RU2525248C2 - Flotation system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to flotation systems. Proposed system comprises at least one inflatable part to up, as-inflated, the object flotation, at least one inflating device with gas generation system for gas feed and system for activation of at least on inflating device. Said gas generation system contains gas generation substances. Note here that gas generated thereof is cooled before feed to said at least one inflatable part. At activation of said activation system inflator initiates gas generation to inflate aforesaid part to preset volume which makes the object displace.

EFFECT: higher system efficiency.

26 cl, 23 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a buoyancy system designed to raise or lower objects in a water column.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the proposed buoyancy system is configured to lift defective or damaged objects, such as a submarine or aircraft, from a depth and / or hold them on the surface.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the proposed buoyancy system is configured to raise objects at great depths and / or lower objects, and this system allows you to raise and return objects to the surface of the water or immerse them in a certain position. Objects in this case include elements of infrastructure submerged at the bottom of the ocean, such as bottom fountain fittings, manifolds, and platform anchors.

State of the art

Work carried out at great depths is associated with certain difficulties, which are usually due to the increased pressure encountered at significant depths, as well as due to the weight of infrastructure elements, such as cables. In this case, the greater the depth, the more difficult it is to perform the necessary operations.

At great depths, restoration of the facility is much more complicated. This was noted during several maritime accidents in which emergency equipment was unsuitable in cases where a damaged submarine or aircraft was submerged in water to a depth exceeding a certain value. As a result, these accidents resulted in numerous casualties.

Over the past few decades, technologies have been widely developed for emergency exit from a sunken submarine, methods for conducting rescue operations and safe evacuation from a submarine. First-generation equipment includes life-saving appliances, in particular, the wheelhouse / hatches used to equip submarines, as well as specially designed life-saving suits, which provide the submariner leaving the submarine with buoyancy and breathing air when they surface. Such technical equipment had, and still has, a depth limit at which the ship is located. Second-generation equipment includes a bathyscaphe or a rescue bell. This technical solution significantly increases the depth at which it is possible to remove the crew from a submarine, and it is much safer than using life suits.

However, both of these methods have significant limitations. If the submarine is faulty or damaged at a depth exceeding the maximum / estimated depth of immersion, then the available rescue methods cannot be used to save the crew. In addition, it will take many days to complete the rescue operation. During this time, an increase in the internal pressure in the submarine, the consumption of vital reserves (“oxygen candles”, carbon dioxide absorption devices, etc.), as well as the deterioration and pollution of the life-sustaining atmosphere (the presence of hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, etc.) can lead to fatal consequences.

Another industry in which large-scale work is carried out at considerable depths is the oil and gas industry.

In this industry, equipment is often installed on the ocean floor to perform various tasks and functions. Offshore oil and gas production requires the installation of equipment on the seabed to extract fossil fuels and supply them to surface platforms and oil rigs. Since oil and gas deposits at relatively shallow depths are depleted, exploration of additional deposits is moving to deepwater areas.

Placing and lifting heavy equipment from the ocean floor is an expensive process that requires significant funds. Currently, equipment used on the ocean floor is placed and later raised to the surface using high-strength cables and winches installed on relatively large vessels with dynamic positioning. However, this method is limited to a certain depth, depending on the capabilities of the corresponding repair and restoration equipment. With increasing depth, the problems and costs of the placement and subsequent lifting of such equipment also increase.

The description of the prior art is given above only in order to facilitate understanding of the principles of the present invention. It should be borne in mind that the information provided is not a confirmation or recognition that any material referred to is part of well-known information available at the priority date of the application.

Disclosure of invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a buoyancy system and eliminate at least one of the disadvantages of the known technical solutions, or at least offer a useful alternative to the known technical solutions.

The present invention provides a buoyancy system for moving an object in a water column, comprising:

at least one inflatable part, which when inflated increases the buoyancy of the object;

a pumping device for filling with gas at least one inflatable part;

an activation system for actuating the pumping device, and when the activation system is started, the pumping device delivers gas to at least one inflatable part, which, after being inflated to a predetermined volume, allows the object to be moved.

The buoyancy system preferably allows the object to be moved substantially in the vertical direction. The buoyancy system also provides the ability to raise or lower the object. When using the proposed system for lowering the object, it allows you to control the lowering process.

At least one inflatable part may be fixed to the object. A damping device is preferably installed between the at least one inflatable part and the object. The damping device provides a relatively even rise in the object, especially at the initial and final stages.

The inflation of each inflatable part preferably occurs outside the object.

At least one inflatable part may have a device for disengaging, providing the ability to detach the specified at least the inflatable part from the object. The specified device for disengagement can be activated in the event of an unintentional start of the buoyancy system.

At least one inflatable portion comprises at least one upper pressure relief valve for discharging excess gas from the inflatable portion. The release of excess gas is necessary if the pumping device has injected excess gas or if there is an expansion of the gas volume in the inflatable part when the object rises and the water pressure acting on the inflatable part decreases.

As soon as the object reaches a predetermined depth, the pressure relief valve is blocked in the closed state, as a result of which the inflatable part will remain in the inflated state. Due to this, the object is held at a given depth.

At least one inflatable part may further comprise at least one lower pressure relief valve mounted at the bottom of the inflatable part. At the same time, said at least one lower pressure relief valve allows gas to be released when the pressure inside the inflatable part rises, if at least one upper pressure relief valve is closed. This eliminates the possibility of overpressure in the inflatable part and. therefore, the danger of its rupture is prevented.

The pressure relief valve has a piston shifted to the closed position. When the pressure on the outer surface of the piston increases, the piston moves, allowing the escape of excess gas from the inflatable part. During the initial movement of the valve piston, the blocking device is turned off, and when the piston returns to the closed position, the blocking device fixes the valve in the indicated position.

