RU2808754C2 - Improved passive grid pickup device with wedge wire - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: grid devices.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to variants of grid intake devices and can be used in devices for filtering incoming water. The grate intake device includes a central manifold including a lower outlet portion, and a T-shaped section having a central grid section extending through the central manifold, and at least two opposing grate sections connected in fluid communication at opposite sides of the central grid section. The central grid section defines two spaced manifold walls, and each of the opposing grid sections is connected to a corresponding manifold wall.

EFFECT: increased structural strength of the device and ability to adjust the throughput of the device.

21 cl, 49 dwg

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/656,706, filed April 12, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

The present invention is directed to grate intake devices for filtering incoming water from a water source. More specifically, the present invention is directed to grate intake devices and related methods that provide increased suction capacity and increased productivity.

PREREQUISITES FOR THE CREATION OF THE INVENTION

Typically, water harvesting systems are used to supply water to end users such as industries, cities, irrigation systems and power plants located near a body of water such as a river, lake or saltwater body. The end user can use this type of system as an alternative to drilling wells or purchasing water directly from a municipal source. In addition, the use of such systems may be determined by the location of the end user, such as a remote location where water from a municipal source and/or power to operate pumps is not always available. Such water collection systems are advantageous for efficient and economical management with the ability to adapt to changing water conditions and environmental conditions.

Traditional water collection systems typically use an inlet pipe that is configured to transport water from a submerged location to an end user located at or near a body of water. The inlet pipe is typically immersed in a body of water, and the end of the inlet pipe is typically connected to a grate intake device that contains one or more filter elements. One common intake screen configuration is the T-shape configuration, which has two filter screens at opposite ends. A typical design for large screen intake devices consists of a T-section with a flange and two screen cylinders that project outward from opposite ends of the T-section, and solid closure elements such as flat plates, cones, or domes located at the distal ends. each lattice cylinder. Such closure elements may be removable, or may include portals for access to the interior of their structure. The individual components of the devices are usually welded together.

Regardless of the specific configuration, grate intake devices are typically configured to prevent a certain size of debris present in the water from entering the inlet pipe. At the same time, the intake screen must be designed to protect aquatic life while debris is filtered along the length of the intake screen surfaces. To achieve this, the flow velocity through the screens must be maintained below a maximum level, which may be approximately 0.5 ft/sec (1.5 m/sec), or below other limits as determined by local requirements and/or specifications. One method of reducing flow resistance and controlling the flow rate at the grate surface is to use flow converters within the grate intake device. For example, Johnson Screens® screen intake devices improve the uniformity of flow through filter screens through the use of flow converters, as described in US Patent No. 6,051,131 and US Patent Publication 2012/0298572, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. .

In addition to designs being optimized to achieve the required flow characteristics, the design of grate intake devices must also consider external forces, such as environmental conditions such as icing, as well as potential shock loads when placing grate intake devices in a subsea location to fence Therefore, it is advantageous to improve the designs of conventional grate intake devices so as to not only increase the flow parameters within and through the intake device, but also to increase the structural strength of the grate intake device to better withstand external pressure and impact loads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein include a grid intake device having a central manifold for attaching individual grid portions and internal flow converters. In some embodiments, the central manifold may include central lattice portions such that the overall length of the device includes an outer lattice portion to increase the fluid acquisition capacity of the lattice intake device. The grate intake device may include individual grate sections that are optionally attached to the central manifold so that the fluid intake capacity of the grate intake device can be selectively adjusted. In some embodiments, the grid sections and the central manifold may be connected adjacent to each other by means of an external connection, such as an external wall with a flange, to facilitate assembly at the site of use. In some embodiments, internal flow converters may be operatively coupled to the central manifold to selectively influence the fluid flow characteristics within the grate intake device. Internal flow converters may be comprised of individual flow converter sections, allowing the internal flow converter to be enlarged to accommodate a number of grid portions attached to the central manifold.

In general, embodiments of the present invention may comprise an adjustable and expandable grate intake device that may utilize a central manifold grate section, individual grate sections, a central flow converter, and individual flow converter sections to control fluid intake characteristics, including eg, throughput, pressure drop, use of grate, and prevention of turbulent flow conditions within the grate intake device. In addition, the grate intake devices of the present invention may include integrated cleaning devices that serve to remove particulate matter or organic contaminants.

