SUBMERSIBLE INTAKE EQUIPMENT WITH AIR FILLED BLADDERS

Abstract

An apparatus having flotation ballasts or tanks, a flotation platform having a frame, and on the frame and flotation platform, intake equipment, such as a screen, check valve and/or pump intake and a coupling for a discharge pipe. An embodiment comprises a plurality of substantially symmetrical flotation ballasts, each having a ballast tank forming a chamber with an internal bladder therein, or in lieu of the ballast chamber, at least one exposed bladder coupled to the frame and flotation platform. The method includes the steps of using an apparatus as herein described to ascend and descend intake equipment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/530,266 filed on Jun. 6, 2011 entitled “SUBMERSIBLE INTAKE EQUIPMENT WITH AIR FILLED BLADDERS”, and is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,957 filed Dec. 19, 2008, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS OF SUBMERSIBLE INTAKE EQUIPMENT and U.S. Regular application Ser. No. 13/065,618 filed Mar. 26, 2011, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS OF SUBMERSIBLE INTAKE EQUIPMENT.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to submersible intake equipment, such as valves, screens and pumps used in fluids, for example, but not limited to, those used in a water source for water transfer and recirculation projects or in sewage in a sewer filtration station.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a variety of valves, screens and pumps, such as foot valves, check valves and turbine pumps (referred to herein collectively, or individually as an “intake” or “intake equipment”), used, for example, in a water source in water transfer and recirculation projects or for sewage in a sewer filtration station. Such conventional apparatus typically include a discharge pipe coupled to such intake equipment, such discharge pipes made from, inter alia, a multi-ply material with coil reinforcement. Such a discharge pipe has a proximate end that terminates on shore and a distal end that terminates at the intake equipment. The ends of the discharge pipe include, e.g., flanges which mate with the intake equipment at the distal end and e.g., pump equipment or exhaust ports located at a shoreline. As used throughout this application, the term discharge pipe shall mean the discharge pipe or hose and all associated plumbing and couplings directly or indirectly coupled thereto, such as flanges, flex pipe sections, HDPE pipe sections, PVC pipe sections and the like. Typically, such discharge pipes are maintained above the water source floor or bottom using e.g., floats which float on the surface of the water and to which the discharge pipe is tethered. In this manner, valves/pumps can be serviced by allowing a technician to pull the discharge pipe and intake equipment to shore. However, such floats, which are partially located above the water line, are a visual nuisance and also have additional installation and maintenance requirements. This is a disadvantage when, for example, the water source is part of a landscaping project. Because of this, it is often the case that the use of floats is avoided by laying the intake equipment and discharge pipe directly on the bottom of the water source. However, this makes it very difficult to pull the discharge pipe and intake equipment to shore. As a result, the discharge pipe and intake equipment must either be serviced in place, using a diver, or the discharge pipe and intake equipment must be pulled to the surface using a crane or similar machinery. This can be very expensive, especially relative to the cost of the intake equipment, e.g., valve that is to be serviced.

Pumping equipment and apparatus are described in two different design categories, flooded suction or suction lift. With flooded suction, the centerline of the pump volute is below the source, e.g., water, to be pumped. With suction lift, the centerline of the pump volute is above the source, e.g., water, to be pumped. A typical suction lift application requires standard equipment, suction screen, foot valve and suction plumbing plumbed backed to the center line of the pump volute or suction inlet of pump(s), using, e.g., a discharge pipe. This equipment is typically installed under one of two conditions. The first is when the water storage area is full, thus hindering access for installation. In such case, it can be cost prohibitive to drain the body of water to install the apparatus, thus requiring a crane or a floating work platform to perform the installation. To compound the problem, it is often difficult to see the orientation of the suction screen during installation due to, inter alia, low water visibility. As a result an improper installation may occur without the knowledge of the installer. To avoid this, a scuba diver is often used to observe or feel the apparatus on the bottom of the body of water and insure a proper installation.

The same consideration applies with respect to the service or removal of the intake equipment. That is, depending on the weight of the apparatus, heavy equipment and/or draining of the body of water may be required. The cost of draining the body of water depends on the storage capacity. Further, if the apparatus provides irrigation needs for plants and landscaping, additional costs may be incurred if the body of water is drained as such plants and landscaping may become stressed or die before the system is back on-line.