At least one inflatable part further comprises a check valve installed between the pumping device and the hole in the inflatable part. Due to this, the gas entering the inflatable part does not return back to the pumping device.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, at least one inflatable part is secured to the winch, the cable being led out of the winch to at least one inflatable part. This allows you to lower the object, while at least one inflatable part remains on the surface. When an object needs to be raised, the winch is turned on and the object moves up. In a similar way, a winch can be used to lower an object to a greater depth in bad weather conditions or to control the position of an object on the ocean floor.

At least one inflatable part is preferably made of a heat-resistant material characterized by high tensile strength. The inner layer of at least one inflatable part may be made of heat-resistant material with high tensile strength. The inflatable portion is preferably in the form of an inflatable bag.

The buoyancy system preferably comprises a plurality of inflatable parts.

The set of inflatable parts is preferably located so that when raising or lowering the object was oriented in a predetermined manner.

The buoyancy system may further comprise control means for holding the object at a predetermined level, for example, on the surface of the water. After inflation, the inflatable part may remain inflated for a predetermined period of time.

In the buoyancy system, each inflatable portion preferably has its own inflation device.

The inflation device preferably comprises a regulator for controlling the amount of gas entering at least one inflatable part.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the regulator may be hydrostatic, and it provides a given volume of gas, taking into account external pressure and allows you to pump the inflatable part to achieve a given value of buoyancy. Since the pressure acting on the object increases as the object sinks, the pressure needed to inflate the inflatable part also increases.

The regulator can also be made in the form of a hydrostatic pressure sensor.

The pumping device may comprise a gas generation system, a gas storage system, or may be connected to an active gas generation system. Also, the pumping device may comprise a combination of these systems.

The gas generation system provides for the presence of a substance for generating gas, for example, an explosive, combustible or other chemical compound, which is located in at least one tank, and the charge activates the specified substance, providing gas under pressure in at least one tank. At least one reservoir has a plurality of channels and / or dividing walls located between the substance and the outlet of the reservoir, so that the resulting gas passes through these channels to exit from at least one reservoir. Due to this, the outlet of the tank is not exposed to the force created by the substance at the initial moment during gas generation.

The substance can be activated using a starter or detonator connected to the activation system. The gas generation system may contain more than one starter or detonator, which is advisable in cases where one or more of the provided starters or detonators do not work properly.

The molecular weight of the resulting gas is preferably equal to or close to the molecular weight of the air.

The outlet of the reservoir is preferably connected to a gas supply regulator so that the gas supplied to the inflatable part enters into it at a predetermined pressure.

Prior to entering at least one inflatable bag, the produced gas is preferably cooled.

The pumping device may be equipped with a reservoir. When lowering the object, the specified tank provides gas supply to at least one inflatable part to maintain it in a predetermined inflated state, which allows you to adjust the lowering speed and compensate for the weight or maintain negative buoyancy of the object. When the tank reaches a predetermined pressure, a feed system or gas generators are preferably turned on to supply additional gas.

In this application, the buoyancy system is mounted on a lowering or guiding cable, and the proposed system compensates for most of the weight or negative buoyancy of the object, allowing you to easily and accurately set the object on the ocean floor. Previously, the allowable weight of an object placed at a time on the ocean floor was limited by the load capacity of the cable. In the case of using the proposed system for ensuring buoyancy, it is possible to significantly increase the weight of the object, since the system reduces the load from the weight compared to that which the cable must withstand in the absence of such a system.

When the object reaches the water surface, it is possible to drain the gas from at least one inflatable part to reduce and / or remove the gas obtained in the production process. It is possible to automatically enable this function using hydrostatic sensors, as well as manually or remotely. Due to this, it is possible to release toxic gases from the inflatable part before the repair part begins to work with the object.

The gas storage system may include a gas storage cylinder in which the gas is located. Said gas storage cylinder is preferably in fluid communication with at least one inflatable part via an outlet channel. The outlet channel has at least one pressure retaining disk preventing gas from escaping from said gas storage cylinder. Each pressure holding disk is connected to a detonator, with each detonator connected to an activation system.

The active gas generation system may comprise a gas source external to the buoyancy system. If the object is a submarine, then a possible source of gas is compressed air produced for the functioning of the submarine. The activation system may include a three-way valve that fluidly connects the buoyancy system to a gas source.

The pumping device includes at least one hydrostatic sensor or pressure relief valve, which allows interruption of the gas supply to at least one inflatable part after the start of the lifting of the object. After the lifting of the object begins, the inflatable part will continue to inflate, even if gas no longer flows into it, this is due to the fact that the gas inside the inflatable part expands due to a decrease in external pressure.

There are various ways to start the activation system, which largely depend on the specific application. The proposed buoyancy system may comprise several activation systems. This is especially important in cases where the specified buoyancy system is installed on a submarine or aircraft, since this arrangement allows you to activate the buoyancy system regardless of the situation.

The activation system can start automatically when the object is at a given depth. This is advisable when the submarine is damaged and unable to rise to the surface or when the plane lands on water.

When an object reaches a predetermined depth, the activation system can be started by means of a hydrostatic device. An automatic activation system comprises at least one hydrostatic device mounted outside the facility. If the object is a submarine, then these devices can be located outside the solid hull.

The hydrostatic device comprises a substantially sealed unit having an external surface exposed to weathering in which a plurality of openings are made. The specified outer surface is adjacent to the first plate. In normal mode, the first plate is offset relative to the second plate so that there is a gap between them. With increasing hydrostatic pressure through a set of holes acts on the first plate, causing it to move in the direction of the second plate. With a further increase in hydrostatic pressure, the first plate comes into contact with the second, closing the activation system start-up circuit.

The activation system may include a mechanism for switching to manual control, which makes it possible to block the automatic operation of the activation system, and it is activated when it is necessary to lower the object below a predetermined depth.

The activation system can be controlled by acoustic means.

In cases where the buoyancy system is installed on a submarine, it can be combined with an emergency blow-out / surface access system available on the boat.

The activation system has manual control.

In cases where the object is a submarine or a similar vessel in which the operator is located, the activation system can be launched by internal means available on the object itself.

