Pneumatic system reducing friction between a vessel hull and the surrounding water

Abstract

A pneumatic system designed to minimize the high coefficient of water friction, known in the nautical industry as “skin resistance” or “drag,” against the submerged hull ( 10 ) area of a vessel. This system directs pressurized air from a shipboard compressor ( 30 ) through many distributing pipes ( 60 ). These distributing pipes ( 60 ) are arranged longitudinally and are evenly spaced transversely, adjacent to the internal hull ( 10 ) section that lies below the waterline. A plurality of smaller ejection pipes ( 70 ) project from the distributing pipes ( 60 ). Calibrated nozzles ( 80 ) connect the ejection pipes ( 70 ) to the vessel's exterior, releasing a constant flow of pressurized air as bubbles between the water (A) and the hull ( 10 ) surface. This layer of bubbles reduces the undesired effect of skin resistance (drag) caused by the viscosity of the medium through which the vessel navigates.

1 . A pneumatic system to deliver compressed air to water adjacent to a vessel's hull whereby friction between the water and said hull is reduced, comprising: 
 A. an onboard compressor,    B. a web of distribution pipes connected to said compressor, said distribution pipes arranged longitudinally along the interior of the submerged portion of said vessel's bulkhead,    C. a plurality of ejecting pipes, smaller than the distribution pipes, and connected to said distribution pipes,    D. a calibrated nozzle at the distal end of each of said ejecting pipes, said calibrated nozzles penetrating the hull's exterior surface, with said nozzles homogeneously distributed along the hull's exterior surface to expel into the water to form bubbles.    
   
   
       2 . The pneumatic system of  claim 1 , further including a compressor powered by a motor driven by the vessel.  
   
   
       3 . The pneumatic system of  claim 1 , further including a compressor powered by the vessel's engine.  
   
   
       4 . A pneumatic system according to any one of claims  1 ,  2 , or  3 , wherein said compressor has a pressure control valve.  
   
   
       5 . The pneumatic system of  claim 4 , further including the portion of the vessel's hull found below the waterline.