U.S. patent number RE30,358 [Application Number 05/963,466] was granted by the patent office on 1980-08-05 for hopper valve module for hopper dredge.
This patent grant is currently assigned to David Sensibar, Irrevocable Trust. Invention is credited to Ezra Sensibar.
United States Patent |
RE30,358 |
Sensibar |
August 5, 1980 |
Hopper valve module for hopper dredge
Abstract
A hopper valve module is adapted to be removably mounted in the
well of a hopper of a hopper dredge vessel for opening and closing
the hopper outlet, the module being attached to the vessel only
adjacent to the hopper outlet so that the module may be removed as
a unit. An annular ring is secured around the top of the hopper
well with support arms extending upwardly therefrom to support a
vertically extending cylindrical housing having a hydraulic drive
cylinder mounted therein with a piston rod connected to a valve
member which closes against a valve seat to provide a watertight
seal. In a first embodiment of the invention a conical valve member
is coupled by a universal joint to the piston rod and has a
replaceable resilient covering for sealing against the valve seat
at the bottom of the hopper well. A watertight enclosure is
provided for the drive means. In a second embodiment, a cylindrical
valve member is telescopically received in the housing and is
coupled by a movable joint to the piston rod, the valve seat being
at the top of the hopper well.
Inventors: |
Sensibar; Ezra (Chicago,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Sensibar, Irrevocable Trust;
David (Chicago, IL)
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Family
ID: |
25507286 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/963,466 |
Filed: |
November 24, 1978 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
679158 |
Apr 22, 1976 |
04030435 |
Jun 21, 1977 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F
7/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E02F
7/00 (20060101); E02F 7/04 (20060101); B63B
035/30 () |
Field of
Search: |
;114/26,27,31,36 ;222/5F
;105/239-240,244,247,248 ;251/304,309,314,320 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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10724 |
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Feb 1880 |
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DE2 |
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98118 |
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Mar 1897 |
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DE2 |
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586717 |
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Jun 1931 |
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DE2 |
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1531588 |
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Sep 1969 |
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DE |
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3666 of |
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1911 |
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GB |
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Primary Examiner: Kazenske; Edward R.
Assistant Examiner: Sotelo; Jesus D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Vogel, Dithmar, Stotland, Stratman
& Levy
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a hopper dredge vessel having a hopper with .Iadd.side walls
and .Iaddend.an outlet at the bottom thereof, a removable hopper
valve module comprising housing means removably mountable on the
associated hopper adjacent to the outlet thereof .Iadd.with no
portion of said housing extending laterally underneath any portion
of the side walls of the associated hopper .Iaddend.a .Iadd.single
.Iaddend.valve member movable in use .Iadd.substantially axially of
the hopper outlet .Iaddend.between a closed position closing the
hopper outlet and an open position opening the hopper outlet, and
drive means carried substantially solely by said housing means and
coupled to said valve member for effecting movement thereof between
the open and closed positions thereof, said valve module being
connected to the associated vessel only adjacent to the hopper
outlet and adaptably mounted so as to be readily attached .[.and
removed.]. as a unit .[.from.]. .Iadd.to .Iaddend.the hopper
.Iadd.and removed as a unit from the hopper upwardly therethrough
in either the open or closed position of said valve member.Iaddend.
.
2. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 1, and further
including threaded fastening means removably securing said housing
means to the associated hopper.
3. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 1, wherein the
associated hopper includes inverted U-shaped dog members extending
upwardly therefrom at spaced-apart points around the periphery
thereof, said housing means including a base member having
apertures therein, said housing means being disposed in use with
said dog members respectively extending upwardly through said
apertures a predetermined distance above said base member, and
wedge members respectively received through said dog members above
said base member and cooperating therewith removably to secure said
housing means to the associated hopper.
4. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 1, wherein said valve
member is moved substantially vertically between the open and
closed positions thereof.
5. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 1, wherein said drive
means comprises a hydraulically operated drive cylinder.
6. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 1, wherein said
housing means includes means providing a watertight enclosure for
said drive means.
7. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 1, wherein said valve
member is movable in use beneath the bottom of the associated
vessel.
8. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 1, wherein said valve
member is at all times disposed above the bottom of the associated
vessel.
9. In a hopper dredge vessel having a hopper with .Iadd.side walls
and .Iaddend.an outlet at the bottom thereof, a removable hopper
valve module comprising support means removably mountable on the
associated hopper adjacent to the outlet thereof, a hollow
cylindrical housing carried by said support means and disposed in
use substantially vertically adjacent to the hopper outlet
.Iadd.with no portion of said support means or said housing
extending laterally underneath any portion of the side walls of the
associated hopper.Iaddend., a valve member movable in use between a
closed position closing the hopper outlet and an open position
opening the hopper outlet, and drive means mounted substantially
totally within said cylindrical housing and coupled to said valve
member for effecting movement thereof between the .[.opening.].
.Iadd.open .Iaddend.and closed positions thereof, said valve module
being connected to the associated vessel only adjacent to the
hopper outlet and adaptably mounted so as to be readily attached
.[.and removed.]. as a unit .[.from.]. .Iadd.to .Iaddend.the hopper
.Iadd.and removed as a unit from the hopper upwardly therethrough
in either the open or closed position of said valve member.
.Iaddend.
10. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 9, wherein said
drive means comprises a fluid-actuated drive cylinder.
11. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 9, wherein said
support means includes a plurality of spaced-apart support members
connected to said cylindrical housing and positioning said
cylindrical housing in use substantially coaxially with the hopper
outlet.
12. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 9, wherein said
support means includes a plurality of spaced-apart hollow tubular
support members connected to said cylindrical housing and
positioning said housing in use substantially coaxially with the
hopper outlet, at least one of said tubular support members
communicating with the interior of said housing for accommodating
passage of control connections for said drive means through said
one tubular support member and into said housing.
13. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 9, wherein the
hopper outlet and said cylindrical housing are substantially
circular in transverse cross section.
14. In a hopper dredge vessel having a hopper with .Iadd.side walls
and .Iaddend.an outlet at the bottom thereof, a removable hopper
valve module comprising housing means removably mountable on the
associated hopper adjacent to the outlet thereof .Iadd.with no
portion of said housing extending laterally underneath any portion
of the side walls of the associated hopper.Iaddend., a valve seat
coupled to said housing means and disposed adjacent to the hopper
outlet, a .Iadd.single .Iaddend.valve member movable in use
.Iadd.substantially axially of the hopper outlet .Iaddend.between a
closed position disposed against said valve seat and cooperating
therewith and with said housing means for closing and watertight
sealing the hopper outlet and an open position spaced from said
valve seat for opening the hopper outlet, and drive means carried
substantially solely by said housing means and coupled to said
valve member for effecting movement thereof between the open and
closed positions thereof, said valve module being connected to the
associated vessel only adjacent to the hopper outlet and adaptably
mounted so as to be readily attached .[.and removed.]. as a unit
.[.from.]. .Iadd.to .Iaddend.the hopper .Iadd.and removed as a unit
from the hopper upwardly therethrough in either the open or closed
position of said valve member. .Iaddend.
15. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 14, wherein said
valve seat is annular in shape, said valve member having a
frustoconical surface which engages said valve seat in the closed
position of said valve member.
16. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 14, wherein said
valve seat is rigid, said valve member having a resilient portion
which engages said valve seat in the closed position of said valve
member.
17. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 14, wherein said
valve seat is formed of hard rigid corrosion-resistant metal, said
valve member having a resilient portion formed of rubber which
engages said valve seat in the closed position of said valve
member.
18. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 14, wherein said
valve seat is formed of hard rigid corrosion-resistant metal, said
valve member having a resilient portion replaceably mounted
thereon, said resilient portion engaging said valve seat in the
closed position of said valve member.
19. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 14, wherein the
hopper has a cylindrical well at the bottom thereof forming the
outlet, said valve seat being disposed adjacent to the bottom of
the well.
20. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 14, wherein the
hopper has a cylindrical well at the bottom thereof forming the
outlet, said valve seat being disposed adjacent to the top of the
well.
21. In a hopper dredge vessel having a hopper with an outlet at the
bottom thereof, a removable hopper valve module comprising housing
means removably mountable on the associated hopper adjacent to the
outlet thereof, a valve seat coupled to said housing means and
disposed adjacent to the hopper outlet, a valve member movable in
use between a closed position disposed against said valve seat and
cooperating therewith and with said housing means for closing and
watertight sealing the hopper outlet and an open position spaced
from said valve seat for opening the hopper outlet, and drive means
carried substantially solely by said housing means and including a
movable joint coupled to said valve member for effecting movement
thereof between the open and closed positions thereof, said movable
joint accomodating lateral movement of said valve member into snug
engagement against said valve seat to provide a watertight seal
therebetween, said valve module being connected to the associated
vessel only adjacent to the hopper outlet and adaptably mounted so
as to be readily attached and removed as a unit from the
hopper.
22. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 21, wherein said
drive means includes a hydraulically operated drive cylinder having
a piston rod connected to said movable joint.
23. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 21, wherein said
movable joint is a universal joint.
24. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 21, wherein said
movable joint is a single pivot joint.
25. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 21, wherein said
housing means includes seal means cooperating with said valve
member to form a watertight enclosure for said drive means.
26. In a hopper dredge vessel having a hopper with an outlet at the
bottom thereof, a removable hopper valve module comprising support
means removably mountable on the associated hopper adjacent to the
outlet thereof, a hollow cylindrical housing carried by said
support means and disposed in use substantially vertically adjacent
to the hopper outlet, a valve member movable in use between a
closed position closing the hopper outlet and an open position
opening the hopper outlet, drive means mounted substantially
totally within said cylindrical housing and coupled to said valve
member for effecting movement thereof between the open and closed
positions thereof, a cylindrical sleeve disposed telescopically
within said housing and in surrounding relationship with said drive
means, said sleeve being coupled at the lower end thereof to said
valve member for movement therewith between the open and closed
positions thereof, and seal means coupled to said housing and to
said sleeve for sealing the lower ends thereof and rendering them
substantially watertight, said valve module being connected to the
associated vessel only adjacent to the hopper outlet and adaptably
mounted so as to be readily attached and removed as a unit from the
hopper.
27. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 26, wherein said
seal means includes an annular seal ring mounted on said housing at
the lower end thereof, said seal ring having a resilient annular
seal member disposed in use against the outer surface of said
cylindrical sleeve for providing a watertight seal between said
sleeve and said housing while accommodating relative axial movement
therebetween.
28. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 26, wherein said
seal means includes an annular seal ring mounted on said housing at
the lower end thereof, said seal having a resilient annular seal
member disposed in use against the outer surface of said
cylindrical sleeve for providing a watertight seal between said
sleeve and said housing while accommodating relative axial movement
therebetween, and an annular scraper carried by said seal ring and
having a scraping disposed in use closely adjacent to the outer
surface of said sleeve for scraping foreign material therefrom as
said sleeve moves with respect to said housing.
29. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 26, and further
including a flexible collar attached to said valve member and
extending upwardly therefrom the surrounding relationship with the
lower end of said sleeve and secured thereto for cooperation
therewith to enclose said drive means.
30. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 26, and further
including a cap closing the upper end of said housing and providing
a watertight seal therefor.
31. In a hopper dredge vessel having a hopper with .Iadd.side walls
and .Iaddend.an outlet at the bottom thereof, a removable hopper
valve module comprising housing means removably mountable on the
associated hopper adjacent to the outlet thereof .Iadd.with no
portion of said housing extending laterally underneath any portion
of the side walls of the associated hopper .Iaddend., a discharge
nozzle having an inverted frustoconical inner surface and being
carried by said housing means and communicating with the hopper
outlet for discharge of the hopper contents through said nozzle, a
.Iadd.single .Iaddend.valve member movable .[.in.]. .Iadd.is
.Iaddend.use .Iadd.substantially axially of the hopper outlet
.Iaddend.between a closed position closing said nozzle and an open
position opening said nozzle, and drive means carried substantially
solely by said housing means and coupled to said valve member for
effecting movement thereof between the open and closed positions
thereof, said valve module being connected to the associated vessel
only adjacent to the hopper outlet and adaptably mounted so as to
be readily attached .[.and removed.]. as a unit .[.from.]. .Iadd.to
.Iaddend.the hopper .Iadd.and removed as a unit from the hopper
upwardly therethrough in either the open or closed position of said
valve member. .Iaddend.
32. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 31, wherein said
drive means extends in use axially through said discharge
nozzle.
33. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 31, wherein the
hopper has a cylindrical well at the bottom thereof forming the
outlet, said discharge nozzle being disposed within the well
coaxial therewith.
34. The hopper valve module set for in claim 31, wherein the hopper
has a cylindrical well at the bottom thereof forming the outlet,
said discharge nozzle being disposed within the well coaxial
therewith, and further including an annular seal member carried by
said discharge nozzle and disposed in use in engagement with the
surrounding well for sealing the space between the well and said
discharge nozzle.
35. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 31, wherein the
hopper has a cylindrical well at the bottom thereof forming the
outlet, said discharge nozzle being disposed within the well
coaxial therewith, said discharge nozzle being provided with an
annular attachment flange at the upper end thereof extending
radially outwardly therefrom for attachment to the associated
hopper at the upper end of the well in surrounding relationship
therewith, said housing means including an annular mounting ring
overlying and attached to said attachment flange, and means
connected to said mounting ring for supporting and enclosing said
drive means substantially axially of said nozzle.
36. In a hopper dredge vessel having a hopper with a cylindrical
substantially vertically extending well at the bottom thereof
forming an outlet, a removable hopper valve module comprising
support means removably mountable on the associated hopper adjacent
to the well thereof, a discharge nozzle carried by said support
means and disposed within the well coaxial therewith, said
discharge nozzle having an inverted frustoconical inner surface and
communicating with the interior of the hopper for discharge of the
contents thereof through said nozzle, a hollow cylindrical housing
carried by said support means and extending in use axially into
said nozzle, a valve seat carried by said nozzle and extending
peripherally thereof at the outer end thereof, a valve member
movable in use between a closed position disposed against said
valve seat and cooperating therewith for closing and sealing the
hopper outlet and an open position spaced from said valve seat for
opening the hopper outlet, drive means mounted substantially
totally within said cylindrical housing and including a movable
joint coupled to said valve member for effecting movement thereof
between the open and closed positions thereof, said movable joint
accommodating movement of said valve member into snug engagement
against said valve seat to provide a watertight seal therebetween,
a cylindrical sleeve disposed telescopically within said housing
and in surrounding relationship with said drive means, said sleeve
being coupled at the lower end thereof to said valve member for
movement therewith between the open and closed positions thereof,
and seal means coupled to said housing and to said sleeve for
sealing the lower ends thereof and rendering them substantially
watertight, said valve module being connected to the associated
vessel only adjacent to the hopper outlet and adaptably mounted so
as to be readily attached and removed as a unit from the
hopper.
37. In a hopper dredge vessel having a hopper with an outlet at the
bottom thereof, a removable hopper valve module comprising support
means removably mountable on the associated hopper adjacent to the
outlet thereof, a hollow cylindrical housing carried by said
support means and disposed in use substantially vertically above
the hopper outlet, said housing having a closed top and having an
open bottom disposed in use a predetermined distance above the
hopper bottom and cooperating therewith to define a passage
accommodating free flow of dredged material beneath said housing
and to the outlet, a cylindrical valve member disposed in use
coaxially with said housing and movable between a closed position
closing said passage to prevent the flow of dredged material to the
outlet and an open position opening said passage, and drive means
mounted substantially totally within said housing and coupled to
said valve member for effecting movement thereof between the open
and closed positions thereof, said valve module being connected to
the associated vessel only adjacent to the hopper outlet and
adaptably mounted so as to be readily attached and removed as a
unit from the hopper.
38. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 37, wherein said
valve member is telescopically received within said housing for
movement coaxially thereof between the open and closed positions of
said valve member.
39. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 37, and further
including first guide means carried by said support means, and
second guide means carried by said valve member for engagement with
said first guide means to guide the movement of said valve member
between the open and closed positions thereof.
40. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 37, wherein said
housing includes bracing means for evenly distributing lateral
forces applied against said housing by the dredged cargo.
41. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 37, wherein said
drive means includes a movable joint, and laterally extending means
coupling said movable joint to said valve member.
42. In a hopper dredge vessel having a hopper with an outlet at the
bottom thereof, a removable hopper valve module comprising support
means removably mountable on the associated hopper adjacent to the
outlet thereof, a hollow cylindrical housing carried by said
support means and disposed in use substantially vertically above
the hopper outlet, said housing having a closed top and having an
open bottom disposed in use a predetermined distance above the
hopper bottom and cooperating therewith to define a passage
accommodating free flow of dredged material beneath said housing
and to the outlet, a valve seat coupled to said support means and
disposed adjacent to the hopper outlet, a cylindrical valve member
disposed in use coaxially with said housing and movable between a
closed position disposed against said valve seat and cooperating
therewith and with said housing for closing said passage to prevent
the flow of dredged material to the outlet and an open position
spaced from said valve seat for opening said passage, and drive
means mounted substantially totally within said housing and coupled
to said valve member for effecting movement thereof between the
open and closed positions thereof, said valve module being
connected to the associated vessel only adjacent to the hopper
outlet and adaptably mounted so as to be readily attached and
removed as a unit from the hopper.
43. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 42, and further
including annular seal means carried by said cylindrical housing
adjacent to the bottom thereof, said annular seal means being
disposed in use in sliding engagement with the outer surface of
said cylindrical valve member for providing a watertight seal
between said housing and said valve member.
44. The hopper valve module set forth in claim 42, wherein said
valve seat includes an annular frustoconical seal surface, said
hopper valve module further including annular resilient seal means
removably mounted on said valve member and extending about the
periphery thereof adjacent to the bottom thereof, said seal means
having a frustoconical surface disposable in mating engagement with
the frustoconical seal surface of said valve seat for cooperation
therewith to provide a watertight seal between said valve member
and said valve seat.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to hopper dredges, whether tug or
self-propelled. A hopper dredge is a vessel carrying equipment for
removing material from the submarine bottom in order to harvest the
material for use or to deepen the waterway and form a navigation
channel therein or the like. The material removed from the
submarine bottom is deposited in hoppers on the vessel and, when
the hoppers are full, the vessel transports the dredged material to
a predetermined location for off-loading by pumping it overboard or
by dumping the hopper contents through outlet openings at the
bottoms of the hoppers. For this latter purpose, the hopper outlets
are provided with discharge gates or valves.
Government regulations require that the hoppers of hopper dredges
be essentially leakproof to prevent water pollution or shoaling by
leakage of dredged material during transportation of the material
to the off-loading site. Accordingly, it is essential that the
hopper discharge gates or valves have effective watertight seals.
Prior art hopper dredges have basically two types of hopper bottom
closures, viz., generally rectangular hinged doors or cylindrical
or conical poppet valve types. These hopper gates undergo severe
wear in use, both because of their constant exposure to water and
because of the attrition occasioned by the friction of the dredged
material passing thereover during dumping of the hopper contents.
Furthermore, the dredged material often includes debris which can
become jammed in the hopper gates, thereby impairing the operation
thereof and preventing watertight closure thereof. Thus, the hopper
gates require frequent servicing and repair in order to keep the
hoppers leakproof.
In prior art vessels, both the hinged door and poppet valve types
of hopper bottom closures are controlled from the decks of the
vessels by mechanical linkages extending vertically from the
closure member upwardly through the hopper to suitable drive
mechanism located on the vessel deck. The hopper closure gates
cannot be serviced or repaired in place while the vessel is in
service, since normally the gates are submerged under water. Nor
can the gates readily be lifted to the decks of the vessel for
service because of the mechanical linkage connecting the gates to
the equipment on the vessel decks. Thus, by reason of this
arrangement, repair or servicing of the hopper closure gates
requires dry-docking of the vessel. This constitutes a considerable
inconvenience and expense.
Furthermore, since the driving mechanism is situated at deck level
above the cargo, the driving force to the gate or valve is
transmitted by a long vertical rod which passes through the full
depth of the cargo in the hopper. This cargo is usually sand, clay
or mud, often having high internal friction. The vibration of the
vessel tends to consolidate or "set" the cargo, so that the
vertical rod "freezes" because of the high skin friction. In order
to start the rod moving through the cargo mass, great force is
required to overcome the initial "set" and then to continue to move
it despite the skin friction.
The amount of force required is such that the rod must be of large
diameter or else requires an annular ring or bearing to brace it
midway, thus shortening the free column height. This ring or
bearing in turn requires lateral struts to the sides of the hopper.
The effect of this structure of bearings and struts is to impede
the downward movement of the cargo which is essential to the
dumping process. It also results in additional wear and
maintenance.
The construction and operation of certain prior art hopper dredges
is disclosed in a book prepared by the Office of the Chief of
Engineers, U.S. Army, entitled "The Hopper Dredge," United States
Government Printing Office, Washington (1954).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in hopper dredge
vessels and, more particularly, an improved type of hopper closure
which can be serviced and repaired without dry-docking of the
vessel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
hopper valve module which is removably mountable adjacent to the
hopper outlet and which is connected to the vessel only adjacent to
the hopper outlet, there being no connections or linkages which
extend upwardly through the hopper to the deck of the vessel.
It is an object of this invention to provide a hopper valve module
which eliminates the long rod and its attendant supports by placing
the driving mechanism at the bottom of the hopper instead of above
it, the mechanism being so designed as to operate efficiently when
imbedded in the cargo.
It is another object of this invention to provide a hopper valve
module which permits simple and efficient operation and insures a
leakproof closure of the hopper.
Another object of this invention is to provide a hopper valve
module which may be removably mounted in the hopper well from the
deck of the dredge vessel and may be readily removed from the well
and lifted to the deck of the vessel for repair or servicing.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a hopper valve
module which affords efficient discharge of the hopper contents,
and wherein the portions of the valve module most subject to wear
during discharge of the hopper contents are readily replaceable for
simple and economical maintenance of the leakproof condition of the
valve module.
In summary, there is provided in a hopper dredge vessel having a
hopper with an outlet at the bottom thereof, a removable hopper
valve module comprising housing means removably mountable on the
associated hopper adjacent to the outlet thereof, a valve member
movable in use between a closed position closing the hopper outlet
and an open position opening the hopper outlet, and drive means
carried by the housing means and coupled to the valve member for
effecting movement thereof between the open and closed positions
thereof, the valve module being connected to the associated vessel
only adjacent to the hopper outlet and being removable as a unit
from the hopper.
It is one feature of the present invention that a hopper valve
module includes improved drive and seal means to facilitate
operation of the module and to insure leakproof closure of the
hopper.
Another feature of this invention is that in the hopper valve
module of the type set forth, the drive means is disposed within a
hollow cylindrical housing disposed substantially vertically
adjacent to the hopper outlet.
In connection with the foregoing feature, it is another feature of
this invention that the hopper valve module further includes a
cylindrical sleeve disposed telescopically within the housing in
surrounding relationship with the drive means, the sleeve being
coupled at its lower end to the valve member, and seal means
coupled to the housing and the sleeve for providing watertight
seals at the lower ends thereof.
Still another feature of this invention is that the hopper valve
module includes a valve seat adjacent to the hopper outlet for
engagement with the valve member in its closed position to close
and seal the hopper outlet.
In connection with the foregoing feature, it is another feature of
this invention that the drive means includes a movable joint
coupled to the valve member to facilitate sealing engagement
between the valve member and the valve seat.
Yet another feature of this invention is that the hopper valve
module includes a discharge nozzle having an inverted frustoconical
inner surface and carried by the housing means and communicating
with the hopper outlet for improved discharge of the hopper
contents through the nozzle.
Another feature of this invention is that the housing means
includes a hollow cylindrical housing supported above the outlet
and having a closed top and an open bottom spaced from the hopper
bottom to provide a passage for dredged material to flow beneath
the housing to the outlet, the valve member being cylindrical and
movable between a closed position closing the passage and an open
position opening the passage.
In connection with the foregoing feature, it is another feature of
this invention that a valve seat is coupled to the support means
and is disposed adjacent to the hopper outlet for sealing
engagement with the cylindrical valve member in the closed position
thereof.
Further features of the invention pertain to the particular
arrangement of the parts of the hopper valve module whereby the
above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are
attained.
The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be
understood by reference to the following specification taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a self-propelled
hopper dredge, with portions of the hull broken away to illustrate
the hoppers, each including a hopper closure module constructed in
accordance with and embodying the features of a first embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the hopper closure
modules of FIG. 1, mounted in place in the hopper well, with the
valve member in the open position thereof;
FIG. 3 is a further enlarged side elevational view in partial
vertical section of the hopper valve module of FIG. 2, illustrating
the internal construction of the module, the valve being shown in
the closed position, with the open position illustrated in
phantom;
FIG. 4 is a further enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section
of the sleeve seal and scraper assembly, designated by the numeral
4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper end of the
cylindrical sleeve of the valve module of FIG. 3, showing the wear
surfaces thereon;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view in partial vertical
section of the valve module illustrated in FIG. 3, with the valve
shown in the open position thereof;
FIG. 7 is a further enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section
taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 6, and illustrating the universal
joint of the valve module of the present invention;
FIG. 7A is a view like FIG. 7 showing an alternative form of swivel
joint for the valve module;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view in horizontal section taken along the
line 8--8 in FIG. 3 and illustrating the internal construction of
the valve member and valve liner;
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view in partial vertical section of a
hopper valve module constructed in accordance with and embodying
the features of a second embodiment of the present invention, and
illustrating the internal construction of the module, the valve
being shown in the closed position thereof;
FIG. 10 is a reduced top plan view of the hopper valve module
illustrated in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a reduced view in horizontal section taken along the
line 11--11 in FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a reduced fragmentary view in horizontal section taken
along the line 12--12 in FIG. 9;
FIG. 13 is a reduced fragmentary view in horizontal section taken
along the line 13--13 in FIG. 9;
FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section taken
along the line 14--14 in FIG. 12, and illustrating the side seal
member; and
FIG. 15 is an enlarged view in vertical section taken along the
line 15--15 in FIG. 10 and illustrating one of the wedge-type hold
down means for the valve module.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
There is illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings a hopper dredge
vessel, generally designated by the numeral 50 having a plurality
of hoppers therein, each generally designated by the numeral 70.