The above-described summary of the invention is not intended to describe every illustrative embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter of the invention. The drawings and detailed description below illustrate various embodiments more specifically.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially obscured cross-sectional view of a prior art lattice intake device; FIG.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a grate intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the grate intake device of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a top view of the grate intake device of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a rear view of the grate intake device of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2E is a partially obscured cross-sectional view of the lattice intake device of FIG. 2A taken in detail A of FIG. 2C, showing an internal support structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a grate intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a grate intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 4B is a rear view of the grate intake device of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an internal flow converter for use with a grid intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5C is a front view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5E is a rear view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5F is a bottom perspective view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an internal flow converter for use with a grid intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 6B is a rear view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a top view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is a front view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an internal flow converter for use with a grid intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 7B is a rear view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a top view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is a front view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an internal flow converter for use with a grid intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 8B is a rear view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a top view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a front view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an internal flow converter for use with a grid intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 9B is a rear view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a front view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is a bottom view of the internal flow converter of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an expandable grate intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 10B is a partially obscured cross-sectional side view, taken along line B-B in Fig. 10A, configured to increase the dimensions of the lattice intake device;

FIG. 11A is a partially obscured perspective view of a grate intake device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 11B is a partially obscured perspective view of the lattice intake device of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a partially obscured rear view of the lattice intake device of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11D is a partially obscured side view of the grate intake device of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of a grid filter in accordance with an embodiment of the prior art; FIG.

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a grid filter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 13A is a side view of a grate intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 13B is a side view of a grate intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 13C is a partially obscured perspective view of a grate intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 13D is an enlarged perspective view of the flow generator used in the grate intake device of FIG. 13C; FIG.

FIG. 14A is a rear view of an air pulse delivery system for use with a grate intake device in accordance with the prior art; FIG.

FIG. 14B is a rear view of an air pulse delivery system for use with a grid intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 14C1 is a rear view of an air pulse supply system for use with a grid intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 14D is a side view of an air pulse delivery system for use with a grid intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 15A is a partially obscured perspective view of an integrated cleaning system for use with a grate intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 15B is a partially obscured perspective view of an integrated cleaning system for use with a grate intake device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Although the various embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, their features are described in detail and are shown by way of example in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the intent is not to limit the claimed inventions to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the intent is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1 shows a typical prior art grate intake device 100. The grate intake device 100 may typically include an intake member or other body, shown in the form of a flanged central T-section 10, one or more closure members, shown as end plates 20a, 20b, a central manifold 102, a bottom portion 104, one or more grid portions 106a, 106b and one or more manifold walls 108a, 108b. In embodiments, the approximate center of the grate intake device 100 is shown along axis A. The central manifold 102 extends substantially and continuously from axis A to the manifold walls 108a and 108b, and is made of a material that does not allow the intake or flow of fluid, in the form of a pipe or tubes made of stainless steel or copper-nickel alloy. Each grid portion 106a, 106b has a corresponding grid length 110a, 110b defined between a corresponding manifold wall 108a, 108b and a corresponding end plate 20a, 20b. The length of each lattice portion 106a, 106b may be approximately one third of the total length of the lattice intake device. The grate intake device 100 may also include flow converters, various embodiments of which are disclosed herein.

As seen in FIGS. 2A-2F, the grate intake device 200 of the present invention may have substantially the same general shape as the grate intake device 100, but the central manifold 102 is replaced by a central portion 202 including grate elements to increase available filtration area, filtration capacity, flow uniformity and efficiency. The grille intake device 200 includes an intake member or other body shown in the form of a central flanged T-section 214, two closure members shown as end plates 212a, 212b, a center portion 202, a bottom portion 204, grille portions 206a, 206b, and one or more manifold walls 208a, 208b. In embodiments, the manifold wall 208a, 208b is located near the approximate center of the grill receiving device 200, which is shown along axis A. Each grill portion 206a, 206b has a grill length 210a, 210b defined between the corresponding manifold wall 208a, 208b, or manifold side, when only one manifold wall is used, and a corresponding end plate 212a, 212b. The lattice portions 206a, 206b extend continuously and substantially from the axis A to the end plates 212a, 212b. The length of each grate portion 206a, 206b is approximately half of the total length of the grate intake device 200.

Referring to FIGS. 2C and 2E, each lattice portion 206a, 206b may include an underlying support structure 220. An underlying support structure 220 of the lattice intake device 200 may include a plurality of spaced apart horizontal support bars 222 positioned transverse to axis A. Each lattice portion 206a, 206b and the corresponding underlying support structure 220 including the support rods 222 can be manufactured based on the same principles as the manufacturing principles for the embodiments disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 6,663,774, 7,425,264, and 9,399,858, which are fully incorporated this document by reference.

