Technical Field

[0001] The present Invention concerns disinfection/cleaning of ship hulls, vessels, ballast tanks and similar objects.

Background Aft

[0002] Disinfection of vessel hull Is time consuming: still It Is a requirement in

many situations. Within fish farming it is often necessary to clean hulls of vessels, the same may apply where boats/ships is moved between areas with different microbial population, moreover ballast tanks needs regularly to be cleaned

[0003] Normally cleaning fakes place on shore as vessels are transported to an on shore facility where tarpaulins are arranged around the bull or ballast tank, a disinfection medium is filled Into the tarpaulin, hence the bull is bathed in the disinfection medium.

Disclosure of Invention

[0004] The main object according to the present invention is achieved by a

disinfection-floating device having means for automatically disinfecting and/or cleaning bodies off shore. In particular it is provided a disinfection floating stage comprising:

a. a main floating stage part,

b. al least two outriggers extending out from the main floating stage part where each of the at least two outriggers are provided with at least one lifting device and where the outriggers are substantially parallel,

c. at least one tarpaulin arranged between two opposing outriggers, d. engagement means for engagement between the at least one lifting device on each of the two outriggers and the tarpaulin for lowering and lifting the tarpaulin, and

e. sinking means In engagement with the tarpaulin for Immersing the tarpaulin into the sea.

[0005] In one aspect of the invention the main floating stage part further

comprises at least one tank for chemical fluids, where the at least one tank for chemical fluids maybe in fluid connection with at least one pump and where the at least one pump can be in fluid connection with at least one hose for draining and/or filling fluid into at least one tarpaulin.

[0006] The disinfection floating stage may also be provided with at least one

thruster for manoeuvring of the disinfection floating stage,

[0007] The floating stage part 180 may further comprise a control and monitoring cabin.

[0008] The at least one lifting device can he a barrel winch and where at least one of the barrel winches drives cable drums with wires for engagement with the tarpaulin. The lifting devices., which is indirectly In engagement with the same tarpaulin, can run dependency of each other.

[0009] Another object of the invention Is achieved using a disinfection system where the disinfection system at least comprising:

a) at least one pumping means for pumping seawater; b) at least one mixer operationally connected with outlets of the at least one seawater pump;

c) at least one oxygen tank;

ύ) at least one Ozone-generator, where the Ozone-generator is operationally connected; and

e) the at least one Ozone-generator is provided with at least one outlet where at least one outlet is connected with at least one mixer.

[0010] Other advantageous features appears from the appended independent claims, whereas particular embodiments of the present invention appears from the appended dependent claims

Brief Description of Drawings

[0011] in order to make the invention more readily understandable, the discussion that follows will refer to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0012] Fig, 1 shows a disinfection floating stage seen with one immersed

tarpaulin and one suspended above sea level,.

[0013] Fig 2 shows the disinfection floating stage In figure 1 from a different

angle;

[0014] Fig 3 shows the disinfection floating stage in figure 1 and 2 from another angle; [0015] Fig 4 shows the disinfection floating stage in figure 1 - 3 from above;

[0016] Fig 5 shows the disinfection floating stage with a vessel;

[0017] Fig 6 shows an example of a disinfection float with several basins;

[0018] Fig 7 shows an example of a pontoon, adapted for use as an element in a disinfection float;

[0019] Fig. 8 shows an example of an O3, Ozone, and seawater mixing

apparatus,

[0020] Fig. 9a shows an example of a seawater/03 cannon in a side view,

[0021] Fig. 9b cross section

[0022] Fig. 9c shows a cross section of a seawater/03 cannon from behind,

[0023] Fig. 9d shows a cross section of a seawater/03 cannon from front and a pipe/hose frontal view, a cut of a ring is shown welded to the beam 903 [0024] Fig 10 shows a schematically view of a lifting device; and

[0025] Fig 1 1 shows a telescope crane tower.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] The present invention relates to disinfection/cleaning of ship hulls, vessels, ballast tanks and similar objects. In the following discussion, it will be adhered to the accompanying drawings; however, the drawings are not necessarily to scale nor are all features shown in the drawings mandatory, also, some of the features may be excluded. The drawings are meant to ease understanding of the present invention.

[0027] In the following discussion, the following word may be used

interchangeably; wire, rope or line. The wire/line/rope 1 10 used for engagement between tarpaulins and lifting device may also include wires having a desired elasticity.

