JP7738982B2 - Group for the rapid emergence of a submersible or submarine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a group or system for the rapid emergence of a submersible or submarine in an emergency situation and/or for controlling the movement or progress of a submersible or submarine.

Prior state of the art The system for rapid emergence of submarines in emergency situations, hereinafter also referred to as EBD, is a unit often used on submarines to enable surfacing when the ship is in an emergency situation with potential danger to the lives of personnel.

The first EBD systems were based on compressed gas and were relatively simple to operate and refill, but the systems had significant disadvantages in terms of volume and weight, especially at great depths.

Therefore, systems based on hot gases generated by the decomposition of liquid propellants, such as hydrazine, were introduced. These systems were widely used on German submarines and allowed for a much smaller operating volume than those using cold gases, but they presented significant safety problems. These solutions were therefore gradually replaced by systems based on solid propellants, which, once primed, cannot be controlled and are extremely expensive to maintain and replace.

For many years, hot gas generation systems have been used for emergency evacuation of storage tanks, allowing rapid emergence even from deep submersions. These systems represent an important alternative to compressed air-based systems due to the limited volumetric load achievable thanks to the better specific action, greater mass flow, and greater density of the propellant in the holding tanks.

In this regard, in the 1970s, a rapid-fire system based on the decomposition of hydrazine in a catalytic bed was developed, which, thanks to its versatility and limited volume compared to compressed air systems, was used on several submarines in Germany and other countries around the world. However, this solution has several problems related to the production of large amounts of hydrogen in the decomposition of hydrazine, which poses an explosion risk if pockets form in the storage tank, as well as problems related to the extreme toxicity and carcinogenicity of hydrazine.

An alternative system based on a solid propellant, strontium nitrate/GAP, called INGA (Inert Gas Generator), was developed at the end of the 1990s. Although INGA is a system installed in a separate unit, because it is a solid propellant-based system, it cannot be turned off once switched on and cannot be controlled during operation. Also, because it is a solid propellant, the system can explode if it is hit, and it also requires considerable care during transportation, assembly, and disassembly, resulting in increased costs.

Also, the supply and replacement times of this system are not fast, forcing submarine units to take long downtimes to recharge.

With such solutions, it is nearly impossible to control deballasting, i.e. the spill or release of liquid necessary for emergence, which, combined with the high costs of purchasing and replacing components, determines overall operation that cannot be periodically checked on board and prevents the crew from undergoing operational training.

DE 197 04 587 A1 discloses a solution according to the prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to provide a new group or system for the rapid emergence of a submersible or submarine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a group that is highly versatile.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a group that can be started and stopped as desired.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a group or system for rapid emergence of submersibles or submarines that has lower development, management, and reload costs than previously proposed systems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a group or system for the rapid emergence of a submersible or submarine that is safer than current solutions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a group or system for assisting maneuvering wheels when their own maneuvering power is insufficient.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a group as claimed in claim 1.
The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the disclosure of exemplary embodiments of a gas generator illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of a gas generator according to the present invention; 1 is a schematic diagram of components of a gas generator for obtaining a vortex flow. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a submarine having one or more gas generators according to the present invention;

In the accompanying drawings, identical parts or components are identified by the same reference numbers.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION In the present disclosure, the term "downstream" relates to the direction of fluid movement in a group, e.g., with respect to a first and a second component, the phrase "the first component is downstream of the second component" indicates that the first component of the group is positioned after the second component and therefore processes the respective fluid or fluids after processing in the second component.

The present invention relates to a gas generator or group or system 1 for the rapid emergence of a submersible craft or submarine S and/or for controlling the movement or progression of a submersible craft or submarine S, the group or system 1 generating gas that alters the hydrostatic equilibrium of the vehicle (submersible craft or submarine) by pushing it upwards or by tilting it to change course.

The group or system 1 defines a combustion chamber 2 in which the process of generating hot or combustion gases takes place through a solid fuel mass 2a contained within or in communication with the combustion chamber 2 and a supply and decomposition circuit or component of a fluid oxidizer, e.g., liquid or gas, such as hydrogen peroxide ( _H2O2 ), oxygen or _nitrous oxide, or a mixture of the two.