As seen in FIG. 3, the grate intake device 300 may comprise a variation of the grate intake device 200 with modification of one or more manifold walls 208a, 208b. Instead of the manifold walls 208a, 208b located adjacent to the A-axis, the manifold walls 308a, 308b may be located at a distance from the A-axis such that the central portion 302 defines its own lattice portion 306c. In this case, each grid portion 306a, 306b has a grid length 310a, 310b defined between a corresponding manifold wall 308a, 308b and a corresponding end plate 312a, 312b. The grid portion 306c has a grid length 310c defined between the manifold walls 308a, 308b. The grid portions 306a, 306b, 306c together form a substantially continuous filter surface between the end plates 312a, 312b. As noted, the length of each grate portion 306a, 306b, 306c may be approximately one-third of the total length of the grate intake device 300. In other embodiments, the grate portions 306a, 306b may have the same grate length 310a, 310b, which is different from the grate length 310c. parts 306c.

An additional modification of the grate intake devices 200 and 300 is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B in the form of a grate intake device 400. Each of the grate portions 406a, 406b may be configured to include an outer flange wall 408, while the grate portion 406c may include two opposing outer flange walls 408. The lattice portion 406c may further include one or more outer support ribs 414 transverse to axis A and extending between the opposing outer flange walls 408. Although not shown, it should be understood that the lattice portions 406a, 406b may also include two opposing outer flange walls 408 to connect end caps 412a, 412b to corresponding outer flange walls 408. In addition, the lattice portions 406a, 406b may also include one or more outer support ribs 414. By using external flanged walls 408, the grate intake device 400 can be easily and quickly assembled or expanded at the site of use. The outer flange walls 408 may also provide impact protection to the lattice portions 406a, 406b, 406c, helping to prevent large objects, such as sticks and logs, from coming into direct contact with the lattice portions 406a, 406b, 406c. It should be understood that the outer flange walls 408 may be secured by bolts or other fasteners or in a manner that securely closes the flanges and grill portions 406a, 406b, 406c without substantially compromising the integrity of the grill intake device 400.

With reference to the grate intake devices 200, 300 and 400, each of the grate intake devices may include a bottom portion 204, 304, 404, as seen in FIGS. 2A, 3, and 4A. As shown, these lower portions 204, 304, 404 may contain solid material, such as stainless steel or copper-nickel alloy pipes/tubes, to prevent fluid from penetrating the lower portion and passing into the grate intake devices 200, 300, 400 without filtering through the corresponding grid parts. In alternative embodiments, the lower portions 204, 304, 404 may include their own lattice portions, similar to the lattice portions described above. In other embodiments, the lower portions 204, 304, 404 may be made of a material having perforations, such as slits or holes, that allow fluid to be received. In all embodiments, the materials selected for the lower portions 204, 304, 404 must provide adequate support for the intake screens 200, 300, 400 without compromising the supporting structure.

In addition to the external characteristics described above with respect to the lattice intake devices 200, 300 and 400, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a variety of internal structures configured to control flow characteristics and increase structural strength. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5F, an internal flow converter 500 may be located within a grate intake device, such as any of the grate intake devices 100, 200, 300, and 400. Typically, the inner flow converter 500 may include a perforated flow converter pipe 502, an inner flow converter pipe 504, one or more radial support members 508, and a lower portion 510 that is in fluid communication with the inner flow converter pipe 504. The perforated flow converter pipe 502 may comprise a solid pipe or pipe-like materials having a plurality of spaced slots 514 to allow fluid to pass into the inner flow converter pipe 504. The size, shape, and spacing of the slots 514 ensure uniform flow intake along the length of the perforated flow converter tube 502, thereby reducing pressure drops and helping to prevent the occurrence of turbulent flow. The lower portion 510 may have a cross-section substantially equal to or greater than the cross-section of the perforated flow converter pipe 502. The lower portion 510 may further include a separation plate 512 to provide a support structure as well as further separation of the influent flow coming from the various grid portions.

FIGS. 6A-6D and FIGS. 7A-7D, respectively, show other alternative embodiments of internal flow converters 600 and 700. Each of the internal flow converters 600, 700 includes a perforated flow converter pipe 602, 702, an inner flow converter pipe 606, 706, one or more radial supports 608, 708, a lower portion 610, 710, and a receiving portion (not shown). In accordance with embodiments, the perforated flow converter pipe 602, 702 contains a continuous material with spaced slots 614, 714 to provide fluid intake. In typical embodiments, the lower portions 610, 710 may have a cross-section substantially equal to the cross-section of the perforated flow converter pipe 602, 702. In embodiments, the cross-sections of the internal converter perforated pipe 602, 702 and bottom portion 610, 710 may be sized to accommodate various fluid intake devices.

