U.S. patent application number 11/842390 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for desalination method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Water Standard Company, LLC. Invention is credited to Andrew W. Gordon.
Application Number | 20080011681 11/842390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34710440 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080011681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gordon; Andrew W. |
January 17, 2008 |
Desalination Method
Abstract
Systems, methods, and apparatus for desalinating water are
provided. A vessel includes a water intake system, a reverse
osmosis system, a concentrate discharge system, a permeate transfer
system, a power source, and a control system. The concentrate
discharge system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge
ports.
Inventors: |
Gordon; Andrew W.; (Boca
Raton, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RUDEN, MCCLOSKY, SMITH, SCHUSTER & RUSSELL, P.A.
222 LAKEVIEW AVE
SUITE 800
WEST PALM BEACH
FL
33401-6112
US
|
Assignee: |
Water Standard Company, LLC
|
Family ID: |
34710440 |
Appl. No.: |
11/842390 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10734050 |
Dec 11, 2003 |
|
|
|
11842390 |
Aug 21, 2007 |
|
|
|
10630351 |
Jul 30, 2003 |
7081205 |
|
|
10734050 |
Dec 11, 2003 |
|
|
|
60505341 |
Jun 3, 2003 |
|
|
|
60416907 |
Oct 8, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/650 ;
210/143; 210/170.05; 210/170.11; 210/321.6; 210/652; 210/747.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 5/0606 20130101;
Y02A 20/128 20180101; C02F 2201/008 20130101; C02F 1/001 20130101;
C02F 1/444 20130101; Y02A 20/212 20180101; B63J 1/00 20130101; B01F
5/0682 20130101; C02F 1/06 20130101; C02F 1/66 20130101; Y02W 10/37
20150501; B01D 61/08 20130101; C02F 2209/02 20130101; C02F 2201/009
20130101; C02F 2303/24 20130101; Y02A 20/141 20180101; B01D 61/10
20130101; B01D 61/025 20130101; C02F 1/041 20130101; C02F 2209/005
20130101; C02F 2201/001 20130101; Y02A 20/124 20180101; B01F 5/0688
20130101; B01F 5/0603 20130101; C02F 2209/008 20130101; C02F 1/44
20130101; C02F 1/441 20130101; C02F 9/00 20130101; C02F 2209/006
20130101; B01D 61/12 20130101; C02F 1/68 20130101; C02F 2103/08
20130101; Y02A 20/131 20180101; C02F 2303/185 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/650 ;
210/747; 210/143; 210/321.6; 210/170.05; 210/170.11; 210/652 |
International
Class: |
B01D 61/00 20060101
B01D061/00; C02F 1/00 20060101 C02F001/00 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A method of desalinating seawater on an apparatus positioned at
a location on the surface of a body of seawater, the method
comprising the steps of: intaking seawater from the body of
seawater into the apparatus; removing salt from the seawater taken
into the apparatus to yield desalinated water and a concentrate;
adjusting the temperature of the concentrate so that it is
substantially the same as the seawater surrounding the apparatus;
and discharging the temperature-adjusted concentrate into the body
of seawater.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of adjusting the
temperature of the concentrate is performed by mixing the
concentrate with seawater prior the step of discharging the
temperature-adjusted concentrate
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/734,050, filed on Dec. 11, 2003; U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/630,351, filed Jul. 30, 2003 (now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,081,205); U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/416,907, filed Oct. 8, 2002; and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/505,341, filed on Jun. 3, 2003. Each of the foregoing
applications is incorporated in its entirety herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to systems, methods and
apparatus for providing filtered water. Embodiments include
systems, methods and apparatus for water desalination and
purification including the removal of dissolved solids and
contaminants from sea water and brackish water. Systems of the
present invention may be advantageously utilized to provide
potable, or otherwise purified water, from a seawater or brackish
water source.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The antiquity of water supply systems is well established.
The practice of water treatment dates back to at least 2000 B.C.,
when Sanskrit writings on medical lore recommended storage of water
in copper vessels, exposure of water to sunlight, filtering through
charcoal, and boiling of foul water for the purpose of making water
drinkable.
[0004] Later, two significant advancements helped to establish
drinking water treatment. In 1685, the Italian physician Lu Antonio
Porzio designed the first multiple-stage filter. Prior to that, in
1680, the microscope was developed by Anton Van Leeuwenhoek. With
the discovery of the microscope enabling the detection of
microorganisms and the ability to filter out these microorganisms,
the first water-filtering facility was built in the town of
Paisley, Scotland, in 1804 by John Gibb. Within three years,
filtered water was piped directly to customers in Glasgow,
Scotland.
[0005] In 1806, a large water treatment plant began operating in
Paris with filters made of sand and charcoal, which had to be
renewed every six hours. Pumps were driven by horses working in
three shifts. Water was then settled for twelve hours before
filtration.
[0006] In the 1870's, Dr. Robert Koch and Dr. Joseph Lister
demonstrated that microorganisms existing in water supplies can
cause disease, and then began the quest for effective ways to treat
raw water. In 1906, in eastern France, ozone was first used as a
disinfectant. A few years later, in the United States, the Jersey
City waterworks in 1908 became the first utility in America to use
sodium hypochlorite for disinfecting the water supply. Also, in
that same year, the Bubbly Creek Plant in Chicago, Ill., instituted
chlorine disinfectant. Over the next several decades, work began on
improving the efficiency of filtration and disinfectant.
[0007] By the 1920's, the filtration technology had evolved so that
pure, clean, bacteria free, sediment free, and particulate free
water was available. During World War II, Allied military forces
operated in arid areas and began ocean water desalination in order
to supply troops with fresh drinking water. In 1942, the U.S.
Public Health Service adopted the first set of drinking water
standards, and the membrane filter process for bacteriological
analysis was approved in 1957.
[0008] By the early 1960's, more than 19,000 municipal water
systems were in operation throughout the United States. With the
1974 enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the federal
government, the public health community and water utilities worked
together to provide secure water production for the United
States.
[0009] The world has a shortage of potable water for drinking and
water for agricultural, irrigation, and industrial use. In some
parts of the world, prolonged drought and chronic water shortages
have slowed economic growth and may eventually cause the
abandonment of certain population centers. In other parts of the
world, an abundance of fresh water exists, but the water is
contaminated with pollution such as chemicals from industrial
sources and from agricultural practices.
[0010] The world faces severe challenges in our ability to meet our
future water needs. Today there are over 300 million people living
in areas with severe water shortages. That number is expected to
increase to 3 billion by 2025. About 9,500 children die around the
world each day because of poor quality drinking water according to
United Nations reports. The population growth has increased the
demand on drinking water supplies, while the available water, world
wide, has not changed. In the coming decades, in addition to
improving water reuse efficiency and promoting water conservation,
we will need to make additional water resources at a cost and in a
manner that supports urban, rural and agricultural prosperity and
environmental protection.
[0011] There has been a 300 percent increase in water use over the
past 50 years. Every continent is experiencing falling water
tables, particularly on the southern Great Plains and the Southwest
in the United States, and in North Africa, Southern Europe, the
entire Middle East, Southeastern Asia, China and elsewhere.
[0012] Evaporation and reverse osmosis are two common methods to
produce potable water from sea water or brackish water. Evaporation
methods involve heating sea water or brackish water, condensing the
water vapor produced, and isolating the distillate. Reverse osmosis
is a membrane process in which solutions are desalted or purified
using relatively high hydraulic pressure as the driving force. The
salt ions or other contaminants are excluded or rejected by the
reverse osmosis membrane while pure water is forced through the
membrane. Reverse osmosis can remove approximately 95% to
approximately 99% of the dissolved salts, silica, colloids,
biological materials, pollution, and other contaminants in
water.
[0013] The only inexhaustible supply of water is the sea. The
desalination of sea water using a land-based plant in quantities
large enough to supply a major population center or large scale
irrigation projects presents many problems. Land-based plants that
desalinate sea water through evaporation methods consume enormous
amounts of energy.
[0014] Land-based plants that desalinate water through reverse
osmosis methods generate enormous quantities of effluent comprising
the dissolved solids removed from the sea water. This effluent,
also referred to as concentrate, has such a high concentration of
salts, such as sodium chloride, sodium bromide, etc., and other
dissolved solids that simply discharging the concentrate into the
waters surrounding a land-based desalination plant would eventually
kill the surrounding marine life and damage the ecosystem. In
addition, the concentrate that emerges from conventional land based
reverse osmosis desalination plants has a density greater than sea
water, and hence, the concentrate sinks and does not quickly mix
when conventionally discharged directly into the water surrounding
a land-based plant.
[0015] Even if the health of the marine life and ecosystem
surrounding a land-based reverse osmosis desalination plant was not
a concern, discharging the concentrate into the water surrounding
the land-based plant would eventually raise the salinity of the
intake water for the plant and foul the membranes of the reverse
osmosis system. If a membrane in a reverse osmosis system is
heavily fouled, it must be removed and treated to eliminate the
fouling material. In extreme cases, the fouling material cannot be
removed, and the membrane is discarded.
[0016] As a result of all of these factors, potable water produced
from land-based reverse osmosis desalination plants is costly and
presents significant engineering problems for disposing of the
effluent. Hence, despite the world's shortage of potable water,
only a small percentage of the world's water is produced by the
desalination or purification of water using reverse osmosis
methods. Therefore, the need exists for a method and system to
consistently and reliably supply potable water using desalination
technology that does not present the engineering and environmental
problems that a conventional land-based desalination plant
presents.
[0017] Known ship-board water desalination systems are designed and
operated for ship-board consumption of water, and thus are designed
and operated according to various maritime standards. Maritime
standards for water desalination systems and plants and water
quality are less stringent than the standards governing the design
and operation of land-based desalination plants and systems,
especially those promulgated by the United States, United Nations,
and World Health Organization. With the world's increasing shortage
of potable water, a need exists to alleviate this shortage.
Therefore, there is a demonstrable need for methods and systems
that can be utilized at sea to provide desalinated water for
land-based consumption. Moreover, the desalinated water produced at
sea can be stored, maintained, and transported in a manner
consistent with those regulations and standards governing the
design and operation of land-based water desalination plants and
systems.
SUMMARY
[0018] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned
disadvantages of the prior art and provides systems, apparatus and
methods for providing water. A system of the present invention may
be advantageously utilized to provide potable water, drinking
water, and/or water for industrial uses.
[0019] Systems of the present invention comprise a vessel. The
vessel includes systems, methods and apparatus for purifying and/or
desalinating the water on which the vessel floats, including
brackish and/or polluted sea, lake, river, sound, bay, estuary,
lagoon water, etc. Water produced on the vessel may be delivered to
land through the use of transport vessels, pipes, transfer ports
and the like. The water may be transferred in bulk form and/or may
be packaged in containers prior to transport. The water may be
stored on the production vessel, accompanying vessels, and/or other
storage means prior to transport to land.
[0020] Methods of the present invention include vessel production
of water, including potable water or water suitable for
residential, industrial, or agricultural uses, on the vessel and
subsequent transportation of the water to land. The methods may
further comprise storage and/or packaging of the water.
[0021] Apparatus of the present invention include the vessel and
associated apparatus for producing, transporting, storing,
refreshing, and/or packaging the water. Embodiments of apparatus of
the present invention are described in detail herein. Systems and
methods of the present invention may employ an apparatus of the
present invention and/or may utilize other apparatus or
equipment.
[0022] Embodiments of the present invention may take a wide variety
of forms. In one exemplary embodiment, a vessel includes a water
intake system, a reverse osmosis system, a concentrate discharge
system, a permeate transfer system, a power source, and a control
system. The water intake system includes a water intake and a water
intake pump. The reverse osmosis system includes a high pressure
pump and a reverse osmosis membrane. The concentrate discharge
system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports. The
permeate transfer system includes a transfer pump. The reverse
osmosis system is in communication with the water intake system.
The concentrate discharge system and the permeate transfer system
are in communication with the reverse osmosis system. The power
source is in communication with the pumps of the water intake
system, the reverse osmosis system, and the permeate transfer
system. The control system is in communication with the water
intake system, the reverse osmosis system, the concentrate system,
the permeate transfer system, and the power source.
[0023] In a further exemplary embodiment, a method of producing
permeate on a floating structure includes the production of a
concentrate that is discharged into the surrounding water. The
concentrate is discharged through a concentrate discharge system
that includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports.
[0024] In another exemplary embodiment, a system includes a first
vessel having means for producing a permeate and means for mixing a
concentrate with seawater and means for delivering the permeate
from the first vessel to a land-based distribution system.
[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, a system for providing
disaster relief services from a maritime environment includes a
first vessel and means for delivering desalinated water to shore.
The first vessel is operable to produce desalinated water.
[0026] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a system for mitigating
environmental impacts of a desalination system of a vessel
(producing a permeate and a concentrate) on a maritime environment
includes means for regulating a salinity level of the concentrate
solution discharged from the vessel into the surrounding body of
water and means for regulating a temperature of the concentrate to
substantially equal the temperature of the water surrounding the
vessel.
[0027] In still another exemplary embodiment, a method includes
providing a first vessel operable to produce a permeate and to mix
a concentrate and delivering the permeate from the first vessel to
a land-based distribution system.
[0028] In a further exemplary embodiment, a method of providing
relief to a disaster-stricken area includes providing a first
vessel operable to produce desalinated water and delivering the
desalinated water to shore. The first vessel includes a first
tonnage.
[0029] In a further exemplary embodiment, a method of mitigating
environmental impacts of desalinating water (the process of
desalinating water produces a permeate and a concentrate) includes
reducing the salinity level of the concentrate and regulating a
temperature of the concentrate to substantially equal the
temperature of the water proximate the area of the concentrate
discharge.
[0030] In a further exemplary embodiment, a system comprises a
vessel comprising means for producing energy and land-based means
for transferring the energy from the vessel to a land-based
distribution system.
[0031] In a further exemplary embodiment, a system comprises a
vessel operable to produce desalinated water, means for delivering
the desalinated water from the vessel to a land-based water
distribution system, and means for transferring the electricity
from the vessel to a land-based electrical distribution system.
[0032] In a further exemplary embodiment, a vessel comprises a hull
comprising a first surface and a second surface, means for
producing desalinated water, means for mixing a concentrate with
seawater, and means for storing the desalinated water. The water
storing means comprises a tank disposed within the hull. The tank
comprises a first surface and a second surface. The second surface
of the tank being separated from the first surface of the hull.
