System and method for deployment of a cold water pipe
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorAlain T. Pellen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cold water pumping system comprises a center tube and a cold water pipe surrounding the center tube. The cold water pipe is supported from a bottom end of the center tube and an impeller is coupled to the bottom end of the center tube. The impeller is operable to move water through the cold water pipe, wherein the cold water pipe is comprised of a plurality of segments. Each segment of the cold water pipe comprises at least two frame sections configured to be coupled together to surround the center tube and a removable skin configured to be inserted throughout the perimeter of the at least two sections.
Claims20
A cold water pumping system comprising:
- a center tube;
- a cold water pipe surrounding the center tube, the cold water pipe being supported from a bottom end of the center tube;
- and
- an impeller coupled to the bottom end of the center tube and operable to move water through the cold water pipe;
- wherein the cold water pipe is comprised of a plurality of segments, each segment comprising:
- at least two frame sections configured to be coupled together to surround the center tube;
- and
- a removable skin configured to be inserted throughout the perimeter of the at least two sections.
A cold water pipe segment comprising:
- at least two frame sections, each of the at least two frame section comprising:
- a first arc having a slot throughout the perimeter of the first arc;
- a second arc having a slot throughout the perimeter of the second arc;
- a core;
- a plurality of rails, each of the plurality of rails configured to be coupled to the core and one of the first arc and the second arc;
- and
- two bars, each of the two bars configured to be coupled to the first arc and the second arc;
- and
- a removable skin configured to be inserted in the slot of the first arc and the slot of the second art.
A method of deploying/retrieving a cold water pumping system, the method comprising:
- assembling a frame of each section of a cold water pipe segment;
- inserting a removable skin into the frame of each section;
- coupling the frame sections together around a center tube;
- and
- lowering the cold water pipe segment toward a body of water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.