debris handling system may further comprise one or more motors to drive or supplement driving the first conveyor, for example during periods of low fluid flow in the waterway.
• the first conveyer may be driven by the fluid flow in the waterway and/or electric motors.
• the one or more motors may be electrically connected to the one or more generators and/or batteries for powering the one or more motors.
• the debris handling system may further comprise a floatable platform.
• the floatable platform may be configured to be moored or secured at or near a side of the waterway.
• the ground post(s) may be used to moor/secure the platform.
• the first conveyor may be mounted on or to the platform. Additionally, the one or more turbines may be mounted on or to the platform.
• the floatable platform allows the system to be a semi-permanent installation that is straightforward and relatively inexpensive to install, particularly in difficult to reach locations.
• the platform may float up and down with any tidal bores or storm surges, enabling year round operation in major waterways.
• the system may comprise one or more storage containers for receiving the debris at the first location.
• the debris handling system may further comprise a second conveyor.
• the second conveyor may be configured to receive debris from the first conveyor at the first location and transport the debris to a second location.
• the second conveyor may comprise a first end (at or near the first location) and a second end (at or near the second location).
• the second conveyor may be configured to transport debris from the first end to the second end.
• the second location may be on a bank or shore of the waterway.
• the system may comprise one or more storage containers for receiving the debris at the second location.
• the second conveyor may be configured to transport debris from the first location to the one or more storage containers at the second location, e.g. for later removal.
• the first location may be elevated with respect to the second location.
• the size, length and/or vertical angle of the first conveyor may be such that the first location is elevated with respect to the second location and/or the level/plane of the bank or shore of the waterway. This ensures the angle or gradient of the second conveyor remains positive with respect to the ground plane, e.g. during normal tidal cycles.
• the second conveyor may be or comprise a conveyor belt.
• the conveyor belt may also be driven by the one or more turbines.
• the second conveyor may not be driven, e.g. it may be a static conveyor.
• the second conveyor may be configured to transport debris to the second location under the action of gravity (e.g. due to the positive angle/gradient between first and second locations).
• the second conveyor may be arranged at a decline or the second conveyor may comprise a declined portion.
• the term“decline” means a slope (in the X-Z or Y-Z plane) with a negative gradient.
• the second conveyor may be or comprise a gravity slide .
• transportation of debris along the second conveyor may be aided by a mechanical vibrator, e.g.
• the second conveyor may comprise a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion.
• the second conveyor may be rotatably mounted/mountable on or to the platform at the first mounting portion.
• the second conveyor may be rotatably mountable on or to said bank or shore of the waterway at the second mounting portion.
• the second conveyor may comprise a first end and a second end.
• the first mounting portion may be located at or near the first end of the second conveyor and the second mounting portion may be located at or near the second end of the second conveyor.
• the first end may rotatably mounted/mountable on or to the platform and the second end may be rotatably mountable on or to a bank or shore of the waterway.
• the first mounting portion and/or first end may be mounted/mountable on or to the platform by a first support leg.
• the second mounting portion and/or second end may be mountable on or to the bank/shore by a second support leg.
• the first mounting portion and/or first end may be coupled to a first rotatable coupling mounted/mountable on or to the platform.
• the second mounting portion and/or second end may be coupled to a second rotatable coupling mountable on or to said bank or shore.
• the first rotatable coupling may be coupled (rotatably or fixedly) to the first support leg and the second rotatable coupling may be coupled (rotatably or fixedly) to the second support leg.
• the first/second rotatable coupling may comprise the first/second support leg, or vice versa.
• Each of the first and second rotatable couplings may be configured to permit rotation of the second conveyor about two axes.
• the two axes may be substantially vertical and horizontal axes.
• the first and second rotatable couplings may comprise one or more rotatable joints.
• the first and second rotatable couplings may be or comprise rotatable hinges.
• the second end of the second conveyor may be slidably coupled to the second rotatable coupling to permit movement/translation of the second conveyor in one or more directions relative to the second rotatable coupling and/or to permit movement/translation of the second conveyor in one or more directions relative to said bank or shore .
• first end of the second conveyor may be slidably coupled to the first rotatable coupling to permit movement/translation of the first end in one or more directions relative to the first rotatable coupling and/or to permit movement/translation of the second conveyor in one or more directions relative to said bank or shore.
• the first and/or second rotatable couplings may be or comprise a rotatable pin slot hinge .
• the first conveyor may comprise an inclined portion and a declined portion configured to transport debris from the waterway to the first and/or second location.
• the floatable platform may be configured to permit movement in three orthogonal directions (x, y, z), with potential for rotation (although anchoring the platform via moorings may reduce the extent of x, y and rotational movement of the platform).
• the combination of two rotatable joints that each permit rotation about a vertical axis, two rotational joints that each permit rotation about a horizontal axis, and at least one slidable j oint enabling translation/movement in a horizontal direction allows for this potential movement. In this way, the system can accommodate vertical and horizontal movement (and rotation) of the platform relative to the bank/shore (i.e .
• Rotatable hinges with/without slidable coupling are one way of achieving the desired freedom of movement, but it will be appreciated that other types of couplings may be used.
• the second conveyor may have two or three degrees of freedom of movement.
• the second conveyor may have two or three axes of translation.
• the second conveyor may have two rotation axes and one linear translation axis.
• the first support leg may comprise a coupling such as a ball/socket j oint to allow for potential yaw/roll in the floating platform. This may help keep the second conveyor in its correct orientation with regards to rotation about the horizontal and vertical axes.
• the barrier system and/or barrier portion may extend at least partially across the width of the waterway. Alternatively, the barrier system and/or barrier portion may extend across substantially the width of the waterway.
• the barrier system and/or barrier portion may be substantially linear.
• the barrier system may comprise a single substantially linear angled barrier portion.
• the linear barrier portion may be substantially continuous.
• the barrier system and/or barrier portion may be non-linear.
• the barrier system may extend across the width of the waterway in a substantially V-shaped configuration such that, in use, debris contained in and/or floating on a surface of said incoming fluid flow is directed or deflected towards either side of the waterway.
• the V-shaped barrier configuration may be pointed upstream (e g. with the vertex of the V pointing upstream).
• the V-shape barrier system may be or comprise a substantially continuous V-shaped barrier portion or two separate barrier portions each angled to direct debris towards different side of the waterway.
• a V-shaped barrier system interacts with the flow profile of a river, e.g. where the flow is fastest in the middle due to boundary layer effects, in a most efficient manner, directing material to either side.
• the system may comprise a pair of debris handling systems configured to receive the debris directed by the barrier system and remove the debris from the waterway.
• the pair of debris handling systems may be installed at or near opposing sides of the waterway.
• the barrier system may further comprise a gate, such as a ship gate, configured to open and close to allow or control shipping access through the barrier system (e g. from upstream and/or downstream of the system).
• the gate may extend (e g. in a depth direction) at least partially the depth of the waterway. Alternatively, the gate may extend substantially the full depth of the waterway.
• the gate may be located at a location along the length of the barrier system.
• the gate may be located substantially centrally in the barrier system.
• the gate may be located at the vertex of the V, i.e. approximately central in the water way.
