Low-cost viscous-drag-reducing cladding
OwnerMicheal O'Ceallaighinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A low-cost viscous-drag-reducing cladding for a ship's hull comprising airbags whose outer surfaces are adapted to be water repelling. Each airbag comprises a plenum that comprises substantially open space, which does not obstruct the flow of air through it. The airbags are inflated with compressed air to a pressure higher than the adjoining hydrostatic pressure. The airbag material comprises a reinforcing fabric, which is adapted to withstand the forces encountered during operation, and is sealed with a sealant so as to be made substantially impermeable to air. The outer water-repelling surface of each airbag is connected to a plenum by means of restrictor holes. Air flows from the plenum through the restrictor holes into the water-repelling layer.
Claims21
A cladding for a ship hull comprising:
- at least one airbag comprising a plenum that comprises substantially open space which is pressurised with air in use;
- wherein said airbag is formed from a material comprising a reinforcing fabric that is substantially sealed with a sealant;
- the airbag further comprising an outer surface layer adapted to be water-expelling, the outer surface layer connected to the plenum via at least one restrictor hole in the airbag through which air from the plenum can pass to provide pressurised air in the water-expelling layer having a pressure level substantially equal to, or greater than, an adjoining hydrostatic pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.