METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SEPARATING TUBULAR METAL STRUCTURES INTO PARTS UNDER WATER Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: mechanical engineering. SUBSTANCE: this relates to secondary utilization of metal of large sea-mounted structures made of tubular components such as bases of stationary drilling platforms or oil and gas producing platforms. According to method, freezing is undertaken of metal crushing zone together with initiation of local fragile crushing of metal by subjecting frozen metal to crushing by spot-like dynamic action. Prior to freezing, zone to be crushed is isolated from water and tensile stresses are created in it. Initiation of fragile crushing is effected primarily at one spot of crushing zone. Device for realization of aforesaid method has external and internal components. Internal component includes two mechanisms of expanding collet type which are connected to each other through linear power drive. External component embraces entire structure and has rigid rings at its ends. External component separates external side of structural member to be destructed from water and affords rigid rest for collet-type devices operating inside structure. Located in splittable cylindrical component is annular distributor for delivery of cooling agent to surface of metal structure. Included in annular distributor is at least one strong chamber for charge of explosive matter. Isolation of zone being frozen from water at internal side of structure is performed by means replaceable flexible inflatable shells or modules with foaming agent. Application of aforesaid method and device allows for sharp reduction of explosive chargers needed in operation and also for sharp reduction of cooling agent required for realization of method. EFFECT: higher efficiency. 4 cl, 1 dwg