• the gate may also be or comprise a V-shape, e.g. pointed upstream, such that debris is directed/deflected to either side of the gate when closed.
• the V-shaped gate may also help to resist any opening force or fluid pressure from the fluid flow.
• the gate may be or comprise a leaf gate.
• the leaf gate may comprises one or two leaves (e.g. panels) that hinge/swing open (i.e. pivot between an open and closed position). The leaves may pivot about a substantially vertical or horizontal axis.
• the gate may be or comprise a sliding gate.
• the gate may comprise one or more panels that slide between an open and closed position. The one or more panels may slide in a substantially vertical or lateral (i.e. in the horizontal plane) direction.
• the sliding gate may be or comprise a guillotine gate.
• the panels and/or leaves may be substantially planar or curved.
• the gate may be or comprise any other movable gate or barrier known in the art.
• the gate e.g.
• the leaves or panels may be substantially impermeable (i.e. no openings/perforations) such that it inhibits both fluid flow and debris flow through the gate (i.e. when closed).
• the gate may be constructed of wood, plastic and/or metal (e.g. steel) materials.
• the properties of the gate may include one or more of: substantially rigid, tough/strong and waterproof.
• the gate may be supported by the one or more ground posts or fixtures.
• the gate may comprise one or more perforations/openings to allow a fluid flow through the gate and inhibit debris from flowing through the gate (i.e. when closed).
• the gate may be or comprise one or more of: a mesh, a net, a perforated curtain, a membrane and a perforated screen.
• the maximum pore size of the gate may be approximately 10 mm.
• the pore size of the gate may in the range of substantially 1 micron to 10 mm, or 1 micron to lmm, or 1 micron to 100 microns, or 1 micron to 10 microns.
• the gate may be manually operated or electrically operated. Power for electrical operation can be extracted from the turbine(s). For example, the turbines may provide a significant surplus energy over the material handling requirements. Operation of the gate may be controlled remotely (e.g. from the shore) or proximate to the gate, e.g. through a drive chain or similar mechanism.
• a method of removing debris from a waterway, the debris contained in and/or floating on a surface of an incoming fluid flow through the waterway may comprise providing or using a system according to the first aspect.
• the method may comprise directing and/or deflecting the debris towards a side of the waterway.
• the method may further comprise filtering-out or capturing or collecting debris from the fluid flow and directing and/or deflecting the filtered-out debris towards a side of the waterway.
• the method may further comprise removing the debris from the waterway.
• the step of directing and/or deflecting the (optionally filtered-out) debris towards a side of the waterway may comprise directing and/or deflecting the filtered-out debris towards a debris handling system located at a side of the waterway.
• the method may further comprise transporting the filtered-out and/or directed debris to one or more storage container for removal.
• the method may further comprise periodically emptying the one or more storage containers. “Periodically” could be at regular or irregular time intervals, and/or when emptying is required e.g. when the one or more storage containers is too full.
• a debris handling system for removing debris from a waterway as defined in the first aspect.
• the debris handling system may be configured to receive debris directed by a barrier system and remove the debris from the waterway.
• the debris handling system may comprise the first conveyor and/or the second conveyor.
• the debris handling system may further comprise the floatable platform.
• the debris handling system may further comprise the one or more storage containers.
• the turbines may be provided in a horizontal arrangement for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, or may be implemented in a vertical arrangement for rotation about a substantially vertical axis.
• the turbine may be e.g. a helical turbine of the Gorlov type.
• the turbine may be of the Savonius type.
• the turbine blades may be configured with a non-uniform blade profile or cross-section in the radial to improve the torque and efficiency characteristics of the turbine.
• the thickness of the blade may decrease or increase in the radial direction, or be constant.
• the radial rate of change in blade thickness can be fixed/constant, linear or non-linear.
• a flow channel may be provided for directing a flow of water2 in the waterway to one or more turbines.
• the flow channel may be configured to funnel a water flow towards the turbine so as to accelerate the flow rate or increase the flow velocity at or through the turbine and increase its power output.
• the flow channel may be mounted, secured or anchored to the shore or bank of the waterway, the side or bottom of the waterway, or to the floatable platform.
• the flow channel may be part of the debris handling system or a separate element.
• the flow channel may comprise a first portion for funneling a flow of water into a second portion of reduced cross-sectional area in which one or more of the turbines are located.
• the flow channel or second portion of the flow channel may be attachable to the floatable platform to maintain the position of the second portion relative to the turbine.
• the first portion may be a substantially funnel-shaped fluid conduit, having an inlet for receiving a flow of water with a first cross-sectional area and/or a first flow velocity and an outlet for outputting a flow of water with a second cross-section area and/or a second flow velocity.
• the second cross-sectional area may be smaller than that the first cross- sectional area such that the second flow velocity is greater than the first flow velocity by virtue of the Venturi effect.
• the second portion may be fluidly connected to the outlet of the first portion for receiving the flow with the second cross-sectional areas and/or second flow velocity.
• the or each turbine may be arranged horizontally or vertically within the second portion of the flow channel (or there may be combination of horizontal and vertically arranged turbines).
• the flow channel may comprise a deflector for directing flow of water away from the returning blade of the turbine and into the advancing blade.
• the flow channel may be arranged horizontally or vertically with respect to the waterway.
• the first portion may comprise one or more substantially straight sidewalls when viewed in cross-section, however, it will be appreciated that any shape of the first portion suitable to provide the function of increasing the flow velocity at the turbine may be used. It may instead comprise one or more curved sidewalls when viewed in cross-section (or a combination of straight or curved walls).
• the flow channel may comprise one or more flotation devices (e g. a plurality of floats attached at or near the top of the flow channel to maintain the flow channel at a predefined depth.
• the anchor member may be used to moor or secure the floatable platform at or near a side of the waterway.
• the anchor member may be used as a ground post for the barrier system, or to mount, secure or anchor the flow channel to the shore or bank or bottom of the waterway.
• the anchor member may function as a temporary or semi-permanent foundation or anchor pile, and may be configured to be driven into a foundation layer such as the shore, bank, side or bottom of the waterway to resist up-lift forces and transfer loads to the foundation layer.
• the anchor member may comprise a column member and a screw member attached to a lower end of the column member for driving into and securing the anchor member to a foundation layer.
• a flange portion or member may also be provided at the lower end of the column portion above the screw member for steadying the anchor member against lateral loads and/or preventing over turning of the screw member.
• the flange portion may be integral with the column member, or may be a separate member attachable or attached to the column portion.
• a handle portion is attachable or fixedly attached to an upper end of column portion for manually rotating and driving the anchor member into a foundation layer.
• the column portion may comprise an aperture for slidably receiving the handle portion.
• the handle portion may be a substantially bar or rod-shaped member as shown. Alternatively, handle member may be substantially curved.
• the column portion may be substantially hollow with a drainage aperture at or near its lower end, to allow water to drain out when removing the anchor member.
• a mobile conveyor system or debris handling system for removing debris from a waterway is provided according to an embodiment of one of the aspects above, or as a separate (fourth) aspect.
• the mobile conveyor system may be used in conjunction with the system described above.
• the mobile conveyor system may also be used m the place of the debris handling system defined above to perform the function of the first and second conveyors.
