U.S. patent application number 13/104940 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-10 for undersea leak remediation device and method.
Invention is credited to Steven G. Dvorak.
Application Number | 20110274496 13/104940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44902031 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110274496 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dvorak; Steven G. |
November 10, 2011 |
UNDERSEA LEAK REMEDIATION DEVICE AND METHOD
Abstract
The present invention pertains to a rapidly deployable, low
cost, submersible leak remediation device for capturing lighter
specific gravity materials leaking from a submerged leak location
in a heavier specific gravity fluid. The device features: an anchor
unit; a collection shroud capable of being anchored in place in
proximity over the submerged leak location to permit the materials
to flow upward into the collection shroud interior space, through a
riser conduit and into a floating surface collection hub in fluid
communication with the collection shroud. Another embodiment of the
present invention utilizes a shroud system that can be employed to
capture materials leaking from a side rupture of a substantially
vertical pipeline and direct such materials, through a conduit, to
the surface collection hub. A method of deployment and use of these
embodiments to collect such leaking materials from subsea locations
is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Dvorak; Steven G.; (Houston,
TX) |
Family ID: |
44902031 |
Appl. No.: |
13/104940 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61333221 |
May 10, 2010 |
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61349188 |
May 27, 2010 |
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61355537 |
Jun 16, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/0122
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/64 |
International
Class: |
E02B 15/04 20060101
E02B015/04 |
Claims
1. A submersible leak remediation device for capturing lighter
specific gravity materials leaking from a submerged leak location
in a heavier specific gravity fluid comprising: a. an anchor unit;
b. a collection shroud having a lower end opening, and upper end
opening, and an interior space between the upper and lower end
openings, the collection shroud lower end being attachable to the
anchor unit, the collection shroud lower end opening being capable
of being anchored in place in proximity over the submerged leak
location to permit the lighter specific gravity leaking materials
to flow upward into the collection shroud interior space; c. a
floating surface collection hub in fluid communication with the
collection shroud, the hub defining an enclosed perimeter space on
the surface of the heavier specific gravity fluid; and d. a primary
riser conduit having an upper end and a lower end, the lower riser
conduit end being attachable in fluid communication with the
collection shroud upper end opening, the riser conduit upper end
being attachable to the floating surface collection hub to permit
the lighter specific gravity materials to flow upward therethrough
and discharge into the enclosed perimeter space and float on the
surface of the heavier specific gravity fluid within the confines
of the hub enclosed perimeter space.
2. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
anchor unit comprises a ring-like or semi-ring-like shaped object,
the shape being selected from the group consisting of: toroidal
shapes, torus shapes, o-ring shapes, circular band shapes, oval
band shapes, triangular band shapes, U-shapes, C-shapes,
rectangular band shapes, square band shapes, loop shapes, semi-loop
shapes.
3. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 2 wherein the
anchor unit comprises one or more internal ballast chambers capable
of receiving ballast material, the ballast chambers further
comprising one or more ballast inlet ports.
4. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 3 wherein the
ballast material is selected from the group consisting of: metal
shot, sand, drilling muds, weighted drilling muds, barite slurries,
hematite slurries, and densified liquid slurries.
5. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 2 wherein the
anchor unit comprises a hollow tubular ring.
6. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 2 wherein the
anchor unit comprises one or more connectable segments.
7. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 2 wherein the
anchor unit is constructed from steel, stainless steel, aluminum,
fiber-reinforced epoxy, carbon filament reinforced epoxy,
fiberglass reinforced epoxy, reinforced plastic, carbon filament
reinforced plastic, fiberglass reinforced plastic, reinforced
polyethylene, combinations of those materials or other suitable
composite materials.
8. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
collection shroud lower end opening is larger than the collection
shroud upper end opening.
9. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 8 wherein the
shape of the collection shroud interior space is selected from the
group consisting of: semi-spherical, dome-like, frusto-conical,
geodesic dome-like, and parachute-like.
10. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
collection shroud is constructed of a material selected from the
group consisting of: rigid, semi-rigid or flexible materials whose
characteristics are high strength, low specific gravity, preferably
lower than that of the higher specific gravity fluid, cold
temperature flexibility and chemical resistance, polypropylene and
polyethylene or the like.
11. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
collection shroud lower end opening is scalloped, and wherein the
shroud is attached to the anchor at intervals between the
scallops.
12. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
collection shroud lower end opening is linear, and wherein the
shroud is attached to the anchor at intervals along the lower
end.
13. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
collection shroud is attached to the anchor using suitable
attachment fittings selected from the group consisting of: marine
fittings, pelican hook assemblies, carabiner-type fittings, wire
rope pelican hook, grommeted clasp connections, straps, chains,
wires, ropes, wire ropes, closable hooks, releasable fittings,
releasable hooks, swivel eye hooks, eye slip hooks, reefing hooks,
and the like.
14. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
primary riser conduit is constructed of a material selected from
the group consisting of: rigid, semi-rigid or flexible materials
whose characteristics are high strength, low specific gravity, cold
temperature flexibility and chemical resistance, polypropylene and
polyethylene and the like.
15. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
shroud and the riser conduit are of a unitary construction.
16. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
riser conduit is a unitary construction.
17. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
riser conduit comprises one or more riser conduit segments that are
attached together.
18. The submersible leak remediation device of claim 1 wherein the
riser conduit further comprises one or more gas vents.
19. A method for remediating under water leaks comprising the
following steps: a. Lowering a submersible leak remediation device
designed for capturing lighter specific gravity materials leaking
from a submerged leak location in a heavier specific gravity fluid,
the leak remediation device comprising: an anchor unit; a
collection shroud having a lower end opening, and upper end
opening, and an interior space between the upper and lower end
openings, the collection shroud lower end being attachable to the
anchor unit, the collection shroud lower end opening being capable
of being anchored in place in proximity over the submerged leak
location to permit the lighter specific gravity leaking materials
to flow upward into the collection shroud interior space; a
floating surface collection hub in fluid communication with the
collection shroud, the hub defining an enclosed perimeter space on
the surface of the heavier specific gravity fluid; and a primary
riser conduit having an upper end and a lower end, the lower riser
conduit end being attachable in fluid communication with the
collection shroud upper end opening, the riser conduit upper end
being attachable to the floating surface collection hub to permit
the lighter specific gravity materials to flow upward therethrough
and discharge into the enclosed perimeter space and float on the
surface of the heavier specific gravity fluid within the confines
of the hub enclosed perimeter space; b. positioning the anchor unit
so that the shroud lower end opening is located over the submerged
leak location; c. permitting the leaking materials to rise into the
shroud interior space and up through the riser conduit to the
surface collection hub; d. permitting the leaking materials to pool
on the water surface within the interior confines of the hub
enclosed perimeter space; and e. removing the pooled leaking
materials from the floating surface collection hub for transport to
a desired end location.
20. A submersible vertical pipe side leak containment and
collection device for capturing lighter specific gravity materials
leaking from a submerged substantially vertical pipe leak location
in a heavier specific gravity fluid comprising: a. an upper
c-shaped shroud loop; b. a lower c-shaped shroud loop; c. a
collection shroud attached between the upper and lower c-shaped
loops; d. an upper shroud pneumatic expandable seal capable of
expanding into sealed relation with the pipe above the pipe leak
location; e. a shroud upper discharge port located proximate the
upper c-shaped shroud loop; f. a floating surface collection hub in
fluid communication with the collection shroud, the hub defining an
enclosed perimeter space on the surface of the heavier specific
gravity fluid; and g. a riser conduit having an upper end and a
lower end, the lower riser conduit end being attached in fluid
communication with the shroud upper discharge port, the riser
conduit upper end being attachable to the floating surface
collection hub to permit the lighter specific gravity materials to
flow upward therethrough and discharge into the enclosed perimeter
space and float on the surface of the heavier specific gravity
fluid within the confines of the hub enclosed perimeter space.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
and priority to: U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/333,221
entitled "Super Quick Undersea Incident Device" and filed May 10,
2010, Confirmation No. 3875; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/349,188 entitled "Super Quick Undersea Incident Device" and
filed May 27, 2010, Confirmation No. 8630; and U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/355,537 entitled "Super Quick Undersea
Incident Device" and filed Jun. 16, 2010, Confirmation No. 4913;
Said provisional applications are incorporated by reference herein
in their entireties for all purposes.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of Use
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the containment
of undersea/underwater leaking of crude oil and/or gas (or other
leaking materials that are lighter in specific gravity than the
surrounding water) emerging from defective marine wells and/or
piping, abandoned gas well heads, sunken tankers, submerged vessels
or storage tanks, or from naturally occurring subsea/underwater
leak events. The present device also has utility in remediating
undersea and underwater leaks of other materials that have a
lighter specific gravity relative to the ambient marine liquid
phase (e.g., sea water, lake water, pond water, river water).
[0004] Many underwater spill recovery solutions for, e.g., a
leaking subsea oil and gas well, attempt to hold the pressure using
concrete and stiff metal piping. Others use oil spill containment
domes. These solutions also often employ the use of chemicals in
the water that may create environmental hazards to the surrounding
areas. Other spill recovery techniques rely on burning off the
spill material that migrates to the water surface, letting it
dissipate across the water surface, or using chemical dispersants
to disperse it rather than collecting and salvaging the spilled
materials. As such, there exists a need for a chemical-free (or
reduced chemical use), pressure-equalized solution to the
containment and capture of the substances leaking from such
underwater leak events.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] Unlike an oil spill containment zone, the present invention
uses no chemicals in the water, equalizes pressure by allowing the
leaking materials (e.g., oil and gas) to naturally flow to the
surface in a contained fashion. The present invention also permits
salvaging of the collected oil rather than burning it off, letting
it dissipate across the water surface, or using chemical
dispersants. In one embodiment, the present invention uses flexible
high strength plastic to capture the spilled materials. The
flexible high strength material permits the collection conduits to
remain intact even in the presence of deep sea currents and low
temperatures. The conduit collection system is permitted
flexibility to flow with the currents as the conduit extends from
the subsea spill zone to the floating surface collection zone. The
device of the present invention can be used to provide rapid
control of offshore disasters such as the British Petroleum spill
in the Gulf of Mexico while a more permanent solution is devised.
The present invention is readily deployable, for example, within
days, the system can be deployed and operational.
[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention there is
disclosed and described a submersible leak remediation device for
capturing lighter specific gravity materials leaking from a
submerged leak location in a heavier specific gravity fluid
comprising: an anchor unit; a collection shroud having a lower end
opening, and upper end opening, and an interior space between the
upper and lower end openings, the collection shroud lower end being
attachable to the anchor unit, the collection shroud lower end
opening being capable of being anchored in place in proximity over
the submerged leak location to permit the lighter specific gravity
leaking materials to flow upward into the collection shroud
interior space; a floating surface collection hub in fluid
communication with the collection shroud, the hub defining an
enclosed perimeter space on the surface of the heavier specific
gravity fluid; and a primary riser conduit having an upper end and
a lower end, the lower riser conduit end being attachable in fluid
communication with the collection shroud upper end opening, the
riser conduit upper end being attachable to the floating surface
collection hub to permit the lighter specific gravity materials to
flow upward therethrough and discharge into the enclosed perimeter
space and float on the surface of the heavier specific gravity
fluid within the confines of the hub enclosed perimeter space.
[0007] The scale of the leak remediation device can be altered,
based on the size of the sea floor leak zone, and the depth needed
at the rig site. In one embodiment, the lower footprint of the
device is 48 foot in diameter to provide a wide collection entrance
over the spill site. The leak remediation device may be
preassembled and transported to location, or can be assembled on
site using, e.g., tugboats, cranes, divers, and submersible
remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
[0008] The anchor may be a ring shape that is hollow, and once
assembled, may be filled in the hollow interior with a heavy
weighted ballast material or agent thereby allowing the anchor to
sink. The anchor ring may be a unitary construction or assembled in
segments Prior to sinking the anchor, the anchor may be maintained
on the surface with a series of inflatable/deflatable floatation
bladders. Once the floatation bladders are deflated (e.g., by
remote solenoid valve actuation), the ring is lowered over the leak
site. The high strength plastic shroud attached to the anchor
thereby drapes over the upwardly moving leaking materials (e.g.,
crude oil and gas) creating a guided flow to the surface. The
connection points between the shroud and the anchor are designed to
permit space so that divers, equipment and/or ROVs may enter
beneath the shroud in the vicinity of the leak site to work on
fixing the leak or to build new structure as may be desired. The
invention may be rapidly deployed, and once in place, will not
require on-going subsea operating personnel or equipment. In one
embodiment, the surface collection hub is designed to hold about
60,000 barrels of oil. It is envisioned that the present invention
can capture a high percentage of the leaking oil and gas, e.g., up
to about 99%. As such, although chemical dispersants may still be
desired, it is envisioned that the use of the present invention
will greatly reduce the need for the use of chemical additives.
[0009] If there are multiple leak zones, the present invention
could be configured like a gathering system.
[0010] In one embodiment of the submersible leak remediation
device, the anchor unit comprises a ring-like or semi-ring-like
shaped object, the shape being selected from the group consisting
of: toroidal shapes, torus shapes, o-ring shapes, circular band
shapes, oval band shapes, triangular band shapes, U-shapes,
C-shapes, rectangular band shapes, square band shapes, loop shapes,
semi-loop shapes.
[0011] The submersible leak remediation device anchor unit may
comprise one or more internal ballast chambers capable of receiving
ballast material, the ballast chambers further comprising one or
more ballast inlet ports. The ballast material is selected from the
group consisting of: metal shot, sand, drilling muds, weighted
drilling muds, barite slurries, hematite slurries, and densified
liquid slurries. The anchor unit may comprise a hollow tubular
ring. The anchor unit may comprise one or more connectable
segments. The anchor unit may be constructed from steel, stainless
steel, aluminum, fiber-reinforced epoxy, carbon filament reinforced
epoxy, fiberglass reinforced epoxy, reinforced plastic, carbon
filament reinforced plastic, fiberglass reinforced plastic,
reinforced polyethylene, combinations of those materials or other
suitable composite materials.
[0012] In one embodiment, the collection shroud lower end opening
is larger than the collection shroud upper end opening. The shape
of the collection shroud .interior space may be selected from the
group consisting of: semi-spherical, dome-like, frusto-conical,
geodesic dome-like, and parachute-like or other suitable shape. The
collection shroud is preferably constructed of a material selected
from the group consisting of: rigid, semi-rigid or flexible
materials whose characteristics are high strength, low specific
gravity (preferably lower than that of the surrounding higher
specific gravity fluid), cold temperature flexibility, and chemical
resistance, polypropylene and polyethylene or the like, or other
geosynthetic and geomembrane materials, such as those materials
available from Colorado Linings International (New Caney,
Tex.)(coloradolining.com). In one embodiment of the submersible
leak remediation device, the collection shroud lower end opening is
scalloped, and the shroud is attached to the anchor at intervals
between the scallops. The height of the scalloping permits access
through the space between the shroud lower edge and the anchor. In
another embodiment, the collection shroud lower end opening is
linear, and the shroud is attached to the anchor at intervals along
the lower end to permit a suitable access space between the shroud
lower edge and the anchor. The collection shroud may be attached to
the anchor using any suitable attachment fittings, such as those
selected from the group consisting of: marine fittings, pelican
hook assemblies, carabiner-type fittings, wire rope pelican hook,
grommeted clasp connections, straps, chains, wires, ropes, wire
ropes, closable hooks, releasable fittings, releasable hooks,
swivel eye hooks, eye slip hooks, reefing hooks, and the like.
[0013] In the submersible leak remediation device, the riser
conduit may be constructed of a material selected from the group
consisting of: rigid, semi-rigid or flexible materials whose
characteristics are high strength, low specific gravity, cold
temperature flexibility and chemical resistance, polypropylene and
polyethylene and the like or other geosynthetic and geomembrane
materials, such as those materials available from Colorado Linings
International (New Caney, Tex.) (coloradolining. com).
[0014] In one embodiment, the shroud and the riser conduit are of a
unitary construction.
[0015] In another embodiment, the riser conduit is a unitary
construction.
[0016] The riser conduit may comprises one or more riser conduit
segments that are attached together using suitable attachments.
[0017] The submersible leak remediation device may employ one or
more gas vents located in the riser conduit.
[0018] The present invention also discloses a method for
remediating under water leaks comprising the following steps: (a)
lowering a submersible leak remediation device designed for
capturing lighter specific gravity materials leaking from a
submerged leak location in a heavier specific gravity fluid, the
leak remediation device being of the designs described herein; (b)
positioning the anchor unit so that the shroud lower end opening is
located over the submerged leak location; (c) permitting the
leaking materials to rise into the shroud interior space and up
through the riser conduit to the surface collection hub; (d)
permitting the leaking materials to pool on the water surface
within the interior confines of the hub enclosed perimeter space;
and (e) removing the pooled leaking materials from the floating
surface collection hub for transport to a desired end location.
[0019] There is also described herein a submersible vertical pipe
side leak containment and collection device for capturing lighter
specific gravity materials leaking from a submerged substantially
vertical pipe leak location in a heavier specific gravity fluid
comprising: an upper c-shaped shroud loop; a lower c-shaped shroud
loop; a collection shroud attached between the upper and lower
c-shaped loops; an upper shroud pneumatic expandable seal capable
of expanding into sealed relation with the pipe above the pipe leak
location; a shroud upper discharge port located proximate the upper
c-shaped shroud loop; a floating surface collection hub in fluid
communication with the collection shroud, the hub defining an
enclosed perimeter space on the surface of the heavier specific
gravity fluid; and a riser conduit having an upper end and a lower
end, the lower riser conduit end being attached in fluid
communication with the shroud upper discharge port, the riser
conduit upper end being attachable to the floating surface
collection hub to permit the lighter specific gravity materials to
flow upward therethrough and discharge into the enclosed perimeter
space and float on the surface of the heavier specific gravity
fluid within the confines of the hub enclosed perimeter space.
[0020] Additionally, while the present invention has utility for
remediating spills from man-made sources, e.g., a leaking subsea
oil well, it can also be deployed over naturally existing oil and
gas leaks/vents in the seabed to permit the capture, collection and
salvaging of these natural resources.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention. These drawings, together with the
general description of the invention given above and the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary subsea/underwater leak
remediation device deployed according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary ballast hoop (anchor) used in
one embodiment of a subsea/underwater leak remediation device of
the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary deployment of a
subsea/underwater leak remediation device according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4A depicts interlocking segments of an exemplary
ballast hoop (anchor) used in one embodiment of a subsea/underwater
leak remediation device of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 4B depicts a floatation device associated with an
exemplary ballast hoop (anchor) used in one embodiment of a
subsea/underwater leak remediation device of the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 4C depicts a floatation device associated with an
exemplary ballast hoop (anchor) used in one embodiment of a
subsea/underwater leak remediation device of the present
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts another exemplary subsea/underwater leak
remediation device according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure shown being deployed on the subsea (or underwater)
floor.
[0029] FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment where the riser conduit
comprise a series of segments joined together.
[0030] FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment where the riser conduit is
outfitted with one or more gas vents.
[0031] FIG. 6C illustrates an embodiment where the riser conduit is
outfitted with one or more gas vents.
[0032] FIG. 7 depicts another subsea/underwater leak remediation
device for use with pipelines that are not laying in a
substantially horizontal orientation, such as, for example,
vertical or semi-vertical pipelines.
[0033] It will be appreciated that the foregoing drawings
illustrate only certain embodiments of the invention and that
numerous other variations may be created within the scope of the
described invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0034] The above general description and the following detailed
description are merely illustrative of the subject invention and
additional modes, advantages and particulars of this invention will
be readily suggested to those skilled in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. Although embodiments
herein are described in connection with deployment in subsea
environments, it will be understood that the device can be deployed
in any underwater location (e.g., subsea or beneath the surface of
lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.).
[0035] The subsea/underwater leak remediation device is sometimes
referred to by the inventor as the "SQUID.TM." device ("Super-Quick
Undersea Incident Device"). Its function is to facilitate
containment of undersea/underwater leaking of crude oil and/or gas
from defective marine wells and/or piping, or from naturally
occurring subsea/underwater leak events and recovery of the
substances that are leaking. The present device also has utility in
remediating undersea and underwater leaks of other materials that
have a lighter specific gravity relative to the ambient marine
liquid phase (e.g., sea water, lake water, pond water, river
water). The present device can be used as part of a first response
system for subsea and underwater leaks to contain and collect the
leaking substances until such time as a permanent solution is put
in place to stop the leak. The ease of deployment of the present
invention provides utility as part of such an emergency first
response to quickly contain the leak and collect the leaking
substances.
[0036] In one embodiment, the SQUID device is a flexible tube
(e.g., polyethylene) that fits over a subsea well head or other
leak zone and functions like an umbilical cord to channel the
leaking contents (e.g., crude oil and gas) to collection vessels
(e.g., barges) at the surface.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated one embodiment
of the subsea/underwater leak containment and collection system 10
that comprises an anchor section 50, a shroud section 20 having
upper end 28, shroud exterior surface 22, shroud interior space 24,
and a shroud lower edge 26 connectable to the anchor section 50, a
primary riser hose/conduit 40 (having an internal conduit space 46)
having a lower hose end 44 connected in fluid communication with
the shroud section upper end 28 and an upper hose end 42 connected
to a floating, enclosed barrier wall collection hub or boom system
70. The shroud 20 serves as an inverted dome-like or cone-like
structure. The anchor 50 is deployed to, e.g., the subsurface floor
60 of the sea, lake, river, etc. and is generally centered around a
leak site 65 that is leaking materials 66a that are generally
lighter in specific gravity than the surrounding sea/lake, etc.
water.
[0038] The anchor 50 holds the shroud 20 lower edges 26 centered
over the leak site 65 (of e.g., a subsea well 64) to permit the
leaking materials 66a to move generally upward into the interior
space 24 of the shroud 20. The anchor 50 may be further secured in
place with the use of suitable tethers 56. The anchor 50 may be of
unitary construction or be constructed out of multiple segments 52
that are joined together via suitable attachment joints 53. The
anchor can be of any desired shape or configuration, it being found
that a ring-like shape permits easy handling. The shroud 20 is
attached to the anchor 50 at desired attachment points 30, 31 using
suitable fasteners such as hooks 110 and grommets 33 (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 2, 4B and 4C) or other marine or suitable attachment fittings
known in the art, such as those selected from the group consisting
of: marine fittings, pelican hook assemblies, carabiner-type
fittings, wire rope pelican hook, grommeted clasp connections,
straps, chains, wires, ropes, wire ropes, closable hooks,
releasable fittings, releasable hooks, swivel eye hooks, eye slip
hooks, reefing hooks, and the like.
[0039] In one preferred embodiment, the shroud is attached with
pelican-type spring clasp hooks to readily permit the shroud lower
edge 26 to be attached where desired to the anchor. The lower edge
of the shroud may include scallops 32 or be a straight edge 226 (as
shown in FIG. 5). The scallop design creates shroud access openings
54 to permit egress and ingress of divers, ROVs 86, equipment, etc.
that may be desired in connection with fixing the leak while the
leak remediation device 10 remains in place. The openings 54 and
the distance between the lower shroud edge 26 and the anchor 50 or
seafloor 60 also permits ingress of water into the shroud to permit
the shroud 20 and associated riser conduit 40 to remain pressure
neutral relative the surroundings.
[0040] The overall shape of the shroud is designed to funnel or
otherwise direct these rising materials 66a into the top section 28
of the shroud where the captured materials 66a now move upward into
the primary riser hose 40 until reaching the riser hose upper end
42 proximate the water surface 62 where the collected materials 66b
are then permitted to discharge from the riser hose upper end 42
into the interior confines 71 of the floating walled collection hub
70. The upper end 42 of the riser hose 40 is secured within the
interior hub confines 71 via suitable point of attachment 74. The
overall diameter of the riser conduit 40 can be selected based on
the projected volume of leaking materials 66. In one embodiment,
the riser conduit 40 has a diameter falling within the range of 8'
to 36', but other diameters are possible.
[0041] The floating hub 70 outer barrier walls 72 float on the
surface of the water 62 to form a floating corral, much like a
closed loop oil spill boom. The overall perimeter of the floating
hub 70 can be any desired size, however, it is envisioned that an
approximate diameter of 300' to 1000' feet would be suitable for
many situations (depending primarily on the anticipated volume of
oil or other materials 66b to be collected. The hub walls 72 extend
above and below the water surface 62 a sufficient distance 73 to
permit the collected materials 66a to rise up through the primary
riser hose 40, through the riser hose discharge end 42 and into the
interior confines 71 of the floating hub or boom and be contained
therein as collected materials 66b floating on the water surface
62. The collected materials 66b can be transferred to vessels such
as barges 80 or other desired locations via suitable transfer hoses
76 (and suitable transfer motive forces, such as pumps, etc.) If
desired, the anchor member 50 may be secured to the sea floor 60
with suitable tethers or other anchoring devices (not shown).
Ideally, the overall dimensions of the lower opening/edge 26 of the
shroud 20 also mirrors generally the overall diameter of the anchor
ring 50. Although a ring-style anchor is described herein, other
anchor configurations could be used. For example, a plurality of
individual anchor devices could be deployed to the seafloor 60 in
spaced relationship around the leak site to permit the shroud to be
attached thereto. However, it is preferred to use a single anchor
device for ease of deployment.
[0042] In one embodiment, the anchor member 50 comprises a
concentric ballast hoop 90 such as shown in FIG. 2. This ballast
hoop, while depicted as a circular hoop shape, may be of any shape,
such as, triangular, square, hexagonal, circular, semi-circular,
oval, and the like. With these alternate shaped anchors, one could
also modify the shroud lower end opening edge 26 to be of a similar
shape. In a preferred embodiment, the ballast hoop 50/100/120/250
is a circular shape to provide more stable hydrodynamic movement
when being lowered into the water, and the lower end edge opening
of the shroud 50 is also a circular shape. The ballast hoop 90
could range in overall diameter size depending on the
circumstances, but diameters of 48' to 100' are envisioned. Where
large diameters ballast rings 90 are employed, it may be preferable
to transport the ring 90 to the site in segments, and to then
assemble the competed ring at the surface 62 near the leak site 65.
In one embodiment, the anchor 50/250 is a one-piece unitary
construction In another embodiment, the anchor comprises a series
of sections 100 connectable to each other (using suitable
connections known in the art, such as bolts 102 and the like) at a
joint 101 to form the desired anchor shape (e.g., circular ring).
In another embodiment, the anchor is a solid material providing
weight density sufficient to permit the anchor to anchor the shroud
in place below the water surface 62. In another embodiment, the
anchor has one or more internal ballast chambers that can be filled
with desired ballast material 124, such as weighted drilling
fluids, metal shot or other suitable ballast material. The ballast
ring 90 could be outfitted with a number of internal ballast
chambers (not shown) that are contained in the unitary ring
embodiment, or within the segments 100 of a segmented embodiment.
In one embodiment, the internal ballast chamber comprises the
interior annular space 122 of the tubular member 90 (or tubular
member segments 100). The ballast chambers preferably have one or
more ports 92, 94 to permit adding the ballast to the structure.
Depending on the configuration, a single port could be used if the
filling process permitted displaced air to be removed from the same
port.
[0043] The anchor 50, 90 may also be outfitted with one or more air
inflatable and deflatable air floatation bladders 96 attached to
the anchor or its segments. The inflatable air bladder assists in
maintaining the anchor 50, 90 on the water surface 62 until such
time as it is desired to deploy the device 10 to the subsea floor
60. In a preferred embodiment, the bladders 96 are equipped with
inflation/deflation valves 98 that can be remotely operated, e.g.,
a battery-powered solenoid value operated by radio signal or other
signal.
[0044] In one embodiment, the anchor 50 comprises a tubular ring
structure or hollow hoop structure made of steel, fiberglass-epoxy
or other material which can be: (a) pre-assembled and delivered in
an assembled state to a deployment site; or (b) rapidly assembled
on the marine surface utilizing segments with couplings and/or
integral male/female tubular ends. FIG. 4A shows one such type of
male/female anchor segment 100 having tubular mated fittings 104,
106. Sections 100 would allow easy transportation and handling and
would be supported during assembly by flotation bladders 96 (i.e.
inner tubes) snugly concentric to the hoop's tubular sections.
Over-all diameter of the hoop would be dictated by the topographic
features of the seabed/underwater leak site and other conditions
specific to the given leak incident. Cross-sectional diameter of
the hoop's tubular sections would be sufficient to achieve
sufficient weight when filled with ballast material to firmly
anchor the hoop on the seabed. The hoop may be made from any of a
variety of materials, e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum,
fiber-reinforced epoxy, plastic or any appropriate combination of
those materials or other suitable composite materials.
[0045] Affixed to the hoop in one embodiment is a polypropylene or
other plastic material shroud 20 of sufficient dimension to
accommodate any broken section of well piping that might be
protruding from the seabed. This shroud 20 would be affixed to the
hoop 50, 90 with, e.g., a ring-hook-grommet feature (110, 33) such
as used on shower curtains or as used in marine fittings. Such
attachment of the shroud 20 would permit sufficient open areas
between the shroud 20 and hoop 100 to permit ingress of sea water
and divers or ROV 86 entry to wellhead 64 (or other) leak site 65.
The shroud 20 may be either flexible or rigid and may be fabricated
from any of a variety of materials whose characteristics are high
strength, low specific gravity and cold temperature flexibility,
e.g., polypropylene and polyethylene.
[0046] In one embodiment, attached to the top of the shroud 20 is a
large diameter, flexible hose 40 made of a material having the same
characteristics as the material from which the shroud 20 is
fabricated, e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene or other plastic of
equally low specific gravity. Such hose 40 would be deployed by
reel (not shown) and floated on the surface to a sufficient length
to reach from surface to leak depth (or greater). In another
embodiment, the hose is integral with the shroud. The hose surface
end 42 would terminate in a floating hub 70 from which multiple
barge/tanker filler (smaller) hoses 76 would emerge. These
components would be open to air at the marine surface 62 during
deployment (lowering) of the hoop 50 and shroud 20 to permit the
water pressure to remain equalized throughout the interior of the
shroud and riser hose.
[0047] Hoop 50 could be tethered at the surface by radially
positioned tugs 80 or ROVs 86. Hoop 50 would then be filled via
inlet and relief ports 92, 94 in one section with flowable sand,
drilling BB's commonly used in horizontal drilling operations, or
heavy weight drilling mud as a ballast material. Such material is
of high specific gravity and will cause the hoop to sink to the sea
floor 60 or leak site depth. Once filled, the hoop's flotation
bladders 96 would be simultaneously triggered to deflate by radio
or other signal to battery-powered solenoid valves 98. The
hoop/shroud/hose would then be lowered by tethers 84 into position
below. If necessary, additional anchoring tethers 56 would be
affixed by divers or ROVs.
[0048] The hoop's inner side could also be outfitted with cameras
and/or other sensors (not shown) to facilitate positioning around
the leak or to otherwise make any desired measurements that could
then be transmitted to the surface.
[0049] The upward flow of the leaking crude oil or gas 66a would be
contained by the shroud 20 and channeled upward through the hose 40
to the surface hub 70. All would occur in a balanced-pressure
system with little or no forces acting on the shroud 20 and hose 40
(other than sea currents). However, the design permits the hose 40
to sway with the currents while permitting the captured leaking
material to continue to be directed upward to the collection hub
70.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 6A there is shown an embodiment where
the riser conduit 340 comprises a plurality of riser conduit
segments 340a, 340b, that are attached in end-to-end configuration
to create the desired length of the riser conduit 340. In this
example, each segment 340a, 340b has a top edge 342 and a bottom
edge 344. As indicated in FIG. 6A, where the riser conduit is
oriented toward the surface 62, it is preferred to place the upper
end 342 of a lower (deeper) segment (here 340b) inside the interior
of the lower end 344 of the adjacent higher (closer to the surface
segment) (here 340a). The respective lower and upper overlapping
ends (344 overlapping over 342) can be secured into position with
any number of suitable attachment devices 346, where the top end
347 of attachment device 346 attaches proximate the lower edge 344
of riser segment 340a, while the lower end 348 of attachment device
346 attaches proximate the upper end 342 of lower riser segment
340b with spacing to permit the desired degree of overlap. As will
be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure, many suitable attachment mechanisms can
be employed.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 6B and 6C, the riser conduit 350
(also 40, 240) may further comprise one or more gas vents 360 to
permit, as may be desired, the venting out of the riser conduit the
gas phase of the leak. The gas vents 360 generally comprise a vent
opening 362 in the riser conduit 350 that is covered by a gas vent
flap 364 attached at its top edge 364a in a hingable relationship.
To maintain the flap in position during normal operation, the gas
vent flap further comprises one or more weights 366 at the bottom
edge of the flap 364. When a surge of gas bubbles rises through the
riser conduit, the excess gas bubble surge 370 can exit into the
surrounding waters rather than continuing through the interior of
the riser 350. These gas vents 360 may be positioned at desired
locations along the length and circumference of the riser conduit
350. In addition to the use of gas vents 360, the actual junctions
between riser conduit segments, e.g., 340a and 340b (FIG. 6A) can
also serve to permit the egress of excess gasses.
[0052] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary deployment of a
subsea/underwater leak remediation device 10 according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the barge/tugs
80 are deployed to the area proximate the leak site 65 with the
remediation device 10. If the ballast ring 50 is preassembled on
shore, then it is preferably outfitted also with one or more spaced
apart air inflation bladders 96 that have remotely actuatable
deflation valves 98. The bladders are filled with air and the
ballast ring 50 is readied for deployment. The ballast ring 50 is
attached to multiple crane wires or tethers 84 that are controlled
by cranes 82 on the barges/tugs 80. The ballast ring can then be
floated on the water surface 62 and also controlled via the crane
tethers 84. Suitable ballast material 124 can be added to the ring
ballast 50. The shroud 20 is attached to the ballast ring 50. If
desired, ROVs can also guide additional positioning tethers 88 that
are attached at one end to the ballast ring 50 and at the other end
to the ROV 86. The riser hose 40 is readied for deployment. In one
embodiment, the riser hose 40 is integral with the shroud 20. In
other embodiments, the riser hose is attached to the shroud upper
end 28, for example, in the manner illustrated with respect to FIG.
6A. In one embodiment, the riser conduit 40 is stored on a spool
(not shown) and is unspooled during deployment as needed. In
another embodiment, the riser conduit is assembled in sections as
illustrated in FIG. 6A. In another embodiment, as part of the
deployment, the desired length of riser conduit 40 (whether unitary
or segmented) is floated on top of the water surface 62 (via its
own inherent bouancy). Once the riser hose is connected to the
shroud (or if a unitary shroud riser, once such unitary shroud and
riser are readied), any inflated air bladders 96 are deflated
(preferably via remote control of a battery operated solenoid valve
98, and the anchor ring is lowered and guided into position over
the leak site to the desired depth. In one embodiment, where the
leak emerges from a area close to the seafloor 60, the anchor ring
40 is lowered to the seafloor 60 and positioned so that the shroud
20 is substantially directly over the leak site 65. ROVs 86 can be
used to assist in fine-tuning the placement of the ballast ring 50
using tethers 88. If desired, the ring 50 can be secured to the
seabed 60 using tethers 56.
[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary
subsea/underwater leak remediation device 210 according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is similar to
the one disclosed in FIG. 1, but uses different attachment
mechanisms to attach the shroud 220 to the anchor ring 250, and
illustrates a different lower edge profile 226 for the shroud 220,
this edge profile 226 being depicted as substantially linear, but
other configurations are possible. This embodiment similarly
comprises an anchor section 250, a shroud section 220 having upper
end 228, shroud exterior surface 222, shroud interior space 224,
and a shroud lower edge 226 connectable to the anchor section 250.
This embodiment also comprises a primary riser hose/conduit 240
(having an internal conduit space 246) having a lower hose end 424
connected in fluid communication with the shroud section upper end
228 and an upper hose end 242 connected to a floating, enclosed
barrier wall collection hub or boom system 70. The shroud 220
serves as an inverted dome-like or cone-like structure. The anchor
250 is deployed to, e.g., the subsurface floor 60 of the sea, lake,
river, etc. and is generally centered around a leak site 160 that
is leaking materials 66a that are generally lighter in specific
gravity than the surrounding sea/lake, etc. water.
[0054] The anchor 250 holds the shroud 220 lower edges 226 centered
over the leak site 160 to permit the leaking materials 66a to move
generally upward into the interior space 224 of the shroud 220. The
anchor 250 may be further secured in place with the use of suitable
tethers (not shown). The anchor 250 may be of unitary construction
(as shown) or be constructed out of multiple segment that are
joined together via suitable attachment joints as in other
embodiments. The anchor can be of any desired shape or
configuration, it being found that a ring-like shape permits easy
handling. The shroud 220 is attached to the anchor 250 at desired
attachment points 230, 231 using suitable fasteners such as straps
232, hooks 110 and grommets 33 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2, 4B and 4C) or
other marine or suitable attachment fittings known in the art, such
as those selected from the group consisting of: marine fittings,
pelican hook assemblies, carabiner-type fittings, wire rope pelican
hook, grommeted clasp connections, straps, chains, wires, ropes,
wire ropes, closable hooks, releasable fittings, releasable hooks,
swivel eye hooks, eye slip hooks, reefing hooks, and the like. In
this embodiment, the length of the attachment straps 232 (and the
spacing therebetween) provide a desired access space or shroud
opening 234 to permit ingress/egress of divers, ROVs, equipment and
the like.
[0055] In one embodiment, attached to the top of the shroud 220 is
a large diameter, flexible hose 240 made of a material having the
same characteristics as the material from which the shroud 220 is
fabricated, e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene or other plastic of
equally low specific gravity. Such hose 240 could be deployed by
reel (not shown) and floated on the surface to a sufficient length
to reach from surface to leak depth (or greater). In another
embodiment, the hose is integral with the shroud. The hose 240
lower end 244 is attached to or otherwise integral with the shroud
220 upper end 228. The hose surface end 242 would terminate in a
floating hub 70 from which multiple barge/tanker filler (smaller)
hoses 76 would emerge. These components would be open to air at the
marine surface 62 during deployment (lowering) of the hoop 250 and
shroud 220 to permit the water pressure to remain equalized
throughout the interior of the shroud and riser hose. As in other
embodiments, the leaking materials 66a would migrate upward into
the shroud interior space 224 and be directed into the riser
conduit interior space 246.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is also described herein a
submersible vertical pipe side leak containment and collection
device 130 for capturing lighter specific gravity materials leaking
from a submerged substantially vertical pipe 148 leak location 150
in a heavier specific gravity fluid comprising: an upper c-shaped
shroud loop 131; a lower c-shaped shroud loop 134; a collection
shroud 132 attached between the upper and lower c-shaped loops; an
upper shroud pneumatic expandable seal 140 capable of expanding
into sealed relation 142 with the pipe 148 outer surface above the
pipe leak location 150. The shroud 132 has a lower end 132a
(attached to lower c-shaped shroud hoop 134 along attachment line
138) and an upper end 132b (attached to upper c-shaped shroud hoop
131 along attachment line 136). The shroud 123 is open at its
bottom, providing an opening 139 to permit pressure-balancing with
the surrounding environment. A shroud upper discharge port 144 is
located proximate the upper c-shaped shroud loop 131. Much like
with the prior embodiments, this embodiment can also utilize a
floating surface collection hub 70 (not shown in FIG. 7) in fluid
communication with the collection shroud 132 interior space, the
hub 70 defining an enclosed perimeter space on the surface 62 of
the heavier specific gravity fluid. This device 130 also further
comprises a riser conduit 146 having an upper end and a lower end,
the lower riser conduit end being attached in fluid communication
with the shroud upper discharge port 144, the riser conduit upper
end being attachable to the floating surface collection hub 70
interior to permit the lighter specific gravity materials to flow
upward therethrough and discharge into the enclosed perimeter space
71 and float on the surface of the heavier specific gravity fluid
62 within the confines of the hub enclosed perimeter space 71. In
this embodiment, it is preferred to orient the shroud exit port 144
proximate the side leak site 150 of the pipe 148. This embodiment
is not designed to create a perfect canopy shroud around the leak,
just enough of one to permit the natural pressure-equalized flow of
the exiting leaking materials 152 to flow up through the conduit
146. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 can be guided into place
with ROVs 86 and/or divers. In this embodiment, the pneumatic seal
140 may be remotely activated (inflated) by remotely triggering an
inflation source or charge (not shown) that is affixed to the
device 130 or via ROV. Other suitable mechanisms could be employed
for moving the seal 14o into sealed relation 142 with the pipe 148,
such as mechanically activated seals, hydraulically activated
seals, electrically activated seals, electromagnetically activated
seals and the like, either remotely activated or via divers or
ROVs.
[0057] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to
containing leaks along substantially vertical stands of otherwise
intact pipeline. This embodiment generally features two hoops in
parallel orientation, open in the shape of a "C" with the shroud
deployed in a curtain-like fashion between the two hoops. This
arrangement would allow capture of leaking material 152 issuing
from a side rupture 150 on an otherwise intact linear run of
vertical pipe. Once in position, the inner surface of the upper
hoop 131 deploys a pneumatically expandable membrane 140 to
contract in a sphincter-like or sealed fashion 142 around the
leaking pipe 148. In this case the hose 146 would be affixed to the
shroud 132 generally in a "y" position.
[0058] Most underwater solutions attempt to hold the pressure using
concrete and stiff metal piping. Unlike rigid containment domes
prone to freeze-up or eco-toxic dispersants, the SQUID uses no
chemicals in the water, equalizes pressure by allowing the oil to
naturally flow to the surface in a contained fashion, and even
allows salvaging of that oil for use, rather than burning it off or
letting it dissipate across the ocean's surface. This solution uses
flexible high strength plastic to capture the oil and is impervious
to deep sea currents and low temperatures. It "goes with the flow"
of the water.
[0059] The scale of the SQUID can be altered, based on the size of
the sea floor leak site and depth needed at the rig site. Current
prototypes are 48' in diameter, easily assembled on site (sea
surface) by divers and tug boats. The ring is delivered hollow;
once it is assembled, a heavy agent will fill the inner ring,
allowing the ring to sink, while deflating the flotation devices
holding the ring above water.
[0060] The ring then sinks to cover the leak site, draping the high
strength plastic around the leak site, creating a guided flow to
the surface. The connection points between the ring and plastic are
porous, allowing divers and equipment to flow freely in and out of
the shroud, facilitating work to fix the leak or build anew.
[0061] The SQUID can be used to control disasters like the British
Petroleum (BP) crude oil leak one that occurred in the Gulf of
Mexico, or to capture and capitalize on sea floor oil leaks like
this that occur naturally all the time.
[0062] It is a deployable, flexible shroud and riser that is taken
all the way down by an anchoring ring. Oil that will rise naturally
due to the specific gravity being much less than the sea water,
rises as it is already occurring, but it is contained in the shroud
and the riser until it can rise into a semi submerged inflatable
boom structure. The oil will rise, and instead of spilling across
the water surface, it is contained in a manageable area where it
can be siphoned off and separated from the water.
[0063] The mechanism works based on Archimedes' principle--the
specific gravity of oil being much less than that of water causes
the oil to rise to the surface. It is anticipated that some of the
heavier fractions of crude oil will be maintained at lower depths,
but the overall ambient trend is for the bulk of the oil to move
toward the surface. Sea water provides much better buoyancy for oil
than fresh water.
[0064] The anchor ring can be a sectional ring which can be
assembled on the surface of the sea by divers and then it is
floated on floatation rings. Once the shroud (e.g., a polypropylene
reinforced material) is attached to the anchor, the shroud and
riser conduit can be deployed on the surface in a mile-long length
or greater, whatever the depth needs to be (or it can be spooled
off a reel during deployment). The assembly is then deployed and
lowered over the leaking oil. The device preferably has a
relatively large footprint. For example, a 48' diameter anchor
would create a suitably large footprint area to work with around
the leak site, but it could be made to any size necessary to cover
the particular major leak site and any secondary leak sites so that
it can all be captured in one step. Many other suitable diameters,
e.g., from 48' to 100', could be employed. The assembly will be
lowered and settles over the leak. The oil is captured in the
shroud, and then rises to the surface within the riser conduit,
where it can be captured into the floating hub arrangement. The
assembly also captures gasses, methane, and whatever other gasses
might be emerging from the leak site.
[0065] The top end of the riser conduit terminates in a floating
hub or type arrangement. In one embodiment, the floating hub has a
bottom floor structure (not shown), and the riser conduit
discharges into an inlet opening 74 in the hub floor. In another
embodiment, the hub is formed as a perimeter enclosed boom
structure with no floor member.
[0066] The shroud has a much lower specific gravity than the water
so that it will naturally float. It will be able to withstand sea
water or sea currents. It will act basically in the same manner as
the plume of oil. It will follow any ambient currents. The oil will
accumulate and flow to the surface. Rather than being corralled at
the surface by a containment device, it is being captured into a
manageable riser so that it can then be siphoned off or separated
at site on barges or other vessels.
[0067] The SQUID device is anchored at the bottom by the hoop. If
the anchor hoop needs any additional anchoring it can be physically
anchored at the sea bottom or held by ROVs or any other means
necessary. Given the open design, the force exerted by the rising
crude is not anticipated to be sufficient to disrupt the placement
of the anchor since it is being drained and going to open air, so
there is no lift on the shroud so the use of the anchorage would
typically be keep the anchor from drifting off the site.
[0068] The hoop itself may be deployed in sections. These can be
large, 45 degree bends of relatively great diameter pipe--18'',
24'' depending upon the overall size of the unit, which connect by
either couplings at the segments or by male female joining. When it
is assembled, it will be floating on the surface via floatation
collars, e.g., big inner tubes, that are in sufficient number to
keep the segments floating while assembling. When ready to lower
the ring, these floatation collars are all simultaneously deflated
with a solenoid valve that is battery powered and actuated by a
radio signal. If one of the deflation valves fails to deploy, it
can be manually deflated (e.g., manually punctured).
[0069] Once the hoop is assembled, it is filled via a filler port
in one of the segments with a very dense, high specific gravity,
drilling bb. These are used in horizontal drilling and they have a
tendency to flow horizontally. So, once they flow horizontally, it
can even be mixed with a water medium to increase the flow. It is
pumped in by barge into the inlet ring giving it a very, very heavy
weight. This is very easy to transport to the site because the
individual empty segments are relatively light and the weight is
only adding after assembly at the site.
[0070] Once assembled and ready to deploy below, the device 10 is
tethered 84 by barge or tug 84 from various points at the surface
that would lower the ring and allow it to be centered by GPS or any
other reconnaissance, over the leak site. Tugs would maintain that
drift, and at the bottom, the device could also ne oriented by ROV.
Cameras could be used on the interior of the rings so you can
position the device with visual precision while also obtaining more
reconnaissance from the area of the leak. Any desired kind of
telemetry or data collection devices could also be incorporated
into the riser and shroud via optic or other cabling method.
[0071] The way the shroud is attached to the hoop is, e.g., by
rings placed at regular intervals around the hoop and then the
shroud would be attached in parachute fashion to the top of the
hoop. This would allow a little scalloping effect around the
perimeter which would be sufficient room for the entry of ROVs,
divers or whatever equipment needed to enter horizontally and then
address the actual repair, capping, etc. of the leak. The shroud
does not sit like a rigid concrete dome or coffer dam that is
setting hard on the surface 60. Instead, the present design permits
the influx of divers, ROVs and equipment. Even where the shroud is
suspended above the leak, the petroleum crude still would continue
to rise up into the interior space of the shroud and up through the
riser conduit to the surface containment hub.
[0072] The SQUID, super quick undersea incident device, as the
inventor refers to it, is effective for not only man made
emergencies, but also for naturally occurring subsurface leaks, and
can be used to capture any kind of oil plume that is leaking from a
geological feature. It is more cost effective than the current
subsea oil containment solutions.
[0073] As an alternate design in case there is a side pipe leak on
a riser, the invention concept would be modified. It would employ
two rings, similarly deployed, but having the shroud suspended
between the two rings. They would have slightly different specific
gravities so that they would actually maintain their horizontal,
parallel placement with respect to each other. And in this case,
the top hoop would have a pneumatic inner sleeve which could be
actuated to tighten around the pipe. This is a smaller unit, a
little more precise, but a pipe side leak is typically a much
smaller leak site. In this case, the shroud could be manipulated
around, and most of the escaping plume would be flowing up the
riser conduit.
[0074] This specification is to be construed as illustrative only
and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the
manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that
the forms of the invention herein shown and described are to be
taken as the presently preferred embodiments. As already stated,
various changes may be made in the shape, size and arrangement of
components or adjustments made in the steps of the method without
departing from the scope of this invention. For example, equivalent
elements may be substituted for those illustrated and described
herein and certain features of the invention may be utilized
independently of the use of other features, all as would be
apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this
description of the invention. Further modifications and alternative
embodiments of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in view of this specification.
* * * * *