The internal manual activation system provides for the presence of a control panel on the submarine. The control panel is equipped with a preparation button for the activation system and a start button for the activation system. In addition, the remote control has a button for checking the integrity of the activation system and for initiating the sequence of its launch from the control panel. This ensures that the launch of the buoyancy system does not happen by accident.

The control panel also comprises a trip device for disconnecting at least one inflatable part.

A manually controlled activation system can also be started by external means, for example, from a remote-controlled device (ROV). An external manual activation system contains a mounting device mounted outside the object and designed to dock a remotely controlled device. The remotely controlled device is configured to translate the specified fastening device from a normal state into a gearing state in which the activation system starts. An external manual activation system is configured in such a way that an individual key is required to access it.

After starting the activation system with manual control, the gas filling of at least one inflatable part preferably occurs with a delay, so that the remotely controlled device has enough time to detach and move away from the object.

The buoyancy system is powered by a power source or battery.

The facility may be equipped with several buoyancy systems. The activation systems provided for therein can be synchronized so that they are started simultaneously or sequentially after a predetermined period of time.

The buoyancy system preferably comprises a driven radio beacon, for example an emergency workstation radio beacon (EPIRB), which is activated when the buoyancy system is started. The drive beacon may be connected to at least one inflatable part.

The buoyancy system may also include a propulsion device used to move, direct or orient an object in different directions. To control the motor device, the use of gas is possible. Gas is obtained in the process of generating gas.

In one embodiment, the subject is a submarine. The buoyancy system preferably does not significantly affect the acoustic performance and hydrodynamics of the submarine. The system for ensuring buoyancy in an idle state is essentially completely located in the hull of the submarine. Essentially, it is located between the light and sturdy hulls of the submarine. The buoyancy system is tightly closed in a niche extending from a light body to a durable submarine body. Niche is closed by a cross cover. When the activation system starts, the cover is detached.

In another embodiment, the object is an aircraft, for example, a helicopter or an airplane. The aircraft may contain a set of systems for ensuring buoyancy. Each buoyancy system is located in a strategically important place so as to provide lifting or holding the aircraft in a predetermined position.

In yet another embodiment, the object is a spacesuit or a remotely controlled device. If the object is a remotely controlled device, it may contain means intended for its disengagement from a surface vessel.

In another embodiment, the object is a decompression chamber.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the object is an element of a manufacturing infrastructure or drilling equipment, such as a bottom flow fitting, manifolds and booster pumps. In this case, the buoyancy system further comprises at least one guide cable extending from the surface of the water to the ocean floor. The guide cable provides a guy line to control the lifting of the object and indicates the place of ascent of the object to the surface.

The buoyancy system may also include at least one lifting sling attached to the object. It allows you to extract an object when it reaches the surface of the water. The sling has positive buoyancy, due to which it remains upright when lifting the object.

When raising the underwater manifold from the ocean floor, before starting the buoyancy system, other elements of the underwater infrastructure, pipes, cables and other equipment associated with it are disconnected from the manifold, and the buoyancy system is fixed at the facility by means of a thimble / mounting unit.

The present invention provides a new generation of tools that can be used for deep-sea heavy recovery, rescue and installation works. The new technology of deep-sea restoration works is based on the principle of "floating" an object on the surface, regardless of depth, which allows you to repair an object on board a surface ship or tow it to the nearest port. This principle also allows for the controlled lowering and installation of the object on the ocean floor.

In addition, the present invention provides a buoyancy system for raising an object immersed to a depth to the surface of the water, said system comprising:

at least one inflatable part, which when inflated increases the buoyancy of an object immersed in water;

a pumping device for filling with gas at least one inflatable part;

an activation system for actuating the pumping device, and when the activation system is started, the pumping device fills with gas at least one inflatable part, which, after pumping to a predetermined volume, makes it possible to move an object immersed in water to the surface of the water.

In addition, the present invention provides a buoyancy system for raising a submarine to the surface of the water, said system comprising:

at least one inflatable part, which when inflated increases the buoyancy of an object immersed in water;

a pumping device for filling with gas at least one inflatable part;

an activation system for actuating the pumping device, and when the activation system is started, the pumping device fills at least one inflatable part with gas, which, after being inflated to a predetermined volume, allows the submarine to move to the water surface.

The buoyancy system preferably comprises means for holding the submarine on the surface of the water for a time sufficient to evacuate the crew from the submarine.

The present invention provides a buoyancy system for lifting industrial infrastructure elements or drilling equipment to repair them from the ocean floor, the system being configured to connect to said equipment and comprises:

at least one inflatable part, which when inflated increases the buoyancy of the equipment;

a pumping device for filling with gas at least one inflatable part;

an activation system for actuating the pumping device, and when the activation system is started, the pumping device fills at least one inflatable part with gas, which, after being inflated to a predetermined volume, allows the equipment to move to the water surface.

The buoyancy system can be mounted on a platform configured to be attached to equipment. The platform has positive buoyancy, and when the platform is attached to the equipment, the buoyancy system maintains a predetermined position. The platform is attached to the equipment before it rises to the surface of the water.

At the same time, a sling can be connected to the equipment, which facilitates the lifting of equipment to the surface.

The equipment can also be connected to a guide cable stretched from the ocean floor to the surface of the water, and when lifting the guide cable provides directional movement of the equipment up and indicates the place of lifting of the equipment on the surface.

The equipment may remain below the surface of the water until a sling is attached to the crane on the vessel in order to lift the equipment from the ocean or tow the object to a port equipped with crane equipment.

The present invention provides a buoyancy system for lowering production infrastructure elements or drilling equipment onto the ocean floor, the system being arranged to be connected to said equipment and comprises:

at least one inflatable part, which when inflated increases the buoyancy of the equipment;

a pumping device for filling with gas at least one inflatable part;

an activation system for actuating the pumping device, and when the activation system is started, the pumping device fills at least one inflatable part with gas, partially compensating for the weight of the equipment and adjusting the speed of its lowering to the ocean floor.

The system preferably comprises a gas reservoir for supplying gas to at least one inflatable portion.