• the mobile conveyor system may be used and arranged to receive the debris directed by the barrier system and remove the debris from the waterway. In this way, the mobile conveyor system may provide an alternative debris handling system.
• the mobile conveyor system may provide a cost-effective mobile solution to debris removal which can quickly, easily and inexpensively change its location at any time.
• the mobile conveyor system may be highly maneuverable and can be positioned on uneven surfaces and/or in places where long term arrangements are not feasible.
• the barrier system may be assembled using the above described semi-permanent anchor member to permit rapid installation.
• the mobile conveyor system may comprise a container body that can be mounted/loaded onto and transported using a vehicle, such as an airplane, lorry, truck or standard special purpose vehicle (SPV).
• the container body may be a standard container chassis, such as a shipping container (typically/exemplary about 12-meters).
• the container body may comprise one or a plurality of support members or legs, such as outrigger stabilizing legs, for supporting and stabilizing the mobile conveyor system on a surface.
• Each support member may be individually adjustable in length to support and stabilize the mobile conveyor system on an uneven surface.
• the support members may be manually adjustable, e.g. using a jack mechanism comprising a ratchet or screw thread, such as a scissor jack or any other manual means of lifting heavy loads known in the art.
• the adjustable support members may be hydraulically actuated, e.g. using a hydraulic jack mechanism.
• the container body may comprise one or more wheels for transporting the mobile conveyor system.
• the support members may be configured to be movable in a substantially sideways direction to provide a wider base for supporting the mobile conveyor system on a surface.
• sideways movement of the support members may be provided by a linear actuator, such as a rack and pinion gear mechanism, or any other suitable linear actuator.
• the linear actuator may be manually operated, or driven one or more motors of the mobile conveyor system powered by a power generating means, discussed below.
• the mobile conveyor system may comprise one or more power generating means for powering the mobile conveyor system and optionally one or more batteries for storing power generated by the power generating means.
• the power generating means may comprise a plurality of solar panels mounted to the container body. The solar panels may be movable from a stowed position to a deployed position when power is required. The deployed position may be such that the solar panels are positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of sunlight to maximize energy conversion.
• each solar panel is mounted to the container body by a hinge mechanism, or an arm or articulated arm hingeably coupled to the solar panel and/or the container body. Movement of the solar panels may be manually actuated, or hydraulically actuated.
• the mobile conveyor system may be connectable to one or more power generating means, such a local power generator or power supply.
• the mobile conveyor system may also comprise an expandable/retractable conveyor assembly housed within the container body.
• the conveyor assembly may be movable between a stowed position, in which it is contained within the container body for transportation, and a deployed position in which it extends out of the container body for receiving debris (e.g. directed by the barrier system) and may be for transporting debris out of the waterway to a location on the shore or bank of the waterway.
• the conveyor assembly In the deployed position, the conveyor assembly may be configured to transport debris from a first end to the second end.
• a storage container or bin may be located on the shore or bank of the waterway to receive debris transported by the conveyor assembly. In this way, when deployed, the conveyor assembly may provide a connection bridge between the waterway and the storage container.
• the first end may be arranged substantially in-line with the barrier system and be at least partially submerged in the water to receive the filtered-out debris that is directed along the barrier system and lift the debris out of the waterway.
• the conveyor assembly may comprise a plurality of conveyors connected or connectable in series by pivotable or rotatable j oints.
• the plurality of conveyors are of the conveyor belt-type and can have corresponding features to those described above with respect to the first and second conveyor of the debris handling system.
• the conveyors may be driven by one or more drive mechanisms powered by the one or more power generating means. Rotational power may be provided directly or indirectly to rollers in the conveyors by the drive mechanism(s), which, in turn, may drive the belt, e .g. through contact/friction.
• the or each drive mechanism may comprise a motor that may drive a worm gear arrangement.
• the pivotable joints may be configured to allow the conveyor assembly to move between the stowed and deployed positions by rotating one or more of the plurality of conveyors e .g. about the axis of rotation of the j oint. This may provide for folding and/or unfolding of one or more of the conveyors.
• the conveyor assembly may comprise one or a plurality of conveyors. In an embodiment, a first conveyor comprises the first end, a second conveyor comprises the second end, and two intermediate conveyors are connected in series between the first and second conveyors. However, one or more intermediate conveyers may be provided depending on the desired length of the deployed conveyor assembly.
• Each pivotable j oint may comprise two pairs of gears (such as worm gears) .
• Each pair of gears may be driven by a motor which is attached or attachable to a corresponding conveyor (e .g. a body panel of the conveyor) to allow the conveyors to rotate about a plurality e.g. six axes and/or unfold/fold when moving between the stowed and deployed positions.
• the motor may drive a worm gear.
• the worm gear may drive a spur gear which may be attached or attachable to a shaft that may be located at the end of each conveyor e.g. to facilitate the rotation of the conveyors about their different axes.
• the conveyor assembly may be mounted or mountable to a movable support structure which may be configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. This may provide for raising and lowering the conveyor assembly.
• the conveyor assembly may be mounted to the support structure at one or a plurality of mounting points that may couple e .g. fixedly the support structure to one of the intermediate conveyors.
• the support structure may be pivotably mounted to the container body via couplings e.g. rotatable couplings that permit the movement of the support structure.
• a hydraulic actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder and pump, may be provided between the beam structure and a coupling to move the support structure between the stowed and deployed positions. The hydraulic actuator may be powered by the one or more power generating means.
• a space between the support structure and the container body can be used to accommodate the energy conversion and storage units.
• moving the conveyer assembly from the stowed position to the deployed position may involve moving the support structure from the stowed position to the deployed position to raise the conveyor assembly, and may be followed by rotating the first, second and any intermediate conveyors not coupled to the support structure about their rotation axes e .g. using the gears to unfold the conveyor assembly.
• Each conveyer may have a first end that may receive debris, and a second end.
• Each rotatable joint may connect the second end of one conveyor to a first end of another conveyor.
• Each rotatable j oint may be configured to position the second end above the first end when the conveyor assembly is in the deployed position to ensure debris is transported from the first end of the conveyor assembly to the second end of the conveyor assembly. This may be achieved through the use of gears, e.g. pairs of gears, e.g. two pairs of gears for each pivotable joint.
• a method of operating or installing the mobile conveyor system may be provided in a further embodiment of separate aspect.
• the mobile conveyor system may be transported to the desired site location using any suitable vehicle (such as a standard SPV). It may be positioned at the side of the waterway to receive the debris directed by the barrier system.
• the method may comprise installing the barrier system.
• the support members Once the mobile conveyor system is positioned, the support members may be deployed to stabilize the mobile conveyor system. This may involve moving the support members sideways and/or adjusting their length.
• the solar panels may be moved to a deployed position to receive sunlight. This may involve adjustment to the correct angle depending on the direction of the sunlight and the time of the day, e.g. using a senes of hydraulic hinges. Once the necessary energy is produced, the conveyor assembly may be moved to its deployed position.
• the mobile conveyor system may be connected to a power supply or source.
• the whole conveyor assembly may be moved upward to its deployed position, e.g. using a hydraulic cylinder and/or pump.
• the conveyors may then unfold or extend to their deployed position to form a connection bridge between the waterway and a location on the bank or shore of the waterway, e.g. where a storage container is located.
