JPH0974894A - Underwater storage apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce influence of buoyancy changed by storage amount of a material to be stored when storage apparatus is installed ion the water. SOLUTION: This underwater storage 3 is composed of a rigid body 10 and a flexible membrane body 11 and is constituted so that closed volume is changeable. A charging and discharging means 2 of the material to be stored is provided with a charged and discharged pipe 20 connected to nearly the center of the rigid body 10, an upper valve 21 provided on the upper end of the charging and discharging pipe 20 and a lower valve 22 provided in the intermediate part of the charging and discharging pipe 20. A buoyancy adjusting apparatus 5 is constituted of a buoyancy adjusting tank 50, an air supply means 51 for supplying air to the buoyancy adjusting tank 50 and a weight 52 attached to the storage tank 3. The flexible membrane body 11 in the tank 3 is moved according to a housed amount of the material to be stored to change the volume in the tank. The storage tank 3 is stably arranged in a prescribed water depth by the density of the material to be stored, air in the buoyancy adjusting tank 50, its own weight of the storage apparatus and the weight 52.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an underwater storage device for storing granular materials such as grains and liquids such as drinking water and petroleum in water such as harbors, coasts and lakes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, cereals have been stored in silos or in bags in a warehouse (hereinafter, silos and warehouses are collectively referred to as a storage). By the way, especially in recent years, from the viewpoint that the harvest amount of grains such as rice grains fluctuates from year to year, and from the viewpoint of food stockpiling against crisis such as disaster, it is desired to stabilize the supply and demand by storing a certain amount of grains. ing. Since the storage period may be long in order to stabilize the supply and demand of cereals, cooling air is supplied from a cooling device into the storage, or as disclosed in JP-A-5-260846. Water is sprinkled from the upper part of the silo and cooled to suppress the rise in grain temperature and maintain the quality of stored grains. In addition, in order to prevent deterioration of cereals due to oxidation, etc., replace the inside of the closed storage with an inert gas such as nitrogen,
It has been conventionally performed to remove oxygen in the storage using an oxygen scavenger.

On the other hand, emergency stockpiled water in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake is generally stored in a water storage tank installed in the basement of a park or public building. In addition, the stockpiled oil is stored in a tank provided above the ground or a tanker moored at sea.

Furthermore, as disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 3-6306, there is known a gravity-type bottoming structure which is composed of a storage tank having a constant volume and a ballast tank and which is submerged on the bottom of the water. This gravity type bottoming structure drains one tank and makes the structure a floating structure, towing to the site where the structure is to be submerged, injecting water into the structure and submerging to the bottom of the structure,
The water in the ballast tank is replaced with ballast material and deposited on the bottom of the water.The weight of the ballast tank is determined to counteract the buoyancy that acts when the storage tank is empty, so it is deposited on the bottom of the water. It is said that there is no concern that the constructed structure will surface.

[0005]

However, among the above-mentioned conventional techniques, there is a case where the inside of the storage container storing the grains is cooled in order to suppress the rise in the temperature of the grains and maintain the quality of the stored grains. However, there is a problem that a large capacity cooling device is required, and the cost for equipment and the operating cost increase. Further, when removing oxygen in the storage, there is a problem that a large amount of inert gas and oxygen scavenger are required. Further, there is a problem that a space is required to install the storage and the installation place is limited.

[0006] In the above-mentioned conventional technique, the underground water storage tank for emergency storage of water has a problem that it takes time and labor for digging down the ground, and the installation place is limited. In addition, a tank or a tanker for storing the stockpiled oil also needs a space for installation, and there is a problem that the installation place is limited.

In the above conventional technique, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-63 is used.
As disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 06-06, in a gravity-type bottoming structure that is submerged in water, the volume of the storage tank is constant, so that the buoyancy acting when the storage tank is empty is sufficient. There is a problem in that a ballast having a weight that can oppose is necessary. Further, this product has a problem that it is necessary to perform dredging and leveling work on the seabed of the installation site where the structure is to be sunk, and to bury the area around the structure after the ballast is injected to perform scour prevention work.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to store a stored object in water having a constant low temperature so that the quality of the stored object can be maintained. The purpose is to provide a device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage device which does not require a space for installation and requires less labor for installation.

