Method and system for a towed vessel suitable for transporting liquids

摘要

A towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in the transportation, navigation, and storage of the towable vessel, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, power supply devices and methods, and means for filling, inflating, emptying, and deflating a non-rigid, towed vessel. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention further include features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of the fluid to be transported.

主权项

1. A method for storing and conveying fluids, said method comprising:
(a) providing:
a non-rigid, water-impermeable device with an elongate shape having a first end, a second end and having a generally streamlined shape in plan view;the first end comprising a first attachment device;the second end comprising a second attachment device;at least two ports for intake and exhaust of fluids;at least a portion of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device containing a fluid of lower density than a fluid through which said non-rigid, water-impermeable device is transported;one or more valves in two-way communication with at least a portion of an interior volume of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device and an outside environment;a transmitter for conveying information related to the geographic position of the device;at least a portion of an internal surface area of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device being comprised of a flexible and tear resistant material; andat least one mooring device; (b) securing the first attachment device of the first end to one of the at least one mooring device; (c) storing an entirety of the fluid of lower density in said non-rigid, water impermeable device, wherein the fluid of lower density is fresh water; (d) stabilizing the non-rigid, water-impermeable device by connecting the non-rigid, water-impermeable device to a fixed or floating object; (e) signaling a physical position of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device; (f) tracking the non-rigid, water-impermeable device; (g) conveying the non-rigid, water-impermeable device to a predetermined destination through salt water; (h) emptying the non-rigid, water-impermeable device of fluids through one of said at least two ports; and (i) providing one or more photovoltaic arrays to collect solar energy, said arrays being adapted to contact a non-submerged surface of the non-rigid, water-impermeable device.