[0028] There are several features that characterises the present disinfection

floating stage firstly on a superior level it provides a scalable solution for disinfecting large bodies off shore in an automatic or semiautomatic way, this is achieved by providing a main floating stage 180 from which at least two outriggers expands. Between the at least two outriggers a sea basin with one open end will appear. Several lifting devices 1 17can be provided on opposite outriggers in rows, between the lifting devices 117 a tarpaulin 1 1 1 , 1 14 can be provided. The tarpaulin can be lifted and lowered by the lifting devices 1 17 using for example wires 1 10 which is fed from the lifting devices and which is releasably secured to the tarpaulin.

[0029] The tarpaulin can be provided with "sinking means", that is means which ensures that when a tarpaulin is lowered from the lifting devices 1 17 it will be immersed in the sea water within the sea basin between two opposite outriggers. The means may be provided as weights, which can be attached to the tarpaulin. The tarpaulin can be provided with openings, which can be closed so as to facilitate immersing the tarpaulin.

[0030] In another aspect of the invention, the tarpaulins are lowered by the lifting devices while simultaneously being pulled down by wires/ropes/lines connected to the underside of the tarpaulin. The wires may be thread around submersed sheaves, which are secured to the floating stage by a framework. The wires/lines/ropes may be fed from winches on the floating stage above sea level.

[0031] The tarpaulin can be a simple tarpaulin having eyes or attachment lugs on two opposite sides for connection with wires 1 10 from the lifting devices 1 17. The wires can be releasably attached to the tarpaulin 1 1 1 , 1 14 using spring hooks / safety hook or shackles. The spring hooks may be of the lockable type.

[0032] The present disinfection floating stage may be provided with thrusters, which can be used to ensure that the disinfection floating stage is kept in a more or less fixed position, moreover the disinfection stage 10 can also be provided with engines for propulsion of the floating stage 10.

[0033] In another aspect, the disinfection floating stage 10 is dragged by a

tugboat and kept in a more or less fixed position. Also, a tugboat may move the disinfection floating stage to a desired place and the disinfection floating stage may be anchored at this place. Hence, the disinfection floating stage can be provided with one or more anchors.

[0034] The disinfection floating stage can be provided with one or more tanks 130, 131 which can contain the disinfection medium.

[0035] A housing for personnel and control 181 can be provided onto the main floating stage 180. [0036] Lifting and immersing of the tarpaulin may be carried out using a remote controller. Either a wired remote controller, which controls the process of lifting and lowering of the tarpaulins 1 11 , 1 14, or with a wireless control. The lifting devices 1 17 are wirelessly or by wire in connection with a central processing unit that controls the process of lowering and lifting the tarpaulins.

[0037] If a body is to be disinfected, one of the tarpaulins 1 11 , 1 14 is immersed in the sea. The two short ends of the tarpaulins may be lifted in an upward direction/vertical direction to ensure that fluid in the tarpaulin is not poured into surrounding water. Having lowered the tarpaulin automatically or semi automatically the body to be disinfected can be manoeuvred in between the two relevant outriggers above the immersed tarpaulin. Thereafter the seawater in the tarpaulin have to be drained out. Draining may be facilitated using pumps such as one or more bilge pumps connected with one or more hoses/tubes 901 which is used to transport fluid to the surrounding sea. Simultaneously with the draining process, the tarpaulin is automatically lifted by the surrounding lifting devices 1 17.

[0038] Having drained out all of the water in the tarpaulin with the body to be

disinfected a disinfection medium / cleaning medium is pumped into the tarpaulin 1 1 1 , 1 14 between the body 501 and the surrounding tarpaulin. After a set period the disinfection/cleaning process is finished and the disinfection medium / cleaning medium can be pumped into a waste tank or recycling tank 130, 131. When the tarpaulin is considered emptied the tarpaulin is immersed in the sea again by lowering it, surrounding water will then fill the tarpaulin again and the disinfected/cleaned body can be manoeuvred out again.

[0039] It shall be appreciated that the whole of the process or several of the steps for cleaning/disinfection can be carried out automatically. Furthermore, many basins for cleaning can be provided (se fig. 6), and

disinfection/cleaning can be carried out in parallel in different basins independently of each other.

[0040] According to another algorithm, the cleaning is carried out in accordance with a priority plan where the processes of cleaning between different basins are not independent. For example there might be a limited number of draining pumps/draining hoses/tubes or a limited number of hoses/tubes for filling disinfection/cleaning medium into the tarpaulin etc.

A first embodiment of the present invention

[0041] The present invention will now be described by way of example with

reference to the accompanying figures.