What is desired is a method and apparatus that allows installation of and access to intake equipment in a cost effective manner. The present invention provides such a method and apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The use of a singular term herein shall also refer to the plural and vice versa. For example, intake equipment not only refers to a single valve, screen and/or pump on a flotation platform, but shall also be construed to refer to multiple valves, screens and/or pumps on a flotation platform. Further, the use of terms such as “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom,” “left,” “right” and the like are not meant to be limiting, but rather are to describe the location of the various elements and components of the present invention with respect to one another as seen in the Figures.

The present invention provides a number of advantages over conventional apparatus and methods. The present invention includes a flotation platform and system to allow the controlled descent and ascent of intake equipment, e.g., valve, screen and/or pump, at the distal end of a discharge pipe. A plurality of pumps in a side by side arrangement or in a jockey arrangement, e.g., a jockey pump, can be coupled to the flotation platform. A jockey pump is a secondary pump to the main pump that is capable of moving fluids prior to or during the operation of the main pump. In operation, the present invention facilitates the proper installation of the apparatus without the need for a diver. This further permits the ascension of the apparatus to the water surface without the use of heavy equipment. In this manner, the apparatus can be floated to the water surface for maintenance and visual inspection. Alternatively, the apparatus can be floated and then pulled to the shore and/or pushed back in place without the need for heavy equipment. Further, all of the installation, inspection, maintenance and replacement tasks can be undertaken without draining a body of water.

The flotation platform of the present invention includes floatation ballasts comprising ballast tanks having included therein water-tight, inflatable bladders. In an alternative embodiment, at least one bladder is coupled to a frame of the flotation platform on which the intake equipment is located. In a further embodiment, a plurality of bladders is coupled to the frame of the flotation platform. The bladders are constructed of flexible vinyl, latex rubber, PVC/TPU, or similar materials in a shape that conforms to the internal shape of the ballast tank. The bladders reside inside of the ballast tanks. The bladders connect to the pneumatic control line/lines that reach to the shore based junction box where they are hidden until the submersible intake equipment needs to be raised or lowered. When pneumatically expanded, the bladder prevents water from filling or pushes water out of the ballast tank. This mode of operation provides the buoyancy to float the flotation platform and intake equipment. Venting the bladder to atmosphere through the pneumatic control line/lines allows water pressure to collapse the bladder and the ballast tanks to fill with water thus decreasing the buoyancy of the flotation ballast and allowing the submersible intake equipment to sink. In such embodiment the submersible flotation platform and intake equipment is capable of righting itself from a plurality of positions.

To those skilled in the art to which this invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention including the features, advantages and specific embodiments, reference is made to the following detailed description along with accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a right side perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention having internal bladders in ballast tanks;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention having internal bladders in ballast tanks;

FIG. 3A is a left perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention having internal bladders in ballast tanks;

FIG. 3B is a left perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention having exposed bladders coupled to a flotation platform;

FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention having internal bladders in ballast tanks;

FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention having exposed bladders coupled to a flotation platform;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of the present invention having internal bladders in the ballast tanks;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of a further embodiment of the present invention having internal bladders in ballast tanks;

FIG. 8 is a left side view of a further embodiment of the present invention with a discharge pipe to the shoreline;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an additional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a left side view of an additional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a left side view of an additional embodiment of the present invention with a discharge pipe to the shoreline;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the present invention showing a plurality of pumps in a side by side configuration; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the present invention showing a plurality of pumps, a main pump and a jockey pump.

References in the detailed description correspond to like references in the Figures unless otherwise noted. Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the various Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the making and using of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. Some features of the embodiments shown and discussed may be simplified or exaggerated for illustrating the principles of the invention. The present invention is described with reference to its use in water, however, the present invention is not limited to use in water as it can be similarly deployed in any fluid in which an intake is required, including, but not limited to sewage and other liquids and semi-liquids.

The apparatus of the present invention permits the controlled descent and ascent of flotation platform having thereon intake equipment, e.g., valve, screen and/or pump and intake, at the distal end of a discharge pipe. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a flotation platform having a plurality of substantially symmetrical flotation ballasts, each further comprising a ballast tank having at least one internal, water-tight bladder therein. The composition of the flotation ballast may be made of a material having a density appropriate for the fluid in which it is to be submerged. Such composition includes, but is not limited to, PVC, CPVC, aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, HDPE, and painted steel.