• the mobile conveyor system may then start operating, e.g. the conveyors may start or be started.
• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a system according an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 2 shows a front view of the system of figure 1 ;
• Figure 3 shows an elevated view of the system of figure 1 ;
• Figure 4 shows an elevated view of the system of figure 1 indicating the direction of debris flow
• Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the debris handling system of figure 1 ;
• Figure 6 shows a front view of the debris handling system of figure 5;
• Figures 7a and 7b show, respectively, a perspective and side view of a second conveyor of the debris handling system of figure 5;
• Figures 8a and 8b show side views of the second conveyor in use
• Figures 9A and 9B show, respectively, a side view and a perspective view of a turbine for use with the system of figures 1 and 5 according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figures 9C and 9D show semi-transparent views of the turbine in figures 9A and 9B;
• Figure 9E shows a cross-sectional view of the turbine of figures 9A and 9B;
• Figure 9F shows a cross-sectional view of turbine blades with different curvatures
• Figure 10 shows a flow channel for directing flow to a turbine
• FIG. 1 la to 11c shows different views of an anchor member
• Figure 12 shows a mobile debris handling system according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 13 shows the system of figure 12 in an operative position next a waterway
• Figure 14a shows a conveyor assembly of the system of figure 12 in a stowed position
• Figure 14b shows a conveyor assembly of the system of figure 12 in a deployed position
• Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the system of figure 12 with the conveyor in a deployed position
• Figure 16 shows an example drive mechanism for the conveyor assembly of figure 12
• Figure 17 shows the system of figure 12 without the container body sides and with the conveyor assembly in a deployed position
• Figures 18 to 21 show the conveyor assembly moving from the stowed position to the deployed position
• Figure 22 shows a method of installing the system of figure 12.
• Figures 1-3 show a system 100 for removing debris from a waterway 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the system 100 is configured to be installed in or at a waterway 1 (e.g. a river) to filter and extract physical pollution or debris from the water flow 2 and remove it from the waterway 1.
• a waterway 1 e.g. a river
• the physical pollution or debris may include plastic materials/items, and/or plastics particles (macroplastics and microplastics), or other types of man-made physical pollution that may enter the waterway 1 upstream of the system 100 and be carried in/on the water flowing through the waterway 1.
• the physical pollution or debris may be contained in (i.e. entrained) and/or floating on a surface of the water.
• the system 100 comprises a barrier system 10 configured to filter-out the debris and/or physical pollution contained in and/or floating on a surface of the incoming water flow 2 and direct and/or deflect the filtered-out debris towards a side of the waterway 1.
• the system 100 further comprises a debris handling system 20 at or near either side of the waterway 1 configured to receive the debris directed by the barrier system 10 and remove the debris from the waterway 1.
• the barrier system 10 filters-out debris and/or directs/deflects the filtered-out debris towards the debris handle handling systems 20 at or near the side of the waterway 1.
• the barrier system 10 extends away from each debris handling system 20 at an acute angle ⁇ with respect to the direction D of water flow 2 in the waterway 1.
• the barrier system 10 extends across substantially the entire width of the waterway 1 in a V-shaped configuration. Each side of the V makes an acute angle ⁇ with respect to the direction D of the water flow 2 in the waterway 1, such that the V points upstream (see figure 4).
• the barrier system 10 may be substantially linear and extend away from a single debris handling system 20 located at one side of the waterway 1 (not shown).
• the V-shaped barrier system 10 comprises a plurality of filter elements 12 to filter-out the debris.
• at least one filter element 12 is provided for each side of the V.
• Each filter element 12 extends across at least a portion of the width of the waterway 1.
• Each filter element 12 comprises a plurality of perforations and/or openings to allow water to flow through the filter element 12 but inhibit debris contained in the water flow 2 from passing through the filter element 12.
• the plurality of filter elements 12 form one or more barrier portion(s).
• the barrier system 10 further comprises a plurality of ground posts 16 to support the filter elements 12 and/or the gate 14.
• the ground posts 16 are configured to be fixed or fixable in/on/to the bed/floor of the waterway 1.
• the filter element(s) 12 are attachable to the ground posts 16 and/or the debris handling system 20.
• the filter element(s) 12 may be attachable via a plurality of removeable joints such as clips, loops or fastenings that fix the filter element(s) 12 in position.
• the filter elements 12/barrier portion(s) are interchangeable modular attachments that can be installed (e.g. by attaching to the ground posts 16 and/or the debris handling system 20), replaced/redeployed (e.g. when damaged or destroyed) and/or exchanged with different barrier designs (e.g. partial depth, full depth, different pore size).
• the modular barrier portion(s) can therefore be tailored to the waterway/river requirements.
• the barrier/filter element(s) 12 can be tailored to this.
• Most debris present in waterways 1 either floats on the surface of the water or is suspended in the top meter or so of its depth.
• the filter element(s) 12 and the gate 14 are at least partially submerged in the water and have a height such that they extend beneath the surface of the water to at least partially the depth of the waterway 1, as shown in figure 2.
• the filter element(s) 12 are therefore required to extend to minimum depth in order to filter the majority of debris flowing in the water. The minimum depth may be determined by the waterway 1 conditions.
• the filter element(s) 12 therefore present a substantial cross-section to the portion of water flow 2 containing the majority of debris.
• a partial depth filter element 12 and gate 14 allows passage of fish/marine animals beneath the filter element(s) 12.
• the filter element(s) 12 and/or the gate 14 may extend substantially the full depth of the waterway (not shown).
• the height of the filter element(s) 12 is in the range of substantially 0.5 m to 2 m
• the filter element(s) 12 can be “oversized” in the height dimension, such that the filter element(s) 12 extend to a height that is greater than the maximum water level of the waterway 1.
• the filter element(s) 12 can be slidably attachable to the ground posts 16 and further comprise flotation devices (e g. a plurality of floats attached at or near the top of the filter element(s) 12).
• the removable joints e.g. clips, loops or fastenings
• the barrier system 10 may further comprise a gate 14, as shown in figures 1-4.
• the gate 14 may also be supported by the ground posts 16.
• the gate 14 is configured to open and close to permit and/or control shipping access through the barrier system 10 from upstream and downstream of the system 100.
• the gate 14 may be or comprise a leaf gate comprising one or two planar leaves that hinge or slide open, or any other movable water gate or barrier known in the art.
• the gate 14 may be constructed of wood, plastic and/or metal (e.g. steel) materials. It should be rigid, tough/strong and waterproof. In the embodiment shown, the gate 14 is substantially impermeable (i.e. with no perforations/opening), such that water or debris cannot flow through the gate 14 (when closed).
• the gate 14 may also comprise a plurality of perforations/openings to allow water to flow through the gate 14 but inhibit debris from flowing through the gate 14 (when closed).
• the gate 14 may be manually operated or electrically operated e.g. through a manually or electrically driven drive chain or similar mechanism. Operation of the gate may be controlled remotely (e.g. from the shore) or proximate to the gate. Power for electrical operation can be extracted from the turbine(s) (see below).
• the filter element(s) 12 and/or the gate 14 may be or comprise one or more of: a mesh, a net, a grid, a grill, a perforated curtain, and a perforated screen.