[0033] In a further exemplary embodiment, a method comprises
providing a vessel operable to generate energy and transferring the
energy from the vessel to a land-based distribution system.
[0034] In a further exemplary embodiment, a method comprises
providing a vessel operable to produce desalinated water and to
generate electricity, delivering the desalinated water produced by
the vessel to a land-based water distribution network, and
transferring the electricity generated by the vessel to a
land-based electrical distribution network.
[0035] In still a further exemplary embodiment, a method comprises
producing desalinated water, mixing a concentrate with seawater,
and storing the desalinated water in a tank. The tank is disposed
in a hull of a vessel. The hull comprises a first surface and a
second surface. The tank comprises a first surface and a second
surface. The second surface of the tank is separated from the first
surface of the hull.
[0036] An advantage of the present invention can be to use a
drought-resistant source of water.
[0037] Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide
a sea-borne desalination facility that is less expensive than a
land-based desalination facility.
[0038] Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide
a more secure desalination facility.
[0039] Another advantage of the present invention can be to
mitigate the environmental impacts of a desalination facility.
[0040] Another advantage of the present invention can be to
discharge a concentrate solution having a salinity level
substantially equal to a salinity level of the water surrounding
the desalination facility.
[0041] Another advantage of the present invention can be to
discharge a concentrate having a temperature substantially equal to
a temperature of the water surrounding the desalination
facility.
[0042] Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide
large quantities of desalinated water to coastal and maritime
locales anywhere in the world or to locales distant from a body of
water through the use of a distribution system.
[0043] Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide
relief to disaster-stricken areas.
[0044] Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide
mobile production and storage of desalinated water.
[0045] Another advantage of the present invention can be to
minimize the amount of land-based infrastructure.
[0046] Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide
a desalination facility in a shorter amount of time than is needed
for a land-based desalination facility.
[0047] Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide
a desalination facility that can be moved to avoid natural
disruptions and calamities.
[0048] Another advantage of the present invention can be to deliver
emergency supplies and pre-packaged water.
[0049] Another advantage of the present invention can be to
remediate aquifers and wetlands.
[0050] Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide
a Federal strategic water reserve system.
[0051] Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide
tradable and transportable water surpluses.
[0052] Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide
a modular water-plant design that can be upgraded and modified.
[0053] Another advantage of the present invention can be to deliver
electricity to areas suffering from an acute shortage of power.
[0054] Another advantage of the present invention can be to
generate and transfer electricity to shore while off-loading
desalinated water from a vessel.
[0055] Another advantage of the present invention can be to vary
the amount of desalinated water provided to a location by
substituting differently-sized vessels and/or plants.
[0056] Another advantage of the present invention can be to readily
relocate the location of a source of intake water and/or the
discharge of concentrate, as desired.
[0057] A further advantage of the present invention can be to
produce, store and maintain water aboard a vessel consistent with
the standards and requirements of land-based desalination systems
and plants.
[0058] Another advantage of the present invention can be to reduce
or eliminate uptake of water containing discharged concentrate into
a water intake system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this
specification, help to illustrate embodiments of the invention. In
the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like elements
throughout.
[0060] FIG. 1A is an side view of a vessel according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the vessel of FIG. 1B.
[0062] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a system according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the vessel of FIG. 1A.
[0064] FIG. 4 is a side view of a vessel according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a dispersion device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 5B is a section view of the grate of FIG. 5A taken
along line I-I.
[0067] FIG. 6A is a side view of a vessel according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 6B is a side view of a vessel according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a front view of a vessel according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 8 is a schematic of a system according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mixing tank according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 10 is a top view of a vessel according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 11 is a top view of a vessel according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] FIG. 12 is a side view of a vessel according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 13 is a schematic of a system according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0076] FIG. 14 is a schematic of a system according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] FIG. 15 is a schematic of a system according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] FIG. 16 is a schematic of a system according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 17 is a schematic of a system according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0080] FIG. 18 is a schematic of a system according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0081] FIG. 19A is a top view of a vessel according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 19B is a sectional view taken along lines I-I of FIG.
19A.
[0083] FIG. 20A is a diagram of a method according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0084] FIG. 20B is a diagram of another embodiment of the method of
FIG. 20A.
[0085] FIG. 20C is a diagram of another embodiment of the method of
FIG. 20A.
[0086] FIG. 21 is a method according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0087] FIG. 22 is a method according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0088] FIG. 23 is a method according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0089] FIG. 24 is a method according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0090] FIG. 25 is a method according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0091] FIG. 26 is a method according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0092] FIG. 27 is a side view of a vessel according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0093] FIG. 28 is a side view of a vessel according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0094] The present invention provides systems, methods and
apparatus for producing water.
[0095] In an embodiment a system of the present invention
comprises: a water production vessel and a distribution system for
distributing the water produced to end users. The distribution
system may comprise apparatus for pumping, piping, storing,
transporting, packaging or otherwise distributing the water
produced on the vessel.
[0096] For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise
indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients,
reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to
be understood as being modified in all instances by the term
"about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the
numerical parameters set forth in the following specification are
approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties
sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least,
and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of
equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter
should at least be construed in light of the number of reported
significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding
techniques.
[0097] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters
setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations,
the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are
reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,
inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the
standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to
encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein, and every number
between the end points. For example, a stated range of "1 to 10"
should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and
inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10;
that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more,
e.g. 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g.,
5.5 to 10, as well as all ranges beginning and ending within the
end points, e.g. 2 to 9, 3 to 8, 3 to 9, 4 to 7, and finally to
each number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 contained within the
range. Additionally, any reference referred to as being
"incorporated herein" is to be understood as being incorporated in
its entirety.
[0098] It is further noted that, as used in this specification, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.
[0099] Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems,
methods and apparatus for desalinating water from sea water,
brackish, and/or polluted water. The systems, methods, and
apparatus for desalinating water described herein can generally be
operable to be utilized at sea, aboard a vessel, to provide
desalinated water consistent with the standards and requirements
generally imposed on land-based water desalination plants and
systems. The invention described herein, however, is not limited to
sea-based applications, but is provided as one such embodiment.
[0100] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to
FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention provides a vessel 101
comprising: a water purification system 200 comprising a water
intake system 201 comprising a water intake 202 and a water intake
pump 203; a reverse osmosis system 204 comprising a high pressure
pump 205 and a reverse osmosis membrane 206; a concentrate
discharge system 207 comprising a plurality of concentrate
discharge ports; a permeate transfer system 208 comprising a
transfer pump 209; a power source 103; and a control system
210.
[0101] The reverse osmosis system 204 is in communication with the
water intake system 201, and the concentrate discharge system 207
and the permeate transfer system 208 are in communication with the
reverse osmosis system 204. The power source 103 is in
communication with the water intake system 201, the reverse osmosis
system 204, and the permeate transfer system 208. The control
system 210 is in communication with the water intake system 201,
the reverse osmosis system 204, the concentrate discharge system
207, the permeate transfer system 208, and the power source
103.
[0102] The terms "communicate" or "communication" mean to
mechanically, electrically, or otherwise contact, couple, or
connect by either direct, indirect, or operational means.
[0103] The water intake system 201 provides water to the high
pressure pump 205 and the high pressure pump 205 pushes water
through the reverse osmosis membrane 206, whereby a concentrate is
created on the high pressure side of the reverse osmosis membrane
206. The concentrate is discharged into the water surrounding the
vessel 101 through the plurality of concentrate discharge ports of
the concentrate discharge system 207. On the low pressure side of
the reverse osmosis membrane 206, the permeate created can be
transferred from the vessel 101 through the permeate transfer
system 208.
[0104] The vessel 101 may further comprise a propulsion device 102
in communication with the power source 103. A separate power source
may provide power to each of the water intake system 201, reverse
osmosis system 204, permeate transfer system 208, and propulsion
device 102. For example, each of the water intake pump 203, high
pressure pump 205, and permeate transfer pump 209 may be in
communication with a separate power source. The vessel 101 may be
either a self-propelled ship, a moored, towed, pushed or integrated
barge, or a flotilla or fleet of such vessels. The vessel 101 may
be manned or unmanned. The vessel 101 may be either a single hull
or double-hull vessel.
[0105] In an alternate embodiment, one power source may provide
power to a combination of two or more of the water intake system
201, reverse osmosis system 204, permeate transfer system 208, and
propulsion device 102. For example, the electric power for the high
pressure pump 205 may be provided by a generator driven by the
power source for the vessel's propulsion device, such as a vessel's
main engine. In such an embodiment, a step-up gear power take off
or transmission would be installed between the main engine and the
generator in order to obtain the required synchronous speed.
[0106] Further, an additional coupling between the propulsion
device and the main engine allows the main engine to drive the
generator while the vessel is not under way. Moreover, an
independent power source (not shown), such as a diesel, steam or
gas turbine, or combination of such, can power the reverse osmosis
system 204, the propulsion device 102, or both.
[0107] In another embodiment, the power source of water
purification system 200 is dedicated to the water purification
system 200 and is not in communication with any propulsion device
on the vessel 101.
[0108] In another embodiment, the plurality of concentrate
discharge ports of the concentrate discharge system 207 may act as
an auxiliary propulsion device for the vessel 101 or act as the
sole propulsion device for the vessel 101. Some or all of the
concentrate may be passed to propulsion thrusters to provide idling
or emergency propulsion.
[0109] In another embodiment, the power source may comprise
electricity producing windmills or water propellers that harness
the flow of the air or water to generate power for the water
purification system or the operation of the ship.
[0110] The water intake system 201 is capable of taking in water
from the body of water surrounding the vessel and providing it to
the reverse osmosis system 204. In an embodiment, the water intake
202 of the water intake system 201 comprises one or more apertures
in the hull of the vessel below the water line. An example of a
water intake 202 is a sea chest. Water is taken into the vessel
through the water intake 202 comprising the one or more apertures,
passed through the water intake pump 203, and supplied to the high
pressure pump 205 of the reverse osmosis system 204.
[0111] The reverse osmosis system 204 comprises a high pressure
pump 205 and a reverse osmosis membrane 206. Reverse osmosis
membranes are of composite construction. One extensively used form
comprises two films of a complex polymeric resin which together
define a salt passage. In this process, pretreated raw water is
pressed through a semi-permeable barrier that disproportionately
favors water permeation over salt permeation. Pressurized feedwater
enters a staged array of pressure vessels containing individual
reverse osmosis membrane elements where it is separated into two
process streams, permeate and concentrate. Separation occurs as the
feed water flows from the membrane inlet to outlet. The feed water
first enters evenly spaced channels and flows across the membrane
surface with a portion of the feed water permeating the membrane
barrier. The balance of the feedwater flows parallel to the
membrane surface to exit the system unfiltered. The concentrate
stream is so named because it contains the concentrated ions
rejected by the membrane The concentrated stream is also used to
maintain minimum crossflow velocity through the membrane element
with turbulence provided by the feed-brine channel spacer. The type
of reverse osmosis membrane used in the present invention is
limited only by its compatibility with the water and/or
contaminants in the surrounding body of water.
[0112] The high pressure pump 205, operable to push the raw water
through the reverse osmosis membrane 206, comprises any pump
suitable to generate the hydraulic pressure necessary to push the
raw water through the reverse osmosis membrane 206.
[0113] In an embodiment, the vessel 101 may comprise a plurality of
reverse osmosis systems 104, also referred to as trains. The
plurality of reverse osmosis systems may be installed on the
vessel's deck 105. The plurality of reverse osmosis systems 104 may
also be installed in other parts of the vessel 101. The plurality
of reverse osmosis systems 104 may also be installed on multiple
levels. For example, each reverse osmosis system of the plurality
of reverse osmosis systems 104 may be installed in a separate
container. Several containers can be placed on top of each other to
optimize the use of the deck 105 on the vessel 101 and to decrease
the time and expense associated with construction of the water
purification system on the vessel 101. The plurality of reverse
osmosis systems 104 are preferably installed in parallel, but other
configurations are possible.
[0114] The permeate transfer system 208 is capable of transferring
the permeate produced to a permeate delivery means, such as a
tug-barge unit or tanker vessel In an embodiment, the permeate
transfer system 208 is capable of transferring the permeate
produced to a permeate delivery means comprising a transfer vessel
means while the vessel 101 and the transfer vessel means are under
way. The permeate transfer system 208 is also capable of
transferring the permeate produced to a permeate delivery means
comprising a pipeline in communication with the permeate transfer
system 208.
[0115] The control system 210 comprises any system capable of
controlling the operation of the water intake system 201, the
reverse osmosis system 204, the concentrate discharge system 207,
the permeate transfer system 208, and the power source 103 on the
vessel 101. The control system 210 is located in a suitable
location according to the needs of the vessel 101. The control
system 210 may further comprise any system capable of controlling
the operation of the vessel 101. In an embodiment, the control
system may comprise a processor to make autonomous operational
decisions to run the vessel 101 and the water purification system
200. A specific control system envisioned is the TLX software
available from Auspice Corp., although other systems can be
included in the design such as a programmable logic control (PLC)
system.
[0116] The processor generally is in communication with the control
system 210. Suitable processors include, for example, digital
logical processors capable of processing input, executing
algorithms, and generating output. Such processors can include a
microprocessor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC),
and state machines. Such processors include, or can be in
communication with media, for example computer readable media,
which store instructions that, when executed by the processor,
cause the processor to perform the steps described herein as
carried out, or assisted, by a processor.
[0117] One embodiment of a suitable computer-readable medium
includes an electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or
transmission device capable of providing a processor, such as the
processor in a web server, with computer-readable instructions.
Other examples of suitable media include, but are not limited to, a
floppy disk, CD-ROM, magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM, RAM, ASIC,
configured processor, all optical media, magnetic tape or other
magnetic media, or any other medium from which a computer processor
can read. Also, various other forms of computer-readable media may
transmit or carry instructions to a computer, including router,
private, or public network, or other transmission device or
channel.
[0118] In one embodiment, the control system 210 comprises security
systems operable to control physical access to the control system
210. In another embodiment, the control system 210 comprises
network security systems operable to control electronic access to
the control system 210.
[0119] The concentrate discharge system 207 is configured to
increase the mixing of the concentrate discharged into the
surrounding body of water. The plurality of concentrate discharge
ports of the concentrate discharge system 207 can be physically
located above or below the water line of the vessel 101.
[0120] Referring now to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, a plurality of
concentrate discharge ports 301 are physically located in such a
way that a portion of the concentrate discharged through the
plurality of concentrate discharge ports 301 is capable of being
mixed with the water surrounding the vessel 101 by a propulsion
device 102 for the vessel 101.