When the equipment is moved to the ocean floor, the equipment is raised above the water or towed floating on the surface to the deployment point, at least one inflatable part is fully inflated, and the specified gas reservoir, if any, provides an increase in pressure. When lowering the equipment, the activation system activates the pumping device, so that the inflatable part remains inflated, and the object moves to the ocean floor easily and accurately.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will become better understood by reading the description of the preferred embodiments below, illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

1, a submarine is shown at the bottom of the ocean, the submarine being equipped with a buoyancy system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is similar to figure 1, but it shows a system for ensuring buoyancy in expanded form.

Figure 3 schematically shows a system for ensuring buoyancy in accordance with its installation in a submarine.

4 schematically shows a buoyancy system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

On figa and 5b schematically shows the activation system provided in the proposed system to ensure buoyancy.

On figa and 6b in a top view and side view, in cross section shows a hydrostatic sensor of the buoyancy system.

7 schematically, in cross section shows a gas generation system of the pumping device contained in the buoyancy system.

On Fig schematically, in cross section shows the gas storage system of the pumping device contained in the buoyancy system.

On figa and 9b in a top view and side view shows an inflatable bag of the system for ensuring buoyancy in the inflated state.

10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure relief valve.

Fig. 11 schematically shows an inflatable bag and reservoirs connected thereto according to a second embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 4.

12 schematically shows a buoyancy system in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

13 schematically shows a buoyancy system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

On Fig schematically shows a buoyancy system in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the invention, mounted on a helicopter.

On Fig schematically presents a buoyancy system according to the sixth embodiment of the invention, installed on an airplane.

On Fig schematically shows a buoyancy system in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the invention, installed in the emergency life support chamber.

On Fig top view schematically shows a buoyancy system according to the eighth embodiment of the invention, designed to lift equipment from the ocean floor.

On Fig presents the same view as in Fig, but with the upper part removed.

On Fig in side view shows the system of Fig.17.

On Fig schematically shows the buoyancy system of Fig.17-19, in two stages of lifting equipment from the ocean floor.

On Fig schematically in side view shows a system for ensuring buoyancy according to the ninth embodiment of the invention, connected to the object and designed to lower the object to the ocean floor.

On Fig schematically in a top view shows the system of Fig.21, but without inflatable parts.

On figa and 23b schematically illustrates alternative methods of deployment on the ocean floor of the system to ensure the buoyancy of Fig.21.

Embodiments of the invention

The present invention is applicable in many industries. Of course, the proposed system can find application in many areas that will be opened in the future due to the human desire to explore the ocean depths.

Below are briefly described several possible uses of the invention in various industries. In most of the embodiments of the invention presented below, application areas related to raising flooded objects to the surface of the ocean are considered. However, it is also possible to use the invention for controlled descent of objects to the ocean floor, holding objects at a given depth and moving objects across the ocean.

The present invention is a system 11 ensure buoyancy, which allows you to raise the object 12 to the surface 15 of the water or lower the object 12 to the ocean floor 14, or to hold the object on the surface 15 or at a given depth.

The buoyancy system 11 comprises at least one inflatable portion 16, at least one inflation device 19, and at least one activation system 21. Depending on the field of application, the proposed buoyancy system 11 can be arranged so that it contains the required number of the above elements arranged in a predetermined manner.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the proposed buoyancy system 11 is mounted on a submarine 13. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the submarine 13 is located on the ocean floor 14. A similar situation may occur if if the boat is defective or damaged. Activating the proposed system 11 to ensure buoyancy, you can quickly raise the submarine 13, shown in figure 1, to the surface 15 of the water.

Figure 2 shows the submarine 13 after actuating the system 11 to ensure the buoyancy and deployment of a set of inflatable parts 16, made in the form of inflatable bags 17. As can be seen in the drawing, the submarine 13 rises to the surface 15 of the water in a vertical position, so the crew has the ability to leave submarine 13.

Typically, the submarine 13 has a strong hull 81 and an outer light hull 83, and they are located at a certain distance from each other. Due to this, between these hulls a space is formed for storing the inflatable bags 17 in the modules 18. In addition, this space allows you to set the proposed system 11 to ensure buoyancy so that it does not adversely affect the hydrodynamic and acoustic characteristics of the submarine 13.

In submarines that do not contain a light hull 83, inflatable bags 17 can be stored in modules 18 mounted in a strong hull 81.

Elements of a buoyancy system 11 according to this embodiment of the invention are shown in detail in FIG. 3.

The buoyancy system 11 comprises a pumping device 19, which according to the embodiment of the invention comprises an active gas generation system 23, the gas for filling the inflatable bags 17 coming from a gas source 25 installed separately from the proposed system 11. The specified external gas source 25 receives air from an internal air source 27 in a submarine.

The inflation device 19 is driven by the activation system 21. According to this embodiment of the invention, the activation system 21 comprises an external manual activation system 21a, an internal manual activation system 21b and an automatic activation system 21c. Thus, there are several options for starting the system 12 to ensure buoyancy, which allows you to raise the submarine 13 to the surface of the water, regardless of the circumstances. Obviously, there may be cases where the presence of only one of these activation systems is sufficient.

The elements of the activation system 21 used in this embodiment of the invention are shown in detail in FIG.

This external activation system 21 a can be controlled by means of a remotely controlled device, not shown here. The specified remote-controlled device is made with the possibility of engagement with the mounting device 29 for docking, through which it is possible to start the activation system 21.

The internal activation system 21b can be controlled from a submarine 13, from one of the three control panels 31.

The automatic activation system 21 includes a hydrostatic device 33 mounted outside the durable housing 81. In this embodiment of the invention, there are six hydrostatic devices 49 mounted on the durable housing 81.

Each hydrostatic device 49 comprises a substantially sealed unit having a weatherproof outer surface 51 in which a plurality of holes 53 are formed, as shown in FIG. 6a. The outer surface 51 is adjacent to the first plate 55 (Fig.6b). The first plate 55 is offset relative to the second plate 57 by the spring 59 so that in the normal mode, the plates 55 and 57 are spaced apart by a certain distance.