• the pore size of the filter element(s) may in the range of 1 micron to 10 mm, depending on the type and size of debris expected/intended to be removed from the waterway 1.
• the force acting on the barrier system 10 is substantially reduced, enabling the system 100 to withstand a wider range of flow conditions e.g. compared to an impermeable barrier.
• Figure 4 illustrates the general direction of debris material flow M through the system 100.
• the debris flows along the waterway 1 in a direction Ml that is generally the same (longitudinal) as the direction D of the water flow 2.
• Debris is filtered-out at the barrier portion(s) and the action of the (longitudinal) water flow 2/debris flow Ml in the waterway 1 against the angled barrier portion(s) provides a transverse force on the debris and/or a transverse debris flow component directed towards a side of the waterway 1.
• This directs and/or moves the filtered-out debris along the barrier portion(s) towards the side of the waterway 2, e.g. in the direction M2 shown in figure 4.
• the water flow 2 in the waterway 1 does the work to direct the debris towards the debris handling systems 20, avoiding the need for any mechanical intervention.
• the angle ⁇ is approximately 65 degrees, but in other embodiments (not shown) the angle ⁇ may be in the range of substantially 30-80 degrees.
• the optimal angle may depend on one or more water flow conditions (e.g. flow rate, velocity) and/or the amount of debris contained in/on the water flow 2 to be removed (e.g. this may be estimated or determined prior to installation).
• the debris handling system 20 comprises a first conveyor 24 or ramp.
• the first conveyor 24 is arranged and/or configured to receive the filtered-out debris directed by the barrier system 10 and transport the debris out of the waterway 1 to a first location.
• the debris handling system 20 further comprises a second conveyor 26 or ramp.
• the second conveyor 26 is arranged and configured to receive the debris from the first conveyor 24 at the first location and transport said debris to a second location or collection point where it can be collected (e.g. on the shore or bank of the waterway 1).
• the second conveyor 26 deposits the debris in one or more storage containers 30 located on the shore or bank of the waterway 1.
• the storage container 30 can be taken away, e.g. to recycle the debris collected. This may be particularly useful for debris comprising plastic materials.
• the water flows through the barrier portion(s) and any debris is filtered-out and directed/deflected (by the action of the water flow and the angled barrier) to flow along the barrier portion(s) in direction M2 towards the debris handling systems 20.
• debris is transported out of the water by the first conveyor 24 (direction M3) to the second conveyor 26 (at the first location), and then transported along the second conveyor 26 (direction M4) to the second location, optionally to the storage container 30 on the shore or bank of the waterway 1.
• FIGS 5 and 6 show an embodiment of the debris handling system 20 in more detail.
• the debris handling system 20 comprises a floatable platform 22 having a plurality of floats 22a, such as pontoon floats, arranged to provide buoyancy to the platform 22.
• the floatable platform 22 is configured to be moored at or near a side of the waterway 1, as shown in figures 1-3.
• the floatable platform 22 can be moored using one or more of the ground posts 16 and/or one or more moorings (not shown) located on the shore or bank of the waterway 1 as is known in the art.
• the first conveyor 24 is mounted on or to the platform 22 and arranged at an incline to lift debris out of the waterway 1.
• a first end 24a of the first conveyor 24 is arranged substantially in-line with the barrier system 10 and is at least partially submerged in the water to receive the filtered- out debris that is directed along the barrier system 10 and lift the debris out of the waterway 1 (see figures 1 and 4).
• a second end 24b of the first conveyor 24 is elevated above the first end 24a.
• a first end 26a of the second conveyor 26 is arranged adjacent to and/or beneath the second end 24b of the first conveyor 24 to receive the debris from the second end 24b, as shown.
• a second end 26b of the second conveyor 26 can be located on the shore or bank of the waterway 1.
• the incline angle of the first conveyor 24 is approximately 30 degrees to vertical, but in other embodiments (not shown) the angle may be in the range of substantially 20-50 degrees.
• the precise angle is not critical, but a relatively steep angle is preferred to ensure the second end 24b or first location is sufficiently elevated over a practical distance on the platform 22 to provide a positive gradient for the second conveyor 26 or ramp, discussed in more detail below.
• the first conveyor 24 is of the conveyor belt-type.
• the first conveyor 24 is driven by one or more turbines 28 that are actuated by the water flow in the waterway 1.
• the turbine(s) 28 are arranged downstream of the filter element(s) 12 to protect the turbine(s) 28 and/or prevent debris from entering the turbine(s) 12. Additionally or alternatively, the turbine(s) may be arranged at a lower position, below the depth of the filter element(s) 12, such that the filter elements 12 do not interfere with the water flow through the turbine(s) (not shown). In that case, as debris is typically confined to a region near the surface of the water, the debris should not enter the turbine(s) 28.
• the turbines 28 are helical turbines, but it will be appreciated that other water driven turbines may be used instead.
• the turbine(s) may be or comprise axial turbines (e.g. an axial impeller/propeller) or in-line turbines (e.g. a Pelton turbine or water wheel).
• the turbines 28 are connected to a primary driveshaft 28p that rotates with the turbines 28.
• each turbine may be coupled to the same primary driveshaft (e.g. in series) 28p, or to separate driveshafts 28p. Rotation of the turbines 28 and driveshaft(s) 28p generates a torque that is used to drive the first conveyor 24. Multiple turbines 28 can provide a greater mechanical torque.
• the first conveyor 24 can be coupled directly or indirectly to the primary driveshaft 28p such that rotation of the turbines(s) 28 drives the first conveyor 24.
• Rotational power may be provided directly to rollers in the first conveyor 24 (not shown), which, in turn, drives the belt, e.g. through contact/fnction.
• This friction/contact can be obtained through a variety of methods, such as the roller having teeth, a high friction belt/roller combination, or a drive chain.
• the first conveyor 24 is coupled indirectly to the primary driveshaft(s) 28d via a mechanical power transmission system 280.
• the mechanical power transmission system 280 is configured to transmit the torque generated by the turbines 28 to a secondary driveshaft 28s coupled to the first conveyor 24 where it is applied.
• the mechanical power transmission system 280 comprises a first and second 90 degree gearbox 280a, 280b (e.g. a horizontal to vertical gearbox 280a and a vertical to horizontal gear box 280b).
• the first gearbox 280a couples the primary driveshaft 28p to an intermediate shaft 280c
• the second gearbox 280b couples the intermediate shaft 280c to the secondary driveshaft 28s.
• the first and/or second gearboxes 280a, 280b may comprise a unitary transmission (gear) ratio, e.g. 1 : 1.
• the first and/or second gearboxes 280a, 280b may be configured to control the rate of movement of the first conveyor 24
• the first and/or second gearboxes 280a, 280b may comprise a non-unitary gear ratio or a variable/adjustable ratio.
• the first and/or second gearboxes 280a, 280b may be configured to increase or decrease the rate of rotation of the secondary driveshaft 28s with respect to the rate of rotation of the primary driveshaft 28s. In this way, the rate of movement (e.g.
• the transmission ratio the first and/or second gearboxes 280a, 280b may be 1 : 1, 1 :2, 1 :3. 1 :4.
• Gear/transmission ratios may be determined by water and debris flow conditions in the waterway 1.