For purposes of illustration, the hopper dredge vessel 50 has been
illustrated as being self-propelled, but it will be appreciated
that it may be of any of several types, including oceangoing
vessels as well as non-self-propelled vessels. The hopper dredge
vessel 50 includes a hull 51 carrying a propulsion engine 52
connected by a drive shaft 53 to a propeller 54, which cooperates
with a rudder 55 for propelling the vessel. It will be understood
that more than one such propulsion system may be provided on the
vessel 50.
Carried by the hull 51 is a dragarm 60 pivotally mounted outboard
of the starboard side of the hull 51 by a trunnion 62, the diagram
60 extending aft from the trunnion 62 and being provided at its
distal end with a drag 61 for scooping material from the bottom 57
of a body of water 56. The trunnion 62 is connected to a suction
pump 63, which is in turn connected to a discharge pipe 64 which
extends over the deck of the vessel 50 for depositing dredged
material into the open tops of the hoppers 70. The vessel 50 is
provided with a davit 65 carrying a cable 67 having one end thereof
connected to the dragarm 60 adjacent to the drag 61 and having the
other end thereof connected to hoist equipment 66 on the deck of
the vessel 50, the cable 67 serving to raise and lower the dragarm
60 in a well-known manner.
It will be understood that dragarms 60 and davits 65 could be
provided on both sides of the vessel 50. Furthermore, while a side
loading type of hopper dredge vessel has been illustrated, it will
be appreciated that any other type of dredge loading arrangement
could be used, other such systems being illustrated in the
aforementioned text "The Hopper Dredge," Section 4, pp. 20-22.
Frequently, an even number of hoppers 70 is provided in the vessel
50, one-half of the hoppers being arranged longitudinally of the
vessel 50 along the starboard side of the vessel center line and
the other half of the hoppers being arranged on the port side of
the center line in side-by-side relationship with the starboard
hoppers. This arrangement will help to prevent uneven loading of
the vessel which might result in undesirable listing. Thus, the
vessel 50 illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided with six hoppers 70,
the starboard three of which are depicted in the drawing.
Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, each of the
hoppers 70 is provided with a generally rectangular arrangement of
upper side walls 71, each being integral at the lower end thereof
with a downwardly and inwardly sloping wall 72, the lower ends of
the sloping walls 72 terminating in and being joined by an annular
generally horizontal ledge 73. Extending vertically downwardly from
the ledge 73 around the entire perimeter thereof is a cylindrical
wall 74 defining a well 75 which forms a discharge outlet for the
hopper 70, the bottom end of the well wall 74 terminating at the
bottom plates 77 of the hull 51. When the hoppers 70 are empty and
the outlets thereof are open, the hoppers 70 will draw water to a
level within the hoppers which is designated by the numeral 69 in
FIG. 3. Fixedly secured to the ledge 73 as by seal welding is an
annular plate 78 having inner and outer diameters respectively
substantially equal to the inner and outer diameters of the ledge
73 and provided with a plurality of externally threaded studs 79
(FIG. 2) spaced circumferentially therearound and extending
vertically upwardly therefrom for a purpose to be explained more
fully hereinafter. While each of the hoppers 70 has been
illustrated as having a single discharge opening, it will be
understood that hoppers having plural discharge openings could also
be used.
Above the deck of the vessel 50 and overlying the hoppers 70 is a
flume 76 which is provided with a plurality of openings therein.
Each opening is controlled by an adjustable gate. The dredged
material from the discharge pipe or pipes 64 is directed into the
flume 76 and the gates are so manipulated as to effect a
substantially equal distribution of the dredged material among the
several hoppers. It will be appreciated that any suitable type of
distribution system for the dredged material could be used, other
such systems being disclosed in the aforementioned text "The Hopper
Dredge," chapter VII.
Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 2 through 7 and 8 of the
drawings, there is illustrated a hopper valve module, generally
designated by the numeral 100 for disposition in the well 75 of a
hopper 70 to effect opening and closing of the outlet thereof. It
will be appreciated that one of the valve modules 100 is disposed
in each well of each of the hoppers 70. The valve module 100
includes a housing assembly, generally designated by the numeral
101 and includes a substantially vertically disposed hollow
cylindrical housing 102 which is preferably formed of steel.
Equiangularly spaced about the cylindrical housing 102 and fixedly
secured thereto adjacent to the upper end thereof as by welds 104
are four tubular support arms or struts 105, the struts 105
extending downwardly and outwardly from the cylindrical housing
102, with the lower ends thereof being welded to an annular base
plate 106. Respectively welded to the lower ends of the struts 105
and extending radially inwardly therefrom are four brace bars 107,
the inner ends of which are welded to a connecting collar 108 which
is in turn welded to the outer surface of the cylindrical housing
102, thereby to form a rigid housing assembly. Preferably, the
cylindrical housing 102 is provided with an aperture 103 therein
communicating with the interior of one of the tubular struts 105
for a purpose to be explained more fully hereinafter.
Fixedly secured as by welding to the inner surface of the
cylindrical housing 102 adjacent to the upper end thereof is a pair
of spaced-apart mounting blocks 110 extending upwardly above the
upper end of the cylindrical housing 102 and provided with coaxial
openings 111 therethrough. Formed on the cylindrical housing 102 at
the upper end thereof and extending radially outwardly therefrom is
an annular attachment flange 109 for the mounting of a housing cap
115. The cap 115 is also provided with an annular attachment flange
116 which, in use, overlies the attachment flange 109, being spaced
therefrom by a gasket 114 and being fixedly secured thereto by a
plurality of bolts 117, thereby providing a watertight seal for the
upper end of the cylindrical housing 102. Fixedly secured to the
inner surface of the cylindrical housing 102 adjacent to the upper
end thereof but below the level of the aperture 103 is a stop
member 118 for a purpose which will be explained hereinafter.
The baseplate 106 of the housing assembly 101 is dimensioned to
rest upon the seat plate 78 with the struts 105 extending upwardly
therefrom, the cylindrical housing 102 being disposed axially of
the well 75 and of such a length that the lower end thereof is
disposed in the well 75 while the upper end thereof is disposed
within the dredged cargo but below the upper ends of the sloping
wall 72 of the hopper 70.
The hopper valve module 100 also includes a valve liner assembly,
generally designated by the numeral 120, and including an outer
cylindrical wall 121 having an outer diameter slightly less than
the diameter of the well 75. Fixedly secured to the cylindrical
wall 121 at one end thereof is a radially outwardly extending
annular mounting flange 122 having dimensions substantially
identical to the dimensions of the baseplate 106 of the housing
assembly 101. Also fixedly secured to the mounting flange 122 and
disposed inwardly of the cylindrical wall 121 is an inverted
frustoconical wall 123, the lower end of which is spaced a slight
distance above the adjacent end of the cylindrical outer wall 121.
Interconnecting the walls 121 and 123 are a plurality of
equiangularly spaced-apart gusset plates 124 which form a rigid
liner structure. Interconnecting the distal or lower ends of the
walls 121 and 123 and closing the space therebetween is an annular
inclined bottom closure ring 125 haing fixedly secured to the outer
surface thereof a seal ring, preferably formed of a hard
corrosion-resistant nickel-copper alloy such as that sold under the
trademark MONEL.
The mounting flange 122 is adapted to overlie the plate 78, being
separated therefrom by a rubber gasket 119, the studs 79 extending
through complementary openings in the gasket 119 and the mounting
flange 122. When mounted in this position, illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 3, the outer wall 121 of the valve liner assembly 120 is
disposed in the well 75 spaced inwardly a slight distance,
preferably about one-quarter inch, from the side wall 74 thereof,
the lower end of the side wall 121 being disposed a slight distance
above the bottom of the well 75. Preferably, there is formed on the
outer surface of the side wall 121 adjacent to the lower end
thereof an annular resilient seal ring 129 for closing the space
between the valve liner assembly side wall 121 and the well side
wall 74 and forming a watertight seal therebetween.
In use, the housing assembly 101 is mounted atop the valve linear
assembly 120, with the baseplate 106 overlying the mounting flange
122 and being spaced therefrom by a rubber gasket 127 and secured
thereto by a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart bolts 128.