When the submarine reaches a predetermined depth during immersion, the pressure acting through the openings 53 causes the first plate 55 to move in the direction of the second plate 57 until the contact brush 61a on the underside of the plate 55 comes into contact with the contact brush 61b on the upper side of the second plate 57. As a result, the circuit activates the pumping device, which causes the deployment of inflatable bags 17.

The external manual activation system 21 a, shown in FIG. 5, comprises a docking attachment 29 in which a nut 69 is provided, which can be rotated from a remotely controlled device. The nut 69 is fixed in the housing 71 of the mounting device 29 by means of a thread. The nut 69 is made in such a way that it can only be rotated from a remotely controlled device containing a suitably designed handle. The nut 69 can be removed from the housing 71 and, thereby, provide the remote-controlled device with access to the activation screw 73, also screwed into the housing 71. When the activation screw 73 is turned, this device comes into contact with the start plate 75. This causes the circuit to close and the activation system 21 drives the inflation device 19. In order to enable the remote-controlled apparatus to detach and to sail away from the submarine 13, to fill the inflatable bags 17 with gas and to move the underwater second boat up is delayed.

As for the internal manual activation system 21b shown in FIG. 5, it should be noted that the control panel 31 is equipped with an activation system preparation button 77 and an activation system start button 79. In addition, a button 85 is provided on the control panel to verify the integrity of the activation system and to initiate a start sequence for the activation system 21b from the control panel 31. The control panel 31 also includes a trip device 87 for detaching the inflatable bags 17 when the buoyancy system 11 is accidentally actuated.

The control panel also has a switch 89 for manual control, which allows you to block the automatic activation system 21c in cases where it is necessary to lower the submarine below a predetermined depth.

The inflatable bag 17 in the inflated state is shown in detail in FIGS. 9a and 9b. Each inflatable bag 17 has four upper pressure relief valves 91 for discharging excess gas from the bag, and also for discharging gas to reduce bag volume when the submarine rises and the water pressure acting on the bag decreases. As soon as the submarine 13 rises to a predetermined depth, the pressure relief valve 91 closes, preventing further passage of gas through it to keep the inflatable bag 17 inflated.

The inflatable bags 17 are also equipped with two lower pressure relief valves 93 located at the bottom of the inflatable bags 17. These lower valves 93 reduce the pressure inside the inflatable bag 17 when it increases when the upper pressure relief valves 91 are closed.

As can be seen from FIG. 10, each pressure relief valve 91 has a piston 95 displaced to the closed position. When the pressure on the outer surface 97 of the valve piston 95 increases due to pressure inside the bag 17, the piston 95 moves, allowing excess gas to escape from the bag 17 through the pressure relief valve 91. With the initial movement of the piston 95, the locking device 99 is turned off, and when the piston 95 is returned to the closed position, the locking device 99 locks the piston 95 in the indicated position.

Each inflatable bag 17 also has a check valve 101 provided between the inflation device 19 and the opening 103 of the inflatable bag 17. This check valve prevents the gas entering the bag 17 from returning to the inflation device 19.

Each inflatable bag 17 contains an emergency beacon AWP (EPIRB) 105, which is activated when the bag 17 is inflated.

If there is a need to launch the proposed buoyancy system 11, the activation system 21 is activated either automatically or manually from the outside or from the inside of the submarine. When the system starts, the pumping device 19 is activated to direct the gas from the gas source 25, external to the buoyancy system. Bags 17 are pumped with gas until sufficient lifting force is created to float the submarine 13 to the surface 15 of the water.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. This option is very similar to the first option, therefore, the same elements are indicated on the drawings by the same item numbers. This embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment in that the pumping device 19 of the buoyancy system 11 further comprises a gas generation system 35 and a regulator 43. According to this embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy system 11 is not based solely on the supply of gas from the submarine 13.

In this embodiment, the gas generation system 35 comprises a group of six reservoirs 37 for each inflatable bag 17, as shown in FIG. 11. Each tank 37 is connected to a hydrostatic device 49 and to a regulator 43 for regulating the amount of gas entering the inflatable bag 17, depending on the immersion depth of the submarine 13.

As shown in FIG. 7, each reservoir contains a gas generating substance 39, namely an explosive, combustible or other chemical substance that creates gas upon detonation and / or activation. The resulting gas through the outlet 41 of the tank 37 is sent to the inflatable bag 17 to fill it. Before entering the inflatable bag 17, the gas may be cooled.

The regulator 43 is located in front of the outlet 41. In order to protect the regulator 43 from the effects of the fast flow of the generated gas, a plurality of channels / dividing walls 45 are provided located between the substance 39 and the outlet 41. These channels increase the length of the passage of the generated gas, thereby while attenuating the full impact of the explosion and rapidly increasing pressure.

The substance 39 is ignited by a starter or detonator 47 connected to the activation system 21. 7 shows a substance with three detonators 47. Thus, if one or two detonators 47 are faulty, it is possible to use a backup detonator.

As shown in FIG. 11, each inflatable bag 17 is mounted on a submarine 13 in a mounting position 63 provided on the sturdy housing 81. The inflatable bag 17 and reservoirs 37 are located in the module 18. The module 18 has a cover 65, the detachment of which occurs when the pins are removed. 67. These pins 6 disengage upon detonation when the activation system 21 is started.

In this embodiment of the invention, the deployment of the inflatable bags 17 occurs in the same way as described in the first embodiment of the invention.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, the pumping device 19 comprises a gas storage system 107. This embodiment of the invention is similar to the second embodiment of the invention, therefore, the same elements are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numbers. However, in this embodiment of the invention, instead of receiving gas from substance 39, the gas is stored in high pressure gas cylinders 109, as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment of the invention, the gas cylinder 109 of the gas storage system 107 has an outlet 111 fluidly connected to the inflatable bag 17. The gas is held in the cylinder 109 by three holding discs 113. Each disc is connected to a detonator 115 which is driven by the system 21 activates and breaks the disk 113, with the result that the gas passes into the inflatable bag 17. An additional detonator 115a is installed so that its charge is directed to the surface of the disk 113. This arrangement ensures the rupture of the disk 113 and, accordingly but the possibility of gas passing through the disk.