• the water flow speed and debris concentration may determine the required clearing rate (i.e. debris removal rate) for the debris handling system 20 and how much the turbine rotation needs to be stepped down.
• the mechanical power transmission system 280 may further comprise a third gearbox (not shown) coupled to the secondary driveshaft 28s configured to control the rate of movement of the first conveyor 24, as described above.
• the first conveyor 24 comprises a plurality of lifting members such as transverse ribs or baffles 24r configured to help lift and/or scoop debris out of the waterway 1.
• Each transverse baffle 24r may extend across substantially the width of the first conveyor 24, as shown in figure 5.
• each transverse baffle 24r may comprise a series of shorter baffles (not shown) that together span substantially the width of the first conveyor 24.
• the transverse baffles 24r may also be configured to permit fluid to drain through the baffles 24r, to decrease the mechanical load on the first conveyor 24 at relative steep vertical angles.
• the transverse baffles 24r comprise one or more filter elements having one or more perforations to allow water to drain through it (but inhibit debris from passing through it).
• the filter element may be or comprise one or more of: a mesh, net and grid.
• the pore size of the filter element(s) may in the range of 1 micron to 10 mm, depending on the type of debris expected to be removed from the waterway 1.
• the first conveyor 24 further comprises a shield 24s disposed at or near the first end 24a configured to prevent debris material from passing behind and escaping the debris handling system 20.
• the shield 24s may be coupled to the barrier system 10 or filter element 12, e.g. in line therewith, as shown in figure 1.
• the second conveyor 26 is also of the conveyor belt-type and is driven by the one or more turbines 28 in a similar way to the first conveyor 24 (i.e. via a drive shaft and mechanical power transmission system).
• the second conveyor 26 may be a static conveyor.
• the second conveyor 26 may be or comprise a gravity slide making use of the positive angle/gradient between first and second locations to transport debris.
• the second end 24b of the first conveyor 24 should be sufficiently elevated with respect to the second location on the shore or bank of the waterway 1.
• debris directed/guided by the barrier system 10 (and, where present, the shield 24s) is deposited on the first end 24a of the first conveyor 24 and passed from the platform 22 to the shore or bank of the waterway 1 where it can be collected, e.g. in storage containers 30 for removal and/or recycling.
• Debris is lifted out of the water at the first end 24a of the first conveyor 24 and transported to the second end 24b of the first conveyor 24 (referred to as the first location).
• the first end 26a of the second conveyor 24 receives the debris from the first conveyor 24 and transports it to the second end 26b (referred to as the second location) located on shore or bank of the waterway 1.
• the second conveyor 26 is configured to move in one or more directions relative to the platform 22.
• FIGS 7a and 7b show an embodiment of the second conveyor 26 in more detail.
• the second conveyor 26 is mounted on or to the platform 22 via a first rotatable coupling 261a and first support leg 261b, and is mountable on or to the shore or bank of the waterway 1 via a second rotatable coupling 262a and second support leg 262b.
• the first rotatable coupling 261a is coupled to the second conveyor 26 at a mounting location at or near a first end 26a of the second conveyor 26
• the second rotatable coupling 262a is coupled to the second conveyor 26 at a mounting location at or near a second end 26b of the second conveyor 26.
• Each of the first and second rotatable couplings 261a, 262a are configured to permit rotation of the second conveyor 26 about two axes, such as the X and Z axes as shown in figure 7a.
• the two axes are the vertical (Z) and horizontal (X) axes.
• the first rotatable coupling 260a is pivotably coupled to the first end 26a of the second conveyor 26 and the second rotatable coupling 261a is pivotably coupled to the first end 26a of the second conveyor 26to permit rotation about axis X. This degree of freedom accommodates changes in the height of the platform 22 relative to the shore or bank of the waterway 1.
• first rotatable coupling 260a can be pivotably coupled to the first support leg 261b and/or the second rotatable coupling 260a can be pivotably coupled to the second support leg 261b to permit rotation or swivel about axis Y.
• the first and second rotatable couplings 261a, 262a may be or comprise rotatable hinges. This degree of freedom accommodates changes in the (lateral X, Y) position of the platform 22 along the shore or bank of the waterway 1
• the second end 26b may further be slideably coupled to the second rotatable coupling 262a to permit both rotation about the axis X and translation in the Y direction, as shown in figures 7a and 7b.
• the second rotatable coupling 262a may be or comprise a pin slot hinge.
• the second rotatable coupling 262a is shown in figures 7a and 7b to provide a linear translation in direction Y (i.e. via a linear slot), in other examples a non-linear translation may be provided, e.g. via a curved slot.
• first end 26b may further be slideably coupled to the first rotatable coupling 262a in a similar way to permit both rotation about the axis X and translation in the Y direction (not shown).
• first and second rotatable couplings 261a, 262a may be or comprise a pin slot hinge.
• the second conveyor 26 has three degrees of freedom of movement: two rotational axes (X, and Z) and one translation axis (Y).
• the second conveyor 26 can therefore accommodate changes in the height and position of the platform 22 on waterway 1 with respect to the shore or bank of the waterway 1, e g. over a tidal cycle.
• figures 8a and 8b show the second conveyor 26 in two different positions corresponding to the full range of tidal movement.
• the system 100 can accommodate vertical and/or horizontal movement of the platform 22 relative to the bank or shore (i.e. relative to the second location) of the waterway 1 during normal tidal cycles without affecting operation of the system 100. In particular, this reduces the mechanical stresses on the debris handling system 20 during such movements.
• the angle/gradient of the second conveyor 26 preferably remains positive over the full tidal cycle which simplifies transportation of debris to the shore or bank of the waterway 1.
• the positive angle/gradient allows the second conveyor 26 to make use of gravity by transporting debris downhill.
• the second conveyor 26 is a dynamic conveyor- belt driven by the turbines 28, the positive angle/gradient reduces the load and torque required to drive the second conveyor 26.
• the second conveyor 26 is a static gravity slide, the number of parts and complexity of the debris handling system 20 is significantly reduced.
• the system 100 shown in figures 1-4 comprises a pair of debris handling systems 20 and a V-shaped barrier 10
• the system 100 may comprise a single debris handling system 20 and the barrier system 10 may extend linearly from the debris handling system 20 such that filtered-out debris is directed towards the material handling system 10 at one side of the waterway 1 or elsewhere.
• the barrier system 10 may comprise additional or fewer elements than is shown in figures 1-4.
• the barrier system 10 does not comprise a gate 14.
• four ground posts 16 are shown in figures 1-4, where the system 100 is configured to direct debris to one side of the waterway 1, only one or two ground posts 16 may be required.
• the barrier system 10 may further comprise additional attachable filter elements 12/barrier portions connected in series or parallel and/or impermeable barrier portions (not shown). In this way, system 100 is fully modular allowing easy installation, repair and maintenance.
• the turbines 28 shown in figure 5 are helical turbines of the Gorlov type. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the turbines 28 are shown in a horizontal arrangement for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, they may alternatively be implemented in a vertical arrangement for rotation about a substantially vertical axis (now shown).
• FIGs 9a and 9b show an alternative embodiment of a helical turbine 28’ for the system 100 (the axis of rotation is indicated by the dashed line R).