It will be understood that similar bolts will pass through the
other holes shown in the plate 106 in FIG. 2. The entire
bolted-together assembly may then be mounted on the plate 78 and
gasket 119, with the studs 79 extending upwardly through
complementary openings in the mounting flange 122, base-plate 106
and gaskets 119 and 127 and being of sufficient length to extend
above the upper surface of the baseplate 106 to be secured in place
by suitable cap nuts 113. Although some studs 79 are shown for
purposes of illustration, it is understood that they too will be
fitted with cap nuts 113.
Mounted within the cylindrical housing 102 is a hydraulic drive
cylinder 130, the upper end of the cylinder 130 being provided with
a mounting tongue 131 disposed in use between the mounting blocks
110, a mounting pin 132 being inserted through the openings 111 and
a complementary opening in the mounting tongue 131 for supporting
the drive cylinder 130. The cylinder 130 is provided at the upper
and lower ends thereof, respectively, with hydraulic fittings 133
and 134, the cylinder 130 also having a piston rod 135 extending
vertically downwardly from the bottom thereof axially of the
cylindrical housing 102. The piston rod 135 is threadedly engaged
with a connecting block 136, being adjustably held in place by a
locknut 137.
The connecting block 136 is provided with a depending tongue 138
being disposed between the upstanding clevis legs 141 of a clevis
seal plate 140, a pin 142 extending through complementary openings
in the tongue 138 and clevis legs 141 for forming a connection
therebetween. The clevis seal plate 140 is circular in shape having
a diameter less than the inner diameter of the cylindrical housing
102, a tongue 143 being provided depending from the clevis seal
plate 140.
Disposed in surrounding relationship with the drive cylinder 130
and the clevis seal plate 140 and telescopically received within
the cylindrical housing 102 is a cylindrical metal sleeve 145
provided on the inner surface thereof adjacent to the lower end
thereof with a radially inwardly extending annular attachment
flange 144 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The valve module 100 is assembled
so that the clevis seal plate 140 underlies the attachment flange
144 and is spaced therefrom by a rubber gasket 146 and fixedly
secured thereto by a plurality of spaced-apart bolts 147, thereby
cooperating to form a watertight closure at the lower end of the
cylindrical sleeve 145.
It will be understood that as the piston rod 135 moves up and down,
the cylindrical sleeve 145 moves with it within the cylindrical
housing 102, the stop member 118 being disposed for engagement with
the upper end of the cylindrical sleeve 145 to limit the upward
travel thereof. Disposed on the outer surface of the cylindrical
sleeve 145 adjacent to the upper end thereof is a plurality of
circumferentially spaced-apart facing members 148 (FIG. 5) which
are preferably formed by built-up welds of an abrasion-resistant
material such as that sold under the trade-mark COLMONOY which are
then finished to provide wear surfaces for the cylindrical sleeve
145.
The valve module 100 is provided with a conical valve member of the
poppet type, generally designated by the numeral 150, including a
frustoconical metal wall 151, preferably formed of steel, the upper
end of which is integral with a depending cylindrical wall 152
which is closed at the bottom end thereof by a circular baseplate
153 for defining a well at the upper end of the valve member 150.
Fixedly secured to the frustoconical wall at the lower end thereof
and extending about the entire circumference thereof is an annular
base ring 156. Interconnecting the walls 151 and 152, the baseplate
153 and the base ring 156, are a plurality of equiangularly
spaced-apart gusset plates 154, preferably eight in number, which
serve to rigidify the valve member 150. Preferably the bottom
central portions of the gusset plates 154 are cut away as at 157 to
form a central bottom recess in the valve member 150. Connected to
the base ring 156 and closing the bottom of the valve member 150 is
a flat circular bottom plate 155.
The valve member 150 is coupled to the clevis seal plate 140 by a
universal joint, generally designated by the numeral 160, the
universal joint 160 having an upwardly extending pair of clevis
legs 161 receiving the tongue 143 therebetween and being connected
thereto by a pin 162 extending through complementary openings in
the tongue 143 and clevis legs 161. The universal joint 160 is also
provided with a depending tongue 163 received in use between the
upstanding clevis legs 164 of a circular valve clevis plate 165
which is secured to the well baseplate 153 of the valve member 150
by bolts 166. The tongue 163 and clevis legs 164 are interconnected
by a pin 168 extending through complementary openings therein.
Preferably, the pin 162 is provided at one end thereof with an
enlarged head, the other end being retained in place by a cotter
pin 167.
The valve member 150 is provided with a replaceable resilient
lining 170 covering the outer surface of the frustoconical wall
151. Preferably, the lining 170 is formed of neoprene rubber and is
vulcanized to a metal backing sheet 175 which, in use, overlies and
contacts the outer surface of the frustoconical wall 151, for
maintaining the shape of the lining 170 and facilitating mounting
thereof on the valve member 150. The lining 170 is provided at the
lower end thereof with a cylindrical lip 171 which overlies a like
cylindrical lip portion 176 of the backing sheet 175 for receiving
therethrough a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart bolts
172 for securing the lining 170 and the backing sheet 175 to the
base ring 156 of the valve member 150. The lining 170 is provided
at the upper end thereof with a flexible throat or collar portion
173 which extends upwardly above the valve member 150 and fits over
the lower end of the cylindrical sleeve 145 in surrounding
relationship therewith, being held in place thereon by a throat
clamp 174. Preferably, the throat or collar portion 173 of the
lining 170 is slack to accommodate sidewise movements of the valve
member 150 with respect to the cylindrical sleeve 145. It can be
seen that the throat portion 173 of the lining 170 cooperates with
the cylindrical sleeve 145 to enclose the universal joint 160.
In order to insure that the drive cylinder 130 is provided with a
watertight enclosure, a seal assembly, generally designated by the
numeral 180, is mounted on the cylindrical housing 102 at the lower
end .[.therof.]. .Iadd.thereof.Iaddend.. Referring in particular to
FIG. 4 of the drawings, the seal assembly 180 includes an annular
seal holder 181 extending circumferentially about the cylindrical
housing 102 and secured thereto by a plurality of mounting screws
182. Carried by the seal holder 181 immediately below the bottom
end of the cylindrical housing 102 are two annular spaced-apart
resilient seal rings 183 and 184 disposed in engagement with the
outer surface of the cylindrical sleeve 145, with the upper seal
ring 183 engaging the bottom edge of the cylindrical housing 102
for forming a watertight seal between the sleeve 145 and the
cylindrical housing 102, while accommodating vertical movement of
the sleeve 145 with respect to the cylindrical housing 102. There
may also be provided an annular scraper 185 secured to the seal
holder 181 by a plurality of mounting screws 186 and having a
scraping edge 187 disposed closely adjacent to the outer surface of
the cylindrical sleeve 145 below the seal rings 183 and 184. The
scraper 185 will serve to remove most foreign material from the
outer surface of the sleeve 145 as it moves upwardly, thereby
reducing wear on the seal rings 183 and 184.
Preferably, the cylinder 130 is hydraulically operated, but
.[.is.]. .Iadd.it .Iaddend.will be understood that any type of
fluid drive could be used. The hydraulic fittings 133 and 134 of
the drive cylinder 130 are respectively coupled to hydraulic lines
191 and 192 for connection to an associated hydraulic pump and
reservoir system. The hydraulic line 192 is retained in place by a
retainer 193 on the cylinder 130, the lines 191 and 192 both
extending through the aperture 103 in the cylindrical housing 102
and downwardly through the associated one of the tubular struts 105
and thence through complementary passages in the baseplate 106,
gasket 127 and mounting flange 122 and being provided at the distal
ends thereof with fittings 197. Complementary passages are also
formed in the gasket 119, the plate 78 and the hopper ledge 73 so
that when the valve module 100 is mounted in place in the hopper
70, the free ends of the hydraulic lines 191 and 192 may be passed
therethrough and into a watertight coupling compartment 190 formed
in the side wall 74 of the well 75. The compartment 190 may be
formed of a pair of pipe sections coupled together by a threaded
collar or nipple, the upper pipe section being welded to the hopper
ledge 73 and the lower pipe section being capped at the lower end
thereof.
The purpose of the watertight coupling compartment 190 is to
prevent flooding of the hull of the vessel 50 when the valve module
100 is removed from the hopper 70. Thus, absent the watertight
coupling compartment 190, when the hydraulic lines 191 and 192 are
disconnected at the fittings 197, and the valve module 100 removed,
the passage through the hopper ledge 73 would be exposed to the
water in the hopper, which would pour through the passage and flood
the adjacent hull compartment. By use of the watertight coupling
compartment 190, when the hydraulic lines 191 and 192 are
disconnected at the fittings 197 preparatory to removal of the
valve module 100, the lower capped pipe section is first screwed in
place over the fittings 197, thus capping the passage through the
hopper ledge 73. Then, when the valve module 100 is removed, only
the watertight coupling compartment 190 will fill with water. When
the valve module 100 is replaced in the hopper 70 and the passage
through the hopper ledge 73 resealed, the bottom pipe section of
the watertight coupling compartment 190 is removed, draining the
small amount of water therein and exposing the fittings 197 for
reconnection to the hydraulic system.
