ES1135628U - Monoboya for controlled sealing (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Monoboya for controlled discharge in an aquatic environment characterized in that it comprises: - a conduit (2) for pouring materials by gravity or impulse through it, - a float element (1) fixed to one of the ends of the duct (2) to keep it above the aquatic medium, - a ballast (4) to anchor the float element (1) in a selected area, - a connection element (3) between the ballast (4) and the float element (1) of greater length than the duct (2). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Monobuoy for controlled discharge.

Technical Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to floating devices. More specifically, to buoys to pour 5 materials in a controlled manner, for example materials from dredging.

Background of the invention

Material dumping operations are usually carried out from the surface of ships. To avoid the dispersion of materials by water it is usual to use techniques to encapsulate the materials. 10

However, sometimes this encapsulation technique is not feasible and the material disperses in contact with water. This causes the suspension of the materials poured into the water and therefore causes an increase in turbidity until these materials are deposited in the bottom. The area where the materials end up being deposited is more extensive, even the internal water currents and thermoclines can take the deposited material to an inappropriate zone.

Therefore, it would be desirable to be able to concentrate the material, avoid dispersion and eliminate turbidity in the entire water column in the discharge zone.

It would also be desirable to be able to subsequently seal the area where the spill has been made with an appropriate material. twenty

Brief Description of the Invention

The monobuoy for controlled discharge object of the present invention solves the problems identified above. It is anchored to one or two dead, allowing more specific or zonal spillage areas according to the boring margin granted to the anchoring train.

Dead is understood as the concrete, stone or anchor block that serves as a fixation to the bottom of the floating structure.

Borneo margin means the free rotation path of the buoy that allows anchoring to the seabed.

An anchoring train means the chain and dead set that holds it to the seabed.

Dredger means the ship equipped with pumps or machinery necessary to remove 30 materials from the seabed for transfer to another location.

The monobuoy object of the invention includes at least the following elements:

- a conduit for pouring materials by gravity or discharge through it,

- a float element fixed to one of the ends of the duct to keep it above the aquatic environment, 35

- a ballast to anchor the float element in a selected area and,

- a connection element between the ballast and the float element longer than the conduit.

Optionally, the conduit includes a clamp for fixing to the float element. 40

Optionally, the conduit includes a shackle and a flange to guide the connecting element.

Optionally, at its top, the float element includes a boat mooring bit.

Optionally, the float element includes in its lower part a eyebolt for fixing the connecting element. 5

Optionally, the connection element is a string.

Optionally, the chain comprises two sections, a first section lighter than a second section, the first section arranged next to the conduit.

Optionally, the float element comprises sealed compartment.

Optionally, the float element comprises a vertical signal with a source of illumination.

Brief description of the figures

With reference to the following figures, the present invention is exemplified.

FIG.1A schematically shows how the invention is used to deposit material on the seabed. FIG. 1B shows in detail how the conduit is guided towards the bottom. FIG. 15 1C shows another detail of the monobuoy object of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows different views of the buoy. FIG. 2A partially illustrates the invention in perspective. FIG. 2B: the plant. FIG. 2C: section A-A. FIG. 2D illustrates the elevation.

Detailed description of the invention

As shown in the figures, the spill monobuoy, anchored to one or two dead 4 20, generates specific or zonal spill areas according to the boring margin granted to the anchoring train.

In FIG. 1A it is appreciated that the discharge hose 2 may be similar to that used by refineries (usually used in sand discharges for beach regeneration, without flotation). As a lighter and easier to handle alternative, any plastic, rubber or metal tube of suitable diameter can also be used.

However, it is recommended that it be carried out in segmented sections 21 that are flanged to facilitate transport and installation. These segmented sections 21 can be slightly flexible to adapt to working conditions (see detail “B” expanded in FIG. 1B). To flange, flanges 22 provided with a shackle 23 are provided as illustrated in FIG. 1 B.

The anchoring of the monobuoy is always temporary, so a well-sized anchor 4 could be an alternative to anchoring with dead. For example, in situations such as dredging of low volume.

One function of the monobuoy is to mark the anchoring point and also support the pouring hose 2 35. In turn, the borneo redistributes the material more evenly avoiding accumulations. Additionally, it is possible to perform a subsequent sealing of the pour point using clean materials. As clean materials, uncontaminated sediments of a granulometric nature similar to that of the bottom used can be used.

As detailed in FIG. 1C, the maneuver to discharge is the same as the 40 traditional dredgers used for pouring by bow through floating hoses. In the case of monoboyas, the hose is placed vertically, without the hose reaching the bottom.

The advantages of the invention are important in terms of concentrating the material, preventing dispersion and eliminating turbidity throughout the water column in the pouring zone.

The buoyancy characteristics of the monobuoy must be consistent with the weight it must support due to the chain. Preferably, the chain has a lighter first section 3a that is flanged to the hose 2, and a second heavier second section 3b located close to the anchor 4 that joins it to the seabed.

The mission of the float element 1 would be to support and redirect the discharge hose 2 to the bottom. Preferably, this hose 2 should not possess positive buoyancy. The length of the hose 2 is variable according to the depth of the discharge.

In general, two measures are considered: one for small depths up to 50 m 10 and another for more than 100 m.

In FIG. 2A-2D shows other elements with different views in more detail. A vertical signal 6 is installed on the flotation element 1. In accordance with IALA, the vertical signal 6 includes an "X" mark 62 (San Andres Cross) and a lighting source 61, which by regulation must be yellow, just like the color of the float element 1. 15

To ensure that the discharge tube does not sink, a clamp 5 for securing the float element 1 is included. Similarly, eyebolts 24 are provided on the bottom of the float element 1 to secure the chain 3 along the duct. 2.

The monobuoy is tied to the boat by means of a bit 7 on the upper part of the float element 1. Optionally, also the upper part, a sealed housing 20 10 can be created to house monitoring equipment.

Industrial application

The monobuoy is especially advantageous to be able to manage the spillage materials and perform a controlled spill of these. Thus the discharge is more ecological since the water column is not stained, that is, without turbidity or dispersion of pollutants, in those dredges 25 that have the capacity to discharge by bow. That is to say, those that do not have an opening by the keel and can discharge by impulsion by the bow, for which they are applicable to many current dredgers that could be converted into ecological dredgers without too much cost.

Claims (9)

1. Monobuoy for controlled discharge in an aquatic environment characterized by: - a conduit (2) for pouring materials by gravity or discharge through it, - a float element (1) fixed to one of the ends of the duct (2) to keep it above the aquatic environment, - a ballast (4) to anchor the float element (1) in a selected area, 5 - a connection element (3) between the ballast (4) and the float element (1) longer than the conduit (2). 2. Monobuoy according to claim 1, characterized in that the duct (2) comprises a clamp (5) for fixing to the float element (1). 3. Monobuoy according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conduit (2) comprises a shackle (23) and a flange (34) to guide the connecting element (3). 4. Monobuoy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in its upper part, the float element (1) comprises a bit (7) for mooring boats. 5. Monobuoy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the float element (1) comprises in its lower part a eye bolt (24) for fixing the connecting element (3). 6. Monobuoy according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting element (3) is a chain. 7. Monobuoy according to claim 6, characterized in that the chain comprises two sections, a first section (3a) lighter than a second section (3b), the first section (3a) arranged next to the conduit (2). 8. Monobuoy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the float element (1) comprises a watertight compartment (10). 9. Monobuoy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the float element (1) comprises a vertical signal (6) with a light source (61).