• the turbine 28 is of the Savonius type, comprising a pair of helical blades or aerofoils 28b.
• the blades 28b are configured with a non-uniform blade profile or cross-section 28c in the radial direction r (or the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation R), as shown more clearly in figures 9c-9e.
• the non-uniform blade profile 28c improves the torque and efficiency characteristics of the turbine 28.
• the thickness t of the blade 28a decreases in the radial direction r such that the blade 28a is thinner at its radially outer end 28b_o than at its radially inner end 28b_i (see figure 9e).
• the thickness t of the blade 28a increases in the radial direction r (not shown).
• the rate of change in blade thickness t between the radially inner end 28b_i and the radially outer end 28b_o, or with respect to the arc length A of the blade 28b (see figure 9e) can be fixed/constant, linear or non-linear.
• Figure 9f shows blades 28b with differing curvature.
• Figure 10 shows a flow channel 40 for directing a flow of water 2 in the waterway 1 to one or more turbines 28, 28’.
• the flow channel 40 is configured to funnel a water flow 2 towards to the turbine 28, 28’ so as to accelerate the flow rate or increase the flow velocity at or through the turbine 28, 28’ and increase its power output.
• the flow channel 40 can be mounted, secured or anchored to the shore or bank of the waterway 1, the side or bottom of the waterway 1, or to the floatable platform 22.
• the flow channel 40 may be part of the debris handling system 20 or a separate element.
• the flow channel 40 comprises a first portion 42 for funneling a flow of water D into a second portion 44 of reduced cross-sectional area in which one or more of the turbines 28 are located.
• the flow channel 40 or second portion 44 of the flow channel 40 may be attachable to the floatable platform 22 to maintain the position of the second portion 44 relative to the turbine 28.
• the first portion 42 is a substantially funnel-shaped fluid conduit, having an inlet 42i for receiving a flow of water 2 with a first cross-sectional area and/or a first flow velocity and an outlet 42o for outputting a flow of water 2 with a second cross-section area and/or a second flow velocity.
• the second cross-sectional area is smaller than that the first cross-sectional area such that the second flow velocity is greater than the first flow velocity by virtue of the Venturi effect.
• the second portion 44 is fluidly connected to the outlet 42o of the first portion 42 for receiving the flow 2 with the second cross-sectional areas and/or second flow velocity.
• the or each turbine 28, 28’ can be arranged horizontally or vertically within the second portion 44 of the flow channel 40 (or there may be combination of horizontal and vertically arranged turbines 28, 28’).
• the flow channel 40 may comprise a deflector 40D for directing flow of water away from the returning blade 28b of the turbine 28 and into the advancing blade 28, as shown.
• the flow channel 40 is shown in cross-section along the direction D of the incoming water flow 2 and may be arranged horizontally or vertically with respect to the waterway 1.
• first portion 42 comprises one or more substantially straight sidewalls when viewed in cross-section, however, it will be appreciated that the shape of the first portion 42 is not important provided the function of increasing the flow velocity at the turbine 28 is achieved, e.g.
• the flow channel 40 may instead comprise one or more curved sidewalls when viewed in cross-section (or a combination of straight or curved walls).
• the flow channel 40 may comprise one or more flotation devices (e g. a plurality of floats attached at or near the top of the flow channel 40 (not shown) to maintain the flow channel 40 at a predefined depth.
• FIG. l la-c shows an anchor member 50 according to an embodiment.
• the anchor member 50 can be used to moor or secure the floatable platform 22 at or near a side of the waterway 1.
• the anchor member 50 may be used as a ground post for the barrier system 10, or to mount, secure or anchor the flow channel 40 to the shore or bank or bottom of the waterway 1.
• the anchor member 50 functions as temporary or semi-permanent foundation or anchor pile, and is configured to be driven into a foundation layer such as the shore, bank, side or bottom of the waterway 1 to resist up-lift forces and transfer loads to the foundation layer.
• the anchor member 50 comprises a column member 52 and a screw member 54 attached to a lower end of the column member for driving into and securing the anchor member 50 to a foundation layer.
• a flange portion or member 52f may also be provided at the lower end of the column portion 52 above the screw member 54 for steadying the anchor member 50 against lateral loads and/or preventing over-turning of the screw member 54.
• the flange portion 52f may be integral with the column member 52 as shown, or may be a separate member attachable or attached to the column portion 52.
• a handle portion 56 is attachable or fixedly attached to an upper end of column portion 52 for manually rotating and driving the anchor member 50 into a foundation layer.
• the column portion 53 may comprise an aperture 52a for slidably receiving the handle portion 56.
• the handle portion 56 may be a substantially bar or rod-shaped member as shown. Alternatively, handle member 56 may be substantially curved (not shown).
• the column portion 52 may be substantially hollow with a drainage aperture 52b at or near its lower end (see figure 1 lb), to allow water to drain out when removing the anchor member 50.
• Figure 12 shows a mobile conveyor system 200 or debris handling system for removing debris from a waterway 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
• the system 200 can be used in conjunction with the system 100 described above.
• the system 200 can be used in the place of the debris handling system 20 to perform the function of the first and second conveyors 24, 26.
• the system 200 may be used and arranged to receive the debris directed by the barrier system 10 and remove the debris from the waterway 1. In this way, the system 200 may provide an alternative debris handling system.
• the system 200 provides a cost-effective mobile solution to debris removal which can quickly, easily and inexpensively change its location at any time.
• the system 200 is highly maneuverable and can be positioned on uneven surfaces and/or in places where long term arrangements are not feasible.
• the barrier system 10 may assembled using the above described semi-permanent anchor member 50 to permit rapid installation.
• the system 200 comprises a container body 210 that can be mounted/loaded onto and transported using a vehicle, such as an airplane, lorry, truck or standard special purpose vehicle (SPY).
• the container body 210 is a standard 12-meter container chassis, such as a shipping container.
• the container body 210 comprises a plurality of support members or legs 220, such as outrigger stabilizing legs, for supporting and stabilizing the system 200 on a surface S, as shown in figure 13.
• Each support member 220 may be individually adjustable in length to support and stabilize the system 200 on an uneven surface S.
• the support members 220 may be manually adjustable, e.g. using a jack mechanism comprising a ratchet or screw thread, such as a scissor jack or any other manual means of lifting heavy loads known in the art.
• the adjustable support members 220 may be hydraulically actuated, e g. using a hydraulic jack mechanism.
• the container body 210 may comprise one or more wheels W for transporting the system 200, as shown.
• the support members 220 may be configured to be movable in a substantially sideways direction to provide a wider base for supporting the system 200 on a surface S.
• sideways movement of the support members 220 may be a linear actuator, such as a rack and pinion gear mechanism (not shown), or any other suitable linear actuator.
• the linear actuator may be manually operated, or driven one or more motors of the system 200 powered by the power generating means 230 described below.
• the system 200 comprises one or more power generating means 230 for powering the system 200 and optionally one or more batteries for storing power generated by the power generating means (not shown).
• the power generating means 230 comprises a plurality of solar panels 230 mounted to the container body 210.
• the solar panels 230 may be movable from a stowed position (e.g. as shown in figure 12) to a deployed position when power is required (e.g. as shown in figures 14a and 15).
