ES1287979Y1 - FLOATATION BARRIER - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Expandable type flotation barrier to contain the passage of a substance below a mass of water that is characterized in that it comprises: - a flotation body (1) with walls joined together forming a chamber (4) with an upper section (41) and a lower section (42) where at least one section of the lower section (42) comprises an inner layer (2A) and an outer layer (2B) of woven material between which there is an intermediate layer (3) foam; - expansion mechanisms housed in the chamber (4) and which are configured to expand the flotation body (1), increasing the volume of the chamber (4), and which in turn comprise: - rigid plates (5) , joined together with the possibility of rotation between them, forming a geometric figure; - a traction spring (7) connected to opposite joints of the plates (5) configured to store the energy necessary to deploy the mechanism, increasing the volume of the chamber (4) and generating an air vacuum in said chamber (4) which is filled with air from outside the flotation body (1); - a skirt (9) that extends inferiorly along the flotation body (1) configured to prevent the passage of the substance to be contained under the surface of the water. 2. Flotation barrier according to claim 1 wherein the lower section (42) of the chamber (4) comprises the entire surface of the inner layer (2A), the outer layer (2B) and the intermediate layer (3). 3. Flotation barrier according to claim 1 wherein the lower section of the chamber (4) comprises two sections, which extend longitudinally along the flotation body (1), and which extend partially along the perimeter of the lower section (42) of the chamber (4). 4. Flotation barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the upper section (41) of the chamber (4) also comprises at least one section with an inner layer (2A) and an outer layer (2B) of woven material between which there is an intermediate layer (3) of foam. 5. Flotation barrier according to claim 1 in which the expansion mechanisms comprise hinges (6) between the plates (5) configured to allow the hinged connection of said plates (5) with the possibility of rotation between them. 6. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims in which the expansion mechanisms comprise four plates (5) joined together forming a quadrilateral, comprising hinges (6) connecting the plates (5) and the traction spring. (7) is arranged between a hinge (6) corresponding to an upper vertex of the quadrilateral and a hinge (6) corresponding to a lower vertex of the quadrilateral. 7. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims that comprises a ballast (10), located at the lower end of the skirt (9). 8. Flotation barrier according to claim 7 wherein the ballast (10) is a chain. 9. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims in which the expansion mechanisms are arranged equidistantly along the flotation body (1), inside the chamber (4). 10. Flotation barrier according to any one of the previous claims in which the plates (5) and the hinges (6) of the expansion mechanisms are covered by sheets with a double layer of technical fabric and interior foamed fabric by which fixed to the walls of the flotation body (1). 11. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims in which the flotation body (1) comprises a plurality of vents (8) that allow the passage of air from the outside to the chamber (4) when expansion is carried out. of the volume of the chamber (4) and said vents (8) are arranged in an upper section of the flotation body (1). 12. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims comprising, on the outside of the walls of the flotation body (1), reflective elements (13). 13. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at the ends of the flotation body (1) and the skirt (9) a connecting piece (15) configured to join several flotation bodies (1). each other. 14. Flotation barrier according to claim 13 in which the connecting pieces (15) comprise two tabs such that in one of them there are bridges (11) and in the other some eyelets (12) such that the connection is made. between connecting pieces (15) by means of a rope that is passed through them. 15. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an outlet valve at least one end of the flotation body (1) configured to allow the exit of water from the chamber (4). 16. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims in which the skirt (9) is made up of at least one layer of technical fabric. 17. Flotation barrier according to any one of claims 8 or 9 in which the ballast (10) is housed in a pocket made of technical fabric.

Description

DESCRIPTION

BUOYANCY BARRIER

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention falls within the technical field of expandable type flotation barriers. These types of barriers are used to contain substances that may be toxic or polluting in large bodies of water, such as the sea.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE RESOLVED AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different types of flotation barriers are known from the state of the art, generally used as anti-pollution barriers. These booms are broadly divided into solid flotation booms, inflatable flotation booms and self-expanding booms.

