• 专利附录
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    • 专利摘要:
    A profiling system for obtaining information related to a silt, sediment, sand, or soil, the system comprising a first elongated element comprising an X-ray source system for transmitting X-rays, and a second elongated element containing an X-ray radiation detection system for detecting X-rays, wherein the first elongated element and the second elongated element are transparent to X-rays for at least a portion of their length, and wherein the X-ray source system and the X-ray detection system are configured in the first elongated element resp. the second elongate element so that at a plurality of positions or continuously along the length of the first and second elongate element, X-rays emitted from the X-ray source system can be detected by the X-ray detection system. A corresponding processing unit and computer program product is also described.
    公开号:BE1021462B1
    申请号:E2014/0494
    申请日:2014-06-25
    公开日:2015-11-26
    发明作者:Peter Staelens；Koen Geirnaert；Sebastien Deprez
    申请人:Dotocean Nv；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Device for determining a sediment density profile Domain of the invention
    The invention relates to the field of dredging. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and systems for analyzing a sediment structure and composition, e.g., for determining the density of a sediment layer or the density of a dense sediment flow for the purpose of evaluating a dredging process that must be carried out.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    In preparation for dredging, the physical parameters of the underwater soil structures and sediment layers must be characterized, for example for estimating transport needs and / or time and financial needs. Sediment layers can be several meters thick, and can be loose or consolidated. Furthermore, sediment is usually a mixture and therefore the density can vary greatly. One of the important parameters to be measured for characterizing a sediment is therefore the density of the sediment layer.
    Even after the sediment layers have been dredged and collected in the hopper, it may be necessary to measure a density profile of the sludge in the hopper over the depth of the hopper. The latter may be relevant for evaluating the load of the hopper and / or for evaluating the progress of the dredging process. In view of the difficulty of accurately determining the in situ volume for a dredging process, eg when sludge layers need to be evaluated or when the dredging volume is strongly dependent on the type of the mix and / or the dewatering behavior of the dredged material, it is often preferable to express transport, time and / or financial needs in function of the mass of dry matter content. The amount of dry matter can be determined based on the following formula:
    where rnassdrvmatter is the mass of the dry matter, mdredgedvoiume the masses of the dredged matter saturated with water, V the volume of the dredged matter saturated with water, pw the density of the water, p50μ the density of the solid matter. The density again plays an important role in this.
    Furthermore, during dredging or before dredging, the density of suspended sediment layers present on the soil can be monitored in order to evaluate the total transported sediment mass, for example to better understand or map the sediment process that is taking place.
    Summary of the invention
    It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide good methods and systems for evaluating a dredging process, e.g. methods and systems for evaluating the transport, time and / or economic budget for a dredging process.
    It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention to provide a good vertical sludge or sediment analyzer, e.g., a good vertical sludge or sediment profile determination system or scanner. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a profile determination system can be provided that is easier to handle or install, e.g. due to its light weight, compared to scanners based on radioactive detectors.
    It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a profile determination system can be provided that is more user-friendly in terms of installation, transport and use.
    It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a profile determination system can be provided that is based on a detection principle that is less harmful and / or less subject to regulation than radioactive detection systems.
    It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention to provide a profile determination system or scanner, e.g. a vertical profile determination system or scanner, for, for example, sludge or sedimentation based on fixed or moving hardware for transmission of X-rays in a tube in combination with a row of X-radiation detectors or receivers of any kind, such as a scintillation crystal and photo-amplifier tube or any kind of semiconductor-based photo detector. The full profile determining system (profiler) can include two tubes that are transparent to X-rays. The profile determination system may include X-ray blocking tubes, such as metal, with windows that are transparent to X-rays at discrete distances from one another, with the source and receiver of X-rays being fixed, or moving up and down. The source can be active in the first tube; the X-radiation detector or receiver can be active in the second tube. By moving both the transmitter and the receiver synchronously, the sediment that lies between them can be characterized. Embodiments of the present invention can allow to perform static density measurements, e.g., determining the density of a substantially static sludge, soil, sediment, etc.
    According to some embodiments of the present invention, the system may permit dynamic characterization of a sludge, soil, sediment, etc. e.g., determining a mass transport.
    It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that systems and methods are provided for determining physical parameters such as density and composite images of underwater bottom structures. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the soil structure, soil type and composition can be derived from such physical parameters.