• the deployed position may be such that the solar panels are positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of sunlight to maximize energy conversion.
• each solar panel 230 is mounted to the container body 210 by a hinge mechanism, or an arm or articulated arm hingeably coupled to the solar panel 230 and/or the container body 210 (not shown). Movement of the solar panels 230 may be manually actuated, or hydraulically actuated. In an alternative embodiment, the system 200 may be connectable to one or more power generating means, such a local power generator or power supply.
• the system 200 also comprises an expandable/retractable conveyor assembly 240 housed within the container body 210, as shown in figure 14a.
• the conveyor assembly 240 is movable between a stowed position, in which it is contained within the container body 210 for transportation as shown in figure 14a, and a deployed position in which it extends out of the container body 210 for receiving debris (e.g. directed by the barrier system 10) and transporting debris out of the waterway 1 to a location on the shore or bank of the waterway 1, as shown in figure 14b.
• the conveyor assembly 240 In the deployed position, the conveyor assembly 240 is configured to transport debris from a first end 240a to the second end 240b.
• a storage container or bin 30 may be located on the shore or bank of the waterway 1 to receive debris transported by the conveyor assembly 240, as shown in figures 14b and 15. In this way, when deployed, the conveyor assembly 240 provides a connection bridge between the waterway 1 and the storage container 30.
• the first end 240a may be arranged substantially in-line with the barrier system 10 and be at least partially submerged in the water to receive the filtered-out debris that is directed along the barrier system 10 and lift the debris out of the waterway 1.
• the conveyor assembly 240 comprises a plurality of conveyors 241-243 connected in series by pivotable or rotatable joints 240j, as shown in figures 14b and 15.
• the plurality of conveyors 241- 243 are of the conveyor belt-type and can have corresponding features to those described above with respect to the first and second conveyor 24, 26 of the debris handling system 20.
• the conveyors 241 -243 may be driven by one or more drive mechanisms (see figure 16) powered by the one or more power generating means 230. Rotational power may be provided directly or indirectly to rollers in the conveyors 241-244 (not shown) by the drive mechanism(s), which, in turn, drives the belt, e.g. through contact/friction.
• the or each drive mechanism comprises a motor 240m that drives a worm gear arrangement 240g as shown in figure 16.
• the pivotable joints 240j are configured to allow the conveyor assembly 240 to move between the stowed and deployed positions by rotating one or more of the plurality of conveyors 241 -243 about the axis of rotation of the joint 240j (i.e. to fold and unfold one or more of the conveyors 241 -243).
• the conveyor assembly 240 comprises four conveyors 241-243, as shown in figure 15 : a first conveyor 241 comprising the first end 240a, a second conveyor 242 comprising the second end 240b, and two intermediate conveyors 243 connected in series between the first and second conveyors 241, 242.
• one or more intermediate conveyers 243 may be provided depending on the desired length of the deployed conveyor assembly 240.
• each pivotable joint 240j comprises two pairs of gears 240g (such as worm gears as shown in figure 16).
• Each pair of gears 240g is driven by a motor which is attached to a corresponding conveyor’s (e.g. a body panel of the conveyor) to allow the conveyors 241-243 to rotate about six axes and unfold/fold when moving between the stowed and deployed positions, as indicated by axes 1 -6 in figures 17.
• the motor 240m drives a worm gear 240g as shown in figure 16.
• the worm gear 240g drives a spur gear which is attached to a shaft that is located at the end of each conveyor 241-243 to facilitate the rotation of the conveyors 241-243 about their different axes (see axis 1-6 in figure 17).
• the conveyor assembly 240 is mounted to a movable support structure 250 configured to move between a stowed position, as shown in figure 17, and a deployed position as shown in figure 18. This raises and lowers the conveyor assembly 240.
• the conveyor assembly 240 may be mounted to the support structure 250 at a plurality of mounting points 250a that fixedly couple the support structure 250 to one of the intermediate conveyors 243.
• the support structure 250 is pivotably mounted to the container body 210 via rotatable couplings 252 that permit the movement of the support structure 250.
• a hydraulic actuator 254 such as a hydraulic cylinder and pump, is provided between the beam structure 250 and a rotatable coupling 252 to move the support structure 250 between the stowed and deployed positions.
• the hydraulic actuator 254 may be powered by the one or more power generating means 230.
• a space between the support structure 250 and the container body 210 can be used to accommodate the energy conversion and storage units 230.
• moving the conveyer assembly 240 from the stowed position to the deployed position involves moving the support structure 250 from the stowed position to the deployed position to raise the conveyor assembly 240 as shown in figure 18, followed by rotating the first 241 , second 242 and any intermediate conveyors 243 not coupled to the support structure 250 about their rotation axes 1-6 using the gears 240g to unfold the conveyor assembly 240 as shown in figures 19-21.
• Each conveyer 241 -243 has a first end 241a, 242a, 243a that receives debris, and a second end 241b, 242b, 243b.
• Each rotatable j oint 240j connects the second end 241b, 243b of one conveyor 241 , 243 to a first end 243, 242 of another conveyor 243, 242.
• Each rotatable joint 240j may be configured to position the second end 241b, 243b above the first end 243, 242 when the conveyor assembly 240 is in the deployed position to ensure debris is transported from the first end 240a of the conveyor assembly 240 to the second end 240b of the conveyor assembly 240. This can be achieved through the use of two pairs of gears 240g for each pivotable joint 240j, as shown.
• FIG 22 shows a method 300 of operating or installing the system 200.
• the working procedure of the system 200 may comprise four simple steps. Initially, at step SI, the system 200 is transported to the desired site location using any suitable vehicle (such as a standard SPV) and positioned at the side of the waterway 1 to receive the debris directed by the barrier system 10. Step SI may comprise installing the barrier system 10. Once the system 200 is positioned, in step S2 the support members 220 are deployed to stabilize the system 200. This may involve moving the support members 220 sideways and/or adjusting their length. Then, in step S3, the solar panels 230 can be moved to a deployed position to receive sunlight. This may involve adjustment to the right angle depending on the direction of the sunlight and the time of the day, e.g. using a series of hydraulic hinges.
• any suitable vehicle such as a standard SPV
• step S4 the conveyor assembly is moved to its deployed position.
• step S3 may comprise connecting the system 200 to a power supply or source.
• step S4 first the whole conveyor assembly 240 moves upward to its deployed position, e.g. using a hydraulic cylinder 254 and the use of relevant hydraulic pump, then, the conveyors 241-243 unfold or extend to their deployed position to form a connection bridge between the waterway 1 and a location on the bank or shore of the waterway 1, e.g. where a storage container 30 is located.
• the system 200 is able to start operating, e.g. the conveyors 242-243 may start or be started.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
• Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
• Cleaning In General (AREA)

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• 2019
  • 2019-02-13 GB GBGB1901965.2A patent/GB201901965D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2020
  • 2020-02-13 EP EP20707778.5A patent/EP3924553A1/de active Pending
  • 2020-02-13 WO PCT/GB2020/050341 patent/WO2020165595A1/en unknown
• 2021
  • 2021-09-13 EC ECSENADI202167672A patent/ECSP21067672A/es unknown

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