The hydrogen peroxide or nitrous oxide is stored, preferably without pressure, in a container 4. If desired, a fluid oxidizer supply or extraction pipe 4a is provided in the container 4, defining a suction or thrust line for the component.

Also, when the fluid oxidizer is hydrogen peroxide, it is present in container 4 at a concentration of greater than 70% or 80% by weight relative to the water, or preferably greater than 90% by weight.

Preferably, the hydrogen peroxide in container 4 is stabilized with a stabilizer content greater than 10 ppm. This clearly ensures that the hydrogen peroxide does not decompose in container 4, which therefore significantly reduces the risk of explosion or loss of effectiveness of the fluid oxidizer.

Group 1 then includes a decomposition unit 3, such as a catalyst bed or catalyst system, downstream of vessel 4, designed to decompose or separate the fluid oxidant exiting vessel 4, for example, to decompose hydrogen peroxide into gaseous oxygen and water vapor. Because the decomposition reaction generates energy, the gaseous oxygen and water vapor will be at an elevated temperature.

The catalyst bed 3 can be mounted in the upper part of the vessel 4, if desired, on the fluid oxidant supply line through the supply or extraction pipe 4a.

Catalyst bed 3 may comprise a mesh or grid of, for example, silver, platinum, manganese oxide, or the like, or several stacked grids, or multiple spheres arranged to define a tortuous path for the fluid oxidant. Clearly, catalyst bed 3 is designed to reduce the activation energy of the decomposition reaction of the fluid oxidant or hydrogen peroxide.

Alternatively, the cracking unit may contain a consumable catalyst, i.e., it is consumed during use, which, among other things, entails a decrease in the weight of the group over time.

If the catalyst bed 3 increases the weight of the group or system on the one hand, it improves the controllability and guarantee of switching the group on and off on the other hand.

The decomposed or separated fluid oxidant or hydrogen peroxide from the decomposition unit 3 is then supplied to the combustion chamber 2 where it comes into contact with the solid fuel and initiates a combustion reaction. The combustion chamber 2 can be mounted above or downstream of the catalyst bed 3, if desired, on the discharge line of the decomposition products of the fluid oxidant from the catalyst bed 3.

The combustion gases are then discharged using a distribution device 6, for example in a ballast or storage tank B for ballast water of a submersible or submarine S. The distribution device 6 is mounted above or downstream of the combustion chamber 2, if desired, on the discharge line of the combustion compounds from the combustion chamber 2.

In this regard, combustion gases may be at temperatures equivalent to 2000°C, temperatures so high that they may destroy the group's components or the submarine's storage tanks.

The distribution device 6 may therefore include a nozzle 6a mounted on top of or in fluid communication with the combustion chamber 2, an emitter 6b, and a supply duct 6c extending between a tank of cooling fluid such as water, e.g., a ballast or storage tank B, and the nozzle 6a or emitter 6b.

In this configuration, the combustion gases leaving the combustion chamber 2 enter the nozzle 6a, which, for example, reduces the passage cross-section for the combustion gases, resulting in an increase in the velocity of the combustion gases and a decrease in their pressure, which causes cooling fluid from the respective tank to be sucked into the additional duct 6c and then into the emitter 6b together with the combustion gases, cooling the combustion gases.

Emitter 6b directly or indirectly supplies the cooled combustion gases as described above to storage tank B, which increases the pressure in the storage tank and determines whether the storage tank is emptied.

This mechanism can be used to determine the rapid emergence of the submersible or submarine S or to control the movement and, if desired, the tilt of the submersible or submarine S. In this regard, the emergence of the submersible or submarine S is determined by emptying all storage tanks or at least most of them, but by emptying one or more storage tanks in a controlled manner, it is possible to tilt the submersible or submarine S in a determined manner, thereby allowing the submersible or submarine S to maneuver better or faster.

In this regard, the storage tank is normally open, but the storage tank may also be provided with bursting discs or baffles which collapse following a determined increase in pressure inside the storage tank itself, causing storage tank B to empty or increasing the rate at which storage tank B is emptied.

Preferably, group or system 1 also includes a thrust or pressurization unit 5 capable of forcing the fluid oxidizer or hydrogen peroxide from vessel 4 toward catalyst bed 3, from which decomposition products of hydrogen peroxide are supplied to combustion chamber 2.

