A PUMPING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A pumping system for moving a liquid, or a mixture of a liquid and one or more objects (P), from a collector device (2; 2) submerged in a body of water (W), to a receiving facility (31) comprises a first delivery line (7), a second delivery line (11) and a pump unit (9). The pump unit (9) is submerged in the body of water (W) at a first depth (d) below the water surface (S) and arranged between the collector (2; 2) and the receiving facility (31). The first delivery line (7) is fluidly connected between the collector device (2; 2) and a pump unit inlet (18). The second delivery line (11) is fluidly connected between a pump unit outlet (17) and the receiving facility (31). The pump unit is thus configured to generate suction in the first delivery line (7) and a positive pressure in the second delivery line (11). Suction in the first delivery line (7) may be increased by increasing the first depth (d) and/or by opening of the adjustable valve (30).

Claims

1. A pumping system for moving a liquid, or a mixture of a liquid and one or more objects, from a collector device submerged in a body of water, to a receiving facility arranged on a surface vessel or structure, comprising: a first delivery line, a second delivery line, and a pump unit, wherein: the pump unit is submerged in the body of water at a first depth below a surface of the body of water and arranged between the collector and the receiving facility; the first delivery line is fluidly connected between the collector device and a pump unit inlet; the second delivery line is fluidly connected between a pump unit outlet and the receiving facility; and the pump unit is configured to generate suction in the first delivery line and a positive pressure in the second delivery line.

2. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the pump unit comprises a pump which is selected from the group consisting of: centrifugal pump, positive displacement pump, or any pump which imparts mechanical energy to said liquid.

3. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the pump unit comprises a pump motor in a sealed housing separate from a pump, but connected to the pump via a shaft.

4. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the receiving facility is arranged on a structure at a height above the surface.

5. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the collector device is arranged at a second depth below the surface.

6. The pumping system of claim 1, further comprising a valve fluidly connected to the first delivery line at an inlet in the vicinity of the pump unit and operable to allow an inflow of ambient seawater into the first delivery line.

7. The pumping system of claim 6, wherein the valve is a check valve.

8. The pumping system of claim 6, wherein the valve is manually or automatically operated, or set to open and close at one or more predetermined pressures.

9. The pumping system of claim 6, wherein the valve is an adjustable valve.

10. The pumping system of claim 6, further comprising a flushing pump arranged in the vicinity of the receiving facility and being fluidly connected to a seawater inlet pipe and the second delivery line, and wherein a shut-off valve is arranged between the flushing pump and the second delivery line.

11. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the pump unit is supported by a vessel or other carrier structure via a support means; said support means being configured for moving the pump unit between a submerged, operating, position, and an non-operating position in which the pump unit is lifted above the surface.

12. The pumping system of claim 1, the pump unit further comprising a shaped housing in order to reduce hydrodynamic resistance in the water.

13. The pumping system of claim 1, the pump unit further comprising one or more weights.

14. The pumping system of claim 1, the pump unit further comprising a depth rudder configured and operable to imparting a downward force to the pump unit.

15. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the receiving facility is a processing plant comprising processing means for the liquid and objects.

16. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the collector is a trawl configured for being towed by a trawler via a trawl wire.

17. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the collector is a collector at rest on a seabed.

18. The pumping system of claim 1, wherein the liquid is seawater and the objects are selected from the group consisting of fish, krill or other biomass, scallop, rock, pieces of iron ore.

19. A vacuum pump system comprising the pumping system of claim 1 to deliver said liquid or mixture to said receiving facility.

20. A method of operating the pumping system as defined by claim 1, comprising: a) determining, estimating or sensing the pressure drop in the first delivery line; and b) arranging the pump unit at a depth that provides a pump inlet pressure which is sufficient for avoiding cavitation in a pump in the pump unit.

21. A method of operating the pumping system as defined by claim 9, comprising: a) determining, estimating or sensing the pressure drop in the first delivery line; and b) operating the adjustable valve to adjust the inlet pressure into the pump to avoid cavitation in the pump in the pump unit.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the pressure drop in the first delivery line is directly proportional to the length of the first delivery line.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the pressure drop in the first delivery line is directly proportional to the length of the first delivery line.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] These and other characteristics of the invention will become clear from the following description of a preferential form of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a trawler towing a trawl in a body of water, and an embodiment of the invented pumping system;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of an embodiment of the pump unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the pump unit;

[0039] FIGS. 4a and 4b are schematic and partial sectional side views of an alternative embodiment for suspending and operating the pump unit, in operating (extended) and inactive (retracted) positions, respectively;

[0040] FIGS. 5a and 5b are schematic and partial sectional side views of yet an alternative embodiment for suspending and operating the pump unit, in operating (extended) and inactive (retracted) positions, respectively;

[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic sketch of an embodiment of the invented pumping system;

[0042] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the pumping system illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0043] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invented pumping system, illustrating a normal operation;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invented pumping system corresponding to FIG. 8, illustrating a hose cleaning procedure; and

[0045] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invented pumping system corresponding to FIGS. 8 and 9, illustrating a state in which a pump check valve or remotely controlled relief valve is activated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERENTIAL EMBODIMENT

[0046] The following description will use terms such as horizontal, vertical, lateral, back and forth, up and down, upper, lower, inner, outer, forward, rear, etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be limiting.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a trawler 1 towing a trawl 2 in a body of water W (e.g. the sea) by means of a trawl wire 3. The trawl wire is connected to the open trawl end 20 via a connection member, such as a boom 4 or otter board. The trawl comprises a net as known in the art, and flow sensors 5a, 5b are arranged towards the cod end 21. One or more weights 6 are connected to the open end 20, in a manner well known in the art. The reference letter P designates the biomass which is to be caught by the trawl, the biomass being for example fish or krill.

[0048] Arranged immediately behind the trawler 1 and a distance d below the water surface S, a pump unit 9 is arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump unit 9 is connected to, and towed behind, the trawler 1 via a towing wire 10. An umbilical 12, comprising hydraulic lines and other required power, control and signaling lines, as required, is connected between power, control, support and utility systems (not shown) on the trawler and the pump unit. Extending between the cod end (i.e. rear, narrow, end) 21 of the trawl and the pump unit 9 is a first delivery hose 7. Reference number 8 indicate means (stitching, etc.) by which the first delivery hose may be connected into, or partly embedded into, the trawl 2. Extending between the pump unit 9 and the trawler 1 is a second delivery hose 11. On the trawler, the second delivery hose 11 may terminate into a cargo hold or a processing facility (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0049] Turning now to FIG. 2, the pump unit 9 comprises a housing 13 which in the illustrated embodiment is bulb-shaped in order to lower the hydrodynamic drag when the pump unit is pulled through the water.

[0050] Inside the housing 13 is a centrifugal pump 22 which comprises an impeller 23 driven by an internal motor (not shown in FIG. 2), preferably hydraulically driven and controlled via the umbilical 12 (see FIG. 1; not shown in FIG. 2). It should be understood that the motor may also be an electric motor. As impeller-and-motor configurations are well known in the art, they need not be described in detail here. It should be understood that the pump may also be a positive displacement pump.

[0051] In use, the pump 22 generates a partial vacuum, and hence suction, in the first delivery hose 7, and an overpressure (discharge pressure) in the second delivery hose 11. Thus, the first delivery hose 7 is connected to a suction end (inlet) 18 of the pump unit, and the second delivery hose 11 is connected to a discharge end (outlet) 17 of the pump unit. The pump also comprises a check valve 30, fluidly connected to the suction side of the impeller, i.e. in fluid communication with the first delivery hose 7 and the pump inlet 18.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates how a fluid inflow Q.sub.i flows into the pump through the first delivery hose 7, carrying with it krill P, and how a fluid outflow Q.sub.o flows out of the pump through the second delivery hose 11, delivering the krill P to the trawler (see FIG. 1; not shown in FIG. 2).

[0053] It should be understood that the first delivery hose 7 must be able to withstand suction without collapsing, and may to that end be furnished with spiral reinforcement strings, or similar. The second delivery hose 11 does however not need to have such capabilities, as it is being subjected to only positive pressures, but may be designed to withstand high positive pressures and external forces, such as wave action in the splash zone and abrasion caused by the vessel hull. As a non-limiting example, the first delivery hose 7 may be a vacuum hose of 600 metres length and an internal diameter of 8 to 10 inches (20.3 to 25.4 cm) and capable of withstanding a vacuum of 3 bar (i.e. negative pressure). The second delivery hose 11 may be a pressure hose of approximately 60 metres length and an internal diameter of 8 to 10 inches (20.3 to 25.4 cm).

[0054] In a practical application, the horizontal distance between the trawler and the open end 20 of the trawl may typically be between approximately 100 and 600 meters. Also, for example when trawling for krill, the trawl depth t may typically from zero (sea level) to 300 meters below the water surface S, and the distance d below the water surface at which the pump unit 9 is arranged may be 10 to 30 meters. Typical lifting height h above the water surface (see FIG. 1) may be 5 to 10 meters. The invention shall not be limited to these numerical values, but by arranging the pump unit in the sea near the trawler or at least a distance in front of the trawl, a greater pressure drop in the first delivery hose can be tolerated, compared to the prior art systems. This is because the pump unit must be lowered to the necessary depth in order to avoid cavitation in the pump. Also, the check valve 30 may be controlled (e.g. remotely) in order to avoid cavitation. It should therefore be understood that the check 30 valve may be operated by or be replaced by a relief valve. Operating the check valve (relief valve) causes less flow in the first delivery hose 7 (i.e. the vacuum hose) because a controlled water flow is allowed through the valve.

[0055] As mentioned above, the pump unit housing 13 is shaped so as to minimize hydrodynamic drag. In addition, in order for the pump unit 9 to move in a steady and predictable manner in the water, the housing is fitted with stabilizer fins, in the illustrated embodiment a ventral fin 15 and a dorsal fin 16. It will be appreciated that other fin configurations may be advantageous. In order to further augment the hydrodynamic properties of the pump unit 9, one or more clump weights 14 may be attached to the pump housing. Although FIG. 2 shows only one clump weight, it should be understood that weight may be added to the pump unit in a number of ways. In a non-limiting example, the clump weight 14 may generate a downward force F.sub.w of 3 tonnes. The pulling force F.sub.p in the towing wire 10 is 5.8 tonnes, the drag D.sub.1 produced by the trawl and first deliver hose is 4 tonnes and the drag D.sub.2 produced by the second delivery hose is 1 tonne.

[0056] As it may be desirable to lower the weight of the pump unit, for example when lifting the pump unit in and out of the sea, it may be desirable to remove the clump weight 14 or lower its mass. This may be achieved with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. Here, a depth rudder 19 is fitted to the pump unit. The depth rudder may be powered via hydraulics or electricity, for example via the umbilical mentioned above, in a manner which per se is well known in the art. The depth rudder may be operated to generate a downward force that reduces or removes the dependence on the clump weight.

[0057] Although the pump unit 9 has been described above as being towed by a towing wire, the invention shall not be limited to this connection means, as it should be understood that the pump unit may be connected to the trawler in a number of ways. For example, the pump unit may connected to outriggers on the trawler, or to telescopic arms or other structures that allow the pump unit to be lowered below the water surface. It is also conceivable that the pump unit 9 may be arranged in a tank or (not shown) or moon pool inside the trawler, and the tank is open to the surrounding sea. The pump unit would be arranged in the tank or moon pool and be lowered to a depth d below the water surface S, in order to achieve the necessary pressure at the pump inlet 18 to avoid cavitation when the mixture of water and biomass is transported through the first delivery hose 7 (vacuum hose) and the trawl outlet.

[0058] FIGS. 4a and 4b show one such alternative connection means. Here, the pump unit 9 is connected to a carrier arm 27 which is pivotally supported by an axle or other pivot member 25. A lifting wire 28 extends between the pump unit (or a lower portion of the carrier arm) and an overhead winch 24. The second delivery hose 11 (positive pressure) and umbilical 12 are arranged along the carrier arm, reference number 26 indicates the second delivery hose opening. Thus, by operating the winch 24, the pump unit may be operated between an extended position (FIG. 4a, operating state) below the trawler, and a retracted position (FIG. 4b, inactive state).

[0059] FIGS. 5a and 5b show another such alternative connection means. Here, the pump unit 9 is connected to a lifting wire 28 which runs through a guide structure 29. Arranged at the top of the guide structure 29 is a winch 24, and the lower part of the guide structure is open towards the sea, through the trawler hull. The second delivery hose 11 (positive pressure) and umbilical 12 are arranged along the guide structure. Thus, by operating the winch 24, the pump unit may be operated between an extended position (FIG. 5a, operating state) below the trawler and a retracted position (FIG. 5b, inactive state).

[0060] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of certain parts of the system illustrated in FIG. 1 (certain features, e.g. towing means, have been omitted). The trawl 2 is shown as being suspended in the body of water W, above the seabed B. However, it should be understood that the invention is equally applicable to situations and configurations in which the trawl is moving in the water, at rest in the water, moving along a seabed B, or being stationary on a seabed B. This is indicated in FIG. 6 by reference number 2 and the dotted lines illustrating a seabed collector. Also, while the description above refers to a trawl 2 for fish or other biomass P, it should be understood that the trawl may be replaced by any suitable collector designed for collecting any objects suspended in water, and for feeding a mixture of water and such objects into the first delivery hose 7. Therefore, the trawl 2 will in some instances in the following simply be referred to as a collector 2. In addition to fish, krill and other biomass, objects P may be rocks, gravel, iron ore, scallop, etc., and the skilled person will understand that the collector 2 will have to be designed for its specific intended catch. For example, if the intended catch are objects resting on the seabed, the collector may be furnished with a device (e.g. a mechanical shovel) configured to throw the objects up from the seabed immediately in front of the first delivery hose inlet.

[0061] Consequently, the above mentioned trawler 1 may in fact be any boat, vessel or structure above the water surface, and the processing plant 31 is designed for processing the applicable catch (mixture of objects P and water). FIG. 6 therefore illustrates a collector 2 arranged in a body of water (or 2 on the seabed), fluidly connected by means of a first delivery hose 7 to a submerged pump unit 9, and the pump unit 9 being fluidly connected by means of a second delivery hose 11 to a processing plant 31 on a vessel 1.

[0062] While in a practical application, the mixture of objects P and water is transported from the collector 2 to the processing plant 31 by means of flexible hoses 7, 11, the invention shall not be limited to such conduits. In general, any known fluid conduit may be used. Therefore, the first and second hoses will in the following also be referred to as first and second delivery lines 7, 11.

[0063] FIG. 7 is essentially a schematic diagram of the pumping system illustrated in FIG. 6. Reference number 1 denotes a deck (of e.g. a vessel) or platform a distance h above the water surface S. The pump unit 9 comprises a pump 22 driven by a motor 22a via a shaft 22b. The motor 22a may be an electric motor, a hydraulic motor or any other suitable motor known in the art. The motor 22a is arranged inside its own housing, sealed from the pump 22 and hence the pumped medium. The only connection between the pump motor 22a and the pump 22 is via the shaft 22b, which is also extending through seals (not shown). This separation of motor and pump is particularly advantageous in an embodiment in which the motor is utilizing hydraulic fluids (oils): a leakage will not compromise the pumped medium (fish and water). The pump motor 22a may be connected to the shaft 22b via a spline connection, whereby the motor may be removed or exchanged without having to disconnect the pump 22 from the delivery lines.

[0064] The pump unit 9 is arranged in the water at a vertical distance (depth) d below the water surface, and the collector 2 (or 2) is arranged at a vertical distance t below the water surface. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the horizontal distance between the collector 2 and the deck 1 may be on the order of 600 metres.

[0065] The pump 22, which may be a centrifugal pump or a positive displacement pump, generates a partial vacuum, and hence suction, in the first delivery line 7, and an overpressure (discharge pressure) in the second delivery line 11. As mentioned above with reference to FIG. 2, the first delivery line (delivery hose) 7 must be able to withstand suction without collapsing, and may to that end be furnished with spiral reinforcement strings, or similar. The second delivery line (delivery hose) 11 does however not need to have such capabilities, as it is being subjected to only positive pressures.

[0066] As a practical and non-limiting example, if the length of the first delivery line 7 may be 600 metres, the diameter of this line (suction hose) is 8 inches (20.3 cm), and the flow rate is 400 tonnes/hour, a pressure drop of approximately 1.8 bar is generated in the first delivery line 7 (i.e. from the collector 2 to the pump 22). If the pump unit 9 (and pump 22) is arranged at depth d=30 metres (i.e. at 4 bar pressure), the pump will have a pressure margin of 2.2 bar before cavitation occurs in the pump. If the deck 1 is arranged a height above the water surface of approximately h=6 metres, approximately 0.6 bar is required to lift the contents of the delivery lines (water and objects P) from the water and onto the deck. Hence, there is still ample margin before cavitation occurs (By contrast, should the submerged pump be replaced that a vacuum pump on deck, which is known in the prior art, the required vacuum would be 2.4 bar, which would result in cavitation).

[0067] Based on the above, it will be understood that lowering the pump to even further depths (c), the margin with respect to pump cavitation will increase. Also, if the length of the first delivery line 7 is shorter (say 150 meters), the pressure drop in the first delivery line 7 is reduced proportionally (to say 0.45 bar) and the depth d requirement decreases correspondingly. Such shorter delivery lines are applicable when trawling for fish in shallower depths.

[0068] It should thus be understood that submerging the pump into the body of water as described above, in effect generates a vacuum pump system which is capable of delivering fluids to levels well above the water surface.

[0069] A basic principle of the invention is to lower the pump unit 9 to a depth d which is sufficient for avoiding cavitation. Thus the required depth d may be determined based on the pressure drop in the first delivery line 7 (including the collector 2).

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 8, an inlet valve 37 and a gate valve 36 are arranged in the second delivery line 11, and the delivery line is connected consecutively to a water separator 31a, a storage tank 31b and a processing facility 31c. The skilled person will know that these components may be designed, configured and dimensioned for the applicable catch (i.e. nature of objects P), and that the processing plant 31 in fact may be any receiving facility. A water discharge pipe 35 is configured for returning water to the sea. A flushing pump 32 is configured to feed water into the second line 11, between the inlet valve 37 and the gate valve 36, via a pipe 34, and a shut-off valve 33 is arranged between the flushing pump 32 and the second line 11. The flushing pump 32 is typically arranged on the vessel and configured to deliver a flow of between 500 and 1000 tonnes/hour at approximately 3 bar.

[0071] Fluidly connected to the first line 7, hence on inlet side of the pump 22, and arranged in the pump unit 9, is a check valve 30. The check valve 30 is preset or operated to prevent a collapse of the first line 7, and will as such serve as a safety valve for the system. A typical opening pressure for the check valve is 2 bar, but this pressure may be set according to the applicable requirements. In addition to performing the safety valve function, the check valve may be operated (manually or automatically, e.g. based on sensor inputs) to control the mixture of seawater and fish passing through the pump, and thus in fact serve as a mixing valve. If it is desirable to increase the water flow, the valve may be opened fully or partially for a desired period of time.

[0072] FIG. 8 shows a situation in which the system is operating, i.e. feeding a mixture of water and objects P from the collector 2 to the processing plant 31. The shut-off valve 33 is closed and the flushing pump 32 is off. Inlet valve 37 and gate valve 36 are open. The pump 22 is operating and the check valve 30 is closed, such that no seawater passes through the valve 30. In this state, the system is operating within acceptable tolerances for avoiding cavitation. The valve 30 may be designed to open or close at predetermined pressures, or may be remotely operated.

[0073] During operation (e.g. trawling), the first delivery line 7 or the trawl outlet may become clogged by aggregation of objects P or by debris or other unwanted objects. The invented system makes it possible to resolve this problem without having to take the pumps and lines out of the water. FIG. 9 illustrates such cleaning procedure to remove obstacles from the delivery lines. In this configuration, the submerged pump 22 is not operating and the gate valve 36 is closed. The inlet valve 37 and the shut-off valve 32 are open and the flushing pump 32 is running Therefore, the seawater is pumped by the flushing pump 32, through the pipe 34, down into the second line 11, through the inactive pump 22 and into the first delivery line 7, thereby flushing the first delivery line and the trawl outlet back into the trawl.

[0074] FIG. 10 illustrates the safety feature inherent in the check valve 30. The shut-off valve 33 is closed and the flushing pump 32 is off, and inlet valve 37 and gate valve 36 are open, as is the case during normal operation. In the case of a blockage occurring in the first line 7 or at the inlet in the collector 2, causing the vacuum in the first line to exceed the check valve 30 opening pressure, the check valve will open. In a practical application, sensors and control systems (not shown) will shut off the submerged pump 22. Then, the blockage may be removed by the procedure described above with reference to FIG. 9.

[0075] Although the invented system has been described above with the pump unit 9 being connected to the trawler (via a wire, carrier arm or similar), the invention shall not be limited to such physical connection. It should be understood that the invention is equally applicable to a system in which the pump unit is arranged in front of the trawl (collector), i.e. in the direction towards the trawler, and a second delivery line is connected between the pump unit and the collector.

[0076] Although the invention has been described with reference to a centrifugal pump, it should be understood that the invention is equally applicable to centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps and other pumps which imparts mechanical energy to the seawater which is being pumped.