FIGS. 8A-8D show another alternative embodiment of an internal flow converter 800. The internal flow converter 800 may include a perforated flow converter pipe 802, an internal flow converter pipe 806, one or more radial supports 808, a bottom portion 810, and an inlet portion (not shown). In accordance with embodiments, the perforated flow converter pipe 802 may include a continuous material with spaced holes 814 to ensure uniform flow intake along the length of the perforated flow converter pipe 802, thereby reducing pressure drops and helping to prevent the occurrence of turbulent flow. In embodiments, the cross-sections of the flow converter tube 802 and bottom portion 810 may be sized to accommodate various fluid intake devices.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, an embodiment of the internal flow converter 900 may include circular support members 920 and circular end portions 922a, 922b. In accordance with embodiments, circular support members 920 are connected to a perforated internal transducer 902 flow, and end portions 922 may be connected to grid portions (not shown). Both the circular support members 920 and the end portions 922 provide support for the outer lattice portions. Each of the circular support members 920 may include a variety of flow openings 920a, 920b to facilitate conversion of fluid flow within the intake screen. In some embodiments, flow openings 920a between adjacent circular support members 920 may be located along the same radial axis, while in other embodiments, flow openings 920a may be located along the same radial axis as openings 920b for flow or openings on adjacent circular support members 920. In other embodiments, adjacent circular support members 920 may be positioned such that none of the flow openings 920a, 920b are aligned on the same radial axis.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the fluid intake device 1000 may be configured to be increased in size so that grid portions 1002 and an internal flow converter 1004 can be optionally added to provide the required fluid intake rate. In general, the intake device may include a central manifold 1006 around which a manifold grate portion 1008 may be secured. A plurality of individual grate portions 1002a, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d may be operatively connected to each other on either side of the manifold grate portion 1008. portion 1008 may have a collector grate portion length 1008a, while each individual grate portion 1002a, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d has a corresponding intake grate portion length 1010a, 1010b, 1010c, 1010d, such that the intake grate length 1000a device is determined the sum of the length 1008a of the collector lattice part and the lengths 1010a, 1010b, 1010c, 1010d of the lattice parts. As shown, the manifold grid portion 1008 and the individual grid portions 1002a, 1002b, 1002c, 1002d may be operatively connected by manifold walls 1012 or section walls 1014. As shown, manifold walls 1012 and section walls 1014 may be located within intake device 100 for fluid, although it should be understood that the manifold walls 1012 and section walls 1014 may be located externally, such as outer flanged walls, like the outer flanged walls 408 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, for ease of assembly and enlargement. dimensions at the place of use. The internal flow converter 1004 may likewise comprise a plurality of flow converter sections 1004a, 1004b, 1004c, 1004b that are operably connected to a central flow converter 1016 located within the central manifold 1006. Lengths and locations of individual flow converter sections 1004a, 1004b, 1004c, 1004d can be determined separately based on the required characteristics as well as the length 1000a of the grating intake device. In one illustrative embodiment, the internal flow converter sections 1004a, 1004b, 1004c, 1004d and the central flow converter 1016 may have a perforated flow converter pipe 1018 and an internal flow converter pipe 1020. The internal flow converter 1004 may further include one or more converging flow converters 1020a and 1020b connecting the manifold walls 1020 and the inlet pipe portion 1004. Due to the expandable nature of the fluid intake device 1000, a virtually infinite number of options can be realized for the location and connection of the grid portions 1002 and the internal flow converter 1004 at the site of use. In some embodiments, the dimensions of existing fluid intake devices 1000 can be reduced or increased at the site of use as fluid demand changes.

As shown and described with reference to the preceding embodiments, various fluid intake device designs are provided in which one or more grid elements are fabricated to have a substantially circular or circular cross-section between the closure members/end plates. Alternatively, there may be locations, such as shallow depth locations such as rivers, where it is advantageous to have a non-circular cross-section to reduce the overall height or even width of the lattice intake device. For example, the lattice intake device 1100, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, may include a reduced height structure 1102 having a non-circular cross-section 1104, shown here as a substantially oval cross-section 1106, for two lattice portions 1107a, 1107b and a central T -shaped part 1107c. Each of the lattice portions 1107a, 1107b and the central T-shaped portion 1107c here have a non-circular cross-section 1104 with the lattice portion height 1109a smaller than the lattice portion width 1109b. Although not shown, it should be understood that there may be placement advantages when the non-circular cross-section is substantially the reverse of that shown in FIGS. 11A-11D when the height 1109a of the lattice portion is greater than the width 1109b of the lattice portion. In other embodiments, it is advantageous to have other geometric configurations of the non-circular cross section 1104, including, for example, squares, rectangles, triangles, pentagons, hexagons, and the like. As shown, each lattice portion 1107a, 1107b may include corresponding outer lattice elements 1108a, 1108b and may include a corresponding cover member or end plate 1110a, 1110b that have oval perimeters 1112a, 1112b substantially aligned with the oval cross section. 1106. The central T-shaped portion 1107c may include a central outer grille member 1114 as well as a manifold 1116 for delivering filtered fluid to a point of use. The outer grille elements 1108a, 1108b and the central outer grille element 1114 may comprise wedge wire grilles or Vee-Wire grilles.^®", which are selected to provide the required filtration characteristics, as well as the required flow characteristics, including, for example, flow rate and flow rate. The manifold 1116 may further include an output manifold 1117 that may be in fluid communication with the internal flow converter 1118. For adaptation to oval cross-section 1106, the internal flow converter 1118 may include a central manifold 1120 and a plurality of side manifolds 1122 configured to provide desired flow characteristics within the grate intake device 1100 and take into account the non-circular nature of the oval cross-section 1106. One or more of the central manifolds 1120 and side manifolds 1122 may include perforations or slots 1124 to vary the flow characteristics of the manifold 1114. Likewise, wedge wire grilles may be positioned along the grill members 1108a, 1108b, end plates 1110a, 1110b, and/or central T-section 1116 to provide the desired flow rate. flow and other flow characteristics.