In use, the housing assembly 101 is preassembled with the valve
liner assembly 120 by means of the gasket 127 and bolts 128, as
described above, and the entire valve module 100 is then inserted
in place in the hopper 70, with the mounting flange 122 overlying
the gasket 119 and plate 78, and with the valve liner 120 extending
downwardly into the well 75. The studs 79 extend upwardly through
and above the baseplate 106 and are held in place by the cap nuts
113. During insertion of the valve module 100, the free ends of the
hydraulic lines 191 and 192 are passed through the complementary
passages in the plate 78 and the hopper ledge 73 and into the
watertight coupling compartment 190. As the valve liner 120 is
inserted into the well 75, the seal ring 129 on the outer surface
of the cylindrical wall 121 serves to wipe foreign material from
the inner surface of the well wall 74. Preferably, means such as a
lubricant fitting is provided for forcing sealing material, under
pressure, into the space between the well wall 74 and the valve
liner wall 121 for forcing the water therefrom and cooperating with
the seal ring 129 to form a watertight seal about the valve liner
120. While any type of suitable material may be used, it has been
found that tallow provides a good seal material which is
non-polluting. This seal material also serves to inhibit the growth
of marine organisms in the space between the valve liner 120 and
the well wall 74. The hydraulic lines 191 and 192 are then
connected at the fittings 197 in the manner described above.
It is a significant feature of the present invention that, in use,
the valve module 100 is located in the hopper well 75 and is
connected to the hopper 70 and to the vessel 50 only in the
vicinity of the well 75. There are no connections, mechanical or
otherwise, extending upwardly from the valve module 100 through the
hopper 70 and to the deck of the vessel 50. This arrangement
affords ready access to the valve module 100 and permits easy
removal thereof from the hopper 70. More particularly, when it is
desired to remove the valve module 100 for repair, servicing or the
like, a crane on the deck of the vessel 50 may be used to hoist the
valve module 100 up through the hopper 70 to the deck of the vessel
50, after the valve module 100 has been disconnected from the studs
79. The valve module 100 may then be serviced on the deck of the
vessel 50, without the necessity of dry-docking the vessel. When
the valve module 100 is removed from the well 75, the sealing
material in the space between the well liner 120 and the well wall
74 is also pulled out, and any residue may readily be scraped from
the well wall 74.
When the valve module 100 is remounted in the well 74, the seal
ring 129 wipes downwardly along the inner surface of the well wall
74 removing any loose foreign material thereon, whereupon, after
the valve module 100 has been bolted in place, new sealing material
may be fed under pressure into the space between the valve liner
120 and the well wall 74. It will, of course, be appreciated that
prior to removal of the valve module 100, it is necessary to
disconnect the hydraulic lines 191 and 192 at the fittings 197 and
then close the bottom of the watertight coupling compartment 190 as
was described above. After the valve module 100 is remounted in the
well 75, the hydraulic lines are reconnected in the manner
described above.
In operation, when dredged material is pumped into the hopper 70,
it fills the valve liner 120 above the valve member 150 and then
fills the rest of the hopper 70 to the desired level. When it is
desired to empty the hopper 70, hydraulic fluid is injected into
the upper end of the cylinder 130 through the fitting 133, thereby
moving the piston rod 135 and the valve member 150 downwardly from
the position illustrated in solid line in FIG. 3 to the position
illustrated in broken line in FIG. 3 and in solid line in FIGS. 2
and 6. The dredged material is then discharged by gravity through
the nozzle defined by the inner wall 123 of the valve liner 120. In
this regard, it will be noted that the particular inverted
frustoconical shape of the wall 123 is designed to maximize the
efficiency of discharge for the particular size discharge opening
used, by minimizing the frictional losses during discharge. It will
be appreciated that the free flow of the dredged cargo through the
hopper 70 and the discharge nozzle is facilitated by the absence of
drive linkage and lateral support structure disposed in the hopper
above the valve module 100. Thus, the dredged cargo cannot
consolidate or "set" against such drive linkage and support
structure and is permitted to flow freely to and through the
discharge opening when the valve module 100 is in an open
condition. Because the drive cylinder 130 and piston rod 135 are
isolated from engagement with the dredged cargo and attendant
frictional losses, the power necessary to operate the valve module
100 is minimized.
It is an important feature of this invention that the universal
joint 160 between the valve member 150 and the piston rod 135
permits movement of the valve member 150 in any direction, thereby
facilitating discharge of the hopper contents. More particularly,
as the discharge material impacts on the lowered valve member 150,
it effects movement of the valve member 150 and may move it
completely to one side. This movement of the valve member 150 is
also facilitated by the slack in the throat portion 173 of the
resilient valve lining 170. When the contents of the hopper 70 have
been completely discharged, hydraulic fluid is injected into the
bottom of the cylinder 130 through the fitting 134 and is exhausted
therefrom through the fitting 133, thereby retracting the piston
rod 135 and the valve member 150.
Referring now to FIG. 7a of the drawings, there is illustrated an
alternative form of joint for the valve member of the valve module
100. In this alternative embodiment, there is provided a clevis and
seal plate 140a, which is identical in construction, assembly and
operation to the clevis and seal plate 140, except that in place of
the tongue 143 there are provided two spaced-apart, generally
U-shaped loops 143a disposed in use with the bight portions thereof
extending downwardly and with the leg portions thereof respectively
fixedly secured to the bottom surface of the clevis and seal plate
140a as by welding. There is also provided a valve member,
generally designated by the numeral 150a, which is identical in
construction, assembly and operation to the valve member 150,
except that the cylindrical center well 152 and well baseplate 153
have been replaced by a circular top wall 152a which is welded to
and completely closes the upper end of the frustoconical wall 151.
Accordingly, the valve member 150a is provided with gusset plates
154a which are identical to the gusset plates 154 except that they
extend all the way up to and are fixedly secured to the bottom
surface of the top plate 152a.
The valve member 150a is coupled to the clevis and seal plate 140a
by a swing joint 160a, which includes a baseplate 161a disposed
centrally of and fixedly secured to the upper surface of the top
wall 152a of the valve member 150a. Fixedly secured to the center
of the baseplate 161a and extending vertically upwardly therefrom
is a post 162a, the upper end of which is fixedly secured to the
midpoint of a horizontally extending crossbar 165a. In use, the
post 162a extends upwardly between the loops 143a of the clevis
seal plate 140a, with the opposite ends of the crossbar 165a
respectively extending laterally through the loops 143a so as to be
supported upon the bight portions thereof for free swinging and
pivotal movement with respect thereto. There may also be provided
between the loops 143a a block 166a, mounted to the underside of
the clevis seal plate 140a, and provided with an arcuate concave
lower surface 167a disposed a slight distance above the crossbar
165a as it rests in the loops 143a, whereby the block 166a serves
to limit the lost motion of the crossbar 165a with respect to the
clevis seal plate 140a and the loops 143a as the valve member 150a
is moved upwardly and downwardly between the closed and open
positions thereof.
The operation of the valve module 100 with the swing joint 160a is
the same as with the univeral joint 160, except that it will be
understood that the swing joint 160a affords a more limited range
of movement than does the universal joint 160, but has the
advantage of a less complex and costly construction.
The universal joint 160 or swing joint 160a permits free swiveling
or swinging movement of the valve members 150 or 150a to allow them
to find a firm seat against the seal ring 126 of the closure ring
125. In this regard, it is another important feature of the present
invention that the rigid hard seal ring 126 may be depressed
slightly into the resilient valve lining 170 to form a watertight
closure of the hopper outlet, assuring that the hopper 70 will be
maintained leakproof.
It is another important feature of this invention that the valve
lining 170 is replaceable. Of the two mating seal closure members
126 and 170, the lining 170 receives by far the greater wear
because of the impacting thereagainst of the dredged material
during filling and emptying of the hopper 70. Thus, to facilitate
servicing of the closure assembly for maintaining leakproof
closure, the lining 170 has been made readily removable and
replaceable by simply disconnecting the bolts 172 and the throat
clamp 174, whereupon a new lining 170 is installed and the valve
module 100 is again ready for service.