A further object of the present invention is to reduce the influence of buoyancy which changes depending on the storage amount of the stored object when the storage device is installed in water.

[0011]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an underwater storage device according to a first invention is a storage device arranged in water, which has means for supplying and discharging a stored object and is hermetically sealed. And a buoyancy adjusting device for positioning the storage tank at a predetermined height in water.

In order to solve the above problems, an underwater storage device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the underwater storage device according to the first aspect, wherein the storage tank is composed of a rigid portion and a flexible film body. It is characterized by.

In order to solve the above problems, an underwater storage device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the submerged storage device according to any one of the first and second aspects, wherein the buoyancy adjusting device includes a buoyancy adjusting tank and air in the buoyancy adjusting tank. It is characterized by comprising an air feeding means for sending and a weight.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an underwater storage device according to a fourth invention is characterized in that, in any of the first to third inventions, a deoxidizing means for deoxidizing the storage tank is provided. It is what

When the object to be stored is stored in the storage tank, air is sent to the buoyancy adjusting tank by the air supply means,
The storage tank is located at a height capable of accommodating an object to be stored therein from the supply / discharge means. At this time, in the storage tank, the flexible film body is brought into close contact with the rigid portion due to water pressure. When the supply / discharge means is opened to store the stored object in the storage tank, the volume of the storage tank changes depending on the stored amount of the stored object.

After the storage of the stored object is completed, the supply / discharge means is closed to seal the storage tank. When there is a possibility that the stored object deteriorates due to oxidation or the like, oxygen in the storage tank is removed by the deoxidizing means. Since the volume of the storage tank changes depending on the amount of stored objects, the volume for removing oxygen can be small.

When a predetermined amount of air in the buoyancy adjusting tank is exhausted, the storage tank is positioned at a predetermined height in water due to the weight of the storage device and the weight of the buoyancy adjusting device.
The storage device is not affected by the condition of the bottom of the water. The stored object is kept at a constant low temperature by the surrounding water in which the storage device is submerged, and the quality is maintained.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of an underwater storage device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or corresponding parts.

An underwater storage device 1 according to the present invention generally has a storage tank 3 having a supply / discharge means 2 for an object to be stored and having a variable volume, and a storage tank 3 having a predetermined height in water ( And a buoyancy adjusting device 5 for positioning it at the water depth. When accommodating grains or stockpiled water as a stored object, the underwater storage device 1 according to the present invention is installed, for example, on a coast or a lake near a city with a large population and stores stocked petroleum as a stored object. In some cases, it will be installed at a port near a processing facility such as a complex.

The storage tank 1 has a rigid portion (hereinafter referred to as a rigid body) 10 and a flexible film body (hereinafter referred to as a flexible film body) 11 so that its volume can be changed. It is composed of and. In the case of this embodiment, the rigid body 10 is arranged above the flexible film body 11, and the center is upward so that a stored object can be accommodated between the rigid body 10 and the flexible film body 11. It is formed in a protruding bowl shape. A flange is formed on the peripheral edge of the rigid body, and the peripheral edge of the flexible film body 11 is fixed to the flange so as to have airtightness and watertightness. The material of the storage tank 3 varies depending on the items to be stored therein, but the rigid body 10 can be made of iron or stainless steel with a rust preventive coating, and the flexible membrane body 11 is nylon or polyurethane. ,
It is possible to use a synthetic resin such as polyester or a simple substance of glass fiber, or a composite material obtained by coating rubber or resin on the composite material. Further, the shape of the storage tank 3 should be towed when the installation location is moved, for example, when the storage apparatus is moved from the production location to the installation location, or the stored water is transported to a disaster area. In order to be able to do so, it is desirable to have a substantially circular shape or an elliptical shape in a plan view and a streamline shape such as a cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape in a sectional view. Further, in the case where the stored object has a property of vaporizing and condensing due to a temperature change such as oil, a pressure adjusting device (not shown) for adjusting the pressure fluctuation in the storage tank 3 is provided. Is desirable.