In addition to the various configurations of lattice intake devices described above, it is advantageous to change the manufacturing technology of the individual lattice parts themselves. For example, FIG. 12A shows a conventional prior art grid filter 1200. Typically, a continuous V-wire 1202 is continuously wound and welded to one or more support members 1204. Typically, a wire gap 1205 is formed between adjacent corners 1208 of the wound and welded V-wire 1202. The size 1206 of the wire gap 1205 is typically equal to the size of the particles being filtered or "removed" from the fluid that passes through the mesh filter 1200, that is, equal to the screening fineness.

In the deployable mesh intake devices of the present invention, not only can a conventional mesh filter 1200 be used, but an improved mesh filter 1250 can also be used, as shown in FIG. 12B. Screen 1250 also uses one or more support members 1204, but uses two different sized V-wires, a first V-wire 1251 and a second V-wire 1252. The first V-wire 1251 may have a height of 1251a. a first wire and a first wire width 1251b, while the second V-shaped wire 1252 has a second wire height 1252a and a second wire width 1252b. As shown, the first wire height 1251a and the first wire width 1251b may be greater than the second wire height 1252a and the second wire width 1252b such that the first cross-sectional area 1251c (of the first V-shaped wire 1251) is larger than the second cross-sectional area 1252c (second V-shaped wire 1252). As shown, the first cross-sectional area 1251c is larger than the second cross-sectional area 1252c such that the first wire gap 1254 is defined between adjacent turns of the first V-shaped wire 1251, while the second wire gap 1256 is defined between the second V-shaped wire 1252 and a first V-shaped wire 1251 on either side of the second V-shaped wire 1252. As shown, the first wire gap 1254 may have a first gap value 1258 that is substantially greater than the second wire gap value 1260 1256. The second wire gap 1256 may substantially match the screening fineness of the improved mesh screen 1250, while the first wire gap 1254 defines an initial coarse filter that can reduce the effective velocity at the top surface to reduce the entry of wildlife and/or debris into the second wire gap 1256. For example, the first the wire gap 1254 may be sized such that the fluid velocity through the first wire gap 1254 is equal to or less than about 0.5 ft/sec (1.5 m/sec), so that aquatic organisms such as fish can avoid coming into contact with the outer portion of the improved mesh filter 1250. In addition, when the second V-shaped wire 1252 is smaller than the V-shaped wire 1202 of the conventional mesh filter 1200, the number of the second wire gaps 1256 determined in the available surface area of the improved screen filter 1250 will be greater than the number of wire gaps 1206 in the same surface area of the conventional screen filter 1200. By providing more second wire gaps 1256, the screen filter 1250 provides more available filtration area than a conventional screen filter 1256. screen filter 1200, to increase the overall capacity of any screen intake device using the improved screen filter 1250, while maintaining a reduced fluid velocity on the outer surface of the improved screen filter 1250. Depending on the desired flow characteristics, one or more of the first wire height 1251a, width 1251b first wire, second wire height 1252a, and second wire height 1252b may be adjusted to selectively change either the first wire gap 1254 or the second wire gap 1256, or both gaps to provide desired fluid velocities through either the first wire gap 1254 or the second wire gap gap 1256, or through both gaps.