Within the solid flotation booms are flat flotation booms, whose floats comprise sheets of foam with a certain thickness and wrapped in a fabric; cylindrical booms, which are similar to the previous ones but have a larger volume in the flotation chambers; and the permanent type barriers, whose flotation elements are arranged on the outside and are made of a rigid plastic or metallic material filled with foam.

Flat float booms are easy to handle and have a good stowage volume, however they have poor reserve buoyancy and are therefore not generally used for offshore applications. On the other hand, cylindrical booms have very good manageability and have very good reserve flotation; however, said cylindrical booms have their stowage volume and poor adaptation to waves against them. Regarding the permanent barriers, it should be noted that they are equipment intended to spend long periods of time afloat, so they are usually resistant, but they are bulky and heavy.

Within the inflatable flotation barriers are the single-chamber barriers, which comprise a continuous chamber inside which individual floats are housed that allow the barrier to be compartmentalized; and the barriers with multiple chambers, which are formed by the fabric that surrounds them and which determines a plurality of floats.

Inflatable flotation booms have good floatation in reserve and a reduced stowage volume, but on the other hand, they need an air supply to proceed with their deployment, so they require auxiliary means and handling at the time of intervention.

Likewise, self-expanding barriers are known, within which a great plurality of different configurations are included. They broadly comprise the Uniboom®-type barriers, whose expansion mechanism is a pneumatic hose that forms a spiral or set of rings fixed to each other by a fabric that makes up the chamber, arranged on the inside face of it, so that when blowing pressurized air through said pneumatic hose expands the tissue by inflating the flotation chamber; spring-type booms in which the expansion mechanism is a spiral spring, attached to the interior of a chamber-shaped fabric so that, when the boom leaves the reel (or corresponding storage device), the spring unfolds by expanding the floatation chamber; and the barriers with an expansion mechanism with an articulated quadrilateral section in which the expansion is carried out by means of an articulated quadrilateral that is preloaded by the action of a spring inside.

Self-expanding booms have the advantage, compared to other booms, a better deployment speed, a good stowage volume and good buoyancy in reserve. The drawback of this type of barriers is that they require the incorporation of mechanisms or devices inside for expansion, which make them more expensive and may affect their reliability, requiring greater attention during handling and maintenance.

Other types of protection barriers are also known, such as sealing barriers or incineration barriers, which due to their application and/or construction are more specialized solutions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a self-expanding type flotation boom. The barrier is, when not in use, stored on a reel (or other storage device) and, when deployed, expands thanks to expansion mechanisms. arranged inside that generate a vacuum that is preferably filled with outside air. It comprises a floating body that includes a chamber with a quadrilateral section, with an upper section and a lower section, which is the one that receives the air from outside. This air-filled chamber is the element that brings the flotation to the boom.

At least a portion of the lower section of the chamber comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, between which is an intermediate layer of foam. This technical characteristic contributes to a correct buoyancy of the flotation body and therefore of the barrier.

In one embodiment, the barrier can also comprise in the upper section of the chamber at least one section with an inner layer and an outer layer of woven material, between which is an intermediate layer of foam.

Likewise, the barrier comprises expansion mechanisms housed in the chamber and which are configured to expand the flotation body, increasing the volume of the chamber. These expansion mechanisms comprise rigid plates, and comprise a traction spring, connected to opposite joints of the plates, configured to store the energy necessary to deploy the mechanism. In this way the volume of the chamber is increased and an air vacuum is generated in said chamber which is filled with air coming from outside the flotation body.

The protection barrier described makes it possible to prevent the passage of a certain substance found in a body of water, such as oil, plastics, other types of waste, etc. In order to stop the passage of undesired substances, the barrier comprises a skirt that extends below from the buoyancy body.

Likewise, so that the flotation body remains in a defined and stable position, a ballast element is fixed at the end of the skirt (which is preferably made of waterproof technical fabric) that gives the barrier its final shape and position when it is at sea. float. As previously stated, the skirt, arranged between the floatation body and the ballast, prevents the passage of the substance to be contained under the surface of the water, that is, it is the element that acts as a containment element.