Below the periphery of the storage tank 3, a flexible film body is provided.
A protection member 12 for protecting 11 is provided. The protection member 12 is provided over the entire circumference of the storage tank 3 or partly by appropriately combining a net-shaped member such as a plate-shaped member or expanded metal and a leg member depending on the place where the storage device 1 is installed.

The supply / discharge means 2 for the stored object includes a supply / discharge pipe 20 connected to substantially the center of the rigid body 10, an upper valve 21 provided at the upper end of the supply / discharge pipe 20, and a supply / discharge pipe 20. It is provided with a lower valve 22 provided at an intermediate portion.
Then, when the stored object contained in the storage tank 3 is a grain or the like, as a deoxidizing means for removing oxygen in the storage tank 3, nitrogen separation from an inert gas cylinder such as nitrogen or the air is performed. A pipe 23 and a valve 24, to which devices and the like (not shown) are connected, are a storage tank 3 and a lower valve 22.
And branching from the supply / discharge pipe 20 between them. The pipe 23 and the valve 24 are unnecessary when the stored object is not likely to be deteriorated due to oxidation or the like.

The buoyancy adjusting device 5 for positioning the storage tank 3 at a predetermined height in the water comprises a buoyancy adjusting tank 50 and an air supply means 51 for sending air into the buoyancy adjusting tank 50.
And a weight 52 attached to the storage tank 3.

A plurality of buoyancy adjusting tanks 50 are provided on the upper surface of the rigid body 10 of the storage tank 3, and each buoyancy adjusting tank 50 is provided.
An opening hole 53 is formed below and an exhaust valve (not shown) is provided above. Also the weight
52 is attached to the lower end of the protection member 12 via a chain 55 or the like so that the center of gravity of the storage device 1 can be lowered and stabilized in water, and the storage device 52 is stored at a place where there is a flow, such as a tidal current in the open sea. When the device 1 is installed, it acts as an anchor to prevent it from being washed away. The volume of the buoyancy adjustment tank 50 and the weight 52
The size of is set according to the density of the water in which the storage device 1 is installed, the density of the objects to be stored in the storage tank 3, and the like. The length of the chain 55 is set by the height from the water bottom B where the storage tank 3 is located, but the length of the chain 55 can also be adjustable.

The air supply means 51 includes an air compressor 60,
A pipeline 61 and an intake valve 62 connected between each buoyancy adjustment tank 50 and the air compressor 60, and a float in which one is connected to the air compressor 60 and the other floats on the water surface S.
The air compressor 60 is housed in a watertight housing 65 provided on the upper surface of the storage tank 3 and comprises a hose 64 held above the water surface by 63. The float 63 also serves as a buoy, indicating that the storage device is submerged. When the storage device 1 is floated from the water, air is sent from the other end of the hose 64 held by the float 63 to the buoyancy adjustment tank 50 by the air compressor 60. In addition, air compressor
Instead of 60, an air tank filled with compressed air can be used. The intake valve 62 and the exhaust valve of the buoyancy adjusting device 5 are provided with valve drive devices (not shown) so that they can be remotely controlled.

Next, the operation of the underwater storage device 1 according to the present invention having the above-described structure will be described. When accommodating an object to be stored in the storage tank 3, the upper valve 21 of the supply / discharge means 2 projects from the water surface S, and is stored at a water depth capable of accommodating the object to be stored in the storage tank 3 against water pressure. The intake valve 62 of the buoyancy adjusting device 5 is opened so that the tank 3 is located or the storage tank 3 projects from the water surface S, and the float 63 is opened.
From the other end of the hose 64 held by the air compressor 60
Air is sent to the buoyancy adjustment tank 50 by. In the storage tank 3 at this time, the flexible film body 11 is brought into close contact with the lower surface of the rigid body 10 by water pressure.