    It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that methods and systems are provided for analyzing one or more physical parameters in parallel in the presence of contamination. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the systems are adapted in mechanical design to allow characterization of the sludge or sand layers virtually without disturbing the measured layer. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that systems with a specific electronic design and sensor integration can be provided for analyzing the sediment or sand layers.
    It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a physical image of the sludge / sediment can be taken and that good image processing can be applied. It is an advantage that shear strength, rigidity and viscosity can also be determined by association methods, resulting in a complete characterization of the sludge / sediment.
    It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that component analysis of the scanned sludge / sediment can be performed based on spectrometry. The above objective is achieved by a system and / or method according to the present invention.
    The present invention relates to a profile determination system for obtaining information relating to a sludge, sediment, sand or soil, the system comprising: a first elongate element comprising an X-radiation source system for transmitting X-rays, a second elongated element comprising an X-radiation detection system for detecting X-rays, wherein the first elongated element and the second elongated element are transparent to X-rays over at least a part of their length, and wherein the X-radiation source system and the X radiation detection system are configured in the first elongated element and in the second elongated element, respectively, so that X radiation emitted by the X radiation source system can be detected at a plurality of positions or continuously along the length of the first and the second elongated element radiation detection system.
    The profile determination system can be a closed system, whereby no moving part comes into contact with the sludge, sediment, sand or the soil.
    The first elongate element can be a closed element. The second elongate element can be a closed element.
    It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the sludge or sediment is not disturbed by movement of the source system or the detection system. At least one of the X-radiation source system and / or the X-radiation detection system can be arranged on a guide element for moving the X-radiation source system and / or the X-radiation detection system over a length of the first elongated element or the second elongated element, respectively.
    The X-radiation source system may comprise a plurality of radiation sources along the length of the first elongated element, and the X-radiation detection system may comprise a plurality of X-radiation detector elements along the length of the second elongated element, the radiation source elements and detector elements being aligned relative to each other for sending and receiving X-strains.
    The system may further comprise a controller for controlling movement of the X-radiation source system and / or the X-radiation detection system along the guide element.
    The controller can be adapted to move the X-radiation source system and / or the X-radiation detection system synchronously.
    The first and / or the second elongate element may comprise position recognition means for recognizing a position of the source system or detection system along the length of the first and the second elongate element, respectively. Such position recognition means can be optical features.
    The first elongate element and the second elongate element can be elements of a single, concave system formed to create a cavity, the first elongate element and the second elongate element being positioned on opposite sides of said cavity.
    The X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system may be mechanically coupled - e.g., connected - to each other, and may be simultaneously movable.
    The first elongated element and the second elongated element can be two closed separate independent elements. The elements may only be coupled through their housing, for example to keep them at a fixed distance from each other.
    The X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system can be independently displaceable.
    The system may further comprise a processing unit that is programmed to derive at least one of a density, composition or structure image from a soil based on said X-radiation reception data.
    The processing unit can be programmed to derive at least the density based on this data.
    The system can be adapted to perform an X-radiation scan and the processing unit can be programmed to determine density, viscosity, tensile strength or a material component from the scan by assigning components to abrupt intensity changes.
    The processing unit can be further adapted to derive soil type or soil structure based on the stated density, shear resistance and scan profile.
    It is an advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention that a profile determination system based on X-radiation analysis is provided for profile determination of sludge, sediment, sand or soil that is easy to use.
    It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a handheld (hand-wearable) profile determination system based on X-radiation measurements is provided.
    In a specific embodiment, the present invention therefore also relates to a profile determination system for obtaining information relating to sludge, sediment, sand or soil, the profile determination system being a handheld profile determination system comprising an X-radiation source and detector, which in this embodiment is a semiconductor-based photo detector, wherein the X-radiation source and the semiconductor-based photo detector are configured to perform X-radiation measurements on the sludge, sediment, sand or soil for determining a density based on said profile determination.
    The semiconductor-based photo detector can be a silicon-based photo detector.
    The mass of the profile determination system can be less than 10 kg.
    The processing unit can be configured to determine, based on the X-radiation measurements, a density of the sludge, sediment, sand or soil.
    The processing unit can be configured to determine a depth, thickness, cone resistance or shear strength of underwater sediment layers.