[0121] In an embodiment comprising a plurality of reverse osmosis
systems, a separate concentrate discharge system is connected to
each reverse osmosis system.
[0122] Referring now to FIG. 4, in another embodiment comprising a
plurality of reverse osmosis systems, the concentrate discharged
from each reverse osmosis system is collected by the concentrate
discharge system 207 in one or more longitudinally oriented
manifold pipes, structural box girders, or tunnels. At intervals
along the vessel 101, a plurality of discharge ports 401, allows
the concentrate to be discharged over a substantial portion of the
vessel's 101 length.
[0123] Referring now to FIG. 5, in another embodiment of the
concentrate discharge system 207, each discharge port incorporates
a grate 507 designed to assist mixing having divergently oriented
apertures 502. A grating with protrusions into the grating's
apertures may also be used to assist mixing.
[0124] In another embodiment, the concentrate discharge ports of
the concentrate discharge system 207 are configured in a manner
similar to the exhaust nozzles on an F-15 fighter jet such that the
concentrate discharge ports may change their circumference and may
also change the direction of the flow of the concentrate.
[0125] Temperatures in oceans decrease with increasing depth. The
temperature range extends from 30.degree. C. at the sea surface to
-1.degree. C. at the sea bed. Areas of the oceans that experience
an annual change in surface heating have a shallow wind-mixed layer
of elevated temperature in the summer. This wind-mixed layer is
nearly isothermal and can range from 10 to 20 meters in depth from
the surface. Below the wind-mixed layer, the water temperature can
decrease rapidly with depth to form a seasonal thermocline layer
having sharp vertical temperature change. During winter cooling and
increased wind mixing at the ocean surface, convective overturning
and mixing erase the seasonal thermocline layer and deepen the
wind-mixed isothermal layer. The seasonal thermocline layer can
reform with summer temperatures. At depths below the wind-mixed
layer and any seasonal thermocline, a permanent thermocline
separates water from temperate and subpolar regions. The permanent
thermocline exists from depths of about 200 m to about 1,000 m.
Below this permanent thermocline, water temperatures decrease much
more slowly toward the sea floor.
[0126] Thermocline regions in the ocean can reduce mixing between
water in regions above and below a thermocline. Further, water in a
thermocline region also may not rapidly mix with water in regions
above or below the thermocline region.
[0127] As used herein, the term "thermocline" refers to a
temperature gradient in a layer of sea water, in which the
temperature decrease with depth is greater than that of the
overlying and underlying water.
[0128] Referring now to FIG. 6A, in embodiments where the vessel
101 is moored, the concentrate discharge system 207 may comprise a
member 601 extending down from the hull of the vessel 101 with a
plurality of discharge ports 602 on the member 601. Depending on
various factors such as water depth, water temperature, water
currents, and the surrounding ecosystem, the member 601 may extend
to the depth or depths that optimize the mixing of the concentrate
with the surrounding body of water.
[0129] In an embodiment, the member 601 can be lowered from and
retracted to the vessel 101 by mechanical means, such as, for
example, a hydraulic assembly. Alternatively, other suitable means
can be used to lower and retract the member 601, including those
used in conventional maritime drilling operations. In another
embodiment, the member 601 can have sufficient mass and/or density
that the member 601 can be lowered from the vessel 601 to a desired
depth without mechanical assistance. Such member 601 is generally
retracted to the vessel 101 by mechanical means.
[0130] In a further embodiment (not pictured), the discharge member
601 incorporates an aspirator through which water from the
surrounding body of water can be drawn into member 601. The flow of
concentrate into member 601 creates a reduction in pressure
(Venturi effect) and draws water in from the surrounding body of
water for mixing with the concentrate before discharge. The
resulting mixture is discharged through a plurality of discharge
ports 602.
[0131] Referring now to FIG. 6B, wherein the water intake 202 of a
water intake system 201 comprises a sea chest, discharge ports 602
are located on the member 601 such that each discharge port 602 is
disposed within or below a thermocline region 640 relative to the
water intake 202. Such a configuration may reduce or eliminate
uptake of discharged concentrate into the water purification system
200. In embodiments where the water intake 202 comprises an
aperture in the hull of the vessel and the draught of the vessel
101 is less than the depth of the wind-mixed isothermal surface
layer of a surrounding body of water, the member 601 can extend
into or below a seasonal thermocline region wherein the plurality
of discharge ports are disposed within or below the seasonal
thermocline. For example, the draught of ships having a dead weight
tonnage of less than 200,000 is typically less than 20 meters and
also less than the depth of the isothermal wind-mixed layer. Sea
chests disposed below the water line on the forward part of the
vessel 101 would be expected to draw water from the isothermal
wind-mixed layer.
[0132] Referring now to FIG. 7, in another embodiment, the
concentrate discharge system 207 comprises a member 701 having a
plurality of concentrate discharge ports 702 wherein the member 701
floats on the water's surface through the use of support pontoons
or a catenary having support pontoons, or the member 701 may be
inherently buoyant.
[0133] In another embodiment, each concentrate discharge port of
the concentrate discharge system 207 may be mounted on dispersion
devices that enable the discharge ports to move in a full
hemi-sphere range. The dispersion devices may comprise a universal
joint, a swivel, a gimble, a ball and socket, or other similar
devices known to one skilled in the art. Through the oscillation or
motion of the plurality of concentrate discharge ports, the
concentrate should be more evenly dispersed into the surrounding
water.
[0134] In another embodiment, the concentrate discharge system 207
may further comprise a pump to increase the water pressure of the
concentrate prior to being discharged through the plurality of
concentrate discharge ports.
[0135] In another embodiment, the vessel 101 further comprises a
heat recovery system in communication with the exhaust of a power
source, the water intake system 201, the control system 210, and
the reverse osmosis system 204. The heat recovery system can use
the heat energy generated by one or more power sources to heat the
water taken in by the water intake system 201 before for the water
passes to a reverse osmosis membrane 206.
[0136] In another embodiment, the vessel 101 may further comprise a
heat exchange system in communication with the reverse osmosis
system 204 and the concentrate discharge system 207. The heat
exchange system comprises a heat exchanger and a cooling system.
The heat exchange system reduces the temperature of the concentrate
to at or about the temperature of the water surrounding the vessel
101. Since the concentrate normally has an elevated temperature as
compared to the temperature of the intake water, installing a heat
exchanger system operationally between the reverse osmosis system
204 and concentrate discharge system 207 provides the advantage of
reducing or eliminating any impact on the surrounding ecosystem
that could result from the discharge of concentrate at an elevated
temperature. In another embodiment, a heat exchange system is in
communication with other systems on the vessel 101.
[0137] Referring now to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, the water
purification system 200 comprises, a water intake system 201
comprising a water intake 202 and a water intake pump 203, a
storage tank 830, a pretreatment system 840, a reverse osmosis
system 204 comprising a high pressure pump 205 and a reverse
osmosis membrane 206, a concentrate discharge system 207, a
permeate transfer system 208 comprising a permeate transfer pump
209, an energy recovery system 810, and a permeate storage tank
220. The energy recovery system 810 is operable to recover or
convert into electricity the energy associated with the pressure of
the concentrate.
[0138] The storage tank 830 is in communication with the water
intake pump 203 and the pretreatment system 840. The pretreatment
system 840 is in communication with the storage tank 830 and the
high pressure pump 205. The energy recovery device 810 is in
communication with the high pressure side of the reverse osmosis
membrane 206, the high pressure pump 205, and the concentrate
discharge system 207.
[0139] In an embodiment, the pretreatment system 840 comprises at
least one of a debris prefilter system, a reservoir, and a surge
tank. A debris filter system is typically used to insure stable,
long-term reverse osmosis system performance and membrane life. The
debris prefilter system may include clarification, filtration,
ultrafiltration, pH adjustment, removal of free chlorine,
antiscalant addition, and 5 micron cartridge filtration.
[0140] In one embodiment, the pretreatment system 840 comprises a
plurality of pretreatment systems (not shown). In warm, clean
waters, one pretreatment system 840 is generally sufficient.
However, colder raw water temperatures (as well as more polluted
waters) may require several stages of pretreatment. While the
vessel 101 can be custom-built for a predetermined locale, and thus
with a single pretreatment system 840, providing the vessel 101
with a plurality of pretreatment systems can permit the vessel 101
to operate in a wide variety of environments across the globe. Such
an embodiment for the vessel 101 may enhance the flexibility of
governmental or United Nations crisis or disaster-response planning
in which disaster locations and environmental conditions cannot be
readily anticipated or adequately planned for.
[0141] The energy recovery system 810 is operable to recover or
convert the energy associated with the pressure of the concentrate.
Examples of a energy recovery system 810 include devices such as a
turbine. The energy recovered can be used to remove a stage of the
high pressure pump 205, to assist in interstage boosting in a two
stage water purification system, or to generate electricity.
[0142] In another embodiment, the vessel 101 further comprises one
or more noise and/or vibration reduction devices in communication
with any moving mechanical device aboard the vessel 101 and the
hull of the vessel 101. Such mechanical devices include, but are
not limited to, a power source, a high pressure pump, a transfer
pump, and a water intake pump. The noise reduction devices may
comprise any isolation, suspension, or shock absorbers known to one
skilled in the art. The noise reduction devices also include any
noise abatement technique known to one skilled in the art. Noise
reduction devices may include a hull comprising composite material
or machines with precision manufacturing such that the rattle
associated with a mechanical device is reduced when operating.
[0143] In another embodiment, the vessel 101 further comprises
noise and/or vibration reduction devices to dampen vibrations
associated with the movement of fluids through piping in the vessel
such as encasement on a pipe's exterior. The encasement of a pipe
can reduce velocity noise in piping generated by the movement of
water. Noise reduction devices can reduce the vibrations or noise
transmitted through the hull of the vessel 101 and thereby reduce
any disturbance or interference with normal aquatic or marine life.
For example, the noise reduction devices can reduce interference
with the acoustic communication between whales. Further, the noise
reduction devices can reduce the hearing hazard to the crew of the
ship.
[0144] Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 12 in general, in another
embodiment, the vessel 101 further comprises a mixing system in
communication with the reverse osmosis system 204 and the
concentrate discharge system 207. The mixing system is capable of
mixing the concentrate with water taken directly from the
surrounding body of water before discharging the concentrate. Such
a system is operable to dilute and/or cool the concentrate before
returning it to the surrounding body of water.
[0145] Referring now to FIG. 9, in an embodiment, a mixing system
comprises a mixing tank 905 comprising a concentrate inlet 910, a
concentrate outlet 915, a mixing water intake system 920 comprising
a water intake and a pump, a series of baffles 925, and a mixing
barrier 935 comprising a plurality of apertures 935, wherein water
taken in through the mixing water intake system 920 (i.e. native
water) and the concentrate are forced through the mixing barrier
and mixed before flowing to the concentrate discharge system 207.
The size, shape, location and number of apertures 935 are selected
to optimize mixing of the concentrate with the native water. The
apertures 935 should induce turbulence in fluids flowing through
the mixing barrier 930. The mixing barrier 930 extends from one
side of the mixture tank 905 to the opposing side of the mixing
tank 905. Adjacent baffles are coupled to opposing sides of the
mixing tank 905. The baffles are arranged in a staggered
relationship such that a portion of each baffle 925 overlaps with
an adjacent baffle 925. The fluid passing though the mixing barrier
930 must follow a convoluted route before reaching the concentrate
discharge system 207.
[0146] In another embodiment (not pictured), the mixing system
comprises a mixing tank comprising a concentrate inlet, a
concentrate outlet, a mixing water intake system comprising a water
intake and a pump, and any device capable of forming a
substantially homogeneous mixture from the concentrate and native
water. Example of such devices include high speed paddle mixers and
a static mixer.
[0147] By mixing the concentrate with native water, the water
purification system 200 is capable of returning a diluted
concentrate back into the surrounding body of water. For example,
if the surrounding body of water contained total dissolved solids
(TDS) of 30,000 mg/L and the water purification system were
operating at a recovery of 50% permeate, then the TDS of the
concentrate would be about 60,000 mg/L. By mixing native water with
the concentrate, the TDS of the diluted concentrate would be
between 60,000 and 30,000 TDS.
[0148] In another embodiment, the water intake of the mixing tank
is operable to provide diluting water to the mixing tank having a
TDS below the TDS of the water surrounding the vessel. Examples of
sources such diluting water include, but are not limited to,
permeate from the reverse osmosis system and rain water collected
on the vessel or another vessel.
[0149] In another embodiment, the water intake of the mixing system
is the same water intake as the water intake 202 of the water
intake system 201. In another embodiment, the water intake of the
mixing system is a separate water intake. The baffles may be
oriented horizontally, transversely, or longitudinally.
[0150] Referring now to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, in an embodiment, the
mixing tank 905 of the mixing system comprises a hold 109 in the
vessel 101. As shown in FIG. 10, in an embodiment, the baffles 925
are oriented transversely. As shown in FIG. 11, in an embodiment,
the baffles 925 are oriented longitudinally. As shown in FIG. 12,
in an embodiment, the baffles 925 are oriented horizontally.
[0151] Referring again to FIG. 1A, in another embodiment, the
vessel 101 further comprises a permeate storage tank comprising
holds 109 for the permeate wherein the permeate storage tank is in
communication with the reverse osmosis system 204 and the permeate
transfer system 208. In another embodiment, the vessel 101 further
comprises a packaging system 110 in communication with the permeate
storage tank. The packaging system 110 includes extraction pumps
with supply lines for drawing permeate out of the permeate storage
tank. The packaging system 110 may be used in emergency situations
where an infrastructure to distribute the permeate is not in place
or has been damaged.
[0152] In another embodiment, the water purification system 200 of
the vessel 101 further comprises a permeate treatment system in
communication with the low pressure side of the reverse osmosis
membrane 206 and the permeate transfer system 209. In one
embodiment, the permeate treatment system comprises corrosion
control system. In another embodiment, the permeate treatment
system comprises a permeate disinfection system. In another
embodiment, the permeate treatment system comprises a permeate
conditioning system to adjust to taste characteristics of the
permeate. In another embodiment, the permeate treatment system
comprises a corrosion control system, a permeate disinfection
system and a permeate conditioning system. In another embodiment,
the permeate treatment system is operationally located after the
permeate transfer system 208. For example, see the description of
one embodiment of the land-based distribution system 1330
below.
[0153] In another embodiment, the vessel 101 comprises a plurality
of reverse osmosis systems 104 wherein the vessel 101 is capable of
producing 5,000 to 450,000 cubic meters of permeate per day
(approximately 1 to 100 million gallons of permeate per day). In
other embodiments, the amount of water the vessel 101 is capable of
producing will depend on the application and the size of the vessel
101 used.
[0154] In another embodiment, the vessel 101 has a dead weight
tonnage (dwt) of between about 10,000 to 500,000. In another
embodiment, the vessel 101 has a dwt of between about 30,000 and
50,000. In another embodiment, the vessel 101 has a dwt of between
about 65,000 and 80,000. In another embodiment, the vessel 101 has
a dwt of about 120,000. In another embodiment, the vessel 101 has a
dwt of between about 250,000 and 300,000. In another embodiment,
the dwt of the vessel 101 depends on the intended application, the
minimum draft to keep the vessel 101 afloat, and/or the desired
production capacity of the vessel 101.
[0155] Instead of purifying water using reverse osmosis methods,
the vessel 101 may be equipped with other water desalination or
purification technologies. For example, the vessel may be equipped
with multi-stage flash evaporation, multi-effective distillation,
or mechanical vapor compression distillation.
[0156] Referring now to FIG. 27, in embodiments where the vessel
101 is moored, the water intake system 201 comprises a water intake
member 2701 extending from the hull of the vessel 101. The member
2701 has a water intake 2702 at the distal end of the water intake
member 2701. In separate embodiments (not pictured), the water
intake member 2701 may have a plurality of water intakes 2702, and
the water intake(s) 2702 may be located in positions other than the
distal end of the water intake member 2701. In another embodiment,
the water intake member 2701 extends into or below a thermocline
region 2740 and the concentrate discharge ports are disposed above
the thermocline region 2740.
[0157] Referring now to FIG. 28, in embodiments where the vessel
101 is moored, the water intake system 201 comprises a water intake
member 2801 extending from the hull of the vessel 101. The water
intake member 2801 has a water intake 2802 at the distal end of the
water intake member 2801. In separate embodiments (not pictured),
the water intake member 2801 may have a plurality of water intakes
2802, and the water intakes 2802 may be located in positions other
than the distal end of the water intake member 2801. The vessel 101
in FIG. 28 further comprises a concentrate discharge member 2851
extending down from the hull of the vessel 101 with a plurality of
discharge ports 2852 on the member 2851. The water intake member
2801 extends into or below thermocline region 2840 such that each
water intake 2802 is disposed within or below the thermocline
region 2840. Further, the discharge ports 2852 are located above
the thermocline region 2840. In another embodiment (not pictured),
the location of the water intake 2802 and the concentrate discharge
ports 2852 may be reversed such that the water intake 2802 is
located above the thermocline region 2840 in which the plurality of
concentrate discharge ports 2852 is located.
[0158] Plankton is the productive base of both marine and fresh
water ecosystems. The plant-like community of plankton is known as
phytoplankton and the animal like community is known as
zooplankton. Most phytoplankton serve as food for zooplankton.
Phytoplankton production is usually greatest from 5 to 10 meters
below the surface of the ocean. Since little if any sunlight
penetrates to debts below 20 meters, most phytoplankton exist above
20 meters.
[0159] Since phytoplankton is the foundation for a large part of
the ecosystem and the ocean, one embodiment of the present
invention is operable to reduce any disruption of an ecosystem
resulting from the intake of plankton into the water purification
system. Specifically, the system is operable to intake water into
the water intake system at various depths to reduce intake of
plankton. In one embodiment, the water intake system is operable to
intake water at a depth below 10 meters. The draught of ships
having a dwt of over 100,000 is usually at least 10 meters. Sea
chests located on the lower most regions of the hull on ships
having draught of more than 10 meters can intake water below 10
meters and potentially reduce any intake of plankton into the water
purification system.
[0160] In another embodiment, the water intake system is operable
to intake water below depths of over 10 meters. Water intake
members as shown in FIG. 27 (2701) and FIG. 28 (2801) are operable
to intake water at depths below 10 meters and reduce any intake of
plankton into the water purification system.
[0161] In another embodiment, the vessel and water purification
system are operable to allow an operator to choose between using a
sea chest or a water intake member to intake water into the water
purification system. An operator may choose to use a sea chest or a
water intake member to intake water based upon the location and
depth of thermoclines in water surrounding the vessel and based on
the amount of plankton at any particular depth. In a further
embodiment, the vessel is equipped with instrumentation and sensors
to allow an operator to detect the presence of and depth of
thermoclines and/or plankton populations in the surrounding body of
water. In addition, if large amounts of plankton are detected,
instrumentation and sensors can assist an operator to navigate and
operate in regions in the surrounding body of water containing
fewer plankton or containing thermoclines that optimize any
reduction in the mixing of discharge concentrate in water taken
into the water purification system.
[0162] Referring now to FIG. 23, in another aspect, the present
invention provides a method 2301 for producing a permeate on a
floating structure comprising: producing permeate wherein a
concentrate is produced 2310; and discharging the concentrate into
the surrounding water through a concentrate discharge system
comprising a plurality of concentrate discharge ports 2320.
[0163] In an embodiment of the method 2301, the step of producing a
permeate comprises pumping water through a reverse osmosis system
comprising a high pressure pump and a filter element comprising a
reverse osmosis membrane wherein a concentrate is produced on the
high pressure side of the reverse osmosis membrane.
[0164] In another embodiment, the method 2301 further comprises the
step of having the floating structure travel through the water
while discharging the concentrate.
[0165] In another embodiment, the method 2301 comprises pumping
water to be purified through a plurality of reverse osmosis systems
in a parallel configuration.
[0166] In another embodiment, the method 2301 further comprises the
step of having the floating structure travel through the water in a
pattern selected from the group consisting of a substantially
circular pattern, an oscillating pattern, a straight line, and any
other pattern determined by testing to be most advantageous to
dispersing the concentrate into the surrounding water and water
currents.
[0167] In another embodiment, the method 2301 further comprises the
step of having the floating structure remain substantially fixed
relative to a position on land and having the concentrate dispersed
by water current.
[0168] In another embodiment of the method 2301, the plurality of
concentrate discharge ports are located on the vessel such that a
substantial portion of the discharged concentrate is mixed with the
surrounding water by a propulsion device of the floating structure.
In another embodiment of the method 2301, the plurality concentrate
discharge of ports may be located above or below the water line of
the floating structure. In another embodiment of the method 2301,
the plurality of concentrate discharge ports are located such that
the discharged concentrate is capable of propelling the vessel in
an auxiliary fashion or as the sole propulsion device.
[0169] In another embodiment of the method 2301, the method may
further comprise the step of mixing the concentrate with water
taken directly from the surrounding body of water before
discharging the concentrate.
[0170] In an embodiment, the step of mixing the concentrate with
water taken directly from the surrounding body of water comprises
passing the concentrate and the water taken directly from the
surrounding body of water together through a series of baffles
before being discharged through the plurality of concentrate
discharge ports. The baffles may be oriented horizontally,
transversely, or longitudinally. Adjacent baffles are coupled to
opposing sides of the mixing tank. The baffles are arranged in a
staggered relation such that a portion of each baffle overlaps with
an adjacent baffle. The water taken in and the concentrate follows
a convoluted route before reaching the concentrate discharge
system.
[0171] In another embodiment of the method 2301, the concentrate is
mixed with water from the surrounding body of water within the
concentrate discharge member. The water from the surrounding body
of water is drawn into the discharge member through an aspirator
which generates a suction as the concentrate flows into the
discharge member. The concentrate is subsequently mixed with the
incoming water before the mixture is discharged. The concentrate is
discharged in a manner to increase the mixing of the concentrate
with the surrounding body of water.
[0172] In another embodiment of the method 2301, the plurality of
concentrate discharge ports are physically located in such a way
that a portion of the concentrate discharged through the plurality
of concentrate discharge ports is capable of being mixed with the
water surrounding the vessel by the propulsion device.
[0173] In an embodiment of the method 2301 comprising a plurality
of reverse osmosis systems, a separate concentrate discharge system
is connected to each reverse osmosis system.
[0174] In an embodiment of the method 2301 comprising a plurality
of reverse osmosis systems, the concentrate discharged from each
reverse osmosis system is collected into one or more longitudinally
oriented manifold pipes, structural box girders, or tunnels. At
intervals along the floating structure, the plurality of discharge
ports, allows the concentrate to be discharged over a substantial
portion of the floating structure's length.
[0175] In another embodiment of the method 2301, each concentrate
discharge port incorporates a grate designed to assist mixing with
the surrounding body of water having divergently oriented
apertures. A grating with protrusions into the grating's apertures
may also be used to assist mixing.
[0176] In another embodiment of the method 2301, the concentrate
discharge ports are configured in a manner similar to the exhaust
nozzles on an F-15 fighter jet such that the concentrate discharge
ports may change their circumference and may also change the
direction of the flow the concentrate.
[0177] In an embodiment of the method 2301 where the floating
structure is moored or otherwise stationary, the concentrate
discharge may be discharged through a member extending down from
the hull of the vessel or over the side of the vessel with a
plurality of discharge ports on the member. Depending on various
factors such as water depth, water temperature, water currents, and
the surrounding ecosystem, the member may extend to the depth or
depths that optimize the mixing of the concentrate with the
surrounding body of water. In another embodiment, the member having
a plurality of concentrate discharge ports may float on the water's
surface through the use of support pontoons or a catenary having
support pontoons, or through the inherent buoyancy of the
member.
[0178] In another embodiment of the method 2301, each concentrate
discharge port may be mounted on dispersion devices that enable the
discharge ports to move in a full hemi-sphere range. The dispersion
devices may comprise a universal joint, a swivel, a gimble, a ball
and socket, or other similar devices known to one skilled in the
art. Through the oscillation or motion of the plurality of
concentrate discharge ports, the concentrate should be more evenly
dispersed into the surrounding water.
[0179] In another embodiment of the method 2301, the concentrate
may be further pressurized before being discharged through the
plurality of concentrate discharge ports.
[0180] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present
invention. The system 1301 shown in FIG. 13 generally comprises a
first vessel 1310 and a means for delivering a permeate from the
first vessel 1310 to a land-based distribution system 1330. The
terms "land-based," "on land," "shore-based," and "on shore" refer
to systems and structures that are primarily or entirely disposed
on land or shore. Portions or components of such systems may be
disposed off-shore, on water, or on structures disposed off-shore,
on the water, or moored or anchored to the sea-bed.
[0181] The first vessel 1310 includes a means for producing a
permeate. In one embodiment, the permeate producing means includes
a water purification system (as described in more detail herein).
Other structures may be used. Other means for producing a permeate
may be used in other embodiments.
[0182] Generally, the first vessel 1310 includes a converted
single-hull tanker. The term "converted" generally refers to a
vessel that has been reconfigured to perform a function for which
the vessel was not originally designed. Here, the vessel 1310 was
originally designed to transport oil. Alternatively, the first
vessel 1310 can be a custom-made or custom-built vessel.
[0183] The first vessel 1310 is located off-shore and includes
means for producing a permeate from the surrounding sea water.
Typically, the permeate includes desalinated water. As will be
described in more detail below, the first vessel 1310 also includes
means for mixing a concentrate with sea water. Although the term
"sea water" is used, it is to be understood that sea water can
include "fresh" water, such as for example, lake water, or any
other suitable source of raw water. For example, raw water can even
include water delivered from ashore to the first vessel 1310 for
desalination or further processing. Previously processed, or
partially processed water may thus be refreshed.
[0184] In the case where the permeate is desalinated water, the
concentrate generally includes a brine. Other impurities are likely
to be present in the concentrate. The other impurities and total
dissolved solids are dependent upon the source of the raw water. It
is well known that some bodies of water are more polluted than
others and that stagnant water and waters closer to shore generally
contain greater amounts of pollutants and total dissolved solids
than does the open sea.
[0185] The first vessel 1310 typically includes a dead-weight
tonnage (dwt) in a range between approximately 10,000 tons and
approximately 500,000 tons. In various embodiments, the first
vessel 1310 may have a dead weight tonnage of about 40,000, 80,000,
or 120,000. In another embodiment, the first vessel 1310 has a dwt
of between about 30,000 and 50,000. In another embodiment, the
first vessel 1310 has a dwt of between about 65,000 and 80,000. In
another embodiment, the vessel 1310 has a dwt of about 120,000. In
another embodiment, the first vessel 1310 has a dwt between about
250,000 and 300,000. In other embodiments, the size of the first
vessel 1310 will depend on the intended application, the
controlling draft, and the desired production capacity of the first
vessel 1310.
[0186] A capacity of the permeate producing means is generally
dependent upon the dead-weight tonnage of the first vessel 1310.
However, the capacity of the permeate producing means is not
limited by an internal volume formed by the hull of the first
vessel 1310, as would be the oil storage capacity of such a
vessel.
[0187] In one embodiment, a portion of the permeate producing means
is disposed above a main deck of the first vessel 1310. For
example, components of the permeate producing means can be
compartmentalized in containers (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) and
interconnected to one another and coupled to the main deck.
Containerships are known to have containers stacked one atop each
other several tiers high along a substantial length of the vessel's
main deck.
[0188] In another embodiment (not pictured) where the propulsion
device 102 comprises an electric motor and a propeller in
communication with a power source 103, the permeate producing means
is disposed below the main deck of the first vessel 1310. In a
further embodiment, the power source 103 is also in communication
with the permeate producing means. Advantages associated with using
an electric motor and propeller to propel the first vessel 1310
include, but are not limited to, optimization of the use of space
below the main deck of the first vessel 1310 and reduction in noise
created by the first vessel 1310. Advantages associated with
disposing the permeate producing means below the main deck of the
first vessel 1310 relative to a first vessel 1310 having the
permeate producing means disposed on or above the main deck
include, but are not limited to, simplification of the hydraulic
system for moving fluids, reduction of the number of water pumps,
reduction of operating costs, reduction in the dead weight tonnage
of the first vessel 1310, and reduction in size of the first vessel
necessary to produce the same or similar amount of water.
[0189] Components of the permeate producing means can be arranged
in a similar manner to increase the capacity of the permeate
producing means otherwise limited by the internal structure of the
first vessel 1310. It can be appreciated that such a configured
vessel can be modified to adjust the permeate producing capacity of
the first vessel 1310 as desired. Thus, the capacity of the
permeate producing means generally is in a range between
approximately 1 million gallons per day and approximately 100
million gallons per day. Other means for producing permeate may be
used in other embodiments. Alternatively, other suitable structures
can be used.
[0190] As further described above, the permeate producing means
typically includes a reverse osmosis system. Alternatively, other
suitable permeate producing means can be used. In one embodiment,
the permeate producing means is operable to produce permeate
substantially continuously. Generally, while the first vessel 1310
is in motion with respect to shore 1302, the first vessel 1310 can
intake seawater 1303 to process through the permeate producing
means. Alternatively, through the use of intake pumps and other
known means, the first vessel 1310 can intake seawater 1303 while
not in motion with respect to shore 1302.
[0191] To be in motion with respect to shore 1302, the first vessel
1310 can be underway. The term "underway" means that the first
vessel 1310 is making its way over the bottom under its own power
or under the power of another vessel. However, the first vessel
1310 can be in motion with respect to shore 1302 even though it is
not underway. The first vessel 1310 can be in motion with respect
to shore 1302 while moored, anchored, or drifting.
[0192] As discussed above, the first vessel 1310 includes a means
for mixing the concentrate. As described above in greater detail,
the mixing means is operable to dilute the concentrate. Also as
described above in greater detail, the mixing means is operable to
regulate a temperature of the concentrate to a temperature
substantially equal to that of the water proximate to the first
vessel 1310.
[0193] In an embodiment, the concentrate discharged by the first
vessel 1310 to the surrounding body of water has substantially the
same temperature as the water surrounding the first vessel 1310. In
another embodiment, the diluted concentrate discharged by the first
vessel 1310 to the surrounding body of water has a level of total
dissolved solids between the level of total dissolved solids of the
concentrate produced by the permeate producing means and the total
dissolved solids of the surrounding body of water. As used herein,
the term "substantially equal" does not refer to a comparison of
quantitative measurements, but rather that the impact on the
affected marine life or ecosystem is qualitatively negligible.
Thus, in an embodiment little or no readily observable adverse
environmental effects occur when discharging the concentrate
directly to the waters surrounding the first vessel 1310. Other
suitable structures and mixing means may be used.
[0194] In one embodiment, the permeate delivering means comprises a
second vessel 1320. A dead-weight tonnage of the second vessel 1320
is in a range between about 10,000 and 500,000 tons. In one
embodiment, the second vessel 1320 includes a tug-barge unit. In
another embodiment, the second vessel 1320 includes a converted
single or double hull tanker.
[0195] Generally, the first vessel 1310 is operable to transfer the
permeate to the second vessel 1320 and the second vessel 1320 is
operable to receive the permeate from the first vessel 1310. As
will be described in more detail below, the second vessel 1320 is
operable to deliver the permeate to the land-based distribution
system 1330. Transferring fluid, typically fuel oil, between
sea-going vessels is known. The transfer of permeate, i.e.,
desalinated water, between the first and second vessels 1310, 1320
utilizes similar principles. However, in stark contrast to
transferring fuel oil between vessels, the environmental
consequences of a damaged, severed, or disconnected transfer line
1315 transferring desalinated water are negligible.
[0196] In one embodiment, a transfer line 1315 communicates the
desalinated water between the first and second vessels 1310, 1320.
The transfer line 1315 can communicate a permeate storage
compartment internal to the first vessel 1310 with a permeate
storage compartment internal to the second vessel 1320. Support
vessels (not shown) can be used as needed to facilitate the
transfer of desalinated water between the first and second vessels
1310, 1320.
[0197] Generally, the transfer of permeate between the first and
second vessels 1310, 1320 can be performed while both first and
second vessels 1310, 1320 are in motion with respect to shore 1302.
Alternatively, the transfer of permeate between the first and
second vessels 1310, 1320 can be performed while both first and
second vessels 1310, 1320 are moored or anchored. The first vessel
1310 is operable to continue producing permeate while the first and
second vessels 1310, 1320 are transferring permeate.
[0198] When the transfer of permeate between the first and second
vessels 1310, 1320 is complete, the second vessel 1320 can transfer
the permeate to the land-based distribution system 1330 located on
shore 1302 or can transfer the permeate to a third vessel (not
pictured) wherein the third vessel is permanently located at the
pier 1331 or wharf (not shown), quay (not shown) or dolphins (not
shown). In an embodiment, the second vessel 1320 travels to and is
secured to a pier 1331. The permeate is transferred to a piping
system 1332 from the second vessel 1320 or a third vessel disposed
proximate the pier 1331. The piping system 1332 is in communication
with and transfers the permeate to the land-based distribution
system 1330.
[0199] The land-based distribution system 1330 generally includes
at least one water storage tank 1333, a pumping station 1336, and a
pipeline or a pipeline network 1335. In one embodiment, the
land-based distribution system can include a plurality of tanks
1333 located in a single tank-farm or be distributed over several
locations on shore 1302. The pipeline network 1335 can interconnect
the plurality of tanks 1333. Additionally, the pipeline network
1335 can communicate the water supply with individual pumping
stations (not shown) and/or end-users (not shown), such as
industrial or residential users.
[0200] In one embodiment, the land-based distribution system 1330
can include a chemical feed station (not shown) to adjust a
plurality of water quality parameters. The chemical feed station
can adjust water quality parameters such as pH, corrosion control,
and fluoridation, as desired. Other suitable water quality
parameters can be adjusted by the chemical feed station. In one
embodiment, the chemical feed station is disposed upstream of the
storage tanks 1333. In another embodiment, the chemical feed
station is disposed downstream of the chemical feed station and
upstream of the pumping station 1336. Alternatively, the chemical
feed station can be disposed in other suitable locations.
[0201] In an alternate embodiment, the permeate can be transferred
from the second vessel 1320 to a land-based transportation system
(not shown) for delivery directly to end-users or alternate water
storage facilities. The land-based transportation system can
include a plurality of tank trucks or a trucking network (not
shown). The land-based transportation system can include a railroad
or a railroad network. Additionally, the land-based transportation
system can include a combination of a trucking network and a
railroad network.
[0202] Referring now to FIG. 14, an alternate permeate delivering
means is shown. In one embodiment, the permeate can be transferred
directly from the first vessel 1310 to a floating pipeline 1415.
Floating pipelines to transfer oil are known. The floating pipeline
1415 can be similar in design to such floating pipelines.
[0203] The floating pipeline 1415 can be coupled to a permanent
buoy 1404. The floating pipeline 1415 can be transported from shore
1302 to the buoy 1404 by a tugboat or other service vessel. The
floating pipeline 1415 can be constructed of known buoyant
materials or can be coupled with buoyant floats (not shown)
disposed along its length. The floating pipeline 1415 can float on
the surface of the water 1303. Alternatively, the floating pipeline
1415 can be partially submerged below the surface of the water
1303.
[0204] An alternate embodiment of the permeate delivering means
includes a sea-floor stabilized pipeline (not shown). The sea-floor
stabilized pipeline can be coupled to the permanent buoy 1404. The
sea-floor stabilized pipeline is disposed primarily below the
surface of the water 1303 and rests on the sea-floor. The sea-floor
stabilized pipeline can have a plurality of weights distributed
over its length to keep it generally in place. Alternatively, the
sea-floor stabilized pipeline can be securely fixed to the
sea-floor with known anchorage devices and methods.
[0205] A first end of the sea-floor stabilized pipeline can be
disposed above the surface of the water 1303. The first end of the
sea-floor stabilized pipeline is in communication with first vessel
1310. A second end of the sea-floor stabilized pipeline can be
disposed proximate to the land-based distribution system 1330. In
one embodiment, a portion of the sea-floor stabilized pipeline
proximate to the first end passes through the permanent buoy 1404.
In another embodiment, a portion of the sea-floor stabilized
pipeline proximate to the first end is integral with the permanent
buoy 1404.
[0206] Another alternate embodiment of the permeate delivering
means includes a sea-floor embedded pipeline (not shown). The
sea-floor embedded pipeline can be coupled to the permanent buoy
1404. The sea-floor stabilized pipeline is disposed primarily below
the surface of the sea-floor. The sea-floor embedded pipeline is
generally secured in place by the sea-floor. The sea-floor embedded
pipeline can be buried several inches below a surface of the
sea-floor. Alternatively, anchorage devices can be used to secure
the sea-floor embedded pipeline. In another embodiment, the
sea-floor embedded pipeline can be covered by various materials.
Other structures and permeate delivering means may be used in other
embodiments.
[0207] In one embodiment of the system 1301, the first vessel 1310
includes a packaging system (not shown) to package the permeate.
The packaging system can include an on-board bottling plant.
Alternatively, the packaging system can include other suitable
packages, such as, for example, large plastic bladders. As
described in more detail below, the packaged permeate can be
transported to provide relief to a disaster stricken area on shore
1302. In addition to providing packaged desalinated water, the
first vessel 1310 can include a store of disaster-relief
provisions, such as food, medical supplies, and clothing.
[0208] To support the operation of the first vessel 1310, a support
fleet (not shown) can be included. The support fleet is operable to
provide the first vessel 1310 with one or more of the following:
fuel oil, supplies and provisions, repair and replacement materials
and equipment, personnel, and airlift capabilities. The support
fleet can include a single vessel or a plurality of vessels.
[0209] Referring now to FIG. 15, a system 1501 for providing
disaster relief services from a maritime environment according to
the present invention is shown. The system 1501 described in
further detail below is operable to provide critical aid to a wide
variety of areas that lack sophisticated, well-developed, or
functional ground infrastructure. Additionally, the system 1501
does not leave a "footprint" on shore 1302. Furthermore, the system
1501 is mobile and can respond to developing crises without much
lead time or notice. This is especially true when the system 1501
is forward-deployed across the globe.
[0210] The system 1501 includes a first vessel 1510 operable to
produce desalinated water. Generally, the first vessel 1510 is
operable to produce desalinated water at a rate in a range between
approximately 1 million gallons per day and approximately 100
million gallons per day. Typically the first vessel 1510 includes a
reverse osmosis system. In one embodiment, the first vessel 1510 is
operable to produce the desalinated water substantially
continuously.
[0211] The first vessel 1510 can include a converted single-hull
tanker and includes a first dead weight tonnage. The first dead
weight tonnage includes a range between about 10,000 and 500,000
tons. In another embodiment, the first vessel 1510 has a dwt of
between about 30,000 and 50,000. In another embodiment, the first
vessel 1510 has a dwt of between about 65,000 and 80,000. In
another embodiment, the vessel 1510 has a dwt of between about
120,000. In another embodiment, the first vessel 1510 has a dwt of
between about 250,000 and 300,000. In other embodiments, the size
of the first vessel 1510 may depend on the intended application,
the controlling draft, and on the desired production capacity of
the vessel.
[0212] The first vessel 1510 can be in continuous motion with
respect to shore 1502. Generally, while the first vessel 1510 is in
motion with respect to shore 1502, the first vessel 1510 can intake
seawater 1503 to process through the reverse osmosis system.
Alternatively, through the use of intake pumps and other known
means, the first vessel 1510 can intake seawater 1503 while not in
motion with respect to shore 1502.
[0213] To be in motion with respect to shore 1502, the first vessel
1510 can be underway. However, the first vessel 1510 can be in
motion with respect to shore 1502 even though it is not underway.
The first vessel 1510 can be in motion with respect to shore 1502
while moored, anchored, or drifting.
[0214] In one embodiment of the system 1501, the first vessel 1510
includes a packaging system (not shown) to package the desalinated
water. The packaging system can include an on-board bottling plant.
Alternatively, the packaging can include other suitable packages,
such as, for example, large plastic bladders. The packaged permeate
can be transported to shore 1502 to provide relief to a disaster
stricken area. In addition to providing packaged desalinated water,
the first vessel 1510 can include a store of disaster-relief
provisions, such as food, medical supplies, and clothing.
[0215] The system 1501 also includes a means for delivering the
desalinated water to shore 1502. In one embodiment, the delivering
means includes a second vessel 1520. The second vessel 1520
includes a second tonnage in a range between about 10,000 and
500,000 dwt. The second vessel 1520 can include a converted
single-hull tanker. The second vessel 1520 can also include a
tug-barge unit. Alternatively, other suitable vessels can be
used.
[0216] The second vessel 1520 is operable to receive the
desalinated water from the first vessel 1510 and to deliver the
desalinate water to shore 1502. As described in detail above, the
first vessel 1510 can transfer the desalinated water to the second
vessel 1520 by a transfer line 1515. Accordingly, this transfer
process will not be repeated here. The second vessel 1520 is
operable to receive the desalinated water from the first vessel
1510 while the first and second vessels 1510, 1520 are in motion
with respect to shore 1502.
[0217] In an alternate embodiment, unprocessed or
partially-processed raw water may be delivered from shore 1502 by,
for example, the second vessel 1520 to the first vessel 1510 for
processing or additional processing (i.e., refreshing the raw
water). The water from the second vessel 1520 may be transferred to
the first vessel 1510 by reversing the transfer process described
above. Once the first vessel 1510 has processed or "refreshed" the
water from ashore, the first vessel 1510 can transfer the
desalinated or "refreshed" water to the second vessel 1520 for
delivery to shore 1502.
[0218] Once the desired amount of desalinated water has been
transferred from the first vessel 1510 to the second vessel 1520,
the second vessel 1520 can transport the desalinated water
proximate to the shore 1502. Typically, the second vessel 1520 will
dock alongside a pier 1530. Alternatively, the second vessel 1520
can be an amphibious vehicle, in which case the second vessel 1520
can deliver the desalinated water directly to shore 1502. In yet
another alternative embodiment, the first vessel 1510 or the second
vessel 1520 can transfer packaged desalinated water to shore 1502
by off-loading the packaged water at the pier 1530 or dropping the
packaged water overboard allowing the tide to carry the packaged
water in to shore 1502.
[0219] In an alternate embodiment, the delivering means includes an
airborne delivery system (not shown). The airborne delivery system
is operable to transport needed aid faster and farther inland than
conventional ground transportation means. Furthermore, some areas
on shore 1502 may be accessible only by air.
[0220] In one embodiment, the airborne delivery system includes a
helicopter (not shown). The helicopter can land on or hover above
the first vessel 1510 or the second vessel 1520. The helicopter can
be loaded with packaged water or it can transport pallets of the
packaged water. In another embodiment, the airborne delivery system
includes a seaplane. The seaplane can be directly loaded with
packaged water and transport the packaged water inland to where it
is needed. Other structures and delivery means may be used in other
embodiments.
[0221] The system 1501 can provide other disaster relief services
in addition to delivering desalinated water. As discussed above,
the system 1501 can also provide food (such as, for example Meals
Ready to Eat--MREs), medical supplies, and clothing. As discussed
above, the system 1501 can include a support fleet (not shown)
operable to provide the first vessel 1510 with one or more of the
following: fuel, supplies and provisions, repair and replacement
materials and equipment, personnel, and airlift capabilities. The
support fleet can include a single vessel or a plurality of
vessels. Furthermore, in addition to supporting the first vessel
1510, the support fleet can dispatch emergency personnel and
additional emergency aid to shore 1502.
[0222] Referring now to FIG. 16, a system 1601 for mitigating
environmental impacts of a water purification system of a vessel
1610 on a maritime environment is shown. The water purification
system (not shown) produces a permeate and a concentrate. The water
purification system can be similar to that as described above.
Alternatively, other suitable water purification systems can be
used. Typically, the permeate produced includes desalinated water
and the concentrate produced includes a brine.
[0223] In an embodiment, the system 1601 includes a mixing means
for controlling the level of total dissolved solids of the
concentrate discharged from the vessel 1610 into the surrounding
body of water. As described above in greater detail, the mixing
means is operable to dilute the concentrate and/or to regulate the
temperature of the concentrate discharged from the vessel 1610.
[0224] In one embodiment, the system 1601 includes means for
discharging the concentrate. Generally, the concentrate discharging
means is operable to mix the concentrate with raw water prior to
the discharge of concentrate to the surrounding body of water. In
another embodiment, the concentrate discharging means is operable
to mix the concentrate with water having a total dissolved solids
below the level of total dissolved solids of the surrounding body
of water prior to discharge. The concentrate discharging means can
be similar to that described above.
[0225] In one embodiment, the concentrate discharging means
includes a grate or other dispersing device. For example, the grate
can include a plurality of divergently-oriented apertures. In
another example, the grate can include a plurality of protrusions
disposed in the plurality of apertures. The grate can be configured
as described above and with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.
Alternatively, the grating can be configured in other alternate
means.
[0226] In another embodiment, the concentrate dispersing means
includes a discharge member extending from the vessel and a
plurality of orifices disposed in the discharge member. The
discharge member can include a plurality of discharge tubes, each
one of the tubes extending to a different depth. The discharge
member can include a floating hose, which generally extends from
the main deck of the vessel and into the water. The discharge
member can also include a catenary. Other alternate dispersing
means can be as that described above. Other suitable structures and
dispersing means can be used.
[0227] In one embodiment, the system 1601 includes means for
reducing a level of shipboard noise. For example, the noise
reducing means includes a plurality of piping encasements. In
another example, the noise reducing means includes a plurality of
vibration dampening elements. Other systems for mitigating
environmental impacts of a desalination system of a vessel on a
maritime environment can be similar to those systems, apparatus,
and methods described above. Alternatively, other suitable
structures, systems, and means can be used.
[0228] Referring now to FIG. 17, a system 1701 for producing and
transferring energy to a land-based distribution system is shown.
The system 1701 comprises a vessel 1710. The vessel 1710 comprises
means for producing energy 1703. The system 1701 also comprises a
land-based means 1720 for transferring the energy from the vessel
1710 to a land-based distribution system 1740. In one embodiment, a
capacity of the energy producing means 1703 comprises a range
between about 10 megawatts and 100 megawatts.
[0229] In one embodiment, the vessel 1710 comprises a dead-weight
tonnage in a range between approximately 10,000 and 500,000. As
described above, the vessel 1710 can be a reconfigured single-hull
tanker. Other suitable vessels can be reconfigured, such as barges
and other merchant vessels and retired (mothballed) naval vessels.
Alternatively, the vessel 1710 can be custom built, i.e., designed
and built especially for a particular application.
[0230] In one embodiment, the energy producing means 1703 comprises
a supply transformer (not shown), a motor (not shown), a frequency
converter (not shown), and a motor control (not shown). The
frequency converter is operable to control a speed and a torque of
the motor. Preferably the energy producing means 1703 comprises an
electric drive propulsion drive, which is known in the art.
Generally, the transformer is in communication with the motor and
the frequency converter. Typically, the motor control is in
communication with the transformer, the motor, and the frequency
converter. The motor can be a drive motor or an electric motor
generator.
[0231] Typically, the energy producing means 1703 is disposed
entirely below the main deck. In an alternate embodiment, the
energy producing means 1703 can be disposed on and above the main
deck, as well as below the main deck. Moreover, the energy
producing means 1703 can be supplemented by temporary electrical
generators (not shown), such as, for example, diesel
generators.
[0232] Preferably, the motor is an AC motor. The speed of the motor
can be controlled by varying the voltage and frequency of its
supply. The frequency converter is operable to create a variable
frequency output. The frequency converter can also provide stepless
control of three-phase AC currents from zero to maximum output
frequency, corresponding to a desired shaft speed both ahead and
astern. In another embodiment, the energy producing means comprises
a fuel cell (not shown). Alternatively, other suitable energy
producing means can be used, such as, for example, conventional
maritime diesel engines, or nuclear or fossil-fueled steam
plants.
[0233] The energy transferring means 1720 comprises means for
synchronizing 1725 the energy from the vessel 1710 to the
land-based distribution system 1740. As described above, the energy
transferring means 1720 is a land-based, or shore-based, system.
Utilizing a land-based energy transferring means 1720 rather than a
ship-board energy transferring means allows the vessel 1710 to
maximize its limited space for energy generation, and other
additional functions. Additionally, a land-based energy
transferring means 1720 is configured by the local energy authority
to connect to the land-based distribution system 1740. Thus, the
vessel 1710 would not have to be modified to accommodate variations
among different grid systems.
[0234] In one embodiment, the synchronizing means 1725 comprises a
generator step-up transformer (not shown) and a second converter
(not shown). The generator step-up transformer is operable to step
up a voltage from the vessel 1710 to a voltage substantially equal
to the land-based distribution system 1740. For example, the
generator step-up transformer can step-up the voltage from the
vessel 1710, i.e., 600 V, to 38 kV, the voltage of the land-based
distribution system 1740. In another example, the generator step-up
transformer can step-up the voltage from the vessel 1710, i.e., 600
V, to 69 kV, the voltage of the land-based distribution system
1740.
[0235] The second converter is operable to synchronize the energy
from the vessel 1710 with the land-based distribution system 1740.
For example, the second converter can convert DC power from the
vessel 1710 to the AC power of the land-based distribution system
1740. As another example, the second converter can convert the
phase of the power from the vessel 1710 to the phase of the power
in the land-based distribution system 1740.
[0236] The land-based distribution system 1740 can include an
electrical grid or network to supply and transport electrical
energy to commercial, industrial, and/or residential end-users.
Such a land-based distribution system 1740 generally includes, but
is not limited to, transmission towers, overhead and underground
power lines, substations, transformers, converters, and wires, such
as service drops. Alternatively, other suitable land-based
distribution systems can be used.
[0237] In an embodiment, the vessel 1710 comprises means for
cleaning exhaust 1707. Typically, exhaust refers to pollutants, as
well as various particulates. The exhaust cleaning means 1707 is
disposed upstream, or before the egress of exhaust from the vessel
1710. Exhaust from the vessel generally is produced in generating
power. Of course, auxiliary ship-board functions may produce some
additional exhaust. In one embodiment, the exhaust cleaning means
1707 comprises a scrubber. In another embodiment, the exhaust
cleaning means 1707 comprises a particulate filter.
[0238] Referring now to FIG. 18, a system 1801 is shown. The system
1801 comprises a vessel 1810 operable to produce desalinated water
and electricity. The system 1801 also includes means for delivering
(not shown) the desalinated water from the vessel 1810 to a
land-based water distribution system 1830 and means for
transferring 1820 the electricity from the vessel 1810 to the
land-based electrical distribution system 1840.
[0239] In one embodiment, the vessel 1810 comprises a dead-weight
tonnage in a range between about 10,000 and 500,000. As described
above, the vessel 1810 can be a reconfigured single-hull tanker.
Other suitable vessels can be reconfigured, such as barges and
other merchant vessels. Alternatively, the vessel 1810 can be
custom-made for this particular application.
[0240] Generally, the vessel 1810 is operable to produce
desalinated water in a range between about 1 million gallons per
day and 100 million gallons per day. Typically, the vessel 1810
produces desalinated water as described above, and thus, will not
be repeated here. Alternatively, other suitable means of producing
desalinated water can be used. Generally, a capacity of the vessel
1810 for producing electricity is in a range between about 10
megawatts and 100 megawatts.
[0241] While the vessel 1810 is producing desalinated water, the
vessel 1810 generally is off-shore 1803. When the vessel 1810 has
produced its capacity of desalinated water--or when the vessel 1810
has produced as much as is desired or needed--the vessel 1810 heads
to shore 1802 and is secured to or moored proximate to a pier 1831.
Delivery or discharge of the desalinated water to the land-based
distribution system 1830 can take about 12 hours, which, of course,
can vary depending on the amount of water to be delivered from the
vessel 1810.
[0242] In one embodiment, the means for delivering the desalinated
water from the vessel 1810 to the land-based water distribution
system 1830 includes a piping system 1832. Alternatively, other
suitable embodiments can be used. The piping system 1832 is in
communication with the land-based water distribution system
1830.
[0243] The land-based water distribution system 1830 generally
includes at least one water storage tank 1833, a pumping station
1836, and a pipeline or a pipeline network 1835. In one embodiment,
the land-based distribution system can include a plurality of tanks
1833 located in a single tank-farm or be distributed over several
locations on shore 1802. The pipeline network 1835 can interconnect
the plurality of tanks 1833. Additionally, the pipeline network
1835 can communicate the water supply with individual pumping
stations (not shown) and/or end-users (not shown), such as
industrial or residential users.
[0244] In one embodiment, the land-based water distribution system
1830 can include a chemical feed station (not shown) to adjust a
plurality of water quality parameters. The chemical feed station
can adjust water quality parameters such as pH, corrosion control,
and fluoridation, as desired. Other suitable water quality
parameters can be adjusted by the chemical feed station. In one
embodiment, the chemical feed station is disposed upstream of the
storage tanks 1833. In another embodiment, the chemical feed
station is disposed downstream of the chemical feed station and
upstream of the pumping station 1836. Alternatively, the chemical
feed station can be disposed in other suitable locations.
[0245] In an alternate embodiment, the desalinated water can be
transferred from the vessel 1810 to a land-based transportation
system (not shown) for delivery directly to end-users or alternate
water storage facilities. The land-based transportation system can
include a plurality of tank trucks or a trucking network (not
shown). The land-based transportation system can include a railroad
or a railroad network. Additionally, the land-based transportation
system can include a combination of a trucking network and a
railroad network.
[0246] While the vessel 1810 is delivering the desalinated water to
a land-based water distribution system 1830, the vessel 1810 can
generate electricity for transfer to a shore-based electrical
distribution system 1840. Generally, one megawatt is sufficient to
provide power to 1000 typical American homes. Thus, where the
capacity of the vessel 1810 is 100 megawatts, the vessel 1810 can
provide power to about 100,000 homes. In addition to providing
desalinated water, the vessel 1810 can provide critically-need
power to help alleviate suffering in disaster-stricken areas by
providing power to hospitals and other emergency infrastructure, as
well as to homes.
[0247] In one embodiment, the vessel 1810 comprises a supply
transformer (not shown), a motor (not shown), a frequency converter
(not shown), and a motor control (not shown). The frequency
converter is operable to control a speed and a torque of the
motor.
[0248] Preferably the supply transformer, the motor, the frequency
converter, and the motor control comprise an electric generating
means 1803. Generally, the transformer is in communication with the
motor and the frequency converter. Typically, the motor control is
in communication with the transformer, the motor, and the frequency
converter.
[0249] Typically, the electric generating means 1803 is disposed
entirely below the main deck. In an alternate embodiment, the
electric generating means 1803 can be disposed on and/or above the
main deck, as well as below the main deck. Moreover, the electric
generating means 1803 can be supplemented by temporary electrical
generators (not shown), such as, for example, diesel
generators.
[0250] Preferably, the motor is an AC motor. The speed of the motor
can be controlled by varying the voltage and frequency of its
supply. The frequency converter is operable to create a variable
frequency output. The frequency converter can also provide stepless
control of three-phase AC currents from zero to maximum output
frequency, corresponding to a desired shaft speed both ahead and
astern. In another embodiment, the electric generating means 1803
comprises a fuel cell (not shown). Alternatively, other suitable
energy producing means can be used, such as, for example,
conventional maritime diesel engines.
[0251] The energy transferring means 1820 comprises means for
synchronizing 1825 the energy from the vessel 1810 to the
land-based distribution system 1840. As described above, the energy
transferring means 1820 is a land-based, or shore-based,
system.
[0252] In one embodiment, the synchronizing means 1825 comprises a
generator step-up transformer (not shown) and a second converter
(not shown). The generator step-up transformer is operable to step
up a voltage from the vessel 1810 to a voltage substantially equal
to the land-based distribution system 1840. For example, the
generator step-up transformer can step-up the voltage from the
vessel 1810, i.e., 600 V, to 38 kV, the voltage of the land-based
distribution system 1840. In another example, the generator step-up
transformer can step-up the voltage from the vessel 1810, i.e., 600
V, to 69 kV, the voltage of the land-based distribution system
1840.
[0253] The second converter is operable to synchronize the energy
from the vessel 1810 with the land-based distribution system 1840.
For example, the second converter can convert DC power from the
vessel 1810 to the AC power of the land-based distribution system
1840. As another example, the second converter can convert the
phase of the power from the vessel 1810 to the phase of the power
in the land-based distribution system 1840.
[0254] In an embodiment, the vessel 1810 comprises means for
cleaning exhaust 1807. Typically, exhaust refers to pollutants, as
well as various particulates. The exhaust cleaning means 1807 is
disposed upstream, or before the egress of exhaust from the vessel
1810. Exhaust from the vessel generally is produced in generating
power. Of course, auxiliary ship-board functions may produce some
additional exhaust. In one embodiment, the exhaust cleaning means
1807 comprises a scrubber. In another embodiment, the exhaust
cleaning means 1807 comprises a particulate filter.
[0255] Referring now to FIGS. 19A and 19B, a vessel 1901 is shown.