In another alternative embodiment, various screen intake devices, having both prior art configurations and new configurations disclosed herein, may further include a removal system to limit the attachment and/or detachment of biological contaminants and other debris from the screen filter. For example, the removal system 1300 may include a generator 1302 to continuously or selectively vibrate the grate to prevent contaminants from attaching to the grate and/or remove contaminants from the grate, as shown in FIG. 13A. The generator 1302 may include a device configured to generate ultrasonic or low frequency vibrations. Typically, the grate intake device 1304 may include a central portion 1306 operatively coupled to one or more grate portions 1308. The generator 1302 may be operatively attached to the central portion 1306 to allow vibrations generated by the generator 1302 to be transmitted through the central portion 1306 and to the screen filter. 1309 along the exterior of each lattice portion 1308. As shown in FIG. 13A, generator 1302 is operably coupled to a remote electrical power source 1310, such as a power grid or a shore/barge/rig-mounted generator. Alternatively, the generator 1302 may be driven by a turbine or propeller device 1312 to convert the filtered fluid flow passing through the central portion 1306 into rotational energy that can directly drive the generator 1302, or to generate energy for storage in a battery power supply. , which is integral with the generator 1302, or located adjacent to the generator 1302, as shown in Fig. 13B.

In an embodiment of the removal system 1300, the grate intake device 1350 may include a flow-through generation system 1352 to continuously generate vibration in the absence of any moving or actuating components, as shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D. As shown, the screen intake device 1350 may include two screen portions 1354a, 1354b that are operatively connected to the central T-shaped portion 1356. The screen intake device 1350 may further include an internal flow converter system 1358 to provide desired flow characteristics through the screen portions 1354a. , 1354b. The internal flow converter system 1358 may further include one or more flow generators 1360 that are located between the internal flow converter system 1358 and the grid portions 1354a, 1354b. As best seen in FIG. 13D, each flow generator 1360 may include a substantially tubular body 1362 having an inlet 1364, a fluid passage 1366, and an outlet 1368. The outlet 1368 may have a connecting member 1370 that is attached to the opening 1372 at system 1358 of the internal flow converter 1358 such that the fluid passage 1366 is operably connected to the internal flow path 1374 of the internal flow converter system 1358. As fluid enters the internal flow converter system 1358 and through the internal flow path 1374, suction is created at the outlet 1368 such that the fluid is drawn into the inlet 1364 and through the fluid passage 1366. The fluid inlet 1368 and/or fluid passage 1366 may be configured such that the flow of fluid through the flow generator 1360 generates a resistance pattern or “whoosh” that causes vibrations that are ultimately transmitted to the grid portions 1364a. 1364b through a physical connection of the internal flow converter system 1358 to the central T-piece 1356. This resistance pattern or "whoosh" is substantially continuous as the fluid passes into the interior of the flow path 1374. Thus, no external or storage energy source is present. required for operation, and there are no moving parts or mechanical components that require maintenance. Thus, the flow oscillating system 1352 operates to limit the attachment and/or accumulation of debris or biological contaminants in a continuous and cost-effective manner.

Various grate intake devices, both prior art and newer configurations disclosed herein, may further include cleaning systems to remove accumulated debris and biological contaminants. It is well known from the prior art shown in FIG. 14A to use an internal air pulsing system 1400 within the grate intake device 1402 for pulsing compressed air 1403 into the interior 1404 of the grate intake device 1402. Typically, the internal compressed air supply system 1400 includes an air pulse pipe 1406 located adjacent the bottom portion 1408 of the grille portion 1410. Typically, the air pulse pipe 1406 is in fluid communication with a remote air compressor, such as, for example, an onshore compressor. on a barge or on a drilling rig. The air pulse pipe 1406 may be attached to an air pulse manifold located within the central portion of the grate intake device. When the grille intake device includes multiple grille portions 1410, an air pulse supply pipe 1406 may be located within each grille portion 1410, and each air pulse supply pipe 1406 may be operatively coupled to an air pulse supply manifold. In general, compressed air pulses may be applied through the air pulse delivery pipe 1406, causing the compressed air pulse to begin displacing water near the bottom portion 1408 and subsequently expand to fill and force water through the grate portion 1410 to displace contaminants from the surface. lattice part 1410.

