MARINE APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING HYDROCARBONS

Abstract

A marine apparatus includes a self-propelled vessel; a skimmer configured to actively remove hydrocarbons from a water surface when energized and to store the removed hydrocarbons in a retention tank of the skimmer; a holding tank; and a pump configured to pump hydrocarbons removed from the retention tank into the holding tank when energized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to an apparatus to collect hydrocarbons from a water surface, in particular, a floating marine vessel for collecting such waste.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydrocarbons such as leaked oil are increasingly present in the world's water bodies. There are different ways to collect floating hydrocarbons, including the use of floating dams and dispersants. Mechanized solutions include vehicles specifically designed to perform clean-up operations. However, current mechanized solutions can be cumbersome and inefficient to operate. Thus, there is a need for marine apparatus for hydrocarbon collection that is efficient and simple to operate.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure a marine apparatus can include a self-propelled vessel; a skimmer configured to actively remove hydrocarbons from a water surface when energized and to store the removed hydrocarbons in a retention tank of the skimmer; a holding tank; and a pump configured to pump hydrocarbons removed from the retention tank into the holding tank when energized.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth or be apparent from the description that follows. The features and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structures and methods particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Several preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the enclosed Figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-propelled vessel to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a marine apparatus according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an overhead view of a marine apparatus according to a second embodiment connected to fixed equipment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a marine apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a marine apparatus according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an overhead view of a marine apparatus according to the third embodiment connectable to fixed equipment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a marine apparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a marine apparatus according to a fourth embodiment;

FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views of the steps of deploying the marine apparatus according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the skimmer when empty and when full of the marine apparatus according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a view of a handle of the drain tube, stowed and in use, of the marine apparatus according to the fourth embodiment;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of the movement of the skimmer having with attachment structure according to disclosed embodiments;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are side views of the movement of the skimmer having an attachment structure according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 14A is an overhead view of interaction between the skimmer and the vessel of the marine apparatus of the fourth embodiment when stationary or at low speed;

FIG. 14B is an overhead view of interaction between the skimmer and the vessel of the marine apparatus of the fourth embodiment when at high speed;

FIG. 15A is a schematic view of freedom of movement of the skimmer relative to the vessel in the marine apparatus of the fourth embodiment when stationary or at low speed;

FIG. 15B is a schematic view of freedom of movement of the skimmer relative to the vessel in the marine apparatus of the fourth embodiment when at high speed; and

FIG. 16 is an overhead view of a modification in which the vessel is made larger and the holding tank incorporated in the vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a self-propelled vessel 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure for use with the marine apparatus. The vessel 100 includes a pair of floats 112 for providing buoyancy and a vessel frame 101 arranged between the floats 112. Provided on either side of the vessel frame 101 are handles 106 to assist a user with transporting and maneuvering the vessel 100, by hand as well as by gaff (i.e., rod-mounted hook) when the vessel 100 is in water, for example. Propulsion of the vessel 100 can be provided by longitudinal motor-driven propellers 114 for providing a forward, reverse and/or rotational movement to the vessel 100. A transverse propeller 116 can be provided for imparting a lateral movement to the vessel 100. The respective speeds of the propellers can be variable so that the vessel 100 can be operated at a variety of speeds.

Arranged in each float is a battery compartment 108 for holding at least one suitably sized battery and electronic materials to provide power for operating the propellers and other equipment. The battery compartment and/or the battery should be suitable for a marine environment including proper seals. A recharger inlet 104 is provided on the vessel frame 101 so that the batteries can be charged while in place in the battery compartment 108. A start/stop switch 102 is provided on the vessel frame 101 to place the vessel 100 in condition for operation. The propulsion system is not limited and can be any suitable system for powering, propelling and steering the vessel 100.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the vessel 100 can be operated via a user handheld remote controller 120. In the embodiment, the controller 120 is a radio controller transmitting and receiving radio signals with of control command box 119. The control command box 119, based on the signals from the controller 120, is connected to the motors that drive the propellers by a wired or wireless connection to control the motors. Multiple sensors, including, for example, a video camera 121 and a Lidar scanner, the beacon 122 of which is visible, can be provided on the vessel 100 to aid in remote control thereof, as described in further detail below. Further, as discussed in detail below, in exemplary embodiments, the control command box 119 can also include a Bluetooth transceiver for communication with other components of the apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a marine apparatus according to a first embodiment including the vessel 100, a skimmer 200, and a floating platform. The skimmer 200 is fixed to a front end of the vessel 100 or, alternatively, is provided as a single unit with the vessel 100. The skimmer includes an active component to actively remove hydrocarbons from a water surface when energized and to store the removed hydrocarbons in a retention tank 201. In particular, the active component is one or more drums 202 configured to rotate about a horizontal axis when a motor 203 connected to the drum is energized. In the embodiment, the drums 202 are made of plastic, and protrude below the main body of the skimmer 200 through corresponding openings in the retention tank 201, so that they pick up hydrocarbons floating on the surface of water on which the skimmer 200 is disposed. The skimmer 200 further includes one or more scrapers 204 configured to bear against a surface of the drum 202 to cause hydrocarbons on the surface of the drum to flow into the retention tank 201 as the drums 202 rotate toward their respective scrapers 204. In alternative embodiments, the active component can be, for example, an oleophilic strip, a brush, or a disc.

A floating platform 300 is attached to a rear side of the vessel 100 by a rigid row 303 or, alternatively, a flexible cable. Supported on the platform 300 are a holding tank 301 and a pump 302. Flexible tubing 304A and 304B between the retention tank 201 and the pump 302 and between the pump 302 and the holding tank 301 enables the pump 302, when energized, to pump fluid, such as hydrocarbons, out of the retention tank 201 and into the holding tank 302. Wired electrical connections 305A and 305B (shown schematically in the figure) between the vessel 100, specifically, connections with the batteries, enable the motor 203 and the pump 302 to be powered and/or controlled from the vessel 100. With this arrangement, the apparatus can be directed by areas needing decontamination by selective energization of the propellers via the remote controller 120, and with the motor 203 and pump 302 energized, hydrocarbons are taken from the water into the retention tank 201, and from the retention tank 201 to the holding tank 302. Furthermore, feedback such as from the video camera and the Lidar scanner can help the operator to accurately understand the water composition and the surrounding environment while directing the apparatus.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an overhead and a perspective view, respectively, of a marine apparatus according to a second embodiment. Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrated fixed equipment to which the marine apparatus can be connected. The marine apparatus of the second embodiment differs from the marine apparatus of the first embodiment in the following aspects. First, the pump 400 for pumping fluid from the retention tank to the holding tank is provided on the skimmer instead of the floating platform. Second, a mechanical sensor 401 is provided on the skimmer and configured to detect a fluid level in the retention tank. The mechanical sensor 401 is electrically connected to the pump 400 and configured to energize the pump 400 when the fluid level in the retention tank reaches a predetermined first level, and to de-energize the pump 400 when the fluid level falls below a predetermined second level lower than the predetermined first level.

In this embodiment, the controller 120 can communicate with the motor 402 driving the drums, and the pump 400, either directly by a radio connection, or by a wired or wireless connection via the control command box 119, to selectively energize and de-energize those components. For example, when an operator determines that the apparatus is an area that is not contaminated or has been decontaminated by the apparatus, the operator can cause the motor 402 to turn off by the remote controller 120. Furthermore, for example, when an operator determines that the holding tank is near capacity, the operator can cause the pump 400 to turn off by the remote controller 120. Additionally, the speed of the motor 402 can be varied so that the rotation rate of the drums can be varied. In this way, an operator can vary the rotation rate for optimized adhesion based on, for example, the consistency of the hydrocarbons.

The second embodiment also includes structure for emptying the holding tank on the floating platform. In particular, tubing 403 is provided for fluid connection of the holding tank to a fixed pump 501 which can pump fluid from the holding tank into a fixed tank 502 via additional tubing. The fixed pump 501 and fixed tank 502 can be provided, for example, on a dock.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of electrical components of a marine apparatus according to a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the remote control 600 includes first radio transceiver 601 configured to communicate wirelessly with a second radio transceiver 602 of the vessel 603. The vessel 603 further includes a first power supply 604 configured to power the electrical components on the vessel 603, and a first Bluetooth transceiver 605 configured to communicate wirelessly with a second Bluetooth transceiver 606 on the floating platform 607. A second power supply 608 on the floating platform 607 powers the electrical components on the floating platform 607. A wired power connection 609 from the second power supply 608 to the skimmer 610 enables the second power supply 608 to also power the electrical components on the skimmer 610. Further, a data cable 611 between the floating platform 607 and the skimmer 610, in combination with the radio transceivers 601 and 602 and the Bluetooth transceivers 605 and 606, enables electrical operation of all electrical components of the apparatus from the remote control 600.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the marine apparatus according to the third embodiment. In addition to the layout of the electrical components discussed above, the third embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in the following aspects. First, instead of a mechanical sensor, a capacitive sensor 700 is used to determine the level in the retention tank, eliminating the risk of mechanical blockage of the sensor. Second, the skimmer is attached the vessel by detachable hooks 701, enabling the vessel and the skimmer to be deployed individually rather than as a unit. The operator on the dock can use a gaff to position the skimmer on the vessel or on the floating platform. Third, both the first pump 702 for emptying the retention tank of the skimmer into the holding tank, and the second pump 703 for emptying the holding tank into the dockside tank 704, are provided on the floating platform. A pump is therefore not needed on the dock in this embodiment. Fourth, an ultrasonic level sensor 705 for determining the level in the holding tank is provided. If the level in the holding tank reaches a predetermined level, both the drums of the skimmer and the first pump 702 are shut off, to avoid overfilling.

A marine apparatus according to a fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 differs from that of the previous embodiments as follows. The floating platform is modified, including providing a fairing to cover the equipment, so that the skimmer can be stowed on the floating platform, enabling greater flexibility in deploying the apparatus, such as in the manner shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, which illustrate, in order, the four launching steps. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the skimmer is rotatably supported by the vessel such that when the level in the retention tank increases, the skimmer rotates in a direction toward the drain hole in the retention tank such that pumping of fluid out of the retention tank is assisted by gravity. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a handle 800 is provided on the drain tube in the embodiment, so that an operator on the dock can, for example, use a gaff (i.e., rod-mounted hook) to position the drain tube for emptying of the holding tank, and then replace the drain tube in its usual position on the fairing. Also, it is possible to directly connect a larger pipe to empty the tank with an on dock pump.

The marine apparatus according to the fourth embodiment also includes an attachment structure that permits freedom of movement of the skimmer while eliminating undesirable “digging” when the marine apparatus is in motion at relatively high speed. For the sake of comparison, FIG. 12A illustrates, in embodiments in which the skimmer has the same freedom of movement whether the apparatus is moving or stationary, how the front of the skimmer can undesirably tilt down, i.e., “dig”, when the apparatus is being moved in a forward direction at relative high speed. This freedom of movement when the marine apparatus is stationary or at low speed, as shown in FIG. 12B, is desirable so that the skimmer can adapt to the waves for appropriate interaction of the active component with the water surface, and also to tilt as the retention tank is filled. In the fourth embodiment, the attachment structure is configured so that the skimmer will not “dig” when the apparatus is at high speed as shown in FIG. 13A, but will still have the appropriate freedom of movement when stationary or at low speed, as shown in FIG. 13B.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate overhead views, and FIGS. 15A and 15B schematic views, of the interaction between the skimmer and the vessel when stationary (or at low speeds) and at high speeds, respectively. As illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, v-shaped elements on the skimmer face corresponding-shaped structure on the vessel, which are normally separated from each other. When the vessel moves forward at a relatively high speed, the corresponding structures come into contact with each other due to water resistance on the skimmer, thereby preventing certain movements of the skimmer relative to the vessel. In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, when the marine apparatus is moving at relatively high speed, the skimmer can no longer rotate relative to the Y axis (i.e., tilt forward or backward), nor can it rotate relative to the z-axis (i.e., yaw). Undesirable “digging” of the skimmer that might otherwise occur at high speeds is thus prevented.

According to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the vessel may operate as an autonomous robot including a preprogrammed or random route. In other exemplary embodiments according to the disclosure, the controller 120/600 can be linked to sensors or receivers provided on the vessel 100, including the video camera and the Lidar scanner, which can assess the operational environment and define its own route. Features of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, including the controller 120/600 and the control command box 119, can be implemented by at least one processor (e.g., general purpose or application specific) of a computer processing device which is configured to execute a computer program tangibly recorded on a non-transitory computer-recording medium, such as a hard disk drive, flash memory, optical memory or any other type of non-volatile memory. Upon executing the program, the at least one processor is configured to perform the operative functions of the exemplary embodiments by controlling the individual motors of the respective propellers.

Additional modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the floating platform can be eliminated by making the vessel of larger size and providing the holding tank on the vessel, or by using only the retention tank of the skimmer, if it is large enough.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

Claims

1. A marine apparatus, comprising:

a self-propelled vessel;

a skimmer configured to actively remove hydrocarbons from a water surface when energized and to store the removed hydrocarbons in a retention tank of the skimmer;

a holding tank; and

a pump configured to pump hydrocarbons removed from the retention tank into the holding tank when energized.

2. The marine apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pump is supported by the skimmer.

3. The marine apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a floating platform supporting the holding tank.

4. The marine apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pump is supported by the floating platform.

5. The marine apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a first power supply disposed on the vessel to power the vessel, a second power supply disposed on the floating platform to power the floating platform, and a wired power connection between the second power supply and the skimmer to power the skimmer.

6. The marine apparatus of claim 3, wherein the skimmer is disposed on front end of the vessel so as to be guided thereby and the floating platform is disposed on a rear end of the self-propelled vessel so as to be towed thereby.

7. The marine apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a holding tank sensor configured to sense a fluid level in the holding tank, wherein the marine apparatus is configured such that the pump is de-energized when the fluid level in the holding tank sensed by the holding tank sensor reaches or exceeds a predetermined level.

8. The marine apparatus of claim 7, wherein the marine apparatus is configured such that the motor is de-energized when the fluid level in the holding tank sensed by the holding tank sensor reaches or exceeds the predetermined level.

9. The marine apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a skimmer sensor configured to sense a fluid level in the retention tank, wherein the marine apparatus is configured such that the pump is energized when the fluid level in the retention tank sensed by the skimmer sensor reaches or exceeds a predetermined level.

10. The marine apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first transceiver disposed on the vessel and configured for remote control operation of the vessel.

11. The marine apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first transceiver is a radio transceiver.

12. The marine apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

a floating platform supporting the holding tank;

a second transceiver disposed on the vessel; and

a third transceiver disposed on the floating platform,

wherein commands received at the vessel by the first transceiver are transmitted to the floating vessel through the second transceiver and the third transceiver.

13. The marine apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second and third transceivers both comprise Bluetooth transceivers.

14. The marine apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a wired data connection between the floating platform and the skimmer, wherein commands received at the floating platform by the third transceiver are transmitted to the skimmer through the wired connection.

15. The marine apparatus of claim 1, wherein the skimmer is rotatably supported by the vessel such that when the level in the retention tank increases, the skimmer rotates in a direction such that pumping of fluid out of the retention tank is assisted by gravity.

16. The marine apparatus of claim 1, wherein the skimmer comprises a drum configured to rotate about a horizontal axis when a motor connected to the drum is energized, and a scraper configured to bear against a surface of the drum to cause hydrocarbons on the surface of the drum to flow into the retention tank.

17. The marine apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second pump configured to empty the holding tank into an external tank.

18. A method of operating the marine apparatus of claim 1, comprising:

sending command signals to the marine apparatus to propel the vessel and selectively energize the skimmer and the pump.

19. A marine apparatus, comprising:

a self-propelled vessel; and

a skimmer configured to actively remove hydrocarbons from a water surface when energized and to store the removed hydrocarbons in a retention tank of the skimmer.

20. The marine apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a sensor configured to sense a fluid level in the retention tank.