The thrust or pressurization unit 5 includes a reservoir of pressurized fluid, e.g., nitrogen at 100-300 atmospheres, preferably about 200 atmospheres, which is in fluid communication with the vessel 4 by means of a first valve assembly 8 and, optionally, a transfer duct interrupted by a pressure regulator or pressure reducer.

A pressure regulator is required to ensure a constant flow of hydrogen peroxide to catalyst bed 3 and therefore a constant assembly operation.

Group 1 may also include a second valve assembly 9 designed to block the passage for delivery of fluid oxidant or distribution of this oxidant from vessel 4 to catalyst bed 3.

Group 1 may also not include a thrust or pressurization unit, but may be provided with, for example, a cartridge that can be broken by pressure or by suitable pressure means to determine the pressurization of the fluid oxidizer or the transport of the fluid oxidizer from vessel 4 to catalyst bed 3.

However, it would also be possible to store pressurized hydrogen peroxide in the device 1 .
The first valve assembly 8 and/or the second valve assembly 9 may be controlled and suitably operated by a control unit or by means of suitable sensors.

The group can operate at different pressures in the depth range of 0-500m.
The exiting hot gases preferably do not exceed 800°C so as not to affect the structure of the submarine.

Preferably, no initiation of the group is provided, because the fluid oxidizer or hydrogen peroxide decomposes on contact with the catalyst bed 3 and therefore heats up, so that when it enters the combustion chamber 2 it is in a state that guarantees initiation of the combustion reaction.

The solid fuel may comprise an inert material selected from the group consisting of paraffin, a thermoplastic material, or a thermoset material, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, nylon, polycarbonate, and Plexiglas.

Advantageously, the group also includes a device 10 for generating vortices (see FIG. 2) designed to generate vortices of the fluid oxidizer or of the decomposed hydrogen peroxide or of the compounds of the decomposition of the fluid oxidizer or of the hydrogen peroxide and deliver them to the combustion chamber 2 and then onto the solid fuel 2a, thereby increasing the combustion efficiency, regression rate, and stability of the combustion.

By vortex flow is meant a flow of fluid oxidizer or compounds of hydrogen peroxide decomposition that is not only parallel to some or most surfaces of the solid fuel exposed to the flow of decomposition compounds (e.g., in combustion chamber 2), but also has a component such that it impinges on the solid fuel in a turbulent, swirling, or spiral manner. Optionally, the vortex flow has a tangential component, and optionally is axial to the surface or surfaces.

In this regard, the solid fuel 2a may be arranged in the combustion chamber 2 so as to form a cylindrical element. In this case, the flow of the fluid oxidizer or hydrogen peroxide decomposition compound will be conveyed along the pedestal 2b defined by the cylindrical element. The axial component of the fluid oxidizer or hydrogen peroxide flow is the component of this flow that is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the cylindrical element, while the tangential component is perpendicular to or orthogonal to this axis.

The apparatus 10 may therefore include a plate 11 disposed between the catalyst bed 3 and the combustion chamber 2 and defining one or more through holes 12, e.g., having a helical, spiral, or curved pattern relative to the axis of symmetry. More specifically, the holes 12 do not have a main axis of propagation parallel to the direction of transport of the compounds of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide from the catalyst bed 3 towards the combustion chamber 2.

Alternatively, the device for generating vortex flow may include a cup-shaped or similar element having flanged ends and a defined hole that is perpendicular to or orthogonal to the direction of travel or transport of the compounds of the hydrogen peroxide decomposition from the catalyst bed 3 towards the combustion chamber 2.

If desired, an actuation valve may be provided at the inlet to the combustion chamber 2 to control the mass flow of decomposed hydrogen peroxide, thereby allowing the group or gas generator to be controlled, switched off and re-ignited as desired and required.

The group according to the invention may be mounted in a storage casing.
An object of the present invention is also a submersible or vessel S equipped with one or more groups 1 as described above, said submersible or vessel S comprising one or more ballast or storage tanks B for ballast fluid, such as water, restrained, for example, on each side of the submersible or vessel S, and one or more groups contained in or in other way communicating with the ballast or storage tanks B. Of course, the storage tanks are, at least initially, filled with water or ballast fluid.