12 shows an arrangement of a module 18 for storing inflatable bags 17 in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

A fourth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. In this embodiment, the inflation device 19 is equipped with a combined system comprising a gas generation system 35 and a gas storage system 107. On Fig presents the layout of the inflation device 13 and the inflatable bag 17 in the module 18 according to this variant of the invention.

In a fifth embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 14, four independent buoyancy systems 211 are mounted on a helicopter 213 in strategic locations. In this embodiment of the invention, the pumping device 19 is in the form of a gas generation system 35, the activation system comprising an automatic activation system 21c and an internal manually controlled activation system 21b.

15 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment of the invention is similar to the fifth embodiment, but it does not apply to a helicopter, but to an airplane 223.

In a seventh embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 16, the buoyancy system 311 is mounted on a camera, in this case, a diving bell 313 for deep sea diving. The buoyancy system 311 is similar to that described in the fifth and sixth embodiments of the invention, but it further comprises a winch 315. The winch allows, if necessary, the diving bell 313 to be lowered from the surface 15 of the water.

As established in the above embodiments, the present invention provides a third generation evacuation and rescue system. The evacuation and rescue / escape systems of the third-generation emergency facility are based on the principle of “self-help”, that is, the ability to achieve a successful end result regardless of the depth at which the facility is operating or located (for example, a submarine, diving bell). In the event of a malfunction or damage to the object (loss of power, fire, flooding, collision, failure of mechanical equipment or any accident that could lead to failure of the object), the possibility of immediate ascent to the surface eliminates the requirement to carry out rescue work related to the risk of lifting an object from the ocean floor or waiting while a rescue vessel is deployed. Thanks to this system, it is possible to prevent the object from sinking to depths that go beyond its capabilities (estimated depth of immersion), eliminating the complete loss of the object and the entire crew.

17-20 depict an eighth embodiment of the invention. Since in this embodiment of the invention there are elements similar to those indicated in the previous embodiments of the invention, the same elements are indicated by the same reference numbers as before. In this embodiment, the buoyancy system 11 is used to lift from the ocean floor or to lower equipment, such as underwater manifolds 401, to the bottom. FIG. 20 shows a buoyancy system 11 for lifting the underwater manifold 401 from the ocean floor 14 (FIG. 20b) to the surface 15 of the ocean (figa) for repair on a ship.

As shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, the buoyancy system 11 of the present embodiment is mounted on the platform 403. The system 11 has an inflatable bag 17 located at the upper level of the platform 403 and stored in a folded state, as shown in FIG. Under the inflatable bag 17 is placed a gas generation system 35 containing fourteen tanks 37 with a substance 39, for example an explosive, combustible or other chemical substance for generating gas (not shown).

Each tank 37 is connected to a regulator 43 and a hydrostatic sensor 407 to control the amount of gas entering the inflatable bag 17. Each tank 37 is also connected to a heat exchanger 405, which cools the resulting gas before it is supplied to the inflatable bag 17.

The activation system 21 includes a speaker activation system 21d and an external activation system 21a with manual control, which can be started from a remotely controlled device. The activation system 21 is connected to a power source 409.

Figure 20 illustrates two stages of the process of lifting the underwater manifold 401. The manifold 401 is attached to a guide cable 411, stretched from the ocean floor to the surface 15 of the water. This cable enables the directional movement of the manifold 401 to the surface 15 of the water and indicates to the maintenance service the exact position of the manifold 401 when it is raised.

At the first stage of the lifting process, the platform 403 with the buoyancy system 11 is attached to the manifold 401 and, thanks to the positive buoyancy, it is held above the manifold 401. A remote-controlled device can be used to attach the system 11 to the manifold. A sling 413 is also connected to the manifold. It also has positive buoyancy and is held above the manifold 401, so that the crane of the repair and maintenance service can easily lift the manifold 401 from the bottom of the ocean.

After fixing the buoyancy system 11 to the manifold 401 and disconnecting the manifold 401 from the equipment associated with it, the activation system 21 is started to start generating gas and supplying it to the inflatable bag 17. After starting the system, preferably with a time delay by manual control or by acoustic means , from the power supply 409, a charge is supplied to the hydrostatic sensors 407 responsible for actuating the reservoirs 37 of the gas generation system. The number of reservoirs 37 that must be used to produce sufficient gas to fill the inflatable bags 17 is determined depending on the water pressure through hydrostatic sensors 407. The gas generated in the reservoirs 37 passes through a heat exchanger 405 and a regulator 43 into the pneumatic connector and then through it enters the inflatable bag 17 through a pneumatic hose or hoses 415.

Further filling of the inflatable bags of the buoyancy system 11 will cause the manifold 401 to move upward. Then the manifold 401 will move to a position to extract it from the water, and in anticipation of the repair and maintenance service, it remains below surface 15.

As the manifold 401 rises, the pressure acting on the inflatable bag 17 decreases. In order to prevent rupture of the inflatable bag 17 under the action of gas pressure inside it, excess gas is removed through pressure relief valves 91 and / or 93 located respectively at the top and bottom of the inflatable bag 17.

Since the inflatable bag 17 is completely filled, excess gas leaves it through the pressure relief valves 91, 93. When the manifold reaches the water surface, the gas pressure inside the bag 17 decreases, the upper pressure relief valves again go into the closed position. As a result, the gas does not exit the inflatable bag 17 and the manifold 401 is held on the surface 15 of the water.

The required size and pumping of the inflatable part 17 of the proposed system depends on the weight of the flooded object. The number and size of the tanks of the gas generation system that must be used depends on the size of the inflatable part and the depth at which the object immersed in water is located.