    The system can be integrated in the housing. To miniaturize an accurate density determination device that can be used in situ, the X-radiation source and the X-radiation detector must fit into a small housing. For the detector in such embodiments, a silicon-based photo multiplier can be used to fit into the small housing.
    The present invention also relates to a processing unit for determining characteristics of sludge, sediment, sand or soil, wherein the processing unit is provided for receiving X-radiation data taken from a sludge, sediment, sand or soil, and wherein the processing unit is programmed to derive, based on the X-radiation data, at least the density of the sludge, sediment, sand or soil.
    The processing unit may be provided for receiving X-radiation data from a profile determination system as described above.
    The processing unit may further be programmed to determine density, viscosity, tensile strength or a material component and / or chemical composition from the scan by assigning components to a certain intensity for a certain spectrum. The processing unit can be further adapted to derive soil type or soil structure based on the stated density, shear resistance and scan profile.
    The present invention also relates to a computer program product for determining sludge, sediment, sand or soil characteristics, wherein the computer program product, when executed on a computer, provides the functionality of the processing unit as described above.
    The computer program product can be a web application.
    The present invention also relates to a data carrier comprising a computer program product as described above, or to the transmission of a computer program product as described above over a network, e.g. a local or wide area network (WAN).
    The present invention also relates to a hopper dredger comprising a profile determination system as described above.
    The present invention also relates to the use of a profile determination system as described above for determining the mass of dry matter in dredged material on the basis of X-radiation density measurements.
    The present invention also relates to the use of a profile determination system as described above for determining the point at which a consolidated sediment becomes liquid (hereinafter also referred to as "liquefaction point") on the basis of density measurements to prepare water injection for dredging works. In other words, based on the density measurements of the sediment, the amount of water that must be added to make the sediment sufficiently fluid to dredge it is determined.
    The present invention also relates to the use of a profile determination system as described above for determining the nautical bottom in sediment based on X-radiation density measurements using a profile determination system as described above. The nautical bottom is the level where the density of the sediment has a value of 1.2 tonnes / m3.
    The present invention also relates to the use of a profile determination system as described above for the evaluation of consolidation at dredging storage sites and underwater cells.
    The present invention also relates to the use of a profile determination system as described above for determining a dynamic characteristic of a sludge, sediment, sand or soil. The dynamic characteristic can be a mass transport thereof or therein.
    The present invention also relates to the use of a profile determination system as described above for determining a static characteristic of a sludge, sediment, sand or soil. The static characteristic can be a density thereof.
    The present invention further relates in one aspect to a system for determining density profile information with respect to a sediment or dredged material, the system comprising an X-radiation source system for transmitting X-rays, and an X-radiation detection system for detecting of X-rays, wherein the X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system are configured to allow an elongated volume of sediment or dredged material to pass between the X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system in order to obtain density profile information. The system may comprise a displacement means for displacing an elongated volume of sediment or dredged material between the source and detection system. The present invention also relates to a method for determining density profile information with respect to a sediment or dredged material, the method comprising obtaining an elongated volume of sediment or dredged material, moving the elongated volume of sediment or dredged material between an X-radiation source system and an X-radiation detection system for determining X-radiation profile data for the length of the elongated volume, and determining density-related information from said X-radiation profile data. The method may include the step of correlating the X-radiation data with the position information where the X-radiation data is recorded. The method may include detecting position information, e.g., using an optical strip.
    Specific and preferred aspects of the invention are included in the appended independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims can be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly stated in the claims.
    These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from and clarified with reference to the embodiment (s) described below.
    Brief description of the figures
    Figure 1 to Figure 4 show various schematic representations of systems according to an embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 5 shows a vertical X-radiation density scan of a sediment sample as can be obtained using an embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 6 shows a density interpretation based on Figure 5.
    Figure 7 shows a tensile strength image as can be obtained using embodiments of the present invention.
    Figures 8 and 9 show the analysis of a horizontal cut through a CT scanned sediment volume as can be used according to embodiments of the present invention.
    Figure 10 shows a handheld density determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 11 shows a density profile for a silt-like access channel where ships can navigate, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 12 shows a density profile for a waterway in which the nautical bottom can be determined, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 shows water injection liquefaction of sludge, as an application that can use a system or method according to the present invention.
