Abstract:
This invention is directed to an underwater sediment evacuation system. The invention uses a suction pile and one or more pumps, valves, and lines to evacuate sediment contained within the internal volume of the suction pile.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention is directed to an underwater sediment evacuation system. The invention uses a suction pile and one or more pumps, valves, and lines to evacuate sediment contained within the internal volume of the suction pile. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an outer isometric view of an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 3A  is a first internal view of an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 3B  is a partial internal view of an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is an internal view of an embodiment of a first valve suitable for use in an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 5A  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the relief valve mounted in the relief port. 
       FIG. 5B  is an internal view of an embodiment of the relief valve mounted in the relief port. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to an underwater sediment evacuation system. A first preferred embodiment comprises a housing  10 , referred to herein as a “suction pile” comprising a substantially cylindrical body  12  and a top surface  14  comprising a suction port  16 , an inlet port  18 , and a differential pressure relief port  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . The body and top surface of the housing  10  define an internal volume. 
   This first embodiment further comprises a suction line  22  extending through the suction port and comprising a first end  21  in the internal volume, and a second end  23  opposite the first end, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2  and  3 A- 3 B. 
   In another preferred embodiment the suction line comprises a standpipe section  24  extending through the suction port and a flexible section  26  extending downward from the standpipe into the internal volume and terminating at suction mouth  47 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B . In a preferred embodiment, the standpipe is a rotary standpipe. 
   This first embodiment further comprises a first valve  28  comprising a discharge section  27  connected to the inlet port, an inlet section  29  opposite the discharge section, and a closure member  30  between the discharge and inlet sections, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The closure member may be a valve closure member well known in the mechanical arts, such as a gate, globe, or ball, as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
   This first embodiment further comprises a return line  32  comprising a first end  31  attached to the inlet section of the first valve and a second end  33  opposite the first end. 
   This first embodiment further comprises a relief valve  34  connected to the differential pressure relief port. In another preferred embodiment, the relief valve is a spring loaded valve, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B . 
   In a second preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a housing or suction pile comprising a substantially cylindrical body and a top surface comprising a suction port, an inlet port, a control valve port, and a pressure relief port, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . The body and top surface of the suction pile define an internal volume. 
   This second embodiment further comprises the suction line, first valve, and return line, as described above for the first embodiment. 
   This second embodiment further comprises a relief valve connected to the pressure relief port, and a control valve connected to the control valve port. 
   In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a robotic arm  40  attached to the portion of the standpipe in the internal volume and positioned such that it can grasp and move the flexible section of the suction line to a desired location. In a preferred embodiment, the robotic arm comprises at least two articulated joints  41 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . As shown in  FIG. 3A , movement of sections of the robotic arm below either articulated joint can result in the robotic arm pushing against the suction line, causing it to move. 
   In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a subsea light  42  mounted within the internal volume; and a subsea camera  44  mounted within the internal volume and positioned to provide real time images of the robotic arm and the flexible section of the suction line to a remote location, as shown in  FIG. 3B . In a preferred embodiment, the light and camera are mounted to a rotatable joint to allow them to be aimed in a desired direction. 
   In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a sonar unit  46  mounted within the internal volume and positioned to detect the location of the robotic arm and the flexible section of the suction line and configured to provide data indicative of said locations to a remote location, as shown in  FIG. 3B . In a preferred embodiment, the sonar unit is mounted to a rotatable joint to allow it to be aimed in a desired direction. 
   In another preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a suction pump  48  comprising a suction section connected to the second end of the suction line and a discharge section opposite the suction section, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   The foregoing disclosure and description of the inventions are illustrative and explanatory. Various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrative construction and/or an illustrative method may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.