In an alternative embodiment, in lieu of a covering ballast tank, at least one exposed bladder is coupled to a frame of the flotation platform on which the intake equipment is located. A plurality of such bladders can be coupled to the frame of the flotation platform.

The bladders are constructed of flexible vinyl, latex rubber, PVC/TPU, or similar materials in a shape that conforms to the internal shape of the ballast tank. The bladders reside inside of the ballast tanks. The bladders connect to the pneumatic control line/lines that reach to the shore based junction box where they are hidden until the submersible intake equipment needs to be raised or lowered. When pneumatically expanded, the bladder prevents water from filling or pushes water out of the ballast tank. This mode of operation provides the buoyancy to float the flotation platform and intake equipment. Venting the bladder to atmosphere through the pneumatic control line/lines allows water pressure to collapse the bladder and the ballast tanks to fill with water thus decreasing the buoyancy of the ballast tank and allowing the submersible intake equipment to sink In such embodiment the submersible flotation platform and intake equipment is capable of righting itself from any position since it does not require the port hole to be located on the bottom of the ballast tank.

Further, as seen in the Figures, each flotation ballast is a substantially hollow cylinder having an end cap on each end of the cylinder thus forming the outer ballast tank with an internal chamber for the bladder. In an embodiment, there are two flotation ballasts each comprising at least one ballast tank having at least one internal bladder, the two flotation ballasts arranged in a substantially parallel manner joined by the flotation platform and the intake equipment positioned thereon. Each of the plurality of bladders have at least one intake inlet adapted to receive or release, in a controlled manner, a compressed gas, such as air, via flotation ballast pneumatic control line/lines, into or out of the respective bladders so as to increase or decrease, respectively, the buoyancy thereof.

In operation, the present invention can be located near a shore line, with the flotation ballasts on the water. Each of the flotation ballasts have an aperture or port hole there-through at any place below the water line of the flotation ballasts, the water line being measured when the flotation ballasts are substantially fully buoyant and the flotation platform is on the surface of the water. The aperture or port hole can be located at any one of a variety of locations on the flotation ballast so long as it is below the above referenced water line. The compressed gas is injected into each such bladder via an intake valve on each of the pneumatic control line/lines, each such valve preferably located at the proximate end thereof at shore. The apparatus of the present invention is then moved along the water surface to an area where it is to be submerged. When the apparatus of the present invention is located in the area in which it is to be submerged, the intake valve on each of the pneumatic control line/lines is opened to release the compressed gas from the bladders. In place of the compressed air in the bladders within the flotation tank, a ballast, e.g., water, is introduced into the ballast tank via the apertures (referred to herein as “port holes”) below the water line of each flotation tank. In this manner, by decreasing the buoyancy of the flotation ballasts, the flotation platform is lowered in the fluid, e.g., water. Reversing the process, in place of the ballast e.g., water, compressed air is introduced into the bladders via the intake valves on each of the pneumatic control line/lines. In this manner, by increasing the buoyancy of the flotation ballasts, the flotation platform is raised in the fluid, e.g., water. Although the term “air” is used herein with respect to the pneumatic control line/lines and intakes, the present invention is not limited to the use of air in the lines and in the flotation ballasts, as any suitable gas can be injected via the pneumatic control line/lines and intake into the flotation ballasts. Further, suitable filters can be placed in series in the lines and intakes so as to filter impurities from the various components of the present invention.

As noted above, the distal end of each flotation ballast pneumatic control line/lines is coupled at a respective bladder intake inlet and the proximate end of each respective pneumatic control line/lines is coupled, via a valve or other control means, to a compressed gas source, such as, but not limited to a compressed air generator. The compressed gas is injected into each bladder at the same rate, or at varying rates as describe herein. In this manner, the buoyancy of each flotation ballast can be matched to the amount of weight incident thereon so as to permit the plane of the flotation platform to be raised or lowered parallel to the surface of the water. The means of varying the rate of injection or release of the compressed gas can include having a separate valve feeding each bladder pneumatic control line/lines. When the pneumatic control line/lines valves are opened, compressed gas is displaced from the bladder by fluid applying a pressure against the outer wall thereof, water that enters the tanks through the port holes, thus allowing the apparatus to descend. When the apparatus is resting on the floor of the body of fluid, it is raised by injecting compressed gas, such as air, through the valves, pneumatic control line/lines and intake inlet into the bladders. The compressed gas expands the bladders which in turn expels the ballast, e.g., water, through the port holes. An ancillary benefit of this operation of the present invention is that the expelling force of the ballast is imparted to silt and sediment surrounding the apparatus, thus helping free the device from the floor of the water source.