    Figure 14 shows a method for taking samples from a sludge or sediment and for removing it to measure it at another location, according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.
    Figure 15 shows a process of scanning a sludge or sediment column ashore, according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.
    Figure 16 shows a density profile that can be obtained by a system according to Figure 15.
    The figures are only schematic and non-limiting. In the figures, the dimensions of some parts may be exaggerated and not represented to scale for illustrative purposes.
    Reference numbers in the claims may not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.
    Detailed description of embodiments of the invention
    The present invention will be described with reference to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, however, the invention is not limited thereto but is only limited by the claims. The figures are only schematic and non-limiting. In the figures, the dimensions of some parts may be exaggerated and not represented to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions sometimes do not correspond to the current practical embodiment of the invention.
    Furthermore, the terms first, second and the like in the description and in the claims are used to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, neither over time, nor spatially, nor in ranking, or in any other way. It is to be understood that the terms used in this way are suitable under interchangeable conditions and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in a different order than described or depicted herein.
    In addition, the terms above, below and the like in the description and claims are used for description purposes and not necessarily to describe relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms used in this way are suitable under interchangeable conditions and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in orientations other than those described or shown herein.
    It is to be noted that the term "comprises", as used in the claims, is not to be interpreted as being limited to the means described thereafter; this term does not exclude other elements or steps. It can therefore be interpreted as specifying the presence of the listed features, values, steps or components referred to, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices that consist only of components A and B. It means that with regard to the present invention, A and B are the only relevant components of the device.
    Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, occurrence of the expressions "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" at various places throughout this specification may not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but may do so. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.
    Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining disclosure and assisting in understanding one or several of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted in any way as a reflection of an intention that the invention requires more features than explicitly mentioned in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all the features of a single prior disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby explicitly included in this detailed description, with each independent claim as a separate embodiment of the present invention.
    Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other, features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention, and constitute different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art . For example, in the following claims, any of the described embodiments can be used in any combination.
    In one aspect, the present invention relates to a profile determination system for obtaining information relating to a sludge, sediment, sand or soil, the system comprising a first elongate element with an X-radiation source system for transmitting X-rays and a second elongate element that includes an X-radiation detection system for detecting X-rays. X-rays may refer, for example, to electromagnetic radiation with an energy in the range of 1 keV to 200 keV, e.g. in the range of 10 keV to 200 keV, e.g. in the range of 15 keV to 150 keV, e.g. in the range from 30 keV to 150 keV. The first elongated element and the second elongated element can be transparent to X-rays over at least a portion of their length. According to embodiments of the present invention, the X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system may be configured in the first elongate element and in the second elongate element, respectively, such that X-X Radiation emitted from the X-radiation source system can be detected by the X-radiation detection system. The materials used can be any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, composite material.
    By way of illustration, without limiting embodiments of the present invention, examples of optional features have been described above and will be described below with reference to the figures. Figure 1 shows a set of X-radiation sources and receivers arranged in an array, as can be used in an embodiment of the present invention. The proposed construction allows the measurement of a vertical density profile of the sediment at a predetermined discrete distance interval. The X-radiation sources and receivers are mounted in a metal housing with windows that are transparent to X-rays.
    Figure 2 shows an extruded composite or other material that is transparent to X-rays in which all rail and positioning infrastructure is available for moving an X-radiation source and receiver configuration mounted on a carriage. It is an advantage of the proposed structure that the source and receiver do not move independently. It is an advantage of the extrusion of the tube that all necessary infrastructure for guiding and positioning the X-radiation source and receiver configuration is fully available and calibrated at the factory.
    Figure 3 shows a source and receiver configuration mounted in a tube equipped with windows that are transparent to X-rays. In such a configuration, the positioning of the configuration must be very accurate. Optical markers or any other type of markers can be used to position both the source and receiver units, allowing independent movement in two separate tubes.
    Figure 4 shows metal clamps to guide tubes transparent to X radiation, in which a source unit and a receiver unit move independently. A vertical discrete receiving array allows automatic positioning of the X-radiation detector.