In cases where the buoyancy system is fixed to the manifold 401 by means of a fire with a thimble / mounting unit, a lifting sling 413 with positive buoyancy is also attached to the manifold. The length of the lifting sling 413 with positive buoyancy is chosen so that the fire with a thimble / mounting unit of said sling is on the surface and is accessible when the manifold 401 reaches the surface of the water. Due to this, the lifting sling 413 with positive buoyancy can be connected to the corresponding crane on the surface vessel and lift the manifold 401 and the system 11 for ensuring buoyancy from water to the deck of the vessel, barge, etc.

After rising to the surface, the buoyancy system 11 can be disconnected from the manifold 401, bleed gas from the inflatable part 17 and pack it again, replace the used / used gas reservoirs 37, open / reset the upper pressure relief valves 91 and recharge the power supply 409. Then, the buoyancy system 11 is ready for reuse.

A system similar to that shown in FIG. 20 can also be used to lower the manifold 401 to the ocean floor 14. In this case, the buoyancy force created by the buoyancy system 11 should be slightly less than the force created by the weight of the manifold 401. However, , as the manifold 401 drops below, additional gas must be supplied to the inflatable part 17 in order to compensate for the additional pressure acting on the inflatable bag 17, and thereby maintain a controlled lowering. In this regard, the system 11 ensure buoyancy may contain an additional tank (not shown) designed to store gas, which, if necessary, can be fed into the inflatable bag 17.

17-20 show a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The system in accordance with this embodiment of the invention can be used, in particular, in exploration and mining. Since the system according to this embodiment of the invention contains elements similar to those described in previous embodiments of the invention, the same reference numbers are used to denote the same elements.

In this embodiment, the buoyancy system 11 is configured to lower equipment 912 to the ocean floor. As can be seen from Fig.21, while lowering to the ocean floor, the buoyancy system 11 is connected to the object 12. The dimensions of the object 12 determine the size of the buoyancy system and / or the number of inflatable parts 16 that must be filled with gas to enable a controlled lowering process.

The buoyancy system 11 has a fastening point 903 at which the cable 909 is fixed. The cable is rewound by a winch 914 mounted on a barge 916 located on the surface of the water (Fig. 23a) or a crane on the ship 915 (Fig. 23b).

According to this embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy system 11 is equipped with a pumping device 19 comprising a combination system including a plurality of gas generation systems 35 and a gas storage system. A similar combination system is shown in FIG.

The gas storage system comprises a high pressure cylinder 901. Before the descent of the object in the specified cylinder, the pressure rises. In this embodiment, to increase the pressure, a high-pressure gas line 912 is used, connected to the high-pressure tank 901 by means of a quick-disconnect connector 904, designed for high-pressure pipelines.

After increasing the pressure, the gas from the high-pressure tank 901 passes through open regulators 905 to inflate the inflatable parts 16. When the buoyancy system 11 is completely immersed in water 15 and gas is released through the pressure relief valves 91 in all the inflatable parts 16 (indicating maximum ejection upward force), the buoyancy system 11 is ready to lower the object. Then, the high-pressure gas line 912 can be disconnected from the high-pressure tank 901 and, using a winch 914 (Fig. 23a) or a crane 913 (Fig. 23b), lower the buoyancy system 11 to the ocean floor.

The buoyancy system 11 is lowered at a speed at which all the inflatable parts 16 can remain fully inflated. This is controlled by a strain gauge (not shown here) on the winch 914 (or on the crane 913) or by monitoring the gas outlet from the pressure relief valves 91 provided on the inflatable parts 16.

The pressure inside said balloon 901 is controlled by internal pressure sensors 906 connected to the activation system 21. As soon as the pressure in the high-pressure tank 901 decreases to a predetermined value (as detected by the pressure sensor 906), the activation system 21 supplies an electric charge to the gas generation system 35a. After that, the gas generation system 35a begins to produce gas entering the high-pressure tank 901, thereby providing a repeated increase in pressure in the specified tank. Due to this, there is a continuous supply of gas from the balloon 901 to the inflatable parts 19 and the inflatable parts remain completely inflated. Obviously, this is important, since as the immersion system 11 to ensure buoyancy at a great depth, the pressure acting on the inflatable parts 16 increases.

If the pressure inside the specified cylinder 901 drops to a predetermined value a second time (which is detected by the pressure sensors 906), the activation system 21 supplies an electric charge to the additional gas generation system 35b in order to again increase the pressure in the specified cylinder 901. This process is repeated until until the buoyancy system 11 and the object 12 reach the ocean floor.

After the object 12 has taken a predetermined position on the ocean floor, gas is pumped out of the inflatable parts 16 by means of relief valves 917. These relief valves 917 can be actuated using a remotely controlled device. After the release of gas from all the inflatable parts 16, the object 12 is disconnected from points 907 for attachment to the buoyancy system 11. Then, the buoyancy system 11 is raised to the surface of the water 15 using a winch 914 (or a crane 913).

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy system 11 provides for the possibility of re-inflating the inflatable parts 16 after the object 12 has already been disconnected from the system 11. With this arrangement, the inflatable parts 16 are involved in the process of returning the buoyancy system 11 to the surface of the water. In particular, this arrangement is advisable in cases where exploration and mining occurs at great depths. This is due to the fact that the greater the depth, the longer and therefore harder the cable 909 should be. Therefore, the possibility of using the buoyancy system 11 to return the cable 909 to the water surface after the object is installed on the ocean floor is an undoubted advantage .

The buoyancy system 11 shown in FIG. 21 is equipped with gas generation systems 35 sufficient to provide upward maximum buoyancy force until object 12 is placed on the ocean floor. The required maximum pushing force directed upwards also determines the number and size of the inflatable parts 16.

Various modifications and variations obvious to those skilled in the art are considered to fall within the scope of legal protection of the present invention.

In the text of the description, unless the context otherwise requires, the word “contains” or its variations such as “contain” or “containing” should be understood as the inclusion of the indicated element or group of elements, but not as the exception of another element or other group of elements.

Claims (26)

1. A buoyancy system for moving an object in a water column, comprising:
at least one inflatable part, which when inflated increases the buoyancy of the object;
at least one pumping device for inflating at least one inflatable part and comprising a gas generation system for supplying gas, said gas generation system comprising a gas generating substance, wherein the gas generated from said substance is cooled until it enters said at least one inflatable part;
an activation system for activating each of at least one pumping device,
moreover, when the activation system is activated, the pumping device causes gas generation from the gas generation system and its flow into at least one inflatable part, which, after being inflated to a predetermined volume, makes it possible to move the object. 2. The buoyancy system of claim 1, wherein said at least one inflatable portion is secured to an object. 3. The buoyancy system according to claim 1, wherein the inflation of said at least one inflatable part occurs outside the object. 4. The buoyancy system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one inflatable part has a releasing means enabling the at least one inflatable part to be detached from the object. 5. The buoyancy system of claim 1, wherein said at least one inflatable portion comprises at least one upper pressure relief valve for discharging excess gas from the inflatable portion. 6. The buoyancy system according to claim 5, wherein said pressure relief valve is capable of locking in the closed position when the object reaches a predetermined depth. 7. The buoyancy system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one inflatable part further comprises at least one lower pressure relief valve mounted at the bottom of the inflatable part, wherein said at least one lower pressure relief valve can relieve any pressure increase inside the inflatable part. 8. The buoyancy system according to claim 5, wherein said pressure-relief valve has a valve piston displaced to the closed position, the pressure acting on the valve piston causes the valve piston to move, allowing excess gas to be drained from the inflatable part, and the blocking means, the built-in pressure relief valve is released when the valve piston is moved so that when the valve piston returns to its closed position, said blocking means locks the valve in the indicated position. 9. The buoyancy system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one inflatable part further comprises a check valve between the inflation device and the hole in the inflatable part. 10. The buoyancy system of claim 1, wherein said at least one inflatable portion is at least partially made of a material that is heat resistant and has high tensile strength. 11. The buoyancy system according to claim 1, wherein said pumping device comprises a regulator for regulating the amount of gas entering the at least one inflatable part. 12. The buoyancy system of claim 11, wherein said regulator has hydrostatic control, wherein said regulator provides a predetermined volume of gas in order to take into account external pressure, and allows the inflatable portion to inflate to obtain a predetermined buoyancy value. 13. The buoyancy system according to claim 1, wherein said pumping device further comprises a gas storage system for supplying gas. 14. The buoyancy system according to claim 1, wherein said gas generating substance is in at least one reservoir and is an explosive, combustible or other chemical compound that undergoes a chemical reaction to produce gas. 15. The buoyancy system of claim 14, wherein the charge activates said substance to produce gas in at least one pressure vessel, said substance being activated by at least one starter or at least one detonator connected to the activation system . 16. The buoyancy system of claim 13, wherein said gas storage system comprises a gas storage cylinder in which the gas is located, wherein the gas storage cylinder is in fluid communication with said at least one inflatable part through an outlet channel, said the outlet channel has at least one pressure-holding disk preventing gas from escaping from the gas storage cylinder, said at least one pressure-holding disk being ruptured to provide I have the possibility of gas flow into said inflatable portion. 17. The buoyancy system according to claim 1, wherein said pumping device comprises a reservoir for supplying gas to said at least one inflatable part to ensure that it remains in a predetermined inflated state when the object is lowered to a depth. 18. The buoyancy system according to claim 17, wherein when the specified pressure is reached in the specified tank, the gas source or gas generators are activated to supply additional gas in order to maintain pressure in the specified tank at a level equal to or greater than the specified value. 19. The buoyancy management system according to claim 1, wherein when the object reaches a predetermined depth, said activation system is automatically activated. 20. The buoyancy system according to claim 19, in which when the object reaches a predetermined depth, the hydrostatic activation of said activation system occurs, said automatic activation system comprising at least one hydrostatic device mounted outside the object. 21. The buoyancy management system of claim 1, wherein said activation system is controlled manually from within and / or outside the facility. 22. The buoyancy management system of claim 21, wherein said activation system is activated by a remote-controlled apparatus (ROV), wherein the external manual activation system comprises a docking assembly outside an object with which said remote-controlled apparatus (ROV) is docked. 23. The buoyancy system for lifting to the surface of the water a submerged object, such as a submarine, mining equipment, the system comprising:
at least one inflatable part, which when inflated increases the buoyancy of an object immersed in water;
at least one pumping device for inflating said at least one inflatable part and comprising a gas generation system for supplying gas, said gas generation system comprising a gas generating substance, wherein the gas generated from said substance is cooled until it enters said at least one inflatable part for inflating said at least one inflatable part;
activation system for activating a pumping device,
moreover, upon activation of said activation system, said gas generation system produces gas for inflating at least one inflatable part, which, after inflating to a predetermined volume, makes it possible to move an object immersed in water to the surface of the water into which it is immersed. 24. The buoyancy system of claim 23, wherein said object is connected to a guide cable extending from the ocean floor to the surface of the water, and when lifting, the guide cable guides the lift and allows to predict the ascent location of said equipment. 25. The buoyancy system for lowering the elements of industrial infrastructure or drilling equipment to the ocean bottom, and this buoyancy system is adapted for connection to the specified equipment and contains:
at least one inflatable part, which when inflated increases the buoyancy of the equipment;
at least one pumping device for inflating at least one inflatable part and comprising a gas generation system for supplying gas, said gas generation system comprising a gas generating substance, wherein the gas generated from said substance is cooled until it enters said at least one inflatable part for inflating said at least one inflatable part;
activation system for activating a pumping device,
moreover, when the activation system is activated, the pumping device causes inflation of the at least one inflatable part, partially compensating for the weight of the equipment and controlling the speed of its lowering to the ocean floor. 26. The buoyancy system of claim 25, wherein the system comprises a gas reservoir for supplying gas to said at least one inflatable portion.

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