The system of the present invention includes the apparatus described above (the flotation tanks with the internal bladders (or, alternatively, exposed bladders coupled to the frame of the flotation platform), flotation platform and associated intake components, such as, but not limited to, screens, valves and/or pumps), discharge pipe and related plumbing, bladder pneumatic control line/lines and associated valves and regulators, and associated shoreline equipment, such as but not limited to, compressed air generator.

The method of the present invention includes the steps of installing, placing and using the apparatus described above (the flotation tanks with the internal bladders (or, alternatively, exposed bladders coupled to the flotation platform), flotation platform and associated intake equipment, such as, but not limited to, screens, valves and/or pumps) discharge pipe, flotation ballast pneumatic control line/lines, and associated shoreline equipment, such as but not limited to, compressed air generator integral to or separate from a pumping station. Such steps include, placing flotation ballasts comprising flotation tanks having internal bladders (or exposed external bladders) on a flotation platform, placing intake equipment on or about the flotation platform, providing at least one valve to an pneumatic control line/lines coupled to each bladder, and receiving or releasing compressed gas into each bladder so as to displace or increase a ballast thus increasing or decreasing the buoyancy of the flotation ballast.

Related methods covered hereunder include a method of installing intake equipment, a method of servicing intake equipment and a method of replacing intake equipment. The method of installing intake equipment includes the step of positioning the intake equipment on a flotation platform having flotation ballast comprised of flotation tanks and corresponding internal bladders (or alternatively, exposed bladders) and releasing compressed gas from the bladders so as to fill a ballast tank chamber with a ballast such as water and thus decrease the buoyancy of the flotation ballast. The method of servicing intake equipment includes the step of receiving compressed gas into at least one flotation ballast on which intake equipment is positioned so as to increase the buoyancy of the flotation ballast. Such other related methods include the steps of receiving or releasing compressed gas into or out of a bladder in a tank of a flotation ballast which is coupled to a frame of a flotation platform on which an intake equipment is positioned so as to increase or decrease buoyancy of the flotation ballast by ejecting or introducing a ballast into a chamber of the ballast tank.

With the use of the present invention, the intake equipment can be easily positioned on the shore of a body of water. At this location, plumbing and pneumatic control line/lines can be connected to the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the couplings required in the field, e.g., to the intake components and the pneumatic control line/lines, are on the top of the components of the invention making it easier to attach said intake components and pneumatic control line/lines without having to perform any tasks under, e.g., the water. Once the plumbing and pneumatic control line/lines are coupled, the invention is positioned in the area where the descent is to occur. A lead guy is attached to the invention to prevent lateral movement thereof. Pneumatic control line/lines are coupled to the bladders, via inlets, on the top of the apparatus. Port holes, located below the water line, extend through the walls of the flotation ballasts so as to allow water to enter into the ballast tanks, decreasing the buoyancy of the apparatus, when air is released via valves located at the proximate end, e.g., at the shore line, of the pneumatic control line/lines coupled to the bladders.

As noted herein, the pneumatic control line/lines to the bladders include in line valves so as to allow for individual control of the different ballast which controls the angle of descent. In order to cause the invention to ascend, a low volume, low pressure air compressor is coupled to the pneumatic control line/lines. In operation, the air compressor forces compressed air into the bladders of the ballast tanks forcing water therefrom through the port holes. Once the water has been displaced from the tanks with air in the bladders, the apparatus becomes buoyant and floats to the surface.

Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 is a right side perspective view of a first embodiment 100 of the present invention. As seen therein, a plurality of substantially symmetrical flotation ballasts 101A, 101B, each being a ballast tank having a chamber, are located on flotation platform 104. The composition of the flotation ballasts 101A, 101B are of a material having a density appropriate for the fluid in which it is to be submerged. Such composition includes, but is not limited to, PVC, CPVC, aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, HDPE, and painted steel. Each flotation ballast is preferably a substantially hollow cylinder 102A, 102B having an end cap 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D on each end of the cylinder, thus forming a ballast tank. The end caps 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D are preferably coupled to the cylinders 102A, 102B. The flotation ballasts 101A and 101B are comprised of the outer ballast tanks and internal inflatable bladders 112A, 112B. In an alternative embodiment, at least one external bladder is coupled to a frame of the flotation platform on which the intake equipment is located without an exterior ballast tank. In an exemplary embodiment as seen in FIGS. 3B and 4B, a plurality of parallel arranged external bladders are coupled to the frame.