It will also be appreciated that the construction of the present
invention provides a watertight enclosure for the drive cylinder
130 and the linkage coupling it to the valve member 150, preventing
contact thereof with water or with abrasive dredged material. Thus,
it will be appreciated that the throat portion 173 of the lining
170, the throat clamp 174, the clevis seal plate 140, the gasket
146 and attachment flange 144 all serve to provide an enclosure for
the universal joint 160 and a watertight seal for the lower end of
the cylindrical sleeve 145. It can also be seen that the
cylindrical housing 102 is sealed at the lower end thereof by the
cooperation between the cylindrical sleeve 145 and the seal rings
183 and 184, and is closed at the upper end thereof by the cap 115.
Water is prevented from entering the opening 103 in the cylindrical
housing 102 through the associated tubular strut 105 by reason of
the watertight seal between baseplate 106, the mounting flange 122
and the plate 78 provided by the gaskets 119 and 127. The sealed
enclosure for the drive mechanism prevents suction during closure
of the valve module which might draw water up inside the strut 105,
and instead causes compression of the air in the cylindrical
housing 102 which tends to expel water from the bottom thereof.
In a constructional example of the valve module 100, the housing
assembly 101 and the seal liner 120 are preferably formed of steel,
with the wear surfaces of the members 148 on the cylindrical sleeve
145 being formed of COLMONOY weld material and the seal ring 126
being formed of MONEL metal. The gaskets 114, 119, 127 and 146 are
all preferably formed of neoprene rubber, as are the seal ring 129
and the resilient lining 170 of the valve member 150.
Alternatively, the lining 170 may be constructed of any suitable
resilient material, such as cork or the like.
While the valve clevis plate 165 has been disclosed as a separate
member bolted in place on the well baseplate 153 of the valve
member 150, it will be understood that it could also be formed
integrally with the well baseplate 153 or permanently welded
thereto.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 15 of the drawings, there is
illustrated a valve module, generally designated by the numeral
200, constructed in accordance with and embodying the features of a
second embodiment of the present invention. The valve module 200 is
illustrated in FIG. 9 mounted in place around the upper end of the
well 75 of a hopper which may be identical to the hoppers 70
illustrated in FIG. 1, but is illustrated in FIG. 9 as having a
flat bottom wall 83. The valve module 200 includes a housing
assembly, generally designated by the numeral 201, which includes
an annular metal baseplate 202 disposed in use in surrounding
relationship with the upper end of the well 75, and being supported
upon the hopper bottom plate 83 and spaced therefrom by an annular
gasket 204. The baseplate 202 has a tapered inner edge defining a
frustoconical seal surface 203 which overhangs the side wall 74 of
the well 75 by a slight distance.
Supported upon the baseplate 202 at equiangularly spaced-apart
points therealong and extending vertically upwardly therefrom are
three hollow support columns 205, each being substantially
rectangular in transverse cross section and having the lower end
thereof fixedly secured as by welding to a footplate 206 which is
in turn fixedly secured to the baseplate 202 by bolts 206a. Each of
the support columns 205 is closed at the upper end thereof by a
cover plate 207 to which an eyebolt 209 is secured, either directly
or by means of a mounting bracket 208, the eyebolts 209 serving to
facilitate lowering and raising the valve module 200 to or from its
installed position illustrated in FIG. 9.
Fixedly secured as by welding to the inner surfaces of the support
columns 205 is a circular cylindrical housing 210, disposed
substantially coaxially with the well 75 and extending vertically
downwardly from the tops of the columns 205 to a point slightly
below the midpoints thereof, so that the bottom edge of the housing
210 is spaced a substantial distance from the bottom plate 83 of
the hopper 70 and cooperates therewith to define a passage beneath
the housing 210. The top of the housing 210 is covered with a
frustoconical cover plate 211, the inner edge of which is fixedly
secured as by welding in a watertight joint to an inner cylinder
212 which projects upwardly and downwardly above and below the top
of the cover plate 211 and is substantially coaxial with the
housing 210. Fixedly secured to the inner cylinder 212 adjacent to
the lower end thereof and extending radially outwardly therefrom is
an annular stiffening flange 213.
Fixedly secured to the stiffening flange 213 and the inner cylinder
212 at equiangularly spaced-apart points therearound are three
radially outwardly extending I-beams 214, the outer ends of which
are fixedly secured to the upper end of the housing 210 at the
support columns 205. Respectively extending between the outer ends
of the radial I-beams 214 and fixedly secured thereto are three
diagonal I-beams 215, the I-beams 214 and 215 cooperating with the
inner cylinder 212, the housing 210 and the support columns 205 to
provide a bracing assembly for the valve module 200 which serves to
evenly distribute lateral forces applied to the valve module 200 by
the dredged cargo in the hopper to prevent "tipping" of the valve
module 200. Fixedly secured to the outer surface of the housing 210
and extending circumferentially thereabout between the support
columns 205 are a plurality of vertically spaced-apart stiffening
ribs 216, each being generally V-shaped in transverse cross
section, with the apex of the V extending laterally. Respectively
fixedly secured to the inner surface of the housing 210 at the
support columns 205 are three elongated and vertically extending
guide rails 217, each projecting radially inwardly of the housing
210 a slight distance.
Mounted on the inner cylinder 212 above the cover plate 211, and
extending radially outwardly is a slip-on collar 218, an annular
clevis plate 220 being supported on the collar 218 and spaced
therefrom by a gasket 219. Overlying the clevis plate 220 and
spaced therefrom by a gasket 222 is an annular slip-on collar 224,
to the inner surface of which is secured a cap 225 for closing the
upper end of the cylinder 212. The collars 218 and 224, the gaskets
219 and 222 and the clevis plate 220 are all preferably secured
together by a plurality of bolts 227. Fixedly secured to the cap
225 is an eyebolt 226 to further facilitate raising and lowering of
the valve module 200.
The clevis plate 220 is provided with a pair of upstanding
spaced-apart clevis posts 228, between which is received the
mounting tongue 231 of a hydraulic drive cylinder 230, the cylinder
230 being disposed beneath the clevis plate 220, with the mounting
tongue 231 extending upwardly therethrough. Extending through
complementary openings in the tongue 231 and the clevis posts 228
to form a pivot joint is a mounting pin 232, which is preferably
headed on one end, the other end being held in place by a cotter
pin 233, for supporting the drive cylinder 230. The drive cylinder
230 extends vertically downwardly beyond the lower end of the inner
cylinder 212 coaxially therewith, and is provided with a piston rod
235, the lower end of which is provided with a coupling knuckle
236, the extension of which is adjustable by an adjustment nut 237,
and is extendable in use well below the lower end of the housing
210.
The drive cylinder 230 is provided at the upper and lower ends
thereof, respectively, with an extension fitting 238 and a
retraction fitting 239, which are in turn respectively coupled to
hydraulic lines 240 and 241, which extend through passages in the
clevis plate 220 and the collar 218 and thence through a conduit
242 to the inside of one of the support columns 205. The hydraulic
lines 240 and 241 extend downwardly through the column 205 and are
coupled at the lower ends thereof by swivel fittings 243 to
hydraulic lines 244 and 246, which project from a cylindrical
sleeve 245 which extends downwardly through complementary openings
in the footplate 206, the baseplate 202, the gasket 204 and the
hopper bottom plate 83 into the hold of the vessel, and thence to
an associated hydraulic system (not shown). Access to the swivel
fittings 243 and to the sleeve 245 is provided by an access panel
247 in the lower end of the column 205. It will be appreciated that
the hydraulic lines 240 and 241 could also be coupled to the
hydraulic system of the vessel 50 by the use of the watertight
coupling compartment 190 as illustrated in FIG. 3.
The valve module 200 also includes a circular cylindrical valve
member 250 which is telescopically received within the cylindrical
housing 210 coaxially therewith and has an axial extent slightly
greater than the axial distance between the lower end of the
housing 210 and the baseplate 202, the inner diameter of the valve
member 250 being slightly greater than the inner diameter of the
baseplate 202. Fixedly secured to the inner surface of the valve
member 250 and extending circumferentially therearound are a
plurality of vertically spaced-apart annular stiffening rings 251,
each of which is provided with an integral and downwardly extending
cylindrical flange 252 at the inner edge thereof. Fixedly secured
to the outer surface of the valve member 250 respectively adjacent
to the support columns 205 are three pairs of vertically aligned
and spaced-apart guide shoes 253, the shoes 253 of each pair being
respectively disposed adjacent to the upper and lower ends of the
valve member 250. Each of the guide shoes is provided with a
vertically extending slot or groove 254 in the outer surface
thereof, the upper ones of the guide shoes 253 being respectively
adapted to receive in the grooves 254 thereof the guide rails 217
in sliding engagement therewith, while the lower ones of the guide
shoes 253 are disposed so that the slots 254 thereof respectively
receive therein elongated guide rails 249 which respectively extend
vertically downwardly along the inner surfaces of the support
columns 205 from adjacent to the lower end of the housing 210 to
adjacent to the lower ends of the columns 205, in vertical
alignment with the guide rails 217. Preferably, mounting yokes 255
are provided at the upper end of the valve member 250 for mounting
the upper ones of the guide shoes 253.
