Ballast-free ship system
US6694908B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B13/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for changing the volume of the watertight hull of a ship in the light or no cargo condition to achieve the required ballast drafts. At least one trunk extending longitudinally from a first end at a bow of the ship to a second end at a stern of the ship. The first and second ends of the trunk connectible to the water surrounding the ship by operation of an inlet valve and an outlet valve adjacent each end. When in the light condition, or no cargo condition, the valves at each end of the trunk or trunks are moved to an opened position to reduce the volume of the watertight hull in order to achieve the desired ballast draft. While the ship is in motion, sufficient pressure differential exits between the bow and the stern of the ship to exchange the volume of water in the trunks over a period of time. Preferably, the fluid flow through the trunks exchanges the water at least approximately every hour when the ship is moving at normal speed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.