When the upper valve 21 and the lower valve 22 are opened to store the substance to be stored in the storage tank 3 through the supply / discharge pipe 20,
As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible film body 11 descends downward according to the amount of the stored object, and the volume of the storage tank 3 increases. When storage of stored items is completed, the upper valve
21 and the lower valve 22 are closed to completely seal the storage tank 3.

If the material to be stored is, for example, cereals, a valve
The partial pressure of oxygen is lowered by opening 24 and replacing the air that has entered the storage tank 3 with the grains with an inert gas.
The volume of the storage tank 3 changes according to the amount of the stored object, and the pipe 23 is connected to the storage tank 3 and the lower valve.
Since it is connected between the storage tank 3 and 22, the amount of oxygen removed from the storage tank 3 can be minimized. Grains will be protected from oxidation and generation of harmful insects in a deoxygenated atmosphere.

When the material to be stored is a grain, the apparent density is about 0.8, and when it is crude oil, the density is about 0.83 to 0.96. Further, the specific gravity of seawater is about 1.02 to 1.03 in the case of the open sea. Therefore, when the storage device is installed in the sea, buoyancy is generated not only as grains and crude oil as stored objects but also when fresh water is stored. However, when the intake valve 62 of the buoyancy adjusting device 5 is closed and the exhaust valve is opened to discharge a predetermined amount of air in the buoyancy adjusting tank 50, water enters through an opening hole 53 formed below the buoyancy adjusting tank 50, The storage device 1 sinks in the water by its own weight and the weight 52 against the buoyancy, and is stably positioned at a desired height (water depth). The storage device 1 may be arranged on the water bottom B when the water bottom B has no obstacles such as rocks that damage the flexible film body 11. By being placed in water,
Since the storage tank 3 is kept at a constant low temperature state, deterioration can be prevented especially when the stored object is a grain,
If the stored material is petroleum, it will vaporize due to temperature changes.
It can be simplified when the influence of condensation is reduced and a pressure adjusting device is provided in the storage tank 3.

When taking out the stored object, the intake valve
The valve buoyancy adjusting tank 50 is opened by the air compressor 60 from the other end of the hose 64 held on the float 63 by opening 62.
Send air to. The storage device 1 includes a valve buoyancy adjustment tank 50.
Due to the buoyancy of the sent air and the density of the stored object, it floats against its own weight and the weight 52. Therefore, only by providing a small buoyancy adjusting device 5, the upper valve 21 of the supply / discharge means 2
Can be projected from the water surface S.

[0031]

According to the present invention, since the storage device is installed in the water, there is an effect that the place and space are not limited, and the time and effort required for installation are small.

Further, according to the present invention, according to the present invention,
Since the volume of the storage tank changes depending on the amount of the stored object, the buoyancy of the storage device can be stabilized,
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the buoyancy adjusting device for floating and sinking the storage device.

Furthermore, by storing in water at a constant low temperature and removing oxygen in the storage tank, deterioration can be prevented even when the stored object is a grain, and the quality is prolonged. Can be maintained for a period of time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing an underwater storage device according to the present invention.

[Description of sign]

 1 Storage device 2 Supply / discharge means 3 Storage tank 5 Buoyancy adjusting device 10 Rigid body 11 Flexible membrane 50 Buoyancy adjusting tank 51 Air supply means 52 Weight

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A storage device arranged in water, which has a means for supplying and discharging a stored object and which is closed and has a variable volume, and the storage tank is positioned at a predetermined height in water. And a buoyancy adjusting device for the underwater storage device. 2. The underwater storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage tank includes a rigid portion and a flexible film body. 3. The underwater storage according to claim 1, wherein the buoyancy adjusting device comprises a buoyancy adjusting tank, an air feeding means for sending air to the buoyancy adjusting tank, and a weight. apparatus. 4. The underwater storage device according to claim 1, further comprising deoxidizing means for deoxidizing the inside of the storage tank.