The bladders 112A, 112B are constructed of flexible vinyl, latex rubber, PVC/TPU, or similar materials in a shape that conforms to the internal shape of the ballast tank. The bladders reside inside of the ballast tanks. The bladders connect to the pneumatic control line/lines that reach to the shore based junction box where they are hidden until the submersible intake equipment needs to be raised or lowered. When pneumatically expanded, the bladder prevents water from filling or pushes water out of the ballast tank. This mode of operation provides the buoyancy to float the flotation platform and intake equipment. Venting the bladder to atmosphere through the pneumatic control line/lines allows water pressure to collapse the bladder and the ballast tanks to fill with water through the port holes thus decreasing the buoyancy of the ballast tank and allowing the submersible intake equipment to sink In this embodiment the submersible intake equipment is capable of righting itself from any position since it does not require the port hole to be located on the bottom of the ballast tank.

The two flotation ballasts 101A, 101B are arranged in a substantially parallel manner coupled to flotation platform 104 with intake equipment positioned therein-between. The flotation platform 104 can be assembled in any suitable manner such that it supports each of the flotation ballasts 101A, 101B and intake equipment 105. For example, flotation platform 104 can be assembled from aluminum, stainless steel, painted steel or the like metal angle, metal flat bar and/or metal tubing. Such pieces can be assembled and coupled using welded joints and/or nuts and bolts.

The intake equipment 105 of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises at least a screen 106 and flange 107 to which is coupled a discharge pipe. The screen as seen in FIG. 1 is a horizontally positioned (with respect to the apparatus) cylinder having apertures in the walls thereof and a closed end and an open end leading into a discharge pipe. The apertures in the screen are sized so as to filter material having a predetermined size from entering the discharge pipe. The intake equipment 105 is seen coupled to the flotation platform 104. A discharge pipe is not shown in FIG. 1.

Each of the flotation bladders 112A, 112B have at least one flotation ballast intake inlet 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D (not shown) which receives or releases, in a controlled manner, a compressed gas, such as air, via pneumatic control line/lines 109A, 109B, 109C, 109D (not shown) into or out of its respective bladder thus forcing a ballast such as water from the respective flotation tank so as to increase or decrease, respectively, the buoyancy thereof. The pneumatic control line/lines 109A, 109B, 109C, 109D are coupled to the distal end of pneumatic control line/lines 111 via combiners 110A, 110B (not shown), 110C thus permitting a single pneumatic control line to be run to the shore line to be coupled to a gas compressor at its proximate end.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment 100 of the present invention better illustrating the intake inlet 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D and pneumatic control line/lines 109A, 109B, 109C, 109D coupled to bladders 112A, 112B. FIG. 3A is a left perspective view of a first embodiment 100 of the present invention better illustrating intake equipment 105 also illustrating bladders 112A, 112B. FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention with internal bladders 112A, 112B, better illustrating the flange 107 of the intake equipment 105 to which a discharge pipe (not shown) can be coupled. FIGS. 3B and 4B illustrate the invention with external bladders directly coupled via straps or other similar coupling means to the frame of the flotation platform.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of the present invention having internal bladders 112A and 112B. Port holes 501A, 501B are seen on the bottom of flotation ballasts 101A, 101B. Although shown at the bottom in FIG. 5, each of the flotation ballasts can have port holes at any place below the water line of the flotation ballasts, the water line being measured when the flotation ballasts are substantially fully buoyant and the flotation platform is on the surface of the water. The port holes can be located at any one of a variety of locations on the flotation ballast so long as it is below the above referenced water line. In operation, the present invention is placed on a water surface. The bladders within the ballast tanks have therein air or other compressed gas that is prevented from leaking or escaping therefrom. Pneumatic control line/lines 109A, 109B, 109C, 109D, have an air tight connection to pneumatic control line/lines 111 via combiners 110A, 110B, 110C, which pneumatic control line/lines is coupled to an air intake valve at the proximate end of the pneumatic control line/lines which is in a closed position.

When the present invention is located in the area in which it is to be submerged, an air intake valve (not shown) at the proximate end of pneumatic control line/lines 111 is opened, thus causing the gas, such as air, in the bladders 112A, 112B of flotation ballast 101A, 101B to escape. As the bladder collapses, a ballast, e.g., water, is introduced into the chamber of the ballast tank via the port holes 501A, 501B. In this manner, the buoyancy of the flotation ballasts 101A, 101B is decreased and the flotation platform 104 is lowered in the fluid, e.g., water. Reversing the process, air injected into the bladders causes them to expand and hence force the ballast e.g., water, out of the flotation ballast. In this manner, the buoyancy of the flotation ballasts 101A, 101B, is increased, thus raising the present invention in the fluid, e.g., water.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment 600 of the present invention. The flotation ballasts of the alternative embodiment of the present invention are substantially similar to those seen in FIGS. 1-5. The alternative embodiment includes, as part of the intake equipment 605 mounted on the flotation platform 604, suction screen 606 in a vertical orientation, coupled to submersible pump 612 coupled to check valve 613 which is coupled to discharge pipe 614. The screen as seen in FIG. 6 is a vertically positioned (with respect to the apparatus) cylinder having apertures in the walls thereof and a closed top end and an open bottom end coupled to a curved portion leading into a discharge pipe. The apertures in the screen are sized so as to filter material having a predetermined size from entering the submersible pump. Further coupled to flotation platform 604 are support brackets with mechanical lift points 615A, 615B, 615C, 615D. As distinguished from the first embodiment of the present invention, pneumatic control line/lines 111A, 111B are separated to allow differential injection of compressed gas into the bladders of the flotation ballasts.

FIG. 7 is a left side view of a second embodiment 600 of the present invention having internal bladders in the ballast tanks of the flotation ballasts, better illustrating the profile of suction screen 606 in a vertical position (perpendicular to the plane of the flotation platform) as coupled to the flotation platform 604. FIG. 8 is a left side view of a second embodiment 600 of the present invention as coupled to discharge pipe 614. As seen therein, a proximate end discharge pipe coupling 616 facilitates the disconnection of the discharge point near to the shoreline for maintenance and repair. At the proximate end of the pneumatic control line/lines 111A, 111B is a ballast adjustment valve assembly 817 coupled to compressed air generator 818 allowing for the injection or release of compressed gas via the pneumatic control line/lines 111A, 111B to the bladders in the ballast tanks of the flotation ballasts.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a further embodiment 900 of the present invention. The flotation ballasts and pneumatic control line/lines of the further embodiment of the present invention are substantially similar to those seen in FIGS. 1-5. The further embodiment includes, as part of the intake equipment 905 mounted on the flotation platform 904, suction screen 906 in a horizontal position (parallel to the plane of the flotation platform), coupled to foot valve 913 which is coupled to discharge pipe 614. Further coupled to flotation platform 904 are support brackets with mechanical lift points 915A, 915B, 915C, 915D. As seen therein, concrete blocks 916 add additional ballast to the apparatus as the further embodiment does not include on the flotation platform 904 a submersible pump.

FIG. 10 is a left side view of a yet further embodiment 900 of the present invention illustrating suction screen 906, discharge pipe 614 and pneumatic control line/lines 111A. FIG. 11 is a left side view of the yet further embodiment 900 of the present invention as coupled to discharge pipe 614. As seen therein, a proximate end discharge pipe coupling 616 facilitates the disconnection of the discharge point near to the shoreline for maintenance and repair. At the proximate end of the pneumatic control line/lines 111A, 11B is a ballast adjustment valve assembly 1117 coupled to compressed air generator 1118 allowing for the injection or release of compressed gas via the pneumatic control line/lines 111A, 111B to the flotation ballasts.

FIG. 12 is an embodiment 1201 of the present invention that uses internal bladders in the flotation ballasts and has a plurality of pumps coupled to the flotation platform in a side by side arrangement. A check valve could be used to couple the two shown discharge flanges to a single discharge pipe. When the present invention is brought to the surface of the water, the side by side pumps well be substantially even with the water surface elevation. This allows for clearance of the pumping equipment in the aquatic zone and facilitates its use above a safety shelf, consistent to the need of protecting public safety, health and welfare in accordance with modern design safety guidelines.

FIG. 13 is an embodiment 1301 of the present invention that uses internal bladders in the flotation ballasts and has a plurality of pumps coupled to the flotation platform, a jockey pump and a main pump. When the present invention is brought to the surface of the water, the jockey pump will be above the water surface elevation. This allows for clearance of the pumping equipment in the aquatic zone and facilitates its use above a safety shelf, consistent to the need of protecting public safety, health and welfare in accordance with modern design safety guidelines.

There are a variety of advantages of the present invention. The present invention allows for the proper installation of intake equipment, such as screens, valves and/or pumps without the need for a diver. This further permits the ascension of the apparatus to the water surface without the need for heavy equipment, such as a crane. In this manner, the apparatus of the present invention can be floated to the water surface for maintenance and visual inspection substantially in place, albeit, at the water surface. Alternatively, the apparatus can be pulled to the shore and/or pushed back in place with without the need for heavy equipment. In any such case, all of the tasks of installation, inspection, maintenance and replacement can be made without draining the body of water in which the apparatus is located.

The embodiments shown and described above are only exemplary. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description together with details of the method of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only and changes may be made within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms used in the attached claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use in a body of fluid, comprising:

at least one flotation ballast comprising a ballast tank forming a chamber, the flotation tank comprised of a cylinder having an end cap on each end thereof, the ballast tank having located therein a water-tight bladder;

a flotation platform having a frame coupled to the at least one flotation ballast;

intake equipment coupled to the flotation platform;

at least one primary pneumatic control line, the distal end being coupled to an intake to the bladder via the flotation ballast; and

the flotation ballast having an aperture or port hole operable to allow the ingress and egress of a fluid ballast into and out of the chamber of the ballast tank.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a compressed air source coupled to a proximate end of the at least one pneumatic control line.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intake equipment comprises at least one from the group consisting of a screen, check valve and submersible pump.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, comprising a plurality of submersible pumps coupled to the flotation platform.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pumps are arranged side-by-side.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pumps are a main pump and a jockey pump.

7. An apparatus for use in a body of fluid, comprising:

at least one water-tight bladder;

a flotation platform having a frame coupled to at least one bladder;

intake equipment coupled to the frame and flotation platform; and

at least one primary pneumatic control line, the distal end being coupled to an intake on the bladder.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a compressed air source coupled to a proximate end of the at least one pneumatic control line.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the intake equipment comprises at least one from the group consisting of a screen, check valve and submersible pump.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a plurality of submersible pumps coupled to the flotation platform.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pumps are arranged side-by-side.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pumps are a main pump and a jockey pump arranged vertically.

13. An apparatus for use in a body of fluid, comprising:

two flotation tanks arranged parallel with respect to each other and in a same horizontal plane, each flotation tank comprised of a cylinder having an end cap on each end thereof, the ballast tank having located therein a water-tight bladder;

intake equipment coupled to the flotation platform between the two flotation tanks in essentially the same horizontal plane;

at least one primary air line, the distal end being coupled via at least one combiner to a plurality of subsidiary air lines at the apparatus, each respective subsidiary line being coupled to at least one inlet at each of the two flotation ballast tanks, the at least one primary air line and subsidiary air lines operable as a conduit for the injection of a compressed gas into each bladder of the two flotation tanks so as to displace a fluid ballast from the flotation tanks;

each of the two flotation tanks having an aperture on the bottom thereof, the aperture operable to allow the ingress and egress of a fluid ballast into and out of the ballast tank, the arrangement of the two flotation tanks with respect to each other being such that, when placed on the surface of a body of fluid and prior to having fluid introduced into the respective ballast tanks, the center axis of each of the two flotation tanks are parallel to each other, and the plane in which the center axes lie is substantially parallel to the surface of the body of fluid with the respective apertures submerged.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a compressed air source coupled to a proximate end of the at least one air line.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the intake equipment comprises at least one from the group consisting of a screen, check valve and submersible pump.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the intake equipment includes a vertically positioned screen.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the intake equipment includes a horizontally positioned screen.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the intake equipment comprises:

a screen;

a check valve having a first end and a second end opposite the first open end, the first end coupled to the screen; and

a discharge pipe having a distal end and proximate end, the distal end of the discharge pipe being coupled to the second end of the check valve.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, in combination with a pump coupled to the proximate end of the discharge pipe.

20. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the intake equipment comprises:

a screen;

a submersible pump having a first open end and second open end opposite to the first open end, the first open end coupled to the screen so as to filter material having a predetermined size from entering the submersible pump;

a check valve having a first open end and second open end opposite thereto, the first open end of the check valve being coupled to the second open end of the submersible pump; and