The vessel 1901 comprises a hull 1902. The hull 1902 comprises a
first surface 1902a and a second surface 1902b. Generally, the
first surface 1902a of the hull 1902 comprises an interior surface
of the vessel 1901 and the second surface 1902b of the hull 1902
comprises an exterior surface of the vessel 1902. The vessel 1901
also comprises means for producing desalinated water (not shown)
and means for mixing a concentrate with seawater (not shown). The
mixing means and the means for producing desalinated water include
the structures and methods described above for producing
desalinated water. As shown in FIG. 19A, the means for producing
desalinated water includes the plurality of reverse osmosis systems
1904 installed in separate containers disposed on and above the
main deck 1905 of the vessel 1901. Alternatively, other suitable
means for producing desalinated water can be used.
[0256] The vessel 1901 also includes means for storing the
desalinated water. The water storing means comprises a tank 1903
disposed within the hull 1902. The tank 1903 can occupy a majority
of the volume formed by the hull 1902 below the main deck 1905 of
the vessel 1901. Alternatively, the tank 1903 can occupy other
suitable volumes, and be disposed in suitable configurations. The
tank 1903 comprises a first surface 1903a and a second surface
1903b. In a preferred embodiment, the tank 1903 is disposed within
a double-hull of the vessel 1901. In another embodiment, the tank
1903 forms a double-hull of the vessel 1901. Double-hull generally
refers to a second hull disposed within the hull 1902.
[0257] When the tank 1903 contains desalinated water, the first
surface 1903a of the tank 1903 is disposed proximate to the
desalinated water. Alternatively, the first surface 1903a of the
tank 1903 is in communication with the desalinated water.
[0258] Generally, the second surface 1903b of the tank 1903 is
disposed in facing opposition to the second surface 1902b of the
hull 1902. The second surface 1903b of the tank 1903 is separated
from the first surface 1902a of the hull 1902 by a distance.
Typically, the distance between the second surface 1903b of the
tank 1903 and the first surface 1902a of the hull 1902 is greater
than or equal to about two meters. In another embodiment, the
distance between the second surface 1903b of the tank 1903 and the
first surface 1902a of the hull 1902 is less than about two meters.
Alternatively, other suitable distances can be used.
[0259] In one embodiment, the vessel 1901 comprises means for
maintaining a temperature (not shown) of the desalinated water in
the tank 1903 above freezing. Desalinated water freezes at about 0
degrees C. In one embodiment, the means for maintaining the
temperature of the desalinated water can include insulation
disposed between the second surface 1903b of the tank 1903 and the
first surface 1902a of the hull 1902. The insulation can be coupled
to either or both the second surface 1903b of the tank 1903 and the
first surface 1902a of the hull 1902.
[0260] In another embodiment, the temperature maintaining means can
include forcing or circulating air between the second surface 1903b
of the tank 1903 and the first surface 1902a of the hull 1902. The
temperature of the air is sufficient to maintain the desalinated
water in the tank 1903 above freezing. The air can be heated by
electric coils or by other suitable means. In a further embodiment,
the temperature maintaining means can include directly heating the
tank 1903 by direct means, such as heating coils. The temperature
maintaining means can also include imparting some movement or
displacement of the desalinated water in the tank 1903, such as,
for example, by an agitator. Other suitable means for maintaining
the temperature of the desalinated water in the tank 1903 above
freezing can be used.
[0261] The tank 1903 comprises at least one of the following:
concrete, a plastic, a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin,
a polymerized ethylene resin, a polytetrafluoroethylene, a carbon
steel, and a stainless steel. The stainless steel is selected from
the group consisting of grade 304 stainless steel and grade 316
stainless steel.
[0262] In an embodiment where the tank 1903 comprises a carbon
steel, a cladding can be coupled to the first surface 1903a of the
tank 1903. Generally, the cladding is coupled when forming the tank
1903. Alternatively, the cladding can be coupled to the first
surface 1903a of the tank 1903 after the tank 1903 has been formed.
Typically, the cladding comprises the stainless steel, including
grade 304 stainless steel and grade 316 stainless steel. In one
embodiment, a sacrificial anode can be coupled to the second
surface 1903b of the tank 1903. In another embodiment, an impressed
electrical current can be utilized.
[0263] The first and second surfaces 1903a, 1903b of the tank 1903
can be treated with coatings to help maintain the desalinated water
fit for human consumption. Various national codes and standards
specify particular coatings for such tanks, such as, for example
ANSI/AWWA D102-97. The first surface 1903a of the tank 1903
comprises a layer (not shown). The layer of the first surface 1903a
comprises a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. In one
embodiment, the first layer is applied to the first surface 1903a
as a prime coat. The second layer is applied to the first layer
after the first layer has cured or dried. The third layer is
applied to the second layer after the first layer has cured or
dried. Thus, the second layer is disposed between the first and
second layers.
[0264] The first layer of the first surface 1903a is selected from
the group consisting of a two-component epoxy, a zinc-rich primer,
a vinyl coating, a fast-drying coal-tar enamel coating, and a
shop-applied primer. The second layer of the first surface 1903a is
selected from the group consisting of a two-component epoxy, a
vinyl resin coating, and a cold-applied coal tar coating. The third
layer of the first surface 1903a is selected from the group
consisting of a two-component epoxy, a vinyl resin coating, a
hot-applied coal tar enamel, and a cold-applied coal tar coating.
Alternatively, other suitable compounds for the first, second, and
third layers of the first surface 1903a can be used.
[0265] The second surface 1903b of the tank 1903 comprises a layer
(not shown). The layer of the second surface 1903b comprises a
first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. In one embodiment,
the first layer is applied to the second surface 1903b as a prime
coat. The second layer is applied to the first layer after the
first layer has cured or dried. The third layer is applied to the
second layer after the first layer has cured or dried. Thus, the
second layer is disposed between the first and second layers.
[0266] The first layer of the second surface 1903b is selected from
the group consisting of a rust-inhibitive pigmented alkyd primer, a
vinyl coating, a two-component epoxy, and a zinc-rich primer. The
rust-inhibitive pigmented alkyd primer comprises a red iron oxide,
a zinc oxide, an oil, and an alkyd primer. The second layer of the
second surface 1903b is selected from the group comprising a
ready-mixed aluminum coating, an alkyd enamel, an alkyd coating, a
vinyl coating, and a two-component epoxy. The third layer of the
second surface 1903b is selected from the group comprising a
ready-mixed aluminum coating, an alkyd enamel, a vinyl coating, and
a two-component aliphatic polyurethane coating. Alternatively,
other suitable compounds for the first, second, and third layers of
the second surface 1903b can be used.
[0267] FIGS. 17A-17C show embodiments of a method 1701 according to
the present invention. The method 1701 may be employed to deliver
desalinated water to a land-based distribution system, such as for
example, the system 1330 shown in FIG. 13 and as described above.
Items shown in FIG. 13 are referred to in describing FIGS. 17A-17C
to aid understanding of the embodiment of the method 1701 shown.
However, embodiments of methods according to the present invention
may be employed in a wide variety of other systems.
[0268] Referring now to FIG. 20A, block 2010 indicates that a first
vessel is provided. The first vessel can be similar to that
described above. In one embodiment, the first vessel includes a
converted single-hull tanker having a dead-weight tonnage in a
range between about 10,000 tons and 500,000 tons. In another
embodiment, the first vessel has a dwt of between about 30,000 and
50,000. In another embodiment, the first vessel 1710 has a dwt of
between about 65,000 and 80,000. In another embodiment, the first
vessel has a dwt of between about 120,000. In another embodiment,
the first vessel has a dwt of between about 250,000 and 300,000. In
other embodiments, the size of the first vessel will depend on the
intended application, the maximum draft to keep the vessel afloat,
and on the desired production capacity of the vessel.
Alternatively, other suitable vessels can be used.
[0269] The first vessel is operable to produce a permeate and to
mix a concentrate. As described herein, the permeate is produced
from raw water, typically seawater. The permeate generally includes
desalinated water and the concentrate includes a brine. In one
embodiment, the method 2001 includes providing a reverse osmosis
system. Typically, a rate of production of the permeate by the
first vessel is in a range between approximately 1 million gallons
per day and approximately 100 million gallons per day. In another
embodiment, the first vessel is in continuous motion with respect
to shore. In another embodiment, the first vessel is fixed with
respect to shore. As described in more detail herein, one
embodiment of the method 2001 includes diluting the concentrate to
a level substantially equal to a salinity level of water proximate
to the first vessel.
[0270] Referring again to FIG. 20A, block 2020 indicates that the
permeate is delivered from the first vessel to a land-based
distribution system. Referring now to FIG. 20B, one embodiment for
delivering the permeate from the first vessel to the land-based
distribution system is shown. Block 2022 indicates that the step
for delivering the permeate from the first vessel to the land-based
distribution system includes transferring permeate from the first
vessel to a second vessel.
[0271] In another embodiment, the method 2001 can include packaging
the permeate. The permeate can be packaged as described above with
reference to FIG. 13. Alternatively, other methods of packaging the
permeate can be used. Once packaged, the permeate can be
transported to shore by various methods, including for example,
airborne delivery means. A helicopter or a seaplane can be used to
transport packaged permeate to shore. The first vessel can include
a helipad to accommodate that landing, loading, and departure of a
helicopter.
[0272] In an embodiment, a dead-weight tonnage of the second vessel
is in a range between about 10,000 and about 500,000. In one
embodiment, the second vessel can be a converted single-hull
tanker. In another embodiment, the second vessel can be a tug-barge
unit. During the transfer of permeate from the first vessel to the
second vessel, both the first and second vessels can be in motion
with respect to shore. Alternatively, the first and second vessels
can be substantially stationary with respect to shore. As described
above, the permeate can be transferred from the first vessel to the
second vessel using a transfer line. Using transfer lines to
transfer fuel oil between ships is known. Transferring permeate
between vessel can use similar principles.
[0273] As shown in FIG. 20B, block 2024 indicates that the step for
delivering the permeate from the first vessel to the land-based
distribution system includes transporting the permeate disposed in
the second vessel proximate to the land-based distribution system.
The second vessel can travel to a pier or a dock proximate to the
shore under its own power or with the assistance of a tug or other
suitable support vessel.
[0274] As shown in FIG. 20B, block 2026 indicates that the step for
delivering the permeate from the first vessel to the land-based
distribution system includes transferring the permeate from the
second vessel to the land-based distribution system. The permeate
can be transferred from the second vessel to the land-based
distribution system, as described above and with reference to FIG.
13.
[0275] Generally, the permeate is transferred from the second
vessel to the land-based distribution system through a transfer
line that is in communication with a storage tank intake pump. The
storage tank intake pump assists in the transfer of permeate to a
storage tank. Alternatively, other suitable methods of transferring
the permeate from the second vessel to the land-based distribution
system can be used.
[0276] Referring now to FIG. 20C, an alternate embodiment for
delivering the permeate from the first vessel to the land-based
distribution system is shown. As indicated by block 2027, the
permeate is transferred from the first vessel to a pipeline.
Transferring the permeate from the first vessel to the pipeline can
be similar to that described above and with reference to FIG.
13.
[0277] For example, in one embodiment, the pipeline can include a
floating pipeline spanning a distance from the first vessel or a
permanent buoy to shore. In another embodiment, the pipeline can
include a sea-floor stabilized pipeline similar to that described
above. In yet another embodiment, the pipeline can include a
sea-floor embedded pipeline similar to that described above with
reference to FIG. 13. Alternatively, other suitable pipelines and
configurations of pipelines can be used.
[0278] As indicated by block 2028, the permeate in the pipeline is
transported proximate to the land-based distribution system. The
permeate can be transported in the pipeline similar to that
described above with reference to FIG. 13. Alternatively, other
suitable methods of transporting the permeate can be used.
Generally, a transfer pump coupled to the permanent buoy or the
first vessel, provides the necessary pressure to transport the
permeate proximate to shore.
[0279] In one embodiment, the method 2001 further comprises
providing a storage tank. Generally, the storage tank is disposed
on shore and stores the permeate for future transport and/or use.
In one embodiment, there may be a plurality of storage tanks. In
another embodiment, the method 501 further comprises communicating
a pipeline or a pipeline network with the storage tank. In yet
another embodiment, the method 1701 further includes communicating
a pumping station with the pipeline or the pipeline network.
Typically, a combination of a storage tank, a pipeline or a
pipeline network in communication with the storage tank, and a
pumping station in communication with the pipeline or the pipeline
network comprises the land-based distribution system. The
land-based distribution system can be similar to that described
above and with reference to FIG. 13. Alternatively, other suitable
configurations and arrangements can be used.
[0280] In one embodiment, the method 2001 further comprises
communicating a chemical feed station to the storage tank. The
chemical feed station is operable to adjust a plurality of water
quality parameters, such as, for example, pH, corrosion control,
and fluoridation. The water can be transported to end-users, such
as industrial or residential users, directly from the storage tank
and pipeline network. Alternatively, the water can be transported
by providing a land-based transportation system. In one embodiment,
the land-based transportation system can include a railroad or a
railroad network. In another embodiment, the land-based
transportation system can include a tank truck or a trucking
network.
[0281] FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of a method 2101 according to
the present invention. The method 2101 may be employed to provide
aid to a disaster-stricken area. Items shown in FIG. 14 are
referred to in describing FIG. 21 to aid understanding of the
embodiment of the method 2101 shown. However, embodiments of
methods according to the present invention may be employed in a
wide variety of other systems.
[0282] As indicated by block 2110, the method 2101 includes
providing a first vessel having a first tonnage. In one embodiment,
the first vessel includes a converted single-hull tanker having a
first tonnage in a range between about 10,000 and 500,000. In
another embodiment, the first vessel has a dwt of between about
30,000 and 50,000. In another embodiment, the first vessel has a
dwt of between about 65,000 and 80,000. In another embodiment, the
first vessel has a dwt of between about 120,000. In another
embodiment, the first vessel has a dwt of between about 250,000 and
250,000. In other embodiments, the size of the first vessel will
depend on the intended application, the minimum draft to keep the
vessel afloat, and on the desired production capacity of the
vessel. Alternatively, other suitable vessels can be used,
including those similar to that described above with reference to
FIGS. 13-16.
[0283] The first vessel is operable to produce desalinated water.
Generally, the first vessel includes a reverse osmosis system
operable to produce desalinated water at a rate in a range between
approximately 1 million gallons per day and approximately 100
million gallons per day. In one embodiment, the first vessel is in
continuous motion with respect to shore. Alternatively, the first
vessel is stationary with respect to shore. The desalinated water
can be produced using methods and apparatus similar to that
described above. Other suitable methods for producing desalinated
water can be used.
[0284] In another embodiment, the method 2101 includes packaging
the desalinated water. For example, the first vessel can include a
packaging plant. Generally, the method 2101 includes providing a
store of disaster relief provisions, such as for example, food,
medicine, and clothing.