In this case, the distributor 6, and more particularly the discharger 6b, communicates directly or indirectly with the storage tank B and therefore supplies the combustion gases generated in the group and cooled, in particular as described above, which increase the pressure in the storage tank and determine its partial or complete emptying.

As mentioned above, the storage tank may be open and may be provided with a disc or burst baffle.

Basically, in the group according to the invention, it is possible to realize a method for the rapid emergence of a submersible or submarine S and/or for controlling the movement or progress of a submersible or submarine S, said method comprising:
- placing a group 1 according to the invention;
- storing the groups 1 in such a way that each distribution device 6 flows into a storage tank B for ballast fluid of a submersible or submarine S;
- controlling the delivery of the fluid oxidant to the decomposition unit 3 so that the decomposition unit 3 decomposes or separates the fluid oxidant;
- controlling or determining the delivery of compounds of decomposition of the fluid oxidizer into the combustion chamber 2 to contact the solid fuel 2a, causing a combustion reaction between the compounds of decomposition of the fluid oxidizer and the solid fuel 2a, thereby generating combustion gases;
Discharging the combustion gases through a distributor 6 into the storage tank B, allowing it to empty.

Also, if a device 10 for generating vortices is provided, the delivery of the compounds of the decomposition of the fluid oxidizer in the device 10 is commanded or determined so as to generate a vortex of the compounds and deliver it to the combustion chamber 2 and then onto the solid fuel mass 2a.

Depending on the components present in the group (e.g., nozzle 6a, emitter 6b, and additional duct 6c), other processing steps may also be provided.

As will be appreciated, the quantitative range of components used will depend on the specific use case, such as the size of the submarine or unit already in existence.

In this way, the pressure profile of the generated gas can be controlled as desired, thereby providing active control of the gas generator during the ascent phase.

Essentially, the group according to the invention is an EBD based on a hybrid propellant gas generator with a fluid oxidizer and a solid propellant, which allows extreme operational versatility because it can be switched on and off and has limited development, maintenance and refilling costs thanks to the implied inert nature of the fuel and limited safety issues regarding the oxidizer.

The present invention therefore ensures that EBD systems based on solid state gas generators can be replaced with hybrid gas generators.

According to the present invention, hydrogen peroxide is passed through a catalyst bed, which determines the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water vapor at high temperatures. The decomposition products are then injected into the combustion chamber, initiating combustion and ignition of the engine.

The flow of oxidizer may also be managed through an actuation valve that controls the mass flow into the combustion chamber, thus allowing the gas generator to be controlled, switched off and re-ignited as desired and required, thus ensuring versatility not available with solid propellants or gas generators.

However, because the fuel can be inert, it does not react except upon accidental contact with the oxidizer, which breaks it down into hot gases, thus making the system safe from any internal leaks.

Also, if the fuel or propellant is completely inert, it is not sensitive to disturbances of an electrostatic and electromagnetic nature.

It also stabilizes the hydrogen peroxide used, thus reducing problems caused by accidental dripping of the oxidizing agent. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic.

The group or system can then be replenished simply by re-storing the oxidizer and replacing the fuel or fuel pellets. In this regard, the procedure is inexpensive because the oxidizer is non-toxic and the fuel is inert.

The materials used are also inexpensive.
The group according to the invention makes it possible to control the pressure profile of the generated gas as desired and, in particular, also makes it possible to carry out active control of the gas generators during the ascent phase, allowing active control of the ascent speed profile by the systems or personnel driving the submarine.

Modifications and variations of this invention are possible within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims (16)