In the improved air pulse system 1420 of the present invention, a plurality of air pulse pipes may be located in a variety of locations in addition to the bottom portion 1408, as shown in FIGS. 14B-14D. For example, the air pulse pipe 1422a may be located adjacent the bottom portion 1408, the air pulse pipes 1422b, 1422c may be located adjacent opposite sides 1424a, 1424b of the grille portion 1410, and the air pulse pipe 1422d may be located adjacent with the top portion 1426 of the grill portion 1410. Although the improved air pulse system 1420 is shown to have four air pulse pipes 1422a, 1422b, 1422c, 1422d, it should be understood that variable parameters including, for example, the size of the grill intake device and the amount of fluid filtered, may result in designs using either fewer air pulse pipes, requiring at least two, or more than four air pulse pipes. The air pulse supply pipes 1422a, 1422b, 1422c, 1422d may be operatively connected to an air pulse manifold located within the central portion 1428 of the grille intake device 1402. In the case where the grille intake device 1402 includes both a first and a second grille portion 1430a, 1430b, each of the grill portions 1430a, 1430b may include a similar arrangement of air pulse delivery tubes 1422a, 14222b, 1422c, 14222d. In some embodiments, pulses of compressed air 1403 may be simultaneously supplied through each air pulse pipe 1422a, 1422b, 1422c, 1422d, as shown in FIG. 14B. Typically, compressed air pulses are delivered through nozzles 1425a, slots 1425, or similar openings located along the length of each of the air pulse pipes 1422a, 1422b, 1422c, 1422d. Alternatively, compressed air pulses may be supplied sequentially in the radial direction through the compressed air supply pipes 1422a, 1422b, 1422c, 1422d, as shown in FIG. 14C. In another alternative arrangement, pulses of compressed air may be applied sequentially along the intake screen length 1432 defined between the first end 1434 and the second end 1436 of the intake screen 1438, as seen in FIG. 4D. Although the grille intake device 1438 in FIG. 14D includes first and second grille portions 1443a, 1443b connected to a central T-shaped portion 1442, the same principle can be applied to pulse compressed air along the length of the intake grille device in which only one lattice part. The specific arrangement and sequence of compressed air pulses is typically installation specific and may be affected by installation conditions and the type and amount of particulate and biological contaminant accumulation.

Another embodiment of the grate intake device 1500 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. As shown, the grill intake device 1500 includes a central T-shaped portion 1502 and a grill portion 1504. Although only one grill portion 1504 is shown, it should be understood that additional grill portions may be operatively connected to the central T-shaped portion 1502 based on requirements to the fluid flow. The grate intake device 1500 includes an internal flow converter 1506 and an integrated self-cleaning system 1508. Typically, the internal flow converter 1506 is configured to provide desired flow conditions through the screen filter 1510 on either the central T-shape portion 1502 or the screen portion 1504, or both of the central T-shape portion 1502 and the screen portion 1504. As seen in FIG. 15A, the integrated self-cleaning system 1508 may include an inlet bucket. 1511, which may be operably connected to a flow converter channel 1512 that is located within the central T-shaped portion 1502. One or more cleaning inlet pipes 1514 may be in fluid communication with the inlet bucket 1511 such that a portion of the fluid flows between the inlet bucket 1511 and the central T-shaped part 1502 is directed into the inlet pipes 1514 for cleaning. The inlet cleaning pipes 1514 are in fluid communication with one or more cleaning pipes 1516 that are located axially and radially along a length defined by either a central T-shaped portion 1502 or a grid portion 1504, or as a central T-shaped part. portion 1502 and the screen portion 1504. As shown, one or more cleaning pipes 1516 may be located within the intake screen 1500 and adjacent the interior surface of the screen filter 1510. Alternatively, one or more cleaning pipes 1516 may be located outside the screen. intake device 1500 and adjacent the outer surface of the screen filter 1510. Each cleaning pipe 1516 typically includes a plurality of spaced holes 1518, slots, or perforations. In some examples, a nozzle 1520 may be operatively located within each opening 1518, as shown in FIG. 15A. The fluid flow is directed into the cleaning inlet pipes 1514, into the cleaning pipes 1516, and out of the openings 1518/nozzles 1520. The fluid flow from the openings 1518/nozzles 1520 may be directed toward the screen filter 1510 or along the screen filter 1510 for removal and/or preventing any contaminants from attaching. In addition, the integrated self-cleaning system 1508 is a passive system that does not require an external power source or moving parts that may require constant maintenance. In a version of the integrated self-cleaning system 1508, as shown in FIG. 15B, the inlet bucket 1511 may be located within the internal flow converter 1506 at a location within the grid portion 1504, as opposed to the central T-shaped portion 1502.

Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods are described herein. These embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. In addition, it should be understood that various features of the described embodiments can be combined to create numerous additional embodiments. In addition, although various materials, sizes, shapes, configurations and locations, and the like have been described for use with the disclosed embodiments, other materials, sizes, shapes, configurations and locations other than those disclosed may be used without departing from the scope of the claimed inventions. .

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter of the invention may contain fewer features than are illustrated in any particular embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be an exhaustive representation of the manner in which the various features of the subject matter may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; More precisely, various embodiments may contain a combination of various individual features selected from various individual embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments even if not described in such embodiments, unless otherwise noted.

Although a dependent claim may refer to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments may also include a combination of a dependent claim with the subject matter of each dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim, or a combination of one or more distinctive features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are suggested herein unless indicated that a particular combination is not intended.

Any incorporation by reference of the foregoing documents is limited so that no subject matter of the invention is included that is inconsistent with the express disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of the foregoing documents is further limited such that no claims incorporated in the documents are hereby incorporated by reference. Any incorporation by reference of the foregoing documents is further limited such that any definitions set forth in the documents are not incorporated herein by reference unless expressly incorporated herein.

For purposes of interpretation of the claims, it is expressly implied that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) may not be used unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are specified in the claims.

Claims (35)

1. Lattice intake device containing: a central manifold including a lower outlet portion; And a T-shaped section having a central lattice section extending through the central manifold, and at least two opposing lattice sections in fluid communication on opposite sides of the central lattice section, the central lattice section defining two spaced walls of the manifold, and each of the opposing grid sections is connected to a corresponding wall of the manifold. 2. The lattice intake device according to claim 1, wherein the central lattice portion extends through a central axis defined by the lower outlet portion. 3. The lattice intake device according to claim 1, in which two spaced walls of the manifold form at least two outer flange walls of the manifold and at least one outer support rib located between at least two outer flange walls of the manifold , wherein at least one outer support rib is located transverse to the central axis defined by the lower outlet part. 4. The lattice intake device according to claim 1, wherein the lower outlet portion includes a fluid intake portion. 5. The lattice intake device according to claim 4, wherein the fluid intake portion may be selected from a lower lattice portion, a plurality of slits, and a plurality of holes. 6. The grate intake device of claim 1, wherein the central manifold further comprises an internal flow converter located within the two grate sections and the central grate section. 7. The lattice intake device according to claim 6, in which the internal flow converter contains: perforated flow converter pipe; an inner flow converter pipe located within the perforated flow converter pipe; And at least one radial support element mounted inside the perforated flow converter. 8. Lattice intake device according to claim 7, additionally containing: at least one separating plate installed inside the lower outlet part. 9. The lattice intake device of claim 7, wherein the at least one radial support element comprises a plurality of spaced apart radial support elements, each of the spaced apart radial support elements further comprising a plurality of flow openings. 10. The lattice intake device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of flow openings in the plurality of spaced apart radial support members are located along a common radial axis. 11. The lattice intake device according to claim 1, in which each of the two lattice sections contains: at least two lattice parts located along the lattice axis transverse to the central axis defined by the lower outlet part, so that the length of the lattice along the lattice axis is determined by the sum of the lengths of each lattice part and the central lattice. 12. Lattice intake device according to claim 11, additionally containing: an internal flow element made with the possibility of increasing its dimensions, located inside the lattice parts and the central lattice. 13. The lattice intake device of claim 1, wherein two lattice sections, a central lattice section and a T-shaped section, define a non-circular cross-section along a lattice axis transverse to the central axis defined by the lower outlet portion. 14. The grate intake device according to claim 13, wherein the grate sections, the central grate section and the T-section are defined by a grate height and a grate width, wherein the grate width is greater than the grate height. 15. The lattice intake device according to claim 1, wherein the lattice sections and the central lattice section are formed by a first V-shaped wire continuously wound and welded to the support member to define the first wire gap and the height of the first wire. 16. The lattice intake device of claim 15, wherein the lattice sections and the central lattice section further comprise a second V-shaped wire continuously wound and welded to the support such that the second V-shaped wire is located between adjacent turns of the first V-shaped wire, wherein the second V-shaped wire has a second wire height less than the height of the first wire such that a second wire gap is formed between the second V-shaped wire and each adjacent first V-shaped wire, wherein said second wire gap is less than the first wire gap . 17. The grate intake device according to claim 1, in which the central collector additionally contains a generator that creates vibrations on each grate section and on the central section. 18. The lattice intake device according to claim 17, in which the generator contains a remote source of electricity. 19. The lattice intake device according to claim 17, wherein the flow of fluid passing through the central part is converted into rotational energy by means of a turbine or propeller device to drive a generator. 20. Lattice intake device according to claim 1, additionally containing: internal air pulse supply system containing: a plurality of air pulse tubes radially disposed about a central grille axis defined by two grille sections and a central grille section; And a remote source of compressed air in which compressed air is supplied sequentially in a radial direction through a plurality of pipes to deliver air pulses. 21. Lattice intake device containing: a central manifold including a lower outlet portion and a T-section; two lattice sections connected in fluid communication on opposite sides of the T-shaped section; And a central lattice section extending through the T-shaped section, the central manifold further comprising a generator generating vibrations on each of the lattice section and the central section, the central manifold further comprising an internal flux transducer located within the two lattice sections and the central lattice section, wherein the generator further comprises a flow generator installed between the internal flow converter and two lattice sections and a central lattice section.

Images