Mechanism and arrangement for static and dynamic adjustment of submersible pumps associated with a floating platform

Abstract

In an amphibious or flotational device for supporting one or more submersible pumps, the flotational device is structurally configured to provide the means for enabling both static and dynamic positioning of the submersible pumps at selected depths below the flotational device, and to provide means for improved pay-out and storage of flexible piping that enables improved dynamic positioning of the submersible pumps.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A floating barge arrangement for supporting a submersible pump, comprising:
 a flotation platform having a deck;   a suspension mechanism positioned on said deck and having means for lifting and lowering a submersible pump into a body of fluid;   at least one submersible pump suspended from said suspension mechanism and positioned to be selectively lowered below said platform, said at least one submersible pump having an inlet and a discharge outlet; and   dynamic positioning elements supported by said platform for facilitating dynamic positioning of said submersible pump at selected depths below said platform.   
     
     
         2 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 1 , wherein said dynamic positioning elements include at least one flexible conduit secured to said discharge outlet of said at least one submersible pump. 
     
     
         3 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 2  wherein said dynamic positioning elements further include a take-up mechanism for taking up and paying out said flexible conduit. 
     
     
         4 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 3  wherein said take-up mechanism comprises a slidable element that is movable from a position in proximity to said suspension mechanism to a point distanced from said suspension mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 4  wherein said slidable element is a curved hose bib positioned to engage said flexible conduit, said hose bib being slidably movable within a track. 
     
     
         6 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 4  wherein said slidable element is a movable upstanding stanchion. 
     
     
         7 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 8  wherein said take-up mechanism further comprises an upright stationary stanchion. 
     
     
         8 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 7  wherein said upright stationary stanchion is structured with a plurality of rollers configured in an array having a selected radius of curvature, said array of rollers being positioned to support said flexible conduit. 
     
     
         9 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 6  wherein said movable upstanding stanchion is structured with a plurality of rollers configured in a semi-circular array having a selected radius of curvature and being positioned to support said flexible conduit. 
     
     
         10 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 8  wherein said movable upstanding stanchion is structured with two arrays comprising a plurality of rollers configured in a semi-circular array having selected radius of curvature, said two arrays of rollers being spaced apart to form a channel to receive said flexible conduit therein. 
     
     
         11 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 3  wherein said take-up mechanism is structured with a single feed capacity. 
     
     
         12 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 1  further comprising static positioning elements securable to said discharge outlet of said at least one submersible pump to enable static positioning of said at least one submersible pump at a selected depth below said platform. 
     
     
         13 . The floating barge arrangement according to  claim 12  wherein said static positioning elements comprises at least one pipe spool structured to be connected to said discharge outlet between said discharge outlet and s-a-said dynamic positioning elements. 
     
     
         14 . A method for dynamically positioning a submersible pump relative to a flotation platform, comprising:
 providing a flotation platform structured for supporting a submersible pump suspended from a hoisting mechanism secured to said flotation platform;   providing a submersible pump suspended from the hoisting mechanism;   providing a flexible conduit attached to a discharge outlet of the submersible pump for conveying suctioned fluid from said submersible pump when submerged below the flotation platform;   providing a movable take-up mechanism slidably positioned on said flotation platform and adapted to receive said flexible conduit in engagement therewith;   causing said movable take-up mechanism to move from a first point in proximity to said submersible pump to a point distanced from said submersible pump, thereby effecting the taking up of said flexible conduit by said take-up mechanism to dynamically adjust the positioning of the submersible pump to a selected depth and position below the flotation platform.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14  wherein said take-up mechanism is oriented in a horizontal position on said flotation platform to move said flexible conduit horizontally relative to said flotation platform. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15  wherein said take-up mechanism is oriented vertically relative to said floatation platform to move said flexible conduit vertically relative to said flotation platform. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15  further comprising causing said movable take-up mechanism to move from a point distanced from said submersible pump to a point proximate said submersible pump to effect a pay-out of said flexible conduit. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 14  further comprising statically repositioning the depth range of said submersible pump for employing static positioning elements to statically increase the nominal depth to which said at least one submersible pump may be selectively lowered. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18  wherein said statically repositioning the depth range of said submersible pump further comprises providing at least one pipe spool and connecting the pipe spool to the discharge outlet of the at least one submersible pump.