One of the keys to the proposed flotation boom is that it has a bulkhead-free configuration, that is, the entire chamber is communicated on the inside. The sections of the chamber walls that comprise the inner layer, outer layer and intermediate layer of foam make up a sandwich-type construction made up of fabric-foam-fabric, giving the area located between the expansion mechanisms greater consistency and rigidity, and consequently improve the buoyancy and stability of the boom.

In an exemplary embodiment the entire lower section of the chamber comprises said sandwich-type construction. In another embodiment, only some of the sections of said lower section comprise this type of construction. Preferably these sections extend in the longitudinal direction of the floatation body and partially along the perimeter of the lower section of the chamber.

The improvement in the rigidity of the boom conferred by the sandwich-type configuration allows the expansion elements to be located at a greater distance from each other, consequently reducing the weight of the freeboard which, in addition to the improvement in stability, allows the total weight of the assembly to be lowered not being necessary so much weight in the ballast.

In addition, the fact that the sandwich-type walls comprise a layer of foam makes the barrier unsinkable in the event of its breakage, providing solid flotation. In the event of a failure of this type, the barrier continues to perform its function thanks to the flotation provided by the foam.

The ends of the barrier include a valve or outlet mechanism, made of fabric, which allows the outlet of water that may have entered or condensed inside the chamber. Because there are no bulkheads inside the chamber, water can flow through it to the ends where these valves or outlet mechanisms are located.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

To complete the description and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this specification is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a set of drawings where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, has been represented the next:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the flotation barrier.

Figures 2A-2B show sectioned perspective views of the flotation boom in two possible embodiments.

Figures 3A-3B show sectional front views of the flotation boom in two possible embodiments.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the flotation boom without the inner and outer layers of the flotation chamber walls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In figure 1 the flotation barrier of the present invention has been represented in a perspective view. The barrier comprises a flotation body (1) with walls joined together to form a chamber (4) with an upper section and a lower section where at least one section of the lower section (42) comprises an inner layer (2A). and an outer layer (2B) of woven material between which is an intermediate layer (3) of foam. The barrier also comprises a plurality of expansion mechanisms configured to expand the flotation body (1), increasing the volume of the chamber, which is preferably filled with air. The expansion mechanisms are arranged inside the flotation body (1), preferably equidistant from each other.

One of the great advantages of the proposed barrier is that it can be stowed folded, with the empty chamber (4) occupying the minimum possible volume, thus saving stowage volume. This allows more barrier to be stored in less space than state-of-the-art solutions.

Figures 2A-2B show sectioned perspective views in which the chamber (4) inside the flotation body (1) can be seen and the upper and lower sections of said chamber can be seen. The sections that, in the different embodiments, comprise a fabric-foam-fabric structure are also observed.

More specifically, in the embodiment shown in figure 2A, the lower section (42) of the chamber (4) comprises the inner layer (2A), the outer layer (2B) and the intermediate layer (3) over its entire surface. ). In another embodiment, shown in figure 2B, the lower section of the chamber (4) comprises two sections, which extend longitudinally along the flotation body (1), and which extend partially along the perimeter. of the lower section (42) of the chamber (4).

In both examples (figures 2A-B) the upper section (41) of the chamber (4) also comprises at least one section with an inner layer (2A) and an outer layer (2B) of woven material, between which there is a intermediate layer (3) of foam.

In the sections of the walls of the flotation body (1) that comprise an inner layer (2A) and an outer layer (2B) of fabric, this double layer of fabric prevents any interference with a floating material, or during the handling of the barrier. , break or tear the wall, getting water inside it (into the chamber). In another embodiment of the invention, the walls of the flotation body (1) comprise an additional layer of protection that is also made of woven material.

The sections of the walls that comprise the intermediate layer (3) of foam allow that, even if the outer layer (2B) of fabric breaks, the necessary buoyancy is ensured to compensate for the weight of the barrier and the flotation body (1). stays afloat and the operational barrier. As previously described, this configuration is always found at least in a section of the lower section (42) of the chamber (4).

In said figures 2A-B, a sectional perspective of the flotation barrier has been represented, in which the interior of the chamber (4) can be observed in detail. Figure 2A also shows one of the expansion mechanisms of the barrier.

