An application of the NAUTILUS SOV
is salt extraction in both large and small bodies of water.
And where desalination plants are proposed in specific confined water bodies, particularly in the vicinity of the intake and discharge water structures, the COLUMBUS SOV can minimise the salt in the water, using the expanding hull capability to 'harvest', physically contain and eventually safely discharge the salt load.
It is also feasible to implement oxygen injection at a range of depths so re-establishing the ecological balance in water sources. Depending on what water quality specification is wanted,
a series of units can work together or be spaced out throughout a water body to maintain both minimum and optimum selective environmental sustainable conditions.
How does it work?
The
salt extraction system is based on a low pressure vertical membrane salt extraction technology that is
suspended under the SOV
(surface operating vessel) and powered by a range
of renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic arrays and some onboard microbial fuel cells
that also assist in water quality improvement. The onboard microbial fuel cells is a developing
technology that offers a mix of some generated electricity, clean water and unwanted material
extraction. The NAUTILUS SOV program is advancing this aspect at this time.
(Where needed, the orientation
of the array is easily repositioned during the day for maximum
efficiency, as the floating structure can be tilted and rotated in the water to
track the sun all year).
The oxygen injection system is a simple process of dispensing measured quantities of gas
at the wanted depths through an underwater 'gas dispersal wand' to a required specification.
Other mission-specific applications can include floating material 'sweeping' based on 'smart
detection protocols' and navigation clearance tasks.
The flexibility of multiple units
The NAUTILUS SOV can be quickly changed between mission-specific applications and
involve multiple units working together or dispersed
throughout the body of water to meet
a range of required
water purity outcomes.
The self propulsion and remote monitoring makes for a totally automated process in ...
(A) salt extraction,
(B) oxygen injection as wanted and
(C) an overally more favourable water specification.
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