[0042] Figure 1 - 5 shows an example of a disinfection floating stage 10 with four outriggers 1 13, 120,1 12, 1 15. The four outriggers defines two independent basins, one between the first outrigger 113 and the second outrigger 120 and the second basin between the third outrigger 1 12 and the fourth outrigger 1 15. In figure on the first and the second outrigger have substantially the same length, whilst the outrigger 1 12 and 1 15 have substantially the same length.

[0043] The outriggers shown in figure 1 are parallel to each other. The outriggers extends from a main floating stage 180. The main floating stage 180 carries the control room/cabin 181. The control room 181 may be provided with controllers and displays for surveillance of the disinfection floating stage. Moreover, the processes of immersing tarpaulins 11 1 ,1 14, emptying, filling, disinfecting and immersing the tarpaulin 1 1 1 , 1 14 again can be monitored by at least one camera that transfers its data to display means in the control room 181. Personnel on board may be provided with handheld devices which can be used for control and monitoring the same processes as those that can be controlled and monitored from the control room 181.

[0044] The main floating stage 180 is shown with a first 130 and a second tank 131. The first tank 130 can be used for non-used chemicals whilst the second tank 131 can be used as a tank for used chemicals. The main floating stage 180 is shown with two tanks 130, 131 , obviously, it can contain more tanks, thus making the disinfection floating stage 10 scalable.

[0045] Each of the outriggers shown in figure 1 shows several lifting devices 1 17.

The lifting devices are arranged in rows on each outrigger facing lifting devices on an opposite outrigger. That is the first outrigger 1 13 is opposite the second outrigger 120 and the third outrigger 1 12 is opposite of the fourth outrigger 115. The lifting devices can be materialised as a crane. In its simplest form it might be materialised as a winch with one or more sheaves which feeds wires 1 10 for lifting and lowering the tarpaulin.

[0046] In figure 1 - 5 it is shown two basins with two dedicated tarpaulins a first tarpaulin 1 14 between the first and the second outrigger and a second tarpaulin 1 1 1 between the third and fourth outrigger. The second tarpaulin is bigger than the first tarpaulin.

[0047] Figure 1 shows the first tarpaulin 1 14 in an idle position / lifted position.

That is the lifting devices 1 17 have spooled in the wires 1 10, thereby lifting the tarpaulin 114.

[0048] The second tarpaulin 11 1 is immersed, that is lowered as the lifting

devices 1 17 have winded out wire 1 10.

[0049] Figure 2 shows the same state as figure 1 however seen from another angle.

[0050] Figure 3 shows the disinfection floating stage 10 from the open end of the basins, i.e. the entrance side for bodies to be cleaned/disinfected. The state is as for figure 1 and 2.

[0051] Figure 4 shows the disinfection floating stage 10 from above.

[0052] Figure 5 shows the disinfection floating stage 10 with a vessel 501 in one of the basins with the second tarpaulin 1 1 1 surrounding it.

An aspect of the first embodiment of the invention

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention the disinfection float 10 can be provided with several basins for disinfection/cleaning, hence the principle according to the present invention is very scalable.

[0054] One example of several basins is shown in figure 6. Figure six shows eight basins, where each basin can be provided with tarpaulins.

[0055] In figure ten outriggers extend from a main floating stage having a length Y1 and a width X3. Obviously increasing the length Y1 can increase the number of outriggers or the distance Y2 between neighbouring outriggers or a combination thereof. [0056] The length X2 and X2 of the outriggers can be different. Moreover, short and long outriggers can be attached next to each other as is shown in figure 1 - 5 for the second and the third outriggers. This solution will provide neighbouring basins with different length X2 or X1.

[0057] In the particular aspect of the embodiment shown in figure 6 the main

floating stage 60 is shown as a rectangular floating stage.

[0058] In one aspect, the main floating stage can be circular, elliptic, super elliptic or have other shapes. Thereby facilitating a disinfection float having for example a number of outriggers in a fan shaped fashion.

The main floating stage and outriggers.

[0059] The outriggers 1 12, 1 13, 120 and the main floating stage 180 can be

designed using a number of pontoons, see figure 7. A solution which includes one or more pontoons scales very well hence a disinfection floating stage can easily be adapted for different purposes and for different capacities. In particular moving from a floating stage 10 with two outriggers and expanding to a multi basin floating stage as shown in figure 6 is simplified using a pontoon solution.