The expansion mechanisms, which are present in all possible embodiments of the barrier, comprise some rigid plates (5), preferably four plates that are equal two by two to form a quadrilateral, hinged together so that they have the possibility of relative rotation between them. Said connection is preferably made by means of hinges (6). Likewise, the expansion mechanisms comprise a traction spring (7) connected to opposite joints of the plates (5), preferably to hinges (6) arranged in opposite positions. The draw spring (7) is configured to store the energy necessary to deploy the mechanism, increasing the volume of the chamber (4). Therefore, the deployment of the expansion mechanism generates an air vacuum inside the chamber (4) that is preferably filled with air that comes from outside the flotation body (1).

When the plates (5) of the expansion mechanisms adopt a quadrilateral configuration and are joined by hinges (6), preferably the traction spring (7) extends between the hinge (6) of the upper vertex and the hinge (6) of the lower vertex of the quadrilateral, as observed in figures 3A-B. More specifically, Figure 3A shows a sectional front view of the flotation boom in the embodiment also shown in Figure 2A. Likewise, figure 3B shows a sectional front view of the flotation barrier that corresponds to the embodiment represented in figure 2B.

Preferably, the expansion mechanism is covered, on the plates (5), by a double technical fabric and a reinforcing foam fabric that also allows it to be fixed to the inner layer (2A) of the wall of the flotation body (1).

In an embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy body (1) includes vents (8) intended to allow air to pass from outside to inside the chamber. Said vents (8) are arranged in an upper section of the floatation body (1) to prevent or minimize the entry of water into the chamber (4).

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the barrier. In said figure, the intermediate layer (3) can be clearly seen, which in this case extends throughout the entire lower section (42) and partially in the upper section (41), and the expansion mechanisms with the plates. (5), the hinges (6) and the traction springs (7).

The arrangement of the intermediate layer (3) in the lower part of the chamber (lower section (42)) adds volume at the waterline, providing extra stability to the boom. In another embodiment, there could also be an intermediate layer (3) of foam in the upper section of the flotation body (1), maintaining the geometry of said flotation body (1), that is, the intermediate layer (3) of foam it extends along the lower section of the floatation body (1) and the upper section of said floatation body (1).

In another example, as in the one shown in figures 2B and 3B, each section (upper section (41) and lower section (42)) of the chamber (4) of the flotation body (1) comprises at least one section with an inner layer (2A), outer layer (2B) and intermediate layer (3). In the example shown in said figures, they comprise two sections in each section (41, 42), where the sections of each of the sections (41, 42) are arranged symmetrically with respect to one another.

Likewise, the barrier comprises a skirt (9) that extends below the length of the flotation body (1). It is the element in charge of preventing the passage of the substance to be contained under the surface of the water. Preferably it is made up of at least one layer of technical fabric.

In order to prevent the skirt (9) from moving with the currents to inappropriate positions, the barrier can comprise a ballast (10), located at the lower end of the skirt (9). Allows the center of gravity of the boom to be lowered when it is afloat, giving it greater stability. In an example of an embodiment, the ballast (10) comprises a chain such that, in addition to being a ballast, it acts as a traction element, transmitting traction forces along its length.

The fixing of the ballast (10) to the skirt (9) can be carried out in different ways, such as tied by means of a rope, by means of shackles and eyelets, or contained in a pocket. The solution represented in the example of the figures shows a chain housed in a pocket made of technical fabric mesh.

The barrier can also comprise on the outside of the walls of the flotation body (1) some reflective elements (13) that improve the visibility of the barrier in low light conditions. Said reflective elements (13) can be, for example, bands distributed along the flotation body (1) or they can be other types of elements such as logos or signs.

The barrier can also include handling handles (14) that allow it to be handled comfortably during loading and unloading operations. It could also comprise anchoring points distributed along the skirt (9) or the ballast (10) to anchor and make the barrier firm.

In the cases in which the barrier is made up of several floating bodies (1), each of said floating bodies (1) includes a connection at its ends to join them together and form a longer barrier. There are different types of connections, flexible, rigid, under the ASTM standard, etc. Figures 1 and 4 show a type of flexible connection with a connecting piece (15) made of technical fabric at each end of the floatation body (1) and the skirt (9) comprising a series of bridges and eyelets. When you want to join two sections, the connecting pieces of said sections are placed adjacent to each other and a flexible rope is passed through the bridges and eyelets that blocks the connection. In a preferred embodiment, each joining piece (15) comprises two tabs such that the bridges (11) are arranged on one of them and the eyelets (12) on the other.