    Based on the attenuation of the X-rays detected using the X-radiation detector, a density of the measured material can be determined. Moreover, since the profile determination system allows measurements at different locations along the length (in a sediment typically over a depth) of a studied material, a density profile can be obtained. The density values can, for example, be determined on the basis of mathematical calculations, eg taking into account the specifications of the structure used, it can be based on pre-calibration and look-up tables, they can be based on measurements taken previously, etc. In some embodiments the processing unit provided for processing the measurements can be configured to derive a corresponding physical characteristic of the measured material directly from the measured density profile, such as eg a sediment type profile, an average density, the mass of the quantity present dry matter, etc. The processing unit can thereby use predetermined algorithms, a neural network, look-up tables, etc.
    Figure 5 shows a vertical X-radiation density scan of a sediment sample, where black indicates air and white indicates the highest density. It can thus be seen that the density profile of the sidement can be accurately obtained. Such a density profile can provide relevant information, for example for evaluating the transport, time and / or financial needs of a dredging project.
    Figure 6 shows a density interpretation of Figure 5 and a vertical bulk density profile and the corresponding number of tons of dry mass profile.
    Figure 7 shows a tensile strength image derived from the bulk density profile based on flow conditions in equilibrium and thyxotropic properties.
    Figure 8 shows the analysis of a horizontal cut through a CT scanned sediment volume. The density spectrum shown is narrow and the resulting strength spectrum is also narrow, so that the average density value is a good strength indicator.
    Figure 9 shows the analysis of a horizontal cut through a CT scanned sediment volume. The derived density spectrum is wide and the resulting strength spectrum is also wide. The average density in this case is not a good indicator for the sediment strength. Measuring the density spectrum makes it possible to obtain an estimate of the strength. In one specific embodiment, the present invention relates to a handheld profile determination system for obtaining information regarding a sludge, sediment, sand or soil. Similar to the profile determination system identified above, the handheld profile determination system comprises an X-radiation source and a detector. In handheld devices, the detector can advantageously be a silicon-based photo detector. A system according to such an exemplary embodiment is shown in Figure 10, which shows a handheld density determination device (density profile) of less than 10 kg based on an X-radiation source and a silicon photo-detector. Standard and optional features of the system described above can also be applied mutatis mutandis.
    In another aspect, the present invention relates to a processing unit for determining sludge, sediment, sand and soil characteristics. The processing unit is provided for receiving X-radiation data taken from a sludge, sediment, sand or soil. To this end, the processing unit may comprise an input port, or may be coupled to or may form part of a profile determination system as described in the first aspect. The processing unit is further programmed to derive, based on the X-radiation data, at least the density of the sludge, sediment, sand or soil. The processing unit may be separate or may be included in the profile determination system of embodiments of the first aspect.
    According to some embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit may be provided for deriving an amount of dry matter. The processor used may be configured to use a predetermined algorithm, a neural network, look-up tables, etc. In one specific embodiment, the processor may use the following formula to determine the mass of dry matter:
    where rnassdrvmatter is the mass of the dry matter, nridredgedvoe the masses of the dredged matter saturated with water, V is the volume of the dredged matter saturated with water, pw is the density of the water, pJO; / d is the density of the solid matter. The density again plays an important role in this. Alternatively, other definitions for determining dry mass can also be used, which also fall under the present invention.
    In other embodiments, the processing unit may be configured to determine a liquefaction point (see above) of a consolidated sediment based on the density measurement to prepare water injection dredging. In other words, based on the density measurements of the sediment, the amount of water that must be added to make the sediment sufficiently fluid to dredge it is determined. Alternatively or additionally, the processing unit may also be configured to determine the nautical bottom in the sediment, based on X-radiation density measurements. The nautical bottom is generally defined as the level where the density of the sediment has a value of 1.2 tonnes / m3. In yet another example, the processing unit may be configured to evaluate consolidation at dredging storage sites and underwater cells.
    The processing unit may comprise an input means for receiving user input and for receiving the measured value data from the detector. The processing unit can usually also comprise a processor for processing the X-radiation data. Such a processor may be at least one programmable processor coupled to a memory subsystem containing at least one form of memory, e.g. RAM, ROM, etc. It should be noted that the processor or processors may be a general purpose processor or for special purposes, and may be for inclusion in a device, e.g., a chip that also has other components that perform other functions. Thus one or more aspects of the present invention can be implemented in a digital electronic circuit, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. More elements such as network connections, interfaces to various devices, etc. may be included. The different elements of the device 11 can be connected in different ways, including a bus subsystem.