[0060] In one embodiment, the pontoons can be made of concrete. However other materials can be used, also a combination of different materials can be used. Two adjacent pontoons can be coupled together using a pre- stressed wire which runs the length of a pontoon and buffers in the skirting ensure that a chain of pontoons is directionally very stable. The buffers can be made of a powerful polyurethane. This results in an effective distribution of forces throughout an entire pier. With reference to figure 7 it can be seen that the pontoon is provided with four receiving holes at one short end, in an enlarged section, it is shown that the pontoons are also provided with the mentioned buffers, the buffers and the hole engage like a male female connection. Two interconnected pontoon can be provided with security means such as chains to keep the pontoons securely together. [0061] The pontoons can be provided with fastening points for auxiliary equipment. Moreover, in one embodiment wearing part can be

replaceable.

[0062] The pontoons will typically be provided with fenders at least along one long side of the pontoon. Having fenders on both, long sides make it easy to design basins on each long side of a pontoon. The fenders can be made of different materials, such as rubber, polyurethane or wood. In one embodiment, the fenders are solidly dimensioned wooden fenders (5" x 6"). The fenders can be fixed to the pontoon using any suitable fastening means. In one aspect through shaft for is used. Through shaft for wooden fenders eliminates the risk of them being torn away and subjects the concrete structure only to pressure forces. Fingers can easily be fixed to the fenders and adjusted to provide the desired berth widths. When subjected to loads and impacts, not least from permanently mounted fingers, the forces are transferred to the opposite side. The pontoon's wave-breaking effect is regulated by its weight, draught and width, and can be modified for individual sites.

Disinfection means

[0063] Disinfection can be carried out using numerous different types of

disinfection fluids such as chlorine among others. The optimal solution is obviously to find a fluid, which is not harmful to the nature but still is acceptable with respect to government requirement.

[0064] Ozone is one candidate, which has a high oxidation potential. In one

embodiment of the present invention, a mixture of seawater 810 and O3 IS used.

[0065] O3, Ozone, is an unstable gas with a very short half-life, which means that it reacts and disappears very fast.

[0066] Because of its high oxidation potential, ozone oxidizes cell

components of the bacterial cell wall. This is a consequence of cell wall penetration. Once ozone has entered the cell, it oxidizes all essential components (enzymes, proteins, DNA, RNA). When the cellular membrane is damaged during this process, the cell wall will fall apart. This is called lysis.

[0067] Figure 8 shows the principle of a disinfection production system, which according to one embodiment is applied in the disinfection stage 10. The disinfection production system 800 comprises an oxygen tank 801 , i.e. O2 tank. The O2 in the oxygen tank can be produced on site using air compressors, air driers and oxygen generators or the O2 can be produced externally. O2 is fed to an Ozone-generator 802. One or more outlets from the Ozone generator 802 feeds a "seawater O3" mixer 804a, 804b, 804c 804d. In one configuration one outlet feeds one mixer, in another embodiment one outlet from the Ozone-generator is fed to a branch tube or a manifold with multiple outlets. The number of outlets is a matter of design and is dependent on the needed capacity.

[0068] The disinfection production system 800 further includes one or more

pumps 803a, 803b, 803c, 803d, the one or more pumps is pumping seawater from the sea and feeds the seawater to one or more mixers 804a, 804b, 804c, 804d. The mixers can include injectors with nozzles to ensure an efficient mix with the seawater. The output of the one or more mixers is a mixture of seawater and O3. The 03/seawater mixture from the one or more mixers is fed to one or more basins with objects that shall be disinfected using tubes or hoses 901. The objects rests on tarpaulins 1 1 1 and the mixture is filled into the tarpaulins 11 1 basins to enclose the objects. The hoses or tubes 901 are fed by tubes connected to outlets from the one or more mixers. One or more sample devices 805a, 805b, 805c, 805d can be provided on the feeding line with mixture from the mixers. The samplers 805a, 805b, 805c 805d includes sensors which can measure concentration of O3 in seawater. A typical concentration can be 1 mg/L, i.e. 1 mg O3 per litre seawater.

[0069] The disinfection system 800 scales well. A combination of branch pipes and manifolds can be used to reduce or increase numbers of inputs to the mixers 804a, 804b, 804c, 804d. Equally one seawater pump can feed several mixers using branch pipes or the outlets from several seawater pumps 803a, 803b, 803c 803d can be connected together in one or more manifolds to reduce the numbers of inputs to the mixers 804a, 804b 804c, 804d.

[0070] Hoses with a free end which feeds a basin with a disinfection mixture is likely to move like a snake, thus according to one embodiment the present solution includes guiding means which ensures that disinfection mixture is fed correctly.

[0071] One example of such a guiding means is shown in figure 9. Figure 9

basically includes a post 906 fixed to a sidewall of an outrigger 1 12, 1 13, 1 15, 120. The post 906 projects out from a long side of the outriggers. Typically, the post 906 is arranged normally to the sidewall of the outrigger. At its free end the post 906 comprises first fastening means for pivotably connecting a beam 903. Between the free end and the base of the post 906, the post 906 is provided with an aperture with a diameter dimensioned to fit the diameter of the hoses 901 used. The beam 903 is provided with one or more holding means 905. The one or more holding means 905 is designed to hold a hose 901 for feeding seawater and O3 mixture. In figure 9 the beam is provided with two holding means 905. The holding means 905 can be provided as an essentially circular ring with a dimeter slightly bigger than the outside diameter of the hose 901. The diameter of the holding means can be adjustable. The beam is shown vertically and parallel with a sidewall of an outrigger in figure 9. The beam 903 may however include a pivot hinge system, which facilitates orientation of the piggybacked hose 901 making it flexible. Moreover, in one embodiment the post 905 can include a rotary junction, which facilitates rotation of the beam 903 the axis of rotation being parallel with the post 905. The combination of the first fastening means for pivotably connecting the beam 903 and the rotary joint means that the piggybacked hose 901 can be moved in three dimensions.

[0072] The beam 903 includes one or more lifting means 902, the lifting means can be used to attach wires where the wire can be used to manipulate orientation of the piggy backed hose 901.

A simple example of lifting devices [0073] Figure 10 shows a schematically view of a lifting device. For ease of understanding, the framework, which carries the components of the lifting device 1 17, is not shown.

[0074] A winch 703 is fixed to a base/framework, which again is fixed to the floor of an outrigger or is integrated into an outrigger.

[0075] The winch 703 is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation in both directions. Wire 1 10 is spooled onto the winch. It shall be understood that several lifting devices 1 17 are arranged in a row, and that they may move synchronously. Synchronicity may be achieved by having several drums with wires, which are driven by the same source via a common axle, or by transmission between the drums. Thus, it shall be understood that in a row of lifting devices it might be one master lifting device 1 17 with driving means for rotation of the drum / winch and several slave lifting devices, which is synchronously driven by the master lifting device.

[0076] In the figure shown it is disclosed a second sheave 701 which may or may not be used in combination with the lower drum/winch 703.

[0077] The sheave may be used to extend the height of the lifting device 117. In one aspect, the distance between the sheave 701 and the drum 703 can be varied.

[0078] It shall be understood that all lifting devices handling the same tarpaulin is advantageously not running independently of each other, advantageously they are running synchronously. The winches/drums, which are in engagement with the two short ends of the tarpaulin, may be driven independently or may have a gear ratio that is not 1 :1 with the lifting devices between. Different feeding speeds can be achieved by having different diameter on the sheaves and/or drums, or by adding mechanical gears. [0079] In figure 10, it is shown a ring 702 that indicates a fastening means for securing the wire 1 10 to a tarpaulin. The ring 702 may be a

carabiner/spring lock a shackle or any other common fastening means.

An aspect of the previous embodiments of the invention

[0080] According to an aspect of the invention, the lifting towers 1 17 may be

provided as cranes with height expandable towers. The reasoning behind this is that it might be an advantage with height expandable towers, as this will ensure that it is easy to lift the tarpaulin 11 1 , 1 14 above sea level.

[0081] There are several ways of achieving height expandable towers; one of them is to use a telescopic solution. This ensures that the solution is compact and the footprint on the outriggers, 112, 1 13, 115, 120 is relatively small, thereby being well adapted to outriggers with a limited width.

[0082] Such a variant is shown in Fig. 1 1 a and Fig. 11 b. The telescope crane tower 1 17 comprises several telescopic elements 106a, 106b, 106c and

106d. Four telescopic elements is only used as an example it might be fewer or more telescopic elements in a height adjustable crane tower 1 17.

In one example, the inner tube 106a will be provided with a stopping edge

103a. The stopping edge 103a can be configured as a disc and may be used as a base for an upper framework including an upper sheave 701 for feeding wire 1 10 in and out. The stopping edge will also make sure the top shelf plate does not slide downwardly in an expanded position and keep shelves located below at a fixed distance from the top shelf plate. The outermost tube 106d can be provided base plate 103b. The number of links of a telescoping tower 106 is a matter of design choice. The distances y1 , y2, y3, and y4 determine the traveling distance of one telescopic element.

[0083] Reference table