초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for the cleaning of an underwater surface, such as a hull. The method and apparatus enables cleaning to be conducted while mitigating the release of removed material into surrounding waters. The integrated apparatus includes a cleaning deck for removing fouling from the underw

A method and apparatus for the cleaning of an underwater surface, such as a hull. The method and apparatus enables cleaning to be conducted while mitigating the release of removed material into surrounding waters. The integrated apparatus includes a cleaning deck for removing fouling from the underwater hull surface, and a pre-processing deck with integrated components for the processing of cleaning effluents. According to the method and apparatus, materials removed by the shroud are sucked into the pre-processing deck, crushed, and separated into a separator effluent that may be recycled to the shroud, and a concentrate, which is discharged to a land treatment unit for further processing.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed: 1. A cleaning vehicle for cleaning an underwater surface, the cleaning vehicle comprising a pre-processing deck and a cleaning deck pivotally connected to the pre-processing deck, wherein the pre-processing deck comprises:one or more circulation pumps downstream of the cleaning deck

What is claimed: 1. A cleaning vehicle for cleaning an underwater surface, the cleaning vehicle comprising a pre-processing deck and a cleaning deck pivotally connected to the pre-processing deck, wherein the pre-processing deck comprises:one or more circulation pumps downstream of the cleaning deck for initiating cleaning deck suction onto the underwater surface and for initiating a particulate flow of water entrained material removed by the cleaning deck;a solids-processing unit downstream of the cleaning deck for crushing and fracturing solids in the particulate flow;a separator unit downstream of the solids-processing unit for partitioning the particulate flow into a separator effluent and a concentrate of crushed material; and,the cleaning deck comprises one or more abrasion devices for removing fouling from the underwater surface, and a deck mouth for the intake of the particulate flow of water entrained material.