Likewise, the barrier can comprise a drainage valve made of fabric and that allows the outlet of water that, during the operation of the barrier, could have entered or condensed inside the chamber (4).

In another embodiment, the barrier can have a light signaling beacon that reinforces the visibility of the barrier in unfavorable conditions. It can be housed in a pocket in the outer layer (2B) of the walls of the floatation body (1).

The present invention should not be limited to the embodiment described herein. Other configurations can be made by those skilled in the art in view of the present description. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

1

Claims (14)

1. Flotation barrier of the expandable type to contain the passage of a substance below a body of water that is characterized by comprising: - A floatation body (1) with walls joined to each other forming a chamber (4) with an upper section (41) and a lower section (42) where at least one section of the lower section (42) comprises an inner layer (2A) and an outer layer (2B) of woven material between which is an intermediate layer (3) of foam; - Some expansion mechanisms housed in the chamber (4) and which are configured to expand the floatation body (1), increasing the volume of the chamber (4), and which in turn comprise: - some rigid plates (5), joined together with the possibility of turning between them, forming a geometric figure; - A traction spring (7) connected to opposite joints of the plates (5) configured to store the energy necessary to deploy the mechanism, increasing the volume of the chamber (4) and generating an air vacuum in said chamber (4) which is filled with air from outside the flotation body (1); - a skirt (9) that extends below the length of the floatation body (1) configured to prevent the passage of the substance to be contained under the surface of the water; where the expansion mechanisms comprise four plates (5) joined together to form a quadrilateral, it comprises hinges (6) for joining the plates (5) and the traction spring (7) is arranged between a corresponding hinge (6) with a upper vertex of the quadrilateral and a corresponding hinge (6) with a lower vertex of the quadrilateral; where the expansion mechanisms are arranged equidistantly along the flotation body (1), inside the chamber (4); and where the floatation body (1) comprises a plurality of vents (8) that allow the passage of air from the outside to the chamber (4) when the expansion of the volume of the chamber (4) is carried out and said vents (8) they are arranged in an upper section of the floatation body (1). Flotation barrier according to claim 1, in which the lower section (42) of the chamber (4) comprises over its entire surface the inner layer (2A), the outer layer (2B) and the intermediate layer (3). Floating barrier according to claim 1, in which the lower section of the chamber (4) comprises two sections, which extend longitudinally along the flotation body (1), and which extend partially along the perimeter of the lower section (42) of the chamber (4). Flotation barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the upper section (41) of the chamber (4) also comprises at least one section with an inner layer (2A) and an outer layer (2B) of woven material between which is an intermediate layer (3) of foam. Flotation barrier according to claim 1, in which the expansion mechanisms comprise hinges (6) between the plates (5) configured to allow the hinged connection of said plates (5) with the possibility of rotation between them. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a ballast (10), located at the lower end of the skirt (9). 7. Boom according to claim 6 in which the ballast (10) is a chain. 8. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the plates (5) and the hinges (6) of the expansion mechanisms are covered by sheets with a double layer of technical fabric and interior foam fabric through which fixed to the walls of the floatation body (1). Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, on the outside of the walls of the flotation body (1), reflective elements (13). 10. Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at the ends of the flotation body (1) and the skirt (9) a connecting piece (15) configured to join several flotation bodies (1) each other. 11. Flotation barrier according to claim 10, in which the connecting pieces (15) comprise two tabs such that bridges (11) are arranged on one of them and eyelets (12) on the other such that the connection is made. between connecting pieces (15) by means of a rope that is passed through them. Floating barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an outlet valve at at least one end of the floating body (1) configured to allow water to escape from the chamber (4). Flotation barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the skirt (9) is made up of at least one layer of technical fabric. 14. Flotation barrier according to any one of claims 6 or 7, in which the ballast (10) is housed in a pocket made of technical fabric. 1