Fixedly secured to the inner surface of the valve member 250
adjacent to the lower end thereof at equiangularly spaced-apart
points therealong are four radially inwardly extending I-beams 256,
the inner ends of which are coupled together at the axis of the
valve member 250. Fixedly secured to the bottoms of the I-beams 256
is a circular bottom plate 257 provided at the outer edge thereof
with an integral downturned cylindrical attachment flange 258
secured to the inner surface of the valve member 250 as by welding.
The bottom plate 257 closes the lower end of the valve member 250,
but is provided with a plurality of circular openings 259 therein,
to permit the drainage of water which may find its way inside the
housing 210 in the valve member 250.
Fixedly secured to the underside of the bottom plate 257 is a
bottom seal assembly, generally designated by the numeral 260,
which includes an annular seal retainer plate 261 extending around
the perimeter of the bottom plate 257 and having at the inner edge
thereof an integral downwardly extending cylindrical flange 262.
Nested beneath the seal retainer plate 261 between the flange 262
thereof and the flange 258 of the bottom plate 259 is a resilient
annular seal member 265, preferably fixedly secured to the valve
member 250 by a plurality of bolts 266, washer plates 267 and nuts
268. The seal member 265 is provided with a downwardly and inwardly
sloping annular frustoconical seal surface 264 disposed for mating
engagement with the seal surface 203 on the baseplate 202 to
provide a watertight seal therebetween.
Overlying the inner ends of the radial I-beams 256 and fixedly
secured thereto is a clevis plate 270 having a pair of upstanding
spaced-apart clevis legs 271 adapted to receive therebetween the
coupling knuckle 236 of the piston rod 235. A headed coupling pin
272 extends through complementary openings in the coupling knuckle
236 and the clevis legs 271 for forming a pivot joint therebetween,
a retaining collar 273 being provided for retaining the pin 272 in
place. It will be understood that as the piston rod 235 is extended
and retracted, the valve member 250 is moved vertically upwardly
and downwardly between a closed position illustrated in FIG. 9,
wherein the baseplate 202 and the seal member 265 are in sealing
engagement with each other, and an open position (not shown)
wherein the valve member 250 is pulled upwardly within the housing
210.
Fixedly secured to the inner surface of the housing 210 between the
lower ends of the guide rails 217 and the upper ends of the guide
rails 249 is an annular resilient side seal member 280 extending
around the entire periphery of the housing 210. Referring in
particular to FIG. 14 of the drawings, the side seal member 280 is
preferably formed of rubber or the like and is provided with an
inner annular recess having a lobe 281 which is substantially oval
in transverse cross section and a lobe 282 which is substantially
rectangular in transverse cross section, the lobe 282 receiving
therein a cylindrical mounting ring 283 having threaded openings at
equidistantly spaced-apart points therearound for respectively
receiving in threaded engagement therein mounting bolts 284 which
extend through complementary openings in the housing 210. The side
seal member 280 is disposed in sliding engagement with the outer
surface of the valve member 250, thereby closing the space between
the valve member 250 and the housing 210 and providing a
substantially watertight seal therebetween, while accommodating
vertical movement of the valve member 250. The lobe 281 of the
inner recess of the side seal member 280 increases the flexibility
thereof of facilitate the sliding engagement with the valve member
250.
Preferably, the bottom plate 83 of the hopper is provided with a
plurality of upstanding dogplates 285 spaced around the perimeter
of the well 75 a slight distance therefrom. Each of the dogplates
285 is generally in the shape of an upstanding bail having a
passage or aperture 286 extending therethrough radially of the
valve module 200, the dogplates 285 being respectively received
through complementary openings 288 in the baseplate 202, and like
openings in the gasket 204 (see FIG. 15). When the valve module 200
is mounted in place on the hopper bottom plate 83, the dogplates
285 extend well above the upper surface of the baseplate 202. A
plurality of wedge members 287 are then respectively driven
radially inwardly through the passages 286 above the baseplate 202
for cooperation therewith securely to hold the valve module 200 in
place on the hopper bottom 83.
In operation, it will be appreciated that when the valve module 200
is installed in place above the hopper well 75, with the valve
member 250 in the closed position thereof, as illustrated in FIG.
9, the valve member 250 cooperates with the seal assembly 265 and
the baseplate 202, and with the side seal member 280 and the
closed-top housing 210 to completely close the hopper well 75 and
the associated hopper outlet, effectively preventing dredged
material in the hopper from passing to and through the well 75.
When it is desired to empty the hopper contents, hydraulic fluid is
applied to the lower end of the drive cylinder 230 for retracting
the piston rod 235, thereby pulling the valve member 250 upwardly
into the housing 210, this vertical movement being guided by the
guide rails 217 and 249 and the guide shoes 253. When the valve
member 250 is thus moved to its open position, the passage beneath
the housing 210 is opened, permitting the dredged cargo in the
hopper to flow beneath the housing 210 and around the lower ends of
the support columns 205 through the well 75 and the hopper outlet.
When the hopper contents have been completely discharged, the valve
member 250 may be returned to its closed position by extending the
piston rod 235 through the application of fluid to the upper end of
the drive cylinder 230. It will be appreciated that as the valve
member 250 moves up and down between the open and closed positions
thereof, the side seal member 280 serves not only to provide a
watertight seal between the housing 210 and the valve member 250,
but also serves to wipe dredged cargo and other foreign material
from the outer surface of the valve member 250.
When it is desired to remove the valve module 200 from the hopper
for servicing or the like, the hydraulic lines 240 and 241 are
disconnected, the wedges 287 are driven outwardly from the
dogplates 285, and the entire valve module 200 is then hoisted
upwardly through the hopper 70 to the deck of the vessel 50 by
suitable hoisting equipment, with the aid of the eyebolts 209 and
226. In like manner, when servicing is complete, the valve module
200 is again lowered into place over the well 75, the wedges 287
are replaced in the dogplates 285 and the hydraulic lines 240 and
241 are reconnected to the hydraulic system of the vessel.
It is a significant feature of this invention that in the valve
module 200 no portion of the mechanism thereof is at any time
disposed below the bottom of the vessel 50. Thus, no portion of the
valve mechanism is exposed and vulnerable to bending or other
damage from grounding or from encounters with debris or the thrust
of the current passing beneath the bottom of the vessel 50.
Furthermore, there is no danger of the valve mechanism being buried
in the discharged cargo where the discharge takes place in shallow
waters.
In a constructional example of the valve module 200, the housing
assembly 201 and the valve member 250 are preferably formed of
steel, while the gaskets 204, 219 and 222, as well as the seal
members 265 and 280 are all preferably formed of rubber.
From the foregoing it can be seen that there has been provided a
novel valve module for opening and closing the outlet of a hopper,
and in particular a hopper in a hopper dredge vessel. The valve
module is unique in that the drive mechanism therefor is
self-contained therein, whereby there is no linkage or connection
extending from the closure member upwardly through the hopper to
the deck of the vessel, thereby rendering the valve module readily
and easily removable for onboard servicing, without dry-docking of
the vessel.
In addition, there has been provided a valve module which affords
freer downward movement of the dredged cargo through the hopper, as
well as operation of the valve module with a minimum of power, all
by reason of the elimination of drive linkage and associated
supports extending through the dredged cargo so as to eliminate the
frictional interference occasioned thereby.
There has also been provided a valve module which affords a
leakproof closure of the hopper outlet, while at the same time
providing efficient discharge of dredged material therefrom. The
improved construction of the valve module facilitates servicing and
repair of the valve member to maintain the leakproof condition of
the hopper closure.
More particularly, there has been provided a valve module having a
frustoconical discharge nozzle and conical valve member with a
replaceable resilient liner thereon for sealing engagement with a
rigid seal ring at the outer end of the nozzle. There has also been
provided a unique universal coupling between the valve member and
the drive means to permit free movement of the valve member to find
the best seal upon closure thereto to insure a watertight fit.
There has also been provided a valve module which includes a
hydraulic drive mechanism which is completely enclosed within a
watertight housing, and therefore may safely be buried within the
dredged material which is pumped into the hopper.
There has also been provided a valve module of the character
described, wherein no portion of the valve module is at any time
disposed below the bottom of the vessel.
There has also been provided a valve module having a cylindrical
housing supported a predetermined distance above the hopper outlet
and a cylindrical valve member telescopically received within the
housing and movable axially thereof for opening and closing the
passage therebeneath, the valve member having a replaceable
resilient annular seal member at the lower end thereof for sealing
engagement with an annular seal ring adjacent to the hopper
outlet.
While there have been described what are at present considered to
be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be
understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it
is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications
as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *