Underwater ship hull cleaning tool test device
Inventors
Haslbeck, Elizabeth G. • Holm, Eric R. • Lieberman, Kody L. • Earley, Patrick J. • Rivera, Ignacio D. • Michelin, Derek M. • Gabriel, Nathan H.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11313846-B1
Publication Date
2022-04-26
Expiration Date
2041-02-06
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Abstract
Exemplary inventive practice replicatively tests the effects of cleaning processes applied to marine hulls coated with biofouling-control substances. A sample (e.g., antifouling-coated panel) is coupled with a trolley that is linearly moveable via trolley wheels upon two parallel tracks provided along the length of an open rectangular box-shaped tank, partially filled with natural or artificial seawater. The cleaning element (e.g., brush bristles) points vertically upward in a stationary position atop a motorized cleaning unit installed proximate the bottom of the tank. In accordance with the trolley's horizontal movement, and while the sample and cleaning element are immersed in seawater, the sample traverses the cleaning element in a contactual manner that mimics underwater cleaning dynamics for a hull surface. Using sensory data, seawater portions are evaluated to relate the cleaning instrumentation and operation to the nature and degree of biocides and chemicals that, concomitant the cleaning, are released into the seawater.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for replicatively testing the effects of underwater cleaning processes applied to marine hulls coated with biofouling-control substances. It provides a standardized way to evaluate and quantify the impact of cleaning tools on paint thickness and the release of paint components such as biocides into seawater. The apparatus includes a container partially filled with natural or artificial seawater, a cleaning device with a cleaning element in a fixed position, and a carrier unit that transports a coated sample so that its planar coated surface contactingly moves across the cleaning element, releasing some of the coating matter into the liquid.
The apparatus is designed to simulate the application of cleaning tools to painted surfaces under field conditions, replicating brush forces, brush rotation, and translation rates typical of in-water hull cleaning operations. It allows precise quantification of impacts on paint systems in terms of thickness, roughness, and damage, as well as collection and chemical analysis of seawater samples to evaluate biocide release and particulate loading during cleaning. Using sensory data such as speed sensors and torque sensors, the apparatus correlates cleaning operations to the nature and degree of coating matter released into the surrounding water.
The problem being solved arises from the shortcomings of prior methods and techniques used to characterize the impact of cleaning tools on biofouling-control coatings. Previous approaches failed to adequately replicate or quantify the forces from cleaning tools, did not allow for quantification of environmental inputs alongside coating impact, and suffered from challenges in replication and data interpretation in full-scale ship-based cleaning or test panel testing. This invention addresses these challenges by providing a controlled, laboratory-scale test device that simulates actual cleaning conditions and enables precise measurements of both coating degradation and environmental contaminant release.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains multiple independent claims covering both apparatus and method aspects of replicating underwater cleaning of coated surfaces.
Apparatus for replicating cleaning of a structure in a liquid environment
An apparatus comprising a container for liquid, a cleaning device with a cleaning element that contacts a coated planar surface area of a sample, and a carrier unit that transports the sample so the coated surface moves across the cleaning element fixed in position. The apparatus includes a driver mechanism with driver wheels. The container is a tank with trolley-wheel engagement rails along its length. The carrier is a trolley with trolley wheels and driver-wheel engagement rails, moving linearly along the tank via wheel engagement. The driver mechanism propels the trolley by engaging the driver wheels with the driver-wheel engagement rails, causing release of coating matter into the liquid.
Cleaning element characterized by various material types
The cleaning element is composed of materials selected from brush filaments, pad, sponge, carpet, and fluid, facilitating various cleaning modes.
Cleaning device with rotational cleaning element
The cleaning device operates with the cleaning element rotating during contact with the coated planar surface area of the sample.
Integration of sensors and computer evaluation for operation parameters and coating matter release
Sensors measure trolley linear speed, cleaning element rotational speed, and cleaning device torque load during operation. A computer with program logic obtains these sensory measurements, analyzes the amount of coating matter released into the liquid, and correlates sensory data with analyzed release quantities for evaluation.
Tank and trolley structural and mechanical configuration
A rectangular prismatic tank includes a tank bottom, two side walls, two end walls, and trolley-wheel engagement rails extending along side walls. The trolley has a rectangular profile with four wheels engaging the rails and driver-wheel engagement rails engaged by two driver wheels. The trolley moves linearly along the tank length propelled by driver wheels.
Tank bottom opening with integrated receptacle and valve system
The tank bottom includes an opening integrated with a receptacle (sump) below, with inlet and outlet valves for controlled liquid ingress and egress.
Design features to encourage liquid flow
The tank bottom and receptacle bottoms are inclined to facilitate approximate downward fluid flow into the receptacle and toward the outlet valve.
Use of seawater in the apparatus with brush filament cleaning element
The liquid is seawater and the cleaning element comprises brush filaments, simulating underwater hull cleaning conditions.
The independent claims collectively cover an apparatus and methods for simulating underwater cleaning of coated surfaces with linear movement of a coated sample over a fixed cleaning element, incorporation of rotational cleaning devices, provision of detailed sensor data collection and evaluation, and structural features facilitating liquid containment and flow. This enables precise replication of hull cleaning tool operation and quantification of coating wear and biocide release.
Stated Advantages
Provides precise quantification of the impact of underwater hull cleaning tools on paint thickness and release of coating components such as biocides.
Allows for measurements of environmental inputs during cleaning, including biocide release and particulate loading.
Replicates actual field conditions of underwater hull cleaning including brush forces, rotation, and translation rates, ensuring relevance of data.
Enables standardized testing in a controlled laboratory setting with consistent and repeatable measurement of coating wear and environmental effects.
Facilitates collection of water samples for chemical analysis to correlate cleaning operation parameters with contaminant releases.
Configurable to accommodate a wide array of current and emerging cleaning tools and to measure forces and biofouling removal precisely.
Designed to minimize corrosion, water usage, and interference with chemical analyses, and complies with safety standards.
Documented Applications
Evaluating and testing underwater cleaning tools and methods employed for cleaning marine vessel hulls coated with biofouling-control substances.
Replicating and quantifying the impact of cleaning processes on coating thickness and biocide release for various hull coatings.
Comparing legacy and emerging underwater cleaning technologies such as brush cleaning systems (e.g., SCAMP) and water jet cleaning heads.
Performing laboratory-scale simulations of in-water hull cleaning to collect data on coating wear, cleaning tool performance, and environmental contaminant inputs.
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