A group for the rapid emergence of a submersible or submarine (S) and/or for controlling the movement or progress of a submersible or submarine (S) ,
said group defining a combustion chamber (2) ;
The group is
The mass of the solid fuel (2a) contained in the combustion chamber (2);
a container (4) of fluid oxidizer ;
a distributor (6) mounted above or downstream of the combustion chamber (2) for distributing combustion gases ;
The group includes a decomposition unit (3) set to decompose or separate the fluid oxidizer coming out of the container (4), the combustion chamber (2) is mounted above or downstream of the decomposition unit (3), the fluid oxidizer decomposed or separated from the decomposition unit (3) is distributed to the combustion chamber (2) to contact the solid fuel and cause a combustion reaction between the fluid oxidizer and the solid fuel (2a), and the combustion gas of the fluid oxidizer and the solid fuel is discharged using the distribution device (6);
the fluid oxidizer comprises hydrogen peroxide at a mass concentration of greater than 70% with respect to water;
the hydrogen peroxide is stabilized with a stabilizer at a content of more than 10 ppm;
a device (10) for generating vortices, arranged between the decomposition unit (3) and the combustion chamber (2), and set to generate vortices of compounds of decomposition of the fluid oxidizer and distribute the vortices in the combustion chamber (2) and then onto the mass of the solid fuel (2a). The group described in claim 1, wherein the cracking unit includes a catalyst bed. The group of claim 2, wherein the catalyst bed comprises a mesh, a grid, a plurality of stacked grids, or a plurality of small spheres set to define a tortuous path for the fluid oxidant. A group according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the solid fuel comprises an inert material. The group according to claim 4, wherein the inert material is selected from the group consisting of paraffin, a thermoplastic material, or a thermosetting material. A group according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device (10) for generating a vortex flow includes a plate (11) defining one or more through holes (12) having a helical, spiral or curved pattern. A group according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distribution device (6) is set to discharge the combustion gas into a ballast water storage tank (B) of a submersible or submarine (S). The group of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the distribution device (6) includes a nozzle (6a) mounted on top of or in fluid communication with the combustion chamber (2), an emitter (6b), and a supply pipe (6c) extending between a cooling fluid tank and the nozzle (6a) or emitter (6b), allowing combustion gases exiting the combustion chamber (2) to enter the nozzle (6a), causing the cooling fluid from the respective tank to be sucked into the supply pipe (6c) and then into the emitter (6b) together with the combustion gases, thereby cooling the combustion gases. A group according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a thrust or pressure unit (5) capable of forcing the fluid oxidizer from the container (4) towards the decomposition unit (3). The group described in claim 9, wherein the thrust or pressure unit (5) includes a receiver for pressurized fluid. The group according to claim 10, further comprising a transfer pipe configured to place the receiver (5) of pressurized fluid in fluid communication with the container (4), and a first valve assembly (8) blocking the transfer pipe. A group according to any one of claims 1 to 11, including a second valve assembly (9) set to block a passage for delivery of fluid oxidant or distribution of such oxidant from the container (4) to the decomposition unit (3). The solid fuel (2a) is arranged in the combustion chamber (2) so as to form a cylindrical element;
The group according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a flow of fluid oxidant or compound of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is conveyed along the seat (2b) defined by the cylindrical element of the solid fuel (2a). 14. A submersible or vessel comprising at least one storage tank (B) for ballast fluid and at least one group (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 housed in or communicating with said at least one storage tank (B), wherein said distributor (6) of said at least one group (1) communicates with said at least one storage tank (B), and said distributor (6) is set to supply combustion gases generated in said at least one group (1) to said at least one storage tank (B), causing said at least one storage tank (B) to be emptied. 1. A method for the rapid emergence of a submersible or submarine (S) and/or for controlling the movement or progression of a submersible or submarine (S), comprising:
- arranging a group according to any one of claims 1 to 12;
- accommodating said groups in such a way that each distribution device (6) leads to at least one ballast water storage tank (B) of said submersible or vessel (S);
- controlling the delivery of said fluid oxidant to said decomposition unit (3) so that said decomposition unit (3) decomposes or separates said fluid oxidant;
- controlling or determining the delivery of compounds of decomposition of said fluid oxidizer into said combustion chamber (2) to contact said solid fuel (2a) and cause a combustion reaction between said compounds of decomposition of said fluid oxidizer and said solid fuel (2a), thereby generating combustion gases;
- releasing the combustion gases by means of the distributor (6) in the at least one ballast water storage tank (B) to cause the at least one ballast water storage tank (B) to empty. 16. A method according to claim 15, using an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the step of driving or causing the delivery of the compounds of decomposition of the fluid oxidizer in the apparatus ( 10 ) for the generation of vortices, generating vortices of the compounds, and delivering the vortices into the combustion chamber (2) and thus onto the mass of the solid fuel (2a).