    In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a hopper piston, wherein the hopper piston comprises a profile determining system as described in certain embodiments of the first aspect.
    In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a system as described in the first aspect or to the use of a processing unit as described in the second aspect for determining a characteristic of a sludge, sediment, sand or soil. The use can be for determining a dynamic characteristic, such as e.g. a mass transport, or can be for determining a static characteristic, such as for determining a density. In some embodiments, such use may be for determining the mass of dry matter in dredged material based on X-radiation density measurements. In another embodiment, such use may be for determining the liquefaction point of a consolidated sediment based on a density measurement to prepare water injection dredging. In other words, based on the density measurements of the sediment, the amount of water that must be added to make the sediment sufficiently fluid to dredge it is determined. In yet another embodiment, such a use can be for determining the nautical bottom in sediment based on X-radiation density measurements using a profile determination system as described above. The nautical bottom is the level where the density of the sediment has a value of 1.2 tonnes / m3. in yet another embodiment, it may be use for the evaluation of consolidation at dredging storage sites and underwater cells. Based on the results obtained, it can be decided to continue using the dredging storage location, to change the functionality of the dredging storage location, etc.
    The present invention also relates to the use of a profile determination system as described above for determining a dynamic characteristic of a sludge, sediment, sand or soil. The dynamic characteristic of a mass transport thereof or therein.
    The present invention also relates to the use of a profile determination system as described above for determining a static characteristic of a sludge, sediment, sand or soil. The static characteristic can be a density thereof.
    In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for evaluating a dredging project. The method comprises contacting a profile determination system and a sediment or dredging material and detecting X-radiation transmitted through the sediment or the dredged material at a plurality of positions or continuously over a length / depth direction of the sediment or the dredged material, and deriving, based on the detected X-radiation, a density-related profile of the sediment or dredged material, and determining, based on the determined density-related profile, a characteristic of the dredging process. Such contacting can be carried out by filling a container, e.g. a hopper dredger with a profile determining system installed. Alternatively, the profile determination system can be inserted into the sediment or the dredged material. Such inflammation can be inflammation by hand, use a handheld device, or can be performed in an automatic manner. Deriving a characteristic of the dredging process can include deriving a parameter that expresses the transport, time and / or the financial budget for a dredging process, deriving the mass of dry matter from a load, deriving a nautical bottom, deriving the liquefaction point and / or the amount of water to be injected to reach this point, etc. The method may also include evaluating, e.g., monitoring a consolidation process of a dredging depot or underwater cell. The method according to embodiments of the present invention may also include steps expressing the functionality of elements of systems as described in the first aspect.
    In a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a computer program product for when it is executed on a computing device, performing the determination and / or deriving information as described above in the method according to the above aspects. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable data carrier on which a computer program product is stored according to this further aspect, and to the transmission of such a computer program product over a communication network. Thus, the present invention also includes a computer program product, e.g., an application program product, also known as an "applet," which provides the functionality of any data processing step of the methods of the present invention when executed on a computing device. The computer program product can also be sent via a carrier in a network, such as a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet. Transmission media can take the form of sound or light waves, such as those generated during radio waves and infrared data communications. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and optical fibers, including the wires that include a bus in a computer.
    By way of illustration, an example of an application using a system and method according to the present invention is discussed below. In silt-like access channels, ships can navigate close to or through a loose sediment layer. It is possible that a ship can penetrate into the sludge with 7% of its sailing depth. The navigability and steerability of a ship is important during navigation. Today, many ports use a sludge density criterion to determine the depth in the sludge layer to which the navigability and steerability of a ship is guaranteed. This is based on the PIANC 1997 report.
    Many waterway managers use a criterion of 1200 or 1250 tons / m3 for identifying the level in the sludge layer where the nautical bottom is determined, as shown in Figure 11. Figure 12 shows a density profile for a waterway as can be obtained with embodiments of the present invention.