[0285] As indicated by block 2120, the method 2101 of providing aid
to a disaster-stricken area also includes delivering the
desalinated water to shore. In one embodiment, the method 2101
includes providing a second vessel operable to receive the
desalinated water from the first vessel and to deliver the
desalinated water to shore. The second vessel includes a second
tonnage. Typically, the second tonnage is less than the first
tonnage. The second tonnage can be in a range between about 10,000
and 500,000 dwt. Other suitable vessels can be used, such as those
similar to that described above.
[0286] In one embodiment, the second vessel is operable to receive
the desalinated water from the first vessel while the first and
second vessels are in motion with respect to shore. Alternatively,
the second vessel can receive the desalinated water from the first
vessel while the first and second vessels are substantially
stationary with respect to shore. The means of transferring
desalinated water from the first vessel to the second vessel can be
similar to that described above. Alternatively, other suitable
means for transferring desalinated water between the first and
second vessels can be used. Once the desired amount of desalinated
water has been received by the second vessel, the second vessel can
transport the desalinated water proximate to shore for distribution
to the disaster-stricken area.
[0287] As disaster-stricken areas often lack or have compromised
land-based distribution systems, an alternate method 2120 of
delivering desalinated water to shore includes providing an
airborne vehicle. Disaster-stricken areas are often accessible only
by air. In one embodiment, the airborne vehicle includes a
helicopter. In another embodiment, the airborne vehicle includes a
seaplane. The airborne vehicle is operable to transport packaged
desalinated water as well as the disaster-relief provisions. Other
alternate methods of delivering the desalinated water include
simply throwing packaged desalinated water overboard. The packaged
water can float to shore or be collected by other vessels.
[0288] In the case of a helicopter, the helicopter is operable to
transport several discrete packages or to transport pallets of the
packaged desalinated water. In one embodiment, the first vessel can
include a helipad to facilitate the flight operations and
capabilities of the helicopter. Typically, there can be a plurality
of airborne vehicles. The airborne vehicles can originate from
shore or other vessels.
[0289] The method 2101 includes providing a plurality of support
vessels. The support vessels are operable to provide the first
vessel with one or more of the following: fuel, supplies and
provisions, repair and replacement materials and equipment,
personnel, and airlift capabilities.
[0290] FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a method 2201 according to
the present invention. The method 2201 may be employed to mitigate
environmental impacts of desalinating water. Items shown in FIG. 16
are referred to in describing FIG. 22 to aid understanding of the
embodiment of the method 1901 shown. However, embodiments of
methods according to the present invention may be employed in a
wide variety of other systems.
[0291] The process of desalinating water produces a permeate and a
concentrate. Block 2210 indicates that the method 2201 includes
diluting a concentrate. The total dissolved solids of the diluted
concentrate is between the total dissolved solids of the
concentrate and the total dissolved solids of the native water.
Generally, the concentrate is mixed with water taken directly from
the surrounding body of water (i.e. "native water") before
discharging the concentrate to the water of the maritime
environment in which the vessel is operating. As indicated by block
2220, the method also includes regulating a temperature of the
concentrate substantially equal to a temperature of the water
proximate the area of the concentrate discharge.
[0292] In one embodiment, the method 2201 includes providing a
mixing tank. Generally, the mixing tank is disposed in a volume of
a vessel. As described in more detail above, the mixing tank is
operable to mix the concentrate with native water prior to
discharging the concentrate into the water of the maritime
environment in which the vessel is operating. In an embodiment, the
mixing tank is similar to that described herein and with reference
to FIG. 9. Alternatively, other suitable mixing tanks can be
used.
[0293] In one embodiment, the method 2201 includes dispersing the
concentrate. Generally, the concentrate is dispersed as it is
discharged into the water of the maritime environment in which the
vessel is operating. The method 2201 further includes providing a
grate. In one embodiment, the method 1901 includes providing a
grate. In another embodiment, the method 2201 further comprises
disposing a plurality of divergently-oriented apertures in the
grate. The concentrate dispersing means can be similar to that
described above. In yet another embodiment, the method 2201 further
comprises providing the grate with a plurality of apertures and
disposing a plurality of protrusions in the plurality of apertures.
In an embodiment, the grate is configured as described above and
with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Alternatively, the grate can be
configured in other suitable alternate means.
[0294] In one embodiment, the method 2201 includes discharging the
concentrate from a plurality of locations. The method 2201 can
include providing a concentrate discharge member. The method 2201
can also include providing a plurality of orifices disposed in the
concentrate discharge member. For example, the discharge member can
extend from the vessel and a plurality of orifices disposed in the
discharge member. The discharge member can also include a plurality
of discharge tubes, each one of the tubes extending to a different
depth.
[0295] The discharge member can include a floating hose, which
generally extends from the main deck of the vessel and into the
water. The discharge member can further include a catenary. Other
alternate methods of discharging the concentrate can be as that
described above. Furthermore, other suitable methods of discharging
the concentrate can be used.
[0296] In one embodiment, the method 2201 includes reducing a level
of operating noise. The method 2201 can include providing a
plurality of piping encasements. In another embodiment, the method
includes providing a plurality of dampening members. Other methods
for mitigating environmental impacts of a desalination system of a
vessel on a maritime environment can be similar to those methods,
systems, and apparatus, as described herein. Alternatively, other
suitable methods can be used.
[0297] Referring now to FIG. 24, an embodiment of a method 2401
according to the present invention is shown. The method 2401 may be
employed to transfer electricity to a land-based distribution
system, such as for example, the system 1701 shown in FIG. 17 and
as described above. Items shown in FIG. 17 are referred to in
describing FIG. 24 to aid understanding of the embodiment of the
method 2401 shown. However, embodiments of methods according to the
present inventions may be employed in a wide variety of other
systems.
[0298] As shown by block 2410, the method 2410 comprises providing
a vessel operable to generate energy is provided. The vessel can be
as that described above. In one embodiment, the vessel comprises a
dead-weight tonnage in a range between about 10,000 and 500,000.
Alternatively, other suitable vessels can be provided.
[0299] Generally, the vessel is operable to generate electricity in
a range between about 10 megawatts and 100 megawatts. Typically,
the vessel comprises a supply transformer, a motor, a frequency
converter, and a motor control. The frequency converter is operable
to control a speed and a torque of the motor. In another
embodiment, the vessel comprises a fuel cell. Alternatively, other
suitable means of energy production can be used.
[0300] Where the vessel is powered by fossil fuels, the vessel can
include means to mitigate the environmental consequences of burning
such fuel. For example, in one embodiment, the method 2410
comprises cleaning an exhaust from the vessel. In another
embodiment, the method 2410 comprises providing a scrubber. In an
alternate embodiment, the method 2410 comprises providing a
particulate filter. Alternatively, other suitable means for
cleaning pollutants from the vessel can be provided.
[0301] As shown in block 2420, the method 2410 comprises
transferring the energy from the vessel to a land-based
distribution system. Transferring the energy from the vessel can be
as that described above and with reference to FIG. 17.
Alternatively, other suitable methods of transferring energy from
the vessel can be used. The land-based distribution system can be
similar to that described above and with reference to FIG. 17.
Alternatively, other suitable land-based distribution systems can
be used.
[0302] As described above, the equipment for transferring energy
from the vessel is generally shore-based, and is configured by the
local power authority to its specific grid configuration and
specifications. In one embodiment, the method 2410 comprises
synchronizing the energy from the vessel to the land-based
distribution system. The step of synchronizing the energy from the
vessel to the land-based distribution system comprises stepping-up
a voltage from the vessel to a voltage substantially equal to the
land-based distribution system and providing a second converter
operable to synchronize the energy from the vessel with the
land-based distribution system. Other suitable methods for
synchronizing the energy from the vessel to the land-based
distribution system can be used, including those methods and
systems described above. Alternatively, other suitable methods for
synchronizing the energy from the vessel to the land-based
distribution system can be used.
[0303] Referring now to FIG. 25, an embodiment of a method 2501
according to the present invention is shown. The method 2501 may be
employed to deliver desalinated water and to transfer electricity
to land-based distribution systems, such as for example, the system
1801 shown in FIG. 18 and as described above. Items shown in FIG.
18 are referred to in describing FIG. 25 to aid understanding of
the embodiment of the method 2501 shown. However, embodiments of
methods according to the present inventions may be employed in a
wide variety of other systems.
[0304] As shown by block 2510, the method 2410 comprises providing
a vessel operable to produce desalinated water and to generate
electricity. The vessel can be as that described above. In one
embodiment, the vessel comprises a dead-weight tonnage in a range
between about 10,000 and 500,000. Alternatively, other suitable
vessels can be provided. Typically, the vessel is operable to
produce desalinated water in a range between about 1 million and
100 million gallons per day. Generally, the vessel is operable to
generate electricity in a range between about 10 megawatts and 100
megawatts. Alternatively, other suitable vessels can be used.
[0305] Typically, the vessel comprises a supply transformer, a
motor, a frequency converter, and a motor control. The frequency
converter is operable to control a speed and a torque of the motor.
In another embodiment, the vessel comprises a fuel cell.
Alternatively, other suitable means of energy production can be
used.
[0306] Where the vessel is powered by fossil fuels, the vessel can
include means to mitigate the environmental consequences of burning
such fuel. For example, in one embodiment, the method 2510
comprises cleaning an exhaust from the vessel. In another
embodiment, the method 2510 comprises providing a scrubber. In an
alternate embodiment, the method 2510 comprises providing a
particulate filter. Alternatively, other suitable means for
cleaning pollutants from the vessel can be provided.
[0307] As shown in block 2520, the method 2510 comprises delivering
the desalinated water produced by the vessel to a land-based water
distribution network. The land-based water distribution network can
be as that described above and with reference to FIG. 18.
Alternatively, other suitable water distribution networks can be
used.
[0308] As shown in block 2530, the method 2510 comprises
transferring the electricity generated by the vessel to a
land-based electrical distribution system. Transferring the energy
from the vessel can be as that described above and with reference
to FIG. 18. Alternatively, other suitable methods of transferring
energy from the vessel can be used. The land-based electrical
distribution system can be similar to that described above and with
reference to FIG. 18. Alternatively, other suitable land-based
electrical distribution systems can be used.
[0309] As described above, the equipment for transferring energy
from the vessel is generally shore-based, and is configured by the
local power authority to its specific grid configuration and
specifications. In one embodiment, the method 2510 comprises
synchronizing the energy from the vessel to the land-based
electrical distribution system. The step of synchronizing the
energy from the vessel to the land-based electrical distribution
system comprises stepping-up a voltage from the vessel to a voltage
substantially equal to the land-based distribution system and
providing a second converter operable to synchronize the energy
from the vessel with the land-based electrical distribution system.
Other suitable methods for synchronizing the energy from the vessel
to the land-based electrical distribution system can be used,
including those methods and systems described above. Alternatively,
other suitable methods for synchronizing the energy from the vessel
to the land-based electrical distribution system can be used.
[0310] Referring now to FIG. 26, a method 2601 according to an
embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method 2601 may
be employed to produce and store Items shown in FIG. 19 are
referred to in describing FIG. 26 to aid understanding of the
embodiment of the method 2601 shown. However, embodiments of
methods according to the present inventions may be employed in a
wide variety of other systems.
[0311] As shown by block 2610, the method 2601 comprises producing
desalinated water. The desalinated water can be produced using
systems and methods as described above. Generally, the desalinated
water is produced by a ship-board desalination system.
Alternatively, the desalinated water can be produced by other
suitable means.
[0312] As shown by block 2620, the method 2601 comprises storing
the desalinated water in a tank. The tank is disposed in the hull
of a vessel. The hull comprises a first surface and a second
surface. The tank comprises a first surface and a second surface.
The second surface of the tank is separated from the first surface
of the hull. The hull and the tank can be as that described above
with reference to FIG. 19.
[0313] In one embodiment of the method 2601, the first surface of
the hull comprises an interior surface of the vessel and the second
surface of the hull comprises an exterior surface of the vessel.
Where there is desalinated water in the tank, the first surface of
the tank is disposed proximate to the desalinated water.
Alternatively, the first surface of the tank is in communication
with the desalinated water. Generally, the second surface of the
tank is separated from the interior surface of the hull by a
distance, the distance being greater than or equal to about two
meters. In another embodiment, the distance can be less than about
two meters. Generally, the hull and the tank form a double-hull
vessel. Alternatively, other suitable hull and tank can be
used.
[0314] Typically, the tank comprises at least one of the following:
a plastic, a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, a
polymerized ethylene resin, a polytetrafluoroethylene, a carbon
steel, and a stainless steel. The stainless steel is selected from
the group consisting of grade 304 stainless steel and grade 316
stainless steel. In one embodiment, the method 2601 comprises
coupling a cladding to the first surface of the tank. The cladding
generally comprises the stainless steel. In another embodiment, the
method 2601 comprises coupling a sacrificial anode to the second
surface of the tank. In an alternate embodiment, the first and
second surfaces of the tank each comprise a layer. The layer
comprises a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The
layers can be as that described above and with reference to FIG.
19. Alternatively, other suitable layers can be used.
[0315] In one embodiment, the method 2601 comprises maintaining a
temperature of the desalinated water disposed in the tank above
freezing. The method 2601 can include disposing insulation between
the second surface of the tank and the first surface of the hull.
The method 2601 can also include heating a space between the second
surface of the tank and the first surface of the hull.
Alternatively, other methods for maintaining the temperature of the
desalinated water disposed in the tank above freezing can be used,
including those systems and methods described above.
[0316] The systems, methods, and devices described above can be
combined to provide a flotilla or fleet of vessels with varying
functions, such as vessels that exclusively produce electricity and
vessels that desalinate water. In such a fleet, the individual
vessels can support one another. For example, the
electric-producing vessel can provide or supplement the energy
needs of the desalinated-water producing vessel. Additionally, the
fleet can also include vessels to store and transport the
desalinated water to shore or to other vessels. Such a fleet can
provide multiple services (as well as relief to areas suffering
from water and/or energy shortages) to shore-based areas. Of
course, the individual vessels can also include multiple functions,
such as water production, energy production, and/or water storage.
In one embodiment, electrical power can be supplied to a vessel
from ashore by, for example, buried cable, such that the vessel
does not need its own power plant.
[0317] While the present invention has been disclosed with
reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications,
alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible
without departing from the sphere and scope of the present
invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the described
embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language
of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *