U.S. patent application number 10/744937 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for subsea oil collector.
Invention is credited to Lazes, Richard J..
Application Number | 20050025574 10/744937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32314629 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050025574 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lazes, Richard J. |
February 3, 2005 |
Subsea oil collector
Abstract
A subsea fluid collector is provided, comprising a container
having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a vessel positioning
device which is attachable to a submerged vessel leaking oil or
other fluids. The container is positioned by the vessel positioning
device to receive, through the fluid inlet, a leaking fluid (such
as crude oil, gasoline, diesel, or the like) exiting from a fluid
leak source on the vessel, and the water residing within the
container is displaced as leaking fluid enters the container. The
vessel positioning device may be attached or detached from the
vessel by divers or remotely using a remotely operated vehicle
(ROV). In one embodiment, the container may be guided into position
above the leak by a guide cable. Once the container is filled by
the leaking fluid, it ascends to the surface of the sea for
retrieval and removal of the contents.
Inventors: |
Lazes, Richard J.;
(Cornelius, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WARNER J DELAUNE JR
ADAMS AND REESE LLP
450 LAUREL STREET
BATON ROUGE
LA
70801
US
|
Family ID: |
32314629 |
Appl. No.: |
10/744937 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60436119 |
Dec 23, 2002 |
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60444028 |
Jan 31, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/60 ; 210/923;
405/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 7/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/060 ;
405/064; 210/923 |
International
Class: |
E02B 015/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A subsea fluid collector, comprising: (a) a container having a
fluid inlet; (b) a vessel positioning device connected to said
container; and wherein said container is positioned by said vessel
positioning device to receive, through said fluid inlet, a leaking
fluid exiting out of a fluid leak source from a submerged
vessel.
2. The subsea fluid collector of claim 1, wherein said inlet
includes a closure mechanism adapted to prevent said fluids from
escaping said container.
3. The subsea fluid collector of claim 1, wherein said container
further includes a fluid outlet and an outlet closure device.
4. The subsea fluid collector of claim 1, wherein said container
has negative buoyancy.
5. The subsea fluid collector of claim 1, further including: (a) a
buoy residing at or near the surface of the water; and (b) a guide
cable having a first end operatively attached to said buoy, and a
second end operatively attached at or near said fluid leak source;
and wherein said container is slidably attached to said guide
cable.
6. The subsea fluid collector of claim 1, further including: (a) a
floating fluid vessel residing at or near the surface of the water;
(b) a cable having a first end operatively attached to said
floating fluid vessel, and a second end operatively attached to
said container; and (c) a conduit fluidically connected between
said fluid outlet of said container and said floating fluid vessel,
adapted to transfer fluids collected within said container into
said floating fluid vessel.
7. The subsea fluid collector of claim 5, further including locking
means for attaching said container to said submerged vessel.
8. The subsea fluid collector of claim 5, further including speed
control means for controlling the speed at which said container
slides along said cable.
9. The subsea fluid collector of claim 1, wherein said container
includes a fluid outlet, and further including: (a) a first surface
vessel residing at or near the surface of the water; and (b) a
cable having a first end operatively attached to said first surface
vessel, and a second end operatively attached to said
container.
10. The subsea fluid collector of claim 9, wherein said first
surface vessel includes an offloading port in fluidic communication
with said outlet of said container to receive said fluids collected
within said container.
11. The subsea fluid collector of claim 9, further including a
second surface vessel having an offloading port in fluidic
communication with said outlet of said container to receive said
fluids collected within said container.
12. The subsea fluid collector of claim 10, further including
surface vessel attachment means for securing said container to said
first surface vessel during offloading of said fluids from said
container.
13. The subsea fluid collector of claim 11, further including
surface vessel attachment means for securing said container to said
second surface vessel during offloading of said fluids from said
container.
14. The subsea fluid collector of claim 9, wherein said first
surface vessel includes means for reeling and unreeling said
cable.
15. The subsea fluid collector of claim 1, further including: (a) a
floating fluid vessel residing at or near the surface of the water;
and (b) a guide cable having a first end operatively attached to
said floating fluid vessel, and a second end operatively attached
at or near said fluid leak source; and wherein said container is
slidably attached to said guide cable.
16. The subsea fluid collector of claim 1, further including: (a) a
floating fluid vessel residing at or near the surface of the water;
(b) a ballast device attached to said container; and (c) a cable
having a first end operatively attached to said floating fluid
vessel, and a second end operatively attached to said ballast
device.
17. The subsea fluid collector of claim 16, wherein said ballast
device is a chain.
18. A method of collecting fluids below the sea, comprising the
steps of: (a) providing a fluid collection container having a
positioning device and a fluid inlet; (b) mounting said container
using said positioning device to a submerged vessel having a fluid
leak source and positioning said fluid inlet above said leak
source; (c) permitting said leaking fluid to enter said container
until said container is filled with said fluid; and (d) retrieving
said container to a location at or near the surface of the sea.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said container further includes
a fluid outlet.
20. The method of claim 18, further including the step of closing
said inlet prior to retrieving said container.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein said step of mounting said
container to said submerged vessel includes removably attaching
said positioning device to said submerged vessel.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein said step of retrieving said
container from the sea includes detaching said positioning device
from said submerged vessel.
23. The method of claim 18, wherein said container is slidably
attached to a guide cable extending between said submerged vessel
and a buoy positioned at or near the surface of the sea.
24. The method of claim 18, wherein said container is slidably
attached to a guide cable extending between said submerged vessel
and a floating fluid vessel at or near the surface of the sea.
25. The method of claim 18, wherein said container further includes
a fluid conduit operatively attached between said container and a
floating fluid vessel at or near the surface of the sea, and
further including the step of transferring said fluid collected
within said container to said floating fluid vessel via said fluid
conduit, prior to retrieving said container.
26. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of retrieving said
container comprises allowing said container to float to the surface
of the sea.
27. The method of claim 18, wherein said container is slidably
attached to a cable extending between said submerged vessel and a
surface vessel.
28. The method of claim 18, wherein said container is attached to a
cable extending from a surface vessel.
29. The method of claim 18, wherein prior to retrieving said
container, said outlet of said container is connected to a surface
vessel for offloading fluids from said container.
Description
RELATION TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This nonprovisional application is based on prior
provisional applications, U.S. Ser. No. 60/436,119 filed on Dec.
23, 2002, and U.S. Ser. No. 60/444,028 filed on Jan. 31, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] I. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to devices and
methods used to contain leaks of oil and other liquids having a
specific gravity less than that of water from vessels or other
fluid-containing structures below the surface of the ocean or any
other body of water.
[0004] II. Background and Prior Art
[0005] It is well known that oil tankers, barges, and other
oil-containing vessels occasionally sustain damage and release the
contents of their cargo into the surrounding water. The cargo is
typically oil, although other combustible fuels having a specific
gravity less than water, such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene,
are often transported in this manner. Because the most common cargo
is oil, however, that term will be used exclusively herein with the
understanding that it is representative of all fluids having
specific gravities less than 1.0. Such leaks sometimes occur when
the vessel is still afloat, and in other cases, the vessel sinks to
the bottom of the ocean and remains their permanently. In those
instances when a vessel sinks, the oil may still be contained
within the vessel, but may slowly leak out through the damaged hull
or other opening. By virtue of its lower density, the oil will rise
to the surface of the water. This accumulation of oil, sometimes
referred to as an "oil slick", is particularly difficult to
collect, prompting tremendous efforts over the last several decades
to devise equipment and methods to remove the oil from the
surface.
[0006] Consequently, there is a great need for a system which can
be employed to retrieve oil leaking from sunken vessels in a manner
which prevents the oil from reaching the surface. Even if the
oil-containing vessel is not leaking, the gradual effects of
corrosion and ocean currents over the course of time will
eventually cause the oil to escape from the vessel. Therefore, it
is desirable to have an oil collection system which can also be
positioned above a release hole formed into the penetrated hull of
the vessel to remove the oil.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide
a subsea oil collector which collects oil from below the surface of
the water.
[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
subsea oil collector which can be positioned on the hull of a
vessel at a select location.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
subsea oil collector which can be retrieved onto surface vessels or
emptied in accordance with acceptable methods.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
subsea oil collector which can be guided into place by a remotely
operated vehicle (ROV).
[0011] Accordingly, a subsea fluid collector is provided,
comprising a container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a
vessel positioning device operatively connected to the container; a
closure mechanism to close the fluid inlet; and a closure mechanism
to close the fluid outlet; wherein the container is positioned by
the vessel positioning device to receive, through the fluid inlet,
a leaking fluid (such as crude oil, gasoline, diesel, or the like)
exiting from a fluid leak source on the vessel, and wherein water,
if any, residing within the container is displaced as leaking fluid
enters the container. Preferably, the vessel positioning device
includes means for attaching to and detaching from the vessel, and
is optionally controlled remotely. Also, it is preferable that both
the inlet aclosure mechanism and outlet closure mechanism are
controlled remotely, or by the volume of fluid collected within the
container. In a preferred embodiment, the container has negative
buoyancy prior to being filled with the leaked fluid.
[0012] In an alternate embodiment, the collector further includes a
buoy residing at or near the surface of the water; and a guide
cable having a first end operatively attached to the buoy, and a
second end operatively attached at or near the fluid leak source;
and wherein the container is slidably attached to the guide cable
for ascent and descent. Optionally, a speed control means for
controlling the speed at which the container slides along the cable
is also present. In a further arrangement, the collector further
inclues a fluid conduit operatively connected between the fluid
outlet on the container and the buoy, wherein the conduit permits
transfer of fluid from the container to the buoy.
[0013] In another alternate embodiment, the collector further
includes a ballast chain and handling wire wherein the container is
attached to ballast chain which is in turn attached to a lighter,
high tensile, handling wire. The chain provides negative buoyancy
to assist the container on its descent. Once the container reaches
the ocean bottom, and the ballast chain lays on the ocean bottom,
the container can be more easily maneuvered by an ROV with the
assistance of the handling wire. The handling wire can be retrieved
onto a reel type mechanism to assist the collector with a
controlled ascent after it has been filled with fluids.
[0014] A method for collecting fluids below the sea is also
disclosed, comprising the steps of providing a fluid collection
container having a positioning mechanism, a fluid inlet, and a
fluid outlet; mounting the container using the positioning device
to a submerged vessel having a fluid leak source and positioning
the fluid inlet above the leak source; permitting the leaking fluid
to enter the container until the container is filled with fluid;
closing the fluid inlet; and moving the container to the sea
surface where it can be retrieved onto a surface vessel or the
fluids can be transferred to a surface vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, depicting the subsea oil collector in an
operating configuration.
[0016] FIG. 2 is another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
offloading the contents of the collector to a barge.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention depicting the subsea oil collector in an
operating configuration, while offloading fluids into a barge at
the ocean surface, and attached to a guide cable extending between
a submerged vessel and a surface ship.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a third embodiment of the
present invention depicting the subsea oil collector as including a
ballast chain and handling wire device.
[0019] FIG. 5 is yet another embodiment employing features common
to those in FIGS. 1-4.
[0020] FIG. 6 is another view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 depicting
the subsea oil collector in an operating configuration near the
ocean bottom, while collecting fluids from the leaking source.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment
depicting the subsea oil collector attached to a guide cable
extending between a submerged vessel and a buoy.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a basic alternative
embodiment depicting the subsea oil colletor in an operating
configuration without the attachment of any cables or wires.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Unless otherwise noted herein, all construction materials
are fluid impervious, and all attachments between such components
are structurally sound. Materials and methods are intended to
impart a maximum level of strength and structural rigidity, while
keeping the invention as lightweight and easy to use as possible.
Certain features which are used in assembling or operating the
invention, but which are known to those of ordinary skill in the
art and not bearing upon points of novelty, such as screws, bolts,
nuts, welds, and other common fasteners, may not be shown for
clarity.
[0024] In preparation for use of the invention to be described
below, a large release hole 11 is cut into one of the tanks on the
submerged tanker or other vessel 10 using an ROV (in deep water) or
by divers (at depths enabling diver operations). Immediately after
the release hole 11 is formed, a closure mechanism is immediately
installed on the vessel 10, such as a magnetic cap, valve, or other
suitable device capable of substantially sealing the release hole
11, to prevent the premature release of fluids 12 through hole
11.
[0025] Turning now to the figures, a preferred embodiment of a
subsea oil collector 1 is illustrated in an elevation view in FIG.
1. The collector 1 is shown in an operating configuration below the
surface of the sea 6, and includes a container 2, which can be
either a rigid structure or of flexible material, having a fluid
inlet 3 and a fluid outlet 4. The holding volume of the container 2
may be approximately 100,000 gallons, although this size may vary
depending on the circumstances. The container 2 includes a
positioning device 5, which can simply be one or more link chains,
cables or a mechanical latching device, which operates to position
the container 2 above a vessel 10 which has a leak source 11. Fluid
12 leaking from the leak source 11 is typically oil, gasoline or
some other hydrocarbon-based fluid which has a positive buoyancy,
e.g. a specific gravity less than that of the surrounding water. In
the absence of the present invention, such fluid 12 would simply
float to the surface 6 and form a "slick," which is exceedingly
difficult and expensive to contain and remove. Preferably, the
collector 1 has a "negative" buoyancy upon entering the water, such
that its weight and density will enable it to sink toward the
vessel 10 relatively unassisted.
[0026] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the container 2 is suspended
from a tethered cable 40 which is attached to the top of container
2 and originating from some other structure, typically a ship,
barge, or other first surface vessel 41, located on the sea surface
6. Most conveniently, the cable 40 is attached to a cable storage
reel 42 on the first surface vessel 41, such that unwinding of the
reel 42 permits the container 2 to sink toward the submerged vessel
10, and winding of the reel 42 raises the container 2 for further
handling.
[0027] With specific reference to the container 2, inlet 3 may
include a closure device or valve 7 which seals the container 2 at
that location when closed, and which permits fluid 12 to enter
container 2 when open. In typical applications, inlet 3 may range
from 24 inches to 36 inches in diameter to accommodate the flow of
fluids 12 released from hole 11, although the specific size may
vary depending upon the precise needs of the situation. Similarly,
outlet 4 also includes a closure device or valve 8 which remains
closed as the container 2 is filled with fluid 12, but which can be
opened to release the contents of the container 2 when it is
retrieved. Both of closure devices 7, 8 may be opened and closed
manually by divers or by an ROV, depending upon the depth of the
water. Alternatively, either or both of closure devices 7, 8 can be
opened or closed responsive to operating conditions or a fill
condition of the container 2. For example, inlet closure device 7
may be caused to close by a motor or other common solenoid device
upon an electronic signal generated from buoyancy sensors
indicating that the container 2 is becoming completely filled with
fluid 12.
[0028] Once the container 2 is positioned directly above the hole
11 or other leak source, the positioning device 5 is preferably
attached to the vessel 10. This task would be performed either by
divers at the site or by an ROV depending on the depth. The outlet
closure device 8 is closed to seal outlet 4, and fluid 12 rises
into the inlet 3 and displaces any water, if any, residing within
the container 2. As the volume of fluid 12 increases within the
container 2, water is continuously expelled through the inlet 3
until the container 2 is completely filled with fluid 12. Since the
density of the oil is less than the density of the water, the oil
will float to the top of container 2 while displacing the water to
the bottom of container 2 and then out through inlet 3. When the
container 2 is filled with fluid 12, the inlet 3 is closed. Next,
the positioning device 5 is detached from the vessel 10 in
preparation for retrieval of the fluid-filled container 2.
[0029] Preferably, the materials of construction of the container 2
and the positioning device 5 are such that the filled container 2
will ascend without assistance due to its increased buoyancy. If
desired, additional flotation devices, such as buoyant materials
commonly used for deep water marine applications, may also be
installed onto the container 2.
[0030] With respect to the attachment and detachment of the
positioning device 5, the positioning device 5 may also comprise
mechanical devices or additional ropes or cables with anchors to
ensure that the collector 1 is securely in place over the release
hole 11. Alternatively, the positioning device 5 may be detached in
response to some other condition, such as by the closing of inlet
closure device 7 or by reaching a predetermined volume of fluid 12
within container 2. In either case, it is essential that the
anchoring or attachment of the positioning device 5 be sufficiently
secure to prevent the premature ascendence of the container 2 due
to the increased buoyancy during collection of the fluid 12.
[0031] Although not required, the container 2 may be constructed
from a tightly woven scrim that is permeable by water but not by
the leaking fluid, e.g. crude oil. In this configuration, water can
simply be passed through the sides of the container 2 as fluid 12
fills the container 2. Preferably, the top of the container 2 may
be formed in the shape of an inverted cone, because the buoyancy
forces applied to the top of the container 2 when filled will
impart significant stresses to the fabricated container 2.
Constructing the top of the container 2 in this manner should serve
to minimize such stress and avoid possible tearing.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred manner in which the contents
of the collector 1 are offloaded. Upon closure of the inlet closure
device 7 and release of the positioning devices 5 from the vessel
10, a magnetic cover or other closure for the release hole 11 is
reapplied as explained earlier. Since the container 2 is filled
with oil, it should then naturally rise due to its positive
buoyancy. As the container 2 approaches the surface 6, an ROV or
divers maneuver the container 2 toward the underside of a barge 43
or other containment vessel. The barge 43 includes an underside
inlet 44 which is sized and shaped to interface with the outlet 4
of container 2. Once the outlet 4 is connected to the barge inlet
44, positioning devices 45 in the form of chains, cables, or other
suitable means, are used to secure the container 2 to the barge 43.
Next, outlet closure device 8 is opened to allow the buoyant fluid
12 to enter the barge 43. Generally, the buoyancy of the fluid 12
will be sufficient to convey the contents of container 2 directly
into barge 43, although assisted emptying of container 2 may be
accomplished by pumps or vacuum methods known to those of ordinary
skill in this field. Finally, when the container 2 is substantially
empty, the outlet 4 is closed, and the positioning devices 45 are
released, causing the empty collector 1, due to its negative
buoyancy, to sink back down toward the vessel 10 for another
collection cycle. It should also be noted that although a second
surface vessel in the form of barge 43 is described in this
embodiment, it is also possible for the first surface vessel 41 to
serve as the offloading location if it includes suitable storage
compartments similar to those of barge 43.
[0033] In FIGS. 3 and 6, an alternative embodiment of the invention
is shown, and further includes a barge 43 or other containment
vessel residing at or near the surface 6 of the water and a guide
cable 21. The guide cable 21 includes a first end 22 operatively
attached to the barge 43, and a second end 23 operatively attached
in close proximity to the fluid leak source, such as to a
mechanical fastener which has been installed in or near the release
hole 11. Alternatively, the second end 23 can be attached to
anchors adjacent to the release hole 11. In this embodiment, the
second end 23 of the guide cable 21 is attached either by divers or
by an ROV depending upon the depth. The guide cable 21 serves as a
guide for the container 2, and is passed through a guide tube 24
extending within the center of the container 2, thus making the
container 2 slidably attached to the guide cable 21. Optionally,
the guide tube 24 may be attached to the outside of the container 2
with substantially the same effect. Also, while it is believed that
a single guide cable 21 may be sufficient for most purposes, two or
more such guide cables 21 may be employed to maintain the
orientation of the container 2. Thus, as container 2 is introduced
into the water and descends toward the vessel 10, it is guided and
positioned above the release hole 11 with minimal assistance.
Optionally, the collector 1 may include speed control means for
controlling the speed at which the container 2 slides along the
guide cable 21 during descent to the vessel 10. For example, one
such speed control means may comprise a friction-type lock which
slows the rate of descent, but which also locks against the guide
cable 21 once the container 2 reaches the vessel 10. In this
manner, the speed control device contributes to the secure
placement of the container 2 and prevents its premature ascendance.
Once the container 2 is properly in place, the positioning devices
5 are applied and the closure device or cover for the release hole
11 is opened by divers or by ROV, and the fluid 12 commences to
fill the container 2, as shown in FIG. 6. When the container 2 is
filled, the inlet 3 is closed as with the previous embodiment, and
the closure device over the release hole 11 is replaced. Next, the
locking mechanism is released by the divers or ROV, along with the
positioning devices 5, and the container 2 should rise due to its
positive buoyancy. Offloading of the container 2 is essentially
identical to the procedure described for the previous embodiment,
except for the ease with which the container 2 may be guided toward
the barge 43 by the guide cable 21.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment of the present
invention, depicting a variation on the first embodiment described
above. Although the prior embodiments may be employed at a variety
of depths, this embodiment is particularly suited to extreme
depths, i.e. greater than about 5,000 feet. Specifically, the
tethered cable 51 originates from a reel 42 similar to that
described earlier, and it is attached at its opposite end 53 to the
terminal end 54 of a ballast chain 55 or other suitably heavy and
flexible device which can be used as will be explained below.
Preferably, the cable 51 is constructed from a light, high tensile
strength material whose weight at extreme depths will not
significantly hinder the maneauverability of the container 2, and
which can be easily spooled and unspooled for frequent collection
cycles over extended periods of time. In this embodiment, assuming
that the ballast chain 55 is attached to the top of the container
2, the ballast chain 55 is at least as long as the height and width
of the container 2, such that a portion of the ballast chain 55 may
come to rest upon the surrounding surfaces. For example, as the
container 2 comes into contact with the vessel 10, the ballast
chain 55 continues to sink and rest upon the surrounding surfaces
or the ocean bottom. This effectively temporarily anchors the
container 2 at the vessel 10, but still permits the ROV to move the
container 2 from side to side with much less power required than
without the presence of the ballast chain 55.
[0035] FIG. 5 is another embodiment which depicts an elongated
container 2 slidably attached to a guide cable 21, but which also
includes a ballast chain 55 connected to a handling wire or cable
51 as described earlier. In this embodiment, the guide cable 21
would be attached between the vessel 10 and the offloading barge
43, which the handling wire 51 originates from a reel 42 either on
the same barge 43 or on another support vessel 41. Note that in
this embodiment, the ballast chain 55 is attached roughly midway
along the container 2, such that the only length requirement of the
ballast chain 55 is that there be at least some portion of its
length that will rest upon the surrounding surfaces when the
container 2 is secured to the leaking vessel 10.
[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in
which the container 2, as described previously herein with respect
to FIGS. 3 and 6, is slidably attached to a cable having a first
end 22 attached to a buoy floating at or near the surface of the
water. Optionally, the buoy may comprise a floating fluid vessel,
and an additional conduit fluidically connected between the top of
container 2 and the buoy or floating fluid vessel. In this manner,
fluids collected within container 2 may rise through the conduit
and into the floating fluid vessel, which can then be removed or
emptied as described earlier herein.
[0037] Finally, FIG. 8 depicts the simplest embodiment in which the
container 2 is maneuvered to its submerged position and retrieved
for removal or emptying entirely by ROV or divers. Although both of
these embodiments require the greatest amount of manual handling,
their relatively inexpensive costs, in terms of both labor and
equipment, may make them suitable for a variety of applications,
such as in shallow water.
[0038] In all of the above described embodiments, an offloading
pump on board surface vessels 43 may be used to connect to the
outlet 4 to pump out fluids 12 within the container 2. The fluids
12 may be pumped into towable bladders or into other barges on
site. If necessary, a steam collar may be affixed to the outlet 4
to heat and facilitate offloading of highly viscous fluids 12.
Also, the filled container 2 may be towed to land for offloading or
transported on a vessel to port for offloading at another site.
[0039] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, many changes, modifications, and
substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art
without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. For example, the invention could be adapted to capture
oil that rises from naturally occurring oil seeps in the ocean
floor, by modifying the mounting device as necessary to attach to
sea floor structures.
* * * * *