    Another application is to determine the gel point of the sediment in preparation of WID (water injection dredging). WID is often used to liquefy the sediment and to remove it under free decay flow. There are two important aspects that need to be visualized to determine what the dredging effort will be to mobilize the sediment layer. Firstly, the density of the sediment layer is important to understand how much water needs to be added to liquefy the sediment or to release it. Typically, a water sediment emulsion with a density of 1100 tons / m3 is needed to reach the gel point or the level at which the sediment can begin to flow. Once this point is reached, the sediment can start flowing under gravity to a lower point, or under the influence of a tidal flow in a certain direction. A second important parameter for controlling WID works is the dredging effort of the water jet to erode the sediment layer. The water jet must overcome the bonding strength of the sediment to release it and to break the binding forces of the sediment. Sliberosion resistance and binding force are related. This type of parameter cannot be determined with a density meter but with a rheology meter. As an in situ rheology meter, a free fall penetrometer can be used. Figure 13 illustrates water injection liquefaction of sludge, with arrow 1302 indicating the liquefied sludge, arrow 1304 the consolidated sludge, and arrow 1306 the top of the sludge under water.
    In one aspect, the present invention also relates to a method and a system for determining density profile information with respect to a sediment or dredged material, the system comprising an X-radiation source system for transmitting X-rays, and an X-radiation detection system for detecting X rays, wherein the X radiation source system and the X radiation detection system are configured to allow an elongated volume of sediment or dredged material to pass between the X radiation source system and the X radiation detection system to obtain density profile information. The elongated volume of sediment or dredged material can be moved manually or automatically between the X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system so that at a plurality of positions, or continuously along the length of the elongated volume of sediment or dredged material x beam measurements can be done. Such automated relocation of, for example, is obtained by making use of a relocation system. The X-radiation source system may comprise a single radiation source or a plurality of radiation sources, and the X-radiation detection system may comprise one or more X-radiation detectors. In embodiments of the present invention, the X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system can be substantially stationary while the elongated volume of sediment or dredged material moves.
    The corresponding method may in a first step include obtaining an elongated volume of sediment or dredged material. By way of illustration, without limiting embodiments of the present invention thereto, an exemplary system for gauging an elongated volume of sediment or dredged material is shown in Figure 14. The method further comprises shifting the elongated volume of sediment or dredged material between the X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system for determining X-radiation profile data over the length of the elongated volume. Figure 15 shows how such an elongated volume of sediment 1502 can pass (shift) between the X-radiation source and the X-radiation detector 1504. The X-radiation source and the X-radiation detector can be positioned in a shielded housing 1506. The displacement of the volume is illustrated by means of snapshots at three points in time. The analysis results are shown in Figure 16. If the elongated volume is not shifted at a fixed speed, a calibration system can be provided for correlating X radiation data with the position information where the X radiation data is recorded. Such a calibration system can be an optical strip provided on the elongated volume. The calibration system can, for example, use an optical detection or inspection camera.
    权利要求:
    Claims (26)
    [1]
    CONCLUSIONS
    A profile determination system for obtaining density profile information relating to a sediment or dredging material, the system comprising: - a first elongated element for contacting a sediment or dredging material, the first elongated element comprising an X-radiation source system for radiating of X-rays, - a second elongated element for contacting a sediment or dredging material, wherein the second elongated element comprises an X-radiation detection system for detecting X-rays, the first elongated element and the second elongated element being transparent to X-rays over at least a portion of their length, and wherein the X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system are configured in the first elongated element and in the second elongated element, respectively, such that at a plurality of positions or continuously along the length of the first and the second elongate element Xs radiation emitted by the X-radiation source system through the sediment or dredging material can be detected by the X-radiation detection system for determining a density profile of a sediment or dredging material on the basis thereof.
    [2]
    A profile determination system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the X-radiation source system and / or the X-radiation detection system is arranged on a guide element for moving the X-radiation source system and / or the X-radiation detection system over a length of the first elongated element or the second elongated element, respectively.
    [3]
    A profile determination system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the X radiation source system comprises an elongated radiation source or a plurality of radiation sources along the length of the first elongated element, and the X radiation detection system comprises an elongated detector element or a plurality of X- radiation radiation detector elements along the length of the second elongate element, the radiation source (s) and the detector element (s) being aligned with respect to each other for transmitting and receiving X-rays.
    [4]
    A profile determination system according to any one of the preceding claims as far as dependent on claim 2, wherein the system further comprises a controller for controlling a movement of the X-radiation source system and / or the X-radiation detection system along the guide element and / or for the controlling a synchronous movement of the X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system.
