IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO UNDERWATER EXCAVATION APPARATUS

Abstract

An excavation apparatus comprises a controlled flow underwater excavation apparatus. A housing thereof comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The at least one inlet is provided on or at a side of the housing. A fluid flow path extends from the/each at least one inlet to the outlet. The fluid flow path comprises a first portion provided at or adjacent the/each at least one inlet. The first portion is included at a non-300 angle, e.g. is substantially perpendicular, to or converges towards a longitudinal axis of the housing and substantially straight. A second portion extends or continues from the first portion. A third portion extends or continues from the second portion. The third portion is substantially straight, contains at least part of a rotor, and is divergent away from the longitudinal axis of the housing in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet.

Claims

1. An excavation apparatus, such as an underwater excavation apparatus, comprising: a housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein the at least one inlet is provided on or at a side or sides of the housing; at least one rotor within the housing; and at least one stator within the housing; and wherein an inside of the housing converges from the at least one inlet towards the rotor, the inside of the housing diverges from an inlet end of the rotor towards an outlet end of the rotor, and the inside of the housing converges from the stator towards the outlet.

2. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one inlet is provided around, such as circumferentially or peripherally around, a side of the housing.

3. An excavation apparatus as claimed claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a longitudinal axis, the housing being symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis.

4. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the at least one inlet is provided inclined and/or offset from or transversely or substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis, and/or the at least one inlet is provided perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis; and/or each inlet of the at least one inlet is provided non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

5. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each inlet of at least one inlet is provided at an angle, such as a non-zero (0) angle, such as perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly, to the each of the one or more outlets, and/or the outlet is provided on or at an end of the housing, such as on and/or parallel to a longitudinal axis.

6. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to provide a horizontal or substantially horizontal or a non-vertical or substantially non-vertical flow of fluid/water into the housing, in use.

7. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the excavation apparatus is adapted to provide a vertical or substantially vertical or a non-horizontal or substantially non-horizontal flow of fluid/water out of or from the housing, in use. cm 8. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the excavation apparatus is adapted to provide and/or direct, in use, a flow of fluid/water at a pressure of 35 KPa to 125 KPa and/or a volume flow of 1 m3/s to 8 m3/s.

9. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the excavation apparatus comprises: a single rotor, and/or a single stator.

10. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: there is provided a fluid flow path(s) extending from each inlet of the at least one inlet to the outlet, and/or each fluid flow path comprises a first inlet section, which extends from the at least one inlet; and/or each fluid flow path comprises a second rotor section, which contains at least part of a rotor, said second section diverging away from a longitudinal axis of the housing; and/or each fluid flow path comprises a third stator section, which contains at least part of a stator, said third section converging towards the axis of the housing; and/or each fluid flow path comprises a fourth outlet section, which extends the at least one or outlet; and/or each fluid flow path comprises a first inlet portion/first portion which is provided at or adjacent each inlet of the at least one inlet, said first inlet portion/first portion being convergent towards an/the longitudinal axis of the housing, such as in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet, and/or or substantially horizontal, in use, and/or perpendicular to an/the longitudinal axis of the housing, and/or is substantially straight, and/or each fluid flow path comprises a second inlet portion/second portion, which extends or continues from the first portion, said second inlet portion/second portion being curved, bent or arcuate and/or convex relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing, and/or each fluid flow path comprises a rotor portion/third portion, which extends or continues from the second inlet/second portion, said rotor portion/third portion being substantially straight, coincident with or contains at least a part or parts of the rotor, and/or is divergent away from the longitudinal axis of the housing, such as in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet, such as at an angle of 45 to 65 or at angle of 55, and/or each fluid flow path comprises a further or intermediate portion/fourth portion, which extends or continues from the third portion, said further or intermediate portion/fourth portion be curved, bent or arcuate, and/or concave relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

11. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein: the/each fluid flow path comprises a stator portion/fifth portion, which extends or continues from a further or intermediate fourth portion, said stator portion/fifth portion being substantially straight, coincident with or contain at least part or parts of the stator, and/or convergent towards the longitudinal axis of the housing, such as in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet, such as at an angle of 55 to 75 or at an angle of 65.

12. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein: the each fluid flow path comprises a first outlet portion/sixth portion, which extends or continues from the stator portion/fifth portion, said first outlet portion/sixth portion be curved, bent or arcuate, and/or convex relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and/or the each fluid flow path comprises a second outlet portion/seventh portion, which extends or continues from the sixth portion, said second outlet portion/seventh portion being provided at or adjacent the outlet, said second outlet portion/seventh portion being substantially vertical, in use, and/or parallel to the axis of the housing, and/or substantially straight.

13. An excavation apparatus as claimed claim 1, wherein in an excavation mode, the outlet faces an area to be excavated and the inlet(s) is/are provided above the outlet.

14. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a suction mode, the inlet is proximal an area which has been excavated and/or requires to be cleared and the inlet(s) is/are provided below the outlet.

15. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the housing comprises an axis, the rotor and the stator being arranged coaxially upon the axis, the rotor being provided proximal the inlet(s), the stator being provided proximal the outlet.

16. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein: the rotor has a rotor rotation axis which comprises or is coincident with a longitudinal axis of the housing, the rotor comprises a first body, the rotor comprises a plurality of impeller blades which are provided within the housing, such that, in use, flow of fluid passed or across the rotor is at a first angle from the axis of rotation.

17. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the rotor rotation axis extends between the at least one inlet and the outlet, the first body comprises a first cone member, the first angle diverges away from the axis in a direction away from at least one of the at least one inlets and towards the outlet, an apex of the rotor or first cone member faces the inlet, the plurality of impeller blades comprises aerofoil blades which are disposed on the first cone member, the stator being coaxial with the rotor, and/or the stator is provided between the rotor and the outlet.

18. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein: in use, flow of fluid passed or across the stator is at a second angle from the axis of rotation of the rotor, the stator comprises a second body comprising a second cone member, the second angle converges towards the axis in a direction away from the inlet and towards the outlet, an apex of the stator or second cone member faces the outlet, the stator comprises a plurality of vanes or blades which are disposed on the second cone member.

19. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the excavation apparatus comprises an arrangement for dampening reactive torque on the excavation apparatus caused by rotation of the rotor, in use, wherein the torque dampening arrangement comprises or includes anti-rotation vanes.

20. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the excavation apparatus and/or the at least one rotor such as a single rotor, and/or a torque dampening arrangement does not comprise a second rotor, such as a second rotor counter-rotating to the at least one rotor, and/or the excavation apparatus comprises at least one rotor such as a single stator, and/or the housing comprises a hollow body.

21. An excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the housing comprises an axis, the rotor and the stator are arranged coaxially, such as upon the axis, the housing is provided upon the axis, the rotor is provided proximal the at least one inlet and/or the stator is provided proximal the outlet, and/or the rotor comprises a first body, such as a first cone body, and/or a plurality of (impeller) blades, disposed on the first body, and/or the stator comprises a second body, such as a second cone body, and/or a plurality of further blades, disposed on the second body.

22. An underwater excavation apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the further or stator blades comprise one or more, such as a plurality of primary stator blades, and/or one or more, such as a plurality of secondary or splitter blades which are provided between adjacent pairs of primary stator blades.

23. An excavation system, device or tool, such as an underwater system, device or tool, comprising at least one excavation apparatus according claim 1.

24. A method of excavation, such as a method of underwater excavation, the method comprising: providing at least one excavation apparatus according to claim 1; and excavating a location, such as an underwater location, using said excavation apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0082] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are:

[0083] FIG. 1 a schematic sectional side view of an excavation apparatus, in use, said excavation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present

[0084] FIG. 2 a perspective view from one side and above of an excavation apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] FIG. 3 a schematic sectional side view of the excavation apparatus of FIG. 2;

[0086] FIG. 4 a schematic sectional side view of the excavation apparatus of FIG. 2, in use;

[0087] FIG. 5 a schematic sectional view through like A-A of the excavation apparatus of FIG. 3; and

[0088] FIG. 6 a schematic sectional side view of an alternative excavation apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0089] Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown an excavation apparatus comprising an underwater excavation apparatus, generally designated 5, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] The excavation apparatus 5 comprises a housing 20 comprising or having an inlet 25 and an outlet 30, wherein the inlet 25 is provided on or at an end (top end) of the housing 20.

[0091] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the excavation apparatus 5 has a disadvantage, namely that when operated at or adjacent a fluid/water surface, e.g. in relatively shallow waters, a vortex 26 is produced at the inlet 25, in use. This may lead to the excavation apparatus 5 drawing or sucking air or an air/water mixture into the inlet 25.

[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 5, there is shown an excavation apparatus comprising an underwater excavation apparatus, generally designated 105, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The excavation apparatus 105 comprises a controlled flow excavation apparatus. The excavation apparatus 105 comprises a housing 120. The housing 120 comprises at least one inlet 125 and an outlet 130. The at least one inlet 125 is provided on or at a side or sides 126 of the housing 120.

[0094] The at least one inlet 125 is/are provided around, e.g. circumferentially or peripherally around, a/the side 126 of the housing 120, e.g. adjacent an end of the housing. The housing 120 comprises a longitudinal axis A. The housing 120 is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis A. The one or more inlets 125 is/are provided inclined or transversely or substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis A. The one or more inlets 125 is/are provided inclined or perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A. The/each of the one or more inlets 125 is/are provided non-parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 120.

[0095] The/each of the one or more inlets 125 is/are provided at an angle, e.g. non zero (0) angle, e.g. perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly, to the outlet 130. The outlet 130 is provided (centrally) on or at an end 131 of the housing 120.

[0096] The excavation apparatus 105 is adapted to provide a horizontal or substantially horizontal or a non-vertical or substantially non-vertical flow of fluid/water into the housing 120, in use.

[0097] The excavation apparatus 105 is adapted to provide a vertical or substantially vertical or a non-horizontal or substantially non-horizontal flow of fluid/water out of or from the housing 120, in use, e.g. in an excavation mode.

[0098] The excavation apparatus 105 is adapted to provide and/or direct, in use, a flow of fluid/water, e.g. at a pressure of 35 KPa to 125 KPa and/or a volume flow of 1 m.sup.3/s to 8 m.sup.3/s.

[0099] The underwater excavation apparatus 105 comprises at least one rotor 110, which is provided within the housing 120. The underwater excavation apparatus 105 comprises at least one stator 115, which is provided within the housing 120.

[0100] There is provided a fluid flow path(s) F extending from the/each at least one inlet 125 to the outlet 130. The at least one rotor 110 and the at least one stator 115 are provided in the fluid flow path F.

[0101] The fluid flow path F comprises a first (inlet) section, which extends from the at least one inlet 125.

[0102] The/each fluid flow path F comprises a second (rotor) section, which contains at least part of rotor 110. Said second section diverges away from the longitudinal axis A of the housing 120.

[0103] The fluid flow path F comprises a third (stator) section, which contains at least part of stator 115. Said third section converges towards a/the longitudinal axis A of the housing 120.

[0104] The fluid flow path F comprises a fourth (outlet) section, which extends to the at least one or the outlet 130.

[0105] The/each fluid flow path F comprises a first inlet/first portion F.sub.1 which is provided at or adjacent the/each at least one inlet 125. Said first portion F.sub.1 converges towards the axis A of the housing 120. Said first inlet portion or first portion F.sub.1 is advantageously substantially horizontal, in use, perpendicular to the axis A of the housing 120. In this embodiment the first portion F.sub.1 is substantially straight.

[0106] The/each fluid flow path F comprises a second inlet portion or second portion F.sub.2 which extends or continues from the first portion F.sub.1. Said second portion F.sub.2 is advantageously curved, bent or arcuate, and convex relative to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 120.

[0107] The/each fluid flow path F comprises a rotor portion or third portion F.sub.3 which extends or continues from the second portion F.sub.2. Said third portion F.sub.3 is advantageously substantially straight, coincident with or contains at least a part or parts of the rotor 110, and diverges away from the longitudinal axis A of the housing 120, in this embodiment in a flow direction from the inlet(s) 125 to the outlet 130, e.g. at an angle of 45 to 65, e.g. 55

[0108] The/each fluid flow path F comprises a further/intermediate portion or fourth portion F.sub.4 which extends or continues from the third portion F.sub.3. Said fourth portion F.sub.4 is advantageously curved, bent or arcuate, and concave relative to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 120.

[0109] The/each fluid flow path F comprises a stator portion or fifth portion F.sub.5 which extends or continues from the fourth portion F.sub.4. Said fifth portion F.sub.5 is advantageously substantially straight, coincident with or contains at least part or parts of the stator 115, and converges towards the longitudinal axis A of the housing 120, in this embodiment in a flow direction from the inlet 125 to the outlet 130, e.g. at an angle of 55 to 75, e.g. 65. Such arrangement is of benefit for excavation apparatus 105 adapted for use in relatively shallow waters, e.g. as such may allow for a relatively low profile/height excavation apparatus 105.

[0110] The/each fluid flow path F comprises a sixth portion F.sub.6 which extends or continues from the fifth portion F.sub.5. Said sixth portion F.sub.6 is advantageously curved, bent or arcuate, and convex relative to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 120.

[0111] The/each fluid flow path F comprises a first outlet portion or seventh portion F.sub.7 which extends or continues from the sixth portion F.sub.6. Said seventh portion F.sub.7 is provided at or adjacent the outlet 130. Said seventh portion F.sub.7 is advantageously substantially vertical, in use, parallel to the axis A of the housing 120, and substantially straight.

[0112] The excavation apparatus 105 beneficially comprises a second outlet portion or single rotor 110. The excavation apparatus 105 beneficially comprises a single stator 115.

[0113] In a first mode of operation, which comprises an excavation mode, the outlet 130 faces an area to be excavated and in such mode the inlet(s) 125 is/are provided above, e.g. directly above, the outlet 130.

[0114] In a second mode of operation, which comprises a suction mode, the inlet(s) 125 is/are proximal an area which has been excavated and/or requires to be cleared, and in such mode the inlet(s) 125 is/are provided below the outlet, e.g. directly below the outlet.

[0115] The rotor 110 and the stator 115 are provided in the housing 120. The housing 120 comprises axis A, the rotor 110 and the stator 115 being arranged coaxially upon the axis A. The rotor 110 is provided proximal the inlet(s) 125. The stator 115 is provided proximal the outlet 130.

[0116] An inside of the housing 120 diverges from the at least one inlet 125 towards the rotor 110. The inside of the housing 120 converges from the stator 115 towards the outlet 130. The housing 120 is circumferentially/rotationally symmetrical about a/the axis A of the housing 120.

[0117] The rotor 110 has a rotor rotation axis, which in this embodiment is axis A. The rotor 110 comprises a first body 139. The rotor 110 comprises a plurality of impeller blades 135 which are provided within the housing 120, such that, in use, flow of fluid passed or across the rotor 110 is, in use, at a first angle from the axis of rotation A. There are excavation and/or suction modes of the excavation apparatus 105.

[0118] In excavation and/or suction mode, fluid flows from the at least one inlet 125 to the outlet 130 of the excavation apparatus 105.

[0119] The rotor rotation axis A extends between a level of the at least one inlet 125 and the outlet 130. The first body 139 comprises a first cone member. The first angle diverges away from the axis A in a direction away from at least one of the at least one inlets 125 and towards the outlet 130. An apex of the first cone member faces the inlet 125.

[0120] The plurality of impeller blades 135 comprises aerofoil blades, which are circumferentially disposed on a/the first cone member.

[0121] The stator 115 is coaxial with the rotor 110 and the stator 115 is provided between the rotor 110 and the outlet 130. In use, flow of fluid passed or across the stator 115 is at a second angle from the axis of rotation of the rotor 110. The stator 115 comprises a second body 140, such as a second cone member. The second angle converges towards the axis A in a direction away from the inlet 125 and towards the outlet 130. An apex of the stator 115 faces the outlet 130. The stator 115 comprises a plurality of vanes or blades 145, such as aerofoil blades, which are disposed on a/the second cone member. The first angle is typically selected from either: in the range of 45 to 65, e.g. 55. The second angle is typically selected from in the range of 55 to 75, e.g. 65.

[0122] The excavation apparatus 105 comprises means or an arrangement for dampening reactive torque on the excavation apparatus 105 caused by rotation of the rotor 110, in use. The excavation apparatus 105 and/or the at least one rotor 110 beneficially comprises a single rotor. The torque dampening means beneficially does not comprise a second rotor, such as a second rotor counter-rotating to the at least one (single) rotor. The excavation apparatus 105 beneficially comprises at least one stator 115, such as a single stator. The housing 120 comprises a hollow body.

[0123] The rotor 110 and the stator 115 are provided in the housing 120. The housing 120 comprises axis A. The rotor 110 and the stator 115 are arranged coaxially, such as upon the axis A. The housing 120 is provided upon the axis A. The rotor 110 is provided proximal the at least one inlet 125, and/or the stator 115 is provided proximal the outlet 130.

[0124] The rotor 110 comprises first body 139, such as a first cone body and the plurality of impeller blades 135, e.g. disposed on, such as circumferentially around, the first body 139.

[0125] The stator 115 comprises second body 140, such as a second cone body, and a plurality of further blades 145, e.g. disposed on, such as circumferentially around, the second body 140.

[0126] Further or stator blades 145 comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality of primary stator blades 146, and one or more, e.g. a plurality of, secondary or splitter blades 147 which are provided between adjacent pairs of primary stator blades 146. Such arrangement can be of benefit in excavation apparatus 105 adapted for use in relatively shallow waters, e.g. as such can allow relatively low profile/height excavation apparatus 105.

[0127] The torque dampening means comprise or include anti-rotation vanes 148, e.g. at or proximal the outlet 130.

[0128] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the excavation apparatus 105 also provides lifting points or lifting eyes 155, e.g. so as to allow suspension of the excavation apparatus 105 from a vessel (not shown) by one or more lines or wires (not shown). Also, at the inlets 125 there is/are provided a safety grill(s) 160, e.g. to mitigate ingress of solids at the inlet(s) 125. The excavation apparatus 105 also provides an attachment arrangement 165, e.g. for mounting of a frame, sonar, camera or the like.

[0129] The excavation apparatus 105 also provides a drive motor 170 for driving the rotor 110, in use.

[0130] The present invention further provides an excavation system device or tool, generally designated 205, such as an underwater excavation apparatus, device or tool comprising at least one excavation apparatus 105.

[0131] The present invention further provides a method of excavation, such as a method of underwater excavation, the method comprising:

[0132] providing at least one excavation apparatus 105; and

[0133] excavating a location, such as an underwater location, using said excavation apparatus 105.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown in more detail a cross-section of the excavation apparatus 105 taken along line A-A of FIG. 3. As can be seen in this embodiment there is provided four support members 175 which divides the inlet 25 into effectively four inlets. Around the inlet 25 is provided an inlet guard 180 which acts, e.g. to mitigate against ingress of unwanted materials into the inlet 25. Around the inlet 25 is provided a flange 105. On the longitudinal axis A is provided a bearing holder 190 and a bearings and drive shaft 195.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 6, on the left hand side of the drawings there is shown a modified excavation apparatus, generally designated 105, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, parts of the excavation apparatus 105 being denoted with the same numerals as like parts of the excavation 105, but suffixed '.

[0136] The excavation apparatus 105 differs from the excavation apparatus 105 in that the first (inlet) section of the fluid flow path F does not provide a first inlet portion or first portion F.sub.1, but rather comprises only second inlet portion or second inlet portion F.sub.2. For comparison purposes, in FIG. 6 the first (inlet) section arrangements of the excavation apparatus 105 and the excavation apparatus 105 are shown on the left hand side and right hand side of the figure, respectively.

[0137] It will be appreciated that the embodiment of the present invention hereinbefore described is given by way of example only, and is not meant to be limiting of the invention in any way.

[0138] It will be particularly appreciated that the arrangement of the at least one inlet is adapted and/or designed to provide and/or encourage fluid flow ingress from a side or sides rather than an end/top of the housing. This is of particular benefit when operating at or near a surface of a body of fluid/water and/or in relatively shallow depths, e.g. so as to reduce any vortex effects at the inlet. Another key feature of such an excavation apparatus, particularly for such use, is a relatively large stator path converging angle relative to the longitudinal axis A, as such reduces the required height of the housing. To achieve the shorter, low profile, housing height, the provision of the secondary/splitter blades is of particular benefit.