    [5]
    A profile determination system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second elongate element comprises position recognition means for recognizing a position of the source system or detection system along the length of the first and the second elongate element, respectively.
    [6]
    A profile determination system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elongate element and the second elongate element are elements of a single, concave system formed to create a cavity, the first elongate element and the second elongate element being positioned on opposite sides sides of said hollow space.
    [7]
    A profile determination system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system are mechanically coupled to each other and are simultaneously movable or wherein the X-radiation source system and the X-radiation detection system are independently movable.
    [8]
    A profile determining system according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first elongate element and the second elongate element are two independent elements.
    [9]
    A profile determination system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile determination system is a handheld system.
    [10]
    A profile determination system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile determination system has a mass of less than 10 kg.
    [11]
    A profile determination system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a processing unit which is programmed to derive at least one of a density, composition or structure image from a bottom on the basis of said X-radiation receiver data.
    [12]
    A profile determination system according to claim 11, wherein the processing unit is programmed to derive at least the density, based on said data, and / or wherein the processing unit is programmed to determine density, viscosity, tensile stretch or a material component by the assigning components to abrupt changes in the X-radiation detection data.
    [13]
    A profile determination system according to any of claims 11 to 12, wherein the processing unit is further adapted to derive a soil type or soil structure from said density, shear resistance and X-ray detection data.
    [14]
    A processing unit for determining a density profile of a sediment or dredging material, wherein the processing unit is adapted to receive X radiation data recorded from a sediment or dredging material, and wherein the processing unit is programmed to derive, based on the X radiation data, of at least the density profile of the sediment or dredging material.
    [15]
    A processing unit according to claim 14, wherein the processing unit is adapted to receive X-radiation data from a profile determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
    [16]
    A processing unit according to any of claims 14 or 15, wherein the processing unit is further programmed to determine density, viscosity, tensile strength or material components and / or chemical composition from the scan by assigning components to abrupt intensity changes for a spectrum.
    [17]
    A processing unit according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the processing unit is further adapted to derive soil type or soil structure based on said density, a sliding resistance and a scan profile.
    [18]
    A computer program product for determining sludge, sediment, sand or soil characteristics, wherein the computer program product, when executed on a computer, provides the functionality of the processing unit according to any of claims 14 to 17.
    [19]
    A computer program product according to claim 18, wherein the computer program product is a web application.
    [20]
    A data carrier comprising a computer program product according to any of claims 18 or 19.
    [21]
    The transmission of a computer program product according to any one of claims 18 to 19.
    [22]
    A hopper dredger comprising a profile determining system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
    [23]
    Use of a profile determination system according to one of claims 1 to 13 for determining a dynamic or static characteristic of a sediment or dredging material, for determining a mass transport, for determining a density profile, for determining the mass of dry matter, for determining a nautical bottom, for determining a liquefaction point and / or for evaluating the consolidation of a sediment or dredging material.
    [24]
    A method for evaluating a dredging process, the method comprising: - contacting a profile determination system and a sediment or dredged material and detecting X-radiation transmitted through the sediment or dredged material at a plurality of positions or continuously along it a length / depth direction of the sediment or dredged material, - deriving, based on the detected X-radiation, a density-related profile of the sediment or dredged material, and - deriving, based on the detected density related profile, of a characteristic of the dredging process.
    [25]
    A method according to claim 24, wherein the contacting is performed by filling a container comprising a profile determination system, or by introducing into the sediment or dredged material of a profile determination system.
    [26]
    A method according to any of claims 24 to 25, wherein deriving a characteristic of the dredging process comprises deriving a parameter that expresses the transport, time and / or the financial budget for a dredging process, deriving the mass of dry matter of a cargo, deriving a nautical bottom, deriving a liquefaction point, deriving a quantity of water that must be injected to reach this point and / or monitoring a consolidation process of a dredging storage site or underwater cell.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2014207079A1|2014-12-31|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    NZ244530A|1992-09-28|1996-02-27|Nz Chief Defence Force|Broadband acoustic sediment density profiling|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    GB13113006|2013-06-25|
    GBGB1311300.6A|GB201311300D0|2013-06-25|2013-06-25|Sediment density profiler|
    GB201315687A|GB201315687D0|2013-09-03|2013-09-03|Sediment gaughing rod, stadia rod or sounding rod and handheld density profiler|
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